Scene
1 -
Passion and Tragedy at Café Thérèse Raquin
1 INT. CAFÉ THÉRÈSE RAQUIN - NIGHT
The Café Thérèse Raquin is modeled after the present Café
Titanic in Old Montreal as the look, and feel of this classic
cafe fits the aura of the fictional Café Thérèse Raquin.
The cafe is in the basement of an old apartment building in
Old Montreal, with two windows that peek over the sidewalks.
The cafe has brick walls with uncovered heating pipes and
vents on the walls and ceiling.
A counter with a pastry display case runs down one wall. A
wall-length cushioned bench runs along the opposite wall's
length with small tables and wooden chairs in front of it.
The only light in the dark cafe comes from a jar candle on
one table. LAURENT, mid-20s male, sits naked on a wooden
chair with THÈRÈSE, mid-20s female, with short blonde hair,
wears only an open white blouse sits on his lap facing him.
The couple is passionately kissing, and Thérèse pulls away
slightly and stares into Laurent's eyes. She then slowly
grinds on his groin. Laurent whispers to her.
LAURENT
We deserve each other.
Thérèse pauses her movement and, while she remains on
Laurent's lap, turns to the table and pours a glass of wine.
She then takes a brown vial, opens it, empties the liquid
contents into the glass, and swirls it to mix it.
THÈRÈSE
We deserve this drink as well.
Thérèse takes a long sip of wine but keeps it in her mouth
without swallowing. She then kisses Laurent and releases the
wine into his mouth. Thérèse does it again and then takes the
remaining wine in the glass and downs it herself.
Thérèse throws the glass to the floor, and it shatters. She
then passionately grinds on top of him. Laurent grabs her
under her thighs and stands up as Thérèse wraps her legs
around his waist and hands lock around his neck.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Hold me tight, Laurent.
2.
Thérèse grinds on Laurent and then he tackles Thérèse onto
the floor. Thérèse screams on impact. He is on top of her,
and she wraps her legs tightly around him. He thrusts
forcefully into Thérèse, which causes her to moan loudly.
LAURENT
I will never let you go.
His thrusts then slow down to just a wiggle as Thérèse turns
her head as her arms fall limp to each side of her head, and
her legs slide off Laurent. He looks at her face, groans, and
falls on top of her listless as well.
They lay on the floor, a guy on a girl, eight lifeless limbs
intertwining, like an octopus out of water.
2 INT. BACK SEAT OF A TAXI - CONTINUOUS - DAY
HANA, a mid-30s Korean-American female, so hip that she makes
the second-hand clothes she wears look chic sits with her
husband and reads from her phone out loud.
HANA
They died together amid sex in
their double suicide. They stayed
in their embrace until the cleaning
person found them the next morning.
Hana takes the phone and embraces it by her heart, and rocks
her head from side to side.
HANA (CONT'D)
That story is so sexy, badass, and
cool! We have to buy this cafe as I
love that romantic backstory.
DEVON, mid-30s Caucasian male, type of guy that wears a
woolen beanie on a hot summer day, shakes his head at Hana.
DEVON
I love your dark side, but can we
check out the place before we
decide?
HANA
I can't wait to do you, on the same
spot, as the tragic lovers Thérèse
and Laurent did.
DEVON
Cool your jets, and let's get ready
to talk business.
3.
Hana checks her phone and is responding to a text.
HANA
The realtor, Sue, just text me that
she is there right now to meet us.
3 EXT. STREETS OF MONTREAL - CONTINUOUS - DAY
The car drives through Old Montreal as the couple gawk,
point, and smile. The taxi drives by the ferris wheel at La
Grande Roue de Montreal, then Bonsecours Market followed by
the Notre-Dame Basilica and turns on Rue Saint-Pierre.
HANA (V.O.)
Old Montreal is so French, it is
like we are driving through Paris.
4 INT. BACK SEAT OF TAXI - CONTINUOUS - DAYHO
Hana sticks her head and arms outside the taxi window and
holds her clenched fists over her head.
HANA
Je t'aime Vieux Montréal!
Devon pulls Hana back into the car and she plops down and
puts a big long kiss on Devon's cheek as he laughs at her
excitement.
DEVON
We definitely are not in New Jersey
anymore.
Hana playfully punches Devon in the arm.
HANA
It is the perfect place for our
French Cafe location.
DEVON
French pastry, espresso coffee, and
Jersey pork roll.
The two laugh as Hana points out the window.
HANA
There it is.
4.
5 EXT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS - DAY
The narrow cafe has a sign with large red letters THÉRÈSE
RAQUIN. Below the sign is a rolled-up awning with the
word CAFE on the facade of it.
The block has several boarded-up stores, and the cafe is down
the block from the Palais de justice de Montréal, the
Montreal Courthouse.
SUZANNE, mid-40s caucasian female, looks like a Hilary
Clinton fashion model, stands in front of the cafe. Devon and
Hana pull up in front of Suzanne, and they both come out of
the car.
SUZANNE
Hana? Devon?
DEVON
Yes, you must be Mrs. Michaud.
SUZANNE
Suzanne, please. You made great
time getting here.
Suzanne shakes both Devon and Hana's hands.
HANA
I hope the cafe lives up to the
pictures you showed us.
SUZANNE
That is why we are going to check
it out today.
DEVON
So that's the courthouse across the
street?
SUZANNE
Yes, and a developer is buying
these other storefronts as the
entire block gets a facelift.
DEVON
Why didn't the developers buy the
cafe too?
SUZANNE
The Cafe owner was a personal
friend, and I promised to sell it
only to people who would keep it a
cafe.
5.
HANA
Were you friends with the suicide
owners?
Devon widens his eyes at Hana and has both palms up in front
of him in reaction to her question.
SUZANNE
Not only knew them, but worked for
them here as a waitress.
DEVON
Sorry about my wife's enthusiasm
for the morbid story.
SUZANNE
That's a positive in this case, as
the reality is the suicide story
prevents people from buying it.
HANA
I think it is romantic.
Devon shakes his head as Suzanne looks at him with a furrowed
brow and a grin.
DEVON
I know. I am in trouble.
The three share a laugh.
SUZANNE
Let's go inside, check the place
out, and then I will give you the
complete backstory to the Thèrèse
Raquin Cafe.
HANA
With all the sordid details?
SUZANNE
It is even more depraved than you
think.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Whispers of the Past
6 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - DAY
The cafe is dusty and barren as it has not been used in five
years. The brick walls are decorated with framed prints of
various Parisian scenes. There is a metal circular staircase
in the one corner of the cafe.
6.
Hana and Devon sit at a table in the middle of the cafe.
Devon works his phone while Hana gazes around at the room
with a soft smile on her face.
HANA
The rooms upstairs are small but
perfect for us to live in.
Devon puts his phone down.
DEVON
The kitchen is perfect for creating
our pastries and other baked
delights.
HANA
The brass coffee maker is in
amazingly great shape. Can't wait
to be the cool barista of our own
place.
Devon holds Hana's hands, and they smile at each other.
Suzanne walks in from outside and carries a tray with three
coffee containers.
SUZANNE
I gave you two some time to talk it
over without me in the room.
Suzanne gives each of them a coffee and sits down. The three
of them take a sip of their coffee.
SUZANNE (CONT'D)
So, what do you think?
HANA
Just one thing missing.
SUZANNE
What didn't you see?
Devon laughs and answers Suzanne.
DEVON
It is not something she hasn't seen
but something Hana hasn't heard
from you yet.
Suzanne looks puzzled and turns to Hana, and then the thought
pops in her head, and she puts her one finger in the air.
7.
SUZANNE
You want the entire scandoulous,
perverse, and sad saga of the
Thérèse Raquin Cafe.
HANA
Yes! Every detail. Do not leave
anything out.
SUZANNE
Everything?
DEVON
I know, my wife, take your time and
give us the whole enchilada.
SUZANNE
OK, sit back as it is a long story.
Some of the facts are even first-
hand accounts.
HANA
Wait. Let me record this as it
gives character to this place.
Hana takes her phone out and positions it in the middle of
the table.
HANA (CONT'D)
This is Suzanne Michaud, the
narrator of the tragic tale of
Thèrèse Raquin Cafe.
Hana gives the thumbs-up sign to Suzanne.
SUZANNE
Let's start the story right here,
ten years ago...
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Monotony at the Café
7 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - TEN YEARS EARLIER - DAY
MADAME RAQUIN, female early-60s, short brunette hair, stands
behind the counter and ties a pastry box for a female
customer. Madame slides the box to this unnamed person.
UNKNOWN FEMALE
Thank you, Madame Raquin.
MADAME RAQUIN
Enjoy, and please come again.
The customer leaves and, Madame wipes down the counter.
8.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
Thérèse. It is time to close up
shop.
Madame stops wiping and calls out again.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
Thérèse, do you hear me?
8 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
THÈRÈSE, female mid-20s, slender, wears a white apron with a
white bandana over her blonde hair, sits on a stool with
knees raised, reads a Chloe Leclair paperback romance novel
that rests on her knees.
Madame Raquin appears at the open doorway to the kitchen.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse, are you in a daze again?
Thérèse jumps up at the sound of Madame's voice and stuffs
the paperback in her apron's front pouch.
THÈRÈSE
Sorry, Mother, I didn't hear you.
MADAME RAQUIN
Really, Thérèse, sometimes you are
in a fog.
THÈRÈSE
Just reading, that's all.
MADAME RAQUIN
Not another Chloe Leclair love
novel. We need more eclairs and
less Leclairs in this kitchen.
Thérèse rolls her eyes.
THÈRÈSE
Very funny, her books relax me.
MADAME RAQUIN
I am going upstairs to start
dinner. Your husband should be home
shortly.
THÈRÈSE
I will be up in a bit to help you
after I lock up.
9.
MADAME RAQUIN
Don't forget, tonight is Thursday.
THÈRÈSE
How can I forget that?
Madame leaves the kitchen area, and you can hear her
footsteps going up the stairs to the apartment. Thérèse puts
up her index finger and rotates it in a circle while she
mumbles to herself in a sarcastic tone.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Thursday, the night when the living
dead visit us to play frigging
dominoes. Whoopee!
Thérèse grabs a cookie sheet and drags it across the floor
with her shoulders slumped.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Where in the world are dominoes the
highlight of the week?
She then flings it up on the counter as it bangs with a
clanging noise with the rest of the trays.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
We also must get dinner ready for
my pathetic husband, Camille.
Thérèse then drudges over to the doorway leading to the cafe,
takes the bandana off her head, revealing her long blonde
hair, and throws the bandana to the far counter. She looks at
the kitchen as she inhales and releases a deep breath.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Good night my faithful gallows. I
will return early tomorrow to
resume our same lethargic dance.
Thérèse turns the light off in the kitchen.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Dinner Tensions
9 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - LATER - NIGHT
Thérèse is on her knees by the dining room table, playing
with her tabby cat. She holds it tightly and gives it a big
hug.
THÈRÈSE
Oh, Francois, you are my closest
friend. I love you more than
anyone.
10.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, set the table, please.
Thérèse kisses the cat, stands, and stoically places the
dishes, glasses, and silverware on the table for dinner.
Madame Raquin comes in from the kitchen with a bowl of salad.
Footsteps are heard coming up the stairs from the cafe.
MADAME RAQUIN
It must be my Camille.
CAMILLE, male late-20s, enters the room. He wears a sports
jacket and tie that looks like a frail child wearing his
father's clothes. Camille kisses Madame on the cheek.
CAMILLE
Good evening, Mother.
MADAME RAQUIN
Good evening. My boy.
Camille then gives Thérèse a peck on the cheek.
CAMILLE
Hello, my wife.
Thérèse says hello with a grunt.
THÈRÈSE
Hello.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse, bring the chicken out, and
we can sit down to eat.
Thérèse goes to get the chicken while Madame and Camille both
sit at the table. Madame pours water into their glasses.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
How was your day?
CAMILLE
Fantastic, my friend at work,
Laurent, shared with me his skills
in painting.
Thérèse comes back in and places the chicken on the table,
and takes her seat.
MADAME RAQUIN
Laurent is a painter?
11.
CAMILLE
Yes, he is an artist and is going
to open a small studio to work out
of.
MADAME RAQUIN
Imagine a court clerk that is a
painter.
Thérèse starts to eat and only peaks with her eyes at the
conversation between Madame and Camille.
CAMILLE
He is looking for investors for his
studio, so I invited him to play
dominoes with us tonight.
MADAME RAQUIN
Do you think it is right to
pressure our old friends to invest
money in an unknown artist?
CAMILLE
Laurent will not pressure them at
all. He is a gentleman and just
wants the opportunity to share his
skills with others.
MADAME RAQUIN
I do like when Laurent. What do you
think, Thérèse?
THÈRÈSE
What's one more tedious person
playing dominoes.
CAMILLE
There is nothing tedious about
Laurent, that is for sure. Wait,
you will see.
Madame pinches Camille's cheek as Thérèse shakes her head and
puts her head down to eat.
MADAME RAQUIN
I trust you, my son. Your friend is
welcomed here anytime.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
A Game of Dominoes and Flirtation
10 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - NIGHT
In the cafe, Thérèse and Madame push tables together for the
game of dominoes. Camille sits on a stool by the counter on
his phone and gets up to help the women.
12.
MADAME RAQUIN
No, no, Camille. How many times I
have told you no physical work for
you. Now sit back down.
CAMILLE
Whatever you say, Mother.
Camille sits back down, and Thérèse slams a chair down in
place. Madame and Camille both jump at the sound.
THÈRÈSE
Sorry, it slipped. But Mother, you
also have a heart condition, and
you keep working.
MADAME RAQUIN
I am fine. The exercise does me
good.
Thérèse shakes her head with a forced grin and continues to
prepare for the game of dominoes. Madame sets up on the
counter carafes of coffee, cups, and a tray of cookies.
CAMILLE
Just got a text from Laurent. He is
here.
The door from the cafe opens and LAURENT, male late-20s,
wears a tight shirt ala Mark Wohlberg, enters with a big
smile.
LAURENT
Hello, Camille.
CAMILLE
Come in, my friend. You remember my
Mother.
Laurent walks to Madame and holds her hands with both of his,
in a hand sandwich as he speaks.
LAURENT
You look even younger than the last
time I saw you.
Madame blushes and playfully slaps Laurent on the shoulder.
MADAME RAQUIN
You are always a delight to be
around. Camille tells us you are an
artist.
Laurent looks at Camille and then back at Madame.
13.
LAURENT
I told him not to say anything to
anyone. But now that it is out,
painting is my passion.
MADAME RAQUIN
Nothing you should hide. Let the
world know.
CAMILLE
I agree, Mother. That is why I
invited him here tonight.
Camille turns to Laurent.
CAMILLE (CONT'D)
Laurent, you remember my wife,
Thérèse.
Laurent looks over at Thérèse on the other side of the table.
LAURENT
How in the world did you ever marry
the most stunning girl in Montreal?
Everyone chuckles as Thérèse blushes and bows her head
modestly to greet him.
THÈRÈSE
You are too kind.
LAURENT
I only speak the truth.
CAMILLE
Come outside with me for a minute,
Laurent, as I have something to
discuss with you.
LAURENT
I hope you two beautiful women
don't mind us stepping out.
MADAME RAQUIN
Go, go, discuss your business. The
women will set things up in here.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Evening Camaraderie at Thérèse Raquin Cafe
11 EXT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
The awning is open outside the cafe. Camille and Laurent sit
at one of the two small tables out front.
14.
CAMILLE
Don't agressively ask people to
financially support your art studio
tonight.
LAURENT
My friend, I am tactful and will
smooth-talk my way into their good
graces tonight. That is all.
CAMILLE
Good, good. Here comes Michaud and
Grivet.
Laurent turns to look down the street for the two men.
LAURENT
I know Grivet from the courthouse.
He is your boss.
CAMILLE
Yes, also an old family friend who
got me the position.
LAURENT
And Michaud?
CAMILLE
Michaud is a retired police officer
who was my father's partner when he
was killed while stopping a
dépanneur robbery.
Camille puts his head down, and Laurent pats him on the upper
arm.
LAURENT
Sorry, I stirred that sorrowful
memory for you.
CAMILLE
I'm fine.
LAURENT
Why do they go by their last names?
Grivet? Michaud?
CAMILLE
They grew up together and always
used their last names as kids.
LAURENT
Childhood friends, that is nice.
15.
CAMILLE
They wanted to keep the naming
tradition. But out of respect to my
Mother, they call her Madame Raquin
instead of just Raquin.
LAURENT
Madame Raquin is a name that honors
your Mother and your Father's
memory.
CAMILLE
It caught on, and now everyone
calls her Madame Raquin.
MICHAUD, male early-60s, has a Magnum P.I. mustache,
approaches Camille and Laurent with GRIVET, male early-60s, a
man born to wear a sweater vest.
MICHAUD
Good evening, Camille.
CAMILLE
Hello, Michaud and Grivet. Here is
my friend Laurent who will join us
in dominoes tonight.
MICHAUD
Always like some fresh meat.
The four guys laugh as Michaud shakes Laurent's hand.
GRIVET
I know Laurent from the courthouse.
Grivet shakes Laurent's hand.
MICHAUD
My son, Oliver, and his wife,
Suzanne, will be here shortly.
GRIVET
Remember Laurent, what happens in
the cafe stays in the cafe.
Grivet grins and waves his finger jokingly in Laurent's face.
MICHAUD
Especially when Grivet cries after
he loses again.
Michaud gives a hearty laugh and guides the four guys into
the Cafe.
16.
GRIVET
Not tonight, Old Michaud, not
tonight.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Art, Laughter, and Coffee
12 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - NIGHT
On one side of the table is Grivet, Old Michaud, OLIVER,
Michaud's son, early-30s, tall, thin, with a pale complexion
of a Tim Burton character, SUZANNE, Oliver's wife, early-30s,
a woman that is not wearing make-up, but should.
On the other side of the table is Laurent, Camille, Madame
Raquin, and Thérèse. Grivet just dumped the box of dominoes
on the tabletop. Madame Raquin jumps from the noise and
stands up from the table.
MADAME RAQUIN
The crashing noise of the dominoes
always startles me.
GRIVET
I love the sound of a new game.
MADAME RAQUIN
Skip me for this round as I will
get the coffee to top off
everyone's cup.
Madame gets the coffee and goes around the table, pouring as
everyone selects their dominoes tiles from the middle of the
table.
LAURENT
Oliver, you look familiar to me.
Have we ever met?
OLIVER
Not formally, but I am sure we have
seen each other in town.
MICHAUD
Oliver is the police dispatcher for
the Service de police de la Ville
de Montréal, the Montreal Municipal
police force.
GRIVET
So watch what you say, or he will
have you arrested.
SUZANNE
If that were the case, then you
would be in jail already, Grivet.
17.
Everyone laughs at Suzanne's remark as Grivet waves his
finger at her.
CAMILLE
You don't have to worry about
Laurent as he is an accomplished
artist.
LAURENT
I am but a simple struggling artist
trying to open my own studio.
OLIVER
Do you paint landscapes or life
forms?
LAURENT
You could say I'm a portraitist, as
I love painting the faces of
people.
GRIVET
Faces? How about the nude female
form? I am sure you have painted
many alluring redheads in your
time.
Madame playfully slaps Grivet on top of his head as she fills
his cup with coffee.
MADAME RAQUIN
Grivet, don't be crass again at
this table.
GRIVET
Sorry, Madame, but it is an
artistic question.
LAURENT
It is a fair question as I have
done both the male and female
bodies in my small studio.
CAMILLE
I can't imagine looking at a nude
woman posing.
GRIVET
I certainly can!
Everyone laughs at Grivet, as Thérèse just rolls her eyes.
MADAME RAQUIN
No bawdy talk here, Grivet.
18.
OLIVER
It is just art, Madame, classic
art.
Laurent looks over toward Thérèse, who smiles without showing
any teeth and then diverts her eyes.
CAMILLE
Lawerence wants to become a full-
time artist in his own studio.
MICHAUD
We would love to see your work.
CAMILLE
Laurent, show them the pictures of
your work on your phone. You will
be blown away by his skill.
Laurent takes out his phone, opens up the app with his art
portfolio, and passes it to Michaud. Oliver, Grivet, and
Suzanne all lean in to view the artwork on his phone.
LAURENT
Camille, you are too kind.
MADAME RAQUIN
Nonsense, my boy, you have a
talent, and it should be shared.
CAMILLE
Laurent also has a Go-Fund-Me page
online to support his work.
MADAME RAQUIN
I don't know any of that computer
world garble, but I know good art
when I see it.
MICHAUD
You should get more in tune with
today's world, Madame.
Madame playfully waves her hand at Michaud as he passes
Laurent's phone to Thérèse.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse, can you get us some milk
from the kitchen.
Thérèse nods to Madame and walks to the kitchen as she looks
at the pictures on Laurent's phone.
19.
LAURENT
I am looking for a patron to
financially support my studio until
I can have my own art exhibition.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Artistic Ambitions and Hidden Desires
13 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Thérèse gets milk out of the refrigerator in the kitchen. She
takes the milk in one hand and looks at Laurent's phone with
the other. She bends down on the floor to pour some milk into
her cat's bowl.
THÈRÈSE
My, my, Francois, look at these.
Laurent's phone shows nude paintings of men and women. The
conversations of the domino players are heard faintly in the
background. Thérèse stays in a crouch, petting, and
whispering to the cat as Francois laps up the milk.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
He is like a character from my
Chloe Leclair's romance novels.
Damn, I wish I had a phone like
this.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, hurry up with the milk.
Thérèse puts her phone away, scrunches up her face and sticks
her tongue out, and responds in a monotone voice.
THÈRÈSE
I'm coming, Mother.
14 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS
Thérèse comes back to the table with the small pitcher of
milk in her hands.
MADAME RAQUIN
Stop dawdling, Thérèse. Laurent
needs some milk.
LAURENT
No rush, Thérèse, as I will wait
for you.
Thérèse hands Laurent his phone back to him. Laurent takes it
with two hands and gently glazes over her hand with his as
she pulls it away slowly. Thérèse puts the milk down in front
of Laurent and goes back to her seat.
20.
MICHAUD
You understand, Laurent, that we
would like to see your work first
before making any decisions.
LAURENT
I tell you what. I will do you one
better. I will paint a portrait of
Camille.
Camille jumps up and puts both hands to his chest.
CAMILLE
A portrait of me?
MADAME RAQUIN
Oh, that would be marvelous.
LAURENT
I will come here every night for
about two weeks, and Camille will
sit for me.
MADAME RAQUIN
You will have dinner with us first
each night as I am thrilled to have
a painting of my boy.
LAURENT
Oh, Madame, you are too kind.
MADAME RAQUIN
This is very special, and you are
the one being too kind.
LAURENT
Then, all of you can judge my work
for yourselves.
MICHAUD
This is a sensational idea.
GRIVET
I like a man who bets on himself
and puts himself out there. Like me
in dominoes.
Everyone laughs at Grivet as Thérèse just rolls her eyes.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse, what do you think of this
idea?
21.
THÈRÈSE
I would love to see the artist at
work.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Ambitions in the Shadows
15 INT. DIVE BAR - LATER - NIGHT
Laurent sits at a dark bar with the only light coming from a
neon beer sign illuminating the Montreal Canadiens hockey
schedule. VIDAL, male mid-30s, a guy whose hair is always
messy but still looks good, sits with him.
VIDAL
So you think you have a pigeon to
support your artistic habit?
LAURENT
Maybe a whole pigeon coop.
VIDAL
You can quit your boring day job
then and concentrate on your
paintings.
LAURENT
I need to get an exhibit as you
did; now you are in demand.
VIDAL
But I am talented.
Laurent butts Vidal's shoulder with his.
LAURENT
My paintings are better than yours
any day.
VIDAL
But I have the patron of the arts,
Mrs. Richardson supporting me.
LAURENT
Are you still having sex with that
old biddy?
VIDAL
I do what is necessary for my
craft.
Laurent laughs and then gets serious.
LAURENT
My friend's wife is breathtaking. I
can't get her out of my mind.
22.
VIDAL
Careful, don't think with the wrong
head.
LAURENT
He is such a feeble, whiny, guy and
she is a natural beauty. I don't
know why she is married to this
loser.
VIDAL
It could be the money.
LAURENT
Maybe, but I should be painting her
sultry nude body instead of his
sickly face.
VIDAL
You are going to blow this, I can
tell.
LAURENT
Her aloofness is very sensual to
me.
VIDAL
Sensual? She probably has a social
phobia.
LAURENT
Her husband is a Momma's boy.
VIDAL
Well the Momma's boy is holding on
to his mother's apron strings
because it is connected to the
money.
LAURENT
Don't be a kill joy. I will be with
them every night for the next two
weeks, and she will be my target.
Vidal pushes Laurent's forehead with the palm of his hand.
VIDAL
Work the mother. She is the money.
LAURENT
But the daughter is to die for.
23.
VIDAL
Bartender, two more beers, as we
need to drink to the financial
suicide of my friend.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Tension in the Café
16 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - NEXT DAY
Thérèse rinses out cooking pans in the kitchen sink. She puts
the last pan on the drying rack and stares at the water
running in a daze. Her phone rings, and it takes the fourth
ring to snap her out of her daze.
Thérèse looks at her old flip phone, and the screen says
AFTERNOON HOUR BREAK. She turns off the phone and then the
running water. She dries her hands and walks out of the
kitchen.
17 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Madame Raquin sits in a chair behind the pastry counter with
a magazine in her hand. Thérèse slowly walks in from the
kitchen and walks past Madame to the stairs.
MADAME RAQUIN
Take a nap, Thérèse, as Laurent is
coming for dinner tonight as he
will start on Camille's portrait.
Thérèse shuffles her feet with her head down as she starts up
the stairs. She gives Madame an OK sign with her hand without
looking at her as she keeps her head down.
18 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER - DAY
Thérèse lays on her stomach on her bed with her cat,
Francios. She reads a Chloe Esclair romantic novel while she
pets and talks to her cat.
THÈRÈSE
This is my favorite part of the
day. No Camille, No Madame, No
Kitchen. Just me, you, and Chloe
Esclair's world.
Thérèse rolls over on her back and holds the book above her
face with both hands as she reads out loud.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Pierre takes his shirt off slowly
and reveals a solid six-pack.
(MORE)
24.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
I hope you don't mind, but I can
paint better with it off.
Thérèse turns a page and continues reading.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Louise takes his shirt and buries
her face in it to take in Pierre's
manly aroma of earth, spice, and
pine.
Thérèse clutches the book to her chest and closes her eyes.
19 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - DAY
Madame Raquin looks up from her chair at Thérèse as she walks
slowly down the stairs.
MADAME RAQUIN
I thought your afternoon break
would never end.
Thérèse looks at Madame and gives a wry smile as she mumbles
under her breath.
THÈRÈSE
Your indentured servant is always
at your bidding.
MADAME RAQUIN
What was that, dear?
THÈRÈSE
I am happy to relieve you of your
duties.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thank you, as I have to start a
special dinner for Camille and
Laurent tonight.
Thérèse puts her hand on Madame's shoulder and responds in a
sarcastic tone.
THÈRÈSE
Yes, the painting of the Mona
Camille.
Madame Raquin laughs at her pun, pats her hand, and starts
toward the stairs to go upstairs to their residence.
25.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
After I lock up down here, I will
be up to help you.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thank you, you are an angel.
Thérèse nods her head and drops it down as she mumbles to
herself.
THÈRÈSE
Yeah, I'm a real âme damnée, the
tool of another person.
20 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT SITTING ROOM - LATER - DAY
Camille sits on a chair next to the window, as Thérèse sits
on a wing chair on the opposite wall from him. Laurent sets
up his easel and puts a canvas on it between the two of them.
Madame Raquin stands at the doorway to the room.
LAURENT
We need to work on the painting
before dinner as I need the natural
light from outside.
MADAME RAQUIN
That is not a problem, as I will
leave you to your work and have
dinner ready when you finish.
THÈRÈSE
I will be down in a little bit, as
I want to see the art being
composed.
LAURENT
Yes, please stay, Thérèse, as I
want you to see your Camille
recreated on canvas for
immortality.
MADAME RAQUIN
Stay, stay, Thérèse, as I have it
all under control.
Madame leaves the room and closes the door behind her.
CAMILLE
Is this how I should sit?
26.
LAURENT
Slightly turn your head toward the
window.
Camille turns his head slightly.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
That's it. The natural light makes
all the difference.
CAMILLE
You will make me look distinguished
won't you?
Thérèse takes her Chloe Esclair paperback out and covers her
face as she rolls her eyes at Camille.
LAURENT
Yes, I will capture your piercing
eyes and it will mesmerize everyone
who looks at it.
Laurent takes off his sport jacket and turns to look for a
place to lay it, when Thérèse gets up and takes it from him
and puts it on the back of her chair. Laurent then starts to
unbutton his shirt.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Thank you, Thérèse. I hope you
don't mind, but I can paint better
with it off.
Thérèse lowers her head bashfully and stutters her response.
THÈRÈSE
No, no, not, not at all. Make
yourself comfortable.
CAMILLE
You are in charge, Laurent,
whatever you need is done.
Laurent removes his shirt to reveal a muscular torso in a
sleeveless white undershirt. He gives the shirt to Thérèse
who takes it while diverting her eyes from him.
LAURENT
OK, let's get started.
Thérèse grabs the shirt, turns her back to Laurent and buries
her face into the shirt and inhales his body's aroma.
27.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Tradition Meets Modernity
21 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - LATER - NIGHT
Madame, Camille, Thérèse, and Laurent sit at the table with
cups of coffee and a scattering of empty dishes after they
ate dinner.
LAURENT
This dinner is a unique treat for a
batchelor like me.
MADAME RAQUIN
You will eat with us every night
that you are working on the
portrait of my Camille.
LAURENT
I will have to watch my weight.
Speaking of which, why aren't you
heavier Camille?
MADAME RAQUIN
He has been sickly since birth and
he can't eat much at all.
CAMILLE
Oh, Mother, don't bore Laurent with
my past.
Thérèse doesn't say a word and removes some of the dishes
from the table.
MADAME RAQUIN
I have plenty of time to cook as
business in the cafe is very slow.
LAURENT
Madame, you need to offer Wifi for
your customers.
MADAME RAQUIN
What's wifi?
LAURENT
It will allow your customers to use
the internet on their laptops and
phones.
CAMILLE
Mother doesn't approve of the
internet.
LAURENT
It is the way we do business now.
28.
MADAME RAQUIN
None of that nonsense in my cafe or
house.
CAMILLE
We don't and never had, even a
television in our house.
LAURENT
I did notice that, but Madame this
is the 21st century.
CAMILLE
She only allows Thérèse and me the
basic flip phones on limited data
for emergencies.
Laurent reaches out to put his hand on top of Madame Raquin's
hand.
LAURENT
Madame, you have to compete against
Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and even
the Circle K convenience store for
your customers.
MADAME RAQUIN
You can't compare our pastries with
their commercial junk.
LAURENT
Of course not, but you have to
entice people to taste them and sit
in your cafe.
CAMILLE
You are wasting your time, my
friend. Work is my refuge into
modern times.
Thérèse bobs her head back and forth, rolling her eyes, out
of anyone's sight, behind Camille as she continues to clean
off the table.
LAURENT
Madame, let me put together at
least a Facebook page for your
cafe. It is purely for
advertisement.
MADAME RAQUIN
Facebook? I don't want my life
spread about.
29.
LAURENT
My painting website is helping my
career grow as I am getting
donations. You don't need donations
just customers.
MADAME RAQUIN
I don't know.
LAURENT
Do you trust me?
MADAME RAQUIN
Yes, I trust you like my own son.
LAURENT
Then let me work on it for you.
MADAME RAQUIN
OK, but nothing crazy.
LAURENT
You will have a line around the
block to enter your cafe.
CAMILLE
I don't believe it. Laurent, you
have the magic touch.
Laurent clasps Madame's hand, then let's go of it. His hand
slightly touches Thérèse's hand by accident, and he grabs it
and looks at her. She looks at Laurent but pulls her hand
away and turns her head as soon as their eyes met.
LAURENT
I look forward to assisting you all
into the modern world.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Obsession and Discontent
22 INT. DIVE BAR - LATER - NIGHT
Laurent and Vidal stand at the dimly lit bar as they drink
beers.
LAURENT
The entire family is from the 1950s
as they are so out of touch with
today's world.
VIDAL
At least you are getting free meals
out of it.
30.
LAURENT
Madame trusts me like a son now.
VIDAL
Perfect, work the money like I told
you.
LAURENT
But I can't take Camille's wife out
of my mind.
VIDAL
Forget her, she's married. I can
hook you up with Jeannie my newest
model.
LAURENT
But her husband is this sickly
feeble whiny man that can't be
pleasing her.
VIDAL
This obsession with this Thérèse
will be your downfall.
LAURENT
I have to get her.
VIDAL
So you are going to blow this
opportunity too.
LAURENT
I will get her.
VIDAL
Bartender, two more beers for my
loser of a friend.
23 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Camille lies in his bed asleep with a CPAP mask on his face,
connected to a machine with a hose. Thérèse sits up in bed
with a small reading light on, as she reads her Chloe Esclair
paperback with Francois, the cat, on her lap.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
She looks at her lover's grin as he
lies asleep on the bed.
Thérèse looks over at Camille sleeping with the CPAP mask on
drool coming out of his mouth.
31.
She closes her eyes and squints her eyes as she shakes her
head in disgust. Thérèse reads more from the book to herself.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
His muscular arms and sexy legs
escape from under the sheets.
Thérèse holds her head as she looks over at Camille, as his
frail arm that never lifted anything hangs limp like a noodle
off the side of the bed, and his chicken bone of a leg peaks
out of the sheets. She then whispers to her cat.
THÈRÈSE
Francois, this is not the lover in
Chloe Esclair's books. I ache to be
in her world.
24 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - NEXT MORNING - DAY
Thérèse bakes in the kitchen of the cafe. Camille walks down
the stairs from the residence to go to work. Madame Raquin
walks over to give Camille a send off. She fixes the collar
of his shirt and the lapels of his sports jacket.
MADAME RAQUIN
You should wear your sweater vest
so you don't catch a cold.
CAMILLE
Mother, it's summer.
MADAME RAQUIN
They keep that place much too cold
with their air conditioning.
CAMILLE
Mother.
MADAME RAQUIN
You get a summer cold every year
and it takes me forever to nurse it
out of you. Take precautions.
CAMILLE
I will be fine.
Madame kisses both cheeks of Camille's face.
MADAME RAQUIN
Be careful my sweet. Say hello to
Laurent and tell him we are having
chicken cordon bleu tonight.
32.
CAMILLE
Yes, yes, Mother, I will.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse, Camille is leaving for
work. Say good-bye.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
Good-Bye.
Madame shakes her head and waves her hand at the kitchen
toward Thérèse's voice, and kisses Camille again.
MADAME RAQUIN
Keep away from the drafts.
Camille goes out the front door to work, as Thérèse comes out
of the kitchen with a tray of croissants.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
You could've of given your husband
a kiss goodbye.
THÈRÈSE
The croissants needed me more.
Madame shakes her head as she walks toward Thérèse.
MADAME RAQUIN
The days seem to go quicker with
Laurent visiting us every day to
paint Camille's portrait and eat
dinner with us.
THÈRÈSE
They certainly do.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A Moment of Longing
25 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT SITTING ROOM - SIX DAYS LATER - DAY
Camille poses for his portrait in the chair by the window.
Laurent, in his undershirt, paints at the easel while Thérèse
sits behind Laurent curled up in the wing chair as she reads
her Chloe Esclair paperback.
CAMILLE
Remember today is Thursday, so we
have less time as it is dominoes
night.
Thérèse gives the whoopee sign with her one finger as she
continues to read.
33.
LAURENT
No one can see the portrait tonight
as I do not reveal my work until it
is completed.
CAMILLE
But Thérèse has seen every stroke
you made on the canvas.
LAURENT
She is my assistant on this
project.
Thérèse nods her head with a grin in approval.
CAMILLE
How do I look, Thérèse?
THÈRÈSE
I can honestly say you never looked
better.
CAMILLE
Excellent!
Laurent looks back at Thérèse and smiles, which causes
Thérèse to hide her smile and eyes behind her paperback.
START THERESE'S DAYDREAM
Laurent then starts to fidget his shoulders up and down. He
reaches with one hand over his shoulder as he tries to
scratch his back.
LAURENT
Thérèse, can you scratch my back as
I have a terrible itch that I can't
reach.
THÈRÈSE
What? Me? Scratch?
CAMILLE
Just get off your ass and scratch
his back so he can continue
painting.
Thérèse shoots daggers with a look toward Camille and slowly
moves to Laurent. As she gets to Laurent, a woman appears
like a ghost; CHLOE ESCLAIR, female mid-30s, looks like Daisy
Buchanon from The Great Gatsby.
34.
CHLOE ESCLAIR (V.O.)
It's me, Thérèse. Chloe Esclair
author of the novels you read.
Thérèse puts her hand on her chest and gasps silently.
THÈRÈSE
It's Chloe!
CHLOE ESCLAIR (V.O.)
I will guide you in all areas of
l'amour.
LAURENT
Please, sweet Thérèse, as it is
driving me batty.
Thérèse softly touches Laurent's neck and looks toward Chloe
Esclair for instructions.
CHLOE ESCLAIR
Touch softly from the nape of the
neck and dig your nails softly down
his spine, until he arches his head
back.
Thérèse runs her nails down his spine and Laurent's head
arches back.
CHLOE ESCLAIR (CONT'D)
Stop there as that is the spot.
Start softly but scratch that spot
harder and harder until his arms
drop to his sides.
Thérèse scratches the middle of his back, and Laurent's both
arms go limp to his side.
CHLOE ESCLAIR (CONT'D)
Now you have him in the palm of
your hand.
Laurent turns and puts his hand on Thérèse's cheek as she
gazes into his eyes.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, can you help me with
dinner as it will be ready in five
minutes.
CAMILLE (V.O.)
Thérèse, don't you hear Mother?
Thérèse moves her head back and forth in a confused state.
35.
END OF THERESE'S DAYDREAM
Thérèse drops the book from her face, and her head jolts
forward. She shakes her head side to side quickly as she
shakes off the cobwebs.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse?
THÈRÈSE
Coming Mother.
CAMILLE
Hurry, Thérèse. You need to get off
your butt and help Mother.
Thérèse gives Camille the finger out of anyone's sight behind
her paperback. Madame Raquin calls Thérèse again from the
kitchen.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, please come quickly.
LAURENT
The voice of an angel.
Thérèse gets up, talks under her breath.
THÈRÈSE
You mean the devil.
Laurent turns and looks at Thérèse.
LAURENT
Did you say something?
THÈRÈSE
I will see you two at the dinner
table.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Unexpected Wealth and Dominoes
26 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - NIGHT
Old Michaud, Grivet, Oliver, and Suzanne sit on one side of
the table. Laurent sits on the other side with Camille as
Madame Raquin and Thérèse hand out coffee cups and small
dishes.
CAMILLE
Let me go get the dominoes as we
forgot them upstairs.
36.
Camille gets up and leaves the table to get the dominoes.
Thérèse is in the kitchen to get the coffee. Madame Raquin
puts her hands on the back of Laurent's seat.
MADAME RAQUIN
My other son, Laurent, will be
finished next week with the
portrait.
LAURENT
I hope it comes out as good as the
build-up.
MICHAUD
We look forward to its unveiling
next Thursday.
Laurent kisses Madame's hand as she pats his shoulders. She
gives Laurent a bottle of water.
MADAME RAQUIN
Here is your water. Let me help
Thérèse in the kitchen with the
coffee and the pastries.
Madame Raquin walks away from the table into the kitchen.
LAURENT
I have been trying to get Madame to
create a social media presence to
improve her cafe's business.
OLIVER
You need not bother.
LAURENT
Why is that?
OLIVER
Madame does not need the business.
Laurent narrows his eyes at Oliver.
LAURENT
Everyone needs more income.
GRIVET
Not Madame, not at all.
MICHAUD
When her husband, my partner, died
on duty, she received an enormous
insurance payout and received the
maximum monthly police pension.
37.
OLIVER
My father also helped her invest
it, so she is worth well over a
million.
This news startles Laurent as he chokes on his water and
covers his mouth as he coughs up a little water.
MICHAUD
I am still her financial planner
and adviser.
LAURENT
Good God that is wonderful,
surprising, but it makes sense of
her lack of interest in social
media.
GRIVET
Social media? She wants the simple
Parisian style life of sipping
coffee detached from the rest of
the world.
SUZANNE
I don't think we should be talking
about their finances.
OLIVER
You are right, Suzanne.
MICHAUD
Madame is contented with her cafe,
her son and Thérèse,
GRIVET
And her domino friends.
OLIVER
Not to mention her new adopted son.
Everyone smiles at Laurent as he waves both his hands in
humble denial. Camille comes back, opens the domino box, and
dumps the dominoes on the table with a crash.
GRIVET
I love that sound.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Whispers of Desire
27 INT./EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - MONTAGE
Scenes 27a to 27g show the passage of time for the week
between domino games. Brief scenes as the narrator, Suzanne,
comments with voiceovers.
38.
MONTAGE STARTS
27a INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - NIGHT
Thérèse reads her Chloe Esclair novel in bed as Camille
sleeps in his bed, his face covered with a CPAP mask
connected to the CPAP machine.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Thérèse and Camille slept as
cousins. Thérèse dreams through her
paperbacks.
27b INT. DIVE BAR - NIGHT
Laurent and his friend Duval drinking beers at the bar with
pretty women around them.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Laurent is experienced in drnking
and seducing women.
27c INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - DAY
Thérèse sits in the kitchen with her cat, Francois, on her
lap as she reads the Chloe Esclair novel.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Thérèse's only two friends are her
cat, Francios, and Chloe Esclair,
who is her connection to the
sensual world.
27d EXT. BENCH OUTSIDE PALAIS DE JUSTICE DE MONTRÉAL - DAY
Laurent, Camille, and Grivet eat lunch on a bench outside the
Palais de justice de Montréal. Grivet and Camille laugh and
pat Laurent on the back.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Laurent continues his ruse of being
the best friend of Camille.
27e INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT SITTING ROOM - DAY
Laurent paints Camille's portrait as Thérèse sits with her
paperback and cat watches.
39.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Each day before dinner, Camille
sits for his portrait while Thérèse
gazes silently at Laurent.
27f INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Madame Raquin limps around the dining room table as she grabs
and holds on to each chair as she sets the table.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Madame's illness is slowing her
down noticeably now, which gives
more work to Thérèse.
27g INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - DAY
Madame fixes Camille's collar, brushes off his shoulders, and
fixes his hair at the bottom of the staircase. Thérèse stands
at the kitchen door shakes her lowered head.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Madame's pampering of her son is
nauseating to Thérèse, who can't
stomach both of them anymore.
MONTAGE ENDS
28 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT SITTING ROOM - DAY
Laurent paints some light strokes on the canvas as Camille
poses but is fidgeting. Thérèse watches with her cat on her
lap.
CAMILLE
Hurry, everyone is waiting to see
the finished portrait.
LAURENT
You don't want me to slip with the
last brush stroke, do you?
CAMILLE
You are right. I will sit still.
LAURENT
I'm only joking. I am finished.
Laurent and Thérèse laugh at Camille. Camille jumps up and
goes to the door.
40.
CAMILLE
I will see it with everyone else.
Let me go get the champagne,
Mother, and the domino gang.
Camille leaves the room, and Laurent closes the door. Thérèse
puts the cat down and stands.
CAMILLE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
He's finished!
THÈRÈSE
I should go help with the glasses.
Thérèse starts to walk out of the room, but Laurent grabs her
by the shoulders, turns her, and pulls her close, so their
faces are inches apart. Thérèse's gasps, eyes widened by the
surprise move.
Laurent kisses Thérèse hard and pulls her tight. Her first
reaction is to fight back. She pushes him away with both
hands on his shoulders. He separates only six inches, and he
kisses her again. She starts to resist but then succumbs.
The two kiss like a wife greeting her soldier husband home
when he returns from war. In an embrace with mouths attached,
they both fall into the door to the room. They continue to
kiss as Laurent's hands roam up and down her body.
MADAME RAQUIN (O.S.)
I have the tray of glasses.
MICHAUD (O.S.)
I can't wait to see this portrait.
Laurent and Camille stop their kiss, and their mouths are
separate by only inches.
CAMILLE (O.S.)
Hurry everyone.
Thérèse pulls away and fixes her hair and clothes. Laurent
covers the painting with a sheet as the door flies open.
Camille leads Madame, Grivet, Michaud, Oliver, and Suzanne
into the room.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Celebration and Discomfort
29 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - PRESENT DAY - DAY
Back to the present-day dusty and barren cafe. Devon, Hana,
and Suzanne sit at the table. Hana jumps up and gives
Suzanne's shoulder a playful push.
41.
HANA
I knew it! I was waiting for their
first kiss.
Suzanne smiles and rubs her shoulder.
DEVON
I'm sorry for my wife's
rambunctious reaction.
Hana laughs and smooths Suzanne's shoulder with both hands.
HANA
Sorry.
SUZANNE
No need to apologize. I love your
spunk.
HANA
I'm ordering pizza as I love this
story and the mystique of this
place.
Hana grabs her phone from the table and starts the pizza
order on it.
DEVON
It seems that the Raquins lived a
very sheltered life.
SUZANNE
You don't know the half of it.
Hana puts the phone back down on the table.
HANA
Pizza is ordered, and the phone is
recording the Thérèse Raquin Cafe
story, Act Two.
SUZANNE
OK, Thérèse and Laurent were almost
caught in their passionate embrace.
30 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT SITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Michaud, Oliver, Grivet, Suzanne, Camille, and Madame Raquin
stand in front of the sheet-covered canvas. Camille has a
bottle of champagne, Madame Raquin and Suzanne have the
glasses.
42.
Thérèse slowly slides back to her usual seat behind the
portrait as Laurent stands next to the canvas. Thérèse's arms
are folded as she tries to make herself look invisible.
MICHAUD
Oh right, my boy, let's see it.
Laurent grabs the sheet from the top and whooshes it off like
a bullfighter with a cape. The group all gasp in excitement.
On the canvas turned a sickly man healthy with a head of
sparse hair to look like Russell Brand.
MADAME RAQUIN
It is a masterpiece!
LAURENT
Please--
GRIVET
You look so distinguished, Camille.
CAMILLE
Yes, it is a dignified look. I like
it.
MADAME RAQUIN
I love it. Thank you, Laurent.
Madame hugs Laurent and starts crying. Laurent smiles and
comforts her tears of joy by rubbing her back. Michaud walks
closer to the painting to observe.
MICHAUD
I am not an art expert, but this is
excellent work. Camille never
looked better.
OLIVER
You have made him immortal.
SUZANNE
Camille's very soul will shine from
this painting forever.
Camille gives the bottle of champagne to Michaud.
CAMILLE
Open this bottle for me, as I can
never do it. Let's toast.
Michaud opens the champagne as Suzanne and Madame give out
the glasses. Michaud goes around pouring everyone some
champagne. Laurent looks at Thérèse, but she holds her glass
in front of her with two hands, and her head is down.
43.
MADAME RAQUIN
Raise your glasses to Laurent and
his artistic skills. He is now
officially a member of this family.
GRIVET
Here, here!
OLIVER
To Laurent!
Everyone replies, "to Laurent," and they all sip their
champagne.
MADAME RAQUIN
Come, let's go down to the cafe and
continue the celebration with our
game of dominoes.
Suzanne escorts Madame out of the room, followed by Oliver.
Michaud puts his arm around Laurent as he leads him out of
the room.
MICHAUD
After seeing your work, we have to
sit down and talk about investing
in your future.
Grivet puts his arm around Camille's shoulders.
GRIVET
Where will you hang it?
CAMILLE
Right over our beds, so Thérèse can
gaze at it when I am at work.
Thérèse chokes on her champagne coughs and covers her mouth.
THÈRÈSE
Excuse me. I have to help Madame
with the refreshments.
Thérèse scurries out of the room.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Game of Dominoes and Secrets
31 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - NIGHT
Michaud, Oliver, Suzanne, Camille, and Laurent slide over
their domino tiles to Grivet, who puts the domino tiles back
into its box. Madame Raquin puts a tray of cookies on the
table. Thérèse goes around the table pouring coffee.
44.
MICHAUD
I can't believe that Grivet won the
last three games.
Grivet puts his finger to his temple.
GRIVET
People have always said I have ESP
and can read minds.
OLIVER
What am I thinking now, Grivet?
Grivet stares at Oliver's eyes.
GRIVET
Hey, no cursing at the table!
While everyone looks and laughs at Grivet, Thérèse pours
coffee into Laurent's cup as he secretly massages her leg out
of everyone's sight. Thérèse spills some coffee and quickly
moves to pour coffee for Michaud.
CAMILLE
Thérèse, be careful with the
coffee. You are so absent-minded
tonight.
Thérèse just takes a deep breath and continues serving as
Laurent stands up from his seat.
LAURENT
You all have been so gracious, but
I must find my way home now.
Laurent reaches into his pocket and hands everyone his
business card. Laurent uses two hands to give the card to
Thérèse and slowly slides his hand off of hers. Thérèse backs
away and looks at the card.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
My cell and contact info are all
there. Contact me at any time.
CAMILLE
Thank you, my friend.
MICHAUD
You will be hearing from me.
Laurent gets his painting supplies which are at the bottom of
the stairs. He has his arms full when Madame Raquin walks to
him and grabs his head, and kisses each cheek. Laurent
struggles not to drop anything in the exchange.
45.
MADAME RAQUIN
You are welcome here anytime. Thank
you for the portrait.
Everyone gestures and says their good-byes to Laurent except
for Thérèse, who stands behind everyone.
CAMILLE
Thérèse, can you unlock the door
for Laurent? His arms are full.
Thérèse scurries over to unlock the door. As Laurent squeezes
by her with his arms full, she whispers in his ear.
THÈRÈSE
I will text you tonight.
Laurent gives Thérèse a wink and exits into the night.
Thérèse shuts the door and leans on it as she takes a deep
breath. The others are busy chatting on the night in the
background.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Secret Rendezvous
32 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - LATER - NIGHT
Camille is asleep in his bed with his CPAP mask on. Thérèse
sits up in bed and takes out her flip-phone and Laurent's
business card. She looks at Camille, then back to her phone,
glances at Camille again, then starts her text.
33 INT. DIVE BAR - SIMULTANEOUSLY - NIGHT
Laurent sits at the bar with a half drank beer in front of
him, when his phone buzzes. He looks at the phone and it says
MESSAGE FROM THERESE RAQUIN.
34 INT. THERESE'S BEDROOM/DIVE BAR
SPLIT-SCREEN — TEXT CONVERSATION
Laurent and Thérèse read their texts silently in their heads
as they type them. Thérèse sits up in her bed, and Laurent
sits at a bar.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
Are you awake?
LAURENT (V.O.)
Not yet. Glad you text me. I need
to see you.
46.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
I don't know.
LAURENT
Do you want to see me?
Thérèse types, erases, types again, erases, types a third
time, looks at it, and sends.
THÈRÈSE
I do, but it is scary.
LAURENT (V.O.)
Can you get away?
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
No, one of them is always with me.
LAURENT (V.O.)
That is weird.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
I will explain to you.
LAURENT (V.O.)
Just come to my studio after work.
Thérèse covers her face, looks at Camille, then responds.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
No, I can't. You come here.
LAURENT (V.O.)
What? How can I do that?
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
I take a rest break in my bedroom
at 3 pm.
LAURENT (V.O.)
What do I do? Bring a ladder?
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
No silly. Use the back steps. I
will be waiting for you at the top
of the steps.
LAURENT (V.O.)
I will be there.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
I will be waiting.
47.
LAURENT (V.O.)
À demain. Until tomorow.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
Tomorrow can't come soon enough.
Thérèse clutches the phone to her heart and closes her eyes.
Laurent places the phone on the bar, downs his beer, and
shakes his head with a sly smile on his face.
35 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - NEXT DAY - DAY
Thérèse sits on a stool in the kitchen, pets her cat as she
stares at the clock. The clock reads 2:45 PM. Madame Raquin
serves a customer in the cafe.
THÈRÈSE
That clock is moving slower than
usual, Francois.
Thérèse takes her phone out and checks for a text. She closes
it and puts it down on the table.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Maybe he is not coming, Francois. I
haven't heard from him all day.
Thérèse gets up and looks at her reflection in a silver tray.
She fixes her hair the best she can with her hands.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Come on, Francois, let's go
upstairs.
Thérèse grabs the cat and leaves the kitchen.
36 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Thérèse walks into the cafe with her cat and holds her head.
Madame Raquin sits behind the counter of the cafe.
THÈRÈSE
My head is killing me. I am going
up a little early to rest.
Madame walks over to Thérèse and feels her forehead.
MADAME RAQUIN
Go rest, lay down. I will call you
when it is time to lock up.
48.
THÈRÈSE
Thank you, Mother.
Thérèse slowly walks over to the staircase. At the staircase,
she looks at Madame and sees her step into the kitchen. With
that, she starts to run up the staircase.
37 EXT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE OUTSIDE - MOMENTS LATER - DAY
Laurent peeks into the Cafe window. He is careful so no one
can see him. Laurent looks left and right and walks down the
alleyway next to the cafe. He walks to the back of the cafe
to a red door.
Laurent looks right and then left and then right again. He
then slowly turns the doorknob, and it is unlocked. He looks
both ways again and opens the door. He checks again for
people and walks into the building.
38 INT. BACK STAIRWAY TO RAQUIN APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent closes the door quietly and turns. He looks up the
stairwell and sees Thérèse at the top of the stairs at the
doorway. They both exchange a smile. Laurent quietly but
still bounces up the stairs to Thérèse.
He grabs Thérèse at the top of the stairs and deeply kisses
her as she meets him in the embrace. They stumble into the
doorway in each other's arms.
THÈRÈSE
I was afraid you weren't coming.
LAURENT
Nothing can keep me from being
here.
Thérèse hugs Laurent and closes her eyes.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
You're trembling.
THÈRÈSE
Only with excitement.
Thérèse puts her finger to her lips and slowly opens the door
into her bedroom.
49.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Whispers of Desire
39 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Thérèse walks into the room in front of Laurent but holds his
hand. She quietly closes the door, then buries her head into
Laurent's chest and squeezes him. Laurent softly strokes her
hair.
LAURENT
I wanted you since the first time I
saw you.
Thérèse then takes Laurent's hand and softly kisses it after
each brief statement.
THÈRÈSE
Love me.
(kiss)
Teach me.
(kiss)
Take me.
(kiss)
Like a waltz on a dance floor, Laurent kisses her deeply and
leads his dance partner to the bed. He then slowly lowers
Thérèse onto the bed. He is on top of her with straight arms
on each side of her head looks down at her.
LAURENT
You are still shaking. Why? You are
married, so I am not your first.
THÈRÈSE
You are the first man, the first
real man.
Laurent gives her a reassuring smile.
LAURENT
Relax, as I will make love to you
like I paint, slow strokes with
bold moves.
They kiss softly, and Laurent pulls back about six inches.
After a short pause, Thérèse pulls his head down and kisses
Laurent passionately. The two then kiss and roll around the
bed in an embrace.
40 INT. COURTHOUSE OFFICES - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Camille walks over to an empty desk and looks left and right.
He talks to a FEMALE CLERK who is on an adjacent desk at work
with her PC.
50.
CAMILLE
Excuse me, have you seen Laurent?
UNKNOWN CLERK
He said he had a doctor's
appointment he will be back in
about an hour.
CAMILLE
That's funny. He didn't say
anything as we usually have our
coffee break together. I hope he is
OK.
UNKNOWN CLERK
He seemed fine as he had a bounce
to his step. Probably just a
regular physical.
Camille shakes his head back and forth and walks away.
41 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER - DAY
Laurent lies on the bed, sweaty, catches his breath. Thérèse
sits on her ankles, vajrasana yoga pose, with her hands
holding her cheeks.
THÈRÈSE
That was amazing.
LAURENT
You are incredible, and you must
drive Camille crazy.
Thérèse bursts into laughter.
THÈRÈSE
Camille? Are you kidding me?
Camille?
LAURENT
What? He's your husband.
Thérèse stops laughing and puts her hands on Laurent's chest.
THÈRÈSE
Camille and I are more like a
brother and sister than husband and
wife. We have zero passion.
LAURENT
How can he resist you?
51.
THÈRÈSE
It is a long emotionless story.
Thérèse plops down next to Laurent and buries her face into
her pillow. Laurent turns toward Thérèse and gently runs his
hand through her hair.
LAURENT
Then how did you react so perfectly
to my love making?
Thérèse turns her head toward Laurent.
THÈRÈSE
You can thank Chloe Esclair as I
learned all of that by reading her
novels.
The two both laugh.
LAURENT
Thank you, Chloe Esclair. Now tell
me the story of you and Camille.
Thérèse turns her head away from Laurent.
THÈRÈSE
I can't look at you when I tell you
this tale.
Laurent rubs her back and kisses the back of her head.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Just don't say anything until I am
finished.
Genres:
["Romance","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Trapped in Care: The Life of Thérèse Raquin
42 INT./EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - MONTAGE
Scenes 42a to 42g show the story of Thérèse and Camille. With
these brief scenes, Thérèse comments with voiceovers.
MONTAGE BEGINS
42a INT. FARMHOUSE KITCHEN BACKDOOR - DAY
A young Madame Raquin opens the back door to see a disheveled
guy in a t-shirt, jeans, tattoos down his arms, who holds the
hand of a 5-year-old little girl Thérèse in a dress with torn
sneakers and a doll in her arms.
52.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
My father was a drug addict, and my
mother was dead. Madame Raquin was
his sister, and he left me with
her.
42b INT. FARMHOUSE BEDROOM - DAY
A young Madame Raquin brings 5-year-old Thérèse to meet 5-
year-old Camille, who is sickly in bed.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
Madame tells me that Camille is my
new brother and she is my new Mom.
42c INT. FARMHOUSE KITCHEN - DAY
A young Thérèse and Camille, about 9-years-old, sit at the
kitchen table with pencils in their hands and a notebook in
front of them, as Madame Raquin teaches them math with a
small chalkboard.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
After her husband was killed on
duty, Madame was overprotective of
us. She homeschooled us, and we
hardly went into town.
42d INT. FARMHOUSE BEDROOM - NIGHT
13-year-old Camille lies in bed with covers to his neck.
Thérèse wears a long sleeve to the ankles pajama dress, gives
Camille a spoonful of three different medicines.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
My job was to take care of the
sickly Camille. This was my job
every day that I can remember.
42e EXT. FARMHOUSE BACKYARD - DAY
15-year-old Thérèse and Camille are outside in their
backyard. Thérèse, in shorts and sneakers, chases the dog and
jumps over the legs of Camille, who sits in a lounge chair
with a blanket around him.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
We were always alone together. I
was athletic full of energy, and
Camille was always thin and sickly.
53.
42f INT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
21-year-old Thérèse and Camille get married at the
courthouse. Thérèse wears a white peasant wedding dress with
a wreath of flowers on her head. Camille wears his father's
old suit that is three sizes too big.
Madame Raquin, Michaud, Grivet, Oliver, and Suzanne dressed
in their church clothes congratulate the couple, as a judge
in his robe marries them.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
I never knew any better. No
television, no interactions with
others. I was told my entire life
that we would marry at age 21.
42g INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - DAY
Thérèse, at age 25, sits in the kitchen holding her cat
staring into oblivion with her Chloe Esclair novel closed in
her hand. Outside the kitchen in the cafe, Madame Raquin is
primping Camille and kissing him on the cheeks.
THÈRÈSE (V.O.)
My only friend was Francois and I
learned about life from reading
Chloe Esclair. I was trapped, but
then you came into our lives.
MONTAGE ENDS
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Secret Embrace
43 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent softly turns Thérèse toward him in the bed. He gently
wipes her tears away from her face. Thérèse exhales a deep
breath and smiles without opening her lips.
LAURENT
You are a survivor. You deserve so
much more.
THÈRÈSE
I owe them everything as I can't
survive without them.
LAURENT
You can with me.
Thérèse grabs Laurent around the neck and pulls him to her
for a long kiss. Madame Raquin yells from the cafe at the
bottom of the stairway.
54.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, are you coming back down
soon?
Laurent jolts up as if Madame entered the room. Thérèse
laughs at Laurent's reaction.
THÈRÈSE
Relax, I don't care if she sees us.
LAURENT
Thérèse--
Thérèse yells back down to Madame Raquin.
THÈRÈSE
Sorry, I fell asleep. I will be
right down.
Laurent scuttles to put his clothes on while Thérèse rests
her head on her elbows as she lies on her stomach, watching
him dress. Laurent doesn't see the cat, and he is startled as
Francois jumps up on the bed. Thérèse laughs at Laurent.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Who are you scared of Francois?
Madame? Camille?
LAURENT
I fear no one, except maybe the
cat. But we have to be smart about
this, about us.
Thérèse gets out of bed completely naked and embraces Laurent
with a kiss.
THÈRÈSE
Come again tomorrow afternoon.
LAURENT
I will be here.
44 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - PRESENT DAY - DAY
Back to the present-day dusty and barren cafe. Devon, Hana,
and Suzanne sit at the table. Hana stands up with both hands
in the air as she interrupts Suzanne. Devon and Suzanne both
turn to Hana.
HANA
Wait a minute, wait a minute!
55.
Hana stands with both hands on the table. Her arms are rigid
and straight as she stares into Suzanne's eyes.
HANA (CONT'D)
Are they cousins? First cousins?
And they are married?
Devon gently tugs on Hana to sit back down. Suzanne leans
back in her seat and crosses her arms.
SUZANNE
First, there was no birth
certificate for Thérèse and there
are regions where it is acceptable.
HANA
Still sounds weird.
DEVON
Come on, Hana, you are more open-
minded than that.
SUZANNE
Madame was overprotective after her
husband was killed on duty. Camille
and Thérèse were homeschooled with
little contact with any peers.
DEVON
They had no television, no
internet, and lived in the hills
out of town.
HANA
Then how did they end up here in
this cafe?
SUZANNE
My father-in-law, Old Michaud, was
Madame's husband's partner on the
police force. He found Camille a
job with Grivet's help.
HANA
Why the cafe?
SUZANNE
Madame did not want to be far away
from Camille at work, and she was
an exquisite baker of French
pastries.
HANA
Ahhh, now it is making sense.
56.
DEVON
Madame was keeping her protective
bubble over the two of them.
HANA
And the two of them didn't know any
better and became totally dependent
on her.
SUZANNE
That is until Chloe Esclair and
Laurent came into Thérèse's world.
HANA
Awww, I feel bad for Thérèse and
Camille now. Did Laurent keep
seeing Thérèse?
SUZANNE
Every day in the afternoon, Laurent
would sneak up the back stairs for
Thérèse's break and make passionate
love.
HANA
That is so hot.
DEVON
Hana, my wife, that is adultery.
Hana slaps Devon's hand and laughs.
HANA
My sweet husband, you have nothing
to worry about. So, tell us more
about this affair.
SUZANNE
After about two weeks of afternoon
lovemaking, they made a dramatic
decision for their futures.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Comedic Interruption
45 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - DAY
Laurent makes love to Thérèse. He is on top of her in a
missionary position but with his arms rigid and straight.
Laurent thrusts just his hips as Thérèse's head shakes with
each thrust, and she speaks in a breathy voice.
THÈRÈSE
We need to be together, forever.
57.
LAURENT
We will--
The cat suddenly jumps up on the headboard above Thérèse,
which is Laurent's eye level, causing him to jump off Thérèse
and slips onto the floor.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
That damm cat!
Thérèse looks at Laurent, then at Francois, and laughs
hysterically. Laurent grabs the cat, opens the door, and
throws the cat out of the room.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
That cat sees into my soul. It
gives me the creeps.
Laurent plops onto Camille's bed. Thérèse then gets on all
fours and starts arching her back like a cat.
THÈRÈSE
Meow.
Thérèse walks on all fours, wiggles her ass in the air, and
stops to lick her hand like a cat licks their paws.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Is the big man afraid of a little
ole cat?
Thérèse crawls on all fours up Laurent's body and has her
hands on his shoulders and her knees on his hip area. She
then licks his face like a cat from his chin to his forehead.
Laurent laughs, grabs her and throws her on her back, and
lies on top of her face to face.
LAURENT
Where did you get this animal
passion? Is this the Café
Cleopatre?
Thérèse laughs and playfully slaps Laurent on his cheeks.
THÈRÈSE
No, this is not the red-light
district of Montreal. All of Chloe
Esclair's sexual adventures are
burned into my brain and body.
LAURENT
Thank you again, Chloe Esclair.
58.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, are you feeling any
better?
Laurent jumps out of bed and tries to get his clothes on in a
panic as they hear Madame's footsteps in the background.
Thérèse holds her stomach as she laughs at Laurent.
THÈRÈSE
I told the old bag I was sick and
needed to rest.
LAURENT
Shhh, she will hear you, hear us.
Damm.
Thérèse throws her hand down at Laurent's comment and yells
out to Madame Raquin.
THÈRÈSE
My headache is worse, Mother. I'm
sorry.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
I have a cup of Mariage Frères
tea for you. This will make you
feel better.
Laurent shakes Thérèse's arm in panic and whispers to her.
LAURENT
She is coming in. She will catch
us.
THÈRÈSE
Get down between the beds.
Laurent curls up between the beds, and Thérèse covers him
with a blanket. She slides his clothes under the blanket, and
she lies back down on the bed, feinting her headache. The
door opens, and Madame Raquin enters with a cup of tea.
MADAME RAQUIN
Oh, my poor girl, you look
terrible. You are all flushed and
sweaty.
Thérèse takes the cup of tea from Madame and takes a sip.
Madame bends down to move the blanket on the floor that
Laurent is under. Thérèse chokes on her tea and then talks to
Madame in a soft feinting weak voice.
59.
THÈRÈSE
No, Mother, leave the blankets. I
will take care of it. Please, go
back down as I don't want you to
get sick too.
Madame stands back up and puts her hands together at her
chest.
MADAME RAQUIN
OK, but you stay up here and rest.
I will do the closing up of the
cafe for you today.
Madame kisses Thérèse on her forehead and tucks her in.
THÈRÈSE
Thank you, Mother. I know I will
feel better by dinner.
Madame nods and walks out of the room, and closes the door.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Scaredy cat, you can come out now.
Laurent slowly moves the blankets off of him and peeks out
both ways before rising. Thérèse pulls him down on the bed
and hugs him from behind.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
My big strong lover is afraid of
cats and old ladies.
Thérèse laughs, kisses Laurent, then hugs him tight.
LAURENT
Very funny. We have to keep our
love a secret until we make a plan
for our future.
THÈRÈSE
Let's just run away. As long as I
am with you, I don't care where we
go.
LAURENT
Let me think for the both of us.
Thérèse gives Laurent a long deep kiss.
60.
Genres:
["Romance","Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Beneath the Surface
46 EXT. BENCH OUTSIDE PALAIS DE JUSTICE DE MONTRÉAL - DAY
The next day, Camille and Laurent sit on a bench with the
Montreal Courthouse in the background.
CAMILLE
Where do you go every afternoon
during our break time?
LAURENT
It's a secret. I can't tell anyone.
Camille puts his sandwich down as he is excited and gets
closer to Laurent.
CAMILLE
You can tell me. I am your best
friend.
LAURENT
You have to promise not to tell
anyone.
Camille puts his hand on his heart and raises the other hand
palm out.
CAMILLE
I swear.
LAURENT
I am looking for a new art studio.
CAMILLE
Why is that a secret?
LAURENT
Because I am doing it on company
time, and I plan on quitting soon.
CAMILLE
What? Why would you quit?
LAURENT
This job takes away from my passion
for painting.
CAMILLE
Is there anything I can do to help?
LAURENT
Yes, help me cover when I leave.
Tell them I am seeing a doctor or
something. Just be vague and
concerned.
61.
CAMILLE
You got it. I will create any
excuse you need to take your long
afternoon breaks to fulfill your
passion.
Laurent shakes his hand vigorously with a big smile.
LAURENT
I can't tell you how this
assistance will aid me in my
passion.
CAMILLE
You know you can count on me. One
night this week you have to come
for dinner. Mother is asking for
you.
LAURENT
How about Thérèse?
CAMILLE
She never mentions you, but don't
worry, as she has minimal reactions
to life.
Laurent turns his head and muffles his laugh with his hand,
so Camille doesn't hear him.
47 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - LATER - DAY
Laurent pushes Thérèse against the door as they have sex in a
standing position. They are nose to nose as Laurent thrusts
his hips into her as she moans with each thrust.
LAURENT
You have to thank Camille for
today's fuck.
THÈRÈSE
What?
LAURENT
He is covering for me at work.
THÈRÈSE
Oh my, God. He is so naive and such
an idiot.
LAURENT
We need him out of the picture.
62.
THÈRÈSE
Yes, we do.
LAURENT
But we want all of his money too.
THÈRÈSE
The only way we get his and
Madame's riches is if Camille dies.
LAURENT
With all of that money, I could
quit work, paint, and we could live
as a married couple.
THÈRÈSE
I dream about that every day.
Laurent thrusts several times harder in excitement.
LAURENT
Accidents happen.
THÈRÈSE
People die every day.
LAURENT
We can make this happen.
THÈRÈSE
Kill him?
LAURENT
Make an accident happen to him.
Laurent thrusts with his hips, and Thérèse responds a yes to
every thrust.
THÈRÈSE
Yes, let's do it.
LAURENT
I will plan it out.
Thérèse moans loudly. Then there is a knock on the door.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse are you OK?
THÈRÈSE
Yes, Mother, it is just my monthly
cramps.
63.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
I just wanted to remind you that it
is dominoes night.
Thérèse waves her finger in the air and mouths the word
whoopee.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Also, did you know Laurent will be
coming?
Thérèse bites her lip, not to laugh as Laurent buries his
head on her shoulder.
THÈRÈSE
Oh, yes, he is coming soon, Mother.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
What was that?
Thérèse covers Laurent's mouth as Laurent's face distorts as
he orgasms.
THÈRÈSE
Laurent is coming!
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Glad that you know, so don't play
around too long.
THÈRÈSE
No, Mother, I will be back down
soon to help out.
Madame walks away as Thérèse and Camille fall on the bed
together and laugh hysterically.
LAURENT
I don't believe how well you
handled that. I never had sex with
another person six inches away on
the other side of the door.
THÈRÈSE
It was hot in a dirty secret way. I
wanted her to see us.
LAURENT
Stop. We have to be careful. You
have to be cold to me in front of
the others.
64.
THÈRÈSE
You're right. No hints to anyone.
But what will we do about Madame
after Camille is out of the
picture?
LAURENT
Don't worry about Madame as I have
her wrapped around my finger.
Laurent puts his index finger in the air, and Thérèse grabs
it and sucks it sexually.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
A Tense Celebration
48 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - NIGHT
Laurent, Camille, Oliver, and Suzanne sit at the table, drink
coffee in conversation. Old Michaud and Madame Raquin stand
in the background as they whisper to each other. Grivet walks
to the table and sits with the dominoes box.
MADAME RAQUIN
I have an announcement. I need
everyone's attention.
Madame and Old Michaud walk to the head of the table.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
Where's Thérèse?
SUZANNE
She is in the kitchen.
OLIVER
I don't think she likes our
company.
Suzanne gives Oliver an elbow to the ribs.
CAMILLE
Thérèse, get your mopey butt out
here.
GRIVET
Cut her some slack. She works hard.
Thérèse slowly walks in with a dishtowel in her hand that she
throws over her shoulder.
MADAME RAQUIN
With Old Michaud's sage advice, I
am presenting this check to
Laurent. A donation to your future
studio.
65.
Laurent jumps up in surprise as everyone claps except
Thérèse.
LAURENT
Madame, I am speechless.
Madame gives Laurent the check. He looks at it and hugs her
tightly.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Twenty-five thousand dollars!
MADAME RAQUIN
With one condition.
LAURENT
Anything.
MADAME RAQUIN
You must call me Mother.
Laurent kisses her on the head and winks to Thérèse in a way
that no one sees the wink. Thérèse does a golf clap as she
raises her clapping hands in front of her face.
LAURENT
Mother, the next portrait will be
of you.
MICHAUD
Now, that is something I want to
see.
GRIVET
Where is your portrait hanging,
Camille?
CAMILLE
In my bedroom, because Thérèse
can't take her eyes off of me.
Everyone chuckles at Camille's remark.
LAURENT
This Sunday, I want to take Madame,
I mean Mother, Camille, and
Thérèse, to Nun's Island for dinner
and a relaxing canoe ride.
CAMILLE
That sounds awesome.
66.
LAURENT
It is my way to say thanks for this
family adopting me in this way.
MADAME RAQUIN
I am much too old.
LAURENT
No, you are young and vibrant.
MADAME RAQUIN
Oh, Laurent, you are too kind. No,
no, you take Camille and Thérèse as
they could use an afternoon in the
sun.
LAURENT
Camille, Thérèse, the three of us
this Sunday?
CAMILLE
Yes, without a doubt, right
Thérèse?
THÈRÈSE
I could use the fresh air.
LAURENT
Fantastic! Camille, Thérèse, and
me, the three musketeers on the
banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Warm Sunday Adventure
49 EXT. NUN'S ISLAND - SUNDAY - DAY
Camille, Thérèse, and Laurent walk along a path in the park.
Camille wears grey dress pants and a white dress shirt.
Thérèse wears a sundress with daisies on it and a straw sun
hat. Laurent is in golf shorts, shirt, and sneakers.
Laurent walks behind Thérèse and studies her butt as it sways
back and forth. Camille fans himself as he sweats on this
warm day. The threesome approach a park bench.
CAMILLE
Can we sit for a minute? I need to
rest.
LAURENT
Sure, sit, get yourself
rejuvenated.
Camille and Thérèse sit on the bench as Laurent paces around
and checks the area in all directions.
67.
Camille falls asleep immediately. Laurent walks behind
Camille and puts his hands inches from his throat to choke
him.
THÈRÈSE
(whispers)
No, Laurent, not like that.
Laurent draws his hands back and turns away quickly. Thérèse
exhales in relief. Laurent gets close to Thérèse's ear away
from Camille.
LAURENT
(whispers)
You must be ready today and follow
my lead. Are you with me?
Thérèse reaches up and pats Laurent on the cheek without
turning toward him.
THÈRÈSE
(whispers)
We are in this together, my love.
50 EXT. BOAT RENTAL PIER AT NUN'S ISLAND - LATER - DAY
Laurent leads Camille and Thérèse onto the pier. There are
boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent.
LAURENT
Let's rent a canoe. I will pay and
row.
THÈRÈSE
I don't know.
CAMILLE
Don't be a baby, Thérèse. A canoe
it is.
Laurent goes to pay for the rental. Camille turns to Thérèse.
CAMILLE (CONT'D)
Be nicer to Laurent. You are going
to see a lot more of him now.
Thérèse tightens her lips together and shakes her head back
and forth.
THÈRÈSE
OK, if I must.
68.
CAMILLE
This canoe ride will be romantic
for us. I want to do more things
with you as you deserve a queen's
treatment.
THÈRÈSE
Oh, Camille, you never said
anything like that before.
Camille gives Thérèse an awkward peck of a kiss on her cheek
as Laurent returns.
LAURENT
OK, you two love birds. Let's get
in canoe number five.
The three of them walk over to canoe number five. Laurent
holds the canoe steady for Camille to get on.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
First, you, Camille.
Camille gets on and is a little off balance but steadies
himself and quickly sits. Laurent then takes Thérèse's hand,
leads her to the pier's end, and whispers in her ear.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
(whispers)
We are doing this. Be strong and
smart.
Laurent tries to guide Thérèse onto the canoe, but she stops
and doesn't get on.
CAMILLE
Come on, Thérèse. Get on the canoe.
What are you scared of? I don't get
you.
Thérèse takes a deep breath, looks at Laurent, gets in the
canoe, and sits at the end opposite Camille's end. Laurent
then jumps in, pushes the canoe away from the pier, sits in
the middle of the canoe, and starts to row away.
LAURENT
We are off on our adventure.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Capsized Consequences
51 EXT. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent rows the canoe down the river. He looks both ways as
the river gets less populated with boaters.
69.
The canoe goes past one meander, and there is no one in
sight. Laurent doesn't paddle anymore.
LAURENT
I challenge you, Camille, to stand
up in the canoe.
CAMILLE
What? Stand up?
LAURENT
Yes, do you have any balance, or
are you chicken?
CAMILLE
I'm not chicken.
THÈRÈSE
You don't have to do it.
Laurent gives a stern look at Thérèse as Camille studders his
response.
CAMILLE
I-I-I will do it.
Camille stands as about 100 yards away a rowboat appears.
Laurent teasingly gently rocks the canoe causing Camille to
adjust his balance.
CAMILLE (CONT'D)
No problem.
Laurent then stands up and grabs Camille around the neck, and
chokes him.
LAURENT
You are going in the water, and you
are fucking going to die today.
Camille beats on Laurent's arms, but Laurent overpowers him.
Thérèse covers her eyes with both hands. Camille lunges at
Laurent's neck with his mouth and bites him on his lower
throat area, which causes Laurent to scream.
CAMILLE
Thérèse!
Laurent pulls Camille off his throat, which has blood running
down it. Laurent then capsizes the boat, and all three go
into the river. Thérèse screams for help. Laurent pushes
Camille underwater and swims over to save Thérèse.
70.
CAMILLE (CONT'D)
(gulping with water)
Thérèse help me.
Laurent grabs Thérèse and swims over to the capsized canoe,
and holds on with his other hand. Camille sinks into the
water. Laurent starts to yell for help.
LAURENT
Help! Help! People are drowning!
The rowboat of young college kids comes rowing to the canoe
as they saw it capsize from a distance. They grab Thérèse
onto the boat and then Laurent.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Where's Camille? Camille!
UNKNOWN ROWER
Who's Camille?
LAURENT
My best friend. He's still out
there!
Laurent dives back into the water and looks for Camille. The
college kids jump in after him and pull a fighting Laurent
back into the boat. Laurent yells in despair as Thérèse is in
shock and trembles in the fetal position in the boat.
52 EXT. MONTREAL POLICE STATION - LATER - DAY
Michaud, Oliver, and Laurent walk out of the Service de
police de la Ville de Montréal. Laurent has a bandage on the
front of his neck from Camille's bite. The three come down
the stairs and stop to talk by Oliver's car.
MICHAUD
Thérèse went to the hospital as she
is still in shock. They will keep
her overnight.
LAURENT
Poor girl. I saved her first as I
thought Camille could--
MICHAUD
Stop, you are a hero as you saved
Thérèse's life. Neither one of them
ever learned to swim. Their Mother
was too protective.
71.
OLIVER
I talked to the officers, and they
are ruling it an accidental death.
LAURENT
Of course, it was an accident.
MICHAUD
Relax, Laurent, just standard
procedure.
OLIVER
The officers told me the college
guys who fished you out of the
water corroborate your events
sequence.
LAURENT
They saw us?
OLIVER
Yes, they saw Camille standing and
you trying to get him to sit, which
caused the canoe to capsize.
MICHAUD
They said you saved Thérèse, and
they had to stop you from going
back in to save Camille.
OLIVER
You are a hero.
LAURENT
Did they find Camille's body?
MICHAUD
No, the river is deep at that
point, and the current, though
slow, still may have taken him a
mile away by now.
OLIVER
You have to figure about 48 to 72
hours before he will surface.
LAURENT
I will go to the morgue to identify
the body when they find him. I
don't want Madame Raquin or Thérèse
to see him like that.
72.
MICHAUD
Are you sure as drowned bodies
change dramatically?
LAURENT
As an art student, we used to go to
the morgue to study how to draw the
human body.
MICHAUD
Oliver and I will go directly to
Madame Raquin to tell her the
tragic news in person.
OLIVER
It is better that you are not there
when she finds out. My wife will be
there with us to assist her as it
will be a traumatic shock.
LAURENT
I will go to the hospital and check
on Thérèse. Tell Madame I am
staying with Thérèse.
MICHAUD
Come, get in the car. We will drop
you off as the hospital is on our
way.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Shadows of Regret
53 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Thérèse lies in a hospital bed staring with a catatonic stare
at the ceiling. Laurent has a bandage on his lower front neck
where Camille bit him. He sits at her side and holds her
hand. Thérèse speaks in a cold, deliberate tone.
THÈRÈSE
What have we done?
LAURENT
We did what we needed to do to be
together.
Thérèse sits up abruptly and stares at Laurent.
THÈRÈSE
We could have run away. We didn't
have to kill him!
Laurent puts his hands on her shoulders and lowers her back
to a lying position.
73.
LAURENT
Shhhh, quiet, you must not speak
those words out loud, ever.
THÈRÈSE
He was a sweet, harmless little
man.
LAURENT
Don't forget that Camille treated
you like shit and had you trapped
like a rat.
Thérèse turns her head away from Laurent.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
We can be together now. We just
have to give it some time, so no
one gets suspicious.
THÈRÈSE
Did you do this for me or the
money?
Laurent softly grabs her chin and slowly turns her face to
him.
LAURENT
I did this for you, for us. The
money is to give us the future we
always dreamed about.
Laurent softly kisses Thérèse on the lips.
THÈRÈSE
How is Mother?
Tears start to run down Thérèse's cheek.
LAURENT
Michaud, Oliver, Suzanne, and
Grivet are all with her. She is in
shock, of course.
THÈRÈSE
Poor Mother.
LAURENT
I will go to her later and take
care of her needs. But remember,
she treated you like the stepmother
in Cinderella.
74.
THÈRÈSE
Do you have no heart?
LAURENT
My love for you blinds my thinking,
but I see what those two did to
your life, my dear.
THÈRÈSE
I know, I know, I just need some
sleep.
Laurent gives Thérèse a soft but long kiss this time. As
Laurent pulls back, Thérèse notices his bandage on his neck
and puts her hand on it. Her hand's touch causes Laurent to
jolt up away from Thérèse.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Are you hurt?
Laurent covers the bandage on his neck with his hand.
LAURENT
No, no, it's nothing, just a cut.
It was from the canoe, the canoe.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Confronting Loss
54 INT. COURTHOUSE OFFICES - THREE DAYS LATER - DAY
Laurent sits at his desk at work with a group of four
colleagues who stand around his desk.
UNKNOWN FEMALE
Good to see you back at work. If
you need more than two days off,
please take it.
LAURENT
Thanks, but I need to come to work
as I was going crazy at home.
UNKNOWN CLERK
So sorry for the loss of your
friend, Camille.
LAURENT
Thank you all for your support.
UNKNOWN FEMALE
I saw the news report, and you are
a hero for saving his wife.
Laurent tilts his head with a closed-mouth smile at that
remark.
75.
LAURENT
Thank you, I don't feel like a
hero.
The colleagues pat him on the back to reinsure him that he is
a hero. Then Laurent's phone buzzes, and he checks his phone.
The phone screen reads: Service de police de la Ville de
Montreal.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Excuse me. I have to take this
call.
Laurent's colleagues walk away from his desk as he answers
the call.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
(on phone)
I will be right there.
55 INT. MONTREAL CITY MORGUE - LATER - DAY
Laurent stands with a police officer in front of a large
glass window covered with a large shade from the other side.
POLICE OFFICER
Are you ready?
Laurent takes a deep breath.
LAURENT
Yes.
POLICE OFFICER
Remember, your friend is bloated
from the time in the water.
Laurent nods his head. The police officer taps on the glass
three times and the shade slowly rises. Laurent squeezes his
hands in front of him, making his knuckles white as the shade
slowly rises.
The shade reveals a body lying on a metal table covered with
a sheet. A person in scrubs and a face mask then slowly
removes the top of the sheet to the corpse's chest.
Camille's thin, malnourished face is bloated and hardly looks
like him as his eyes are also gone. His body is blue. Pieces
of skin have peeled off of him, giving him a blotchy creepy
look. His arm slides out, and his hand is gone.
Laurent puts his hands on the side of his face with just his
fingertips pressing into him as he stares at the body.
76.
POLICE OFFICER (CONT'D)
Is this Camille Raquin?
LAURENT
Yes, yes, that is Camille.
Laurent touches the bandage on his neck, his eyes get wide,
and he screams, then he turns, grabs his stomach as his
stomach retches. The police officer gives him the bedpan that
they keep there. Laurent vomits in the pan.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Grief and Recovery
56 EXT. CEMETARY BURIAL SITE - DAY
Madame Raquin stands and holds hands with Thérèse and Laurent
on each side of her at Camille's interment ceremony. Michaud,
Oliver, Suzanne, and Grivet are also in attendance as they
listen to the Minister speak over the coffin.
MINISTER
And may we see our brother Camille
in heaven once again. Amen
EVERYONE
Amen.
The Minister clutches Madame Raquin's hands and leaves the
burial site. Madame then throws herself on the coffin.
MADAME RAQUIN
Camille, my baby, my Camille, my
love, no, no, no.
Madame weeps uncontrollably. Laurent and Thérèse rub Madame's
back. Thérèse squints her eyes with anger at Laurent, who
tilts his head and nods at Madame. The couple pulls Madame
away from the coffin.
THÈRÈSE
Come, Mother.
MADAME RAQUIN
What would I do without you,
Thérèse?
THÈRÈSE
I got you, Mother.
LAURENT
Mother, I will visit you every day
to assist in any way I can.
Madame grabs Laurent by the cheeks, pulls him to her, and
kisses him.
77.
MADAME RAQUIN
You are part of my family, and you
make my home yours.
Madame walks two steps, clutches her heart, and falls to the
ground. Thérèse and Laurent go down on their knees to help
Madame.
MICHAUD
Madame!
THÈRÈSE
Mother!
Michaud runs to Madame and turns her over on her back. He
takes her pulse and checks her eyes.
MICHAUD
She's had a heart attack. Call 9-1-
1.
57 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - ONE WEEK LATER - DAY
Madame Raquin sits in a wheelchair with her left arm in a
sling as her mouth is slightly crooked to the left side.
Thérèse helps her with her food, and Laurent sits at the
table as he sips his coffee.
MADAME RAQUIN
I want to go down to the cafe
tomorrow morning.
THÈRÈSE
But, Mother, you had a stroke only
a short time ago.
MADAME RAQUIN
I don't care as I can sit and talk
and listen to the customers.
LAURENT
It will do her good. She can't sit
up here alone crying about her son.
She needs to see people and laugh.
MADAME RAQUIN
You two are the only things that
keep me going during these dark
heartbroken days.
78.
LAURENT
I will come in the morning and
carry you down the stairs and bring
you up at night.
MADAME RAQUIN
Oh, Laurent, you are so good to me.
Will you be able to handle the
cafe, Thérèse?
THÈRÈSE
I hired Suzanne to work the counter
for us. She knows our products
better than anyone.
MADAME RAQUIN
Perfect, I always loved Suzanne.
THÈRÈSE
Let me get some more applesauce.
MADAME RAQUIN
And you Laurent will stay and eat
dinner with us each night.
LAURENT
You are too generous.
Thérèse leaves the room for the kitchen. Laurent kisses
Madame on the top of her head and follows Thérèse out of the
dining room.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Secrets and Nightmares
58 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent grabs Thérèse from behind, spins her around, and
kisses her deeply. Thérèse embraces and returns the kiss but
then pushes him away.
THÈRÈSE
Not here, not now.
LAURENT
When and where then? I need you,
remember why we killed Camille.
Thérèse covers Laurent's mouth.
THÈRÈSE
Don't say his name to me, and quiet
Madame can hear us.
Laurent nods his head in agreement, and Thérèse removes her
hand. Laurent then talks in whispers.
79.
LAURENT
I know we must be cautious, but can
I come to see you in the afternoon.
THÈRÈSE
Sorry, but I have to take care of
Mother and the Cafe now. Give me a
week to work things out here first.
LAURENT
You are right, my love. Let's keep
Mother happy, and I will work my
way into her heart as well.
The couple hugs as Laurent smiles and looks up with his eyes
closed. Thérèse lowers her head and has a frown on her face.
59 INT. LAURENT'S BEDROOM - LATER - NIGHT
Laurent's bedroom is a simple room that looks more like a
dorm room then an adult's room. Laurent tosses and turns as
he dreams.
The short montage of the Laurent's dream are scenes 59a, 59b,
and 59c.
DREAM SEQUENCE STARTS
59a EXT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE OUTSIDE - DAY
Laurent peeks in the cafe's front window, then looks both
ways before running down the alleyway to the rear of the
building. He looks both ways then enters the rear door.
59b INT. BACK STAIRWAY TO RAQUIN APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent looks up the stairwell and sees Thérèse standing on
the top landing by the door to her apartment. She waves her
fingers in the come hither movement and goes inside. Laurent
bounds up the stairs and goes into the apartment.
59c INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Thérèse lies on the bed with her arms open wide for Laurent.
He goes to the bed and stares at his beautiful Thérèse, but
then her face changes to the bloated dead blue face of
Camille, skin falling off, no eyes, and no hands.
DREAM SEQUENCE ENDS
80.
60 INT. LAURENT'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Laurent sits up in bed and gasps. He is drenched with sweat
and trembling.
LAURENT
Damm it! I have had that same
nightmare every night since I
killed that worm.
Laurent puts his hand on the red scar on his neck from
Camille's bite.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
His bite must have been venomous as
it throbs with pain. I need to
sleep with Thérèse to rid these
night terrors and the pain.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Haunted by the Past
61 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - NIGHT
Thérèse twists and turns in her bed as she is in the middle
of a dream.
DREAM STARTS
Thérèse is asleep in bed when she hears Madame Raquin's
voice.
MADAME RAQUIN (V.O.)
Thérèse, time to get up and give
Camille his medicine.
Thérèse sits up in bed, shakes her head, and wipes her eyes.
She turns her head and sees Camille in his soaked clothes
from the river sitting on his bed. He holds his bottle of
medicine and a spoon. A small fish falls out of his shirt.
CAMILLE
I'm waiting for you, my wife. I
will never leave you.
DREAM SEQUENCE ENDS
Thérèse jolts awake and sits up. She gets out of bed, takes
the bottle of Camille's medicine that is still on his
nightstand, and throws it at his portrait hanging in the
room. The bottle breaks, and the liquid runs down his face.
THÈRÈSE
I need my sleep, and these
nightmares haunt me every night. I
need Laurent with me.
81.
62 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - DAY
Suzanne is behind the counter, and Thérèse waits at the
bottom of the staircase with a wheelchair. Laurent comes down
the stairs with Madame Raquin in his arms.
LAURENT
Everyone, please rise. The queen is
entering the room.
Madame Raquin laughs and playfully slaps Laurent. Thérèse
stares off into oblivion as Laurent gently places her in the
wheelchair.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse, my dear, you look like you
didn't sleep again last night.
THÈRÈSE
I'm fine, Mother, really.
MADAME RAQUIN
Today, you take your afternoon
break like you used to do. Suzanne
is here now.
THÈRÈSE
But--
MADAME RAQUIN
No buts, you will do what I say.
Thérèse wheels her to a spot in front of the counter where
she can see the customers entering and then walks to the
kitchen.
LAURENT
Farewell, my loves, I will return
after work.
Laurent blows a kiss to the three women and leaves the Cafe.
MADAME RAQUIN
He is a guardian angel to our
family.
Thérèse drops a metal tray in reaction to Madame's statement,
and it makes a loud clanking sound. The phone rings behind
the counter, and Suzanne answers it.
SUZANNE
Thérèse, the phone is for you.
Thérèse walks over to get the phone.
82.
THÈRÈSE
No one ever calls for me.
MADAME RAQUIN
Who's calling, Suzanne?
SUZANNE
Some man sounded like Laurent, just
asked for Thérèse.
Thérèse picks up the phone.
LAURENT (V.O.)
(on phone)
Leave the back door unlocked this
afternoon. We need to be intimate.
Thérèse turns her back from Suzanne and Madame Raquin and
whispers into the phone.
THÈRÈSE
(on phone)
OK, as we need to talk first. Be
careful. Don't call here again.
LAURENT (V.O.)
(on phone)
If you would use your damn cell
phone, I wouldn't have to call you
on this phone and--
Thérèse hangs the phone up before Laurent can finish and
turns back around.
THÈRÈSE
Damm cell phone salesmen.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Whispers of Guilt
63 INT. BACK STAIRWAY TO RAQUIN APARTMENT - LATER - DAY
Laurent quietly walks in the door and slowly closes the door
behind him. Before he turns around, he hears Thérèse talk to
him in a whispery voice from the top of the stairwell.
THÈRÈSE
Did anyone see you?
Laurent responds in his regular voice volume.
LAURENT
No, I am meticulously careful and--
THÈRÈSE
Shhh! Not so loud.
83.
Laurent puts both palms up and shakes them to show
understanding. He then quickly goes up the stairs to Thérèse,
who sits on the top landing. Thérèse pats the step next to
her for Laurent to sit.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Wait. We must talk first.
LAURENT
Out here? On the stairs?
THÈRÈSE
Yes, Suzanne will hear us. She is
very nosey and suspicious.
LAURENT
Nonsense, you are just paranoid.
Laurent sits next to Thérèse.
THÈRÈSE
And you aren't. We killed an
innocent person, in case you
forgot.
LAURENT
Forget? I haven't slept since that
day.
THÈRÈSE
You too! He is haunting us. I am
sure of it.
Thérèse puts her head down on her lap and groans.
LAURENT
There is no such thing as haunting
or ghosts. We just need to be
together and make love. The
nightmares will then leave us.
THÈRÈSE
It is too risky. Let's run away and
get married now.
LAURENT
We will lose all the money, and the
police will get suspicious.
Thérèse holds her chin in thought and puts a finger up in
Laurent's face.
84.
THÈRÈSE
We need to make the others suggest
we get married.
LAURENT
Who? Madame? Michaud, Grivet,
Oliver and Suzanne?
THÈRÈSE
Yes, all of them will see how we
help Madame. How good we are
together and how unhappy we are
single.
LAURENT
It just might work. I will give it
six months, or we take action.
THÈRÈSE
It has to work.
Laurent grabs her and kisses her deeply, then whispers in her
ear.
LAURENT
Let's go to the bedroom.
THÈRÈSE
No, too risky with Suzanne. Let's
do it right here.
Laurent pushes her down on the landing and jumps on her with
a hard physical movement and aggressively kisses her, and
gropes at her clothes violently to remove them.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Tensions at the Thérèse Raquin Cafe
64 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - NIGHT
Michaud, Oliver, Suzanne, and Thérèse sit around the table.
Grivet dumps the dominoes out of the box on the table.
MICHAUD
Wait until Madame Raquin to come
down before we start, Grivet.
SUZANNE
Here she comes now.
Laurent carries Madame Raquin down the stairs, and everyone
stands and claps on her entrance. Thérèse walks over to the
bottom of the stairs with the wheelchair. Laurent puts a
crying Madame into the wheelchair.
85.
MICHAUD
Madame, you look lovely.
Thérèse wheels Madame to the table, and everyone takes turns
greeting her. Laurent grabs Thérèse's ass out of everyone's
sight, and she slaps his hand away and walks to the kitchen.
THÈRÈSE
I will get the special pastries I
made for tonight.
Laurent follows Thérèse into the kitchen.
MADAME RAQUIN
I am indebted to Thérèse and
Laurent for their nursing me back
to health and giving me a reason to
live.
GRIVET
That Laurent is a special guy.
OLIVER
And Thérèse is a saint.
65 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Thérèse holds a tray of pastries, and Laurent grabs her waist
from behind and nibbles on her ear.
THÈRÈSE
Stop, Laurent. We will get caught.
Michaud and Oliver are the police.
LAURENT
Can we meet in your room tomorrow?
THÈRÈSE
No, no sex until we are married.
LAURENT
What?
THÈRÈSE
We didn't do this to fuck around.
LAURENT
But that will take time.
THÈRÈSE
I don't care. Stick to our plan. We
will wait until then.
86.
LAURENT
But--
Old Michaud walks into the kitchen, interrupting the couple.
Thérèse gives Laurent an elbow to separate him from her.
MICHAUD
I wanted to tell you this away from
the others.
THÈRÈSE
What is it Michaud?
MICHAUD
I have advised your Mother to give
you the power of attorney for all
of her savings, business, and
personal belongings.
Thérèse drops the tray of pastries on the table in shock.
LAURENT
That makes perfect sense.
MICHAUD
It is the safe move to ensure that
Madame is taken care of for the
rest of her years.
THÈRÈSE
I am speechless.
MICHAUD
And Laurent, you have been vital to
the changes in Madame's life
recently.
Laurent nods his head sheepishly, and Thérèse turns her head
and closes her eyes tightly.
LAURENT
I love both Madame and Thérèse and
will be here for them to honor my
dear friend Camille.
Michaud pats Laurent on the arm, smiles at the two of them,
and leaves the kitchen. Thérèse picks up the tray of pastries
and starts to walk out of the kitchen. She stops and turns
her head to say something to Laurent.
THÈRÈSE
No sex until we are married.
87.
Thérèse walks into the cafe, leaving Laurent alone in the
kitchen. The cat jumps up on the table by Laurent, and he
bats the cat away and onto the floor in disgust.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Reflections and Revelations
66 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - PRESENT DAY - DAY
Back to the present-day dusty and barren cafe. Devon, Hana,
and Suzanne sit at the table. There is a half-eaten pizza in
a box and bottles of soda on the table. Hana has her mouth
agape staring at Suzanne.
SUZANNE
I'm not scaring you away, am I?
DEVON
Scaring, Hana?
Devon laughs at Suzanne.
DEVON (CONT'D)
You are just enticing her.
HANA
These two are like Bonnie and
Clyde. I'm sorry, Suzanne, as I
know this is dark, sad, and true
life, so forgive me.
SUZANNE
Don't worry about it, as it is
therapeutic for me, because I never
told anyone the entire saga before.
HANA
So she cut him off until they get
married. Had sex on the stairwell.
Do they get married? Do their night
terrors stop?
DEVON
Slow down there, girl. Let Suzanne
tell the story her way.
SUZANNE
Well, the next six months were long
and tedious for Thérèse and
Laurent...
88.
67 INT./EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - MONTAGE
Scenes 67a to 67g show the passage of time for six months.
Brief scenes as the narrator, Suzanne, comments with
voiceovers.
MONTAGE STARTS
67a INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - DAY
Thérèse sits in the kitchen reading her Chloe Esclair novel
with the cat on her lap.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Thérèse's life didn't change as she
stayed to herself with her cat and
her romance novels. Her life off of
the grid and real
67b INT. PAINTING STUDIO - DAY
Laurent works on a painting with his palette of paint, brush,
and canvas.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Without sex, Laurent worked on
improving his painting skills, for
hours and hours each day.
67c INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - DAY
Madame Thérèse sits in her wheelchair in the cafe, greeting
customers with a smile.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Madame Raquin's spirits improved
every day as she recovered from the
shock of losing her beloved
Camille.
67d INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT MADAME'S BEDROOM - DAY
A tired Thérèse, with her hair messy, dresses Madame Raquin
in her bedroom.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Every day, she dresses, cleans,
undresses, and feeds Madame.
Coupled with working the Cafe, she
was dragging like the walking dead.
89.
67e INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - DAY
Laurent carries Madame Raquin upstairs to the dining room.
Thérèse has the wheelchair, and Laurent puts her in it.
Madame has a big smile on her face and taps both Thérèse and
Laurent with her one hand that she can move.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
The stroke left Madame helpless.
Laurent would come twice a day to
carry her up and down the stairs.
Madame loved Thérèse and Laurent.
67f INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - NIGHT
Michaud, Oliver, Suzanne, Grivet, Laurent, Thérèse, and
Madame Raquin in her wheelchair play dominoes at the cafe's
table.
SUZANNE (V.O.)
Every Thursday night, they came to
play dominoes. On this one night,
six months later, they had more
than dominoes up their sleeves.
MONTAGE ENDS
68 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Michaud, Oliver, Suzanne, Grivet, Laurent, Thérèse, and
Madame Raquin in her wheelchair play dominoes at the cafe's
table. Michaud stands up to speak to the group.
MICHAUD
Let's take a break to stretch our
legs.
OLIVER
Laurent, come outside with me for a
cigarette.
LAURENT
Sounds good.
Laurent and Oliver walk out the front door of the cafe.
SUZANNE
Thérèse, I will help you get the
refreshments from the kitchen.
Suzanne and Thérèse walk into the kitchen together.
90.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A Night of Revelations
69 EXT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Oliver lights Laurent's cigarette and then his own.
OLIVER
What do you think about Thérèse?
LAURENT
I love Thérèse. As a sister, of
course.
OLIVER
Could you love her romantically?
LAURENT
She is beautiful, and we get along
very well. I never thought about
it.
OLIVER
Would you marry her?
Laurent laughs lightly.
LAURENT
Why would you think she would want
to marry me? How about Madame as
well?
OLIVER
Right now, inside, the others are
having the same conversation.
70 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Michaud and Grivet move to sit on each side of Madame Raquin.
MICHAUD
Madame, do you see how quiet
Thérèse and Laurent are?
GRIVET
They are like that every Thursday.
MADAME RAQUIN
They are always quiet.
GRIVET
They are romantically lonely.
MICHAUD
Both of them have mourned the loss
of Camille with you.
91.
GRIVET
At their age, they need the touch
of another.
MADAME RAQUIN
I never thought about it like that.
MICHAUD
They would make a great couple.
GRIVET
And they will take care of you for
the rest of your life.
Madame puts her hand to her mouth in thought.
71 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Suzanne holds open the refrigerator as Thérèse takes out a
tray of sandwiches.
SUZANNE
What do you think of Laurent?
THÈRÈSE
I love him, like a brother, of
course.
SUZANNE
Could you love him romantically?
Maybe as a wife?
THÈRÈSE
Laurent? Mmmmm, I never thought of
that.
SUZANNE
He is handsome, strong, caring, and
sensitive and loves Madame too.
Thérèse crosses her arms, holds her elbows, spins around
several times with her eyes looking up to the ceiling.
THÈRÈSE
Only if Madame gives her blessing.
72 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Laurent and Oliver come back into the room from outside.
Thérèse and Suzanne carry sandwiches into the room from the
kitchen. Madame sits in her wheelchair, and Michaud and
Grivet sit on each side of Madame.
92.
MADAME RAQUIN
Thérèse and Laurent, I have
something to tell the both of you.
Laurent walks over to Thérèse, and they look at Madame.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
You two are the most important
people in my life. I know that
Camille would want me to stay close
with the both of you.
Madame starts tearing up and wipes the tears away.
MADAME RAQUIN (CONT'D)
If you two wish to marry, I give
you my blessing.
Laurent's jaw drops, and he looks at Thérèse, then Madame,
then everyone in the room. Thérèse stares at Madame like a
deer stares at the headlights of a car.
LAURENT
It would be an honor on so many
levels.
MADAME RAQUIN
And you, Thérèse?
Thérèse slowly nods her head and whispers.
THÈRÈSE
I do, too.
Laurent hugs Thérèse, and everyone cheers.
GRIVET
I knew we could make this happen!
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Haunted by the Past
73 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Laurent in a black suit carries Madame, in a pink gown and a
corsage, into the room. Walking behind them is Thérèse, in a
white peasant dress, carries a wedding bouquet.
LAURENT
That was a beautiful wedding and
dinner party.
MADAME RAQUIN
You are supposed to carry your wife
over the threshold, not your
Mother-in-law.
93.
LAURENT
I married you as well tonight.
THÈRÈSE
Carry Mother into her room. I will
change her and then join you in the
bridal suite.
MADAME RAQUIN
Awwww, sounds like my family may
get larger soon.
They all laugh their way into Madame's bedroom.
74 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Laurent sits in one of the two rocking chairs that are in the
corner of the room. He loosens his shirt and tie and puts his
hand on the red scar on his neck as he grimaces in pain.
He looks up and sees the portrait of Camille that he painted
hanging on the wall. He stands up, backs up away from it,
trips on the cat, falls on his ass, and screams.
LAURENT
Get away from me! Get away!
Thérèse comes into the bedroom and sees Laurent on the floor.
She runs to him gets down on a knee to help him. He points at
the painting.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Why is this in here? Get rid of it.
THÈRÈSE
Relax, it is the painting you did.
Tomorrow you can put it in Madame's
room.
Laurent grabs at the scar on his neck.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
That scar, where did you get it? It
looks redder than before.
Thérèse tries to touch it, and Laurent rolls away.
LAURENT
It's where Camille bit me.
Laurent grabs Thérèse and forces her head and mouth on the
scar on his neck.
94.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Kiss it! Kiss it so that it will go
away.
Thérèse pushes Laurent trying to get away. Laurent holds on
to her as they roll on the ground. Thérèse gets free and
stands up.
THÈRÈSE
We will never get rid of him.
Laurent stands up and grabs Thérèse by the shoulders.
LAURENT
It's our wedding night. Let's fuck
and get him out of our lives
forever.
Laurent throws Thérèse onto the bed and is about to pounce on
her when he sees Camille, the way he looked in the morgue.
Thérèse looks up, and instead of seeing Laurent sees Camille
in the wet clothes he drowned in with wet hair and face.
They both scream simultaneously. Thérèse rolls off of the bed
onto the floor and curls in the fetal position. Laurent dives
behind the chair and cowers with his face covered behind it.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Obsession Unraveled
75 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT MADAME'S BEDROOM - NEXT MORNING - DAY
Madame Raquin lies in bed awake on a sunny morning.
MADAME RAQUIN
I hope Thérèse remembers to get me.
They were really loud last night in
bed.
Madame laughs to herself when there is a knock at the door.
LAURENT (V.O.)
I'm coming in, Mother, with a
surprise.
The door opens, and Laurent comes in with the portrait of
Camille that he painted. He goes to the space next to the
window.
LAURENT
There is an empty hook here. Your
Camille belongs here with you.
Laurent comes over and kisses Madame on her head.
95.
MADAME RAQUIN
Oh, thank you, Laurent. You truly
loved Camille too.
LAURENT
You have no idea how much he is in
my thoughts every day.
76 INT. PAINTING STUDIO - LATER - DAY
Laurent stands with his friend Vidal in his studio. There are
dozens of various paintings around the room.
LAURENT
Thanks for coming to evaluate my
work.
VIDAL
I can't believe this is what you
are doing on your honeymoon.
Vidal laughs, but Laurent can only smirk. Vidal walks around
the room, checking the paintings. He nods his head, purses
his lips, steps back, steps close, then stands in the middle
of the room with his arms crossed.
VIDAL (CONT'D)
This is exceptional work. You have
improved so much that I think you
are ready for an exhibit.
LAURENT
Yes! That is the best news I heard
in a long, long time.
VIDAL
One problem. All of these paintings
are of the same face. Old, young,
male, or female, it is the same
face.
Laurent spins around the room with his mouth open like he
sees his paintings for the first time. Every painting has
Camille's face on it.
VIDAL (CONT'D)
Diversify your model, and you got
it, my friend.
Vidal pats Laurent's shoulder and leaves the studio. Laurent
screams.
96.
LAURENT
Camille! Fucking Camille! Your face
is in every picture. Stop haunting
me!
Laurent goes around the room punching holes in the canvases,
breaking some over his knee, steps on paintings on the floor
as he completely destroys all his work.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Beneath the Surface of Guilt
77 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - LATER - DAY
Thérèse brings a tray of croissants from the kitchen and
struggles to get it in the case. Suzanne comes over and helps
Thérèse and puts it in the case for her.
SUZANNE
The newlywed is extra tired today.
Did Laurent keep you up all night?
THÈRÈSE
Very funny, I'm just getting old.
The cafe door flies open, and Laurent comes in from outside.
LAURENT
That's it. I quit my job at the
courthouse as I need to focus on my
painting.
Laurent bounds up the steps as Thérèse and Suzanne look at
each other with puzzled looks on their faces.
78 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent takes a beer out of the refrigerator, opens it, and
takes a long swig of it. Thérèse comes into the kitchen and
throws the dish towel she had in her hand down on the table.
THÈRÈSE
Why did you quit? You never said
anything to me.
LAURENT
We got the old lady's money now,
and I don't have to work anymore.
THÈRÈSE
Shhh, quiet.
Thérèse tries to put her hand over his mouth to stifle him,
but Laurent brushes her arm away.
97.
LAURENT
We killed Camille, and I am tired
of waiting for the benefits of sex
with you and money from Madame.
Madame Raquin sits in her wheelchair at the doorway, eyes
widen, and face reddens.
MADAME RAQUIN
Murderers! Oh Camille! My Camille!
My babyboy!
Madame's body goes limp, and she slumps in her chair.
LAURENT
What the fuck? How did she get up
here?
THÈRÈSE
Suzanne helped me carry her up here
as she was tired from the wedding.
LAURENT
Shit, she heard everything.
THÈRÈSE
Call 9-1-1.
LAURENT
But--
THÈRÈSE
9-1-1-!
79 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Thérèse and Laurent sit on the couch without making a sound.
The only sound is the ticking of the clock on the wall.
Laurent breaks the silence.
LAURENT
The doctor said she had an
irreversible catatonic stroke. She
can't talk or move her hands, arms,
or legs.
THÈRÈSE
But she can still see and hear.
LAURENT
She can't tell anybody what she
heard me say.
98.
THÈRÈSE
That's all you care about.
LAURENT
We both better care about that, or
we will both get the chair.
THÈRÈSE
Maybe I will go to the police
myself.
Laurent grabs her throat and throws her to the ground. He
gets on top of her, and his face is inches from hers.
LAURENT
Don't ever say that again. When we
get Madame in a few days, I will
help you care for her. Then after a
few weeks, we put her in a home.
THÈRÈSE
A home? After all, she did for us?
LAURENT
She fucked up your entire life that
overprotected control freak. She
needs to be in a home, but we will
look like we tried first.
THÈRÈSE
I don't give a shit about the money
anymore.
LAURENT
But I do.
80 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - WEEK LATER - DAY
Laurent walks into the room with Madame Raquin in his arms.
Madame's arms and legs are limp. Thérèse sits at the table
with a bowl of oatmeal.
LAURENT
You are back in your loving home
with your beloved Thérèse and
Laurent.
Madame's eyes narrow in hatred at Laurent.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Look at her. She hates us.
99.
Laurent puts her in the wheelchair. Thérèse puts a bib on her
and adjusts her in the chair.
THÈRÈSE
Time to eat something, Mother.
Thérèse forces a spoonful of oatmeal into her mouth. The
oatmeal runs down her face. Madame's eyes are like daggers as
she stares at Thérèse, which causes Thérèse to drop the
spoon.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
She wants us dead.
LAURENT
Why? Because we killed her worm of
a son, Camille.
Laurent gets to within inches of Madame's face.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
We killed him, and we are getting
all your money, and there is
nothing you can do about it.
Thérèse pushes Laurent away as she stands in front of Madame.
THÈRÈSE
There is no need to be cruel. She
is suffering enough.
Thérèse goes down on her knees in front of Madame and puts
Madame's hands in hers.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Laurent killed him, not me. I will
take care of you.
Laurent grabs Thérèse by the hair, picks her up off the
ground, and puts her face even with Madame's face.
LAURENT
She is a liar. She begged for me to
kill Camille. We fucked each other
while Camille was living, and you
were downstairs in the cafe.
Thérèse pulls away and puts her face on Madame's lap.
THÈRÈSE
Stop! No more torture for us.
100.
LAURENT
Torture? How about the hell in the
bedroom? I am going to fuck your
brains out now!
Laurent picks Thérèse off of Madame's lap and forces a long
kiss on her in front of Madame. Thérèse tries to push away,
but Laurent is too strong. His hands go between her legs just
feet away from Madame's eyes.
Thérèse wraps her legs around Laurent as they continue to
kiss each other violently. Thérèse pulls her face away and
looks down at Madame.
THÈRÈSE
Not here, take me to our bedroom.
Laurent looks down at Madame.
LAURENT
Sorry, Madame, the show is over as
I will do it on Camille's bed.
Laurent walks with Thérèse's legs wrapped around his waist
and her arms tight around his shoulders. They stumble out of
the room in the embrace. Madame sits alone in her wheelchair
with tears running down her face.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Chaos of Desire and Despair
81 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Laurent stumbles into the bedroom with Thérèse wrapped around
him. He tackles her onto the bed and passionately kisses her.
His hands grope at her breasts and slide down between her
legs.
Thérèse moans as Laurent rips her panties off and pushes her
legs up in the air. He drops his pants, enters Thérèse. He
holds her legs from behind her knees and leans forward, and
stares into Thérèse's eyes as he thrusts violently.
LAURENT
Yes! My Thérèse!
THÈRÈSE
Oh, Laurent, fuck me harder!
While Laurent is thrusting his hips, slamming Thérèse harder
and faster, the cat, Francois, jumps onto Laurents back and
starts to scratch him. This causes Laurent to scream.
Thérèse looks up at Laurent, sees Madame Raquin digging her
nails into his back, and Madame stares into Thérèse's eyes.
Thérèse gives out a death scream.
101.
Laurent looks down at Thérèse and sees Camille scratching his
back as he did when he threw him off the canoe and drowned
him.
Laurent stands up, grabs the cat off his back, and throws it
against the wall. Thérèse covers her with the sheet and sits
in a ball, and wails uncontrollably.
LAURENT
Damn Cat! Damn Camille! Damn
Madame!
Laurent grabs the cat, opens the window, and hurls the cat
out of it. The cat hits the ground with a thud and a yelp.
Thérèse runs to the window and screams.
THÈRÈSE
Francois!
LAURENT
I never liked that cat.
Thérèse starts punching Laurent's chest and cries as she
curses him.
THÈRÈSE
You brute, you bully. Big man, you
only kill the weak.
Laurent grabs Thérèse's head and forces a kiss on her. She
pulls her head away and bites him on the scar on Laurent's
neck where Camille bit him. Laurent screams.
LAURENT
Camille! Leave Me! Leave Us!
Laurent and Thérèse fall to the floor in each other's arms,
and they lie their motionless, both whimper, and stay there
silently.
82 INT. RAQUIN APARTMENT DINING ROOM - DAYS AFTER - DAY
Madame sits in her wheelchair with Thérèse feeding her
oatmeal. Laurent drinks a glass of whiskey at the table.
THÈRÈSE
Isn't it a little early to drink?
LAURENT
Ahhh, it's a big day. It's
Thursday, Dominoes Day!
102.
THÈRÈSE
I always hated everyone here
playing that asinine game.
LAURENT
You see, Madame, Thérèse never
liked anything here.
THÈRÈSE
No, no, I didn't say that.
LAURENT
Tonight we will show Madame's
friends that we are a loving,
caring couple taking care of their
beloved Mother.
THÈRÈSE
Isn't this risky?
There is oatmeal dripping down Madame's face as Thérèse
focuses on Laurent.
LAURENT
We can then break it to them that
Madame has to go into a home as it
is too much for us to handle.
Thérèse turns to Madame and wipes her face.
THÈRÈSE
You will be much better living in a
home than with us.
LAURENT
Then, Madame, we will sell this
wretched cafe and move out of
Paris, Tennessee, never to return.
Thérèse gets on her knees in front of Madame and begs for her
forgiveness.
THÈRÈSE
Forgive me, Mother. We will pick
the best home for you. Forgive me.
It was all Laurent. I was naive.
Laurent storms over and drags Thérèse by the hair away from
her, and kicks her in the stomach.
LAURENT
This little innocent fucked and
sucked in bed like a whore.
(MORE)
103.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
She knew every sex move possible
and moaned like a slut every time.
Thérèse gets up crying and punches Laurent on the back.
Laurent turns and slaps Thérèse with the back of his hand,
sending her flying back.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
She despised your sickly son and
couldn't wait to rid him from her
life.
Laurent walks over to Madame and leans on the wheelchair with
his face inches from her face and Madame's piercing eyes.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
You like this. Seeing us fight. You
bitch. It would be cheaper if you
accidentally fell down the stairs
then put you in a home.
Thérèse sits on the floor with her hands on her lowered head
and cries.
THÈRÈSE
Please stop, please.
Laurent stays inches from Madame's face as he responds to
Thérèse.
LAURENT
OK, it's better to torture Madame
tonight in front of friends. Then
she has a lifetime as a vegetable
in a home to think about us.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Somber Gathering
83 EXT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE OUTSIDE - NIGHT
Laurent smokes a cigarette as he stands outside the cafe.
Michaud, Oliver, and Suzanne approach and greet him with
handshakes and hugs.
LAURENT
Brace yourself when you see Madame.
She can hear and see, but that is
all. She needs to see the people
she loves.
MICHAUD
We are prepared, and we adore your
dedication to her.
104.
LAURENT
Come in and I will bring her down
shortly.
Michaud, Oliver, and Suzanne go into the cafe, and Laurent
throws his cigarette on the ground. He is ready to follow
them inside when Grivet calls him as he approaches him from
the other side.
GRIVET
Laurent, my boy.
LAURENT
Good evening, Grivet.
GRIVET
I am so surprised that you quit
your job at the courthouse. You
were doing so well.
LAURENT
What can I say? I'm an artist.
The two turn to go into the cafe when Grivet stops.
GRIVET
Wait.
Grivet takes a small bottle with a skull and crossbones on
the label out of his pocket.
GRIVET (CONT'D)
Here is the prussic acid you asked
me for.
Laurent takes the bottle from Grivet and inspects it.
LAURENT
It is a giant rat. Will it kill it?
Grivet chuckles.
GRIVET
My boy, a couple of drops will kill
a cow! That is some potent stuff.
Laurent puts the bottle in his pocket, puts his arm around
Grivet, and leads him into the cafe.
84 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Suzanne helps Thérèse in the kitchen with the refreshments
for the night.
105.
SUZANNE
How are you holding up?
THÈRÈSE
It is a mental and physical strain
on both of us.
SUZANNE
There is no sin to put her in a
home for twenty-four-hour care.
Thérèse gives Suzanne a big hug.
THÈRÈSE
Tomorrow, don't come in until the
afternoon.
SUZANNE
Are you sure? I can open up for
you.
THÈRÈSE
You need your rest too as you have
a baby coming.
SUZANNE
How did you know?
Thérèse pats Suzanne's tiny belly.
THÈRÈSE
I am not that naive anymore.
The two laugh.
SUZANNE
You will be next. I know it.
Suzanne takes the tray of sandwiches and leaves the kitchen.
Thérèse opens a draw and moves a lot of cookware, and then
slowly removes a large chef's chopper knife. She examines it,
turns it left and then right.
THÈRÈSE
No, maybe Laurent will be next.
85 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Laurent comes down the stairs with Madame in his arms. The
dominoes group all applaud.
106.
LAURENT
(whispers)
Maybe, I should just drop you right
now and end it.
Laurent kisses Madame on the top of the head.
GRIVET
Awww, that Laurent is so special.
Laurent places Madame in her wheelchair and rolls her to the
table.
MICHAUD
You look beautiful, Madame.
OLIVER
We are so happy to be with you
again.
GRIVET
I can read your eyes. I have an
ESP-type gift. Madame says she is
thrilled to be here with all of us.
MICHAUD
Not your ESP again Grivet, if you
had ESP, you wouldn't lose at
dominoes every week.
Everyone laughs at Grivet, and he just waves his hand at
them. Laurent and Thérèse sit on each side of Madame, and
everyone sits and focuses on Madame. Oliver then stands up to
talk to the group.
OLIVER
Before we start the dominoes game,
I brought something I would like to
try first with Madame.
Oliver takes out a chart with the alphabet and the words yes
and no. Thérèse and Laurent glance at each other with
furrowed brows.
OLIVER (CONT'D)
Madame, I will point to each letter
one at a time, and you blink when I
get to the letter you want us to
use to create your message.
MICHAUD
We used this method years ago to
get testimony from a person who
witnessed a murder.
107.
OLIVER
If you understand me, Madame,
please blink once.
Everyone at the table stares at Madame. She blinks, and
everyone cheers except Laurent and Thérèse, who both cover
their mouths.
OLIVER (CONT'D)
OK, let's start. Grivet, you write
the letters down to reveal the
message.
Oliver touches each letter deliberately. When he gets to the
letter T, Madame blinks. He stops, puts his finger on the
word, yes, and she blinks again.
GRIVET
T! The first letter is T.
Oliver starts through the alphabet again, and when he gets to
the letter H, she blinks.
MICHAUD
T-H, the?
SUZANNE
No, Thérèse.
Madame blinks. Everyone cheers but Laurent and Thérèse.
Thérèse has closed fists under her chin, and Laurent massages
his forehead with his hand. Oliver continues, and when he
gets to the letter A, Madame blinks.
GRIVET
A, and, she wants the word and.
Madame blinks. Everyone is on the edge of their seats as they
stare at Madame's eyes for her reactions.
MICHAUD
Thérèse and...
Oliver goes through the alphabet again, and when he gets to
the letter L, Madame blinks.
GRIVET
L, Laurent. Thérèse and Laurent.
Madame blinks, and everyone cheers. Laurent gets up and walks
away from the table, and paces back and forth. Thérèse puts
her head down.
108.
GRIVET (CONT'D)
See, I can read her eyes. I know
what she is trying to say.
Oliver continues again with the alphabet, and when he gets to
the letter K, Madame blinks. Thérèse's head comes flying up
and stares at Laurent as he stares back at her.
GRIVET (CONT'D)
Thérèse and Laurent K...
OLIVER
You are doing great, Madame. Let's
continue nice and easy.
Oliver continues again, and when he gets to the letter i,
Madame blinks. Thérèse gets up and goes to Laurent, who hugs
her tightly as they watch Madame.
MICHAUD
Thérèse and Laurent K-i. Is that
right, Madame?
Madame blinks, and then she blinks faster and faster. Her
blinking is out of control as she doesn't stop blinking, and
everyone gasps at the table. Thérèse comes and grabs Madame's
face, and she is blinking in rapid-fire speed.
LAURENT
It is a nervous tic that causes her
to blink uncontrollably for no
reason. It gets worse every day as
she deteriorates neurologically.
Thérèse rolls Madame away from the table and wipes Madame's
tears off of her face. Laurent sits at the table with his
head down, elbows on the table, holding his head up. Michaud
puts his hand on his shoulders.
MICHAUD
It is too much for you two. I will
help you find a home for Madame.
Laurent pats Michaud's hand.
LAURENT
You are a true friend, Old Michaud.
SUZANNE
I think we should all leave as they
need to attend to Madame in
private.
109.
MICHAUD
Yes, Suzanne, you are right. Let's
go, everyone.
Everyone leaves the cafe quietly as if they were at a
funeral.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Toast to Tragedy
86 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE KITCHEN - LATER - NIGHT
Thérèse puts away the uneaten sandwiches in the refrigerator.
She closes the door and leans on it as she whispers to
herself.
THÈRÈSE
What would Chloe Esclair's
characters do?
She walks over to the table and opens the drawer, and takes
out the large chef's chopper's knife. She holds it inches
from her nose to examine it.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
I know exactly what her characters
would do in this situation.
LAURENT (V.O.)
Come here, Thérèse. I have some
wine. We should celebrate.
Thérèse turns with a maniacal look on her face to the cafe
where Laurent and Madame sit.
87 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Laurent faces Madame, with his back to the kitchen, pours
wine in two glasses. He stands with the padded bench area of
the cafe to his left.
LAURENT
Tonight was a huge success.
He then slips out the bottle that Grivet gave him with the
skull and crossbones on it. Madame's eyes widen when she sees
the bottle of poison.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
Let's toast to our future.
Thérèse comes out of the kitchen with the knife raised over
her head. She walks slowly and quietly as she gets closer and
closer to Laurent. Madame's eyes shift to Thérèse, and she
starts to blink again.
110.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
We can now put this old bitch in a
home and go spend all of her money.
Laurent pours the poison in a wine glass when Thérèse
stumbles on a chair. The noise causes Laurent to turn and see
Thérèse about ten feet away with the knife in the air, as
Thérèse sees Laurent as he pours poison in her wine.
Thérèse drops her arms to her side and drops the knife.
Laurent puts the poison on the table. They stare at each
other with malicious smiles as a feeling of schadenfreude
overcomes them.
Thérèse runs to Laurent, and they passionately kiss each
other. Lost in each other arms as they rip each other's
clothes off. Tears run down Madame Raquin's cheeks, as she
doesn't have the ability to look away.
Laurent sits back on the padded bench, and Thérèse sits on
his lap, facing him. The couple is passionately kissing, and
Thérèse grinds on his groin. Laurent whispers to her.
LAURENT (CONT'D)
We deserve each other.
Thérèse pauses her movement, and while Laurent is still in
her, she turns to the table, takes the glass of red wine with
the poison, and swirls the glass to mix it.
THÈRÈSE
We deserve this drink as well.
Thérèse takes a long sip of wine but keeps it in her mouth
without swallowing. She then kisses Laurent and releases the
wine into his mouth. Thérèse does it again and then takes the
remaining wine in the glass and downs it herself.
Thérèse throws the glass to the floor, and it shatters. She
grabs Laurent behind his neck and passionately grinds on top
of him. Laurent holds her under her thighs and stands up with
him still inside her.
THÈRÈSE (CONT'D)
Hold me tight, as we finally
exorcise the ghost of Camille.
Laurent then tackles Thérèse onto the cushioned bench. He is
on top of her, and she wraps her legs around him. He thrusts
his hips quickly and forcefully, which causes Thérèse to moan
loudly.
LAURENT
Together for eternity.
111.
His thrusts then slow down to just a wiggle as Thérèse turns
her head, and then her arms and legs go limp. He looks at her
face, groans, and falls on top of her limp as well. They lay
naked, guy on girl, with limp limbs intertwining.
The couple slides off the bench and land at the feet of
Madame Raquin, and Thérèse's mouth is on the scar on
Laurent's neck that Camille gave him with his teeth. Madame's
eyes are glistening as she must stare at this site all night.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Moment of Comfort at Thérèse Raquin Cafe
88 INT. THÉRÈSE RAQUIN CAFE - PRESENT DAY - DAY
Back to the present-day dusty and barren cafe. Devon, Hana,
and Suzanne sit at the table. Suzanne exhales, tears come
down her face, and she covers her face. Devon and Hana go to
Suzanne to comfort her.
HANA
Are you OK?
SUZANNE
I'm fine, thank you. I needed to
unload all of this.
DEVON
You have been trying to sell the
place for Madame Raquin all this
time.
SUZANNE
Yes, my Father promised her that we
would sell her cherished cafe only
to a couple like you two that will
keep her legacy going.
HANA
This place is so dark, sexy and I
can feel the spiritual aura of this
building. I want this!
DEVON
It looks like we are buying this
cafe today, Suzanne.
HANA
And, I got to read this Chloe
Esclair right away!
The three all share a hearty laugh.
FADE OUT.
THE END