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THE GETAWAY script analysis

THE GETAWAY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ex–convict Doc McCoy is denied parole and persuaded by his wife Carol to plan a bank heist. The robbery delivers big money but triggers betrayals and violent reprisals from criminal associates. On the run, Doc and Carol dodge hired killers in a tense hotel showdown. They finally escape, heading for freedom at the border.

78 Save the Cat fit score 67% analysis confidence / 27 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

Doc is introduced in the prison yard, establishing his confinement and desire for freedom.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

At his parole hearing, Doc’s plea “No way. I've got to get out now” foreshadows the theme of breaking free.

No way. I've got to get out now.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

70%

We meet Doc, Carol and Beynon; learn of Doc’s denied parole and Carol’s attempt to secure his release.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 12% target

68%

Doc’s parole is denied, forcing him to consider illegal escape.

5

Debate

Scenes 4-6 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

72%

Doc and Carol debate options, then decide to team up with Beynon’s crew for the heist.

6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 3 / 25% target

70%

Doc fully commits to the bank robbery plan with Carol back home, entering the ‘criminal’ world.

Small town, small bank, big money.
7

B Story

Scenes 4-6 / Pages 2-3 / 30% target

65%

Carol’s role negotiating Doc’s freedom and planning cements their relationship as the emotional subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-10 / Pages 3-5 / 40% target

75%

The thrill of planning and executing the bank heist showcases the ‘promise of the premise.’

9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 5 / 50% target

73%

A violent showdown with the guard during the robbery marks a false victory with a heavy cost.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 5-6 / 65% target

70%

Rudy’s betrayal and Carol’s killing of Beynon tighten the noose around Doc and Carol.

He didn't make it, Doc... you didn't either.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 75% target

68%

Carol’s unexpected killing of Beynon feels like the ultimate betrayal and tragedy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 20 / Page 8 / 80% target

65%

Doc alone in the hotel room reflecting on the stolen cash and their desperate situation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 22 / Page 9 / 85% target

70%

Doc and Carol finalize their escape plan, resolving to fight their way out.

14

Finale

Scenes 24-26 / Pages 10-11 / 95% target

75%

The hotel lobby showdown and rooftop chase deliver action-packed resolution as they kill Rudy and flee.

15

Final Image

Scene 27 / Page 11 / 99% target

72%

Doc and Carol drive toward the border—an image of their hard-won freedom mirroring the opening.