Save the Cat rankings

Three Kings (Spoils of War) script analysis

Three Kings (Spoils of War) script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Three Kings follows three soldiers who divert from their duties to hunt for buried Iraqi gold, facing internal conflicts and external threats. Their quest escalates from lighthearted banter to deadly encounters, culminating in betrayal and a stark courtroom reckoning.

80 Save the Cat fit score 6% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces the trio’s desert banter and playful tension in the Humvee.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Wes’s question “You ever think about dying?” hints at mortality and the war’s cost.

You ever think about dying?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

60%

Establishes characters, dynamics, and Jaeger’s obsession after acquiring the puzzle box map.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

Jaeger opens the puzzle box to reveal a treasure map, setting the adventure in motion.

I did it! I got the box open.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-7 / Page 1 / 20% target

60%

They argue over permission and the risks versus the lure of millions.

We...we could go home with something else. With...with millions. Millions of dollars.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 25% target

50%

They officially depart into the desert beyond their orders to chase the treasure.

7

B Story

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 30% target

50%

Wes’s existential doubt introduces the emotional heart of their journey and brotherhood.

You ever think about dying?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-16 / Page 1 / 40% target

60%

They navigate dunes, dodge mines, and bond over the possibility of riches.

I'm thinking about when this war is over. Why you figure I'm here? 'Cause I got tired of...
9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / Page 1 / 50% target

80%

They locate the gold in the cave—victory and high stakes.

Maybe we should blast it loose with the claymore.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 23 / Page 1 / 65% target

70%

An Iraqi soldier ambushes them; the gold brings deadly attention.

Stay down. Stay the hell down, or I will rip your stinking head off!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 25 / Page 1 / 75% target

60%

They discover a destroyed camp and Epps falls into a sinkhole—hope seems gone.

You're going to burn up in those.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 26 / Page 1 / 80% target

60%

Jaeger’s threat to keep the gold secret shows their moral low point and fear.

Ours. It's one of ours. We've got to signal them; let them know we're down here.
13

Break into Three

Scene 32 / Page 1 / 85% target

60%

At the Shi’ite camp they reunite with Wes and resolve to escape together.

What do you make of them?
14

Finale

Scene 35 / Page 1 / 95% target

70%

Epps outwits Wes in a showdown on the cliff, reclaiming agency.

The gold; give it to me.
15

Final Image

Scene 38 / Page 1 / 99% target

60%

Jaeger in a courtroom reflects on gold and survival, mirroring the opening’s tone.

I'm sorry, I guess. Not for looking for the gold, or leaving my post. You know what it's...