Save the Cat rankings

THE NOTEBOOK script analysis

THE NOTEBOOK script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An elderly woman with Alzheimer’s flashes between her present confusion and a past summer romance with a young man she once loved. As he reads their life story from a notebook, their bond endures through memory loss and family challenges, culminating in their final reunion.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 34 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

8%

A solitary figure rows through a silent river at night, establishing tone and isolation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

7%

Nurse Esther’s plea to prepare for bed hints at caring versus neglect in the face of decline.

Let's get ready for bed, honey.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

10%

We see Duke’s clandestine visits and Allie’s initial rejection, then her flight home and her failed message to Noah.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 12% target

10%

Allie unexpectedly demands Fin pass along her love to Noah, reigniting the central romance.

Look, Fin, I have to leave. Something's come up. Can you give him a message for me? Can...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 6-7 / 20% target

10%

Allie wrestles with leaving town while Noah learns she’s gone, questioning their future.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 8 / 25% target

9%

Reunited at the Windsor kitchen, they decide to explore their connection anew.

Yeah. Can I give you a hand with something?
7

B Story

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 8-9 / 30% target

8%

Their dinner and flirtation introduce the deeper promise of lasting love.

Spicy. I must warn you, I'm a cheap drunk. A couple of drinks, and you'll be carrying me...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 9-11 / 40% target

8%

Montage of romantic nights: dinner banter, riverside talks, and poetry readings.

9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 14 / 50% target

11%

Old Allie has a moment of clarity and remembers their story, a false triumph over her illness.

And they lived happily ever after.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 20 / Page 16 / 65% target

10%

Allie’s sudden relapse into confusion shows Alzheimer’s tightening its grip.

You're a wonderful man, Noah. A truly inspiring man.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 26 / Page 19 / 75% target

10%

Duke collapses after finishing the notebook, threatening to end their story prematurely.

It's a remarkable story.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 27 / Page 19 / 80% target

10%

Duke is rushed to the hospital, and hope appears lost.

I need a trauma unit standing by.
13

Break into Three

Scene 25 / Page 18 / 85% target

9%

Allie entrusts Noah with the notebook, forging a way to preserve their love.

I have something for you. It's a notebook in which I've written the story of our love. How...
14

Finale

Scene 32 / Page 22 / 95% target

10%

Duke and Allie share a final peaceful moment together, affirming their enduring bond.

Oh, Noah. I've missed you so much.
15

Final Image

Scene 34 / Page 23 / 99% target

8%

At dawn, their passing is discovered, mirroring the opening’s quiet solemnity.

Someone should notify the children.