Uncovering the Most Engrossing Sci-Fi and Horror Screenplays on this Year's Black List
Almost every cinematic genre is showcased in the yearly Black List, a compilation of scripts that have gained popularity in Hollywood yet haven't been produced yet. Several previous entries have managed to transition from scripts to screen and even reach the Academy Awards stage, making it enjoyable to browse through the potential contenders and envision the stories coming to life.
The following are the 10 entries we're most intrigued to see from the 2024 list, all belonging to the science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres (as reported by Variety, you can check out the complete list here).
Gory Mingo by Jonathan Easley
"Investigating a potential murder scene in the Appalachian mountainside, a deputy comes across a peculiar mountain community that asserts they're haunted by an evil witch residing in the woods."
The world could use more folk horror, and this eerie narrative appears to be a great way to fulfill that demand.
The 13th Hour by Anna Klassen
"When a group of teenagers repair an antique clock with a 13th numeral, they receive the ability to control an extra hour where their actions have no consequences."
It seems as though the consequences for the meddlesome children will ultimately catch up to them—magical time control notwithstanding.
American Monsters by Chris Grillot
"A senator and his distant son face survival challenges at a hunting ranch where menacing creatures derived from global folklore have been genetically engineered as dangerous game."
Contact Kurt and Wyatt Russell promptly!
AIDa by Alexis Jacknow
"A new mother discovers the perfect nanny in AI, only to learn that the 'perfect' caregiver may actually be the most harmful kind of all. This psychological thriller explores the contrast between human nature and AI nurturing, prompting the question, could AI ever replace us as parents?"
We've previously seen AI prove to be scary around children (M3GAN‘s sequel is on its way!), but blending the idea with modern-day parenting fears appears to be an intriguing prospect—in a rather bleak kind of way.
Turnaround by Elyse Hollander
"Upon the unfortunate demise of beloved movie star Tom Adair, the outpouring of sympathy and sorrow leads his best friend Alec Donavan into the limelight as a talented actor. Now, Alec must navigate his newfound fame and success while dealing with the fact that he and his conniving agent/girlfriend Karynn Pieper are haunted by Tom's vengeful spirit."
An amusing murder mystery-comedy portraying the cutthroat world of Hollywood A-listers? We'd watch that without hesitation.
Howl by Madison Vanderberg
"Mayhem ensues when a notorious and troubled actor reveals, live on television, that he'll transform into a werewolf within the hour."
It goes without saying that an array of performers (top contenders include Nicolas Cage) would jump at the opportunity to unleash their acting skills in a movie similar to this one.
Mommy's Home by James Morosini
"When a young father revives his 24-year-old cryogenically frozen mother, the terrifying events and forbidden tension she brings upon his family threaten to tear his marriage apart."
We enjoy any narrative that begins with someone emerging from cryogenic sleep—with no doubt, chaos ensues: Encino Man, Demolition Man, and whatever domestic horror and "forbidden tension" this guy's mom has in store.
Mom? by Jack Bloom
"When a deadly virus affects mothers and turns them against their children, a father is left with no choice but to safeguard his daughter from her vehemently hostile and infected mom."
It appears that misanthropic mothers are a popular theme in 2024!
Camp David by Megan Amram & Joseph Carnegie
"During 1981, a young George W. Bush and his siblings encounter a masked murderer while celebrating at Camp David."
Yes, this alternate history we never knew we needed to witness with a bowl of popcorn. Make it happen, Hollywood!
It's Not You, It's Me by Shane Kennedy and Ant Simpson
"Upon their split just days before a lavish wedding, Nick and Sophie vow to keep it a secret, only to find themselves transformed into the individuals they despise most in the world—each other—due to a supernatural encounter.'
There are a couple of body-swapping stories on this year's Black List, but only one of them shines with the '90s romantic comedy vibe with a twisted finish.
The 2024 Black List has several exciting entries that touch on future technology, and one of them is 'AIDa' by Alexis Jacknow. This psychological thriller explores the potential consequences of AI replacing human parents, raising questions about the boundaries between human nature and AI nurturing.
IO9 reported that science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres are well-represented in the 2024 list, and 'AIDa' is a fascinating addition to that mix. With its thought-provoking narrative and timely theme, this movie has the potential to capture audiences' imaginations and spark meaningful discussions about the role of technology in our lives.
