Save the Cat rankings

THE DEPARTED script analysis

THE DEPARTED script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Colin’s upbringing under Costello swiftly intertwines his fate with the mob and the police. As he ascends in the State Police, he secretly shields Costello while hunting a mole, leading to betrayal, tragedy, and ultimate confrontation. The film ends with the final betrayals and deaths that mirror its opening themes.

85 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 115 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Costello’s ruthless philosophy and young Colin’s first exposure to his world.

You ever want to earn a little extra money, you come by L street. You know where I...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

80%

Costello’s question on the difference between cop and criminal foreshadows the film’s moral ambiguity.

When you are facing a loaded gun... What's the difference?
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / 10% target

70%

We see Colin’s loyalty form under Costello as he lectures on making one’s own way.

A man makes his own way. No one gives it to you. You have to take it.
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

70%

Colin graduates and officially meets Costello outside, setting him on his dual path.

5

Debate

Scene 11 / 20% target

60%

Colin flirts nervously and questions his place when meeting Madolyn, hinting at internal conflict.

Making a house call?
6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / 25% target

70%

Colin formally leads the SIU surveillance squad and commits to the police world while protecting Costello.

We think Costello’s got a rat in the State Police.
7

B Story

Scene 15 / 30% target

70%

The budding relationship between Colin and Madolyn provides the emotional counterpoint to the crime plot.

You also do probation work, right?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 26 / 40% target

70%

Billy’s immersion in mob life and Costello’s mentorship illustrate the undercover thrills and dangers.

You ever think of going back to school?
9

Midpoint

Scene 39 / 50% target

80%

Costello delivers a stark warning in the cinema, raising the stakes: find the rat or die.

I hope I won’t have to remind you, that if you don’t find that cheese eating rat bastard...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 48 / 65% target

70%

Costello replaces Billy’s crew and tells him to leave, signaling increased danger and pressure.

You can get out of here. This is the crew for tonight.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 71 / 75% target

80%

Queenan is gunned down during the rooftop operation, marking the lowest point for both heroes.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 77 / 80% target

70%

Colin’s guilt consumes him as he watches the fallout from Queenan’s death.

13

Break into Three

Scene 81 / 85% target

70%

Colin reaches out to Costello, recognizing that the only way out is to betray him and expose the truth.

Your shouldn't have killed Queenan.
14

Finale

Scene 112 / 95% target

80%

Barrigan shoots Billy and then Brown, resolving the undercover conflicts in a violent climax.

Did you think you were the only one he had? Costello was going to sell us to the...
15

Final Image

Scene 115 / 99% target

80%

Dignam executes Colin on the stairway, mirroring the opening’s ruthlessness and completing the tragic cycle.