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Rescued arose out of another screenplay Kyle Smith wrote which included a separate storyline about a father and son. The family dynamic was edgy and compelling drawing me to the mother, Ferona and her arc. Kyle and I set about developing her story as a stand-alone. Gender disparity in our culture is no secret. Ferona’s story depicts a woman trapped by her own choices. In Rescued writer Kyle Smith delivers a flawed, rock-solid character study. Financially reliant on someone she no longer feels connected to yet resourceful and determined, Ferona suffers, learns, grows, and finally triumphs over a self-induced future she does not want.

 

Inspired by Cassavetes body of work and von Trier's Dogville I’ve set the first two acts of Rescued in a simulated black box-type setting visually inducing Ferona’s inner challenge submersing the audience in a claustrophobic space.  Shadows, light and space work in tandem to create  a cinematic look to the set.  Rain sliding down windows will seal Ferona in.  Sound design will play a large part in telling this story.  A barking dog next door echoes Ferona’s isolation, a leaky roof channels the drips of water into the bucket that must be changed in her recently-deceased son’s bedroom. This claustrophobic tone is not depressing, nor is the story. 

 

Water represents catharsis thematically throughout signifying a dim hope of rebirth for Ferona.  Once confronted by Lara in her home, it’s clear to Ferona there is only one way out.  Lara unknowingly redeems Ferona with her impromptu visit.

 

Ferona is a woman who lies to herself – about what happiness is, about her place in the world and how to get there. Once Ferona makes up her mind to claim her future the setting changes from trailer interior to outdoors.  Natural exteriors contrast the enclosed space as Ferona drives to town, stopping to drop off the dog at Lara’s Cause for the Paws Fundraiser in her well-appointed architectural home.  Once there, it is clear to Ferona this is the only way out.  Her arc is empowerment, lacking resources but still finding that power, despite the grief from loss of a child and herself.