The Fosters
The narrative begins with Jamie, an 18-year-old lass with a complicated background. Left to her own devices by a mother who succumbed to drug addiction early on in her life, the young lady has spent the majority of her years bouncing between orphanages, juvenile detention facilities, and homelessness. She is quite reserved and socially awkward, scarcely able to maintain eye contact during a conversation.
Worried about her, Jamie's caseworker connects her with a church initiative that aims to transition high-risk adolescent girls into adulthood. As she sits on the couch next to two volunteer guardians, 'Papa' Ron and 'Mama' Mary Foster, the caseworker explains Jamie's situation while they observe the timid girl with deep empathy. She awkwardly stares at her feet, unsure of how to interact with a genuine family unit.
The Fosters reassure her that they will care for her like their own child, even humorously remarking on how well they embody their family name. When the caseworker seems content and departs, Jamie lifts her gaze for the first time, quietly wishing she would stay. Papa Ron guides the caseworker out while Mary moves closer to Jamie, wrapping her arm around her.
'Things will be okay, darling,' she reassures. Jamie slowly nods and manages a smile. Papa Ron returns and settles down, patting his knee.
'Be a good girl,' he instructs, 'And take a seat on my lap!' Jamie slowly turns her face towards him, looking surprised. CUT TO TITLE PLATE The next day, Jamie is at the kitchen table, peeling potatoes, while Mama Mary stirs something behind her. The woman is teaching her about the family and their history with foster daughters.
Their lifestyle is relaxed but disciplined. There are tasks to complete, schedules to adhere to, and a strong commitment to their faith. Attendance at church four times a week, twice on Sundays, and daily Bible study.
Jamie responds absent-mindedly as she grapples with the potatoes. Papa Ron returns from work and greets his wife with a passionate kiss. As they embrace, Jamie notices the man playfully grabbing his wife's buttocks, and she turns beet red.
She's not accustomed to such displays of affection. Mama informs him that dinner will be ready soon, and Papa Ron excuses himself to freshen up. They will have their Bible study after the meal.
CUT to the living room, before a crackling fireplace. Mama Mary is listening, eyes shut and swaying, while Papa Ron recites a verse from the Bible. Jamie is seated on his lap once more, clearly uncomfortable.
Colossians 3:20 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
Papa Ron finishes and asks his foster daughter what she believes the moral of the passage is. Jamie doesn't respond. Mama prompts her to be courteous and answer.
Jamie glances up at Papa Ron and mumbles something about the importance of obeying one's parents. Mama plants a kiss on her forehead in approval while Papa Ron looks on, smiling. 'Bedtime,' he announces to the family.
CUT to the middle of the night. The camera focuses on a close-up of Jamie's face as she gradually wakes up. She's positioned on a small mattress at the foot of her foster parents' bed.
As her eyes flicker open, the camera pans out to reveal Papa Ron and Mama Mary engaged in sexual activity on the bed above her. They're unaware that she's awake, and she overhears them conversing provocatively about her. She lays there, eyes wide and anxious, as they continue to engage in sexual activity just a few inches away from her.
After a few intense minutes, she shuts her eyes in an attempt to fall back asleep. CUT to several hours later. Jamie is jolted awake by Mama's screaming.
Startled and perspiring, the girl looks up to see her foster mother's concerned face. 'You were having a nightmare, dear,' she says, holding her close. Jamie can't remember if what she witnessed a few hours earlier was just a dream.
'I'm frightened. can I stay with you?' she asks. Mama suggests that she shares the bed with her new parents. When she pulls back the covers to tuck Jamie in, Mama reveals Papa Ron.
He is reclining.
Worried about her, Jamie's caseworker connects her with a church initiative that aims to transition high-risk adolescent girls into adulthood. As she sits on the couch next to two volunteer guardians, 'Papa' Ron and 'Mama' Mary Foster, the caseworker explains Jamie's situation while they observe the timid girl with deep empathy. She awkwardly stares at her feet, unsure of how to interact with a genuine family unit.
The Fosters reassure her that they will care for her like their own child, even humorously remarking on how well they embody their family name. When the caseworker seems content and departs, Jamie lifts her gaze for the first time, quietly wishing she would stay. Papa Ron guides the caseworker out while Mary moves closer to Jamie, wrapping her arm around her.
'Things will be okay, darling,' she reassures. Jamie slowly nods and manages a smile. Papa Ron returns and settles down, patting his knee.
'Be a good girl,' he instructs, 'And take a seat on my lap!' Jamie slowly turns her face towards him, looking surprised. CUT TO TITLE PLATE The next day, Jamie is at the kitchen table, peeling potatoes, while Mama Mary stirs something behind her. The woman is teaching her about the family and their history with foster daughters.
Their lifestyle is relaxed but disciplined. There are tasks to complete, schedules to adhere to, and a strong commitment to their faith. Attendance at church four times a week, twice on Sundays, and daily Bible study.
Jamie responds absent-mindedly as she grapples with the potatoes. Papa Ron returns from work and greets his wife with a passionate kiss. As they embrace, Jamie notices the man playfully grabbing his wife's buttocks, and she turns beet red.
She's not accustomed to such displays of affection. Mama informs him that dinner will be ready soon, and Papa Ron excuses himself to freshen up. They will have their Bible study after the meal.
CUT to the living room, before a crackling fireplace. Mama Mary is listening, eyes shut and swaying, while Papa Ron recites a verse from the Bible. Jamie is seated on his lap once more, clearly uncomfortable.
Colossians 3:20 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
Papa Ron finishes and asks his foster daughter what she believes the moral of the passage is. Jamie doesn't respond. Mama prompts her to be courteous and answer.
Jamie glances up at Papa Ron and mumbles something about the importance of obeying one's parents. Mama plants a kiss on her forehead in approval while Papa Ron looks on, smiling. 'Bedtime,' he announces to the family.
CUT to the middle of the night. The camera focuses on a close-up of Jamie's face as she gradually wakes up. She's positioned on a small mattress at the foot of her foster parents' bed.
As her eyes flicker open, the camera pans out to reveal Papa Ron and Mama Mary engaged in sexual activity on the bed above her. They're unaware that she's awake, and she overhears them conversing provocatively about her. She lays there, eyes wide and anxious, as they continue to engage in sexual activity just a few inches away from her.
After a few intense minutes, she shuts her eyes in an attempt to fall back asleep. CUT to several hours later. Jamie is jolted awake by Mama's screaming.
Startled and perspiring, the girl looks up to see her foster mother's concerned face. 'You were having a nightmare, dear,' she says, holding her close. Jamie can't remember if what she witnessed a few hours earlier was just a dream.
'I'm frightened. can I stay with you?' she asks. Mama suggests that she shares the bed with her new parents. When she pulls back the covers to tuck Jamie in, Mama reveals Papa Ron.
He is reclining.
Actors:
