Save the Cat rankings

THE KID script analysis

THE KID script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A beaten Kevin returns to his abusive family home and endures childhood neglect before being sent to care. As an adult, he struggles to rebuild, opening a bar and finding love with Jackie. Family crises and business troubles push him to rock bottom, then he rises, reclaiming his life and writing his story.

75 Save the Cat fit score 32% analysis confidence / 111 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

48%

Kevin is dumped beaten at his childhood home, establishing his bleak reality.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 5% target

41%

Gloria’s denial of Kevin playing outside hints at themes of neglect and the need for self-assertion.

Don’t even fucking ask.
3

Set-Up

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

44%

We see Kevin’s abuse at home, his coping in his room, and his siblings playing outside while he’s isolated.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 12% target

37%

Mr. Hayes stamps approval for Kevin to be taken into care, changing his trajectory.

5

Debate

Scenes 13-16 / Pages 13-16 / 20% target

39%

Kevin argues with Uncle David over returning home and resists leaving the children’s home.

I'm not going home. You told me I could stay here.
6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 25% target

36%

Flash forward to an older Kevin back in the Pink Tin House marks his step into the adult world and Act II.

7

B Story

Scene 23 / Page 23 / 30% target

42%

Colin gives Kevin a tape, introducing a supportive relationship and emotional throughline.

Kevin have you got a minute?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 30-37 / Pages 30-37 / 40% target

45%

Kevin takes over the 1921 Bar, meets Jackie, and experiences initial entrepreneurial and romantic highs.

9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 50% target

46%

Kevin signs the lease and receives keys: a clear win and false victory.

Well done son. Alan would be proud of you.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / Page 49 / 65% target

44%

Terry warns of growing debt and suggests closing the bar, tightening external pressure.

Penfold tells me it’s still not breaking even and the debt is growing all the time.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 59 / Page 59 / 75% target

40%

Jackie ignores Kevin’s call after the fight, leaving him isolated and defeated.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 65 / Page 65 / 80% target

43%

Kevin learns of a family crisis and vows to fix it, sinking deeper into despair.

When? When did this happen? No, leave it to me.
13

Break into Three

Scene 88 / Page 88 / 85% target

38%

Kevin leaves the Pink Tin House, resolved to change his life and seek redemption.

Oi mate, you a tramp or something?
14

Finale

Scenes 97-101 / Pages 97-101 / 95% target

41%

Kevin confronts Terry, disposes of the gun, hands over the bar to Paul and mends relationships, completing his transformation.

15

Final Image

Scene 111 / Page 111 / 99% target

39%

Kevin, now an author, writes warmly to a reader, showing his growth from abused boy to confident man.

Dear Sam. I am so glad you are trying to make something of your life. I know it’s...