Synopsis/Details
A psychological, coming-of-age thriller that follows the toxic, decades-spanning relationship between three childhood friends: Ash, Cam and Bryden. Beginning in 1981 in suburban Brisbane, tracing their complicated friendship from primary school through adulthood. Bryden, the charismatic but deeply troubled instigator, draws Ash and Cam into increasingly dangerous situations — from petty vandalism to arson, and eventually to the murder of music producer Slade Delaney in 1992.
The narrative shifts between timelines, culminating in 2017 when Bryden’s body is found in Lake Mitchum. As Ash and Cam investigate, they discover Bryden orchestrated his own suicide to implicate them in both his death and Slade’s murder.
The screenplay explores themes of manipulation, coercion, trauma, guilt, and the lasting impact of destructive relationships, with Bryden’s psychological hold on Ash and Cam persisting even after his death, leaving them to face the consequences of their shared past.
Story & Logistics
Story Type:
Hero's Journey
Story Situation:
Deliverance
Story Conclusion:
Bitter-sweet
Linear Structure:
Linear
Moral Affections:
Bad Man, Contempt, Innocence, Vice, Virtue
Cast Size:
Many
Locations:
Many
Characters
Lead Role Ages:
Female Adult, Female Middle Aged, Female Young Adult, Female under 13, Male Adult, Male Teenager, Male Young Adult, Male under 13
Hero Type:
Unfortunate
Villian Type:
Bully, Corrupted, Criminal, Mentally Disturbed
Advanced
Adaption:
Based on Existing Fiction
Subgenre:
Action Suspense-Thriller, Coming of Age, Crime Drama, Tragedy
Equality & Diversity:
Female Protagonist
Life Topics:
Adolescence, Childhood, Coming of Age, Mid-life Crisis/Middle Age, Middle school/Junior High, Puberty
Drug Topics:
Illegal Drugs
Time Period:
Contemporary times, The 2000s (2000–2009), The Eighties (1980–1989)
Country:
Australia
Illness Topics:
Psychological
Relationship Topics:
Abusive relationship, Dating, Transgression
