screenplay: "Salvation"

[Dark Phantom]

INT/EXT: Black screen.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

I'm going to tell you a story. People don't realize how lucky they are.​

Fade to white.​

Blur to:​

INT: School - day​

Students walking through the hallways.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

People search for a purpose they already have. They have happiness, they have love, and they have everything a person strives for, but they are too ungrateful and oblivious.​

Gun shot.​

INT/EXT: Black screen.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

They are selfish. They cannot be satisfied unless they fill that never-ending void. They sicken me.​

Fade to:​

INT: Living Room - night​

Television screen racing through the channels. Close up of a right hand on the remote. Camera pans to a handsome young man sitting on a couch.​

MATTHEW can be classified as looking like a "surfer boy" with messy light brown hair and a charming attitude.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

My friend Matthew is ungrateful. Captain of the basketball team and track team. Most well liked guy in his class.​

MATTHEW turns to his right shoulder and smiles at his girlfriend, head against his shoulder, she smiles back. Camera pans to focus on girlfriend.​

EMMA is a thin, attractive "girl next door". Innocent and caring.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

His girlfriend, Emma, loved him deeply. Amazingly smart, beautiful and a dancer. She would give Matthew the world if he desired.​

MATTHEW removes the remote and takes EMMA by the hand, their fingers lace. EMMA grabs the remote and shuts the television off to become more intimate with MATTHEW. EMMA hops into MATTHEW's lap and they look into each other's eyes intensely.​

MATTHEW​

I lov-​

EMMA​

You don't have to say anything. I know.​

Slowly, but passionately they embrace in a kiss.​

Camera pulls out.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

They were sweethearts since junior high and have remained together ever since. They were a perfect match.​

Blur to:​

EXT: Forest horizon at sunset.​

Cricket chirp indicating night is coming early. Owls coo and a coyote howls.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

But that was then. This is now.​

Camera pans to a suburban house.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

That's all that matters.​

Gun shot.​

Camera zooms in.​

Fade to:​

INT: den - night​

Camera pans across Den. Dated atmosphere, furniture and paintings.​

PROTAGONIST (V.O)​

This house probably brings many memories. Care if I make a new one?​

Camera pans across fireside and onto the mantle where hand rests and taps slowly to a rhythm.​

Cut to:​

 

[Dark Phantom]

INT: hallway - afternoon

Camera trucks the footsteps of MATTHEW and EMMA as they walk to the same rhythm as PROTAGONIST's tapping.

MATTHEW walks head down with hands in his leather jacket. EMMA walks with hands behind her back.

EMMA

You're okay with me leaving you tonight, right?

MATTHEW

Why wouldn't I be okay?

EMMA

I don't know. You've been really quiet.

MATTHEW ignores her.

EMMA

I'll be home by ten-thirty after the movie. So I'll call you then?

MATTHEW

Sure.

EMMA

How are you spending your night?

MATTHEW

Same old routine.

EMMA

Homework?

MATTHEW

Yeah.

EMMA

Who does homework on a Friday?

MATTHEW

(coldly)

I do. I've got an essay for AP economics due Monday. Then a college essay.

EMMA

That sucks.

MATTHEW

Yeah, but I need to keep my grades consistent if I want to get accepted into Binghamton.

EMMA

Right. But I would think that after so many hours of work, you would eventually have some free time.

MATTHEW ignores her. They both silently walk again, but hope strikes EMMA.

EMMA

You know, maybe we could go to the movies. Just the two of us. Maybe next weekend?

MATTHEW

Maybe.

EMMA

It would be really nice. We haven't been on a real date in weeks.

MATTHEW

I'll think about it.

EMMA

(pause)

You'll think about it?

MATTHEW

Yeah, I'll have to see if my schedule is open.

EMMA

(dissapointed)

Right, of course your schedule.

MATTHEW

All right I'm gonna be late for practice. I'll talk to you sometime this weekend.

MATTHEW pecks EMMA on the cheek and runs downstairs in a hurry. EMMA remains standing in a depressed state and watches after MATTHEW.

Protagonist (V.O)

He buried himself in work and neglected his girlfriend.

EMMA walks out of frame.

protagonist (V.O)

Or was it something else?

CUT TO:

INT: car - night

Camera focuses on EMMA driving her car as a blurred figure sits next to her.

EMMA

I know this was an unexpected call, but I needed someone to talk to. I told Matt I was seeing a movie with a friend of mine.

PROTAGONIST (O.S)

I don't understand.

EMMA

There's no one else I could turn to. You're Matt's best friend, you know him better than I do.

PROTAGONIST (O.S)

(confused)

I guess.

EMMA

Can you explain to me why Matt has been acting so weird? He ignores me. He's always so busy. I don't know what to do anymore. He's shutting me out, and it really hurts. i can't sleep at night because I'm so worried about him. Maybe you can help. Matt listens to you.

Camera pans to reveal the face of PROTAGONIST.

PROTAGONIST is a mousy, scrawny looking character. Completely unexpected from the more mature sounding narrative supplied. Sensitive and loyal with a slight touch of insanity hinted.

PROTAGONIST

I highly doubt that.

EMMA

Why?

PROTAGONIST

People change, Emma.

EMMA

Not Matt. He's just going through something right now that he can't talk to me about.

cut to:

INT: HOUSE OF MATTHEW - NIGHT

MATTHEW is in the bathroom fixing his hair. He can be seen dressing rather sharply with a buttoned down shirt and tie.

Doorbell rings. Focus on MATTHEW answering door.

MATTHEW

I thought you'd never show up. How are you babe?

MATTHEW hugs and kisses what believes to be EMMA. However, this is someone unfamiliar to the audience, but only familiar to MATTHEW.

BRIANNA is a sexy, curvy brunette. Flirtatious as she is seductive, BRIANNA is a character who gets what she wants.

Brianna

Oh I'm good just seeing you.

MATTHEW

Come in.

BRIANNA enters and MATTHEW takes her coat and hang it in his closet.

BRIANNA

Your parents aren't home tonight?

MATTHEW

They're out to dinner and a show in the city.

BRIANNA

So we're alone?

MATTHEW

All alone.

BRIANNA

Hmm...I like the sound of that.

MATTHEW

I knew you would.

cut to:​

 

[Dark Phantom]

INT: Pizzeria - night

PROTAGONIST and EMMA sit at a table and eat pizza.

PROTAGONIST

So what do you want me to do?

EMMA

Talk to him. Give me something to work with.

PROTAGONIST

Emma, you and I are good friends, but this could really put a strain on your relationship if I get involved.

emmA

Please just do this for me. Get him back to the way he used to be.

PROTAGONIST

I don't know if he'll really listen to me. We haven't seen each other in a while.

EMMA

What are you talking about? Didn't you guys just see a Ranger game last Friday?

PROTAGONIST

Emma, I haven't been out with Matt in weeks.

Pause.

EMMA

I'll talk to him about that.

CUT TO:

INT: house of MATTHEW - kitchen - night

MATTHEW leans against the counter of the kitchen and watches BRIANA take a sip of beer. Their eyes meet and then pass flirtatiously. MATTHEW comes up to BRIANA as she put the can down. MATTHEW holds BRIANNA by the waste.

They lead into the den with a fire blazing.


BRIANNA

What about that girl? What's her name again?

MATTHEW

Who? Emma? I told her I had to study.

BRIANNA

Well don't you?

MATTHEW

I'll get to it when i get to it. Right now I'm concentrating on you.

BRIANNA

(playful)

What do you need to study?

MATTHEW

I was thinking of starting with chemistry.

BRIANNA

(sarcastic)

You are such a smooth talker.

MATTHEW

Well it's working isn't it?

MATTHEW leans in closer.

BRIANNA

Maybe...

BRIANNA leans into MATTHEW for a peck, but then that leads into a long make-out. BRIANA and MATTHEW slowly drop to the couch and kiss passionately.

cut to:

INT/EXT: house of protagonist - night

EMMA pulls up to the house of PROTAGONIST. They wait in the car to talk for a second.

PROTAGONIST

(joking)

Well, this is where I get off.

EMMA

(oddly amused)

Yeah.

PROTAGONIST

I'm really glad we got the chance to do this. You know I don't get to see you as much.

EMMA

Yeah, we should do this again.

PROTAGONIST

Really? You mean that?

EMMA

Sure. Hopefully the three of us.

PROTAGONIST

(disappointed)

Matthew?

EMMA

That is if you go and talk to him for me.

PROTAGONIST

(sincerely)

My top priority.

EMMA laughs.

PROTAGONIST

So what now?

EMMA

Nothing really. I'm going home. I'll wait until ten-thirty and then call Matt.

EMMA turns to look at the back seat.

EMMA

Oh...

PROTAGONIST

What?

EMMA

Nothing. Matt left his math textbook. Now i have go to his house and return it to him.

PROTAGONIST

Have fun with that. So I guess I'll see you on Monday.

EMMA

Yeah. Well, good night.

EMMA pecks PROTAGONIST on the cheek. PROTAGONIST is bashfully surprised.

PROTAGONIST

Goodnight.

PROTAGONIST leaves car and waves to EMMA as her car leaves.

cut to:

INT: HOUSE OF MATTHEW - den - NIGHT

MATTHEW and BRIANNA continue their long kiss on the couch. BRIANNA lays on MATTHEW across the the couch as an idea strikes her.

BRIANNA

I think we should continue this upstairs.

MATTHEW

Upstairs? Are you sure?

BRIANNA

Your parents room.

MATTHEW

Are you nuts?

BRIANNA laughs.

BRIANNA

Oh please? Can't you do me this one favor? For me?

BRIANNA kisses MATTHEW

Matthew

You are insane. You know that, right?

BRIANA rises up and takes MATTHEW by the hand provocatively. Her finger points to come hither and they go up the stairs.

Pan to cellphone on table vibrating.

cut to:

INT: CAR - NIGHT

EMMA drives her car and calls on her cell phone.

EMMA

Hello, Matt? Please pick up. I didn't go to the movies with Jessica, but I you left your math book in my car and I'm dropping it off.

cut to:

InT: house of Matthew - bedroom - night

Extreme close-up of BRIANNA unbuttoning MATTHEW's shirt. More Extreme close-ups of articles of clothing being removed.

EMMA (O.S)

Please, Matt, we need to talk. We need to work this out. Talk to me. I'll be over soon. Bye.

MATTHEW and BRIANA drop to the bed kissing.

cut to:

INT: CAR - NIGHT

Medium shot of EMMA driving her car.

The camera cuts back and forth to the actions from EMMA driving to MATTHEW and BRIANNA in bed. We never see any nudity or distasteful imagery, but only suggestions for the audience to paint the picture in their mind.

EMMA keeps racing closer and closer to the house of MATTHEW until...

cut to:​

 

[Dark Phantom]

EXT: HOUSE OF MATTHEW - street walk - NIGHT

EMMA pulls up to MATTHEW's house and takes out the text book. As EMMA starts to walk to the front gate, she notices a car parked in front of MATTHEW's house unfamiliar to her. EMMA also notices that the front door is wide open.

EMMA enters the front door and finds women's shoes scattered on the floor. Looking up the stairs, EMMA sees the hallway light on. Slowly EMMA walks up the stairs to hear the moaning and laughter from MATTHEW and BRIANNA.

BRIANNA (O.S)

Oh you are so good.

MATTHEW (O.S)

You're better.

BRIANNA laughs.

EMMA comes closer to the door opening to the bedroom occupied by MATTHEW and BRIANNA. EMMA remains low to the floor and presses her back against the wall to listen in.

MATTHEW

I love you.

EMMA is devastated. She clutches her hand to her mouth to restrain herself from crying out in pain. She feels as if she's going to vomit. MATTHEW and BRIANNA continue their affair. Slowly EMMA rises and steps into the entrance of the bedroom and witnesses herself MATTHEW and BRIANNA in the bed.

EMMA

Matthew?

BRIANNA and MATTHEW scream and turn around to see EMMA standing in such a heartbroke state.

MATTHEW

Emma?! What are you doing here?!

EMMA tries to make out a word but can't. EMMA runs down the stairs to run away from this problem.

MATTHEW (O.S)

Emma, wait!

MATTHEW runs after EMMA with pants being his only artcile of clothing on. MATTHEW catches EMMA right outside the front gate. MATTHEW grabs EMMA by the wrist in order to for her to stay still, but EMMA insists on being resistant.

MATTHEW

Let me explain.

EMMA slaps MATTHEW with her other hand and is free from MATTHEW's grip. EMMA runs toward her car as MATTHEW runs after her. In the car, MATTHEW bangs his fists against the window in order to get EMMA's attention as she desperately tries to start her car.

MATTHEW

Listen to me, Emma! Get out of the car right now!

EMMA is able to start the car and she drives as fast as she can. MATTHEW runs after the car still yelling, until he can't keep up anymore. EMMA escapes leaving MATTHEW in the middle of the street.

MATTHEW

We're through...

CUT TO:

INT/EXT: HOUSE OF PROTAGONIST - NIGHT

Doorbell rings. PROTAGONIST answers to see EMMA standing.

PROTAGONIST

Emma? What are you-?

PROTAGONIST notices tears streaming down EMMA's face.

PROTAGONIST

Oh my god, what's wrong?

EMMA still can't make out a word. Finally, EMMA collapses into PROTAGONIST's arms crying out in heartbroken pain. PROTAGONIST expresses anguish for EMMA and determination.

EMMA

He doesn't love me anymore.

PROTAGONIST expresses empathy and determination. Camera slowly pulls back from front stoop as PROTAGONIST caresses EMMA in his arms.

PROTAGONIST (V.O)

For the sake of only Emma would I rectify their strained relationship.

fade to black:​

 

[Dark Phantom]

INT: school - Cafeteria - day

MATTHEW sits at a table talking amongst friends. A finger taps on his shoulder.

PROTAGONIST (O.S)

We need to talk.

MATTHEW turns around to see PROTAGONIST in a serious expression. MATTHEW faces back to concentrate on his food and friends.

MATTHEW

Talk about what? There's nothing to talk about.

PROTAGONIST bends down to whisper into MATTHEW's ear.

PROTAGONIST

I know about what you did to Emma.

MATTHEW raises his head slowly.

PROTAGONIST

I know how you lied to her , and how you cheated on her.

MATTHEW

What do you want?

NARRATOR

I want you to explain.

MATTHEW

I think you have everything figured out for yourself.

PROTAGONIST

Your right, but the one thing I don't understand is why?

MATTHEW remains silent. PROTAGONIST starts to raise his voice.

PROTAGONIST

How can you do that to a girl like Emma? How can a guy with a perfect life, a perfect relationship just throw it all away by doing something so stupid and disgusting?

MATTHEW

I swear, if you let this out it could ruin my reputation...

PROTAGONIST

Your repu-?

In a fit of anger, PROTAGONIST sweeps the food off the table with one swing of the hand.

PROTAGONIST

Screw your reputation! This is about a girl's heart that you broke!

The cafeteria becomes hush from the loud voice of PROTAGONIST.

MATTHEW

(indicating)

Outside.

PROTAGONIST brushes MATTHEW's shoulder as he storms out the side door of the school cafeteria followed by MATTHEW.

cut to:

EXT: School - courtyard - day

PROTAGONIST stands outside the in the courtyard back faced to MATTHEW who arrives in anger.

MATTHEW

Get a grip, man. I don't love Emma anymore.

PROTAGONIST turns around.

PROTAGONIST

You don't love her anymore?! So that justifies cheating on your girlfriend? (sarcastic) oh sure, I guess if any guy gets tired of a relationship, he has the right to do things behind her back.

MATTHEW

Why do you care so much? Emma isn't your girlfriend.

PROTAGONIST

I care because you're making a big mistake!

MATTHEW

The mistake I made was not ending this sooner.

PROTAGONIST

What's gotten into you?

MATTHEW

I can't take this anymore, don't you understand? Do you realize she is the only girlfriend I've had for the past five years? I'm bored of the routine. It's the same thing every day of every week. There must be more to my life than being the role of a boyfriend. I need something different, I need excitement.

PROTAGONIST

I can't believe what I'm hearing.

MATTHEW

Do you know what it's like, making a full time commitment to a relationship?

PROTAGONIST

I have a general idea that you need to be responsible.

MATTHEW

Friend, It's over. The spark is gone. I'm ending it once for all. When I do, no one will have to know about me cheating. They'll hear it straight from me and i won't look like a jerk.

PROTAGONIST has concealed pain and rage for too long. PROTAGONIST uppercuts MATTHEW.

PROTAGONIST

Do you know what I gave up?! What I sacrificed? For you and Emma? I loved her. Or don't you remember? I should have taken her from you when I had the chance. But I was in no position to steal your girl in middle school. So i backed down. I wanted Emma to chose for herself. I thought I had no chance because you two seemed so much in love.

MATTHEW

I'm in love with Brianna now.

PROTAGONIST

Do you realize what you did to Emma? She confided in me, Matt, me! She told me how how you constantly ignored her. Imagine her reaction when she found out her boyfriend was sleeping with another girl. She had a breakdown, Matt! I held her in my arms. You cannot possibly understand the emotional suffering I had to witness. Yet, all you have to say is, "I'm in love with Brianna"?

MATTHEW

This stuff happens. That's life.

PROTAGONIST

No. It's not! Did you ever stop to think how lucky you are? How much I envy all that you have? How I would kill to be in your shoes? You have no freaking clue what it's like to be me. I want to be just like you. I've always wanted be on the sport teams. I've always wanted a huge group of friends to look up to me. I'm just a shadow ever since you pushed me to the side. (pause)I've always wanted Emma. But the shadow had nothing to offer her. I had nothing. I always had nothing. You had everything, you always have everything.

MATTHEW

Well, you convinced me for a while. I really did think I loved her, but it's too late now.

PROTAGONIST

No. It's too late for you. You can't do this Matt, not to me and definitely not to Emma. You can't turn back now and break her heart. When you make a commitment, you stick with it.

MATTHEW

I don't need to do anything...

MATTHEW begins to walk away.

PROTAGONIST

Matt!

MATTHEW punches PROTAGONIST.

MATTHEW

Listen to me you son of a *****. Mind your own business and get a life, okay? I don't care about your problems. Right now I've got problems of my own. Tomorrow night I'm going to Emma's house and I'm ending this once and for all. I don't care if she is hurt. I only care about number one.

MATTHEW turns away and walks back into the cafeteria leaving PROTAGONIST on his knees wiping blood from mouth. PROTAGONIST expresses nothing but revenge.

PROTAGONIST (V.O)

How could I have been so blind? He never deserved Emma. She was too good for him. So if Matt can't have her no one can. At that moment my friend died.

fade to black:​

 

[Dark Phantom]

INT: Room of Protagonist - night

PROTAGONIST sits in a dark room with nothing but light shining through the window blinds. PROTAGONIST is disturbed and recollects about the events over the past few days. His eyes burn with vengeance.

flashback to:

EMMA in car.

EMMA

He's shutting me out, and it really hurts. I can't sleep at night because I'm so worried about him.

flashback to:

MATTHEW in courtyard

MATTHEW

The mistake I made was not ending this sooner.

flashback to:

EMMA pecks PROTAGONIST on the cheek. PROTAGONIST is bashfully surprised.

flashback to:

MATTHEW in courtyard.

MATTHEW

I don't care about Emma. I only care about number one.

flashback to:

EMMA crying in arms of PROTAGONIST.

EMMA

He doesn't love me anymore.

flashback to:

PROTAGONIST in courtyard.

PROTAGONIST

I want to be just like you.

CUT TO:

PROTAGONIST in dark room again determined and ready.

cut to:

INT/EXT: house of emma - dusk

PROTAGONIST rings at doorbell. EMMA cracks the door open and peers with her eye as if ashamed and frightened.

PROTAGONIST

Hi.

EMMA

What are you doing here?

PROTAGONIST

We need to talk-

EMMA

This really isn't the best time.

PROTAGONIST

Please, this is urgent. Just give me a few minutes.

EMMA

Okay, just make it quick.

NARRATOR moves inside the house and leads to the den followed by EMMA.

PROTAGONIST

Where's your mom?

EMMA

She's never home.

As PROTAGONIST turns around to look at EMMA, he notices EMMA's disheveled, unkempt appearance. EMMA's face appears as if she was crying for hours with no sleep. A beautiful girl reduced to a mess.

PROTAGONIST

I talked to Matt the other day.

EMMA

Please, I don't want to talk about him anymore.

PROTAGONIST and EMMA sit on a couch.

PROTAGONIST

Look, there's not enough time, but Matt is coming over here later tonight and he's ending it between you and him. Look, I know this isn't easy...

EMMA starts to breakdown again.

EMMA

What the hell is wrong with Matt? Why is he doing this? He's breaking my heart.

PROTAGONIST

I only came here because I care about you, Emma. I don't want to see you get hurt. I'm here to save you.

PROTAGONIST takes a tissue to dry EMMA's tears.

PROTAGONIST

I promise Emma, if you leave with me, I promise you will finally be happy.

EMMA

Listen, you always were a good friend to me, but I don't think I feel the same way about you as you do for me.

PROTAGONIST

I was afraid you'd say that.

EMMA

You better leave. Thanks, but I'll try to handle Matt on my own. No matter how much he'll hurt me.

PROTAGONIST leans in closer to hold the arm of EMMA.

PROTAGONIST

No. You don't have to worry, Emma. Don't you understand? I'll make sure he never hurts you. Ever. I'm here to save you.

As PROTAGONIST speaks, he lifts a gun unseen by EMMA and aims it her stomach.

Cut to Black

Gun shot fires.

FADE TO:

INT: HOUSE of emma - den - night

Close-up on NARRATOR writing a letter on a nearby table.

PROTAGONIST (V.O)

That's how it happened Matthew. I hope that when you read this letter you will understand the depths to which you have sunk and the price to pay for what you have done. I envied you Matthew, I hope you know that. I wanted to be just like you. I wanted your friends. I wanted your popularity, your talents, your ambitions... I wanted your girlfriend. I wanted all of what you had, but it wasn't good enough for you. Why were you so selfish? You destroyed yourself, Matthew. What you did was unforgivable and unforgettable.

PROTAGONIST finishes letter and aims gun towards head. PROTAGONIST fires. Pan the bodies of PROTAGONIST and EMMA. MATTHEW enters room although we do not see the expression on his face. MATTHEW reads letter.

PROTAGONIST (V.O)

For that reason neither Emma nor I can tolerate your existence. For as long as the memory of you lives on, we will be tortured. This is the only way to free us from you. I have saved her, Matthew. I have saved her from you. And the best part of all, Emma and I can be together for eternity. I'm finally going to live your life as I've always dreamed. You have no one left but yourself and Brianna. Enjoy your life.

Slow zoom out.

FADE to Black

PROTAGONIST (V.O)

People don't realize how lucky they are.

THE END​

 

[Dark Phantom]

I don't think anyone will really care, but I actually completed this film of mine in May 2008. You can watch it in 2 parts here:

Part 1: http://vimeo.com/1238823

Part 2: http://vimeo.com/1239055