In the last 24 hours, I "wrote" a screenplay. More to come soon on the *how* of this as well as what I learned and discovered along the way.
Without further adieu, I present...
FADE IN:
EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
A quiet, tree-lined street with well-maintained houses. A car pulls up in front of a modest two-story home with a manicured lawn.
INT. MAGGIE THOMPSON'S KITCHEN - DAY
Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating a cozy, well-worn kitchen. Family photos and colorful magnets adorn the fridge. ALEX THOMPSON, 25, sits at the kitchen table, a folder open in front of them. They have a slender build, with short, tousled hair and expressive eyes that hint at a mix of determination and vulnerability.
MAGGIE THOMPSON, 48, enters the room. She's an attractive woman with shoulder-length hair and a warm, maternal presence. She wears a casual blouse and jeans.
MAGGIE
Hey there, kiddo. I came as soon as I could. How are you holding up?
ALEX
(manages a weak smile)
Hey, Mom. Thanks for coming. I'm just... I don't know. I found something that could change everything with the divorce, but I'm scared to bring it up in the mediation. What if it backfires?
Alex holds up the folder, their hands trembling slightly.
ALEX (CONT'D)
It's an old property survey of Ethan's family land. There's something weird about it, and I think it could give me some leverage. But I don't want to make things worse.
EXT. COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE - DAY
A nondescript government building with a small parking lot. ETHAN DAVIS, 27, arrives in his police cruiser. He's tall and fit, with close-cropped hair and a square jaw. He wears his uniform with a sense of authority and pride.
Ethan spots Alex's car parked across the street and Maggie's car pulling up behind it. He frowns, his brow furrowing with suspicion and frustration.
ETHAN
(to himself)
Great, just what I need. Alex's mom getting involved.
Ethan hangs back, watching their interaction from a distance.
INT. MAGGIE THOMPSON'S CAR - DAY
Maggie sits in the driver's seat, concern etched on her face as she looks at the property survey.
MAGGIE
A property survey? Alex, I know you want this divorce to be over, but are you sure this is the right way to go about it? Digging up old secrets could open a whole new can of worms.
Maggie glances towards the office, spotting Ethan in his uniform.
MAGGIE (CONT'D)
And what about Ethan? Have you thought about how this could affect your relationship in the long run? I know things are tough right now, but do you really want to burn that bridge completely?
ALEX
(anger and hurt rising)
What relationship, Mom? He's the one who walked away. He's the one who couldn't make it work. If this survey can give me a fair shot at moving on, then maybe it's worth the risk.
Alex takes a shaky breath, looking down at the folder.
ALEX (CONT'D)
I just don't know what to do. I feel like I'm drowning in this mess, and I need something to hold onto. Something to give me a chance at a fresh start.
MAGGIE
(places a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder)
Oh, honey. I know it hurts. And I want you to have that fresh start, more than anything. But sometimes, the past has a way of haunting us, even when we think we've left it behind.
Maggie gently takes the folder from Alex's hands, opening it to examine the survey more closely.
MAGGIE (CONT'D)
Let me take a look at this. Maybe there's a way to use this information without causing more damage. We just need to be careful and think it through.
EXT. COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE - PARKING LOT - DAY
Ethan approaches Maggie's car, his jaw clenched with frustration. He taps on the driver's side window.
ETHAN
Alex. Maggie. What's going on here? What's in that folder?
ALEX
(snapping the folder shut)
Oh, now you want to know what's going on? Now you care about the details of our life together?
(shakes head)
It's nothing, Ethan. Just some old paperwork. Nothing that concerns you anymore.
MAGGIE
(stepping out of the car, placing herself between Alex and Ethan)
Ethan, please. We're just having a private conversation. There's no need to get worked up.
(turns to Alex, lowering voice)
Honey, maybe it's best if we don't bring this up in the mediation today. Emotions are running high, and we don't want to make any rash decisions. Let's take some time to think it over and figure out the best way forward.
ALEX
(nods, handing Maggie the folder)
Okay, Mom. You're right. I don't want to do something I'll regret. Can you hold onto this for me? I don't trust myself not to do something stupid with it right now.
MAGGIE
(taking the folder)
Of course, Alex. I'll keep it safe. And we'll figure this out together, I promise.
(wraps an arm around Alex's shoulders)
Now, let's get you inside for that mediation. Remember, just stay calm and focus on what's best for your future. Everything else can wait.
Ethan watches as Maggie and Alex walk towards the office, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
ETHAN
(to himself)
Fine. Keep your secrets. But don't think this is over. I have a right to know what's going on, especially if it involves our separation.
Ethan turns and strides towards the office, his mind racing with possibilities.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. POLICE STATION - EVIDENCE ROOM - NIGHT
The evidence room is dimly lit, with rows of shelves holding boxes and bags of evidence. ETHAN stands in front of an empty shelf, staring at the space where the files related to his family's case once sat. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows on his face, highlighting the tension and guilt in his expression.
OFFICER CHEN enters the room behind him. She's a no-nonsense woman in her 40s, with short black hair and a stern demeanor. She wears a sharp pantsuit and carries an air of authority.
OFFICER CHEN
Ethan, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay away from this case.
ETHAN
(stammering)
I... I just wanted to see for myself. I needed to know what was taken.
OFFICER CHEN
(suspicious)
And how did you know about the break-in? I only just called you about it.
ETHAN
(caught off guard)
I... I must have misunderstood.
Officer Chen steps closer to Ethan, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception.
OFFICER CHEN
Ethan, I want to believe you, but something isn't adding up. I think it's time we had a serious talk about your involvement in all of this.
The camera lingers on Ethan's face as he swallows nervously, the weight of his secrets bearing down on him.
FADE TO:
INT. MAGGIE THOMPSON'S KITCHEN - DAY
Maggie sits at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee. She looks tired and worried, her brow furrowed in thought. Alex enters the kitchen, their expression somber.
MAGGIE
Alex? Is that you? We need to talk.
ALEX
(sitting down across from Maggie)
Mom... we need to talk about what happened last night. About everything that's been going on.
MAGGIE
I know, Alex. I've been thinking the same thing. We can't keep running from this forever.
(reaches across the table, taking Alex's hand)
But we need to be smart about this. We can't just blurt out the truth without thinking about the consequences.
ALEX
Ethan's not going to let this go. He's convinced we're hiding something, and he's not going to stop until he finds out what it is.
(takes a deep breath)
I have something that could change everything with the divorce, but I'm scared to bring it up in the mediation. What if it backfires?
MAGGIE
(furrows brow)
What is it, Alex?
Alex pulls out the property survey, their hands shaking slightly as they unfold the document.
ALEX
It's an old property survey of Ethan's family land. There's something weird about it, and I think it could give me some leverage. But I don't want to make things worse.
MAGGIE
(takes the survey, examining it closely)
Alex, I know you want this divorce to be over, but are you sure this is the right way to go about it? Digging up old secrets could open a whole new can of worms.
The sound of the front door opening and closing catches their attention. Ethan enters the kitchen, his expression tense and suspicious.
ETHAN
What's going on here?
ALEX
(quickly hiding the survey)
Ethan, what are you doing here?
ETHAN
I could ask you the same thing. What are you two hiding from me?
MAGGIE
(standing up)
Ethan, please. We're just having a private conversation. There's no need to get worked up.
ETHAN
(clenching his fists)
No more secrets, Maggie. I want the truth, and I want it now.
The camera pans across their faces, capturing the rising tension and the sense that a confrontation is inevitable.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
The abandoned warehouse looms in the darkness, its broken windows and graffiti-covered walls a testament to years of neglect. A single streetlamp flickers nearby, casting an eerie glow on the cracked pavement.
Alex sits in their car, parked across the street from the warehouse. They check their phone: 8:55 pm. Just five minutes until the meeting with the mysterious blackmailer. Alex's face is a mix of fear and determination, their knuckles white as they grip the steering wheel.
A figure emerges from the shadows, walking towards Alex's car with a purposeful stride. They wear a dark hoodie, their face obscured. Alex squints, trying to make out the person's features, but the darkness is too thick.
The figure stops beside the driver's window and taps on the glass with a gloved hand. Alex hesitates, then rolls down the window, their heart pounding in their chest.
ALEX
I'm here. What do you want from me?
BLACKMAILER
(voice distorted)
I want the truth. I know what your family has been hiding. And I have proof.
The blackmailer holds up a manila envelope, the camera focusing on the way it catches the dim light. Alex feels a chill run down their spine, their mind racing with the possibilities of what the envelope might contain.
ALEX
What kind of proof?
BLACKMAILER
(chuckles menacingly)
The kind that could ruin you. Unless you do exactly as I say.
The blackmailer's words hang in the air, the tension palpable. The camera lingers on Alex's face, capturing the fear and uncertainty in their eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. MAGGIE THOMPSON'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Maggie and Ethan sit at the kitchen table, the warm glow of the overhead light casting soft shadows on their faces. The table is cluttered with papers and old photographs, evidence of a long night of soul-searching and difficult conversations.
MAGGIE
(voice heavy with emotion)
Ethan, we need to talk about what's been going on. The secrets, the lies... it's tearing our family apart.
ETHAN
(sighs heavily)
I know, Maggie. And I'm sorry for my part in all of this. I never meant for things to get so out of hand.
Maggie reaches across the table, placing her hand on Ethan's. Her touch is gentle, a gesture of understanding and support.
MAGGIE
But they have, Ethan. And now we need to face the consequences. Together, as a family.
Ethan nods, his eyes filled with regret and determination. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult road ahead.
ETHAN
You're right. It's time to come clean, once and for all.
The camera pulls back, capturing the two of them in a moment of quiet resolve, ready to face the truth no matter the cost.
CUT TO:
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
The sound of police sirens cuts through the night air, growing louder with each passing second. Red and blue lights flash as police cars surround the warehouse, their tires screeching on the pavement.
POLICE OFFICER
(over loudspeaker)
Come out with your hands up! We have you surrounded!
The blackmailer curses, dropping the envelope and reaching for a gun. Alex's eyes widen in fear, their heart pounding in their chest.
ALEX
Don't do it!
But it's too late. The blackmailer raises the gun, aiming it at the approaching officers. Gunshots ring out, the sound deafening in the confined space of the car. The blackmailer crumples to the ground, their body illuminated by the harsh glare of the police lights.
Alex sits frozen in shock, their hands trembling as they grip the steering wheel. An officer appears at the window, his face a mix of concern and suspicion.
POLICE OFFICER
Are you alright? What's going on here?
Alex shakes their head, unable to find the words. The camera lingers on their face, capturing the confusion and horror of the moment.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. ABANDONED FACTORY - NIGHT
The factory is dark and eerily silent, the only sound the distant dripping of water. ETHAN, MAGGIE, and LIAM, Ethan's younger brother, make their way cautiously through the building, their flashlights cutting through the gloom.
MAGGIE
(whispers)
Alex? Alex, where are you?
Suddenly, they hear a muffled cry from somewhere in the depths of the factory. They exchange a look of fear and determination, then follow the sound, their footsteps echoing in the empty space.
They enter a small, dimly lit room and find ALEX bound and gagged, their face bruised and bloody. Standing over them, holding a gun, is OFFICER CHEN.
ETHAN
(stunned)
Chen? What the hell is going on?
OFFICER CHEN
(smiling coldly)
You really haven't figured it out yet, have you? I've been playing you all from the start. The blackmailer, the stolen files, the 'investigation' - it was all me.
MAGGIE
(angry)
But why? Why go to all this trouble? What could you possibly have to gain?
OFFICER CHEN
Power. Your family's secrets, your wealth, your influence - I want it all. And I'm going to take it, one way or another.
She presses the gun harder against Alex's temple, her eyes locked on Ethan's.
OFFICER CHEN (CONT'D)
Starting with your precious spouse. Unless, of course, you're willing to make a deal.
Ethan feels a rush of terror and desperation as he realizes the terrible choice he's being forced to make. Give in to Officer Chen's demands, betraying everything he believes in and sacrificing their future, or risk losing Alex forever.
ETHAN
(voice shaking)
Chen, please. I'll give you what you want. Just let Alex go.
Officer Chen hesitates, the camera focusing on the calculation in her eyes. Finally, she nods, a cruel smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
OFFICER CHEN
Fine. But if you try anything, if you so much as breathe in a way I don't like, your precious spouse dies. Understood?
Ethan nods, his heart pounding in his chest. Slowly, Officer Chen lowers the gun and unties Alex's bonds, shoving them roughly towards Ethan.
ETHAN
(catching Alex)
I've got you. I've got you.
MAGGIE
(to Officer Chen)
This isn't over. You won't get away with this.
OFFICER CHEN
(laughs)
I already have.
She backs out of the room, the gun still trained on them. The camera lingers on the characters' faces, capturing the mix of relief, anger, and fear.
FADE TO:
INT. DAVIS FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Ethan sits on the couch, his head in his hands. The room is spacious and well-appointed, with expensive artwork on the walls and a large fireplace. Despite the grandeur, there is a sense of unease and tension in the air.
LIAM, Ethan's younger brother, paces the room, his face tight with worry.
LIAM
Ethan, what are we going to do? Chen has us backed into a corner. If we don't give her what she wants...
ETHAN
(looks up, his eyes haunted)
I know. But we can't give in to her demands. The truth about our family's crimes has already been revealed. We have to face the consequences of our actions and find a way to make things right.
MAGGIE enters the room, her face pale but determined.
MAGGIE
Ethan, I just got off the phone with our lawyer. He says that if you cooperate with the authorities, if you testify against your father and grandfather and help them uncover the full extent of the corruption... there's a chance you could get a reduced sentence.
ETHAN
(nods slowly)
I know what I have to do. I have to take responsibility for my part in this, for the secrets I kept and the lies I told. It's the only way to begin to make amends.
LIAM
(puts a hand on Ethan's shoulder)
We're with you, brother. Every step of the way.
The camera pans across their faces, capturing the mix of fear, determination, and resolve.
CUT TO:
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Ethan stands before the judge, his expression somber and contrite. Maggie and Liam sit in the gallery, their faces etched with worry and support.
JUDGE
Ethan Davis, you have pleaded guilty to the charges of obstruction of justice and accessory to murder. In light of your cooperation with the authorities and your willingness to testify against your co-conspirators, I am inclined to show some leniency in your sentencing.
Ethan nods, his hands clasped tightly in front of him.
JUDGE (CONT'D)
However, the crimes your family committed were severe and far-reaching. The damage done to the Thompson family and to this community cannot be overstated.
The camera pans to Alex, sitting in the back of the courtroom. Their face is a mix of anger, pain, and a glimmer of satisfaction.
JUDGE (CONT'D)
I hereby sentence you to 15 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 10 years. I hope that you will use this time to reflect on your actions and work towards making amends.
The gavel bangs, and Ethan is led away in handcuffs. Maggie and Liam embrace, tears streaming down their faces.
CUT TO:
INT. THOMPSON FAMILY HOME - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Alex sits at the kitchen table, staring at a cryptic text message on their phone. It reads: "I know what the Davises did to your family. Meet me at the old warehouse on the edge of town if you want the truth."
Alex's face is a mix of confusion, fear, and a desperate need for answers. They grab their keys and head out the door, unaware of the danger that awaits them.
CUT TO:
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Alex stands in the shadows, their heart pounding as they wait for the mysterious informant to arrive. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the darkness, their face obscured by a hood.
INFORMANT
Alex Thompson? I'm the one who contacted you. I have evidence that will bring the Davis family to their knees.
ALEX
(wary)
What kind of evidence?
The informant reaches into their pocket, and Alex tenses, ready for a fight. But instead, the informant pulls out a flash drive.
INFORMANT
Everything you need to know is on this. The truth about what they did to your great-grandfather, the cover-ups, the bribes. It's all here.
Just as Alex reaches for the flash drive, police sirens blare in the distance. The informant looks around wildly, then takes off running. Alex chases after them, desperate for answers.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
The informant runs down a narrow alley, Alex hot on their heels. Suddenly, a police car screeches to a halt, blocking the exit. The informant pulls out a gun, aiming it at the officers.
POLICE OFFICER
(over loudspeaker)
Drop your weapon! Put your hands in the air!
The informant fires, and the police return fire. The informant falls to the ground, dead. Alex looks on in horror, the flash drive clutched tightly in their hand.
FADE TO:
INT. DAVIS FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY (BACK TO PRESENT)
Ethan, Maggie, and Liam sit in silence, the weight of Ethan's impending sentence hanging heavy in the air.
MAGGIE
(softly)
It's not going to be easy, rebuilding our lives after all of this. But we have each other. We have our love, and our commitment to doing what's right.
ETHAN
(nods)
And we have the chance to start over, to build something new on a foundation of truth and integrity.
LIAM
(sighs)
I just wish Alex could be a part of that future. That we could find a way to heal the wounds between our families.
ETHAN
(determined)
We'll keep trying. Even if it takes years, even if I have to earn their forgiveness from behind bars. I won't give up on making things right.
The camera pulls back, capturing the three of them in a moment of quiet reflection and hope.
FADE TO BLACK.
EPILOGUE - FIVE YEARS LATER
EXT. THOMPSON FAMILY HOME - DAY
A beautiful, sunny day. Birds chirp in the trees, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves. The camera pans across a well-maintained lawn to a cozy, two-story house with a wrap-around porch.
On the porch, Alex sits in a rocking chair, their expression content and peaceful. They are joined by their spouse, JAMIE (30s), a kind-faced person with warm eyes and an easy smile. Jamie places their hand on Alex's, and the two share a look of love and understanding.
ALEX (V.O.)
It's been a long road, getting here. A road filled with pain and betrayal, secrets and lies. But also a road of healing, of learning to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. PRISON VISITATION ROOM - DAY
Ethan sits across from Alex, a glass partition separating them. Ethan looks older, his face lined with the weight of his choices. But there is a sense of peace in his eyes, a hard-earned wisdom born of suffering and growth.
ETHAN
Alex, I know I can never undo what my family did to yours. The pain we caused, the lives we destroyed. But I want you to know that not a day goes by that I don't regret my part in it. That I don't work to be a better man, to make amends in whatever way I can.
ALEX
(nods slowly)
I know, Ethan. And I've come to understand that forgiveness isn't about forgetting, or even about absolving someone of their sins. It's about letting go of the anger, the bitterness that eats away at your soul.
They take a deep breath, meeting Ethan's gaze.
ALEX (CONT'D)
I forgive you, Ethan. Not because you deserve it, but because I deserve peace. Because I choose to move forward, to build a life based on love and truth.
Ethan's eyes fill with tears, a mix of gratitude and relief.
ETHAN
Thank you, Alex. That means more to me than you can ever know.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
Alex stands before the gravestones of JACOB THOMPSON and SAMUEL JOHNSON, a bouquet of flowers in their hand.
ALEX (V.O.)
I used to think that justice was about revenge. About making those who wronged us pay for their crimes. But now I know that true justice is about healing. About finding the strength to hold on to our humanity, even in the face of unspeakable cruelty.
They lay the flowers on the graves, their fingers tracing the names etched in stone.
ALEX (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And as I look to the future, to the family I'm building and the world I want to create, I know that the only way forward is through love. Through compassion and understanding, through the hard work of building bridges instead of walls.
The camera pulls back, revealing the cemetery in all its quiet beauty. Alex walks away, their head held high, their heart filled with a bittersweet sense of hope and resolution.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Written from:
While listening to: chirping birds and the sounds of a neighbourhood filled with families
