Save the Cat rankings

WIND RIVER script analysis

WIND RIVER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A wildlife tracker, Cory Lambert, leads a quiet life on the Wind River reservation until he discovers a murdered girl’s body. FBI agent Jane Banner arrives to investigate, and together they uncover a dark conspiracy that forces Cory to confront his own grief and seek justice. Their partnership deepens as they battle bureaucratic and violent obstacles, culminating in a final manhunt on the snowy peaks. The story closes with Cory finding a moment of peace with his son.

88 Save the Cat fit score 6% analysis confidence / 33 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

The film opens with a teenage girl running barefoot through the snow, setting a tone of isolation and danger.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

5%

Discussion of predators and loss of livestock hints at cycles of life, death, and grief that drive the story.

He don’t have six dogs anymore. Those coyotes moved on that flock like they’ve been doing it all...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

7%

We meet Cory driving his truck, hunting coyotes, juggling ex-wife Wilma and son Casey, establishing his routine and personal stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

5%

Cory discovers Natalie Hanson’s frozen body, triggering the central investigation.

5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

6%

Cory and new FBI agent Jane Banner question whether to collaborate on the case amidst harsh conditions and jurisdictional doubt.

She didn’t freeze to death ... She drowned.
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 12 / 25% target

5%

Jane officially joins the case when she arrives at Dan Crowheart’s cabin, moving the story into investigative territory.

7

B Story

Scenes 14-17 / Pages 20-30 / 30% target

5%

Cory shares personal loss with Casey and Jane, deepening their bond and introducing the emotional stakes of his daughter’s death.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-21 / Pages 30-45 / 40% target

6%

The team conducts autopsy, interviews locals, and uncovers two assailants, showing investigative progress and tension.

So there were two assailants.
9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / Pages 45-50 / 50% target

7%

Cory reveals his daughter’s death and his vendetta: “And I’ve been killing those sons of bitches ever since,” raising the stakes and shifting his motive.

And I’ve been killing those sons of bitches ever since.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 26 / Pages 50-55 / 65% target

6%

A tense standoff at the drill station pits the investigators against armed security, showing external threats intensifying.

FBI!!!! THIS IS FEDERAL LAND AND I AM THE AUTHORITY HERE. RIGHT NOW, ALL OF YOU. STAND DOWN.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / Pages 55-60 / 75% target

6%

A violent shootout leaves Jane wounded and the team in disarray, momentarily halting their progress.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 29 / Pages 60-65 / 80% target

6%

Cory tends to Jane’s wounds amid the wreckage, questioning whether they can continue against overwhelming odds.

13

Break into Three

Scene 30 / Pages 65-70 / 85% target

6%

Cory sets out alone into the mountains to track the killer, committing to a final confrontation.

14

Finale

Scene 31 / Pages 70-80 / 95% target

7%

On Gannet Peak, Cory confronts and coerces Pete’s confession before leaving him to die, delivering justice.

That’s Gannet Peak. Highest mountain in Wyoming.
15

Final Image

Scene 33 / Pages 80-85 / 99% target

5%

Cory and Casey ice fishing peacefully, mirroring the opening’s cold landscape but now with restored hope and healing.

You want your sandwich?