Event of the Century

Format: Feature
Status: Draft complete, revisions in progress

Logline: In a world decimated by a mysterious plague, a self-doubting florist and former contestant on a reality competition show must confront his past, embrace his unique talents, and lead a group of fellow competitors on a quest to survive and find hope amidst the ruins.

Summary: Beckett, a talented but insecure florist, competes alongside chefs, bakers, and mixologists in a reality competition show called, “The Event of the Century”. Despite creating a stunning floral display, Beckett fixates on its imperfections. When his direct competitor is disqualified, Beckett is declared the floristry winner by default, leaving him feeling undeserving of the title.

As the crew depart from the remote filming location, they discover that a deadly plague has ravaged the world. Everyone flees for home except the winners, Ruby, Erin, and Yena, and one of the judges, Dane. Beckett returns and reveals he knows of a safe place—his childhood home, a bed and breakfast.

As they journey through a deserted downtown and eerily quiet suburbia, Ruby comes in contact with an infected person, but Beckett refuses to leave her behind. Meanwhile Dane, the once-aloof judge, begins to show a more vulnerable side, and Beckett’s memories of his past start creeping in.

The survivors discover a group of upbeat, very healthy elderly folks who explain that those who don’t fall ill within hours of contact are likely immune to the plague. Everyone is relieved that Ruby is not infected, and Ruby expresses her gratitude to Beckett for taking a chance on her. She vows to help him come out of his shell.

Before they arrive at the B&B, they find the body of Maria, the other competition judge, who had made it quite far before dying. This triggers painful memories in Beckett of his own mother’s death, which are only exacerbated when they make it to the B&B, and Beckett sees much of his childhood home is the same, including his mother’s room.

He opens up to the group about his past, sharing his botanist mother’s unwavering support for his artistic talents and the devastating impact of her illness and death. Ruby attempts to comfort Beckett, hinting at a deeper connection between them, which Beckett misinterprets as romantic. Ruby rejects him gently, telling him she’s gay.

Drunk and embarrassed, Beckett sneaks out of the B&B and wanders around. He quickly realizes he is falling ill, not from the alcohol, but from the plague! He passes out and wakes up in the home of a kind florist stranger who recognized him from the show and nurses him back to health. Her homemade rose honey lemonade sparks Beckett’s realization that roses may hold the key to curing the plague.

Reunited with his friends, Beckett shares his theory. The group visits Beckett’s mother’s former workplace and tests the efficacy of a rose-based treatment. As word of the cure spreads, the community comes together to distribute it.

In a quiet moment, Dane reveals that Beckett was the true winner of the competition all along, validating his talent and worth.