Horror Short Film “Backstroke” | ALTER

Summary

The script revolves around a mysterious and tense narrative involving a character named Amber. It begins with a voicemail on Amber's answering machine, hinting at a troubled relationship and a plea for reconciliation. The story unfolds with cryptic exchanges, a forbidden swim, and an ominous warning about the dangers of swimming alone. Amber's interactions with an unseen companion are filled with uncertainty and veiled threats, culminating in a chilling revelation of a death and a tense phone call. The dialogue is laden with suspense, suggesting a complex and possibly dangerous situation.

Takeaways

• 📞 The script begins with a voicemail message for Amber, indicating a personal connection and a request for reconciliation.
• 🌊 There is a reference to being in Florida and a mistaken belief about the presence of the ocean, suggesting a coastal or beach setting.
• 🗺️ A need for a map is mentioned, implying that the characters are unfamiliar with their surroundings or are on a journey.
• 📞 An incoming call from 'Maison' (Home) and a call from 'Jake' indicate personal relationships and potential communication between characters.
• 🚫 A sign that says 'Baignade Interdite' (Swimming Forbidden) is mentioned, suggesting a warning or prohibition related to water.
• 👀 The phrase 'Essaie de garder les yeux ouverts' (Try to keep your eyes open) suggests a situation where one must stay alert or aware.
• 🤔 Amber seems to have memory issues or is unsure about past experiences, as she can't remember certain details.
• 🏊‍♀️ There is a focus on swimming and warnings about the dangers of swimming alone, indicating a potential risk or conflict.
• 🚔 A character asks if another is a forest ranger, which could imply a setting in a rural or forested area.
• 🚗 A warning about a parked car and a potential fine suggests a situation involving law enforcement or rules being broken.
• ⚠️ A character is told not to move and that something is not a toy, indicating a serious situation or a warning about safety.

Q & A

Who is the main character that leaves a voice message on the answering machine?

The main character leaving a voice message is not explicitly named, but it is implied to be a close person to Amber, possibly a family member or a romantic partner.

What does the caller want from Amber after apologizing?

The caller wants Amber to come back home, indicating there might have been a disagreement or separation between them.

Who is Jake, and what role does he play in the script?

Jake appears to be a character involved in the storyline, possibly a friend or acquaintance of Amber. He is mentioned in the context of a phone call and seems to be in a situation of danger or conflict.

What is the significance of the phrase 'BAIGNADE INTERDITE'?

The phrase 'BAIGNADE INTERDITE' is French for 'Swimming Prohibited', indicating a warning or rule against swimming in a particular area, which is relevant to the script's setting.

What is the setting of the script, and why is it significant?

The script's setting seems to be near a body of water, possibly a lake or the ocean, as indicated by the references to swimming and the mention of Florida and the ocean. This setting is significant as it influences the characters' actions and the unfolding drama.

Why does the character express concern about swimming alone?

The character expresses concern about swimming alone due to the statistic mentioned, where at least one person drowns each year in that location, mostly because they were swimming alone.

What is the relationship between the characters discussing the swimming situation?

The relationship between the characters discussing the swimming situation is not explicitly stated, but they seem to be acquaintances or friends, with one character showing concern for the other's safety.

What does the character mean when they say 'Tu triches !'?

The phrase 'Tu triches !' translates to 'You're cheating!' in English, suggesting that one character is not following the rules of a game or activity they are engaged in.

What is the significance of the character saying 'Je ne veux pas te contredire'?

The phrase 'Je ne veux pas te contredire' translates to 'I don't want to contradict you', indicating that the speaker is trying to avoid conflict or disagreement with the person they are speaking to.

What is the urgency in the character's plea 'Restez où vous êtes'?

The plea 'Restez où vous êtes' translates to 'Stay where you are', indicating a sense of urgency and danger, possibly warning others to remain in place to avoid a potential threat.

What is the implication of the character's statement 'Il est mort'?

The statement 'Il est mort' translates to 'He is dead', suggesting a dramatic turn of events in the script, possibly revealing a character's death or a significant plot twist.