DRAMA

Peter longs to fulfill his potential outside his small Long Island community. A summer job digging for clams gives him a lot to think about in what to do about the future. Peter decides to follow his ambition as far it is can take him. Yet a high school reunion forty years later makes Peter change his mind and pursue happiness instead of expectations.

GOOD

FIRST PERSON

Authors Writing Style: EXCELLENT

Characterization: GOOD

Commerciality: GOOD

Franchise Potential: FAIR

Pace: GOOD

Premise: GOOD

Structure: GOOD

Theme: EXCELLENT

The logline is too vague to be enticing. Comparing where Peter was versus where he ends up would be a better reflection of the logline or stating what lesson Peter learned. The short summer notes that Peter left behind his first love and this claim seems like a stretch. Shasta was more a random hookup so omitting this will focus the story to seem less like a romance because it is more about his friendships. The location Halcyon Bay is also a proper noun so should be capitalized.

The premise of a clam digger looking to live up to his potential in Long Island is a highly specific setting that makes the story seem hyper-realistic. Because it is so specific, the period piece feels more intimate. At the same time, the interest comes from the setting's unusual nature given most people don't live like they did.

It is unclear what the shift was in Peter's feelings about Wolfgang outside of his health crisis. Wolfgang wasn't the nicest after high school and continued to seem like the same non-evolved person years later so for Peter to abandon everything to be near him seems odd. It is also unclear why Jocelyn was worth marrying as their relationships seems strange and frigid.

THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

The hook is that Peter spent decades following his dreams only to realize he never stopped to check if his dream was still what he really wanted out of life. He then makes big changes in order to find himself again outside of his work.

This could definitely have a large fanbase. The drama is solid with relatable themes for baby boomers and anyone taking inventory of their past choices and future options. The dialogue is fresh and the setting is engrossing.

This could have awards potential depending on if thematic focus and how much the adaptation focuses on the reunion rather than the flashback. This potential is due to the strong and semi-unique existential crisis themes of an older male which is catnip to Hollywood elite.

LOW BUDGET

AMERICAN GRAFFITI, EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!!, THE BIG CHILL, MANCHESTER BY THE SEA

The originality of the story stems from Peter's discoveries about how he wasn't happy with his current life after make changes for success so he simply changes his life. By focusing less on Wolfie and other characters or the flashback story, the transformation will have more time to develop.

Peter is undeniably smart and ambitious but constantly doubts himself. He is also brave is following his heart outside of his obligations.

The setting and characters are delightful but there are some pacing issues in the beginning that cause the flashbacks to feel slower.

Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio

CONSIDER

The setting is very engrossing and the characters are dynamic and likeable. The theme is strong and somewhat unique. There are some pacing issues where the beginning seems longer than the end.