Save the Cat rankings

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA script analysis

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Andy Sachs, a young journalist, lands a demanding assistant job at Runway magazine under the tyrannical Miranda Priestly. She struggles to adapt to the fashion world, learning the ropes with the help of Nigel. As she rises in efficiency and style, her personal life unravels, culminating in a moral crossroads during Paris Fashion Week. Ultimately, Andy reclaims her identity by walking away from Miranda’s world.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 163 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Andy's ordinary world is introduced as she readies for her first day, establishing her down-to-earth life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 22 / 5% target

15%

Colleagues warn Andy that Miranda Priestly is “famous for being unpredictable,” hinting at the cost of ambition.

Miranda Priestly is famous for being unpredictable.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-9 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

10%

We see Andy’s commute, her awkward HR interview, and first encounter with Emily and Miranda’s office, establishing her naïveté and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 19 / 12% target

10%

Miranda unexpectedly decides to interview Andy herself, offering her the assistant position on the spot.

5

Debate

Scene 23 / 20% target

12%

At dinner, Andy and friends question whether she needs to embrace fashion for a coffee-getting job, doubting her fit.

You should see the way the girls dress at Runway. I'm not sure I have anything to wear...
6

Break into Two

Scene 25 / 25% target

10%

Andy receives her first impossible work call at dawn, committing to Runway’s high-pressure world.

Miranda decided to kill the Autumn Jacket story for September -- she's pulling up the Sedona shoot from...
7

B Story

Scene 51 / 30% target

12%

Andy seeks Nigel’s guidance on improving her performance, marking the start of their mentor-mentee arc.

Andy, please. Be serious. You're not trying. You're whining.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 30-38 / 40% target

11%

Andy tackles fashion tasks—coffee fiasco, elaborate errands, and the Cerulean lecture—showcasing her transformation and the magazine’s world.

9

Midpoint

Scene 45 / 50% target

15%

Miranda delivers her iconic cerulean speech, a revelation of fashion’s hidden complexity—stakes are high and Andy is hooked.

This... stuff? Okay. I understand. You think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 47 / 65% target

11%

Stranded in Miami rain, Miranda demands a private jet—Andy is pushed to exhaustion and feels the looming collapse.

Please. It's just drizzling. Someone must be getting out. Call Donatella and get her jet. Call everyone with...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 81 / 75% target

12%

Miranda rejects the steak Andy procured for her twins, symbolizing complete professional failure.

What is that doing here? I ordered it ages ago. Luckily, before I starved to death, Irv invited...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 111 / 80% target

13%

Andy’s apology to Nate is rebuffed, highlighting her loss of personal identity and relationships.

Nate, I'm so sorry. I was trying to leave, but there was a lot going on and I...
13

Break into Three

Scene 115 / 85% target

12%

Miranda summons Andy to plan Paris Fashion Week, presenting a final challenge and path to resolution.

14

Finale

Scenes 151-152 / 95% target

13%

After uncovering Miranda’s possible replacement, Andy races to warn her, then orchestrates Miranda’s triumph and chooses integrity over ambition.

15

Final Image

Scene 163 / 99% target

10%

In the closing shot, Andy walks away confidently on a Paris street, having reclaimed her sense of self.