The Break In
Two middle-aged men attempt to break into a rural farmhouse without waking an elderly resident.
But what is their real motive for breaking in?
Nothing’s more perilous than a B&E. Both for the residents of the house being violated…
And sometimes for the criminals, too.
There’s always a risk the cops get called in. Feisty homeowners are sometimes armed, as well. Plus, with all that sneaking about in the dark, there’s the chance a poor thief might trip and fall.
Let’s face it - the crime of burglary is best suited for the young; those with fresh reflexes and nimble bodies equipped to scale fences and run away… quick enough to get things done and not get caught.
Unfortunately, in Joshua Boultwood-Neale’s short The Break-In, would be burglars Dennis and Kev are middle aged and most assuredly past their prime.
Leading the way, Dennis (mid-forties) is more fleet of foot. Leaping from a hedge, he lands in a cat-like crouch. Seconds later, partner Kevin…
...face plants with a clumsy THUD. Clearly, not the super-hero entrance he was hoping for.
Kev brushes the leaves down from his torso.
DENNIS
What did I say about not blowing our cover?
KEV
Of course, sorry Dennis.
What was I thinking when I decided to tumble on my arse from ten feet?
Not an auspicious start for a caper. But Kev’s Dennis’ accomplice, so the two soldier on… blundering through obstacles which get ever worse:
Kev steps into a pond, gets soaked.
Then there’s the entrance point Dennis has his sights locked on:
Dennis grins, and with dramatic relish, points his finger some thirty metres away, past the garden wilderness, towards a slightly-ajar, upper-floor bedroom window, next to a thick vertical drain pipe and some crosshatch trellis.
KEV
You’ve got to be kidding me.
If only. But – as Dennis reminds Kevin – the elderly woman who owns this house has a bedroom in front. Scaling a drain pipe to the second floor is the only way to avoid waking her up.
Will this not-so dynamic duo survive the climb? And what horrible things will happen once they’re inside?
A single location, low budget caper written with equal measures of Home Alone and Mission Impossible, The Break-In has some surprises and heart felt touches no audience would expect. Directors, it would be a crime to pass this one up. Even if you have to slog through a bird bath or a prickly hedge to be the culprit who nabs this gem first!