Concession Draft 1

8/3/2019 Concession Draft 1

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CONCESSION

Written by

Robert William McCormack

DRAFT 1

56 Gorham Avenue October 28th, 2011Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359781 361 [email protected]


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FADE IN:

INT. HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT

Silence.

Despite its lavish decor and air of privilege, the hotelsuite is stuffy, cheerless... and nearly empty.

Sitting alone on the edge of the master bed, CONGRESSMANPETER DAHL, late 50s, is meticulously put together, his all-American charm faded beneath his weary and weathered face.

Fidgeting, he loosens his suit tie only slightly, then claspshis sweaty palms together. He sighs heavily, bracing himself.

Then...

A sharp RAPPING at the hotel door, which Dahl rises toanswer.

KIM STERLING, late 40s, stands solitary in the doorway.Shes poised and graceful, effortlessly composed, and allbusiness.

Kim is followed closely by RYAN BECK, early 40s, a boyishlygood looking bundle of tightly-wound nerves.

KIMReady?

Dahl motions them in.

DAHLDrink?

KIMI need one.

Dahl motions to Ryan, but he declines with a nod.

Kim helps herself to the liquor cabinet in the corner of theroom, pouring herself a glass of whisky, straight up.

She knocks it back almost instantly, barely flinching.

DAHLYou really did need that.

KIMI wasnt kidding.

The three sit down opposite each other in the lounge chairs.


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The tension is palpable.

DAHLSo?

KIM

Its close.

DAHLHow close?

RYANWere down 15.

KIMAnd we lost California five minutesago.

Dahl flinches.

DAHL(beat)

What about Florida?

KIMThat right there is the question ofthe night, Congressman. Wellhopefully know within the hour.

An uncomfortable silence once again settles over the suite.

DAHL

Im no fool. I know its notlooking good.

(beat)How long do I have?

RYANDepends. Call it now, you come outlooking very gracious, dignitypreserved.

DAHLOr?

RYANOr, we wait until they callFlorida. If we come out on top, wehave a slim chance. The Carolinaslook locked for us. That could beenough to push us over.

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KIMIf its as close as we think, we

may want to consider a recount.

Dahl rises, dabbing at his sweaty brow with a handkerchief.

DAHLNo. No recount. I dont want arepeat of that mess.

He paces, momentarily pensive.

DAHL (CONTD)What do you two think? What are mychances?

Kim and Ryan glance at each other, doubtful.

Dahl sits, resigned.

KIMIts in your hands now, Peter.

RYANIts a calculated risk.

(beat)You want my opinion? Dont. Aftereverything theyve thrown at you,

why not let them drag it out ofyou? If were going down, lets go

down swinging.

Dahl looks to Kim.

DAHLI take it you feel differently?

KIMIts... well, there could be aplace for you. Mitchell could makegood on his bipartisan agenda. Doit now, the possibility for

Secretary of State --

RYANAre you crazy? We agreed, were notplaying this game. Its illogical!

The three exhausted players stop.

Stalemate.

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EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT

SENATOR ELLIOT MITCHELL, mid 40s, watches his breathe in thecold night air. He shivers, shoving his hands into his coatpockets. Like Dahl, hes exhausted, and it shows across hisyouthful face.

The warm glow of a bustling kitchen illuminates the barrenpatio as the sliding glass door opens.

RENEE MITCHELL, mid 40s, emerges, phone in hand.

RENEEElliot. Its Jill. She says youvegot a call on the other line.

Mitchell turns slowly, almost apprehensively.

MITCHELL

Is it --

RENEEI think so.

A smile cracks across Renees face as her eyes gloss over.She quickly hands the phone to Mitchell.

MITCHELLIm going to take it our here,honey.

Renee just nods, disappearing into the house.

Cautiously, Mitchell puts the phone to his ear.

MITCHELL (CONTD)Hey, Jill?

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT

Dahl straightens his tie and runs a hand through his hair.

Perfect.

Kim and Ryan appear from within the suite, Ryan passing Dahla sheet of paper.

DAHLThis it?

Ryan just nods.

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KIMGood luck, Congressman.

DAHLThank You. Both of you.

(beat)

Ill see you two down there.

Dahl exhales sharply, clears his throat, and begins the longwalk down.

FADE TO BLACK.

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Concession Draft 1

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