NARRATIVE - Hellbent
Narrative Feature
Title: Hellbent
Page Count: 108 pages
Project Status: In Development
Logline
When an overachieving demon falls in love-at-first-sight with a nun during her first exorcism, she is exiled from Hell and tasked with terrorizing the nun on Earth to prove her devotion to Lucifer. She’s hellbent to get... back to Hell.
Synopsis
Hellbent is a horror-comedy feature about Viv, a perfectionist demon, who falls head-over-heels for Charlotte, a rebellious nun. As the Romeo and Juliet of Heaven and Hell, they each discover the flaws of their fanatical faith systems.
We first meet Viv at her "Hell School" graduation. She’s named valedictorian for her blind devotion to the evil cause and is awarded the prestigious Ronald Reagan Fellowship, where she’ll be mentored in the art of possession by a powerful demon named Septimus.
During her first possession assignment, the worst happens: love at first sight. She falls for Charlotte and jeopardizes the entire mission.
Hell’s response? Outrage. The High Council exiles her to Earth, where she’s sentenced to killing Charlotte and delivering her soul to Hell as penance. Along the way, we also meet Rowan, a genderqueer warlock and Father Alexis, the arrogant priest in charge of training exorcists at Charlotte’s convent.
Viv tries to kill Charlotte and fulfill her duty, but there’s just one problem... She likes her way too much.
In her final act, Viv is faced with the ultimate choice. Should she return home to Hell or embrace this new queer love on Earth instead?
Additional Project Information
I am a queer person who was named after a nun. My middle name, Anne, comes from my mother’s favorite aunt who devoted her entire life to the Catholic Church. So telling my family about my queer identity was never going to be... easy.
I came out to my family at 30, despite knowing my whole life that this was right under the surface. And they took it... not well. Are you getting divorced? No. My husband’s known the whole time. But you’re gay? Not exactly. Well, that’s fine, but do you mind not telling our friends?
But now that I’m on the other side, I can confirm: Queer joy is worth it. Even if it’s not convenient to others or doesn’t fit into a neat little box.
Reflecting on my formative experiences, I began writing Hellbent, which is loosely (very loosely!) based on my first queer relationship with my college roommate. Messy? You betcha.
I hope reading this story about two queer women rejecting their limiting institutions gives you the bravery to do the same.
And maybe lets you indulge in a little queer joy, too.
Team
Written by: Lizzy Bryce
Produced by: Crystal Collins
Seeking
Producing Partners, Production Company
Rights Available
All rights available
Contact
Lizzy Bryce
603-703-4103