Acts of the Women
Submision Type
book
Logline
In the decades after the crucifixion, men gave speeches and wrote history books about their own noble deeds. But women did most of the work.
Genre
Adventure,Religious,Historical Fiction,Epic
Short Summary
In the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion, Mary is the first to report that Jesus is alive. She warns his brothers and male followers to stay hidden from the Romans, while she and the women of Jerusalem nurse Jesus back to health. Then the women lead the exodus out of Palestine.
Setting
Jerusalem, Alexandria (Egypt), Galilee, Rome, southern France, southern India
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Quest
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Mary Magdalene
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Badass,Charming,Confident,Decisive,Leader,Honorable,Heroic,Religious,Engaging,Funny,Outspoken,Visionary,Educated
Additional Character Details
Name: Rachel
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Role: Logical
Key Traits: Faithful,Leader,Blunt,Uneducated,Funny,Sarcastic,Engaging,Badass,Outspoken,Complex
Additional Character Details
Name: Priscilla
Age: 35
Gender: Female
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Decisive,Educated,Honorable,Skillful,Charming,Aspiring,Manipulative,Unapologetic,Sophisticated,Outspoken,Narcisstic,Greedy,Leader,Gracious
Additional Character Details
Name: Sarah (the Black Madonna)
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Role: protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Confident,Engaging,Religious,Educated,Sexy,Outspoken,Visionary,Sophisticated
Genre
DRAMA
Brief
Jesus Christ is alive in his tomb and the women surrounding him make a plan to rescue him. While he is recovering, Mary and her fellow women try to save their nation and protect them from the Romans. The others travel out to different parts of the world with their husbands, starting new lives and having adventures.
Overall Rating
FAIR
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: FAIR
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
It is accurate.
Draw of Story
This story is a retelling of the story of Jesus Christ and the women who surrounded him. In this story, he doesn’t die on the cross but survives and is rescued by women and nursed back to help. Many of the women are the disciples wives and hold much power over the men in this story. It is an interesting view of the events of the Bible.
Possible Drawbacks
While the story is original, it was told without consistency or sufficient world building. The women in this story seem to have Southern American accents and demeanors. The story is set around Israel and Alexandria, two thousand years before modern time. The language and actions of the characters are much more modern. While the strong female characters are refreshing, the sassy nature of the women do not feel realistic for the time. The nature of the women are unrealistic with their constant threatening of men and action taking.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the women take charge to nurse him back to help and keep the Romans from finding him, his supporters or followers. I would watch for strong female representation.
Fanbase Potential
This would not have a large fanbase. The interpretation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his rescue, not resurrection, would not sit well with some audiences. While showing the women taking an active role at the time and setting events in motion to protect the nation is refreshing, it hasn’t been executed well. The women do not feel authentic to their time and circumstances. They are modern women, speaking in a modern vernacular, placed in a different time period.
Awards Potential
This does not have awards potential as is. The story doesn’t stand out for being unique or aspirational because the characters are not dynamic. Their actions are inspiring but the characters have little individuality or depth.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE WOMEN, GODLESS, THE RED TENT
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because it is a retelling of Jesus dying on the cross. He isn’t resurrected but taken alive from his tomb and nursed back to help. The women around him and his disciples take a commanding role in the situation. The women could be more authentic to the time period and more nuanced. The characters are almost caricatures of strong women from tv and film. For example, they all use The Stare to enforce their will on the men with their hands on their hips, threatening violence if not obeyed.
Lead Characters
This is an ensemble cast with not one woman standing out. They are all strong, smart and resourceful but use the same tactics to hold power.
Uniqueness of Story
This is not a rare gem but a very unique plot and retelling of one of the oldest stories. It has a very distinctive point of view that might be compelling to audiences. The execution of the story needs work in portraying different types of women.
Possible Formats
Film: Indie, Streaming TV Series: Cable, Limited Run / Mini-Series, Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
WORK IN PROGRESS
Justification
This is a work in progress because the characterization of the women is lacking. They are strong and direct, accomplishing great feats but have few individual characteristics. The characters are not multi-layered and complex.
Tips for Improvement
The characters need further development for this to become a consider or recommend. The world they live in is harsh and not fair for them. They have all struggled and the threats they face are dire. The characters are not realistic to their time period and do not reflect the deeply ingrained struggles of women at the time. This story could be dynamic and memorable with complicated and nuanced characters.