Save the Cat rankings

VERY BAD THINGS script analysis

VERY BAD THINGS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A tight-knit group of friends embarks on a bachelor party trip that goes horrifically wrong when a stripper dies accidentally. Faced with moral collapse, they cover up the crime, only to see their lives unravel through paranoia, betrayal, and murder. Ultimately, Fisher must confront his friend Boyd in a deadly climax before returning home changed. The final image mirrors the opening but underscores the stakes of their choices.

75 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 58 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Fisher and Moore’s exhausted, bloodied drive sets the tone and visual motif for the story’s cycle of violence and guilt.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

78%

Liz and Fisher argue about wedding logistics, hinting at commitment, responsibility, and the costs of self-interest.

Government cutbacks.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

80%

Introduces Fisher’s job stresses, his relationship with Liz, and the group dynamic headed to the bachelor party.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 12% target

88%

The accidental death in the bathroom shocks the group and launches the central conflict of covering up a homicide.

Don't touch her. Call 911.
5

Debate

Scenes 14-15 / Pages 14-15 / 20% target

81%

The friends argue over disposing of bodies, wrestling with fear, guilt, and the legal consequences.

6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 25% target

84%

Boyd convinces the group to proceed with body disposal, committing them to their dark course.

How do we get her out of here?
7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 22 / 30% target

75%

Fisher and Liz meet the judge, reinforcing Fisher’s personal stakes and the strain on their relationship.

Darli...ing you, ewe ewe ewe, send me, Darli...ing you, ewe ewe ewe, mend me.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-20 / Pages 16-20 / 40% target

83%

A grim montage of cleaning, dismembering, and burying bodies provides the “dark fun” of crime going (relatively) smoothly.

9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / Page 24 / 50% target

79%

The group sees a newspaper exposing Tina, panic spreads as they realize the authorities are closing in.

Fucking Boyd. That fucking idiot. They're on to us.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 29-31 / Pages 29-31 / 65% target

80%

Adam’s paranoia and his eventual death heighten suspicion and fear among the friends.

I can't fucking breathe. I'm sorry.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / Page 32 / 75% target

82%

Adam dies in the hospital, smashing any illusion of control and deepening group guilt.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / Page 33 / 80% target

77%

Michael breaks down in Denny’s, reflecting on how far they’ve fallen and the moral abyss they occupy.

The need to know is clear. What did Adam tell Lois? That's the name of the game. What...
13

Break into Three

Scene 47 / Page 47 / 85% target

86%

Fisher confesses the truth to Liz, galvanizing himself to confront Boyd and resolve the conflict.

Oh Liz. We. God. We, in Vegas. Michael crushed her skull. She was dead. There was nothing else...
14

Finale

Scenes 49-56 / Pages 49-56 / 95% target

84%

Fisher and Boyd’s violent showdown in the church basement and the subsequent body reburial resolve the characters’ arcs and guilt.

15

Final Image

Scene 58 / Page 58 / 99% target

81%

Liz supervising family at home mirrors the opening drive but with Fisher irrevocably changed by their crimes.

Let's see the salutes!