Save the Cat rankings

THE PERSIAN VERSION script analysis

THE PERSIAN VERSION script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Leila’s journey weaves between her present life in New York and her mother Shirin’s past in Iran. Haunted by family conflict and personal loss, she confronts generational trauma while expecting her own child. Through flashbacks of Shirin’s heartbreak and Leila’s strained relationship with her mother, the story explores responsibility, reconciliation, and cultural identity. Ultimately, Leila rebuilds her bond with Shirin as she names her newborn daughter Arenoo.

60 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 45 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Leila is introduced walking in a flamboyant Halloween costume, establishing her outsider status and bold personality.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 5% target

11%

Leila’s line about being “pulled at from both sides” hints at the central theme of familial division and identity.

And like a child of divorce, I was right in the middle, being pulled at from both sides....
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

10%

Leila meets Hedwig at the Halloween party, establishing her present-day life and romantic entanglements.

Oh my god, I love drag queens.
4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 12% target

13%

The sudden collapse of Ali Reza in Shirin’s kitchen triggers the family’s crisis and prompts reflection on past decisions.

Ali Reza? Ali Reza? Ali Reza?
5

Debate

Scene 15 / Page 6 / 20% target

12%

Leila and Shirin’s confrontation over pregnancy and responsibility illustrates Leila’s internal struggle about her future and family expectations.

Leila, how can you be so irresponsible? I hope you are getting married.
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / Page 10 / 25% target

11%

A flashback shows Shirin’s early independence as a realtor in 1989, marking the story’s pivot into the past and intergenerational narrative.

...she would throw a monkey wrench into my story. She was a character I couldn't pin down -...
7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 10 / 30% target

10%

Young Shirin and Ali Reza’s medical discussion begins the romantic B story that parallels Leila’s relationships.

We never learned this stuff in medical school.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-30 / Pages 12-13 / 40% target

11%

Young Shirin’s quest to uncover Ali Reza’s affair and her bond with Nurse Roya provide moments of intimate discovery and cultural texture.

9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / Page 14 / 50% target

14%

Shirin gives birth to a stillborn daughter, a major emotional low that raises the stakes for both mother and daughter.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 42 / Page 17 / 65% target

12%

At Vahid’s wedding, Shirin watches her son’s marriage, underscoring unresolved grief and family tensions closing in.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 44 / Page 18 / 75% target

13%

Leila gives birth in a tense delivery room moment, echoing past loss and her fear that history may repeat.

Leila. I -- I am sorry. I love you.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 20 / Page 9 / 80% target

11%

Leila reflects on blaming mothers, revealing her deepest insecurities and emotional low point.

But it's so much easier blaming our mothers...isn't it?
13

Break into Three

Scenes 44-45 / Pages 18-19 / 85% target

12%

Leila’s apology from Shirin and the birth of her daughter signal the emotional breakthrough and decision to reconcile.

Leila. I -- I am sorry. I love you.
14

Finale

Scene 45 / Page 19 / 95% target

13%

Leila names her newborn Arezoo, achieving reconciliation with her mother and honoring family legacy.

She's just Arezoo. Would you like to hold her?
15

Final Image

Scene 45 / Page 19 / 99% target

12%

The final shot of mother and daughter united around baby Arezoo mirrors the opening image’s isolation but transformed into familial unity.