FREEDOM! and a script
© Carolyn Blythe
INT. lecture theatre. DAY
PROFFESSOR KNOLBY is lecturing an Anthropology Class on Witch craft. The lecture theatre is only half Full.
PROFFESSOR KNOLBY
As we discussed in Last weeks class Constance Merryweather
was a local woman who after a number of ill omens were
attributed to her was caught in the woods tied to a tree and burnt to death.
Three CO-ED’s DANTE, BETHANY and MADDISON are ignoring the lecture on 17th century witchcraft and talking TRENT sits two rows back from them and is eaves dropping on the conversation.
DANTE
I don’t know you really think Professor Knolby would really tell
us the real ritual for summoning the Oak Witch. I mean its not really going to work.
BETHANY
If it does work its going to be uber wicked.
DANTE
(to Maddison)
If it does works I owe you ten bucks.
(to Bethany)
Is Connor coming?
BETHANY
Are you kidding I told him it was him me and Maddy in a tent together and he jumped at the chance.
MADDISON
Yeah were going to do each others hair and nails and talk about boys.
BETHANY
Oh your evil.
MADDISON
Thankyou. (laughs)Okay so were meeting Connor at 4.
He’s already got all the camping gear.
The professor notices them talking and they notice he is quiet and stop talking. Trent puts his head down and continues working.
EXT. PARKING LOT. DAY
CONNOR a jock is standing by his 4x4 and grins as the other three arrive.
(MONTAGE of the car being packed and then driving 4 different fadeouts of 4x4 driving down the road mixed with shots of them inside the car.)
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST. DAY
4x4 pulls up next to a 67 Chevy Impala the number plates read GR8LVR. Connor, Seth, Bethany and Maddison climb out and stretch their legs while unpacking their gear. DANTE goes and checks out the car.
DANTE
Hey nice wheels.
Every one else looks.
CONNOR
(looks worried) Uh isn’t that Trent’s car?
DANTE
Nah trent doesn’t have personalised plates
MADDISON
Just coz he is my brother doesn’t mean I would be stupid enough to invite him to this.
BETHANY
Yeah he is a jerk for dumping you. You were to good for him anyway.
CONNOR
Yeah. Tell that to Trent
MADDISON
I hope that who ever it is isn’t camping at the clearing.
BETHANY.
Don’t worry once we start sacrificing and chanting who ever it is will leave.
(MONTAGE of the group hiking along the trail.)
EXT. CLEARING. LATE AFTERNOON.
The path opens into a large Clearing. In the center of the clearing stands a very large old and gnarled Oak tree. Its Bark looks marred with burn marks but there is no sign of a fire. Nothing grows in the clearing not even grass and the tree bares no acorns. There is a tent set up already on the far side of the clearing away from the tree with a campfire already built in front of it.
MADDISON
Oh shit. There goes the party.
DANTE
Maybe we can ask them to piss off?
Trent emerges from the tent. A grin on his face.
TRENT
You guys took your time.
DANTE
You got to be fucking kidding me!
CONNOR
(Angrily at Maddison)
Did you know he would be here?
MADDISON.
What the fuck are you doing here Trent?
TRENT.
Nice to see you too Sis. You guys seriously didn’t think
I would miss this Did you? I mean come on you guys
are going to perform one of Knolby’s lame ass rituals
and try and raise the Oak witch no way I am missing that.
MADDISON.
You know Trent if we wanted you here we would have invited you.
BETHANY
C’mon you guys. He is here now and there is no point in arguing
about it. Let’s just get the tents set up so we can do the ritual before dark.
(to Trent) and I’m sure Trent promises to behave himself don’t you Trent
Trent nods and draws a cross across his heart Grinning as he does.
TRENT
Cross my heart
CONNOR
(whispers under his breath)
Yeah except that you don’t have one.
They begin setting up their tents.
Fade to
EXT. CLEARING. TWILIGHT.
The five of them sit in a circle Connor, Dante, Maddison, Trent and Bethany with the tree between Connor and Bethany. They hold hands and a candle is lit between them.
MADDISON
ConstanceMerryweather we call to your wronged spirit. Come to us and share your secrets.
ALL
Come to us
Trent pulls a face and Bethany laughs.
TRENT
Am I the only one who thinks this isn’t working?
CONNOR
Shuddup Trent
BETHANY
Yeah. I’m going to have to go with Trent on this one.
Sorry but we been at this like two hours now and my butt is asleep.
TRENT.
I don’t think the oak witch is coming
DANTE
Maybe she doesn’t get cell coverage out here either?
MADDISON
Oh haha. You’re a bunch of quitters.
DANTE
But you love us all anyway right?
They begin to stand and Bethany takes a closer look at the tree.
BETHANY
You know it is actually kind of a creepy tree. I mean they say
that you can see the shape of her burnt into the tree
but it doesn’t really look like a person in the daytime does it.
Bethany traces her fingers over the dark stain in the bark. Dante puts his hands on her hips and watches over her shoulder
DANTE
Yeah I mean by the light of the fire and the moon it really does look like a person.
BETHANY
And look at this. the tree has a bumpy bit where here heart would be.
TRENT
Its called a knot. Its probably just where a branch was broken off
when the tree was young.
Her hand moving over the knot in the wood and she gasps pulling her hand away
BETHANY
Oww
DANTE
You okay babe?
BETHANY
Yeah its okay just got a splinter.
MADDISON
Okay guys I’m going to call an early night.
(to Connor)
You coming?
TRENT
You know Connor my sister wants in your pants. If you sleep
in her tent she will totally jump you. You can bunk with me if you want.
DANTE
Yeah and knowing you Trent your more likely to jump him than Maddy is.
CONNOR
(laughs at Dante’s joke then glares at Trent.)Its okay I trust Maddy.
They each go to their tents.
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Trent lays on his back looking at pictures on his phone of him and Connor together.
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Dante and Bethany make out.
INT. TENT #3. NIGHT
Connor lays awake and Maddy is sleeping.
Cut too
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
(flashes of distorted images)Bare feet running, heavy breathing A woman dressed in 17th century clothing is running out of breath through the woods. she keeps looking behind her afraid.
The sound of dogs and men approach through the trees. The woman is at the oak tree she has blood on her clothes and her mouth. Her hair wild like her eyes.
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Bethany and Dante are asleep. Bethany twitches
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Connor is asleep and Maddison tosses and turns as she dreams.
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
The men are getting closer and the world spins as the woman realises she is surrounded. She turns to the tree and breaks of a small branch she then cuts her hand on the broken part of the tree and her blood mixes with the sap.
WITCH
Sap flows through your heart
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Bethany twitches
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Maddison tosses and turns as she dreams.
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
WITCH
Blood flows through mine
Let it mingle and become one
Keep me safe till both flow again.
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Bethany wakes up her eyes glazed and she moves funny as she gets up and out of the tent.
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
The witch presses her self to the tree and is absorbed slowly by it.
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Maddison wakes up terrified. Connor is still sleeping so she pulls on her boots and steps out of the tent.
EXT CAMPING GROUND. NIGHT.
Maddison emerges from her tent to see Bethany standing in front of the tree. She has a large machete that Dante had brought with him and she is standing in front of the tree
MADDISON
Hey Bethany… what are you doing?
Bethany ignores Maddy and uses the machete to cut the tree making Sap run down the bark. Then she runs the blade over the palm of her hand and smears her blood into the Sap.
Dante sticks his head out of the tent.
DANTE
Hey Maddy is Beth out… (he sees her) Bethany?
There is a flash of light as lightening hits the tree and Bethany is blown back from it. Maddy and Dante cover their eyes and are knocked to the ground by the force of it. The tree is split open and sap sprays across the clearing like blood.
The tree is split open and a woman emerges from the wound.
Bethany concussed lying on her back and she can see the sky the audio is distant except for a buzzing. The oak witch walks up to her She is thin and beautiful and her skin looks like bark and she reaches down and rips out Bethany’s still beating heart.
Trent emerges from his tent and sees what is happening
DANTE
Bethany? NO get away from her what ever the fuck you are.
he grabs Dante stopping him from going to Bethany he looks over and sees Connor emerge from his tent and Maddy screams drawing the woman’s attention from Dante to his sister. The creature heads toward them
TRENT
Hey Oak bitch over here.
Connor and Maddy get away disappearing into the trees as the witch turns and heads toward Dante and Trent. Trent shoves Dante toward the tree line.
DANTE
what did you do that for now she is after us
TRENT
just shut up and run
EXT WOODS. NIGHT.
Dante and Trent make their way through the woods and manage to loose the witch.
Connor and Maddy make their way through the woods and Find an old run down shack. Maddy bangs on the door while Connor looks around.
MADDISON
Hello?
CONNOR
What the fuck was it? Where did it come from? I think it followed Trent and Dante.
MADDISON
I think it was the Oak Witch it came out of the tree.
CONNOR
The Oak Witch? Maddy that’s just a story she’s not...
The door opens and a grizzled old Man that’s part grizzly Adam’s part Looney bin glares at the two of them.
HERMAN
(mutters) middle of nowhere and weirdo’s still knocking on my door.
(looks at them) What in the hell you young ‘uns want?
MADDISON
Oh thank god can we use your phone It an emergency.
CONNOR
Please Mister.
The old man looks at them and frowns the two look terrified. He grumbles and turns around walking back inside.
HERMAN
Don’t touch nothing. Especially don’t touch my wood!
CONNOR
(looks at Maddison) yeah like that’s going to happen.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Dante and Trent reach the Cars. Out of breathe from running so hard.
DANTE
Oh man is it still after us
TRENT
I don’t know we didn’t follow the path.
(he looks back the way they came)
I Cant see it.
DANTE
Then lets get the fuck out of here.
Trent pats his pockets he doesn’t have his keys. Trent shakes his head.
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Inside The shack is like a shrine to every scary movie hillbillie shack with animals in various stages of being butchered on the table and benches. jars filled with questionable contents and other odds and bobs. There are numerous wood carvings and large bits of wood. And what looks like a collection of discarded junk furnishing the shack. The old man makes his way through the junk and pats various blocks of wood still muttering to himself.
HERMAN
(talking to the wood) Don’t worry they just want to use the
phone… yeah I know… be nice… (chuckles) yeah city folks.
CONNOR
(whispers to Maddy)
I’m not sure this was a good idea.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Dante picks up a rock and throws it through the side window on the 4x4. Trent tries to stop him.
DANTE
What the fuck man?
Trent goes up to the 4x4 and reaches under the wheel arch and produces a magnetic key box with a key inside.
TRENT
(grins ) I know where Connor keeps his spare key.
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Herman opens one of the scary looking jars
HERMAN
You kids want some moonshine?
Connor and Maddy both decline still looking around the scary shack.
HERMAN CONT...
Suit yourselves…
(drinks from the jar.)
So what’s this about something trying to get you? Camping by the
old oak werncha? The tree’s don’t take too kindly to it when you
mess with her tree
CONNOR
Something attacked us. I don’t know what it was.
MADDISON
Uh where is the phone?
Herman points to the far wall a beat up and broken phone.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Trent unlocks the door and climbs in the drivers seat.
TRENT
Get in.
DANTE
What about Maddy and Connor?
TRENT
What about them?
DANTE
We cant just leave them. You saw what that thing did.
TRENT
Get in the fucking car Dante!
DANTE
No
TRENT
Fine.( he starts the engine) was nice knowing you Dante
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Maddy picks up the receiver and holds it to her ear. She frowns and shakes her head.
MADDISON
No dial tone.
CONNOR
(looks at phone and listens to it) it doesn’t work?
HERMAN
You asked where it was you didn’t ask if it worked. .
( he looks at a piece of wood)
Yeah... city folk (he chuckles)
MADDISON
Mister we need Help our friend is dead and there is something out there.
HERAMN
Dead? Where?
CONNOR
We were camping out by the old oak.
HERMAN
You disturbed the witch? The tree… get out.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Trent leans out to grab the door and pull it shut and Dante grabs him. There is a struggle and Dante pulls him from the car. Punches are thrown and Trent ends up on the bonnet and Dante is on his ass on the ground but he has the key.
DANTE
Fuck you Trent. They’re our friends and we’re
not leaving them.
The witch emerges from the tree line and approaches from behind Dante and attacks him. Trent watches for a second then he turns and runs back into the woods.
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Herman suddenly becomes agitated and starts rummaging around his things.
CONNOR
I beg your pardon?
HERMAN
City folk messin with what they ounta. The trees they is smart en you think.
She knows everything the trees know now get out. Fore she
thinks I’m helping you
MADDISON
She? What do you know about the Oak witch.
HERMAN
(crazy ranting talking to them and wood) Druids worshiped ‘em...
power in their hearts… only way to stop her.
The wind picks up outside and a tree branch smashes through the window
HERMAN
(he looks at them) Run!
Herman steps outside and looks around and the witch is suddenly standing behind him. He turns and she grabs him.
HERMAN
I didn’t do nothing. I didn’t help em. I swear.
Ask the tree’s they’ll tell ya.
The witch sticks her hand down his throat and he gags
MADDISON
(screams)
Connor grabs Maddy and drags her away from the window and out the door
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
Running scared Connor falls down an incline and Maddison and he get separated in the trees. Connor hits his head.
CONNOR
Ow Fuck.
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
Trent is running through the woods and he finds Maddy. She almost stabs him with a knife she is carrying.
TRENT
Oh god Maddy. You’re alive.
MADDISON
(in tears)Trent oh thank god I was so scared.
TRENT
(puts his arms around her) its okay sis I’m here.
MADDISON
I think it got Connor.
TRENT
It got Dante too.
MADDISON
There was an old man. He was nuts talking about trees having hearts
TRENT
Shh its okay were going to get out of here.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Connor finds his way to the parking area and both cars are trashed.
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
The witch approaches and Maddy sees her
MADDISON
(screams) Trent look out!
The witch knocks Trent to the ground and Grabs Maddy. A struggle ensues and Trent sees Maddy bury the knife in the witch’s heart. The witch is completely un-phased by it. The witch claws down Maddy’s chest and drags her by her hair. Trent follows at a distance.
EXT. CAMPING GROUND. NIGHT
Connor finally makes it back to camp. Dante, Bethany and the old man are at the base of the tree. Its as though the tree is eating them like in the film the blob. The tents are trashed. Connor goes through the things and finds a machete.
DANTE
Heeeeelp… meeee
CONNOR
Oh fuck Dante Man.
Connor is trying to figure out how to get Dante off the tree he looks really badly hurt and the trees bark is growing around him. He hears the witch approaching and he hides.
EXT. CAMPING GROUND. NIGHT
The witch enters the camping ground the knife still sticking out of her chest. She drops Maddy, walks up to Dante and looks at him before turning and looking around the clearing.
Trent finds Connor hiding at the edge of the clearing. He presses his fingers to his lips when Connor starts at his approach.
CONNOR
Dante and Maddy are still alive we need to rescue them.
TRENT
Yeah good luck with that.
CONNOR
(shocked) Maddy is your sister.
TRENT
And?
CONNOR
And that’s why we broke up. Coz you don’t care about
anyone do you( Connor walks into clearing.)
TRENT
I cared about you.
Connor Attacks the witch with the machete after a few stabs at her he misses and hits the tree a cut appears across the witch’s arm. Trent finally figures out how to stop her.
TRENT
Connor The Tree!
CONNOR
Huh
The witch back hands Connor and sends him flying. He looses the machete and lands hurt on his back across the clearing.
Trent runs out of his hiding place and grabs the machete making his way to the tree.
The witch picks Connor up by the hair and reaches her hand back.
Trent looks at the tree seeing for the first time the others being absorbed and the split down the middle. He sees the knot that Bethany had pointed out could have been the witch’s heart.
Trent raises the machete over his head and stabs the knot in the wood driving it as deep into the tree as he can.
The witch screams and drops Connor as a huge wound opens in her chest. Connor backs away as lightening strikes the witch and she explodes.
Trent gets up and looks around the smouldering ruin of the clearing there are spot fires and the tree is dyeing as he looks at it the leaves curling up and turning brown. A movement across the clearing catches his eye and he moves toward it. Connor is covered in Sap and bleeding from a cut on his forehead.
TRENT
Connor.
CONNOR
Is it dead.
Trent helps him up. Trent checks the cut on his forehead.
TRENT
If being hit by lightening and exploding into match
stick’s is dead then yeah.
CONNOR
You saved my life.
TRENT
Huh. (grins)I guess I did didn’t I.
Trent wipes the sap from Connors face and then leans in and kisses him. Connor frowns looking at him a second and then kisses him back. Trent puts his arm around him
CONNOR
Lets get out off here.
TRENT
Yeah lets go home.
With an arm around him he helps Connor as they walk out of the clearing and off into the sunset. The camera moves around the clearing and it closes in on a piece of wood that appears eerily like part of the witches face a small sapling with a green leaf growing from the wood.
fade to credits.
the end
©Carolyn Blythe
INT. lecture theatre. DAY
PROFFESSOR KNOLBY is lecturing an Anthropology Class on Witch craft. The lecture theatre is only half Full.
PROFFESSOR KNOLBY
As we discussed in Last weeks class Constance Merryweather
was a local woman who after a number of ill omens were
attributed to her was caught in the woods tied to a tree and burnt to death.
Three CO-ED’s DANTE, BETHANY and MADDISON are ignoring the lecture on 17th century witchcraft and talking TRENT sits two rows back from them and is eaves dropping on the conversation.
DANTE
I don’t know you really think Professor Knolby would really tell
us the real ritual for summoning the Oak Witch. I mean its not really going to work.
BETHANY
If it does work its going to be uber wicked.
DANTE
(to Maddison)
If it does works I owe you ten bucks.
(to Bethany)
Is Connor coming?
BETHANY
Are you kidding I told him it was him me and Maddy in a tent together and he jumped at the chance.
MADDISON
Yeah were going to do each others hair and nails and talk about boys.
BETHANY
Oh your evil.
MADDISON
Thankyou. (laughs)Okay so were meeting Connor at 4.
He’s already got all the camping gear.
The professor notices them talking and they notice he is quiet and stop talking. Trent puts his head down and continues working.
EXT. PARKING LOT. DAY
CONNOR a jock is standing by his 4x4 and grins as the other three arrive.
(MONTAGE of the car being packed and then driving 4 different fadeouts of 4x4 driving down the road mixed with shots of them inside the car.)
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST. DAY
4x4 pulls up next to a 67 Chevy Impala the number plates read GR8LVR. Connor, Seth, Bethany and Maddison climb out and stretch their legs while unpacking their gear. DANTE goes and checks out the car.
DANTE
Hey nice wheels.
Every one else looks.
CONNOR
(looks worried) Uh isn’t that Trent’s car?
DANTE
Nah trent doesn’t have personalised plates
MADDISON
Just coz he is my brother doesn’t mean I would be stupid enough to invite him to this.
BETHANY
Yeah he is a jerk for dumping you. You were to good for him anyway.
CONNOR
Yeah. Tell that to Trent
MADDISON
I hope that who ever it is isn’t camping at the clearing.
BETHANY.
Don’t worry once we start sacrificing and chanting who ever it is will leave.
(MONTAGE of the group hiking along the trail.)
EXT. CLEARING. LATE AFTERNOON.
The path opens into a large Clearing. In the center of the clearing stands a very large old and gnarled Oak tree. Its Bark looks marred with burn marks but there is no sign of a fire. Nothing grows in the clearing not even grass and the tree bares no acorns. There is a tent set up already on the far side of the clearing away from the tree with a campfire already built in front of it.
MADDISON
Oh shit. There goes the party.
DANTE
Maybe we can ask them to piss off?
Trent emerges from the tent. A grin on his face.
TRENT
You guys took your time.
DANTE
You got to be fucking kidding me!
CONNOR
(Angrily at Maddison)
Did you know he would be here?
MADDISON.
What the fuck are you doing here Trent?
TRENT.
Nice to see you too Sis. You guys seriously didn’t think
I would miss this Did you? I mean come on you guys
are going to perform one of Knolby’s lame ass rituals
and try and raise the Oak witch no way I am missing that.
MADDISON.
You know Trent if we wanted you here we would have invited you.
BETHANY
C’mon you guys. He is here now and there is no point in arguing
about it. Let’s just get the tents set up so we can do the ritual before dark.
(to Trent) and I’m sure Trent promises to behave himself don’t you Trent
Trent nods and draws a cross across his heart Grinning as he does.
TRENT
Cross my heart
CONNOR
(whispers under his breath)
Yeah except that you don’t have one.
They begin setting up their tents.
Fade to
EXT. CLEARING. TWILIGHT.
The five of them sit in a circle Connor, Dante, Maddison, Trent and Bethany with the tree between Connor and Bethany. They hold hands and a candle is lit between them.
MADDISON
ConstanceMerryweather we call to your wronged spirit. Come to us and share your secrets.
ALL
Come to us
Trent pulls a face and Bethany laughs.
TRENT
Am I the only one who thinks this isn’t working?
CONNOR
Shuddup Trent
BETHANY
Yeah. I’m going to have to go with Trent on this one.
Sorry but we been at this like two hours now and my butt is asleep.
TRENT.
I don’t think the oak witch is coming
DANTE
Maybe she doesn’t get cell coverage out here either?
MADDISON
Oh haha. You’re a bunch of quitters.
DANTE
But you love us all anyway right?
They begin to stand and Bethany takes a closer look at the tree.
BETHANY
You know it is actually kind of a creepy tree. I mean they say
that you can see the shape of her burnt into the tree
but it doesn’t really look like a person in the daytime does it.
Bethany traces her fingers over the dark stain in the bark. Dante puts his hands on her hips and watches over her shoulder
DANTE
Yeah I mean by the light of the fire and the moon it really does look like a person.
BETHANY
And look at this. the tree has a bumpy bit where here heart would be.
TRENT
Its called a knot. Its probably just where a branch was broken off
when the tree was young.
Her hand moving over the knot in the wood and she gasps pulling her hand away
BETHANY
Oww
DANTE
You okay babe?
BETHANY
Yeah its okay just got a splinter.
MADDISON
Okay guys I’m going to call an early night.
(to Connor)
You coming?
TRENT
You know Connor my sister wants in your pants. If you sleep
in her tent she will totally jump you. You can bunk with me if you want.
DANTE
Yeah and knowing you Trent your more likely to jump him than Maddy is.
CONNOR
(laughs at Dante’s joke then glares at Trent.)Its okay I trust Maddy.
They each go to their tents.
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Trent lays on his back looking at pictures on his phone of him and Connor together.
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Dante and Bethany make out.
INT. TENT #3. NIGHT
Connor lays awake and Maddy is sleeping.
Cut too
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
(flashes of distorted images)Bare feet running, heavy breathing A woman dressed in 17th century clothing is running out of breath through the woods. she keeps looking behind her afraid.
The sound of dogs and men approach through the trees. The woman is at the oak tree she has blood on her clothes and her mouth. Her hair wild like her eyes.
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Bethany and Dante are asleep. Bethany twitches
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Connor is asleep and Maddison tosses and turns as she dreams.
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
The men are getting closer and the world spins as the woman realises she is surrounded. She turns to the tree and breaks of a small branch she then cuts her hand on the broken part of the tree and her blood mixes with the sap.
WITCH
Sap flows through your heart
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Bethany twitches
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Maddison tosses and turns as she dreams.
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
WITCH
Blood flows through mine
Let it mingle and become one
Keep me safe till both flow again.
INT. TENT #2. NIGHT
Bethany wakes up her eyes glazed and she moves funny as she gets up and out of the tent.
EXT. MADDISONS DREAM. NIGHT
The witch presses her self to the tree and is absorbed slowly by it.
INT. TENT #1. NIGHT
Maddison wakes up terrified. Connor is still sleeping so she pulls on her boots and steps out of the tent.
EXT CAMPING GROUND. NIGHT.
Maddison emerges from her tent to see Bethany standing in front of the tree. She has a large machete that Dante had brought with him and she is standing in front of the tree
MADDISON
Hey Bethany… what are you doing?
Bethany ignores Maddy and uses the machete to cut the tree making Sap run down the bark. Then she runs the blade over the palm of her hand and smears her blood into the Sap.
Dante sticks his head out of the tent.
DANTE
Hey Maddy is Beth out… (he sees her) Bethany?
There is a flash of light as lightening hits the tree and Bethany is blown back from it. Maddy and Dante cover their eyes and are knocked to the ground by the force of it. The tree is split open and sap sprays across the clearing like blood.
The tree is split open and a woman emerges from the wound.
Bethany concussed lying on her back and she can see the sky the audio is distant except for a buzzing. The oak witch walks up to her She is thin and beautiful and her skin looks like bark and she reaches down and rips out Bethany’s still beating heart.
Trent emerges from his tent and sees what is happening
DANTE
Bethany? NO get away from her what ever the fuck you are.
he grabs Dante stopping him from going to Bethany he looks over and sees Connor emerge from his tent and Maddy screams drawing the woman’s attention from Dante to his sister. The creature heads toward them
TRENT
Hey Oak bitch over here.
Connor and Maddy get away disappearing into the trees as the witch turns and heads toward Dante and Trent. Trent shoves Dante toward the tree line.
DANTE
what did you do that for now she is after us
TRENT
just shut up and run
EXT WOODS. NIGHT.
Dante and Trent make their way through the woods and manage to loose the witch.
Connor and Maddy make their way through the woods and Find an old run down shack. Maddy bangs on the door while Connor looks around.
MADDISON
Hello?
CONNOR
What the fuck was it? Where did it come from? I think it followed Trent and Dante.
MADDISON
I think it was the Oak Witch it came out of the tree.
CONNOR
The Oak Witch? Maddy that’s just a story she’s not...
The door opens and a grizzled old Man that’s part grizzly Adam’s part Looney bin glares at the two of them.
HERMAN
(mutters) middle of nowhere and weirdo’s still knocking on my door.
(looks at them) What in the hell you young ‘uns want?
MADDISON
Oh thank god can we use your phone It an emergency.
CONNOR
Please Mister.
The old man looks at them and frowns the two look terrified. He grumbles and turns around walking back inside.
HERMAN
Don’t touch nothing. Especially don’t touch my wood!
CONNOR
(looks at Maddison) yeah like that’s going to happen.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Dante and Trent reach the Cars. Out of breathe from running so hard.
DANTE
Oh man is it still after us
TRENT
I don’t know we didn’t follow the path.
(he looks back the way they came)
I Cant see it.
DANTE
Then lets get the fuck out of here.
Trent pats his pockets he doesn’t have his keys. Trent shakes his head.
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Inside The shack is like a shrine to every scary movie hillbillie shack with animals in various stages of being butchered on the table and benches. jars filled with questionable contents and other odds and bobs. There are numerous wood carvings and large bits of wood. And what looks like a collection of discarded junk furnishing the shack. The old man makes his way through the junk and pats various blocks of wood still muttering to himself.
HERMAN
(talking to the wood) Don’t worry they just want to use the
phone… yeah I know… be nice… (chuckles) yeah city folks.
CONNOR
(whispers to Maddy)
I’m not sure this was a good idea.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Dante picks up a rock and throws it through the side window on the 4x4. Trent tries to stop him.
DANTE
What the fuck man?
Trent goes up to the 4x4 and reaches under the wheel arch and produces a magnetic key box with a key inside.
TRENT
(grins ) I know where Connor keeps his spare key.
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Herman opens one of the scary looking jars
HERMAN
You kids want some moonshine?
Connor and Maddy both decline still looking around the scary shack.
HERMAN CONT...
Suit yourselves…
(drinks from the jar.)
So what’s this about something trying to get you? Camping by the
old oak werncha? The tree’s don’t take too kindly to it when you
mess with her tree
CONNOR
Something attacked us. I don’t know what it was.
MADDISON
Uh where is the phone?
Herman points to the far wall a beat up and broken phone.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Trent unlocks the door and climbs in the drivers seat.
TRENT
Get in.
DANTE
What about Maddy and Connor?
TRENT
What about them?
DANTE
We cant just leave them. You saw what that thing did.
TRENT
Get in the fucking car Dante!
DANTE
No
TRENT
Fine.( he starts the engine) was nice knowing you Dante
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Maddy picks up the receiver and holds it to her ear. She frowns and shakes her head.
MADDISON
No dial tone.
CONNOR
(looks at phone and listens to it) it doesn’t work?
HERMAN
You asked where it was you didn’t ask if it worked. .
( he looks at a piece of wood)
Yeah... city folk (he chuckles)
MADDISON
Mister we need Help our friend is dead and there is something out there.
HERAMN
Dead? Where?
CONNOR
We were camping out by the old oak.
HERMAN
You disturbed the witch? The tree… get out.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Trent leans out to grab the door and pull it shut and Dante grabs him. There is a struggle and Dante pulls him from the car. Punches are thrown and Trent ends up on the bonnet and Dante is on his ass on the ground but he has the key.
DANTE
Fuck you Trent. They’re our friends and we’re
not leaving them.
The witch emerges from the tree line and approaches from behind Dante and attacks him. Trent watches for a second then he turns and runs back into the woods.
INT. HERMIT SHACK. NIGHT.
Herman suddenly becomes agitated and starts rummaging around his things.
CONNOR
I beg your pardon?
HERMAN
City folk messin with what they ounta. The trees they is smart en you think.
She knows everything the trees know now get out. Fore she
thinks I’m helping you
MADDISON
She? What do you know about the Oak witch.
HERMAN
(crazy ranting talking to them and wood) Druids worshiped ‘em...
power in their hearts… only way to stop her.
The wind picks up outside and a tree branch smashes through the window
HERMAN
(he looks at them) Run!
Herman steps outside and looks around and the witch is suddenly standing behind him. He turns and she grabs him.
HERMAN
I didn’t do nothing. I didn’t help em. I swear.
Ask the tree’s they’ll tell ya.
The witch sticks her hand down his throat and he gags
MADDISON
(screams)
Connor grabs Maddy and drags her away from the window and out the door
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
Running scared Connor falls down an incline and Maddison and he get separated in the trees. Connor hits his head.
CONNOR
Ow Fuck.
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
Trent is running through the woods and he finds Maddy. She almost stabs him with a knife she is carrying.
TRENT
Oh god Maddy. You’re alive.
MADDISON
(in tears)Trent oh thank god I was so scared.
TRENT
(puts his arms around her) its okay sis I’m here.
MADDISON
I think it got Connor.
TRENT
It got Dante too.
MADDISON
There was an old man. He was nuts talking about trees having hearts
TRENT
Shh its okay were going to get out of here.
EXT. PARKING AREA STATE FOREST NIGHT.
Connor finds his way to the parking area and both cars are trashed.
EXT. WOODS NIGHT
The witch approaches and Maddy sees her
MADDISON
(screams) Trent look out!
The witch knocks Trent to the ground and Grabs Maddy. A struggle ensues and Trent sees Maddy bury the knife in the witch’s heart. The witch is completely un-phased by it. The witch claws down Maddy’s chest and drags her by her hair. Trent follows at a distance.
EXT. CAMPING GROUND. NIGHT
Connor finally makes it back to camp. Dante, Bethany and the old man are at the base of the tree. Its as though the tree is eating them like in the film the blob. The tents are trashed. Connor goes through the things and finds a machete.
DANTE
Heeeeelp… meeee
CONNOR
Oh fuck Dante Man.
Connor is trying to figure out how to get Dante off the tree he looks really badly hurt and the trees bark is growing around him. He hears the witch approaching and he hides.
EXT. CAMPING GROUND. NIGHT
The witch enters the camping ground the knife still sticking out of her chest. She drops Maddy, walks up to Dante and looks at him before turning and looking around the clearing.
Trent finds Connor hiding at the edge of the clearing. He presses his fingers to his lips when Connor starts at his approach.
CONNOR
Dante and Maddy are still alive we need to rescue them.
TRENT
Yeah good luck with that.
CONNOR
(shocked) Maddy is your sister.
TRENT
And?
CONNOR
And that’s why we broke up. Coz you don’t care about
anyone do you( Connor walks into clearing.)
TRENT
I cared about you.
Connor Attacks the witch with the machete after a few stabs at her he misses and hits the tree a cut appears across the witch’s arm. Trent finally figures out how to stop her.
TRENT
Connor The Tree!
CONNOR
Huh
The witch back hands Connor and sends him flying. He looses the machete and lands hurt on his back across the clearing.
Trent runs out of his hiding place and grabs the machete making his way to the tree.
The witch picks Connor up by the hair and reaches her hand back.
Trent looks at the tree seeing for the first time the others being absorbed and the split down the middle. He sees the knot that Bethany had pointed out could have been the witch’s heart.
Trent raises the machete over his head and stabs the knot in the wood driving it as deep into the tree as he can.
The witch screams and drops Connor as a huge wound opens in her chest. Connor backs away as lightening strikes the witch and she explodes.
Trent gets up and looks around the smouldering ruin of the clearing there are spot fires and the tree is dyeing as he looks at it the leaves curling up and turning brown. A movement across the clearing catches his eye and he moves toward it. Connor is covered in Sap and bleeding from a cut on his forehead.
TRENT
Connor.
CONNOR
Is it dead.
Trent helps him up. Trent checks the cut on his forehead.
TRENT
If being hit by lightening and exploding into match
stick’s is dead then yeah.
CONNOR
You saved my life.
TRENT
Huh. (grins)I guess I did didn’t I.
Trent wipes the sap from Connors face and then leans in and kisses him. Connor frowns looking at him a second and then kisses him back. Trent puts his arm around him
CONNOR
Lets get out off here.
TRENT
Yeah lets go home.
With an arm around him he helps Connor as they walk out of the clearing and off into the sunset. The camera moves around the clearing and it closes in on a piece of wood that appears eerily like part of the witches face a small sapling with a green leaf growing from the wood.
fade to credits.
the end
©Carolyn Blythe