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World's Greatest Brad script analysis

World's Greatest Brad script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Brad Whitaker, a well-meaning but hapless stepfather, navigates the chaos of bonding with his girlfriend Sara’s children while contending with her charismatic ex, Dusty. Misadventures—from a botched science project to getting blown out to sea—escalate tensions before a life-threatening moment leads Brad to reevaluate his priorities and fight for his family.

75 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 54 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Brad stands disheveled on a rooftop, setting a tone of personal crisis and comedic despair.

Dear Sara. When we first met it was love at first sight...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 5% target

40%

Coworker Leo dismisses Sara as a “loser,” hinting that Brad must prove his worth in this blended family.

Cause she’s a loser. I don’t tolerate losers.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

45%

We see Brad’s initial romance with Sara and meet her children as Brad integrates into their world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 5 / 12% target

50%

Sara reveals that her ex-husband Dusty is coming to visit, upending Brad’s comfortable new life.

It’s Dusty. He’s wants to come visit the kids.
5

Debate

Scenes 9-11 / Pages 6-8 / 20% target

45%

Brad debates how to handle Dusty’s brash interference, from meeting him at the door to confronting misuse of his credit card.

Did you just sign my name?
6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 9 / 25% target

40%

After a tense drive, Brad fully commits to standing up for himself and his new family dynamic.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG!
7

B Story

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

35%

Brad bonds with the kids during a science project and first meets Dylan and Megan, establishing his parental subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-16 / Pages 7-11 / 40% target

50%

Brad faces Dusty’s interference at every turn—BB gun, clothing store, school dance arrest—providing comedic conflict.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 21-22 / Pages 13-14 / 50% target

45%

Brad’s kiteboarding accident and rescue marks a false victory: he sees heroism but still hasn’t solved family tensions.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 33-34 / Pages 20-21 / 65% target

50%

Brad’s career is ruined by the Hi-Fiver reveal and he’s physically bested by Dusty, raising stakes on all fronts.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 38 / Page 22 / 75% target

45%

Brad returns to find his backyard destroyed by Dusty’s massive party—a symbol of his failure to control the chaos.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 45 / Page 25 / 80% target

40%

Drinking and venting to a prostitute, Brad hits rock bottom emotionally, believing he’s lost his family and dignity.

13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 28 / 85% target

50%

On the hotel rooftop, Dusty literally saves Brad, reigniting his will to fight for his relationship.

14

Finale

Scenes 52-53 / Pages 29-30 / 95% target

45%

Brad reconciles with Sara, and Dusty departs, as Brad proves himself worthy of the family he’s fought for.

15

Final Image

Scene 54 / Page 31 / 99% target

35%

Peyton Manning’s jog through an infomercial parodies Brad’s growth, showing this world’s comedic tone persists.