"TBD / Chinatown" Movie Scene Sample #2

I had been asked to submit a writing sample for a potential gig adapting a book to screenplay.

 It was about a man's true life redemption story, and they offered two scenes for me to choose from - each had specific character beats or events, although the first scene was a bit more specific detailing the sequence of events.

The subject interested me, so I wrote samples for both scenes. Here is the second one, where our Hero tries to reconnect with the woman he loves - Enjoy!


EXT. CHURCH - EVENING


Dragon stands outside the main entrance, on the sidewalk at the base of the stairs, softly shuffling his feet as the breeze pushes leaves past.

The SOUND of the heavy doors cracking and creaking open prompts him to freeze in his tracks and look over.

Kate gets a full half-step out the door when she sees him. They lock eyes for a few breathes before Kate sort of nods to herself and closes the door behind her. She makes her way down the steps, moving stiffly as Dragon approaches. He greets her when she hits the sidewalk.

 

DRAGON   

Hello Kate.

 

She stops and turns to him, trying to maintain her expressionless mask.

 

DRAGON (CONT’D)

I’m out.

 

KATE

I heard.

 

DRAGON

I didn’t do it.

 

KATE

I know.

 

To hear her say that seems to lift a weight from him, and he loosens up a little.

 

DRAGON

I proved it. It took sixteen years to get them to believe me, but... I’m out.

 

She holds herself stiffly as she appraises him.

 

DRAGON (CONT’D)

You look good.

 

She’s not impressed.

 

DRAGON (CONT’D)

Are you okay?

 

KATE

I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.

 

DRAGON

It’s okay.

 

They stand in silence, watching each other carefully.

 

DRAGON (CONT’D)

Maybe we could –

 

KATE

I’m married.

 

DRAGON

I heard.

 

More silence.

 

DRAGON (CONT’D)

Can I see you again?

 

She takes a long minute to consider, which causes Dragon to squirm under her gaze.

 

KATE

Not tonight. Soon.


She turns and leaves, striding with purpose. Dragon watches her disappear around the corner to the lot. He stays standing there, as if in a daze, until he sees KATE’S CAR pull out of the lot and pass him by.

Kate glances his way as they pass, Dragon still somewhat awash in wonder at the sight of her.



©Brad Havens, January 2026


 

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