[Quick Summary: Two cousins kidnap a biomedical corporate executive, whom they're convinced is an alien, to get her to stop destroying the earth.]
This script is a 2-3 hander and is a quick read.
I really admired how it made us connect with the characters. I think it stems from the characters really trying to communicate something, a very exposing thing.
The amazing thing was how it's all in the subtext, not the words.
For example, in the scene below:
- Teddy convinced his cousin Don to kidnap Teddy's boss, Michelle.
- They have brought her to their home.
- Michelle tries to escape by admitting to "being an alien."
- Teddy makes a dinner of spaghetti for her, him, and Don.
- Michelle tries to talk to Don, but Teddy discourages discussion of any personal nature.
- Undeterred, she tries again to find a connection through a neutral topic, bees.
- Notice that she takes the first step to finding common ground. She is the one who exposes herself and gives her opinion on bees.
- When Teddy responds with a similar opinion, they have a moment of connection.
- Their unspoken feelings of "I respect you, I like you because we like the same things" is in the subtext of their similar opinions and shared smiles.
INT. KITCHEN. DAY
...Don is unsure if he should reply.
TEDDY: You'll have to excuse my colleague. He prefers not to converse.
They eat silently again. Michelle sees some BEEKEEPER GEAR.
MICHELLE: I see you're an apiarist.
TEDDY: Of sorts.
MICHELLE: I've taken an interest as well.
TEDDY: Mm. So I've heard.
MICHELLE: Magnificent creatures. Honeybees.
TEDDY: Yes, indeed. Very much so.
MICHELLE: Earth's most admirable creation.
Teddy looks up. A brief moment of unexpected connection.
TEDDY: Well, shit. I've literally said those exact words before.
They lock eyes for a moment. Michelle smiles with respect. Teddy almost reciprocates, then turns back to his plate.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: There's real craft in creating that subtext. It's not what is actually said, nor the meaning of the words (bees are magnificent), but the understanding of human nature that we tend to lower our walls with the people with whom we agree.
Bugonia (2025)(undated)
by Will Tracy
Based on the film Save the Green Planet!
