Save the Cat rankings

There's Something About Mary script analysis

There's Something About Mary script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ted, still in love with his high-school crush Mary, hires a dubious private investigator, Patrick Healy, to track her down. Healy’s deception leads Ted into absurd and dangerous situations before he finally confronts the truth and fights to win Mary back. In the end, honesty and persistence pay off when Mary reconciles with Ted.

85 Save the Cat fit score 35% analysis confidence / 50 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Ted’s awkward failed prom invitation establishes his lovelorn, hapless character at story’s start.

So listen, uh, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go to the prom you know, with...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

50%

Ted watches Mary from afar, hinting that love requires courage and risk.

3

Set-Up

Scene 5 / Pages 2-3 / 10% target

55%

Mary actually asks Ted to the prom, revealing the stakes and his romantic goal.

'Cause I thought maybe you and I could go if you weren't already taking someone.
4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

60%

Ted’s zipper accident at prom is the inciting mishap that derails his date and leads to years of longing.

5

Debate

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 20% target

50%

Ted and Dom discuss whether he should move on or try to find Mary, reflecting his inner conflict.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 6 / 25% target

65%

Ted commits to Act Two by hiring Patrick Healy to track down Mary.

Did you knock this skirt up?
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Pages 5-6 / 30% target

45%

Dom’s suggestion of a private eye becomes the emotional B-story of Ted’s quest for true love.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 16 / Page 7 / 40% target

55%

Healy gathers information on Mary, showcasing the comedic spy antics central to the premise.

You should thank me--that girl was not easy to find. What'd she scam you out of-some insurance dough?
9

Midpoint

Scene 18 / Page 8 / 50% target

60%

Healy successfully locates Mary, raising the stakes and giving Ted false hope.

Okay, Ted, I found your Mary. Her current address, two-niner-eight Euclid Avenue, Miami Beach. Husband, negative. Children and...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 24 / Page 10 / 65% target

55%

Healy drugs Mary’s dog to manipulate her into trusting him, tightening the villainous pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 31 / Page 11 / 75% target

50%

Ted is arrested in a police raid, marking his lowest external setback.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / Page 12 / 80% target

50%

Ted’s release from prison leaves him shaken and disillusioned about ever finding Mary.

13

Break into Three

Scene 39 / Page 13 / 85% target

60%

Ted arrives in Miami and unexpectedly sees Mary and Healy together, spurring him to action.

It is you! It's me...Ted. From Rhode Island Ted.
14

Finale

Scene 49 / Page 14 / 95% target

55%

Ted, Dom, Healy, and Tucker confront each other in Mary’s apartment, resolving misunderstandings through confrontation.

Did you get my letter, Mare? The one about Ted?
15

Final Image

Scene 50 / Page 15 / 99% target

60%

Mary catches Ted on the street and they reconcile, mirroring the hopeful tone of the opening image.

You forgot your keys!