Save the Cat rankings

SPEED script analysis

SPEED script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Speed follows Jack Traven, an LAPD officer, as he thwarts a bomber’s deadly games first in an elevator and then on a city bus before a final chase through the subway. Along the way he faces personal losses, unexpected allies, and escalating stakes, culminating in a tense stand-off and a narrow survival. The story balances high-octane action with moments of doubt and resolve.

85 Save the Cat fit score 5% analysis confidence / 63 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

Introduces ordinary city life as workers leave the office building at day’s end.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

5%

Passengers worry the elevator might be broken, foreshadowing that normal safety can’t be taken for granted.

Thanks for pushing that, Bob. You never know -- the light's on, but maybe it's really broken.
3

Set-Up

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 10% target

5%

Jack and Harry arrive on scene, establishing their partnership and roles in crisis response.

4

Catalyst

Scene 25 / Page 1 / 12% target

5%

A city bus explodes in front of Jack, signaling the bomber’s new, more public target.

Pop quiz, hotshot. There's a bomb on a bus. Once the bus hits fifty miles an hour, the...
5

Debate

Scene 28 / Page 1 / 20% target

5%

Jack and police debate the bomber’s next move and how to respond to the bus threat.

Temple! We just got a ransom demand from your dead terrorist! Says he rigged a city bus. Where's...
6

Break into Two

Scene 29 / Page 1 / 25% target

5%

Jack jumps into action by maneuvering his car alongside the bus, fully committing to the new mission.

Drive straight. Stay in this lane.
7

B Story

Scene 26 / Page 1 / 30% target

5%

Introduces the bus passengers, including Annie as Jack’s emerging ally.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 34 / Page 1 / 40% target

5%

Jack and Annie execute daring maneuvers through a construction site, showcasing the thrill of their cat-and-mouse game.

Everyone on this side of the bus!
9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / Page 1 / 50% target

5%

They learn of the fifty-foot freeway gap and must decide to jump the bus, raising the stakes dramatically.

Fifty feet, it's in the interchange, somewhere after the next turn.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 47 / Page 1 / 65% target

5%

Jack learns Harry has died and realizes the bomber watches every move, tightening the emotional and tactical pressure.

I'm sorry, Jack. He didn't make it.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 46 / Page 1 / 75% target

5%

The SWAT raid on Fisk’s house fails, marking a low point where the hero’s support is compromised.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 53 / Page 1 / 80% target

5%

Fisk taunts Jack on live video, undermining his confidence and hinting Jack’s career could end in failure.

It's too bad, Jack. You probably would have made a good cop.
13

Break into Three

Scene 56 / Page 1 / 85% target

5%

Jack discovers the hidden tunnel under Pershing Square, formulating a final plan to catch the bomber.

14

Finale

Scene 60 / Page 1 / 95% target

5%

Climactic showdown on the subway train where Jack confronts Fisk and rescues Annie under gunpoint.

You don't want to drop this. I'm counting on you.
15

Final Image

Scene 63 / Page 1 / 99% target

5%

Jack and Annie survive the crash, ending on their emotional reunion and restored hope.

I didn't have to be anywhere just then.