Save the Cat rankings

THE INTERN script analysis

THE INTERN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Retired widower Ben Whittaker feels adrift until he discovers a senior internship at an e-commerce startup where chaotic CEO Jules Ostin reluctantly takes him on. As Ben brings order and wisdom to the office, he and Jules form a supportive bond that helps her navigate professional and personal crises. When Jules hits rock bottom over her marriage and company, Ben reignites her confidence. The story closes with renewed purpose for both characters, mirrored in a Tai Chi class.

80 Save the Cat fit score 62% analysis confidence / 43 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Ben practicing Tai Chi in an empty Prospect Park reflects his solitude and sense of loss.

Freud said, “Love and work, work and love. That’s all there is.” Well, I’m retired and my wife...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

68%

Ben quotes Freud on love and work being all there is, foreshadowing the film’s theme.

Freud said, “Love and work, work and love. That’s all there is.” Well, I’m retired and my wife...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

65%

We see Ben’s retirement routine, loneliness, and search for purpose through video messages and tried activities.

How do I spend the rest of my days? You name it. Golf, movies, books, pinochle, tried yoga,...
4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 12% target

75%

Ben finds a flyer for a senior internship at ClothesThatFit.com, introducing his career opportunity.

ClothesThatFit.com. I think an internet place is looking for Senior Interns. Am I reading that right?
5

Debate

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 11-13 / 20% target

70%

Ben hesitates but ultimately decides to apply, recording a video that conveys his eagerness.

-- applying to be one of your interns because the more I think about this idea, the more...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 14-15 / Pages 14-15 / 25% target

72%

Ben enters ClothesThatFit.com offices for his interview, moving into the ‘upside-down’ world of tech startups.

7

B Story

Scenes 14-17 / Pages 14-17 / 30% target

70%

Jules’s management challenges and mentorship of Ben set up their personal arc and relationship.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 21-28 / Pages 21-28 / 40% target

68%

Ben endearingly assists around the office—from desk cleaning to massages—highlighting comedic and heartfelt moments.

Brilliant! Thank you! Best thing that’s happened around here all week.
9

Midpoint

Scenes 29-30 / Pages 29-30 / 50% target

73%

Over dinner and a late drive, Jules opens up to Ben, deepening their bond in a ‘false victory’ intimacy.

Of course. This was great, Jules.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-34 / Pages 31-34 / 65% target

65%

Work pressures and Jules’s family issues mount—she misses a day, hires a replacement driver, and questions Ben’s role.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 38 / Page 38 / 75% target

77%

Jules reveals her husband is cheating during a fire-alarm panic in San Francisco, hitting her lowest personal point.

Matt is cheating on me.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 41 / Page 41 / 80% target

70%

Jules visits Ben, admitting her doubts and feeling demented, reflecting her despair.

CTF needs you and if you don’t mind me saying - you need it.
13

Break into Three

Scene 42 / Page 42 / 85% target

72%

After Matt confesses and reconciles with Jules, she regains clarity about her life and company.

It is over. I love you Jules and I don’t know how to say this any better than...
14

Finale

Scenes 42-43 / Pages 42-43 / 95% target

68%

Jules returns to CTF with renewed purpose, and the team unites to fix the business, echoing earlier bonds.

15

Final Image

Scene 43 / Page 43 / 99% target

74%

Ben leads a Tai Chi class with Jules joining, mirroring the opening and showing transformed lives.