Save the Cat rankings

Southpaw script analysis

Southpaw script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Billy Hope, a champion boxer, loses everything after a tragic incident and spirals into self-destruction. He hits rock bottom, loses custody of his daughter, and finds redemption through training under Tick Wills. As he rebuilds his life and relationship with his daughter, he returns stronger for the championship fight.

75 Save the Cat fit score 60% analysis confidence / 43 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces Billy’s ritualistic preparation and single-minded focus on boxing.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

50%

Miguel Canto’s line hints at inner fears and the cost of violence.

It’s the ones in here that scare me.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

60%

Establishes Billy’s success, family life, and social circles before the inciting tragedy.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

60%

The restaurant confrontation and shooting shatter Billy’s world.

5

Debate

Scenes 5-7 / 20% target

60%

Billy struggles with drinking, finances, and mental state after the tragedy.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 19-20 / 25% target

65%

Billy commits to change by asking Tick to train him under strict rules.

Boxing’s a chess game. That’s what I can teach you.
7

B Story

Scene 21 / 30% target

60%

Focus shifts to Billy’s relationship and reconciliation attempts with his daughter.

I’m sorry. For everything. I should’ve taken better care of you.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-30 / 40% target

65%

Training montages and street confrontations showcase Billy’s growth and challenges.

9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / 50% target

60%

Billy’s match against Bowman marks a clear victory and pivot in his journey.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 36-37 / 65% target

60%

Kash’s threats escalate and Leila escapes to attend Billy’s fight, raising stakes.

Kash has money on the fight. Said if I don’t drop Bowman by five, he’s gonna hurt my...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 39 / 75% target

60%

Leila is hit by a taxi, representing the lowest emotional point for Billy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 40 / 80% target

55%

Jordan’s offer tempts Billy to abandon his redemptive path for career gain.

I’m talking about a comeback for Billy the Great.
13

Break into Three

Scene 41 / 85% target

60%

Billy accepts the title fight, merging personal redemption with professional comeback.

Good fight, man. Good fight...
14

Finale

Scenes 41-42 / 95% target

60%

Championship fight and confrontation with Jordan resolve both boxing and personal arcs.

15

Final Image

Scene 43 / 99% target

60%

Billy reunites with his daughter in the empty arena, mirroring his transformation.