Surrogate
Dark comedy, 105 pages
After his mother’s death sends him spiraling, a lonely single father hires a surrogate mom and watches his relationships, career, and sanity unravel as she takes over his life.
“Funny, a little absurd, but with surprising emotional depth, this wacky family comedy offers audiences an entertaining night out at the movies, with enough substance underneath it to leave them fulfilled. The premise is exceptional -- familiar enough for us to get it quickly, but unique and original enough to distinguish itself from other comedies in the space. The plot gets off to a great fast start, and the writer shows off their comedic voice throughout with excellent escalating set pieces.”
- the Blacklist
“The true shining element of the story, though, is its character, and at the core of that cast are our two leads, Darren and Judith. Darren is likable, sympathetic, and driven, but deeply flawed, rife with contradictions that make him dynamic and interesting and give him room to grow and arc. And Judith is the perfect catalyst to promote that growth, challenging him to face his fears and flaws even amid her deception.”
- the Blacklist
“The dialogue is sharp, witty, and natural, and the writer makes great use of the organic character conflict to ground the more absurdist moments. It all culminates in a climax that's surprising, momentous, and cathartic, leading to an ending that's sweet-not-saccharine in all the right ways.”
- the Blacklist