Save the Cat rankings

The Descent script analysis

The Descent script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A group of friends embarks on a thrilling cave expedition to honor a fallen member and confront personal traumas. After an accident prompts Sarah’s unresolved grief, they press into uncharted caverns where deadly creatures stalk them. Friendships fracture and alliances shift as survival becomes paramount. Ultimately, Sarah must face her darkest fears to escape.

75 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 77 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

The rafting sequence visually establishes the group’s dynamic and foreshadows the perilous journey ahead.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 15 / Page 2 / 5% target

75%

Sarah’s nightmare reveals her grief over her lost child, stating the theme of coping with trauma.

I had a child. She died. A year ago.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 6-13 / Pages 3-6 / 10% target

70%

Introduces characters’ relationships, Sarah’s distance, and backstory before they reach the lodge.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 6 / 12% target

80%

The car accident injures Sarah and shifts the group’s purpose from adventure to recovery.

5

Debate

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

68%

Sarah’s hospital hallucination and reluctance contrast with Beth’s push to resume the trip.

6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / Page 8 / 25% target

75%

The group leaves the lodge and formally enters the cave, shifting into the film’s darker second act.

7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 5 / 30% target

65%

Casual banter in the lodge introduces the subplot of trust and past betrayals among friends.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-30 / Pages 11-14 / 40% target

72%

Exploration of the cavern systems offers suspenseful challenges and camaraderie before darker forces appear.

9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / Page 15 / 50% target

78%

Discovery of the bone-filled chamber and the first crawler encounter shift stakes from exploration to survival.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 34-42 / Pages 16-19 / 65% target

74%

Progressive attacks by crawlers isolate and terrorize the group, escalating tension.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 56 / Page 22 / 75% target

80%

Sam’s death during the gorge crossing marks the lowest point and loss of hope.

Sam! What are you doing?! You can’t do it! Come back! SAM?!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 57-60 / Pages 22-23 / 80% target

73%

Sarah and Juno’s despair and hallucinations underscore their emotional nadir before rallying.

13

Break into Three

Scene 62 / Page 24 / 85% target

77%

Sarah and Juno resolve to fight back together, forging a plan to escape.

Sarah...it was an accident. I swear it.
14

Finale

Scenes 62-66 / Pages 24-26 / 95% target

75%

The women battle through the tunnels and emerging dangers in a climactic push to the surface.

15

Final Image

Scene 77 / Page 28 / 99% target

70%

Sarah’s final hallucination of Jessica mirrors the opening grief, showing she remains haunted.