Save the Cat rankings

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT script analysis

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Evan, plagued by mysterious blackouts and armed with journals, discovers he can travel back in time to alter traumatic childhood events. As he repeatedly tries to fix the past—from a violent junkyard incident to a mailbox explosion—each reset yields unintended consequences. His relationships, especially with childhood friend Kayleigh, suffer irrevocable damage, culminating in a devastating loss that forces Evan to confront the true cost of changing fate.

60 Save the Cat fit score 15% analysis confidence / 82 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Evan injured and journal-writing in a doctor’s office, setting the film’s tone of regret and time alteration.

If anyone finds this, then I guess my plan didn't work and I'm already dead...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Mrs. Boswell’s class suggests imagination has no limits—a seed of the dangers of unlimited power over time.

That's great everyone! Just imagine anything you want to be. There are no limits.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-8 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

12%

Evan’s blackouts, journal entries, and the group’s violent prank build his ordinary world and introduce key relationships.

Um... can dad come this time?
4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Page 11 / 12% target

12%

Hypnosis session triggers Evan’s first conscious flashback, revealing time-travel ability.

Now I want you to go back to the time you were in the woods with Lenny. Think...
5

Debate

Scene 26 / Page 20 / 20% target

12%

Evan hesitates as he reads journals with Heidi, debating whether to risk another memory jump.

Thumper had a busy afternoon.
6

Break into Two

Scene 27 / Page 21 / 25% target

12%

Flashback to 1995 junkyard marks Evan’s plunge into active time-travel attempts to change trauma.

I can't undo the rope!
7

B Story

Scene 15 / Page 14 / 30% target

10%

Evan and Kayleigh share a tender moment in the lobby, establishing their emotional throughline.

I'm sorry Kayleigh. This was a bad idea.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 27 / Page 21 / 40% target

10%

Evan experiments with time-travel in the junkyard flashback, exploring the film’s core sci-fi premise.

I can't undo the rope!
9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / Page 30 / 50% target

12%

Kayleigh’s suicide shatters Evan’s optimism—stakes become deeply personal and tragic.

She... she fucking killed herself tonight. She's dead. And so are you.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 50 / Page 40 / 65% target

12%

Tommy’s attack and Evan’s lethal defense underscore mounting external threats and guilt.

It wasn't enough that the whole world loves you, but you had to take away the last person...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 71 / Page 55 / 75% target

12%

Returning to 2002, Evan finds himself armless—his attempts to fix the past have backfired catastrophically.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 74 / Page 56 / 80% target

10%

Evan prepares to go back to 1989, feeling despair over irreversible loss.

13

Break into Three

Scene 79 / Page 60 / 85% target

10%

Time jump to childhood birthday represents Evan’s final pivot, determined to end the cycle by warning Kayleigh away.

I hate you. If you ever come near me again, I'll kill you and your whole family.
14

Finale

Scene 81 / Page 62 / 95% target

10%

Burning his journals signifies Evan’s definitive acceptance and relinquishment of time-travel fixes.

You sure about this?
15

Final Image

Scene 82 / Page 63 / 99% target

10%

Evan spotting Kayleigh in 2010 streets hints at a hopeful, real-time reconnection.

Yeah, Ma. I'm running a little late for lunch. One of my patients had a breakdown. Anyway, order...