Save the Cat rankings

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS script analysis

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The screenplay introduces a quirky vampire household in modern Wellington, establishing their mundane routines and supernatural conflicts. A human friend Nick is turned into a vampire, sparking tension that escalates through a messy trial, a deadly werewolf encounter, and the death of a flatmate. After hitting rock bottom, the group rallies when Stu returns as a werewolf, leading to a new harmony between vampires and werewolves. The film closes with a playful fourth-wall break, showing the characters fully settled in their bizarre coexistence.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 37 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Viago waking up at 6 PM introduces the vampires’ reversed daily routine and tone.

So, it's PM in the night-time, which is when I wake up.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Discussion about chores underscores themes of responsibility within their immortal lives.

Vampires don't do dishes.
3

Set-Up

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

30%

Viago wakes each flatmate in turn, establishing characters and their daily rituals.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 12% target

40%

Nick’s attempt to escape after the spaghetti trick disrupts the status quo.

Look, ah, these freaks... ah, spike my spaghetti, make my cock turn into a snake. This is not...
5

Debate

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 20% target

40%

Nick returns as a vampire and struggles to adjust to his new identity.

Hi, my name is Nick. Hey guys. What are you up to? I've been a vampire for two...
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 3 / 25% target

35%

Meeting Stu marks the vampires embracing new relationships in their world.

7

B Story

Scene 11 / Page 4 / 30% target

35%

Introduction of the werewolves subplot provides a secondary conflict.

Look out, guys. Don't catch fleas.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 10 / Page 3 / 40% target

30%

The nightclub sequence showcases the vampires’ nightlife and supernatural humor.

9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 6 / 50% target

35%

Petyr’s death by sunlight is a dramatic reversal and raises the stakes.

Petyr! Get water! Petyr, get out of the sunlight.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 18 / Page 6 / 65% target

35%

The group discovers Nick’s mistake leading to Petyr’s death, increasing internal pressure.

I saw him the other night in town... told him I was a vampire.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 27 / Page 9 / 75% target

40%

Deacon’s line about watching everyone die marks the emotional low point.

But this is what happens when you're a vampire. You have to watch everyone die.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 28 / Page 9 / 80% target

30%

Arrival of police and ambulance underscores the aftermath and despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 29 / Page 9 / 85% target

35%

Stu’s return as a werewolf provides hope and a path forward.

Ah, they didn't kill me.
14

Finale

Scene 30 / Page 10 / 95% target

30%

Vampires and werewolves bonding resolves major conflicts and celebrates unity.

It's, ah, is that the moon or...?
15

Final Image

Scene 37 / Page 12 / 99% target

30%

Deacon’s address to the audience closes the film with comedic fourth-wall break.

You will not remember the last hour and a half of what you have just see. You will...