"Booger" is a bold and distinctive horror-drama script that combines teenage angst, social alienation, and supernatural body horror with cultural folklore. The story follows James, a marginalized high schooler navigating the brutality of peer bullying, only to inadvertently trigger a devastating supernatural plague rooted in Huichol mythology. The script’s blend of psychological realism and gonzo genre elements is ambitious, offering both visceral set pieces and deeper commentary on belonging, respect, and cultural identity.
Director's Vision
The proposed project, Booger, explores self-loss and humanity’s loss, examining the consequences of disconnection and the fight to preserve identity and values. As a Film Director and Screenwriter, I play a central role in bringing these themes to life through compelling narrative and visuals. James, the protagonist, begins his journey feeling lost, isolated, and repressed. Throughout the narrative, each act acts as a pivot point, pushing him towards finding resilience, connection, and authenticity. By the end, he transforms into a figure of hope, empowerment, and acceptance. This profound transformation arc not only underpins his personal evolution but also amplifies the film's emotional payoff.
WHY THIS PROJECT?
Booger stands out in horror and science fiction, reflecting our shared struggle with losing our self-identity and humanity. The film captivates through standout performances, especially the lead actor's poignant portrayal of James, a young person navigating gender identity and rejection. Throughout the movie, James transitions from confusion and self-doubt to a more resolved, courageous individual who embraces their true identity. Their journey is marked by key moments of introspection and defiance against societal norms. A key scene shows James confronting their reflection in a shattered mirror, symbolizing fragmented identity in a conformist society. This powerful visual, enhanced by haunting cinematography and an evocative score, turns personal pain into a vivid metaphor for preserving individuality and authentic expression in a world that pressures conformity.
By delving into these themes, the film offers a stirring and insightful look at how mass culture can erode our sense of self. 'Booger' invites viewers to reflect deeply and engage in conversations that matter, cementing its place as a work with lasting social impact. Watching the film, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to James's journey, feeling both a sense of unease and empathy as I grappled with the weight of his internal and external struggles. It stirred a personal reflection on the pressures we face to conform and the courage it takes to maintain one's identity. Notably, the film's portrayal of conformity hints at underlying structures of surveillance and discipline, suggesting a society where individuality is constantly monitored and controlled. Given the current cultural focus on gender diversity and representation in media, 'Booger' resonates with contemporary discussions, much like recent films such as 'Disclosure,' which examines the visibility and depiction of transgender individuals in mainstream media. This connection invites further dialogue on how films can both challenge and reflect societal shifts. However, some may argue that the film's heavy reliance on symbolism can at times overshadow character development, limiting its appeal to broader audiences. Furthermore, the narrative's complex themes may not resonate with all viewers, potentially sparking debate about its accessibility and universality. Despite these potential limitations, 'Booger' remains a significant piece that encourages its audience to explore and critically examine issues of identity and conformity.
WHY ME?
In a world grappling with identity crises and the relentless pressure of societal norms, Booger raises a provocative question: How do we retain our authenticity in a society determined to shape us? This urgent question forms the backbone of my artistic vision as a Film Director and Screenwriter. My vision is deeply personal and ignites a genuine passion for this project. I am driven by an urge to tell stories that fearlessly dive into the raw heart of human experience, making me uniquely capable of illuminating the anguish of self-loss and humanity-loss. My empathy for identity struggles and the crushing weight of societal expectations allows me to convey these issues with honesty and sensitivity. Through my creative lens, I strive to capture the vulnerability and hope that shape James' journey and the urgent social questions at its core. Booger stands out for its innovative narrative structure that intertwines the surreal and the real, which I have coined as a 'Surreal Grit Fusion,' offering a fresh perspective on identity and societal norms. With a distinctive visual style that merges gritty realism with dreamlike sequences, the film promises a unique viewer experience. This experience is designed to resonate with audiences and create buzz, positioning the film as a strong contender for festival traction and appealing to diverse demographics interested in thought-provoking narratives. My devotion to examining the complexity of human stories in film enables me to shape Booger with emotional truth and lasting impact.
WHY NOW?
Picture a viral TikTok video: a young woman stands in front of her camera, no filter, makeup-free, proclaiming her personal journey toward genuine self-acceptance. In the background, pop music with lyrics about loving oneself plays, capturing millions of views and sparking endless conversations. This project arrives at the perfect moment, echoing the cultural pulse as conversations about identity, individuality, and societal pressures take center stage. Much like the young woman, James faces the challenge of reconciling his online persona with his true self in an age where digital validation often conflicts with personal authenticity. This central conflict fuels 'Booger,' grounding its exploration of identity in both a deeply personal and universally relatable tension. Recent films like "The Social Dilemma," which explores the impact of social media on our sense of self, highlight the urgency of the quest for authenticity. Similarly, the widespread popularity of trends such as the 'authenticity' movement on platforms like TikTok underscores this need. In a dimly lit room, the flicker of a phone light dances across James's face as he scrolls through a social media feed, reflecting his struggle with online personas and real-life identity. This powerful moment is at the heart of 'Booger,' which uses a rich, naturalistic visual approach to bring these themes to life. Incorporating raw, unfiltered cinematography that mirrors the authenticity trend, through muted colour palettes and intimate close-ups, the film creates a deeply personal atmosphere that draws audiences into the protagonist's journey. With social media shaping our sense of self and the quest for authenticity more urgent than ever, the themes of "Booger" feel strikingly relevant.
As traditional values fade and mass culture grows, 'Booger' boldly explores pressing issues by offering a distinctive narrative and visual style. An amalgamation of surreal and symbolic imagery invites deeper reflection and focuses on the personal journey of its protagonist, revealing broader societal truths. Unlike other films tackling similar themes, 'Booger' delves into the dangerous threats posed by algorithms manipulating social interactions, the relentless influencer economy pushing unattainable beauty standards, and the societal craving for digital validation. By anchoring its critique in these specific cultural forces, the film provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective that mirrors today's spirit of self-examination and transformation.
'Booger' offers a bold artistic vision that perfectly matches your expertise as a Film Director and Screenwriter. By breathing life into James's moving story, you will illuminate the urgent themes of lost identity and fading humanity, leaving a powerful and lasting impression on audiences. James transitions from a masked conformist, bound by societal expectations, to a self-defined creator who embraces authenticity. What sets James apart from similar characters is his deeply introspective and uniquely vulnerable journey. Unlike typical narratives of self-discovery, James's story delves into his battle with overcoming internalized societal expectations while maintaining an authentic sense of self. His distinct ability to confront and articulate these challenges to himself sets him apart, providing an engaging and original narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.
As we embark on this collaborative journey, I am eager to hear your thoughts on how you might infuse fresh visual or narrative elements into James's story. Your unique perspective could add an innovative flourish to his journey, enhancing its depth and resonance. Could there be a specific visual motif or narrative style you envision that could heighten the impact of his introspection and vulnerability? Your creative input will be invaluable in bringing 'Booger' to life in a way that both captivates and resonates with our audience.
Production Design
Time Period: Present Day
We aim to weave a vibrant thread of 90s nostalgia throughout the set design, infusing spaces with bold colours, quirky patterns, and iconic memorabilia from the era. Imagine walls adorned with posters of legendary bands, bean bag chairs nestled in corners, and the glow of neon lights bouncing off glossy black-and-white tiles. Meanwhile, the characters will seamlessly interact with sleek, contemporary gadgets such as smartphones, wireless earbuds, and tablets, creating striking visual juxtapositions that highlight the contrast between past and present. To deepen the connection between the set and the story, we'll synchronize colour palettes with character journeys. For example, in a key scene, vibrant neon lights could gradually fade into softer, muted tech tones, illustrating the protagonist's transition from the carefree spirit of youth to a more reflective, mature perspective. Another scene might use a clash of daring patterns and sleek lines to mirror internal conflict, adding a story-driven dimension to the retro-modern blend. To keep the aesthetic fresh and avoid mere pastiche, we will introduce inventive twists such as repurposing a broken Walkman as a phone charger or displaying a classic arcade machine modified to play modern games. Our goal is to craft an immersive atmosphere where retro charm collides with modern-day realities, inviting the audience to slip effortlessly between decades and experience a playful sense of timelessness, nostalgia, and discovery.
By carefully curating props and decor—think lava lamps, cassette tapes, neon signage, and chunky furniture—we’ll evoke the unmistakable spirit of the 90s. This distinctive visual palette will make each scene pop with personality and nostalgia, from a well-worn denim jacket draped over a vintage arcade cabinet to the playful clutter of sticker-covered notebooks and Polaroid snapshots on a bedroom desk. These details ensure the production leaves a lasting impression and forges an emotional connection with viewers, whether they’re reliving their youth or discovering the decade for the first time, building a world that feels both intimately familiar and refreshingly new.
MOOD BOARD
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
COMPARABLE PROJECTS
"The Faculty" (1998)** - A science fiction horror film about a group of high school misfits and athletes who discover their teachers are being controlled by parasitic aliens, leading to a tense battle against body-horror invasion and paranoia in the hallways. The screenplay's themes of teen isolation, invasive doppelgängers, and desperate rebellion mirror James's transformation into a reluctant monster-fighter amid cultural curses and replicant horrors in "Booger." Box Office: $40.3 million (domestic).
"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978)** - A science fiction horror film where extraterrestrial pods duplicate humans into emotionless replicas, sparking widespread paranoia and a desperate fight to preserve individuality against insidious assimilation. The screenplay's exploration of identity erosion, pod-born doppelgängers, and societal conformity echoes James's battle against her own culturally cursed replicants that feed on her suppressed fears, turning personal shame into a monstrous invasion in "Booger." Box Office: $24.9 million (domestic).
"The Brood" (1979)** - A body horror film where a woman's repressed rage manifests as grotesque, child-like creatures that carry out violent acts on her behalf, exploring the terrifying externalization of psychological trauma and maternal instincts gone awry. The screenplay's themes of internalized fury birthing monstrous offspring parallel James's ingestion of the cursed larva, which unleashes replicants embodying her suppressed shame and anger, turning personal torment into a visceral invasion in "Booger." Box Office: $5 million (domestic).
"Booger" is a bold, genre-blending script that fuses coming-of-age high school drama with body horror and supernatural folklore, resulting in a visceral and emotionally charged narrative. The script’s pacing is brisk, maintaining tension through sharp shifts between character-driven moments and grotesque horror set-pieces.
"Booger" has a strong appeal for audiences seeking fresh, provocative horror that isn’t afraid to tackle social commentary and adolescent anxiety. Its inventive premise, memorable protagonist, and willingness to push boundaries mark it as a standout in the teen horror subgenre, adhering to many principles of effective storytelling while maintaining a unique, subversive voice.
Thank you!