Screenwriting : Movie Idea by Katherine Monet

This sounds thrilling, Katherine Monet! I'd watch this movie! The part that really hooked me is "But Michael, unaware of her double life and consumed by jealousy and fear, takes matters into his own hands — triggering a violent, tragic chain of events neither can escape."

Thank you

You're welcome, Katherine Monet. Are you thinking about writing the script or hiring a screenwriter to?

I was thinking about hiring a screenwriter

Hi! This is a good start to the story, but I need a full plot to give it a rating. The character is currently passive, with no goal or high stakes.

Ok, Katherine Monet. You could post an ad on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs).

This is a synopsis of the idea, if you'd like, I can share the full plot of the story.

Charlotte has a goal, Katherine Monet (uncover the stalker’s identity), and "protect her life and Michael" are the stakes.

Interesting. My favorite is her being an assassin at a young age (does that make me weird). Assassins and secret agents are usually middle-aged men.

I agree, it's way more interesting to see a teenager being an assassin than middle aged men. I believe that's what this story makes it stand out.

Maurice Vaughan, The obstacle to the goal should be insurmountable for the hero. Only through a complex transformation does the hero gain the ability to solve the problem and achieve his goal in the final. In this case, the author has made the hero a murderer who can easily solve the problem. This is banal and boring. I would make the hero a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity, and she tricks him into killing the pursuer, and she is not a killer, but a fraudster or a thief who has escaped punishment.

Hi everyone,

The idea is quite good and definitely has potential, but I noticed a few inconsistencies I wanted to point out for discussion:

First, if Michael and Charlotte knew each other since high school, and Charlotte was already involved in assassination work at that time, it's hard to believe he never picked up on any unusual traits. Becoming a killer requires a specific mindset and skillset — traits that would probably be visible, especially to someone close.

Second, there seems to be a contradiction in the plot: Charlotte notices a stranger following her… but then it turns out to be someone she also knew in high school. So, was he really a stranger? As a trained assassin, she would likely have a highly developed memory — that’s part of the profession. It's a bit difficult to imagine her forgetting a familiar face.

And third, Michael seems like a good person throughout the story, but then suddenly initiates violent action that sparks a tragic chain of events. That shift in character might need more setup or justification to feel believable.

Just some thoughts! I like the premise overall — especially the idea of a former killer hiding in plain sight within a loving marriage. It’s dramatic and cinematic. But I think with a few tweaks for logic and character motivation, this could really shine.

Thanks for sharing — I look forward to seeing how it evolves!

This story reminds me of La Femme Nikita (1990) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). But your idea is interesting and has its own potential. I suggest you keep going with it and do some rewriting to make it even better and more unique

I like the idea. Keep working on it.

Absolutely perfect so far. Clear hints of delicious themes and arcs. Well grounded with romance and excitement. One just have to choose what should be emphasized the most. Hitman movies are so much fun. But only if the hitman isn't chased by another hitman.

Thank you so much for all of your input, I will definitely be working on the plot for this and share it here.

"Agent Cody Banks" meets "Nobody"

"Nobody" (2021), a normal guy trying to live a normal life, but can't quite get it right since... he used to be "an auditor" (a Mr. Fix it with lethal weapons). That movie recently had a sequel.

Hello Aleksandr Rozhnov . To discuss some of your points: 1) They were high schoolers and she was trained. I doubt ordinary, everyday teenagers could identify trained assassins and secret agents. Even into their young adulthood, he's probably built an image of her that he chooses to maintain (can't see the forest because of the trees). 2) A stranger following her: could be her noticing a car following her or a person always in the shadows. 3) Nice guy Michael turns baddie: Maybe Michael had to do something to defend his home or her/his life. That would bring out the beast in anyone.

Vikki Harris You are on point, that's the whole idea of this story.

I don’t mind — this could definitely be a good idea. But I just wanted to point out a few things that should be considered in the script so that the audience believes the story.

For example, it’s important to show those moments clearly in the plot, to make it convincing. Also, keep in mind that assassins are usually very lonely people. The exception might be John Wick, who had a wife — but even she died. Having a romantic partner is a big risk in that kind of life.

Aleksandr Rozhnov Yes, thank you for pointing that out, I will definitely keep that in mind

If this is a comedy then maybe it could work but if it's an action film then sadly it's been done before too many times.

Christopher Wells I don't see how my idea can be a comedy, this is more of an action / thriller movie concept, I understand this has been done many times, let me hare with you how this is different from the others.

Part of my style and vibe with any future films I may create, will be the unexpected, turning the idea on its head, twists, the turn of events isn't what it seems.

A good example of this is kind of like The Truman Show meets The Twilight Zone!

Katherine Monet This is the problem with asking random people their opinions on a board. They have not been prequalified, yet they love to offer studio -like opinions. As a producer of 18 pictures, and having worked with two Oscar-Winners and many Oscar-Nominees - and polarizing actors such as Natasha Lyonne and Alan Ritchson - and I wrote, produced and directed a short that qualified for the Oscars, I believe I have prequalified myself. Your idea sounds very commercial, although I would be interested in hearing it in GREATER detail. Christopher Wells , I am NOT being nasty or a troll when I ask you just what qualifies you to shoot down her idea as being "done before too many times?" Sure, there have been many similar ideas - as is the case with MOST ideas - but many of them were commercial successes. Some were comedic in nature, others were more action-packed and some were melodrama. It all comes down to the quality of the script, the dialogue, who makes the movie, how popular the actors are and the execution of the Motion Picture. Look at the success of pictures such as The Long Kiss Goodnight, Nobody, the John Wick Franchise and Mr. and Mrs. Smith; all similar premise in one way or another and all having varying forms of commercial success.

To add another rather unqualified voice into the discussion: the most "original" ideas (whatever that means, considering many concepts can be traced back to something else intentionally or unintentionally) are not always the most marketable or engaging.

Sure, perhaps this idea is a bit derivative (and I'm sure I can claim that about many concepts, my own ones included), but the positive side to that is, as someone outside of creating it and taking on the view of an audience member, I don't really need to be convinced that I can enjoy something like this. I've seen similar works and were entertained by them, so chances are this work will be right in line with what I already deem as good. It's accessible, easy to understand, and quick to invite me in. The synopsis alone makes it sound fun and interesting, partly due to having knowledge of how these types of stories go.

There are entire genres built around certain cores with different execution (like slasher horror films), and categories of action works are no exception. Maybe this does exist alongside other films/shows like it, but that means you've got an audience to target already and, in doing so, your unique spin and fresh eyes on this kind of narrative can genuinely surprise viewers who have already set expectations in their head; there's a way to play on that and twist them.

Again, I'm not a producer or an agent, and I'm taking this strictly from the outside looking in. From what I gathered through the synopsis though is a work that's easy to engage with and has potential to shake up various tropes. Keep going, and I hope you find success with it!

Sam Borowski How does my idea sound commercial?

John X. Ingram Thank you

Katherine Monet NEVER ask that - LOL! You HAVE to BELIEVE in your concept for others to! It's EXTREMELY commercial in nature! The whole theme of a secret past she kept from her husband, coming back to bite her. Two of the films I referenced were Nobody and The Long Kiss Goodnight. One should definitely watch is Thursday, an early Thomas Jane vehicle - before he became The Punisher - that is very similar in nature. I think it would help you in finishing/polishing your script. The very theme of a hidden past coming home to roost is commercial in nature. It hints at violence, thrilling suspense, Good Vs. Evil! I would watch it! I think you'll find that most would! As John X. Ingram aptly pointed out, it has a built-in audience. THAT'S WHY it's Commercial!

Katherine Monet Isn't the Truman Show a comedy? If you mix that with a Twilight Zone vibe that could be interesting but obviously just beware of falling victim to the trope unless there is a major comedy element to it. Like: Spy (2015) – Melissa McCarthy, Game Night (2018), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) – Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, True Lies (1994), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018). Just a thought. But if you're going for a more serious film with no real comedy element, it could be a harder film to make.

Sam Borowski I stand behind what I said.

Katherine Monet the amount of comments and unresolved questions people have expressed in this feed is a likely 'greenlight' for you to pursue this project you're inspired about and to wrestle with all the beautiful contradictions it presents - rooting for you & happy writing!

Christopher Wells When I mentioned The Truman Show is because the main character had no idea where he was at all. I probably wasn't clear on that reference.

Sebastian Tudores Thank you, I will

Katherine Monet Well good luck either way. An idea is the first step, then putting it to paper and actually writing it out will determine if your idea has legs. What titles have you written before? I assume you're a novelist. Is this your first screenplay?

Christopher Wells

Yes, I do have a title. It's called Criminal Fiction, and I'm getting started to become a novelist. I have tried writing screenplays in the past, I won't be actually writing it for this project, I'm currently working with a screenwriter I'm collaborating with. This is my first time doing a project like this, and I always have dreamt of making movies someday, and that's why I'm here on this platform.

Christopher Wells I personally don't see this as a comedy, unless it's extremely dark like Nobody or Thursday. My point, however, is who are you to decline her idea unless she meets your requirements? You magically know that people won't like it? You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but WHY should she listen to you? THAT'S the issue I have here. I'm not being rude, but personally I don't think she should be asking permission of her idea from a forum of non-prequalified people. One of my mentors was two-time Academy-Award Winning producer Al Ruddy, who won statuettes for The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby. Al was someone whose opinion carried serious weight with me. (Sadly, we lost Al last year.) I'm not putting you down, but she doesn't need your approval. Similar movies and concepts achieve commercial success all the time. Besides, what one Filmmaker likes another may not. Go re-read your comments. Essentially, you said, 'been done too many times. Might work if you do it my way.' Seriously?

Katherine Monet I wish you the best.This may be a weird question but I noticed you're using AI for your profile images. Why is that? I noticed it early but didn't want to say anything. Are we talking to a real person who just so happens to be using fake images or are we talking to AI?

Wow Sam Borowski you're coming off like a troll with your name dropping and grandstanding. News flash, her profile is AI.

Christopher Wells You are definitely talking to a real person. My profile photo is definitely me, I just used a little bit of AI to enhance my look, because I want to look professional.

In the end we discover she's related to Claude Monet and hatches a plan to steal all of his paintings from the gallery and replace them with fakes!

Christopher Wells It's not "name-dropping" to be proud of and respect the people who have guided you. But you come off like a pompous studio head when you tell people their ideas have been done too many times before, but if they do it your way, it MIGHT work. Seriously? I will say my intent was not to offend, even though I found your obnoxious first reply offensive. I will agree to disagree. I will no longer engage. And Katherine Monet my advice to you is prequalify people before asking their opinions - myself included. Don't just throw it out there to a forum of people you are not familiar with. Sometimes you can ask five people and get five different opinions. People like giving their thoughts, but it doesn't mean you should always take them. They also may not be the audience for your film. Also part of my original point .....

And I Am EXTREMELY proud to have called Al a friend and mentor. Not posting to grandstand, but to show I'm not one of the charlatans in this business, of which there are many. (Not accusing anyone here, but, rather talking in the abstract.)

Sam Borowski Yeah, you're not only name dropping you're unknowingly showing off your misguided interpretation of anything I've posted. It's like you have no ability to get from under your own ego in your weird obsession of my opinion. Stop policing me, you're not my boss, I don't need to justify myself to you nor do I care about who you know or what awards you almost won. And by the way, I didn't say Al like the name, I'm saying she's Artificial Intelligence so all your grandstanding is for a fake profile you want to impress.

Hi everyone, Ashley here, Head of Community at Stage 32.

I just wanted to step in and say that some really thoughtful feedback and encouragement has been shared in this thread, and I’m grateful to those of you who approached this conversation with respect and insight.

To Sam’s point, Katherine Monet, every piece of feedback you receive, whether from peers or industry professionals, should be weighed against your own creative vision. One of the best parts of being on Stage 32 is that you can get different perspectives, but not every piece of advice will be right for you or your story. Trust your instincts, and use these Lounge spaces to ask questions, share ideas, and engage with fellow creatives in a way that helps you grow while staying true to your voice. That’s exactly what they’re here for.

That said, for those of you who chose to respond with unnecessary negativity or personal jabs, I encourage you to reflect on how you’re presenting yourself on a professional platform. Stage 32 is a space for industry networking, where you’re not only building relationships, but also being observed by executives, producers, and future collaborators. The way you interact with others matters, and it can be the difference between gaining or losing opportunities.

Disagreement is fine. Offering constructive critique is fine. But attacking others or engaging in personal accusations is not. If this thread continues with any further negativity or disrespect, the individuals involved may be subject to removal or suspension from the platform.

Let’s lead with respect, curiosity, and support. That’s how we all grow and how we help each other get to the next level.

Katherine, I hope you continue developing Criminal Fiction, and I look forward to seeing where your journey takes you!

I'm glad you appreciated my levity Ms. (Claude) Monet. FYI I did help market Pulp Fiction when Miramax was under the Disney Umbrella. I'd see Harvey ever now and then. Glad he's still suffering in jail.

Yeh, I pasted the scenario text into online LLM detectors. Three came back with 90-100% probabilities of it being AI-generated. Combine that with the gAI-"enhanced" profile headshot, and the likelihood of the OP being an independently thinking creator, or indeed a real person, is pretty much zero.

As to "I Am EXTREMELY proud to have called Al a friend and mentor," in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Mosses From an Old Manse (1846), he writes of “the manufactory where the demon of machinery annihilates the human soul.” Eerily prophetic, yeah?

To turn any aspect of one’s writing over to some soulless bot can only cause one’s inspiration, creativity, critical thinking, and self-reliance to atrophy — or worse, never to develop in the first place. Writer’s block will seem like a stroll in the park to “Hey, AI is just a tool!” hacks when they discover too late that they cannot analyse, organise, or just plain write a story on their own, without the AI crutch.

Paul Norman Rich That's so cool you were involved in Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino is my favorite director, I love his films. An I would like to mention Paul, you're very funny, I like your jokes

Just Nikka Al - as in Al Ruddy, producer of The Godfather - not AI as in Artificial Intelligence. LOL - Think you may have misread that. If you look at past posts I am no fan of A.I. - well except for M3GAN - LOL!

Sam Borowski, Even a non-professional can see that the idea in its current form has weak drama. This can be fixed by making the husband the main character. Doesn't it bother you that almost all movies about strong female killers have not been successful in the past ten years?

Arthur Charpentier Couldn't disagree with you more. The Long Kiss Goodnight was more than 20 years ago - not the past 10 years - but I would call that successful. It even helped inspire the Kill Bill films. Quentin even used the song, "She's Not There," as an homage. And both of those films were successful. Was The Black Widow in The Marvel Universe a successful character? I know her solo film didn't make as much as they thought, but the day-and-date release, the pandemic and other reasons contributed to that. That's why Scarlett Johansson successfully sued Disney. I absolutely don't think she should make the husband the lead character. My opinion is solely based on my 20+ years of experience in the business.

Sam Borowski, In the movies you mentioned, the heroines were active and took action. However, in this idea, the heroine is passive and does nothing. She only learns that she is being pursued by a schoolmate, and then she follows the plot due to her husband's actions. I find the husband's dramatic situation more interesting and promising. He is not ready to solve the problem. His goal is the opposite of the antagonist's goal.

No, In The Long Kiss Goodnight Geena Davis plays a woman who as a husband and children and has no idea she was an assassin. In the beginning, she explains she was in a Coma for while before waking up with no recollection of who she was. The action builds similar to the OPs script. Moreover, The Bride is in a Coma in the beginning of Kill Bill. She doesn't take action for close to 40 minutes. Again, we'll agree to disagree ...