Save the Cat rankings

Ricky Stanicky script analysis

Ricky Stanicky script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

After a juvenile prank sparks an identity lie that resurfaces two decades later, Ted enlists an actor to impersonate the fictitious Ricky Stanicky to cover personal and professional embarrassments. As the ruse brings unexpected success in his career, it strains his relationships and forces Ted to confront the fallout of his long-held lie. Ultimately, Ted must choose between maintaining the charade and repairing the bonds he’s broken.

80 Save the Cat fit score 7% analysis confidence / 59 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

Introduces three boys in Halloween costumes plotting a prank, establishing the tone of mischief.

A dog? That's your costume? Lame.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 5% target

6%

The boys coin ‘Ricky Stanicky’ to evade blame, foreshadowing the theme of identity and deception.

3

Set-Up

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 10% target

5%

Twenty years later Ted and Erin prepare for a dinner party, establishing Ted’s comfortable adult life.

I got the wine and the cheese. And I slipped the tomato guy an extra ten bucks so...
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 12% target

5%

Ted receives a mysterious text from ‘Ricky’, reigniting the made-up persona and upending his life.

5

Debate

Scene 20 / Page 9 / 20% target

6%

The friends worry the lie will be uncovered, debating the risks of bringing Ricky into their adult lives.

Just when I think I'm out, you pull me back in.
6

Break into Two

Scene 26 / Page 12 / 25% target

6%

Lambert publicly hires Rod as ‘Ricky Stanicky’, shifting Ted’s world into Act II and committing to the deception.

Our new head of sales is going to be Ricky Stanicky.
7

B Story

Scene 17 / Page 8 / 30% target

5%

Erin and Susan suggest inviting Ricky to Ted’s birthday, tying the lie to Ted’s romantic life.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 40% target

5%

The guys revel in Vegas, showcasing the comedic possibilities of Ted’s unusual arrangement.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / Page 11 / 50% target

6%

Rod, as Ricky, gives an emotional toast at the golf range, raising the stakes and deepening emotional investment.

That's Ted. Always doing stuff for other people. Tonight, we're doing something for you. Happy birthday, buddy.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 29 / Page 13 / 65% target

6%

Ted accuses Rod of stealing his presentation, as professional and personal pressures tighten.

I was supposed to be giving that presentation. I was supposed to be the head of sales. You're...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 57 / Page 18 / 75% target

6%

Office staff discover Ted and Rod fighting, leading to Ted’s public humiliation and seeming defeat.

He's not Ricky Stanicky.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 30 / Page 14 / 80% target

5%

Ted sits alone in his office, reflecting on the damage caused by his deception.

13

Break into Three

Scene 56 / Page 17 / 85% target

6%

Ted decides to come clean about Ricky’s origin, marking the pivot to resolution.

I used a made up friend to get out of some things like your dinner party and I...
14

Finale

Scene 59 / Page 20 / 95% target

5%

The group reunites to watch Rod perform, celebrating honesty and the bonds of friendship.

I'm Liesl. I'm 16 years old and I don't need a governess.
15

Final Image

Scene 58 / Page 19 / 99% target

5%

Ted and Erin reconcile on the golf range using the Ricky Stanicky name, completing their emotional journey.

Where you going? You got a 5 o'clock.