Opening Scene:
Location: Two characters (let's call them A and B) are in a mundane setting, like a small, dimly
lit café or a rundown apartment. They’re casually sitting across from each other, engaging in a
seemingly irrelevant conversation.
Dialogue Style: The conversation is quirky and offbeat, focusing on something odd or specific,
like discussing the weirdest things they’ve found in second-hand stores, or a peculiar anecdote
about a neighbor. The dialogue should feel slightly absurd but relatable, reflecting the
characters’ personalities.
Subtext: While the conversation seems random, there’s an undercurrent of anticipation, hinted
at through small details—nervous glances at the clock, checking their phones, or one character
idly fiddling with an object.
Goal: Establish a quirky tone with characters who are likable but slightly offbeat. The audience
should sense that something is a little “off,” even if they can’t put their finger on it yet.
Transition to Action:
Location: The conversation continues as they move to another part of the location—perhaps to
a back room or a different part of the apartment.
Dialogue Style: The banter becomes slightly more intense or personal, though still maintaining
the offbeat humor. They might start discussing something with hidden layers, like the ethics of
re-gifting or the worst job they’ve ever had.
Subtext: Their actions become more deliberate, though still subtle—preparing something in the
background, like setting up a camera, arranging objects in a specific way, or preparing a drink
with an odd amount of care.
Goal: The dialogue should remain engaging and quirky, but with small actions that build the
tension subtly.
The Reveal of the Setup: The Hidden Intentions Surface:
Location: They’re now fully in the midst of preparing for something, but the conversation is still
outwardly unrelated, keeping with the offbeat humor.
Dialogue Style: The tone takes a slight turn towards the ominous, though still wrapped in dark
humor. For example, one might start talking about an unusual hobby they picked up, like
taxidermy (just an example, I don’t wanna use this), with a dark twist.
Subtext: The real purpose of their meeting begins to surface through small, revealing actions—
perhaps one of them takes out a hidden object that changes the tone, or they begin discussing a
plan that’s not fully revealed but heavily implied.
Goal: Deepen the tension with actions that contrast with the light conversation, hinting at the
darker twist to come.
The Build to the Climax: Tension Peaks:
Location: The setting starts to feel claustrophobic or eerie as the characters close in on their
true objective.
Dialogue Style: The conversation now includes more direct references to something dangerous
or morally questionable, but it’s still framed within their odd banter. They might discuss an
obscure “code” or “rule” that only makes sense in the context of their hidden agenda.
Subtext: The preparation is almost complete, with clear hints of what’s to come. The characters
might start dropping subtle hints about what’s about to happen, but still in a way that leaves the
audience guessing.
Goal: The audience should be on the edge of their seat, unsure of what exactly is going to
happen, but knowing it’s something significant.
The Ironic Twist:
Location: The moment of truth arrives. The characters’ real purpose is revealed in a dark, ironic
twist that recontextualizes the entire conversation.
Dialogue Style: The final lines should be a perfect blend of dark humor and revelation—
something that ties back to their initial conversation but with a new, sinister meaning. For
example, if they were discussing re-gifting, the final line could be about how “some things are
better left unwrapped,” as they reveal the object of their plans.
Ending: The film ends on a note that’s both shocking and darkly humorous, leaving the
audience to reflect on the irony of the situation.
