Save the Cat rankings

BEFORE SUNRISE script analysis

BEFORE SUNRISE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Before Sunrise follows two young travelers, Jesse and Celine, who meet on a train and impulsively decide to spend one evening exploring Vienna together. Through a series of wanderings, conversations and intimate moments, they grapple with themes of connection, time and the ephemeral nature of love. Ultimately, they face the reality of parting and make a hopeful pact to reunite.

65 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 42 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Jesse and Celine’s chance encounter on the train sets up their journey and the film’s romantic tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

45%

They discuss language, travel and perspective early on, hinting at ideas about communication and connection.

So how do you speak such good English?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

48%

We learn each character’s background, fears and disposition as the train journey and station stop introduce their initial chemistry.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Pages 10-11 / 12% target

55%

Jesse asks Celine to get off in Vienna, propelling them into the main adventure.

I have an admittedly insane thought. If I don’t ask you this, it’ll be one of those things...
5

Debate

Scenes 5-8 / Pages 11-15 / 20% target

50%

Celine hesitates but then agrees; they handle logistics and wonder about the sanity of their decision.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 15 / 25% target

52%

They step into Vienna proper, marking their transition into a new world and the start of their nocturnal odyssey.

7

B Story

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 15-17 / 30% target

48%

Their growing friendship and philosophical discussions begin to deepen, becoming the emotional core of the story.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-17 / Pages 20-30 / 40% target

50%

A leisurely montage of sightseeing, games, deep conversations, and the Ferris wheel kiss illustrates the playful promise of their night.

Yeah... Before the night is over, is it safe to assume that we’re going to kiss?
9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 30 / 50% target

55%

Their first kiss on the Ferris wheel heightens stakes: the relationship shifts from flirtation to genuine emotional connection.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 18-24 / Pages 31-45 / 65% target

48%

As night deepens, practical concerns, personal insecurities and talk of real futures start to intrude on their romantic escape.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 41 / Page 60 / 75% target

60%

Facing the dawn at the train station, they confront separation—seeming to lose the possibility of staying together.

I guess this is it, no?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 40 / Pages 58-59 / 80% target

52%

On the Albertina ledge bench, they reflect on love, time and the impossibility of this night, feeling its fleeting nature.

When you talked earlier about after a few years how a couple would begin to hate each other...
13

Break into Three

Scene 41 / Page 60 / 85% target

57%

They courageously decide to plan a reunion in six months, transforming despair into hope.

14

Finale

Scenes 41-42 / Pages 60-62 / 95% target

50%

They say goodbye and the montage of Vienna locations underscores the lasting impact of their shared night.

15

Final Image

Scene 42 / Page 62 / 99% target

50%

The morning montage of the train pulling away contrasts the opening, emphasizing their connection now part of memory.