EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - DAY

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A modest house sits on a quiet street.

 

The WOMAN, 30s, pale and gaunt, watches through binoculars from across the road.​

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A happy family emerges: FATHER (40s), MOTHER (30s), and CHILD (5).

 

They're picture-perfect.

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WOMAN'S POV: Father kisses Mother. They pile into their car, drive away.

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The Woman's lips twitch.

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EXT. HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

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The Woman circles the house, predatory. Finds an unlocked window.

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INT. HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

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She slips inside, catlike. 

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She observes the house as if she’s in a museum. 

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She runs her fingers over furniture.

 

Opens drawers, inspects the little things.

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INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY

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She breathes in deeply, savoring the scent. 

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Sees a family photo of the Mother in Father’s arms.

 

In the photo the mother wears a bright RED DRESS, with RED LIPSTICKS.

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CUT TO:

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The Woman stands before an open closet.

 

Her hands tremble as she touches Mother's clothes.

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She strips, puts on Mother's red dress.

 

It's a perfect fit.

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At the vanity, she applies Mother's perfume.

 

Stares at her reflection, puts on a red lipstick.

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INT. MASTER BEDROOM - LATER

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The Woman, still in Mother's dress, lays out Father's clothes on the bed.

 

She caresses them, brings them to her face.

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CLOSE ON: Her tongue, darting out to lick the fabric.

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She arranges the clothes into a crude human shape. Straddles them.

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INT. NURSERY - DAY

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The Woman enters the nursery,approaches the crib reverently.

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She touches the baby’s cradle gently. Rocks back and forth.

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INT. KITCHEN - DAY

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She washes the dishes, wipes down counters, sweeps floors. 

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A twisted domestic bliss.

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EXT. HOUSE - EVENING

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A car pulls into the driveway. The family is back home.

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INT. HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

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The Woman freezes. Panic flashes across her face. 

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She darts for the nearest closet, slips inside just as the front door opens. The family enters.

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DININGROOM​ - NIGHT

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Family eats dinner.

 

Woman watches through slats.

 

She in a black void, having a modest dinner. Mimicking Mother’s movements.

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LIVINGROOM

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Father and Mother watch TV.

 

Woman mouths along to dialogue, stifling laughter at jokes along side the family.

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BATHROOM

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Mother brushes teeth. Woman mirrors her actions, using her finger as a toothbrush.

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INT. NURSERY - NIGHT

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The Woman emerges from hiding.

 

She approaches the sleeping baby, lifts it gently.

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She sits in the rocking chair, begins to nurse the baby.

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INT. KITCHEN - LATE NIGHT

Mother, in a robe, descends the stairs. A noise has woken her.

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She enters the kitchen, flips on the light.

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The Woman in red stands there, frozen.

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They lock eyes. A moment of horrified recognition.

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INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER

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A figure approaching in the bedroom, slipping into bed beside the sleeping Father.

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It's the Woman, wearing Mother's nightgown. A few drops of blood on her face.

 

Father stirs, wraps an arm around her. ​The Woman kisses his hand. A serene smile spreads across her face as she closes her eyes.

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FADE TO BLACK.