Cancelled

Within the glitzy confines of the Kirkwoods Casino and Resort, worlds collide between the haves and have-nots. Glenn Vaughn, a troubled Black man reeling from his father's death and the suicide of his Army Ranger brother, sits outside staring inward at his demons. Inside, Derek Cianfrocco, a charismatic yet deeply flawed motivational speaker, inspires a packed crowd with his book on overcoming grief and achieving success. His wife Suzy, however, eyes him with contempt from the bar as she drowns her sorrows, yearning for escape from Derek's overshadowing presence. From the casino's monitoring room, the manager Victor Cain, Suzy's bitter ex-husband, gazes longingly at her, still mourning their shattered marriage. As news of a celebrity's cancellation due to a viral racist rant plays on the radio, the tensions simmering in Glenn finally boil over. He enters the casino, a fish out of water amongst the jovial gamblers. At the bar, Derek confronts Suzy over her flirtatious behavior, sparking a heated argument that spills over to Glenn's slot machine. Racial slurs are hurled, punches and kicks thrown, all captured on Glenn's phone camera. The powder keg has finally ignited. Desperate to protect his reputation and lucrative brand, Derek enlists his head of casino security Wayne and his unscrupulous team to obtain the incriminating video at all costs. They attempt to manipulate Glenn into staying, showering him with comps and cutting off his Wi-Fi to prevent the video's upload. But the tenacious Glenn sees through their ruse, clearly harboring a hidden agenda of his own. As the stakes rise higher, Wayne's men chase Glenn through the casino's labyrinthine underbelly. Glenn teams up with a kind-hearted server named Lucy to evade them, managing to send her a copy of the video before his cell phone battery dies. Glenn does battle with the brutish Lyle and Wayne in the kitchen but is soon overpowered and taken to the security room for harsh interrogation. Meanwhile, Lucy has her phone confiscated by an overbearing supervisor and must sneak into her office to steal it back, an act which draws Victor's watchful and suspicious eye. Derek presses on with his next seminar but is clearly distracted, delivering a disastrous performance that worries his manager Roz, who has developed romantic feelings for him. Glenn passes up several chances to leave, as he has his own secrets and a hidden agenda involving the casino that he wishes to remain buried. Wayne finally succeeds in accessing Glenn's phone and allows the smug Derek the honor of deleting the video himself. But fearing exposure, Derek instructs them to hide Glenn up in his hotel room. When the casino's techie, Kevin, discovers Glenn has sent the file to two other phones, all hell breaks loose. This allows the wily Glenn a chance to give his captors the slip again, this time taking refuge on the rooftop. Tara brings Lucy before Victor, and the vengeful manager demands her copy of the video so he can blackmail Derek. As agendas collide, and secrets are revealed, the casino becomes a dire crucible from which only the strongest will emerge unchanged. Glenn's commitment will be tested as those he cares about, including Lucy, and his elderly mother are threatened by Derek's ulterior motives. But Glenn's past as a gambler is his ace in the hole in more ways than one and helps him to outsmart his opponents at every turn even as Derek resorts to increasingly unhinged measures. Will Glenn be able to stay the course, and stay ahead, as he sets about dismantling Wayne's team one by one? Capturing the truth was the easy part, avoiding capture will be something else entirely. CANCELLED Record, share... Run! Copyright 2024. By Brefni O'Rourke. All Rights Reserved. *********************************The REVIEWS are in on CANCELLED******************************* "This is an interesting script with some real moments of tension. The log line and title grabbed my attention right away and made me want to learn more. It's a textbook thriller, full of twists and turns and a hero we want to root for against ever increasing odds. The idea of a Black man getting targeted by casino security after he films a racist rant is interesting and compelling. The twist towards the end puts an interesting spin on the original idea -- classic thriller. The plot is intricate and well-paced. There wasn't a moment reading the script where I felt bored or confused. Page 32, in particular, the scene in the bathroom, was when I first felt the tension ratchet up. Glenn's battery going down to one bar, coupled with the encroaching security guard, and then the planting of evidence, had me on the edge of my seat. The characters are interesting. Derek and Wayne's relationship was probably the most developed. Lucy was likable and I wanted to see her succeed... Derek overall was a very well-developed villain. Victor was also an interesting character... His storyline held an unexpected twist that I like a lot, especially as we got to see Derek's desperation increase... The dialogue was generally well written. It was never on the nose or stilted. I like how Derek's "inspirational" speeches related to the action that was intercut with them, providing fun moments of dramatic irony. There are several themes explored in this story. The most obvious one is "cancel culture" or "wokeness". Themes of greed, addiction, and vengeance are also present in an interesting way. In general, this is a good script. It's pretty polished.... ************************** "The screenplay 'CANCELLED' offers a compelling narrative with strong themes of racism, redemption, and justice. It features well-developed characters and a gripping plot that keeps the audience engaged.... Overall, it has the potential to be a powerful film... This script offers a unique blend of high-stakes casino drama, gritty realism, and compelling character arcs, setting it apart from typical casino thrillers. The story dives deep into the dark underbelly of the casino world, exposing corruption, manipulation, and moral ambiguity in a way that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. By weaving together the journeys of a grieving man seeking redemption, a charismatic motivational speaker hiding dark secrets, and a compassionate waitress caught in the crossfire, the script delivers a powerful and engaging narrative that explores themes of justice, betrayal, and the human cost of ambition. With its authentic dialogue, morally gray characters, and unpredictable twists, this script promises a thrilling and thought-provoking experience for audiences who crave a fresh take on the casino thriller genre.... Standout Features: --Unique Hook: The screenplay's setting in a casino provides a unique and intriguing environment for the story, adding elements of suspense and tension. --Plot Twist: The reveal creates a shocking and unexpected twist that adds another layer of complexity to the story. --Unique Character: The character of Lucy, a compassionate cocktail waitress, adds a layer of humanity and vulnerability to the story, contrasting with the ruthlessness of the main antagonist and the corruption of the casino environment. --Genre Blend: The screenplay blends elements of crime thriller, social commentary, and drama, creating a compelling and engaging story. --Distinctive Setting: The casino setting provides a unique backdrop for the story, offering a visually striking and dynamic environment that reinforces the themes of greed, corruption, and power. --Innovative Idea: The use of video footage and technology as a tool for exposing corruption and fighting injustice adds a contemporary and relevant aspect to the story. Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of crime thrillers, dramas, and movies with strong social commentary. This movie could also appeal to fans of casino-themed movies and thrillers. Marketability: The screenplay boasts a compelling plot with high stakes, complex characters, and a unique setting. The social commentary on corruption, power dynamics, and racism adds another layer of depth and relevance. It has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz. The screenplay features a unique blend of genres, including crime thriller, drama, and social commentary, which could appeal to a diverse audience. It explores compelling themes, particularly the impact of power and corruption on individuals and society, which are always relevant. It also has the potential to spark debate and discussion. The screenplay has compelling characters with complex motivations and a gripping storyline. It deals with relevant social themes, such as racism, corruption, and the abuse of power, making it potentially appealing to a contemporary audience. However, the dark and violent nature of the story could limit its appeal to some viewers. Profit Potential: High, due to its strong appeal to a wide adult audience, its potential for award nominations, and its marketability to both domestic and international markets." ***************************************