Save the Cat rankings

MAY DECEMBER script analysis

MAY DECEMBER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A film actress, Elizabeth Berry, travels to Savannah to research a local woman, Gracie, whose scandalous past involves a relationship with a judge. As Elizabeth immerses herself in Gracie’s community, she forms an unexpected bond with Gracie and her family while exploring themes of redemption, identity, and truth. Ultimately Elizabeth confronts her own motivations and carries Gracie’s story back to her craft.

42 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 71 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

The film opens with a monarch butterfly laying an egg, symbolizing fragile beginnings and transformation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

8%

Elizabeth’s offhand “It’s quaint” hints at questioning authenticity and the nature of perception.

Yeah... It's quaint...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

10%

Elizabeth arrives in Savannah, checks into the inn, and we meet Gracie, Joe, and their community preparing for a gathering.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 5 / 12% target

10%

Elizabeth’s first meeting at the Atherton-Yoo house brings her directly into Gracie’s world and launches her investigation.

5

Debate

Scenes 10-15 / Pages 5-8 / 20% target

11%

Elizabeth wrestles with her motivations and ethics as she uncovers conflicting stories about Gracie.

It's such a pleasure to meet you.
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / Page 11 / 25% target

10%

Entering the “upside-down” new world, Elizabeth joins Gracie in a flower-arranging class, deepening their connection.

Oh, thank you, yeah.
7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 9 / 30% target

9%

Joe and Gracie’s tense moment in bed underscores the emotional subplot about family and past wounds.

You smell like charcoal.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 17 / Page 9 / 40% target

8%

Joe’s playful collection of butterfly eggs and Elizabeth’s continued sleuthing offer lighter exploration of themes.

9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / Page 14 / 50% target

10%

The caterpillars hatch, mirroring a pivotal transformation and raising stakes for both Elizabeth and Joe.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 32 / Page 14 / 65% target

10%

Joe discovers a hidden letter, threatening to expose buried secrets and tensions.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / Page 22 / 75% target

11%

Joe returns to find the house dark and silent, signifying the apparent collapse of family harmony.

Joyce Mercer called and cancelled her order, and all future orders.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 50 / Page 22 / 80% target

11%

Gracie is found crying in the bedroom, highlighting emotional nadir and isolation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 53 / Page 23 / 85% target

9%

Honor’s arrival at the airport provides the impetus for resolution and forces all to confront the past.

14

Finale

Scene 68 / Page 27 / 95% target

10%

Joe and Elizabeth share the nebulizer, exchange letters, and consummate their intimacy, resolving emotional arcs.

Thank you - you saved my life.
15

Final Image

Scene 81 / Page 30 / 99% target

12%

Elizabeth performing as Gracie on set underscores cyclical transformation and the enduring power of story.

Wait-- can we try it again? For me?