EXT. ISLAND NEAR ASTANA - NIGHT
CHARLIE (21) is an average height with green eyes. She stands staring off into the ocean, detailing her foster dad’s role in her life to no one in particular.
CHARLIE
When I was younger, my uncle used to play a game with me. We would search for hours on end in large open spaces trying to find something out of place. Every time, he’d always win, whether it be a seashell in the grass or a flower pulled up from its roots. Until today, I never understood why he thought it was so important for me to focus on details, and now… it’s all I’m capable of.
FADE TO:
INT. LOCAL HOTEL IN KAZAKHSTAN, ASTANA – DAY
It is 1962. Charlie (13) paces around her house with an abundance of thoughts in her head. ROBERT, her …show more content…
My mom isn’t ever going to come for my birthday, is she?
ROBERT
I’m so sorry Charlie. I hope that she will find her way back to you, but it’s looking like today will not be that day. Besides, it’s for your own good, she wasn’t a very honest woman. Hey, I know what will cheer you up. How about we go to the pizza place I used to take you to?
CHARLIE
You mean Pizza Pepperoni Punk House? That’s been my favorite place since forever! Are any of my friends coming?
ROBERT
Yes, they will be there, but you should at least pretend to be a surprised kid on her thirteenth birthday when we arrive. Do we have a deal?
CHARLIE
A deal? You have my soon to be pizza filled belly as a promise, but Rob I wish you wouldn’t talk about mom like that. I’m never going to give up on her.
FADE TO:
EXT. SOMEWHERE OVER THE CASPIAN SEA MOVING - NIGHT
In the middle of the Caspian Sea ANTON, a pilot, takes his new acquaintance Charlie from a local hotel to a deserted island near Astana. The year is 1971.
ANTON
(jokingly)
Man, did we get lucky with this flight. This view is more than I could have asked for, even if I must share it with you, Charlie. Tell me, what would your mother think of you going to a dangerous island like this, all …show more content…
I have no idea who my own mother is, the only piece of information I have came from my foster dad. Apparently, they worked together some time ago.
ANTON
How come you’re so interested in this?
CHARLIE
When I was younger, my foster dad told me stories about her. I never knew my real father. I need answers, and I intend to get them… one way or another.
ANTON
(with much hesitation)
You know, my father was a bright, but secretive man. He never spoke about my mother, I guess we're one in the same. Sometimes, knowing the truth is worse than speculating.
CHARLIE
Anton, it is more than a speculation. I don’t just want to find my parents; I’ve got to know what happened to them. I deserve that much.
FADE TO:
EXT. TOUCHDOWN ON THE ISLAND - DAWN
Anton and Charlie arrive on the island early in the morning, the breeze pushes them onward towards the ruins of an abandoned prison.
ANTON
(exhausted)
The plane should be stable here till the tide rises at noon, we should leave before sundown, flying in the dark is not something I want to do