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REALITY CHECK

REALITY CHECK
By Simon M James

GENRE: Thriller, Drama
LOGLINE:

When a grieving reality show hater enters a live-streamed, murder-for-ratings spectacle watched by a desensitized global audience, she must expose the mastermind’s deadly conspiracy—or risk dying famous.

SYNOPSIS:

It is a world where reality television takes a dark turn. 'Reality Check' explores the consequences of voyeurism and the human desire for entertainment at any cost. The story begins with Kain, a media mogul, who is orchestrating a new kind of reality show for his network called 'Survival of the Fittest.' This show promises to push the boundaries of entertainment by placing contestants in life-threatening situations, all for the sake of ratings and cash. Kain's vision is to create a primal spectacle like ancient Roman games that will captivate audiences and generate massive profits, regardless of the moral implications.

The story follows Rosie, a young woman grappling with the recent loss of her parents in a seemingly tragic accident. As she navigates her grief, she is drawn into Kain's reality show, where contestants are pitted against each other in games of survival. Alongside her are other contestants, including the troubled Shane, the brittle influencer Faye, a troll called Tegan, a serial killer called Vince, and others all selected by Kain for very specific reasons.

As the competition unfolds, the contestants quickly realize that the stakes are much higher than they anticipated. They are not just competing for a cash prize; they are fighting for their lives. The show is rigged, and Kain manipulates events to ensure maximum drama and chaos, all while the audience watches in real-time. The contestants face a series of harrowing challenges, including being hunted by hungry dogs and being forced to confront their darkest fears.

Rosie's journey becomes one of self-discovery as she grapples with her past and the trauma of losing her parents. She forms a bond with Shane, who reveals his own troubled history and the guilt he carries from a violent accident. Together, they navigate the treacherous landscape of the show, trying to outsmart Kain and survive his deadly games.

As the competition intensifies, alliances are formed and broken, leading to shocking betrayals and unexpected deaths. The contestants are pushed to their limits, revealing the darker sides of human nature. Rosie, fuelled by her desire for justice and revenge against Kain for her parents' deaths, becomes a fierce competitor, determined to expose the truth behind the show.

In a climactic showdown, Rosie confronts Kain, leading to a brutal confrontation. The lines between reality and entertainment blur as the audience witnesses the true horror of Kain's vision. Ultimately, Rosie must decide whether to succumb to the violence of the game or to reclaim her agency and fight back against the system that seeks to exploit her.

The script culminates in a powerful message about the consequences of our obsession with reality television and the moral dilemmas that arise when entertainment takes precedence over human life. 'Reality Check' serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of voyeurism and the lengths people will go to for fame and fortune, leaving audiences questioning their own consumption of media and the ethics of entertainment.

REALITY CHECK

View screenplay
Simon M James

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