When We Were - A Short Film About Fighting Cancer

Summary

This emotional story follows a woman named Emily, who faces the devastating news of her fiancé Jake's cancer diagnosis just before their wedding. As they navigate the uncertainty and fear of Jake's prognosis, Emily's journey of love, resilience, and self-discovery unfolds. Despite the immense challenges, including the potential loss of her partner, Emily learns the value of living in the moment, cherishing each day, and celebrating love. The narrative also reflects on the unpredictable nature of life, the power of human connection, and the importance of hope in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 A pre-wedding photoshoot was planned but the protagonist ends up canceling her wedding and staying at home.
• 😀 The protagonist cancels her wedding to Jake, explaining the situation in a phone call to Melissa and Danny.
• 😀 The protagonist reveals that the wedding was planned for November but is now called off due to unforeseen circumstances.
• 😀 Flashbacks reveal the protagonist's history with Jake, including their first meeting and the early stages of their relationship.
• 😀 The protagonist went through a painful breakup and had tried to change her appearance (haircut) to win over her then-partner.
• 😀 Despite the breakup, Jake helped her regain confidence by laughing with her and encouraging her to be herself.
• 😀 The protagonist shares that her relationship with Jake deepened over the years, filled with dreams and future plans together.
• 😀 The protagonist is diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, which threatens her life and the future she envisioned with Jake.
• 😀 Jake offers unconditional support, encouraging the protagonist to undergo chemotherapy and treatments, while also helping her cope with the fear of death.
• 😀 The protagonist wrestles with the idea of accepting her mortality, expressing fear of the future and losing Jake, but Jake reassures her that they will face it together.
• 😀 The narrative ends on a hopeful note with the birth of their daughter, Amelia, reflecting on the unpredictability of life and finding meaning in the present moment.
• 😀 The protagonist finds strength in their daughter and in the belief that life is worth celebrating despite setbacks.

Q & A

What is the significance of the pre-wedding photo shoot in the script?

The pre-wedding photo shoot symbolizes the planned, idealized version of the protagonist's life, which ultimately gets disrupted by unforeseen events, particularly the cancellation of the wedding due to the protagonist's partner, Jake, facing a life-threatening illness.

How does the protagonist’s relationship with Jake evolve throughout the story?

The protagonist's relationship with Jake evolves from a carefree and loving connection, marked by shared memories and dreams, to a more serious and emotionally charged partnership, especially as Jake faces a terminal illness. The couple navigates the uncertainty of life and love, facing both challenges and their fears together.

What emotional challenges does Jake face in the script?

Jake faces a significant emotional challenge when he learns about his cancer diagnosis, struggling with fear, vulnerability, and the possibility of not having a future. He also grapples with his appearance and worries about his partner's future without him, all of which contribute to his emotional turmoil.

What role does the protagonist’s reaction to Jake’s illness play in the story?

The protagonist’s reaction to Jake’s illness is pivotal in the story. While Jake faces deep fear and uncertainty, the protagonist offers support and reassurance, trying to keep hope alive by emphasizing the importance of fighting for life. Her response reflects the themes of love, commitment, and resilience in the face of adversity.

How does the couple plan to approach their future despite Jake’s diagnosis?

Despite Jake's diagnosis, the couple begins to focus on creating memories in the present rather than worrying about the uncertain future. The protagonist emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and doing everything possible to fight for Jake’s health while also cherishing their shared experiences.

What is the emotional significance of the birthday of their daughter, Amelia?

The birthday of Amelia marks a pivotal emotional shift in the story. It symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and the continuation of life, even in the face of hardship. Amelia's birth brings the couple renewed strength and perspective, reminding them that life, despite its unpredictability, is still a gift worth celebrating.

How does the script explore the concept of fear in the face of illness?

The script explores fear on multiple levels—Jake's fear of death and loss, the protagonist's fear of life without him, and both their fears of what the future may hold. These fears are portrayed as deeply human emotions that both individuals must confront, but also navigate together as a couple, reinforcing the importance of emotional support.

What role does the theme of acceptance play in the script?

Acceptance is a central theme in the script, particularly Jake's acceptance of his diagnosis and the uncertainty surrounding his life. The protagonist, while initially in denial, ultimately learns to accept the present and the reality of their situation, underscoring the importance of coming to terms with difficult truths in order to move forward.

How does the protagonist cope with the idea of potentially losing Jake?

The protagonist copes with the possibility of losing Jake by focusing on the present moment, reinforcing their love and commitment to each other. She acknowledges her fear of loss but also tries to keep Jake focused on his treatment and survival, while being emotionally present and supportive throughout his struggle.

What does the ending of the script suggest about the power of love and resilience?

The ending of the script suggests that love and resilience are powerful forces that can help individuals face even the most difficult challenges. Despite the unpredictability of life and the uncertainties they face, the couple’s bond, the birth of their daughter, and their shared moments of love and support offer hope and a reminder that life, though fragile, is worth fighting for.