Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
FADE IN:
EXT. MIDWESTERN CORNFIELDS - DAY
Threatening grey clouds build as they roll over miles of flat cornfields.
Sheets of rain sway rhythmically. The HOWLING wind rises.
A funnel cloud appears, violently tearing across the land. The wind ROARS louder and louder and-
INT. MARK’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
MARK HENLEY 16, wakes from his nightmare, sweat dripping. His eyes drift to the TELESCOPE sitting at the window.
Constellation maps cover every wall. Intricate arrangements of glowing stars, litter the ceiling.
EXT. BACKYARD - EARLY DAWN
Dawn has yet to break over the endless horizon of cornfields.
At the edge of a cornfield, behind an old farmhouse, Mark pitches a box of baseballs at an old post with a ragged pillow nailed to it.
One after the other, they land with perfect precision; each one faster than the one before it. He coils to throw the last ball when...
WHOOSH, a sudden shock wave of wind sweeps across the land. Mark falls to the ground.
He starts to stand, but suddenly freezes. The BASEBALL hangs suspended in the air, defying gravity.
Mark’s eyes gleam with boyish wonder, perplexed and amazed. He slowly reaches over to touch it. The hair on his arm rises the closer he gets.
ZAP, he’s given a slight shock. The ball drops to the ground.
A faint, greenish glow, reflects off the white ball.
Mark looks up and beholds an emerald color AURORA swaying across the dawn sky -- It’s spellbindingly beautiful.
EXT. FARM HOUSE - MORNING
Mark steps out the rickety screen door. The morning light finally reveals him. An attractive kid, maybe 180, small for the mid-west.
He looks across the street where two teenagers, DANIEL and BILLY, unload a moving truck.
Behind them, carelessly kicking a box down the truck ramp, is ROSIE ANGEL 16, a white/Latino heartbreaker, way outside her element in this podunk town. He stares a little too long.
ANGIE (O.S.)Lets see, chances that you’ll go talk to her.
Mark turns: ANGIE 15, a soon to be prom queen with silk blonde hair, steps outside.
ANGIE (CONT’D)Hmm, Zero.
MARKCome on, we’re going to be late.
ANGIESomeday, you’re gonna have to stop watching everything, and join the rest of us.
MARKSomeday, I’m going to leave without you.
ANGIETry it.
On the way to his truck, Mark steals another glance at Rosie.
ANGIE (CONT’D)Oh by the way, don’t worry about taking me home today. I got a ride.
Mark smiles knowingly at his sister.
ANGIE (CONT’D)What?
INT. TRUCK - DAY
Mark driving, continues to check the sky for anymore astral events. Angie fiddles with her silver anklet.
2.
ANGIEIt’s just a ride home.
MARKIt’s not just a ride home.
Angie mimes herself being choked.
ANGIEMark, please stop. The leash, it’s too tight.
Before Mark can laugh, he catches wind of something on the radio. He can’t hear clearly, over the choking sounds.
MARKWait, hush.
RADIOLocals are reporting incidents of flashing lights and strong gusts of wind. When questioned about the event, Doctor Roy Myers, a professor at CAL TECH said, “They have yet to determine the reason”.
Angie SNORES loudly. Mark graciously turns it down.
MARKHe’s an asshole, and it’s my job to-
ANGIEYour job, is to get me and mom out of this dump. Which means, stop worrying about me, and start worrying about the game tomorrow.
Mark catches a glare from the rearview mirror. He checks it. Another truck, driving recklessly fast, approaches.
MARKYou know, if you two are going to date. Why don’t you, at least, get him to stop being a dick.
Angie whips around to watch the other truck race up.
The driver, JEFF LUCAS 17, the word douche comes to mind. His buddies, SCOTT and JEREMY, sit in the truck bed, while TIM rides shotgun.
JEFFHenley, give it some gas.
3.
Jeff REVS his engine. Angie’s eyes alight with excitement.
The two trucks race, side by side, down the road.
Mark grips the wheel tighter. A wide-eyed Angie, buckles her seat belt.
ANGIEMark go.
Jeff swerves at him a few times. The boys in the back HECKLE.
ANGIE (CONT’D)Mark!
Finally, Mark slams his foot down -- On the brake.
Jeff flies by yelling something derogatory out the window.
Mark glances over to Angie, admonishing. She settles back into her seat and pouts.
MARKNo way you’re riding-
VAROOM, a white windowless van whips by the window. Mark cranes back, and watches it speed into the distance.
ANGIEUh... Mark?
Mark turns back to the front: A caravan of uniform vehicles race past. An uneasiness and suspicion settles in Mark’s eyes as he watches them pass.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
ALAN NEARY 43, a science teacher, complete with wrinkled shirt and pleated khaki’s, leans over a lab table soldering a few wires together.
The item he’s working on reads, TS-9. It’s small, nearly cellphone size.
DING, DING, DING, from the computer behind him. He spins in his rolling chair, and coasts over.
Neary’s eyes light up when he reads the information.
The computer screen displays Earth, and the orbital path of an approaching comet. A few clicks, and another set of lines appear. These lines represent the Earth’s magnetosphere.
4.
Neary types wildly for a moment, entering calculations. He smacks the enter key.
On the computer screen: The comet starts to move along a projected path. Neary leans forward, watching with nervous excitement. His heart races, hopeful.
The comet moves closer and closer to Earth until, bingo. The comet suddenly vanishes as it passes through the magnetosphere lines.
Neary sits stunned. This is the moment he’s been waiting for.
INT. EMPTY HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Neary, clinching a paper in his hand, sprints wildly down the locker lined hallway. He arrives at his destination, out of breath, and holding his cramping side. He KNOCKS.
The TEACHER peeks out the window -- It’s Neary. She rolls her eyes and pushes the heavy door open.
TEACHERMr. Neary I’m trying to-
NEARYI just need a second.
TEACHER(Sighs)
Mark, would you step out into the hall please?
(To Neary)Keep it short.
Neary nods as Mark arrives in the doorway.
MARKYou okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.
NEARYI’m fine, just went for a run.
Mark doesn’t buy it.
NEARY (CONT’D)A light jog... Cut me a break. I’m science teacher, not an athlete.
MARKSpeaking of, I’ve got a game tom-
5.
Neary shoves the paper into Mark’s hands. It’s a printout of what was on the computer.
All of Mark’s thoughts dissolve from his face.
NEARYI was finishing up the TS-9, when this came through. It’s finally here.
MARKYou think that’s what’s causing the...
Before he can finish, Mark spots Rosie being given a tour of the school.
NEARYCausing what?
MARKThe uh... Lights.
Neary’s clueless.
MARK (CONT’D)Don’t you watch the news?
NEARYNot since they fired Rather for reporting the truth. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I need you tonight. There’s a small window of opportunity, and I have to have someone feeding me the numbers.
MARKI can’t, the playoffs start tomorrow.
NEARYYou’re still doing that?
MARKNice of you to notice.
Neary sighs, knowing he has to mend this mistake.
NEARYI thought you liked this kind of stuff.
6.
MARKThat doesn’t mean I spend every waking moment on it.
NEARYDid your mother say that?
MARK(Firm)
Don’t.
NEARYJust give me a little more time. Once this is over-
The door opens behind Mark.
TEACHERMr. Neary, please, may I have my-
WHOOSH. The exterior doors at the end of the hall, fling open. A gust of wind jets through the hallway.
Mark, Neary, and the teacher start to feel themselves rising as if gravity ceased to exist. The moment suspends time.
Just before they’re lifted off the ground, gravity returns. Books RATTLE in the lockers as they fall back down.
Neary exchanges a look with Mark then races outside.
EXT. OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS
With his head tilted back, Neary gazes awestruck. An AURORA, even bigger than before, ribbons across the sky.
NEARYI really need to start watching the news.
He glances back to Mark standing in the doorway, also looking up. Neary recognizes a bit of himself in the young Mark-
EXT. DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
Mark stands alone in his driveway peering into his telescope.
An iPad illuminates in his hand -- He’s Skyping with Neary. Note: Italics indicate Neary is speaking through the iPad.
NEARYTwenty four, or fifteen?
7.
Mark checks the telescope for confirmation.
MARKFifteen.
NEARYCopy.
(Beat)It’s beautiful out here.
MARKLets just hurry this up.
NEARYMark, I know I wasn’t fair to you, or your sister. But I hope one day you’ll understand... You only get one life, and you can’t waste it, by not doing what you love.
MARKWhatever helps you sleep.
Mark checks the scope.
MARK (CONT’D)Eight miles now.
NEARYGood, it’s time. Let me know when it reaches five.
Mark remains staring into the telescope.
MARKSeven... Six...
Footsteps CRUNCH the gravel behind him. Mark turns.
ROSIEFind what you’re looking for yet?
Her high wasted shorts and low cut shirt baffle the farm boy.
MARKUh... I... Uh...
ROSIESettle down Bambi, I don’t bite.
(Smirks)Unless you like that sort of thing.
NEARYWhere we at Mark?
8.
Mark mutes the iPad.
ROSIE(Eyeing the telescope)
You mind?
Mark steps out of her way. Rosie looks into the telescope: A long tailed comet blushes a brilliant blue.
ROSIE (CONT’D)What is it?
MARKIt’s a... Very unique comet.
Mark checks the iPad: Neary’s angry face glares back at him. Mark ends the Skype session.
ROSIEIs it gonna hit us?
MARKIt’ll come close, but no.
She takes another look, DING from the iPad. Rosie jumps back with her hands up.
ROSIEWhat’d I do?
MARK(Smiles)
Nothing.
He checks the iPad: NEW MESSAGE: DAD.
MARK (CONT’D)It’s a little late to be up, ain’t it?
ROSIECouldn’t sleep. It’s too quiet out here. I need some gunshots and car alarms.
Mark tilts his head confused -- Where are you from?
ROSIE (CONT’D)Melodies of the windy city.
MARKWent there once. Saw the Cubs play.
Rosie rolls her eyes as she peers back into the telescope.
9.
ROSIEIs that all people talk about around here?
MARKWhat baseball?
She nods.
MARK (CONT’D)No, we just have a big game tomorrow. You should come. Bring your brothers.
ROSIEBrothers?
Mark glances over at the car parked in her driveway.
ROSIE (CONT’D)Oh no, they just came down to help us move. They’re friends.
MARKLucky you.
The hum of ENGINES sounds in the distance.
ROSIEWait, lucky I have friends, or lucky I landed here?
MARKIf you moved here, I’ll just assume you have no luck at all-
VAROOM, three white vans race by the house. SCREECH, they turn and barrel into the cornfield.
ROSIEWhat the hell?
Mark sprints by Rosie toward the scene.
MARKCome on! They’re here about the comet.
Mark hurries down the road, Rosie following.
They stop at the edge of the field and stare curiously at the freshly made path.
There’s an eerie purplish electricity in the air ahead.
10.
Rosie notices the hair on her arms starting to rise. She takes a step back.
ROSIEI think I’m gonna head back. This whole space and the great unknown, really isn’t my game.
MARKThen you shouldn’t have moved to Iowa.
Mark starts forward when...
BOOM, lightning strikes deep within the field. Both teens jump back. Rosie laughs, enjoying the sudden scare.
ROSIEDamn, that was loud.
But Mark isn’t laughing. Rosie finally notices.
ROSIE (CONT’D)Hey, are you alright? It was just lightning.
There’s a grave terror in his eyes as he backs away.
MARKI... I got to go.
Mark hurries back toward his house.
ROSIEHey!
Rosie confused, watches him run away. She turns back, peering out into the field. The purplish glow is gone.
EXT. NEARY’S HOUSE - MORNING
KNOCKING, Mark bangs on Neary’s door.
MARKHello.
KNOCKING. He looks back to Angie impatiently staring at him from the truck. Fed up, Mark makes his way around back.
11.
BACKYARD
A fallen telescope, and a cellphone lay at the edge of a cornfield. When he clicks on the cellphone a checklist appears; flashlight, rope, TS-9.
He leans down to pick up the telescope when...
CLINK, THUD -- The sound comes from inside the cornfield. Mark drops the telescope, waiting tensely for another sound.
Faint voices CHATTER. Mark edges into the field.
He moves careful and quite through the cornstalks. The faint voices grow louder the deeper he goes in.
Finally, he reaches a small clearing where...
An entire crew of SCIENTISTS, study a scorched area of the clearing. They’re led by DR. MYERS 43, tall, well built, could’ve been an astronaut.
ANGIE (O.S.)(Fearful)
MARK!
The scientists turn to see Mark standing there.
DR. MYERSHey-
Mark darts into the field. Cornstalks slap against him as he races back. He makes it out of the field only to find Neary’s house swarming with SCIENTISTS.
ANGIE (O.S.)Mark.
Two scientists, FROG and TOAD, fight to restrain Angie.
MARKHey! Let go of her.
Mark fearless, charges them. He knocks Frog to the ground, and punches Toad in the face.
The two teens take off toward the truck, but they’re soon corralled by more scientists, and forced to the ground.
Mark, with his face in grass, manages to see Dr. Myers running out of the field.
DR. MYERSWhat’s going on? Let them up. Now!
12.
Mark and Angie get to their feet.
ANGIEWhat the hell?
DR. MYERSI’m so sorry.
MARKWho are you?
DR. MYERSDr. Roy Myers.
(Offers handshake, denied)I work with the California institute of technology-
ANGIESo that gives you the right to start-
Mark pinches the back of her arm.
MARK(To Dr. Myers)
What’s going on here?
DR. MYERSWell, I’m sure you’ve noticed some strange things happening recently. Bright lights, strong gusts of wind. What it is-
MARKI know what it is. That’s not what I’m asking.
Dr. Myers is taken aback by the comment. He narrows in on Mark with a curious stare.
DR. MYERSWe’re collecting soil samples.
MARKThat’s a lot of equipment, just for some dirt.
DR. MYERSIt’s important we don’t let anything slip through the cracks. May I ask, why are you here?
ANGIEThis happens to be our-
13.
MARKTeacher’s house. Mr. Neary. I just wanted to drop off a book I borrowed.
Angie glances at Mark confused.
DR. MYERSWon’t you see him at school?
MARKHe’s on vacation.
Myers studies Mark’s face for a “tell”.
ANGIECan we go now? My brother’s got a big game tonight. He doesn’t need this.
DR. MYERSAbsolutely, sorry for the trouble.
Mark quickly leads Angie back to the truck.
DR. MYERS (CONT’D)(Disingenuous)
Good luck tonight.
Myers watches them leave with a suspicious stare.
TRUCK
Mark slams his door shut, then sneaks a glance back at Myers. He’s still staring.
ANGIEYou want to tell me what’s going on?
MARKWe’ve got to stop by the house.
ANGIEWhat? Mark we’re already late.
Mark spins his tires as he pulls out of the driveway.
INT. MARK’S BEDROOM - DAY
Mark bursts into his bedroom. He grabs his iPad, and presses play on the message from Neary.
14.
A video, taken on a cellphone, starts. Neary stands at the field’s edge, wearing a large backpack.
NEARYMark, I don’t know what happened. I guess maybe the comet’s messing with the signal. Anyway, I wanted to send you this in case you don’t see me for a while...
Static interrupts the playback for moment.
NEARY (CONT’D)...There’s going to be some people snooping around, asking questions. Don’t tell them anything. Please, I’ve worked too hard, gave up too much to let someone else take the credit. I know I say this a lot, but it’s almost over.
Neary pulls out the TS-9 monitor.
NEARY (CONT’D)Wish me luck.
Neary clicks the TS-9 on, PING. He disappears into the field. Like sonar, the time between PINGS continuously grows shorter and shorter until...
BOOM, lightning strikes in the field. The video ends. Mark stares horrified at the screen-
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL FIELD - EVENING
The stands are packed and buzzing with excitement. However, a dark grey sky threatens to ruin everything.
The scoreboard reads top of the eighth. Home team up by two.
DUGOUT
Mark starts to take the field when the COACH grabs him.
COACHMark, how’s your arm?
Mark nods.
COACH (CONT’D)I want you to take your time.
15.
MARKI know.
Mark starts to leave, but the coach stops him again.
COACHNo, I mean, take your time. This storm is moving in fast, and we’ve already played seven. So if they call it, it’s our win. Okay?
Mark nods, but resents the notion of taking the “easy way”.
STANDS
Rosie sits between Daniel, a short stocky Italian, and Billy, a smartly dressed, pudgy teen.
BILLYI say we leave early and beat the traffic.
ROSIEShut up, I want to see if he wins.
BILLYIt’s baseball, who cares?Ten bucks, he chokes.
DANIELDamn Billy, jealous much.
Rosie glances over to Billy. He smiles, attempting to look attractive.
ROSIEThat’s it, you’re going home tomorrow.
BILLYJust give me a chance.
DANIEL(Laughing)
You’re a dumb son-of-a-
ROSIEI already told you, no.
BILLY(Pleading)
Rosie.
16.
Rosie shakes her head annoyed then turns to Daniel.
ROSIETrade me seats, please.
UMPStrike three!
The crowd stands and CHEERS. Out in the distance lightning flickers about the clouds. Thunder RUMBLES.
PITCHER’S MOUND
Mark’s coach, angrily signals him to slow the game down. Mark looks away, trying to ignore him.
He closes his eyes, then zeros in on the catcher.
UMPStrike.
STANDS
DANIELDear god.
Daniel catches sight of a girl a few rows down -- Angie. He stands to get a better look.
ROSIEDaniel, sit down.
DANIELLook at this chick.
ROSIESpare her, please.
DANIELHey, I’m not here on business.
ROSIEJust sit down.
UMPStrike two.
ROSIEYEAH! Come on Mark, you got this.
Everyone, including Mark, looks at Rosie. She blushes.
17.
BILLYYou’re going to make him nervous.
Rosie rolls her eyes.
Mark throws the next pitch. CRACK, it’s hit deep. Rosie tenses up with fear -- Foul ball.
BILLY (CONT’D)Told you.
PITCHER’S MOUND
Mark fiddles with the ball in his glove. He takes a deep breath then darts another pitch across home plate. Ball one.
Mark’s coach glares, red-faced from the dugout. Pissed off, Mark quickly fires another pitch out of spite -- Strike.
STANDS
The wind picks up. Some fans decide it’s time to leave.
DANIELThat’s it, I’m going to talk to her.
ROSIEThen go, just get out of the way.
Next to Rosie, a WOMAN’S cellphone CHIMES. Then another FAN’S cellphone CHIMES. Soon everyone’s phone CHIMES.
A frightened murmur starts throughout the crowd.
PITCHER’S MOUND
Mark tries to tune out the cellphones.
He fires a fastball -- Ball two. Mark shakes his arm, to keep it loose, when the TORNADO SIRENS go off.
Mark’s team begins to celebrate their victory. Annoyed, Mark smacks his leg with his glove and heads to the dugout.
ANNOUNCER (O.C.)Alright folks just stay calm. We’ve got the report right here. There’s been a Tornado warning issued.
18.
(MORE)
So everyone calmly, make your way over to the school. Please do not go to your car, or try to leave.
A mass exodus heads for the school.
EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT
DEBRIS litters the parking lot. The crowd from before, shuffles through surveying the damage. Most of the cars and trucks are fine, except for-
BILLY Damnit.
Billy, Rosie and Daniel look over Billy’s car, skewered by a tree.
BILLY (CONT’D)You’ve got to be kidding me.
DANIELThis is a sign. God’s telling you to burn this car.
Rosie searches for another ride, and spots Mark across the parking lot.
ACROSS THE PARKING LOT
Mark freshly changed out of his uniform, starts to open his truck door when SLAM. Dr. Myers shuts it.
DR. MYERSYou lied to me. Alan Neary is your father not your teacher.
MARKSo?
DR. MYERSHe’s missing.
MARKYeah, that’s kind of his thing.
DR. MYERSI think you know where he is.
MARKIf I did, it wouldn’t do you any good.
19.
ANNOUNCER (O.C.) (CONT'D)
DR. MYERSYou don’t understand what your getting in the way of.
MARKAnd I don’t care.
ROSIE (O.S.)Mark.
Mark turns: Rosie, Billy and Daniel arrive at the truck.
ROSIE (CONT’D)Are car got...
DANIELStabbed by a tree.
ROSIECould you give us a ride?
Mark focuses back on Dr. Myers.
MARKSure, hop in.
Mark opens the door nudging Dr. Myers out of the way.
MARK (CONT’D)See you later doc.
Myers watches Mark drive off, full of impotent rage.
MARK’S TRUCK
Mark slowly navigates his way through the crowded lot.
ROSIESo did you guys win?
MARKYeah, if they call it after seven-
DANIELThere she is!
Daniel points to Angie walking up ahead, Jeff’s with her.
ROSIEDaniel, let it go.
DANIELNo way, she’s the game changer.
20.
Mark sees her now, and more importantly, he sees Jeff’s arm around her.
MARK(Sotto)
Damnit.
Rosie notices Mark’s distress.
ROSIEDo you know her?
MARKShe’s my sister, and I told her...
Mark rolls down his window.
MARK (CONT’D)Angie!
Angie searches around until she finds Mark -- Shit. She hurries ahead to Jeff’s truck.
MARK (CONT’D)Hey!
Jeff and his boys spot Mark yelling, and give him the finger.
The crowed lot makes it impossible for Mark to catch up. Meanwhile, Jeff hops the curb, and speeds off down the road.
Mark looks ahead, debating whether to do the same or not.
MARK (CONT’D)Everybody hold on.
Mark drives over the curb and after Jeff.
INT. MARK’S TRUCK - MOMENTS LATER
The truck speeds down the corn-flanked road. Billy clinches the door tightly.
Mark drives right up on Jeff’s bumper, flashing his lights and BEEPING the horn, but Jeff keeps going.
DANIELSo, exactly what type of guy does your sister like?
ROSIEJesus Daniel, not now.
21.
Mark starts to move into the other lane when WHOOSH, a shock wave of wind whips across the road.
Both trucks struggle to regain control. Angie looks back at him through the window.
DANIELJust so you know, she’s looking at me.
Suddenly Mark remembers what happens after the wind. Fear floods his eyes.
The trucks lift into the air, weightless.
Mark holds onto the steering wheel to keep from floating into the ceiling. The same cannot be said for the other three teens.
Jeff’s truck starts to pitch onto it’s side.
MARKHold on.
Everything crashes to the ground. BAM, Mark’s tires pop, sending him careening into the cornfield.
He fights for control against the BUFFETING truck.
Finally they skid to a stop. The engine POPS.
MARK (CONT’D)(Breathing heavily)
Everybody alright?
DANIELDefine alright.
Daniel, Billy and Rosie lay strewn about the cab.
EXT. CORNFIELD - CONTINUOUS
The four teens empty out of the truck. Auroras sway in a stellar fashion above.
Mark notices a pair of tail lights, glowing through the corn.
MARKAngie!
Mark races through the corn, arriving at the second crash. He helps Jeff out of the truck.
22.
MARK (CONT’D)Where’s my sister?
ANGIE (O.S.)(Scared)
Mark!
Mark turns to the direction of the voice.
MARKAngie where are you?
He hurries into the field. The farther he runs, the more the air becomes electrified. His arm hair sticks straight up.
ANGIE (O.S.)Mark.
Mark turns and catches a glimpse of her through the corn.
BOOM, lightning strikes her. Mark is thrown back.
Seconds later Rosie, Daniel and Billy arrive.
ROSIEMark are you okay?
MARK(Dazed)
Angie.
BILLYWe need to get him to the road.
Billy and Daniel get Mark to his feet.
CRASH SITE
Rosie and the boys reach the crash site. A pain-filled yell, comes from the other side of the truck.
Tim, Jeremy and Jeff stand over Scott, who writhes in pain.
DANIELWhat’s wrong?
JEFFI think he broke his leg.
(Nods to Mark)Is he alright?
DANIELHe got lit up.
23.
Billy and Daniel set Mark down.
The group starts to bicker about calling the cops, but Mark gets distracted by his arm hair rising again.
MARK(Struggling)
Hey...
Nobody hears him over their arguing.
MARK (CONT’D)We, got to move.
Still no one hears him. Faint streaks of purplish electricity surrounding the group.
MARK (CONT’D)We got to move.
Rosie spots him struggling to stand up.
ROSIEMark, sit down.
She tries to help him sit, but he grabs her by the shoulders, and stares straight into her eyes.
MARKWe got to move!
They all look over to Mark, frightened by his grave tone.
The electricity grows more wild around them. Everyone takes off except for Scott. Too late.
BOOM, they all disappear instantly. Jeff’s truck and the singing cicadas is all that remains.
24.
