Save the Cat rankings

THE PREDATOR script analysis

THE PREDATOR script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ex-PATRIOT sniper Quinn McKenna discovers a crashed Predator vessel, unwittingly involving his son Rory when the boy activates alien tech. As McKenna assembles a ragtag team with CIA agent Casey and others, they face an Upgrade Predator hunting Earth. Through familial bonds and high-stakes action, father and son unite to thwart the alien threat.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 44 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

The film opens with the Predator Ark fleeing the Mother Ship in space, establishing the alien threat.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 27 / Page 7 / 5% target

35%

Quinn tells his wife that their son is all that matters, stating the father–son bond theme.

They’re gonna come back, and they’re gonna ask questions. All that matters is our boy.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 7-10 / Pages 2-3 / 10% target

30%

We meet McKenna on mission in Cuba, see his skills and capture, and Rory’s school life and family setup.

4

Catalyst

Scene 21 / Page 11 / 12% target

30%

Rory activates the Predator biohelmet and signal, alerting the ship to Earth.

5

Debate

Scene 26 / Page 14 / 20% target

25%

After the captive Predator rampages the lab, the team questions if they can handle the threat.

6

Break into Two

Scene 27 / Page 15 / 25% target

30%

Quinn commits to protecting his son, leaving normal life and entering the Predator conflict.

7

B Story

Scene 14 / Page 5 / 30% target

30%

Casey is recruited by the CIA, introducing the partnership and personal stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 31 / Page 20 / 40% target

30%

McKenna and Casey track the Predator ship via stolen helicopter, indulging the film’s genre thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Page 17 / 50% target

35%

Rory’s mask automatically defends him, killing a stoner, shifting stakes from discovery to survival.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 30 / Page 18 / 65% target

30%

Predator dogs attack Rory, forcing McKenna’s team into direct combat.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 39 / Page 25 / 75% target

30%

In the high school stadium, the team faces the Upgrade Predator in a desperate showdown.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 41 / Page 26 / 80% target

30%

Rory struggles to recall the escape sequence while McKenna fights to reach him, doubting success.

13

Break into Three

Scene 42 / Page 27 / 85% target

30%

Quinn re-enters the Ark to confront the Predator directly, finding renewed resolve.

14

Finale

Scene 43 / Page 28 / 95% target

30%

McKenna battles the Predator in the swamp, combining father–son teamwork for the climactic victory.

15

Final Image

Scene 44 / Page 29 / 99% target

30%

McKenna and Rory are extracted as Dutch Schaefer appears, bookending the saga with new hope.