Save the Cat rankings

THE TOWN script analysis

THE TOWN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Doug MacRay’s life straddles Charlestown’s underworld and his budding relationship with bank robbery witness Claire Keesey. As FBI agent Frawley closes in, Doug debates between loyalty to his crew and a fresh start. The catalyst pulls Claire into Doug’s criminal world, and from intimate dates to brutal heists, Doug’s double life escalates until everything collapses. In the finale, a violent Fenway Park robbery seals Doug’s fate, while Claire finds hope rebuilding at home.

65 Save the Cat fit score 75% analysis confidence / 197 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

80%

Introduces armored courier and sets robbery tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Frawley’s briefing to Claire hints at fate and identity themes.

Ms. Keesey, special agent Adam Frawley, violent crimes and robbery. I see you gave a preliminary statement. I'd...
3

Set-Up

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

75%

Establishes Doug’s crew violently robbing the bank and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

Claire is taken hostage, connecting her permanently to Doug’s world.

5

Debate

Scene 27 / Page 1 / 20% target

70%

Doug and Claire awkwardly test trust during laundromat meeting.

Are you doing laundry?
6

Break into Two

Scene 30 / Page 1 / 25% target

75%

Their first dinner signifies Doug entering Claire’s life outside crime.

Yeah, I played hockey with a kid who manages here.
7

B Story

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 1-2 / 30% target

75%

Doug and Claire share personal histories, solidifying their bond.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 31-34 / Pages 2-3 / 40% target

70%

Montage of dates and Doug introducing Claire to his world.

9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / Page 3 / 50% target

80%

Claire admits triggering the alarm, raising personal stakes.

It was my fault. I hit the alarm. It wasn't David.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / Page 3 / 65% target

75%

Jem pressures Doug about Claire, threatening his relationship.

So, no need to remove her from the equation?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 77 / Page 4 / 75% target

75%

A critical job goes wrong, shattering crew confidence.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 100 / Page 5 / 80% target

70%

Doug visits his incarcerated father, confronting his life choices.

I'm thinkin' about taking off for a while.
13

Break into Three

Scene 109 / Page 6 / 85% target

75%

Doug vows to protect Claire, committing to one last job.

You're gonna do this for me or I'm gonna clip your nuts like I clipped your father's.
14

Finale

Scenes 163-164 / Pages 7-8 / 95% target

80%

Fenway Park robbery culminates in a fatal shootout.

15

Final Image

Scene 201 / Page 9 / 99% target

75%

Claire visits the renovated rink, symbolizing hope.