Save the Cat rankings

THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE script analysis

THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Hotshot attorney Kevin Lomax defends small‐town criminals, gets recruited by a mysterious New York law firm led by John Milton, and experiences professional highs and personal horrors as he uncovers Milton’s true identity. His marriage unravels, culminating in a supernatural reckoning that forces him to choose between ambition and conscience.

72 Save the Cat fit score 17% analysis confidence / 112 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Kevin’s Florida courtroom opening establishes his winning streak and moral blind spot.

Any chance, Your Honor, for a short recess?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

12%

Kevin’s mother quotes Revelation, foreshadowing the cost of Faustian bargains.

'Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. It has become a dwelling place of demons.' Revelation Eighteen. Wouldn't hurt...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Pages 1-6 / 10% target

15%

We meet Kevin’s flawless record, his conscience struggles, and victory party with Mary Ann.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 6 / 12% target

10%

Heath offers Kevin a life‐changing New York job.

Actually, we were hoping to retain your services. We've been following your progress.
5

Debate

Scenes 9-12 / Pages 6-8 / 20% target

10%

Kevin and Mary Ann debate uprooting to New York as he wins his first case there.

6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 9 / 25% target

12%

Kevin meets Milton and accepts the offer, stepping into the new world.

No. Please. Kevin Lomax.
7

B Story

Scene 36 / Page 20 / 30% target

11%

Mary Ann’s growing isolation and their strained marriage becomes a parallel love story.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 19-35 / Pages 9-20 / 40% target

13%

Kevin revels in firm perks, high‐profile cases, and Milton’s mentorship.

What do you think? Some people can't handle it.
9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / Page 14 / 50% target

14%

Milton publicly congratulates Kevin, marking the false victory high.

Bravo, Kevin. Bravo. Pamela, you're looking lovely. Satisfied, Phillipe?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 41-51 / Pages 21-25 / 65% target

13%

Mary Ann’s panic, Barzoon’s wild behavior and Cullen’s case pressure tighten the noose.

If you win it's everything.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 65 / Page 32 / 75% target

15%

Mary Ann discovers a bloodied baby and mentally breaks down—it feels like the end.

You poor thing... How did you... how did you get here? Are you okay? Look at you... hello......
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 95 / Page 41 / 80% target

14%

Mary Ann confesses Milton raped her—the ultimate horror forces Kevin to face his complicity.

Milton. He fucked me, Kevin. I let him fuck me. I couldn't stop him.
13

Break into Three

Scene 102 / Page 44 / 85% target

16%

Kevin’s mother reveals Milton is Kevin’s father, giving him the revelation needed to fight back.

I've lied to you, Kevin.
14

Finale

Scenes 106-109 / Pages 47-50 / 95% target

16%

Kevin confronts Milton/Satan, resists temptation, and sacrifices himself.

I have so many names.
15

Final Image

Scenes 110-112 / Pages 51-53 / 99% target

14%

Kevin wakes back in Florida, quitting the case to honor his conscience—full circle.

It was a nice run. Kev. Had to close out someday. Nobody wins 'em all.