Save the Cat rankings

THE PURGE script analysis

THE PURGE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Sandin family braces for the Annual Purge, hiding behind their fortified home as tensions rise. Charlie uses a remote‐controlled rabbit to spy, while James fulfills his grim duty of sacrificing a terminal patient. When an injured stranger breaches their defenses, the family’s moral lines blur as they debate mercy versus survival. In the finale, the Sandins flip the script on their neighbors, asserting control over their fate.

65 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 56 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Charlie’s morning routine and anxiety sets the tone of fear and anticipation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

10%

Mary reassures Charlie not to be embarrassed about his fear, hinting at facing one’s instincts.

I won’t. But don’t be embarrassed by this, or checking your vitals, or whatever. Who knows why we...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

10%

Family dynamics and security measures are established as they prepare for the Purge.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

10%

The dinner toast formally kicks off the Purge, moving characters into the dangerous new world.

To the Martyrs who bring peace. To the New Founding Fathers for letting us Purge and cleanse our...
5

Debate

Scene 12 / 20% target

10%

James questions the morality of killing Mr. Kane and contemplates his own role.

Under two months. The cancer has spread all over. The pain is unbearable. I thank you for this.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

10%

The lockdown begins and the family commits to surviving the Purge within their home.

The golden rule - never, under any circumstance, are the security barricades to be opened.
7

B Story

Scene 3 / 30% target

10%

Zoey and Henry’s relationship subplot provides emotional stakes outside the main survival plot.

God, I love you too much.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 22 / 40% target

10%

Charlie operates the rabbit drone, exploring the house and discovering threats.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / 50% target

10%

Charlie uncovers Mr. Kane’s corpse, raising the stakes of what’s happening downstairs.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

10%

The Polite Leader taunts them through the security system, and bullets fly inside their own halls.

Has someone drawn first blood? Careful with those bullets, Sweet Sandins - remember - deliver He alive or...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / 75% target

10%

Neighbors break in, threatening rape and death, suggesting total breakdown of the family’s defenses.

The men will rape you and your mother. Then we’ll kill all of you and take everything we...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 46-47 / 80% target

10%

Zoey attacks James and he resolves to fight alone, feeling betrayed and isolated.

13

Break into Three

Scene 54 / 85% target

10%

Mary and the Stranger lead a counterattack to rescue the children, shifting to action over defense.

Mister and Misses Langriche won’t be joining us. Drop your weapons.
14

Finale

Scenes 54-55 / 95% target

10%

The Sandins force their neighbors to eat breakfast at gunpoint, asserting their regained power.

15

Final Image

Scene 56 / 99% target

10%

Dawn breaks and the Sandins walk away with the stranger, hinting at a new moral landscape.

We’re gonna be OK, guys. Somehow we’ll be OK.