Crime · Drama · Psychological Drama · Thriller

"Father, Please Forgive Me for I Am About to Sin"

Summary

Cursed” is a raw, emotionally charged drama about Father Gabriel, a priest tormented by his inner demons and struggling with alcoholism, and Liz, a prostitute battling the real-life horrors of addiction and exploitation. Both are trapped in cycles of despair, haunted by their pasts and the choices they've made. When their paths cross, they form an unlikely alliance, finding in each other a shared understanding of pain and a desperate hope for redemption. As they fight to overcome their personal demons, the story explores themes of faith, guilt, connection, and the possibility of transformation, even in the darkest of circumstances.

Behind the Story

This story came about when my wife went to the dollar store and overheard a priest talking about going to the homeless shelter to volunteer. I've driven past the shelter a few times so I knew the location plus how it looked inside from volunteering years back. I wanted to do something opposite of what a priest is. I thought what if he wasn't a nice guy, but in his negative attitude an event happens and he's immersed in with the crowd of people he doesn't like. And through it, he finds serenity. Now comes the time for the outline. Who can I pair him with so that it takes him out of his comfort zone and makes him realized the good in the people who he doesn't care for? Another question I have is, why is this priest so negative? Why is he full of hate? And when he makes the change, what does he do to help? As you can see I have so many unanswered questions.

This is my favorite part of storytelling. I love to turn to movies I love and pick pieces from them not to rip off but to pay homage to them. So I started with the character of the priest, I said let's make him a drunk which is why he's bitter. "Leaving Las Vegas" was my top choice. Nic Cage's acting is superb. But the question I have is why is he a drunk? Then I thought, it's because he's trying to kill himself just like the character in "Leaving Las Vegas". Now the bigger question, why is he trying to kill himself? I thought of the film, "Mr. Brooks" with Kevin Costner. In that film, his imaginary friend urges him to resume his murderous compulsion. I didn't want to have him be a killer, but his imaginary friend would urge him to commit suicide. And this imaginary friend would look exactly like him who also is a demonic being. Now time for the person to help him see the good in people. So let's make the people he doesn't like the poor people of the neighborhood. And let's make the person an older woman in her early 40s and let's make her a prostitute like in "Leaving Las Vegas". Now to work on her story. She's an older prostitute who doesn't take new clients because he's in love with a married man, but when that married man wants nothing to do with her she turns to drugs. Okay got that. The encounter is next. On her drug rage, she finds the priest unconscious on his drunken rage.

Act II begins. Now following the beat sheet by Blake Snyder, we have moments in the downfall of act two. Some of my favorites, the all are lost and the beginning of act three. I knew I wanted her pimp to be upset with her and he comes to get her to take her to new clients. When the pimp comes there's an altercation between him and the priest. Now he must go and get her and rescue her from evil. But first, he must kill the evil in him. My favorite Scorsese film is "Taxi Driver". I love the music. I love the acting. I love the story. I knew I wanted that same thing. He must save the girl. A true hero story. I wrote this story as a short. But I really want to film this. And I have to continue to make features not shorts. So I lengthed it to 90 plus pages. I asked my wife to know only read it but contribute to it. I wanted her voice to be in it. She agreed. I am usually a know-it-all but I had stopped some years ago when collaborating with new people. I wanted the twists and turns and dialogue that wasn't planned by me. Everything she added I left. I left it in because when collaborating there has to be a balance of respect. When collaborating I do a ton of revisions. The first draft, letting it out. The second, grammar. The third, their take (changes). The fourth, read together. The fifth, review of festivals. The more reviews from professionals I get, the more revisions I make.

Reviews

BlueCat Screenplay Script Analysis

The story has a lot of momentum as we meet a surprisingly stark and unconventional priest, Father Gabriel, who is struggling heavily with his faith. The story takes off when Father Gabriel meets Liz, a prostitute in his neighborhood. The contrast between these two characters highlights exposes the commonly misguided ideas and perspectives towards people in these professions - the priesthood and prostitution. The ability of Father Gabriel and Liz to become friends shows that people are so much more than their work. As Liz stayed, this life chose her.

The moment on page 53 when Liz realizes that Father Gabriel has given her a metal fork is gorgeous. It’s an incredibly subtle gesture, and even though the two never discuss it, the implications of the metal fork are clear. Gabriel really does care about Liz. So much so that he takes note of her living situation and goes out of his way to make it better in a tangible way.

One of the strongest parts of the script is when Mina, Tina, and Gina come over to Liz’s house. The trio is immediately funny and endearing, but also surprisingly normal. Watching Father Gabriel warm up to them and start having fun is a real delight. These women, who he considered subhuman at the beginning of the movie, turn out to be vastly more responsible, witty, and (ironically) wholesome than his fellow clergymen. As the four of them joke around and play potato chip poker (an adorable idea), Father Gabriel starts to feel like a lovable character. Up until this point, the audience has felt pity and empathy for him, but this pushes our connection with him even further.

The script does a great job staying focused and forging a clear path for the plot. There is immense clarity amongst the characters. We are provided with opportunities to understand who they are and what their roles are as they interact with one another. The dynamic between Liz and Magdalena right away tells us a lot about Liz's caring nature and Mag's slight tendencies for recklessness. However, the relationship is tested when Liz goes missing. Father Gabriel, especially, takes it upon himself to find her and save her from her abusive pimp. The rescue is a pivotal moment as we draw near the conclusion of the story. The bond they have developed and his willingness to fight for Liz illustrates how much he cares about her. He has reestablished his desire to be better and trust in his faith again.

The story was extremely well-paced, and every moment and scene presented itself with a purpose that guided the plot well. The dialogue reflects all of the characters' unique personalities. Arlo had a particularly strong ton. His attitude, his dialect all contribute to how we envision him. Having these distinct tones amplify our engagement with the script as we can fully submerge in the world.

Analysis

A Haunting and Profound Exploration of Faith and Redemption: Cursed Shines with Emotional Depth: “Cursed” is a gripping, thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of faith, self-doubt, and the struggle for redemption. Written by Clint Horvath and Alma Dominguez, this story offers an unflinching look at two lost souls—Father Gabriel, a disillusioned priest battling alcoholism and despair, and Liz, a woman ensnared by a life of addiction and prostitution. Their intertwined journey is both heartbreaking and deeply human, making Cursed a must-watch for anyone seeking a raw, honest portrayal of inner turmoil and the search for meaning.

Father Gabriel’s character is brilliantly developed, with his internal conflict taking center stage as he questions his vocation and wrestles with guilt, loneliness, and his growing disconnect from the church. His emotional journey is a compelling exploration of the limits of faith and the struggle to find purpose in a world filled with pain and disillusionment. The addition of Lou, a mysterious demonic figure who taunts Gabriel, adds an extra layer of complexity, symbolizing the darker recesses of Gabriel’s mind and serving as a constant reminder of his self-destructive path.

Liz, while living a harsh and difficult life, is a beacon of empathy and resilience, even as she battles her own demons. Her relationship with Gabriel is both tender and tragic, as they come to understand each other in the midst of their suffering. Liz’s character provides a unique perspective on the theme of redemption, showing that despite the overwhelming odds, there is still a desire for connection and change.

The themes of isolation, sin, and the quest for forgiveness are masterfully woven throughout the screenplay. The dark, gritty setting—filled with vivid characters and raw moments—perfectly complements the weight of the narrative. The pacing, while contemplative, allows the audience to truly absorb the emotional depth of the story, pulling them into the characters’ worlds with remarkable authenticity.

Overall, Cursed is a captivating, emotionally charged drama that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, yet it also offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Horvath and Dominguez have crafted a powerful exploration of the human spirit, one that asks difficult questions but never fails to evoke deep empathy and understanding. Highly recommended for those who appreciate raw, meaningful storytelling that doesn’t hold back.

September Aubrie

Reader

Wow!! That was intense!! So it’s about evil, pain, struggle, addiction and depression and how it doesn’t discriminate. Everyone goes through it in one way or another and if you are one of the lucky ones, you will find someone that saves you, changes your life or shows you the way. Not everyone makes it out, but those that do see the value in helping others. Or maybe not everybody goes through it, but everybody sees the dark paths and not everybody chooses to succumb to them. Or maybe they are those that lose hope and faith and the lucky ones help each other find their way back.