Save the Cat rankings

Single White Female script analysis

Single White Female script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Allison moves in with a seemingly perfect new roommate, Hedra, after a rough breakup. As they bond over work and personal struggles, Hedra’s dark obsession unfolds. Allison must navigate trust and identity as Hedra’s behavior escalates to deadly extremes, leading to a final confrontation.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 54 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Introduces Allison’s domestic life and her relationship with Sam, establishing normalcy.

So how many kids do we want ?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

Sam’s ex-wife call hints at trust issues and the theme of intimate betrayal.

Sam, it's your ex-wife.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

75%

Establishes Allison’s life, her relationship drama with Sam, and introduces Graham as an observer.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 12% target

80%

Hedra arrives for the interview and moves in, triggering the story’s main conflict.

5

Debate

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

70%

Allison grows close to Hedra but notices unsettling behavior regarding the puppy, questioning their compatibility.

I know I shouldn't have, but they were just giving him away... in the market.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 6 / 25% target

75%

Allison fully accepts Hedra as roommate, unaware of the darker side of this choice.

7

B Story

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 30% target

70%

Graham’s introduction and silent interest in Allison set up the secondary romantic/support story.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 13 / Page 8 / 40% target

75%

Allison and Hedra bond over work and a playful “family portrait,” showcasing their growing friendship.

God, Hedy, thanks. I never would've got it done without you.
9

Midpoint

Scene 27 / Page 17 / 50% target

80%

Hedra overhears Allison confiding in Graham, revealing her surveillance and raising stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 34 / Page 19 / 65% target

85%

Hedra murders Sam in the hotel, showing her lethal obsession and Allison’s danger.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Page 21 / 75% target

80%

Hedra forces Allison to type a suicide note, crushing Allison’s hope and autonomy.

I don't want to try to be loved any more. And you know... I don't want to be...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / Page 24 / 80% target

80%

Dragged through the basement, Allison faces despair and the imminent threat of death.

13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 25 / 85% target

75%

Hedra realizes Allison has escaped, giving Allison a renewed chance to fight back.

I'm scared ! Where are you ?
14

Finale

Scene 53 / Page 26 / 95% target

85%

Allison confronts and kills Hedra, resolving the central conflict.

15

Final Image

Scene 54 / Page 27 / 99% target

75%

Allison in her new apartment, reflecting on loss and moving forward, contrasts the opening image.

Graham says that won't bring him back. He says I have to start letting go. He's right.