Save the Cat rankings

TOTAL RECALL script analysis

TOTAL RECALL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Douglas Quail, a dissatisfied office worker, seeks an escape to Mars through a memory implant, only to have his true identity and secret past revealed. Fleeing E.I.O. agents and aided by Melina, he uncovers a Martian resistance plot centered on the ancient Sphinx mechanism. After betrayal and loss, Quail rallies, infiltrates the fortress, and triggers a planetary salvation device. The story closes with Quail witnessing the first signs of life returning to Mars.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 122 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the barren Martian landscape, mirroring Quail’s empty life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Quail’s recurring dream about Mars hints at reality versus fantasy.

I dreamed about Mars again... it was bizarre, yet is was so real...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-8 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

10%

Establishes Quail’s ordinary world, his marriage, job, and obsession with Mars.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 4 / 12% target

10%

The memory-implant procedure begins, promising adventure.

Now, just relax, kid. This ain't gonna hurt. Just a controlled drip of Narkadine.
5

Debate

Scenes 13-14 / Pages 4-5 / 20% target

12%

Implant goes haywire, Quail protests his implanted life and hesitates on action.

All of you in this room are dead.
6

Break into Two

Scene 20 / Page 6 / 25% target

12%

Kristen reveals his life is false, propelling Quail into the real world.

My God! Did you say I need a psychiatrist?
7

B Story

Scene 69 / Page 12 / 30% target

11%

Introduction of Melina as ally and emotional counterpart.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 65-68 / Pages 11-12 / 40% target

13%

Quail experiences Mars firsthand, touring the planet’s wonders.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll glance out the starboard viewports, you'll behold an indeed awesome sight --
9

Midpoint

Scene 88 / Page 18 / 50% target

14%

Cohaagen orders Operation Sphinx, raising stakes and shifting urgency.

Proceed with Operation Sphinx.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 93 / Page 19 / 65% target

13%

Kuato is killed, betraying Quail’s trust and deepening danger.

You - when you were Charles Hauser with E.I.O - infiltrated our group.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 95 / Page 20 / 75% target

12%

Bennie’s betrayal seems to doom Quail and Melina.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 106 / Page 22 / 80% target

11%

Trapped beneath the Sphinx, they fear there’s no escape.

We got in with this thing, but we'll never get back out.
13

Break into Three

Scene 110 / Page 23 / 85% target

12%

Quail tricks and defeats guards, committing to the final assault.

I'm not there, boys. I'm here.
14

Finale

Scenes 110-120 / Pages 23-27 / 95% target

13%

Quail and Melina fight through defenses, activate the Sphinx, and precipitate planetary change.

15

Final Image

Scene 122 / Page 28 / 99% target

12%

Miners rescue Quail; Mars’s atmosphere begins to transform, fulfilling the saving of the cat.

That's just the start. Next there'll be rain and growth and ... life.