Save the Cat rankings

YEAR ONE script analysis

YEAR ONE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two clueless primitives are exiled from their tribe and embark on a ridiculous journey through biblical legend, encountering famous figures, royal debauchery, and near–deaths before ultimately saving their friends and overthrowing a corrupt priesthood. Along the way, they learn about choice, friendship, and destiny.

75 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 81 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

The film opens with a primal pair emerging from the sea, immediately establishing the rudimentary world and hunger theme.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

The line about forbidden fruit and disobedience hints that questioning taboos and choices drive the story.

Because that's the fruit we don't eat! It's forbidden.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

20%

We see village rituals, Zed’s illness, Maya’s relationship and tribal hierarchy, establishing characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

30%

The Shaman banishes Zed, triggering the journey away from home.

You're cursed, man, and if you stay here then we'll all be cursed. You have to leave.
5

Debate

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 12-15 / 20% target

30%

Zed and Oh debate loyalty and purpose as they flee hunters and question their path.

I guess I'm with you.
6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Pages 20-22 / 25% target

30%

Their encounter with Cain and Abel plunges them into the wider biblical world, leaving their simple tribe behind.

Yeah, well-- we're hunters.
7

B Story

Scene 18 / Pages 22-23 / 30% target

20%

Zed’s conversation with Lilith introduces the romantic subplot that parallels the main quest.

You're kidding! Whoa! That's amazing!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-30 / Pages 30-40 / 40% target

30%

A series of comedic trials: slave market antics, escape, desert struggle, spying on soldiers.

I'm not sure yet, but I'm starting to believe that everything happens for a reason. Like, why did...
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / Pages 45-47 / 50% target

30%

They interrupt Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac – the stakes go from survival to moral intervention and divine tests.

No, I was going to sacrifice him. There's a difference.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 38-42 / Pages 48-55 / 65% target

30%

Captured in Sodom and forced to serve, their freedom and friends are at risk under corrupt authorities.

You know, you guys are lucky that sergeant is a friend of mine. I let him sodomize me...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 61 / Pages 70-72 / 75% target

30%

Sentenced to death by stoning, their story seems over until Zed’s impromptu sermon.

I entered the Holy of Holies and, lo, I did not die! Why? Because I am chosen by...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 64 / Pages 75-77 / 80% target

30%

Separated and enslaved in the brick yard, they despair over lost friendships and purpose.

Don't tell me you're still mad about Maya. That's so over. I have a thing going with the...
13

Break into Three

Scene 74 / Pages 80-82 / 85% target

30%

The ziggurat collapse is interpreted as divine proof, galvanizing them to act and save the innocents.

A sign! It's a sign! The Chosen One comes!
14

Finale

Scene 76 / Pages 85-88 / 95% target

30%

Zed confronts the High Priest at the altar, triggering revolt and freeing the captives.

I said, 'I don't think so!'
15

Final Image

Scene 81 / Page 100 / 99% target

20%

At the city gates survivors depart, forming new bonds and suggesting future journeys together.