Save the Cat rankings

BROKEN EMBRACES script analysis

BROKEN EMBRACES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Harry Caine, a blind former director, lives in isolation with his daughter and reflects on past loss. Through flashbacks we learn of his tumultuous romance with Lena and the traumatic accident that changed his life. Present-day encounters with his son Diego and editor Luis’s death prompt him to confront buried memories. Ultimately, Harry finds redemption by completing his lost film and reconnecting with loved ones.

80 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 148 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces Harry and Judit in darkness during a blackout, setting the tone of loss and waiting.

The Door of Alcala has also darkened.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

25%

Judit urges the bandaged Mateo to ‘say something,’ foreshadowing the film’s focus on communication and the power of images.

Mateo, say something!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

30%

We see Harry’s daily routine and isolation—coffee rituals, street crossings, buying the paper—establishing his world before conflict.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 12% target

30%

Harry nearly gets hit by a car, underscoring his vulnerability and triggering an unexpected bond with a helpful girl.

Thank you very much.
5

Debate

Scenes 8-12 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

30%

Harry invites the girl home, intimacy ensues, then Judit arrives—Harry must justify his actions and confront guilt.

I'm sorry, I thought you were alone.
6

Break into Two

Scene 18 / Page 4 / 25% target

25%

Flashback to 1990 in the financial district marks the shift into the film’s deeper backstory.

7

B Story

Scene 21 / Page 4 / 30% target

25%

Lena meets Ernesto Martel, establishing her secondary storyline of romance and career conflict.

Why don't you tell me what's wrong? I'm sure I could help you.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 69 / Page 8 / 40% target

30%

On set, Mateo and Lena share a passionate encounter, showcasing the creative and romantic high of Act Two.

No. I sent him home. There's only Edurne, on watch...
9

Midpoint

Scene 95 / Page 12 / 50% target

35%

Mateo finds battered Lena in the bathroom, raising the stakes: their love is dangerous and threatened.

But . . . what has happened?!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 96 / Page 12 / 65% target

30%

They rush to the police station to denounce her attacker, as external threats close in on their relationship.

Take us to the nearest police station...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 112 / Page 15 / 75% target

30%

The car accident with Mateo and Lena is the darkest turn, seemingly irreparable.

And did I manage to save you from anything?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 117 / Page 16 / 80% target

35%

A doctor explains Mateo’s irreversible blindness, his internal despair peaks in the psychiatric ward.

Images are the source of his work... and to live in the dark, I suppose that's death to...
13

Break into Three

Scene 124 / Page 17 / 85% target

30%

Judit finds Harry on the beach and calls him by his new name, Harry Caine—he accepts his identity and moves forward.

We have to go, Harry.
14

Finale

Scene 148 / Page 19 / 95% target

25%

In the Avid Room, Mateo, Judit, and Diego watch the completed film, signifying Harry’s creative and emotional redemption.

Not at all! This is a whole different thing!
15

Final Image

Scene 148 / Page 19 / 99% target

20%

They react joyfully to the transformed movie, mirroring the opening darkness with new hope.