#veronica dodd

THE FOUR NIGHTMARES [WIP SCRIPT, NIGHT 1 ONLY]

ENT. THE PORCH OF A HOUSEHOLD IN UTAH, 1983

(A YOUNG WOMAN IN HER PAJAMAS is on the walkie-talkie with someone. Or an old-fashioned phone. Whichever works.)

(Young Woman) *somewhat tired*

No, I can do this on my own. Yes, I’m sure I can handle monsters in the closet. What’s the worst that could happen?

(SOMEONE FROM INSIDE opens the door. THE WOMAN introduces herself as she enters into..)

INT. THE HOUSEHOLD’S FOYER

(Young Woman)

Yeah, hi, I’m looking for… Well, I didn’t write down his name, but I’m sure you know who I’m talking about. The little boy in the striped shirt. Says he’s got some problems with creatures in his room.

(THE PERSON notices a family photo and gestures to one of the kids in the picture.  THE WOMAN nods, clicking her tongue.)

(Woman)

Yup, that’s him. I’m going to be his, er, babysitter for a couple of nights. Someone to help fend off his fears…. And maybe get some extra cash in the process.

(HER LISTENER is about to say something, but THE BABYSITTER approaches the stairs.)

(Babysitter)

Now, where is that kid anyway? I’m sure he’s around here somewhere.

(THE HOUSE HOST follows as she climbs the stairs to the second floor. THE BABYSITTER stops at the first door, eyes the handle with a  lifted eyebrow, and puts her hands on the knob. THE DOOR refuses to open. THE SITTER scowls as she places an ear against the wood. She hears GENTLE SOBBING and shuts her eyes.)

(Babysitter) *frustrated*

You better have a good explanation for this. If you don’t, then another way in will do just fine. 

SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. AT A TREE OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

(THE BABYSITTER climbs up with one hand on the branches and another on her walkie-talkie. She complains as she struggles to reach the top.)

(Babysitter)

Tree climbing was obviously not on my list of “things I’d be doing in 1980s Midwest”. You know how much these threads cost, Laura? …Yes, I know it’s covered in my worker’s insurance—

  (THUNDER interrupts her as it shakes the tree. DISTANT LIGHTNING enhances the redness of the evening sky. She looks over her shoulder and sees the eerie atmosphere below her. Her eyes dart around as she processes the implications. LAURA’S VOICE breaks her stunned, silent trance.)

(Laura) *static V.O.*

Hello? Are you still there? 

(THE BABYSITTER shakes her head rapidly before answering.)

(Babysitter) *while climbing*

Yeah, I’m fine. I just don’t like the fact that the sky’s turning scarlet-red while I’m breaking in.

(Laura)

You’re not breaking in! You were invited here, remember? 

(THE BABYSITTER reaches a branch right outside one window. As Laura continues, our “robber” peaks inside. Behind the glass is a young boy’s room, where some young soul is crying his heart out.)

(Laura)

All to help one child finally get some sleep. It’ll help him when it’s time.

(Babysitter)

Time for what?

(LAURA doesn’t answer. THE BABYSITTER rolls her eyes and moves towards the shut window.)

INT. THE BOY’S ROOM

(Meanwhile, THE BOY is lying on the floor. His sobbing has quieted down now, but it hasn’t stopped. His window opens slowly. He refuses to open his eyes to see who it is. A shadow looms over him before a hand gently rocks him.)

(Female Voice) *softly*

Hey.

(THE BOY looks at her with one red eye. It’s THE BABYSITTER. He gingerly gets up and hobbles to his bed. THE BABYSITTER watches as he uses A GOLDEN TEDDYBEAR as his shield.)

(Babysitter)

I’m not gonna hurt ya! Calm down! …I’m your caretaker. The one that lady with the glasses must’ve told you about.

(THE BOY lowers the bear. He looks at the toy as if waiting for an answer. A chew-toy-like squeak makes his eyes light up. He raises his head and stares at the strange woman with curly hair. She rubs the back of her neck and smiles crookedly.)

(Babysitter) *shyly*

Yeah, sorry for the strange entrance. I was gonna come in through the door and introduce myself like a normal person, but it was locked.

(THE BOY hurries to the window, then shuts it. The sight of the red sky almost makes him start crying again. But, since there’s someone else, he tries to just sniffle. THE BABYSITTER, however, is quick to notice. She approaches him and puts a hand on his shoulder.)

(Babysitter)

Look, kid, I’m scared of that sky too. Who wouldn’t be? It’s so… dark and ominous. Unlike any sky I’ve ever seen.

(SHE gauges his response, then turns him to face her.)

(Babysitter)

How’s about I get you out of here? Would that help?

(THE BOY nods, holding his plush friend tightly. THE BABYSITTER walks to the door, pulls out a skeleton key from her pocket, then picks the lock. A click. The door opens. Without a single word, THE BOY rushes into the hallway with teddybear in tow.)

(Babysitter)

Hey! Remember to come back here for bed. That’s when my job really starts.

(THE BOY stops, looks behind, then nods with a faint smile. He descends the staircase, chatting it up with his beloved bear. THE BABYSITTER grins, only for another round of thunder to ruin her mood. She walks back into the room and looks around. She picks up a blue bunny toy from off the floor.)

(Babysitter)

If this storm keeps up, I’m gonna need a fluffy friend too.

(Her hands hold the toy by the waist, squishing it out of habit. She sighs as she shuts her eyes.)

(Babysitter)

I hope tonight’s not as bad as Laura’s been saying…

FADE TO:

THE BOY’S BEDROOM, PITCH-BLACK

(A ROUND BEAM OF LIGHT reveals the room. THE BABYSITTER sits on the bed while THE BOY noiselessly lies down on the other side. She moves her flashlight around, quietly talking to him.)

(Babysitter)

Okay, a couple minutes to midnight. How are you holding up?

(THE BOY turns his head, only to return to his original position. THE BABYSITTER mouths to herself while nodding. She moves the flashlight again.)

(Babysitter)

So, you mind if we give each other nicknames? You know, if we need to split up and use walkie-talkies?

  (A moment of silence. THE BOY gives a sign of affirmation.)

(Babysitter)

All right, cool. Now, um…

(THE WOMAN chuckles to herself, brushing back her mess of curls.)

(Babysitter)

My old high school nickname was “Bangles”, since I’d always wear ‘em for… reasons I don’t think I can sum up in a minute. But, for us, how’s about we shorten it to “Bangs”? 

(Unfortunately for them, A CLOCK CHIME sounds the hour. Midnight. “BANGS” shuts right up, straightening her posture. It’s time for work. Another scan around the room. Nothing… so far.)

(“Bangs”) *softly, to herself*

Huh.

(She scans around the room, flashlight in hand. First, peeking on and under the bed. Nothing. Then, she moves to the closet and peers in. Nothing. Finally, she pokes her head out the two exit doors. Nothing. Feeling confident, “BANGS” returns to the bed and settles in.)

(“Bangs”)

Looks like we’re set. No monsters, no sweat. So, how’s about that…?

(To her surprise, THE BOY has already fallen asleep. He snores quietly while she chuckles to herself. However, a hiss of radio static causes her to pick her guard back up. She goes back to checking one of the hallways, only to see nothing yet again. She shakes her head and shuts off her flashlight.)

TRANSITION TO:

THE BOY’S BEDROOM, TWO HOURS LATER

(A GRANDFATHER CLOCK chimes the hour. “BANGS” is now back in bed, moving her flashlight yet again. However, she appears to be bored or tired. Her head lowers slowly, only to jolt back up. Her eyes dart as she returns to a more alert posture. A LOW WHINING SOUND, LIKE A PIG, grows louder and louder. She points the flashlight at TWO RAGGED, BEAR CUB-LIKE creatures. As soon as the light shines on them, they FLOAT AWAY like ghostly puppets.)

(“Bangs”) *deeply puzzled*

What?

(She climbs out of bed and slowly checks the other exits. First, the closet. Nothing. Then, the doors. Still nothing. She shakes her head in confused dismay, only to hear that STRAINED WHINING again. Her flashlight shines on NOT TWO, BUT THREE CUBS. THEY FLY AWAY AGAIN, but it’s too late. SOMETHING ELSE IS BEHIND THE BED.)

POV SWITCH - THE THING BEHIND THE BED’S VIEW

(“WE”, the audience, loom over THE NOW WIDE-AWAKE BOY, as if ready to strike. A low snarl resounds in “OUR” ears. However, FAINT FOOTSTEPS catch “OUR” attention. “WE” turn to see BANGS approaching the bed. With removed shoe in hand, she CHUCKS IT right towards “our” head. “We” DODGE the makeshift weapon. The snarl intensifies as BANGS looks at “us” in horror. TWO RED LIGHTS grow in brightness. With a sudden burst of energy, WE POUNCE onto the bed and PICK her up as if to pummel her down to the ground. A FLASH OF BLUE interrupts, blinding and confusing who “WE’RE” supposed to be. All “WE” know is… SHE’S VANISHED.)

INT., NORMAL POV - LATE NIGHT, SOME DARK ROOM

(“BANGS” teleports through SOME TUBE-LIKE CHAMBER and fumbles out. She pants heavily, leaning against some command module.)

(Voice) *calm, collected*

I have to admit. I never thought you’d actually attack a Nightmare. Or, at least, try to. A valiant effort.

(“BANGS” looks up with a puzzled look on her face.)

(“Bangs”)

Are you saying we’re done already?

(THE OWNER OF THE VOICE walks over to the command module. AN OBSCURED HAND flips up a clear glass case.)

(Voice)

Only if you want us to be.

(“BANGS”’s eyes dart left and right. Her eyebrows furrow as she contemplates. She straightens up and brushes back any strands of loose hair.)

(“Bangs”)

If I quit now, will this affect my paycheck? A cut in the salary, maybe?

(Voice)

Nothing in the paycheck will change. …Well, save for some minor bonuses being subtracted. But that concern wasn’t something you put on your resume.

(“BANGS”’ eyelids lift. She turns around and paces in front of the machine. She stops. Her eyes focus on her informer.)

(“Bangs”)

I’ve gotta go back there.

(Voice)

For the bonuses?

(“BANGS” huffs and rolls her eyes.)

(“Bangs”) *quieter, annoyed*

No, I want to help the boy—

(Her pupils shrink as she realizes her mistake.)

(“Bangs”) *louder, more flustered*

Yeah, yeah! For the bonuses! I gotta go back to score those bonuses!

(She hurries back to THE CHAMBER. THE DOOR seals behind her as she gets into position.)

(Voice)

I’ll send you right back to where you were. I hope you know how to handle a robotic Grizzly.

(“BANGS” blinks as she gets into position.)

(“Bangs”)

So that’s what it was? Huh. At least that explains the cub-looking things it had with ‘im.

(LAURA shakes her head as she activates the machine. THE CHAMBER whirs to life as PULSATING BLUE LIGHT glows up the rest of the room. The vibrations reach a crescendo before everything GOES DARK.)

INT. THE BOY’S BEDROOM, A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE ATTACK

(THE BOY cowers under the covers as THE “GRIZZLY” gets ready to pounce. THE SOUND OF A WINDOW SLOWLY OPENING is heard, followed by RAPID, SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS. “BANGS” jumps onto the bed from off-screen. She SPRINGS up to her feet and PUTS ONE LEG up on the headboard. This all happens in a matter of seconds.)

(“Bangs”) *with gnashed teeth*

Let ‘im go, ya big bear!

(Unfortunately for her, the bear has practically vanished before she can even do anything. Undaunted, she points her flashlight towards the bed. No tiny bear gremlins. SHE climbs off the bed and lands onto the floor. THE BOY lifts the covers just enough for her to see. “BANGS” stops and looks at him. She adjusts her posture to make sure she’s at his eye level.)

(“Bangs”)

You good, kid?

(THE BOY nods. He says “thank you”, but “BANGS” still gently puts a finger to his mouth.)

(“Bangs”) *very quietly*

Shhh… Don’t wanna attract more of ‘em. Glad you’re safe, though.

(FOOTSTEPS thump down the LEFT HALL.)

(“Bangs”) 

Be right back. Stay here.

(“BANGS” approaches THE OPEN LEFT DOOR. She peers out into the dark, using HER FLASHLIGHT to see. A RABBIT-LIKE FIGURE tilts his head. “BANGS’” pupils shrink. She shuts off the flashlight and closes the door. FOOTSTEPS thump down the hall, rattling breathing grows closer and closer. “BANGS” shivers, but tries to keep it down. Thankfully, THE FOOTSTEPS move back down the hall. “BANGS” cautiously opens the door.)

(“Bangs”) *mouthing*

Okay, he’s gone.

(FOOTSTEPS on THE RIGHT. “BANGS” speedily crawls to the other door. She turns on the flashlight again. This time, it’s A… BIRD-LIKE CREATURE? Without any hesitation, “BANGS” turns off the light and slams the door. THE UNEVEN THUMPING happens again. More frail breathing nears the woman. This time, she’s a lot less unnerved. She bides her time until THE BIRD leaves. Then, she opens the door.)

(“Bangs”) *still mouthing*

Birdie’s gone too. Nice.

(THE PIG-LIKE SQUEALING returns. “BANGS” points her flashlight at the bed, causing the three cubs to fly away. Content with this action, OUR BABYSITTING DEFENDER creeps towards the foot of the bed. She settles into a semi-resting position. Her head gently thumps against the miniature footboard.)

(“BANGS”) *a little more audibly*

Might as well try to sleep without me, kid. This is gonna be a long night.

CUT TO:

INT. THE BOY’S BEDROOM, FLICKERING IN AND OUT LIKE A MALFUNCTIONING VHS RECORDING 

(The reason why it’s flickering is because WE’RE NOW SEEING A ROUGHLY-CUT MONTAGE OF THE NIGHT. Sometimes, it’s “BANGS” holding the closed door back from a nearby intruder. Other times, it’s the SQUEAlING TEDDYS flying away into the darkness. One particular clip has “BANGS” holding THE BOY’S PLUSH BEAR, only to drop it once she hears some low, static-y mumbling. Each time it cuts to black, however, there’s a time stamped on the bottom. 3:30 AM, 4:15 AM, 5 AM, etc. When the time reaches 5:59, however…)

INT. THE BOY’S BEDROOM, EARLY MORNING 

(AN ALARM CLOCK beeps, it’s red numbers flashing in the dark. THE BOY shuts off the alarm, then tiredly crawls back under the covers. “BANGS”, meanwhile, leans back against the footboard.)

(“Bangs”)

Okay, kid, you’ve CLEARLY had your nap-time tonight. Now, c’mon and get ready for school or whatever you do. 

(THE BOY sits up, stretches his arms, then climbs out of bed. He picks up HIS TEDDY and walks to THE RIGHT DOOR. Before he shuts it, however, he says one last “thank you” to his obviously worn-out babysitter. As soon as he leaves, there’s a brief moment of quiet… Until faint music reaches “BANGS’” LEFT EAR. Disgruntled, she gets up on her feet and back into the LEFT SIDE OF THE UPSTAIRS HALL. She gives a puzzled look at the house’s layout, but shrugs it off. What she DOESN’T shrug off, however, is THE RECORD PLAYER placed on a table right outside ANOTHER BEDROOM’S SLIGHTLY OPEN DOOR.)

(“Bangs”) *to herself, miffed*

Who in their right mind uses Swan Lake to wake up in the morning? 

(With a scoff, “BANGS” moves the PLAYER’S NEEDLE to the side. THE RECORD spins, but no sound comes out. She nods her head in grumpy satisfaction, then makes her way downstairs.)

INT. DOWNSTAIRS LIVING ROOM

(“BANGS” lies down on the couch and takes out her walkie-talkie. With a press of a button, she announces how her night went.)

(“Bangs”)

Good news: The boy’s made it through Night One. Bad news: I’m tired, I’m hungry, and… I might have to go to the bathroom, if I’m not dehydrated from all that running.

(Static breaks the silence. LAURA’S VOICE comes through.)

(Laura)

Great job! …About the boy, anyway. Sounds like you’ve got some stuff to do before you go to bed.

(“Bangs”)

Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ll get breakfast at some downtown diner.

(HEAVY FOOTSTEPS fumble down the stairs. “BANGS” gives a nonchalant wave towards THE FIGURE as it rushes past off-screen. As soon as the front door slams, “BANGS” turns on the walkie-talkie again.)

(“Bangs”)

Dunno if you caught any of that, but I think the kid’s dad just ran out the front door. Guessin’ he’s late for work.

(Laura)

Wouldn’t surprise me, really.

(“Bangs”)

I hope he’s not the one who set up a vinyl of Swan Lake as an alarm. I don’t mind classical music, but it’s kinda tacky, y’know?

(Laura)

…Which part of the ballet was it on?

(“BANGS” tilts her head, clicking her tongue. Then she presses the button again.)

(“Bangs”)

I dunno, I just thought that it sounded like Swan Lake. I guess the first song, since it just started up outta nowhere.

(Laura)

Well, if it’s the prologue, then I understand why that’d be a good alarm for someone in the ‘80s.

(“BANGS” rolls her eyes, bobbles her head in a mocking manner, then holds down the button.)

(“Bangs”)

Anyways, I’m gonna lie here for a couple of minutes. “Savor my peace and quiet”, and all that stuff.

(Laura)

Have a nice rest… Hmm… What’s the nickname you used last night? I’m sure you made one up on the spot.

(“Bangs”)

“Bangs”, Laura. Like “Bangles”, but more cool.

(A STIFLED LAUGH crackles through the static. “BANGS” rests her head on the arm of the couch. She lifts the walkie-talkie to her chin.)

(“Bangs”)

Whatever, Laura. I still think it sounds cool, so I’m keeping it. Talk to ya later.

(Laura) *jokingly*

See you later, “Bangs”.