Save the Cat rankings

xXx script analysis

xXx script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Xander, a rebellious extreme sports enthusiast, is recruited by NSA agent Gibbons to infiltrate a Czech anarchist ring led by Yorgi. After rigorous training and initial misadventures, he earns the call sign XXX and embeds himself undercover. Through daring stunts and shifting loyalties, Xander thwarts the Ahab device plot, survives capture, and reunites with his allies. The story closes with him earning his third X and setting off on the next mission.

60 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Introduces the tone of espionage action with Sterling ambushing a hacker at Prague Cathedral.

I hate to drop in unexpectedly.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

20%

Gibbons discusses lost agents and mentions “Ahab,” foreshadowing obsession and sacrifice.

Not a whole helluva lot. His final transmission was mangled. About something or someone called "Ahab". Whatever it...
3

Set-Up

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

25%

We see multiple settings—concert, headquarters, Xander’s loft—and Xander’s lifestyle before recruitment.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

20%

Xander deduces the staged robbery and meets Gibbons, pulling him into the NSA world.

The name's Gibbons. You were saying?
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 20% target

20%

On the airplane, Xander protests and jokes, questioning the mission and his kidnapping.

Been to any good diners lately?
6

Break into Two

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 10-12 / 25% target

25%

After the drug farm assault, Xander is debriefed and officially commissioned as Triple X.

If he doesn't like it, we can make an exception just this once. We'll call him Triple X.
7

B Story

Scenes 16-18 / Pages 16-18 / 30% target

30%

Xander’s relationship with Petra and Slovo emerges, providing emotional stakes.

James Bond never had to put up with this shit.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-27 / Pages 22-27 / 40% target

25%

Gadget demonstrations, car deals, and partying at Anarchy 99 showcase the spy-sports fusion fun.

Why don't you show me some gear before you get hurt.
9

Midpoint

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

30%

Yorgi’s crew activates the Ahab device; stakes are raised when Xander must choose action over observation.

What the hell are you guys stealing?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-35 / Pages 31-35 / 65% target

25%

Xander’s infiltration stalls as he must rescue crew, trigger avalanches, and handle betrayals, intensifying danger.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 75% target

30%

Xander is captured in the castle and Petra is revealed as a double agent, seeming defeat.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 36-37 / Pages 36-37 / 80% target

25%

Imprisoned, Xander faces doubt and loss before the explosion frees him.

13

Break into Three

Scene 37 / Page 37 / 85% target

20%

Xander emerges from the riverbank, resolved to finish the job with Gibbons and Petra.

Thought you bought the farm down there, X. Glad as hell to see you.
14

Finale

Scenes 36-37 / Pages 36-37 / 95% target

20%

He battles through escape, neutralizes the threat, and reunites allies in action-packed climax.

15

Final Image

Scene 38 / Page 38 / 99% target

15%

Xander relaxes in Bora Bora with his third X tattoo, mirroring the triumphant tone of the opening.