Save the Cat rankings

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL script analysis

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Heartbroken Peter retreats to Hawaii after Sarah breaks up with him, only to encounter her and struggle through self-sabotage before finding new love with Rachel and reclaiming his confidence. The midpoint shift from mourning to romantic possibility propels him into fun and games, but old feelings sabotage his progress until he learns to own his mistakes. Ultimately, Peter finds redemption both in love and career.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 27 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Peter is alone, depressed, hungover in his apartment after the breakup.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 5% target

15%

Sarah tells Peter she loves him but must end the relationship, hinting at moving on.

Pete, as you know, I love you very much. But...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

12%

We meet Peter’s rut—his apartment, friends checking in, and his refusal to move past Sarah.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 12% target

15%

Sarah arrives to break up, shattering Peter’s world.

Pete, as you know, I love you very much. But...
5

Debate

Scenes 4-5 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

13%

Peter debates his next move, as Brian scolds him and he contemplates escaping the pain.

Can we please focus on the fact that the love my life has just dumped me? It’s going...
6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 3 / 25% target

14%

Peter checks into the Hawaiian resort, committing to a new world.

7

B Story

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

14%

Peter meets Rachel at the front desk and in the surf lesson, introducing his true love interest.

Well, it is Hawaii. Do you surf?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-12 / Pages 4-6 / 40% target

15%

Peter learns to surf, shares romantic moments with Rachel at the waterfall and food stand.

Well, maybe put your feet up against the cliff and like...shoot yourself off.
9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 50% target

16%

Peter overcomes fear, jumps the waterfall, and kisses Rachel—stakes shift to romantic hope.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 65% target

14%

Peter is tormented by Sarah and William’s loud sex next door, his old pain closing in.

SARAH MARSHALL AND WILLIAM WHATEVER, THIS IS PETER BRETTER. PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 23 / Page 8 / 75% target

14%

Peter impulsively breaks up with Rachel, hitting rock bottom in love.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 24-25 / Page 9 / 80% target

13%

Peter yells at Sarah and says goodbye at the airport, despairing his choices.

13

Break into Three

Scene 26 / Page 10 / 85% target

12%

Peter resolves to win Rachel back, attempting to apologize.

14

Finale

Scene 27 / Page 11 / 95% target

14%

Peter’s Dracula musical succeeds, demonstrating his personal and professional growth.

15

Final Image

Scene 27 / Page 11 / 99% target

14%

On stage triumphant, Peter contrasts the defeated man at the start.