Save the Cat rankings

We're The Millers script analysis

We're The Millers script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

David, a small‐time dealer, attempts to quit his drug business but is pulled into one final smuggling job posing as a family. As they cross the border and face threats from both cartel enforcers and his boss Taylor, David’s makeshift family becomes both his burden and salvation. After betrayal and near capture, David finds a clever escape and settles into a new life with those he came to care for.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 14 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces David’s cramped apartment and his reliance on a stash of weed and cash, setting the world of low-stakes dealing.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

10%

A dissatisfied client threatens quality control, hinting that cutting corners has consequences.

Okay, well I'll file a report with Frank over in Quality Control.
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / Pages 2-3 / 10% target

11%

David’s relationships with neighbors Sam and Agnes are established, showing his isolation and the world he inhabits.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 12% target

10%

Two preppy buyers interrupt his routine, underscoring that his business life is about to be disrupted.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Pages 4-5 / 20% target

11%

David declares he’s quitting the drug trade, struggling with the fear of no income.

I'm out. I'm quitting the business. I'm not gonna sell anymore.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Pages 5-6 / 25% target

11%

Taylor offers a million dollars for one last job, and David reluctantly agrees, entering the new ‘family’ smuggling world.

A million dollars will buy a lot of time to figure it out, David.
7

B Story

Scene 4 / Page 3 / 30% target

10%

Rose’s confrontation over noise introduces his future partner in the fake family and a budding personal connection.

Deal with the noise or I'm calling the cops! This is your last warning!
8

Fun and Games

Scene 8 / Pages 6-7 / 40% target

10%

The makeshift family’s tense yet comedic border crossing highlights the odd dynamics of their new roles.

He's an Alderman?! In Chicago?! Oh fucking great! Just fucking great!
9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Pages 8-9 / 50% target

11%

David dramatically tells Rose, Sam, and Agnes to leave, raising the emotional stakes and revealing his protective instincts.

Just go, goddamit! I'm serious. I'll be...fine.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 11 / Pages 9-10 / 65% target

11%

Taylor holds David captive and mocks his attempts, showing the cartel boss closing in on his control.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / Pages 10-11 / 75% target

11%

The Chacon brothers ambush the motor home, and David appears outnumbered and powerless.

The Chacon Brothers. I was actually gonna call you guys. As you can see I have some dope...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 13 / Pages 11-12 / 80% target

11%

Don Jaroslav’s DEA ruse shocks everyone, leaving David questioning his alliances and next move.

All right! DEA! Everybody down on the floor!
13

Break into Three

Scene 11 / Pages 9-10 / 85% target

11%

David seizes a chance to escape Taylor’s grasp, flicking a switch on the house and turning the tables.

14

Finale

Scene 11 / Pages 9-10 / 95% target

11%

In a clever counterstrike, David drops the house on Taylor, resolving the primary conflict in a single gambit.

15

Final Image

Scene 14 / Pages 12-13 / 99% target

10%

Months later on a beach, David and his faux family relax, showing how he’s found peace and true belonging.

I'm gonna kick some ass.