Save the Cat rankings

500 Days of Summer script analysis

500 Days of Summer script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Tom Hansen is a greeting‐card writer and hopeless romantic who meets Summer Finn, a co‐worker who doesn’t believe in soulmates. They embark on a series of dates that explore the highs and lows of their relationship. After an eventual breakup, Tom falls into despair but ultimately finds closure and the courage to move forward.

70 Save the Cat fit score 55% analysis confidence / 98 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Tom and Summer silently sharing a park bench, framing the romantic tone.

This is a story of boy meets girl.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

60%

Narrator declares Tom’s belief in soulmates, stating the central romantic theme.

The boy, Tom Hansen of Margate, New Jersey, grew up believing that he'd never truly be happy until...
3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 10% target

50%

Summer is introduced as someone who rejects the idea of true love, establishing conflict.

The girl, Summer Finn of Shinnecock, Michigan, did not share this belief.
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 12% target

60%

Tom and Summer meet in a split-screen office sequence, triggering his infatuation.

Tom meets Summer on January 8th in a San Francisco office building. In an instant, he will know...
5

Debate

Scene 27 / Page 27 / 20% target

50%

Tom hesitates and musters courage to ask Summer out, wrestling with his feelings.

Do you want to go out with me?
6

Break into Two

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 25% target

50%

They cross into Act II by attending karaoke together, committing to a relationship phase.

I'm just not comfortable being somebody's girlfriend.
7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 30% target

50%

Rachel’s arrival to comfort Tom introduces his supportive friend/family subplot.

I'm here to help you.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 37 / Page 37 / 40% target

60%

Montage of museum date shows the “fun” promise of their relationship.

In a way, it speaks so much by saying... so little.
9

Midpoint

Scene 39 / Page 39 / 50% target

50%

They enjoy a carefree movie date, representing the high point before conflict.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / Page 49 / 65% target

60%

First significant argument at Virgin Megastore signals relationship tensions.

I told you. I love Ringo.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 75% target

60%

Summer breaks up with Tom in the diner, the moment of ultimate collapse.

I think we should stop seeing each other.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 82 / Page 82 / 80% target

60%

Tom destroys his room in rage and despair, symbolizing rock bottom.

13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / Page 89 / 85% target

50%

Phone call between Tom and Summer hints at closure and possibility of moving on.

I'm getting up. What time is it?
14

Finale

Scene 98 / Page 98 / 95% target

60%

Tom meets Autumn in the waiting area, stepping into a new chapter beyond Summer.

Are you interviewing? For the position?
15

Final Image

Scene 98 / Page 98 / 99% target

60%

The closing shot of Tom engaging with Autumn mirrors the opening while showing growth.