Save the Cat rankings

Miss Congeniality script analysis

Miss Congeniality script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Undercover agent Gracie Hart is thrust into the world of beauty pageants to prevent a terrorist attack. As she navigates pageant training, she confronts her own prejudices and learns to connect with contestants. Tensions rise as the threat materializes, culminating in Gracie saving the pageant and finding personal growth and love.

80 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Establishes ordinary world of New York City before inciting events.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

60%

Vic’s mockery of pageant women hints at theme of authenticity versus appearance.

The horror. These are not actual women, are they? These things were created in a offshore rubber factory...
3

Set-Up

Scene 2 / 10% target

80%

Introduces Gracie undercover and FBI milieu, establishing her character and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

80%

FBI assigns Gracie to the pageant case, propelling her into a new world.

Roger. And don't call me sweetheart, Beefcake.
5

Debate

Scene 7 / 20% target

70%

Gracie and Vic argue over fashion and values, questioning if she fits this assignment.

Let me tell you something—yours is a generation that prides itself on it's so-called individuality. All this trumpeting...
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

80%

Gracie emerges in pageant attire, fully committing to her new role.

7

B Story

Scene 17 / 30% target

60%

Gracie’s return to teaching and mentoring students provides her emotional subplot.

Joe, I'll take care of it. You look like you're ready to kill someone.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 8 / 40% target

70%

Gracie tries out pageant gadgets, showcasing the humorous 'fish out of water' elements.

You have her ready by tomorrow morning or I'll punch your face in.
9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / 50% target

80%

Kathy intervenes at the press conference, marking Gracie’s partial victory and raising stakes.

Now, in answer to your question, the by-laws clearly state that if Miss New Jersey and the first...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 11 / 65% target

70%

Kathy reprimands them, increasing internal and external pressure on Gracie.

You are the most incorrigible woman I've had in thirty years of pageantry!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / 75% target

70%

Gracie and Eric fight about her respectability, showing her lowest personal point.

No, everyone respected your mother. You on the other hand — I don't know if anyone respects you....
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 14 / 80% target

70%

Contestants share traumas, and Gracie reflects on her own strengths and vulnerabilities.

She was shot by terrorists. Who else can say that about their mother?
13

Break into Three

Scene 15 / 85% target

60%

Gracie applies her policing skills in a staged demo, resolving her internal doubts.

Bring your foot directly up into his groin area —
14

Finale

Scene 16 / 95% target

80%

Gracie stops the bomb, confronts villains, and saves the pageant.

Give it to me! It's going to blow up!
15

Final Image

Scene 19 / 99% target

70%

Gracie’s date with Eric shows her transformed personal life and balance between worlds.

Hey, teach. Long time no see.