Save the Cat rankings

Sunshine Cleaning script analysis

Sunshine Cleaning script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Sunshine Cleaning follows Rose Lorkowski as she pivots from a failing real estate career into a biohazard cleaning business to support her son. Alongside her sister Norah, she navigates messy crime scenes, family tensions, and personal doubts. Their B-story involving Norah’s bond with Lynn provides thematic contrast. Ultimately, they overcome setbacks to find a new beginning.

80 Save the Cat fit score 32% analysis confidence / 116 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Rose driving through Albuquerque establishes her transient, unsettled life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 12 / 5% target

40%

Rose’s bathroom affirmations hint at her struggle with self-worth.

I am strong. I am powerful. I can do anything. I am a winner.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

35%

We see Rose cleaning high-end houses and Joe’s side hustle, establishing their financial pressures.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

40%

Norah is fired, pushing the sisters toward a new venture.

5

Debate

Scenes 16-20 / 20% target

30%

Rose and Norah hesitate about starting a criminal-scene cleaning business while juggling personal issues.

6

Break into Two

Scene 49 / 25% target

40%

Rose quits real estate, committing to their cleaning business.

I'm quitting real estate.
7

B Story

Scene 43 / 30% target

40%

Norah bonds with Lynn in the blood services elevator, introducing her emotional arc.

Why are you following me?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 50-56 / 40% target

35%

The sisters launch Sunshine Cleaning, learn certifications, buy a van, and tackle light-hearted cleanups.

9

Midpoint

Scene 65 / 50% target

40%

They face their first major suicide cleanup, raising the stakes for their business.

OK. Stay in the van. You want a soda or anything?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 71 / 65% target

40%

Rose’s past catches up as Mac’s wife confronts her, and Joe’s car troubles add strain.

You may have been hot shit in high school but what are you now? Nothing. A waste of...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 95 / 75% target

40%

Norah accidentally burns down the house, representing their worst professional and personal failure.

Oh my God, what have you done?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 96 / 80% target

40%

Rose confesses to Winston that everything is horrible, doubting her path.

I'm sorry, I... everything's horrible.
13

Break into Three

Scene 102 / 85% target

35%

They return equipment to Winston, acknowledging they need a fresh start.

Thanks. For everything.
14

Finale

Scenes 110-112 / 95% target

35%

Rose reconnects via CB radio with her mother and agrees to Joe moving in, showing family unity restored.

15

Final Image

Scene 116 / 99% target

40%

The van driving on the freeway symbolizes a forward journey for the family.