Save the Cat rankings

THE INTERVIEW script analysis

THE INTERVIEW script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A brash American talk show host and his producer secure an unprecedented interview with North Korea’s dictator, only to be enlisted by the CIA to assassinate him. Amid training, cultural immersion, and moral conflicts, they bond with a North Korean aide and uncover Kim’s atrocities. When they refuse to kill and instead expose him live on air, chaos erupts, forcing a daring escape. In the aftermath, the aide rises to power back home, upending their plans.

75 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 70 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

81%

Introduces North Korea’s propaganda through a child’s song, setting the film’s ideological tone.

Our Beloved Leader is wise. He is gentle, kind and strong. We wish him joy. We wish him...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

78%

Dave reflects that their show feels “disposable,” hinting at themes of media importance and moral responsibility.

It makes me feel disposable. Like what we do isn’t important.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / 10% target

79%

Establishes Seth and Dave’s dynamic, their show’s low stakes, and the idea of scoring big interviews.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

88%

The broadcast is interrupted by North Korean shelling, escalating stakes and sparking the Kim interview idea.

5

Debate

Scene 9 / 20% target

84%

Dave and Seth debate authenticity and agree they should get President Kim on the show.

You know what? We should get that President Kim on the show. He’s the man of the hour.
6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / 25% target

90%

They cross into Act Two when CIA agents recruit them to assassinate Kim under the guise of an interview.

We want you to take him out.
7

B Story

Scene 14 / 30% target

80%

Seth’s first meeting with Sook introduces the personal/romantic subplot that humanizes North Koreans.

The Beloved Leader will grant an interview to Mr. Skylark. It will be conducted at an undisclosed location....
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 20-23 / 40% target

77%

Montage of CIA briefings, equipment demos, and training highlights the absurdity and action of their mission.

9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / 50% target

85%

Kim’s friendly visit shifts the tone; he praises their show, revealing their influence and a false sense of security.

But I am a fan. The Teri Hatcher interview was outstanding.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 52 / 65% target

83%

Dave destroys the poison strip, revealing his moral crisis and external CIA pressure closing in.

I can’t do that to a human being again, Seth. No matter who it is.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 51 / 75% target

76%

An accidental shooting during a propaganda screening marks the lowest point of their bungled operation.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 52 / 80% target

82%

Dave confesses he “can’t do that to a human being,” questioning their mission’s morality.

I can’t do that to a human being again, Seth. No matter who it is.
13

Break into Three

Scene 63 / 85% target

88%

They decide to expose Kim by hijacking the broadcast to reveal his atrocities, shifting to the final act.

I think we should eject now.
14

Finale

Scenes 64-65 / 95% target

90%

Dave confronts Kim on-air with photos of massacre, triggering an attack and their chaotic escape.

Mr. President, is this you standing before the slaughtered civilians of Yonghung?
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / 99% target

87%

Back on Skylark Tonight, Sook appears as North Korea’s new president, revealing the mission’s unintended consequences.

It is my great honor and privilege to introduce the new president of the Democratic People’s Republic of...