Narcos

Executive Summary




Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Recommend

Explanation: Narcos is a compelling, gritty exploration of the global drug trade, focusing on the rise of Pablo Escobar and the DEA's efforts to combat drug trafficking. With strong character development, particularly of Escobar, and a narrative that skillfully blends action with historical detail, the screenplay offers a deep dive into the complexities of the drug war. While it could benefit from tighter pacing and more developed secondary characters, its strengths in storytelling and character arcs make it a standout script.

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USP: This gripping crime drama series offers a unique perspective on the war on drugs, delving into the high-stakes world of narco-trafficking, corruption, and the personal sacrifices of those involved. Through a gritty narrative style, intense visual descriptions, and authentic character interactions, the series explores the moral complexities of the drug trade, highlighting the consequences of both criminal actions and the fight against them. The distinctive voice of the writer immerses readers in the dangerous and often brutal world of drug trafficking, offering a fresh and compelling take on this timeless theme.
Overview

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Historical

Setting: 1989-1993, Colombia, Miami, Peru

Overview: The screenplay boasts a strong overall score of 8.1, reflecting its compelling characters, engaging plot, and effective exploration of complex themes. The strengths lie in character development, dialogue, and unpredictability, while areas for improvement include pacing, character changes, and emotional depth.

Themes: Good vs. Evil, The Power of Corruption, The Importance of Determination, The Devastating Consequences of Violence, The Impact of Childhood Trauma, The Search for Redemption, The Complexity of Family

Conflict and Stakes: The main conflict in the story is between the DEA and the Colombian drug cartels. The DEA is trying to stop the flow of cocaine into the United States, while the drug cartels are trying to protect their profits. The stakes are high, as the drug trade is a multi-billion dollar industry and the cartels are willing to use violence to protect their interests.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Wire (TV Series)
  • Traffic (Movie)
  • Scarface (Movie)
  • Gomorrah (TV Series)
  • ZeroZeroZero (TV Series)
  • The Cartel (TV Series)
  • El Chapo (TV Series)
  • Snowfall (TV Series)
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$50-70 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-54 who are interested in crime dramas, thrillers, and stories about the drug trade.

Marketability: The screenplay has a strong premise, a talented cast, and a timely subject matter. It is also a well-written and suspenseful thriller that is sure to keep audiences engaged.

The screenplay has a strong premise, great characters...

The screenplay has a great plot, intense action sequences...

Profit Potential: High, due to strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for award nominations.

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Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by its gritty, fast-paced dialogue, and intense visual descriptions. The narrative is driven by the author's unique perspective on the drug war, exploring its high stakes, moral complexities, and the personal sacrifices of those involved in the fight against it.

Best representation: Scene 1 - Takedown at La Dispensaria. Scene 1 effectively showcases the author's unique voice through its blend of action, dialogue, and gritty atmosphere. The fast-paced narrative and vivid descriptions create a sense of urgency and danger, establishing the high stakes and moral complexities of the drug trade.

Memorable Lines:

  • Pablo Escobar: Gentlemen, let me tell you who I am. I am Pablo Fucking Escobar. My eyes are everywhere. You can't do a goddamn thing in Antioquia without me knowing about it. I'm going to be President of Colombia one day. (Scene 5)
  • Connie: The baby died in my hands. (Scene 11)
  • Nancy Reagan: So to my young friends out there, life can be great. But not when you can't see it. So open your eyes to life, to see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to His children. Say yes to your life. And when it comes to drugs and alcohol, just say no. (Scene 13)
  • Pablo: We'll take five. (Scene 8)
  • Murphy: Now we owned him. And he didn't even know it. (Scene 1)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a blend of gritty realism, moral ambiguity, and complex character dynamics. It explores societal issues and the darker side of human nature through nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives. The writing is often intense and suspenseful, with a focus on high-stakes situations and compelling dialogue.

Style Similarities:

  • David Simon
  • Vince Gilligan
Other Similarities: The screenplay also draws inspiration from other writers, including Steven Zaillian and Quentin Tarantino, in specific scenes. However, the overall writing style remains cohesive and consistent, anchored by the dominant styles of David Simon and Vince Gilligan.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited