Written By Jason
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Director: Sofia Coppola
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Lucas Hedges, Jack Dylan Grazer, Lucas Jade Zumann, Millie Bobby Brown, Elsie Fisher, Minnie Driver, Joshua Bassett, Jade Pettyjohn
Plot: Outside a theater in New York City, a long black limousine slowly rolls by the theatre and red carpet The door slowly opens, revealing the man of the hour, Jason (Lucas Hedges). As the paparazzi take snapshots, the lights flicker on and off as he hears the group of enthusiastic fans chanting his name.
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, DAY
Inside a large bedroom, Amy (Jade Pettyjohn) , a young woman gently nudges Jason awake. She sheepishly points to the clock, revealing that its 12:30 PM. Alarmed, Jason leaps onto his feet. Amy manages to stop him before he can go too far, saying that the world premiere isn’t until eight. Jason thanks her for reminding him and the two exchange a kiss.
As Jason makes his way to the kitchen, he finds a newspaper on the counter. Amy tells him that she wanted to give him this when he woke up, saying that there is a surprise. Interested, Jason picks up the paper, finding that he’s on the front page of the news. Amazed by this revelation, he decides to sit down and read further. The further into the story he goes, the deeper his mind goes before triggering a memory…
(BEGIN FLASHBACK:)
INT: High School Classroom
Inside a video-editing software class, A 17-year old Jason (Jack Dylan Grazer) is presenting his first film entitled ‘The Gotcha’, a story of a young man who journeys to the basement in order to stop a monster (played by his dad). While only six minutes long, it shows Jason’s abilities as a director and editor. When the film ends, Jason receives a standing ovation.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, DAY
After finishing breakfast, Jason makes his way back to the bedroom when he accidentally bumps into Amy. The two apologize profusely to one another, Jason fumbling over himself. Amy giggles, telling him that he has such a way with words. As Amy walks off, she too is reminded of something…
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: School Hallways, DAY
Jason walks down the hallway, maintaining his pace when he bumps into someone.Jason begins to apologize when he looks straight into their eyes. A beautiful girl looks at him, introducing herself as Britt (Millie Bobby Brown). She tells him that she heard about his movie, especially after he posted it onto YouTube, asking if he’d like to go to her house tomorrow. Jason smiles excitedly, considering it an honor. As the date is being finalized, a girl named Amy (Elsie Fisher) is sadly by the lockers,
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, DAY
Amy can’t help but shake her head, mumbling something to herself as she prepares her own breakfast. Jason meanwhile has put his bed back together and is getting dressed. He tells Amy that he’s heading out and that he won’t be long.
EXT: Local park
Jason heads out of his apartment and walks about, ending up in a small park, sitting on a bench by the lake.
“Hey Jace, you thinkin’ about your Oscar or staring off into space?” A familiar voice calls out. It’s Timothy (Joshua Bassett), Jason’s best friend. The two embrace before looking out at the lake. Jason tells Timothy that he’s been thinking about the last few years, recognizing how far they’ve come. Timothy agrees, especially after high school. As Timothy continues rambling about high school life, Jason starts to ponder again:
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: Britt’s House, AFTERNOON
Jason arrives at Britt’s house and is welcomed by her mother, Whitney (Minnie Driver). After discussing some of her daughter’s accomplishments (including being prom queen last year), Britt politely calms her mother down, saying that she’ll let her speak on her behalf. Britt shows Jason around her house, ending the tour in her bedroom, including her trophies and tiara. Britt then offers to play a game of chess with Jason, causing him to admit that he never played before. Britt offers to show him how.
As Britt puts the board together, she explains that chess is the ultimate game of mind and wit, saying that only the smartest individuals can win. As she says this, Jason ends up snatching one of her rooks. The two then engage in a competitive game with Jason coming close on several occasions. In the end, Britt catches him by surprise, kissing him on the lips. In a daze, Britt puts Jason’s king in checkmate and takes victory. Jason wants to know if Britt could do that again. With a sly grin, she grabs Jason by the arms, throws him onto the bed and they makeout.
(END FLASHBACK)
EXT: Local park
Timothy brings Jason’s focus back, asking where his mind went to now. Jason stammers, before asking Timothy if he remembers ‘that’ girl.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: School Hallways, NEXT MORNING
Timothy is walking to class when he spots Jason. Jason excitedly states that everything is going great. First his movie is a success, and yesterday, he had probably the best day of his life. Timothy asks Jason if he got called up by a big movie executive, someone like Phil Dolan. Jason claims that it’s even better, proudly revealing that he had a date with Britt.
Timothy stares at Jason, unsure at first how to respond before outright saying it. Having dated Britt before, he can tell Jason that she’s the last person you want to have good feelings for. Having no recollection of Britt before yesterday, Jason finds her nice, but promises to be careful. As the two are conversing, however, Britt is standing by the lockers.
As Jason leaves, Timothy tries to go about his day when comes across Britt, sporting an unnaturally wide smile. Britt overwhelms Timothy with multiple questions about his conversation with Jason, leaving him struggling for answers. She looks around the hallways before breaking the facade and grabbing Timothy by the shirt. If he knows what’s right, he’ll stay out of her relationship with Jason. She’s already tried to ruin his life once. Britt sashsays off, leaving a mortified Timothy slumped on the floor.
(END FLASHBACK)
EXT: Local park
Jason and Timothy both express relief that the situation worked itself out, Jason thanking Timothy for his help. He then asks Timothy if he’ll be there later tonight, with Timothy claiming that he’s clocking out early at the coffee stand he works for.
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, recording studio
Back home, Amy is in her recording studio/room, singing a cover of a song from one of her favorite musicians, her voice smooth as velvet even as the lyrics hit personally
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: School Hallways, AFTERNOON
Amy stands by the auditorium when Britt strolls by, asking what she’s doing. Unnerved, Amy stammers about, trying to get to the point. Britt mockingly asks her to speak up, Amy did win the lead role after all, even though she put so much time and effort into it. Amy raises her voice a smidge, exasperatedly stating that she’s putting up fliers for the musical.
Britt asks if Amy heard about her new relationship with Jason. Amy denies it, claiming to have heard nothing of the sort. Britt urges her to open her eyes and ears, stating that the world’s a small stage full of big players. Jason just happens to be one of them. But don’t worry. Britt won’t mind letting Amy in her world. Just don’t be like Timothy and stand in their way. Amy acquiesces, watching as Britt saunters off, her eyes welling with tears.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, bedroom
Amy takes a few deep breaths before walking to her bedroom, finding a picture frame of herself and Jason at prom. She holds it toward her face, smiling warmly.
“Hey Amy, I’m-“
Amy flinches, almost dropping the picture frame onto the floor. Jason apologizes profusely, but Amy was just reminiscing about high school memories.
Amy puts the picture frame back on the bed, reminding Jason of the big night ahead of them. Jason has already reminded Timothy and is about as prepared as you can get. The two go over final plans before Amy heads out. Jason sits on the bed, grabbing the picture frame and breaking out a sad grin.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
EXT: Britt’s house, porch, AFTERNOON
Out by the porch, Jason is being escorted, blindfolded and unsure of where she’s taking her. Britt tells Jason that he can take the blindfold off. Once done, Jason is floored to find a pool out in the open, complete with several water slides and a diving board. Britt asks him if it’s everything he hoped for, with Jason becoming glued when he finds her in a pink bikini. Jason wishes that he brought a swimsuit for it, but Britt doesn’t mind, telling him to go in his underwear.
Despite the awkward nature, Jason strips down to his underwear and cannonballs in the pool, Britt following suit. The two mess around in the pool in a montage, ending with the two sharing a kiss. Later that day, the two lovebirds are by the pool on lawn chairs. Jason exclaims that next time, he should introduce Britt to his friends Timothy and Elise.
Britt makes a confession. She’s already seen his two friends, starting with Timothy. She claims that the two broke up due to “irreconcilable differences” and that she’s trying to move past it as best she can. As for Elsie, Britt warns Jason to watch out.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, bedroom
Jason stares at the clock again, 2:30 PM. He goes into a frenzy, wondering where all the time way, placing the picture frame back on the desk and rushing about to make lunch.
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, kitchen
Jason stumbles inside the kitchen, collapsing onto a chair, physically exhausted. Amy massages Jason’s shoulders, assuring him that everything will be alright. Meanwhile, Jason’s mind is conjuring up another thought.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason’s house, AFTERNOON
Jason is busy at work on a new film script for class when Britt comes up to him, trying to garner his attention. She mentions that it’s almost their six month anniversary, suggesting several date ideas. Jason however remains steadfast on his work. Britt tells him not to worry about that silly ol’ thing and spend a little time with her. Prom’s coming in a few months and she needs help deciding on a dress. Jason assures Britt that he’ll help when he can, but right now, he has to write a script for class, it’s important for his grade.
Britt heads out of Jason’s room, debating how best to get Jason to notice. She paces back and forth before gathering an idea, going in search of Whitney. As she’s busy mooching it up with Jason’s parents in the dining hall, Britt lets them know that she’s going to the bathroom and that she’ll be back shortly. Britt sprints off, taking her car and zooming to her house.
INT: Britt’s house, bedroom
Britt sneaks inside her house, using the car keys to get in and rushes inside her bedroom, grinning deviously all the while.
INT: Jason’s house
As Whitney and Jason’s parents continue to converse, Jason comes up to them, asking if they know where Britt is, he’s almost finished with schoolwork. The group go in search of Britt, looking in every room possible.
INT: Jason’s bedroom
Jason finds Britt in his bedroom, now wearing a low-cut crop top and a short mini-skirt, hints of lavender lingerie spotted in certain areas. Lovestruck, Jason closes the door on Whitney and his parents and joins Britt on the bed.
Time passes, and Jason and Britt are cuddling tightly. Jason realizes that he still hasn’t finished his homework, only for Britt to place a finger on Jason’s mouth and take off her top to reveal more of her lingerie. This shuts Jason’s trap up for good as the two proceed to make out well into the night.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, kitchen
Out of nowhere, Jason asks Amy if this is what forever feels like. Amy smirks, forever can be anything he wants it to be. In this case, Jason wants this to be his forever. Amy then kisses Jason on the cheek, clearing his conscience.
INT: The Snap, Crackle and Pop, AFTERNOON
Inside a small coffee shop named The Snap, Crackle and Pop, Timothy chats with a few employees and customers, mentioning how tonight’s a special night, his best friend’s about to change his life forever. One of his fellow baristas asks how it all came about.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: School Auditorium
Timothy walks among the hallways when he hears someone belting out a song in the auditorium. He walks in, finding Amy as she sings the climatic part of At The Ballet from A Chorus Line. Timothy cheers Amy on, a bashful expression replacing her prior confidence.
Amy then asks Timothy how Jason’s been, Timothy admits that he isn’t sure, Jason’s been distant since he started going out with Britt. As they talk, it’s clear Amy is hiding something. Timothy asks Amy what’s on her mind. Through a short montage, Amy reveals that she’s had a crush on Jason, knowing great a friend he truly is, citing the many times he’s shared his pencils or how he tries to brighten up her day when she’s alone.
Amy laments not being able to tell Jason when he had the chance, wondering if it’s some sort of revenge on her for taking the role Britt wanted in the musical. Timothy disagrees, saying that she earned the role and deserves more than that. Timothy opts to talk to Jason tomorrow, saying that she won’t know unless she tries.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: The Snap, Crackle and Pop
The other baristas appear baffled, wondering what this has to do with his achievement.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: School Hallways, NEXT DAY
Timothy observes the sea of bodies before coming across Jason.. At first, it appears Jason is about to apologize to Timothy for canceling their plans, only for Timothy to tell Jason to forget about Britt. The two argue, Jason claiming that he’s doing everything he can to be the best boyfriend possible. Timothy reveals that this was the same attitude he had when he dated Britt.
When Timothy used to date Britt, she would take his mind off of things by using her looks or charm to her advantage, keeping him away from others and manipulating events to make herself appear better. Eventually, his parents helped him realize what a toxic relationship it was. What really cemented the decision, however, was when Britt tried to accuse him of sexual assault. Thankfully, his dad shut that down.
Shocked, Jason apologizes to Timothy when out from the crowd comes Britt, having just rolled in, wondering what’s going on. Jason confronts Britt, asking if she accused Timothy of sexual assault. Britt claims that no such thing occurred, it was just a relationship where both made mistakes. Timothy fights back, remembering the day Britt tried this stunt on him.
Jason comes up to Britt and says that the time they’ve spent together has been great. But he’ll never stand by someone who tries to ruin his best friend’s reputation, breaking up with her in front of everyone. Britt tries to play it off as understanding, spewing passive-aggressive comments all the while before storming off. As the crowd dissipates, Timothy thanks Jason for hearing him out, promising to hook him up with someone for prom.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: The Snap, Crackle and Pop
The baristas, once befuddled, are now intrigued by Timothy’s story, with him revealing that they’ve heard nothing yet.
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, Living Room, LATE AFTERNOON
Jason sits on the couch, preparing himself for later tonight when he watches the news. The top story is that of a man being accused of rape. Jason’s eyes widen in shock as he is brought back to the darkest moment of his life.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: High School Classroom, SEVERAL DAYS LATER
Jason is in social studies class when he is called to the principal's office. Timothy sneaks out, wanting to eavesdrop.
INT: Principal’s Office
Upon entering, Jason is greeted by the sight of his parents, an enraged Whitney and a sobbing Britt. Britt accuses Jason of attempted rape, warping the events of her promiscuous episode. Jason panics, unsure of how to respond, only for an enraged Timothy to storm in, declaring that it’s not true and that he’ll prove it, telling Jason to meet him after school. Wanting to prove her daughter’s innocence, Whitney hands Timothy a thumb drive with all the evidence.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, Living Room, LATE AFTERNOON
As Jason enters an anxiety attack, Amy rushes to his aid, trying to calm him down. Jason relays what happened that night, Amy assuring him that everything is fine and that she’ll never hurt any of them again. The two share a warm embrace.
EXT: The Snap, Crackle and Pop, EVENING
Timothy closes up the coffee stand for the night, thinking back to what happened that fateful night.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: Timothy’s bedroom, EVENING
Timothy, Amy and Jason sit on the bed, examining all of the evidence, including several chat posts left by Britt and Jason. As they continue exploring, they note several oddities, before pulling up the files with an app, Timothy claims to have found the smoking gun. Jason asks how that is, only for Timothy to claim that he’ll have to wait and see. As Jason leaves, Timothy asks Amy if she asked him out, only for her to reveal she has a plan herself. What is it? She echoes Timothy’s words, saying that he has to wait and see.
(END FLASHBACK)
EXT: The Snap, Crackle and Pop, EVENING
Timothy can’t help but smile as he walks off.
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, Bathroom, EVENING
Jason stands in the bathroom in a nice suit when he hears Amy’s voice asking if he’s ready. He turns around, his jaw dropping.
(BEGIN FLASHBACK)
INT: School Gym, EVENING
The high school is having their annual prom dance, with each guest enjoying the food and music except for Jason who worries about Timothy and Amy. The voting for prom queen and king will start at any moment. Britt steps in, warning Jason to watch himself. His time is running short.
The voting officially begins, Britt confident in her prom queen victory when the doors slam open revealing Timothy with the thumb drive and Amy, wearing a beautiful silver gown, a thumb drive of her own. Amy hijacks the DJ’s table, making an announcement. Britt is not who they think she is. From there, Timothy debunks each piece of evidence Britt had, revealing them all to be doctored by Photoshop. Amy reveals that she did some further digging, finding that Britt wasn’t alone, revealing a conversation with Britt and Whitney (who had chaperoned the event).
Horrified, Britt begs Whitney to stop them, only for sirens to ring out. As it turns out, Timothy made a call to authority, accusing Britt for faking a rape accusation. The officers enter the school, taking Whitney and a hysterical Britt in handcuffs.
Jason thanks Timothy and Amy for what they’ve done, only for Amy to make one last statement, confessing her love for Jason the way she knows how, by singing her heart out. The crowd watches on, erupting into applause when Amy and Jason kiss. The two are later revealed as prom queen and prom king, taking a victory photo with Jason’s phone.
(END FLASHBACK)
INT: Jason and Amy’s apartment, Bathroom, EVENING
Jason stands stunned, amazed to see Amy in her old prom dress. Amy admits to being amazed knowing that it still fits. Jason is reminded of how beautiful Amy is, always has been.
The two make their way out of the apartment, entering their car and driving to the theater. Along the way, Jason catches a glimpse of night life, amazed by all its sights and sounds until finally, they arrive .
EXT: Downtown Theatre
Jason and Amy stand by the red carpet, welcomed by paparazzi and given a bear hug by Timothy. Jason looks around the area and breaks into a smile, calling it perfect. He exchanges one last kiss with Amy before the three enter the theater for the big movie.
The title of the film? “The Gotcha”.
No comments:
Post a Comment