I am giving away this film concept to screenwriters. They might want to write it. I may be quitting the film industry permanently if things don't start working out. I feel I have wasted 10 years of education into film making. Here it is for the screenwriters....
Film Concept: "Erasure"
Genre
Psychological Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Tone
Claustrophobic, surreal, and emotionally draining. A descent into madness and paradox, with a bleak inevitability—like a cross between Jacob’s Ladder, The Butterfly Effect, and Hereditary.
Synopsis
After a lonely, disillusioned man experiments with a Ouija board, he becomes haunted not by spirits, but by his own fractured soul. His nights are filled with whispered voices, distorted visions of himself, and glimpses of realities where he doesn’t belong. Convinced that his existence is a mistake cursed from birth, he discovers a way to bend time itself—traveling back to confront and ultimately kill his younger self. But as he spirals deeper into obsession, he realizes that ending his existence may not free him, but rather bind his soul to an eternal cycle of torment.
Themes
Identity vs. self-erasure: The horror of being your own worst enemy.
Fate and inevitability: No matter what he changes, the cycle continues.
Isolation and guilt: His suffering stems less from demons and more from his fractured psyche.
Time as a prison: Every attempt to “fix” his life makes his torment worse.
Characters
Ethan Marrow (Protagonist, 35)
A disillusioned office worker with deep regret about his wasted life.
Intelligent but withdrawn, prone to obsession.
After dabbling with the Ouija board, his perception of time fractures—he sees his failures loop endlessly.
His mission to erase himself is fueled not only by supernatural torment but also self-loathing and despair.
Young Ethan (10–12 years old)
Innocent, creative, and full of potential—the exact opposite of what Ethan becomes.
Represents both Ethan’s lost hope and his final target.
At first shyly fascinated by the mysterious “visitor,” but slowly realizes the truth—that the stranger is himself.
Dr. Iris Caldwell (40s, Psychologist)
A rational, caring woman who tries to ground Ethan as his grip on reality collapses.
Represents science and compassion in contrast to Ethan’s mysticism and despair.
Her sessions become increasingly terrifying as Ethan’s delusions bleed into her own reality.
The Doppelgänger (Supernatural Antagonist)
A twisted, decayed version of Ethan, born from the Ouija session.
Appears in mirrors, dreams, and reflections—taunting Ethan with cryptic riddles.
Not an outside demon but his own soul splintered.
Supporting Figures
Ethan’s Mother (50s, Past Timeline): Loving but distant, unaware of the darkness her son will face.
The Paranormal Researcher (30s): Brief ally who introduces Ethan to theories of time loops and fractured souls, only to vanish mysteriously—possibly erased from existence by Ethan’s meddling.
Plot Progression
Inciting Incident: Ethan plays with a Ouija board during a lonely night. Instead of summoning spirits, he begins to see visions of himself, distorted and cruel.
Haunting Phase: Strange phenomena plague him—time jumps, whispers in his own voice, and flashes of his younger self calling for help.
Discovery: Research and hallucinations lead him to realize he can tear through time by exploiting the “gaps” in his cursed soul. He becomes obsessed with killing his childhood self to end the cycle.
Journey Back: He finds himself face-to-face with his younger self. At first, he hesitates—torn between mercy and desperation.
Climax: In a terrifying confrontation, Ethan nearly kills Young Ethan but realizes the act has already happened in countless loops. He sees flashes of infinite timelines where he always tries, always fails, and always suffers.
Ending: Instead of salvation, Ethan’s attempt creates a paradox—he becomes the very haunting presence that tormented him. The Doppelgänger is revealed to be himself, forever.
Visual Style
Muted, cold colors that gradually distort into warped, surreal imagery.
Use of mirrors, shadows, and childlike drawings to reflect Ethan’s fractured psyche.
Time-travel scenes are less sci-fi, more nightmarish—flickers, distortions, and repeating sounds instead of flashy effects.
Tagline
"You can’t escape yourself."
5 people like this
If you quit now, your 10 years investment will be for nothing indeed. You still have a chance to make it count. Go again one last time.
5 people like this
I think this is an interesting and profound idea. But it requires serious revision or writing as a book. What the story plot seems to be is a sublimation of the author's experiences. Regret about missed opportunities is a universal theme that can resonate with many viewers and readers. However, the implementation of the script in this form may require an unreasonably large budget for special effects. Try editing the idea in such a way that it does not require large-scale filming and special effects. Maybe limit it to just a dialogue during a spiritualistic session?
2 people like this
I am trying not to quit. I am extremely tired, however.
3 people like this
Interesting concept, Darran McCabe. Keep going. It took a lot of writers, filmmakers, etc. 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, etc. to have success. And the biggest tip I always give members is network/build relationships (on Stage 32, on other platforms, and in person). It could lead to script requests, meeting requests, etc. Here are some blogs about networking: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41
2 people like this
Darran McCabe Well, thanks, Darran! :) The title is definitely usable, but I’m likely going to pivot in a completely different direction — so you won’t sue me, right?
It’s certainly something that could work within the thriller space, but in the form of a conspiracy thriller: someone uncovers an active, coordinated collusion by people with serious access, who are deliberately trying to erase or assume his identity for reasons he just cant seem to fathom. Something along those lines.
4 people like this
Don’t give up. Most of us are in the same boat: writing, investing, hoping. If something inside you believes you will make it, trust that voice. Don’t let the others get too loud.
1 person likes this
Lol. Thanks everyone. I promise I won't sue anyone for this concept.
1 person likes this
Darran McCabe I almost feel compelled to ask: are you thinking about hurting yourself or worse, others?
You're welcome, Darran McCabe.
Heck no I don't feel like hurting myself or others. Where did that come from?
I am sorry, but I'm not what you people think.
3 people like this
Call it off the giveaway!. Keep it! Write it!!
3 people like this
Darran McCabe lol, now you sound defensive :) people tend to take mental health issues seriously these days don't know if you have been watching to news. But if all is well then that;s great.
2 people like this
He is just frustrated. He has worked hard and is not getting results. I will add him and suggest ways to make some income from other types of writing, such as ghost writing.
2 people like this
I was in the same situation in Russia. After spending 6 years studying, writing projects, and promoting myself, I achieved nothing. A few years ago, I decided that I would no longer look for a job in the Russian film industry and stopped writing scripts. Since then, I have not written anything, participated in competitions, sent letters to film companies, or waited in vain for a response. And you know what? My life has become much better and more enjoyable. Therefore, my advice is to stop writing if you are tired. Take a vacation until you regain your interest.
7 people like this
I understand being tired. In writing, either screen or prose, the constant stream of no or no answer is so disheartening. Especially when you've put your life, your education, your mind and soul, into your work for decades.
But giving up only guarantees failure. You can't win if you don't play.
Every no, every chorus of crickets for answers, bring you one step more closer to your yes.
I know it's hard to keep trying. But don't give away your concepts and give up.
We writers hear no so much. But that yes? When it happens (don't say if), it's a spirit changer. My first yes in prose changed me. My first yes in poetry changed me. My first paid works in that world changed me.
Don't give up yet.
2 people like this
Darran, I hope you stay in there and keep on writing.
I'm actually in my second wind in my own writing journey. (First one lasted from 1980 to 1994...and life circumstances forced me to the sidelines. Had to prove to other people in my life that I could bring home the bacon.)
I decided to try it again in 2016...three years after inheriting a Power Mac computer loaded with a copy of Final Draft 6. I wondered: "How would my old scripts look if I ran them through Final Draft?" Then I started working on story ideas that came to me during the 22 years I was away from actively pursuing a screenwriting-TV writing career.
Jumping onto Stage 32 in January 2019 has helped me keep going...and now, I'm closing in on that big break. (I know...it's not official yet. But I'm knocking on the door, due to working with a producer who actually found me on LinkedIn.)
Now that I'm back in there, I realize just how much fun the journey is for me.
And I hope you remember what made the journey enjoyable for you...what made it worth doing.
4 people like this
There is no expiration date on one's dreams. I, too hope you keep on writing.
3 people like this
For all it's worth - it took 10 years before I made my first sale. Don't give up.
3 people like this
Please keep working on this. It's a great concept. Just think about how long it took writer of Lord of the Rings to write...keep going!
2 people like this
I'm not being defensive. I'm just trying to explain where I'm coming from.
3 people like this
It is patience, and it is the hardest thing for a writer.