EXHUMED
CRIME DRAMA FANTASY MYSTERY POLITICAL RELIGIOUS HISTORICAL FICTION SUSPENSE/THRILLER OTHER
19th Century,Earlier 20th Century,1960s & '70s,Across Centuries
William Griffin
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
Clive Rowan, a columnist for the Washington Star newspaper, is determined to bet his career and his life on the hunch that the late and beloved President of the United States, Oliver Campbell, did not die from natural causes, but was murdered by his wife.
Genre
Crime,Drama,Fantasy,Mystery,Political,Religious,Historical Fiction,Suspense/Thriller,Other
Short Summary
A ten year old boy, Clive Rowan, finds a beautiful, ornate ring buried beneath the sand. He gives it to his mother as a gift, not realizing that it's a poison ring. Ten years later, as a columnist, Rowan discovers that the ring he found may have been used to murder a former U.S. President.
Setting
San Francisco, Washington D.C.
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Internal Journey/Rebirth,Rebellion Against 'The One'
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Incest,Sexual Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Clive Rowan
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Complex,Sexy,Confident,Faithful,Underdog,Adventurous,Aggressive,Decisive,Engaging,Empathetic,Skillful,Funny,Educated,Heroic,Aspiring
Additional Character Details
Name: Brittany Sinclair
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Role: Sidekick
Key Traits: Adventurous,Underdog,Sexy,Charming,Aggressive,Confident,Faithful,Flexible,Funny,Skillful,Outspoken,Selfless,Modest,Romantic,Sarcastic,Seductive,Sophisticated,Unapologetic,Educated,Honorable,Engaging
Additional Character Details
Name: Ellen Campbell
Age: 76
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Modest,Charming,Complex,Desperate,Crazy,Secretive,Seductive,Sophisticated,Unapologetic,Honorable,Insecure,Empathetic,Lone Wolf
Additional Character Details
Name: Oliver Campbell
Age: 70
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Aggressive,Villainous,Narcisstic,Complex,Confident,Crazy,Criminal,Decisive,Power Hungry,Blunt,Engaging,Outspoken,Greedy,Sarcastic,Educated,Secretive,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code,Manipulative,Unapologetic,Leader,Aspiring
Genre
SUSPENSE, THRILLER, DRAMA
Brief
Clive is a young journalist looking to make a name for himself. He is given menial assignments until he comes across a piece about the former first lady. Clive begins to look into her past and the unexpected death of her husband. Clive's brush with the paranormal as a child brought him evidence against Ellen Campbell, the former first lady.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story opens with Clive as a child being led to find a ring, buried deep in the sand. An older man leads him to it, but only Clive can see the man. Clive's father sensed a presence and was able to save his some while he found a ring. This is a story about uncovering a murder mystery but mixed with the paranormal.
Possible Drawbacks
The story is a typical journalist story. Clive stumbles on a massive story about a president being poisoned by his wife. He is young and eager to prove himself. It has all the elements of a journalistic movie with some interesting twists. There could be more diversity with the characters.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that a journalist discovers the unlikely death of an American president was not by natural causes, but from poisoning by his wife. I would watch this movie for the twists. Ellen Campbell has lived with her actions for many years. The secrets surrounding her motives are shocking and would create great moments in a movie.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase. Uncovering murder mysteries are still entertaining stories. There are enough twist to set it apart from other stories that are similar. This also has a paranormal element because Clive was led to the poison ring used to kill the president, as a child. And he is saved from death by his father, who died a few years before.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential depending on the casting. There are some interesting characters to explore, specifically, Ellen Campbell. There are many layers to the character, with a great actress, could garner awards notice.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
SPOTLIGHT, THE POST
What’s New About the Story
The story is original, but could be more diverse with the characters. It is a period drama, however. The antagonist is somewhat cliche. The "wife killed the husband with poison" is a motif that has been done many times over. The twists do elevate the story from being a copy of other movies.
Lead Characters
The lead antagonist stands out as a woman with many layers. Her motives and actions are lead my very unusual circumstances. She marries her father which eludes to a certain mental state.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an interesting story, but is another variation on a journalist drama. It follows the same formula while deferring in it's details and plot. It could be improved with a different setting or a different institution. This story surrounds a president but could be a prime minister or czar.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This story is a consider because it has some very interesting twists. The motivation behind the protagonist is grim and works well with the story. The paranormal addition is a great touch, but is not as developed as it could be. It should be weaved throughout the story better. This is a solid story that would be entertaining to audiences.