Night Terrors

A two-minute short film by Katriona MacMillan

1. EXT, NIGHT, AN OPEN SPACE

We are the camera. We are running in the dark. Ahead of us are trees and a look back over our shoulder shows the lights of a house in the distance. We trip and land in leaves, when we get to our feet, we look back again to see figures with flashlights coming out of the house. We run on but nearly collide with a torch bearing figure that surprises us from some bushes. There are shouts and the figures start pointing and running towards us. We dart away from the figure and hide behind a tree. We hold our breath while they look for us and the torch passes over our hiding place. We wait until they give up and pass us and then we go back in the direction they have just come from. We try to run quietly but every time we change direction the figures are in front of us. They close in, the circle of lights gets closer. We have no option but to jump over a wall, but it takes a few tries to get up there. They follow us over the wall, but we have already found another tree to hide behind. Our breathing is harsh, so we take a minute to catch our breath and let them look for us in the wrong place. Whilst we are hiding, a bright light comes on behind us. We have run back to the house and people are at the window. They start to exit the house. We run but we can hear shouting again.

MAN

He’s over there!

WOMAN

He went towards you!

We find a ditch to curl up in but we have been seen. We make another exhausted attempt to run and are back at the wall. We make an attempt to climb it again, but we are too tired and it is too high. The circle of torches has caught up with us. They are coming closer. We have one last try at the wall and we make it! But someone grabs us and pulls us back.

MAN

Got him!

We are lifted off the ground, but it takes two of them. They drag us struggling back to the house. We panic, twisting and turning, biting, and kicking and scratching at the captors but they get the door closed with us inside.

2. INT, NIGHT, HALLWAY

Finally, we give in and collapse, panting.

MAN

Bad boy!

We cower.

MAN

For goodness’ sake! It’s only a bath!

At that word our ears prick up and we get a second wind. We run!