Terminal Velocity

TERMINAL VELOCITY Written by Douglas Yates Genre: Political Thriller / Espionage Drama Length: Feature Screenplay (~110 pages) Based on the novel “Terminal Velocity” by Douglas Yates Synopsis: When a covert intelligence operation detonates into catastrophe, David McGovern, a young, unseasoned field agent, becomes the unlikely center of a geopolitical firestorm. What began as a mission to intercept rogue arms in Bogotá unravels into a devastating bombing that leaves hundreds dead—and a nuclear device in the wind. Haunted and blamed, David is pulled deeper into the fallout, paired with the enigmatic Malcolm Jennings and the seemingly dependable Addy Abrams, an intelligence operative whose loyalty feels unshakable. The trio's investigation leads them to unravel a network of radical nationalism and treacherous betrayal linked to Santiago Montalvo, leader of Frente Popular de la Frontera. Montalvo isn’t just seeking retribution—he’s ready to reshape global power with a smuggled nuke in U.S. airspace. As the clock runs out, David makes a desperate leap— literally boarding a plane mid-flight to confront Montalvo and stop the bomb. What follows is a brutal, mid-air showdown that forces David to eject the nuclear payload into the ocean seconds before impact, sacrificing his body and career to stop catastrophe. But when the smoke clears and headlines hail him a hero, David feels anything but redeemed. Jennings is dead. Addy has vanished. And during his debriefing, David begins questioning everything—especially after a chilling memory resurfaces: Jennings, in his final breath, whispering a name that shatters David’s trust— "So all connections will be severed… including Addy's head." The world watches. The broadcast fades. David jolts awake, screaming her name.