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ORDINARY PEOPLE script analysis

ORDINARY PEOPLE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ordinary People follows the Jarrett family coping with Conrad’s return from a psychiatric hospital and the residual trauma of his brother’s death. The film explores themes of grief, guilt, and emotional disconnection as Conrad struggles to reintegrate, his parents grow further apart, and he forms new connections. Through therapy sessions, strained family interactions, and a tentative romance, Conrad gradually confronts his pain. Ultimately, the family faces a turning point when Beth decides to leave, forcing Calvin and Conrad to reckon with their loss and each other.

0 Save the Cat fit score 0% analysis confidence / 105 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

36%

The film opens on a tranquil autumn countryside and the school, establishing the Jarrett family’s outwardly serene suburban life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

41%

During choir rehearsal, the theme of seeking inner peace and freedom from anxiety is introduced.

Free from all the world's desires Free of fear and all anxiety Ooooh. Ooooh Ooooh. Ooooh. Alleluia Alleluia...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-11 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

47%

We see Conrad’s nightmares, the cold dynamic between his parents Beth and Calvin, and his isolation at breakfast and school.

4

Catalyst

Scene 24 / Page 8 / 12% target

52%

Conrad secretly calls Dr. Berger from school, setting his healing journey in motion.

Hi. This is Conrad Jarrett calling.
5

Debate

Scenes 28-33 / Pages 9-11 / 20% target

45%

Conrad continues to have nightmares and hesitates before his first appointment with Dr. Berger, reflecting his inner conflict about therapy.

6

Break into Two

Scene 35 / Page 11 / 25% target

50%

Conrad arrives at Dr. Berger’s office and officially begins his therapy sessions, marking his step into Act Two.

Ha! Hi! Come in. It's OK, they all do that.
7

B Story

Scene 38 / Page 12 / 30% target

43%

Conrad’s interactions with peers and meeting Jeannine introduce the emotional subplot of new relationships.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 53-56 / Pages 17-19 / 40% target

48%

Conrad explores social and therapeutic scenarios—meeting Karen, awkward family exchanges, and gardening with Beth—showing his tentative steps toward recovery.

Let's have a great Christmas! Okay? Let's have... a great year.
9

Midpoint

Scene 61 / Page 22 / 50% target

55%

Conrad’s suicide attempt forces the family’s crisis to a head, creating a false defeat that raises the stakes.

Watch your back. Cuts are vertical. He really meant business.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 64-66 / Pages 23-25 / 65% target

50%

Conrad faces pressure to quit swimming, confrontations with friends and coach, and tense therapy sessions heighten his struggles.

What it is you want? I don't know what else to do for you.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 94 / Page 31 / 75% target

58%

Conrad learns of Karen’s suicide, which plunges him into deep guilt and despair.

Yes, hello. Is Karen there? This is Conrad Jarrett, calling. I'm a friend of hers.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 95-98 / Pages 31-34 / 80% target

60%

Flashbacks of Buck’s death and therapy breakthrough highlight Conrad’s internal reckoning with guilt and loss.

...Hang on!, and then you let go!
13

Break into Three

Scene 99 / Page 35 / 85% target

53%

Conrad seeks out Jeannine early morning, signaling his decision to reconnect and move forward.

Hi. I was gonna call but I didn't want to wake anyone.
14

Finale

Scenes 102-103 / Pages 36-37 / 95% target

49%

Conrad returns home and hugs his mother, then Calvin and Beth confront the state of their marriage, leading to resolution steps.

15

Final Image

Scene 105 / Page 38 / 99% target

46%

At dawn, Calvin tells Conrad that Beth has left, echoing the opening’s quiet landscape with a changed family dynamic.

Your mother's going away for a while.