Python Pursuit

WeScreenplay - August 29th, 2024 Analyst: SMDU1

PYTHON PURSUIT A conservationist stumbles into an illegal reptile import operation, putting himself and his loved ones at risk. Thriller Feature 90

WHAT WORKS? The writer has done a really good job integrating so many interesting facts about animals - especially reptiles - into this script in a really organic way. It's clear that they are not only knowledgeable about the subject, but really care about the animals they're writing about. Having that layer of realism and factual knowledge gives the script a sense of having something important to say, and makes the world feel all that more real to the reader and audience. I thought the writer might find a way to compliment the times that characters reveal information about animals by showing it - either as they say it, or paying it off later in the script. There may be a way to integrate Marina's social media/YouTube chanel into this in a fun and fresh/modern feeling way. There are some nice set-ups being paid off already in this early draft, too. The way Andrew is convinced that it's dog in the snake at the beginning being echoed in Cleo's death, and the whole bit around where everyone is from in Italy coming back into play in a meaningful way works well, too.

More coverage:

Coverage Report for "Python Pursuit" Screenplay

Logline

When a passionate environmental biologist discovers a mobster with an uncanny resemblance attempting to steal his identity and destroy his wildlife conservation organization, he must battle his doppelgänger in a deadly game where the line between predator and prey blurs.

Evaluation: RECOMMEND

Strengths

  • Engaging premise with a unique antagonist who physically resembles the protagonist

  • Strong environmental message that feels authentic rather than preachy

  • The added backstory between Roberto and Little Dom creates a richer, more personal conflict

  • The expanded fight scene at the tar pits provides a satisfying climax

  • Well-structured plot with clear stakes and escalating tension

  • Distinct and memorable characters with clear motivations

  • Strong dialogue with improved natural flow in the revised scenes

  • The moral complexity of Roberto's character adds depth

Areas for Development

  • Some narrative threads still could be expanded, such as Jason's character arc

  • The initial coincidence of the resemblance might need further explanation despite the "seven doppelgängers" reference

  • The speed of Roberto's recovery from the sedative during the final fight might need medical justification

  • Consider deeper exploration of Suzanne's professional ambitions beyond the Italy trip

"Python Pursuit" is a compelling thriller that skillfully weaves environmental themes with psychological cat-and-mouse dynamics. The personal vendetta between Roberto and Little Dom creates a unique doppelgänger story with high stakes. With its global settings, dynamic characters, and morally complex protagonist, this screenplay offers a fresh take on the environmental thriller genre that would appeal to audiences interested in both action and ethical questions. The script successfully balances genre thrills with meaningful themes about conservation, identity, and the true nature of predatory behavior.

Act Summaries

Act 1

Roberto Rossi, a dedicated environmental biologist who runs Earth Trust, investigates a python found in Beverly Hills suspected of swallowing a missing woman. His organization works to stop illegal exotic animal trafficking. After a fundraiser where Earth Trust's latest wildlife rescue mission fails (the animals died in transit), the wealthy and mysterious Little Dom makes a generous pledge to fund Roberto's work. Despite Roberto's initial suspicions, his fiancée Suzanne convinces him to accept the money and allow Little Dom to send them to Italy to help with his winery's marketing. What they don't realize is that Little Dom bears an uncanny resemblance to Roberto and is working with corrupt veterinarian Dr. Galve in an illegal exotic animal trafficking operation.

Act 2

The act opens with a revelatory scene showing Little Dom's personal vendetta against Roberto—as teenagers, Roberto (then named Robert Andino) made a documentary that exposed Little Dom's father's illegal wildlife collection, leading to his imprisonment and family disgrace. Now, Little Dom plans revenge by stealing Roberto's identity and transforming Earth Trust into a front for his trafficking operation. Meanwhile, Suzanne and Marina travel to Italy for what they believe is legitimate work at Little Dom's winery. Little Dom kidnaps Roberto, sedates him, and begins impersonating him through video calls with Suzanne. Marina, a native Italian, notices inconsistencies in "Roberto's" dialect and realizes the deception. Little Dom tests various methods to kill Roberto, including leaving him with a python and planning to drop him into the La Brea Tar Pits. Suzanne discovers Roberto's captivity and helps him devise an escape plan.

Act 3

At dawn, Little Dom takes Roberto to the La Brea Tar Pits to execute his plan. When Suzanne and Marina arrive to rescue Roberto, they disable Little Dom's henchmen while Roberto, regaining strength from the sedative, engages in a brutal hand-to-hand fight with Little Dom. The two men battle at the edge of the tar pit, with Roberto ultimately forcing Little Dom into the tar where he slowly sinks to his death. Roberto temporarily assumes Little Dom's identity to gather evidence against Dr. Galve, leading to the veterinarian's arrest by FBI agents. Roberto and Jason recover incriminating files from Little Dom's computer and take over Little Dom's exotic animal "zoo," working to rescue and rehabilitate the illegally obtained animals. Six months later, Roberto (with his beard regrown), Suzanne (now pregnant), Jason, and Marina are in Bhutan releasing rescued exotic animals into a wildlife sanctuary, having successfully reversed the illegal pet trade pipeline.

Save the Cat Beat Sheet Analysis

  1. Opening Image: A python with a suspicious bulge in an affluent Beverly Hills garden, symbolizing an invasive predator in a place it doesn't belong—foreshadowing the story's themes.

  2. Theme Stated: When Roberto says, "In our fight of good versus evil, humans tend to be the evil ones and animals are what we're saving," he establishes the theme of man as the true predator, more dangerous than any animal.

  3. Set-Up: We meet Roberto, the passionate environmentalist, his fiancée Suzanne who handles Earth Trust's administration, Marina the journalist who documents their work, and Dr. Galve, the corrupt veterinarian. We learn about the exotic pet trade problem and Earth Trust's mission.

  4. Catalyst: Little Dom offers his million-dollar pledge to Earth Trust after seeing Roberto's work on livestream.

  5. Debate: Roberto debates whether to accept Little Dom's money, questioning his motives but ultimately swayed by the organization's financial needs and Suzanne's encouragement.

  6. Break into Two: Suzanne and Marina travel to Italy while Roberto continues investigating animal smuggling, setting both storylines in motion.

  7. B Story: The romance between Roberto and Suzanne, culminating in his proposal before she leaves, provides emotional depth and raises personal stakes.

  8. Fun and Games: Little Dom's revelation about his history with Roberto and his meticulous identity theft preparations, followed by his kidnapping of Roberto and Suzanne and Marina's discoveries in Italy.

  9. Midpoint: Marina realizes "Roberto" on their video calls is actually Little Dom due to his Italian dialect mistakes—the truth is exposed, raising the stakes dramatically.

  10. Bad Guys Close In: Little Dom tries various methods to kill Roberto, tests sedatives on him, and prepares for his final plan at the La Brea Tar Pits, while Roberto grows weaker.

  11. All Is Lost: Roberto is sedated and seemingly helpless as Little Dom prepares to execute his plan, with the python failing to eat him and the tar pits as the last resort.

  12. Dark Night of the Soul: Suzanne discovers Roberto's captivity but must leave when Little Dom returns, leaving Roberto seemingly without hope.

  13. Break into Three: Suzanne and Marina devise a rescue plan while Roberto, using his knowledge of animal behavior and renewed determination, prepares to fight back.

  14. Finale: At the La Brea Tar Pits, Roberto engages in a brutal fight with Little Dom, ultimately causing him to sink into the tar while Suzanne and Marina disable his henchmen.

  15. Final Image: Roberto, with his beard regrown, and pregnant Suzanne release rehabilitated animals in Bhutan, symbolizing restoration of natural order and the couple's future together.

Selling Points

  1. Compelling Doppelgänger Premise: The personal vendetta between identical adversaries creates natural tension and explores questions of identity theft in a unique context.

  2. Environmental Conservation Theme: Timely and relevant focus on wildlife trafficking with factual information seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

  3. Rich Backstory and Personal Vendetta: The added backstory between Roberto and Little Dom creates a deeper, more psychological conflict beyond simple greed.

  4. International Settings: Beverly Hills, Italy, and Bhutan provide visual variety and global scale that elevate the story beyond a typical thriller.

  5. Dynamic Female Characters: Suzanne and Marina are active participants who drive the plot forward through their own investigative work and rescue efforts.

  6. Visceral Action Sequences: The expanded fight scene at the tar pits provides a satisfying physical confrontation that matches the psychological battle between the characters.

  7. Moral Complexity: Roberto's decision to let Little Dom die in the tar pit shows moral complexity in the protagonist, avoiding a simplistic good-versus-evil narrative.

Character List

  • Roberto Rossi (40s): Dedicated environmental biologist from Milan who runs Earth Trust. Originally documented wildlife trafficking as teenage Robert Andino before changing his name. Passionate, knowledgeable, principled but capable of moral compromise when pushed to extremes.

  • Suzanne Winters (40s): Roberto's fiancée who handles Earth Trust's administrative side. Smart, pragmatic, and resourceful. Questions her own accomplishments in Roberto's shadow but proves her worth during the crisis.

  • Marina (40s): Northern Italian journalist who documents Earth Trust's work. Her linguistic knowledge proves crucial in uncovering Little Dom's deception. Savvy, outspoken, and loyal.

  • Little Dom/Dominque Taranto (40s): Sophisticated mobster with a decades-long grudge against Roberto for destroying his father's reputation. Bears striking resemblance to Roberto. Calculating, ruthless, and obsessed with poetic justice.

  • Jason (30s): Roberto's dedicated assistant. Earnest, somewhat naive, but demonstrates growth throughout the story, eventually adopting some of Roberto's mannerisms.

  • Dr. Galve (50s): Corrupt veterinarian who assists Little Dom. Self-serving, unethical, and opportunistic, using his professional credentials for illegal activities.

  • Harry (70s): Exotic pet store owner involved in the illegal trade. Weathered, cynical, and opportunistic, but with a hidden soft spot for animals.

  • Katrina (50s): Winemaker at Little Dom's Italian vineyard. Professional, knowledgeable, and proud of her heritage. Provides exposition about the Taranto family history.