A peaceful lake, a missing woman, a frightened child. A small-town Sheriff must enlist the help of his estranged son tofind out what…or who happened to a vacationing family.
Since virtually the dawn of time, father and son stories have been mainstays in literature and fiction. Be the form film, book or play: familial tales of love, loss, deceit, betrayal and death will forever resonate.
From Shakespeare’s tragic Hamlet, to Pixar’s Finding Nemo: the special bond between father and son provides a never ending source of drama.
And so it is with Alligator Tears.
Our story opens on a tragic tableau: a distraught father and son sobbing on a Florida beach. Where’s Mom? Missing.
Crusty local Sheriff Mickey Nemar takes charge, but the boy (Charlie) is inconsolable. Momma went skiing with Dad, Charlie says. And a huge alligator ate her!
As Mickey gently prods for clues, Aaron Ames arrives on scene – an agent for the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife. Not to mention Mickey’s bitter, estranged son.
Immediately the two clash; at loggerheads. Aaron casts doubt on his dad’s findings (not to mention his character.) He particularly scoffs at the idea of an animal attack; the lake’s too populated for a gator.
What follows is a deftly written war of words brimming with conflict and mystery. Can father and son set aside differences long enough to crack the case? And what exactly did happen to Momma? This is one script that positively shines with subtext just below the surface… like an alligator about to rise.
Drama directors: don’t miss this one. Much like a missing persons report… the result can be a tragedy.
Budget: Moderate. All you need is a beach. Small boat. Couple of vehicles. And a small but talented cast to do this clever script justice.
About the writer: Kirk White is an independent film maker, web sen”sation” and figure of note in the world of global logistics. He is currently in pre-production on his second feature, The Soul Garden, which will basically be the art-house version of Re-Animator. If you’re into that sort of thing, or just love movies with no fear…no limit… no budget, check out QuiteFilm.com for all the juicy goodness.
Read Alligator Tears 12 pages in pdf format
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This screenplay may not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
About the reviewer: Gary Rowlands cut his teeth writing sketch comedy for Spitting Image a hugely popular show broadcast on national television in the UK. He has since gone on to write several high-concept features and can be contacted at gazrow at Hotmail dot com
4 Comments so far
1.
Christopher
February 9th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Well written. The obvious conflict and tension between the two main characters can be felt and believed. Much is said to the conflict in their relationship without much bring revealed. I enjoyed reading this screenplay.
2.
KP Mackie
February 10th, 2015 at 12:37 am
Terrific story. Conflict, tension, and a sad little boy. 🙁
The lake’s an interesting location too. Doesn’t hurt there may be an alligator in it…
3.
KP Mackie
August 6th, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Still a terrific story.
Would look great onscreen. 🙂
4.
Abraham Cote
August 8th, 2017 at 10:27 pm
Great story, hooked me quick and kept me so until the end.