Sinjar

From the Blacklist:

This script is a nonstop, action-driven thriller that can rival any other shoot-em-up war movie, but what makes it special is the depth of the story that it reveals beyond the set pieces. More than your average action flick, this script digs offers themes and commentary that dig at the heart of the conflict in the Middle East: the history, socioeconomic challenges, and cultural divides that have created that quagmire. It asks poignant questions about the consequences of military conflict and follows those questions up with real answers from a real, specific point of view. The characters are exceptionally well developed, each one a multi-dimensional, fully fleshed-out role, with strengths and flaws that drive their decisions, and thus the story. Doctor Gray is a pretty brilliant protagonist – sympathetic and heroic, but still conflicted and with room to learn, grow, and arc throughout the story. The ending is really satisfying, a bittersweet resolution that reminds the audience of the horrors of war and doesn't pull punches in doing so. With great characters, strong dialogue, and a tense, dramatic story, this is a really solid script and a satisfying read.

The feature market always finds room for war stories, and they usually fall into two categories: big-budget glorification of combat, and docudrama depictions of the realities of war. This project certainly falls into the latter category, and its execution is exceptional. There's a huge demand right now for female-driven stories like this which should certainly help the script get noticed as well. It does feel a little derivative of other war movies before it, like "Black Hawk Down" or "Kingdom," but it does seem like there's probably enough here to differentiate it. It wouldn't be a surprise to see it generate some heat, but at the least, it will serve as a great sample showcasing the writer's talent and voice.

SEE SAMPLE BELOW.