Save the Cat rankings

Hot Tub Time Machine script analysis

Hot Tub Time Machine script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A group of friends set off on a bachelor party to a disappointing ski resort, only to discover their hot tub is a time machine. Hijinks ensue across multiple timelines as romantic and personal issues surface, culminating in a final chance to correct their mistakes.

70 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 39 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Introduces Adam in his domestic life packing for his bachelor party, setting the contrast to the coming adventure.

Ready for the wildest bachelor party of all time?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

50%

Lily’s affectionate goodbye hints at fidelity and the cost of wild behavior.

I can't wait for you to come back and marry me. Wow, that's crazy.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-7 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

50%

The friends assemble, arrive at the rundown resort, and prepare for their getaway, establishing character dynamics and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / Page 4 / 12% target

60%

They wake up hungover in the hot tub, realizing something has gone very wrong.

Oh my god, I wanna die.
5

Debate

Scene 14 / Page 5 / 20% target

60%

They argue over how to activate the hot tub time machine, debating experimental methods.

Guys, we're running out of ideas here! I mean we tried the scientist, the tub -- what the...
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Page 5 / 25% target

60%

They pivot from the hot tub to using a DeLorean, formally entering the adventure of time travel.

Rental car agency fucked us! There's no flux capacitor.
7

B Story

Scene 26 / Page 9 / 30% target

50%

Adam reunites with Jennie playing Monopoly, igniting the romantic subplot.

Oooh, Atlantic Avenue. That's gonna cost you.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 23 / Page 7 / 40% target

50%

The 80s house party showcases the promise of the setup with humorous, period-specific antics.

This sweater makes me look like a jerkoff.
9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / Page 9 / 50% target

60%

Adam wakes to Jennie in his room, raising the stakes in both time travel and romance.

What are you doing here?!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 30 / Page 10 / 65% target

50%

Nick’s disastrous phone call intensifies internal conflicts and threatens the group’s unity.

Baby, I gotta go. Just think about what I said. We're so great together. It's like when we're...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 36 / Page 12 / 75% target

60%

A fight over a Red Bull ends with a dramatic time jump, leaving them stranded in the past again.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 37 / Page 12 / 80% target

60%

Aged and wealthy Lou returns, revealing the devastating consequences of time tampering.

13

Break into Three

Scene 38 / Page 13 / 85% target

60%

Lou confesses he killed his younger self, forcing the group to find a true solution.

14

Finale

Scene 39 / Page 14 / 95% target

50%

Adam reconciles with Lily at the rehearsal dinner, using lessons learned to repair his relationship.

15

Final Image

Scene 39 / Page 14 / 99% target

50%

Mirrors the opening domestic scene but now with Adam committed and changed by his journey.