Save the Cat rankings

THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY script analysis

THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A Hollywood director Joe and his wife Sally host a party at their home, juggling professional pressures and fractured relationships. When a distressing call about Lucy interrupts the festivities, tensions escalate among friends searching for a lost dog. As secrets and personal crises surface, Joe confronts his own failures and the true cost of success.

60 Save the Cat fit score 15% analysis confidence / 17 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Joe and Sally wake up together, establishing their domestic life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

20%

Lucy’s voicemail hints at familial estrangement and the need for reconnection.

Joe, it's Lucy. Remember me? It's the black sheep here. Bah...not funny. Haven't heard from you, need you,...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

20%

Introduces Joe’s career doubts, Sally’s film project, and group dynamics at the party.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

20%

Lucy’s plea for help arrives, disrupting the party’s light tone.

Joe, it's Lucy. Remember me? It's the black sheep here. Bah...not funny. Haven't heard from you, need you,...
5

Debate

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

20%

Joe and Gina argue over his career; Sally clashes with Panes, reflecting internal doubts.

Why don't you go fuck yourself?
6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 25% target

20%

Jeffrey’s meeting with Monica signals Joe’s story pivoting to personal relationship stakes.

7

B Story

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 30% target

20%

Joe’s conversation with Monica deepens the romantic subplot and his emotional arc.

You're an interior decorator, right?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 5-9 / Pages 5-9 / 40% target

20%

The party unfolds with mingling, charades prep, and family moments.

9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 50% target

20%

The dog search intensifies and Judy reveals a shocking confession, raising stakes.

I had an abortion two weeks ago.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 65% target

20%

Mac nearly drowns while intoxicated, internal and external pressures mount.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 75% target

20%

Mac’s breakdown marks a low point, mirroring the group’s unraveling.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 80% target

20%

Gina learns of Lucy’s status, prompting despair and guilt.

13

Break into Three

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 85% target

20%

Joe receives word of Lucy’s overdose, forcing him to take decisive action.

14

Finale

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 95% target

20%

Joe confronts the consequences of ignoring family bonds and must reconcile.

15

Final Image

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 99% target

20%

The final moment echoes the opening intimacy, now charged with regret and possibility.