Save the Cat rankings

ST. ELMO'S FIRE script analysis

ST. ELMO'S FIRE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A group of recent college graduates reunites after a tragic accident and wrestles with careers, relationships, and unfulfilled dreams in Georgetown. As they navigate engagements, affairs, and personal crises, each faces a decision that will redefine their post-college lives. Through romantic entanglements and professional missteps, they learn life’s harsh lessons and ultimately reconcile with their choices. The story closes on a hopeful note as they pass their old hangout, making way for a new generation.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 57 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces the friends gathered at the hospital after a fatal car accident, immediately setting stakes and tone.

They're dead, aren't they?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

25%

Kirbo’s awkward attempt to reconnect with Dale hints at questions of identity and purpose post-graduation.

I graduated! ... I mean I'm a waiter, studying to be a lawyer... and you became a doctor......
3

Set-Up

Scene 6 / 10% target

30%

Leslie and Kevin’s relationship and Alec’s return home establish each character’s emotional baggage and goals.

Do you think my attachment to Alec is unnatural?
4

Catalyst

Scene 17 / 12% target

35%

Alec’s sudden engagement announcement disrupts the group’s dynamic and forces personal choices to the fore.

On June first. Leslie will do me the long-awaited honor of becoming my bride.
5

Debate

Scene 18 / 20% target

30%

Leslie and Kevin grapple with the implications of their night together, questioning loyalty and love.

I love you... I've always loved you.
6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / 25% target

30%

Alec confronts Kevin and Leslie, severing relationships and launching into the story’s second act of fallout and self-discovery.

Not Kevin. Little fuckin' Kevin. My little buddy. No way, Jose.
7

B Story

Scene 3 / 30% target

25%

Kirbo’s pursuit of Dale begins as an emotional throughline parallel to the main plot.

Dale?... Dale Biberman?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 10 / 40% target

30%

The group’s night at St. Elmo’s showcases college-era antics, banter, and the highs of post-graduate freedom.

But don't you need science credits to get into mad school?
9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / 50% target

30%

In the cabin, Kirbo and Dale’s honest confessions raise the emotional stakes, shifting the story forward.

I gave up school... and my job at St. Elmo's... and you never even knew about it. It's...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 31 / 65% target

30%

Leslie packing and Alec’s harsh words signify external pressures mounting and relationships fracturing further.

I didn't run out on anything. You ran out.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / 75% target

25%

Leslie drives away alone, marking the apparent end of her and Alec’s relationship and the group’s cohesion.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 37 / 80% target

25%

Kevin and Kirbo’s reflective movie outing underscores personal doubt and longing.

13

Break into Three

Scene 55 / 85% target

30%

Billy and Wendy’s intimate conversation leads to renewed hope and decisions about their future paths.

I'm not part of this post-college Georgetown life; marriage and jobs. Felicia and Melody'll be better off without...
14

Finale

Scene 56 / 95% target

30%

At the bus terminal, characters reconcile and say goodbye, culminating their arcs in a unified farewell.

Need someone to blow on your hands?
15

Final Image

Scene 57 / 99% target

25%

The group sees new students passing St. Elmo’s, mirroring their own journey and closing the story loop.