Save the Cat rankings

Taking Lives script analysis

Taking Lives script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

FBI profiler Grace Vanderholt is called to Montreal to assist in a series of identity­takeover murders. As she follows clues—from headless corpses to ATM video footage—she grows close to witness John Costa, only to discover too late that he is the killer Martin Asher in disguise. After a climactic high‐speed chase and a crash, Grace uncovers Costa’s true identity, ending in a final betrayal.

65 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 92 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces young Martin Asher’s journey, foreshadowing his future identity theft.

Sir. Sir, may I have a ticket to Montreal please?
2

Theme Stated

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

30%

A grieving mother insists her dead son is alive, stating that identity and death are not what they seem.

I just saw my dead son get off the ferry.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-9 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

35%

Establishes Asher’s first murder and current-day Montreal murders, plus Grace’s arrival to investigate.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Pages 5-6 / 12% target

40%

Grace Vanderholt is brought in by the task force, launching the main investigation.

5

Debate

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 6-8 / 20% target

35%

Grace probes crime scenes and autopsy findings, questioning her methods and the killer’s pattern.

Would you mind trading one liners somewhere else? I need to hear the natural sounds.
6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / Page 9 / 25% target

30%

Grace and inspectors discuss identity theft, committing to the deeper hunt for the killer’s motive.

Someone killed him and became him. Down to profession and taste in clothing.
7

B Story

Scenes 19-20 / Pages 10-11 / 30% target

40%

Grace’s interaction with witness John Costa begins a personal side story and trust dynamic.

Sorry. I'm the dumb one. Agent Vanderholt. Call me Grace.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-33 / Pages 13-16 / 40% target

30%

Grace reconstructs crimes, raids apartments, and gathers forensic evidence; detective ‘fun’ sequence.

Inspector. C'mere a second, please.
9

Midpoint

Scene 60 / Page 21 / 50% target

35%

Witness Costa identifies Martin Asher in ATM footage—stakes double as the killer is unmasked.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 69 / Page 24 / 65% target

30%

Police publicly announce that Asher will be found, tightening pressure on Grace and Costa.

Mr. Asher, we know who you really are. We will find you and we will arrest you. You...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 79 / Page 26 / 75% target

25%

Grace’s pursuit ends in a crash, seeming to thwart any rescue of Costa and the killer’s capture.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 85 / Page 27 / 80% target

30%

Grace visits Costa in hospital, reflecting on failures and their personal connection.

Let me take you out tonight. Let's have some fun. I owe you that.
13

Break into Three

Scene 91 / Page 28 / 85% target

40%

Medical Examiner reveals Costa’s true identity as Martin Asher, giving Grace a final clue.

So John Costa is really Martin Asher?
14

Finale

Scene 92 / Pages 28-29 / 95% target

35%

Asher steals Grace’s gun and credentials in the hospital, executing his last deception.

I should have cut her throat when I saw her on the ferry. That's the least she deserves....
15

Final Image

Scene 92 / Page 29 / 99% target

25%

Echoes opening journey with Grace’s world upended by identity theft and betrayal.