BENEATH
ADVENTURE YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE HORROR SUSPENSE/THRILLER FANTASY
Contemporary
Maureen A. Miller

TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
What if there are shipwreck survivors still alive at the bottom of the ocean? This is what a family discovers after their ship capsizes in a storm on the Atlantic.
Genre
Adventure,Young Adult,Romance,Horror,Suspense/Thriller,Fantasy
Short Summary
A terrible storm at sea capsizes a fishing boat and sends a family of four and a friend into the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of drowning, a rogue current drags them down to the bottom of the sea, where they emerge into an oxygen-filled cave.
Setting
Atlantic Ocean - 100 miles off coast of New Jersey
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Voyage and Return,Tragedy
Plot - Other Elements
Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Stella Gullaksen
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Educated,Modest,Lone Wolf,Insecure
Additional Character Details
Name: COLIN WEXLER
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Masculine,Gracious,Romantic,Educated,Heroic,Honorable,Leader
Additional Character Details
Name: JILL WEXLER
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Role: sidekick
Key Traits: Adventurous,Confident,Funny
Additional Character Details
Name: DONALD WEXLER
Age: 50's
Gender: Male
Role: skeptic
Key Traits: Aggressive,Desperate,Outspoken,Blunt
Genre
DRAMA, SUSPENSE, FANTASY
Brief
Stella and the Wexler family are on their usual fishing trip when a huge storm throws them overboard. They are dragged down and into a oxygen filled cave where they meet survivors from other shipwrecks, living there for more than 40 years. Colin and Stella uncover dark secrets about the cave and it's occupants before trying to reach the surface.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: EXCELLENT
Commerciality: EXCELLENT
Franchise Potential: EXCELLENT
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story dives immediately into the plot with Stella explaining the horrible circumstances the family is facing. The fishing boat is rocking violently in a storm and her best friend has already been lost at sea. The description of Stella being dragged down to the depths of the ocean and resurfacing into an unknown cave is vivid and enthralling.
Possible Drawbacks
The story's pace could be heightened with less moments focusing on the human interactions. The mystery of the Chimaera could be delved into more. It could heighten the suspense in the story earlier on.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that a boating accident brings Stella and the Wexler family to a hidden cave deep under the ocean's surface. They believe they are doomed but find other occupants of the cave who have been there for more than 40 years. I would watch the movie for the ideology and science behind the underwater cave, the survivors and the mystery of possible creatures living there.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase as a series. Recent sci fi films haven't garnered much attention or praise outside of comic book movies. The story is unique enough to differentiate from other stories with many different characters with potential diverging storylines.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential for cinematography and set design. The underwater cave has the potential to be many things as well as the creatures that share the cave with the humans. The story focuses on the circumstances of the characters and less of character development.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
LOST, PROMETHEUS, UNDERWATER
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because of the science of how the characters got to there underwater tomb. They weren't ego driven scientist trying to uncover a mystery with sophisticated technology. They were swept down by a natural current into a cave with a pocket full of air. It could be made more unique by exploring the dynamics of the characters and the effects on them, mentally. More suspense could be built with unusual interactions with the Chimaera.
Lead Characters
The lead characters do not stand out individually. They are typical characters for this genre of film. Colin is confident, brave and self assured while Stella is scared but pushes herself to do more. They are in typical gender roles especially considering they end up in a romantic relationship. This could be shaken up a bit to reflect modern views on gender roles.
Uniqueness of Story
This is a solid science fiction story that has entertaining elements. It does not revolutionize anything about the genre but has the potential to present a new world and fun story. There definitely could be some diversity to the cast and more character development.
Possible Formats
Film: Studio, Streaming TV Series: Streaming, Cable
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This is a consider because the story is entertaining and suspenseful. It is a well rounded story with human emotions, creepy creatures, mystery and adventure. This would work best as a series, slowly revealing the mysteries of the cave, its' occupants and heightening the relationships between the characters. Science fiction series are more popular than many films with more time for world building and character development.