Save the Cat rankings

PARIAH script analysis

PARIAH script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Teenager Alike struggles with her gender identity and family expectations while navigating love and self-discovery. Through club scenes, school interactions, and a burgeoning relationship with Bina, she confronts rejection and internal conflict. A climactic fallout with her parents propels her to embrace her true self. Ultimately, Alike leaves home to pursue college and a more authentic life.

85 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 87 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Introduces Alike’s discomfort in a crowded nightclub, setting her outsider status.

Where your singles at?!! Where your singles at?!! Yeah, baby!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 18 / 5% target

10%

Mrs. Alvarado’s critique of Alike’s poetry hints at the personal authenticity theme.

They're lovely. Of course your descriptiveness and use of alliteration is beautiful and all, you know that. But...I...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-9 / 10% target

10%

Establishes Alike’s daily life: club rejection, tense family dynamic, school routine.

4

Catalyst

Scene 25 / 12% target

10%

Laura suggests Alike change her image with a dildo, sparking Alike’s identity experiment.

All I'm saying is that I don't think you should put yourself out there like that.
5

Debate

Scenes 26-27 / 20% target

10%

Alike debates wearing the dildo at the club, questioning whether it fits her.

Laura, this doesn't look right. I'ma look stupid.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 27-28 / 25% target

10%

Alike goes back to the nightclub with the dildo, committing to change her presentation.

This joint hurts, man. I'ma go take it off.
7

B Story

Scenes 34-36 / 30% target

10%

Meeting Bina at church introduces the romantic subplot and Alike’s first emotional connection.

Lee, Bina goes to the same school as you.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 37-50 / 40% target

10%

Alike explores poetry, friendship with Laura and Bina, and her identity in various settings.

9

Midpoint

Scene 51 / 50% target

15%

Bina kisses Alike, marking a false victory in romance and self-expression.

Why'd you do that for?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 69-70 / 65% target

15%

Bina rejects Alike and Alike breaks down in the street, pressure closing in.

Look, I'm not gay okay? This isn't me--I wasn't--I'm not ready for all this...
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 70-71 / 75% target

15%

Alike experiences an emotional collapse and yells at her mother during high tension.

I'M NOT YOUR HUSBAND!!!!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 72-75 / 80% target

15%

Alike destroys feminine clothes and contemplates her place in her family and identity.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 81-83 / 85% target

15%

After family tension cools, Alike decides to leave home to find herself at college.

You want to say grace?
14

Finale

Scenes 84-86 / 95% target

15%

Alike says goodbye to her mother and Arthur, reconciling and embracing her future.

15

Final Image

Scene 88 / 99% target

15%

Alike departs on the bus, symbolizing her journey toward authenticity.