Save the Cat rankings

WARRIOR script analysis

WARRIOR script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two estranged brothers, one a troubled ex-Marine and the other a struggling physics teacher, are drawn into the brutal world of mixed martial arts alongside their recovering father. As each fights their own battles—in the cage and within themselves—the family must confront past trauma to find redemption and unity.

85 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 59 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

70%

The film opens with a moody twilight shot of Pittsburgh, establishing tone and setting.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

60%

Paddy’s line about being “off it” nearly a thousand days hints at themes of recovery and second chances.

I told you, I'm off it. I'm coming up on a thousand days.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

70%

We meet Paddy, Tommy, and Brendan in their separate worlds and see the fractured family dynamic.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / 12% target

60%

Tommy signs up at the fight club, setting his MMA journey in motion.

5

Debate

Scene 12 / 20% target

60%

After losing money in a fight, Tommy wrestles with whether to continue pursuing fighting.

You owe me two hundred bucks.
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / 25% target

70%

Tommy declares “I’m gonna start fighting,” marking the shift into Act Two.

I'm gonna start fighting.
7

B Story

Scenes 7-8 / 30% target

60%

Brendan’s home life with Tess and their daughter establishes his emotional stakes and B-plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-19 / 40% target

60%

Brendan enters amateur fights, winning in the tent and enjoying early successes.

And in the blue corner. He fights out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Please welcome "Irish" Brendan Conlon!
9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / 50% target

70%

Tommy’s dominant knockout in the Sparta tournament raises the stakes mid-story.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / 65% target

60%

Tommy faces tougher opponents like Diego Santana, and tensions rise in the tournament.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 52 / 75% target

70%

Paddy relapses, sinking into guilt and jeopardizing the family’s hopes.

I always loved you. You know that, don't you Tommy? I always loved you. You and your brother....
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 51 / 80% target

60%

Tommy confronts Paddy at the casino, exposing deep resentment and despair.

How about deserting my unit? Is that really something, too?
13

Break into Three

Scene 58 / 85% target

70%

Brendan decides he must fight his brother, transitioning into the final act.

I'm gonna fight him.
14

Finale

Scene 59 / 95% target

70%

The brothers face off in the climactic cage match.

15

Final Image

Scene 50 / 99% target

60%

A dawn break over Atlantic City symbolizes new beginnings after the brothers’ battle.