Save the Cat rankings

YES MAN script analysis

YES MAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Carl starts as a closed-off bank employee who begrudgingly attends a “Yes” seminar, then embarks on a year of saying yes to every opportunity. His new lifestyle brings success, love, and promotion, until a drug bust and breakup force him to reassess. He ultimately takes decisive action to sabotage a hostile bank merger and reunites with Renee.

72 Save the Cat fit score 24% analysis confidence / 121 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

12%

Carl’s emotionally shut-down breakup outside Rudy’s establishes his joyless status quo.

You don't do anything more. You used to be fun. Now you hardly ever even leave your apartment.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 5% target

15%

At the “Just Say Yes” seminar, the theme of openness and change is explicitly introduced.

Or are we? Change doesn't start on the surface. It's generated from consciousness. But where is consciousness generated...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-12 / Pages 2-12 / 10% target

18%

We see Carl’s routine resistance to offers and social life as he refuses invitations and lives stolidly alone.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 12% target

20%

Carl agrees at the seminar to say yes for a year, kicking off his transformation.

5

Debate

Scenes 14-16 / Pages 14-16 / 20% target

18%

Carl hesitates about his commitment—wondering if he really wants to join brunch and accept the challenge.

Yes. I will come to brunch.
6

Break into Two

Scene 34 / Page 34 / 25% target

22%

Carl formally recruits Peter as his “Yesponsor,” marking his entry into Act Two’s Yes-man experiment.

Yesterday I got promoted and beat up and hooked up with this chick and I have a massive...
7

B Story

Scene 40 / Page 40 / 30% target

20%

Carl’s relationship with Renee and her photography introduces the heartfelt B-story romance.

Hello Jake, Penelope, Carl and Rodrigo. We are the Flying Buttresses!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 52-58 / Pages 52-58 / 40% target

19%

Montage of Carl saying Yes to moving furniture, cult sex, gallery visits, and massaging Renee shows the promise of his vow.

9

Midpoint

Scene 62 / Page 62 / 50% target

21%

At the conference room, Carl is praised and invited on a golf trip—his external success peaks.

You've given out over 682 below minimum loans.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 74-80 / Pages 74-80 / 65% target

20%

Carl’s disastrous golf and rapid promotions create pressure; he’s overextended and anxious about closing branches.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 88 / Page 88 / 75% target

23%

Carl is arrested by DEA agents overseas—his worst moment when his Yes vow backfires catastrophically.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 91 / Page 91 / 80% target

22%

Carl and Renee break up in the coffee shop, leaving him desolate and uncertain of his path.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 103-104 / Pages 103-104 / 85% target

20%

Carl confronts Sanji for real advice, realizing he must act on his own terms rather than follow blind Yes rules.

I have a really important question. I have to choose between traveling around the world with a girl...
14

Finale

Scenes 115-116 / Pages 115-116 / 95% target

24%

Carl sabotages the hostile merger and throws an engagement party, using decisive action to resolve conflict.

I need to talk to you.
15

Final Image

Scene 119 / Page 119 / 99% target

18%

Carl’s reunion and kiss with Renee on a Bangkok rooftop mirror the Opening Image’s loneliness with hopeful connection.

I just flew twenty-two hours. What do you think? Now can I please kiss you?