On June 12th, 2016, 49 people – mostly young gay men – were killed in a mass shooting at Orlando nightclub Pulse. 53 more were wounded. And countless lives traumatized.
The deadliest mass shooting by a single attacker in the history of the United States, Orlando symbolized even more – an act of pure hatred against a community built on freedom of expression and love.
You know what they say about “silver linings”. In the face of such tragedy, such clichés may ring trite, but still true.
Because through all the pain and sorrow of that day came a tidal wave of solidarity for LGBT pride that no madman’s bullet could stop.
Steven Clark’s Silence, Eventually turns this horrific tragedy on its head, using it effectively and gently tell a tale of innocent souls who suffer persecution – for the “crime” of who they are.
Beginning in a back alleyway, we’re introduced to two young survivors – Sam and Kyle. While both are physically intact, Kyle’s shirt is soaked in blood.
Needless to say, he just wants to go home. Which is the safest place to be, right?
Wrong. Kyle hasn’t come out to his parents yet. And they definitely don’t know he’s been on a date with Sam to the club.
Traumatized, but determined to “keep moving”, Sam and Kyle walk together along a suburban sidewalk – the sun preparing its entrance on a brand new day.
And Kyle admits to worries about his “secret” being discovered:
KYLE
My parents are old school proud. If I came out…
The rest is easily implied.
Fortunately, Sam offers to help Kyle clean up before returning home, and cheer him up a little – if he can.
But does survival always ensure a happy ending? Will Kyle’s family discover his recent whereabouts and still accept him with open, relieved arms?
Pages: 11
Budget: Minor – two main characters, and easy settings. (Easy to find – but emotionally difficult to shoot.)