Watch the original version of The Desperate Hour
Amy Carr had been planning her son Noah’s 14th birthday party for days. She wanted it to be perfect; a small gathering of Noah’s closest friends at the nearby roller rink. But when the day finally arrived, Noah had other plans.
It was the first day of school and Noah was excited to begin his freshman year. Amy was hesitant to let him go, but in the end she agreed.
The morning was quiet. Amy dropped Noah off at school, said her goodbyes, and went on with her day as usual.
But late that afternoon, Amy heard news of an active shooter on the campus of Noah’s small-town high school. Panic set in and she immediately tried to reach Noah, but her calls went unanswered.
Without hesitation, Amy jumped in her car and raced to the school. Traffic was backed up, but she managed to get there in record time.
When she arrived, the scene was chaos. Police cars, ambulances and fire engines swarmed the area, sirens blaring. Parents frantically searched for their children, desperation in their eyes.
Amy frantically searched for Noah, but there was no sign of him. She heard someone shouting his name, and raced towards the sound.
It was Noah’s friend, Kyle. He was shouting for Noah and tears streamed down his face. With a heavy heart, Amy hugged the frightened boy and asked what happened.
Kyle told her that the shooter had forced Noah into a classroom and locked the door. Amy’s heart sunk, but her maternal instinct kicked in and she immediately sprang into action.
Along with a group of parents, she approached the school entrance, determined to get Noah out. But the police refused to let them in.
Time was running out and Amy was desperate. She gathered her courage and begged the officers to let them in. After what felt like an eternity, they finally agreed.
Amy and the other parents rushed past the barricades and into the building. Gunshots echoed in the hallway, but they kept going.
Finally, they reached the classroom Noah was in. Amy could see him huddled in the corner. She frantically tried to unlock the door, but it was jammed shut.
Just then, a SWAT team arrived. The officers broke down the door and carefully guided Noah and the other kids out of the building.
As they were escorted to safety, Amy hugged her son tightly and thanked God for getting them out alive.
It had been a close call, but in the end love had won. Amy vowed to never let her son out of her sight again.
The nightmare was over, but the scars it had left would never fade. Amy thanked the brave men and women who had put their lives on the line to save her son.
Only together, they had shown that love can conquer even the darkest of circumstances.
Screenplay
Scene One
FADE IN
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – DAY
We see the small high school, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky. The bell rings and students start to pour out of the school as the day ends.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY
Amy Carr (Naomi Watts) stands in the school hallway, talking with her son Noah (Colton Gobbo).
AMY
Don’t forget your science project is due next week.
NOAH
Mom, I know. I got it.
AMY
Alright, have a good day sweetheart.
AMY kisses NOAH’s forehead and watches as he turns to walk away.
Suddenly, there is a loud bang and screaming.
NOAH
Mom!
AMY
Run! Get to safety!
NOAH nods and runs in the opposite direction of the noise, with Amy following close behind.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – DAY
Amy and Noah race outside of the school, trying to reach safety. There is a police car parked outside, and an officer is standing guard.
AMY
Officer, there’s an active shooter inside! Help us!
OFFICER
Hide in the car, now!
AMY frantically throws open the car doors and helps Noah inside.
EXT. PARKING LOT – DAY
We see shots being fired from the school windows. Amy is on the phone, desperately trying to get help.
AMY
(on the phone)
My son is in the school, you have to help him!
The police officer is issuing orders to the school principal, trying to coordinate the evacuation.
Suddenly, a car pulls up and we see Joseph (Robert De Niro), Amy’s husband, jump out.
JOSEPH
Amy!
AMY
Joseph!
JOSEPH
What’s happening?
AMY
There’s an active shooter in the school! We need to get Noah out of here!
JOSEPH
Come on, let’s go!
The two of them start to run towards the school.
EXT. SCHOOLYARD – DAY
The police are setting up barricades and trying to keep the students safe.
Amy and Joseph push their way to the front, frantically searching for Noah.
AMY
Noah!
Joseph spots Noah, who is hiding behind a tree.
JOSEPH
I see him!
Joseph runs towards Noah, but just then, there is a loud bang, and he is hit by a stray bullet.
Amy screams in terror as Joseph falls to the ground.
AMY
Joseph!
Amy rushes to his side and cradles him in her arms.
AMY
Joseph, please…
Joseph looks up at Amy, with tears streaming down his face.
JOSEPH
Take care of our son…
Joseph’s eyes close and his head falls back, lifeless.
Amy sobs uncontrollably, rocking back and forth.
NOAH
Mom…
Amy looks up and sees Noah standing a few feet away, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear.
FADE OUT
Scene Two
FADE IN
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – DAY
Amy holds Noah’s hand as they make their way through the school, searching for an exit.
NOAH
Mom, I’m scared…
AMY
It’s going to be okay, sweetheart. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.
NOAH
What about Dad?
Amy’s face falls and she looks away, unable to answer.
Suddenly, a bullet whizzes past and hits the wall behind them. They duck for cover.
AMY
We have to keep moving! Come on!
They rush down the hallway, barely making it around the corner before another shot is fired.
EXT. SCHOOLYARD – DAY
Amy leads Noah towards the exit when they are stopped by an armed officer.
OFFICER
No one leaves!
AMY
Please, my son is in here!
The officer takes a step back, sizing them up.
OFFICER
This isn’t a safe place. You need to get out of here now.
Amy grabs Noah’s hand and they start to run.
EXT. PARKING LOT – DAY
Amy and Noah make it to the parking lot and jump into their car.
AMY
(crying)
We made it.
Noah looks up at his mother, his face filled with fear and confusion.
NOAH
Where’s Dad?
Amy looks away, unable to answer.
AMY
We need to go.
The car starts to move and they drive away from the school, leaving the screams and chaos behind.
FADE OUT
