Chapter Text
INT. TAISSA’S OFFICE - DAY, 2001
TAISSA TURNER (42, DARK SKINNED, DARK HAIRED, effortlessly sophisticated, an Eleanor Roosevelt-type) sits in a leather chair behind her mahogany desk. She smokes a CIGARETTE and sips from a tumbler of WHISKY. Her stare is contemplative.
She wears a POLITICAL BUTTON that reads: VOTE TAISSA TURNER FOR STATE SENATOR.
TAISSA
Are we ready?
SUDDENLY, this stare becomes focused. The cigarette is STUBBED OUT, the whisky drank in a DEEP SWIG. Both are hidden from view under the desk. Taissa smiles, a polished politician.
TAISSA
Everyone has their own story of what they think happened to the Yellowjackets. But the truth is, nothing really happened out there.
EXT. WILDERNESS, CRASH SITE - DAY, 1975
Taissa’s narration becomes VOICEOVER. We see the YELLOWJACKETS gathered around the PLANE CRASH, all holding hands. It is PEACEFUL, WHOLESOME. There are FIFTEEN teenage girls, a YOUNG BOY (CODY), and TWO adults (COACH SCOTT and CAT WHEELER).
TAISSA (voiceover)
Seven of us survived the crash, and then we all survived the woods. Every day was the same. People like to think it was more exciting than it was.
RAPID CUTS of FLASHBACK. TEEN TAISSA kissing TEEN VAN. CODY being PINNED to the WALL by a DARK HAIRED GIRL. COACH SCOTT covered in BLOOD. TEEN MISTY being PUNCHED. TEEN SHAUNA looking to the sky and SCREAMING.
TAISSA (vo)
We ate berries, and mushrooms, and whatever vegetables we could find. Occasionally we managed to kill an animal.
TEEN SHAUNA holds up an ARM wearing a YELLOWJACKETS varsity jacket, the BODY COOKED over a fire pit. She BITES into the flesh.
TAISSA (vo)
People like to make up stories of what we did out there…
A DARK HAIRED GIRL in a WHITE DRESS runs through the forest. ANIMALISTIC CHANTING can be heard all around her. She falls into a PIT.
As the camera PANS OVERHEAD, we see she is IMPALED by SPIKES. We also notice, though her face is OBSCURED, a HEART PENDANT NECKLACE around her neck.
INT. TAISSA’S OFFICE - DAY, 2001
TAISSA
But this is the true story of the Dearborn Yellowjackets.
CUT TO BLACK. THEN:
TITLE CARD - WILD THINGS: REMEMBERING THE DEARBORN YELLOWJACKETS
INT. NAT’S TRAILER - DAY, 2001
NATALIE SCATORCCIO, 43, sits on an OLD COUCH in a TRAILER, SMOKING a CIGARETTE. Unlike Taissa, she does not put it out, but holds it and smokes during her interview. She looks, simply, like the kind of person who is always smoking a cigarette.
NATALIE
(pointing)
This camera here? Welcome to the true story of the Dearborn Yellowjackets.
(then; cracking up)
Too dramatic?
PRODUCER (off screen)
You’re fine. Just do whatever feels natural.
NATALIE
You really got all of us back together for this?
PRODUCER (os)
Five of you, so far.
NATALIE
Who were the two hold outs?
PRODUCER (os)
We can’t tell you that.
NATALIE
Can’t, or won’t? More drama if I don’t know who’s contradicting me?
PRODUCER (os)
Why would anybody contradict you? Haven’t you all stuck to the same story until now?
NATALIE
That’s easy when we’re all telling the truth.
PRODUCER (os)
Are you?
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS, NIGHT - 1975
TEEN NATALIE is SOBBING uncontrollably.
INT. NAT’S TRAILER, DAY - 2001
NATALIE STARES off into the distance.
PRODUCER (os)
Natalie?
NATALIE
I guess everyone has their version of the truth.
PRODUCER (os)
Why don’t we start at the beginning, before the crash?
NATALIE
Now that was boring.
EXT. DEARBORN HIGH, BACK WALL - MORNING, 1975
TEEN NATALIE leans on a wall SMOKING A JOINT. She’s 18, BOTTLE BLONDE, and cool, but she knows it, so maybe that makes her a little less cool. A TEEN BOY, KEVYN, is with her. 17, TALL, GOTH, OUTCAST.
KEVYN
Come on, none of them?
TEEN NATALIE
I don’t think so. Why do you care anyway?
KEVYN
Because it’s hot.
KEVYN holds TWO FINGERS to his lips and LICKS between them provocatively.
TEEN NATALIE
You’re gross.
KEVYN
I thought all girl jocks were dykes.
TEEN NATALIE
Really? You think little miss Barbie Jackie Heller is a lesbian? Or Mari and her six boyfriends?
KEVYN
Maybe not those, but some of them have gotta be, right?
TEEN NATALIE
I don’t know. I don’t give a shit.
KEVYN
Is that why you never want to hang out with me anymore? Because you’re in the lesbian cult?
TEEN NATALIE
Fuck off, Kev.
Natalie grinds her JOINT underfoot, FLIPS the BIRD, then storms off.
KEVYN
(shouting after her)
If you cheat on me in the locker room, film it!
EXT. DEARBORN HIGH, ENTRANCE STEPS - MORNING, 1975
NATALIE continues walking into DEARBORN HIGH itself. She passes crowds of teenagers. ROBIN, with MARI, both 16, DARK-HAIRED, prom queen wannabes, plus ALLIE, 14, BROWN-HAIRED, more plain, younger, offers a FRIENDLY WAVE. Natalie gives a HALF-HEARTED, slightly MEAN-SPIRITED wave back.
TEEN ROBIN
(to Mari)
What’s her problem?
TEEN MARI
Probably wasted. Or hungover. Or both.
WE FOLLOW Nat as she goes up the steps, then the camera PANS to a nearby table. VANESSA ‘VAN’ EIKEN, 18, RED-HEAD, freckles, dorky sits behind a DUNGEON MASTER screen. YUMI HEINEKEN, 18, DARK-HAIRED, Japanese, serious, and TWO DORKY GIRLS sit across from Van with SHEETS OF PAPER.
TEEN YUMI
So how does it work?
TEEN VAN
Well, you make up your own story. You can basically do anything you want.
TEEN YUMI
Okay. I kill everybody.
TEEN VAN
That’s not how it works.
DORKY GIRL #1 giggles. Yumi shoots her a death stare. The giggles stop.
TEEN VAN
Think of it as collaborative storytelling. We all work together for the best outcome. And, yes, sometimes we kill things. It’s for the greater good. It’s for survival.
TEEN YUMI
What if I just want to kill something?
TEEN VAN
Well, you’ll get your chance to do that too, I guess. For now, just make your character. What do you want to be?
TEEN YUMI
What are my choices?
Van is NO LONGER LISTENING. TAISSA walks past, slightly HUNCHED over. 17 and a LARGE girl, she is very different from the SOPHISTICATED, CONTROLLED Taissa of 2001. Here she is SHY, slightly NERVOUS as she walks through the crowd alone.
ASSHOLE TEEN
(to Taissa)
What’s Wenders’ cum face look like, Tai?
TEEN YUMI
(snapping her fingers in Van’s face)
Hello?
TEEN VAN
(coming around)
Right. Sorry. Maybe be an elf?
INT. VAN’S VIDEO STORE, BACK OFFICE - DAY, 2001
VAN, 43, is sat behind a CRAMPED DESK covered in MOVIE MERCH. There are SHELVES of VHS TAPES behind her. Her FACE is BADLY SCARRED, with OLD WOUNDS. Her easy going nature masks a tired soul.
VAN
We can take breaks when we want to, right?
PRODUCER (off screen)
Of course. Whenever you need to.
VAN
And what, you ask questions and I just answer them?
PRODUCER (os)
Most of the time. But if you want to talk about something, just talk.
VAN
Like what?
PRODUCER (os)
Let’s talk about the Yellowjackets. Being on the team meant a lot to you, didn’t it?
VAN
Being a Yellowjacket was the best thing in the world to me. You know, until it wasn’t.
EXT. DEARBORN SOCCER FIELD - DAY, 1975
The YELLOWJACKETS are playing the WOLVES in a soccer game. The SCOREBOARD shows the game is tied at 0-0, with TEN MINUTES LEFT. It is the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL.
COACH BENJAMIN SCOTT (32, handsome, clean cut, athletic) and COACH BILL WENDERS (47, more nebbish, entirely unathletic) watch from the sidelines. MISTY QUIGLEY (17, unpopular, nerdy, frizzy-haired BLONDE) stands near them, proudly wearing a JACKET that reads EQUIPMENT MANAGER.
The BALL breaks to VAN. She RUNS with it awkwardly, never fully in control. A WOLF PLAYER suddenly BARGES her off the ball. From the turf, she watches as TAISSA chases the WOLF and SHOVES her with her shoulder so hard she tumbles over. Taissa plays the ball to LOTTIE CRESPO (18, DARK SKINNED, buttoned-up perfect).
COACH SCOTT
Alright Turner! Good hustle!
COACH WENDERS
That’s what I like to see. Eiken! Get your head out of your ass!
Taissa jogs over to Van and extends her arm. Van gratefully takes it.
TEEN TAISSA
You okay?
TEEN VAN
Yeah. Thanks.
LOTTIE runs with the ball ELEGANTLY. She is in perfect control, a born athlete. She passes to NATALIE, whose running is more eccentric, and full of TRICKS. A born rebel, this also applies to her soccer abilities.
Natalie flicks the ball to ALLIE, who tries to TRAP the ball but loses it. Again, Taissa recovers the ball.
COACH WENDERS
Yes, Turner!
It is becoming clear that COACH WENDERS has a favorite. Taissa shoots, but the ball is SAVED.
JACKIE HELLER, 18, a BEAUTIFUL BLONDE prom queen type in the CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND looks at Taissa and THROWS her ARMS up, as if to suggest Taissa should have passed.
COACH WENDERS
Find the space, Jackie!
The BALL is kicked upfield by the WOLF GOALKEEPER. Van jumps to HEADER it, but misses it completely. As it bounces, a WOLF PLAYER controls it and runs past LAURA LEE (18, plain, BLONDE, wearing a visible CRUCIFIX, irritatingly steadfast).
She SHOOTS, and the BALL is SAVED by GOALKEEPER SHAUNA SHERIDAN, a quietly disillusioned 18 year old girl with DARK HAIR.
SHAUNA’S POV
HOLDING the BALL, Shauna has plenty of options. LOTTIE is close and in space. NATALIE and MARI are both out wide. TAISSA is in the middle of the field. VAN is SCREAMING and POINTING at Taissa.
Shauna only has eyes for one. Upfield, marked by TWO PLAYERS, JACKIE raises her hand. Shauna takes a DEEP BREATH and KICKS the ball as hard as she can.
It soars upfield, over Nat, Lottie, Mari, and Taissa, all the way to Jackie. She pushes one PLAYER aside, and knocks the BALL past the OTHER.
Turning, Jackie hits the ball cleanly with her instep, and it FLIES into the back of the net.
The SCOREBOARD changes to 1-0, with only THREE MINUTES LEFT.
Jackie SQUEALS and runs the length of the field to CELEBRATE with SHAUNA. Several other players race over and JOIN the HUG.
Van meanwhile jumps on the back of the nearest player, who happens to be Taissa. They both SCREAM with JOY, as YUMI joins them.
TEEN VAN
State Champions! We’re going to fucking Nationals!
ROBIN and Mari both run and HUG Coach Scott, who LAUGHS and wraps his arms around them. Coach Wenders watches, UNIMPRESSED.
INT. VAN’S VIDEO STORE, BACK OFFICE - DAY, 2001
PRODUCER (os)
You can still remember every play?
VAN
Of every game.
PRODUCER (os)
And Jackie scored the goal that took you to Nationals.
VAN
Who else?
PRODUCER (os)
Jackie was your captain. Can you tell us more about her?
VAN
I can. But if you really want to know about Jackie, you should ask Shauna.
INT. SHAUNA’S HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY, 2001
SHAUNA, 43, sits on the SOFA in her TYPICAL SUBURBAN HOME with husband JEFF, 43. She is a TYPICAL SUBURBAN MOM and he a TYPICAL SUBURBAN DAD. They are so typical that it is UNNERVING, possibly even to themselves.
Jeff smiles into the CAMERA, positively BEAMING. Shauna is far more NERVOUS.
SHAUNA
So how do I start?
PRODUCER (off screen)
However you want to.
Shauna takes a DEEP BREATH. The SMILE has not left Jeff’s face.
SHAUNA
Hello. I’m Shauna Sadecki, but people know me better as Shauna Sheridan, one of the survivors of the Dearborn Yellowjackets plane crash.
JEFF
And I’m Jeff Sadecki. I was never in a plane crash, I’m just here for moral support.
One of Jeff’s defining traits is a need to be liked by everyone. His wife finds it one of the least likeable things about him.
PRODUCER (os)
One of seven survivors, correct?
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT, 1975/1976
A GROUP of at least TEN are gathered around a FIRE wearing ANIMALISTIC FURS. All faces are covered. One sits in the middle, wearing ANTLERS on their HEAD and STRIPS OF HAIR attached to their SHAWL.
A WOODEN PLATE of MEAT is offered to this ANTLER QUEEN.
INT. SHAUNA’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY, 2001
SHAUNA
That’s right.
PRODUCER (os)
Why don’t we talk about Jackie?
JEFF
Why are you asking about Jackie?
SHAUNA
Jeff…
JEFF
Sorry, just there were a lot of people in that crash.
PRODUCER (os)
We want to talk about everyone. But Jackie was the captain. And she was your best friend, wasn’t she, Shauna?
SHAUNA
(nodding)
Jax and I did everything together.
INT./EXT. TEEN SHAUNA’S CAR/TEEN JACKIE’S HOME - DAY, 1975
TEEN SHAUNA sits in her WORN OUT CAR, looking at JACKIE’S HOUSE. It is a house built with new money, but plenty of it. Jackie is clearly from a well to do family, a life of privilege and luxury that Shauna’s car does not belong to.
Shauna impatiently TAPS the STEERING WHEEL. After a beat or two, she SLAMS the HORN.
INT. TEEN JACKIE’S BEDROOM - DAY, 1975
The HORN can be heard through the WINDOW. JACKIE’S BEDROOM is that of a PROM QUEEN, with MAKE-UP, POPSTAR POSTERS, DIRTY CLOTHES, NOTEBOOKS, VINYL RECORDS, and other TEENAGE PARAPHERNALIA strewn across the floor. Most of the room is PINK.
In BED, JACKIE lies half naked with JEFF, 18, who smirks with his try hard rebel good looks.
TEEN JEFF
You’re so hot, babe.
Jeff GROPES at Jackie’s CHEST. She pushes his HAND down, but accidentally pushes it to her…
TEEN JEFF
So fucking hot…
TEEN JACKIE
No, Jeff, I…
TEEN JEFF
Come on, babe.
Jeff DOESN’T STOP, and Jackie LETS HIM CONTINUE. His face buried in her neck while his hand THRUSTS AWKWARDLY, he cannot see what we can - Jackie is NOT ENJOYING this.
Jackie wiggles back and forth, clearly UNCOMFORTABLE. As Jeff’s breathing quickens, Jackie only sees one way out. We get the sense she has used this escape route before. She FAKES it.
TEEN JACKIE
(moans)
TEEN JEFF
(grinning at his handiwork)
Calm down, babe. You’re always so fast.
TEEN JACKIE
You’re just good at it, I guess.
TEEN JEFF
You wanna do me this time?
He PULLS her HAND down to his BOXER SHORTS. She instinctively YANKS it away.
TEEN JEFF
What’s wrong, baby?
The HORN, longer now, sounds AGAIN.
JACKIE’S MOM
(shouting from downstairs)
Jackie! Tell your friend to knock it off!
TEEN JACKIE
You’ve gotta go!
INT./EXT. TEEN SHAUNA’S CAR/TEEN JACKIE’S HOME - DAY, 1975
SHAUNA watches JEFF, HALF-NAKED, climb down the TRELLIS outside JACKIE’S BEDROOM. He sees her and WAVES, before continuing to run off screen.
Shauna reaches into her BAG and begins to WRITE in her JOURNAL.
INT. TEEN JACKIE’S BATHROOM - DAY, 1975
JACKIE BRUSHES her teeth and SPITS into the sink. She pins her HAIR back and starts to do her MAKE UP. Most of the room is GREEN.
A HEART PENDANT NECKLACE dangles around her NECK. Jackie THUMBS it thoughtfully, twisting it gently.
INT. SHAUNA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT, 1990s
SHAUNA and JEFF, married as ADULTS, lie in BED. Jeff is ON TOP, ROCKING back and forth. We see a familiar sight. Shauna is NOT ENJOYING this.
The rocking SPEEDS UP, but DISAPPOINTED CONFUSION is Shauna’s chief emotion. Then, just like her best friend did all those years ago, she FAKES it.
SHAUNA
(moans)
INT./EXT. TEEN SHAUNA’S CAR/TEEN JACKIE’S HOME - DAY, 1975
Now fully dressed, make up PERFECT, hair PERFECT, everything PERFECT, Jackie walks over to the car and SMILES, so much wider than anything we saw from her in the BEDROOM.
Jackie gets in the car and Shauna DRIVES AWAY.
TEEN JACKIE
You keep honking that horn and my mom’s gonna make a noise complaint to city hall.
TEEN SHAUNA
I only do it when you’re late.
TEEN JACKIE
I was just a little busy this morning, it’s not like we’re gonna miss class.
TEEN SHAUNA
Yeah, I saw.
TEEN JACKIE
Jeff’s not that bad.
TEEN SHAUNA
Can we not talk about Sadickhead today for once?
TEEN JACKIE
Jeez. Sorry. Fine, what do you want to talk about?
A beat, and Shauna almost gets a word in edgewise.
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
Oh! I know! I picked out our color scheme for Rutgers.
TEEN SHAUNA
Yeah?
TEEN JACKIE
Pink and green. It’s a little bit of you, and a little bit of me.
College is the one thing Shauna wants to talk about even less than Jeff. So, with no other option-
TEEN SHAUNA
I thought you and Jeff were breaking up.
TEEN JACKIE
I just don’t want to show up to college a virgin, you know? No offense.
TEEN SHAUNA
Have you…?
TEEN JACKIE
Not yet. After Nationals. Then we’ll break up. But y’know, we’ll be each others’ firsts. It’s romantic. We’ll be linked then, forever.
TEEN SHAUNA
Is Jeff a virgin?
TEEN JACKIE
Well, yeah. He’s only ever been with me.
TEEN SHAUNA
What about all the times you broke up?
TEEN JACKIE
It was never long enough to count.
(then; looking through the window)
What’s this bullshit?
INT./EXT. TEEN SHAUNA’S CAR/MURIEL’S SUBS - DRIVING, CONT. 1975
Jackie rolls down the window as they approach MURIEL’S SUBS AND PIZZA. Glaring at the ROADSIDE MARQUEE: “We’re proud of our Boys Varsity Baseball. GO JACKETS!!”
Jackie scoffs.
TEEN JACKIE
Those assholes were under .500 all season. Just because they’re crummy boys the town fucking loves them.
TEEN SHAUNA
Isn’t Jeff one of those boys?
TEEN JACKIE
Shauna, honk at that thing!
TEEN SHAUNA
Why?
Reaching across Shauna to do it herself-
TEEN JACKIE
(grinning)
So they know they’re bullshit.
Shauna laughs as Jackie lays on the HORN.
TEEN SHAUNA
They’re just going to think you’re like, saluting mediocre baseball.
TEEN JACKIE
Oh, they’ll know. Here, take over.
Jackie rolls down the window. LEANING out as they drive by -
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
Try undefeated, bitches! We’re going to motherfucking NATIONALS!
Off the girls’ laughter, the HONKING of the car -
INT. VAN’S STORE - DAY, 2001
A TOY REPLICA of the BACK TO THE FUTURE CAR on Van’s desk. She SWIPES her hand over it, letting it roll across the desk.
VAN
I used to have a car just like this. Absolute piece of shit. Don’t buy a car because it was in a movie, kids. If you learn one thing from this documentary, let it be that.
PRODUCER (os)
While you were missing, everyone called you the Yellowjackets Girls. But there was a boy, too.
VAN
Cody. Coach Wenders’ son.
PRODUCER (os)
What was he like?
VAN
He was just a regular kid.
EXT. DEARBORN SOCCER FIELD - DAY, 1975
CODY, 13, boyishly charming but still in his shell, watches the unfolding soccer game and SCRATCHES at his neck.
TEEN VAN
Jackie! Tai’s open!
JACKIE runs with the ball and passes to TAISSA, who rolls it to MARI.
Her swing at the ball is an AIRSHOT.
COACH SCOTT
Next time, Mari!
The OPPOSITION TEAM clear the ball UPFIELD, where LAURA LEE headers it back to SHAUNA, who picks the ball up.
Suddenly, Cody is paying attention. We realise that the boy may have a harmless crush on Shauna.
Shauna THROWS the ball, but Cody’s eyes never leave Shauna.
Turns out, this is a dangerous fixation for Cody to have. He SCRATCHES at his neck again, staring at our Yellowjackets goalie. Cody WANDERS onto the field, where TAISSA crashes into him.
COACH WENDERS
Cody! Get out the damn way!
Play continues, and the ball breaks to Mari. She SHOOTS, the ball going wide, much to the annoyance of NATALIE and Jackie, who stand nearby.
COACH SCOTT
Nice work, Mari!
TAISSA
(holding out her hand)
Sorry about that, kid.
Cody takes Taissa’s hand and gets up. He immediately LOOKS to Shauna, fearing she is laughing at him. She has not even noticed.
For the third time, Cody SCRATCHES at the back of his head, and we are realising this is something of a nervous tic.
INT. TAISSA’S OFFICE - DAY, 2001
TAISSA is still at her desk, as professional as ever. She takes the WHISKY from under her DESK, SIPS it, and HIDES it again.
PRODUCER (os)
One of the big stories when you guys were out there was the Lucky Angel.
TAISSA
(chuckling)
Yeah, I heard about that.
PRODUCER (os)
What can you tell us about her?
TAISSA
There’s not much to say. A girl got injured, she didn’t get on the plane. She was lucky.
PRODUCER (os)
‘Got’ injured isn’t quite the full story though, is it?
Taissa's mirth fades. She takes the WHISKY from under her DESK again and NECKS it.
INT. DEARBORN LOCKER ROOM - DAY, 1975
JACKIE and LOTTIE dance around the locker room to inoffensive ROCK MUSIC. SHAUNA sits nearby, watching. Jackie pulls Shauna to her feet, who dances AWKWARDLY.
Lottie tries to involve LAURA LEE, but as she PLAYFULLY SWATS her BOTTOM, Laura Lee BLUSHES and pushes her away as the GROUP LAUGH.
MARI gets up and dances near Jackie, forcing Shauna to BACK AWAY. ROBIN and ALLIE join Mari.
CRYSTAL (16, DARK HAIRED, and warmly cheerful) watch alongside MELISSA (17, BLONDE, tomboyish), GEN (17, DARK HAIRED, quietly intense), and RACHEL (17, BLONDE, plain but pretty, wearing a BASEBALL CAP), all laughing. There is a sense that these girls don’t know if they’re allowed to join in. They DANCE in their seats with each other.
VAN is the most ENTHUSIASTIC dancer, drifting through the whole group. She even manages to get Laura Lee to wiggle, if only a little. She attempts to get YUMI to dance but is rebuffed, so gives her a LAP DANCE instead. Mari and Robin POINT and GIGGLE at Van, and she stops.
TAISSA and NATALIE sit separately in the background, neither joining in.
CUT TO:
Still in the LOCKER ROOM, the music quieter now, Jackie is PAINTING A BEE on Allie’s face.
TEEN JACKIE
You know it’s just a pep rally, right kid? There’s nothing to it. Just run and smile. Honestly, it’s basically just so the freshman have something to jerk off to later.
TEEN ALLIE
It’s not that, just… ugh. We’re missing prom.
TEEN JACKIE
You’re a freshman, so you wouldn’t get a prom.
TEEN ALLIE
They were gonna let me go to the junior-senior, because I play on the soccer team with you guys.
TEEN LOTTIE
(sarcastically)
Then I guess it’s a shame we qualified for Nationals.
CAT WHEELER (31, English teacher, youthful, naively pretty, DARK HAIRED) enters.
CAT
Jackie? Coach Wenders asked to see you in his office.
Jackie hands the MAKE UP set to VAN and LEAVES.
CAT
(cont.)
Have fun out there girls. I can’t wait for Nationals!
TEEN MARI
Is she coming with us?
TEEN LOTTIE
Yep.
TEEN MARI
(irritated sigh)
INT. DEARBORN HIGH, COACH WENDERS’ OFFICE - DAY, 1975
COACH WENDERS sits at his desk, his office strewn with PHOTOGRAPHS of DEARBORN ATHLETES, with TROPHIES on shelves and MEDALS hung from the walls. It’s a room full of victories that houses a defeated man.
There is a PICTURE of Coach Wenders and his son Cody on the desk. Another PICTURE is FACE DOWN.
JACKIE sits opposite, politely waiting.
COACH WENDERS
I think it’s important for us to talk, Coach to Captain, before Nationals. You’re carrying a lot of pressure as the first girls in the state. You understand that.
TEEN JACKIE
Sure.
COACH WENDERS
Do you know why you’re the Captain?
Jackie smiles, awaiting the answer with a maturity that battles her pride.
COACH WENDERS
(cont.)
It’s not because you’re the best player.
And there goes that pride. Jackie isn’t sure where this is going.
COACH WENDERS
(cont.)
Lottie’s faster, Natalie’s got better footwork by a mile, and Taissa… I mean, she might be the best player I’ve seen at this school. It’s not even enthusiasm - Van’s practically a part time cheerleader.
TEEN JACKIE
Is this a pep talk, Coach?
INT. DEARBORN LOCKER ROOM - DAY, 1975
Back in the locker room, the BEE on ALLIE’S FACE is almost done as VAN applies the finishing touches. LOTTIE, SHAUNA, MARI, and LAURA LEE stand nearby brushing their hair or perfecting their make up.
Allie is still moping.
TEEN VAN
You know you still get prom next year, right? And the year after that. And the year after that.
TEEN ALLIE
You wouldn’t understand, Van, because you don’t have a date.
TEEN VAN
(diplomatically)
I think we’re done here.
Allie examines the face paint in the nearby MIRROR, SMILES, then EXITS.
TEEN LOTTIE
Jesus Christ.
TEEN LAURA LEE
(scoldingly)
Lottie.
TEEN MARI
And fuck Saint Peter too.
Laura Lee LEAVES, irritated.
TEEN SHAUNA
You shouldn’t rile her up. She’s harmless.
TEEN MARI
Whatever.
INT. DEARBORN HIGH, COACH WENDERS’ OFFICE - DAY, 1975
COACH WENDERS lifts up the covered PICTURE. It shows him and Cody, but also his WIFE. He turns it over, so it is face down again.
COACH WENDERS
You have something that no one else on the team has. That few people in the world have. Influence. When things get tough, and they will, these girls will look to you. Can you handle it?
Jackie considers, almost as if she’s never thought about it before. Then she nods, picture perfect determination.
TEEN JACKIE
Don’t worry, Coach. I’ve got this.
PRE-LAP, the STOMP-STOMP-CLAP of a class gymnasium cheer…
INT. DEARBORN HIGH - GYM - DAY (1975)
The BOYS BASEBALL TEAM stands lined up behind VICE-PRINCIPAL BERZONSKY (balding, would describe their hobbies as: new pencils) at a podium on the gym floor. JEFF is amongst the baseball players, soaking up the meager applause.
VICE-PRINCIPAL BERZONSKY
Alright, let’s hear it for the boys!
The bleachers are packed with students, exhibiting the various levels of enthusiasm you’d expect from a mandatory pep rally. Supportive shouts from the other jocks, eye rolls from the burnouts, everything in between.
VICE-PRINCIPAL BERZONSKY
(cont.)
Thanks, guys. You did your best.
At the edge of the court, we find COACH WENDERS standing with COACH SCOTT, and MISTY QUIGLEY.
VICE-PRINCIPAL BERZONSKY
(cont.)
Now, our next act needs no introduction. So let’s all just make some noise for your New Jersey State Girls’ Soccer Champions!
As BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - BORN TO RUN starts to blare from the speakers, the crowd goes - well, not wild, exactly. It is girls’ soccer. But that’s okay, because MISTY IS FUCKING FIRED UP enough for everybody. Pumping her fist, WOO-ing for all she’s worth.
Coach Scott glances at her, amused, or maybe concerned, as -
The TEAM jogs onto the court. Seeing them through Misty’s eyes, all confidence and grace. Gladiators. And maybe Misty’s enthusiasm is contagious…
As the applause builds, feet RUMBLING against wooden bleachers.
ON SHAUNA. She exchanges a look with Jackie, and can’t help but grin. JACKIE looks back, thumbing her HEART PENDANT.
VAN is as THRILLED as Misty. TAISSA is a little embarrassed. NATALIE HATES HER LIFE right now, or wants everyone to think so, then sees Misty’s geeky enthusiasm, and… hey, maybe it’s not so bad, right?
Off the ROAR of her classmates as they break into the Yellowjackets’ FIGHT CHEER - BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ!
EXT. DEARBORN HIGH, ENTRANCE STEPS - DAY, 1975
SHAUNA, LOTTIE, and NATALIE are all stood around together, relaxed.
TEEN LOTTIE
So, you guys as bummed about missing prom as Allie?
TEEN NATALIE
Prom sucks.
TEEN SHAUNA
Isn’t there some formal at Nationals anyway?
TEEN NATALIE
Yeah, but she won’t get her cherry popped there.
TEEN LOTTIE
She still might get to. Coach Wenders called my dad this morning, he’s bringing his kid. Some fucked up custody battle, he’s basically being kidnapped.
TEEN SHAUNA
Isn’t he like, 13?
TEEN NATATLIE
Kid probably couldn’t pop a cherry if he tried.
(then)
Wait, what’s your dad got to do with it?
TEEN SHAUNA
Lottie’s dad rented the plane we’re flying on.
TEEN NATALIE
Oh yeah, I always forget you’re loaded.
TEEN LOTTIE
Spending money is his substitute for parenting.
TEEN NATALIE
My mom does that, but with screaming and throwing liquor bottles.
TAISSA approaches the group nervously.
TEEN TAISSA
You guys talking about Allie?
TEEN NATALIE
We were.
TEEN TAISSA
Do you guys think we should, I don’t know, do something about her?
TEEN LOTTIE
Do something?
TEEN TAISSA
I just mean she’s-
TEEN YUMI
(interrupting)
Total fucking shit?
The four girls turn to YUMI, only now noticing her presence sat on a NEARBY BENCH.
TEEN YUMI
(standing, approaching)
You want privacy, go somewhere private. Or whisper.
TEEN SHAUNA
We’re not going to do anything.
TEEN YUMI
Then we’re not gonna win Nationals.
TEEN SHAUNA
We’re not going to do anything without Jackie.
TEEN YUMI
You’re not. You can’t even take a fucking piss without her permission.
TEEN LOTTIE
No one’s impressed by this fake tough girl act, you know.
Yumi reaches into her pocket and QUICKLY draws a SWITCHBLADE. She HOLDS it precariously close to Lottie’s face, conjuring genuine fear.
TEEN YUMI
Fake?
TEEN SHAUNA
Everybody just calm down, okay?
Yumi puts the BLADE away.
TEEN NATALIE
If we’re done with the drama-
TEEN YUMI
We still need a plan for Allie.
TEEN NATALIE
We’re going to play like a team. It’s worked so far.
TEEN TAISSA
Every plan works until it doesn’t.
Natalie doesn’t answer, she simply WALKS AWAY.
TEEN YUMI
(shouting after her)
Better run if you don’t want to miss Happy Hour, Scatorccio!
TEEN LOTTIE
I don’t like this. It’s not right.
Lottie WALKS AWAY too.
TEEN SHAUNA
If you’re that concerned, don’t pass her the ball so much. Or tell Coach Wenders to sub in Crystal or Melissa. He listens to you.
Shauna WALKS AWAY too, leaving Yumi and Taissa. Yumi wraps her arm on Taissa’s shoulder conspiratorially.
TEEN YUMI
Leave Allie to me. She won’t fuck up Nationals, I swear.
EXT. DEARBORN SOCCER FIELD - DAY, 1975
It is a VIBRANT, SUNNY DAY, and the mood is just as optimistic. COACH SCOTT, smiling broadly, stands next to CAT WHEELER, also smiling, but with less bravado.
JACKIE leads the team through STRETCHES. YUMI gives TAISSA and CONSPIRATORIAL LOOK, caught by LOTTIE and SHAUNA, who exchange one of their own. Jackie notices… something, but is unsure what. MISTY wanders around them, setting out cones, STARING at Jackie.
He BLOWS his WHISTLE, and the WHOLE TEAM rushes over and TAKES A KNEE. All except Misty, who stands by his side.
COACH SCOTT
Well ladies, how does it feel to be State Champs?
A GLEEFUL CHEER goes up from the group, none louder than VAN.
COACH SCOTT
(cont.)
You girls deserve it. You’ve all grown up so much, and now you get to be the first girls in the state to go to Nationals. But we don’t just wanna go, we wanna win, so let’s keep at it today.
LAURA LEE’S HAND shoots up in the crowd. Coach Scott nods in her direction.
TEEN LAURA LEE
Shouldn’t we say a prayer first?
COACH SCOTT
Before practice?
GROANS rise from the rest of the team. Laura Lee holds her look on Coach Scott expectantly.
COACH SCOTT
(off her look)
Fine. Whatever.
TEEN LAURA LEE
Heavenly Father, let our efforts be fruitful, so that we may perform in ways glorious to you…
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS ALTAR - NIGHT, 1975
We find ourselves looking at a RITUALISTIC ALTAR in the woods. ARCANE SYMBOLS have been carved into tree bark, BLOODY HANDPRINTS streaking down it. PENDANTS of BONE hang from BRANCHES.
Several UNKNOWN FIGURES in ANIMALISTIC FUR kneel before a TREE STUMP. On the stump, rests a HEART, too large to be HUMAN.
TEEN LAURA LEE (VO)
May our hearts remain open, and our bodies safe from harm. In your name we pray, amen.
DISEMBODIED VOICES
Amen.
EXT. DEARBORN SOCCER FIELD - DAY, 1975
COACH SCOTT
Okay. Anything else?
TEEN MELISSA
Where’s Coach Wenders?
COACH SCOTT
Family emergency with his son. Luckily Cat- I mean, Miss. Wheeler has volunteered to help us today. She’ll also be coming to Nationals with us since we need a female chaperone. Everybody give a round of applause for Miss. Wheeler.
Cat SMILES and CURTSEYS awkwardly to a SMATTERING of LOW APPLAUSE. MARI and ROBIN giggle meanly.
CAT
I’m so proud of you girls. I played a bit of soccer back when I was at school, you know. But we weren’t allowed to compete back then, so I guess we’ll never know how good we were.
COACH SCOTT
I’m sure you were great.
CAT
You could say you girls are living out my dream!
COACH SCOTT
Alright, this is our last practice before Nationals, so we don’t want anything too strenuous. We’re gonna do some two touch, sharpen up our footwork. Misty’s handing out bibs, that’ll mark which team you’re on. After this we’ll do some set piece drills and light jogging to finish off the day.
TEEN MARI
Then party!
COACH SCOTT
Gonna pretend I didn’t hear that, slash assume the party will be serving punch and pizza only.
TEEN MARI
Of course, Ben.
Cat eyes Mari’s casual use of Coach Scott’s first name cautiously, but does not say anything.
MISTY wanders around the group handing out BIBS. Most girls don’t even bother to look at her as she distributes them, let alone talk to her. All except one.
TEEN JACKIE
Thanks, Misty.
Misty GRINS and goes to hand a BIB to Taissa. Yumi SNATCHES it away and TOSSES it to ALLIE instead. Misty SHRUGS and continues. Taissa looks at Yumi nervously, and gets a NOD of support.
CUT TO:
Coach Scott BLOWS his whistle and the training game begins. Allie gets the BALL and it BOUNCES away from her. Yumi charges into her, knocking her over.
TEEN ALLIE
What the hell?
TEEN YUMI
This is what Nationals will be like. Get used to it.
Lottie jogs over and helps Allie up, glaring at Yumi.
TEEN LOTTIE
Relax.
Play continues, Laura Lee tackling Crystal, Gen passing to Melissa, Melissa shooting, Rachel saving.
Then the BALL is back to Allie. Again, it BOUNCES away. Again, she is knocked over by Yumi.
TEEN ALLIE
Seriously?!
TEEN YUMI
Yeah. Soccer’s serious.
This time, Lottie and Shauna make their way over to help Allie up.
TEEN SHAUNA
You don’t need to do this stupid plan.
TEEN YUMI
Mind your own business, Sheridan.
As Shauna jogs back to goal, Jackie gives her a QUESTIONING LOOK. Does Shauna know something?
Now the BALL rolls to Van. She PASSES to Taissa, but it’s a little far in front of her. She SLIDES in to reach it, just as Allie does the same. Then-
CRUNCH.
TEEN ALLIE
(agonised scream)
Allie’s BONE is poking out of her leg. But it’s more than that. People don’t look like this. The LEG is MANGLED, the sock SOAKED in BLOOD. It is HORRIFYING, and EVERYTHING HAPPENS AT ONCE.
Someone SCREAMS (Mari); Someone SOBS (Crystal). Laura Lee performs the SIGN OF THE CROSS. Taissa attempts to back away on the turf as everyone ENCIRCLES THE CHAOS.
TEEN TAISSA
I didn’t… I didn’t…
Yumi gives Taissa a WINK. Lottie, Shauna, and Natalie stare at her with DISGUST.
CAT and COACH SCOTT run over. Cat takes one look at Allie and- oh no. She FAINTS, falling against Mari, who steps aside and allows her to SLUMP to the ground.
COACH SCOTT
Holy shit…
Not to worry, MISTY is on the case. She kneels, pushing down on the JUTTING OUT BONE.
TEEN MISTY
(muttering)
Okay, just a little bit of pressure to stop the bleeding…
TEEN ALLIE
(even more agonised scream)
COACH SCOTT
Jesus, Misty! Stop!
(then, collecting his thoughts)
We need an ambulance. There’s a phone in Bill’s office.
TEEN MISTY
Coach Wenders?
COACH SCOTT
Yes. Go. Now!
He takes the LARGE SET OF KEYS from his belt and TOSSES them at Misty. She FAILS to catch them, but scoops them up, NODS dramatically, and races off with a strange waddle.
COACH SCOTT
(cont., to no one in particular)
Don’t move her. Just… just keep her awake.
We realise now that not everyone is gathered around Allie. Further away, FROZEN in place, DEATHLY PALE, is their leader, their captain, the one they all look to for guidance.
TEEN SHAUNA
Jackie?
SUDDENLY, Jackie VOMITS.
Shauna TURNS BACK to Allie. There’s so much blood. SO MUCH BLOOD. But she has to do something. Shauna kneels by her side, joined by Lottie, gently placing their hands on Allie’s back.
TEEN LOTTIE
It’s okay.
TEEN SHAUNA
We’re right here. You’ll be okay. It’s all okay.
A THIRD HAND is with them now. Natalie STROKES down Allie’s ARM.
TEEN NATALIE
Don’t look at it, okay? Just look at us.
Lottie, Shauna, and Natalie each share a look of gratitude and togetherness. Allie looks between them, shell shocked, shaky, breathing heavy.
CUT TO:
INT. TAISSA’S OFFICE - DAY, 2001
PRODUCER (os)
So, you didn’t mean it?
TAISSA
Of course not.
PRODUCER (os)
You probably saved her life.
TAISSA
Probably. Can we take a break?
INT. DEARBORN LOCKER ROOM - DAY, 1975
The IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH of Allie’s broken leg. The mood is SOMBER, DOUR.
ON TAISSA, near tears, tucking her body in to make it small. All but THREE avoid looking at Taissa altogether. From VAN, SYMPATHY. From YUMI, ADMIRATION. From NATALIE, DISGUST.
JACKIE looks around the room. She should do something. She knows she should do something. Soon. Deep breath. Then-
TEEN JACKIE
I know we’re all worried about Allie. But we need to focus on the positives right now. It might not be as bad as it looks.
TEEN NATALIE
You could see her fucking bones, Jackie. I’m pretty sure it’s exactly as bad as it looks.
TEEN MARI
The noise it made…
TEEN JACKIE
But we’re still at Nationals. We still have each other. And…
Jackie looks to SHAUNA for guidance, help, anything. Shauna looks DOWN at the floor.
TEEN LAURA LEE
(helpfully)
And we still have Jesus.
TEEN LOTTIE
What was that prayer you said today? Keep our bodies safe from harm? Doesn’t seem like Jesus has our back.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT, 1975
One of the FIGURES we saw at the FEAST removes its FUR to reveal LOTTIE beneath it. She SHOVES MEAT into her mouth, hungrily.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. DEARBORN LOCKER ROOM - DAY, 1975
TEEN LAURA LEE
The Lord works in mysterious-
BANG. Natalie’s LOCKER closes with a slamming clatter as she STORMS OUT.
EXT. DEARBORN HIGH, BACK WALL - AFTERNOON, 1975
We STAY WITH NATALIE as she heads to her safe space at the back of school, away from prying eyes. She reaches into her SOCK and pulls out a JOINT, then into her BACK PACK and pulls out a LIGHTER.
She takes a single DRAG before JACKIE appears around the corner.
TEEN NATALIE
You gonna rat me out?
JACKIE holds out her hand, ASKING for the JOINT. Natalie cautiously hands it over.
TEEN JACKIE
I won’t tell if you don’t.
They PASS the joint back and forth as they talk.
TEEN NATALIE
You’re not as much of a square as everyone says, you know.
TEEN JACKIE
And you’re not as much of a bitch.
TEEN NATALIE
(laughing)
Yeah, I am.
TEEN JACKIE
I wish I was more like you.
TEEN NATALIE
Fuck off.
TEEN JACKIE
(unsure)
I meant at soccer.
A LOOK passes between them, these two polar opposites, both jealous of something they would never want to be. Jackie hands the joint back and LEAVES.
INT. NAT’S TRAILER - DAY, 2001
NATALIE lights another CIGARETTE, with her previous one SMOULDERING in the ASHTRAY.
PRODUCER (os)
You said that life before the crash was boring. But the story that’s always been told about the wilderness was that it was even more boring than people could imagine. Long, endless days of nothing but sleep and near starvation.
NATALIE
I mean it was a dozen teenage girls stranded for two years. There was drama sometimes.
PRODUCER (os)
Seven.
NATALIE
What?
PRODUCER (os)
You said a dozen. But there were only seven, weren’t there?
NATALIE
Half a dozen then. Whatever. Look, you want to hear about crazy? You want to speak to Misty.
INT. MISTY’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY, 2001
MISTY’S HOUSE is sickeningly CUTE. Her wallpaper is PINK, she has SEVERAL CATS who WANDER FREELY, and an AFRICAN GREY perched atop a BIRD CAGE. The cats do not appear interested in the bird.
MISTY GRINS from her soft, dated sofa, wearing a KITTEN JUMPER and with BRIGHT RED LIPSTICK and FRIZZY BLONDE HAIR. They do NOT suit her. She sips MILK through a STRAW intermittently, making a VULGAR SLURPING NOISE.
MISTY
I must say, it’s very impressive that you got everyone to agree to talk to you.
PRODUCER (os)
Five of you.
MISTY
Well obviously Shauna won’t want anything to do with it. Who else I wonder…
PRODUCER (os)
We really can’t say.
MISTY
You could, very easily. I highly doubt the two who refused forced you into some kind of gag order. But I suppose that’s not the interesting part anyway, is it? Anyway, where should we start?
PRODUCER (os)
Why don’t we start with the Yellowjackets themselves?
MISTY
The Yellowjackets were the coolest girls in school. I wasn’t actually on the team, being equipment manager and all, but I basically was on the team, if you know what I mean. So I was cool by association.
PRODUCER (os)
And the coolest of all of them was Jackie, wasn’t it?
MISTY
Jackie? So maybe you did get Shauna. Anyway, the rest of the girls won’t tell you this, but one of the most important things about Jackie is that she was my best friend.
INT. DEARBORN HIGH, HALLWAY - DAY, 1975
MISTY stands at her locker with her BOOKS clutched to her chest. She has the same FRIZZY HAIR, but NO LIPSTICK. She is DRESSED in a KITTEN JUMPER once more.
Plainly, she looks like THE MOST UNPOPULAR GIRL WHO EVER LIVED.
She TURNS and sees JACKIE walking down the hall. Jackie, conversely, looks like THE MOST POPULAR GIRL WHO EVER LIVED. SHAUNA and LOTTIE walk by her side.
TEEN MISTY
(waving enthusiastically)
Hi, Jackie!
TEEN JACKIE
(with pitying kindness)
Hey, Misty.
MARI, ROBIN, and ALLIE (pre-broken leg) WALK past in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
TEEN MARI
(to Misty, while coughing)
Lesbo!
Robin and Allie GIGGLE. MISTY waits until Mari has passed, then STICKS her TONGUE OUT, before CATCHING UP to Jackie.
TEEN MISTY
That was a super goal you scored the other day, Jax!
TEEN JACKIE
Thanks. You know it wouldn’t be possible without all that equipment you manage.
Lottie and Shauna quietly SNICKER at Jackie's dry tone. Misty doesn’t get it.
TEEN MISTY
How cool is it that we’re gonna be the first girls in the state to go to Nationals?
TEEN LOTTIE
First girls to win it too.
Lottie, Jackie, and Shauna all exchange HIGH FIVES. Misty does not seem to mind being left out.
TEEN MISTY
Oh my gosh, I’m so excited I could just pee my pants!
Shauna and Lottie exchange a DISGUSTED look.
TEEN MISTY
(off their look)
Not literally.
TEEN JACKIE
Hey Misty, which way are you headed?
Misty points enthusiastically to the LEFT. Jackie turns to the RIGHT.
TEEN JACKIE
We’re headed this way. Catch up with you later, yeah?
TEEN MISTY
Okay! See you at practice later!
Misty heads down the HALLWAY and opens her NOTEBOOK to reveal a LOCK of BLONDE HAIR taped to the inside. We assume this is Jackie's. She takes a DEEP INHALE of its scent, then sighs dreamily.
INT. MISTY’S HOUSE - DAY, 2001
MISTY SLURPS the last of her MILK and lets out the same dreamy sigh.
PRODUCER (os)
Most of the reports said that Shauna was Jackie’s best friend.
MISTY
I mean, that’s probably what it looked like. But to tell you the truth, Shauna was basically a stalker to Jackie. It was bad in high school, but it was even worse out there.
PRODUCER (os)
Didn’t Jackie die in the crash?
MISTY
Well… maybe not everyone died right away. It took a while for their injuries to, you know. Take them.
PRODUCER (os)
That’s not the story you’ve all told for 25 years. Who else?
MISTY
I thought this was supposed to be about the seven survivors?
PRODUCER (os)
It’s about what really happened out there.
Suddenly, Misty’s TELEPHONE RINGS on the wall.
PRODUCER (os)
Do you need to get that?
MISTY
They’ll call back if it’s urgent. Or leave a message.
PRODUCER (os)
Fine. You were saying?
MISTY
Yes. As I was saying. Shauna was the stalker. Not me.
INT. SHAUNA’S BEDROOM, NIGHT - 1975
A CRAMPED attic room, all PLAIN and BROWN, with makeshift lights and lace to give a gothic fairytale image. There are SOME POSTERS that resemble the teenage dream feeling of Jackie’s room, but they have mostly been covered over with SOCCER POSTERS or PAGES TORN from CLASSIC LITERATURE. We get the sense that Shauna is finding a way to forge her own identity out of the shadows.
ON JACKIE, resting casually on the bed, looking GORGEOUS in a revealing dress. Shauna stands far more PLAINLY, folding herself up in a PLAID outfit.
TEEN SHAUNA
Don’t you think it’s weird to just go like nothing happened…
TEEN JACKIE
I mean, it’s not like skipping the party is going to un-fuck Allie’s leg. Plus, it’s tradition. And we’re already missing prom…
As Shauna heads OFF SCREEN into the closet, FIND JACKIE trying on lipgloss at a small light-up vanity. She smacks her lips, admiring her reflection. Satisfied, her attention shifts to the pages on the wall, and a HIGHLIGHTED PASSAGE.
TEEN JACKIE
(reading)
If your dear heart is wounded, my wild heart bleeds with yours… Jeez Shauna, that’s a little intense.
Jackie THUMBS her HEART PENDANT absent-mindedly as she reads aloud.
TEEN SHAUNA (os)
I like Carmilla.
TEEN JACKIE
You’re a secret weirdo, Sheridan. If it wasn’t for me you’d be like Misty Quigley.
Shauna EMERGES from the closet wearing a TUBE TOP and HIGH WAISTED SHORTS.
Jackie gives the tube top a once-over. Shakes her head 'no'. As Shauna heads back into the closet -
TEEN JACKIE
(casually)
You know, Randy’s going to be at the party tonight.
TEEN SHAUNA (os)
Um, okay.
TEEN JACKIE
He asked Jeff to ask me if you were gonna be there…
Shauna REMERGES in checkered pants and a tight fitting jumper.
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
Pants? Really?
Shauna crosses her arms.
TEEN SHAUNA
Pants are in.
TEEN JACKIE
Yeah, if you wanna dine in Beavertown.
TEEN SHAUNA
(mimicking Jackie)
Randy? Really?
TEEN JACKIE
What? He’s basically Jeff’s best friend. I just thought you might want to know he asked about you…
(off Shauna frustratedly tossing clothes from the closet)
You should totally wear that red dress I gave you. The boob dress.
TEEN SHAUNA
(turning back, losing her patience)
Maybe I don’t want to wear the red dress. And I sure as hell don’t want to hook up with Randy fucking Walsh.
The two girls just look at each other. A tense beat.
TEEN JACKIE
Jesus, what crawled up your ass? Wear whatever you want.
TEEN SHAUNA
Thanks. I will.
She goes to change again. Jackie watches her disappear back in the closet. Assessing the situation. Then, casually -
TEEN JACKIE
You’re probably right about Randy, anyway. I once saw him get outsmarted by an escalator.
A beat. Finally, Shauna emerges, in a red dress. In the red dress.
TEEN SHAUNA
I once heard him ask who invented the Pope…
Jackie knows better than to gloat. Instead, she just smiles.
TEEN JACKIE
So are you ready, or what? C’mon, we’re gonna be late…
EXT. PARK - NIGHT, 1975
A BUSTLING TEENAGE PARTY with a COUPLE OF CAMPFIRES and various groups of teens hanging out. There are jocks (most notably our YELLOWJACKETS), burnouts, preppies, nerds, and everyone in between. This is an end of year rager, and does not discriminate. Despite this, MISTY QUIGLEY is not present.
ON LAURA LEE surveying the pretty regular party, and considering it the DEBAUCHED stuff of hedonistic nightmares. LOTTIE offers her a BEER while VAN and SHAUNA stand nearby - SHAUNA in the dress Jackie picked out for her, Lottie in STYLISH attire, Laura Lee in, simply, CHURCH GIRL CLOTHES, and Van in DENIM AND FLANNEL.
TEEN LAURA LEE
You didn’t tell me there’d be alcohol and, and illegal drug use here!
TEEN LOTTIE
Yeah, because then you wouldn’t have come, Mary Magdalene.
TEEN VAN
Didn’t Jesus drink wine anyway?
TEEN LAURA LEE
That’s different.
Shauna hands Laura Lee a SODA CAN. Laura Lee looks at it hesitantly.
TEEN SHAUNA
It’s soda. There’s plenty of it. You’re on the team, you should be here.
TEEN LAURA LEE
(sipping)
Thanks.
On the OUTSKIRTS of the party, NATALIE sits with KEVYN around a CAMPFIRE. He holds out a SMALL SHEET OF PAPER.
TEEN NATALIE
What do you do with it?
KEVYN
(demonstrating)
You just tear a tiny square off, then put it on your tongue.
TEEN NATALIE
Hey, it’s a bee.
KEVYN
Yeah, for you babe. Buzz buzz buzz or whatever.
Natalie TEARS off a square as instructed, and places it on her tongue. She BLINKS, feeling the effects quickly.
From NATALIE’S POV, we see Kevyn’s face STRETCH and CONTORT. Looking through the FIRE, she sees JACKIE dancing with JEFF and SHAUNA. Jackie is in her UNDERWEAR, Jeff kissing her NECK while Shauna KNEELS to kiss her BARE STOMACH.
Natalie blinks, and Shauna is replaced by MISTY, with Shauna now WEARING JEFF’S CLOTHES and in Jeff’s place.
Natalie blinks again, and there is only Misty, staring back at her.
TEEN NATALIE
(confused)
Misty…?
She blinks again, and Misty is in ANIMALISTIC FUR, the same style as we saw in our earlier flashback to the wilderness. When she blinks again, Misty, Jackie, everyone is gone. She sees no one.
KEVYN
(distorted)
You okay?
Kevyn’s VOICE turns into MANIC LAUGHTER. QUICK INTERSECTING CUTS as Natalie blinks again and again. She looks around the party and sees Taissa, then Taissa in FUR. Lottie, then Lottie in FUR. Shauna, then Shauna in FUR. Yumi, then Yumi in FUR.
Mari and Robin, then Mari and Robin in FUR, fighting on ALL FOURS like DOGS over a THICK CUT OF MEAT.
Laura Lee, Crystal, Van, Melissa, Gen, all of them in FUR, and then not again.
One last time, Natalie blinks and RUBS her eyes. Now, again, we see Jackie. Clothed now, dancing with Jeff, CIGARETTE in hand.
TEEN NATALIE
What the fuck is in this shit?
KEVYN
(laughing)
It’s good, right?
BACK ON Jackie, we see her DANCE and TWIRL with Jeff before BECKONING Shauna over. FEIGNING RELUCTANCE, Shauna moves towards Jackie and LIGHTS UP as Jackie spins her.
This light is IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED when this spin sends Shauna into the arms of RANDY, who GRABS her HIPS. Shauna FORCES him away and STORMS off to the BEER KEG.
Without Jackie to occupy her mind, it’s clear Shauna is SLIGHTLY TIPSY. She leans heavily on the keg as TAISSA fills her own cup with BEER.
TEEN SHAUNA
Surprised you made it.
TEEN TAISSA
What’s that supposed to mean?
TEEN SHAUNA
You nearly killed Allie today.
TEEN TAISSA
She’s not dead.
TEEN SHAUNA
Just admit you did it on purpose.
TEEN TAISSA
You’re drunk.
TEEN SHAUNA
And you’re a stuck up little bitch who thinks she’s better than everyone.
Shauna WEAKLY pushes Taissa, who BATS her hand away. Lottie rushes over and SHOVES Taissa to the ground.
TEEN LOTTIE
Don’t fucking touch her.
Now they have everyone’s attention. YUMI, NATALIE, and Laura Lee rush over. Jackie stops dancing and watches, SHOCKED.
RANDY (yelling)
Chick fight!
Taissa scrambles to her feet as Yumi PUSHES Lottie.
TEEN LOTTIE
Here come the Psycho Sisters. Whose leg you breaking next?
TEEN YUMI
One more fucking word and it’ll be yours, how about that?
TEEN LAURA LEE
Guys, this is meant to be a celebration…
TEEN NATALIE
(clearly high)
Lottie, just put. The axe. Down.
Everyone turns to Natalie, confused.
TEEN NATALIE
(cont.)
Okay, good. Now Taissa, if you can just… merge.
Natalie slowly CLAPS her hands together once, as if that means anything.
TEEN TAISSA
What the fuck is she talking about?
TEEN LAURA LEE
I think what Natalie’s trying to say is we should all be friends. It’s like the Bible says, you should turn the other-
TEEN LOTTIE
Fuck off Laura Lee!
TEEN YUMI
Don’t pick on Laura Lee just because you’re scared of me.
TEEN LOTTIE
Scared?
Lottie LUNGES forward, held back by Shauna and Natalie while Yumi laughs.
SUDDENLY Jackie is on the scene.
TEEN JACKIE
That. Is. Enough! Yellowjackets! On me!
AWAY from the COMMOTION, CRYSTAL, MELISSA, GEN, and RACHEL are sat around a SMALL FIRE toasting s’mores.
TEEN CRYSTAL
Does she mean us?
TEEN GEN
Does she ever?
TEEN RACHEL
Could be worse. We could be Misty Quigley. At least we get invited.
TEEN CRYSTAL
What are they fighting about?
TEEN MELISSA
More Jackie and Shauna bullshit?
TEEN CRYSTAL
Looked like it was Lottie and Yumi.
TEEN GEN
Anyway. Crystal, it’s your turn. Paul Newman or… Peter Pan.
TEEN CRYSTAL
Gross! Peter Pan’s a kid! That’s the whole point, he doesn’t grow up.
TEEN GEN
Yeah, but he’s pretty.
CUT TO:
EXT. CLEARING IN PARK - NIGHT, 1975
Jackie PACING in front of her teammates like a body-glittered PATTON. Sizing them up. A few look a little drunk. All of them look fucking miserable. Natalie, in particular, looks unsteady…
TEEN JACKIE
I don’t know what the fuck that was, but I do know that it’s over. We’re about to go to Nationals, you guys. Nationals. And based on what I’m looking at right now, we might as well not even bother getting on that plane.
She thinks for a second. Then -
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
Alright, everybody line up.
(nobody moves)
I’m fucking serious. LINE UP.
Almost as a reflex to her tone, they do. Then, a small smile playing on her lips -
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
Coach made me captain for a reason, and we all know it’s not because I’m the best player.
Her eyes find TAISSA, who smiles, then NATALIE, who looks ready to throw up.
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
It’s because I know how important it is that we stick together. So here’s what we’re gonna do. I want each of you to go down this line and say one nice - true - thing about every other girl on this team.
The others exchange looks. Is she fucking serious?
TEEN YUMI
What next, we sing Kumbaya?
Lottie looks over and BEGRUDGINGLY laughs, their feud already melting away under a shared sensation that this team bonding task is, frankly, bullshit.
TEEN JACKIE
Who wants to go first?
A beat. Nobody makes eye contact. Finally -
TEEN LAURA LEE
I’ll go, Jackie.
Solemnly, Laura Lee steps out and walks to the end of the line.
Starting with Taissa -
TEEN LAURA LEE
(cont.)
Taissa, you are beautiful in the eyes of our Lord.
(then; moving on to Van)
Van, you are beautiful in the-
TEEN LOTTIE
Oh my god.
TEEN JACKIE
I think we get it, Laura Lee. Fine. I’ll go.
(moving to Yumi)
Yumi Heineken. You terrify me, and I think you think that’s a compliment.
TEEN YUMI
I do.
TEEN JACKIE
(moving to Lottie)
Lottie Crespo. Your ambition inspires me. I have no doubt you’re gonna take over the world some day.
(then to Taissa)
Taissa Turner. You have a very tender heart, and I hope you know that.
(then to Laura Lee)
Laura Lee Larsen. I truly admire your faith, and I’m sure Jesus does, too.
TEEN LAURA LEE
Thank you, Jackie.
TEEN MARI
(to Robin)
Her last name isn’t Lee?
TEEN JACKIE
(now on Natalie; quieter, as if telling a secret)
Natalie Scatorccio. I really do wish I was more like you, you know.
(then to Van)
Vanessa Eiken-
TEEN VAN
Please, Vanessa was my father’s name. Call me Van.
TEEN JACKIE
(smiling)
I have never met anyone who loves being a Yellowjacket more than you.
TEEN YUMI
She’s also the best damn Dungeon Master I ever met.
Jackie looks over at her, to see several girls SMILING. Suddenly realizing - this is working.
TEEN JACKIE
Well, go ahead. Tell her. C’mon, guys. If we do this one at a time, we’ll be here all night…
As the girls shyly start to turn to each other -
TEEN VAN
Taissa… I…
(scrambling for something to say)
I like you.
Oh, fuck. Was that a confession? Van PANICS, did she really just say that?
TEEN TAISSA
(apparently oblivious to Van’s fear)
Thanks. I like you too. And you’re really funny.
TEEN VAN
I heard comedy’s where all the rich, happy people are. It’s my fallback career after soccer.
TEEN LAURA LEE
(to Mari)
Mari, you-
TEEN MARI
Let me guess. Jesus loves me?
TEEN LAURA LEE
I was going to say you have beautiful hair.
TEEN MARI
(lighting up)
Oh.
TEEN LAURA LEE
But Jesus does love you.
TEEN MARI
Thanks, Laura Lee. You’re, um, really good at math.
TEEN LOTTIE
(sighing)
Yumi, you-
TEEN YUMI
(interrupting)
We didn’t mean to hurt her, you know. I was just trying to rough her up a little. Maybe get her to quit, or have Coach see she couldn’t handle it and sub in Melissa or someone. And Tai had nothing to do with it. That whole thing was a total accident.
Lottie looks over at Taissa, considering. Then-
TEEN LOTTIE
I mean, she really was a crappy midfielder.
TEEN YUMI
And so annoying.
Jackie SMILES as Lottie and Yumi laugh, apparently having made up. Then, as she turns, is face to face with Shauna.
TEEN JACKIE
Hey. Are we cool?
Shauna looks at her and shrugs.
TEEN SHAUNA
I dunno. You still haven’t said anything nice about me.
TEEN JACKIE
(sarcastic)
Shauna Sheridan, you have the weirdest taste in books.
(then)
Okay, fine. You’re a terrible dancer, you’ve got awful fashion sense, and you can’t hold your liquor for shit… you’re also the smartest person I know and the only one who’s always been there for me. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.
(sincerely)
You know that, right?
TEEN SHAUNA
(quietly; seriously)
Yeah. I know.
TEEN JACKIE
(a beat; then)
You should have told me about Allie.
Shauna nods, she knows that too. Or at least, doesn’t want to fight about it. The fight’s gone out of her. For now.
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
Now, c’mon. Let’s get you home.
OFF Shauna as Jackie takes her hand. Wishing it felt better than it does…
INT. SHAUNA’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY, 2001
SHAUNA and JEFF sit side by side, HIS HAND on HER THIGH. Still, he SMILES. She does NOT.
PRODUCER (os)
People are particularly curious about the timeline of your relationship. And where Jackie fits into that.
JEFF
Why would anyone be curious about that?
PRODUCER (os)
You dated one of the Dearborn Yellowjackets, then married a different one. People find that interesting, and that’s before you account for Jackie and Shauna being best friends.
SHAUNA
There is no timeline. Jeff dated Jackie. Jackie died. Then Jeff dated me.
JEFF
Case closed. You might say losing Jackie brought us closer together.
INT./EXT. TEEN JEFF’S CAR/TEEN JACKIE’S HOUSE - NIGHT, 1975
JACKIE is DRUNKENLY SLEEPY in the front of the car. JEFF taps her LEG.
TEEN JEFF
We’re here, Jackie.
TEEN JACKIE
(annoyed murmur)
SHAUNA leans over and SHAKES Jackie’s shoulders.
TEEN SHAUNA
Come on, Jax.
Jackie smiles, still dozing, takes Shauna’s hand and KISSES IT.
TEEN JACKIE
I love you…
TEEN JEFF
I love you too. Now come on, I’ve gotta get Shauna home after this.
TEEN JACKIE
Huh?
She turns, as if noticing Shauna for the first time, then SMILES again. She slowly makes her way out of the car and up her driveway.
TEEN SHAUNA
(softly)
Goodnight, Jackie.
TEEN JEFF
Crazy how she goes from zero to wasted like that, right?
They DRIVE for a while to a quieter stretch of road. Then-
TEEN SHAUNA
Pull over.
TEEN JEFF
Are you gonna puke? Don’t puke in my car.
TEEN SHAUNA
Just pull the damn car over.
INT./EXT. JEFF’S CAR/DIRT ROAD - DRIVING CONT. 1975
The CAR rolls to a STOP. Then, in a slightly AWKWARD motion, Shauna CLAMBERS into the front seat. From there, she STRADDLES Jeff.
TEEN JEFF
I thought you didn’t want to do this anymore.
TEEN SHAUNA
I don’t. Anymore.
Shauna reaches under her DRESS and removes her UNDERWEAR before UNBUCKLING Jeff’s BELT. She lowers herself onto him with a gasp.
TEEN SHAUNA
If you cum inside me, I will raise the baby out of spite and train it to be a killing machine that eventually hunts you down. Got it?
TEEN JEFF
Uh-huh.
Shauna ROCKS back and forth, taking control, HAND on JEFF’s CHEST.
TEEN SHAUNA
Say you love me.
TEEN JEFF
Uh…
TEEN SHAUNA
It doesn’t matter if it’s true. Say it.
TEEN JEFF
I love you, Shauna…
INT. SHAUNA’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY, 2001
PRODUCER (os)
There was no crossover at all?
JEFF
No.
CUT TO:
LATER. The DOCUMENTARY CREW drive off, as we WATCH, with Jeff and Shauna, through the window.
JEFF
I thought that went pretty well.
SHAUNA
We haven’t even got on the plane yet and already we’re lying.
A TEENAGE GIRL enters, descending the stairs with a BAG OF CHIPS. This is CALLIE, Jeff and Shauna’s DARK HAIRED daughter. 16, living through the best and worst time of her life right now and boy does she know it.
CALLIE
Lying about what?
JEFF
The documentary started today.
CALLIE
Yeah. I know.
SHAUNA
Not everyone who died died in the crash, Callie.
CALLIE
But you always said-
SHAUNA
Well, that’s the lie.
CALLIE
But why?
SHAUNA
Because… I don’t know. People starved. They died of infection. They wasted away. Nobody went with dignity out there. They died with bloood in their throats and shit in their pants.
JEFF
(grossed out)
Honey…
CALLIE
Ew.
SHAUNA
If you died suffocating to death on mud because there was no food to eat and you were just so damn hungry, would you rather the world knew that or thought you just went out like
(snaps fingers)
in a plane crash?
CALLIE
Did someone do that?
JEFF
Maybe it’s time we were honest about what happened out there.
Shauna nods, almost imperceptibly. All she can think is ‘WE?!?!’
BEGIN AN AROUND-THE-WORLD SEQUENCE, of the Yellowjackets getting ready for the biggest week of their lives…
INT. TEEN JACKIE’S HOUSE, JACKIE’S BEDROOM - DAY, 1975
CLOSE ON a SUITCASE, immaculately packed, as JACKIE carefully folds her uniform and tucks it in.
INT. TEEN NATALIE’S TRAILER - NATALIE’S BEDROOM - DAY, 1975
NATALIE, smoking a JOINT out of the window of her cramped trailer park bedroom.
INT. TEEN LAURA LEE’S BEDROOM - DAY, 1975
LAURA LEE, on her knees, saying one last prayer to the small CRUCIFIX on her bedroom wall.
INT. TEEN LOTTIE’S HOUSE - LOTTIE’S BEDROOM - DAY, 1975
LOTTIE surveying her WALL of MEDALS and RIBBONS, there are FIRST PLACE FINISHES for SPELLING BEES, ESSAY CONTESTS, TRACK AND FIELD, even WOODWORKING, some dating back to GRADE SCHOOL. Second place is unacceptable. There is a prominent spot in the centre free, where her NATIONALS MEDAL will surely soon hang.
INT. TEEN VAN’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY, 1975
VAN, coming into her living room to find her MOM passed out on the couch. A bottle of scotch on the coffee table. Van seems unsurprised. She tries to rouse her mother. Nothing. Calmly, Van SLAPS her mom hard across the face. Holding up the car keys as she starts awake.
EXT. TEEN YUMI’S HOUSE - DAY, 1975
YUMI approaches a LUXURY SEDAN. A MYSTERIOUS BODYGUARD opens the door for her.
EXT. TEEN MISTY’S HOUSE - BACKYARD POOL - DAY, 1975
MISTY, looking down into the water of her family’s SWIMMING POOL. CLOSE ON the unlucky RAT swimming desperate circles; then MISTY’S FACE, impassive, as she walks away.
INT. TEEN MARI’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM, 1975
An EXTREMLY CROWDED house full of OLDER AND YOUNGER SISTERS shouting at each other over breakfast while MARI’S MOM attempts to ensure they all have food.
TEEN MARI
Mom! We’re going to be late!
MARI’S MOM
Two minutes!
EXT. COACH WENDERS’ HOUSE - DAY, 1975
COACH WENDERS, loading the trunk of his station wagon with luggage as CODY climbs in the back to go. He WAVES at his WIFE, who heads back inside WITHOUT REACTION.
EXT. TEEN TAISSA’S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY, 1975
TAISSA, waiting by herself, as a TAXI pulls into the driveway.
INT. TEEN SHAUNA’S HOUSE, SHAUNA’S BEDROOM - DAY, 1975
SHAUNA, holding a piece of paper. Official BROWN UNIVERSITY letterhead.
Dear Ms. Sheridan, We’re delighted to inform you…
A beat before Shauna stuffs the letter in a vanity drawer. Then, picking up her suitcase, she takes one last look around her childhood bedroom. As though sensing she’s leaving something - some part of her - behind.
INT. MISTY’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - EVENING, 2001
The DOCUMENTARY CREW are packing up and leaving. MISTY remains sat on her COUCH, pampering her CATS.
CUT TO the crew LEAVING, Misty by the door.
MISTY
Bye-bye! See you tomorrow gals!
Misty rushes to her PHONE and plays the ANSWERPHONE MESSAGE.
NATALIE (through phone)
Don’t make a huge deal of me calling you, okay Quigs? It’s Nat. Call me back.
But it is a BIG DEAL. One of the Yellowjackets is choosing to talk to her, a giddy thrill even now. Misty SQUEALS to herself then flicks through her FILOFAX to find a YELLOWJACKETS page, with a DOZEN or so numbers. She moves her FINGER down to find NATALIE’S.
INTERSECTING: INT. MISTY’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM/INT. NATALIE’S TRAILER - 2001
MISTY
Hey, Nat! It’s Misty. Quigley. I got your message. Do you want to meet up?
NATALIE
Hey.
MISTY
Do you want to meet up?
NATALIE
Not really.
MISTY
Oh.
NATALIE
(sighing)
Fine.
Another giddy thrill flashes on Misty’s face.
MISTY
Great! I know a place!
NATALIE
It’s not the movies, Quigley. You can’t just say that and then I’ll be there. What’s the place?
MISTY
Do you know Ray’s?
NATALIE
Sure.
INT. RAY’S - NIGHT, 2001
MISTY has changed into what a woman of no taste might consider STYLISH. The RED LIPSTICK remains. Ray’s itself is the sort of sad, dated place that a woman of no taste might consider ROMANTIC.
She has a CHOCOLATE MARTINI in front of her, and a glass of WHISKY sits by the EMPTY CHAIR opposite.
While Misty SIPS, NATALIE ENTERS. Misty WAVES ENTHUSIASTICALLY and holds up Natalie’s DRINK. Natalie walks over.
NATALIE
Chill out, Quigley.
MISTY
Are you doing this documentary thing too?
NATALIE
I need the money. And that’s obviously why I called.
MISTY
Right.
NATALIE
Did you tell them anything?
MISTY
Not really.
(then)
I might have mentioned that Jackie survived the crash.
NATALIE
Misty!
MISTY
It just slipped out.
NATALIE
It’s harder than I thought, and they aren’t even asking anything yet. I said something about there being a dozen survivors, but I think I got away with it.
MISTY
That’s so much worse!
NATALIE
No, it’s not. We can’t tell them anything about Jackie.
MISTY
I know.
NATALIE
What exactly did you tell them? I’ll call Taissa and make sure we get our story straight.
MISTY
You have Taissa’s number? What happened to not being supposed to stay in touch?
NATALIE
You have my number, too. I didn’t leave it in my message.
MISTY
I have everyone’s number. If they’re dead I have next of kin.
NATALIE
Well that’s fucking weird.
MISTY
Why do you have Taissa’s? Do you have anyone else?
NATALIE
I don’t know. We’re friends.
MISTY
We weren’t supposed to stay friends with each other.
NATALIE
Yeah, and I bet you found that easy.
(off Misty’s hurt look)
Look, Taissa… she paid for me to go to rehab, okay? Twice.
MISTY
Are you okay?
Misty REACHES across the table to take Natalie’s HAND. Natalie lets her HOLD for a moment, maybe even lets herself ENJOY IT, then moves away.
NATALIE
They say third time’s the charm. Maybe next time it’ll stick.
MISTY
Are you in touch with anyone else?
NATALIE
(shaking head)
I found your number because I thought it would be good for emergencies.
Misty BEAMS with pride at the thought of being useful.
MISTY
Have you told them anything else, anything we need to synchronise on?
NATALIE
We’ve stuck to before the crash stuff so far. You know. High school bullshit.
MISTY
Same here.
NATALIE
I guess next up is the crash itself.
MISTY
Maybe it would be easier. If we told the truth a little bit.
NATALIE
Are you nuts?
MISTY
I mean, some people really did die of infection.
NATALIE
Yeah, and some people died in other ways.
INT. CHARTER PLANE - DAY, 1975
The YELLOWJACKETS all enter the plane, amazed.
TEEN NATALIE
Have a drink on me tonight, Mr. Crespo.
TEEN VAN
I bet the toilet here’s fancier than my house!
TEEN LOTTIE
Good old daddy, if you don’t believe he loves you he’s always got an extra dollar to convince you.
The YELLOWJACKETS continue to pile onto the plane. MARI stops at COACH SCOTT’s seat, only for CAT WHEELER, wearing DARK SUNGLASSES, to take the spot next to him.
CAT
I hope I didn’t make too much of a fool of myself last night.
COACH SCOTT
No. No, you were fine.
CAT
What’s the rhyme? Liquor before beer, you're in the clear, beer before liquor, be a crazy embarrassment?
COACH SCOTT
You really were fine.
CAT
(snuggling in)
Well. I don’t regret it, by the way.
Coach Scott DOES regret it, whatever it was, but doesn’t want to show it.
Mari settles for the seat behind. AKILAH (DARK SKINNED, DARK BRAIDS, 14 and innocent behind her years) sits OPPOSITE.
TEEN MARI
You’re Allie’s replacement, right? You know you’ve gotta score a goal before you earn a seat, yeah?
TEEN AKILAH
Oh. Um-
TEEN MARI
(cracking up)
Relax, I’m just kidding. Do you like Snik Snak Stiks? I gotta whole bag of ‘em.
Further back, JACKIE sits next to SHAUNA. CODY contemplates sitting directly behind, then heads a few rows back.
Shauna shifts uncomfortably in her seat.
TEEN JACKIE
You okay? They have puke bags, you know. Mr. Crespo spares no expense.
TEEN SHAUNA
I… I think I might be afraid of flying.
TEEN JACKIE
Remember when we went to Vancouver on that trip in middle school? You cried the whole flight.
Jackie reaches into her pocket and reveals, wrapped in TISSUE, a VALIUM PILL.
TEEN JACKIE
(cont.)
I swiped it from my mom. Like she’d ever notice a single pill go missing.
(off Shauna’s touched reaction)
Yeah, I’m basically the best.
Shauna DRY SWALLOWS the pill, and smiles at Jackie, oh so grateful.
Jackie removes the HEART PENDANT NECKLACE and fastens it around Shauna’s NECK.
TEEN JACKIE
There. It’s a good luck charm. Now nothing can hurt you.
DIM TO BLACK on Shauna’s EYES CLOSING.
EXT. WILDERNESS - 1975
A GROUP in ANIMALISTIC FUR wanders through the SNOW. They move in a TRANCE LIKE motion, following the ANTLER QUEEN we know from previous flashbacks.
A NAKED DARK HAIRED GIRL hangs UPSIDE DOWN, face obscured, blood dripping.
Several of the GROUP in ANIMALISTIC FUR carry a WOODEN PLATE of MEAT. The ANTLER QUEEN raises their hand, a signal for the feast to begin. Our fears, growing through the episode, have been confirmed. They are EATING HUMAN MEAT.
CLOSE UPS on greasy faces, teeth SHREDDING meat, a HEART FRYING on a METAL SKILLET. We DO NOT see whose faces they might be. EXCEPT-
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS, CAMPSITE - 1975
On the edge of a snowy settlement, TEEN MISTY removes her fur and SMILES.
AS WE RISE we see the CAMPSITE, and BEYOND, the DEAD WRECKAGE of the PLANE CRASH, then MOUNTAINS. So many, for hundreds of miles.
INT. SHAUNA’S HOUSE, SHAUNA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT, 2001
SHAUNA lies in bed, WIDE AWAKE while JEFF SNORES next to her. She opens her DRAWER and takes out a SLEEPING PILL.
She SWALLOWS with a nearby glass of WATER and CLOSES her eyes. We DIM TO BLACK on her again.
INT. CHARTER PLANE - DAY, 1975
THEN oh no. We’re CRASHING. As Shauna’s eyes POP OPEN we see out the WINDOW, MOUNTAINS and TREES. Then FIRE. So much FIRE.
She GRABS the HEART NECKLACE.
ACROSS LAURA LEE mutters the LORD’S PRAYER. Behind her, LOTTIE grips her ARM and WAILS.
THEN
CUT TO BLACK.
END PILOT.