The vUber Killer - Very Unique #story
uber story writing art fiction
This unique story is about a Vuber taxi driver. That has enough of the company Vubers bullshit...
WRITTEN IN SCREENPLAY FORMAT WITH FULL PERMISSION FROM MY FRIEND AND AUTHOR MALACHI KAPLAN
PLEASE ENJOY!
FADE IN
EXT. HOTEL PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Large, almost empty hotel parking lot. A few street lights light up the parking lot. It is so quiet, that you can hear the street lights BUZZ.
There is one car in the parking lot – a shiny, red VW Jetta.
The street lights outline the driver taking a nap in the driver seat. There is a phone holder on the dash with a smartphone in it.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
MICHAEL (mid 20s), a Vuber driver, (Vuber is a replacement name for Uber) is wearing a beanie and a flees jacket. He is napping in the driver seat, on call for Vuber and waiting for rides. Suddenly, his phone goes BEEEP BEEEP BEEEP and lights up. He wakes up instantly, looking at his phone.
His phone shows the Vuber app. A passenger named RICK just made a call at the ‘Green Cat Pub’.
Michael taps on his phone and the beeping stops. Then, he starts the car.
EXT. ‘THE GREEN CAT PUB’ - NIGHT
Popular bar in downtown SLC. Several bar goers stand outside the bar. They’re all checking their phones impatiently, waiting for their Vuber rides. Michael’s car enters and pulls over by them.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR - NIGHT
Michael scans the crowd, waiting for Rick to show up.
Rick (early 20s) waves at Michael and walks towards the car, holding hands with a pretty girl (early 20s). He looks at his phone and at Michael repeatedly, making sure Michael is the correct driver.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR - NIGHT
Michael rolls the windows down.
Rick looks inside the car and makes eye contact with Michael.
RICK
Are you Michael?
MICHAEL
Yeah!
RICK
Awesome!
Rick and the girl get in the back seat.
Michael looks at his phone, taps on it and starts driving.
MICHAEL
How are you doing tonight?
RICK (OS)
Doing great!
MICHAEL
You’re going to 1021 Yale Avenue?
RICK (OS)
You got it!
The ride begins with total silence. After a few beats, Michael hears Rick and the girl MAKE OUT in the back seat (OS).
He glances at the rear-view mirror, and sees them making out. He rolls his eyes. He’s not enjoying the love making in the back seat. The couple makes out as the voice over plays.
MICHAEL (VO)
I’m Michael. If you didn’t figure it out yet--I’m a Vuber driver. Been doing this shit for 6 months. Not on the side –- full time. Ok enough of this fucking guy and his nasty ho, let’s move on to how I got here in the first place.
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF UTAH BUSINESS SCHOOL – DAY
We see Michael walking out of the business school building from an angle that captures both him and the sign saying ‘UNIVERSITY OF UTAH DAVID ECCLES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS’. He is looking satisfied and optimistic about the future. After all, he just graduated college.
MICHAEL (VO)
I studied accounting at the University of Utah. After I graduated, I started looking for a job. Thing is --
CUT TO
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Michael is in a job interview, staring at the interviewer like a deer staring at head lights. He’s not comfortable at all. The interviewer examines a piece of paper while tapping on the table with a pen, as if it were a drum.
Michael clearly does not do well in job interview settings.
MICHAEL (VO)
--I suck at job interviews.
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Job interview. Michael sits in front of a WOMAN.
WOMAN
(high pitched voice, fake personality)
We have many, many more candidates to meet with. I will let you know if we decide to--
MICHAEL
(mimics a retarded persons’ face and voice)
Baa waa baa waa paa paa
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Job interview. Michael is working really hard to hold a fart. The ASIAN WOMAN interviewing him is noticing his distress, and interprets it as a lack of interest.
ASIAN WOMAN
Are you sure you want to work here?
Michael lets out a long, proud PEEEEEEF. The Asian woman’s eyes open wide; she just sits there, staring at him.
MICHAEL
Oh man -- I’m soo sorry…
The Asian woman keeps staring at Michael, her mouth slightly open. She certainly never had an interviewee fart before.
INT. “RED RIVER CAPITAL” COMPANY, CUCIBLE AREA – DAY
Michael is sitting in a cubicle, working on his computer. He is one in dozens - It is a large, boring as it can be corporate office with dozens of cubicles stretching across the wide floor. The kind of workplace that makes you want to die.
As Michael types, the voiceover plays.
MICHAEL (VO)
Eventually I did find a job. I was doing ok at it -- at least I thought I was -- until I got fired.
Michael’s supervisor, ADAM, approaches Michael’s cubicle. He stands a few feet away from Michael, preparing himself for the bad news he’s about to drop on Michael. He finally speaks.
ADAM
Michael?
MICHAEL
(turns to Adam)
Yes?
CUT TO
INT. “RED RIVER CAPITAL” HUMAN RESOURCESOFFICE - DAY
WENDY, the human resources manager, is sitting behind her desk, talking to Michael. Adam is sitting on Michael’s left, while KIRK, the scrawny & short CFO, is sitting on Michael’s right. Their postures are intense, are as if they’re watching out for Wendy in case Michael goes crazy because of the bad news he’s about to receive. It is an intense and awkward conversation.
WENDY
(to Michael)
The skills listed on your resume did not transfer over to Red River Capital. We will have to let you go –-
(hands Michael pamphlets)
here is some information on unemployment benefits and job search…
Michael has an ‘oh well’ apathetic look on his face.
MICHAEL (VO)
Oh well.
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Typical, messy bachelors’ house. Michael enters the house, depressed. He sees his roommate, MARTIN (20s, Hispanic) sitting on the couch, half naked with a towel around his waist and watching PORN on a large screen TV. Martin notices him, yet keeps the porn playing, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Michael glances at the porn. The volume and the sex on a huge flat screen TV are unsettling to him.
MICHAEL
(frustrated)
Dude…
MARTIN
(ignores Michael’s discomfort)
You’re home early -- what happened?
MICHAEL
(takes a deep breath)
Got fired… again.
MARTIN
(empathic)
Daaaamn…
Michael takes a seat on the couch, on Martin’s opposite side. He doesn’t wanna sit close to him, especially when he was probably masturbating just a few minutes earlier. The PORN keeps playing while they talk, but Martin has diverted his attention to Michael.
MICHAEL
Fuck my life, man.
MARTIN
Didn’t you work there for like three months?
MICHAEL
Yep.
MARTIN
(empathic)
Wow… that suck!
(beat)
Hey -- you know what you can do? You can drive for Vuber until you find a new job.
MICHAEL
For who?
CUT TO
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving while the voice over plays. There are 4 teenagers in his car, talking LOUD and LAUGHING. Michael has a ‘fuck my life’ look on his face.
MICHAEL (VO)
And that’s how I found Vuber. Oh wait -- if you dunno what Vuber is, lemme explain. It’s like a Taxi, but instead of getting picked up by an actual taxi, you use the Vuber app and a random guy picks you up. It’s cool and creepy at the same time.
There are three types of people who drive for Vuber:
Bored old guys --
EXT. BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ, DRIVING - DAY
An older, well-dressed man (60s), is driving. A hipster (late teens) is sitting shotgun and texting.
MICHAEL (VO)
Creeps who can’t meet women anywhere else –-
INT. CAR – NIGHT
A CREEPY MAN (40s, overweight) is giving a ride to a WOMAN (20s, attractive). She is wearing a short skirt, exposing some skin above the knees.
They are at an intersection, waiting for the traffic light to turn green. While she is texting, he looks sideways and down towards her thighs. His face says nothing but saw lust.
MICHAEL (VO)
And, guys who can’t find a stable job --
CUT TO
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR - NIGHT
Michael is waiting for passengers by a large suburban house.
MICHAEL (VO)
Like me.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR - NIGHT
A MAN, his WIFE and her FRIEND get in. The passengers are all in their 40s. The man is sitting in the front, while the women are in the back. He is drunk. They are returning home from a party. They are in good spirits.
MICHAEL (VO)
BAAM! And here I am.
MAN
So, how long have been driving for Vuber?
MICHAEL
This is my first week actually.
MAN
Wow! Do you have another job?
MICHAEL
I’m doing this until I find a job in my field.
MAN
(drunk laughter)
What’s your field?
MICHAEL
(the man’s laughter makes him laugh too)
Accounting.
MAN
Damn -– that’s way cool. You go to college?
MICHAEL
Yes sir. Graduated from the University of Utah.
FRIEND (OS)
Nice! My friend’s son went there.
MAN
Michael –- you -- you’re a cool guy.
WIFE (OS)
And kinda cute!
MAN (continued)
Why don’t you have a few drinks with us?
MICHAEL
(laughs, thinks about it)
Sure!
AFTER 10 MINUTES
They arrive at their destination.
MAN
(points at a house on the right)
That’s our house!
Michael pulls over. The man pulls out a small stack of bills from his wallet, and hands it to Michael.
MAN
There you go -- Michael.
Michael counts the cash. He’s got five $20 bills in his hand. He’s happy and surprized. However, the drunk man might have made a mistake.
MICHAEL
Umm… I think you made a mistake, sir --
MAN
(laughs)
No no no -- it’s yours.
INT. MAN’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Michael is sitting in the Man’s kitchen with his wife, his SON (early 20s) and his DAUGHTER (early 20s).
They’re drinking beer and in a good mood. The voiceover plays.
MICHAEL (VO)
Not only did I get a $100 tip, but they had me over for a drink too. I made $300 that night. And--
(laughs)
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving three drunk girls: AUDREY, SAMANTHA and SARAH, all in their early 20s. Samantha is sitting in the front. They are LAUGHING and TALKING LOUD, totally unaware of Michael’s presence.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING - NIGHT
SARAH
Omigod -- that guy was so hot!
AUBREY
Did you give him your number?
SARAH
You bet I did! I’m gonna hook up with him.
The girls laugh hysterically.
SAMANTHA
(turns to Sarah and Audrey)
I dunno about you guys, but I’m horny.
(laughs)
Audrey and Sarah laugh. Samantha turns back, accidentally bumping her head in Michael’s shoulder.
SAMANTHA
(laughs)
I’m sorry…
MICHAEL
(forgiving)
You’re fine.
SAMANTHA
(looks at Michael)
You’re hot.
MICHAEL
(laughs)
Thanks!
Without a warning, Samantha dives down at Michael’s crotch and starts opening his zipper.
MICHAEL
(shocked)
Hey! What are you doing there?
SAMANTHA
Pulling your dick out so I can suck on it.
Michael can’t prevent Samantha from touching him while he drives, so he keeps driving while Samantha does as she wishes.
We see Michael’s upper body as Samantha starts giving Michael a blow job. The girls in the back seat are chit chatting and laughing, not paying attention to what’s happening in the front seat.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Friday night. Michael is driving a DRUNK MAN (mid 20s) downtown. He is sitting in the front. Michael is wearing camo pants.
MICHAEL (VO)
But Vuber wasn’t always awesome. I had my share of weird fucking people too.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
DRUNK MAN
Hey man -- could you drop me off at my girlfriend’s house for a few minutes?
MICHAEL
Sure.
DRUNK MAN
Thanks, man.
MICHAEL
You bet.
DRUNK MAN
(beat)
(sudden anger)
Fuck her, man. Fuck her. You know what she’s doing right now?
MICHAEL
(tries to stay chill)
What is she doing right now?
DRUNK MAN
She’s fucking someone.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(empathic, yet formal)
Sorry to hear that.
DRUNK MAN
She’s a fucking slut. Don’t ever t--trust a woman who loves sucking dick, man.
(beat)
I’m just gonna pick up a few things from her house, that’s all.
(beat)
(turns to Michael and examines his face)
Are you a Cossack? You’re a fucking Cossack aren’t you.
MICHAEL
(laughs)
A what?
DRUNK MAN
Are you Eastern European?
MICHAEL
I’m English, Irish and Italian.
DRUNK MAN
Oh… well you sure look like a Cossack.
They’re driving in a shady area now. Homeless people are all over the place. There are no other cars around.
DRUNK MAN
(scans the view)
Stop right here, man.
Michael pulls over. The Drunk man pulls his wallet out of his pocket. He then pulls a thick stack of cash out of the wallet and puts it back in his pocket. Then, he pulls his phone out, and gives it to Michael along with his wallet. Obviously, he’s preparing for a drug deal.
DRUNK MAN
(struggling to seem serious despite his drunkenness)
Don’t go anywhere, man. I’ll be gone for like -—
(holds his hand up, showing 5 fingers)
--five minutes.
(leaves the car)
Michael TAPS on the steering wheel nervously, scanning the street ahead of him. He realizes that the drunk man isn’t visiting his girlfriend’s house.
MICHAEL
(puzzled, to himself)
Hmmm.
AFTER 10 MINUTES
The drunk man gets back in the car, holding a small brown paper bag. He looks satisfied. Obviously, the drunk man did not visit his girlfriend. He just bought drugs.
Michael looks at the bag and swallows, fearing the fact that there are illegal drugs in his car. He could get arrested. He has no intention of getting involved in crazy shit.
Michael starts driving, while the drunk man puts his seat belt on.
DRUNK MAN
(turns to Michael)
Wanna get high?
MICHAEL
No! No Sir. I need my brain intact.
DRUNK MAN
(beat)
Are you a cop?
MICHAEL
(laughs)
No, I’m not a cop.
DRUNK MAN
(looks at Michael’s pants)
So, what’s with your camo pants?
MICHAEL
(looks down at his pants)
These? I like them. They feel good.
DRUNK MAN
(still not convinced)
Are you sure you’re not a cop?
MICHAEL
I promise you -- I am not a police officer.
DRUNK MAN
(beat)
Really?
MICHAEL
Wouldn’t it be weird for a cop to be a Vuber driver? Like -- instead of driving around in an awesome squad car, I’d be driving passengers around town, just waiting --
DRUNK MAN
(laughs uncontrollably)
Good point!
(beat)
So… you don’t wanna get high?
MICHAEL
(firm)
No.
AFTER 5 MINUTES
The drunk man rants while Michael drives. Michael isn’t interested in his rant at all.
DRUNK MAN
…and there I was, in fucking jail with a bunch of meth-heads. I was the only guy there with a masters degree. But -- I got outta there fast, because I was smarter than them. I knew the law. Even my parole officer was like: ‘dude what were you doing in jail’? I was like –- just fighting the system--
MICHAEL
(sneezes)
Sorry.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Michael is sitting in an office, dressed professionally and interviewing for an accounting job with a short, bald fat man. As Michael’s voice over plays, the scene cuts to more job interviews.
MICHAEL (VO)
Between the blow jobs and the drug addicts, I still tried to find a decent-paying accounting job and have the career I was hoping to have. Not to mention –- I had my student loans to pay off.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Michael is interviewing with two guys. One guy is TAPPING on the table with a pen, while the other one is leaning back, looking bored.
MICHAEL (VO)
Man… it sucked. Nobody gives a shit about your degree, your experience or your membership in the fucking Beta Alpha Pi accounting club.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Michael is interviewing with a woman. She is faking a smile, trying not to seem anxious. She’s not comfortable with Michael.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Michael is standing in a hallway after a job interview. He’s shaking hands with the interviewer and chit chatting. Then the interviewer points towards the exit.
MICHAEL (VO)
At least I wasn’t in a hurry to find a job. I had Vuber as a safety net. I mean, Vuber was a job after all -- even though it didn’t feel like it. And after a few weeks of driving for Vuber, I had some questions to ask.
CUT TO
INT. VUBER OFFICE – EVENING
The Vuber office is located in a small hotel conference room. It’s not a permanent office, but an improvised one set up twice a week in order to help drivers with their needs.
Three tech-savvy, snobby, entitled looking guys (20s): two white guys and one ASIAN GUY, are sitting at a long table and working on their Apple Mac computers. It’s like they’re there as a favor and they couldn’t give a tiny shit about Vuber drivers.
On the edge of the table closer to the room entrance, there is a small stack of Vuber dash stickers. It’s the only indication of this room being an office for Vuber drivers.
On the other side of the room, there is a table with a coffee machine, cups, etc.
In front of the Vuber representatives there are about a dozen chairs. 5 drivers are sitting there, waiting for their turn: Michael, 4 African guys, and another white guy.
Michael is sitting there, waiting for his turn while looking at his phone.
ASIAN GUY
(scans the seats)
Michael?
Michael gets up, smiles and takes a seat in front of the Asian guy.
ASIAN GUY
How can I help you?
MICHAEL
(clears his throat)
Hi… I was tipped $140 last week, but only $70 was deposited in my bank account.
ASIAN GUY
I see… let me pull your information first. What’s your full name?
MICHAEL
Michael Virelli.
ASIAN GUY
(types for a few beats)
Ok… so Vuber’s policy says that drivers must split their tips with the company. It’s a fee for tipping through the app.
(smiles)
MICHAEL
(beat)
Vuber takes Fifty percent of my tips?
ASIAN GUY
Yes. I underst --
MICHAEL
(ignores the Asian guy)
--What about cash tips?
ASIAN GUY
Vuber’s policy prohibits cash tips, sir.
(awkward silence)
MICHAEL
Ok…
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, FRONT VIEW – DAY
Michael is driving a mature woman. She’s sitting shotgun, wearing old fashioned sun glasses and a fur coat, and holding an Urn. As Michael’s voice over plays, the scene cuts to various passengers.
MICHAEL (VO)
Seriously, fuck Vuber. Why are they stealing my money?
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving a teenager holding a small dog crate with a Chihuahua in it. The Chihuahua is GROWLING at Michael.
MICHAEL (VO)
I already pay gas and insurance, and I added 3,000 miles on my car in two weeks.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving a drunk girl. She is SINGING and making gestures as if she’s dancing.
MICHAEL (VO)
And I gotta deal with these stupid passengers.
EXT. ‘TEXAS STEAKHOUSE’ RESTAURANT – EVENING
Michael car is parked at a ‘Texas Steakhouse’ parking lot.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR – EVENING
Michael is bored, waiting for a passenger. Finally, DANIEL (mid 20s, redhead, irritating condescending guy) and his WIFE (around the same age, stays silent throughout the scene) enter the car and sit in the back seat.
Daniel is Michael’s former fellow student at the University of Utah.
Daniel’s friendship with Michael is a fake, superficial one. Daniel always saw himself as superior to Michael, and Michael was fully aware of that. Michael can’t stand the guy.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR – EVENING
DANIEL (OS)
(surprised to see Michael driving for Vuber)
Michael!?
Michael turns around and recognizes Daniel, feeling devastated by the fact that he must spend the next 15 minutes with him. As much as he can’t stand the guy, he fakes his way through his interaction with Daniel.
MICHAEL
Daniel! Man, I didn’t recognize you!
Michael starts driving.
MICHAEL
You’re going downtown?
DANIEL
(laughs)
Yep.
(beat)
So, driving for Vuber, huh?
MICHAEL
(fakes a smile)
Guess so!
DANIEL
Man… we haven’t touched base since college! How long has it been?
MICHAEL
A year. A year and 3 months, actually.
DANIEL
(continued, ignoring Michael)
Do you like doing this?
MICHAEL
(beat)
(irritated)
It’s not bad.
DANIEL
Well -- gotta love what you do, right?
MICHAEL (VO)
Go fuck yourself.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(ignores Daniel’s rhetorical question)
So where do you work?
DANIEL
I’m an auditor at KPMG.
MICHAEL
Awesome! How is it?
DANIEL
(arrogant)
Meh. I’m actually looking for a new job. KPMG is great, but it isn’t for me on the long run. I’ve seen enough of the corporate wor--
MICHAEL FANTASIZES
Suddenly, Michael STOPS the car in the middle of a busy street. Daniel scans the road to see what might have caused Michael to stop his car.
WIFE
(worried)
What’s going on?
Michael steps out of the car, and opens the back door.
Daniel looks out at Michael, and sees him holding an Uzi.
DANIEL
What the --
Michael SHOOTS Daniel and his wife until he runs out of bullets. He still pulls the trigger a few more times, just in case there’s another bullet left in there.
END OF FANTASY
Michael stops day dreaming just to hear Daniel in his continued monologue about his career. Daniel doesn’t even care if Michael is listening or not.
DANIEL (OS)
(continued)
--And ultimately, I want to go into management. I told my wife:
His wife smiles at him, and he smiles back at her and holds her hand.
This is the time to start saving up for a down payment on a house, maybe even a college fund for our son… I might not be able to do that if I--
Michael arrives at the destination (Daniel’s house) and pull over. It’s a nice, large suburban home.
Michael mimics a BEEEP sound, like an irritating alarm clock at the end of a therapy session at a shrink’s office.
MICHAEL
Beeep!!! Sorry -- time is up.
(laughs, then points at the house)
Is that your house?
DANIEL (OS)
Yes, it is… thanks for the ride, Michael!
Daniel and his wife leave the car. But before Daniel shuts the door, he pushes his head back in the car and keeps talking to Michael.
DANIEL
Well… I hope you succeed at whatever it is you’re up to these days…
(short, sarcastic laughter)
MICHAEL
(fake smile)
Hmm, Thank you! Ba-bye.
Daniel SHUTS the door and Michael drives away.
EXT. ‘IHOP’ RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Ihop restaurant. Not very busy at this time. Michael’s car is in the parking lot.
INT. ‘IHOP’ - NIGHT
Michael is sitting in a booth with ANTONITA. She is Hispanic (mid 20s, mildly attractive), slutty, and dumb. Her and Michael met on a dating app and been meeting each other for three weeks. Michael is sipping on a milkshake and looking at his phone, when Antonita kicks him underneath the table (OS).
MICHAEL
(hurts)
Ouch!!!
What was that for!?
ANTONITA
(frustrated)
All you do is Vuber, Vuber, Vuber. You never come see me anymore.
MICHAEL
I see you at least twice a week!
ANTONITA
Yeah -- in the middle of the night!
MICHAEL
Babe, you know I work a lot. What am I supposed to do?
Antonita looks outside the window at a hotel across the parking lot.
ANTONITA
(beat)
Let’s get a room tonight.
MICHAEL
(assumes she wants sex)
Are you sure?
ANTONITA
(offended by Michael assuming she wanted sex)
What!? You think that’s what I want?
CUT TO
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, IHOP PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Sounds of MOANING (OS)
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, IHOP PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Antonita is giving Michael a blow job. The view is blocked by her head and her upper body.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOUSE, BEDROOM – DAY
Michael is lying in bed, watching a YOUTUBE VIDEO on his laptop titled ’Why I quit driving for Vuber’; a man is talking in the video (inaudible) while the voice over plays.
MICHAEL (VO)
She was right. I did spend way too much time working. Driving for Vuber became my fucking identity.
INT. SHRINK’S OFFICE - DAY
Typical shrink’s office. Michael is sitting on a couch, talking to a SHRINK (mature, female). She looks like an average shrink.
MICHAEL (VO)
I was talking about Vuber with everybody too -- even my shrink.
SHRINK
So, anything new going on in your life?
MICHAEL
(beat)
I got a new job.
SHRINK
Congratulations! Where do you work?
MICHAEL
(laughs)
I drive for Vuber.
SHRINK
Is that the app people use when they need a taxi?
MICHAEL
Something like that. It’s easy money.
SHRINK
Have you ever had a
(smiles and gestures with her hands)
A crazy experience?
MICHAEL (VO)
Fuck yeah I did.
EXT. WALMART PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Michael is waiting for a passenger to show up. A skinny, white TEENAGE GIRL gets in the back seat. She is the most innocent looking teenage girl imaginable. As soon as she closes the door, Michael taps on his phone and starts driving.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING - NIGHT
TEENAGE GIRL (OS)
How are you doing tonight?
MICHAEL
I’m doing ok. How about you?
TEENAGE GIRL (OS)
I’m doing great.
(beat)
Do you smoke weed?
Michael isn’t prepared for such a blunt question.
MICHAEL
(laughs)
Sometimes.
TEENAGE GIRL (OS)
Do you mind if I smoke?
Michael tries to be accommodating, but not feeling thrilled about it.
MICHAEL
(uncomfortable)
No… not at all.
Michael hears the teenage girl LOOK THROUGH HER PURSE (OS). She stops looking, as if she found what she was looking for.
He hears a BURNER going TSHH--TSHH—TSHH (OS). He is uncomfortable and worried about what she is up to.
Then he hears her INHALING and EXHALING (OS) He looks puzzled-it doesn’t sound like she’s smoking weed.
He looks in the rear-view mirror, but can’t see what she’s up to. However, the fucked-up truth starts sinking in his mind: she’s using meth. A few beats pass while the meth starts kicking into her system. From here on, the teenage girl is loud, hysterical and high on meth.
TEENAGE GIRL (OS)
(scared)
Where are we going?
MICHAEL
Um… to your house?
TEENAGE GIRL (OS)
Omigod -- where are you taking me!?
The Teenage girl presses her hands against the window and looks outside hysterically, as if she is trapped in the car.
TEENAGE GIRL
My dad is gonna kill me!!!
She then stares forward at the shot gun seat, as if someone is sitting there. She is hallucinating.
TEENAGE GIRL
Who is that?
MICHAEL
Who?
TEENAGE GIRL
That guy sitting in the front!
MICHAEL
(looks at the shotgun seat)
There’s nobody there.
TEENAGE GIRL
He’s laughing at me!
(beat)
She starts crying.
MICHAEL
(trying to be comforting)
You have nothing to worr --
TEENAGE GIRL
Shut up!
EXT. TEENAGE GIRL’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Michael arrives at the destination. He pulls over. The teenage girl gets out and runs towards her house, CRYING.
EXT. ‘AIRPORT HOTEL’ – NIGHT
3 star hotel. A large sign at the entrance says “Salt Lake Airport Hotel”.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY – NIGHT
Michael is sitting on a couch in the hotel lobby, waiting for rides. His phone is on a glass table and he’s reading a newspaper, bored. It is a quiet evening.
MICHAEL (VO)
My favorite place to wait for rides is by the airport. It’s quiet, traffic isn’t bad and the passengers coming from the airport are more friendly. Maybe people are friendlier when they get off a plane.
STEPHANY (30’s, attractive) enters. She sits on the couch, on Michael’s opposite side. Michael checks her out. Her presence definitely improves his mood.
Stephany puts her phone on the couch. Michael glances at her phone. Stephany’s phone screen shows the Vuber app. Now Michael has a good-enough reason to start a conversation with her. He turns to Stephany and smiles.
MICHAEL
Hi!
STEPHANY
Hi there! Are you a Vuber driver?
MICHAEL
(laughs)
Unfortunately.
(beat)
(points at her)
You drive for Vuber too?
STEPHANY
I do! Me and my friend run a small transportation business.
Michael is impressed and confused that an attractive woman would work as a driver.
MICHAEL
Way cool!
(beat)
I’m Michael.
STEPHANY
Stephany.
Michael’s phone BEEPS. He just got a ride. He taps on his phone, picks it up, and gets up. He wishes he didn’t a call so soon.
MICHAEL
(disappointed)
Well… Vuber calls.
STEPHANY
(laughs)
See you around!
Michael leaves the lobby.
INT. ‘TWO ALARM SALOON’ BAR – NIGHT
Friday night. The bar is loud with MUSIC and drunk bar goers.
Michael is taking a break from work and sitting at the bar, having a beer and keeping to himself, staring at a football game playing on TV, but not following it. His isolation sticks out like a sore thumb.
MICHAEL (VO)
Stephany was hot. Too hot to be a Vuber driver. For me, driving for Vuber felt like being a spectator on life. You feel invisible. Like -- all you do is just drive and watch other people have fun. I was on call 60, 70, sometimes 80 hours a week. You don’t even get credit for it either -- like driving for Vuber isn’t a real job.
EXT. ‘THE WESTERNER’ NIGHT CLUB – NIGHT
Friday night. Michael is parked by the club, waiting for calls. LOUD Club goers are walking by. He has the Vuber sticker on bottom-right corner of his windshield, making it known that he drives for Vuber. Suddenly, a yellow taxi PULLS OVER by him (OS)
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR - NIGHT
Michael looks sideways, and sees a middle-eastern TAXI DRIVER staring right at him with a furious look on his face. He hates Vuber whole heartedly for taking his business away.
TAXI DRIVER
You Vuber?
MICHAEL
Yes!
TAXI DRIVER
(angry)
Fuck you!
(slams on the gas and takes off)
MICHAEL (VO)
At that moment, I decided: fuck it. If I’m stuck with Vuber, then I might as well enjoy it. And I’ll be fucking good at it too.
INT. GAS STATION – NIGHT
Michael is buying beer at the gas station. As he checks out, carrying two six packs to his car, the voiceover plays.
MICHAEL (VO)
I knew this Taxi driver who made money on the side by selling beer from his trunk.
Because it’s illegal to sell alcohol in Utah after 1am,
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR – NIGHT
Michael is smiling while handing a six pack to a passenger. The passenger gives him cash.
MICHAEL (VO)
he’d sell it for two, three, sometimes four dollars a bottle. So, I decided to try that myself.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR - NIGHT
Michael is selling weed to a tourist in ski clothes. Michael has a paranoid look on his face as he gives the tourist a tiny bag of weed. However, he seems like he’s really enjoying Vuber at this point and he’s enjoying the thrill of being a drug dealer.
MICHAEL (VO)
Later on, when the ski season started, I bought some weed from my buddy Steve and sold it to tourists. I was making like $1,500 a week just driving people around and offering them an ‘extra mile’. Driving for Vuber was really working out for me. For a while, I was making more money than the companies I interviewed for could offer.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – DAY
Michael is driving an old couple (70s).
MICHAEL (VO)
I also did this thing where I’d fake accents or make up random shit about myself. It was an easy way to entertain myself.
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – DAY
Michael is driving a BUSINESS MAN (50s). He is sitting shotgun.
BUSINESS MAN
So where you’re from?
MICHAEL
(eastern European accent)
I’m from Belarus.
(beat)
You know Belarus?
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving 4 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS.
HIGH SCHOOL GIRL
So, is this like, your only job -- or do you have another job?
MICHAEL
I sell homemade cat food online and run a non-for profit animal shelter.
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
(blown away)
Wow…
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN (20s). She’s sitting shot gun, and looking at Michael with admiration mixed with some sexual attraction.
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
How do you pronounce your name again?
MICHAEL
(fake sexy Spanish accent)
Mee—kaa-ell
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
That’s so cool…
The attractive woman looks him while biting her lip.
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – DAY
Michael is driving a STONED MAN (20s). He is sitting in the back, with his head by Michael’s seat, listening to him. He has long hair, and he is wearing a beanie that looks like it’s been on his head for years.
MICHAEL
I’m also a part time FBI analyst.
STONED MAN
(beat)
(blown away)
Wow man… that’s so --
(coughs)
--baad asss…
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – DAY
Michael is driving two judgmental, high maintenance WOMEN (30s). Michael talks in a relaxed, low pitched serious tone, as if he was working at a funeral home.
MICHAEL
So, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, my family fled Bosnia and settled in New York City… and I came to Utah a few years ago, to attend medical school.
(beat)
The women are touched by the story. One of them touches Michael’s arm gently in an emotional way.
WOMAN
(beat)
That is such an amazing story.
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is wearing a wig. He’s driving two girls; one GIRL is sitting shotgun.
GIRL
(admiring Michael’s fake hair)
I love your hair…
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is driving three drunk guys. They’re LAUGHING and having a good time. One GUY is sitting shotgun and talking to Michael. Michael is faking an Afrikaans accent.
MICHAEL
So where are you gentlemen heading tonight?
GUY
(beat)
Where are you from, man?
MICHAEL
I’m from beautiful South Africa.
GUY
Damn! That’s way cool.
MICHAEL
Thank you!
GUY
So, did you get to see lions and shit?
MICHAEL
(beat)
All the time, man.
CUT TO
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, SLC AIRPORT– DAY
Michael is in his car with 3 ASIAN TOURISTS.
MICHAEL
Where are you guys heading?
ASIAN TOURIST
Las Vegas, sir.
EXT. SOUTHERN UTAH, I-15, MICHAELS CAR, DRIVING – DAY
Michael is driving the 3 tourists to Las Vegas.
MICHAEL (VO)
Who the fuck flies to Las Vegas through Salt Lake City? I dunno –- but it was awesome. They wanted me to drive them around for 4 days, and they got me a room. I made $2,000 that week.
INT. HOTEL ROOM, LAS VEGAS – NIGHT
Three-star hotel room. Michael is lying in bed, talking to Antonita on his cellphone. It’s a heated argument – she’s upset about him traveling without her. Antonita’s loud & angry voice can be heard on the phone, but not well enough to understand what she’s saying. The focus is on Michael.
MICHAEL
(defensive)
You know I can’t bring you here with me --
(beat)
What am I supposed to do -- cancel the trip?
(beat)
I miss you too, but –-
(beat)
--It’s my job. I gotta work, do you understand that?
The call is ended on Antonita’s end.
MICHAEL
Hello?
(beat)
Michael looks at his phone, sighs, puts the phone on the night stand and lays in bed. He takes a deep breath.
His phone BEEPS. He just got a text from Antonita. He checks the text.
Text: This is not gonna work out. We barely see each other! I give up.
Michael sighs again. He couldn’t care less about Antonita not wanting to see him anymore.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, HOTEL PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Michael is at his usual waiting spot, chilling in his car and waiting for rides. There are a few cars parked in the parking lot. It’s a quiet, boring night. Street lights are BUZZING.
Michael is bored, looking at his phone. He could be browsing facebook or whatever.
Suddenly, BRIGHT LIGHTS pierce the car from the back. A van PULLS OVER in an adjacent parking spot (OS)
Michael looks to his right and sees Stephany. She notices him, smiles and waves hello.
Michael opens his window and smiles back at Stephany.
MICHAEL
Hey!
STEPHANY
Hey Michael!
You been busy today?
She remembers him name. That gives Michael a slight hope that she might agree to go out with him.
MICHAEL
Kinda.
STEPHANY
This is my favorite waiting spot.
MICHAEL
Really? –- I wait here a lot too. Didn’t see you here before.
STEPHANY
(smiles)
Well, now you have.
MICHAEL
(awkward silence)
It’s quiet here. I like it.
STEPHANY
I know, right? No random people walking up to your car asking:
(mimics a dumb person’s voice)
‘are you my Vuber?’
MICHAEL
(laughs)
--And no Taxi drivers telling you to fuck off.
STEPHANY
(laughs)
So true!
It’s Michael’s chance to ask Stephany out.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(nervous)
Do you wanna –- go out sometime?
Stephany thinks a little bit, and then smiles.
STEPHANY
(beat)
Umm… sure!
When do you wanna go out?
MICHAEL
(proud of himself)
Now? –- We can go to Ihop.
Stephany laughs.
STEPHANY
(sarcastic)
Ihop?
MICHAEL
Where else is there to go at 3am?
STEPHANY
(thinks for a beat)
Good point!
INT. IHOP – NIGHT
Michael and Stephany are having lunch at Ihop. It’s the same Ihop Michael and Antonita were at. They’re the only customers there.
MICHAEL
How did you become a Vuber driver?
STEPHANY
Well, I moved here from Arizona four years ago. I was an office manager at a medical equipment factory for a while, and started driving for Vuber on the side. One day, they laid off 100 employees, so I found myself driving full time.
(beat)
(smiles)
What’s your excuse?
MICHAEL
I got an accounting degree from the University of Utah a year ago.
STEPHANY
Impressive!
MICHAEL
(continued)
Didn’t find a job yet. My roommate told me about Vuber, and my car was in good shape -- so here I am.
STEPHANY
(empathic)
That’s rough. Are you still looking for a job?
MICHAEL
(sarcastic)
Yeah… it’s just not -- working out that well.
STEPHANY
How come?
MICHAEL
(eager to change the subject)
I dunno… job hunting is horrible. The job market is a bitch.
STEPHANY
(laughs)
It can’t be that bad.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(changes the subject)
Is it scary -- I mean, as a girl -- being a driver?
STEPHANY
Sometimes.
(beat)
I picked up this guy once -- major asshole. He said he had a girlfriend, and then he wouldn’t stop hitting on me. I seriously wanted to puke.
MICHAEL
(empathic)
Wow.
STEPHANY
(continued)
He didn’t tip me either. I dropped him off at his house, and he was like: ‘sorry I don’t have any cash for a tip -- I’ll give you a hug instead’. And then he hugged me and touched my ass.
MICHAEL
(appalled)
Holy shit.
(beat)
Well –- what do you like about driving for Vuber?
STEPHANY
(thinks)
The flexibility… and I love not having a boss!
Michael smiles.
STEPHANY
How about you?
MICHAEL
(beat)
I like meeting so many different types of people -– I mean, you can pick up a freakin’ millionaire, and right after that-- a meth-head.
Stephany laughs.
STEPHANY
You’re funny.
MICHAEL
(continuous)
And sometimes… you meet a beautiful woman.
STEPHANY
(smiles)
(beat)
So, what are you looking for?
MICHAEL
(beat)
Honestly –- I dunno.
STEPHANY
(sarcastic)
You don’t know what you’re looking for.
MICHAEL
(beat)
I just thought it was cool that you drive for Vuber.
STEPHANY
(curious)
What do you mean?
MICHAEL
I mean… you’re like, too hot to be a taxi driver.
STEPHANY
(amused)
‘too hot to be a taxi driver?’
MICHAEL
(smiles)
Yes!
STEPHANY
You think I’m hot?
Michael smiles and checks her out. It makes Stephany smile again.
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR. IHOP PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Ironically, this scene is very similar to the one where Michael gets a blow job from Antonita.
Michael and Stephany are making out passionately in the back seat.
The street lights shed a little light in the car, so we can see them making out but it’s not 100% clear.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOUSE, BEDROOM – DAY
Typical college students’ room. However, in this case, Michael is no longer a college student, but he’s bound to the lifestyle due to his financial situation.
There is a laundry basket with dirty clothes in the corner. A night stand with a few thick accounting text books stands by his bed, still fresh from college. An old laptop lays open on his bed.
Michael is lying in bed, checking the Vuber app on his phone. Something about it is disturbing him.
The Vuber app shows Michael’s driver rating as 4.6/5. To those unfamiliar with Vuber, this might seem like a banal piece of information. To Michael, it is bad news. As the voice over plays, Michael browses through accounting job postings on a job-hunting site. He clicks ‘apply’ over and over again on each job posting and applies for it. We can tell he’s slowly giving up on his long-term goal: being an accountant.
MICHAEL (VO)
Just when I thought I was doing ok, my stupid rating went down. If my rating dropped below 4.5 –- Vuber would fire my ass. Just knowing that made me fucking nervous. In other words: It was time to look for another job.
MUSIC plays as the scene SPEEDS UP forward in time: Michael sits in front of his laptop and applies for jobs in various sets of clothes, as the pile of laundry gets taller with time.
With the scene still speeding and the music playing, we see a dressed-up Michael entering and leaving various office buildings, going in and out of elevators, shaking hands with interviewers and briefly interviewing. There is hope that after all this effort, Michael might actually find an accounting job.
INT. MICHAEL’S ROOM – NIGHT
An exhausted, discouraged Michael is lying in bed, checking his emails. He clicks on a few emails: every single one of them is a rejection email. Sentences such as “We’ve been glad to meet with you, but…”, “Unfortunately, we have moved on with a different candidate…” and so on appear on the computer screen.
MICHAEL (VO)
Well… I didn’t find shit.
Michael’s phone BEEPS (OS). He looks at his phone and sees a text from Stephany. He lights up and grabs his phone, eager to see what she has to say, and reads it out loud. As he reads the text, his facial expression returns to its original state: sad as fuck.
MICHAEL
Michael… you’re a really nice guy. I’ve had a great time with you at the restaurant. I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I am not looking for—-
In a weird & sad way, the rejection text sounds a lot like the rejection emails. And as a freaky coincidence, they’re received at the same time as well.
Michael can’t handle reading the rest of the text. He got the message already: Stephany doesn’t wanna see him again. Feeling rejected professionally and romantically at once is more than he can handle.
Michael closes his eyes. He INHALES and EXHALES a few times, trying to take it easy. Then, he snaps and SLAMS his phone on his bed.
MICHAEL
(pissed, yells)
Fff--fuck!!
INT. GYM – DAY
Michael is working out on a bench press, lifting about 150 pounds. He’s sweating and GRUNTING. He’s doing surprisingly well, as if his anger is giving him extra strength. As he works out, the voiceover plays.
MICHAEL (VO)
When you’re really pissed off, it energizes you. It makes you come alive –- like you’ve discovered a new, fucked-up side of your personality. You just wanna beat the shit out of someone or blow something up –- but you don’t have a target. So, the anger just piles up and waits to burst out. Somehow -- you gotta let it out.
EXT. ‘BLUE MOON MASSAGE’ MASSAGE PARLOR – NIGHT
Michael’s car pulls in front of a massage parlor. He enters it.
INT. ‘BLUE MOON MASSAGE’ MASSAGE PARLOR, LOBBY – NIGHT
Michael is waiting in the lobby. A GIRL enters.
GIRL
How can I help you?
MICHAEL
(awkward moment)
Umm –- I want a massage.
GIRL
Ok –- so just to let you know, we offer Reiki massages only. Nothing else.
MICHAEL
(playing along)
I know. I just want a massage.
Those stupid, self-legitimizing formalities places like that have are irritating, but Michael suffers through it. After all, he knows he’ll get what he wants when he pulls out enough cash.
INT. ‘BLUE MOON MASSAGE’ MASSAGE PARLOR – NIGHT
Michael is laying on a massage bed. A woman is giving him a hand job
INT. SHRINK’S OFFICE – DAY
Michael is sitting on a couch and talking to his SHRINK. She is holding a notepad, occasionally writing something in it as Michael talks.
SHRINK
Tell me about your job. How is it going for you so far?
MICHAEL
(frustrated)
It sucks.
SHRINK
Why is that?
Michael exhales and TAPS his fingers on the couch.
MICHAEL
Well –- I might get fired if my customers keep rating me down.
SHRINK
Why are they giving you bad ratings?
MICHAEL
They’re stupid. They’re just –- corporate people.
SHRINK
‘Corporate’ people?
MICHAEL
It’s what I call people who are just the same as everyone else. Not -– creative in any way, you know? Fake people.
The shrink doesn’t seem to understand his made-up concept, but Michael doesn’t care. He’s there to rant.
SHRINKS
(confused)
I don’t think I follow what you’re saying.
MICHAEL
Like -- most people wear the same clothes, eat the same food, talk the same way. They share the same shit on facebook. Like they came out of an assembly line, and the only thing original about them is their social security number.
SHRINK
(laughs)
Well isn’t that just a little harsh?
MICHAEL
Think about it this way: Like when I grew up, everyone told me that I gotta be creative, that I gotta ‘stick out’ —- whatever that means. Like I’m special, and I can do whatever I wanna do because I’m special. Then, you grow up and realize that’s fucking bullshit.
SHRINK
How so?
MICHAEL
(beat)
I used to work as a data entry clerk for a pipeline construction company. Every day I’d go to work, and sit in front of a computer for fucking eight hours, surrounded by people who would never stopped talking about their fucking wives, or their favorite burger joints -– literally, that’s all they talked about. One time, one of them was talking about how he watched the show ‘The Vikings’ with his wife, and I was like –- ‘wouldn’t it be cool if people still believed in Viking Gods?’ And there was this awkward silence, like I said something bad. They all looked at me like I was a freak.
SHRINK
(beat)
And that made you realize you’re not special?
MICHAEL
(ignores her question)
Like –- I had a job interview at a company that sells --
(can’t remember)
--beauty products, or some shit like that. There were hot girls everywhere. I interviewed with an old fat guy and two hot girls. What does that tell you? That the company is run by old fat guys that hire hot girls. They didn’t give a shit about who I was.
The shrink writes something in her note pad.
SHRINK
Let me ask you something, Michael.
MICHAEL
Shoot.
SHRINK
What scares you the most in life?
MICHAEL
Hmm…
(thinks for a few beats)
When I was in high school, this old, bald, weird Russian guy moved into our neighborhood. He lived alone. I remember him because he kept bringing hookers to his house –- and I remember thinking -— I don’t wanna be that guy when I’m old.
The shrink writes something in her note pad.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR – DAY
Michael is waiting for a rider outside a house. It’s a crappy house in a crappy neighborhood. There are laundry lines in the front yard, and a bunch of toys tossed all over it. A cheap metal fence surrounds the yard. There are dry leaves everywhere. The residents of this house never bother to clean it up.
We hear an angry woman YELLING something, but not clear enough to make a sentence out of it (OS).
A young BLACK MAN leaves the house and enters the back of the car.
Michael looks at his phone. The Vuber app says that the rider’s name is ‘Samantha’. This man is clearly not Samantha. It is not confusing to Michael though: he’s used to this kind of scenario.
BLACK MAN
Hey man.
MICHAEL
Hey… how are you doing?
BLACK MAN
I’m good, man. Hey -- can you do me a favor? When my girl comes out, don’t tell her that a girl made this call –- ok?
Michael doesn’t think twice about this strange request. He’s seen everything at this point.
MICHAEL
(casual)
Sure.
A young BLACK WOMAN walks up to the car and knocks on front-right window. She is pissed off, but reserved.
Michael opens the window.
BLACK WOMAN
Sir, can you tell me who made this call? Was it a man or a woman?
Michael
(beat)
A guy.
BLACK WOMAN
What’s his name?
(beat)
BLACK MAN (OS, whispering to Michael)
Taylor.
MICHAEL
(not convincing, to black woman)
Taylor.
The black woman pushes her head in the car, trying to make eye contact with her boyfriend who’s obviously up to no good. She lost her cool.
BLACK WOMAN
(yelling)
Seriously? You got the Vuber driver lying for you now?
BLACK MAN
(apathetic)
Whatever.
The black woman turns around and MARCHES in anger back to the house.
The black man watches as she walks away, making sure it’s clear and that they’re good to go. He’s convinced that his ridiculous lie-show worked on his girlfriend.
BLACK
(relieved)
A-aight -– let’s go.
Michael drives for a few beats.
BLACK MAN
I’m telling you man –- black girls are fuckin’ crazy!
MICHAEL
(laughs)
I think they’re all crazy.
INT. MICHAEL’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Michael is checking his emails on his phone while eating a burger. Suddenly, he stops eating, puts the burger down, holds his phone with both hands and reads the email like he can’t believe the bad news that just happened.
The email is from Vuber: it is decorated with snowflakes, and almost looks like good news until you read the message:
Dear Michael,
Due to the slow winter season, we’ve decided to increase demand by slashing prices by 30%. Vuber on!
MICHAEL
(slow)
God –- damn it.
(beat)
(yells)
Shit!
His roommate Martin hears Michael yelling and walks in. He’s shirtless and wearing sweat pants. He is scratching his belly.
MARTIN
Dude –- is everything ok?
Michael exhales and puts his phone on the coffee table. He rubs his forehead in desperation.
MICHAEL
(beat)
Vuber dropped their prices.
MARTIN
Damn, dude… by how much?
MICHAEL
Thirty percent.
MARTIN
Wow -– man, they fucked you over, huh?
MICHAEL
Yep.
MARTIN
(beat)
What are you gonna do?
MICHAEL
(beat)
(takes a deep breath)
I guess it’s time to look for a new job again.
CUT TO
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Job interview. A JUDGMENTAL WOMAN (30s) is interviewing Michael. To her, Michael is nothing but another resume with a face attached to it. She already made her decision-Michael is not a good fit with her company.
At this point, Michael has been through so many interviews- He already senses he will not pass this job interview, no matter what he says. But he still holds on to the one shred of optimism he has left.
Having both Michael and the judgmental woman know that he won’t get the job, the interview is just meaningless chit-chat and questions meant to bring the interview to a dead end and get Michael to get up and leave the office.
The judgmental woman speaks in a high-pitched voice with an authoritative manner. Everything about how she sounds and speaks makes you feel very small, and makes your blood boil.
She is sitting with her legs crossed, looking at Michael’s resume with the most uninterested look on her face possible.
JUDGMENTAL WOMAN
Tell me about your experience with accounting software.
MICHAEL
(nervous, clears his throat)
Well -- I used Excel a lot for various accounting functions, especially for accounts receivable and inventory tracking. I also used a few versions of Oracle for data entry, generating monthly income reports and bank reconciliations.
JUDGMENTAL WOMAN
(a few beats)
So… we’re looking for someone who’s a bit more advanced and knowledgeable about Oracle? We need someone who can -- pardon my French –- ‘grab it by the nutts’ sorta speak.
(smiles)
MICHAEL
(beat)
(confused)
I am experienced with Oracle. I just -- said that.
JUDGMENTAL WOMAN
--Yes you did. But we use Oracle plus.
MICHAEL
(beat)
Oracle plus?
JUDGMENTAL WOMAN
It’s a slightly different program. It’s a modified version of Oracle designed for the real est --
MICHAEL
(irritated)
--Fine.
JUDGMENTAL WOMAN
(beat)
We have several more candidates to interview, so--
Michael loses it.
MICHAEL
(mimics judgmental woman)
--we’ll be in touch with you, and wish you good luck!
Michael has heard this line many, many times and he is sick of it.
Michael rapidly gets up, pushing his chair back with his butt by accident. It makes a loud BOOM as it hits the squeaky-clean floor. Then, he turns around and walks towards the door, angry.
The judgmental woman is shocked. She’s has yet to face such an attitude in her safe little world.
Right when he’s about to leave the room, Michael turns back to the judgmental woman. His anger and frustration with life are diverted towards this woman. He is pissed.
MICHAEL
Fuck you.
The judgmental woman is frozen in her seat.
MICHAEL
(emotional)
I’m a hard worker. I work my ass off -- and put up with shitty people every fucking day. People like you. People who just sit on their fucking little throne -- selecting, rating, and judging other people.
Michael takes a break from his rant and gathers his breath. With his anger all out, he is relieved.
(mimics her)
Oracle Plus! Oracle Plus!
Michael turns around, opens the door and leaves. He doesn’t bother closing the door after him.
INT. VUBER OFFICE – DAY
The Vuber office is busier than usual. All the seats are taken and there are about a dozen drivers standing up, waiting for their turn to speak to an Vuber representative. Almost all of them are there for the same reason: the decreased prices. The atmosphere is tense.
Michael enters. He scans the room for a beat, and then stands by the beverage table for a few seconds. He quickly realizes the potential waiting time. He gives up.
A DRIVER is arguing with a REPRESENATIVE in the background (OS). While the argument goes on, Michael steals a coffee cup and leaves the room.
REPRESENATIVE
Sir –- I‘ve already explained to you that the price-slash is temporary --
DRIVER
--‘Temporary’? Am I supposed to be temporarily broke?
REPRESENATIVE
I understand how frustrating it is, sir, but you gotta understand: this was not my decision --
DRIVER
--I don’t care! I need to pay my bills, man!
INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY
Michael is chilling in the hotel lobby where the Vuber meeting takes place, holding his newly-stolen cup and looking at it. He got his revenge by stealing that cup, and it gives him some closure. After a few beats, he gets bored of the cup and looks around the lobby randomly. A fellow Vuber driver, LUIS (Hispanic, early 20s, Fabio-like hairdo) takes a seat a few feet away from him. He recognizes him from the meeting room.
LUIS
(to Michael)
You drive for Vuber too, right? I saw you in the office upstairs.
MICHAEL
I do!
LUIS
(awkward moment)
I’m Luis. I drive for Vuber too, man.
MICHAEL
(apathetic)
Cool.
LUIS
(tries to make conversation with Michael)
Hey –- do you have any crazy stories?
MICHAEL
(beat)
Had a girl smoke crack in my car once.
LUIS
(laughs)
Holy shit! That’s mad, dog!
MICHAEL
(laughs)
Yeah, it is.
At this point, Michael enjoys the conversation.
LUIS
Dude –- this one night, I pick up these two hot bitches from a bar downtown. I guess their dates bailed on them or some shit -– they were super drunk. I talk to them and shit, and they’re like – ‘wow you’re so cute! Can we touch your hair?’ So I go –- hey why don’t we turn this ride around and head to my place, so you can touch my hair all you want?
MICHAEL
(impressed, laughs)
Wow!
LUIS
(continued)
So, I take them to my apartment, man -– I fucked them both.
MICHAEL
Holy shit.
LUIS
Yeah, man. I’m telling you, Vuber gets you laid!
MICHAEL
(sarcastic)
Laid, and broke.
LUIS
Man, I don’t give a fuck about the money. I only drive on the weekends when all the bitches are drunk and horny!
(laughs, proud of himself)
MICHAEL
Sounds like you’re having a lotta fun.
LUIS
Dude -- you know that club downtown, ‘Area 52’?
MICHAEL
Yeah -- there are tons of drivers there on the weekend.
LUIS
I wait there every Friday night. I don’t even use the app -- I just put the Vuber sticker in the front so the chicks can see it. Some of them are so drunk, and they don’t wanna pay for a ride. So I go -– hey I’ll take you home if you can help me out a little –-
(laughs)
--you know?
MICHAEL
(shocked, laughs)
Fuck –- that’s insane, dude… Oh my God.
LUIS
I don’t give a fuck, man. You know how horny girls are when they’re alone and drunk after going out to the club? It’s unreal.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING DOWNTOWN SLC– NIGHT
Michael is on his way to pick up a passenger. The voiceover plays in the background.
MICHAEL (VO)
I wanted to be more like Luis. I couldn’t take shit from people anymore. I was like -- Fuck Vuber and fuck accounting. Everything I was trying to be good at was turning back and hitting me in the fucking face. It’s like watching your life go down -– but you can’t do shit about it.
Michael reaches his destination – a ‘Buffalo Wild Wings’ restaurant. His passenger’s name is ‘Krystal’.
Out of nowhere, a MAN enters the back seat.
MAN
(cheerful)
Are you my Vuber?
MICHAEL
It depends -- are you Krystal?
MAN
No, sorry… I’m Robert.
MICHAEL
(awkward silence)
(clears his throat)
Well…
The man pulls cash out of his wallet and hands it to Michael, totally ignoring the fact that Michael isn’t his driver.
MAN
Here’s $40. Take me to my friend’s house, please.
MICHAEL
Sorry, I’m waiting for someone else.
MAN
(beat)
Dude –- I’m your customer! You --
MICHAEL
--Sorry.
MAN
(gives up)
What’s your deal, man?
MICHAEL
(impatient, turns to the man)
Out.
MAN
(beat)
(pounds his fist on the seat and yells)
Fuck!
The man leaves the car.
MAN (OS)
Mother fucker!
The man walks away (OS)
(beat)
A skinny TEENAGE GIRL waves at Michael, walks towards the car and sits in the back. He recognizes her. Holy shit - it’s the meth smoking girl. She doesn’t recognize Michael at all.
TEENAGE GIRL
(super friendly)
Hi! I’m Krystal.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(swallows)
Where to?
TEENAGE GIRL
2545 S Jordan Creek Drive.
MICHAEL
Ok.
Michael starts driving.
TEENAGE GIRL
(beat)
(seems to recognize Michael)
Did you pick me up before?
MICHAEL
No… not as far as I remember.
TEENAGE GIRL
Hmm… I could swear you look familiar.
(beat)
Do you smoke weed?
MICHAEL
(scared)
What!? No -- Hell no!
TEENAGE GIRL
(beat)
(surprised)
Ok…
AFTER 10 MINUTES
EXT. TEENAGE GIRL’S HOUSE - DAY
Michael drops the teenage girl at her house.
TEENAGE GIRL
Thank you!
MICHAEL
(relieved)
You bet.
The teenage girl leaves the car.
Michael taps on the app and confirms that he dropped Krystal off. The fact that she’s a meth-head named Krystal amuses him.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(laughs to himself)
Krystal…
Michael’s glances at Krystal’s mailbox. It gets his attention. Then, he looks at her house number. For a few beats, he concentrates on something in his mind, like he’s planning something. Then, he drives off.
INT. KRYSTAL’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Fancy living room. You can tell Krystal’s parents are loaded. There are Mormon statues & reproductions of Mormon paintings all around the house.
Krystal’s Dad (40s, looks super Mormon) opens a letter. It is addressed to ‘Krystal’s parents’ from ‘the Vuber driver’ – Michael, of course.
5 MINUTES LATER
KRYSTAL’S MOM (40s, attractive and also Mormon-looking) and dad are reading a letter. The mom is sitting at the dinner table while the dad stands behind her, his hand laid on her shoulder for comfort. Their faces change colors as they read through the letter.
MICHAEL (VO)
Hello,
I’m a Vuber driver. I just happened to come across your daughter Krystal the other night. I know, it’s none of my business -– but I don’t give a shit. Krystal smoked meth in my car -- or was it crack? I can’t tell the difference –- anyways, she got high in my car and totally behaved like a deranged lunatic. Now, I meet a lotta crazy people in my line o’ work. But, your daughter Krystal -– man, I dunno, it just made my heart sink. How old is she, like -– 15, 16? Jesus! I had to do something about it. But don’t worry –- I didn’t tell the cops anything.
Yours, the vUber driver.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, DOWNTOWN SLC – DAY
Michael is cruising through downtown Salt Lake City. Voiceover plays as he drives. At some point, he passes by the Mormon temple where dozens of Mormon missionaries and church people walk by.
KRYSTAL’S MOM (VO)
To the vUber driver,
We are appalled & shocked by our daughter’s behavior. Unfortunately, Krystal has been going astray from her heavenly father and from the teachings of our church. We pray every day that she finally understands what she is doing to us & to herself. We feel awful that you had to witness her behavior, and thank you for not reporting her to the police. Sincerely,
Luke & Hannah.
INT. MICHAEL’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Michael is sitting on his bed, eating a banana and window shopping for guns online. He’s checking out a 45 caliber Desert Eagle. It’s a rather large gun that shoots big & nasty bullets. It is becoming more evident that Michael is going crazy.
CUT TO
INT. INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE – DAY
Michael is loading bullets into a magazine, preparing to shoot his newly purchased Desert Eagle.
Two lanes by him, two women are SHOOTING pistols in the background. They take their time aiming and wait a few seconds between each shot.
Michael finally loads his gun and BAAM!!!BAAM!!!BAAM!!! SHOOTS his bullets as fast as he can without aiming much. It’s like he’s pretending to shoot someone he hates. He quickly runs out of bullets, loads another magazine and does it again.
His shooting style and the loudness of his Desert Eagle gets the women’s attention. They stop shooting and stare at him, with a WTF look on their faces.
INT. MICHAEL’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
LOUD GANGSTA MUSIC. Michael is dressed like a caricature of a gangsta: a white tank top exposing his developing body from working out and a black beanie on his head, pulled down to his eyes.
He holds his gun firmly, pretending he’s in the ‘hood’, being though. He admires his image in the mirror, flexing his muscles and waving his gun around in an intimidating fashion. As he does that, he talks to himself/his image in the mirror. He is pumped up.
MICHAEL
Yeah… fuck yeah. You talkin’ to me?
(beat)
I’ll fuck you up, man!
He aims his gun at the mirror.
MICHAEL
(angry)
Mother fucker! That’s right, bitch. Fuck you. Who the fuck do you think you are?
He pulls out his phone, poses with his gun and takes a selfie. Then he posts it on social media. He puts his phone down, and resumes his gangsta-talk practice.
MICHAEL
Yeah! Fuck yeah!
(waves the gun around, intimidating)
Fuck you! I’ll blow your fucking head off, you fucking cunt.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, HOTEL PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Michael is waiting at his usual waiting spot. Stephany’s van is parked several parking spots away. He can see her, but she is not looking towards his direction. It’s like she doesn’t even know him. It irritates the fuck out of him.
He checks out his social media post from earlier where he posed with the gun. It’s been on for about 12 hours with zero likes and one comment from his roommate Martin. The comment says ‘Chill out dude…’. The lack of more attention frustrates him.
He plays PORN on his phone and watches it for a few beats. Then he starts to masturbate.
INT. ‘BLUE MOON MASSAGE’ – NIGHT
Voiceover plays as Michael enters the massage, waits for a few beats, chit chats with a girl, pays her and follows her to a booth.
MICHAEL (VO)
When you’re really mad, you feel an urgent-horny feeling. Like -- you really need your dick played with –- but not for the sexual pleasure of it. You just need to get rid of your aggressions. Or at least try to get rid of it.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, INDUSTRIAL AREA – DAY
Michael’s car is cruising through a not so busy industrial area. It’s Sunday, and there isn’t much traffic around this area on the weekends. A BITCHY GIRL (early 20s) is sitting shotgun, texting. She is angry, and only God knows why.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, INDUSTRIAL AREA – DAY
The bitchy girl is now irritated over how slow Michael is driving. She watches the road for a few beats, estimating how slow he’s driving, and then she looks at his speedometer. Michael is driving at 55 miles per hour -- just 5 miles under the 60 mile/hour limit.
BITCHY GIRL
(authoritative)
The speed limit is 60.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(apathetic)
OK.
(beat)
Distracted by the bitchy girl’s comment, Michael misses his turn.
BITCHY GIRL
What are you doing? You were supposed to turn right.
MICHAEL
(beat)
(apathetic)
Sorry about that.
BITCHY GIRL
(irritated)
Ok… geez. Just –- get me to the train station, would you please?
The bitchy girl goes back to texting.
Michael approaches a dirt road on his right. He takes it, entering middle of nowhere. The bitchy girl is so preoccupied with her phone, she doesn’t even notice where Michael is going.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, DIRT ROAD – DAY
A narrow, poorly maintained dirt road leads to God knows where. The car RATTLES. There is nobody around, and there won’t be anyone around for a while. He drives for about a mile before the girl notices where they’re at. She looks around, and starts freaking out.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, DIRT ROAD - DAY
BITCHY GIRL
Where the fuck are we?
Michael hits the breaks instantly and STOPS. A large dust cloud FLIES over the car and covers the windows for a beat.
Michael stares ahead while holding on to the steering wheel firmly. He does not look at the bitchy girl while talking to her.
MICHAEL
(calm as he can be)
Get out.
The bitchy girl can’t believe what’s happening.
BITCHY GIRL
(beat)
(nervous laughter)
What?
MICHAEL
(impatient)
Get out of my car.
BITCHY GIRL
(beat)
(firm)
No –- you can’t do this –-
MICHAEL
Out.
BITCHY GIRL
I can’t believe you’re doing this -— this is so not ok –-
MICHAEL
Please leave my car.
BITCHY GIRL
Do you see where we are!? I’m not staying here all by myself! I’m a girl!
MICHAEL
(turns to her, yelling)
--Get out!!!
Scared, the bitchy girl jumps in her seat. She realizes that Michael is not fucking around. She slowly opens the door and leaves the car. She SLAMS the door (OS)
BITCHY GIRL (OS)
(yells)
Asshole!
(a few beats)
Michael is infuriated. He starts driving forward for a few beats. He looks in the rear-view mirror, and sees the bitchy girl walking towards the opposite direction and texting.
Out of nowhere, he SLAMS the breaks and backs up towards the bitchy girl. We think he changed his mind about kicking her out, but his anger is saying something else.
When he’s about 20 feet away from her, he stops the car and steps out of it. He leaves the engine on.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
Michael takes a few steps towards the bitchy girl and stops. He stands there with his hands in his pocket, just looking at her with anger.
The bitchy girl turns around, sees him and marches towards him.
BITCHY GIRL
(angry)
Listen, you jerk! You better take me back--
Michael takes a deep breath, and pulls out his gun. The bitchy girl freezes in her spot.
BITCHY GIRL
--Ww-what are you d--
Michael aims his gun at the bitchy girl’s head and SHOOTS one shot. She gets hit right in the head and FALLS down to the ground. Her phone FALLS down on the dirt road, SHATTERING the screen.
He walks closer to the fresh corpse and SHOOTS her in the torso three times.
Then, he puts the gun back in his pocket and BREATHS HEAVILY for a few beats, acknowledging what he’s done.
Then, he walks back to his car. Surprisingly, he’s calm. As if killing his passenger was just an act of relaxation.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DIRT ROAD – DAY
As if nothing happened, Michael taps on his phone and taps on the ‘drop off passenger’ option in the vUber app. The app then shows the fair: $8.67.
MICHAEL
(content)
Nice.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
With the bitchy girl’s bleeding corpse in the background, her shattered phone screen shows the vuber app. It shows the $8.67 fair. Underneath that, it says ‘Rate your driver!’
Then, our view is blocked by Michael’s car DRIVING over the phone.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, INDUSTRIAL AREA - DAY
Michael keeps driving like nothing happened. After a few beats, his phone BEEPS and he taps on it. He just received another call.
Michael’s phone shows a rider named ‘Raj’ just made the call.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, RAJ’S HOUSE – DAY
Large, clean-looking house in a suburban area. Michael is parked by the curb, waiting for Raj to show up.
RAJ (Hindi, early 30s) leaves the house and enters Michael’s car. He sits shotgun. He has a heavy Hindi accent. Before Michael manages to speak, Raj spits out a request.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR – DAY
RAJ
I actually need to go back to my house and pick up a few things. Is that fine with you?
As irritating as it may seem, Michael doesn’t let it show.
MICHAEL
(calm)
Sure!
Raj leaves the car.
10 MINUTES LATER
Michael is becoming increasingly irritated, leaning back in his seat and staring at the ceiling in desperation. Waiting for Raj 10 minutes should be the least of his problems, but he doesn’t seem to care.
Raj finally returns to the car, holding a small box filled with documents. He walks to the back of the car and tries to open the trunk (OS).
Then he knocks on it fast KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK (OS) as a way to ask Michael to pop the trunk. It’s extremely irritating.
Michael pops the trunk, and after a few beats, Raj is back in the car, not showing any remorse for making Michael wait for him. Michael starts the car.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR - DAY
Michael phone goes GLING GLING and stops. Michael looks at the phone and sees that Raj has cancelled the ride.
Raj is looking at his phone as well, worried. Something is not right.
MICHAEL
You just cancelled the ride, man.
RAJ
I’m so sorry -– the vUber app stopped working and my phone is not responding at all.
Raj puts his phone down and exhales.
RAJ
This is not the first time this is happening.
MICHAEL
(beat)
I need the app running.
RAJ
No no no –- it’s ok. I’ll reboot my phone.
MICHAEL
Ok.
Awkward silence. Michael waits for Raj to fix his phone.
RAJ
Why are you not driving?
MICHAEL
Because… I need the app to work? That’s how I get paid.
RAJ
(authoritative)
Ok sir -- I dunno if they told you this or not, but you can drive while I reboot my phone.
Raj looks at Michael, who doesn’t nudge.
RAJ
Maybe you need more training or something –- you know what I’m talking about?
MICHAEL
(super apathetic)
No.
RAJ
(angered my Michael’s attitude)
What!?
MICHAEL
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
RAJ
(beat)
I use vUber 4 times a week, and I never had a driver treat me like this.
MICHAEL
I don’t care.
RAJ
(firm)
Sir--
MICHAEL
Please leave my car now.
RAJ
(angry)
I will report you, sir.
MICHAEL
That’s awesome. Now get out.
Raj leaves the car and takes several steps towards the house. He stands in the driveway, messing with his phone. He’s probably reporting Michael to vUber.
Michael looks at Raj through his front windshield. He’s about 10 feet away from him.
Suddenly Michael gets a crazy-angry look on his face. He clenches his fingers on the steering wheel. It looks like he’s thinking about running over Raj.
Michael STOMPS hard on the gas and VOOOOOM he speeds up and BAAM! He hits Raj. Raj is TOSSED over the hood, his head BANGING on it and then he FALLS off and ROLES over on the driveway.
Michael then pulls out his gun and steps out of the car.
EXT. RAJ’S DRIVEWAY – DAY
Raj has lost consciousness and he is bleeding from his skull. His broken legs are set in an awkward position.
Michael walks towards the injured Raj, and SHOOTS his torso three times. Then he returns to his car and SPEEDS away.
EXT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING, SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY
Michael is driving around aimlessly and waiting for rides. There is a large, widely visible dent on the hood of the car.
Michael drives by an obese man (40s) in a bathrobe, T shirt, shorts & slippers, checking his mail box. The man notices the dent in Michael’s car and follows Michael’s car with a stare as he drives by.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY
Michael, still holding his gun, notices the obese man staring at his car. A few beats after he passes him, Michael suddenly takes a U turn and heads back towards him.
MICHAEL
(angry)
Fuck this guy.
The obese man in the bathrobe is still standing by the mail box and holding a fat mail stack when Michael SPEEDS up towards him, HITS the breaks just a few feet away from him, pulls a gun-holding arm out the window and BAAM BAAM BAAM shoots him three times. It’s intense, and a surprisingly gangsta move for a vUber driver. It’s almost like Michael is rediscovering himself in a psychotic way. vUber meets GTA.
The obese man DROPS on the ground. His mail drops out of his hands and SCATTERS all over the street.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – DAY
Michael is cruising down a main road. There are two male PASSENGERS sitting in the back.
PASSENGER 1
So… how did you get that dent in your hood?
MICHAEL
(beat)
(laughs)
I accidentally bumped into my garage door.
The passengers don’t buy Michael’s story, and it makes them nervous.
PASSENGER 1
(laughs)
Well, it’s a pretty nasty dent--
--POLICE SIRENS (OS). Michael sees several police vehicles and ambulances in his rear-view mirror, speeding through traffic. He stops the car along with the other drivers on the road. About a dozen squad cars and ambulances FLY BY.
PASSENGER 2
(looks out the window)
Daaammnn…
PASSENGER 1
(to passenger 2)
I bet they’re looking for that crazy killer dude.
PASSENGER 2
Right! They didn’t get him, huh?
The cops & ambulances finish passing by, and traffic resumes. Michael starts driving.
PASSENGER 2
(to Michael, sarcastic)
You’re not that serial killer the cops are looking for, are you?
MICHAEL
(beat)
(serious)
Maybe I am.
The passengers laugh at his ‘joke’.
Michael stops at a red light. He clenches his fingers on the steering wheel, like he’s preparing for something. His BREATHING increases and the passengers notice that.
PASSENGER 1
(to Michael)
Are you all right?
(beat)
Out of nowhere, Michael SPEEDS into traffic through the red light. Other vehicles HIT THEIR BREAKS and HONK repeatedly. Miraculously, Michael doesn’t get hit, and nor does he hit other cars as he forces his way through the intersection.
The passengers are freaking out. They YELL at the same time:
PASSENGER 1 (OS)
Ff-fuck!!! Fuck!!! Holy Shit!!!
PASSENGER 2 (OS)
What the fuck are you doing, dude!?
Michael reaches the other side and keeps driving.
PASSENGER 2
Stop the car!
And just like that, Michael stops the car, as though nothing insane just happened. The two frightened passengers open the doors and JUMP out as fast as they can.
PASSENGER 1
Psycho!
EXT. PARK – DAY
Large, almost empty park. The only sound is of a young man playing with his dog in the background. He throws a Frisbee, and the dog BARKS and chases it.
A lone female jogger is jogging on the sidewalk. She’s sweaty and 100% focused on her jogging when-
VOOOOM!!! Michael speeds down the road (OS)and HITS THE BREAKS by her side. BAAM! BAAM! BAAM! Michael shoots her down.
The jogger is TOSSED towards the grass over the sidewalk and falls down dead.
Michael’s gun goes CLICK CLICK CLICK when he runs out of bullets. He then HITS THE GAS and takes off.
The horrified young man is laying on the ground staring at Michael, SCHOCKED. He calls 911 while his dog BARKS at Michael’s car as it disappears from their point of view.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
Michael is aimlessly cruising through a random street. Driving for the sole purpose of driving, with no destination in mind. He is extremely chill. COUNTRY MUSIC is playing on the radio.
A police vehicle is right on his tail, following him for a few beats. Strangely, Michael doesn’t pay too much attention to it.
INT. POLICE CAR, DRIVING – NIGHT
A nervous COP (white, 30s) is chatting on his radio communication device, while Michael’s COUNTRY MUSIC plays over his speech. We don’t know what he’s saying-but we can tell that he’s pretty sure he recognized Michael as the serial killer.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR, DRIVING - NIGHT
The cops SIREN LIGHTS are on now, and Michael stops the car, and turns the engine off. He turns off the radio too. His hands are on the steering wheel.
(a few beats)
The cap exits his car, CLICK CLICK loads his gun and slowly walks towards Michael’s car (OS).
COP (OS)
(yells)
Put your hands out the window!
Michael puts his hands out the window. More and more policemen arrive, and more SIRENS go off (OS). A few more cops approach his car slowly, aiming their guns at him.
A few flashlight beams are pointed right at him. He gets it now - his killing frenzy is over.
COP (OS)
(yells)
Put your hands where I can see em’!
The cop walks up to him and cuffs his hands. Another cop walks closer to Michael with his aimed gun, providing cover for the cop cuffing Michael.
EXT. SQUAD CAR – NIGHT
Michael is sitting in the back, staring out the window with an unfocused look on his face. We can only guess where his mind is right now. Slowly, a tear drop roles down his face.
MICHAEL (VO)
That wasn’t me, doing all that crazy shit. It was a shell of who I used to be. I was emptied out by my failures, and by a sense that life was only going down, while I was going fucking nuts on the way. But instead of looking around and seeing where the hell I’m going –- I was like, fuck it. Fuck you all. Fuck it, man.
THE END
Thanks for reading, Hope you liked it BY MALACHI KAPLAN
