NYC Midnight Screenplay Competition – Round 1 – 5th Place

(1,539 writers in 60 groups)

”Unlocked” by Gant Laborde –     WHAT THE JUDGES LIKED ABOUT YOUR SCREENPLAY –

{2103}  UNLOCKED has a strong structure and develops its characters and plot naturally, through dialogue and action, never through clunky exposition. The script opens on a seemingly ordinary day between goofy suburban Dad DENIS and preteen daughter JESSIE. The undercurrent of sadness cuts through the comedic morning, without belaboring why Mom is missing. It’s emotionally satisfying to watch Dad impose embarrassing childhood rituals on Jessie, like calling her Lovebug and dragging her to the skating rink, because we feel his need to hold onto time by babying his growing daughter. There, Denis’s real agenda unfolds at first with playfulness— his search for someone to give him the countersign. It quickly gives way to high stakes conflict. He’s an embedded Russian spy, hoping to get out, but his Handler (WOMAN) threatens him — assassinate someone or disappear like his missing partner. It’s also satisfying, the way the ending ties into the beginning, and the father-daughter bond shifts. The character makes his ultimate sacrifice, telling Jessie this time to grow up, as he surrenders to the authorities to save his family.

{2206}  This plot is fantastic. My heart broke for Denis when she began speaking in Russian (or any language that would have denoted they were spies.) Though most people are not spies, I think the experience of our past catching up with us, a lie told long ago being exposed, or even a crime committed for which we are finally caught, can be a universal experience. Whether it happens, or we fear it will one day happen. Denis made a brave, redemptive choice in the end. We see, clearly, the power of family, of love. The dialogue between the woman and Denis is cleverly executed with each clue naturally falling into place.

{2491}  The opening to this script was very fun. A symbol we aren’t sure the meaning of, a reaction, and an emotional pivot between Denis and his daughter. This is ordinary world, catalyst and instant action. Extremely strong!