The Last Minute

Working Title: 'The Last Minute' Synopsis: In 1920s London, a detective known both for his intelligence and questionable methods is called to investigate the murder of an influential figure from the British elite. In a society transformed by a technology that allows authorities to see the last minute of a victim’s life — solving most crimes — this case stands out for a disturbing fact: the recording is missing. As political pressure increases and the victim’s secrets come to light, the detective dives into a psychological labyrinth where nothing is as it seems. The closer he gets to the truth, the more his own demons and flaws intertwine with the case — and he realizes that the real mystery may not lie in the death, but in what they are desperately trying to hide from it. Story Summary: The story takes place in a dark and contrasting 1920s London, with a society divided between the rich and powerful and the poor, whose fates often intertwine in the city's shadows. The "last minute" technology helps solve a significant amount of crimes, but the absence of the recording in Sir Edwin Kingsley's murder case raises a much greater question: who holds the power to manipulate the final memory? Main Characters: Detective Jack Price: Personality: A detective with a dark past and controversial methods. His personal life is a mess, marked by vices, but he is relentless in his pursuit of the truth. Motivation: A quest for the truth and personal redemption. Sir Edwin Kingsley: Personality: The victim. A powerful aristocrat involved in shady dealings, whose death causes significant repercussions. Motivation: His death becomes the centerpiece of the mystery. Lady Evelyn Kingsley: Personality: A woman of striking beauty, but with eyes that carry the weight of nobility and deep suffering. She guards a secret she barely understands. Her soft voice hides a sharp and tormented mind. Motivation: Infidelity, secrets, struggle for power, past abuses, and madness. Only the detective may — or may not — answer. Lydia Parker: Personality: An enigmatic and intelligent woman with ties to the victim. She may be the key to understanding what happened. Motivation: Lydia has her own secrets, and she fears what others may discover about her. Alongside a rebellious son, enigmatic and uncooperative servants, public and secret enemies. Main Elements and Themes: The film explores profound themes such as memory, power, and manipulation, highlighting how the "last minute" technology — which allows one to visualize the final moments of a person's life before their death — creates a false sense of protection or justice. While the elite benefits from this technology, the working class continues to suffer, as the resources saved from hours of investigation end up directly in the pockets of the aristocrats. The mystery surrounding a murder with no clear evidence triggers a political war, which reverberates among the population and generates outrage. The search for the perpetrator becomes a matter of interests, power, and control, while the truth is lost in the political game. At the center of this plot, Detective Jack Price finds himself increasingly obsessed with the case, causing his character to deteriorate and bringing out his worst side. His obsession with finding answers begins to corrupt his own morality, blurring the line between right and wrong. Therefore, the story becomes a deep reflection on what we really know about others and even about ourselves, questioning the nature of truth, the manipulation of perceptions, and the obscurity of human intentions. Style and Tone of the Film: The film will be a blend of classic noir and science fiction. The 1920s London will be depicted in a dark and cinematic style, with light and shadow contrasts reflecting the inner conflicts of the characters. The "last minute" technology will be explored subtly, maintaining a tone of mystery and suspense. The film’s visual style will be in black and white, which will amplify the dark and heavy tone of the narrative. The lack of color will help intensify the emotions and conflicts of the characters, highlighting the contrast between different social layers and the grim world the detective inhabits. The tone will be psychological and cerebral, with a tense rhythm, exploring the morality and personal dilemmas of the characters. The work aims to attract fans of suspense, mystery, and philosophical science fiction. Visual and Cinematic References: Peaky Blinders – The series is an inspiration for the visual style of the era and the dark, stylized atmosphere of the 1920s. The depiction of a society divided between social classes, and the contrast between violence and luxury, strongly influences the creation of the film’s visual tone. Se7en (1995) – Dark atmosphere and psychological investigation. Zodiac (2007) – Focus on mystery and complex characters. I believe this story has the potential to appeal to both British and international audiences, especially those drawn to dark, cerebral narratives with historical and sci-fi elements. If the concept is of interest, I would be happy to share additional materials or collaborate on its development. Thank you for your time and consideration.