Save the Cat rankings

Beautiful Boy script analysis

Beautiful Boy script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A family grapples with Nic’s addiction as David alternates between desperation and attempts to take control. Their journey moves through denial, relapse, and crisis, culminating in acceptance and a tentative hope at recovery.

45 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 55 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces David’s anxiety over Nic’s addiction in the UCLA medical office.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

25%

Vicki’s line underscores the theme of hindsight and responsibility.

If I had seen it coming I would have done something.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

30%

Establishes family dynamics and Nic’s worsening state at home.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

35%

Nic reluctantly enters rehab, launching the recovery journey.

Look I’m 18! You can’t force me.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-11 / 20% target

30%

David and family question rehab’s efficacy through relapses and confrontations.

6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / 25% target

30%

Nic decides to leave home, signaling a shift into active conflict.

7

B Story

Scene 17 / 30% target

25%

Nic’s moment alone on the bridge hints at his internal emotional journey.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-22 / 40% target

30%

Nic explores the highs of relapse with Lauren, dramatizing the thrill and danger.

9

Midpoint

Scene 26 / 50% target

25%

David’s solitary montage indicates a turning point in his coping strategy.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 33 / 65% target

30%

Family’s hope is dashed when Nic misses the swim meet, heightening tension.

I thought Nic was gonna be here today.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 47 / 75% target

35%

Lauren’s overdose represents the darkest crisis moment.

Hello. Yeah, I’m with a friend. She just OD’d. I need an ambulance. We need some help!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 52 / 80% target

30%

David and Karen’s Al-Anon meeting reflects their lowest emotional point.

I, well... I had a rough week. Some of you know, some of you don’t. I lost my...
13

Break into Three

Scene 54 / 85% target

25%

David resolves to take action, driving toward Inverness.

14

Finale

Scene 55 / 95% target

30%

David visits Nic in recovery, showing the culmination of their efforts.

The doctor is with him right now. He said it’s close to a miracle that Nic survived, with...
15

Final Image

Scene 55 / 99% target

25%

Despite past struggles, the final image hints at fragile hope in recovery.