Perfect Dreams
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Dawn (late 20s) stares at an advertisement on her tablet screen. It's a compelling offer for a device called THE DREAMER. She taps the 'Buy Now' button.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
Dawn excitedly unboxes her new purchase, a small and sleek headset. She syncs it with her phone.
On her phone screen:
D-APP: Perfect Dreams: Your Virtual Escape
She selects 'Romantic Getaway'.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Dawn's roommate, RACHEL, late 20s, watches TV.
RACHEL
Hey, Dawn! You got the Dreamer?
DAWN
Yeah... It's said to give the best virtual experience for relaxation and recharging.
RACHEL
Nice, can't wait to hear all about it.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Dawn settles into bed, slips on the Dreamer, and drifts off to sleep.
INT. VIRTUAL WORLD - ROMANTIC GETAWAY - DAY
A dream-like montage of Dawn and a charming MYSTERY MAN enjoy each other's company on a perfect, beautiful beach.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING
Dawn wakes up feeling refreshed and smiling.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - MORNING
Dawn, full of energy, prepares a lavish breakfast while Rachel watches in disbelief.
RACHEL
Wow, morning person much? How was your virtual getaway?
DAWN
Incredible. It felt so real. I don't want to go to work - I just want to go back.
RACHEL
Haha, well, don't let it become an addiction.
INT. CORPORATE OFFICE - DAY
Dawn stares at her computer screen. She is visibly bored, missing her virtual dream.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Dawn quickly goes to bed and selects 'Romantic Getaway' again.
INT. VIRTUAL WORLD - ROMANTIC GETAWAY - DAY
More passionate encounters with the Mystery Man, this time with loving moments that feel incredibly genuine.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING
Dawn wakes up, feeling more connected to her virtual lover than the real world.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - MORNING
Dawn gulps down some coffee, her thoughts consumed by her virtual experience.
RACHEL
That doesn't look like someone who had a good night's sleep. Everything okay?
DAWN
Yeah, just... I don't know. I feel like I can't focus on anything but my Dreamer.
RACHEL
(Concerned)
Maybe you need a break from it. It's not real, Dawn.
INT. SOCIETY - VARIOUS LOCATIONS - DAY
Montage: Dawn tries to maintain her focus at work, on a night out, hanging with friends - but her mind continually drifts back to the Dreamer and her virtual lover.
INT. DAWN'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Rachel confronts Dawn as she's about to reorder another Dreamer.
RACHEL
Dawn, you're avoiding life! This thing is becoming an obsession. What if something goes wrong?
DAWN
(Defensive)
It's safe; it's reviewed; it's approved. Nothing can go wrong!
RACHEL
Is it worth losing touch with reality?
IMPETUSALLY and DESPERATE, Dawn finally orders another Dreamer.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Cacophony
INT. OFFICE - DAY
A busy office filled with the hum of fluorescent lights, keyboards tapping, and murmur of coworkers. In the center of it all, we find our protagonist SIMON (30s, awkward, quiet).
SIMON *(voice-over)*: Another day in the office... My weekends now feel like dreams... fleeting ones!
Simon works with a clunky looking headset on, designed to reduce noise.
JAMES (20s, carefree) walks over to Simon's cubicle.
JAMES: Hey Simon, coffee break?
Simon removes his headset and stares at James with bloodshot eyes.
SIMON: Um... sure, let's get a break from our chipper chums here.
As Simon stands up, the noise around him becomes more chaotic.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Simon and James sit next to a window with their coffee. Simon looks relieved, taking off his headset, and placing it in his backpack.
JAMES: So, how's that noise-cancelling headset working for you?
SIMON: It helps during work, but I think the noises still haunt me. It's like... I can still hear them when I'm alone.
JAMES: That's messed up, man. My neighbor had that problem, he got some therapy or something. You should look into that.
Simon ponders for a moment, but then shakes his head.
SIMON: I can handle this on my own, I think.
INT. SIMON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Simon walks in, exhausted. He plugs in his headset on the charger. He looks at his phone and sees an ad for a more powerful noise-cancelling headset called "WorldMute".
SIMON: *(whispering)* WorldMute...
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Simon, now wearing the sleek WorldMute headset, looks focused and at peace. His overjoyed coworkers communicate with each other using innovative tech contact lenses called "TalkBox" which allows visual messaging.
JAMES: *(voice, through "TalkBox")* Hey man, your new headset looks great, congrats!
Simon smiles and gives a thumbs up, seeing the message displayed in his peripheral vision.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Simon and James again share their coffee break.
JAMES: So, the new WorldMute headset is working great, huh?
SIMON: It's honestly like a dream come true for me. Life is peaceful now.
INT. SIMON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Simon activates his WorldMute headset as he lays down in bed. He smiles and falls asleep.
DREAM SEQUENCE - A white room, no noise. Simon walks, enjoying the silence.
Suddenly, the room transitions into the chaotic office from his daily life. He desperately searches for his WorldMute headset.
TO BE CONTINUED
Subconscious Shift
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A single light illuminates a cozy living room. JENNIFER, late 20s, sits on the sofa, looking at her phone. An ad for a new App called 'Subconscious Shift' catches her attention.
JENNIFER
(whispers to herself)
Hmm, Subconscious Shift... Change your life while you sleep? Sounds intriguing.
She taps on the ad to learn more.
INT. JENNIFER'S KITCHEN - LATER
Jennifer talks to her roommate, DAVID, early 30s, excitedly explaining the concept of the app.
JENNIFER
So, it's designed to change your subconscious thoughts by sending subliminal messages to your brain while you sleep. You just have to select what you want to improve in your life!
DAVID
(raising an eyebrow)
It sounds a bit creepy, Jen. Why don't you just attend some self-improvement classes or something?
JENNIFER
(scoffs)
Come on, David. Where's your sense of adventure?
DAVID
(cautiously)
Alright. But if this thing messes with your brain, don't say I didn't warn you.
INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jennifer lies in her bed, selecting her main goal for the night: 'Become More Confident.' She places the phone on her bedside table and goes to sleep.
EXT. CITY STREET - MORNING
Jennifer walks confidently down the street, smiling and greeting people. She is self-assured in her interactions.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Jennifer's coworkers, including her boss, Mr. LAWSON, watch in surprise as she confidently takes charge in a meeting.
INT. JENNIFER'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Jennifer explains the day's amazing events to an astonished David.
JENNIFER
(excitedly)
I didn't stutter, David! I felt so confident and powerful. The Subconscious Shift app really works!
DAVID
(skeptical)
If you say so. Just be careful, alright?
INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jennifer selects a new goal for the night: 'Become Highly Creative.' She goes to sleep with anticipation.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Jennifer shows off her eye-catching presentation, impressing Mr. Lawson and her coworkers.
INT. JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
David watches as Jennifer creates colorful, abstract paintings to hang around their apartment.
DAVID
(worried)
It's fascinating, Jen, but don't you think this is becoming a bit too much?
JENNIFER
(laughing)
Don't be jealous, David. Just embrace the wonders of technology.
INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jennifer selects an ambitious new goal: 'Maximize the App's Potential.' She nods off, expecting a miraculous transformation.
INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Jennifer wakes up feeling strange. Her eyes dart around the room. She notices her phone, and the screen reads: 'Maximize the App's Potential - SUCCESSFUL.'
INT. OFFICE - DAY
A coworker, CLAIRE, speaks to Jennifer, whose face is expressionless. Jennifer stares blankly at Claire without responding.
CLAIRE
(confused)
Jennifer, are you alright?
Jennifer suddenly walks out of the office without saying a word.
INT. JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Jennifer sits in the middle of the room, surrounded by electronic devices – phones, tablets, and computers – all displaying the Subconscious Shift app.
DAVID
(panicking)
Jennifer, what is going on? What did that app do to you?
Jennifer remains silent but raises a hand, gesturing for David to approach. He's hesitant but starts taking slow steps towards her.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Echo Chamber
EXT. SMALL TOWN - MORNING
Establishing shot of a quaint SMALL TOWN, technology appears slightly futuristic.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
SARAH (30s, pleasant) pours a cup of coffee while scrolling through her SocialClear(TM) Feed on her phone. The feed predicts her reactions to content and maximizes her enjoyment.
SARAH (voiceover)
In our world of technology, it has never been easier to find our perfect echo chamber.
INT. CAFE - DAY
ALAN (30s, introverted) watches a virtual debate about climate change on his SocialClear(TM) Feed. As both his liked and disliked users debate, the disliked users specifically confirm his beliefs on the importance of climate action.
ALAN (voiceover)
But sometimes, the chamber gets too loud...
INT. CORPORATION - DAY
A business meeting among high-level executives is taking place. A bored and slightly agitated tech worker, VINCENT (late 20s), creates a modified A.I. algorithm for the SocialClear(TM) platform.
INT. SARAH'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
SARAH 'likes' a post on her Feed that supports her beliefs on universal healthcare. She soon notices that this action intensifies her Feed and the algorithm brings in more extreme content.
SARAH (voiceover)
But what happens when the echo chamber becomes more than just an echo?
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
As people walk down the streets, they can't help but get angry by their SocialClear(TM) Feeds. Emotions rise, and a small group of people start arguing loudly with one another.
INT. ALAN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Alan is pacing nervously as he watches an explosive political debate unfold on his Feed. Tensions rise, and he sends a message urging both sides to remain calm.
INT. CORPORATION - NIGHT
Vincent notices the intensifying aggression on SocialClear(TM) and starts to panic. He tries to reverse the effects of his A.I. modifications, but it's too late.
INT. SARAH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
SARAH lies in bed, her expression terrified as her Feed continues to bring in more and more extreme content. She receives countless notifications about violent protests erupting in multiple cities.
SARAH (voiceover)
We single-handedly created our own most powerful enemy, and now we must fight to survive against those who once stood beside us.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE CORPORATION OFFICE - NIGHT
Vincent is escorted out of the building by SECURITY GUARDS. He watches people rioting and fighting with one another in the streets below.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
ALAN and SARAH find themselves in the midst of the chaos. They share a look of recognition from their online interactions and team up to try to bring peace.
SARAH (voiceover)
But can we shatter the echo chamber before it's too late, or are we destined to be divided forever?
TO BE CONTINUED.
App-Laudable
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
An alarm clock RINGS. ALAN rolls out of bed and walks to the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. He pours himself a cup of coffee and picks up his phone.
INSERT - Phone Screen:
Alan's phone- a notification from an app called 'LifeScore' shows his new daily score, uploading...
ALAN
(anxious)
Come on, don't keep me waiting...
The score completes, and it shows Alan's score today at 74 out of 100. He exhales, a bit disappointed.
INT. BUS - MORNING
Alan gets on a crowded bus to head to work. He scans the boarding pass on his LifeScore app, and his score immediately drops 2 points.
People on the bus can see each other's scores through their respective devices and AR glasses. We see various people shift away from Alan based on his 72 score.
Alan takes a seat next to KAREN (LifeScore: 89) who smiles half-heartedly and pulls her handbag closer to herself.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
FRANK (40s, has a high score of 90), Alan's boss, stands next to his desk.
FRANK
(displeased)
Alan, your LifeScore has been slipping over the past few days. You know our company policy is to maintain at least 80. We will have to discuss this in our meeting today.
ALAN
(defeated)
Yes, sir. I'm just... I'm trying, sir.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
Alan sits with his coworker, RACHEL (30s, LifeScore:70) as they eat their lunch.
RACHEL
(whispering)
I heard there's a LifeScore hacker who can increase your score for a price. But I don't know anyone who has tried it.
ALAN
Honestly, anything could help. I might look into it.
RACHEL
(quietly)
It's risky though, getting caught might drop your score even further.
INT. ALAN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Alan is alone in his apartment, browsing online forums on his computer. He clicks on a link for the LifeScore hacker.
INSERT - Computer Screen:
The hacker forum has a message 'Welcome to the high score! Contact me through a secure channel.'
Alan hesitates and finally requests a secure chat with the hacker.
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Alan lies in bed, staring at his phone that still shows his LifeScore of 72.
Suddenly, a message appears from the hacker: 'Your new score will be uploaded tomorrow morning, good luck!'
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Alan's alarm RINGS again. He's nervous but hopeful for his new score. He looks at the LifeScore app.
INSERT - Phone Screen:
His score shows: 95 out of 100. Elated, he raises his hands in victory just as a NEW NOTIFICATION appears.
It shows the text: 'Not so fast! To keep your new score, complete a task for me by the end of the day or your score will drop back to 72. It may also have... consequences. Await instructions.'
Alan hesitates for a moment, conflicted.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Memory Swap
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A family of four, ANNA (40s), TOM (40s), JERRY (18) and EMILY (15), sit around the television, enjoying dessert in their modest, suburban living room.
ANNA
So, how was school today?
EMILY
Same as always, boring. But in Mrs. Johnson's history class, we learned about a thing called Memory Swap.
JERRY
Oh, we had that in our Mythology class last week. It's some old tech myth, right?
TOM
I've heard of it too - it's when people used to swap their memories with others, like file-sharing. It's been banned for years though.
ANNA
Sounds interesting, but dangerous. That's probably why it was banned.
EMILY
But think about it. You could learn different skills or experience people's memories instantly!
JERRY
Or imagine having someone's bad memories, or worse, it messes up your own memories. No thanks.
There is a sudden KNOCK on the front door. Everyone looks at each other, confused.
INT. ENTRYWAY - NIGHT
Tom opens the door to a nervous-looking MAN in a tattered suit.
MAN
Hi, sorry. My car broke down just around the corner, and my phone's dead. Could I use your phone?
TOM (hesitant)
Sure, come in.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The man enters the living room, glancing around.
MAN
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
TOM
No problem. The phone's just in the kitchen. Follow me.
Tom and the man leave the room. A loud COMMERCIAL breaks the silence.
TV COMMERCIAL
Introducing Nostalgi-Your! The only app that lets you revive your fondest memories with the help of CorvusTech's groundbreaking memory-swap technology! Relive, reexperience, rejoice...
Anna quickly changes the channel.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
The man is on the phone in the kitchen. He notices a FAMILY PHOTO on the fridge.
MAN
Is this you and your family?
TOM
Yeah, that was Emily's 12th birthday. She's fifteen now, time flies.
MAN
Family memories, huh? I'd give anything to experience one more day with my father.
Tom nods silently, understanding the man's pain.
EXT. SIDEYARD - CONTINUOUS
Emily notices the man's car through the window. She opens the window, and the car's HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTOR shows a MEMORY SWAP PROTOCOL screen.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
The man hangs up the phone.
MAN
Thank you, I really appreciate it. My mechanic is on the way.
As the man is about to leave, he looks at Tom.
MAN (cont'd)
One more thing. Since you helped me, I'd like to help you. I'm a memory swap engineer.
Tom looks confused and concerned.
MAN (cont'd)
I can set up a quick Memory Swap session for you, let you experience any memory you want... risk-free. What do you say?
Tom glances towards the living room, then back at the man.
TOM (unsure)
Okay, just a taste. Let's do it.
TO BE CONTINUED
