The Broken Child

The Broken Child - Short Film

FADE IN:

INT. INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY

A typical small and cramped police interview room. A basic bare, sterile box, the concrete walls are an unattractive off-white.

In the middle of the room is a small table, with two uncomfortable-looking chairs on either side.

One chair is empty, and in the other sits a small BOY(6ish) wearing a school uniform in various shades of grey.

The boy sits hunched in his chair and looks fearfully around the room.

The sound of a monotonously ticking clock fills the air.

After a few beats, a door behind the boy opens and a MAN(30s) enters. He is casually dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and worn sneakers.

The boy flinches when the door opens and hunches down even more.

The man stares at the back of the boy's head, his face a mask of uncertainty.

He frowns, shakes his head, and turns to leave. As he reaches for the door handle, he pauses. Turning back to the boy, he takes a deep breath and moves to the other chair.

As he sits down, he can see how afraid the boy is. He's trembling and has tears in his eyes.

The man shifts in his chair, clearly uncomfortable. Finally, he places both hands flat on the table in front of him.

MAN (softly) It's ok kid, you don't have to be afraid.

The man slowly takes in the room and looks pained.

MAN (CONT'D) Admittedly, I don't blame you. I'm not feeling this place either. If I was better at this we'd probably be in a MacDonalds. Do you like Mcdonald's kid?

No response, the boy just stares at the desk, not making any eye contact.

MAN (CONT'D) What am I saying, of course you like MacDonalds. Who doesn't like Mcdonald's?

The man realizes he's started to ramble.

MAN (CONT'D) Ok, I feel like I've said Mcdonald's far too much. Shall we talk about something else?

Still no response. The man sits back, stroking his chin as he contemplates the boy.

MAN (CONT'D) Why don't we start with something easy? Can you tell me your name?

The man waits for a couple of beats, before carrying on.

MAN (CONT'D) My name's JOHN.

Finally, the boy looks up, staring tentatively at John.

BOY (quietly) My name's kinda like that, I'm JOHNNY.

John smiles warmly across the desk.

JOHN Well what about that, we're nearly identical name twins.

The moment is lost and Johnny goes back to staring at the desk.

JOHN (CONT'D) I meant what I said kid, you don't have to be scared. I won't hurt you.

Johnny shakes his head in denial.

JOHNNY I'm not supposed to talk to strangers, I'll get in trouble.

JOHN Tell you what Johnny, why don't you ask me some questions. The more you ask, the less of a stranger I'll be.

JOHNNY (distressed) Can't I just go home? I want to go home.

JOHN Don't get upset. Please. I just want to talk to you.