Save the Cat rankings

UNDER FIRE script analysis

UNDER FIRE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Photojournalist Russell Price arrives in war-torn Nicaragua, reconnects with colleagues and lovers, and documents the Sandinista revolution. As conflict escalates and personal loyalties are tested, Price grapples with ethical choices and the cost of truth. In the climax, betrayal and loss force him and Claire to confront the reality of war. The story closes on a hopeful reunion amid victory.

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

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

A dusk battle with soldiers and helicopters sets the film’s tone of conflict and danger.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

Russell negotiates with Jimmy, hinting at themes of access, risk, and where one stands in dangerous situations.

'Morning, Jimmy, think you could squeeze me in?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

75%

We meet Price, his hotel life, colleagues, and Oates mocking his assignment to Zambeze.

G'damn, Price, you tuna sucking piece of raw meat -- whatchyou goin' to Zambeze for?
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 12% target

80%

The convoy is attacked at the rebel airfield, thrusting Price into real combat coverage.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 5-8 / 20% target

70%

Price’s personal life conflicts with Claire and Alex’s arguments, and he questions his role in filming violence.

I'm the villain... I thought it could be a little cleaner this time -- me in Central America,...
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 8 / 25% target

75%

Arriving in Managua, Price commits himself to cover the Nicaraguan conflict firsthand.

7

B Story

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 30% target

65%

Claire and Alex’s relationship is introduced as the emotional throughline for Price.

Alex, don't play that God damn thing when I'm filing.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / Page 10 / 40% target

70%

At the Viking Club, Price sees war’s unpredictability—celebration interrupted by guerrilla attack.

9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / Page 20 / 50% target

85%

After the Sandinistas storm the belltower, Price confronts Oates among the dead—stakes and danger peak.

What the fuck are you doing here?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 30 / Page 21 / 65% target

80%

Pedro’s death by sniper fire underscores personal loss and the encroaching dangers for Price.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / Page 38 / 75% target

80%

Price discovers his negatives are missing and learns Commandante Cinco is dead—his work and faith are shattered.

Negativos, negativos!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 50 / Page 38 / 80% target

75%

Breaking into Jazy’s house, Price and Claire face betrayal and question whom to trust.

13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 39 / 85% target

70%

They confess to Alex at the statue, resolving to own the truth and their losses.

14

Finale

Scene 57 / Page 43 / 95% target

80%

Captured by Muchachos and witnessing Jazy’s execution, Price and Claire act decisively to survive.

I like you people, but you are sentimental shits. You fall in love with the poets, the poets...
15

Final Image

Scene 65 / Page 49 / 99% target

75%

In a celebratory plaza, Price and Oates part ways, and Price prepares to leave Nicaragua changed.

It's all over, eh? We made it. I like the singing.