On the Edge 
A lonely man on the brink finds unlikely hope through the warmth and wit of a midnight stranger.

The decision to end it all is a dramatic moment – usually. Those last few seconds (sometimes minutes) are bound to be overwhelming; a time when one can expect all the twists and turns of a life to flash through one’s tortured mind. 

In Armand Arekian’s On The Edge, a tortured Jacob stands at the edge of a bridge, looking down into murky water and a painful, cold, depressing fate.

Only Jacob can say what he’s thinking about in that moment. Missed opportunities? Childhood memories? Loved ones he’s known, then lost?

It’s pretty safe to say coffee isn’t Jacob’s focus. But just as he’s about to take that last leap, a casual voice interrupts:

SAM (O.C.)
So, is this like your "big moment"?

Whirling around, Jacob spots Sam leaning against the rail. Sipping a coffee and sporting a massive case of bedhead, Sam doesn’t seem the guardian angel type. In fact, he looks a bit amused.

JACOB
What the...? Who the fuck are you?

SAM 
(shrugs)
Guy with coffee. Also, a guy who takes walks. 
Same as you, I guess. Or maybe not. 
You don’t look like you're just here for the view.
                         
JACOB
(defensive)
You don’t know shit about me.
  
SAM
Nope.

Turning back to the water, Jacob hisses through gritted teeth.

JACOB
(sarcastic)
Let me guess--you’re gonna tell me it
ain't worth it? That life’s precious
or some Hallmark bullshit like that?

SAM 
(laughs)
Oh, God, no. Life is hard, man.
Messy. Sometimes it's downright shitty. 
And people? People suck. 
They can really let you down.

Not exactly inspiring words. And if you didn’t think Sam wasn’t cut out for a-shoulder-to-cry-on career, his next wry observation spells THAT out…

JACOB
I don’t need figuring out, dude. 
I know exactly where I’m going.
                         
SAM
Yeah. Down...

Sam lets out a slow fading whistle.
Then silence.

...but not for long. 

Because Sam’s attitude’s got Jacob hooked. If Sam’s is going to be the last face Jacob ever sees – and the final words he says and hears… the banter may just as well be honest, right?

As the conversation nears it’s end – or is that Edge? - questions abound. Will Jacob jump, or change his mind? Who the heck is Sam, really? Is that coffee he’s nursing any good? Assuming your actors keep their balance, On the Edge is an easy shoot. It’s also a dramatic, profound little slice of life audiences won’t forget!