Save the Cat rankings

THE HOLDOVERS script analysis

THE HOLDOVERS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

History professor Paul Hunham is stuck supervising a handful of students left over Christmas break, notably troubled teen Angus Tully. As they clash and bond through disciplinary drills, late‐night conversations, and a life‐changing injury, both confront their personal failures. A mid‐holiday road trip to Boston tests their trust, leading Paul to honesty about his past and Angus toward self‐acceptance.

60 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 95 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the cold, disciplined world of Barton Academy via the boys’ chapel choir.

In the beginning, there was the word. So let's begin with the text, shall we?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Paul’s disdainful remark about “Philistines” hints at judgment and the need for understanding.

Philistines. Lazy, vulgar, rancid little Philistines.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-9 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

15%

We learn Paul’s routine, Mary’s role, and Angus’s canceled trip, establishing stakes.

Are you kidding me? I'm just supposed to stay here? Mom, don't do this. Please.
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Pages 1-12 / 12% target

10%

Dr. Woodrup assigns Paul to supervise the holdovers, shifting him into conflict.

Not for ourselves alone are we born.
5

Debate

Scene 9 / Pages 1-13 / 20% target

10%

Angus reacts to being stranded at school, questioning whether to stay or escape.

Are you kidding me? I'm just supposed to stay here? Mom, don't do this. Please.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Pages 1-14 / 25% target

10%

Paul formally gathers the holdovers, launching Act Two’s disciplined regime.

The Peloponnesian War awaits, Mr. Kountze, you and Mr. Tully. The rest of you can get a jump...
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Pages 1-15 / 30% target

10%

Paul and Mary share a moment over drinks, establishing the emotional subplot.

Well, I look forward to your fine cooking.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 21-26 / Pages 2-20 / 40% target

10%

Montage of training runs, study sessions, and campus patrols shows growing rapport and tensions.

Speed! Without sufficient exercise, the body devours itself!
9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Pages 2-25 / 50% target

10%

All other boys leave, isolating Angus and marking a point of no return for their relationship.

Guess that just leaves you, huh? Be sure to get all your homework done. Oh, I almost forgot....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 42-44 / Pages 3-30 / 65% target

10%

Angus injures his arm and Paul risks suspension, external and internal pressures tighten.

Oh fuck! Mr. Hunham!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Pages 3-31 / 75% target

10%

In the ER, Angus’s lie to protect Paul threatens both their futures—“curtains,” Paul says.

This is the end. They'll inform the school, who will inform your parents, and then it's curtains. You're...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 48-49 / Pages 3-35 / 80% target

10%

At the tavern, Paul and Angus confront their failures and fears in a quiet, reflective exchange.

Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Tully.
13

Break into Three

Scene 68 / Pages 4-40 / 85% target

10%

Paul’s spontaneous purchase of a Christmas tree reawakens hope and sets a plan in motion.

14

Finale

Scenes 71-83 / Pages 4-50 / 95% target

10%

Boston trip culminates in honest revelations—Paul admits his past, Angus accepts guidance.

History is not merely the past, Mr. Tully. It's an explanation of the present.
15

Final Image

Scene 95 / Pages 5-55 / 99% target

10%

Paul’s final swig of liquor and drive away mirror the opening’s solitude, but now he’s liberated.