2/23 - Plot Outline

Synopsis:

Kristen, a young twenty-something student, is coping with an impending confrontation with her mother.

Act I: Exposition

Main Character – Kristen, a twenty-something student, is living on her own. She has her own apartment, furniture, a boyfriend, etc. to show she is established in her life.

Dramatic Premise – A Box is with Kristen almost the entire time. The Box seems to be something very important from her mom. She is frustrated with having to constantly look and care for it.

Dramatic Situation – Kristen (through dialogue with her boyfriend) is upset about her mother’s over-burdening in her life. The dialogue here is implying a visit from her mom

Inciting Incident – Kristen is “talking” to her mom on the phone, yelling at her for being an intrusion in her life by giving her this Box.

Act II: Confrontation

Obstacles – Kristen goes around her home, trying to figure out where to put this very important Box. She tries a mantle, a bookshelf, the kitchen counter, it as a center piece for her dining table, in the fridge, etc. etc.

First Culmination – Kristen seems satisfied for it to be on the mantle. But she changes her mind.

Midpoint – Kristen stares at the Box (now at a table), as if it is a staring contest. Then, she opens the Box.

Act III: Resolution

Climax – The audience realizes that the Box actually is a funerary urn—Kristen’s mother.

Denouement – The film ends on a meditative note, as Kristen is still trying to figure out the unresolved question of where her mother belongs in her life.