I Murdered your Mother, i Think?
ROMANCE MYSTERY HISTORICAL FICTION
20th Century (multiple decades),Across Centuries
Robert Beckstedt
TaleFlick Pick!
Logline
Maria the nurse and nanny – invoking Haitian Voodoo to protect those she loves from her damaged, violent sister Andrea. And Michael – the wealthy man between them, fighting desperately to save his baby son and escape with the sister he truly loves; a saga of love and revenge.
Genre
Romance,Mystery,Historical Fiction
Short Summary
In 1916 the island of Hispaniola was in a civil war backed by the US for its sugar cane. A Haitian mother, to protect her thirteen-year-old daughter, sells her to an American/Panamanian corporation to staff the embassies with domestic workers and the young girl begins a new family life.
One century later in 2018, the ancestral grandson of the Haitian girl in 1916, graduates from a US college and enters medical school after finding out his true roots. The grandfather struggles to fight off his cancer in to witness the graduation of both his grandsons, then leaves the earth in peace.
Setting
Haiti - Panama - USA
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Rags to Riches
Plot - Other Elements
Twist,Meaningful Message,Happy Ending
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity,Substance Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Andrea
Age: 18-35
Gender: Female
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Badass,Aggressive,Charming,Villainous,Narcisstic,Sexy,Blunt,Outspoken,Funny,Secretive,Seductive,Unapologetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Michael
Age: 55-85
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Charming,Confident,Decisive,Faithful,Heroic,Educated,Honorable,Selfless,Skillful,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Maria
Age: 30-60
Gender: Female
Role: sidekick
Key Traits: Charming,Aspiring,Confident,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Gracious,Educated,Honorable,Leader,Selfless,Skillful,Romantic,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Development Pitch
I see this as a series of episodes, such as Netflix, about a poor Haitian mother possessing Voodoo skills using them for the purpose of healing and protection of those in her village as it is being torn by civil war. The scenes progress as the world changes after WWI and the family begins to evolve into the climax one century later as the great great grandson follows the inspiration of his family and becomes a doctor in the US. Although the family is almost derailed at one point and the grandson is put in peril by his drug dealing and using mother, her sister and father save the son from certain death either as a child or following his mother into adult criminal behavior. I believe the characters are all charming, funny, and some dangerous in their own ways. Corruption, custody battles, mysteries and family tension run throughout, however, Voodoo becomes a tool to protect, not injure, those around the lovable and dedicated sister to the healthy evolution of her family and her husband. My most common review is "I couldn't put it down" and "I loved the characters, especially Andrea!" I hope you find this interesting and entertaining as well. Feel free to both laugh and cry! I did as I wrote it.
Genre
DRAMA, FANTASY
Brief
A mother in Haiti sends her daughter to Panama for a better life. Through trauma she gives birth to a child who gives birth to a child. The women pass there VooDoo roots to the children, cursing evil men through the years. Maria, the last generations marries a man who her mother blames the death of another and curses him.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
The book profile does not accurately reflect the book. There are many different characters since it follows four generations and those should be mentioned. The portion of the book it's referring to is less than half of the story.
Draw of Story
The story starts on a serious note with a woman trying to hide her daughter from American soldiers who might steal her and sell her into sex slavery. The situation is dire for the people living in Haiti and gives an inside look at some of the struggles the country faced.
Possible Drawbacks
The book includes rape at different times. The time and place the women are present in are very dangerous. They are prey to the whims of men and the power of America. All of Maria's ancestors lived multiple traumas in their lives which was difficult to read even though very realistic. It should not be avoided especially if it has been researched properly. As long as the rape is not used a tool for female character development.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Voodoo has been passed down from generation, being used on men who have wronged woman. Maria's mother wrongly accuses her husband of a murder and curses him with a haunting. Maria must resolve the conflict with her mother so her husband can spend his remaining days in peace.
Fanbase Potential
This would not a have a large fanbase, mostly appealing to an adult audience. This story deals with difficult topics such as rape, colonization, voodoo and trauma. If adapted directly from the book, there would be some scenes difficult to stomach.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential for its magnification of the horrors inflicted on the Hattian people. The culture and people are not given much attention. It also focuses on strong females with a twist of voodoo which is also misrepresented.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE, THE JOY LUCK CLUB
What’s New About the Story
The story is very original because it focuses on Haiti, the culture of voodoo and the oppressive regime America created there.
Lead Characters
The lead characters stood out for the traumas they endured and the ability to overcome it. The women of this family had to make hard decisions. Whether it was a send there daughter to another country, keeping there rapist baby or raising there sisters baby. All the women preserve in difficult circumstances.
Uniqueness of Story
This is a gem because it brings light to a culture not seen often in media. The Haittians have a unique history and culture that is important to understand outside of the poverty the country now faces. It also shows voodoo in a different light. It is a tool against the evils of the world instead of being an evil in the world.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This story is a consider because there are many great elements to it. It shows generations of strong women, realistic and heartbreaking stories and has a happy ending. This is about family and making the most out of what life has dealt you. There are mistakes made with the cursing of Maria's husband but amends are made. The theme of voodoo is a common thread between the generations and adds a unique twist. There are not many films about Haiti and the struggles the country has faced. It celebrates the culture.