TEMPTRESS

In the serene town of Cedar Lake, struggling writer and recovering alcoholic Harry Thurber moves into a new home with his wife April, desperately hoping to rebuild their fragile marriage. Unknown to Harry, the house conceals a sinister secret—a supernatural totem deliberately hidden during inspection. Harry's daily life is a constant struggle against his addictions. His stern sponsor Ben, a man with his own troubled history, pushes Harry relentlessly toward sobriety. With April frequently traveling to court prestigious clients like Reid Robbins for her publishing house, Harry faces his inner demons in isolation. As he divides his time between his novel and a mundane accounting job, a mysterious woman named Vivian enters his life. She offers an irresistible bargain: the vices he's fought to overcome—alcohol and passion—in exchange for unprecedented creative inspiration. Vivian, drawn to the town's pristine lake, warns Harry of an impossible choice: one cannot serve two masters, and must remain true to their deepest love. Amid the chaos of his first day alone, Harry juggles encounters with the housekeeper Marta and an important work meeting while falling deeper under Vivian's otherworldly spell. Together, they witness neighbor Gwen's explosive confrontation with her boyfriend, followed by an intimate encounter that leaves Harry both disturbed and intrigued. When Vivian vanishes after Harry helps Marta with household chores, he becomes obsessed with uncovering her secrets. He discovers that Vivian was the previous resident who disappeared mysteriously—and was Gwen's sister. Both women were heirs to the polluting McMasters Paper Mill, with Vivian carrying on an affair with Gwen's boyfriend while working alongside environmental activist Mort to expose the mill's violations. Despite April's excitement over Reid's interest in Harry's suddenly brilliant writing, Ben insists he attend an AA meeting instead of working on his novel. The resulting conflict drives Harry away, leading to another encounter with Vivian and revealing another clue about her disappearance. As Harry plunges deeper into Vivian's world, a horrifying truth emerges—she is the ghost of a woman possibly murdered by her own sister, using Harry's writing as a vessel to orchestrate Gwen's downfall. If he refuses to comply, she threatens to possess his loved ones. Trapped between Vivian's supernatural influence over his creativity and the safety of his family, Harry must choose whether to surrender to her ghostly power or fight to protect those he loves. With his marriage, his son Roy's well-being, and his very soul hanging in the balance, Harry must confront the malevolent spirit and banish her back to the darkness before she consumes him completely. Should Harry fail, he will descend into alcoholism and despair, choosing to join Vivian in death, leaving his wife and son devastated by his surrender to the spectral temptress. TEMPTRESS Some secrets are better left unwritten, and some muses are not worth following. Copyright 2024 by Brefni O'Rourke. All Rights Reserved. *****************The REVIEWS are in on TEMPTRESS*********************** The screenplay 'TEMPTRESS' presents a complex, multilayered story that explores themes of addiction, grief, and the supernatural... The screenplay has several strengths, including strong visual imagery, compelling mystery elements, and a unique supernatural twist... Overall, the screenplay has potential and could be of interest to audiences seeking a thought-provoking, genre-blending story. Standout Features: Unique Hook: A recovering alcoholic writer becomes entangled in a series of supernatural events and a missing person case, leading to a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and confronting his dark past. Plot Twist: The identity of the villain is revealed to be someone close to the protagonist, adding a layer of deception and suspense. The twist also reveals the true nature of the supernatural elements, adding to the complexity of the story. Distinctive Setting: The setting of a secluded lake house and its surrounding woods provides a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere, enhancing the sense of isolation and danger. The lake itself is a central element of the story, representing both beauty and danger, and becoming a symbol of the characters' struggles. Genre Blend: The screenplay combines elements of suspense thriller, supernatural horror, and psychological drama, creating a unique and compelling experience for the audience. This blend of genres adds layers of complexity and unexpected twists to the story. Unique Characters: The characters in the screenplay are complex and multifaceted, with their own motivations and secrets. Each character plays a significant role in the story, adding layers of intrigue and suspense... This creates a sense of distrust and adds another layer of mystery to the story." ********* "TEMPTRESS is a compelling psychological thriller that delves into themes of addiction, betrayal, and supernatural intrigue. The screenplay offers a unique blend of horror and drama, with well-developed characters and a gripping narrative. Marketability: This screenplay has the potential to attract a wide audience due to its compelling blend of genres, strong suspenseful elements, and the exploration of complex themes. Its unique combination of mystery, horror, and drama, coupled with a compelling protagonist facing personal struggles, will likely appeal to both fans of genre films and more mainstream audiences. This screenplay has the potential to resonate with audiences due to its focus on relatable characters and themes. The exploration of addiction, family dynamics, and the search for truth in the face of darkness are universal themes that can attract a diverse range of viewers. This screenplay has a strong premise and compelling characters, but its marketability may be limited due to its more niche focus on supernatural horror and its dark and disturbing elements. However, it could also appeal to audiences who enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist. ...This screenplay has the potential for a successful box office run due to its genre appeal and ability to attract a wide audience. The film could also generate revenue through home entertainment sales and streaming services." *****************