Synopsis/Details
JZ Murdock's "Popsicle Death" is a chilling and surreal short story that explores themes of death, guilt, and the fragility of reality. The narrative follows Timmy, a young boy who is haunted by a chilling encounter with Death, personified as a seemingly friendly Popsicle vendor.
The story begins on New Year's Eve, with a sense of unease established by the eerie music of the Popsicle truck and the unsettling presence of a crucifix in Timmy's room. The arrival of the truck marks the beginning of a nightmarish journey for Timmy and his mother.
Death, disguised as the Popsicle vendor, attempts to lure Timmy with a black Popsicle, claiming it is a "gift" for a past transgression. Timmy, however, remembers the vendor from the previous summer and is apprehensive. Death reveals his true nature, a skeletal figure with a sinister agenda, and attempts to claim Timmy's soul.
The story takes a shocking turn when Death, instead of taking Timmy, abducts his mother. It is revealed that Mom had a past connection with Death, who is also her husband's brother. Through flashbacks, we learn about a tragic accident involving the brothers and their connection to the supernatural realm.
Timmy, determined to save his mother, confronts Death, even throwing a snowball at him. This act triggers a transformation, revealing Death's true face as Father Guy, the priest from Timmy's life. The revelation exposes the interconnectedness of the characters and the blurring of reality.
Death, however, quickly reverts to his vendor persona, leaving Timmy questioning his sanity. He takes Mom, leaving Timmy in a state of confusion and fear. The story ends with Timmy waking up the next morning, seemingly unharmed, but with a lingering sense of unease.
The final scene reveals the Popsicle truck returning, driving over a mouse, and disappearing into a surreal snowstorm. Death, now revealed as a sinister figure with a clipboard, prepares for his next victim, leaving the reader with a chilling sense of dread.
"Popsicle Death" is a disturbing and thought-provoking story that challenges the boundaries of reality and explores the consequences of past actions. The author's use of surreal imagery, unsettling dialogue, and a chilling narrative voice creates a haunting and unforgettable experience for the reader.
All Accolades & Coverage
From 13 Horror screenplay contest (judged as Finalist - 2022):
It’s a neat idea and genuinely creepy. It’s very atmospheric and you have a real talent for writing in a way that really suits the nightmarish feel you’re going for with this. There’s a Something Wicked This Way Comes quality to it and an ear for dialogue which brings Death to life (if you’ll pardon the contradiction). My only slight concern is the length. At eighteen pages, I think you have inflated things by about five or six pages. Part of this inflation comes from your habit of using the actions/descriptions sections as a way to third-person narrate some of your ideas (for example, the fact that there is still a person in the bed when Timmy initially gets up, plus musical steers). Yes, it’s good writing but some of these things belong more to a short story than they do in a screenplay. I understand that you’re leaving clues for a potential director to pick up but I think if you were to keep these things open then the narrative itself will be enough for them to work with and deliver on. I think if this was tightened up it would really allow the numerous flashes of brilliance to shine even more. Atmospheric, original and well written. Great job.
