Save the Cat rankings

THE OFFICE WIFE script analysis

THE OFFICE WIFE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Patrick, a commitment-shy plastic surgeon, pretends to be unhappily married to win over a new love interest. He recruits his long-suffering assistant Katherine to pose as his wife, thrusting both into a web of deceit and unexpected feelings. Their growing bond culminates in a dance contest in Hawaii and an honest moment in a hotel hallway.

70 Save the Cat fit score 62% analysis confidence / 25 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

Introduces Patrick feigning an unhappy marriage to avoid commitment.

15 years. High school sweetheart. Married right out of college. We did it on the beach in Hawaii....
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 5% target

65%

Hints at personal dependence and the cost of hiding one’s true self.

Katherine, what would I do without you?
3

Set-Up

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

70%

Establishes Patrick’s work life, his spin on marriage, and Katherine’s role in his world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 12% target

70%

Patrick meets Palmer at the party, sparking his romantic pursuit.

A challenge. I like it.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

68%

Palmer discovers Patrick’s ring and demands proof his marriage is over.

A wedding ring?! YOU'RE MARRIED!!!
6

Break into Two

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

72%

Patrick enlists Katherine to pretend to be his wife to impress Palmer.

Katherine, I really like this girl. This could be the one. But, I can’t find out until I...
7

B Story

Scene 4 / Page 3 / 30% target

65%

Introduces Katherine’s family life, her values, and what she risks by joining the ruse.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / Page 8 / 40% target

70%

Montage of Katherine’s glamorous makeover as she embraces her role.

9

Midpoint

Scene 12 / Page 9 / 50% target

74%

Katherine, in full ‘wife’ mode, meets Palmer—raising the stakes and complicating emotions.

Palmer, darling. I’m Winifred, Winifred Doyle.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 16 / Page 11 / 65% target

68%

Katherine’s children disrupt the charade at Chuck E. Cheese, threatening their plan.

And now what do I have? An hour and half every other week at Chuck E Cheese with...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 17 / Page 11 / 75% target

66%

Michael blackmails Patrick into a trip to Hawaii, upending their strategy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 22 / Page 13 / 80% target

65%

Katherine faces her college nemesis, doubting the truth behind Patrick’s façade.

I am so rude, you were talking and well I forgot to introduce you. This is my husband,...
13

Break into Three

Scene 24 / Page 14 / 85% target

72%

They rally together and win the dance contest, forging a genuine partnership.

Katherine and Patrick.
14

Finale

Scene 25 / Page 15 / 95% target

74%

Patrick and Katherine confront their feelings in the hotel hallway after the contest.

No, problem. It was...fun. Actually. You’ve got some moves.
15

Final Image

Scene 25 / Page 15 / 99% target

70%

Ends on their sincere exchange, contrasting the deceptive opening.

Thank you for tonight. Seriously. So much.