Simon Says - Malayalam Psychological Thriller Short Film

Summary

The script unfolds a tense and surreal interaction between Nivin, a stranded traveler, and Simon, a man with an unsettling influence over his daughter, Ivana. Nivin, in need of a phone to call for help, is trapped in Simon's house, where a game of Simon Says spirals into uncomfortable and bizarre scenarios. Ivana, seemingly controlled by Simon, insists on continuing the game, even as Nivin grows desperate. The twisted dynamic intensifies, revealing hidden secrets and a deep sense of unease, culminating in a chilling revelation of Ivana's imaginary friend, Simon, and Nivin’s fate.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nivin’s car breaks down near Simon's house, and he asks to borrow a phone.
• 😀 Simon introduces himself and explains that his wife and daughter are not home, and offers Nivin a seat and tea.
• 😀 Ivana, Simon's daughter, shows interest in playing a game with Nivin, starting with Simon Says.
• 😀 The game Simon Says reveals Nivin's discomfort with singing, but he eventually sings a song despite his reluctance.
• 😀 Ivana expresses that she has only one friend, and Nivin tries to reassure her that she shouldn't feel isolated.
• 😀 The game continues with questions like what animal Nivin would be, revealing that he’d want to be a parrot.
• 😀 Ivana's answers are whimsical, such as wanting to be a spider to make invisible webs and catch friends.
• 😀 The game takes a turn as Ivana asks Nivin to share a secret, but Nivin insists there are no secrets in his life.
• 😀 Nivin becomes suspicious of Simon's story and realizes Simon might have been hiding something, especially about his phone.
• 😀 The tension escalates when Nivin accuses Simon of lying, demanding a phone to make a call to his family.
• 😀 Ivana is insistent about finishing the game before Nivin gets the phone, even when Nivin grows desperate to leave.
• 😀 The situation culminates in a disturbing shift when Ivana claims Simon is real, and Nivin’s presence becomes more unsettling.
• 😀 The story ends with Ivana rejecting the idea of her imaginary friend, Simon, and insinuating Nivin was part of her delusion.

Q & A

Why does Nivin ask to borrow a phone in the beginning?

Nivin's car broke down, and his phone had no signal, so he needed to borrow a phone to contact a friend for help.

How does Simon react when Nivin mentions he has no phone?

Simon initially says he doesn't have a phone either, but later clarifies that Ivana has a phone, though he insists on continuing the game before Nivin can use it.

What game does Ivana propose, and what are the rules?

Ivana suggests playing 'Simon Says,' where each player gives commands starting with 'Simon Says.' If a player fails to complete the task, they face a punishment.

How does Nivin respond to the singing task in 'Simon Says'?

Nivin hesitates because he believes he is a terrible singer, but eventually sings a classic Indian song, despite his fears.

What does Ivana reveal about her social life during the game?

Ivana reveals that she has no other friends besides Simon, and she feels isolated because people think she is weird.

Why does Nivin choose a parrot when asked which animal he would like to be?

Nivin chooses a parrot because they are clever, can fly, and have a long lifespan, making them appealing to him.

What animal does Ivana want to be, and why?

Ivana wants to be a spider so she can make invisible webs to catch new friends, showing her desire for connection.

What is the significance of the phone in the script?

The phone plays a key role in the tension between Nivin and Simon. Nivin is desperate to call his family, but Simon insists on finishing the game first, leading to a power struggle.

How does the dynamic between Ivana and Simon evolve throughout the game?

As the game progresses, Ivana increasingly controls the situation, and Simon becomes more anxious about Nivin's insistence on leaving, eventually leading to a breakdown in trust and friendship.

What does Ivana's behavior reveal about her relationship with Simon?

Ivana's behavior suggests that she is deeply attached to Simon, believing him to be real and seeing him as a protector, though Simon is likely a figment of her imagination or a product of her isolation.