Reprobation
CRIME DETECTIVE RELIGIOUS LGBT GOTHIC SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Contemporary
Catherine Fearns
TaleFlick Top Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
When a body is found crucified on a Liverpool beach, an unlikely alliance is formed between a Calvinist nun and a heavy metal guitarist, as they go on the trail of rogue geneticist who may hold the key to something even darker than murder. Science meets religion in DI Darren Swift's first case.
Genre
Crime,Detective,Religious,LGBT,Gothic,Suspense/Thriller
Short Summary
The body of a young man is found crucified on a windswept Liverpool beach, a mysterious religious carving on the cross above his head. Cynical young Detective Inspector Darren Swift goes to a nearby convent looking for answers, where he meets eschatologist and Calvinist nun Dr. Helen Hope.
Setting
Liverpool, Monaco
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Twist,Philosophical Questions
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence,Nudity, Language/Profanity
Main Character Details
Name: Helen Hope
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Complex,Badass,Empathetic,Faithful,Insecure,Honorable,Religious,Modest,Sexy,Selfless,Secretive,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Darren Swift
Age: 30
Gender: Lgbt
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Complex,Heartthrob,Insecure,Blunt,Underdog,Sarcastic,Secretive
Additional Character Details
Name: Mikko Kristensen
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: tempter
Key Traits: Badass,Aggressive,Crazy,Heartthrob,Honorable,Sexy,Blunt,Outspoken,Funny
Additional Character Details
Name: Matthew Clancy
Age: 50
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Charming,Confident,Criminal,Desperate,Educated,Narcisstic,Villainous,Religious,Power Hungry,Visionary
Genre
ACTION, SUSPENSE, THRILLER, DRAMA, RELIGION
Brief
In a sleepy English town, a body is found causing a raucous in the police department. DI Darren is trying to figure out the case when more elements start to pop up as well as more bodies. Helen is a Calvinist nun who gets caught up in the drama. When a baby goes missing, religious clues lead to the criminals.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: FAIR
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
The book profile does accurately reflect the book.
Draw of Story
The story is very descriptive when explaining the locations. It sets the scene very well. There is a great deal of talk about eschatology and religion.
Possible Drawbacks
The book deals with overzealous sectors of the Christian faith which is interesting but also deals with Satanism and theories surrounding predetermined sin. There are many different ideologies thrown at the audience.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that a string of murders happen in this small, quiet town and a religious fanatic is using Christianity to choose the victims.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase because crimes centered around the Catholic church or Christian faith have generally found success. It deals with different beliefs for Christianity that Christians won't be offended and attract others for the solid story and plot twists.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential if the story is directed with the exploration of Christianity and Satanism.
Envisioned Budget
LOW BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
BROADCHURCH, LUTHER
What’s New About the Story
The story is not very original. The ideologies the crimes are based on are different but not starkly from other stories surrounding a religion.
Lead Characters
The character that stands out the most is Helen. She is a Calvinist nun that is very dedicated to her faith because of a mistake she takes personal responsibility for. She is looking to live a life of punishment as penance. She is swayed from her life of service through the events of the story and another character.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an above average story that has an interesting take on the typical formula. Also for an American audience, it is different than many other crime shows as it resembles English crime television.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series, TV Series - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
RECOMMEND
Justification
This story is a recommend because it has all the elements of a great crime story that is suspenseful and uncomfortable. The story keeps you guessing and has good twist.