When identity and love collide, survival becomes the ultimate test.
Watch the original version of Boys Don’t Cry
Prologue:
Brandon Teena had always known he was different. Growing up in a small rural town in Nebraska, he struggled with his gender identity, feeling as though he didn’t fit in with the traditional expectations of what it meant to be a girl. As he got older, Brandon began to explore his true self and eventually came to the realization that he was transgender.
Despite the potential repercussions, Brandon was determined to live as the person he truly was, regardless of what others thought. He moved to Falls City, hoping to start a new life and find love, but little did he know that his journey would be fraught with danger and tragedy.
Chapter 1: The Beginning
It was a warm summer evening, and Brandon Teena stood on the side of the road, his backpack slung over his shoulder. He had left his old life behind in Lincoln, hoping to start anew in the small town of Falls City. As a transgender man, he knew the journey would be difficult, but he was ready to take on the world.
Brandon had always felt like he was living a lie, trapped in a body that didn’t match who he was on the inside. He had spent years hiding his true self, pretending to be someone he wasn’t just to fit in. But he knew that wasn’t a way to live.
As he walked into town, Brandon felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. He had no idea what was in store for him, but he was ready to take on whatever came his way. He found a small apartment to rent and began looking for work, hoping to establish himself in his new surroundings.
It wasn’t long before Brandon found himself drawn to a group of local misfits. They were the outcasts, the ones who didn’t fit in with the rest of the town. But to Brandon, they felt like family. They accepted him for who he was, and he finally felt like he belonged.
But despite finding solace in his new community, Brandon continued to struggle with his gender identity. He longed to be seen for who he truly was, but he knew the risks that came with that. Falls City was a small town, and gossip traveled fast. He feared the potential repercussions if his secret was ever exposed.
One night, while hanging out at a local pool hall with his new friends, Brandon met Lana Tisdel. She was a beautiful young woman with a mischievous glint in her eye. Brandon was immediately drawn to her, and they hit it off right away.
As they spent more time together, Brandon began to fall in love with Lana. For the first time in his life, he felt seen and accepted for who he truly was. But he knew that their relationship was based on a lie, and the thought of revealing his true identity terrified him.
Despite his fears, Brandon continued to see Lana, and their relationship blossomed. But little did he know that his secret was about to be exposed, setting off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to tragedy.
Chapter 2: Meeting Lana
As Brandon sat at the bar of the pool hall, he couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. The neon lights flickered overhead, casting an eerie glow on the dingy interior. He nervously sipped on his beer, trying to blend in with the other patrons.
Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a beautiful girl with short blonde hair standing beside him. Her name was Lana, and she had been sitting alone at a nearby table, watching Brandon from afar.
“Hey there,” she said with a smile. “I haven’t seen you around here before. What’s your name?”
“Brandon,” he replied, feeling his heart skip a beat. “I’m new in town.”
“Well, welcome to Falls City, Brandon,” Lana said, pulling up a barstool next to him. “Can I buy you another beer?”
Brandon felt an immediate connection with Lana. She was easy to talk to, and he felt like he could be himself around her. As they chatted, he noticed how her eyes sparkled when she laughed and how her lips curved into a beautiful smile. He couldn’t resist the urge to flirt with her, and she seemed to enjoy his attention.
Before long, their group of misfit friends joined them at the pool table. Brandon was relieved to find that they were accepting of him and his gender identity, even though they didn’t fully understand it.
As they played pool and drank beers, Brandon couldn’t help but steal glances at Lana. He felt drawn to her in a way he had never experienced before. She was different from anyone he had ever met, and he couldn’t get her out of his head.
As the night wore on, the group decided to take a joyride around town. They piled into a beat-up pickup truck and drove through the empty streets, laughing and shouting. Brandon felt free and alive, like he had finally found a place where he belonged.
As they pulled up to a darkened field, someone produced a joint, and they all passed it around. Brandon felt the effects of the marijuana wash over him, making him feel relaxed and content.
As he sat with his arm around Lana, he felt a surge of emotion that he couldn’t explain. He knew that he was falling for her, and he couldn’t wait to see where their relationship would go.
As the group dispersed and Brandon and Lana said their goodbyes, he felt a sense of hope that he had never experienced before. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had found someone who accepted him for who he was.
As he walked back to his apartment, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that had led him to Lana. He knew that their relationship would be full of challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on, as long as she was by his side.
Little did he know, the challenges they would face would be far greater than either of them could have imagined.
Chapter 3: The Truth Revealed
The morning after a night of heavy drinking, Brandon wakes up to a nightmare. His secret is out, and the locals are not pleased. He had been spending time with his new group of friends, including Candace and Tom, at a local bar, and he had become increasingly intoxicated. When he tries to leave in the company of two women, Candace demands that he prove he’s a man by revealing his genitals.
When he refuses, Candace and Tom forcefully expose him, revealing his true identity as a transgender man. The group turns on him with anger and disdain, and a violent altercation breaks out.
The next day, Brandon goes to see Candace to try to smooth things over. She physically assaults him, and he realizes how dangerous his situation has become. He knows he needs to leave Falls City if he wants to survive.
Brandon goes to a nearby town to seek help from his sister, Tammy, but she is less than understanding about his situation. Heartbroken, Brandon returns to Falls City and seeks refuge with Lana Tisdel, the girl he has been flirting with at the local pool hall.
Lana takes Brandon in and offers him a safe place to stay. She is kind and accepting of him, and they begin to form a bond. However, Lana’s mother is wary of Brandon’s presence and doesn’t understand their relationship.
Meanwhile, the locals are still not happy with Brandon’s presence in their community. They begin to harass him, vandalize his truck, and threaten him with violence. Despite this, Brandon refuses to leave Falls City, determined to stay true to himself and find love.
As tensions rise, Brandon’s new friends, John and Tom, offer to protect him from the angry locals. They take him under their wing and offer him a sense of belonging. Brandon is grateful for their help, but he can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right.
One night, while hanging out with John and Tom, Brandon tries to leave early, but John won’t let him go. He becomes aggressive and possessive, and Brandon begins to feel trapped. When he finally does escape, he realizes that John and Tom may not have his best interest at heart.
The truth about Brandon’s gender identity has been exposed, and he has become a target of hate and violence. He is forced to confront the harsh reality of his situation and decide how to move forward. Does he stay in Falls City, where he risks further harm, or does he leave, abandoning the friends he has made?
As he weighs his options, Brandon begins to realize that he is stronger than he ever thought. He is determined to live his life on his own terms, no matter the cost. The journey ahead will be difficult, but he is ready to face it head-on, with courage and conviction.
Chapter 4: Seeking Help
After the humiliation of having his secret exposed, Brandon felt isolated and alone. The locals he once considered friends now taunted him with derogatory slurs and threats. He knew he needed to get out of town, but he didn’t have anywhere to go. That’s when he turned to John Lotter and Tom Nissen, two ex-convicts he met at a previous job.
Despite his reservations, Brandon felt like he had no other choice. He reached out to John and Tom, who were happy to see him again. They offered him their protection and said they would help him escape the town and start a new life somewhere else.
John and Tom took Brandon under their wing, and he quickly found himself involved in their criminal activities. Brandon was uncomfortable with the idea of stealing and selling guns, but he knew he needed to earn their trust if he wanted their protection. He also felt indebted to them for helping him escape the persecution he faced in Falls City.
Brandon struggled to reconcile his desire for acceptance with his growing discomfort around John and Tom. He tried to distance himself from their criminal activities, but they always found a way to reel him back in. He felt trapped, knowing that if he spoke out against them, he would be putting himself in danger.
Despite his reservations, Brandon started to enjoy the thrill of the criminal lifestyle. He felt like he was finally living the life he always wanted, free from the judgment of others. He even started to develop feelings for Lana, a local girl who had taken an interest in him.
As his relationship with Lana deepened, Brandon knew he needed to tell her the truth about his gender identity. He was afraid of how she would react, but he couldn’t keep the secret from her any longer. To his relief, Lana was accepting and supportive. She didn’t care about his past or what other people thought of him. All she cared about was him.
But as Brandon and Lana’s relationship blossomed, John and Tom became increasingly jealous. They saw Lana as a threat to their hold on Brandon and his loyalty to them. Brandon knew he was in a dangerous situation, but he didn’t know how to escape it.
One night, John and Tom showed up at Brandon’s trailer, drunk and angry. They demanded that he leave Lana and come back to them. Brandon refused, and things quickly turned violent. John and Tom beat Brandon and threatened to kill him if he didn’t come back to their side.
Fearful for his safety and that of Lana, Brandon turned to the police for help. But when he discovered that the officer he had confided in had told John and Tom about his plans to turn them in, Brandon knew he had nowhere left to turn. He was trapped in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, and he didn’t know how to get out alive.
The events of that night would haunt Brandon for the rest of his life. He would come to regret ever turning to John and Tom for help, and he would realize too late that the protection they offered was just an illusion. All he wanted was to live his life in peace, but he would soon learn that there was no escaping the danger that followed him.
Chapter 5: Life as a Criminal
Brandon’s life takes a dark turn after he becomes involved in John and Tom’s criminal activities. Despite his discomfort and fear, he feels indebted to them for their protection. He rationalizes that by helping them, he can ensure his safety and keep his true identity hidden from those who would harm him.
John and Tom introduce Brandon to their world of crime, and he learns quickly that there are no rules. They start by stealing cars and selling them for a profit. Then they move on to breaking into houses and businesses, taking whatever they can carry. They are brazen and fearless, taking risks that Brandon could never have imagined.
At first, Brandon is hesitant to participate in their schemes. He feels guilty and ashamed for breaking the law. But John and Tom pressure him, reminding him of their deal. They protect him from harm, and in return, he must help them however he can. Brandon reluctantly agrees, knowing that it’s his only option.
As time goes on, Brandon becomes increasingly comfortable with their criminal lifestyle. He starts to think of himself as a tough guy, able to handle anything that comes his way. He enjoys the rush of adrenaline that comes with breaking the law and outsmarting the authorities. He even begins to idolize John and Tom, seeing them as rebels and outsiders, just like himself.
But as he becomes more involved with John and Tom, Brandon realizes that he’s in over his head. They start selling guns, and Brandon knows that this is a dangerous game. He’s terrified of getting caught or hurt, but he’s also afraid to back out now. He’s afraid that John and Tom will turn on him or tell others about his secret.
One night, things go horribly wrong. John and Tom get into a fight with a rival gang, and one of their associates gets shot. They blame Brandon for the botched deal, saying that he didn’t watch their backs. They threaten him, telling him that if he doesn’t make it right, they’ll expose him to everyone in town.
Brandon is trapped. He knows that he’s made a mistake, but he also knows that he can’t fix it. He’s not a criminal at heart, and he doesn’t want to be involved in this kind of life anymore. But he’s afraid to leave John and Tom, afraid of what they might do to him.
As the tension between them grows, Brandon realizes that he has to make a choice. He can either stay with John and Tom and continue down this dangerous path, or he can try to escape and start over somewhere else. It’s a difficult decision, but in the end, Brandon chooses to leave.
He tells Lana what’s been happening, and she’s shocked and upset. She doesn’t want him to be involved in this kind of life, and she’s afraid for his safety. But she also knows that he needs to do what’s best for him. She offers to help him leave town, and they make plans to leave the next day.
As they prepare to go, Brandon is filled with conflicting emotions. He’s relieved to be leaving John and Tom behind, but he’s also scared of what’s to come. He knows that his life is about to change in a big way, and he’s not sure if he’s ready for it.
But as they drive away from Falls City, Brandon feels a sense of freedom that he’s never felt before. He’s leaving behind a life of crime and secrecy, and he’s starting fresh. He knows that it won’t be easy, but he’s ready for whatever comes next.
Chapter 6: The Confrontation
Brandon and Lana had finally decided to leave Fall City and start anew in a nearby town. They were packing their bags when John and Tom knocked on the door. The couple was surprised to see them, but Brandon tried to remain calm and courteous.
John and Tom asked what they were doing, and Brandon told them they were leaving town to start fresh. John grew angry, accusing Brandon of lying to him and betraying his trust. Brandon tried to reason with him, but John wouldn’t listen.
Things escalated quickly, and the argument turned physical. John and Tom began to beat up Brandon, and Lana tried to intervene, but she was pushed aside. Brandon was outnumbered, and there was no way he could win.
The beating continued for what felt like an eternity until one of John’s punches hit Brandon’s head, and he passed out. Lana was left alone, crying and trying to wake Brandon up. John and Tom took Brandon’s unconscious body and threw him into the back of a pickup truck. They told Lana to forget about him and leave town.
Lana was devastated. She didn’t know what to do. Should she call the police? Should she try to find Brandon? She decided to try to find him, even if it meant risking her own life.
She got into her car and drove for hours, asking people if they had seen Brandon. No one had any information, and Lana began to fear the worst. She was about to give up when she noticed a truck that looked familiar. It was John’s pickup truck.
Lana followed the truck, keeping a safe distance. The truck stopped at an abandoned house, and John and Tom got out. Lana parked her car and approached the house, trying to remain unseen.
She heard voices coming from inside, and she recognized Brandon’s voice. She tried to open the door, but it was locked. She could see through a broken window that Brandon was tied up and badly beaten. He was barely conscious.
Lana knew she had to act quickly. She went back to her car and called the police, telling them where she was and what was happening. She then returned to the house and waited outside.
The police arrived in no time, and they entered the house, guns drawn. They found John and Tom and arrested them. They also rescued Brandon, who was rushed to the hospital.
Lana stayed by Brandon’s side, praying he would make it through. The doctors said he had multiple fractures, cuts, and bruises all over his body. They didn’t know if he would survive.
Days passed, and Brandon was still in a coma. Lana couldn’t bear to leave his side. She felt guilty for what had happened, blaming herself for not being able to protect him.
Finally, after four long days, Brandon woke up. He was disoriented, confused, and in excruciating pain. The doctors told him what had happened, and he struggled to understand how he had ended up in the hospital.
Lana explained what had happened, and Brandon was grateful for her bravery. He knew he wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for her. He felt ashamed and humiliated for what he had put her through, but Lana reassured him that it wasn’t his fault.
The aftermath of the assault was difficult for both of them. Brandon had to undergo multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy to recover. Lana was traumatized by what had happened and struggled to come to terms with everything. Despite this, they both knew they loved each other and would do anything to protect each other.
The confrontation with John and Tom had changed everything. They had realized that they couldn’t keep running from their past and that they needed to confront their fears head-on. Lana and Brandon decided to testify against John and Tom in court, hoping to put an end to their cycle of hate and violence.
But the trial was going to be a long, emotional journey, and they didn’t know what the outcome would be. All they knew was that they had each other and the strength to fight for justice.
Chapter 7: On the Run
Brandon and Lana had fled from Falls City, hoping to find safety in a nearby town. They were battered and bruised, barely able to walk, but they didn’t care. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.
The pain was unbearable, but Brandon couldn’t stop thinking about the night of the assault. The way John and Tom had looked at him, the hate in their eyes, still haunted him. He knew he had to keep moving, keep running, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep going.
Lana had found them a motel room, but they didn’t feel safe. They kept the lights off and the curtains drawn, waiting for the inevitable. They knew John and Tom would be looking for them, and they wouldn’t stop until they found them.
Days turned into nights, and Brandon’s injuries worsened. He had lost a lot of blood, and his wounds were starting to become infected. Lana did what she could to help him, but she was just as scared as he was. They stayed silent, listening for any sound that might signal their attackers’ arrival.
One morning, they heard a knock at the door. They froze, not sure what to do. Brandon knew John’s voice anywhere, and he heard it through the door. “Brandon, we know you’re in there. Open the damn door.”
Lana looked at Brandon, her eyes pleading with him to make it stop. But he knew it was too late. They had found them. He had to act fast.
He grabbed the gun he had stolen from John’s house and told Lana to stay put. He didn’t want her to get hurt. He opened the door and found John and Tom standing in the hallway.
“Well, well, well, look who we found,” John sneered. “Did you really think you could run from us? You’re not that smart, Brandon.”
Brandon raised the gun, pointing it at John. “I’m not afraid of you anymore, John. I’m done running.”
John laughed. “You’re not going to shoot me, Brandon. You’re not a killer.”
Brandon hesitated, but then he saw the look on John’s face. It was the same look he had given him on the night of the assault. Brandon pulled the trigger.
The sound of the gunshot echoed through the motel, and Lana screamed. Tom lunged at Brandon, but he was too weak. They both fell to the ground, struggling for control of the gun.
Lana tried to intervene, but she was pushed aside. She watched in horror as Brandon and Tom fought, the gun clattering on the floor. She picked it up, pointing it at Tom. “Stop it!” she yelled.
Tom froze, his eyes wide, and Lana took the opportunity to grab Brandon’s hand. They ran out of the room, not looking back.
They stumbled outside, blinking in the bright sunlight. They didn’t stop until they reached the highway, a wave of relief washing over them. Brandon collapsed on the ground, and Lana cradled his head in her lap.
“We made it, Brandon,” she whispered. “We’re safe now.”
Brandon smiled weakly. “Thank you, Lana. You saved my life.”
They stayed there for a while, watching the cars pass by. They knew they had a long journey ahead of them, but they didn’t care. They were free.
The police found John and Tom’s bodies in the motel room. Their reign of terror was finally over. Brandon and Lana were hailed as heroes, but they didn’t feel like heroes. They had lost too much, suffered too much. They were just two people trying to survive in a world that didn’t accept them.
But they knew they had each other, and that was enough. They held hands, and as they walked down the highway, they felt hopeful for the first time in a long time. They didn’t know what the future held, but they knew they would face it together.
Chapter 8: The Aftermath
The sound of the sirens pierced through the air, and soon an ambulance arrived on the scene. Brandon and Lana were loaded onto stretchers and taken to the hospital. The doctors said they were lucky to be alive, but the physical and emotional toll they had endured was severe.
As they lay in their hospital beds, Brandon and Lana held tightly to one another. Their faces were battered and bruised, and their bodies ached, but they were happy to be alive. They knew that they were lucky to have each other, and they clung to that thought like a lifeline.
The nurses came in and out of the room, checking on their wounds, giving them pain medication, and trying to make them as comfortable as possible. But the emotional toll they had endured was harder to alleviate. Both of them were in shock, and it was hard to process what had happened.
As they lay there, Brandon thought about how his life had taken such a drastic turn. He had gone from being happy and carefree to being beaten and humiliated. He couldn’t believe that people could be so cruel, and he felt a deep sense of shame and regret.
Lana was also struggling with her emotions. She was angry that they had been attacked and hurt, but she was also worried about what would happen next. She wondered if John and Tom would come back for them, or if they would be safe once they left the hospital.
Over the next few days, Brandon and Lana began to heal physically, but the emotional wounds remained. They struggled to sleep at night, haunted by nightmares of the attack. They tried to talk about it, but the words were hard to find, and the pain was too raw.
One day, a nurse came into their room with a visitor. It was Candace, the girl who had helped Brandon escape when his secret was exposed. She had been keeping tabs on them and had heard about the attack. She came to offer her support and to let them know that they were not alone.
Candace sat with them, holding their hands and listening as they told her what had happened. She didn’t judge them or try to offer solutions; she just sat and listened, providing a much-needed sense of comfort and validation.
Over time, Brandon and Lana began to feel a sense of hope. They started to talk about the future and what they wanted for their lives. They knew that they couldn’t stay in Nebraska, but they also knew that they wanted to be together.
They made plans to leave as soon as they were able. They contacted friends in other states and tried to find a place where they could start over. They knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but they were determined to make a new life for themselves.
On the day they were discharged from the hospital, they held hands tightly as they walked to the car that was waiting for them. They were apprehensive about what lay ahead, but they were also excited about the possibilities.
As they drove out of Nebraska, they looked out the window at the rolling hills and fields, knowing that they were leaving behind a painful chapter in their lives. But they also knew that they had each other, and that was all they needed to face whatever lay ahead.
The road ahead was uncertain, but Brandon and Lana were ready to face it together. They knew that they would always have each other’s backs and that, with time and effort, they could heal from the wounds of the past. They were determined to move forward and to start a new chapter in their lives, one filled with hope, love, and acceptance.
Chapter 9: The Trial
Brandon and Lana recounted the horrific events that led to their injuries in front of the court. They were both nervous but determined to bring justice to John and Tom. The court proceedings lasted for days, and the tension in the courtroom was palpable.
The prosecution presented evidence and witnesses that implicated John and Tom in various criminal activities, including the assault on Brandon and Lana. The defense, on the other hand, tried to discredit Brandon and Lana’s testimony by questioning their credibility and motives.
Brandon felt a mix of emotions during the trial. He was proud to stand up for himself and Lana, but he was also afraid of how the court would react to his gender identity. The defense used his transgender status to paint him as unstable and untrustworthy, which made him feel vulnerable and exposed.
Lana held Brandon’s hand throughout the trial, providing him with comfort and support. Her unwavering presence gave him the strength to keep going, even when he felt like giving up.
Finally, the jury delivered their verdict. John and Tom were found guilty of rape, kidnapping, and murder. The courtroom erupted in cheers and applause, and Brandon and Lana hugged each other, relieved that justice had been served.
The judge sentenced John and Tom to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Brandon felt a sense of closure knowing that they would never be able to harm anyone else again.
As they left the courtroom, Brandon and Lana were approached by reporters who wanted to interview them about their experience. Despite their reservations, they agreed to speak to the press, hoping to raise awareness about hate crimes and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
The trial was emotionally exhausting for Brandon and Lana, but it also gave them a sense of purpose. They knew that their story could help others who were going through similar situations and inspire them to stand up for their rights.
Outside the courthouse, a rally was held in honor of Brandon’s memory. People from all over the country came together to celebrate his life and advocate for transgender rights. Brandon’s legacy had become a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and resilience can triumph.
Chapter 10: The Legacy
Years had passed since the tragic events that ended Brandon Teena’s life. The state of Nebraska had implemented new policies to address violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and Brandon’s story had become a rallying cry for change. But for those who knew and loved Brandon, the wounds were slow to heal.
Lana Tisdel had moved away from Nebraska, unable to bear the weight of her memories. She kept in touch with Brandon’s mother, JoAnne Brandon, who had become an advocate for transgender rights. JoAnne spoke at rallies and conferences, sharing her son’s story and calling for a better future for young people like him.
It was at one such conference that JoAnne met a young transgender woman named Maria. Maria was just beginning her journey of transition and was struggling to find acceptance in her conservative community. But hearing JoAnne’s story gave her hope.
“Thank you for sharing Brandon’s story,” Maria said tearfully after JoAnne finished speaking. “It means so much to see someone like me who made it and fought back.”
JoAnne smiled warmly. “Brandon would be proud to know that he’s inspiring others to live their truth.”
Over the years, JoAnne had become something of a surrogate mother to the LGBTQ+ youth of Nebraska. She welcomed them into her home and offered support and guidance when they needed it. She would often tell them stories about Brandon’s bravery and resilience, and the lessons she learned from him.
One evening, a group of young people gathered in JoAnne’s living room to hear her tell Brandon’s story once again. They listened with rapt attention as she recounted his journey of self-discovery, his struggles with acceptance, and the violence that ultimately took his life. But when she finished, there was a sense of hope and pride in the air.
“Brandon was so strong,” said one of the young trans men. “I hope I can be half as brave as he was.”
“You are,” JoAnne said firmly. “Just by being here, by living your truth and fighting for your rights, you’re honoring Brandon’s legacy.”
The room fell silent for a moment as they all contemplated the weight of those words. Then JoAnne spoke again.
“Brandon’s story is just one of many in our community,” she said. “But it’s important that we keep telling it, keep remembering it. Because it’s not just about Brandon. It’s about all of us.”
The young people nodded in agreement, and JoAnne smiled. For all the pain and heartache she had endured, she knew that Brandon’s legacy would endure too. And that, she thought, was something to be proud of.
Some scenes from the movie Boys Don’t Cry written by A.I.
Scene 1
Fade In:
EXT. RURAL NEBRASKA – DAY
A beat-up old pickup truck drives down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. The truck pulls into the gravel parking lot of a small convenience store. BRANDON TEENA, a young man in his twenties, hops out of the passenger seat and grins at his driver, LONNY, who is in his thirties and covered in tattoos.
BRANDON:
Thanks for the ride, man.
Lonny nods and hands Brandon a pack of cigarettes.
LONNY:
You be careful, kid. This ain’t exactly the friendliest town around.
Brandon nods and heads inside the store.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE – DAY
Brandon walks down the aisles, browsing the snacks and drinks. He glances nervously around the store before heading to the counter to pay.
CASHIER:
What can I get for ya?
BRANDON:
Can I get a pack of Marlboro Reds?
CASHIER:
Sure thing.
The cashier scans the cigarettes and rings up Brandon’s purchase.
CASHIER:
You new in town?
BRANDON:
Yeah, just passing through.
CASHIER:
Well, be careful. This ain’t exactly the friendliest town around.
Brandon nods, grabs his cigarettes, and heads for the door.
CUT TO:
EXT. RURAL NEBRASKA – DAY
Brandon lights a cigarette and takes a deep drag. He looks around at the desolate landscape, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
BRANDON (V.O):
Maybe this isn’t the best place for me. But I have to keep moving forward. I have to find somewhere I belong.
Brandon flicks his cigarette butt into the dirt and walks down the road, a sense of determination in his step.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
Scene 2: Meeting Lana
FADE IN:
EXT. POOL HALL – DAY
Brandon, dressed in a leather jacket and jeans, walks towards the pool hall. He pauses for a moment, inhales deeply, and then pushes open the door.
INT. POOL HALL – DAY
The pool hall is dimly lit, smoke fills the air, and the sound of pool balls clacking against each other can be heard. Brandon looks around nervously, trying to find a place to sit.
A group of local misfits, including Tom and John, call out to Brandon and invite him to join them at their table. Brandon hesitates for a moment, but then decides to take them up on their offer.
TOM: Hey, new guy! Come over and join us.
Brandon walks towards them, and as he does, he notices Lana sitting at the bar, nursing a beer.
LANA: (to the bartender) I’ll have another one, please.
Brandon walks over to Lana and smiles.
BRANDON: Hi.
LANA: Hey.
They strike up a conversation, and Brandon is immediately drawn to Lana’s carefree spirit.
LANA: You’re not from around here, are you?
BRANDON: No, just passing through.
LANA: (smiling) Well, we’re happy to have you.
Tom and John come over to the bar, interrupting their conversation. Brandon tenses up, but Lana puts a protective arm around him.
LANA: Boys, be nice to our new friend here.
TOM: (leering at Brandon) Oh, we’ll be nice to him, all right.
Brandon looks uncomfortable, but Lana just laughs and shoves Tom away.
LANA: Come on, let’s play some pool.
Brandon follows Lana to the pool table, grateful for her kindness.
CUT TO:
EXT. POOL HALL – DAY
Brandon and Lana exit the pool hall, laughing and chatting. Lana turns to Brandon.
LANA: You know, I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends.
BRANDON: (smiling) Yeah, I think so too.
They hug, and as they pull away, there’s a moment of tension between them. Brandon looks into Lana’s eyes, and for a moment, he feels something he’s never felt before.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. SMALL TOWN BAR – NIGHT
Brandon sits at the bar, nursing a beer. He’s trying his best to blend in with the locals, but he’s clearly out of place. A group of men at the other end of the bar keep shooting him dirty looks.
BARTENDER
(to Brandon)
You new in town?
Brandon nods.
BARTENDER (CONT’D)
What brings you to Falls City?
Brandon hesitates for a moment before answering.
BRANDON
Just passing through.
The bartender gives him a knowing look before walking away to serve another customer.
Brandon looks around nervously, taking in the dingy atmosphere of the bar. His eyes land on a group of young people sitting at a table in the corner. They’re laughing and joking, completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere around them.
Brandon gathers his courage and approaches them.
BRANDON (CONT’D)
Hey, mind if I join you?
The group looks him up and down, sizing him up.
LANA
(smiling)
Sure, why not?
Brandon smiles back, grateful for the acceptance.
As the night wears on, Brandon grows more comfortable with his new friends. He laughs along with their jokes and drinks with them, letting his guard down.
But then, one of the men who had been giving him dirty looks earlier enters the bar. Brandon’s heart races as the man walks towards him.
MAN
(to Brandon)
Hey, you a fag or something?
The group falls silent as they watch the confrontation unfold.
Brandon stands up, his fists clenched.
BRANDON
What if I am?
The man lunges at Brandon, but Brandon manages to dodge his punch. A brawl breaks out, with everyone in the bar getting involved.
As the fight rages on, Brandon’s secret is revealed. His wig is knocked off, and the people around him start to realize that he’s not who they thought he was.
The fight comes to an abrupt halt as the police arrive on the scene to break it up.
Brandon stands there, stunned and terrified, as the reality of his situation sinks in.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
Genre: Drama/Crime
Tagline: In search of love, Brandon found a world of danger.
FADE IN:
EXT. A SEEDY MOTEL – NIGHT
Brandon nervously pulls his jacket tighter around himself as he approaches a motel in the rundown part of town. He hesitates for a moment before finally knocking on the door of one of the rooms.
The door opens to reveal JOHN LOTTER, a rough-looking man with a shaved head and tattoos covering his arms.
JOHN
(to Brandon)
What do you want?
BRANDON
(stammering)
I-I need some help.
JOHN
(smirking)
What kind of help could a pretty little thing like you need?
Brandon looks down, ashamed.
JOHN (CONT’D)
(curtly)
Come inside.
INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Brandon enters the dingy motel room, looking around nervously. TOM NISSEN, another ex-convict, is sitting on the bed, cleaning a gun.
TOM
(to Brandon)
What’s this pretty little thing doing here?
JOHN
(to Brandon)
You said you needed some help. What is it?
BRANDON
(voice shaking)
I’m in trouble. People don’t like me around here.
JOHN
(leaning in closer)
Why not?
BRANDON
(pause)
Because I’m not who they think I am.
There’s a moment of silence as JOHN and TOM exchange a look.
JOHN
(smiling cruelly)
Well, well. Looks like we might have to teach those folks a little lesson.
Brandon looks up, hopeful.
JOHN (CONT’D)
But, of course, everything comes at a price.
Brandon’s face falls.
JOHN (CONT’D)
And we just happen to be in need of a little favor.
TOM
(nodding)
Yeah. Just a little favor.
Brandon looks between the two men, trying to decide what to do.
JOHN (CONT’D)
(leaning in close to Brandon)
So, what do you say?
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – DAY
Brandon is sitting at a large wooden table, surrounded by John and Tom. On the table are multiple guns, money, and drugs.
TOM
So, Brandon. You’ve been a real help to us lately. We’re thinking of making you a more permanent member of our crew. What do you say?
BRANDON
(uneasily)
I don’t know, guys. This isn’t really my thing.
JOHN
(calmly)
Look, we’ve got your back. We’ll protect you. And in return, we just need your help with a few things.
Brandon fidgets in his seat.
BRANDON
(whispering to himself)
What have I gotten myself into?
TOM
What was that, Brandon?
Brandon looks up, startled.
BRANDON
Nothing, nothing.
JOHN
We need you to go pick up a shipment of guns from a contact of ours. Can you handle that?
Brandon hesitates.
BRANDON
I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that.
TOM
(angrily)
You don’t have a choice! Either you do it or you’re out of the crew.
Brandon looks down, defeated.
BRANDON
(whispering)
I’ll do it.
JOHN
(smiles)
Good man.
John and Tom get up from the table, leaving Brandon alone.
BRANDON
(whispering to himself)
What have I done?
Scene 6
INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Brandon and Lana are packing their bags, throwing clothes and personal belongings into suitcases.
LANA: Are you sure we can’t just stay here tonight and leave in the morning?
BRANDON: John knows where we are. We have to go now.
Lana nods, understandingly. They finish packing and head towards the door.
As they exit, they come face-to-face with John and Tom standing in the doorway.
JOHN: Leaving so soon, Brandon?
Brandon steps in front of Lana, ready to protect her.
BRANDON: We’re leaving town. I’m done with this.
JOHN: You don’t get to decide when you’re done. You’re in this with us, remember?
TOM: Yeah, we had a deal.
BRANDON: That was before you beat us up and left us for dead.
JOHN: That was a misunderstanding. We’re friends, Brandon. We’re in this together.
Brandon knows he needs to act fast. He turns to Lana.
BRANDON: Run!
Lana takes off running down the stairs as Brandon fights off John and Tom. They exchange blows, with Brandon putting up a good fight despite being outnumbered.
John pulls out a knife and slashes at Brandon, striking him across the chest. Brandon stumbles backward, clutching his wound.
TOM: You shouldn’t have run, Brandon.
John and Tom close in on Brandon, ready to deliver the final blow. But before they can get to him, a police car pulls up outside the motel.
The officers exit the car and approach the building, drawing their guns.
OFFICER: Freeze! Put your hands up!
John and Tom hesitate for a moment, then turn and run out the back door. The officers chase after them, leaving Brandon bleeding and alone.
He struggles to catch his breath, his vision fading as he falls to the ground.
As he lies there, he thinks about everything he’s been through and wonders if it was all worth it. But then he thinks of Lana, and he finds the strength to keep fighting.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 7
Scene 7: On the Run
FADE IN:
EXT. ABANDONED BARN – NIGHT
Brandon and Lana hide within the old, dilapidated barn as John and Tom’s truck pulls up outside. The tension between the couple is palpable.
LANA: What are we going to do?
BRANDON: We have to make a run for it.
LANA: But they’ll find us. They always do.
BRANDON: We can’t just stay here and wait for them to come in.
Suddenly, they hear a loud bang on the barn door.
JOHN: (off-screen) Brandon! Come out now, and we won’t hurt you!
Brandon looks at Lana, determination in his eyes.
BRANDON: We have to go. Now.
Lana nods, and they make a run for the back of the barn.
EXT. FIELD BEHIND THE BARN – NIGHT
Brandon and Lana run across the open field, their breaths coming in short gasps. Suddenly, they hear the sound of a truck approaching.
LANA: They’re coming!
The truck pulls up behind them, and John and Tom hop out, brandishing weapons.
TOM: (smirking) You can’t outrun us forever, Brandon.
BRANDON: (defiant) I’d rather die than go back with you.
John and Tom take a step forward, but suddenly, a gunshot rings out, and they both fall to the ground. Brandon and Lana turn to see ERIN, a local sheriff, holding a smoking gun.
ERIN: (grimly) You kids need to get out of here.
EXT. ROAD – NIGHT
Brandon and Lana make their way down a deserted road, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins.
BRANDON: (whispering) Thank you for sticking by me. I don’t know what I would do without you.
LANA: (smiling) You don’t have to thank me. I love you, Brandon.
Brandon stops in his tracks, looking at Lana with amazement.
BRANDON: You love me?
LANA: (nodding) I do. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met, and I want to be with you no matter what.
Brandon takes Lana’s hand, tears in his eyes.
BRANDON: (whispering) I love you too.
They continue on down the road, hands clasped tightly together.
FADE OUT.
