Script review: Pure by Catherine Schetina, a taste of paranoia
The 2022 Black List’s top script has a lot on its plate
We recently had the pleasure of diving into the script “Pure,” penned by the talented Catherine Schetina. Celebrated as the number one script on the Blacklist in 2022, it’s no surprise this 95-page whirlwind of psychological horror and family drama captivated our reading community.
Our team of 100% human readers leave feedback and we discuss our findings each week but we use AI to help summarise and draft our thoughts and post here.
Logline Recap: Obsessed with food purity, Hannah’s trip to her sister’s destination wedding descends into madness when she contracts a mysterious foodborne illness that threatens to destroy her from within.
The Premise: “Pure” introduces us to Hannah, whose trip to her sister’s destination wedding spirals into madness when she contracts a mysterious foodborne illness that threatens to destroy her from within. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a gripping exploration of mental health, family dynamics, and the concept of purity.
A Tragic Character Arc: One of the stand-out elements of “Pure” is its tragic character arc. From the opening pages, we meet Hannah — already ill and destined to spiral further into paranoia. Her internal demons are palpably conveyed, especially as her fear of food manifests intensely throughout her sister’s wedding preparations. The friction between Hannah and her family, exacerbated by her condition, adds layers to an already dense narrative.
Character Development and Family Dynamics: Many readers praised the script’s portrayal of Hannah’s tragic character arc, appreciating the empathetic depiction of her internal struggles. The family dynamics, particularly the tension stemming from Hannah’s history of being the centre of attention, added depth to the narrative. Some readers found the mother, Sarah, to be a particularly captivating character, noting her complex relationship with Hannah.
Themes and Representation: The script’s exploration of themes such as food purity, mental health, and family relationships resonated with many readers. The inclusion of queer characters and Jewish traditions was appreciated for adding layers of diversity to the story. However, some readers questioned whether these elements were fully integrated into the narrative or merely added for the sake of diversity.
Writing Style and Tension: The script’s writing style received high praise, with readers noting the effective use of camera directions to convey Hannah’s perspective. The tension built throughout the story was commended, with many finding it hard to look away despite the often disturbing content. The balance of horror elements with emotional moments was seen as a strength.
Genre Blending: Opinions were divided on the script’s blend of body horror and family drama. While some readers appreciated how the two genres complemented each other, others felt they never fully meshed into a cohesive whole. This led to discussions about how the script might be marketed and which audience it would most appeal to.
Strong Visual Direction: Interestingly, Schetina’s use of camera directions — while not “the practice” in screenwriting — effectively guides the reader through Hannah’s harrowing mental landscape. These directions bring forth the grotesque imagery that makes the script so viscerally affecting.
Ambiguity and Interpretation: The script’s open-ended nature sparked interesting debates. Some readers appreciated being left with questions, enjoying the ambiguity of whether Hannah’s experiences were real or imagined. Others found this lack of resolution unsatisfying, wanting more concrete answers by the story’s end.
Adaptation Potential: Despite mixed reactions to certain elements, many readers could envision “Pure” as a compelling film. Comparisons were drawn to works like “The Perfection” and the films of David Cronenberg, suggesting potential appeal for fans of psychological horror. Some readers suggested it might be well-suited for a studio like A24, known for its unique and often challenging content.
Conclusion
“Pure” is a script that doesn’t shy away from intense, often uncomfortable subject matter. While its blending of genres and open-ended nature divided opinion, the script’s strong character work, tension-building, and exploration of complex themes make it a standout read for those who appreciate narratives that challenge and unsettle.
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