Save the Cat rankings

UNCUT GEMS script analysis

UNCUT GEMS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Howard is a jeweler whose life spirals as he juggles high-stakes gambling and rare gems. After being robbed, he discovers a priceless black opal and enters a perilous deal that draws him deeper into debt and danger. His gamble peaks when he places a monumental parlay to save himself from violent creditors. Ultimately, he wins but is shot in the final moment, underscoring the high cost of his risk-taking.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 62 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces discovery of a valuable opal in Ethiopia, setting tone of rare gems and risk.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / 5% target

8%

Howard’s desperation after the robbery hints at themes of risk and survival.

COME ON, COME ON... HOWARD! PLEASE HOWARD PICK UP!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / 10% target

11%

Establishes Howard’s world: boxing gym, friendship with Arthur, nightlife and early stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

12%

Howard returns to a ransacked apartment, triggering his need for quick cash.

COME ON, COME ON... HOWARD! PLEASE HOWARD PICK UP!
5

Debate

Scenes 16-18 / 20% target

10%

Howard explores gambling options in Vegas, debating how to leverage his limited funds.

6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / 25% target

11%

Howard meets Ray Forcaster to sell jewelry, fully entering the gem trade under high pressure.

Nigga, it’s me. It’ll come back to you.
7

B Story

Scene 42 / 30% target

9%

Howard’s daughter’s play introduces his personal/family storyline and emotional stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 24-31 / 40% target

10%

Howard juggles clients, jewels, and bets, showcasing the thrill and chaos of his double life.

9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / 50% target

12%

Howard opens the crate and discovers the black opal—his ultimate prize.

IT’S... IT’S BEAUTIFUL!!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

10%

Larry confronts Howard over unpaid debts, escalating pressure from creditors.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 44 / 75% target

11%

Howard is captured by Jim’s men, appearing to have lost control of his situation.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 51 / 80% target

10%

Alone in his office-turned-bedroom, Howard confronts despair and exhaustion.

13

Break into Three

Scene 57 / 85% target

12%

Howard secures the sale to Amare and orchestrates a high-stakes betting scheme to settle debts.

14

Finale

Scenes 60-61 / 95% target

11%

Howard locks Jim’s crew in the showroom and places the winning parlay at Foxwoods.

15

Final Image

Scene 62 / 99% target

13%

Howard celebrates his win only to be shot, closing the risk cycle with tragedy.

SEE! SEE! WHAT DID I TELL YOU?! HUH JIM? WHAT DID I FUCKIN TELL YOU?!