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WILD THINGS: DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH script analysis

WILD THINGS: DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Privileged teenager Marie Clifford navigates her stepfather Jay’s criminal accusation when her rival Elena accuses him of rape. As Marie’s world unravels through courtroom battles and betrayals, she and unlikely ally Elena uncover deeper conspiracies involving fake diamonds and corrupt authorities. Their alliance culminates in a dangerous swamp showdown and a beachfront reckoning.

70 Save the Cat fit score 21% analysis confidence / 70 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

17%

Marie’s admiration of the Mother Daughter Diamonds establishes her privileged world and obsession with her late mother’s legacy.

Today's the day, Mom...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

14%

Marie nearly hits Elena, hinting at the film’s themes of collision between social classes and hidden motives.

I'm... so... sorry...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

19%

We’re introduced to Marie’s life—school assembly, diving meet, birthday party—and the first hints of Jay’s financial troubles.

You blow this dive, I get those diamonds of yours.
4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

20%

Jay’s abrupt arrest on rape charges shocks Marie and propels her into defending him against Elena’s accusation.

You're under arrest on suspicion of rape.
5

Debate

Scenes 12-14 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

18%

Marie struggles with disbelief, confronting Elena at the station and questioning Jay’s innocence during interviews.

I can't believe it, Jenny...It just doesn't make sense...I mean, I know Jay...I know he'd never...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 17-18 / Pages 20-25 / 25% target

16%

Marie publicly defends Jay to the press and commits to fighting the legal battle, shifting into Act Two.

Jay...is innocent...
7

B Story

Scenes 21-23 / Pages 25-30 / 30% target

15%

Parallel investigation by Kristen and Chad into forensic evidence becomes the emotional backbone, exploring truth vs. deception.

Call Detective Morrison. Now...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 20-26 / Pages 25-40 / 40% target

17%

Courtroom drama, forensic digs, a heist of fake diamonds, and uneasy alliances between Marie and Elena drive the “promise of the premise.”

What the hell are you doing here?
9

Midpoint

Scenes 29-30 / Pages 40-45 / 50% target

20%

Elena’s courtroom betrayal of Jay marks a false victory for the villains and raises the stakes dramatically.

He... He didn't....just sexually assault me.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-36 / Pages 45-55 / 65% target

18%

Elena’s trailer investigation, Chad’s betrayal in Jay’s office, and the group’s uneasy celebration deepen conflicts and paranoia.

Open it. I wanna see those puppies.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 53-55 / Pages 55-60 / 75% target

21%

Marie’s rampage on discovering the diamonds are fake is her darkest moment; she has lost everything she believed in.

What the hell are you doing?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 56-59 / Pages 60-65 / 80% target

19%

Facing murder charges and betrayal, Marie and Elena’s relationship fractures as hope fades.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 61-64 / Pages 65-70 / 85% target

18%

Jay’s release and Kristen’s discovery of missing evidence spark a new plan to expose the real culprits.

How you holdin' up, Jay?
14

Finale

Scenes 65-70 / Pages 70-80 / 95% target

20%

The Feds confront Morrison, Kristen and Elena escape to the beach, and Jay confronts them in a final showdown of allegiances and truth.

Poor Detective Morrison. It's hard to do that to a friend. Especially one going through such a nasty...
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / Pages 80-81 / 99% target

15%

On Paradise Beach, the surviving trio relaxes with the genuine diamonds—showing transformation and new alliances.

These are...genuine?