Save the Cat rankings

THE NEXT THREE DAYS script analysis

THE NEXT THREE DAYS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A devoted husband and father’s ordinary life is shattered when his wife is arrested for murder. As he struggles with grief and helplessness, he embarks on a meticulous plan to break her out of jail. The stakes escalate into a desperate manhunt and a daring hospital escape.

25 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 257 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces John and Lara in their SUV, a snapshot of domestic tension

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Dinner convo foreshadows conflict and miscommunication in relationships

You know what? If you were smart you would stop talking right now.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-9 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

11%

Establishes family life, Luke’s care, and John’s loving routine

4

Catalyst

Scenes 15-16 / Pages 2-3 / 12% target

12%

Lara is arrested for murder, upending John’s world

Lara Brennan, you are under arrest for the murder of Elizabeth Gesas.
5

Debate

Scenes 17-24 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

11%

John wrestles with grief and helplessness visiting Lara in jail

6

Break into Two

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 4-5 / 25% target

12%

John accepts he must take action after failed appeals

7

B Story

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

10%

John’s relationship with lawyer Meyer Fisk develops

I figured you had to eat.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 53-64 / Pages 6-8 / 40% target

11%

John researches prison escapes and devises his plan with Damon’s help

9

Midpoint

Scene 92 / Page 9 / 50% target

12%

Optimistic visit: John reassures Lara, raising hopes for success

Hey. Are you alright?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 144 / Page 12 / 65% target

13%

Lara’s confession shatters John’s plan and morale

I grabbed the fire extinguisher. I hit her in the face. I heard her neck snap. You know...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 147 / Page 12 / 75% target

12%

John states he doesn’t believe Lara, marking his lowest point

Shut up. I don't care what you say or how you say it. I don't believe you did...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 148 / Page 12 / 80% target

11%

John leaves the jail alone, shattered and directionless

13

Break into Three

Scenes 119-123 / Pages 10-11 / 85% target

12%

John discovers Lara’s medical records and formulates the final escape tool

14

Finale

Scenes 217-224 / Pages 18-19 / 95% target

13%

John storms the hospital, forcibly frees Lara and escapes through crowds

15

Final Image

Scene 240 / Page 20 / 99% target

10%

Security frantically searches the jetway; Brennans have vanished