Screenplay
The Red Arrow
Written by Mark Rodney, Ronald Wenick, Anat Golan
Warning – This review contains spoilers
The Red Arrow takes you through the tumultuous life of a talented musician and con artist Red Rodney whose questionable decisions blur the lines between his art, personal life, and criminal undertakings. Set against the glamorous yet gritty backdrop of 1960s Las Vegas, this story manages to feel both expansive and intimate, offering a whirlwind of musical highs, personal lows, and a gripping father-son dynamic that keeps the emotional stakes high throughout.
I found the structure of the screenplay to be fascinating in how it layers Red’s backstory with the events leading up to his eventual arrest. As Red lies unconscious in a hospital bed after being brutally beaten by Officer Albright, the screenplay shifts into a series of flashbacks, unraveling the decisions and deceptions that led him to that moment. From Red’s early days as a young musician playing with the likes of Charlie Parker, to his spiraling descent into drug addiction and criminal schemes, the story flows naturally. The father-son relationship between Red and Mark is at the emotional heart of the screenplay, and though Red’s character development takes time to fully reveal itself, it’s ultimately satisfying when he decides to take responsibility for his actions.
One thing I appreciated was the pacing of The Red Arrow. While the script is packed with action—from heists to impersonations and run-ins with the Mafia—the quieter moments, like Red’s few strained interactions with his son, provide necessary breathing room. These scenes effectively ground the story in emotional truth, even as the larger-than-life scams and Vegas nightlife take center stage. Red’s interactions with his ex-wife Norma and his new romantic interest, June, add further layers of tension and conflict highlighting the ways his personal and professional lives are constantly at odds.
The Red Arrow is well-written, though there are a minor formatting issues that took me out of the story for a moment. Specifically the transitions between flashbacks and present-day moments could benefit from clearer headings to guide the reader. However the dialogue is sharp and well-suited to each character, capturing the era and the unique personality of Red as both a smooth-talking con artist and a man haunted by his failures. The balance of humor and drama works well particularly in the scenes involving Red’s musical performances with Sammy Davis Jr., which offer a brief respite from the darker elements of his life.
The screenplay is rich in its portrayal of Las Vegas during a time when both the music industry and organized crime were at their peak. The world-building feels authentic with the inclusion of real-life figures like Howard Hughes and Sonny Liston adding a layer of historical intrigue. The Red Arrow is not just a story about a man’s mistakes; it’s also a commentary on the pressures of fame, the cost of ambition, and the price one pays for trying to outrun their past. That said, I think the ending, where Red faces the difficult decision between saving his own life or returning to save his son, is where the screenplay shines the brightest. The moral dilemma felt earned, and it added a level of depth to Red’s character arc that made his final choice feel impactful.
The Red Arrow tackles fatherhood, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions, and these elements resonate strongly throughout the screenplay. Red’s journey is not just about escaping the law; it’s about coming to terms with the ways he’s failed as a father and trying to make things right, even if it’s too little, too late. Watching him evolve from a man solely focused on his own desires to someone willing to sacrifice for his son adds a much-needed emotional depth to the chaotic world of cons and crime that surrounds him.
I believe audiences would enjoy this screenplay during a table read. It’s got everything you could want in a biopic—drama, suspense, humor, and heart. The musical elements provide a fun, rhythmic contrast to the darker moments, and the story keeps you guessing, especially as Red’s deceptions grow larger and more dangerous. The Red Arrow is a compelling look at one man’s attempts to reconcile his talent with his flaws and make amends with the people he’s hurt along the way.
Screenplay
Waiting for You
Written by Zachary Blaine Maxfield
Warning – This review contains spoilers
Waiting for You tells a captivating story about two LDS Sister Missionaries who find themselves caught in a whirlwind of danger when they get involved with a retired drug dealer. The trio makes a series of unfortunate, deadly mistakes that force them to work together, even though they come from drastically different worlds. The story unfolds with a gripping sense of desperation, and the high stakes keep the tension alive throughout. I found the script to be well-structured, with each setback escalating the intensity and making the characters’ struggles feel palpable. Audiences who enjoy thrillers with strong action and suspense would be drawn into this story, especially during a table read.
I can see that the writer, Zachary Blaine Maxfield, did a great job of weaving in the moral dilemmas faced by the missionaries and how their faith influences their actions. The flashbacks provide essential context, though they might be a bit confusing for viewers not familiar with LDS practices. That said, they add a deeper layer to the narrative and help explain the characters’ motivations. The dialogue feels natural, and each of the main characters has a clear voice that sets them apart.
From a technical standpoint, the formatting is solid, and I appreciate how the scenes are described with just the right amount of detail to guide the reader’s imagination. Everything flowed smoothly, and the pacing felt tight and engaging.
I think Waiting for You offers a compelling narrative with a unique blend of religious themes and crime elements. It’s a well-written script that I believe would resonate with audiences looking for an intense, character-driven thriller.
Drama
A Convincing Illusion
Written by Marlon Gonzalez
Warning – This review may contain spoilers.
A Convincing Illusion tells the story of Viggo Rossi, a man whose life spirals out of control after he’s diagnosed with HIV. As Viggo grapples with the emotional and physical challenges of the disease, he’s forced to reveal the truth to his fiancée, Bella, which sparks a deep conflict in their relationship. Bella, conflicted by feelings of betrayal, must decide whether she can stand by Viggo despite the infidelity that led to his diagnosis. The screenplay explores the emotional toll of illness, guilt, and love, and questions whether a relationship can survive such immense strain.
The story presents a strong, relatable core, addressing infidelity and the complexities of love under pressure. Viggo’s internal struggle, along with Bella’s reaction to the news, sets up a tense dynamic that drives the narrative. However, I found Bella’s motivations unclear. Her decision to stay with Viggo, despite the betrayal, lacks the emotional depth that could have made her choices feel more compelling. Their relationship feels underdeveloped, which makes it hard to fully connect with her struggle. The stakes are high, but without a more profound understanding of why Bella remains, the emotional impact is somewhat diminished. While the screenplay deals with difficult themes effectively, the relationship at the center of the story needs further exploration to resonate fully with the audience.
The screenplay is generally well-constructed but has a few noticeable issues. There are some spelling and punctuation errors scattered throughout, particularly in the dialogue. Additionally, there are moments where flashbacks are introduced without clear transitions, causing confusion. These issues could easily be addressed, but they did pull me out of the narrative at times. The dialogue itself is mostly strong and moves the story forward, though the voices of the characters occasionally blend together. For instance, both Viggo and Bella use similar phrasing, which weakens their individual characterizations. There are also minor formatting problems, such as missing verbs, but nothing that significantly detracts from the overall readability.
The pacing of the screenplay is solid, and the conflict between Viggo and Bella unfolds naturally. However, I found myself wanting more from Bella’s perspective, especially in her interactions with her family, which could have provided more insight into her internal conflict. While the plot is compelling, the lack of a deeper emotional bond between the two leads made some of the story’s most important moments feel less impactful. If the backstory of their relationship were expanded upon, the audience could better understand the reasons behind Bella’s choices, making her arc more believable and engaging.
A Convincing Illusion has the potential to be a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story about love, betrayal, and the impact of illness on relationships. I think it would be well-received during a table read, especially if the core relationship is given more depth.
Horror
Documented
Written by Brandon Young
Warning – This review may contain spoilers.
Documented follows the disturbing story of a father-son duo, Ted and Cole, who have spent years as serial killers, with Cole documenting their crimes through his camera. Known as “The Butcher,” the pair’s reign of terror spans the 70s and 80s. As Cole grows older, the central conflict arises—his desire for independence comes into direct conflict with his father’s need to keep their twisted partnership intact. The camera, which Cole uses to capture their gruesome exploits, becomes a key symbol of control, documenting not only their crimes but the evolving power struggle between father and son. The theme of generational trauma runs deep, and the psychological tension is palpable as Cole begins to question his future in the shadow of his father’s influence.
I found the concept of Documented fascinating, especially how it explores the darker sides of family loyalty and control. The relationship between Ted and Cole is at the heart of the story, and their conflict drives much of the tension. However, it’s hard to feel a true emotional connection to either character, given their psychopathic tendencies. While I appreciated the unique take on a father-son serial killer team, the script lacks that emotional depth that might make the audience care more about Cole’s internal conflict. The subplot involving Cole’s relationship with Amber had the potential to bring some complexity to his character but ended up feeling underdeveloped, which weakened the emotional impact.
I thought the screenplay was well-formatted overall, with few issues when it came to grammar, spelling, or punctuation. That said, the heavy focus on camera angles and placement really pulled me out of the narrative at times. I understand that the camera plays a big role in the story, almost becoming a character itself, but it felt a bit too directive. I found myself distracted by the overuse of camera descriptions, which detracted from the scenes rather than adding to them.
The story’s pacing felt solid for the most part, though there were moments where I wanted to know more about the backstory between Ted and Cole. Understanding more about how Cole got to this point—being raised by a serial killer—would have made his character arc even more compelling. I also felt that more could be done to develop the generational trauma theme. There are hints at Ted’s past and the violent legacy passed down, but expanding on that would give the story more emotional weight.
I think Documented is a gripping horror story with a unique angle. It’s a bold concept and I can see it working well during a table read, especially for audiences who are drawn to psychological horror and family conflict.
