Save the Cat rankings

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA script analysis

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The film follows Lee Chandler, a withdrawn Boston maintenance man, who must return to his hometown after his brother’s death and become guardian to his nephew Patrick, confronting his traumatic past.

0 Save the Cat fit score 0% analysis confidence / 140 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Establishes Lee’s solitary, routine life as a custodian in Boston.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

20%

Mrs. Groom’s Bat Mitzvah quip hints at coping with life’s milestones and grief.

No, it’s my sister Janine’s oldest girl’s Bat Mitzvah...No, I look forward to being bored to death... No,...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-13 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

30%

Shows Lee’s abrasive interactions at work and his isolated bar routines, establishing his emotional state.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 15-16 / Pages 5-6 / 12% target

30%

Phone call informs Lee that his brother Joe has died, forcing change.

Hello ... This is Lee ... Oh ... When did that happen? ... Well, how is he? ......
5

Debate

Scenes 20-27 / Pages 6-10 / 20% target

30%

Lee hesitates over handling Joe’s death and recalling flashbacks of family trauma.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 35-37 / Pages 10-11 / 25% target

30%

Lee drives into Manchester-by-the-Sea, crossing into new act and responsibilities.

7

B Story

Scenes 45-46 / Pages 11-12 / 30% target

30%

Lee reconnects with nephew Patrick at hockey practice, beginning their relationship arc.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 53-58 / Pages 12-14 / 40% target

30%

Lee navigates Joe’s house, rules, and Patrick’s friends, blending awkward family moments.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 75-76 / Pages 14-15 / 50% target

30%

Lee learns he’s named Patrick’s guardian, raising stakes in their bond and his past.

I can’t be Patrick’s guardian.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 79-81 / Pages 15-17 / 65% target

30%

Patrick’s panic attack and Lee’s triggering memories intensify internal and external pressures.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 87-88 / Pages 17-18 / 75% target

30%

Lee breaks a window in frustration, seeming unable to cope with guardianship and past guilt.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 90-92 / Pages 18-19 / 80% target

30%

Lee watches Patrick leave on the boat, feeling isolated and doubting his ability to care for him.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 112-113 / Pages 20-21 / 85% target

30%

Lee and Patrick bond selling guns and fixing the boat, forging a plan forward together.

14

Finale

Scenes 125-126 / Pages 21-22 / 95% target

30%

Lee takes active role in Patrick’s life, running chores and supporting him, accepting his new life.

I gotta go do some chores.
15

Final Image

Scenes 139-140 / Pages 22-23 / 99% target

30%

Lee and Patrick fish together on the open sea, mirroring the opening but now united.