Save the Cat rankings

The Babysitter script analysis

The Babysitter script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Cole, a reluctant teenager, faces an unexpected nightmare when his seemingly friendly babysitter Bee and her cult unleash terror. Stranded and resourceful, he battles his captors, finds fleeting refuge with Melanie, and makes a desperate final stand at home. The ordeal forces Cole to confront fear and trust, culminating in unexpected reunions and ironies.

75 Save the Cat fit score 33% analysis confidence / 14 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces Cole’s everyday world and his resistance to authority in the nurse’s office.

I don’t need it! I’m telling you.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / 5% target

30%

Nurse warns Cole that ignoring reality can have consequences, hinting at trusting appearances.

Cole. Just because you don’t feel sick right now doesn’t mean you don’t need the shot.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / 10% target

40%

We see Cole’s school life and bond with Melanie, establishing his normal relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

40%

Cole is tied up and interrogated by Bee, revealing the babysitter is sinister.

Why are you awake, Cole.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / 20% target

40%

Cole debates survival options as police arrive and he uses a sheet to escape.

HELP! HELP! I’M TIED UP INSIDE!
6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / 25% target

40%

Cole commits to action by escaping through the bedroom window.

7

B Story

Scene 3 / 30% target

30%

Introduces Melanie as Cole’s confidante and emotional support.

What class did you learn that in?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-8 / 40% target

40%

Cole arms himself in the garage and uses cunning traps against Sonya and cult members.

9

Midpoint

Scene 9 / 50% target

40%

Cole finds temporary safety and emotional solace with Melanie, a false hope.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 10 / 65% target

40%

Bee and Allison regain control, confronting Cole in his own home.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 11 / 75% target

40%

Cole burns the journal and seems cornered as he drives a car into the house.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 12 / 80% target

40%

Confronting a dying Bee, Cole faces the emotional toll of violence.

13

Break into Three

Scene 13 / 85% target

30%

Reunited with his parents, Cole finds renewed purpose and external support.

14

Finale

Scenes 13-14 / 95% target

40%

Police secure the scene at his home while Bee resurfaces terrorizing another family, closing the action.

15

Final Image

Scene 14 / 99% target

40%

Bee’s haunting return shows the cycle of terror persists, mirroring the opening’s irony.