little nests

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LITTLE NESTS

By Peter Devonald

LOGLINE
A girl that never speaks finally finds her voice when faced with tragedy.

SYNOPSIS
Rachel is 12, razor sharp, exceptional, mischievous, charismatic. But her mother and stepfather argue all the time. When the parents aren't arguing they go to Rachel and persuade her to be on their side, he said, she said. Rachel remains entirely silent, arms crossed.

Things come to a terrible head when a bottle is smashed and there's silence. Rachel goes downstairs, sees Mother unconscious and bleeding. Father says she's fine, but he's drunk and comes towards her. She picks up a china doll and smashes it against Father's head, he goes down. Rachel dials 999, can't speak. She sleeps… in the morning she's not sure if it was a nightmare, but downstairs she sees the truth.

Rachel escapes to Highgate Woods, finds an old discarded tennis ball. She kicks the ball, takes her anger out on it. For the first time she's able to speak, express her anger and bitterness. In a grove she kicks the ball and finds a birds nest fallen from the trees. She helps the eggs, puts the nest back in the tress where it belongs. In a moment of peace she finds the courage to be free. Then calls the police, returns home. The police are there and her Mother has survived. Rachel hugs her mum, smiles. Life can begin again.

Shortlisted for the Haringey Short Film Fund 2006.

For more info contact pdevonald@hotmail.com

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