Save the Cat rankings

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT script analysis

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Allgood family navigates the emotional terrain of identity and belonging after Joni and her brother Laser discover their sperm donor, Paul. As curiosity turns to connection, the parents grapple with boundaries while Joni and Jules confront loyalty and desire. The subplot of Jules’s affair with Paul threatens family unity, leading to a dark moment of betrayal. Ultimately, reconciliation and acceptance culminate in a heartfelt farewell as Joni departs for college.

70 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 113 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

Introduces Laser and Clay’s typical suburban childhood by riding bikes through the neighborhood, setting a tranquil baseline.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 5% target

68%

Laser encourages Joni to contact their biological father, stating the theme of identity and the search for roots.

Have you thought any more about, you know, making that call...?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-8 / Pages 4-8 / 10% target

70%

Establishes family dynamics—Joni’s future plans with friends, Laser’s antics, and Nic’s return home at dinner.

What?! I'm not doing anything.
4

Catalyst

Scene 21 / Page 21 / 12% target

75%

Paul learns he has biological children when the Cryobank contacts him, propelling the plot forward.

Well we've been contacted by a young woman conceived using your semen, and she's asked if you'd be...
5

Debate

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 20% target

66%

Joni wrestles internally, admitting she doesn’t want to make the call, highlighting initial reluctance.

Yeah. I don't want to.
6

Break into Two

Scene 28 / Page 28 / 25% target

74%

Joni and Laser formally meet Paul at WYSIWYG, marking the transition into Act Two.

Joni. Hey. Nice to meet you.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 12 / 30% target

60%

Nic and Jules discuss starting a business (hauling equipment), foregrounding their marital subplot.

Because if I'm starting this business I need something to haul my equipment in.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 29-30 / Pages 29-30 / 40% target

72%

The kids and Paul bond casually over lunch and motorcycles, exploring the new father–child relationship.

Listen, feel free and ask me anything you want, okay? Or we can just hang out. That's fine...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 47-48 / Pages 47-48 / 50% target

70%

Nic and Jules ‘kill Paul with kindness’ by inviting him for lunch, raising stakes in family dynamics.

Paul! It is so great to meet you. I'm Nic. This is Jules.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 41-42 / Pages 41-42 / 65% target

73%

Family confrontation over porn and meeting Paul creates tension; Joni declares she wants to see Paul again.

Laser, your mom and I accept you and love you unconditionally? You know that, right?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 83 / Page 83 / 75% target

78%

Nic confronts Jules about the affair, pointing to the deepest betrayal in the family.

You're sleeping with him, aren't you.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 86-87 / Pages 86-87 / 80% target

75%

After the affair is revealed, Jules tries to explain to her children, and Joni refuses to speak to her, showing emotional low point.

I don't want to talk to you.
13

Break into Three

Scene 102 / Page 102 / 85% target

80%

Jules delivers a candid apology to the family, signaling a decision to heal and move forward.

I need to say something.
14

Finale

Scenes 105-113 / Pages 105-113 / 95% target

72%

Family drives Joni to college, shares final moments and reaffirms bonds, demonstrating cohesion restored.

15

Final Image

Scenes 112-113 / Pages 112-113 / 99% target

77%

Joni finds her parents waiting at her dorm, reflecting the opening image of family unity in a new setting.

We wouldn't leave without saying goodbye.