Save the Cat rankings

AUTUMN IN NEW YORK script analysis

AUTUMN IN NEW YORK script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Autumn in New York follows Wills, a commitment-phobic restaurateur, who meets Charlotte, a terminally ill hat designer. They embark on a whirlwind romance, confront personal fears and past wounds, and ultimately face heartbreak and hope. The film hits key beats from their first meeting, through the mid-relationship crisis, to the final image of Wills with his daughter, showing his transformation.

85 Save the Cat fit score 55% analysis confidence / 103 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Wills’s emotional detachment amid Central Park’s autumn beauty, reflecting his lonely life.

-- and I could have waited to tell you, but I wanted to leave no room for misunderstanding.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 17 / 5% target

60%

Charlotte reveals her terminal illness, stating the film’s theme of love, mortality, and living fully.

Uh-oh. Here it comes.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-8 / 10% target

55%

Shows Wills’s world—his refusal to commit and career life—and Charlotte’s home life and friendships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

50%

Wills unexpectedly sees Charlotte at his restaurant, sparking his interest.

5

Debate

Scene 7 / 20% target

50%

Wills’s friends tease him about his sudden infatuation, and he questions pursuing her.

Save it, pal! Don't even bother! I may not have gone to a fancy school like Bendover --
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / 25% target

55%

Charlotte agrees to be Wills’s date, marking their official relationship journey into Act II.

7

B Story

Scene 6 / 30% target

50%

Wills’s sister Olivia provides emotional support and perspective on his changing life.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 31-36 / 40% target

55%

They enjoy romantic dates—birthday wish, park strolls, shopping—building their bond.

I did! I just didn't think it would take so long!
9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / 50% target

60%

Wills confesses his original intention was a casual fling, raising emotional stakes.

I don't know why, but for some odd reason, I feel absolutely compelled to tell you the truth...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 53-55 / 65% target

55%

Trust erodes when Charlotte sees Wills with another woman, leading to their breakup.

You lost your horns.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 55-57 / 75% target

60%

They break up at her stoop; Charlotte returns home devastated.

This was all a mistake. Right from the start. All of it. I'm a grown man and you're...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 61-64 / 80% target

55%

Charlotte and Wills each suffer alone—she drinks; he’s confronted by friends at work—questioning love’s value.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 66-69 / 85% target

60%

Wills admits his love to John and meets his daughter Lisa, prompting him to fight for Charlotte.

And she's gonna be gone and... I'm not sure I can... I mean... I already think about her...
14

Finale

Scenes 92-101 / 95% target

60%

Wills and Charlotte marry hope and grief—she undergoes surgery; friends and family wait; outcome hangs in balance.

15

Final Image

Scene 103 / 99% target

60%

Wills, older, walks with his daughter, showing his transformation and survival beyond loss.

Actually, to be honest, Peter's more than a little freaked. I mean, how could he not be? He's...