Save the Cat rankings

SURROGATES script analysis

SURROGATES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

FBI agent Greer investigates the first murder of a surrogate, leading him on a high-stakes chase into the outlaw reservation and corporate conspiracy. Along the way he struggles with his human vulnerability and marital disconnect, while his partner Peters provides emotional support and becomes a target herself. The investigation culminates in a showdown with Dr. Canter and the revelation of a plot to destroy humanity’s surrogate network. Ultimately Greer reunites with his wife, embracing his humanity.

70 Save the Cat fit score 23% analysis confidence / 84 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

18%

Introduces the futuristic world of surrogates and the Assassin targeting Lionel Canter’s son.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 5% target

31%

Greer’s line about reconnecting with his wife hints at the cost of living through surrogates and the need for real human connection.

It's been a while since... we've actually been together.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-8 / Pages 1-8 / 10% target

25%

We meet Greer and Peters, learn about the surrogate technology and the murder of Canter’s surrogate son.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 12% target

28%

Discovery that the murdered surrogate is Canter’s son raises stakes and launches the investigation.

Poor kid. Pathologist said his brains looked like soup.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-12 / Pages 7-12 / 20% target

22%

Greer debates the risk of going physically human to pursue the assassin and confront corporate interests.

6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 25% target

27%

Greer commits to the physical pursuit by choosing to chase Strickland by helicopter.

They've been trying to puppet Bobby for years--
7

B Story

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 30% target

24%

Bobby’s flirtation with Peters establishes her personal subplot and emotional support role.

No ma'am, you're looking at the genuine article. Bobby Sanders.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-20 / Pages 15-20 / 40% target

29%

High-octane pursuit of Strickland, helicopter crash, and first confrontation outside the surrogate system.

9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 20 / 50% target

26%

Greer faces Strickland in the wreckage, realizing the human cost of the surrogate war.

Oh my G-god-- why? What do you people want from me?!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 21-28 / Pages 21-28 / 65% target

21%

Greer’s human vulnerability and marital tensions escalate as he navigates public exposure and personal doubts.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 75% target

19%

Terrorist attack on the FBI lobby undermines Greer’s sense of safety and control.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 80% target

24%

Beaten by reservation goons, Greer hits rock bottom, questioning his mission and humanity.

And I know he would have rejoiced in the day of resurrection, the day for which we are...
13

Break into Three

Scene 65 / Page 65 / 85% target

27%

Finding the dying real Peters pushes Greer to fully expose the conspiracy at great personal risk.

14

Finale

Scenes 81-83 / Pages 81-83 / 95% target

30%

Greer confronts Canter in the penthouse, thwarts the virus upload, and witnesses Canter’s suicide.

Jennifer Peters. Is she--
15

Final Image

Scene 84 / Page 84 / 99% target

22%

Greer reunites with Maggie in person, embracing true human connection.

No Tom, I don't want you to...