When It's Over: A Novel
Logline
When It’s Over is set in Europe during World War II. Lena Kulkova, a young Czech Jewish woman is separated from her family, a refugee in war-torn London.
Genre
War, Historical Fiction, Political,
Short Summary
Coming of age in Prague in the turbulent 1930's, Lena meets Otto, a refugee from Nazi Germany, and follows him to Paris, leaving her Jewish family behind. But as WWII breaks out, Otto escapes to England. Lena is unable to get a visa to join him.
Setting
Prague, Paris, London, rural England
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Quest
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age, Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Lena Kulkova
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Educated, Insecure, Naive, Strong Moral Code, Aspiring, Empathetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Otto Eisenberg
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: Mentor
Key Traits: Confident, Decisive, Educated, Lone Wolf, Masculine, Outspoken
Additional Character Details
Name: Milton Calder
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Engaging, Honorable, Romantic, Strong Moral Code, Confident, Educated, Gracious, Visionary, Charming, Empathetic
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Genre
WAR, POLITICS
Brief
Lena leaves Prague to get away from her abusive father. She ends up in the city of lights where she meets Otto, a German, trying to escape the Nazis. When World War II breaks out, she leaves for England where she survives and thrive with other young Jewish men and women. Lena's marriage to Otto dissipates as she falls in love with Milton and waits for word of her family after the war ends.
Overall Rating
FAIR
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: FAIR
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: FAIR
Premise: FAIR
Structure: FAIR
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
Lena is a young, vibrant women trying to make her way in the world when the Nazis’ agenda threatens her life and family. She is a very relatable character who still lives her life in the worst circumstances.
Possible Drawbacks
The book is not very gripping especially when dealing with WWII. This shows a different story, because the characters were able to evade Hitler’s grasp. They faced persecution in England but had a much better go of it. This leads to long stretches of the story being about everyday life and experiences that are mundane.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
I would watch this movie to see an alternative journey that a young Jewish woman experienced during WWII. She wasn't in the camps or hiding in an attic but was pushed out of her country and had to build a new life.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a decent fanbase if developed properly. It's not as compelling of a story as audiences are used to when hearing about a Jewish woman from Prague during WWII.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential if given more gravitas. It feels too lighthearted at times.
Envisioned Budget
LARGE BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
ATONEMENT
What’s New About the Story
What makes this original is that this deals with crimes against Jewish people during WWII but those who fled before it got very bad. It's the fear for their families, not being about to contact them, and hearing about the atrocities but being helpless.
Lead Characters
The lead character is a strong woman who lives life on her terms. She doesn't let society’s rules dictate how she lives.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an average story. There isn't much of a plot especially with the back drop of WWII. It needs more suspense and drama.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio, TV Series - Network, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series, TV Series - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
WORK IN PROGRESS
Justification
While the story has many positive points, it has room for improvement (see possible paths below). If you can't change the story at this point, my suggestion is using your notes as a guide to highlight the best aspects of it when taking the next steps, either putting a pitch page together, a treatment, or a presentation.
Tips for Improvement
There should be more focus on the events dealing with the Nazis. Lena’s story shows too much of her everyday life which slows down the story.