Genre

SUSPENSE, THRILLER

Brief

In Pompano Beach, Florida, a disgruntled biotech researcher who suffers from vivid delusions is framed for his wife's murder, coordinated by his company in a massive corporate conspiracy. Five years, later a podcaster teams up with a retired detective to reopen the researcher's case. Together, they uncover the conspiracy and lead the FBI to holding the conspirators accountable, freeing the innocent researcher as a result.

Overall Rating

FAIR

Point of View

THIRD PERSON

Narrative Elements

Authors Writing Style: FAIR

Characterization: FAIR

Commerciality: GOOD

Franchise Potential: FAIR

Pace: FAIR

Premise: FAIR

Structure: FAIR

Theme: FAIR

Accuracy of Book Profile

The profile does a fair job of reflecting the book, although the logline leaves out the first part, and the phrase "Serial meets Gone Girl thriller" strikes as confusing and ill-advised.

Draw of Story

The author asks many questions of the audience, which keeps them in suspense without delay. It becomes clear that there is something strange and off about the world of Derek Krunch, and it draws the reader in effectively.

Possible Drawbacks

Especially in the second half, there are many chapters that strike as inefficient and superfluous. More can be done to cut, condense, and simplify some of the mundanity. Prominent examples included the handful of chapters dedicated exclusively to Farrah, Rodney, and Jimmy's travels and logistics.

Use of Special Effects

THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

Primary Hook of Story

This work is a natural reaction to the true crime and podcast crazes. Fans of either might flock to this work en masse.

Fanbase Potential

Not a large fanbase-- This work caters to a specific, perhaps niche, audience. This is a textbook mid-sized budget project geared toward a mid-sized audience.

Awards Potential

No. This does not fit in well with the usual crop of awards contenders. This is more of a commercial, popcorn kind of project.

Envisioned Budget

MEDIUM BUDGET

Similar Films/TV Series

BIG SKY, DARK PLACES

What’s New About the Story

This is an interesting project for its mashing up of true crime and the podcast world into a fictional narrative. If anything, the twist of Derek Krunch and Sonny being the same person feels familiar. Little is being added to what we have seen before in this regard.

Lead Characters

Several characters feel archetypal, but Sonny stands out as interesting for his complexity-- He is brilliant but encumbered by psychoses and by corporate politics and conspiracy. His moral conundrum makes him sympathetic in his brief time. Moreover, Farrah is interesting in that she is rather matter-of-fact, confident, and committed to her work. Her slew of admirable qualities make her fun to watch.

Uniqueness of Story

This is not a rare gem. Not yet, anyway. There is much work to be done to strengthen the second half of this work-- Much is included that is not of vital importance to the work at large and to the characters. No less than half-a-dozen chapters can be trimmed down, if not excised completely. Start later, and finish sooner. This is a principle that can be better applied here-- We do not need to see Farrah and co. traveling and waiting in line as much as we do. Moreover, it can't help but to come across that the Sonny/Derek twist is familiar. That we have seen this twist on more than a handful of occasions makes the payoff and shock value feel limited.

Possible Formats

Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio, 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

As noted, there is much bloat in this work, particularly in the second half, that warrants further consideration. Some of the characters could benefit from further development, namely Rodney and Jimmy, who feel like they are governed by singular characteristics as opposed to being rendered with many, with complexity. Lastly, the major twist feels a bit trite-- It doesn't seem to amplify or evolve similar revelations that have come before.