Save the Cat rankings

The Iron Claw script analysis

The Iron Claw script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Iron Claw follows the rise and tribulations of Kevin Von Erich, shaped by family legacy, personal loss, and the brutal world of professional wrestling. After early successes and a budding romance, a series of tragedies—including his brother Mike’s injury and suicide—pushes Kevin to his lowest point. He eventually finds purpose again by honoring his family’s name and letting go of the business. The film ends on a poignant image of Kevin embracing his sons, finally at peace.

80 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 69 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Fritz Von Erich’s dominance and his young sons watching, setting the wrestling legacy.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

11%

Fritz articulates the film’s central theme of toughness as the path to beating life’s challenges.

The only way to beat IT is to be the toughest, the strongest, the most successful.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-9 / Page 1 / 10% target

10%

Establishes the Von Erich family, their ranch life, wrestling ambition, and the memory of Jack Jr.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / 12% target

11%

Kevin wins his first major championship, launching his wrestling career and raising the stakes.

This is just the start.
5

Debate

Scene 14 / 20% target

10%

Kevin struggles to record a promo, doubting his ability to succeed at the next level.

6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / 25% target

11%

Kevin makes his in-ring debut alongside David, fully entering Act Two.

7

B Story

Scene 17 / 30% target

11%

Kevin’s budding romance with Pam provides the emotional subplot.

I want to be the world heavyweight champion.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-23 / 40% target

10%

Montage of matches, family football games, and domestic life showcasing the highs of wrestling success.

9

Midpoint

Scene 27 / 50% target

11%

All hope is tested when Mike falls into a coma after surgery, shifting the story to darker territory.

What? How? It was a routine shoulder surgery.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 39 / 65% target

11%

Mike’s overdose intensifies the family crisis, as tragedy strikes from within.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 44 / 75% target

11%

Mike’s funeral represents the darkest moment and ultimate loss.

Today we are here to lay to rest our son Michael Brett Adkisson, my sweet, beautiful boy. Kind,...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 45 / 80% target

10%

Kevin retreats into grief and guilt, avoiding family and wrestling.

13

Break into Three

Scene 47 / 85% target

10%

Kevin prepares mentally and physically for a pivotal match against Ric Flair, finding renewed purpose.

14

Finale

Scene 64 / 95% target

11%

Kevin signs over the wrestling business, choosing family legacy over profit.

15

Final Image

Scene 69 / 99% target

12%

Kevin crying while watching his sons plays full circle from the opening toughness message to emotional openness.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry boys, you shouldn't see this. A man doesn't cry, I'm sorry.