Save the Cat rankings

ME & EARL & THE DYING GIRL script analysis

ME & EARL & THE DYING GIRL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Greg, a self-deprecating teenager, struggles to write about his senior year and dying friend. Awkward high school encounters catalyze his guilt and loyalty, leading to conflicts with Earl and heartfelt advice from Mr. McCarthy. Ultimately, Greg reconciles his creative voice and friendship through honest reflection.

50 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 11 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Greg sits at his desk unable to begin his story, establishing his writer’s block and emotional state.

I have no idea how to tell this story.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

15%

Mr. McCarthy shares his soup, hinting at nourishment and connection as remedies for emotional hunger.

It’s Vietnamese. They call it pho.
3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / 10% target

25%

Greg commits to starting his narrative, introducing his story-within-a-story device and stakes.

All right. Look. I’ll just start. This is the story of my senior year of high school, and...
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

30%

Greg’s ill-timed joke in the cafeteria highlights his social ineptitude and deepens his conflict with peers.

Yeah, you better not put it too close to me, because I might, uh, just masturbate all over...
5

Debate

Scene 8 / 20% target

25%

Walking to Earl’s house, Greg wrestles with anger and loyalty over the leaked secret.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

30%

Greg confronts Earl and they fight, marking his entry into active conflict.

Nobody give a shit about you. Nobody... give a shit.
7

B Story

Scene 7 / 30% target

30%

Greg and Rachel’s argument about prom and treatment deepens their emotional bond.

I think I’m probably gonna stop treatment pretty soon.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 2 / 40% target

20%

Greg’s fantasy of a carefree life underscores his yearning for normalcy and comedic style.

9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / 50% target

20%

Mr. McCarthy’s insight about death and learning shifts Greg’s understanding of mortality.

It just means that, even if someone dies, you’re still gonna keep learning about them. You know? Their...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 5 / 65% target

15%

Social embarrassment and Greg’s own self-doubt intensify after the cafeteria incident.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 11 / 75% target

25%

Greg faces the emotional low point as he watches Earl’s video message alone.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 11 / 80% target

20%

Greg records his message in darkness, grappling with regret and hope.

13

Break into Three

Scene 11 / 85% target

20%

Greg finds resolve to speak truthfully in his video message, moving toward resolution.

14

Finale

Scene 11 / 95% target

20%

Greg’s recorded message serves as catharsis, affirming his growth and relationships.

15

Final Image

Scene 11 / 99% target

20%

The closing video frames mirror the opening struggle, now filled with purpose.