Michelle Bardlett
authormzshel03@gmail.com
702.573.2716


Logline: In the wake of personal tragedy and violent loss, Eva battles to reclaim her life and protect her children from a vengeful family while facing the mental and emotional toll of her trauma. Meanwhile, Dennis spirals into a destructive path of revenge, Jevon faces the consequences of his actions in prison, Sadie and Makayla harrowing experiences add further depth to the intertwined lives and struggles of the characters.
Synopsis: Eva's world is shattered when her son is violently taken from her by Jevon, her ex-husband and her son’s father. As Eva tries to navigate her grief and protect her remaining children, she faces continuous threats from Jevon's family. Dennis, driven by his own personal losses and fueled by anger, decides to take drastic measures, targeting Sheila, whom he blames for his misfortunes. Jevon, now in prison, becomes the target of revenge from fellow inmates who seek justice for his crime.
Sadie, a drug addict, has sold her underaged daughter, Makayla, for drugs. Makayla, who has endured years of mental, emotional, and sexual abuse, struggles to find her way out of the darkness. Their stories intersect with Eva's, adding layers of complexity and highlighting the pervasive impact of trauma and resilience.
As Eva seeks solace and strength in her family and church, she is confronted by Patrice, Jevon's sister, who refuses to accept the court's verdict and tries to take matters into her own hands. The screenplay weaves through these intertwined lives, building tension and culminating in explosive confrontations and cliffhangers, setting the stage for ongoing drama and conflict.

Key Characters:
• Eva: A mother struggling with the loss of her son and the threats to her family. Her journey is one of resilience and determination.
• Dennis: A man pushed to his breaking point, seeking revenge as a way to cope with his own losses.
• Jevon: Eva's ex-husband, now in prison, dealing with the repercussions of his actions and the revenge of fellow inmates.
• Sheila: The target of Dennis's vengeance, representing the catalyst for his downfall.
• Patrice: Jevon's sister, who believes in her brother's innocence and takes aggressive action against Eva.
• Sadie: A drug addict who sold her underaged daughter for drugs, representing the depths of addiction and its consequences.
• Makayla: . Sadie's daughter, who has endured years of abuse and struggles to find her way out of the darkness.

Themes:
• Grief and Healing: Exploring the emotional journey of losing a loved one and the steps toward recovery.
• Revenge and Justice: The consequences of taking the law into one's own hands.
• Family and Loyalty: The bonds that hold families together and the lengths they go to protect each other.
• Trauma and Resilience: The impact of trauma on individuals and their journey toward healing and strength.




• Target Audience: This screenplay is targeted at audiences who enjoy intense dramas with complex characters and emotionally charged storylines. Fans of shows like "Where children play" "Big Little Lies," and "I can do bad by myself" will find "Familiar Terror" compelling and engaging.
Director's Vision: The visual and emotional tone of the screenplay will be grounded and raw, capturing the gritty reality of each character's struggle. The narrative will be interspersed with moments of tension, suspense, and poignant emotional beats, creating a powerful and immersive viewing experience.


Why This Story Matters: "Familiar Terror" dives deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for justice. It's a story that resonates with the complexities of real life, offering viewers a gripping, relatable and emotional journey.