Save the Cat rankings

THERE WILL BE BLOOD script analysis

THERE WILL BE BLOOD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Daniel Plainview’s relentless quest for oil and power sets him on a collision course with faith, family, and his own ambition. As he strikes oil, he wrestles with moral and personal costs, finds a false bond in his supposed brother, and ultimately isolates himself completely. The story culminates in a final showdown between Daniel and Eli, underscoring his total descent into ruthless self-interest.

75 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 63 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Daniel toils alone in the desert, establishing his solitary, driven nature.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 13 / 5% target

30%

The offer of cheap land for oil hints at greed and exploitation as central themes.

If I told you I knew a place that had oil, where land could be bought cheaply --...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

30%

Daniel’s silver prospecting, accident, and first oil drilling display his determination and establish his world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / 12% target

30%

The crew finally strikes oil, igniting Daniel’s ambition and launching the central conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 23 / 20% target

35%

Daniel’s brutal beating of Eli reveals moral cost and foreshadows the price of his pursuit.

When do we get our money, Daniel?
6

Break into Two

Scene 29 / 25% target

30%

Henry’s arrival shifts Daniel’s journey into a new phase of false family and rivalry.

7

B Story

Scene 15 / 30% target

25%

Discussions of faith at the Sunday ranch introduce Eli’s spiritual subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-27 / 40% target

30%

Daniel’s rise, clashes with Sunday, and personal vices showcase the thrills and moral slide of his new wealth.

9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / 50% target

35%

Daniel pronounces his hatred of people, revealing his true, obsessive nature in a high-stakes moment.

I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 32-34 / 65% target

30%

H.W.’s fire and exile deepen Daniel’s isolation and challenge his control.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 37 / 75% target

30%

Henry’s death and Daniel collapsing at the grave mark his lowest personal point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 38 / 80% target

25%

Reading Henry’s diary underwater, Daniel grapples with loss and betrayal.

13

Break into Three

Scene 44 / 85% target

30%

Daniel refocuses by demanding H.W.’s return, signaling his last push.

14

Finale

Scenes 59-62 / 95% target

35%

Daniel disowns H.W. and confronts Eli in the bowling alley, fully embracing his ruthless identity.

I'd like you to tell me, right now, that you are a False Prophet and that God is...
15

Final Image

Scene 63 / 99% target

25%

H.W.’s speech to Mary contrasts Daniel’s isolation with a hopeful new generation.