Save the Cat rankings

THE HILLS HAVE EYES script analysis

THE HILLS HAVE EYES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A suburban family ventures into a remote desert where their broken‐down trailer strands them in a mutant‐infested wasteland. As the Carter family struggles to survive the escalating terror, young Bobby forms a bond with a mutant girl, Ruby. Tragedy mounts in the night, and Doug must descend into the mutants’ lair to rescue his family. In the end, sacrifice and courage prevail, leaving a battered remnant to walk away from the burning wreckage.

40 Save the Cat fit score 55% analysis confidence / 82 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Scene 1 opens with scientists in radiation suits attacked by mutants, establishing the horror tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 5% target

50%

Ethel’s warning about rattlesnakes foreshadows danger and survival themes.

I bet this desert is full of rattlesnakes...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-6 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

60%

The Carter family arrives at the gas station and settles in, establishing characters and relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 12% target

60%

The family vehicle hits a trap and crashes, shattering their vacation plans.

Doug? Bobby? Are you alright?
5

Debate

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 20% target

60%

They debate whether to stay by the trailer or push on in the desert.

97% nationwide coverage, and we have to find ourselves in that 3%...
6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 3 / 25% target

50%

Goggle watches them from the hills, signaling entry into the mutants’ domain.

Papa Jupe... Papa Jupe... Coast is clear.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 3 / 30% target

50%

Lynn cares for the baby, introducing the family’s emotional B-story.

Are you hungry, my angel?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 18 / Page 4 / 40% target

60%

Bobby meets Ruby among the rocks, beginning the strange friendship.

So you're the one who took my sweatshirt? Where did you find it?
9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 5 / 50% target

60%

Doug discovers the car graveyard, a moment of awe that ups the stakes.

"...All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray. I've been for a walk on a winter's...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 23 / Page 6 / 65% target

60%

Big Bob uncovers the gas station attendant’s secret, heightening the threat.

You son of a bitch...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 26 / Page 7 / 75% target

60%

Big Bob is terrorized and attacked by Papa Jupiter, a grim low point.

Who's there? Show yourself!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 31 / Page 7 / 80% target

60%

Lynn sends a mayday call, revealing desperation and isolation.

Mayday ...mayday... This is a distress call... Do you copy?
13

Break into Three

Scene 67 / Page 12 / 85% target

60%

At sunrise Doug decides to head into the hills and mine to save Catherine, launching Act 3.

I told you to stop smoking.
14

Finale

Scene 81 / Page 16 / 95% target

60%

Doug kills Lizard while Ruby sacrifices herself to rescue the baby, resolving the central conflict.

Ruby...Ruby! You come back here right now. You hear me, you little bitch?
15

Final Image

Scene 82 / Page 16 / 99% target

60%

The survivors walk away from the burning trailer, mirroring the opening’s sense of vulnerability.

Come on, Bobby. Let's get out of here...