The Cut

Somewhat straightlaced, yet woefully misinformed, SPENCER (35-45) leads reckless young TOOVEY (18-25) on a dangerous canal trip through London; firmly in the belief that the grass must be greener on the other side of the post-apocalyptic city. Their initial route is blocked, unexpectedly, by fallen debris… and they are forced to wend their way, instead, along the Regent’s Cut: the dangers of Hackney Wick, Shoreditch, the Islington Tunnel, and ultimately navigate the Camden locks! Stumbling at almost the first obstacle, the middle pound of the Hertford Union is dry. Toovey makes quick work trying to fill it. But he senses he’s being watched… presumably by hostile forces. What other forces are there, here? Rushing back to the boat, he carelessly smacks his head on a low bridge – knocked out cold. He awakens with a fresh gash on his forehead, in unfamiliar territory: the grounds of the old, abandoned, Hackney Tube station. By his side is a worried Spencer. It’s here that they meet a new, non-traditional family – Toovey learning *that* was who he’d sensed watching him. Seeing his injury they took him in. The group quickly become close with our protagonists, and form a genuine bond. But Spencer’s dreams / goals / indoctrination drive Toovey and him onwards, away from this possible refuge. The pair must keep each other alive as they outwit, outmanoeuvre, and outrun, other travellers, the city’s vicious METRO cops, shuffling-zombie-like-HIPSTERS, and the lethal radicalised CHURCH. Finally arriving at Camden - in error - on a Sunday, the duo find the locks padlocked shut. Exposed, unable to go back, Spencer elects to risk the wrath of the Church, and starts to hack the chains away. He makes swift progress, in narrowboat terms, but the tension is unbearable. Ultimately, they make it through. And – mid-celebration – a rifle rings out. Spencer goes down, and the boat comes under more fire from a sniper on The Pirate Castle ramparts. Things look bleak. When one of the family arrives and dispenses the sniper. Spencer and Toovey cruise away – London essentially cleared. But, it has taken its toll. Spencer dies from his wounds as they pass Regent’s Park, and the zoo, not long afterwards. Toovey completes the misguided pilgrimage to Bristol, setting Spencer’s body out to sea there. Perhaps he’s earned some peace? (HINT: he hasn’t) Ostensibly a coming of age tale, in the guise of a zombie, road-trip, buddy-movie, canal tour - a genre currently much under-represented in mainstream cinema. However, the idea also acts as the author’s love-letter to London. An opportunity to show an international audience some of the hidden beauty the city, and the The South, has to offer. The irreverent and minimalist stylings of A BOY AND HIS DOG meets the stunning travelogue visuals of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS.