Save the Cat rankings

Promising Young Woman script analysis

Promising Young Woman script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Cassandra, traumatized by her friend’s assault and death, leads a double life exposing predatory men. She lures offenders in flashy revenge set‐pieces while nurturing a tentative relationship with Ryan. After uncovering damning evidence against Al Monroe, she escalates her plan to confront him directly at his bachelor party. The finale sees Cassandra’s ultimate sacrifice revealed when her scheme is exposed at the wedding.

85 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 45 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

A bleak club environment establishes the misogynistic world Cassandra inhabits.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Paul’s remark about the golf club not letting women play foreshadows the film’s critique of male privilege.

I think it’s because the golf club doesn’t let women play there.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-7 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

35%

We see Cassandra feign drunkenness to entrap Jez, then reveal she’s sober, establishing her mission and daily life.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

30%

Cassandra steps in to protect a teenage girl, signalling her broader crusade against predators.

5

Debate

Scene 14 / Pages 12-14 / 20% target

30%

Her hesitation and awkwardness on a real date with Ryan highlight her internal conflict.

6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / Pages 14-16 / 25% target

30%

Cassandra plunges into Act Two by pursuing a genuine connection with Ryan.

7

B Story

Scene 14 / Pages 12-14 / 30% target

30%

Her budding romance with Ryan provides emotional stakes alongside her revenge plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-26 / Pages 20-25 / 40% target

35%

Cassandra’s elaborate lunches with Madison showcase her tactical cat-and-mouse games.

9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / Pages 25-27 / 50% target

35%

Confronting Dean Walker marks the emotional and narrative midpoint where past trauma resurfaces.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 33 / Pages 27-29 / 65% target

35%

Viewing the assault video intensifies danger as evidence compels her deeper into vengeance.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 34 / Pages 29-30 / 75% target

30%

Ryan’s hospital scene underscores her isolation when she can’t confide her true mission.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 36 / Pages 30-31 / 80% target

30%

Telling her mother she’s away highlights Cassandra’s fear she’ll never escape her vendetta.

13

Break into Three

Scene 35 / Pages 30-32 / 85% target

35%

Blackmailing Ryan for the bachelor‐party location launches her final plan.

14

Finale

Scenes 38-42 / Pages 32-40 / 95% target

30%

The cabin ambush and subsequent discovery of Cassandra’s body drive the revenge plot to its climax.

15

Final Image

Scene 45 / Pages 40-45 / 99% target

30%

The police interruption at the wedding mirrors the opening’s male spectacle, bookending the story.