Format
Screenplay
Logline
Bel is reluctantly heading home to her family home, Bridge House, in Vermont. She’s late. She’s been thrown out of a car. She has lost her shoes and she’s hungry.
Genre
Folk Horror, Body Horror, Dark Fairy Tale
Themes
Full Synopsis
Bel is walking home through deep Vermont woodland. Barefoot, a guitar case on her back and an old radio at her side playing Edith Piaf, she’s late, and her family is waiting at Bridge House. The last man who offered her a lift threw her out of his car. She’s hungry.
When a distracted driver nearly kills her on the empty road and then stops to help, two strangers fall into an uneasy conversation. They talk about home, duty, the people we run from and the ones we go back to. But the light is failing, the trees seem to be listening, and Bel is running out of time.
Excerpt FROM ACOUSTIC
HICKMAN
You’re too good to be singing in that dump. You said you were hungry. We could talk properly over dinner.
BEL
My family are expecting-
HICKMAN
I could set you up a meeting.
Hickman pats her knee. Bel sits still staring forward.
HICKMAN
Guy I know works in local radio. He could get you a slot.
Bel does not react. Hickman is driving and his hand begins to move up her thigh.
HICKMAN
It wouldn’t be prime time. Not at first.
Bel’s eyes narrow and her breathing is heavier. Hickman misinterprets Bel’s breathing. He is happy to have got what he wanted.
HICKMAN
Maybe the evening show.
Bel now looks intent. Angry, but focused. Her breathing steadies as she maintains control.
HICKMAN
I mean, everyone’s gotta start somewhere.
Bel is still staring at the road ahead as they drive and the trees pulse by on either side of the car. Thub, thub, thub.
HICKMAN
Be open to opportunities.
Production & Publication History
Honorable Menion in Frights! Camera! Action! 2022
Photographs
