A Sweet Revenge

MOVIE SCRIPT FORMAT:

FADE IN.

INT. BEDROOM-DAY

ELLA GARDNER (late 30s) sleeps, one arm draped over an empty box of chocolates like a lover. A painting of a majestic tree hangs above her bed.

Ella's cell phone rings. She jumps up, sees the empty box, and puts her head in her hands.

ELLA

Oh, God!

She looks at her cell. A picture of her and her husband, AIDEN BAKER (late 30s), is on display. Caller ID shows Aiden.

ELLA

Good morning!

AIDEN (FILTERED)

Happy Birthday, gorgeous!

ELLA

Awww....thanks, love. I miss you.

AIDEN (FILTERED)

I miss you too. I’ll be home Friday. Belated dinner to celebrate when I get back?

ELLA

Sounds perfect.

Ella picks up the chocolate wrappers scattered around her and drops them into the box.

AIDEN (FILTERED)

Pick a restaurant and text me the address. I’m landing at JFK around four, so I can meet you there after you get off work.

ELLA

Okay, will do.

AIDEN (FILTERED)

Hey, did you get the flowers I sent you?

Ella presses the blanket up to find more wrappers underneath.

ELLA

Yes! Oh my God, the bouquet is gorgeous....and all peonies...my favorite.

She drops the wrappers from beneath the blanket into the box.

ELLA

You’re so thoughtful.

AIDEN (FILTERED)

It takes one to know one.

(beat)

How’s the sugar detox going?

Ella looks at the empty box, then places it on bed.

ELLA

Wonderful...I’m still sticking to it.

She gets out of bed, drops to her knees, her eyes scanning the floor around the bed with the intensity of a detective.

AIDEN (FILTERED)

That’s awesome! You know, some of the ingredients in the candies you used to eat are the things we’re trying to ban at FDA.

Spotting a wrapper under the bed, Ella reaches in and retrieves it.

ELLA

Oh...

AIDEN (FILTERED)

Speaking of the FDA, gotta run—have a meeting in a few. I’ll call you later.

ELLA

Okay...love you too.

(beat)

Bye.

Ella looks at the wrapper, then crumples it in her hand with anger.

EXT. NYC STREET-NIGHT

Aiden and Ella are walking hand in hand. Ella yawns.

AIDEN

Am I boring you already?

ELLA

Sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well.

AIDEN

Still waking up from the nightmares?

ELLA

Yeah.

AIDEN

Well, you need to seek help, love. You need to find out why you’re having them in the first place.

ELLA

I am. I found a sleep specialist with raving reviews. I’ve got an appointment coming up.

AIDEN

Good for you, Ella. I hate seeing you tired and scared.

ELLA

(frowns)

I’m neither tired nor scared.

AIDEN

Really? You’re constantly yawning and having nightmares. I’m pretty sure those are symptoms of someone who’s tired and scared.

ELLA

Are you telling me you know more about me than I know myself?

AIDEN

No, but I think you hide a lot from me.

ELLA

That’s not true.

(beat)

And can we please talk about something else? We’re still celebrating my birthday. I’d like to hear something...jolly!

AIDEN

You always brush me off when I try to talk about you hiding things from me.

Ella sighs. Aiden notices she’s upset.

AIDEN

But fine...we can talk about your favorite subject.

He pulls her closer.

AIDEN

Me!

INT. BEDROOM-NIGHT

A shirtless Aiden sits in bed, flipping through a book. He adjusts his pillow and blanket.

AIDEN

Mmm, the sheets smell so good.

ELLA (O.S.)

Do they? I got a new detergent. Did laundry yesterday.

AIDEN

What are you reading now? A dictionary of symbols?

ELLA (O.S.)

Do you always have to go through my nightstand?

AIDEN

Yes, I want to know what’s going on in that pretty head of yours.

ELLA (O.S.)

I just saw that in the bookstore the other day and thought it looked interesting.

Ella enters the bedroom in a white nightgown. Aiden tosses the book and looks at her in awe.

AIDEN

Now, that’s interesting.

ELLA

You like? It’s supposed to be a nineteen thirties nightgown.

AIDEN

It’s cute. Let me see how it feels.

Ella gets into bed. Aiden pulls her toward him and starts touching the nightgown.

AIDEN

Aah...it’s soft.

With admiration, he caresses her face and moves his fingers down her neck.

AIDEN

Soooo soft....

Aiden shifts in the bed slightly, then stops and looks puzzled.

ELLA

What?...what is it?

AIDEN

I don’t know...I’m feeling something here.

He moves his leg, looks under the blanket, and reaches out to find a chocolate wrapper.

AIDEN

What’s this? A chocolate wrapper?

He examines the wrapper closely.

AIDEN

Was this yours?

ELLA

I....yes.

AIDEN

Chocolate in bed?

(beat)

Recently?

ELLA

I don’t remember.

AIDEN

How could you not remember? You said you did laundry yesterday, so it must be from last night.

ELLA

Probably.

She turns toward her nightstand and sifts through her books.

AIDEN

Probably? Ella....Ella...look at me. You told me you were doing a sugar detox. Was that all bullshit?

ELLA

Oh, no, I am. I just had one tiny piece in bed while I was reading. You know how I get caught up in books—must’ve forgotten about the detox.

AIDEN

Why don’t I believe you?

Ella picks up a book and opens it.

ELLA

Well, you don’t have to.

AIDEN

Put the book down, Ella. I’m talking to you.

ELLA

(looks straight at him)

Aiden, can we please have this conversation another time? I’m tired.

AIDEN

Not tired enough to read, apparently.

ELLA

Reading helps me sleep better.

Aiden sets the chocolate wrapper on his nightstand, then gently takes the book from Ella and places it on hers.

AIDEN

I can think of other things that might help you sleep better.

He turns off her night lamp. The room goes dark.

INT. MEDICAL OFFICE RECEPTION AREA- DAY

Ella sits near a small table scattered with magazines.

She picks up a copy of Food & Wine, the cover featuring an indulgent ice cream sundae.

Flipping through the pages, she pauses at the dessert section and begins to read.

A NURSE (30s), holding a clipboard, opens the reception area door.

NURSE

Ella Gardner?

Ella gets up, still holding the magazine.

ELLA

Yes, hi.

NURSE

Good afternoon. Please follow me.

ELLA

Good afternoon. Is it okay if I bring the magazine in with me?

INT. DR. MOSES’S OFFICE- DAY

A zen-like office with an armchair, a small table, and a couch.

Ella sits on the couch, absorbed in her magazine.

DR. MOSES, (40S) opens the door.

DR. MOSES

Ella Gardner?

ELLA

Yes.

DR. MOSES

Hi, I’m Dr. Moses.

He has a friendly expression and extends his hand to shake. Ella gets up, and they shake hands.

ELLA

Hi, Dr. Moses. Nice to meet you.

DR. MOSES

Nice to meet you as well.

He sits in the armchair, glancing briefly at his notes before looking at Ella.

DR. MOSES

So...what brings you here, Ella?

ELLA

Mainly my recurring nightmare, but I also struggle with compulsive eating—specifically sweets.

Dr. Moses glances at the magazine cover. Ella self-consciously places it on the table.

ELLA

And... just to be clear, I’ve been seeking therapy for it for years.

DR. MOSES

What kind of therapy?

ELLA

I’ve seen psychologists, joined support groups, and even tried hypnotherapy and acupuncture a few times.

DR. MOSES

Have any of them helped?

ELLA

Not at all. In fact... I feel like I’m getting worse by the day.

DR. MOSES

By the day? Do you think something might be triggering it?

ELLA

I...don’t know. Maybe it’s because I got married a few months ago, and now I can’t hide my compulsive eating from my husband. That’s definitely made things worse.

DR. MOSES

Your husband doesn’t know about it?

ELLA

Not the extent of it. He knows I have a weakness for sweets, but I try my best to hide just how bad it is.

DR. MOSES

And you don’t want to tell him how bad it is?

ELLA

I’m not ready. I feel like I need to get better first—like I need to get things under control before I can open up. But it’s definitely something I plan to do.

DR. MOSES

As you may know, eating disorders can be very complex and often take years—if not a lifetime—to treat. But since I specialize in sleep disorders, let’s focus on your sleep issues for now.

ELLA

That sounds like a good plan.

Dr. Moses gets up and walks toward the couch, placing one hand on it.

DR. MOSES

Great!

(beat)

Now, sit back... relax...and tell me all about your recurring nightmare.

Ella describes:

The DREAM

She’s about eight or nine. She enters a beautiful and elegant library with high ceilings and a long golden ladder in the middle. She is happy. She adores books.

She scans the library, her eyes stopping on a red book perched on the top shelf. She must have it.

Climbing the ladder, she stretches to reach it, but it’s just out of her grasp. She tries and tries, and just as she finally grabs it, a window creaks open. A mysterious gust of wind rushes in, lifting the heavy curtains and causing Ella to lose her balance and fall off the ladder.

Ella screams as she falls into a downward spiral of emptiness.

END OF DREAM.

INT. ELLA’s OFFICE-DAY

Ella types furiously at her computer. Her phone rings. She glances at the screen—her jaw tightens.

ELLA

Hi, Mr.Hogan.

(beat)

Sure. I’ll be right there.

She exhales, stands, and walks out.

INT. HOGAN’S OFFICE-DAY

A large office with tall windows.

JEREMY HOGAN (60s) sits at his desk, reviewing a folder.

Ella approaches and knocks.

HOGAN

Come in.

Ella enters.

HOGAN

(eyes still on the folder)

Close the door, please.

He finally looks up and gestures toward the chair. She sits.

HOGAN

How’s everything going, Ella?

ELLA

Everything’s going well....I think?

HOGAN

I brought you in because you’ve been late to several appointments—and a few times, you were found asleep in the break room. I just want to check in.

(beat)

Everything okay?

Is the workload too much?

ELLA

Thanks for asking. It’s not the workload. Truth is…I’ve been having some sleep issues. I’m working with a specialist. I can bring a note if needed.

HOGAN

Sorry to hear that. No need for a note right now. But if it continues, we have to adjust your schedule.

(beat)

You know how it is in a big office—once appointments are set, everyone depends on them.

ELLA

Of course. If it happens again, I’ll talk to you and HR, and we can figure out some options.

HOGAN

Sounds good.

ELLA

Do you have any other questions or concerns?

Hogan shakes his head.

Ella gets up.

ELLA

Thanks for understanding.

Hogan watches her leave, the door clicking shut behind her.

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE HOGAN’S OFFICE – DAY

Ella lingers near the door, pretending to look at her phone.

She hears Hogan inside:

HOGAN (O.S.)

She says she will let us know.

(beat)

Keep an eye on her.

INT. HATHA YOGA STUDIO-DAY

A dimly lit room. Ella, with her friends, LANA, and AUDREY sit close together in an easy pose, eyes closed.

The Hatha YOGA INSTRUCTOR moves quietly through the room, speaking in a soft voice.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Breathe in slowly and listen to your body. Know that all you ever need, all the answers you’re looking for, are within you.

Ella takes a deep breath and leans closer to Lana, whispering.

ELLA

Hey, who was that woman you were talking in the hallway—Beatrice?

Lana whispers back.

LANA

Yes—we work in the same building.

ELLA

Quite a character. What does she do?

LANA

Not exactly sure. I’ve heard she’s a retired psychiatrist who does past life regressions — to treat disorders and things like that.

Ella opens her eyes and turns toward Lana, her voice rising.

ELLA

What?

The yoga instructor glares at Ella, who quickly lowers her voice.

ELLA

I need to talk to you about it—I’m intrigued.

AUDREY

You guys are being too loud.

LANA

Sorry, Audrey, but our friend here seems interested in everything—first Hatha yoga, now past-life regression.

Ella centers her posture and closes her eyes again.

ELLA

Oh, no, not interested in Hatha yoga anymore. It’s making me feel anxious.

AUDREY

You’ve only tried it once. Don’t be so judgmental.

ELLA

Some things are visceral.

INT. BEATRICE’S OFFICE-DAY

After the past life regression session. Beatrice sits behind her desk. Ella and Aiden sit across from her.

Ella holds a tissue in her hand, as she kneads the base of her neck.

ELLA

I don’t even believe Eve ever existed.

BEATRICE

Maybe she didn’t. Or maybe she wasn’t just one woman.

ELLA

Then why me? Why am I still haunted by it?

BEATRICE

Some minds are tuned to older frequencies. Maybe yours picks up the static most don’t hear.

Ella shifts, searching Beatrice’s face.

ELLA

And...how does some damn ancient fruit or apple manifests as sugar?

BEATRICE

The lessons we carry don’t always stay intact. They travel with us, life to life, but it’s like a cosmic game of telephone — the original meaning gets warped. What begins as a symbol might resurface in another form. Sugar gets labeled as ‘bad,’ something to resist or avoid — maybe it’s that same energy, just dressed differently. The universe does love its little jokes.

Ella nods but still doesn’t look convinced.

BEATRICE

I know this is a lot to digest, but remember, there's no pressure to believe anything.

(beat)

See how your body responds after the session.

Ella extends her hand to shake as she gets up.

ELLA

Thank you, Beatrice!

BEATRICE

If you remember one thing from this session, let it be that your sugar addiction was a subconscious rebellion. But you no longer need to use food for revenge. Stop labeling it as good or bad, and eat what nourishes or pleases you, without guilt.

Beatrice walks them to the door.

AIDEN

(to Beatrice)

Um...sorry, strange question, but would that make me Adam?

BEATRICE

Not necessarily. People we meet throughout our lives can change.

Beatrice looks Aiden up and down.

BEATRICE

But if you felt bored and useless before meeting her, you might have been Adam.

Beatrice smiles. Aiden looks puzzled.

BEATRICE

And if she’s the best thing that ever happened to you, then you were definitely Adam.

Beatrice erupts in laughter, catching Aiden off guard. He's unsure whether he's been insulted or if he should join in.

INT. BEATRICE’S OFFICE-DAY-(ONE AND HALF YEARS LATER)

Beatrice sits at her desk, sorting through paperwork.

Her ASSISTANT (30s) opens the door and hands her a letter.

ASSISTANT

This came for you.

BEATRICE

(looks up)

Thank you.

Beatrice opens the letter to find a beautiful red apple post card with a handwritten note inside.

As she reads, she rises from her seat and moves slowly toward the window.

The letter is from Ella:

ELLA (V.O)

Dear Beatrice,

I hope this letter finds you well. It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since I came to you for past-life regression therapy. So much has changed—I’ve changed so much—since then that I’m not sure where to begin. But in short, the experience has had a profound impact on my life.

As you may recall, I wasn’t particularly religious or spiritual at the time of our session. While that’s still true, something shifted in me during the experience—on a subliminal level.

Your advice about viewing food with neutrality has been transformative. I’ve made peace with my relationship to sweets and, most importantly, I no longer experience the persistent sugar cravings and binge eating that once controlled my life.

As for my recurring nightmare, I haven’t had one since our session. It may sound dramatic, but I now wonder if they were linked to the guilt and shame I was carrying.

I hope others carrying that kind of unconscious weight find a way to make peace with it, too.

Thank you again for your guidance. Perhaps our paths will cross again when the time is right.

Gratefully yours,

Ella Gardner

End of letter.

Beatrice holds the postcard as she gazes out at the Manhattan skyline through the window.

She reaches for an apple from the fruit bowl on the nearby table, takes a bite, and continues to admire the view.

FADE OUT.