Save the Cat rankings

THE BLIND SIDE script analysis

THE BLIND SIDE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Michael Oher’s journey from hardship to acceptance unfolds as the Tuohy family takes him in, helps him grow academically and athletically, faces conflicts over guardianship and loyalty, and ultimately supports his rise to college football. The story hinges on themes of family, belonging, and personal transformation.

80 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 132 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

Introduces football history and foreshadows Michael’s path as a left tackle.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

68%

SJ teaches Michael to smile and connect, hinting at belonging and family as the central theme.

Smile at 'em. It lets them know you're their friend.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / 10% target

70%

Establishes Michael’s difficult home life, school enrollment challenges, and the Tuohys noticing him.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 19-20 / 12% target

75%

Leigh Anne spots Michael in the cold and decides to intervene.

Big Mike, my name is Leigh Anne Tuohy. My kids go to Wingate. You said you're going to...
5

Debate

Scene 26 / 20% target

70%

Sean and Leigh Anne question whether inviting Michael in is a mistake.

Was this a bad idea?
6

Break into Two

Scene 46 / 25% target

78%

Leigh Anne formally offers Michael a home and asks if he wants to stay.

Do you want to stay here, Michael?
7

B Story

Scene 55 / 30% target

66%

Sean helps Michael with homework, establishing the friendship/mentor subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 45-60 / 40% target

70%

Montage of academic progress and football practice highlights Michael’s growth.

9

Midpoint

Scene 75 / 50% target

72%

Michael’s first big football practice moment with coaches recognizing his potential.

You know how much those things weigh? This kid's gonna make us all famous.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 102-103 / 65% target

74%

On game day Michael struggles, over-blocking leads to penalty and doubt.

Now what?! Was he holding?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 119 / 75% target

76%

Investigator Granger’s interrogation threatens Michael’s future and trust.

I want the facts. I need the truth.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 120 / 80% target

75%

Michael confronts Leigh Anne, questioning her motives and his place with the family.

Everything! Was it for you or was it for me? Was it so I would go to school...
13

Break into Three

Scene 126 / 85% target

80%

Leigh Anne finds Michael and reasserts that Wingate (and family) is where he belongs.

It's where my family goes to school. It's where they've always gone to school.
14

Finale

Scenes 128-131 / 95% target

70%

Michael moves into Ole Miss dorms while the family supports him, culminating his transformation.

15

Final Image

Scene 132 / 99% target

68%

Game day at Ole Miss shows Michael fully integrated into his new ‘team’ life.