Save the Cat rankings

Wild Things script analysis

Wild Things script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Defense attorney Sam Lombardo faces a shocking rape accusation from wealthy teen Kelly Van Ryan, triggering a cat-and-mouse police investigation led by Detectives Duquette and Perez. As the girls’ stories unravel during trial, Sam’s world morphs into ruthless manipulation and violent cover-ups. Detective Gloria Perez slowly uncovers the truth about the Van Ryan family’s dark legacy. The story climaxes in a deadly showdown on the water, leaving relationships and reputations in shambles.

75 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 58 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

We open in the school auditorium where Sam Lombardo lectures on sex crimes, introducing his world and moral stance.

We've come to the halfway point in my senior seminars...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

78%

Sam’s quip about missing ‘one thing’ hints at deception and desire, foreshadowing themes of truth and illusion.

When we graduate the only thing I'm going to miss is... Know what I mean?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

80%

We learn Sam’s reputation, meet Kelly, Jimmy, and the Van Ryans, and see Sandra’s disdain for local elites.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 6 / 12% target

88%

Kelly formally accuses Sam of rape, upending his life and career.

He didn't have to kill himself, Kelly. He could have gone out and gotten a job. Christ, he...
5

Debate

Scenes 8-12 / Pages 6-10 / 20% target

75%

Sam debates next steps, hires attorney Ken Bowden, and questions if he can prove his innocence.

6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 25% target

82%

By hiring legal counsel, Sam commits to fighting the charges, entering the formal trial world.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 12 / 30% target

77%

Detectives Duquette and Perez drive to meet Suzie Toller, launching the probing subplot into Van Ryan secrets.

They say it was old man Van Ryan planted the melalucas to dry up the swamp.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-24 / Pages 13-18 / 40% target

79%

The investigation deepens with interviews at the fish camp, pool confrontation, and taped arguments between the girls.

Okay! He did. He pushed me to the floor and he did it to me. Now, can I...
9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 16 / 50% target

91%

In court, both Kelly and Suzie recant, turning defense into farce and raising stakes: Sam’s freedom hangs by a thread.

Mr. Lombardo didn't rape me. He didn't rape Kelly either. He didn't do anything.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / Page 17 / 65% target

83%

Detectives suspect Sam and the girls of manipulating the system for payoff, tightening scrutiny on Sam.

Lombardo's settlement?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 34 / Page 21 / 75% target

95%

Sam murders Suzie on the beach, marking the story’s darkest moment and seeming point of no return.

This is a celebration Suzie, not a suicide pact.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 36 / Page 22 / 80% target

88%

Alone in the Everglades, Sam buries evidence and faces the weight of his irreversible crime.

13

Break into Three

Scene 58 / Page 29 / 85% target

81%

Gloria uncovers Suzie’s true identity, connecting clues and providing a path to expose Sam’s conspiracy.

14

Finale

Scene 56 / Page 28 / 95% target

90%

On the sailboat, Sam’s plot unravels in a lethal confrontation with Ray, culminating in violent reckoning.

Ray... you see that winch by your head? Take a couple of turns on it for me, she's...
15

Final Image

Scene 57 / Page 28 / 99% target

85%

Sam and Ray, battered and uneasy, share a hollow victory on deck, reflecting the cost of their deceit and violence.

Come on Sam, we did it. We put the screws to the Van Ryans. We won.