About the film

In Fall 2018 the Black Lives Matter movement had forced people to look at images of African American people being killed or beaten to death by police, however somehow viewers shrugged off calls for reform.  Where’s the disconnect? How can people see these horrible murders and not be compelled to demand change?  Are people numb or desensitized? Or just don’t care?

I wanted to write a film that couldn’t be shrugged off.   It occurred to me that “a mother wanting to protect her children against imminent threat” is basic enough that we all get it.  That’s also known as The Talk, which my mother gave me before I got my license.  

Here is the script.

INT. CAR ON COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT

The side view mirror of a small sedan vibrates against the unkept highway blurring the image of MOTHER 45 sitting in the passenger seat at an odd angle trying to see backwards in the darkness. She cranes her neck around to gut check JORDAN 12, in the back seat, with awkwardly long arms and peach fuzz for a mustache, and CAMILLA 4 in a car seat staring inquisitively right back at her.

Resolution comes to her face as she turns with daggers to THOMAS 16 driving. He tightens his grip on the wheel trying not to betray his elevated heartbeat.

MOTHER

Listen up.

Isn’t time for me to repeat myself. We are far from home.
You must do everything I’m telling you now or we may not make it home. Have I made myself clear?

Keep your hands where they can see them at all times.
If you do not, and you make it out of here alive, I will hurt you.

The siren CHIRPS. Thomas pulls over slowly. Blue and red lights FLASH from behind. The silence feels like an

eternity.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

Have I made myself clear?
I don’t want any nonsense back here.

Jordan don’t you act up. Boys not much older than you have...[incomplete]

You are my babies.
Your father will not put flowers on your graves. You will not give Grandma a heart attack.

Your names will not be calls for justice!

Two car doors SLAM and metallic boots clod and keys rattle as the footsteps get closer. Thomas takes out his wallet and situates his ID and registration atop the leather holding it against the steering wheel.

If they say step out of the car, you obey.
If they say get down on the ground, you obey.

If they beat you, if they stomp you, if they break your bones, You obey.
And no matter come hell or high water...

Keep your hands where they can see them.
Have I made myself clear?

Jordan rests his hands on his knees. Mother crosses her hands on her belly. A bright flashlight beams into the drivers seat then another flicks on by the passenger side. A POLICE officer knocks twice on the window.

END