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PATTERNS OF ATTRACTION

PATTERNS OF ATTRACTION
By Matthew Thompson

GENRE: Drama, Comedy
LOGLINE:

When a hyper-observant college outcast reluctantly accepts a bribe from a popular frat jock to use his uncanny ability to read people and help seduce a girl, he becomes trapped between guilt, newfound popularity, and his growing feelings for her—until the truth comes out and detonates all their lives.

SYNOPSIS:

R Rated Drama, Comedy, Thriller (Adult language, Sexual Situations)

Tone : 10 Things I Hate About You x Limitless x Mean Girls

Act One: Set-up

  • Wes, a genius observer of human behavior, navigates the college campus like a chessboard. He notices patterns in everyone, but his own social life is empty.
  • James, a cocky star quarterback, wants Wes to help him win over Lexi, the insightful, grounded girl who doesn’t play by the social rules. He offers Wes money, framing it as a friend just asking for help and advice.
  • Emily, a sharp, punk rock outcast, and protective friend, reluctantly aids Wes at first.
  • Wes inserts himself into Lexi’s life under the guise of helping James, beginning to study and anticipate her reactions. Lexi notices Wes’s perceptiveness and authenticity.
  • Interactions show Wes’s ability to read people instantly, but James’s bravado and Emily’s protective instincts create tension.
  • Tone is established: College social comedy, with dramatic tension and thriller-like observation of human behavior.

Act Two: Confrontation / Rising Action

  • Wes becomes morally conflicted as he realizes manipulating Lexi for James is wrong. He develops genuine feelings for her.
  • Emily notices the ethical line is being crossed and attempts to rein Wes in.
  • James spirals as his ego and jealousy grow, leading to emotional and social friction.
  • Lexi discovers James paid Wes and feels betrayed by both Wes and Emily’s inaction.
  • Instead of forgiveness, Lexi distances herself, setting boundaries. She ignores messages, doesn’t respond to attempts at reconciliation, and focuses on herself.
  • James loses trust and credibility completely; his manipulations and ego isolate him socially.
  • Wes is forced to confront the emotional consequences of his actions—not as an observer, but as a participant.
  • Emily takes ownership of her choices, stepping up as a grounded, moral counterbalance.
  • Cafeteria and gym scenes emphasize social dynamics and awkward hilarity.
  • Wes’s analytical mind clashes with unpredictable human emotion, creating dramatic irony and humor as he can no longer read people when emotions are involved.

Act Three: Resolution / Payoff

  • After several failed attempts to reconcile, Wes and Emily take honest action: they accept that trust cannot be rushed.
  • Lexi’s boundaries remain intact—she chooses to engage cautiously, seeing their growth but holding onto self-respect.
  • Wes and Emily evolve, learning humility, patience, and ethical responsibility.
  • Lexi remains independent but allows tentative connection, leaving space for authentic relationships rather than manipulation.
  • James faces the consequences of entitlement and ego—loses influence and social currency.
  • Campus, golden-hour visuals. Wes and Emily walk together, grounded and honest. The rom-com twist, Wes and Emily grew together and end up a couple after Wes spent the whole movie chasing Lexi.
  • Lexi watches from afar, smiling subtly, empowered.
  • The story ends on a bittersweet yet hopeful note: growth, accountability, and emotional maturity, not cliché romance.

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