The Widower
The scene starts with Jim (portrayed by Charles Dera) sprawled on his bed, eyes shut after a restful night's sleep. He stirs awake, his eyes reflect his reluctance to get up. He casts a longing glance at the unoccupied side of his bed; his fingers tracing the empty space with a sense of profound loss.
Summoning energy to face the day, he takes a deep breath and swings his legs off the bed. Later, a conversation ensues between Jim and his son Josh (played by Rion King). The dialogue reveals their shared grief over the demise of Claire, Jim's spouse and Josh's mother.
Jim seems to be grappling more than Josh with their loss. Josh informs Jim that his girlfriend, Brittany (a character Jim has yet to meet), will be spending the weekend with them. Jim is fine with this, as he trusts the responsible 18-year-olds.
As if on cue, the doorbell rings, prompting Josh to get the door. He returns with Brittany (performed by Maya Kendrick), who Jim is immediately smitten with. Her resemblance to someone leaves him muttering under his breath.
Brittany appears a bit taken aback but maintains a warm smile. CUT TO TITLE Later the same day, the trio is in the living room watching a film. Brittany and Josh are cozied up on the couch, engrossed in the movie, while Jim occupies a nearby chair.
Jim's attempts to focus on the film are thwarted by his constant glances at Brittany. He seems unable to take his eyes off her, showing an almost obsessive interest. He finds himself staring at her, unable to look away.
Brittany notices his lingering gaze and he quickly averts his eyes, narrowly avoiding being caught. Jim resumes his observation once Brittany's attention returns to the movie. Later, Jim is walking down the hallway when he hears hushed moans emanating from Josh's closed bedroom.
He leans in closer to the door, listening to the unmistakable sounds of Josh and Brittany making love. Temptation reflected in his eyes, he debates over his next move. He eventually succumbs, quietly turning the doorknob.
We remain focused on Jim's face, observing his reactions as he peeks through the door's crack, the sounds of love-making now fully audible. The following day, Josh and Jim are lounging on the couch, conversing over morning coffee. Brittany joins them, settling next to Josh.
Jim struggles, yet again, to keep from staring at Brittany. From Jim's perspective, he observes Brittany, attempting to control his obsession until he can't and lets out a loud sigh. Both Josh and Brittany notice.
Jim, clearly infatuated with Brittany, contrives a reason to send Josh on an errand, leaving him alone with Brittany. In Josh's absence, an awkward silence falls. Brittany offers Jim a courteous smile which he returns, holding her gaze a bit too long.
He shares with Brittany how much she reminds him of his deceased wife, playing up his grief to the point of feigning a breakdown. Brittany displays both sympathy and discomfort. Unsure of what to do, she places a hand on his shoulder in a supportive gesture.
He looks up at her and smiles, covering her hand with his and squeezing it. He holds on a tad too long, leading her to politely withdraw her hand. Having found his opportunity, Jim capitalizes on his grief and her compassion to persuade Brittany to sleep with him out of pity.
This widower is hell-bent on never being lonely again.
Summoning energy to face the day, he takes a deep breath and swings his legs off the bed. Later, a conversation ensues between Jim and his son Josh (played by Rion King). The dialogue reveals their shared grief over the demise of Claire, Jim's spouse and Josh's mother.
Jim seems to be grappling more than Josh with their loss. Josh informs Jim that his girlfriend, Brittany (a character Jim has yet to meet), will be spending the weekend with them. Jim is fine with this, as he trusts the responsible 18-year-olds.
As if on cue, the doorbell rings, prompting Josh to get the door. He returns with Brittany (performed by Maya Kendrick), who Jim is immediately smitten with. Her resemblance to someone leaves him muttering under his breath.
Brittany appears a bit taken aback but maintains a warm smile. CUT TO TITLE Later the same day, the trio is in the living room watching a film. Brittany and Josh are cozied up on the couch, engrossed in the movie, while Jim occupies a nearby chair.
Jim's attempts to focus on the film are thwarted by his constant glances at Brittany. He seems unable to take his eyes off her, showing an almost obsessive interest. He finds himself staring at her, unable to look away.
Brittany notices his lingering gaze and he quickly averts his eyes, narrowly avoiding being caught. Jim resumes his observation once Brittany's attention returns to the movie. Later, Jim is walking down the hallway when he hears hushed moans emanating from Josh's closed bedroom.
He leans in closer to the door, listening to the unmistakable sounds of Josh and Brittany making love. Temptation reflected in his eyes, he debates over his next move. He eventually succumbs, quietly turning the doorknob.
We remain focused on Jim's face, observing his reactions as he peeks through the door's crack, the sounds of love-making now fully audible. The following day, Josh and Jim are lounging on the couch, conversing over morning coffee. Brittany joins them, settling next to Josh.
Jim struggles, yet again, to keep from staring at Brittany. From Jim's perspective, he observes Brittany, attempting to control his obsession until he can't and lets out a loud sigh. Both Josh and Brittany notice.
Jim, clearly infatuated with Brittany, contrives a reason to send Josh on an errand, leaving him alone with Brittany. In Josh's absence, an awkward silence falls. Brittany offers Jim a courteous smile which he returns, holding her gaze a bit too long.
He shares with Brittany how much she reminds him of his deceased wife, playing up his grief to the point of feigning a breakdown. Brittany displays both sympathy and discomfort. Unsure of what to do, she places a hand on his shoulder in a supportive gesture.
He looks up at her and smiles, covering her hand with his and squeezing it. He holds on a tad too long, leading her to politely withdraw her hand. Having found his opportunity, Jim capitalizes on his grief and her compassion to persuade Brittany to sleep with him out of pity.
This widower is hell-bent on never being lonely again.
Actors:
