Save the Cat rankings

NO HARD FEELINGS script analysis

NO HARD FEELINGS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Rebellious Margot is forced into a paid companionship arrangement taking care of shy Percy in a beach town. As they bond through quirky adventures and prom night, her original scheme unravels, leading to betrayal. After a catastrophic car sabotage and tense fallout, they reconcile on the beach before parting ways. The story closes on Margot driving off alone, changed by the experience.

75 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 43 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

We open on Margot’s car being towed for unpaid taxes, establishing her precarious situation.

Court order for asset seizure. Gotta pay your property taxes, Margot.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 5% target

60%

Margot’s flippant attitude toward money and relationships hints at learning to value genuine connection.

This car's only a thousand. No that's just for tires.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 2-4 / 10% target

70%

We see Margot’s daily life and legal woes: rollerblading to work, stealing back her car, and consulting a public defender.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 12% target

75%

Margot meets Percy’s parents, formalizing the paid date arrangement that sets the plot in motion.

I'll date his brains out.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 7-9 / 20% target

68%

Percy’s nervous reaction—trying to mace Margot and questioning the tow truck—tests her commitment to the deal.

Where's the rest of my seatbelt?
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 25% target

72%

Their first official date at the town bar solidifies them as a duo entering the main story.

Am I allowed to be here?
7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 22 / 30% target

66%

Percy’s friend Jean appears, introducing deeper emotional stakes and a support thread.

So this is the famous Margot. I've heard a lot about you.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-21 / Pages 16-21 / 40% target

70%

Montage of Margot and Percy exercising dogs and playing arcade games shows their growing bond and lighthearted moments.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 26-29 / Pages 26-29 / 50% target

75%

Prom night as a false victory—fun and intimacy turn to conflict when Percy and Margot argue in the limo.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 32-34 / Pages 32-34 / 65% target

78%

Percy learns Margot’s initial motive—steer him to Princeton in exchange for her car—shattering trust.

Forget about that deal. The car is yours.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 38 / Page 38 / 75% target

80%

Percy’s sabotage causes the Buick to roll off a cliff; this seems like their relationship is irreparably broken.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 39 / Page 39 / 80% target

75%

After confrontation and a tense encounter, both face regret and the wreckage of their bond.

It wasn't personal. I was just trying to save my house.
13

Break into Three

Scene 40 / Page 40 / 85% target

72%

Percy impulsively drives with Margot clinging to the hood, signaling a reckless attempt to fix things.

You're blocking my line of sight!
14

Finale

Scenes 41-42 / Pages 41-42 / 95% target

77%

They survive the bonfire crash and share a heartfelt conversation on the beach, reconciling and finding closure.

I can't believe you jumped on my hood.
15

Final Image

Scene 43 / Page 43 / 99% target

70%

Margot drives away alone from Montauk, changed by her experience caring for Percy.