Crime · Drama · Psychological Drama

"We All Fall Down"

Summary

The Hit follows Frank Mészáros, a hitman who is haunted by the guilt of killing his closest friend, Johnny Russo, after being forced to take him out during a dangerous job. This tragic act sends Frank spiraling into depression, struggling to escape his violent past. As he tries to reconnect with the music he once loved, symbolized by his guitar, Frank’s complicated relationship with his estranged father, Max, resurfaces, further intensifying his inner turmoil. Amidst the chaos, Frank forms an unexpected bond with his uncle’s young daughter, Emma, who brings out a tenderness he thought was lost. As Frank grapples with his past, he is faced with a choice: to walk away from his violent life or face the consequences of his past actions, all while confronting the painful realization that redemption may come at a higher price than he can bear.

Script Shop Show · August 21, 2019

Podcast Interview

Behind the Story

This was the third story I wrote. I really really really wanted to film this story. I wanted to tell a story where we meet the protagonist at his turning point. He's a paid hitman who just killed his best friend and he finds out his father has just slipped into a coma. His estranged uncle comes around with his little girl, asks for money, and leaves his little girl with him. This is where the story starts. The protagonist learns the beauty of life from being left with his little cousin. I wrote a draft and sent it to a writer/cousin of mine who I wanted to play the lead. He came back with a bunch of revisions, which I wasn't expecting. He then rewrote it to his liking. Our next conversation was I have to have my script the way it is and that in order for me to be a better writer I had to write a bunch of bad versions. He understood but didn't want to do the film. He then sent me a bunch of stories for me to do those instead. I thought about it because I wanted to work with him, but I couldn't let my original story go. I kept writing it and writing it. I wrote nine drafts in order to get it to where I liked it and no revisions were needed. Between 2015-2017 I wrote three revisions. I started sending it out to festivals and it has been accepted to multiple festivals. It won a Semi-Finalist spot in the Hollywood Casting and Film Screenplay Competition. In 2019, I've been selected to be a part of a script show podcast to talk about this story. This was a highlight. For so long I've been told this story isn't that good and how it doesn't work, but not giving up on his made it worthwhile. I reread the script before the podcast show and I had some additional ideas on how I can make it better. On the show, I told the interviewers about the ads and they loved it. They asked me to add it in and they would host it on their site with the updated version. So I did. A few years went by and I submitted it to a festival, Plot Point Awards and it made it to the Quarter Finalist spot. I couldn't be happier with the way it came out and how far it's gotten. I think when the story goes into production it may go through another revision. But that's the beauty of filmmaking. This story means a lot to me. I look forward to the challenge.

Reviews

BlueCat Screenplay Script Analysis

You have constructed an emotional, brutal, natural short film script that achieves most of what it sets out to do. To begin with, you employ effective scene descriptions that not only keep your script moving at a solid pace, but also don’t slow your reader down with unnecessary details. Additionally you manage to color in subtle characterization details through your descriptions too.

In terms of characterization you really do some wonderful work with Frank. In a very short amount of time you manage to dig deep into him, flesh him out accordingly, and keep him consistent through all of this. It’s fascinating how stoic he is initially, but how the presence of Emma can open him up so. Tiny like details like Frank kissing his charm before doing his work speak volumes for him so that he doesn’t have to. Even seemingly irrelevant details like how Frank orders a drink and his bar etiquette show you deeply the sort of person that he is. The same can be said for Johnny and how he conducts himself, in spite of him only being a minor presence.

How you use Frank and Johnny in contrast to each other is also very telling and effective, and just watching them bounce back and forth with each other is not only a testament to your characterization and dialogue, but also your tight plotting. This idea is only pushed further when you juxtapose Frank with Emma later on where he is using things like cigarettes for visual aids. Seeing how immediately they have a rapport and challenge each other and the welcome innocence that's present is a delight. There’s beautiful chemistry going on him.

This reunion of sorts that you have for Frank and his family, letting tension and awkwardness speak for itself goes far. It all feels real and fractured. Frank and Vincent for instance have a very touching meeting, but it’s steeped in the dread hanging over them and intervening elements like Emma’s presence (and then how this is used against their final scene together). You almost feel as awkward as they do as you go through it all.

Frank’s emotional breakthrough via Emma is wonderful. It feels genuine and watching him slowly and surely open up is a thing to behold. Similarly, Frank’s dressing down of Vincent for his drug use and basic negligence to who he now knows is a wonderful kid hits just as hard.

You get some nice mileage as Wolf approaches while Frank is out with Emma and there’s some genuine tension as these two worlds of his begin to collide as we begin to fear that something might go wrong.

Analysis

A Thought-Provoking Script with Deep Emotional Resonance: The Hit is a masterfully crafted script that takes the audience on an emotionally raw journey of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of family dynamics. The protagonist, Frank Mészáros, is a deeply conflicted character—his battle with the consequences of a violent past and his struggle to reclaim his humanity make for a gripping narrative. The script skillfully explores themes of inner turmoil, regret, and the longing for redemption, all while maintaining an intense emotional core.

The relationships in the story are rich with nuance, particularly the dynamic between Frank and his estranged father. Through well-crafted dialogue and poignant flashbacks, the script reveals the emotional wounds that have shaped Frank, offering the audience a glimpse into the pain and isolation he’s endured. The addition of Emma, a symbol of innocence, creates a beautiful contrast that brings Frank’s vulnerability to the forefront, allowing his character to evolve in a subtle yet impactful way.

What truly sets The Hit apart is its integration of music, particularly Frank's connection to his guitar. It’s not just a narrative tool but an emotional anchor that ties the protagonist’s past to his present. The script weaves this element seamlessly into the story, enhancing the depth of Frank’s journey.

With its well-developed characters, heartfelt dialogue, and poignant themes, The Hit is a script that captivates and leaves a lasting impression. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of personal sacrifice, the weight of past actions, and the possibility of redemption. A truly compelling read.