Save the Cat rankings

THE BRUTALIST script analysis

THE BRUTALIST script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An immigrant sculptor, Laszlo, arrives in America seeking reunion with his family and professional validation. He navigates work in a furniture showroom, encounters wealthy patron Van Buren, and undertakes a monumental chapel project. Personal struggles—with addiction, family, and loss—parallel the project’s progress and setbacks. Ultimately Laszlo’s art and relationships culminate in a redemptive finale.

75 Save the Cat fit score 67% analysis confidence / 154 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Zsofia’s interrogation and establishes displacement and silence.

Your escort is right outside. She tells us that you are her niece. Are you her niece? Is...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 13 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

60%

Attila delivers news that Erzsebet and Zsofia are alive, hinting at themes of family and hope.

I have a letter from her - your Erzsebet is alive and she is with little Zsofia.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-12 / Pages 2-10 / 10% target

70%

Laszlo arrives on ship, enters HIAS center, reunites with Attila, and reads his wife’s letter.

4

Catalyst

Scene 24 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

65%

Meeting Harry Lee Van Buren offers Laszlo a professional opportunity.

I hoped someone might follow me out there to take a look at my father's study. My sister...
5

Debate

Scenes 42-43 / Pages 12-15 / 20% target

65%

Van Buren’s anger and refusal to pay confront Laszlo with the fragility of patronage.

What's this? What is all this? Who has authorized you to come into my home and tear everything...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 51-52 / Pages 15-17 / 25% target

70%

Van Buren pays and reinstates Laszlo, marking entry into Act Two.

Well, I can assure you that everyone else has... Flip to page 19.
7

B Story

Scenes 52-58 / Pages 17-22 / 30% target

60%

Gordon and Laszlo bond over jazz and drugs; introduces friendship subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 60-66 / Pages 22-30 / 40% target

70%

Laszlo collaborates with Van Buren on chapel design, creates models, enjoys creative success.

That is how much I loved my mother, Mr. Toth. We did things for each other!
9

Midpoint

Scene 61 / Page 30 / 50% target

65%

Van Buren formally commissions the boundless chapel project—stakes peak.

And Mr. Toth, I want you to build this for her, something boundless, something new.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 75-85 / Pages 30-40 / 65% target

65%

Laszlo’s addiction, construction disputes, and Erzsebet’s concerns tighten pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 96 / Pages 40-41 / 75% target

70%

Erzsebet suffers a medical emergency, threatening their family and project.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 99-110 / Pages 41-45 / 80% target

70%

Laszlo’s rage destroys models; he hits rock bottom emotionally and professionally.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 140-141 / Pages 45-48 / 85% target

65%

Erzsebet’s near-death and voiceover revelation spurs Laszlo’s renewed resolve.

HELP! Someone help me! My wife is dying!
14

Finale

Scenes 141-142 / Pages 48-51 / 95% target

70%

Chapel unveiled; Laszlo and Erzsebet reconcile, confronting trauma and achieving artistic redemption.

15

Final Image

Scene 165 / Pages 51-52 / 99% target

68%

Zsofia wheels Laszlo at the Venice Biennale, affirming his legacy and the family’s survival.

They look beautiful like this, don't you think?