The Union

Written by Heidi McDonald

Warning – This review contains spoilers.

The Union is set in a war-torn world, where a young soldier, scarred by endless battle, stumbles upon a pair of siblings who have managed to carve out a hidden refuge on a lonely mountain. Quint, a protective brother, strives to shield his sister, Frances, from the horrors of the ongoing civil war. Their fragile peace is disrupted when they encounter the wounded soldier, who they take in and nurse back to health. However, as the war creeps closer to their isolated haven, they are forced to confront the brutal reality that there’s no true escape from the conflict. What follows is a tense, emotional journey, where survival depends not just on physical strength but on the battles fought within.

What really stood out to me about The Union is the depth of the characters. The relationship between Quint and Frances is both tender and tragic, with Quint’s protective nature clashing against the inevitability of the war finding them. The wounded soldier adds an extra layer of complexity, bringing his own trauma and fractured humanity into the story. The dynamic between the three characters is well-developed, and their motivations feel authentic and consistent throughout the screenplay. Watching the characters try to hold on to a shred of normalcy in a world shattered by violence is compelling, and I can see audiences connecting with their struggles, especially during a table read where the tension between the characters can be felt more intimately.

While the story is strong, there are areas where the screenplay could use some tightening. Certain scenes feel overly long, and the pacing would benefit from some trimming or the addition of scene breaks. This is particularly noticeable in some of the more introspective moments, where the action slows down. While these moments are important for character development, their length can sometimes detract from the overall momentum of the story. With a few tweaks, especially in the pacing, the screenplay could maintain its emotional weight without losing the audience’s attention.

On a technical level, The Union has a few issues with formatting, particularly with scene headings and time of day indicators. These elements are spaced inconsistently, which can be distracting for readers. However, the dialogue and action descriptions are well-written, and there are no major grammatical or spelling errors. The use of flashbacks is effective, adding depth to the characters’ backstories and enhancing the emotional impact of their present struggles. The screenplay does an excellent job of showing, not telling, which makes the story visually engaging. Despite the formatting issues, the script’s storytelling remains solid and delivers a clear, emotionally charged narrative.

The Union offers a powerful exploration of survival, war, and the cost of protecting loved ones. The stakes are high, and the characters’ emotional journeys are what drive the story forward. This screenplay has the potential to make a strong impression on producers and audiences alike.