Short Film Script
Short Film Script
Title: "The Last Letter"
Genre: Drama
Logline
A grieving woman discovers a series of letters from her late husband that reveal secrets and unfulfilled promises, leading her to confront her past and find closure.
Synopsis
Act 1:
Emily Thompson, a widow in her early 40s, is sorting through her late husband Daniel's belongings in their old family home. She stumbles upon a hidden box of letters Daniel wrote to her over their ten years of marriage but never sent. As she reads them, she uncovers a deep sense of regret and emotional complexity in Daniel's life, including an unresolved promise to make things right before he passed.
Act 2:
Emily is emotionally overwhelmed by the letters. Each letter reveals Daniel's struggles with unfulfilled dreams, including his promise to start a family business and his regrets over not spending more time with her. The letters also hint at a secret he kept from her—his ongoing battle with a terminal illness that he didn’t want to burden her with. Emily visits places they used to frequent, reflecting on their life together, and starts to understand the depth of Daniel's emotions.
Act 3:
In the final letter, Daniel reveals his ultimate wish: for Emily to forgive him and find happiness. He urges her to follow her dreams and live fully. Emily is touched deeply and finds a new sense of purpose. She decides to honor Daniel's memory by pursuing a long-abandoned dream of opening a small bakery, which had been Daniel's unfulfilled wish for her.
Resolution:
The film ends with Emily opening the bakery, dedicating it to Daniel. As she bakes, she looks up at a photo of Daniel, feeling a sense of peace and fulfillment. The camera pans out as she smiles, symbolizing her new beginning.
Scene Descriptions
INT. EMILY AND DANIEL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
The room is cluttered with boxes and old furniture. Emily, dressed in black, carefully sifts through a box labeled "Memories." Her eyes fall on an old, dusty wooden box. She opens it, revealing a stack of letters tied with a ribbon.
EMILY (voiceover) "These are the letters I never knew existed."
She picks up a letter, unfolds it, and starts reading. The camera focuses on her face, showing a mixture of curiosity and sadness.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Emily sits at a table, a letter spread out before her. The cozy atmosphere contrasts with her somber mood. She reads the letter, and the camera zooms in on the text:
"Dear Emily, I wish I could turn back time. I know I promised we’d start that bakery together, but my health got in the way. I’m sorry for the pain this has caused you."
Emily’s eyes well up as she clutches the letter to her chest.
EXT. OLD PARK - DAY
Emily walks through a park they used to visit. She sits on a bench, looking at a playground where they once imagined their future children playing. Tears roll down her cheeks as she reflects on the past.
INT. EMILY'S KITCHEN - DAY
Emily, now with renewed determination, clears out the old kitchen, preparing to transform it into her bakery. She pins up photos of Daniel and sketches of the bakery layout. The atmosphere is hopeful and busy.
EXT. EMILY'S BAKERY - DAY
The bakery is now open. A sign reads "Daniel’s Delight," and the storefront is filled with beautiful pastries. Emily, in an apron, places a framed photo of Daniel on the counter and smiles warmly at customers entering.
Dialogue
INT. EMILY AND DANIEL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
EMILY (voiceover as she reads the letter)
"My dearest Emily, if you’re reading this, then I’ve finally gathered the courage to express what’s been on my mind. I know I haven’t been the husband you deserved, and for that, I am profoundly sorry. Our dreams of starting a family business together have always been my greatest regret. I should have told you about my illness sooner, but I didn’t want to burden you."
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
EMILY (to herself, tearfully)
"You should have shared it with me, Dan. I would have been there for you, no matter what."
INT. EMILY'S KITCHEN - DAY
EMILY (cheerfully to herself)
"Let’s make this dream come true, Dan. For you and for us."
EXT. EMILY'S BAKERY - DAY
CUSTOMER (smiling)
"This is the best pastry I’ve ever had! What’s the secret?"
EMILY (smiling back)
"It’s made with a lot of love and a promise kept."
Character List
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Emily Thompson: The protagonist, a widow in her early 40s. She is emotionally strong yet vulnerable as she navigates her grief and discovers her husband's hidden letters.
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Daniel Thompson: Emily's late husband, whose letters reveal his inner struggles, regrets, and unfulfilled promises.
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Customer: Represents the community Emily engages with as she opens her bakery.
Writer: [Your Name]
Director: David Atonio
Producer: Claire Johnson
Studio: [Your Company Name]
Contact Information: [Your Company Email]|[Your Company Number]
Length: Approximately 15 minutes
