Save the Cat rankings

Withnail and I script analysis

Withnail and I script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two struggling actors, Withnail and I, endure creative stagnation and squalor in their dilapidated London flat before impulsively escaping to a remote cottage offered by Uncle Monty. Their misadventures escalate—from botched cooking and menacing farmers to car chases and arrests—ultimately forcing each to confront personal failures and part ways.

75 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 30 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces the ragged flat and the lethargic routines of Withnail and I.

Do you want a cup of tea Withnail!?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

25%

I laments his inability to cope, hinting at themes of survival and friendship under pressure.

Thirteen million Londoners have to cope with this, and bake beans and allbran and rape, and I'm sitting...
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 10% target

30%

We meet both leads, their squalor, failed ambitions and dependent relationship.

I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear anything. Oh God, it's a nightmare out...
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

35%

They acknowledge failed careers and decide they must escape to the country.

This is ridiculous, look at me. I'm thirty in a month and I've got a sole flapping off...
5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 20% target

30%

Withnail’s self-destructive lighter-fluid binge underscores doubts about leaving the city and their sanity.

Even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day. And for once I'm inclined to believe...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 1-2 / 25% target

35%

They secure Monty’s cottage and depart London, committing to Act Two in the countryside.

Do you like vegetables? I've always been fond of root crops but I only started to grow last...
7

B Story

Scene 21 / Page 2 / 30% target

30%

Uncle Monty’s arrival introduces mentorship and potential for personal connection outside their duo.

oh my boys, my boys.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-20 / Pages 2-3 / 40% target

35%

A series of rural misadventures—fuel requests, live chickens, bulls and poaching—show both comic and threatening developments.

9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / Page 3 / 50% target

30%

Monty’s pleasant visit peaks their holiday high, shifting stakes as secrets surface.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 18-19 / Pages 3-4 / 65% target

30%

Failed phone call and dangerous bull encounter intensify external pressures and isolation.

A coward you are Withnail. An expert on bulls you are not!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 25 / Page 4 / 75% target

30%

Withnail’s reckless driving leads to arrest and the deepest low of Act Two.

No, I'm making time. Here comes another fucker.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 27 / Page 4 / 80% target

30%

They return to find their flat occupied, symbolizing utter displacement and despair.

What are you doing in my bed?
13

Break into Three

Scene 29 / Page 4 / 85% target

35%

I prepares to leave for the train station, resolving to move forward alone.

My father will pick up my stuff in the week and do something about the car.
14

Finale

Scene 30 / Page 5 / 95% target

35%

Their emotional farewell in the park concludes each arc, showing growth through separation.

Because I want to walk you to the station.
15

Final Image

Scene 30 / Page 5 / 99% target

30%

Withnail reciting Hamlet to the wolves mirrors the initial image of idle despair turned poignant resolve.