Screenplays Samples- Portuguese
Screenplays Samples
by
Elle Bessa
ellebessa.com
IN-PORT
Written by
Isabel Symington Caxide &
Elle Bessa
28/05/2020
Email:--Phone Number: -
-
ellebessa.com
FADE IN:
1
EXT. BAIXA DA CIDADE DO PORTO- PORTO,
PORTUGAL- ANOITECER
1
PORTO 1833
Uma cidade deserta. As ruas são escuras, as
casas têm metade das suas fachadas destruídas,
ruas esburacadas, carruagens destruídas, cavalos
e cães mortos nas ruas, juntamente com os seus
possíveis donos.
Com camisas rasgadas, pés descalços cobertos de
feridas, os rostos dos portuenses despejados
pelas ruas da cidade reflectem as suas almas
desesperadas em busca de uma salvação.
JOSÉ BERNARDO FERREIRA, 50, de cabelo preto e
barriga ligeiramente proeminente, agarra uma
tocha e caminha lentamente pelas ruas, com um
sobretudo sobre os ombros e um chapéu preto
olhando em seu redor tentando perceber qual a
rua por onde caminha.
Aproxima-se de um HOMEM, cuja idade era
impossível de adivinhar, com cabelo despenteado
e feridas na coxa. Deitado no chão e geme.
JOSÉ BERNARDO
(ao partir um pedaço
de pão)
Tome meu senhor.
O homem olha para ele sem se mexer. José
Bernardo ajoelha-se e retira um pedaço de pão
por baixo do seu sobretudo. Parte-o e coloca-o
no chão perto da cara dele. Levanta-se, enquanto
o Homem continua a olhar para ele.
José Bernardo baixa-se novamente e leva o pedaço
de pão à sua boca.
De repente, uma carruagem desce a rua a alta
velocidade. Agindo por reflexo, José Bernardo
atira-se contra a parede e cai em cima das
pernas do Homem.
Este geme sem parar. José Bernardo respira
ofegantemente.
Levanta-se e apressa-se pela rua abaixo.
FADE IN:
2
EXT/INT. CASA DE ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRACENTRO DA CIDADE DO PORTO- NOITE
2
José Bernardo aproxima-se da porta da entrada. ellebessa.com
Tomado pelo cansaço, senta-se no chão encostado
à porta.
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA (O.S.)
Quem está aí?
A voz de ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA, homem com
bigode perfeitamente alinhado, careca, de 46,
repete.
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
Quem se encontra aí?
JOSÉ BERNARDO
Eu, meu irmão.
A porta abre-se.
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
José! O que lhe aconteceu?
JOSÉ BERNARDO
Nada, nada.
Como--
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
JOSÉ BERNARDO
Estou assoberbado.
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
(sentando- se perto
de José Bernardo)
Estamos perante o momento
mais dramático das nossas
vidas. O que o nosso pai
diria ao ver o povo
comportar-se assim.
JOSÉ BERNARDO
Um homem de nada vale quando
a sua fé e compaixão não-Ao mesmo tempo:
JOSÉ BERNARDO & ANTONIO BERNARDO
--são tomadas com a dimensão
da sua bondade.
Riem-se.
JOSÉ BERNARDO
Certamente dar-se-ia o
começo de um movimento anti
liberalista dentro do
próprio movimento.
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
Tais ideais, outrora
ellebessa.com
presentes no espírito do meu
filho António já se deverão
ter transformado por
completo.
JOSÉ BERNARDO
Ele acalmar-se-á.
Pausa.
JOSÉ BERNARDO (CONT'D)
Escreveu-lhe?
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
Estava prestes a terminar
uma carta e a firmá-la.
Antonio levanta-se auxiliando José.
ANTÓNIO BERNARDO FERREIRA
Vá para a sala, tratarei de
mandar que lhe levem alguma
coisa para comer.
DISSOLVE TO:
3
INT. QUINTA DE TRAVASSOS- DOURO - MANHÃ
Uma Quinta bonita, com as suas rosas vermelhas e
amarelas cuidadosamente alinhadas pela escadaria
de 14 degraus, que no seu topo têm duas estátuas
representando dois leões. Atrás encontra-se uma
porta de tons acastanhados.
MARIANA, 20 anos, pequena estatura, com o cabelo
entrançado, colhe um par de rosas.
Passa pela grande porta castanha e vira à
direita entrando na cozinha. Pousa as flores.
MARIANA!
MARIA ANTÓNIA (O.S.)
Trata-se de MARIA ANTÓNIA, de cara bem nutrida e
com cores saudáveis dos ares do campo, de olhos
grandes, 22 anos, que se empoleira na porta
esperando resposta da sua criada.
Senta-se ao pé da sua varanda e contempla a
vista de sua janela.
Entra Mariana.
MARIANA
Ao seu dispor, menina.
MARIA ANTÓNIA
Bom dia. Algo está errado.
3
MARIANA
(pegando numa escova
de cabelo)
Como assim, errado?
MARIA ANTÓNIA
Penso que algo não está como
deveria. Sentiu isso antes?
MARIANA
No momento em que vi meu pai
a ter que vender todos seus
terrenos para nos manter com
vida, sabia que se
vizinhavam alturas
diferentes, menina.
MARIA ANTÓNIA
Como estará o pai?
MARIANA
O Senhor José Bernardo está
bem e de saúde, com certeza.
Au.
MARIA ANTÓNIA
MARIANA
As minhas desculpas, menina.
MARIA ANTÓNIA
Quanto mais tempo tardará?
As vinhas não aguentarão
muito mais tempo sem meu Pai
cá para nos guiar.
MARIANA
Será breve, menina.
Entra OUTRA CRIADA com o tabuleiro do pequeno
almoço.
MARIA ANTÓNIA
Hoje, gostaria de o tomar lá
fora.
MARIANA
Com certeza.
Mariana manda a outra criada pousar o tabuleiro
na varanda. Dirige-se à porta do quarto.
Aproxima-se da porta quando TOMÉ, 23 anos, seu
marido, com um sorriso de orelha a orelha.
MARIANA
(sussurrando)
O que fazes aqui na zona dos
quartos?
Tomé sorri e contempla-a por um momento.
ellebessa.com
ellebessa.com
Scenes from Don't Teller
by
Elle Bessa
ellebessa.com
INT. BANK - DAY
STELLA, 29, a woman in cheap, but nice clothing enters the
bank, looks around, as if looking for someone.
RICHARD, 30, notices her and straightens up.
Stella
sees Richard and approaches him.
STELLA
Hey there, missed me?
RICHARD
Stella? What are you doing here?
STELLA
Uh, someone just got nervous.
Richard smiles but quickly reacts.
RICHARD
What? No! What are you doing here?
STELLA
I came to see you.
Me? Why?
RICHARD
STELLA
Because I missed you.
RICHARD
You? Missed me?
STELLA
And I know you missed me.
RICHARD
What makes you so sure, huh?
STELLA
You know… ‘Cuz of last night…
RICHARD
I don’t know whatcha talking
about.
STELLA
I liked it.
Richard stares at her, and looks away.
ellebessa.com
2.
STELLA (CONT'D)
Look, I'm sorry about last night.
I just got a little nervous.
RICHARD
You nervous? Yeah right.
STELLA
But I'm ready to make it up to you
now.
RICHARD
Well… You’re gonna have to wait
till next time then.
STELLA
What if I tell you I want it now.
RICHARD
You had your chance last night.
And as you can see, I’m working
now.
STELLA
Well, no one seems to be in need
of your services now… Expect for
me.
RICHARD
You were the one turned me down.
And you’re lucky I didn’t tell
your boss. You could’ve gotten you
fired.
STELLA
I know, alright?! I just got
really nervous because-- you’re
different Richie.
What?
RICHARD
STELLA
You heard me. And I wanted to see
you.
RICHARD
Well, I can’t right now.
Alright.
STELLA
Stella shrugs and begins to walk away. Richard watches, his
eyes never leaving her.
ellebessa.com
3.
RICHARD
Stella, wait! --- I can come by
tonight.
No.
STELLA
RICHARD
What do you mean no?
STELLA
Bye bye needle dick.
Richard grabs her by her arm and pulls her towards him.
They get really close, almost kissing.
STELLA (CONT'D)
What’s wrong pretty boy?
RICHARD
Alright, come with me.
He leads her towards the exit of the bank. Stella begins to
panic, but is quick on her feet.
STELLA
Hey-- huh, hold on-- Wouldn’t you
rather go to your office, Mr.
Security Guard?
RICHARD
Hmm… Sure honey. Just follow me.
They enter Richard’s small office. No one seems to notice
them leave.
--------------------------------------Scene 2
INT. BANK- MOMENTS LATER
The security guard’s office is more or less the supply
closet with a desk for Richard to sit at. There is a
picture of him in a police uniform shaking someone’s hand
on the desk, and a CIA rejection letter framed on the wall.
Stella and Richard don’t care about the space, all they
care about is the privacy. They can’t seem to get enough of
each other. Stella breaks and flashes Richard a smile.
STELLA
Let’s finish where we left off.
ellebessa.com
4.
She reaches into her purse and pulls out her puffy sex
handcuffs.
RICHARD
Check this out.
Richard shows her his handcuffs he has on his work belt.
STELLA
Uh, I guess we use the same tools
in our jobs.
RICHARD
Damn straight babe.
She ties him up and blindfolds him with a mask. They start
to hear arguing going on with the customers and the
tellers.
STELLA
Hat’s that about?
RICHARD
Probably some old lady
complaining.
STELLA
Okay, just relax then.
Richard gets excited. Stella pulls out her phone.
STELLA (CONT'D)
(on the phone)
Okay I think something is going
down, you gotta come now.
RICHARD
I am babe. I am.
Stella is ignoring Richard, and focused on the phone
conversation.
STELLA
It has to be now!
RICHARD
You’re so impatient… I like it.
STELLA
Okay, I’m waiting inside.
RICHARD
Oh, yes you are-- Wait, what?
ellebessa.com
5.
Stella approaches the door and opens it slightly to try to
hear what’s happening on the other side.
RICHARD (CONT'D)
Stella! --Baby, what’s happening?
Stella leaves Richard’s office.
RICHARD (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
Baby, where you at?
No response.
RICHARD (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
Stella!! Stella!!!
Richard is left anxiously awaiting Stella's return.
End
ellebessa.com
1. EXT. LOS LIONES HIKING TRAIL - DAY
Bock's POV running on the trail between the bushes.
SUPER:"NEXUS"
SUPER: "the core or center, as a matter or situation" "cell
biology: a specialized area of the cell membrane involved
in inter-cellular communication and adhesion."
Back of a girl looking through bushes. She’s agitated.
GRACE, a 23 year girl, looks for her dog.
GRACE
Bock!!!!!!!!!!!! Bock!!!!!
Grace keeps searching. Camera slowly approaches her as she
keeps shouting. She stops for a moment and sighs.
Fuck.
GRACE (CONT'D)
ELI, 25 year old guy, stands on top of a hill. From there
he shouts.
ELI (O. S.)
G., anything?
GRACE
No, nothing.
2. EXT. LOS LIONES HIKING TRAIL- DAY
Scenery view, sun flare passing through the tree branches.
Grace and Eli hike side to side.
GRACE
I can’t believe we lost him.
He doesn’t reply.
GRACE (CONT'D)
Boooock-- Wait. What are you
doing?
ELI
What do you mean what am I doing?
GRACE
It’s the other way.
ellebessa.com
2.
ELI
No it’s not.
GRACE
E, I’m sure it’s that way. To the
left.
ELI
Babe, I remember passing this not
half an hour ago, and we came from
there.
GRACE
But when Bock and I hike here, we
always go to the left. He wouldn’t
go right. That makes no sense.
ELI
But that’s where we came from!
GRACE
I really don’t think so!
ELI
You women have no sense of
direction! We’re not going that
way.
Silence pause.
SKEET, a hiker, male in his 20s, jogs down the hill and
approaches them. As he runs in place.
SKEET
Yo, if you guys are trying to get
to the top with that insane view,
you took the wrong turn. This
takes you to a whole new trail.
GRACE
Thanks but we actually lost our
dog. We’re trying to find him.
SKEET
Oh dang! I’m sorry. That sucks.
GRACE
Yeah. Have you seen-ELI
Have you hiked to that view spot
before?
SKEET
Oh yeah man, all the time.
ellebessa.com
3.
ELI
Is it nice?
Grace stares at Eli.
SKEET
Nice? Ha ha! It’s just the best
spot in the entire city.
Pause. The hiker makes his way down. Eli turns to Grace.
ELI
Can we go that way?
What?
GRACE
ELI
I wanna go see the view.
GRACE
What about Bock-ELI
I know, I know. But I figured,
since we’re here, we could go look
at it, watch the sunset-As he says this, he gets closer to her and grabs her waist.
GRACE
Bock is lost in the middle of this
gigantic mountain, and you wanna
go-- watch sunsets?
ELI
I just wanted to see what that guy
was talking about.
He turns away from her.
GRACE
It’s my dog, Eli!
ELI
It’s your mom’s dog.
GRACE
He lives with me.
ELI
He’s gonna have to move back to
your mom’s when we get married
anyway.
ellebessa.com
4.
GRACE
What? Since when was this decided?
ELI
It’s not like we have room.
GRACE
Room? Really? What about-ELI
Okay, okay! Can we not talk about
this right now.
Pause. They look at each other. Grace attempts to start
hiking again. He holds her hand.
ELI (CONT'D)
Look at all of those clouds. It's
gonna be a hella of a sunset.
GRACE
What? No, no, no, no.
Graces starts heading the other direction.
No, what?
ELI
GRACE
I’m not gonna do this.
ELI
What are you-GRACE
We always do things your way!
ELI
My way? I’m just-GRACE
Yes, your way! It’s Bock!! A
freaking dog. My dog. And you
can’t even-ELI
Can’t what?
GRACE
You’re just so selfish! All the
time. And I can’t ever decide
anything-ELI
What do you wanna decide Grace?
ellebessa.com
5.
GRACE
Well, you said you wanted to go
this way, and I wanted to go the
other way. The opposite-- I mean,
you wanna live here, and maybe I-I wanna move to Lima and-- be a
chef!
ELI
(laughing)
A chef? What?
GRACE
That's not funny.
It is.
ELI
GRACE
It's not funny-ELI
I don’t know what you think I’m
gonna be doing in Lima-GRACE
See? Why is everything always
about you?!
ELI
Maybe because I actually have a
job here, my friends-GRACE
And I don’t?
ELI
That’s not what I said-GRACE
That’s exactly what you meant-ELI
We’re not moving. We’re just
getting started with the best time
of our lives-GRACE
And what if I don’t want that?
What if I don't want any of this?
ELI
Are you breaking up with me?
ellebessa.com
Number 6
by
Elle Bessa
ellebessa.com
EXT. RAIL ROAD STATION- DAWN
A shovel hits the ground abruptly.
As the camera pans back, we see JOSIAH, a 17 year old
covered in dirt. He takes a deep breath, and digs another
whole. He stands in the middle of a railroad.
Josiah is among many other workers. They are all worn out
as they keep digging a big hole.
The train station is all made of cement. Two benches along
the pedestrians waiting area. Two polls hold a metal roof
with a circular symbol with a crow in its center.
It's a dessert station, even though it's full of
passengers.
Josiah struggles to bring his shovel back up.
BERNIE, Josiah's best friend from childhood, 20 year old
who can pass for 35, notices him.
JOSIAH
You okay man?
JOSIAH (CONT'D)
Yeah, yeah I got it.
A train's horn is heard loudly. The train approaches the
rail the workers are working on. The horn blows harder, and
harder. Until it's continuous.
The workers quickly drop their shovels, and run as fast as
possible. Most jump to the side curb.
The train speeds through the station. It's long, and gold.
Suddenly, the train starts to slow down.
Josiah is astonished. He turns to Bernie.
JOSIAH (CONT'D)
What the heck...
BERNIE
It's stopping?!
Everyone at the station stops and stares at the train.
MR. MINGUE, a very round 50 year old man, with a purple
mustache, no taller than 5'1, steps out of the train
furiously.
ellebessa.com
2.
As he approaches the bottom part of the train, a strong
blow of steam hits his face. Frustrated, kicks the train
harshly.
He approaches the railroad workers.
MR. MINGUE
What are you staring at?
Everyone tries to hold their laughs.
He points at Bernie.
You!
MR. MINGUE (CONT'D)
Bernie stays put laughing.
Mr. Mingue approaches him, and stands extremely close to
Bernie.
MR. MINGUE (CONT'D)
Finding it funny, boy?
No sir.
BERNIE
MR. MINGUE
Good. Now move. Go fix that stupid
thing.
No one moves. Every worker is still staring at him.
MR. MINGUE (CONT'D)
I said, move!
Josiah and the others make their way to the front of the
train.
As they start discussing the problem, Mr. Mingue supervises
things.
Slowly the train passengers make their way to the doors and
stare outside.
The discussion between the workers takes a new tone. Things
start to heat up.
Passengers at the train station get louder wondering what
has just happened.
One worker punches another. Bernie joins in the fight.
Josiah tries to pull him out of it.
ellebessa.com
3.
The passengers start to exit the train slowly, as if
stepping into a new world for the first time.
The fight between the workers gets bigger as more people
get involved.
The entire station has now turned their attention to the
fight. Now every worker, and even non-workers, are
involved.
Josiah is pulled away from the fight, and gets lost between
the many bodies around him.
Mr. Mingue waves his hat in the air and cries for help.
Families have made their way down from the train. The
remaining as they await for their turn, stare out through
the transparent doors with narrow windows.
Camera finds a family of seven. The FATHER steps down the
from train, and approaches the fight. The MOTHER holds her
children, except for one teenage girl.
It's JULIET, a 16 year old girl, with a very long ginger
hair, lots of freckles, and green eyes. She sees her dad
joining in, she follows him for her mother's despair.
She stumbles right as she steps out of the train. She
bumps all over the place.
There is a massive crowd now. People can barely move. Loud
noises. Babies crying.
Josiah shouts for Bernie.
JOSIAH
Bernie!! Where you at?
Josiah looks around desperately.
Suddenly, his eyes cross someone else's beautiful eyes. He
loses sight of it.
Quickly attempts to find this person again.
There are too many bodies around him. Too many flashy baby
blue workout jackets. Colors that are new to his eye.
Juliet is knocked over and falls on her knees. She holds
her tears as hard as she can.
She turns around, and stands up.
A quarter of an inch from her nose, is Josiah. The two
contemplate each other for a few seconds.
ellebessa.com
4.
Juliet realizes what is happening and backs off.
JOSIAH (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
Yes, yes.
JULIET
The two can't take their eyes from each other.
JOSIAH
Can I help you with anything?
JULIET
No, I'm just fine.
Josiah is pulled away by Bernie.
...
ellebessa.com
Untitled
by
Elle Bessa
ellebessa.com
INT. GRACE’S BEDROOM- EARLY MORNING
GRACE, a 19 year old girl, light brown hair, blue eyes,
very pale and pinched, faces the large two door window
centered in the bedroom. Rays of the early sunlight shine
through the windows and illuminate both of her tinny
thighs, keeping her warm.
The bedroom walls are colored baby blue, with pictures of
Grace with her friends, and family hanging on the wall. The
very bottom one, is of a young girl in a rhythmic gymnastic
competition.
Perpendicular to this wall, several medals and trophies sit
on top of a big white drawer. On top of the drawer,
Polaroid pictures of Grace with two girlfriends, and a guy
friend.
Grace’s bedroom is simple, spacious, and is adapted to a
paraplegic. A hospital bed sits in the center.
CARSON, the guy friend in the big picture enters the room
without knocking on the door. The brunette, average height,
20 year old holds a bouquet of flowers and two big packs of
M&M’s chocolate.
CARSON
Hello, hello!
Grace doesn’t blink, and ignores him. Carson takes his
shoes off and approaches Grace.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Hey G. I brought you a few things.
As the camera approaches Grace, we can see she’s paralyzed.
She faces the window without ever acknowledging Carson’s
presence.
CARSON (CONT'D)
It’s a little hot in here. Can I
open the window for a bit?
He moves towards the window.
GRACE
(worn out)
Don’t.
Carson stops. None of them speak for a brief second.
Grace continues to face the window.
As he gets closer to her.
ellebessa.com
2.
CARSON
These are for you.
He reaches his arm out with the flowers, and hides the
M&M’s behind his back.
Grace looks at the flowers. Nothing comes out of her mouth.
CARSON (CONT'D)
What? You don’t like them?
He gets closer to her, and crouches by the wheelchair.
CARSON (CONT'D)
You could be a little appreciative
I mean-- I brought them just for
you.
A brief silence between the two.
CARSON (CONT'D)
(laughing)
Grace, really?! I'm just messing.
I know how much you love when
people bring you flowers. Pink
especially, right?
They both laugh.
Carson reaches for the M&M's. Grace's eyes lid up.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Oh now, we're talking!
He opens the package. His mouth begins to sound like an
airplane. As he pulls an M&M out, which is now the tiniest
airplane ever, circles around in front of Grace.
As it gets closer to her mouth, she tries to bite his hand.
He feeds himself of a whole bunch.
GRACE
Oh no, you didn't!
They keep laughing.
Both chew a few more pieces.
CARSON
Ready for our walk?
GRACE
Actually-- Not really.
ellebessa.com
3.
Why not?
CARSON
GRACE
I’m not feeling well today.
Carson stares at her.
CARSON
I can’t believe you still think
that this little act works with
me.
Grace looks away.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Okay, cut the bullshit G. What’s
going on?
Grace ignores him again.
CARSON
(getting annoyed)
I mean, I come in here to see you,
bring you all of this stuff
thinking we’re gonna go on a nice
walk-GRACE
You would go on a walk. I would
just be carried-- In this fucking
chair.
CARSON
Yeah. By the most handsome guy in
town. Damn, you lucky girl.
Grace’s eyes keep going back to the window.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Can you please just-- look at me.
Grace keeps looking at the window.
CARSON (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
G. come on! Just tell me. I’m
starting to get worried.
As he says this, a tear drop falls down Grace’s face.
CARSON
Hey, hey. It’s okay. It’s okay.
Graces slowly turns to Carson and stares at his eyes for a
brief moment. He kisses her gently on the cheek.
ellebessa.com
4.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Can you please tell me what is
happening? I wanna help.
Graces stares at him for a long period of time. She can’t
contain her tears.
GRACE
If I begged you to have a day away
from here-- just you and me.
That's it. Nothing else. Would you
take me wherever I asked you to?
CARSON
I mean, if your parents agree with
it, yes of course.
GRACE
You gotta be on board with
everything I suggest though.
Carson looks at her.
GRACE (CONT'D)
It's my place. Alright?
CARSON
Let's get it Miss Field.
They smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. EARLY MORNING - FIELD’S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY
Grace wheelchair sits by hallway.
Carson makes his way to the family's Honda Odyssey. He
opens the passenger door. He pulls the seat back and heads
towards the driver's door.
As Graces waits for Carson’s return.
CARSON
Got everything?
Yes.
GRACE
As he heads back to her.
CARSON
Should I double check?
ellebessa.com
5.
He picks up the sports bag sat next to Grace’s electric
power assist wheelchair.
GRACE
No need to. Mom already checked.
Shouting to towards the house's front door.
CARSON
Oh, if Joan checked, we’re
definitely set to go!
GRACE
Always trying to be funny.
As she says it, she tries to move her index finger to
cruise her wheelchair. Carson pretends he doesn't notice
it, and pushes her wheelchair forward towards the car.
Carson stops the wheelchair by to the passenger seat. He
picks Grace up, and sits her in the adapted passenger seat.
CARSON
What the heck did you have for
lunch today? You’re like 20 pounds
heavier today.
GRACE
Very funny.
CARSON
(with wobbly arms)
No seriously. I don’t know if I
can do this-GRACE
Carson! Carson!
With Leonardo DiCaprio's eyes.
CARSON
You really think I couldn’t carry
you?
In reprisal rolling her eyes.
GRACE
I don’t know a single thing
anymore.
CARSON
(deeply)
I’ll never let you fall.
Graces tries hard to hold her laugh.
ellebessa.com
6.
JOAN, a tall, brunette woman in her mid 50s with an
incredible physique, steps out of the house.
JOAN
Carson, do you need some help
honey?
CARSON
No, thanks Joan. I got it.
Joan approaches the car as Carson buckles Grace up.
JOAN
Gracie, did I pack your tooth
brush?
GRACE
Mom! We’re gonna be back by night,
even if you didn’t, I can survive
just fine.
JOAN
I know, but you never know what
you might need. Let me go get it
real quick!
GRACE
Mom, you don’t-Joan runs back inside, as Grace sighs heavily.
CARSON
Hey c’amon! She’s just nervous.
It's the first time you leave the
house without her.
GRACE
It’s definitely not.
CARSON
You know what I mean.
GRACE
Can we please just go? It’s
getting late.
CARSON
Late for what? It’s not like the
beach is gonna close.
GRACE
I know but I wanna avoid all the
traffic, you know.
ellebessa.com
7.
CARSON
It’s 7am on a Saturday morning
dude. There’s absolutely no
traffic.
Pause.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Unless-- we're heading towards the
beach. We are, aren't we? Haha, I
knew it!
Grace smiles.
GRACE
Ugh, you’re so obnoxious
sometimes.
CARSON
(mocking her)
Ugh, you’re such a baby sometimes.
They both laugh and smile at each other. Joan comes out
holding a tooth brush and a tooth paste.
CUT TO:
EXT. MORNING- 1 HOUR LATER- CAR
Carson drives and tries to find a good radio station.
CARSON
Can I have my phone back? I wanna
play something. Tired of this
freaking radio.
GRACE
I have to put the address.
CARSON
What address? We just have to
drive to the coast.
GRACE
Nah nah. Are you forgetting-CARSON
That's gonna take a looong time.
Pause.
CARSON (CONT'D)
I'm sorry that's not what I meant.
ellebessa.com
8.
GRACE
No, it was pretty clear.
CARSON
No, Grace, come on.
Pause.
CARSON (CONT'D)
You know it would.
GRACE
And you keep-CARSON
It's not that-GRACE
It's what then?
GRACE (CONT'D)
G, you've been doing amazing.
Terrific, actually. I mean, in
just eight months you almost have
full ability of your fingers?
That's freaking amazing!
But.
GRACE (CONT'D)
CARSON
There's no but.
GRACE
Then what?
CARSON
It's just-- It'd be faster if I do
it, yeah?
GRACE
Perhaps. Okay, yes. But you're
forgetting that we were supposed
to go to a new place we both
haven’t been before.
Carson sights, and mumbles something.
As Graces starts to type on Carson's phone, hanging in
front of her by a magnetic car mount.
GRACE (CONT'D)
What was that, huh?
ellebessa.com
9.
CARSON
Now I’m curious. What is this
mysterious place of yours, huh?
GRACE
You’re gonna have to wait and see
my friend.
Okay.
CARSON
Grace keeps typing.
GRACE
Okay, done.
Carson reached for the phone.
Graces attempts to move her fingers faster.
Complicated by Avril Lavigne starts playing in the
background. Carson sings to it.
Grace gives up. Rests her head back with tears in her eyes.
Turns her heard out the window. Yet very quietly, also
sings along.
CARSON
Three hours and thirty five
minutes? Where the hell are you
taking us?
GRACE
Okay, one more question and you're
out.
CARSON
What do you mean I'm out?
GRACE
I'm not gonna let you look at the
phone anymore.
CARSON
Alright, alright. I'll simply
follow directions from now on.
GRACE
You wise little fella.
Graces stares at him.
GRACE (CONT'D)
You’re gonna love it.
ellebessa.com
10.
Carson smiles.
As Avril Lavigne sings, "Why did you have to go and make
things so complicated". Carson gets closer to Grace,
clenches a closed fist and holds it next to Grace's mouth.
They both sing their lounges out.
CUT TO:
EXT. TWO HOURS LATER- CAR
Grace is slowly falling asleep as Carson starts hearing a
weird noise.
CARSON
What the fuck.
The sound gets louder and louder, waking Grace up.
CARSON (CONT'D)
What the fuck is this?
GRACE
I don’t know. Have you never heard
this before?
CARSON
No, never.
The car slowly starts to tilt to the right.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Oh fuck no, no, no, no.
GRACE
Shit! What’s happening!?
Carson quickly swerves to the side of the highway and stops
the car. He steps out. Graces looses sight of him.
Graces looks at every mirror trying to see Carson in the
reflection.
GRACE (CONT'D)
Bud, you okay?
Carson can’t hear her and keeps on figuring out what’s
wrong with the car.
GRACE (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
(screaming)
Carson! Can you hear me?
ellebessa.com
11.
Carson picks up his phone and dials a number.
She tries to move her arm to open the window in vain. Gets
extremely euphoric.
GRACE (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
Fuck. Fuck.
Her breathing gets heavier as she keeps on trying to move
her fingers. Suddenly Carson opens the passenger door, and
Grace bursts into tears.
CARSON
(hugging her)
Hey hey hey, I'm here. It's okay.
It’s not that big of a deal.
Grace heavy crying continues.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Hey, hey. We're all good. Your mom
will forgive me.
Graces looks at Carson and her breathing slowly goes back
to normal. Grace still won’t say anything.
CARSON (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
What happened?
Graces stares at him for a long period of time.
CARSON (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
C’amon. I’m starting to get
worried.
GRACE
Uh, I’ve made a decision Carson-CARSON
What kind of decision?
GRACE
A decision. About my life.
CARSON
(confused)
What? When?
GRACE
Yesterday.
CARSON
Why didn’t you tell me yesterday?
ellebessa.com
12.
GRACE
It was right after you left.
CARSON
Why didn’t you tell me today?
GRACE
I’m telling you right now.
CARSON
Well, if it’s something important
I want to know like, right away.
GRACE
You don’t even know-CARSON
I’m just saying you should’ve told
me right away. I’m your best
friend. You should've told me
right away.
GRACE
Do you wanna fucking hear it or
not?
Carson’s phone rings.
CARSON
It’s triple A. I gotta take it.
Carson steps away from the car. Grace’s heavy breathing
comes back. The camera follows him as he starts speaking on
the phone.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Yeah I think it’s a flat tire.
Yeah yeah. Not that big of a deal.
Yeah. I’m just not sure where we
are-- No yeah just one second.
Carson looks at his phone and searches for their location.
As he does this he moves back near Grace.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Hey do you know where we are
exactly?
No. Why?
GRACE
CARSON
Because I gotta tell them so they
can send some help.
ellebessa.com
13.
Carson speaks into the phone again.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Hello. Can you hear me? Hello-(to himself)
Damn it!
(to the phone)
Hello Can you hear me?
Carson looks at Grace frustrated.
CARSON (CONT'D)
I have no service.
GRACE
Do you wanna try mine?
CARSON
Where is it?
GRACE
Mom packed it in my bag.
Carson opens the back door and reaches for the bag. He
picks Grace’s phone up.
CARSON
No service. Shit.
GRACE
It’s okay, C.
CARSON
No it’s not okay. We are supposed
to be at the beach right now! Not
in the middle of this fucking
road. And I-- I don’t fucking know
how to change a flat tire. We’re
screwed.
GRACE
It’s okay. Someone will stop and
help us out.
CARSON
You really think so? I mean-where the fuck are we anyway?
GRACE
I have no clue.
CARSON
But you know where this beach is.
You have to sort of know the area
we’re in.
ellebessa.com
14.
GRACE
Well I don’t.
CARSON
Can you at least try to remember?
GRACE
I don’t know Carson.
CARSON
Grace, it’s not that hard!
GRACE
Can you fucking stop? I’ve told
you I don’t know.
CARSON
You always know where you are.
Always.
GRACE
You’re being so fucking annoying
right now.
CARSON
No! First I can’t know where we’re
heading, it’s a surprise or
whatever. Then you won’t even let
me see the final destination, and
then-GRACE
I didn’t want you to know where we
were going.
Why not?
CARSON
GRACE
Because I don’t wanna go to the
fucking beach.
Why not?
CARSON
GRACE
I was trying to make you take me
somewhere else.
CARSON
What? Where?
Oregon.
GRACE
ellebessa.com
15.
CARSON
Oregon? To do what?
Grace hesitates. There’s a brief moment of silent.
CARSON (CONT'D)
Grace! Why Oregon?
Grace is nervous and looks away to avoid eye contact.
CARSON (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
Look at me! Why are we here? Why
Oregon?
Grace still won’t look at him. Carson moves closer to her
and holds her.
Grace.
CARSON (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
GRACE
(firmly)
It’s the only place where you can
get euthanized.
Carson stares at her. He slowly moves away from her. He
steps away from the car. Suddenly rushes back to where
Grace is.
CARSON
So-- so, you wanna kill yourself?
Is that what you’re telling me?
GRACE
You have to listen to me.
CARSON
I have to listen to you?!
GRACE
Carson, you’re not letting me
explain-CARSON
Explain what? That you wanna put
an end to your life?!
GRACE
If you’d-CARSON
And that you lied to me and forced
me to be part of it?!
ellebessa.com
16.
GRACE
I didn’t mean to-CARSON
I mean, I know you’re in pain G
okay. I know. I know it hasn’t
been easy, and it’s a big change
in your life. But dying? Killing
yourself? How can you be so
selfish, huh? You’re siblings,
your parents, all of your friends,
your doctors-- I mean, everyone in
our fucking town almost! How can
you think of that? And what about
me huh? Just like that, I lose my
best friend?-GRACE
This is not about you! It’s not
about you, or any of them!
There’s a long moment of silence followed by a brief moment
of Grace crying and trying to regain her composure.
GRACE (CONT'D)
You don’t know what it is. No one
does. Everything I had, my life,
who I am, it’s all gone. I can’t
even fucking pee without someone’s
help!
CARSON
That might change Grace!
GRACE
Fuck that! You and I both know how
little my chances are. And let’s
say it works, okay. Yeah, in a
year I can move two fingers, and
hold a fucking pen. 10 years
later, I can hold a cup. Wow!
Grace look at you doing so good.
25 years later, I can move two
toes. Yes Grace, good job! You got
this. 50 years later, I can move
my hand. You can’t fucking tell me
I’m being selfish when you have no
fucking clue what this is.
CARSON
Still Grace, the thought of not
having you is unbearable! You
can’t do this.
ellebessa.com
17.
GRACE
And I was the one being selfish.
CARSON
Stop! You can’t put things that
way.
Suddenly they hear a loud noise. Carson turns around and
sees a truck swerving into the side of the road. The truck
crashes into their car.
END.