Save the Cat rankings

Real Genius script analysis

Real Genius script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Real Genius opens with high-tech military spectacle before introducing brilliant student Mitch at a science fair. He navigates college life, forming friendships and mischief, only to discover his research is weaponized. After betrayal and academic peril, he and Chris engineer a clever retribution. The film closes on a triumphant, popcorn-filled finale.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 27 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the film’s tone with a dramatic B-1 bomber maneuver.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

11%

Officials casually discuss the ethics of a super-weapon, hinting at moral cost.

Nice little weapon isn't it, Dave?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

10%

We see military power, attending officials, then shift to academic world prep.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

10%

Mitch learns he’s been admitted to PEI, launching his college journey.

I just got word from the admissions committee. We did it. Mitch is in.
5

Debate

Scene 10 / 20% target

10%

Mitch hesitates about fitting in when he meets charismatic Chris.

What a game. I'm Chris Kinsley.
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / 25% target

11%

They break rules by cheating vending machines with liquid nitrogen, embracing the campus playground.

7

B Story

Scene 11 / 30% target

10%

Mitch’s roommate introduces him to Jordan, planting seeds of romance.

Hi, good morning, I thought I saw you come in here, you must be an earlier riser, we...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-14 / 40% target

10%

Montage of campus hijinks: cheating machines, lab experiments, and a wild party.

9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / 50% target

11%

Their laser test causes a campus-wide blackout; stakes shift from fun to fallout.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / 65% target

11%

Atherton interrupts the party, reprimanding Mitch and tightening control.

You were supposed to be in the lab tonight.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 20 / 75% target

11%

Atherton withdraws Mitch’s recommendation, threatening his career.

I'm withdrawing your recommendation to PEI.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 21 / 80% target

11%

Chris and Mitch hide under a bomber, reflecting on their powerless situation.

Everything all right?
13

Break into Three

Scene 22 / 85% target

10%

Mitch radios Kent with instructions, formulating their comeback plan.

Oh, I thought you were gone.
14

Finale

Scene 25 / 95% target

11%

They confront Atherton en masse, executing their elaborate revenge.

Yes, sir, I do, but first may I take this opportunity to compliment you on your fashion sense.
15

Final Image

Scene 27 / 99% target

11%

The house explodes in popcorn, a playful reversal on the opening’s deadly laser.

I think you used too much.