Save the Cat rankings

ABOUT TIME script analysis

ABOUT TIME script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

ABOUT TIME opens with Tim’s charming but ordinary family life disrupted when his father reveals a time‐travel secret. Tim experiments with his gift, improving romantic misadventures and forging a relationship with Mary. As consequences multiply—jeopardizing family and future children—he learns to live meaningfully in each moment. The film concludes with Tim embracing the beauty of ordinary life.

80 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 117 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Tim’s normal family routines and tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

75%

Dad explains that time travel should be used to shape a life you truly want.

You have to use it for things that will really make your life how you want it to...
3

Set-Up

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

80%

Tim’s family dynamics and his romantic failures at the New Year’s party set up his character and world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

85%

Father discloses the family’s time‐travel ability, launching Tim’s journey.

The simple fact is that the men in this family have always had the ability to... travel in...
5

Debate

Scenes 5-9 / 20% target

70%

Tim hesitates and experiments with time travel, resetting the party night and testing limits.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

70%

Tim accepts his new power and begins reflecting on its possibilities.

7

B Story

Scene 34 / 30% target

80%

Tim meets Mary in the dark restaurant, launching the love story subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-17 / 40% target

65%

A playful montage of Tim’s time‐travel attempts to win Charlotte’s affection.

9

Midpoint

Scene 37 / 50% target

75%

Tim rescues Harry’s failing play, showcasing his power’s upside in the real world.

O look - and here's the little prick who walked out half way through.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / 65% target

70%

Temptation resurfaces when Tim runs into Charlotte again, threatening his commitment to Mary.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 89 / 75% target

80%

Tim learns misuse of time travel altered his child’s nature, a grave mistake.

No, I should have mentioned that. The exact sperm at the exact moment - if you do anything...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 95 / 80% target

70%

Kit Kat’s crash and recovery prompt Tim to confront the costs of his choices.

I have to leave Jimmy, don't I? And I have to stop drinking - and stop leaving jobs...
13

Break into Three

Scene 102 / 85% target

75%

Father alludes to life’s most important secret, steering Tim toward acceptance.

Less dramatic. More important. The big one.
14

Finale

Scenes 109-116 / 95% target

70%

Tim returns from his father’s funeral, uses time travel sparingly, and honors moments with Mary and family.

15

Final Image

Scene 117 / 99% target

80%

Tim appreciates his daily routine and the beauty of ordinary life.