Save the Cat rankings

THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD script analysis

THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Expert bodyguard Michael Bryce reluctantly teams up with deadly witness Sean Kiernan to survive Demidov’s assassins and ensure Kiernan testifies at The Hague. Along the perilous journey, Bryce and Kiernan spar and bond, dodging ambushes and betrayals. As their b-story romance with Interpol agent Amelia Ryder grows, the duo faces torture, high-speed chases, and courtroom drama. In the end, they thwart Demidov’s escape and earn new roles in a clandestine division.

72 Save the Cat fit score 32% analysis confidence / 51 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

45%

Michael Bryce’s pristine morning routine introduces his world of control and precision.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

28%

Bryce’s reassurance “There’s nothing to worry about” hints at the theme of trust under pressure.

Tell him I’ll be there shortly. And that he should relax. There’s nothing to worry about.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

38%

Sean Kiernan’s deal with Interpol and hand-off to Amelia Ryder establish stakes and allies.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 12% target

50%

The Lyon convoy ambush forces Bryce and Kiernan together for survival.

5

Debate

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 20% target

40%

Bryce hesitates before formally accepting Kiernan as his client.

Now you’re being formally introduced. Michael Bryce, meet Sean Kiernan. Your new client.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Pages 2-3 / 25% target

45%

Bryce commits to protect Kiernan “Once we’re on the road,” launching their partnership into Act II.

Once we’re on the road, I’ll have to change out my phone. Can’t call to check in.
7

B Story

Scenes 8-10 / Pages 2-3 / 30% target

37%

Amelia intervenes in Bryce and Kiernan’s dynamic, setting up a romantic/professional subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-17 / Pages 3-5 / 40% target

42%

A series of escapes—from roadblocks to stolen vehicles—delivers action-driven bonding moments.

9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / Page 6 / 50% target

33%

Demidov’s trial resumes, raising the stakes and making victory seem halfway attainable.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 29-33 / Pages 6-8 / 65% target

30%

Bryce and Kiernan’s trap at the safehouse backfires into a brutal firefight.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 41 / Page 9 / 75% target

44%

Bryce is captured and tortured, signaling their lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 42 / Page 9 / 80% target

41%

Bruised and shaken, Bryce and Kiernan regroup and confront their limits.

13

Break into Three

Scene 49 / Page 10 / 85% target

39%

They discover Demidov’s escape plan on the overpass, igniting the final push.

The weapons at the warehouse.
14

Finale

Scenes 50-51 / Pages 10-11 / 95% target

36%

In court and then at the dive bar, they outmaneuver Demidov and secure new roles at Interpol.

15

Final Image

Scene 51 / Page 11 / 99% target

33%

Bryce and Kiernan’s recruitment into the clandestine division mirrors Bryce’s controlled opener, now with partnership.

Interpol was first chartered to coordinate between law-enforcement arms of various nations. But we’ve found that by the...