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When 12-year-old Betty peacefully protests her older brother joining the military, a social media “influencer” makes matters worse with her family, friends, school, and church until Betty is forced to become her own advocate and influencer.
SYNOPSIS:
TONY and LISA ANDREWS (40s) are called into the counselor’s office at their daughter’s school. BETTY (12) used an unapproved source for her recent book report: “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes, an ancient Greek comedy that contained references to male genitalia. Betty imagines her book report titled “Love thy Enemy” as a simple anti-war theme. Local FATHER O'BRIEN (60s) endorses the concept because Jesus invented it. However, we learn that Betty didn't read the book. She relied on a two-page summary from Google. But Betty’s biggest mistake is secretly recording the school counselor, and somehow her book report and the recording escape to the Internet. Betty goes on strike and refuses to do the dishes until her brother comes home from the Army, so Lisa and Tony refuse to cook for Betty until she ends her protest.
Saturday morning, social media Mega-Influencer, DIANA DIABLO (20s), visits the Andrews home and videotapes her protest in action. The tape goes viral on the Internet and the local TV news network, creating more difficulties for Betty at school and home. However, one of Betty's classmates, SAM (12), joins Betty's protest by holding up a “Love thy Enemy” sign at the local Army Recruiting Office. Dozens of people join Sam’s protest and Diana Diablo grabs video evidence once again. Lisa, a hospital nurse in uniform, is spotted on the video next to a woman protesting high drug costs, and Lisa is sent home on administrative leave. At the same time, Tony, a plumber, has difficulty finding jobs, and Betty is expelled. Betty visits the Public Library with her friend TINA (12) where she learns about another nonviolent protester, Mahatma Gandhi. While Betty’s resolve grows, she and Sam become closer friends. However, when Betty, Sam, and Tina tell Father O’Brien that the “Love thy Enemy” concept predates Jesus Christ, the priest pulls his support for Betty.
Sunday night, Betty decides to become her own advocate and influencer. She cuts off the phony attention-seeking Diana Diablo, reads the entire books from the library, and creates a new book report on Gandhi. Armed with newly gained critical thinking skills on Monday morning, Betty and her mom set out to make amends. Betty confirms facts with the librarian, apologizes to Sam's mother and the Army Sergeant, and returns to school for a lunchtime showdown with the principal and counselor. All the students at the school are waiting outside with signs that read “We support Betty” and “Love thy Enemy.” Tony, Lisa, and Betty are surprised that the librarian's mother, a respected attorney in town, joins them to support Betty. Betty is readmitted, her brother seeks a non-combatant role in the army as a medical assistant, and Lisa gets her job back at the hospital. In the end, Betty and Sam are in love, and their hope springs eternal to end all wars.
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Hey Tom Stohlgren , great idea for a film. Relevant and good concept. Loglines are bears! I'm sure you worked a lot on this one. It has all the right stuff. Am wondering if there's more info than is necessary.
Maybe shorten it a bit?
A shy 12-year-old who objects to her brother's military enlistment butts up against a pro-war social media influencer, and clashes with family, friends, school, and church while rising into prominence as an anti-war activist.Rated this logline
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Marcos Fizzotti Thanks for the inspirational lift!
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Robin Gregory Thanks for helping. The "influencer" is simply an attention seeker. But I'll try to shorten it. Good points and special thanks. I'll keep trying.
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Ah. Influencer may need an adjective. Narcissistic? Manipulative? In other words, what makes the influencer a problem?
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You're welcome, Tom.
Marcus, you're too kind. Best of luck!
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Jim Boston Thanks, Jim, I'm humbled.