Save the Cat rankings

THE GRUDGE script analysis

THE GRUDGE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A series of eerie deaths connected to an old Tokyo house drives Karen and a set of characters into supernatural terror. As the haunting escalates, Karen uncovers the house’s dark past and the fate of those who entered it.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 77 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Peter’s unexplained suicide in front of Maria sets the tone of dread.

Peter? What's the matter?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

8%

Karen’s discomfort with Tokyo (“I’ll never get used to this”) hints at forces beyond her control.

I'll never get used to this.
3

Set-Up

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

11%

We meet Karen, Doug, Susan’s family, and learn about Yoko’s no-show before Karen enters the haunted house.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

10%

Karen discovers Emma neglected in the house, the first real supernatural seed is planted.

Oh my God... are you alright?
5

Debate

Scenes 7-10 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

11%

Karen hesitates as strange noises, a closet-bound boy, and a violent apparition confront her.

Yes, he was shut in a closet! There was tape around the -- No, they're not home yet....
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Page 20 / 25% target

9%

Karen formally takes the case of the house and commits to investigating its hauntings.

7

B Story

Scenes 24-26 / Pages 30-35 / 30% target

10%

Susan’s parallel ordeal at the house and office introduces the sister subplot.

You guys in the kitchen?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 27-34 / Pages 35-55 / 40% target

10%

Family tours and everyday life in the house turn sinister with supernatural mishaps.

This is Suzuki-san, he's the Real Estate broker.
9

Midpoint

Scenes 39-42 / Pages 55-65 / 50% target

12%

Susan is terrorized in her apartment, revealing the curse escapes the house—stakes double.

In the stairs... there was... something... a strange person... all the lights were going out...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 50-56 / Pages 65-75 / 65% target

10%

Nakagawa and Karen race to piece together multiple deaths, chasing clues as bodies pile up.

What... What happened, Yoko?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 62 / Page 75 / 75% target

10%

Nakagawa is attacked in the tub by Toshio—he is powerless against the curse.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 72 / Page 80 / 80% target

11%

Karen returns to an empty apartment, realizing she’s the last target left.

Hey, Karen. It's me. I just wanted to say -- I'm sorry. I know I wasn't hearing you....
13

Break into Three

Scenes 73-75 / Pages 85-90 / 85% target

10%

Karen decides to face the house again to save Doug and end the curse.

Doug! Where are you???
14

Finale

Scenes 75-76 / Pages 90-95 / 95% target

11%

Karen confronts Kayako, sets the house ablaze, and is rescued by emergency services.

No more... please, no more...
15

Final Image

Scene 77 / Page 99 / 99% target

10%

Karen wakes in the ambulance, haunted by a vision of the house’s past—the cycle persists.