Save the Cat rankings

WHAT LIES BENEATH script analysis

WHAT LIES BENEATH script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Claire Spencer, a former cellist turned suburban mother, begins experiencing strange supernatural occurrences after her daughter leaves for college. Suspecting foul play by her odd neighbors, the Feurs, Claire’s investigation leads her into a spiraling mystery that threatens her sanity and marriage. Ultimately she uncovers a dark secret involving her husband and a missing young woman, forcing her to confront the truth and reclaim her life.

78 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 75 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Claire awakens from a dream and notices a scar, visually establishing her unsettled state.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 5% target

70%

Over breakfast, Claire and Caitlin discuss departure and change, hinting at themes of letting go and hidden truths.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

80%

We see Claire’s domestic routine, her relationship with Norman, and her latent identity as a cellist.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 4 / 12% target

78%

Claire’s first odd encounter with Mrs. Feur at the fence introduces the mystery of her disappearance.

It's Mrs...It's Claire...Spencer. From next door. Is everything--
5

Debate

Scenes 12-14 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

75%

Claire hears whispering and sees a strange water reflection, debating whether her experiences are real or imagined.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 18-19 / Page 7 / 25% target

74%

Hearing a mournful voice and finding broken evidence marks Claire’s active plunge into the mystery.

7

B Story

Scenes 4-5 / Pages 2-3 / 30% target

68%

Caitlin’s departure and college life form the emotional B-story about Claire’s evolving identity.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-27 / Pages 9-11 / 40% target

77%

Claire investigates the Feurs, performs seances, spies on Mr. Feur, and gathers supernatural and photographic clues.

She's not there. I haven't seen her since that morning. Well, I mean, I've never actually seen her,...
9

Midpoint

Scene 44 / Page 15 / 50% target

82%

Claire confronts Mr. Feur only to see his missing wife appear, shifting the mystery into a supernatural revelation.

You think you're smart, don't you? You think you got away clean. Well, I know you killed her....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 59-61 / Pages 20-21 / 65% target

80%

Claire uncovers Norman’s secret research and a printout naming Madison Frank, tightening the noose around her husband.

...she was practically a townie. Grew up in Bradford.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 67 / Page 23 / 75% target

83%

Claire and Norman have a violent confrontation in the study, shattering her trust completely.

Wouldn't go that far.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 68 / Page 24 / 80% target

76%

After the fight, Claire storms out, feeling she’s lost everything and questioning her own sanity.

What did you think I would do? Jesus Christ! I gave up my life and my music...
13

Break into Three

Scene 69 / Page 24 / 85% target

79%

Norman confesses his involvement in Madison’s disappearance, giving Claire clarity and a path to resolve.

I want you to answer one question.
14

Finale

Scenes 73-74 / Pages 25-26 / 95% target

81%

Claire rescues Norman from electrocution and confronts the reality of his condition, culminating her internal and external battles.

No, no. Please no...
15

Final Image

Scene 75 / Page 26 / 99% target

75%

At the dock, Claire symbolically lets go of haunting elements, showing her reclaimed agency.

Sorry. Better or worse, he's mine.