Save the Cat rankings

THE HANGOVER script analysis

THE HANGOVER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A group of friends embark on a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas only to wake up with no memory of the previous night and the groom missing. As they retrace their steps, chaos and revelations ensue, forcing them to confront their relationships and responsibilities. Ultimately, they race against time to make it back for the wedding and reconcile their bonds.

70 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 46 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces the calm before the storm at the Bel Air Bay Club wedding preparations.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 9 / 5% target

40%

The group’s concern over Doug’s disappearance hints at themes of friendship and loyalty.

3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / 10% target

50%

The guys are introduced heading to Vegas for an epic weekend.

Dude this is already the best weekend ever!
4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / 12% target

50%

Vick informs Tracy that Doug has vanished, triggering the quest to find him.

Listen, honey...The bachelor party got a little out of control and, well...we lost Doug.
5

Debate

Scene 8 / 20% target

50%

The guys wake up hungover and debate how to recover their memories and find Doug.

Why do you have a mullet?
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / 25% target

45%

They realize they actually got married, raising the stakes of their situation.

7

B Story

Scene 23 / 30% target

45%

Tracy’s phone call underscores the emotional subplot about Doug’s commitment.

Hey, you wouldn't happen to know where Doug is, would you?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 18 / 40% target

50%

They investigate wild clues at the gentlemen’s club, showcasing the comedic ‘Vegas adventure.’

HEY PLATINUM, CHECK IT OUT!
9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / 50% target

50%

The ransom exchange fails when they capture the wrong Doug — a false victory with major consequences.

Oh my God: it's the other Doug! Roger's friend, the cake designer!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / 65% target

50%

They’re physically attacked in a parking lot, tightening external pressure.

Okay, okay! Cool it with the bat! Jesus, why is everyone trying to kill my car...?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / 75% target

45%

They discover they have only three hours to get to LA, and no flights are available.

No flights to LA with empty seats!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 27 / 80% target

45%

Confrontation with Jimmy Lang forces Vick to face betrayal and guilt.

Oh, hello. Good to see you again.
13

Break into Three

Scene 34 / 85% target

50%

They reconcile and Vick apologizes, rallying for a final push to the wedding.

Look, Doug, I think I speak for everyone in the car when I say I'm really sorry about...
14

Finale

Scenes 41-43 / 95% target

50%

The friends make it to the wedding in time, navigate the ceremony, and restore order.

Sorry, Mapquest took us a crazy route. We ready to do this thing?
15

Final Image

Scene 46 / 99% target

45%

They reflect on the ordeal at the cliffs, bookending the story with camaraderie restored.

I will pay you back, you know.