INNERCHILD
written by
Manuel Laabs
2023
DRAFT 1
FADE IN:
MONTAGE OF ''THE TALK''
A) EXT. TRAM STOP - DAY - A bunch of people are waiting for
the tram. A GUY WAITING (30) is looking unbothered.
ROME (V.O.)
The story so far: One day, the body
and the mind of all people finally
came to an agreement. Communication
about their own needs, wants,
issues became straightforward and
imminent.
The guy is suddenly having a fit, rubbing his eyes
and trying to see properly.
ROME (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Physically...
B) INT. HALLWAY IN FRONT OF A DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY - A line
of 6 people waiting in front of a doctor's office. 3 People
leave at once.
C) INT. BOSS OFFICE - DAY - A WOMAN WITH GLASSES is giving
her resignation letter to her boss.
WOMEN WITH GLASSES
I quit.
ROME (V.O.)
...as well as mentally.
D) INT. TINY DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY - A DOCTOR is handing a
bunch of forms to a PATIENT. The first page features a full
body silhouette of a cartoon person in a vitruvian man pose.
A question in bold letters next to it reads:
''WHERE IS THE TUMOR EXACTLY?
(VEIN PLAN DOWN BELOW)''
ROME (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The world adapted. Everything
became simpler.
E) EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - DAY - CU of a Bumper sticker on a
Car, depicting a happy cartoon family of two.
BUMPER STICKER
CHILD FREE SINCE "THE TALK"!
ROME (V.O.)
This has made a lot of people very
happy and been widely regarded as a
great move.
CUT TO:
1. INT. HOSPITAL - OPERATING ROOM - DAY
ROME OLIMAR (25) is a portrait-photographer who just lost the
ability to connect to herself. She feels unwell, and without
this connection her life is sprawling out of control.
Emilie is fully out, tube in her mouth and all, on a
operating table, yet her eyes are open like she is in terror.
SURGEON#1 and SURGEON ASSISTANT#1 are leaning over her
stomach. The surgeon readies himself to make an incision.
She starts HUMMING as the hand draws closer to her stomach.
In an interplay, the surgeon moves his hands away every time
the HUMMING intensifies. On the pinnacle of the HUMMING,
Rome jerks her upper body away.
SURGEON#1
That's that.
They stop the procedure and ready Rome for the recovery room.
CUT TO:
2. INT. HOSPITAL - PATIENTS ROOM - DAY
A standard hospital room for a number of people. Surgeon#1 is
sitting with Rome.
ROME
I mean, can't you check first? Run
it through the machines?
SURGEON#1
Machines, sure! Your body doesn't
want a procedure, Miss Olimar.
Clearly! You need to start taking
the real illness serious here, and
there was never a machine for
fixing that.
The surgeon takes a pen and some forms from nearby and starts
filling it out, turning his back to Rome. NURSE#1 tends to
Rome to check some vitals.
NURSE#1
Miss Olimiar; To be able to just
let your instinct have a go around
every corner must be exciting!
ROME
It's not.
NURSE#1
It's like a blank state then? oh,
how wonderful too.
ROME
Have you heard--?
SURGEON#1
Shh. Stop now. I have to follow up
all the paper work you trampled on
before.
NURSE#1
(mouths)
Awkward silence then.
Rome waves the hand of NURSE#1 away.
ROME
Thanks, I'll manage.
The surgeon turns to Rome again and hands her some
documents.
SURGEON#1
Make plans this time.
ROME
I am hurting, not a child.
SURGEON#1
You wish!
The surgeon picks out certain lines and follows them with
their finger so Rome can read along.
SURGEON#1 (CONT'D)
See? It actually never specifies
''child therapist'', but good luck
finding a regular one still in
business.
SURGEON#1 (CONT'D)
It will help, Miss Olimar. It's
natural for them.
Rome takes the forms.
ROME
Thanks, Surgeon.
SURGEON#1
Hey, that's why I became one.
CUT TO:
3. INT. ROME'S STUDIO - NIGHT
Rome is turning down the lights in the photo area of her
studio. A woman named SASHA (35) is standing aside with her
child BILLY (6) snuggled onto her and a picture of her
recently deceased husband, the father of the child in the
other.
Sasha is a struggling part-time jobber and very caring,
recently single parent. Her child is boy named Billy.
Billy looses the grip of his mum and goes explore the gadgets
in the room. Sasha stays close bye.
SASHA
He is autistic, and certain lights
are unnerving to him.
Sasha goes and grabs Billy again. Rome takes her camera out
and starts taking photos.
SASHA (CONT'D)
The rumors aren't true, by the way.
He can't read minds or whatever. He
barely can do it with himself. Goes
to a therapist just as the rest of
them.
ROME
Which one does he go to?
SASHA
Doctor Peele. Humpf-Street.
Rome looks at the pictures she made. Sasha & Billy wait
patiently, until Sasha breaks the silence.
SASHA (CONT'D)
Do you also have one at that age?
ROME
No, I have to go to one for myself.
Sasha is initially shocked by such an absurd statement and
can't hold back HEARTFULL LAUGHTER.
CUT TO:
4. INT. DINER - DAY
Rome sits opposite of Sasha & Billy. Billy is doodling on a
phone. SASHA & Rome COME OFF A LAUGH.
SASHA
That some People think it's like a
super power, that stings. To me, it
is a burden.
Rome is charmed and feels understood by Sasha. Sasha is
charmed by the apparent sympathy.
ROME
Right.
SASHA
Yeah.
Both share the moment.
SASHA (CONT'D)
How do you even approach a question
like: ''how are you doing?'' How is
it, you know, not having a picture
already painted?
ROME
I can't imagine that. I can't go
back somewhere in my memory tracing
my steps in that way I hear
described. Pure Chance. Can often
only go with instinct. I have
memory, you know. But I go into
something with the intention of
having a good time and come out
more hurting. And it hurts all the
time.
SASHA
You must be facing a giant mush.
ROME
Yeah. Talking helps. ''How'' is
okay, though. It's ''why'' and
''what'', ''what fo--
SASHA
''How'' do you feel about coming to
my place after this then?
Rome smiles. Sasha & Rome take a sip of their drink at the
same time. Billy notices, and rushes to take a sip too. That
makes Rome & Sasha LAUGH.
CUT TO:
5. INT. THERAPIST - WAITING ROOM - DAY
Rome sits around a waiting room that's full of children. The
seats are arranged in a circle.
Their are children in suits, children with bandages & casts,
and even a childless kid. Two children are quietly playing
with toys in the center.
CUT TO:
6. INT. THERAPIST - SESSION ROOM - DAY
Rome and Lisa sit across from each other in a therapist's
office.
THERAPIST SIMONE (50), is a therapist that practiced even
before ''the talk''. She is down to earth, but straight to
the point.
There is chocolate milk, a bunch of Lollipops, and a little
toy truck on a desk in front of them.
THERAPIST SIMONE
I was formerly trained in psycho-
therapy, but not for children. The
medical world swept this under the
rug for a lot of--
ROME
Conspiracy theories, ni--
THERAPIST SIMONE
They needed instructors for a bunch
of thought exercises, essentially,
not therapists. It's more training.
See, as a child our mind is a like
a giant magnet; Absorbing it through
the mouth into the belly where a
person sorts it into wisdom...
and poo... In child-friendly terms.
CUT TO:
7. INT. BELLY OF A HUMAN - DAY
A 10 YEAR OLD ROME is trapped in the humid, dark, overgrown
belly of a human. She is neck up into miscellaneous items of
all kinds, and is trying to stop things from falling on her
head, as they are DROPPING IN one at a time through a dark
tube over her head.
CUT BACK TO:
6. INT. THERAPIST - SESSION ROOM - DAY
THERAPIST SIMONE
It gets so crammed up that this
inner persona never grows beyond a
child, to save space. But the flow
won't stop. And things start coming
in a child can't figure out. The
outer persona, the adult, suffers.
These two, universally it seems,
came to an agreement on how the
issue is to handle. ''The talk''.
For people like you, there must be
a third person involved, an
unreliable messenger. That's the
theory, at least.
ROME
And what are we going to do about
it?
THERAPIST SIMONE
Kill that messenger.
SLAM TO:
8. EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
A desolated bronze age city lies beyond a gate guarded by TWO
ROMAN SOLDIERS. On the side of the sand path leading up to
it, Therapist Simone lies on one of two loungers in an robe.
Beside him is the 10-YEAR-OLD ROME, also dressed according to
the times. A tiny crossbow is leaning on Rome's lounger.
A THIRD PERSON (35), is jogging along the sand path, PANTING.
The third person, a common man, is trying to deliver a paper
scroll inside the city gate.
10-YEAR-OLD ROME
And how are we going to do that?
Therapist Simone opens up a notepad.
THERAPIST SIMONE
Well, tell me about your mother.
Rome looks around rather than answering. She notices the
tiny crossbow and is pointing it at THE THIRD PERSON. She
SHOOTS THE CROSSBOW, but is only hitting The Third Person in
the foot. He GRUNTS, and is holding his foot, stopping in his
tracks. But after accessing the damages, he quickly starts
going towards the gates unscathed.
CUT TO:
9. MONTAGE OF HOW ROME TRAINS & BONDS
A) EXT. INNER-CITY - DAY - Rome, Sasha & Billy are going about
their day holding hands. They give a person on the street
some money, who is having some run-down medical equipment
repurposed in their possession.
B) EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY - Therapist Simone is
giving 10-year-old Rome some tips while she is aiming at the
Third Person jogging along.
C) EXT. KEBAB PLACE - DAY - Rome, Sasha & Billy are having
some Kebab, but Rome & Billy are also trying not to get
caught stealing fries which Sasha is having.
D) INT. THERAPIST - SESSION ROOM - DAY - Rome & Therapist
Simone are sitting opposed to each other in silence. As Rome
is staring into the room thinking, Therapist Simone is
observing her.
E) EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY - The Third Person is
mocking 10-yearold Rome as he pull down his robe showing his
bare ass to her as he limps along the path to the city. A
stuck Arrow is visible on his leg.
F) EXT. ALLEY - DAY - Rome, Sasha & Billy are trying to trap
a stray kitten by using a makeshift trap with parts out of
repurposed medical equipment.
G) EXT. ICE CREAM PARLOR - DAY - Rome & Therapist Simone are
talking and having ice cream.
H) EXT. PARK - SUNDOWN - Rome, Sasha & Billy are having a
picknick, with their newfound cat on a leash there, too.
CUT TO:
10. INT. SASHA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Rome's head is resting in Sasha*s lap while they lay on a
couch, dazing. Billy comes in, holding his head out of
discomfort.
BILLY
Mum?
SASHA
Yeay, Billy, what's going on?
BILLY
My eyes and my head hurt. I have
trouble seeing.
Sasha & Rome sit up, half awake.
SASHA
You eyes? Maybe you need glasses
just now. It's normal, it happens.
BILLY
No, no. I think there's something
growing in my head.
SASHA
Oh my god!
Sasha goes to takes Billy in her arms. Rome get's up and
calls the ambulance.
CUT TO:
11. INT. HOSPITAL - EXAM ROOM - DAY
Billy is sitting at a table with SURGEON#2. Rome & Sasha are
sitting nearby. Sasha's legs are shaking.
SURGEON#2
You think you can tell us where
exactly the tumor is?
CUT TO:
12. EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
10-year-old Rome & Therapist Simone are having their usual
target practice with the Third Person. Rome is trying to aim
with her crossbow.
THERAPIST SIMONE
What is enraging you these days,
Miss Olimar?
10-year-old Rome is LETTING A ARROW GO by accident.
10-YEAR-OLD ROME
I hate people stopping me mid
sentence.
The Third Person is turning his head towards Rome, slowly
stopping in his tracks. Therapist Simone is noticing this.
10-YEAR-OLD ROME (CONT'D)
I hate when Sasha blames me for
problems I'm suggesting to fix.
CUT BACK TO:
11. INT. HOSPITAL - EXAM ROOM - DAY
Billy is still sitting at a table with Surgeon#2. Billy is
thinking about the question of the doctor. After a moment, he
turns his head to him.
BILLY
No.
SURGEON#2
Alright. We have capable people on
the job.
CUT TO:
13. INT. HOSPITAL - OPERATING ROOM - DAY
Billy is ready to be operated on by a TEAM OF MEDICAL
PERSONAL at his side. They are looking at a TAROT CARD
READER, who has a small table set up near Billy's head. She
lays the cards out.
CUT TO:
14. INT. HOSPITAL - PATIENTS ROOM - DAY
Rome & Sasha are arguing while Billy is being operated on.
Sasha is going up & down, while Rome is seated on the edge of
a nearby bed.
SASHA
I'M SUCH AN IMBECILE! HOW COULD I
BE SO FUCKING STUPID?!
ROME
It isn't your fault, Sasha!
SASHA
I AM THE GROWN UP HERE! AND I
CHOOSE THE EASIEST WAY OUT WITH
SUGGESTING IT'S PART OF HIS STUPID
AUTISM!
ROME
You came up with something! I
didn't think it was strange!
SASHA
GOD, HOW ARE YOU SO STUPID?!
CUT BACK TO:
13. INT. HOSPITAL - OPERATING ROOM - DAY
The Tarot Card Reader looks up from her cards to the doctors.
TAROT CARD READER
His inner child wants to see his
father.
CUT BACK TO:
12. EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
The Third Person slowly starts walking towards 10 year old
Rome. Instead of reloading, 10 year old Rome is breaking the
arrows beside her in half.
10-YEAR-OLD ROME
I'm not the first choice for anyone.
That never changes, that hurts.
CUT TO:
14. INT. ROME'S STUDIO - NIGHT
Rome is sitting alone in her studio, upright & uncomfortably.
Her phone is sitting beside her, the screen flashes because
of incoming messages, illuminating the room, but she doesn't
engage with it.
CUT BACK TO:
15. EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
The Third Persona is getting closer to 10 year old Rome.
Therapist Simone stands his ground, but doesn't intervene.
Rome BREAKS the last arrow.
10-YEAR-OLD ROME
I FUCKING HATE how strong I depend
on people's feelings about me.
10-year-old Rome is pulling chunks out of the gras.
10-YEAR-OLD ROME (CONT'D)
How is me pointing out my view--
The Third Man goes right into Rome's face.
CUT TO:
16. INT. THERAPIST - SESSION ROOM - DAY
Therapist Simone & Rome are having a session. Rome, full of
rage, is in the middle of the rant.
ROME
--on toxic things and how is theirs
part of my healing?
THERAPIST SIMONE
I think we have to end our session
here, I'm afraid, but you did good
today.
ROME
I did fucking good?
THERAPIST SIMONE
You were able to precisely tell me
what is enraging you, even though
you are in a stressful situation.
Most of the things you were angry
about were just day to day stuff.
You're getting there. Your brain is
loosing track of hostile terrain.
You've been there, no point in
hanging on to that map. Rome thinks
about that.
Therapist Simone gets up to welcome his next patient.
THERAPIST SIMONE (CONT'D)
Can't win therapy. Sometimes it's
just airing things out.
CUT TO:
17. EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
The Third Persona is jogging up the sand path. He is looking
for 10-year-old Rome & Therapist Simone, and stops in his
tracks once he doesn't see them anywhere.
CUT TO:
18. INT. HOSPITAL - PATIENTS ROOM - DAY
Sasha & Rome are waiting for Billy to come back from another
operation, and are sitting on the bed for said purpose. While
Sasha is pondering, Billy is doodleling something on a ripped
piece a printed out test result.
When Rome is done, she is tips Sasha's shoulders, after which
she is sliding the doodle across to her.
At the top of the doodle it reads: ''Apology Caress'', under
which there is a stick figure smiling, with comically large
drawn breast on the body with smileys as well. In the lower
corner it reads: ''3 squeezes, a bite, a twist''.
CUT BACK TO:
17. EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
On the horizon stands 10-year Rome, Rome, Sasha, Billy and
Therapist Simone in a straight line.
The Third Persona is looking at them.
The line of offense is starting to walk.
The Third Persona is searching for a weapon, but can't
find anything.
The line of offense is getting closer and closer.
10-year-old Rome is suddenly armed with the crossbow.
The Third Person takes off his sandals and throws them at
the group approaching.
The group is reaching The Third Persona.
The Third Persona is HITTING THE GROUND after being pushed.
Someone from the group is THRUSTING A ARROW into one of the
Third Personas legs while the rest BEATS HIM UP.
10-year-old Rome is lifting her leg up in the air to prepare
for a massive kick down the Third Persona's back.
The group is standing in triumph, thinking that they
have defeated the Third Persona, when they see a figure
coming from the horizon.
The Third persona is jogging through the crowd unfazed.
Everyone keeps at ease.
ROME (V.O.)
I was looking for a cure, but you
never were implying of providing
me one. The symptomatic treatment
is great, but I have a harder time
adjusting to a never-ending fight.
I'm still looking for a cure.
It's hard to internalize, but I
am making progress. Yet, there is
no winning.
CUT TO:
19. INT. THERAPIST - SESSION ROOM - DAY
Rome is having a session with Therapist Simone.
THERAPIST SIMONE
Now I know I said you can't win
therapy, but nobody said you can't
have fun. It will take a while either
way.
Therapist Simone is picking up a suitcase from the ground
and is presenting its content to Rome. It's mix between a
Gatling gun and a crossbow.
CUT TO:
20 EXT. ROME - OUTER CITY GATE - DAY
Rome and 10-year-old Rome are gleefully chasing the Third
Persona with the mix of gatling gun & crossbow.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END