Save the Cat rankings

SMASHED script analysis

SMASHED script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

SMASHED follows Kate, a schoolteacher whose hidden alcoholism spirals out of control after a one-night experiment with crack. Her journey through denial, intervention by her husband Charlie and co-worker Mr. Davies, and the support of AA meetings charts her path from rock bottom to 90-day sobriety—and then backsliding before finally finding stability. The film balances moments of dark comedy with the gravity of addiction.

60 Save the Cat fit score 50% analysis confidence / 68 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Kate is introduced performing karaoke, showing her confidence and joy before her world unravels.

That was so good, baby!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 16 / 5% target

65%

Mr. Davies confronts Kate about drinking, stating “I know you were drinking this morning,” foreshadowing the theme of denial and honesty.

I know you were drinking this morning.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 9-11 / 10% target

60%

We see Kate’s domestic life with Charlie and Owen, her teaching routine, and her secret drinking during a shower and in the car.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 3-4 / 12% target

75%

Kate smokes crack for the first time with Freda, marking the inciting incident that propels her deeper into addiction.

5

Debate

Scenes 18-21 / 20% target

70%

Kate debates going to AA as Charlie encourages her, and she attends a meeting drunk, torn about change.

Well, last night I kinda, um... smoked some crack.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 21-22 / 25% target

65%

After a disastrous first AA meeting, Kate commits to sobriety, choosing active engagement in recovery over continued use.

I'm Kate. I...I'm...I guess I'm a little drunk right now.
7

B Story

Scene 31 / 30% target

60%

Kate’s relationship with Mr. Davies deepens; he reveals his own sobriety and takes on a mentor role.

I'm nine years sober, AA and NA. I used to drink cocaine.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 35-43 / 40% target

65%

Kate experiences “the promise of the premise”—she collects sobriety chips, bonds with AA members, and feels proud of milestones.

Okay, um...hello. I'm Kate and... I'm an alcoholic?
9

Midpoint

Scenes 42-43 / 50% target

80%

At her 90-day meeting, Kate receives her chip and celebrates—seemingly triumphant and at “the top.”

Is there anyone here who has ninety days of continuous sobriety?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 44-45 / 65% target

70%

Mr. Davies’ inappropriate confession and growing distance from Charlie threaten Kate’s stability in sobriety and relationships.

I kind do, yes. I have a crush on you.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 54 / 75% target

75%

In class Kate collapses under students’ pressure about her fake pregnancy, symbolizing her utter personal and professional collapse.

I'm not going to have a baby.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 66-69 / 80% target

70%

Fired and abandoned, Kate relapses hard—drinking in a dive bar and fighting with Charlie, feeling hopeless.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 74-75 / 85% target

60%

Charlie leaves a voicemail apologizing and asking for Kate back, prompting her to reconsider and reach out.

So, I got into a little trouble -- drunk in public. On a bicycle. Um, I was thinking...maybe...
14

Finale

Scenes 76-77 / 95% target

65%

Kate and Charlie reconnect in domestic routines, play croquet, and face their relationship honestly, showing true recovery work.

Jesus. It starts with alcohol. Then meat. Have you given up fun, too? Sorry. Bad joke.
15

Final Image

Scene 77 / 99% target

60%

The closing croquet game mirrors the opening: sober, present, and connected, contrasting the initial karaoked Kate.