Conversation with God?
On a quest for divine intervention, Thomas is led to a revelation.
Not all successful scripts need be mega-blockbusters. Don’t get it twisted: FX and exploding stuff do make for a fab viewing experience… in their place.
But other scripts – both feature length and short – pack a whole ton of punch into simple dialogue. Sometimes combined with gentle humor, the discussion of important topics can grab an audience’s attention, stimulate thought… and have them leave the theater, exclaiming: “Huh.”
Anthony Straeger’s Conversation With God is just such a four page gem.
When it opens, appropriately named “Thomas Doubting” has just wandered into a mostly empty church. Huddling in the front pew, he fidgets. Thomas clearly has heavy concerns on his mind.
Eventually, TOO heavy. Thomas voices the biggie out loud:
THOMAS
Dear God, I have never asked for anything before.
But I’m asking you, the all-knowing one, please help me.
Nothing. He opens one eye and then the other. He mouths ‘SHIT!’ Then shakes his head and closes his eyes again.
THOMAS
Lord, I’m begging you. I need a sign.
I need something.
Still nothing – until a booming voice responds... out of seemingly nowhere:
VOICE OF GOD (O.S.)
Are you talking to me?
And thus begins a revealing (and increasingly amusing) dialogue between Thomas and God himself.
THOMAS (V.O.)
Dear Lord, I beg you,
please, help me.
VOICE OF GOD (O.S.)
Why?
He opens his eyes.
THOMAS
This isn’t funny.
VOICE OF GOD (O.S.)
You’re telling me.
Why are you asking?
THOMAS
Well, aren’t you the one watching over me?
VOICE OF GOD (O.S.)
So, you think, I’m in heaven
waiting for you to ASK me to help?
You know, “God’s” kinda got a point. Given everything in his (it’s, hers?) hands, one would think the all-mighty might have higher priority stuff on their plate.
From there, Thomas’ conversation takes even weirder turns, delving into various contradictions of prayer… and religious concerns beyond.
Shootable on a micro-budget, Conversations With God makes such questions entertaining and eminently fun. By the end, Thomas WILL get an answer. But what? And will he like it? Read the script to find out!