Save the Cat rankings

HOLIDAY script analysis

HOLIDAY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

HOLIDAY follows two women, Iris and Amanda, who swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected romance and self‐discovery. Iris retreats to Los Angeles and connects with screenwriter Miles and veteran writer Arthur Abbott, while Amanda bonds with widower Graham in Surrey. Through fun and games and personal setbacks, both face their deepest fears about love and ultimately embrace new beginnings. The story culminates in a New Year’s Eve celebration uniting all characters.

68 Save the Cat fit score 32% analysis confidence / 47 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Miles composing music establishes the story’s romantic, introspective tone.

I have found almost everything ever written about love to be true. Shakespeare said, "Journeys end when lovers...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

28%

Iris declares her love is very over, hinting that the film will explore moving on from lost love.

No, no. No. That's over. Very over.
3

Set-Up

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

35%

We meet Iris in London mourning Jasper’s engagement and Amanda breaking up with Ethan, establishing their parallel loneliness.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 2 / 12% target

30%

Amanda’s breakup over cheating propels her to seek a drastic change of scenery.

It's a coward's way of breaking up. And at it's core, what it is...is unkind. Because it makes...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-11 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

30%

Amanda hesitates about the home exchange while Iris fears new situations alone in Los Angeles.

6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 3 / 25% target

33%

Iris arrives at Amanda’s house and meets Miles, marking her entry into Act Two.

No. Sorry. Amanda's not here. Oh, FU!!
7

B Story

Scenes 17-18 / Pages 5-6 / 30% target

34%

Iris’s friendship with Arthur Abbott deepens, providing emotional guidance.

Oh. I'm having a little Chanukah party.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-24 / Pages 6-8 / 40% target

31%

Playful interactions at the Chanukah party and Amanda’s bonding with Graham’s family deliver the ‘promise of the premise.’

9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / Page 10 / 50% target

32%

The tribute discussion with Arthur marks a high‐stakes pivot: Iris begins to believe in her new life.

I counted. Nine movies are opening today. I remember when nine movies would open in a month.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 37-39 / Pages 12-13 / 65% target

30%

Old insecurities resurge as Iris and Miles clash over romantic issues, and Amanda juggles feelings for Graham.

Why do I always fall for the bad girl?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Page 15 / 75% target

33%

Iris ends her toxic relationship with Jasper, feeling she’s lost her chance at love again.

It's over. This twisted toxic thing between us is finally finished.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 46 / Page 15 / 80% target

30%

Arthur’s award night leaves Iris and Miles reflecting on their futures apart.

If I came over there, would you go out with me New Year's Eve?
13

Break into Three

Scene 46 / Page 15 / 85% target

30%

Miles asks Iris out for New Year’s Eve, giving her a clear new goal.

If I came over there, would you go out with me New Year's Eve?
14

Finale

Scene 47 / Page 16 / 95% target

32%

At the New Year’s Eve party, both couples unite, resolving their story arcs.

15

Final Image

Scene 47 / Page 16 / 99% target

30%

The celebratory party mirrors the opening tone but with characters transformed by love and hope.