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DEATH AT A FUNERAL script analysis

DEATH AT A FUNERAL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Aaron’s family scramble through mishaps at a funeral: a wrong body, blackmail, drugged guests and a suicide threat. Amid the chaos he must face his father’s eulogy while reconciling with Michelle. Ultimately he finds his voice and gives the heartfelt speech before moving forward.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 72 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

The film opens with the wrong body in the coffin, immediately establishing disorder at the funeral.

Brian... who is that?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Aaron and Michelle discuss their future plans, hinting at life’s unpredictability and pursuing what matters.

They brought the wrong body. Can you believe that?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-7 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

14%

We meet main characters Aaron, Michelle, family and mourners and learn about the eulogy conflict and funeral arrangements.

4

Catalyst

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 12% target

15%

The discovery of the wrong body in the coffin kicks off the central conflict at the funeral.

5

Debate

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 1-2 / 20% target

10%

Aaron and Michelle argue over responsibility and readiness for the service while the housekeeper interrupts intimacy.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 4-5 / Page 2 / 25% target

12%

Norman, Derek, Elaine and Oscar drive toward the funeral, shifting from home to the event’s chaos.

7

B Story

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 30% target

10%

Aaron and Michelle’s relationship is foregrounded in their private moments, offering emotional stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 6-13 / Pages 2-4 / 40% target

13%

Comedic mishaps unfold: pill mix-ups, Uncle Russell’s arrival, and eulogy rehearsals while various guests arrive.

9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / Page 5 / 50% target

11%

The funeral service formally begins, marking the halfway turn into the heart of the story.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 35-36 / Page 7 / 65% target

14%

Frank reveals blackmail photos demanding money, intensifying external pressure on Aaron.

I deserve thirty thousand dollars.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 47 / Page 9 / 75% target

13%

Frank dies by falling, creating the darkest moment and leaving Aaron in shock.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 51 / Page 10 / 80% target

13%

The group discovers Frank’s body and debates hiding it, symbolizing utter chaos and moral low.

Oh shit! Call an ambulance.
13

Break into Three

Scene 56 / Page 11 / 85% target

12%

Oscar’s suicide threat on the roof forces everyone to confront their crises and rally to save the day.

I'm going to jump. She's cheating on me!
14

Finale

Scenes 69-70 / Pages 12-13 / 95% target

14%

Aaron finally delivers the eulogy successfully, resolving his internal struggle and reuniting family.

He taught us to go for what we wanted in life, because you never know how long you're...
15

Final Image

Scene 72 / Page 13 / 99% target

10%

Aaron and Ryan discuss their mother’s future, showing resolution and life moving forward.