DEEP IN MY MIND
silas BARIMAH
Versel V Incorporated
Versel Studio
+233 59 926 2808
+233 50 475 0653
2023-09-25
Season 1. Episode 1.
It’s accra. But not the normal accra you know. This is another universe. A sci-fi world. a different dimension where original josh primarily lives. BUT NO ONE IS REALLY ALIVE yet, they are conscious.
(The following sequence takes place in a game world undifferent from the real. But viewers do not know yet)
PAN SHOT: KWAME’S neighbourhood.
It’s a beautiful bright sunny day (Monday). Birds chirping beautifully and flying about freely in the sky.
SHOT ON: KWAME
KWAME, a skinny 3 feet 12-year-old boy, wearing a black short with no shirt on, sitting under a tree in front of his house, looking blankly into the sky.
He is sad. (KWAME is used to doing this a lot. Sits by himself, cries and sometimes murmurs words to himself, drawing shapes on the floor. He is a deeply depressed kid)
SHOT ON: MOTHER
MOTHER (late 30’s), a dark 5 feet 6 inches tall woman in a purple top, and a light red trouser, her long dark flowy hair held behind her head with a black rubber band revealing her full face, is seen behind the booth of her Nissan car. Brown boxes are seen in the booth with labels on them. “Plates”. “Cloths”. “Sex toys” (She uses it to please herself since FATHER is not that “powerful” in bed, specifically with her. She chooses to masturbate a lot since she doesn’t like the idea of cheating on her husband, even though she has come close several times before. She feels she disgusts him. Besides, their relationship was a “mistake” since she got pregnant and decided not to abort it just so she can get married to the man she loves).
She carries the boxes into the house one by one. Some are clearly heavy. Mother looks clearly tired and stressed from having to be the only one doing all the job in the house. They are new neighbours in the area. Just three weeks since they first arrived.
(Mother is well educated. A university graduate from the University of Ghana-Legon, with a master’s in psychology and human behaviour studies.)
SHOT ON: FATHER
FATHER (mid 40’s), a dark skinned 5 foot 2 inches tall, bald, smiley but dumb looking fairly handsome man is standing close by the tarred road at the front of the house, waving at a BEAUTIFUL-AND-BUSTY YOUNG WOMAN (30’s) walking by.
(Father is also a university graduate with degree in BFA. He is a lazy man and has not worked on a job since graduation. Mother takes care of him and the family. He has been trying to shag the BEAUTIFUL-AND-BUSTY YOUNG WOMAN since they arrived in their new neighbourhood but have had a hard time with her since he has been asked to for her service before shagging her. She is a decent whore. Father doesn’t know about it but everyone else does)
FATHER had always been cheating on MOTHER. MOTHER knows and had tried many times to threaten him to stop but FATHER doesn’t listen so much. He still goes about to cheat behind MOTHER’s back.
SPOILER:
JOSH'S childhood, and how he became BARIMAH'S friend. (This universe is a version of the real universe where Josh’s original parents live. Mother and Father are Josh’s parents and Josh is little KWAME. The characters in the scene are variants of Josh (Kwame) and his family apart from Barimah and Josh. They were highly interactive characters in that world. Call it an augmented reality universe.
TO: MOTHER
SHOT FROM BEHIND: MOTHER
mother
Hey, honey. A little help here…
MOTHER calls out to FATHER.
She raises her head over the open booth to look at FATHER.
PAN SHOT TO: FATHER
FATHER turns his head for a beat and returns to admiring his busty lady.
FATHER responds unconcerned.
father
Huh? I’m a little busy here.
BACK TO: MOTHER
mother
Uch, such a man I married.
MOTHER says disappointingly with bitterness in her tone. She returns to bury her head in the booth, taking out the boxes.
BACK TO: KWAME
SHOT ON: KWAME’S FACE
KWAME turns his face, looking down with deep sadness and confusion all over his face.
Footsteps approach.
SHOT ON: AMA
AMA (17) 5 feet 3 inches, KWAME’S sister walks towards him, fidgeting with her mobile device. AMA is wearing a colourful short top revealing her belly button, and a brown trouser. Her hair braided, with 2 strands of the braids running down her face over her eyes. She looks down at Kwame, seated by the trunk of the tree looking absentminded. She is a prideful bitch, but a virgin. Loves drugs and likes to go to church. Very strange combination for a seventeen-year-old lady.
SHOT ON: AMA’S FACE
ama
Hey, doo face. Where is my headset?
TO: KWAME
KWAME ignores her.
SHOT ON: AMA’S FEET WITH KWAME IN FRAME
She kicks KWAME hard on his left thigh, startling him.
KWAME snaps back to him self.
BACK TO: KWAME
Kwame cries.
kwame
Ahh…
ama (O.S.)
Mom… KWAME is doing his stupid sad face thing again…
AMA screams for MOTHER’S attention.
TO: FATHER
FATHER turns to look towards AMA’s direction. He doesn’t respond to AMA.
BACK TO: AMA
AMA (cont’d)
…Aren’t you supposed to be in school “making us proud” today?
Why the hell are you faking a cry right now? Tell me where my headset is.
She says to KWAME sarcastically, raising her hands to make quote signs and rolling her eyes (Kwame is a smart student. He aces any class he takes and is a scholarship student. Everyone loves him so much, but he is deeply depressed).
KWAME cries. (KWAME is a proper softie and a cry-baby. He cries for MOTHER’S attention the least unfavourable thing that happens to him. He has been pampered too much by her MOTHER.)
TO: MOTHER
MOTHER rushes to their location.
MOTHER
What is going on here?
FOLLOW AND CENTER: MOTHER
SHOT ON: MOTHER AND KWAME
MOTHER questions AMA. She kneels on one knee and touches his face delicately, massaging it and raising his chin to investigate his face.
AMA is used to bullying KWAME a lot. This has been happening a lot and is not so new to MOTHER.
ama
I don’t know. He’s sitting here making those stupid faces he made at KWAME JNR’S funeral again.
(Kwame Jnr is a twin brother of Kwame. He was his best friend. Kwame Jnr was not a smart student but very comedic)
MOTHER
Oh… baby. Do you still miss him?
MOTHER asks in a sweet pampering tone.
KWAME continues crying, ignoring the question.
KWAME
Mom…
He says in a shaky and sad tone. Shuddering, and tears flowing down his cheeks.
ama
He’s already dead and gone, you know. Nothing changes for the both of you if you still coo over him.
MOTHER
Not now, Ama.
ama
(Sighs) Alright, save that for later then…
kwame
…I…I…
MOTHER
Yes baby, talk to me. I’m here for you. (She says in a romantic and seductive tone.)
AMA (P.O.V.):
Ama
Oh my god. That’s some paedo shit.
She says to herself in a low tone.
AMA’S comment (joke) is to hint on the fact that MOTHER always tries to pamper KWAME, pulls her close and squeezes her in boobs. She is trying to say MOTHER is a paedophile.
SHOT ON: AMA
She looks over at MOTHER and KWAME. She is getting impatient.
BACK TO: AMA (P.O.V.)
Ama
Speak up already, KWAME. I need some sad sister stories for my Instagram. And, where is my headset anyway?
Since AMA doesn’t feel loved by her family so much, she is striving to be a social media superstar. Her role model has always been KATLIN JENNER.
BACK TO: AMA (P.O.V.)
SUSTAIN: MOTHER’S FACE
MOTHER snaps. (Mother doesn’t like Ama so much because she thinks she is disrespectful.)
MOTHER
Will you shut it, AMA…!
KWAME raises his head and looks at AMA.
KWAME (P.O.V.):
TO: AMA
AMA shakes a bit. She gets startled. Looks at MOTHER and frowns her face.
BACK TO: AMA (P.O.V.)
SUSTAIN: MOTHER’S FACE
MOTHER (cont’d)
…Can’t you see your brother is sad here?
TO: AMA
ama
What did I say wrong? You are the one that is always trying to find some problem with me… I just need my headset.
She says defensively, raising her shoulders.
TO: KWAME
kwame
Its AMA…
KWAME says in a shaky tone.
kwame
…she… she… she kicked me.
KWAME manages to force words out of his mouth.
SHOT ON: MOTHER AND KWAME
Mother turned to look at AMA with her face squeezed and fiery. Mother is angry.
Ama is unconcerned and still fidgeting with her phone with an angry face.
ZOOM IN: MOTHER’S FACE
Mother continues starring for a while.
There is a pause for a moment. (Three seconds’ pause.)
SHOT ON: AMA’S FACE
AMA realises notices mother starring at her. She responds to Mother’s stare.
ama
What? I didn’t do anything. He was making those stupid sad faces again and I tried to make him stop. I bet you regret you didn’t flush me down the toilet now, huh…?
TO: MOTHER
MOTHER gets hurt but manages to control herself.
She turns to her favourite child.
SHOT ON: MOTHER AND KWAME
MOTHER
Baby, is it true?
MOTHER asks KWAME in the same tone he spoke with him earlier, touching his face.
ama (O.S.)
Of course, it’s true.
TO: AMA
ama
I mean, why isn’t he in school anyway?
BEAT.
TO: MOTHER
MOTHER
Baby, talk to me. I’m here for you.
TO: KWAME
kwame
Mom, I don’t know what to do. Feels like I’m stuck between two worlds, and I don’t know if I am better enough for anything. I’m scared, mom. I’m scared about my future. I don’t even know why I’m in this world anymore. Nothing makes sense here. I wish someone could steal me away.
KWAME is going through existential crises. For a boy twelve years old, this is a big issue because they are not expected to start feeling this way and asking these kinds of questions.
SHOT ON: MOTHER AND KWAME
mother
Aww… baby.
Footsteps approach.
PAN TO: FATHER
FATHER walks towards them. Stands and looks at MOTHER and KWAME with his hands held to his waist.
father
What is going on here?
TO: MOTHER
SHOT ON: MOTHER AND FATHER
FATHER (P.O.V.):
TO: MOTHER
MOTHER turned her head to look at FATHER with a worried face, shaking her head.
ZOOM TO: FATHER’S FACE
FATHER sighs.
father
Great. Time for “the talk.” Hehehe.
He says excitingly, rubbing his palms together.
Father had always been waiting for the moment he can get to deliver “the talk” to his little blooming boy.
Father is a womanizer and a lazy person at heart. Imagine the kind of “talk” he had prepared for little KWAME.
ZOOM OUT:
SUSTAIN ON: FATHER
FATHER kneels before KWAME, touches his shoulders with his right hand, and cleared his throat, ready to lay hardcore life advice to KWAME from his point of view as a father and all his experiences.
SHOT ON: KWAME AND FATHER
father (cONT’D)
Son, are my sperm, which means you are the only hope of this family. Because you are tough like me and it is only tough people who can be cautious enough to interrupt their coitus just to not have baby mama issues with any random lady. (Father, just so he doesn’t have a lot of kids with MOTHER, always makes sure that he doesn’t ejaculate into mother to make her pregnant. This is the reason MOTHER doesn’t have great sexual experience with FATHER and caused her to get vibrators and other sex toys to pleasure herself than to cheat on FATHER) [and my sperm never get wasted. Not even the swallowed ones. (This line reflects the fact that FATHER is a “master of sex” since he has been able to master coitus interruptus and reflects his womanizing character. He never allows mother to suck his cock, especially after he finds out she was pregnant with AMA. He knows how cruel Mother can get if she should get hold of her semen)]
TO: KWAME’S FACE
KWAME looks at his dad shocked and confused [than he was before], with his eyes widely opened.
TO: MOTHER’S FACE
MOTHER
JOHN…
PAN TO: MOTHER AND FATHER
FATHER looks at MOTHER.
FATHER
Mm.
MOTHER
…not this time!
Father
What? He’s blooming. He must know.
BACK TO: KWAME
BACK TO: MOTHER
MOTHER covers her face with her palms and shakes her head. She sighs.
BACK TO: FATHER
Father
Alright, alright.
BACK TO: KWAME AND FATHER
FATHER tries to come in stronger…
Father (cont’d)
Son, listen. You
can be anything you want to be and don’t let anything bring you down okay. You
will grow up and be a very successful and respected man. Ok?
BACK TO: MOTHER AND FATHER
MOTHER
Nice.
MOTHER smiles and gives FATHER a high five. (This is a rare occurrence. MOTHER and FATHER rarely have an agreeable moment like this. The last time was when FATHER got a lady pregnant and was scared of what his mother might say and do to him. FATHER’s mother is a rich woman and had promised to keep his name in his will and will receive 50 percent of his properties after she dies. MOTHER helped FATHER threaten her into aborting the baby. And in the future, they might both plan on killing her mom early so they can take her property for herself. FATHER’S mom is fucking old but never want to die. She is a tough nut to crack.
father
There. Make him less of a man. Shall we?
Mother teases. She turns to KWAME to continue with the inspiration.
SHOT FROM BEHIND: MOTHER AND FATHER
FOCUS ON: KWAME
MOTHER
Baby, you are the best thing that ever happened to us.
(This line reflects how much the whole of the family depends on KWAME to be the one to save the family in future. Mother sees her firstborn child AMA to be lazy and unserious and therefore, she receives no special care and treatment from her parents. Besides, she is an unwanted baby).
Jesus has promised to give you a good and prosperous future, okay. Never forget that…
(In as much as MOTHER’S character doesn’t directly reflect her as being a Christian, she and the family take conscious time off to do Christian stuff with their heart. They believe in JESUS and visits the church when the need arises. Only AMA is the type that is not a proper Christian. She complains Christians are hypocrites and do not deserve any respect or attention. Sometimes she mistaken Christians as Jews and wishes Hitler was still alive. But she tries praying sometime back when she got dumped by her boyfriend.)
CUT TO: AMA
ama
Yeah… wait, what about me.
AMA gets jealous that she doesn’t get attention from her parents. She is supposed to be over it by now, but it never really works no matter how hard she tries to act unconcerned. She loves her parents deeply.
KWAME (P.O.V.):
TO: AMA AND MOTHER
MOTHER
Goddamn it, AMA you need to grow up. When are you going to realise, he is what is important in this house?
father
Watch it? I’m right here.
FATHER alerts he is the man of the house.
MOTHER shuts AMA up an ignores FATHER.
SHOT FROM BEHIND: MOTHER AND FATHER
ZOOM IN: KWAME
MOTHER (cont’d)
…Now get up there, fix your face and go play with the other children.
TO: KWAME AND MOTHER
MOTHER says sweetly to KWAME as she tickles and plays with him.
KWAME giggles. The sadness lifts off his face completely in a flash.
(A mother’s magic)
TO: KWAME AND FATHER
father
Soon, he will be taking care of us with all the money he will be making, with nothing to spare.
(This line signifies the African child and expectation from family. Every child is supposed to be serious with their life, make it and take care of his family. Else, the child is seen and tagged a failure.)
TO: AMA
ama
Yeah man. Jesus got you covered. He’ll never let you down.
She said with a sarcastic tone, still fidgeting with her phone.
They all smile with a cheerful and satisfied face.
AMA seems unconcerned about what was going on since she was not the centre of attention.
TO: KWAME
kwame
Thanks mom and dad. I feel much better now.
(The good boy lines. This line is a way for KWAME to escape the many self-help-like motivations and advice that we are all being bombarded with. If you don’t say and thank you to anyone advising you and tell them you feel better or have learnt a lesson to be better, then you are a recalcitrant or proud or disobedient child, and no one likes you in the society. But KWAME doesn’t know yet. He says it at least and gets the family off her back when clearly, that may not be the end of his depression and sadness.)
FOLLOW: KWAME
KWAME runs off to join
play with his friends feeling excited and confident
about his future, singing…
TO: MOTHER AND FATHER
mother
Oh, look at my baby go. With so much potential to spare.
MOTHER tears up a little. Her eyes glitter as she holds up her hands together to her chest and pressing lightly on it.
father
Yeah. If anything should happen to this kid, I swear I will quit having sex with other ladies behind your back.
(This line reflects how disrespectful and dishonouring FATHER can be to MOTHER. Their relationship is not a happy one.)
He said confidently not noticing MOTHER standing close by.
TO: MOTHER
MOTHER
Wait, what?
(This is mostly how their fights begin.)
MOTHER is shocked FATHER made such a comment. She turns, facing FATHER.
TO: FATHER
father
Uhm…
He said nervously as he giggles showing all his teeth, faking a smile, and sweat dripping down his face.
TO: AMA AND PARENTS
FOCUS ON: AMA
ama
Oh, you thought your husband is now a saint. Oh my god, I pity you both.
AMA says emotionless to MOTHER, still buried deep into her phone.
TO: AMA AND MOTHER
MOTHER frowns her face.
BEAT.
The beautiful moment almost gets short-circuited.
TO: KWAME
KWAME continues singing…
kwame
…red means stop, yellow means get ready, green means go, go, go and… (“Red means stop, yellow means get ready and green means…”)
SHOT ON: ROAD
ACTION: CAR CHASE AND CRASHES
Car zooming in fast. It’s a chase.
BARIMAH and JOSH, chased by some alien ship (This is a normal thing for BARIMAH and JOSH. They were on a game world and were on a race with aliens. A mission they had to complete), skids and squishes KWAME right in the middle of the road. The vehicle summersaults and crushes into other buildings. The alien vehicles skid off into other houses and causes a massive destruction in the neighbourhood.
KWAME’S friends, standing at the sidewalk were not harmed by the crush. In fact, they stood watching, not knowing what was happening. So calm.
TO: MOTHER AND CRUSH SCENE
BEAT.
mother
Ahh…
MOTHER screams. Hands on head, legs stiff and slanted and a bit elevated from the ground.
TO: FATHER
father
Fuck…
FATHER said shockingly, holding his crouch. He is in trouble. No more ice-cream for his hairy dick.
PAN: AMA AND ACCIDENT
AMA looks over at the destruction.
TO: AMA
ama
Great! Jesus really did have it all covered. This is so going to get my followers up today. #SadSisterStories.
Oh fuck, my data bundle is finished. I’ve got to bill someone.
SUSTAIN: AMA
AMA walks towards the entrance of their house. She is unmoved by the scene.
INT. BARIMAH’S VEHICLE – DAY
SHOT ON: BARIMAH AND JOSH
BARIMAH is seated at the driver’s seat. JOSH is at the back seat, close to the window, looking out at the destruction.
BARIMAH and JOSH, along with the other aliens looked, surprised at the scene.
TO: BARIMAH
barimah
Well, that just happened…
SHOT ON: VEHICLE WINDOW
TO: BARIMAH AND JOSH
JOSH is freaked out.
He breaths in to scream…
THEN:
cut to:
opening titles.
PAN SHOT: Buildings seen in neighbourhood.
ZOOM IN: To BARIMAH’S hostel building.
ZOOM IN: BARIMAH’S SLEEPING FACE
SUSTAIN: 2s
BARIMAH opens his eyes wide and gasps. He wakes up from bed, wearing boxer shorts.
His hair unkept and flying all about his head. He has a really bushy hair.
FOLLOW FROM BEHIND:
He walks over to the bathroom. He takes a long piss while yawing and stretching his body.
SHOT ON: TOILET
FOCUS ON: LIQUID SWIRL
He flashed the toilet. Little to no water comes out.
CAMERA RAISE TO:
TIME: 1.4s
FOCUS ON: BARIMAH’S FACE IN MIRROR
barimah
Ahhh… fuck.
He says in a frustrating tone, tipping his head backwards.
His eyes tired and darkened at the edges.
He takes his towel, put it around his neck, walks out of the bathroom.
RESUME: FOLLOW FROM BEHIND
BARIMAH walks out over to JOSH’s room.
FOCUS ON: BARIMAH’S HAND
At the door, he knocks seven times.
FOLLOW: BARIMAH’S HAND
He reaches towards the doorknob with his hand and twists it down while pushing on then opened the door.
SHOT ON: ROOM
Everyone in the room was asleep. He looks over in the room.
ZOOM STEADY ON: JOSH
BARIMAH walks over to JOSH, who was asleep folding himself up on his bed.
He pulls his sheets to wake him up.
SHOT ON: BARIMAH’S FACE
barimah
Hey, is your shower flowing?
BACK TO: JOSH
Josh
Huh? I don’t have a gun in my butt.
He replied, scratching his butt, and turning himself to sleep better on the bed.
BACK TO: BARIMAH’S FACE
barimah
Huhh...
He sighs.
BARIMAH (P.O.V):
He looks over at a phone laying on the ground. Checks the time on the device. It was almost 12:00PM.
He gets an idea.
He connects the phone to a Bluetooth speaker, put on a high frequency rock song, increased the volume to max, placed the speaker to the ears of JOSH and hit the play button.
BACK TO: JOSH
Josh
Ahhh… I’m awake. I’m awake.
Josh snaps from his bed.
SHOT ON: JOSH’S FACE
He sat up panting and sweating.
SHOT ON: BARIMAH & JOSH
barimah
A little sleep a little slumber, huh?
BARIMAH smiles.
JOSH stands up to his feet. Ready to attack BARIMAH with his anger.
Josh
What is wrong with you.
JOSH says angrily.
BARIMAH gestures his hands out at him stopping him from coming in any close to him.
barimah
Whoa, whoa… It’s Monday. We have a class to be in. Chill the fuck out. You just woke up.
IN FRAME: BARIMAH, JOSH & DOOR
ZOOM IN: BARIMAH
BARIMAH walks out of the room hurling the phone back on the bed.
Barimah
Hey, tell me the time, will you?
JOSH reaches for the phone to read the time.
Josh (o.s.)
It says… We’re already late. Oh shit.
SHOT ON: JOSH’S FACE
He remembers something.
Josh
Oh shit.
JOSH drops himself on the bed.
CUT TO:
rosemary (o.s.)
I’ve been telling you people. You seem not to respect or listen to me anytime I speak…
SHOT ON: ROSEMARY
ROSEMARY is seen standing at the door to the living room.
She is disfigured lady. Big boobs and ass, half of her face burnt up. She covers it up with her hair to look cool, but she still looks scary and strange. She’s wearing a big shirt tied at the tip, with a jean shorts, looking like boxers, suffocating her thighs in. She is disfigured, not ugly.
(She could look better if she was humble enough. But that is not her character. That is not who she was made)
SHOT ON: ROSEMARY
rosemary (cont’d)
…No one is to come in here to this hostel after 10.00AM. But you never listen.
Why can’t you just follow simple rules?
CUT TO:
BARIMAH, with other characters in the hostel come out into the scene.
SHOT ON: BARIMAH & JOSH
BARIMAH and JOSH walk in.
BARIMAH is carrying a bag. He is okay looking in a red hoodie, and hair seeming combed only at the tips.
Josh has a strap bag behind him. He looks neat and well presented. Hair combed nicely.
SHOT ON: BARIMAH
barimah
Because you’re ugly and we don’t respect you. It’s that simple.
Sichael
Oo, burn.
SHOT ON: JOSH
Josh
BARIMAH, you don’t have to talk to her like that, you know. She’s a lady. And you’re, you’re being a little misogynistic right now.
IN FRAME: BARIMAH AND JOSH
barimah
What?
Josh
Yeah
barimah
You do know I have a mother, right?
Josh
Uhm… yeah?
barimah
How can the truth be misogynistic? Is it because she has a vagina?
FOCUS ON: ROSEMARY
ROSEMARY is embarrassed and ashamed.
SHOT ON: JOSH
josh
Wait, what? No. I mean she’s…
JOSH looks over at ROSEMARY.
BACK TO: ROSEMARY
FOCUS ON: BARIMAH
barimah
Ohh… I get it. You want to hit that.
FOCUS ON: BARIMAH, JOSH AND ROSEMARY
BARIMAH points at ROSEMARY, holding his belly and laughs.
Some of the other characters laugh too.
JOSH looks over at ROSEMARY and back at BARIMAH.
FOCUS ON: JOSH.
JOSH shrivels himself up, looking embarrassed.
josh
Ahhh.
FOCUS ON: BARIMAH
barimah
Oh wow. You do know she's a six-month baby, right? I never knew you had a thing for premature hags.
SHOT ON: ROSEMARY, JOSH AND ROSEMARY
Tears build up in her eyes. She looks down in shame.
BARIMAH said, trying to control his laugh.
josh
That’s not the point.
FOCUS ON: ROSEMARY
Rosemary
Excuse me, what? You can’t talk about me like that okay.
She says with her index finger out, waving it. She is regaining her confidence.
FOCUS ON: GEL
GEL
BARIMAH, that was really mean.
FOCUS ON: BARIMAH AND GEL
BARIMAH looks over at GEL with a dissatisfying face.
barimah
Well, its good to know it’s all already in the past then, isn’t it?
FOCUS ON: JOSH
Josh
Come on man.
SHOT ON: BARIMAH
barimah
What, [your dick ticks for her now]? Jesus Christ. Just look at her. Do you want me to lie about what I see? I must tell you. My values are so strong that I can’t compromise just to butter someone up. That is going to make me much more, cruel than Hitler himself. I can’t live with that guilt too, the rest of my life. Scars should be meaningful. I…I…I…I can’t have this on my conscience. (“I can't have this on my conscience”) Simply put, I…I…I…I can’t lie, man. That is just not who I am. And if the truth makes me misogynistic, then I would love to be labelled a misogynist.
He pauses for a moment.
SHOT ON: BARIMAH AND JOSH
barimah (cont’d)
You are always ready to kiss people’s ass so you can be liked. But doesn’t always work as you expect does it.
JOSH looks down in shame, scratching his neck.
FOCUS ON: JOSH
barimah (cont’d)
I mean. I don't blame you. It's what your character is. Come on, Josh. We have a class to be in.
BARIMAH drags JOSH along as he walks away.
He pushes ROSEMARY aside and walks past her, dragging JOSH along.
FOCUS ON: ROSEMARY
ROSEMARY cries, looking around for someone to console her.
Everyone at the scene walks away.
She looks over at GEL.
SHOT ON: GEL
gel
Ermm…
GEL says nervously.
gel (cont’d)
Sorry, I don’t touch ugly things.
She quickly walks into her room and slammed the door.
FOCUS ON: ROSEMARY’S FACE
ROSEMARY stands with tears on her face.
She looks down in sadness, feeling lonely.
CUT TO BLACK.
BARIMAH and JOSH walks through the entrance of the door into the school.
barimah
Look at all these guys. Killing themselves and burning midnight candles only to have a paper they could submit for a job they’ll be denied and given to less qualified and stupid people. I…I…I really don’t know why they totally can’t know any better and find someplace else to live their lives than settle for the education system, scamming them for all their time and intellectual resources. I mean, no body gets their money’s worth out here no matter how hard they study, or which ever grade they get after graduating.
Josh
But that is the only way to survive the system in this country. No body respects you without the certificate you know.
barimah
Yeah. Whatever.
Josh
Just because you are a genius and can make a life for yourself without it doesn’t mean everyone should leave to do what you do.
BARIMAH rolls his eyes.
Josh (cont’d)
There always have to be people shitting for others to clean it up. Else, societies do not function well.
barimah
Huh, that’s a relieving way to look at it.
Josh
Yeah.
barimah
I bet you’re on your joke roll today.
BARIMAH slaps JOSH on the back.
josh
Ou...
Josh blushes.
He pauses or a while.
josh
Hey, I had this dream yesterday. It felt like I died.
barimah
Okay now, don’t push it.
josh
Huhh…
barimah
You already did one good joke. Don’t shatter your daily comedy reputation goal.
josh
I’m not kidding.
BARIMAH pauses. He turns to JOSH.
barimah
I don’t want to be rude. Dreams are the worlds of fools and lazy people. You… you’re none of those, are you? ARE YOU!
JOSH shakes his head nervously.
josh
Good.
He pats JOSH on the cheek lightly.
int. library – day
BARIMAH and JOSH are seated in the library. JOSH is trying to cram a formula into his head. BARIMAH is writing a piece of code for his app.
BARIMAH looks over at what JOSH was doing.
barimah
Let me see that. What, what is this?
josh
It’s the Simpson’s Rule.
barimah
What? You still don’t listen, do you? Still want to get stuck in the rat race, huh?
Josh
Hey, man. I paid my fees. Better have something to show for it. I’m not smart as you. You have a lot of things to hop on to. This is all I’ve got. Le…le…le…let me have this one.
barimah
Whoa, smart guy all of a sudden huh?
BARIMAH bullies him.
Josh
Hey, man.
BARIMAH turns.
BARIMAH still working on the piece of code on his computer.
barimah
What now?
Josh
You know how to perform the Taylor series expansion for ln(x)?
barimah
Why should I be bothered about it now? Because it’s going to help me nail an interview with Apple?
Josh
Uhm, no. We have a quiz today.
BARIMAH
Wait what?
josh
Yeah. It’s at 2:30.
barimah
And what is the time now?
They both look at the time. It was 2:28.
barimah
Fuck.
BARIMAH grips JOSH on the neck.
barimah
Why didn’t you tell me earlier?
josh
Ahh. Now you care. I’ve been asking you to let us study for this for days and you’ve always been going on about your adventures and multi-dimensions shit.
He said fast paced and scared.
Everybody in the library turned to look at them.
librarian
Hey, keep it quiet.
He pointed at a sign that read “Keep your business quiet in the library. No one needs to hear about your shit.”
barimah
Good one.
CUT TO: BLACK
The lecturer passes papers around.
He takes an inflated balloon and inhales the gas in it, and then turned to speak.
lecturer
Attention everyone…!
lecturer
If I get anyone copying from another person, your funeral!
He said angrily, with red hot eyes.
barimah
Now that’s an over exaggeration.
lecturer
You have 3 hours; you may start work.
He said with a calm tone.
On the question sheet, there was only one question. “What was the formula on the 21st slide of the 3rd lecture?”
barimah
What the fuck?
He said confused.
BARIMAH looks around and sees other students busily drawing shapes on their paper.
barimah
Mn, Mn.
He clears his throat and raises his hands up.
barimah
Ahh, sir, I think there’s a mistake here.
lecturer
Oh really? What is it?
barimah
This paper is not right. The question is irrelevant.
lecturer
Oh, is that so. Hihihi.
He giggles hysterically.
lecturer (cont’d)
Let me see that.
He reaches over for the paper.
lecturer (cont’d)
Oh no. That is, it. There’s nothing wrong.
barimah
But this question is…
lecturer
It’s what?
He interrupts.
lecturer (cont’d)
Oh, let me guess. You are the guy that never steps foot in class and been jumping on adventures and some multi-dimensional garbage huh? Well, you just got served. Hihihihi.
barimah
Fuck. Why did I choose this fucking course? I should have gone with computer engineering or some BFA shit. Heck, I’m not sure I believe in God anymore. That guy just wants to fuck with me the least chance he gets. This is all so pointless.
Bell tolls for the end of the paper. Everyone submits their work.
barimah
Finally.
After the paper, Barimah rushes out of the exam hall, with his bag opened and held to his chest.
As he makes his way outside the school, he bumps into a beautiful girl, AKUA, and drops his books.
akua
Sorry about that.
She said smiling.
Barimah laughs nervously.
akua
Are you okay?
barimah
Yeah. Just ahh…just…
He tried getting words out of his mouth.
barimah (v.o.)
What the fuck am I doing. Oh shit, am I having a crush on her? Why can’t I talk properly? Oh, shit I feel fucking…
Hope no one’s shooting this. Shit, shit, shit.
Slow motion. AKUA is looking super-hot.
Eyes gleaming, dread flying beautifully behind her head and along her face and over her shoulders. Her dark complexion super clean. Fuck. The beauty.
barimah (v.o.)
Uh…uhh… maybe if I run off, she won’t notice I was here…
Barimah picks up his books and speed walks away, stiff, feeling embarrassed.
Akua is seen in the background, jumping excitingly. She thinks she nailed the moment.
Shot from above into market square. People buying and selling.
Shot from behind…
Barimah is seen running quick towards JOSH.
barimah
Hey. Come with me. We have some work to do.
Barimah grips his hand and pulls him along.
josh
Wait, what? Let me finish my food first.
JOSH taps BARIMAH’S hand to let him go.
barimah
It can’t wait. We have very little time.
josh
Why does it always have to be me? Can’t you go with someone else?
barimah
Irrelevant. You’re the only one that can help me with this. No one else in the universe is suited for this kind of thing. You have a special mind and anyone else is going to have a mental breakdown if they be involved. God took his time with you. And you’re my Eve. You are my better half.
Sentimental song plays from a team of 3 players with junk instruments close behind BARIMAH, while he does his line.
He turns to give the team a thumbs up. They thumb up back.
He said smiling and with his left hand on JOSH’S shoulder.
josh
Oh man. But I have other quizzes today that requires my presence.
barimah
Yeah, yeah. Whatever. After today, you won’t have to worry about the quiz anymore.
Before JOSH could say anything else, BARIMAH had turned on his portal device and portalled them back to the hostel.
josh
So, what are we going to do?
barimah
Now, here’s what we are going to do. I built this code we can put in the lecturer’s mind so that he sees us to be the most serious students in his class and give us As for free.
josh
But that is not right. Isn’t it cheating?
barimah
It’s only cheating when you get caught. And besides, no one will ever know. It’s going to be a new perspective of reality we are opening him to, where we are the most serious and ambitious students, then we can do whatever we want without him on our tails.
As BARIMAH speaks, he lifts JOSH and place him on a little dish device.
josh
An…a…a…and how are we going to do that?
barimah
We are going deep into his subconscious baby.
Barimah begins a count down from 5 sequence.
barimah
Aaaaaand… 5…3…
Barimah raises his finger signifying a one.
josh
Huh? Wait, wait…
JOSH interrupts…
josh
I have to do this first.
Josh takes out his phone from his pocket to call JOAN.
His phone screen opens. We see into his calendar app. 19th of June circled. He taps on the date, A window screen lists:
To Do [heading]
[Red Bullet point] Study 2hrs in library at 12: 20.
[Green Bullet point] Write exam.
[Red Bullet point] Study 2hrs in library at 12: 20.
[Red Bullet point] Study 2hrs in library at 12: 20.
[Orange Bullet point (meaning pending)] Date with JOANA.
[Red Bullet point] Study 2hrs in library at 12: 20.
JOSH taps on the ([Orange Bullet point (meaning pending)] Date with JOANA.] tab and called her contact number.
barimah
Fuck. You bitch!
He says disappointingly. BARIMAH tunes some buttons on his computer to amplify JOSH’s call.
Ringing sound heard.
CUT TO:
INT. JOAN’S ROOM – DAY
Joan’s room is coloured Pink Purple with a shade of darkness in it.
The room is littered with her clothes and shoes.
JOAN is seen laying in her bed prostrate, legs wide open, with left one flexed upwards. Her head is tipped over far edge of the bed. Her ears stuffed with an ear device totally covering her ear hole neatly. Logo on the device (the little downward triangle of the Versel V logo, coloured with its brownish orange with light shades in it and inscription in code pro font, at the right side of the tringle, coloured with a splash of bright paint colours, which reads, “splash”, all in lower cashing)
Tapping sounds and moans heard through the device, in low volume.
Her eyes closed, eyeballs in slight motion, a faint ecstatic smile, bopping up and down to the tabbing sound from the device.
RINGING.
receiver
Hello.
Footsteps approach.
Door opens.
JOAN snaps up.
receiver
There’s a guy on the phone…
She reaches over to give the phone to JOAN.
joan
Hello…
JOSH clears his throat.
JOSH
Hello… hey. It’s me. Josh.
joan
Oh, hey JOSH. How are you?
JOSH
Oh, Grea (phlegm catch with him. Clears throat to catch his voice)
Good. Good. (He tries to hide is nervousness)
joan (ON thone)
Okay.
JOSH
I was wondering, umm, if you like to da… err… if would love a date.
joan
You want to take me out? (JOAN smiles)
JOSH
Yeah.
JOSH clears his throat.
JOAN giggles excitingly.
JOSH gets excited but tries to hold it since he was on a phone.
JOSH
So, uhhh… 8 o’clock?
joan
8 o’clock.
JOSH
Great.
JOAN
Hey Josh… I’ve been meaning to ask you…
JOSH
Yeah…
joan
What did you eat today?
JOSH
Uhh… what did I eat today…?
Barimah gestures for him to not answer the question.
JOSH
I uhhh, ate sardines with uhh… casava flakes and some sauce. Yeah.
joan
Like in SHS?
josh
Yeah. Exactly like in SHS.
He says and smiles confidently.
joan
Oh. (Says disappointingly) So you are broke?
josh
Uhh… y… uhh… what? Hello…
JOSH clears his throat.
josh
So, I’ll see you?
josh
Alright, call me. (She giggles)
JOSH turns to BARIMAH smiling.
BARIMAH looks like he was forcing to keep a laugh in.
josh
I think I nailed this one. She even asked about what I ate today.
He says, smiling.
BARIMAH bursts out laughing.
josh
What? It’s bad? Is it bad?
Barimah continues laughing.
barimah
Dude, you never answer that question.
josh
What?
He said, confused.
barimah
And…Here… we… go!
The device turns on and shrinks them into very tiny forms.
barimah
Whoa. This is so cool. Now, lets stick our hands in this motherfucker’s ass. (Dirty puppet joke)
They portal from the room into the LECTURER’S office. He moans in sequences and stretches. He had fallen fast asleep to watching some porn videos.
lecturer
Mhmhmhm, Sandra. You’re a bad girl, huhuhuh…?
barimah
Such a perv. And he sings at church too.
Quick, get inside his ear.
They slide down like they were in sliding tubes, filled with slime and dirt.
josh
Isn’t this like Inception?
barimah
What?
josh
Like the movie?
barimah
Yeah, I know what you mean. This is nothing like Inception JOSH. This is hard persuasion. He’s too weak, this is what will make him still survive. Besides, we need him for the grade. Else, I could just sic him right now.
INT. EAR GROUND – NIGHT
It’s night in EAR GROUND when you’re asleep or passed out. This is the moment security is the toughest. Everything goes dark to power specific parts of the system. These are the only times hard persuasion works easy if only you will be delicate. Day in EAR GROUND when you awake and using your eyes for sight.
Josh is getting scared looking around. He pukes on the ground.
barimah
Whoa, whoa. Take it easy germophobe. You’ll be fine. LECTURER doesn’t seem to keep a good hygiene.
The place disgusts gosh. He feels creepy.
josh
Hey BARIMAH, maybe the reason they ask us to wipe she shito bottle after we use its content is to make sure no one realises we stole from them.
CUT TO BLACK.
josh
We’re walking out here. No action.
Just a dark slimy place filled with…
barimah
Be stealth JOSH.
josh
…I thought there was supposed to be an action in here.
Just a dark slimy place filled with… (He says in a digestive tone)
josh
Ahh… (he shrieks). something just bit me.
A slimy meaty creature, (light orange less than 0.5 transparency coloured, with guts floating inside.
barimah
Let me see that. Holy fuck JOSH. This man’s mind is sick JOSH.
josh
Huh…
barimah
He has a tumour JOSH.
josh
Ohh…
barimah
It’s grown so much that they’ve become co-dependent.
josh
Huhh… oh man.
barimah
Yeah, JOSH. It sees us as threats and is producing antibodies to fight us.
josh
Does that mean we are going to die?
barimah
Not if we start killing these motherfuckers, JOSH.
BARIMAH takes out a gun and starts shooting at the antibodies marching against them.
josh
Ahhh… BARIMAH, I don’t feel good.
barimah
Quick hop on my back.
JOSH faints.
barimah
Ahh!
Barimah carries JOSH up and runs away with him from the ANTIBODIES.
antibody 1
What? Oh my god. That is fucking rude.
baby warrior antibody 1
Hey, no fair…
CUT TO:
BARIMAH reaches for a device inside his pocket. He injects JOSH with a creamy liquid goo it’s filled with.
JOSH shivers up to consciousness, gasping.
josh
What is that? Oh. It feels fucking good.
barimah
It is called an Antigen Generator. It creates an antigen of equal strength inside an antibody, which neutralizes the action of any antibody produced by the leucocytes.
josh
And you’re always carrying this around with you?
barimah
I designed it to fuck up with the whites if they come invading these shores again. You never know when it’s going to come in handy.
josh
But that is so dangerous. How did it heal me?
barimah
Yeah… You have a weird blood.
josh
Oh, yeah. I have a chip.
JOSH giggles nervously.
barimah
What?
josh
Yeah… I am part of the kids that were injected with the second wave vaccine. We’re now like… humans but better.
barimah
Better…
josh
…obedient… controllable.
barimah
Oh, I see. You’re one of those failed… humans.
JOSH giggles.
barimah (cont’d)
Listen. Come here. Let me let you in on a better secret…
He reaches over to JOSH closely.
He snaps to grab JOSH by the neck, bringing him close to his face.
barimah
You must be a dangerous man JOSH. Else no one will respect you.
He lets go off him and gets back into character.
barimah (cont’d)
Now, let’s fuck these pigs up.
CUT TO: ANTIGEN WARRIORS:
The antigen warriors split up to find BARIMAH and JOSH.
STEALTH MODE: BARIMAH & JOSH
They jump over a shoulder of the shadow of one of the ANTIGEN WARRIORS, who was standing through a door.
They crawl over to a wall in a corner.
They stand close to doorway, flat on the wall.
JOSH pants heavily.
barimah
Shhh…
He reaches his arm, placing his finger over his mouth.
RED ALERT!
Soldiers find them and start shooting at them.
They run and dodging a few.
barimah
That shushing thing didn’t work.
josh
It never has.
barimah
Hahahaa… I feel like dying this time.
BARIMAH charges in. He quickly fixes one of the antibody generators into BANGER (His gun) And opened fire into the army.
barimah
Ahhhh!
They fire back but none of their bullets hit him.
BARIMAH’s shots turned the army into goo and melt them down.
They manage to get away from the ANTIBODIES that were left there. Some were injured, others were dead and others were covered in goo of other BODIES.
AWAY FROM FIGHT SCENE:
barimah
You see all this, JOSH? This is the human mind. So vulnerable and bare. Only protected by a calcium skull. So precious but have a very weak protective cover. Our ancestors had better and stronger skull than we have and it’s the most delicate thing we have, apart from our penises.
josh
No shit…
barimah
Yeah JOSH. You think you will ever be thought this in school? Huh? They don’t even teach you to make money. They only tell you to study hard and work hard and use what you earn to pay bills. Is that the life you want to live?
BARIMAH fixes a device into a part of the LECTURER’S brain. The system started updating itself with the new codes he injected into his subconscious.
barimah
And… 5, 3, 1. And ladies and gentlemen, we are green. It’s done. It’s fixed. All of it. Now I’m bored.
josh
This is amazing. Wow. I can’t believe it.
barimah
Yes, JOSH. Humans think they have free will and does anything they want.
josh
What? That is not true?
barimah
What do you think, JOSH? Why do you think we are here now? Don’t be dumb JOSH. This man won’t give us an A in a billion years, if we live that long…
…because he simply doesn’t like us. His mistake, he thinks he has the power. Only have to dip a finger in the most awkward of places.
Crazy thing… I did all this just to prove that point and you don’t even get it.
josh
Cool. But you should try keeping your monologues less meta.
barimah
But there’s a downside.
josh
Oh, there is more…
barimah
A system reboot is going to be a requirement.
josh
Ohhhh.
He said worriedly.
ANTIGEN soldiers catch up with them and opens fire.
Barimah shoots back.
WHILE SHOOT OUT GO ON:
barimah
Quick, JOSH. Hurry. We have to get out of here else, we’re going to die! His mind is going to die for 3 hours and reboot back again. The serum is going to wear our soon. We have to quickly find a way out of here.
josh
Wait, how long have we been here?
barimah
72 hours.
josh
72 hours?
barimah
You don’t have to ask me again what you clearly just heard me say.
josh
BARIMAH, I have a date to be at. JOAN has been waiting on me for 72 hours and I’ve not been…
barimah
Quit thinking about your penis JOSH. There’s still more time for your stupid date.
josh
But it’s been 3 days already.
barimah
Yes, JOSH. Only in this guy’s mind. Time travels differently in every human’s mind than what we know in the collective real life.
josh
The collective real life?
barimah
I don’t have time to explain. It’s only been 36 minutes out there.
JOSH pauses for a while.
josh (cont’d)
So, it’s like Inception.
barimah
It’s not Inception Josh. Its persuasion. The LECTURER is not dreaming. Yes, he is asleep but, we are not in his dreams. In fact, I can induce a dream for him right now but that is not important. We are not playing God yet…
Calling this anything like Inception is saying David had a big dick. And that is an insult to the creative genius that shat that thing. Do you get it now, JOSH?
josh (cont’d)
Uhhh…
The whole place starts crushing and crumbling down.
antigen commander
Take cover…
He commands the ANTIGEN soldiers.
The Lecturer’s heart starts beating really fast, and hard,
pumping blood into the brain at high pressure. We have to leave now.
Barimah and Josh are ejected through the LETURER’S nostrils and are transformed back into their normal form with blood all over their bodies.
They run out of the office when the lecturer wakes up and shouts:
LECTURER
Hey, you two.
BARIMAH and JOSH freeze at the door.
lecturer (cont’d)
What are you doing here?
They slowly turn, to look at the LECTURER.
barimah
And what the fuck are you going to do?
josh
Barimah.
lecturer
Oh, its you guys. The most serious guys in my class. I’m going to give you two an A just for being in my class list.
He smiles.
josh
Whew.
barimah
Oh, ye of little faith.
They portal back into the lab.
JOSH receives a text on his phone.
JOANA is still waiting on him for the date.
josh
BARIMAH, I need to set up for the date.
BARIMAH sits in a rocking chair, lights a roll of marijuana. And starts smoking.
barimah
Oh, can’t stop thinking about your penis, huh?
josh
Listen, I don’t want to be lonely like you are okay.
barimah
Ouch, that hurts.
josh
Oh, man. I’m so nervous.
barimah
It means you shouldn’t go. She’s not yours. Your body is telling you something. Listen to your body.
josh
Our bodies talk.
barimah
Of course, our bodies send signals to our minds which directly interprets into reasoning and actions. How then do you know to take a shit you dumb fuck?
josh
I don’t care. I’m still going to see her maybe I could get to do some kissing stuff with her.
barimah
I would like to wish you luck, but it will be a waste of my precious breath.
JOSH dresses up and leaves for his date.
A slow jazz song plays in the background.
drunk guy 1
I've always thought if you fuck a lady and put your finger in her ass, she wouldn't be able to breath.
drunk guy 2
No. It's only when you give her deep through.
They both laugh out loud.
A comedian tells really lame jokes at the open mike. The drunk people at the bar laugh at the joke.
comedian
I sense someone's expectations for a date is going to be him and his pomade soon enough. But don't say it too loud. He doesn't know yet. Wank, wank, wank.
The drunk audience laughs.
JOSH is seated at a table, smiling, and feeling confident about himself.
He checks his time, 30 minutes past, JOANA still haven’t arrived.
1 hour, still nothing.
He kept checking his phone for messages from JOANA but nothing. Texts her but no response.
He starts getting sad.
3 hours past and still nothing. It was time for the bar to close.
waiter
Sir, your date stood you up. We can't allow you to stay here any longer. We are closing.
I bet you got a good pomade at home to ease the blue balls...?
josh
Hmmm...
waiter(cont’d)
I bet you got a good pomade at home to ease the blue balls...?
FADE TO BLACK:
ROSEMARY knocks on BARIMAH’S door.
rosemary
BARIMAH. Come out. I need to speak with you.
barimah
Yes, what?
BARIMAH’S are red and almost closing, wearing a trouser.
rosemary
I’m sorry about snapping at you this morning. I really should have listened to you when you were speaking. I know I’m defaced but it’s still me you know.
ROSEMARY says in a seductive tone.
barimah
Yeah, no. I said you were ugly. Not defaced. It’s different.
rosemary
Hmhmhm…
ROSEMARY giggles.
rosemary (cont’d)
You’re so funny.
barimah
Oh shit. What have I done? I know being mean to ladies turns them on but, this one...?
JOSH walks in looking sad.
BARIMAH turns to speak with JOSH.
barimah
Hey, hey. How was your date?
josh
I don’t want to talk about it.
barimah
Hm… I warned you.
ROSEMARY turned to look at BARIMAH with a smiley face.
barimah
Oh shit. Didn’t think it would get to this.
HE sighs.
barimah
Okay, fine.
BARIMAH, reaches for a gun, and cocks it.
cut to black:
closing titles.