Save the Cat rankings

Four Weddings & A Funeral script analysis

Four Weddings & A Funeral script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Jessica Daniels, a political operative in New York, is abruptly invited to her college friend Ainsley’s wedding in London. On her trip, she confronts personal betrayals, including her own past affair and Ainsley’s fiancé’s infidelity. Through a series of crises—from crashed weddings to family reckonings—Jess reevaluates love, loyalty, and career. Ultimately, she finds new purpose both personally and professionally.

75 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 77 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

The film opens on Jess’s apartment, the aftermath of a romantic dinner, establishing her single but emotionally complicated life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

20%

Jess’s phone call with her father touches on generational and cultural misunderstandings, hinting at the film’s theme of communication and connection.

This is a texting culture. For my generation, when someone calls you, it means someone died. I don’t...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-7 / Page 1 / 10% target

20%

We meet Jess at home, see her rush to work, handle office politics, and learn of her secret affair, establishing her world and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

20%

Jess receives Ainsley’s wedding invitation, a direct call to an inciting event that disrupts her routine.

Oh, and you got this in the mail. I think it’s a wedding invitation?
5

Debate

Scene 15 / 20% target

20%

Jess debates her own affair with Senator Ted, torn between career ambitions and personal integrity.

-- because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 33-35 / 25% target

20%

Jess boards a plane to London, leaving her old life behind and entering Act Two in a new setting.

7

B Story

Scenes 18-21 / 30% target

20%

Kash’s London life is introduced—his audition and family tensions—setting up the secondary romantic thread.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-27 / 40% target

20%

At Ainsley’s pre-wedding events, Jess navigates old friendships and social rituals, providing the film’s lighter, fish-out-of-water moments.

9

Midpoint

Scene 37 / 50% target

20%

Jess reunites with Ainsley at Heathrow, raising personal stakes as buried tensions resurface.

No. Not now. I’m getting married tomorrow. As soon as we start talking about this, I’ll start crying,...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 56 / 65% target

20%

Jess discovers Kash’s infidelity in the garden, as external betrayals threaten both friendships and budding romances.

Oh hello. I’m Jess, the maid of honor from the wedding that just happened.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 62 / 75% target

20%

The wedding collapses when Jess reveals the truth, marking the story’s lowest point.

Hi! I’m Jessica Daniels, the maid of honor. And unfortunately, I have some bad news. Ainsley and Kash...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 71 / 80% target

20%

On the drive home with Gemma, Jess grapples with guilt, disillusionment, and uncertainty about her path forward.

13

Break into Three

Scene 76 / 85% target

20%

Andrew offers Jess a political job, presenting a new direction and merging her personal growth with professional opportunity.

I’m in the public eye and could use someone like you on my team. I’m up for reelection...
14

Finale

Scene 77 / 95% target

20%

Jess reconciles with Ainsley, demonstrating her emotional growth and solidifying new relationships.

15

Final Image

Scene 77 / 99% target

20%

The closing shot of Jess and Ainsley together mirrors the opening’s intimacy but with renewed connection and hope.