Logline:
When Geno’s fractured relationships spiral out of control, his wife Samantha fights to protect their family from the vengeful wrath of his scorned lovers—forcing them all to confront the dark consequences of betrayal, forgiveness, and survival.
Synopsis
Familiar Terror: Broken Vows is a gripping romantic drama that delves into the dark aftermath of betrayal, obsession, and fractured families. When Geno chooses to rebuild his life with his wife Samantha and their ailing daughter Genoa, the women he left behind spiral into chaos. Angelique, pregnant and scorned, descends into a dangerous mental state, pushing the boundaries of revenge and desperation. Meanwhile, Sasha’s tragic overdose deepens the fallout, leaving a trail of heartbreak and fury. As threats escalate and loyalties are tested, Geno must confront the demons of his past to save his family and seek redemption before all is lost.
Treatment
The story opens with the fragile family unit of Geno, Samantha, and their daughters coping with the aftermath of Genoa’s health crisis. Geno’s decision to recommit to his family ignites a tempest of jealousy and rage in Angelique, who descends into a spiral of destructive obsession. Her emotional instability leads to a violent intrusion into Samantha’s home, forcing protective allies like Nadira to intervene. Meanwhile, Geno’s former lover Sasha, devastated by their breakup, succumbs to despair and overdose, sending shockwaves through Geno’s fractured world.
Caught between his past mistakes and the hope for a new beginning, Geno struggles to prove his commitment to Samantha while navigating the fallout of broken vows and shattered trust. The tension escalates with police involvement, emotional confrontations, and the looming threat of Angelique’s wrath. At its core, Familiar Terror: Broken Vows explores themes of love, forgiveness, mental health, and the high cost of choices made in desperation.
The screenplay blends intense emotional drama with suspenseful moments, culminating in a poignant exploration of family, redemption, and the power of resilience in the face of personal turmoil.
INT. GENO AND SAMANTHA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Samantha stands firm, glaring at Geno.
FAMILIAR TERROR: BROKEN VOWS
Written by Michelle Bardlett
TEASER
INT. GENO AND SAMANTHA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – DAY
SAMANTHA stands firm, eyes blazing with hurt and defiance.
SAMANTHA
Go to hell, Geno. Don’t worry about us. Worry about yourself and your harlots in the streets. And trust me, we will not worry about you.
NADIRA, sensing the tension, steps between them.
NADIRA
Samantha, let’s finish gathering your things. We need to get back to the hospital.
GENO’s voice softens, almost pleading.
GENO
Can you at least make me something to eat before you leave?
Samantha shakes her head, taking a deep breath. She kneels to GENISIS’s level, brushing a tear from her cheek.
SAMANTHA
It’s going to be okay, baby. We’re going to be with Genoa soon. Then you’re going with Aunt Nadira to her house.
Nadira helps Samantha quickly gather the remaining items. Geno stands in the doorway, expression unreadable.
Samantha ignores him and walks past, focused on her daughters.
INT. NADIRA’S CAR – NIGHT
The air is thick with tension.
NADIRA
Samantha, you know I love you and have your back. But why do you keep putting up with Geno’s bullcrap?
Samantha sighs, eyes heavy with pain.
SAMANTHA
I don’t know anymore… other than trying to honor my vows.
She recites, voice trembling.
SAMANTHA (CONT’D)
“Corinthians 7:10-11: To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
Nadira replies firmly.
NADIRA
Colossians 3:19 says, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” God doesn’t expect us to stay in abusive marriages, Sam. You deserve better.
Samantha’s eyes fill with uncertainty.
SAMANTHA
It’s complicated. Every time I think about leaving, something holds me back. Fear, maybe. Or hope.
Nadira places a comforting hand on Samantha’s shoulder.
NADIRA
You’re not alone. We’re here. One step at a time.
They share a moment of quiet as the car moves through the night.
INT. ANGELIQUE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
GENO calls Angelique, trying to mask worry with cheerfulness.
GENO
Hey baby, what are you doing tonight? Ready to see your man?
ANGELIQUE is irked, exhausted.
ANGELIQUE
Nah, I’m good.
Geno presses.
GENO
What’s wrong? Are you okay?
Angelique softens.
ANGELIQUE
I’m fine now. I had to go to the ER today.
Geno immediately regrets missing her calls.
GENO
I’m sorry, baby. I was in a meeting. I love you.
Angelique sighs.
ANGELIQUE
So, are you coming over?
GENO
Let me shower and change. I’ll bring Chinese food.
INT. ANGELIQUE’S APARTMENT – LATER THAT NIGHT
The mood is tense.
GENO
What happened at the hospital? Are you okay?
Angelique tells him about the baby and seeing Samantha at the ER, how she made sure Samantha knew her place.
Geno’s face darkens.
GENO
I don’t appreciate you picking on Samantha. It makes things hard for me at home.
Angelique is shocked.
ANGELIQUE
You’re defending her now?
Geno stands firm.
GENO
Yes. She’s dealing with a lot. Leave her alone.
Angelique snarls, storming off.
Geno tries to salvage the evening.
GENO
Let’s just enjoy our dinner.
The tension lingers, and Geno eventually leaves, overwhelmed.
Angelique demands to know why.
GENO
I need space.
Angelique’s phone rings—Sasha calls repeatedly, but Geno ignores her.
INT. GENO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Geno drinks heavily, spiraling into self-destruction.
He passes out on the bathroom floor.
INT. GENO’S APARTMENT – NEXT MORNING
Geno wakes, disgusted with himself.
He stares in the mirror — bloodshot, hollow, a man lost.
His father’s voice echoes in his head:
FATHER (V.O.)
Son, look at what you’ve become...
Geno vows to change.
He grabs a bouquet and teddy bear, heads to the hospital.
INT. HOSPITAL – PEDIATRIC WARD – NIGHT
Samantha sits at Genoa’s bedside, tearful.
Geno arrives, apologetic.
GENO
I’m here now. I’m not leaving you or our baby’s side.
Samantha is furious.
SAMANTHA
You think flowers and toys fix this? Our daughter is fighting for her life!
Geno places a finger on her lips.
GENO
I know. But I promise from now on, no more women, no more drinking. I love you both.
Genoa’s eyes flutter open.
Hope blooms.
(And so on…)
TEASER
INT. GENO AND SAMANTHA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Angelique’s eyes blaze with unspoken fury and disappointment as she hands Geno his jacket and hat.
ANGELIQUE
Bye.
Her voice is heavy with resignation — someone who gave all she had and received emptiness in return.
Geno meets her parting glare with strained composure, then turns and slams the door behind him in a final act of defiance.
EXT. STREET – NIGHT
Geno steps into the cool night, making his way home. The silence of his apartment contrasts with the turmoil inside.
INT. GENO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Geno grabs a bottle of Hennessy from his bar. The amber glow promises a temporary escape.
He cracks the bottle open and drinks straight from it, desperate to drown out the pain and memories of the night’s confrontation.
His phone rings repeatedly — Sasha’s name lights the screen — but Geno ignores the calls.
One fifth after another, the liquor numbs him until nausea overtakes.
He retches violently, collapsing on the cold bathroom floor, passing out amid chaos and regret.
INT. GENO’S APARTMENT – BATHROOM – MORNING
Geno wakes, covered in vomit. The stench fills the air.
Groaning, he pulls himself up and staggers to the sink.
He splashes cold water on his face and meets his reflection.
His bloodshot eyes, sunken and hollow, stare back.
His once-handsome face is gaunt, stressed, worn.
A stranger.
GENO (V.O.)
This isn’t who I used to be. This isn’t who I want to be.
He thinks about Samantha, Genoa — the child he refuses to claim — and the pain his choices have caused.
Sasha and Angelique linger in his thoughts, symbols of his failures.
For the first time, remorse stirs deep inside.
FATHER (V.O.)
Son, look at what you’ve become...
INT. GENO’S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS
The voice of his deceased father cuts through the numbness.
Geno staggers to his feet and begins cleaning himself up, resolving to leave recklessness behind.
He grabs his coat, stepping out with purpose.
EXT. FLOWER SHOP – NIGHT
Geno picks a bouquet of soft, forgiving blossoms — a silent apology.
INT. GIFT SHOP – NIGHT
He selects a teddy bear — innocent eyes, gentle embrace.
INT. HOSPITAL – PEDIATRIC WARD – NIGHT
Geno rushes through sterile corridors, heart pounding.
He finds Samantha, sitting by Genoa’s bedside, face etched with sorrow.
GENO
Samantha, baby, what’s wrong?
Samantha looks at him with anguish.
He turns to Nurse Scottie.
GENO
I’m her husband. That’s my daughter. Please tell me what’s going on.
NURSE SCOTTIE
Genoa’s had a severe episode. We’re doing everything we can.
Overwhelmed, Geno pulls Samantha into a tight embrace.
GENO
I’m so sorry. I’m here now. I’m not leaving your side.
Samantha’s eyes flash with anger.
SAMANTHA
You think flowers and toys fix this? Our daughter — the one you made fun of — is fighting for her life!
Geno places a finger on her lips.
GENO
I know. But from now on — no more women, no more drinking. I love you. I love our family.
Genoa’s eyes flutter open.
Hope blooms.
INT. HOSPITAL – HALLWAY – NIGHT
Geno and Samantha step outside to talk.
SAMANTHA
How did it go with the ladies?
GENO
I only saw Angelique.
EXT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Angelique waits in her car, crying.
She watches the house, talking to herself.
ANGELIQUE
Okay, Mrs. Samantha Floyd, this is all your fault.
INT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Samantha video chats with Nadira and Genisis.
Nadira expresses hope and prayers for the family.
INT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – KITCHEN – NIGHT
Samantha hears Genoa fussing and goes to check on her.
INT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT
Angelique sneaks inside through the kitchen door.
She looks at family photos, tears streaming.
Angelique stands over Genoa’s bed, whispering lullabies.
SAMANTHA (O.S.)
What are you doing in my house?
Angelique turns, surprised but defiant.
ANGELIQUE
Hello. I came to reclaim what’s mine.
Samantha stands firm.
SAMANTHA
Geno is my husband. This is my family.
ANGELIQUE
Geno was supposed to divorce you. We were supposed to build a family. But you had to interfere.
SAMANTHA
You need to leave. Geno made his choice.
Angelique screams and throws things.
EXT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Nadira arrives, hears the chaos.
She grabs Genisis, runs to neighbor’s house for safety, then breaks in the back door with bear spray ready.
Angelique flees.
EXT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER
Police arrive.
Samantha, shaken, gives her statement.
OFFICER
Did she harm you or the baby?
SAMANTHA
No, but she was in my home, whispering to Genoa.
OFFICER
Do you have messages from her?
Samantha hands over texts.
INT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Samantha breaks down.
NADIRA
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Samantha’s phone buzzes.
SAMANTHA
Geno… Angelique broke in. She was in Genoa’s room.
GENO (V.O.)
I’m getting the next flight back.
INT. ANGELIQUE’S CAR – NIGHT
Angelique drives, tears blurring vision.
ANGELIQUE (V.O.)
They don’t get to win. I won’t let them.
INT. SAMANTHA AND GENO’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Nadira picks up a thrown stuffed animal.
NADIRA
She’s dangerous.
SAMANTHA
I know. I’m not waiting.
NADIRA
Pack a bag. You’re coming with me until Geno gets here.
INT. SASHA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Sasha cries to Aunt Clara on the phone.
CLARA
I’m coming to you.
EXT. SASHA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Clara finds the house silent.
She finds Sasha unconscious on bathroom floor.
CLARA
Help! Somebody help!
Paramedics rush in.
INT. HOSPITAL – SASHA’S ROOM – NIGHT
Doctors work tirelessly.
DOCTOR
We’ve done all we can.
Sasha is pronounced dead.
INT. CLARA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Clara’s grief turns to fury.
CLARA
Geno’s going to pay for this.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER / PILOT EPISODE