Candle Dodgers

Written and Directed By: Richard W. Scott

Produced By: Robert Carr

Logline:

Long after a nation votes to euthanise the elderly, Death Days have become a jovial tradition. Julia, the family’s resident pushover, is given the impossible task of choosing how her mother will die – but she has other plans altogether.

Story Summary:

A Celebration of Death” is a dark comedy film script that revolves around a peculiar family tradition: celebrating death days as birthdays. The story unfolds in a dining room where Julia, in her 40s, plans an elaborate death day celebration for her mother, Dot, turning 60. The family, dressed in vibrant colours, gathers to partake in this unique event.

The celebration involves a cake with a special gold candle, symbolic long white candles, and quirky family cheers. As the festivities progress, a mysterious figure, the Plague Doctor, makes an appearance, foreshadowing an unexpected turn of events.

The plot takes a dramatic shift when it is revealed that Julia, motivated by financial constraints, has orchestrated a fake death for her mother to claim the death day benefits. Marcus, a flamboyant character associated with death-related services, becomes an unexpected ally, aiding Julia in executing the plan.

The family, initially unaware of the deception, joyously participates in the celebration, contributing to the darkly comedic atmosphere. However, a surprising twist occurs when Dot’s blood refuses to adhere to the ceremonial document, leading to suspicions and tensions among the characters.

Julia, driven by her desire to protect her mother, takes drastic measures, and the script escalates into a chaotic and humorous series of events. The family’s dynamics are tested, and the celebration becomes a blend of unexpected emotions, deception, and familial bonds.

In the end, Dot’s resilience and the family’s willingness to embrace the unconventional lead to a unique resolution. The script explores themes of family, tradition, and the lengths people go to for their loved ones, all within the framework of a darkly comedic and absurd celebration of life and death.

Casting:

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Main Characters:

Julia | age 30-45 | Our Protagonist | Neurotic, shy, misunderstood

Julia, the central character in “A Celebration of Death,” navigates a complex emotional journey as the story unfolds. A woman grappling with the impending death day celebration for her mother, Dot, Julia is portrayed as a neurotic yet determined individual. Clad in her cardigan, which serves as a security blanket, she faces the challenges presented by the unique family tradition.

Initially introduced as a reluctant participant in the Death Day festivities, Julia’s character evolves throughout the script. She becomes the driving force behind a last-minute decision to alter the original plan and stage a faux death for her mother. Julia’s internal conflict is palpable as she attempts to balance familial expectations, financial constraints, and her own moral reservations.

Her relationship with Tom, her husband, adds depth to her character. Together, they grapple with the decision to engage Marcus, the facilitator of death day packages, to execute the elaborate plan. Julia’s emotional struggles come to the forefront as she confronts the reality of the choices made for her mother’s celebration.

Julia’s journey is marked by moments of vulnerability, resilience, and a surprising willingness to challenge the norms of the Death Day tradition. She showcases strength in the face of adversity, even when confronted with unexpected hurdles during the execution of the plan. Julia’s love for her mother, Dot, is evident in her tearful moments and the lengths she goes to protect her.

As the story progresses, Julia’s character becomes a focal point for exploring themes of family dynamics, personal sacrifice, and the complex emotions tied to mortality. Her arc is a compelling exploration of the human experience amidst the backdrop of a bizarre and unconventional celebration of life and death.

Dot | age 60+ | Warm & Feisty

Dot, the central character in “A Celebration of Death,” is portrayed as a warm-hearted and feisty individual, adding a layer of depth and emotion to the narrative.

Dot is introduced as the matriarch of the family, a woman in her 60s who becomes the focus of the unconventional Death Day celebration. Described as warm-hearted, she serves as the emotional centre of the family and holds a significant place in their lives.

Dot’s relationship with her daughter, Julia, forms a crucial aspect of the story. The mother-daughter bond is evident in their interactions, and Dot’s willingness to go along with Julia’s plan showcases a mix of trust, love, and a sense of adventure. The script hints at Dot’s sense of humour and her ability to find joy in unexpected situations.

As the birthday celebrant in this unique death day celebration, Dot plays a passive role initially, observing the family’s rituals and traditions. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Dot is an active participant in the plan. She willingly cooperates with Julia’s attempts to create a dramatic and memorable death day, showcasing her flexibility and open-mindedness.

Dot’s involvement adds a layer of tension to the script, particularly during the execution of the plan. Her reactions to the family’s cheers and the unfolding events contribute to the comedic and surreal atmosphere of the celebration.

The script hints at Dot’s past, referencing her preferences and experiences. These snippets provide a glimpse into her character beyond the immediate events, adding depth and complexity. Dot’s resilience and ability to adapt to unconventional circumstances showcase her as a character with a rich history and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

In the culmination of the script, Dot’s resilience and sense of humour shine through, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go for the sake of tradition and connection. Dot’s character becomes a symbol of the celebration’s success, encapsulating the essence of familial love and the willingness to embrace the unconventional for the ones we hold dear.

Tom | age 30-45 | Practical, insensitive, “Football and Lager”

Tom, portrayed as Julia’s husband in “A Celebration of Death,” contributes significantly to the unfolding narrative. Initially characterised with a straightforward personality, being described as having a disposition akin to “Football and Lager,” Tom represents the more practical and down-to-earth side of the family dynamic.

His role in the story is multifaceted, showcasing a husband’s support for Julia, while also navigating the financial constraints that have led the couple to consider unconventional options for Dot’s death day celebration. Tom becomes a crucial player when the decision to involve Marcus, the orchestrator of Death Day packages, is made. Despite his reservations and financial concerns, Tom reluctantly agrees to embark on this unusual journey.

Throughout the script, Tom serves as a stabilizing force for Julia, offering both emotional and logistical support. His interactions with Marcus, especially during the meeting in Marcus’s office, provide moments of levity, as Tom grapples with the surreal nature of the situation.

Tom’s character undergoes development as he confronts the moral implications of the plan and its potential impact on their family. His willingness to comply with Julia’s decisions and adapt to the evolving circumstances highlights his commitment to their relationship.

In the celebratory scenes, Tom participates in the family traditions, leading cheers and attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the bizarre events. His camaraderie with other family members, particularly Uncle Curtis, adds depth to his character and showcases the interconnectedness of the family.

Ultimately, Tom’s character is an integral part of the familial unit grappling with the unconventional death day celebration. His presence highlights the complexities of relationships, financial struggles, and the willingness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances for the sake of tradition and family unity.

Marcus | age 30-45 | Sleazy, unscrupulous, opportunistic

In the midst of the darkly comedic and suspenseful “A Celebration of Death,” Marcus, a sleazy character with a penchant for unconventional services, plays a crucial role. As Julia and her family navigate the peculiar Death Day festivities, Marcus emerges as the orchestrator of the planned execution, offering a variety of unique packages for the occasion.

With his flamboyant demeanour and history of facilitating unusual end-of-life experiences, Marcus brings an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative. He shares personal stories, revealing his background in assisting others with their death day plans. Marcus’s involvement becomes more apparent when he introduces himself as the executor of Julia’s mother’s death day, sparking a conversation about the various options available.

As the story unfolds, Marcus becomes a catalyst for Julia’s internal conflict, challenging her preconceptions about death and the choices her family is making. His interactions with Julia and Tom reveal a complex character with a mixture of business acumen and a seemingly genuine understanding of the emotional struggles tied to such unconventional celebrations.

Marcus’s presence contributes to the overall tone of the script, adding a touch of eccentricity to an already unique and thought-provoking narrative. His character serves as a reminder that, even in the midst of dark humour and peculiar festivities, there are individuals like Marcus who thrive on facilitating unconventional experiences for those willing to embrace them.

The Auditor | age 25-40 | Warm, welcoming, air-head

Under her official uniform akin to a plague doctor outfit of 17th century europe, underneath is a bubbly, cute lady who loves sharing everyone’s “special” day.