Save the Cat rankings

The Limey script analysis

The Limey script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An Englishman named Wilson arrives in Los Angeles to investigate his daughter Jenny’s death, enlisting a local fixer named Ed. Along the way he forms a bond with Elaine, uncovers Terry Valentine’s wealthy inner circle, and confronts escalating threats before a final showdown and reflective departure.

70 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 60 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Wilson’s lone arrival at L.A. airport sets the tone for his fish-out-of-water quest.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

45%

Ed’s mention of Wilson’s daughter introduces the theme of parental love and vengeance.

You wrote to me about my daughter.
3

Set-Up

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

44%

Wilson checks into a motel, unpacks his mission, and meets Ed, establishing characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

42%

Wilson’s first meeting with Ed formally launches his search for answers about Jennifer’s death.

5

Debate

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 20% target

40%

Wilson questions Ed about Terry Valentine and wrestles with how to proceed.

This bloke she was bunked up with. This Terry what'sit.
6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 3 / 25% target

43%

Wilson crosses the threshold by breaking into Valentine’s warehouse to gather evidence.

7

B Story

Scene 20 / Page 4 / 30% target

41%

Wilson meets Elaine, sparking the emotional subplot and potential love interest.

You're Jenny's father.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-23 / Page 5 / 40% target

40%

Wilson and Elaine bond over memories of Jenny and share personal stories.

Something had happened to Jen.
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / Page 6 / 50% target

42%

Wilson sabotages Valentine’s cars, a clear point of no return with tangible consequences.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 38 / Page 7 / 65% target

43%

Avery hires hitmen Stacy and Uncle John, raising the threat level dramatically.

How'd you like to kill someone for me?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 43 / Page 8 / 75% target

44%

Wilson and Elaine are ambushed and captured, seeming to have nowhere to turn.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 44 / Page 8 / 80% target

41%

Held captive, Wilson and Elaine confront their pasts and his sense of purpose falters.

Tell me you wouldn't prefer a steady income.
13

Break into Three

Scene 48 / Page 9 / 85% target

42%

Wilson, Elaine, and Ed regroup and head to Big Sur for a final plan of action.

I quit that acting shit, man.
14

Finale

Scene 58 / Page 10 / 95% target

43%

Wilson confronts Terry Valentine directly, delivering emotional and physical payoff.

15

Final Image

Scene 60 / Page 10 / 99% target

40%

On the plane, Wilson reflects on the journey, mirroring the opening but transformed.