
Synopsis/Details
In Becoming Nathanael, a reluctant Guardian Angel named Nathanael is sent to Earth on his first assignment, tasked with watching over a family still shattered by grief. Years after the devastating loss of their 22-year-old son Andrew to an overdose, Declan and Pam are struggling to rebuild their lives. Their two daughters, Samantha, 25, and Max, 12, face their own challenges: Max dreams of making the eighth-grade basketball team, while Samantha, fresh from ending her engagement to the wealthy son of New Orleans’ most powerful businessman, is left questioning her identity and her future.
Despite guidance from The Judge, Heaven’s stern administrator, and The Teacher, Nathanael’s spiritual mentor, Nathanael stumbles as he tries to understand his purpose. Unsure of his mission, he makes numerous mistakes, inadvertently causing confusion and even setbacks for the family. Yet, determined to fulfill his calling, he eventually takes on the role of assistant basketball coach at Max’s school, helping her build confidence on the court and coaching her at a local spot called "The Spark." Slowly, he also reaches Samantha, encouraging her to explore her own potential and to move forward from the shadows of her past relationship.
Complicating matters further, Wesley—the powerful father of Samantha’s ex-fiancé—plots to dismantle the family’s livelihood, targeting Declan’s architecture firm and Pam’s boutique. With the help of Wes, Samantha’s ex-fiancé who ultimately warns the family of his father’s intentions, Nathanael steps in to shield them from harm. In an emotional encounter, he channels Andrew’s spirit to bring comfort to Declan and Pam, showing them that their son is at peace and allowing them to finally begin to heal.
Despite his efforts, Nathanael’s mistakes have disqualified him from ascending to a higher order of angels. However, The Judge offers Nathanael a rare choice: he can enter Pam’s womb as her unborn child and live a human life—a chance to experience the very world he had been sent to protect. Though deeply moved by this opportunity, Nathanael ultimately chooses to remain a guardian angel, embracing his humble role with newfound purpose as he watches over the family he has come to love.
All Accolades & Coverage
Official Selection Reno-Tahoe Screenplay Contest
Reviewed by ScriptMatrix
Story & Logistics
Story Type:
Hero's Journey
Story Situation:
Loss of loved ones
Story Conclusion:
Happy
Linear Structure:
Linear
Moral Affections:
Duty, Good Man, Reward
Cast Size:
Several
Locations:
Several
Special Effects:
Blue/green screen, Minor cgi, Other post processing effects
Characters
Lead Role Ages:
Female Adult, Female Middle Aged, Female Teenager, Male Middle Aged, Male over 45
Hero Type:
Ordinary
Villian Type:
Bully
Stock Character Types:
Everyman, Lovers, Tragic hero, Vice
Advanced
Adaption:
Based on True Events
Subgenre:
Fish-out-water, Love, Romantic
Action Elements:
Physical Stunts
Equality & Diversity:
Diverse Cast, Female Protagonist, Minority Protagonist
Life Topics:
Adolescence, Coming of Age, Death, Mid-life Crisis/Middle Age, Middle school/Junior High, Parenthood
Super Powers:
Superpower interaction
Country:
United States of America (USA)
Illness Topics:
Psychological
Sport Topics:
Basketball
Relationship Topics:
Family, Intimacy, Romance, Wedding