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WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES script analysis

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES follows Caesar’s journey from leader of a peaceful ape colony to vengeful warrior and ultimately sacrificial hero. After his family is murdered, Caesar leads a ragtag band through perilous terrain, discovers hope in a human child, faces devastating loss, and mounts a daring prison break. In the end, he confronts the Colonel to secure his people’s future at the cost of his own life.

85 Save the Cat fit score 32% analysis confidence / 55 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

45%

Introduces a brutal skirmish setting the war tone between humans and apes.

Echo two-six to command. Colonel, we have eyes on three Kong in the north woods. A couple of...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

50%

Caesar declares he did not start this war, hinting at themes of vengeance versus responsibility.

I... did not start this war. The ape who did... is dead. His name was Koba. I killed...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

40%

Establishes ape community under Caesar, the human threat, and the need for a new home.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 5 / 12% target

50%

The Colonel’s infiltration and massacre of Caesar’s family propels Caesar toward vengeance.

5

Debate

Scene 9 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

45%

Caesar wrestles with leaving his community to hunt the Colonel and entrusts his son to friends.

You loved my son. Look after his brother until I return.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 6 / 25% target

50%

Maurice, Rocket, and Luca join Caesar’s quest, signaling entry into the new, dangerous world.

The soldiers' camp is always moving. My guards think they know where it is. Let me take you.
7

B Story

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 7-8 / 30% target

40%

The discovery and protection of the human girl introduce the emotional core and secondary storyline.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-21 / Pages 9-11 / 40% target

45%

The group travels through harsh terrain, meets Bad Ape, and learns vital information about the Colonel’s camp.

Bad... ape... Bad ape...
9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / Page 14 / 50% target

50%

Luca’s death marks a false defeat and shifts Caesar’s quest from revenge to rescue.

Now you sound like Koba.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 29-34 / Pages 15-17 / 65% target

45%

Caesar and his allies are captured, escalating danger as the Colonel’s cruelty intensifies.

They came out of nowhere, attacked us... We were sure they would kill us all -- but the...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 40 / Page 21 / 75% target

45%

Caesar is cut down from the X and left for dead, symbolizing his lowest point.

If he's still alive in the morning, he goes back to work or you shoot him. Keep him...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 41 / Page 22 / 80% target

40%

Nova’s clandestine visit offers the faintest hope amid Caesar’s despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 48 / Page 24 / 85% target

45%

The escape plan unleashes the final act, uniting apes and children against their captors.

14

Finale

Scenes 52-54 / Pages 26-28 / 95% target

50%

Caesar infiltrates the Warden’s Tower, confronts the Colonel, and leads the last stand to secure freedom.

15

Final Image

Scene 55 / Page 29 / 99% target

50%

Caesar’s dying words as apes reach their new home underscore his legacy of hope and sacrifice.

Don't worry... You are all home now. Apes are strong. With... or without me.