The Ridge: The Whisper of the Leaves
ACTION HISTORICAL FICTION SUSPENSE/THRILLER FAMILY MEMOIR CRIME YOUNG ADULT
1920s & '30s
Daniel Macon Brawner
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
In 1937 Arkansas, 17-year-old Marshall Bentwood longs for the day he can escape the farm he hates. His wish comes true, but at a deadly cost. He brings justice to those responsible for an unspeakable act. All this leads to a stunning conclusion in the snowy woods of The Ridge
Genre
Action,Historical Fiction,Suspense/Thriller,Family,Memoir,Crime,Young Adult
Short Summary
"I found out about my father the day we buried my grandmother." So begins the story told to a young man by an old man who knew his father well when both were youths. The tale is told as the pair sit in the cemetery.
Setting
Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Rebellion Against 'The One',Tragedy
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence
Main Character Details
Name: Marshall Bentwood
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Masculine,Modest,Blunt,Selfless,Strong Moral Code,Unapologetic,Badass,Decisive,Faithful,Heroic,Leader,Underdog,Charming,Aggressive,Heartthrob
Additional Character Details
Name: George Borden
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Role: Sidekick
Key Traits: Narcisstic,Naive,Desperate,Clumsy
Additional Character Details
Name: Cubby Borden
Age: 50s
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Badass,Aggressive,Criminal,Unapologetic,Manipulative,Secretive,Outspoken,Blunt,Villainous
Additional Character Details
Name: Carl Bentwood
Age: 50s
Gender: Male
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Unapologetic,Uneducated,Modest,Masculine,Blunt,Selfless,Strong Moral Code
Genre
DRAMA, THRILLER, ACTION
Brief
Marshall was born into farming but dreams of a better life. When he gets entangled with the wrong crowd, they retaliate and kill his look alike brother. Marshall kills the murderer and flees Arkansas. He is caught and returns home when he finds out his little sister has been kidnapped because of his actions.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story immerses the audience in the world of hard working farmers during the Depression. The dialogue emphasizes the place and time the story is set. They are a simple people who are surviving. The characters are very likeable.
Possible Drawbacks
There are parts of the story that don't add to the plot. Some of the moments with Marshall in town with Gerald or some of his time on the train, chatting with the family. They are nice moments but do not add to the story overall or the resolution to the plot. They could be condensed.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Marshall gets into a fight and his older brother pays the price when he is killed. Marshall gets revenge but now is on the run from the cops once they connect him to the murders. I would watch this movie for the back country setting and period drama.
Fanbase Potential
This would not have a large fanbase. Films set in this time are not gaining mass appeal but are receiving critical acclaim. Stories surrounding the depression and farming have been done before with much success, but their doesn't seem to be a market for them at the moment.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential if more time was taken for character development. Marshall is an interesting main character but the story doesn't dive into his physique or motives. There is a surface level understanding of his wants and desires but his emotional connection to his disappointments and broken dreams is not explored deeply.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
LAWLESS, OF MICE AND MEN
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because of the details and events of the crime. Marshall's brother was killed and he gets revenge on the murderer. He flees but is returned to his home town when he finds out his sister has been kidnapped. It is unique enough to entertain an audience without being redundant.
Lead Characters
The lead character stands out because of the juxtaposition of his personality to the crimes he commits. He is presented as a kind, intelligent young man with dreams of being educated and leaving his families farm for another life. His fighting gets him mixed in a bad situation that cost the life of his brother. His actions show a different side of him, another facet of him. Marshall is still a loveable character at the end of the story.
Uniqueness of Story
This is not a rare gem but a solid, period drama and thriller. The events of the story are tied up nicely at the end with a satisfying resolution. The characters have a midwestern charm that adds to tone of the story.
Possible Formats
Film: Indie, Streaming TV Series: Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This is a solid drama with a heart. The characters are likeable and the plot is entertaining. The story is predictable but has enough twists and turns to maintain an audience's attention. It would benefit from more character development. Marshall's actions throughout the story are dire and the loss of his elder brother would take a mental toll on him. That is not explored and would give the story more gravitas.