Horror Writing Movie

Question

I am writing a horror movie about a girl who ends up in the woods. In the woods, there is an old abandoned town and she must face many scary demons etc. But, WHY would she run into the woods in the first place and how is it that she cant get out? I dont want to be stupid saying "she got lost" or "she is an adventurous person" because that is unrealistic. Thanks!

Answer 1

Something lured her there, a familiar sound, or voices. Maybe she heard what she thought was her favorite pet or an injured animal and went to investigate. She can't get out because the demons make her get confused and lost.

Answer 2

Great answers by the other tutors, so let me add one: maybe she goes in because she's curious about something, in a spirit of adventure. Perhaps the woods look one way when she first ventures in--sunny, charming, open--and the deeper she goes, the more frightening and ominous they appear. You're right that simply saying "she got lost" isn't very unique, but it actually is pretty easy to get lost in woods, if they're of any size and if one goes in far enough: paths all start to look alike, and they twist and wind, so it's easy to lose sense of direction. And when we start to get anxious, even to panic, that makes it even harder to find our way out of a wild place. So giving the reasons why she gets lost could make it seem more unique and interesting.

As the author of this piece, imagine yourself into the shoes of the protagonist. What would draw you into the woods? And once you imagine yourself in the woods, think what would be disorienting or confusing to you: how might you get lost?

Another option is not that she can't get out but that she courageously decides not to get out until she accomplishes some important goal: a rescue, a solution to a serious mystery.

In a film script, there isn't a lot of room for extensive description, but it might help you to write out details of what things would look like, how "you" would feel at various stages in your journey and once you started to realize you couldn't (or refused to) get out. Even if none of it actually ends up in the script, what you've imagined clearly will help you focus on what's important to include.

Answer 3

Hi there, Emily! I completely agree with Carrie P. - something or someone can lure your protagonist into the woods. Venturing forth into parts unknown is a classic tale for good reason. It resonates in a universal way and that's why we see it in myths and tales from across the globe. Also, your heroine can venture forth of their own volition to accomplish a particular task that forces her to cross the threshold into the woods as well. She may also be sent forward by an outside agent (whether that agent is good or bad is up to you!). Lastly, she could be sent forward due to an accident that forces her into the woods. Tons of options. Good luck!