Save the Cat rankings

What Women Want script analysis

What Women Want script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Nick Marshall acquires the ability to hear women’s thoughts and must navigate his personal and professional life with this new power. As he exploits it for career gain, he faces consequences in both his relationship with his daughter and his colleague Darcy. When everything falls apart, he must use empathy to make things right.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 20 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Nick wakes up on the bathroom floor and first hears Stella’s thoughts, visually and tonally setting the story’s hook.

I'm fine. I'm fine. I think.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

By hearing Gretchen’s crude inner voice, the film hints that understanding women’s perspectives is key.

You're welcome my little sweet ass.
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 10% target

80%

Nick’s regular world is established as he uses his new ability at Starbucks and meets his colleagues at the office.

Fill a grande with as many espressos as it can hold
4

Catalyst

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 12% target

90%

Nick’s life changes forever the moment he realizes he can actually hear a woman’s thoughts in the bathroom.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 20% target

70%

Nick struggles with how to use his new power when his assistant interrupts his conversation with Darcy.

Anytime. That's my job.
6

Break into Two

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 25% target

70%

Nick decides to apply his ability at work, entering the ‘new world’ of mind-reading colleagues.

7

B Story

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 30% target

80%

Nick bonds with his daughter Alex, establishing the emotional subplot about repairing their relationship.

Hi. I'm Nick, Alex' Dad.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 3-5 / Page 1 / 40% target

80%

A montage-like series shows Nick exploiting his power in Starbucks, meetings, and with Darcy to comedic effect.

9

Midpoint

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 50% target

80%

At the celebratory champagne in the office, Nick seems on top of the world, marking the false victory.

Why are you not the happiest man in Chicago? You did so great.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / Page 1 / 65% target

80%

Darcy is fired by Dan, showing the professional stakes closing in on Nick’s misuse of power.

You’re not listening. I let Darcy go.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 1 / 75% target

70%

Nick realizes he’s lost Darcy’s trust and may lose everything he’s built.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / Page 1 / 80% target

70%

Nick wanders in the rain through Chinatown, reflecting on his mistakes at his lowest point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 18 / Page 1 / 85% target

70%

Finding Erin in her apartment reignites Nick’s resolve to use empathy and fix his relationships.

The truth is, I’m glad I got here before you did anything to hurt yourself...
14

Finale

Scenes 19-20 / Page 1 / 95% target

80%

Nick rescues his daughter at prom and confesses everything to Darcy, resolving both arcs through honesty.

I could suddenly hear the thoughts of every woman I came in contact with. I could actually hear...
15

Final Image

Scene 20 / Page 1 / 99% target

80%

In Darcy’s apartment, Nick’s honest confession contrasts the opening image, showing his growth.

What’s not healthy is that I hate that I love you. That’s not the way it’s supposed to...