Save the Cat rankings

CARRIE II script analysis

CARRIE II script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Seventeen-year-old Rachel, traumatized by her mother’s breakdown and a classmate’s suicide, struggles to fit in at her new high school. She discovers burgeoning telekinetic powers, finds friendship and first love with Jesse, and faces escalating bullying and pranks that lead to a disastrous prom-night rampage. In the aftermath, her world is irrevocably changed as she grapples with loss and isolation.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 63 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces young Rachel and her unresponsive, unstable mother as Barbara draws a red line in the living room.

Momma, come play with me. In my room.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 9 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

In English class, Rachel’s skepticism about love and destiny hints at the theme of finding inner strength and belief.

I don't know that I believe in it.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-8 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

45%

We meet Rachel’s foster parents, see her isolated life at school, and observe the social divide that leaves her an outcast.

You watch that voice in this house. While you're here, you'll respect her as your mother, and treat...
4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Page 2 / 12% target

50%

Lisa’s suicide outside the school parking lot shocks the community and propels Rachel into the center of scrutiny.

5

Debate

Scenes 11-14 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

40%

Rachel is questioned by authorities and jocks press her for photos, forcing her to question how to handle unwanted attention.

So, Rachel, there were some pictures Lisa took. They have, what you might call sentimental value.
6

Break into Two

Scene 18 / Page 3 / 25% target

35%

When Jesse and Mark come for Lisa’s photos at the Photomat, Rachel steps out to confront them, entering her new “upside-down” world of teen politics.

You're... Rachel, right?
7

B Story

Scene 24 / Page 4 / 30% target

45%

Rachel’s budding friendship and tentative romance with Jesse begin over dinner, offering emotional support.

Sometimes I'd see someone, from behind, and I'd know, I'd just know, it was Lisa. And then she'd...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 27-34 / Pages 4-5 / 40% target

40%

Rachel experiences teen life—going out with Jesse, facing pranks and scares at home, and developing telekinetic episodes.

9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / Page 5 / 50% target

50%

An intruder attack represents Rachel’s powers fully manifesting under pressure, shifting stakes from social horror to life-and-death.

I have an emergency. Now, right now! Yes, 3366 Elm Street...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-35 / Pages 5-6 / 65% target

40%

Prank calls and lurking bullies intensify, isolating Rachel further even as her foster parents intervene.

What's your favorite scary movie?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 57 / Page 7 / 75% target

50%

At Mark’s party, Rachel is humiliated on national TV—this betrayal crushes her trust and triggers emotional collapse.

What's Eric's score?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 60 / Page 7 / 80% target

50%

Confronted by her mother’s disbelief and the carnage she’s wrought, Rachel faces her darkest despair.

No, this isn't happening. It isn't happening, isn't happening...
13

Break into Three

Scene 59 / Page 7 / 85% target

40%

The arrival of Sue and Barbara at the wrecked house spurs Rachel toward one final, decisive use of her power.

14

Finale

Scenes 58-61 / Pages 7-8 / 95% target

45%

Rachel’s telekinetic rage culminates in mass destruction at the party and the deaths of her tormentors, including Mark.

15

Final Image

Scene 63 / Page 8 / 99% target

50%

One year later, Jesse haunted by visions of Rachel underscores the lasting impact of her dark transformations.