The School
Horror movie script. I wrote this pre-covid for a person that wanted to do a zombie/28 Days Later type film. And for whatever reason (and usually how they go) it never came to fruition
FADE IN:
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Trees, like sentinels of days gone by, stand silently in rows and columns.
Two men appear amongst them. One is obviously injured as he is being supported by the other as they try to move as quickly as they can.
The two men break through the tree line, come across a large building and outer area that can only be one thing.
EXT. SCHOOL - ESTABLISHING
First shots of the school's ground can be seen, it is EMPTY and SILENT. It is the back of the building in general. Between the tree line and the school lies a large football field and off to the side of that, in the distance, are tennis courts.
EXT. TREE LINE - DAY
The two men are standing, looking off into the distance at the school. Both are BREATHING HEAVILY from the exertion from running through the woods.
The man helping the other looks over his shoulder from the way they came. This man is DAVID. David is in his early to late twenties. The injured man is MARK. And he appears to be around the same age. Along with carrying Mark, David has a small backpack strapped over his shoulders.
DAVID
There it is. Finally.
MARK
I was starting to think that we never would get here.
The two men are STARTLED by a LOUD HELLISH HOWL coming from the woods behind them.
MARK
Well, we can say one thing: They are persistent.
David and Mark start to RUN/HOBBLE across the football field.
The two men are almost clear when the HOWL returns. This time much, much closer.
DAVID AND MARK’S POV
A group of people are standing at the tree line. Something is obviously wrong with them as they are stained in dirt, grime and gore.
DAVID AND MARK
DAVID
Come on. We have to hurry.
The back of the school grows as they approach. As they RUN, they search out for a way inside.
MARK
There.
Mark POINTS towards a door.
David and Mark make it to the door. The horde is RAPIDLY APPROACHING from across the football field. David sets Mark down and tries the door. LOCKED. David pulls off his backpack and RUMMAGES through it QUICKLY. Then PULLS out a small crowbar.
David JAMS the crowbar into where the door meets wall and tries to pry it open.
MARK
You need to hurry, David. They’re getting closer.
David ignores Mark. Concentrating on the door.
MARK CONT.
David, you need to hurry!
David works on the door.
MARK CONT.
David!
David works on the door.
MARK CONT.
DAVID! Now would be a good time!
The door POPS free. David turns to Mark. He then carries Mark through the door and closes it.
INT. SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
David sets Mark down and looks for something to barricade the door with, then EXITS THE SCENE. Leaving Mark near the door.
The SOUND OF APPROACHING MADNESS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUTSIDE.
David RE-ENTERS THE SCENE carrying a folding chair which he uses to secure the door with.
MARK
You really think that’s going to hold them at bay.
DAVID
Hey. Beggars can’t be choosers.
David LIFTS Mark up. And once again THROWS the other man’s arm over his shoulder.
The two of them start to make their way deeper inside.
Once they are out of sight of the door, LOUD BANGING BEGINS.
MARK
You know we’re not going to make it if we keep up like this. It might be time to...
DAVID
Don't say that, we are both here and we are both going to find help.
MARK
That is what you said to those other people we were with. And now they are running after us like we're fast food.
David is QUIET for a moment.
DAVID
You're not infected. They are.
MARK
And how would you know that?
DAVID
Because. If you were, you would be munching on me like an Un-Happy Meal right about now.
The two of them TRAVEL through the empty halls of the school, WATCHING for anything coming by.
MARK
Do you really believe that radio broadcast? That the military was hold up here, taking survivors in?
DAVID
Right now, if anything brings hope, I'll believe it.
MARK
But really, wouldn't you think above all the soldiers would try and save their family when it all goes to hell?
DAVID
That’s enough, Mark. The radio broadcast proves that someone is out there looking for people. Just have faith for once.
They WALK through the halls in SILENCE for a moment. Making their way towards the main entrance of the building.
MARK
Easier said than done. Especially when it looks like nobody's home.
DAVID
It’s a big place. Let's cut through here.
The two of them find themselves inside a gym. SOUNDS of people TALKING can be HEARD from the other side of the gym. Through the doors.
DAVID
See. A little faith.
MARK
If you say so. But that sounds a little loud to be friendly.
INT. SCHOOL MAIN ENTRANCE - DAY
A small group of people are inside the main entrance area. Most are sitting at a table. The table is made up of two men and a woman. Three others are standing and appear to be in a heated conversation. Out of the three, two appear to be soldiers.
SURVIVOR #1
We can't stay here any longer, those people are dead! And we will be too if we don't get out of here!
SOLDIER #1
We don't know if they are dead! I have orders to stay here until they report back.
SURVIVOR #1
It's been three days! And from the way it looks like outside, they're not coming back. If they are still alive they are long gone from here.
Soldier #2 LOOKS back and sees David and Mark standing in the back of the room. By the doors that lead to the gym.
SOLDIER #2
Wait, who are you people?
Everyone then LOOKS back.
DAVID
We came here because of the broadcast, we only...
SURVIVOR #2
There hasn’t been a broadcast in days... Wait, one of them is infected!
Mark STARTS to BACK away, back inside the gym READING himself to run away the best he can as David READIES his crowbar.
DAVID
He is not infected. We got attacked while getting here and he hurt his leg in the process.
SURVIVOR #3
Attacked by one of those things outside I bet.
DAVID
Of course, moron. What else would have it been?
The men at the table get up and start to ADVANCE towards David and Mark. Soldier #2 STEPS in front of them. Soldier #1 stands close.
SOLDIER #1
Settle down! There are better ways of dealing with this!
SURVIVOR #2
He is infected! We can't have one of those things in here, we'll all die!
SOLDIER #1
We don't know that. Now calm down! Before we all do something we'll regret!
The men stop for a moment pondering what is said.
SOLDIER #1
I'll deal with this situation, just.. give them some space.
Survivor #1 joins the others.
SURVIVOR #1
Alright, but if you get us all killed it's your fault.
SOLDIER #2
Not like it would matter then.
The group disperses back to the table, but still keeping an eye on David and Mark. Soldier #1 goes up to David.
SOLDIER #1
How did you get in here?
DAVID
Through a back door. We were chased in.
SOLDIER #1
Is the door secure?
DAVID
From what I know of.
SOLDIER #1
We have to check to make sure. We don't want any of those things getting in here.
DAVID
Go right ahead. But I’m not leaving Mark. Who knows what these people might do.
SOLDIER #1
You opened it. You know where it’s at. So you don’t have a choice on going.
Soldier #1 LOOKS over to a nearby door.
SOLDIER #1 CONT.
You can keep him in there, away from the group. Besides, Private ADAMS will be here to make sure that he’s safe.
David CHUCKLES.
DAVID
Right... what choice do I have?
SOLDIER #1
Exactly.
David nods and walks over to Mark
DAVID
Come on Mark.
David helps Mark over to the room which turns out to be some kind of cafeteria kitchen. Mark then sits by the wall. David kneels next to him.
MARK
I don't trust these people, this really isn't a safe place to be.
DAVID
I know, but what choice do we have? You're too injured to move and those things are all around outside. We’ll just have to make do until help arrives.
MARK
How do you know that it will. From the sound of things it seems this place looks to have been abandoned. You actually think we stand a better chance in here than out there?
DAVID
I don't... but we're not moving until you could walk better. I can't keep supporting you like this. We’re not going to make it much farther this way.
David STANDS.
DAVID CONT.
Besides, this gives us a chance to catch our breath. That, and I have find some medical supplies for that leg. There has to be a nurses station or some kind of military stockpile around here. So I need you to stay here. Just don't let anyone in, okay?
MARK
I'm not a child, David, you don't have to tell me not to let the crazies in.
David LAUGHS as Soldier #1 ENTERS the room.
SOLDIER #1
We need to go. If they broke through we don't have much time to wait.
DAVID
Alright, I'm ready, lets go.
They both then EXIT and make their way towards the gym. The others watch them go.
INT. SCHOOL- DAY
Soldier #1 and David walk through the gym and out the other doors. The hallway was as SILENT as it had been when David came through last time. The two men retrace David’s route back to where he came in at.
Soldier #1 goes a bit ahead and looks at the door. The barricade -the chair- is lying on the ground, bent. The door stands open. Soldier #1 looks frightened by this.
SOLDIER #1
This isn't good.
David READIES his crowbar and LOOKS around.
DAVID
You’re telling me. What do we do now?
SOLDIER #1
I don't know. But we have to block this place off, just in case they're inside.
DAVID
I think it’s pretty obvious that something got in. The question now is: where did they go and are they still here?
David and Soldier #1 make their way SLOWLY to the open door. David has the crowbar up like a baseball bat.
When the get to the door, Soldier #1 LEANS out to see what is on the other side.
INFECTED POV - HANDHELD
LOUD GROWLING AND FOOTSTEPS CAN BE HEARD.
Soldier #1 is in the SIGHTS OF THE FRAME.
DAVID AND SOLDIER #1
A LOUD NOISE of multiple people moving towards Soldier #1 and David.
SOLDIER#1
Oh god! Here they come!
Soldier#1 runs back inside while David looks for someplace to hide. David finds a door to one of the classrooms. The door is unlocked and David goes through. Soldier #1 follows, the horde of infected moving closer to them. Soldier #1 gets to the door David went through but not quick enough. Just as he gets there a few infected catch him before he closes the door. Dirty arms and hands grab him and pull him away. David SLAMS the door shut and leans his back against it as other infected BANG and SCRATCH and GROWL at it. Soldier #1’s SCREAMS fill the air.
David SQUATS down. Rests his head in his hands.
INT. SCHOOL’S MAIN ENTRANCE - DAY
The group sits restless as they wait for the others to return.
Private Adams paces back and forth near the door that separates Mark and the others.
SURVIVOR #3
I wonder what is taking so long? They have been gone for hours.
SURVIVOR #1
It only seems like it has been for hours. When in reality it has only been like an hour.
SURVIVOR #2
Who cares.
SURVIVOR #4
Right. They can stay gone.
SURVIVOR #3
How can you say that? Who’ll protect us?
SURVIVOR #2
You really think those two fools can protect us? Heck, even their own guys left them behind. That should say something.
SURVIVOR #3
That’s not true. They didn’t leave the-
SURVIVOR #4
It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters at the moment is getting past G.I. Joe over there and taking care of that infected guy.
SURVIVOR #3
Infected? We don-
SURVIVOR #4
(to Survivor #1)
Hey, buddy. I think it’s time you sh-
A LOUD NOISE from behind GRABS everyone’s attention.
David ENTERS the main room tired and out of breath, he stops for a moment, the group of survivors look at him and Soldier #2 RUNS to him.
PRIVATE ADAMS
What happened?
DAVID
We were going to block off the back entrance, but those things got through.
PRIVATE ADAMS
What happened to CORPORAL McCORMICK?
DAVID
He didn’t make it.
PRIVATE ADAMS
Oh no. If they got inside it's only a matter of time before they get to us, we're all doomed! Doomed!
David GRABS Private Adams by the arms
DAVID
Get yourself together, Corporal! When is your relief coming?
PRIVATE ADAMS
I'm a private, sir, and the rest of our force went off to regroup with another platoon. They said to stay put because they thought it was secure.
DAVID
Which means...
SURVIVOR #4
What’s going on here? Where’s the other guy?
DAVID
He didn’t make it.
David starts making his way to where Mark is laid up.
SURVIVOR #2
What does that mean: He didn’t make it?
DAVID
Put two and two together and figure it out.
SURVIVOR #1
GREAT! THAT’S JUST GREAT!
SURVIVOR #4
Good job, pal. If it wasn’t for you and your buddy we wouldn’t have this problem.
DAVID
(sarcastically)
If I said sorry would it make you feel better?
SURVIVOR #4
You wouldn’t think that you were so tough if you didn’t have that crowbar.
DAVID
Anytime you feel lady-enough to come and try and take it, feel free.
(to the group)
As I told him: You have to secure that door and any others that lead here.
SURVIVOR #2
US?! What about you?
DAVID
I’m checking on my brother.
SURVIVOR #1
What? The infected guy’s your brother? Now it makes sense why you keep him along.
DAVID
He’s not infected.
SURVIVOR #1
Sorry to disagree with you. But I’ve heard that song before.
David waves off the others and begins to head towards the door and Mark.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
David finds Mark pretty much where he saw him last. However, he is looking a little worse for the wear.
MARK
Hi, honey, how was work?
DAVID
We have problems.
MARK
So I heard. Sound travels pretty good in here. So what’s the plan?
DAVID
Seal this place off. Wait for help to come.
MARK
I get the impression that Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb were the help. And now we have gone and gotten one lost.
DAVID
Then we go for Plan B then?
MARK
Which is?
DAVID
Hey, give me a break. I’m making this up as we go along.
MARK
I know. That’s what scares me. Ever find the nurse’s office.
DAVID
Never got the chance.
INT. MAIN ENTRANCE - NIGHT
David walks back into the main room where the rest are hold up. Private Adams sits alone, arms wrapped about himself while the others sit huddled together. Plotting.
In just the short time David can see that nothing has been done about securing the area. Walks over to the survivors.
DAVID
So. I take it then we just sit and wait for our friends to show up.
SURVIVOR #1
You let them in. You secure the place. I’m planning on taking our chances on the road. There has to be better places than this.
DAVID
What about the rest?
SURVIVOR #4
Hey, Pal, who died and put you in charge?
DAVID
Ah, let's see... oh, yeah, Corporal McCormick.
SURVIVOR #2
His death is on you. If you two don’t show up then he is still alive.
DAVID
Maybe. For all we know that is not the same horde that was chasing us.
SURVIVOR #2
If that makes you feel better. But you know it’s true.
SURVIVOR #3
Stop it already. All this arguing isn’t going to help anything.
SURVIVOR #2
And what would you have us do then? Follow that guy? He’s already gotten one us killed, and it’s just a matter of time that he gets the rest of us as well.
(to Adams)
What about you, Soldier Boy. You willing to give up command in favor of him.
Adams sits silent. Mumbling QUIETLY to himself.
SURVIVOR #2
Great. I bet if you looked into his eyes they would read: “out to lunch.”
SURVIVOR 2 and 4 LAUGH. SURVIVOR #3 looks at them APPALLED while Survivor #1 just SHAKES HIS HEAD.
Everyone gets STARTLED when Adams STANDS ABRUPTLY and begins to speak.
ADAMS
I need to report in. I need to report the death of my commanding officer. Although, McCormick wasn’t an officer. But he was in charge. He was in command.
SURVIVOR #2
See. “Out to lunch.”
Adams starts to walk towards one of the hallways that lead from the Main Entrance.
DAVID
Private? Where are you going?
ADAMS
To the room we have set up as a radio room. To use the radio.
DAVID
(confused)
And what radio would that be?
Adams STOPS and LOOKS at David like he should know better.
ADAMS
The radio we used to broadcast our position, of course.
SURVIVOR #4
(angry)
WHAT?! We have a radio?!
Adams begins WALKING again.
DAVID
Private? One more question please.
Adams STOPS and LOOKS at David again.
DAVID
And where would this radio be located?
ADAMS
Why the school’s main office of course.
Adams begins WALKING again. David FOLLOWS.
SURVIVOR #1
(to David)
And where are you going?
DAVID
With Adams. The main office area is where the Nurse’s office will be and I need something for my brother’s leg.
Survivor #3 GETS UP from the table. Survivor #1 tries to grab her as she does, but she SHAKES HIM OFF.
SURVIVOR #1
MARY, what are you doing?
MARY
You know. I’m a nursing student... well, was. Before all this. I can... ah, look in on your brother. See how he’s doing.
SURVIVOR #1
What? Mary, no! He’s the reason-
MARY
Shut up, Doug! While we have been riding out the storm in here, David and
(NEXT PAGE)
MARY CONT.
his brother have been out there. Dealing with it. And if we are going to survive then we need someone that knows the real deal of what it’s like out there.
SURVIVOR #2
We all know how it-
MARY
No we don’t. And you know it. Most of what we know came from the TV when it still worked.
DAVID
Mary, is it? Thank you.
Mary leaves the others at the table. Making her way to where Mark was.
David JOGS to catch up with Adams.
INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY- CONTINUOUS
Adams WALKS BRISKLY down the hall. And takes no NOTICE in David as he CATCHES up with him.
DAVID
So, Private Adams, you think that you can raise someone. How long do you think it will take for help to arrive?
Adams just CONTINUES ON IN SILENCE.
DAVID
(quietly. to himself)
Right. “Out to lunch.”
INT. MAIN OFFICE- RADIO ROOM - DAY
The two men ENTER THE SCENE through the door. Adams LEADING the way. Who then QUICKLY heads to a radio transmitter.The transmitter itself was one that radio stations used for remote broadcasts. Adams SITS and starts broadcasting.
ADAMS
This is Station AAS reporting. HQ, you out there? Over.
Adams RELEASES the broadcast key.
STATIC is the only reply.
ADAMS
HQ? HQ? This is Station AAS reporting. Over.
Again STATIC is the reply.
ADAMS
Roger that HQ. We are still onboard. I am the last one standing. Corporal McCormick buggered off first chance he got. So, it’s just me holding off the enemy. How are things, HQ?
STATIC.
ADAMS
Good to hear HQ. Good to hear.
David TURNS away from Adams as he continues to update “HQ” about his progress. He EXITS the room QUIETLY.
INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
David ENTERS the hallway. And starts searching for the main purpose of his tag along with Adams.
After a few moments David finds a room with a sign above the door that reads: NURSE. David TRIES the door and finds it unlocked.
INT. NURSE’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The office is ransacked. Stuff lies everywhere. David starts going through all the things that are still around trying to find anything that he might be able to use. He finds a roll of bandages, gauze and a smash bottle of aspirin. He PICKS up everything and LEAVES the Nurse’s office.
INT. SCHOOL’S MAIN ENTRANCE - DAY
David TROTS INTO THE SCENE smiling and STOPS IN HIS TRACKS.
DAVID’S POV
On the floor, between the table and the door to Mark, lies Survivor #2. On his back, spread eagle. DEAD. As David TURNS his head, Survivor #4 LIES in the doorway of the room that Mark was in. He is on his side with only the TOP PORTION of his body LYING out the door.
DAVID
David DROPS his spoils to the floor and begins to head to the door.
DAVID
MARK! MARK! MMMAAARRRKKK!
David gets to the door and pears inside.
On the floor, just past the door LIES Doug. Also DEAD. and near him, where MArk once sat was Mary. Everyone was DEAD.
DAVID
(panicky)
MARK! MARK, WHERE ARE YOU!
David SEARCHES the rest of the room to no avail.
DAVID
MARK!
David is STARTLED by a weird GROWLING coming from BEHIND him. OUTSIDE the door, in the main entrance.
David SLOWLY TURNS AROUND.
DAVID’S POV
Mark STANDS near the door, LOOKING STRANGE, DISHEVELED; HERKY-JERKY. Dark gore covers the front of him as he MOVES SLOWLY TOWARDS David. DRAGGING one of his legs.
DAVID
Oh god, no. Oh god, not you, Mark. Not you.
Mark just STARES back. MOVING SLOWLY towards David.
Then, like a coiled up spring being released. Mark POUNCES UPON David.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL - DAY -STEADY SHOT
As the front of the school fills the frames the STRUGGLE between David and Mark is HEARD. David SCREAMING. Mark’s GROWLS. Then Mark’s GROWLS are CUT short as the SOUND OF THE CROWBAR HITTING SOMETHING SOLID then TURNING WET. Mark becomes SILENT.
CUT SCENES
Scenes of the school flash from the outside, where all is quiet and empty to the bodies, each one one at time where the lay. Mark is the last of the bodies.
EXT. SCHOOL - DAY
The back of the school is in frame that cuts to a long, faraway shot as David makes his way across the football field. LIMPING.
FADE OUT
Love this