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Thanks for reading, Steven. She knew he was cheating, and thought it could help Irene move on but then took pity in Pedro and decided to lie for him. Glad you liked it)
Kham, nice work... with a few hiccups in the writing/phrasing of dialogue - a couple Dave already pointed out so I won't labour the point.
I personally don't have a problem with the flashback. I suppose the only reason to do a work around with that is if you want to stay with a very low budget and logistics for one location.
I'm going to wait for the next draft (seeing as you said you're doing one) before I had my tuppence, suffice to say I love the idea/story - yes, there is a nice nod to Ghost with this - but you've also made it your own creation.
I've got to say I'm not sold on the title which just seems a little benign to me.
If I come up with an alt I'll suggest it with notes on the next draft.
P.S. Forgot to say... The title and the phrase Stephanie uses All Are Welcome would work for me more if you describe her character as being quite flamboyant and expressive with her hands, a bit hippy-dippy, incense burning, beaded curtains etc. At the moment I don't think in her thirties, clearly deprived of sleep gives much insight into her character. Just a thought...
Thanks Libby. I’m gonna use what you said about the psychic. So you’re saying more of a Gypsy weirdo. I’ll think about it. I thought a serious looking woman who dedicated her life to helping others and is tired for that reason. I’ll try to close my eyes and see her. Or maybe visit a psychic or two. My daughter did btw and that led her to a crisis center you know. Which might have been a good thing for her in the long run. But I digress.., Thanks for the read, I’ll put your comments to use
So, I like the story a lot. The emotional core is strong, it's a good twist. But I think you spend too much time dancing around it before you dive in. The flashback, even the wait for Irene to enter the building, can be streamlined.
You've got Pedro storming in, furious. The crux of it is, he's upset Irene believes he was unfaithful. He wants Irene to be able to move on with a clear heart.
First words could be something like, "Irene Ketchum. That name ring a bell?".
He accuses Stephania right off the bat of being a charlatan trying to take advantage of a grieving widow. Lying about Pedro's fidelity. He gets more and more upset till she turns the tables...
Reveals Irene's been in the room the whole time. This is all part of the seance or whatever it is.
Hopefully that makes sense. I'm writing this fast cuz I gotta be somewhere. The reveal is more elaborate than it really needs to be is what I'm trying to say. I think...
I just wanted to chime in and say I liked the story and the twist. well done...For some reason I couldn't get my head a round the flashback and earring situation. I think it's me because no one else has mentioned that it was confusing. I have fog brain right now so I'm sure it's me.
Look forward to reading the rewrite..
Cheers K.
"Turn that off, our friend has just been killed in a fatal sunlight accident!"....
Thank you Kirsten. I’m thinking of a way to eliminate the flashback. The psychic doing a research is kind of a stretch. Besides she can use her visions instead, so that part is a def redo!
Conceptually, this has great potential. There are many ways you could develop it into something more substantial.
As it written though, it feels a little talky. A lot of telling and not much showing. I would suggest starting with Stephania amid actually embodying the role she describes for another client without any set up. This immediately gets us asking questions and wondering what is going on before we learn of it. It would feel like a more cinematic/less stagey way of executing the story.
The moral message of Stephania essentially lying to Irene in order to give her happiness or a sense of closure is a curious one. I'm not sure how I feel about it and that's a good thing. Its a genuine conundrum. Still, for such a weighty choice, it can't help feeling glossed over due to the script's brevity.
Have you ever seen Yorgos Lanthimos' (Dogtooth, The Lobster, The Favourite) "Alps"? It has a very similar premise.
Thanks Col, I’ll have to try to make it less talky. I think I’m starting to know how, I just need to get to the core faster. And like James says quit dancing around it. But let’s see, easier said than done.
I want to tell everyone that I’m very appreciative of each and everyone’s feedback! One way or another you really highlighted the problems and gave me ideas how to work them out. No need for reads anymore as I have plenty to work with. I may try different approaches not only one. Thanks again!