Save the Cat rankings

Liar Liar script analysis

Liar Liar script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Fletcher Reid, a fast-talking lawyer and habitual liar, is forced by his son’s birthday wish to tell the truth for 24 hours. As his career and personal life spiral into chaos, he must learn honesty to win back his family and career. Through courtroom hijinks, jail time, and a dramatic airport chase, Fletcher discovers the value of truth and love.

85 Save the Cat fit score 86% analysis confidence / 63 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

80%

Max describes his father as a liar, establishing Fletcher’s dishonest world.

My dad? He's . . . a liar.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / 5% target

78%

The simple declaration “My dad? He’s… a liar” foreshadows the theme of truth vs. deception.

My dad? He's . . . a liar.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-10 / 10% target

82%

We see Fletcher’s life: divorce cases, ex-wife tensions, and his success built on lies.

4

Catalyst

Scene 20 / 12% target

88%

Max’s birthday wish “for just one day, Dad couldn’t tell a lie” triggers the central conflict.

I wish, for just one day, Dad couldn't tell a lie.
5

Debate

Scenes 21-23 / 20% target

84%

Fletcher tests his vow—he tells Miranda the truth and is kicked out, then awakes shocked that he can no longer lie.

6

Break into Two

Scene 23 / 25% target

85%

Fletcher fully commits when he wakes to find he told the truth to Miranda and cannot lie anymore.

7

B Story

Scene 19 / 30% target

80%

Fletcher’s relationship with Audrey and Max deepens as he misses the birthday cake and concerns mount.

Fletcher, where are you? We're getting ready to cut the cake.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-30 / 40% target

88%

Comic scenes show Fletcher’s truth‐telling curse wreaking havoc at work and in his personal life.

I have lower standards, Your Honor.
9

Midpoint

Scene 48 / 50% target

87%

In cross‐examination Fletcher exposes Falk’s lies, a false victory that raises stakes.

YOU HAD SEX WITH HER EVERYTIME YOU MET, DIDN'T YOU? DIDN'T YOU?!!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 50 / 65% target

84%

Virginia contests custody immediately after losing the case, escalating Fletcher’s crisis.

No! I'm contesting custody.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 51 / 75% target

90%

Fletcher’s courtroom breakdown and removal signify his lowest professional and personal point.

Screw that!! She lies and she wins?! What are we, nuts? This woman --my client -- goes down...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 55 / 80% target

82%

In jail he calls Audrey, desperate to fix things but faces her refusal.

13

Break into Three

Scene 56 / 85% target

79%

Greta bails him out, giving Fletcher a new plan to win back his family.

14

Finale

Scene 60 / 95% target

85%

Fletcher’s epic chase on the airport tarmac marks his final effort to reach his family.

It's right here, honey.
15

Final Image

Scene 63 / 99% target

88%

The park scene shows the family reunited and Fletcher’s transformation complete.