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A woman home for college break must outwit a very dangerous intruder.

Cassie, a young woman returning home during a college break makes plans with her hometown boyfriend for him to come visit her at her parents’ house while they are away for a concert.

She is waiting with anticipation for her visitor to arrive when he makes his entrance. However, this is not the visitor she expected.

Now Cassie must fight for her life to escape this unwelcome intruder, isolated and on her own, with no means of escape.

Can she fend him off until help arrives, or will she be his latest victim.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Sean Ballantyne
Casse: Hannah Ehman
Jeep Speakers/Madison: Val Cole
Stolen Car/Attacker: Shawn Devlin

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

"Sweetener" is about a woman who comes home from college for a winter break and, while her parents are away, she schedules a time for her boyfriend to visit to play a sex game. Someone else arrives instead, forcing her to fight for her life.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

I consider it horror, but several producers have described it as a sex/crime/action thriller. I think that's fair. But horror encompasses all manner of ideas, stories, sub genres and the like. It's fast-paced, starts quickly and then sprints to the finish.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It's an exciting film. There's a protagonist that resonates with audiences of all kinds. Horror fans especially will gravitate to and adopt it. The themes of female sexual autonomy and independence, resourcefulness, and the avoidance of typical tropes differentiate it from other home-invasion films. It crosses genres and appeals to different types of film fans. Genre fans and cinema fans in general would enjoy the familiar and recognizable atmosphere of the home invasion sub-genre, but will be very pleased by the visceral and unique take.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Addictively disturbing.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

I am all but certain I've seen "Jaws" more than any other film. "Goodfellas" is not far behind.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I started it in January of 2023 and completed it in May of 2023, just ahead of the WGA strike. The idea and outline came to me in December of 2022. When I have an idea like that and it just won't leave, I have to turn it into a script.

7. How many stories have you written?

I wrote a short Stephen King adaptation, four original feature screenplays (two of which have been filmed, "Group" (which has won multiple awards) and "Immersion" which will hit the festival circuit in the coming weeks. "Fetish" is scheduled to shoot in September. I am also actively working on three other feature scripts currently.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

"A Day in the Life" by the Beatles. I have probably listened to "Strawberry Fields Forever", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Immigrant Song" and "If You Could Read My Mind" more than any other songs.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Avoiding expected tropes was the first one. That wasn't too difficult. The major challenge is thinking about a re-read or a re-watch. No Deus ex machina elements could be present. No cheats. Everything had to be established, set up, logical, etc. Making sure that it held up on re-read and everything was set up and paid off, and that everything happened was logical. None of it shoehorned, while still sticking to the story and character dynamics. That was a challenge.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My wife and children. I love film, music, art. I love traveling and immersing myself in other cultures. Reading is crucial. I just love to learn as much as I can about as much as I can.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

I think it's very user-friendly and a wonderful way to learn of incredible festivals and get your work out there.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

Montreal is one of my favorite cities on earth. The festival's reputation is unassailable. It's a major leap of faith to hand your work to someone. I knew my work would be in great hands and I was absolutely correct. Beyond your festival, the community of film lovers that bring it to life is a testament to everything I personally hold dear about film. It was a no-brainer to enter this festival.