Save the Cat rankings

THEY LIVE script analysis

THEY LIVE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

John Nada arrives in a new city, struggling with unemployment and homelessness before encountering a mysterious preacher and meeting Frank. He discovers a pair of sunglasses that reveal a hidden alien control of humans, launching him into a battle to awaken others. Along the way, Nada grapples with his own doubts, forges an alliance with Frank, and ultimately joins a resistance meeting. The story ends as they prepare to spread the truth to a larger audience.

70 Save the Cat fit score 65% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

John Nada’s arrival under the bridge introduces his desperate situation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

70%

The street preacher warns of hidden masters controlling society, stating the film’s theme of awakening.

They have taken the hearts and minds of our leaders... They have recruited the rich and the powerful...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

70%

Nada’s journey from bridge arrival through the unemployment office establishes his world and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

60%

Nada meets Frank on the construction site, offering a potential ally and new direction.

5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / 20% target

60%

Nada follows Frank into Justiceville and meets Gilbert, questioning whether to trust his new friend.

It's a miracle we all survive from day to day -- the world is so filled with assholes....
6

Break into Two

Scenes 12-13 / 25% target

70%

Nada retrieves the hidden sunglasses from the church and steps into a new reality.

7

B Story

Scene 24 / 30% target

60%

Nada kidnaps Holly, introducing the interpersonal storyline and emotional stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-22 / 40% target

70%

Nada explores the sunglasses’ power, confronts ghouls in a store, fights cops, and attacks the stock exchange.

I've come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass -- and I'm all out of bubble gum.
9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / 50% target

70%

Nada’s bold stock exchange rampage marks a false victory with high stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 23-27 / 65% target

65%

Nada destroys the probe, but Frank resists the truth, leading to their brutal fight.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 27-28 / 75% target

70%

Their fight peaks as Nada pins Frank down, seemingly losing his ally before forcing him to see reality.

I'm givin' you a choice. Either put on these glasses, or start eatin' that trash can over there.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 29-31 / 80% target

60%

Arriving at the transient hotel, Nada and Frank face isolation and doubt in a quiet hallway.

13

Break into Three

Scene 36 / 85% target

70%

Gilbert delivers news of the resistance meeting, providing a plan to move forward.

There's a meeting tonight. Be at this address. 11:00. Watch out nobody follows you. The movement's growing. There...
14

Finale

Scenes 37-38 / 95% target

70%

Nada and Frank attend the warehouse meeting, united with the resistance to spread the truth.

15

Final Image

Scene 38 / 99% target

60%

The final shot in the warehouse underscores their commitment to the cause and echoes the opening’s tone.