Save the Cat rankings

THE SAINT script analysis

THE SAINT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A mysterious orphan flashback introduces a formative injustice before cutting to master thief Simon Templar’s high-stakes infiltration of corporate espionage. He meets Jillian, forming an emotional B-story against a backdrop of political intrigue in Russia. When Jillian is kidnapped, Templar’s fun façade gives way to desperate rescue, culminating in a daring infiltration of a nuclear facility. The film ends with Templar’s clever expose and the downfall of the real villains.

70 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 52 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

The film opens in an orphanage where Michael Quinn is punished, establishing early injustice and intrigue.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

Father Yin’s lecture on inequality hints at themes of justice and moral ambiguity.

Why one child is born into a good home and another into poverty - that is but part...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

70%

We see Quinn’s resourcefulness picking locks and transition to Simon Templar stealing a micro-chip, establishing his skills and world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

70%

Templar’s successful chip theft draws the attention of Inspector MacDuff and sets the chase in motion.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

60%

Under interrogation and meeting Tretiak, Templar weighs the risks of the new, more dangerous nuclear job.

A nuclear fusion generator. We have a man on the inside.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 20 / 25% target

70%

Accepting Tretiak’s offer marks Templar’s entry into Act Two and the nuclear fusion plot.

7

B Story

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 20-30 / 30% target

70%

Templar meets Jillian at the supermarket and flirts en route to his mansion, setting up the emotional subplot.

Try this. Sorry, I overheard. The real thing. No chemicals, no preservatives.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 8-14 / Pages 20-50 / 40% target

60%

A series of playful cat-and-mouse dinners and romantic moments deepen their bond while Templar gathers intel.

9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / Pages 50-55 / 50% target

80%

Jillian’s kidnapping raises the stakes dramatically—no more fun, this is now personal rescue.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-36 / Pages 60-80 / 65% target

70%

Templar pursues Jillian through protests, assassins, and chases, but each rescue attempt is thwarted as Tretiak tightens his grip.

Who are you. Tell me who you are and what the hell is going on.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 37 / Page 80 / 75% target

70%

Jillian escapes on a water taxi and vanishes, leaving Templar momentarily defeated.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 41 / Pages 90-95 / 80% target

70%

Arguing on the train, Jillian calls Templar a liar, and he questions his mission and identity.

My name is Simon Templar. I don't have an address because I live in hotels. I'm a professional...
13

Break into Three

Scene 47 / Pages 100-105 / 85% target

80%

Templar decides to infiltrate the nuclear facility with Ilya, forming a concrete plan to expose Tretiak.

We've got sixty seconds. Move.
14

Finale

Scenes 49-52 / Pages 105-130 / 95% target

80%

Using radon gas to trick the detector and transmitting the tape, Templar orchestrates Tretiak’s downfall.

Radon isn't plutonium but you don't know that...
15

Final Image

Scene 52 / Page 130 / 99% target

70%

Tretiak’s death and the implicit foundation reveal show Templar’s triumph and moral victory.