Save the Cat rankings

THE BIG SICK script analysis

THE BIG SICK script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Kumail’s journey begins with his stand-up routine and budding romance with Emily, only to be derailed by cultural conflicts and Emily’s sudden illness. As he confronts his fears and family expectations, he navigates love, loss, and his comedic career. In the end, he finds new resolve and reunites with Emily on his own terms.

80 Save the Cat fit score 57% analysis confidence / 76 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Introduces Kumail on stage at Triple Door, establishing his world as a struggling comic.

There's no bad crowds dude. Only bad comedians.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

At brunch, his mother urges him to conform (grow a beard), hinting at the theme of identity versus authenticity.

Kumi, why don't you grow a beard? Not like Naveed's, just a small one.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

65%

Kumail meets Emily at the bar and brings her back to his apartment, establishing characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 20 / Page 3 / 12% target

80%

Kumail learns Emily is hospitalized, upending their relationship and his priorities.

5

Debate

Scene 14 / Page 4 / 20% target

75%

Emily discovers Kumail’s secret family box and breaks up with him over trust issues.

Fucking five months of red flags. Oh my god, I'm so stupid. You ducking my parents. Oh my...
6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / Page 5 / 25% target

68%

After the breakup, Kumail returns to stand-up and is scouted for a major showcase, committing to Act Two.

I just wanted you to know that you made the finals for the Montreal Showcase.
7

B Story

Scene 23 / Page 6 / 30% target

72%

He visits the ER and finds Emily unconscious, launching the emotional throughline with her parents.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 32 / Page 7 / 40% target

65%

Kumail sits with Emily’s parents in the cafeteria, navigating awkward conversations about 9/11 and the hospital world.

9

Midpoint

Scene 49 / Page 8 / 50% target

70%

Kumail has a breakdown at a drive-thru, marking a false defeat and emotional low point.

Yeah, um can I get a burger with 4 slices of cheese.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 52 / Page 9 / 65% target

66%

Onstage, he channels his grief into darker comedy, feeling the pressure of personal stakes closing in.

It's just really hard to do stand-up comedy when your girlfriend is in a coma.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 59 / Page 10 / 75% target

78%

Emily, now awake, rejects Kumail’s attempt to visit, leaving him convinced he’s lost her.

What are you doing here?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 65 / Page 11 / 80% target

60%

His friends reveal they’re moving to New York, isolating him and forcing him to choose his path.

Hi little sad man. Mopey boy. We have something to tell you. We are moving to New York....
13

Break into Three

Scene 74 / Page 12 / 85% target

73%

Emily visits his one-man show at the Playground Theatre, reigniting their relationship and his resolve.

When something like this happens, there's this sort of expectation that you're going to have this completely new...
14

Finale

Scene 76 / Page 13 / 95% target

80%

Kumail performs in New York, surprised to see Emily in the audience as he embraces both life and love.

So the first time I came to America, I was fourteen and I was just visiting my uncle...
15

Final Image

Scene 76 / Page 13 / 99% target

75%

Mirroring the opening at a comedy club, but now he’s confident and united with Emily.