The Promotion

ACT I: Seth Winters wakes in a dark void inside a speeding elevator. When it stops, he steps into a vast, empty space where he meets Jesus, a mysterious man at a podium who explains that Seth is caught in a liminal state between life and death. Seth struggles to recall how he arrived here, revealing fragmented flashbacks of his toxic marriage to Fiona and his all-consuming job at a corporate firm. Seth is obsessed with winning a promotion, convinced it’s the key to his happiness. Jesus offers him a choice: return to his life or switch places with someone living the life he believes he deserves. Desperate for change, Seth chooses the latter. ACT II: Seth wakes up in the luxurious penthouse of Sebastian Pierce, the CEO of his company. Initially exhilarated by his newfound wealth and power, Seth indulges in Sebastian’s lifestyle. However, he quickly becomes overwhelmed by the pressures of running a corporate empire. The endless meetings, decisions, and politics drain him. Even mundane issues like Sebastian’s lactose intolerance and sleep apnea frustrate him. Seth begins to realize that success and power come at a steep cost. Seth encounters Fiona, now living apart from “Seth Winters” and sharing her struggles online. Consumed by guilt, Seth, as Sebastian, uses his influence to pose as a therapist at a clinic for grieving pet owners. He arranges for Fiona to attend therapy sessions with him. During these sessions, she reveals the pain and neglect she endured in their marriage, including emotional abuse that pushed her to the brink of despair. Seth is forced to confront the truth about his toxic behavior. As Fiona opens up, Seth realizes he was the primary source of her suffering. Despite this, he finds himself falling in love with her again. He becomes conflicted—wanting to win her back but knowing he may not deserve her forgiveness. In a climactic therapy session, Fiona reveals scars on her wrist, evidence of the depth of her despair. She tells the “therapist” she plans to leave Seth for good. This shatters Seth, who is forced to acknowledge his role in her pain. Desperate, Seth (as Sebastian) confronts his former self, the oblivious and selfish Seth Winters. In a fit of rage, he attacks his old self, nearly killing him. Fiona witnesses this and calls the police. Seth, as Sebastian, is arrested and interrogated. During a breakdown, he claims to be Seth Winters, but the psychiatrist dismisses him as delusional. Realizing the extent of his transformation, Seth admits he’s no longer the man he once was. He passes out and wakes back in the void. ACT III: Seth returns to the void, where Jesus awaits. Seth is now broken and self-aware, understanding the harm he’s caused. Jesus offers him a final choice: return to his life with full awareness of his flaws or erase everything and start anew. Seth chooses to return, determined to make amends. Seth wakes in his living room, moments after slipping and hitting his head during an argument with Fiona. Seeing her care for him, Seth is overcome with gratitude and sorrow. He apologizes sincerely and acknowledges her pain. In a deeply emotional moment, Seth kisses her scarred wrist, both apologizing and letting go. Seth tells Fiona he loves her but admits he’s not the man she needs. He selflessly encourages her to move on, marking his growth. Fiona, moved by his sincerity, quietly leaves. Seth, left alone, reflects on his transformation. The sound of an elevator ding subtly reminds the audience of his journey.