And Then You Die
A family camping trip devolves into bedlam when its matriarch claims to hear the malevolent voice of God demanding sacrifice.
When it comes to movies, trips into the woods RARELY end with warm n’ fuzzy vibes. We all know what evil often dwells in “them hills” – serial killers, oh so regularly. Various ghost, goblins and demons, too.
But while there’s a potentially supernatural aspect to Andrew Bonazelli’s short And Then You Die – the greatest danger his characters face is something more commonplace:
A family member. And ideological zealotry. Mixing those ingredients together in an isolated hard-to-escape setting isn’t the safest thing to do. Jim Jones and pals come to mind. As does prim and proper matriarch Gwen.
As the story opens, Gwen Powell and the rest of her brood are already in the woods; focusing on varied activities: Hubby Gary’s cleaning a rifle. Toddler Petey plays with his toy car. Teen Jillian’s texting boyfriend Tyler. Let’s face it, when you’re that age, camping’s usually just not cool.
Gwen’s prepping the next meal, when suddenly the forest… HUMS. The air stirs oddly, and a booming voice echoes down:
THE VOICE
You below.
Gary drops his cleaning rod, clutches his wife’s hand in abject terror.
THE VOICE
Behold. I exist. I speak.
(beat)
I decree.
Jillian squints into the woods as if this is all being transmitted through some unseen loudspeaker.
THE VOICE
When the hour and minute hand converge,
one among you will be released.
At this, Gwen’s face registers sheer euphoria.
THE VOICE
Prepare.
With that, the Voice is suddenly GONE.
But Gwen seems… energized. Wandering around the camp with an ever more crazed look on her face, Gwen starts kissing family members goodbye.
Gary’s confused. Petey’s oblivious (of course.) Jillian assumes it’s a hoax. But Gwen is a true believer. Not only is she convinced the Voice of God just spoke to them – she’s sure the chosen one will be HER.
Growing concerned, Jill begs her dad for help:
Jillian squirms away, keeping the heat on Gary.
JILLIAN
This is supposed to be low-key camping,
not one of her psycho revival things.
He comes to his feet, but still can’t look at his daughter.
GARY
What do you want me to tell you, Jill?
You were here, you heard it.
JILLIAN
Why are you encouraging her?
(into woods)
Who’s out there?!
Gwen takes the opportunity to kiss her husband softly on the cheek.
GWEN
It’s like your dream.
What dream?!? Turns out, Gary had a dream the previous night which “prophesized” just such a thing. And in that vision, the moment of fate would be noon – just a few minutes away.
The clock’s ticking… in more ways than one. Will noon witness a miracle? Or escalation of Gwen’s beliefs in dangerous ways?
Between the crackling family dynamics and what if premise, Bonazelli’s And Then You Die would be a deliciously nerve wracking short to film. Given the setting and small cast of characters, it’d be a budget friendly project too!