1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Scene Map 39
# PG SLUGLINE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Scene Map
39
# PG SLUGLINE
1
EXT. QUERÉTARO AIRPORT – LATE AFTERNOON Palm trees wrapped in CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. A cacophony of HONKING, TAXI DRIVERS YELLING, and dueling Mariachi bands butchering “FELIZ NAVIDAD.” TRAVELERS spill onto sidewalk. NINA WALLIS (30s) drags a pink suitcase and a crammed carry-
2
INT. SHUTTLE VAN – MOVING/STALLED IN TRAFFIC - LATE AFTERNOON Nina and Richard are wedged between a FAMILY of seven. A TODDLER kicks Nina’s back and GRANDPA SNORES next to Richard. Up front, MIDWEST MOM leads an off-key rendition of "Feliz Navidad." Her HUSBAND records video. The toddler SCREAMS the
3
EXT. RURAL HIGHWAY – DUSK The shuttle winds towards San Miguel de Allende. MIDWEST MOM (O.S.) Okay, kids. From the top. (singing)
4
EXT. SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE – DUSK The shuttle winds down narrow cobblestone streets. Balconies draped in colorful lights. Doorways adorned with Christmas ornaments. The town sparkles with magic. EXT. FIVE-STAR HOTEL - DUSK
5
EXT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE – DUSK The shuttle rumbles to a stop in front of a colonial-style house adorned with white lights, a wreath on a massive wooden door. Nina and Richard step onto the sidewalk. NINA
6
EXT. JARDÍN PRINCIPAL – NIGHT The iconic pink Parroquia looms above the CROWD. The man-made Christmas tree stands thirty feet tall, draped in baubles the size of cantaloupes. A CHILDREN'S CHOIR waits poised on stage. At the edge of the Crowd, Nina checks her phone, grabs
7
EXT. CANDLE SHOP – NIGHT A tiny storefront glows mysteriously in the dark. INSIDE CANDLE SHOP NINA So this is what emergency retail
8
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE – LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Everyone lounges around the coffee table strewn with take-out cartons, plates, and chopsticks. PEDRO Can somebody tell me what I'm eating?
9
INT./EXT. HAT ATELIER - MORNING Isabel lounges on the porch in a red cowboy-style hat adorned with gold stars and hat band. She downs a mimosa. Andrés and Finn wear tastefully coordinated designer hats. Andrés tops off mimosas. Finn adds a discreet spritz to his
10
EXT. LOS REMEDIOS WINERY - AFTERNOON Green lawn. Colorful blankets. Throw pillows. Picnic baskets now empty. All that remains are chocolate-dipped strawberries. Finn and Andrés lie on their backs, fingers interlaced. Pedro reclines in a sling chair, Monique's head on his chest.
11
EXT. CANDLE SHOP – NIGHT Richard and Nina walk up to the dark storefront. Nina RAPS on the door, peers through the glass. Richard spots a hand-written sign, barely visible in the dim light. NINA
12
INT. BLUES BAR – NIGHT A tiny dive bar with heart. High stools. Dim lights. A BAND sets up in the window bay. Nina pulls out a stool for Richard. NINA So gallant.
13
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE - NINA & RICHARD’S BEDROOM – MORNING Sunlight filters through drapes. Pillow barricade intact. Richard's arm is flopped over Nina. She startles awake, gently slides free of his arm, onto the floor, still half drunk. GABRIELLE (O.S.)
14
FLASH BACK – INT. BARCELONA HOTEL – NIGHT Nina exits the bathroom, a huge grin on her face. She sees Richard on the balcony, ogling a curvaceous woman bending over at a café across the street. NINA (CONT'D)
15
EXT. TERRACE – MORNING Empty mugs, fruit rinds and pastry crumbs scatter the table. The Group lounges in mismatched pajamas and sunglasses. FINN If anyone sees my third eye, tell it
16
INT. BRIDAL ATELIER – DAY Velvet sofas. Champagne on ice. Crystal glasses. Lavish gowns on racks. Gabrielle stands in a stunning but ill-fitting gown. Nina eyes her critically. Isabel tops off champagne. GABRIELLE
17
INT. MEZCALERIA – DAY Small but chic. Artisanal bottles line the shelves. Finn, Andrés, Pedro and Dominic sit at a high-top table. A female MEZCALIERA (30s) presents a selection. MEZCALIERA
18
INT. BRIDAL ATELIER – DAY Gabrielle emerges in the off-the-shoulder gown. It hangs awkwardly, stiff where it should drape, clinging where it should float. Everyone tries not to wince. GABRIELLE
19
INT. MEZCALERÍA – DAY The Boys are several tastings in. A LEATHER CRAFTSMAN (20s) tattooed, manscaped, opens a steamer trunk full of exquisite wares. The Mezcaliera pours another round. MEZCALIERA
20
INT. BRIDAL ATELIER – DAY Gabrielle steps out in the gown Richard picked. She looks radiant. The dream, revised. GABRIELLE I think this is it.
21
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE - RICHARD & NINA’S BEDROOM – EVENING Richard on the bed, eyes closed, face pack on. Nina paces. RICHARD That’s it. I don't care if I have titties. I'm buying a ticket and
22
EXT. BRUJA CANDLE SHOP - MORNING Nina and Richard approach the store. NINA I can't believe you deleted the mushroom guy's number.
23
EXT. CAFÉ TRANQUILO – MOMENTS LATER A charming café with hip locals in crocheted shawls. RICHARD God is here. And he smells like vanilla bean.
24
EXT. ALLEYWAY – MOMENTS LATER They weave down crooked cobblestones. Vines lace ancient walls. The town noise fades. Ahead, a turquoise door and a hanging steer's skull. A wind chime TINKLES. The door CREAKS open before they knock.
25
INT. LUXURY SPA – DAY Soft music. Luxurious robes, flip flops and towels. Gabrielle, naked, hangs up her robe, opens sauna door. Nina tightens her grip on the towel around her. GABRIELLE
26
EXT. SPA ENTRANCE – AFTERNOON The Group lingers, glowing and giddy. Gabrielle checks her phone. Nina shifts in her seat, uncomfortably. ISABEL Wasn't that invigorating? And only
27
EXT. ALLEYWAY – DUSK Richard walks ahead of Nina, Andrés and Finn down a dark, shadowy lane. "María la Curandera" by Natalie LaFourcade filters from a dimly-lit window. FINN
28
INT. CURANDERA’S HOUSE – EVENING A long dark hallway opens into an incense-heavy room. Hundreds of candles FLICKER. Dried herbs, feathers, bones, and talismans hang like chandeliers from the wooden rafters. CURANDERA CALLA (70s), fierce, radiant, swathed in indigo and
29
EXT. COLONIA SAN RAPHAEL - SAN MIGUEL – NIGHT The Group walks slowly, each in their own thoughts. ANDRÉS That woman was terrifying. In a sacred, abuelita-will-banish-your-
30
EXT. COLONIA SAN RAFAEL - NIGHT An alleyway, aglow with lanterns. A GUITARIST leads a group of LOCAL FAMILIES carrying gifts of food, warm clothes, toys. Isabel resplendent in a red shawl, walks arm in arm with Shuttle Grandpa, surprisingly spry, flirting like he’s 40.
31
EXT. LOCAL FAMILY’S HOUSE – LATER An ABUELA stands at her her door. ABUELA (singing) "Eres tu José? Tu esposa es Maria?
32
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE – NIGHT The Group files in. LAUGHER, YAWNS, MURMURS of "best night." DOMINIC (to Gabrielle) Bed? With a nightcap?
33
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE - MORNING A rooster CROWS. Birds CHIRP. GRANDPA (O.S.) Can’t find my shoes, but I did find my dignity. Nope. Wait. That’s a
34
EXT. ALDAMA STREET – NIGHT A traditional wedding parade - mojigangas (giant puppets of bride and groom), a burro adorned in flowers, carrying barrels of tequila, and serenading MARIACHIS - leads the dancing Wedding Party and Guests along the cobblestone street.
35
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE – GARDEN – NIGHT Fairy lights TWINKLE. A TRIO plays soft boleros. Empty plates and drained glasses mark the end of dinner. LAUGHER drifts in and out. Fifty-or-so GUESTS mingle. Isabel lounges in a low chair. Grandpa eases into the one
36
EXT. INSTITUTO ALLENDE - LATE AFTERNOON Bright winter sun. A runway leads to a floral wedding arbor, the Parroquia as a backdrop. Lark beams at Dominic, handsome in his tux, Nina in her purple dress next to him. Soft MANDOLIN MUSIC floats through the air. Fifty or so Guests
37
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MORNING A monitor BEEPS. Isabel unconscious in bed. Grandpa cradles one hand, Pedro the other. Dominic sits nearby, half dozing. Gabrielle walks in with a bag. She unpacks lipstick, hairbrush, peignoir set, Santa hat, and her candle, "love endures."
38
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING Pedro walks in. Monique leaps up to hug him. ANDRÉS Hi, dad. You look exhausted. PEDRO
39
INT. VELASCO WEDDING HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – EVENING A pile of beautifully wrapped presents surround the tree. Everyone dressed to impress - velvet, sequins, silk bowties, and holiday flair. Gabrielle stands like a general before her troops, glass of bubbly in hand.

San Miguel ExMas MixUp

When a holiday wedding brings together an estranged couple, a magical mishap forces them to confront their past and rediscover love.

See other logline suggestions

Overview

Poster
Unique Selling Point

The screenplay stands out with its unique blend of romantic comedy and magical realism, set in a visually rich Mexican locale. The body-swap element is cleverly used to explore themes of forgiveness and self-discovery, making it a fresh take on the genre.

AI Verdict & Suggestions

Ratings are subjective. So you get different engines' ratings to compare.

Hover over verdict cards for Executive Summaries

GPT4
 Recommend
Gemini
 Recommend
Claude
 Recommend
DeepSeek
 Consider
Average Score: 8.1
Key Takeaways
For the Writer:
To enhance 'San Miguel ExMas MixUp,' focus on tightening the pacing in the second act, particularly during the body-swap sequence, to maintain comedic momentum and emotional engagement. Additionally, consider deepening the backstories of secondary characters to enrich the narrative and provide more layers to the family dynamics. This will create a more immersive experience for the audience and strengthen the overall character arcs.
For Executives:
While 'San Miguel ExMas MixUp' presents a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre with its unique body-swap twist and vibrant setting, it faces significant pacing issues that could hinder its marketability. The screenplay's reliance on familiar tropes without sufficient subversion may limit its appeal to audiences seeking innovative storytelling. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for its success in a competitive market.
Story Facts
Genres:
Comedy 45% Romance 35% Drama 40% Fantasy 25%

Setting: Contemporary, Querétaro and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Themes: Love and Reconciliation, Family and Community, Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth, Tradition and Celebration, Humor and Lightheartedness

Conflict & Stakes: The primary conflict revolves around Nina and Richard's unresolved feelings from their past relationship, compounded by the chaos of wedding preparations and family dynamics. The stakes include their emotional growth and the potential for rekindling their romance amidst family expectations.

Mood: Light-hearted and festive with moments of introspection.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The body-swap twist between Nina and Richard adds a comedic and innovative element to the romantic storyline.
  • Distinctive Setting: The vibrant and festive backdrop of San Miguel de Allende during the holiday season enhances the visual appeal.
  • Character Dynamics: The interplay between a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and relationships, creates engaging interactions.
  • Humor and Heart: The blend of light-hearted humor with deeper emotional themes of love and acceptance makes the story relatable.

Comparable Scripts: The Holiday, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally, The Wedding Date, Bridget Jones's Diary, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Proposal, The Family Stone

Script Level Analysis

Writer Exec

This section delivers a top-level assessment of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses — covering overall quality (P/C/R/HR), character development, emotional impact, thematic depth, narrative inconsistencies, and the story’s core philosophical conflict. It helps identify what’s resonating, what needs refinement, and how the script aligns with professional standards.

Screenplay Insights

Breaks down your script along various categories.

Overall Score: 7.59
Key Suggestions:
To enhance the screenplay 'San Miguel ExMas MixUp', focus on deepening the character arcs of supporting characters like Gabrielle and Isabel. By exploring their emotional struggles and growth, you can enrich the narrative and create a more engaging experience for the audience. Additionally, tightening the pacing in the second act will help maintain momentum and keep viewers invested in the story.
Story Critique

Big-picture feedback on the story’s clarity, stakes, cohesion, and engagement.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the screenplay, focus on tightening the narrative structure by ensuring each scene serves a clear purpose in advancing character arcs or themes. Strengthening the emotional stakes, particularly for Nina and Richard, will create a more engaging and impactful story. Additionally, refining the balance between humor and emotional depth will help maintain audience engagement throughout the screenplay.
Characters

Explores the depth, clarity, and arc of the main and supporting characters.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script, focus on deepening character arcs, particularly for Richard and Nina, by exploring their emotional vulnerabilities and past experiences. This will create a more relatable and engaging narrative. Additionally, consider incorporating moments of conflict that challenge the characters' growth, allowing for richer interactions and a more dynamic storyline.
Emotional Analysis

Breaks down the emotional journey of the audience across the script.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the emotional depth of the script, it's crucial to diversify the emotional landscape early on. Introducing vulnerability in characters like Richard and Nina can create a more balanced emotional journey, allowing for a richer exploration of their relationship. Additionally, integrating distinct emotional profiles for subplots and utilizing environmental elements to amplify emotions will deepen audience engagement and prevent emotional fatigue.
Goals and Philosophical Conflict

Evaluates character motivations, obstacles, and sources of tension throughout the plot.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script, focus on deepening Nina's emotional journey by emphasizing her internal conflicts and resolutions. Highlight her evolution from seeking external validation to embracing vulnerability, which will create a more relatable and compelling character arc. Additionally, ensure that the philosophical conflicts are woven seamlessly into the narrative, allowing for richer thematic exploration of love, acceptance, and the complexities of relationships during the holiday setting.
Themes

Analysis of the themes of the screenplay and how well they’re expressed.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script, focus on deepening the emotional arcs of Nina and Richard, particularly their journey towards reconciliation. Incorporating more moments of vulnerability and introspection can strengthen the theme of love and reconciliation, making their relationship more relatable and impactful. Additionally, consider balancing the humor with the emotional weight of the story to ensure that the comedic elements serve to enrich the narrative rather than distract from the central themes.
Logic & Inconsistencies

Highlights any contradictions, plot holes, or logic gaps that may confuse viewers.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script's coherence and emotional impact, focus on smoothing Richard's character arc to ensure his emotional shifts feel organic rather than abrupt. Additionally, clarify the body-swapping plot device with a more defined explanation to maintain narrative plausibility. Streamlining repetitive comedic elements and thematic reiterations will also strengthen the overall storytelling, making it more engaging for the audience.

Scene Analysis

All of your scenes analyzed individually and compared, so you can zero in on what to improve.

Scene-Level Percentile Chart
Hover over the graph to see more details about each score.
Go to Scene Analysis

Other Analyses

Writer Exec

This section looks at the extra spark — your story’s voice, style, world, and the moments that really stick. These insights might not change the bones of the script, but they can make it more original, more immersive, and way more memorable. It’s where things get fun, weird, and wonderfully you.

Unique Voice

Assesses the distinctiveness and personality of the writer's voice.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script, consider deepening character backstories and motivations to further enrich the emotional depth of the narrative. While the witty banter and humor are strong, integrating more poignant moments that explore the characters' vulnerabilities can create a more balanced tone and resonate with audiences on a deeper level. This will also help in developing a more cohesive arc for Nina and Richard's relationship.
Writer's Craft

Analyzes the writing to help the writer be aware of their skill and improve.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the screenplay, the writer should focus on improving pacing, character development, and thematic depth. By refining these elements, the narrative can achieve greater emotional resonance and maintain audience engagement throughout. Engaging in targeted exercises and studying successful scripts will further develop the writer's craft and storytelling abilities.
Memorable Lines

Spotlights standout dialogue lines with emotional or thematic power.

Key Suggestions:
The script effectively captures the holiday spirit and the complexities of relationships, particularly through witty dialogue and memorable lines. However, to enhance emotional depth, consider expanding on the characters' backstories and motivations, especially regarding Nina and Richard's past. This will create a stronger connection with the audience and elevate the stakes of their reunion.
Tropes
Highlights common or genre-specific tropes found in the script.
World Building

Evaluates the depth, consistency, and immersion of the story's world.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script, consider deepening the exploration of cultural elements and their impact on character development. By weaving in more specific Mexican traditions and customs, the narrative can achieve greater authenticity and emotional resonance, allowing audiences to connect more profoundly with the characters' experiences and relationships.
Correlations

Identifies patterns in scene scores.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script's emotional resonance and audience engagement, focus on maintaining a consistent tone throughout the scenes, particularly blending humor with reflective moments. This balance has proven effective in scenes that scored highly, suggesting that a thoughtful integration of humor and introspection can deepen character development and narrative impact.
Loglines
Presents logline variations based on theme, genre, and hook.