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-------------------------
Rabid - part 1
By
Ziggy W
FADE IN:
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN - NIGHT -- RAIN
We open with a shot of a van driving down a small country
road.
It turns into a parking lot of a large looming building.
It slows to a stop and two government agents step out.
AGENT 1
You got the restraints?
Agent 2 looks up and nods.
AGENT 2
Check.
AGENT 1
Good. Let's bag this fucker and get
out of here.
They head towards the back of the truck.
AGENT 1 (CONT'D)
So what'd you think's back there?
AGENT 2
Beats me. Base has been pretty close
lipped on what they've been
transporting.
(beat)
Wouldn't be surprised in the least
if it's just a dog.
He reaches for the door.
Suddenly the thing inside slams against it and he jolts
back.
Agent 1 laughs.
AGENT 1
Scare easy?
AGENT 2
It's probably a big fucking dog.
AGENT 1 laughs some more.
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2.
AGENT 1
Bet he's pretty pissed, too.
(beat)
Well here, you get the latch, we'll
snag the thing when it jumps.
AGENT 2 nods.
He cautiously reaches for the latch.
He waits for it to slam the door again it doesn't.
He unlatches the lock.
Both peer into the darkened cab.
Heavy breathing is heard from within.
AGENT 1 draws out a gun.
Suddenly the creature charges and as it exits Control 2
snags it with the wire loop.
To their shock it is not a dog, but a decayed looking human.
AGENT 2
What the fuck?
It struggles with the restraints.
AGENT 2 (CONT'D)
Klien, give me a hand with this
bastard.
AGENT 1 puts the gun back into its holster.
He picks up his wire catcher and latches it around the mans
wrist.
AGENT 1
What the hell is this thing?.
AGENT 2
Fucking pissed at the moment.
With a jerk of the creature's hand, it breaks free.
CONTROL 1
Son of a bitch!
It heads off towards the surrounded wooded area.
The two chase after it.
Both pull out their guns and ready to fire.
They chase the thing through the woods.
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3.
In the heat of the chase both split up.
AGENT 2 ends up in an small open field.
Nervously he glances around.
P.O.V. CREATURE - WOODS - DAWN
Something watches from within the thick brush.
AGENT 2
Art, that you?
No response.
He creeps towards the woods - his gun drawn The creature
slumps slowly past behind him.
He whips around.
AGENT 2 (CONT'D)
Hello...
He inches towards the sound.
Behind him the creature drops from a tree he turns around
and it jumps.
A gunshot rings out and AGENT 1 looks towards the direction
it came.
AGENT 1
Steve!
He runs through the woods and heads out into the clearing.
There he sees the creature feasting on the body of AGENT 2.
He steps on a branch it cracks and the creature glances
over.
It begins to run at him and he fires a shot.
It hits the creatures shoulders and the thing continues to
advance.
AGENT 1 (CONT'D)
No... You can't... stay back... you
sick fuck.
He fires again and the thing continues to charge.
He unloads the entire clip.
The thing staggers around the walks over toward the stream.
It collapses and falls in.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
Control 1 pulls out a radio and rushes towards Control 2.
AGENT 1 (CONT'D)
This is unit 16 for base 68, we need
medical assistance, ASAP.
He continues to talk to AGENT 2 as the CAMERA pans towards
the stream.
Blood gushes out of the creatures' wounds and is carried by
the current.
OPENING:
A microscope image of a multiply
virus plus various "news clips" are
shown over the credits.
In a flash sequence, they all come together to form a singular
title.
INSERT TITLE: "VIRUS"
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - MORNING
ANGLE ON: A KID RIDES THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD ON HIS BIKE -
THROWING PAPERS.
He takes a drink from his water bottle and heaves a paper.
ANGLE ON: OWEN CARSON STEPPING OUT OF HIS HOUSE.
A paper hits near his head.
OWEN
Thanks David.
He bends down to pick up the paper.
He heads back inside.
CUT TO:
INT. OWEN'S HOUSE - MORNING
Inside Owen hurries to get ready.
OWEN
Barb, have you seen my shoes?
BARBARA
Those god awful loafers? Can't say
that I have.
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5.
OWEN
Shit. I can't be late. Today's the
Pegg conference.
BARBARA
Right, another conference, another
potential fucking promotion.
(beat)
When are you going to take some time
off?
OWEN
Soon.
BARBARA
You promise.
OWEN
You have my word.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Charlie a young kid around 8 or 9 sits on a couch covered in
a blanket.
He flips through the channels.
His mother, ANNETTE, 34 and haggard looking walks towards
him.
ANNETTE
Why aren't you in your own room?
She snatches the remote.
CHARLIE
I couldn't sleep in my room.
ANNETTE
Why not?
CHARLIE
I's Scared.
ANNETTE
You know there's nothing to be afraid
of. I'm always a room away.
CHARLIE
So? Doesn't matter.
She takes a sip of coffee.
ANNETTE
Why's that?
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6.
CHARLIE
He can still get me.
ANNETTE
Who?
CHARLIE
The bogeyman.
She laughs and hugs him.
ANNETTE
There's no such thing, it's all in
your imagination.
(beat)
Tell you what, next time you go into
you room, call him out - but think
of the silliest thing you can.
CHARLIE
Like a walrus with rabbit ears.
ANNETTE
Exactly like a walrus with rabbit
ears. You call him out and imagine
this big goofy creature hopping along
and I guarantee you won't be scared.
(beat)
Then flick on the lights and imagine
this big, dumb, goofy thing shrinking,
smaller, and smaller until it's the
size of your hand, your thumb, until
finally, poof, the oaf disappears.
CHARLIE
What if that doesn't work?
ANNETTE
Trust me, it will.
(beat)
Tell you what, I'll get you some hot
chocolate while you get dressed for
school.
Charlie whines.
CHARLIE
Aw mom. Do I have to?
ANNETTE
I don't make the rules - I just follow
them.
(beat)
Up and at em.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
She heads off into the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. LEON'S HOUSE - HIS ROOM - MORNING
ANGLE ON: LEON LAYS ASLEEP IN HIS BED - JUNK IS SCATTERED
THROUGHOUT THE ROOM.
An Alarm buzzes as a record blares.
Leon - 20 - awakes dazed and confused.
He falls out of bed.
He continues with his regular routine.
CUT TO:
INT. LEON'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Inside the kitchen May sips down coffee and Leon pours himself
a bowl of cereal.
They sit in the dark - the only light being the sunlight
pulling in behind them.
LEON
Fuck, my head's pounding.
MAY
What do you expect with your CD player
blaring all night?
LEON
I like to listen to the radio - that's
all.
(beat)
Could you flick the lights - I can't
see worth shit.
May looks at him.
LEON (CONT'D)
Fine, I'll get it.
He flicks on the light.
It doesn't turn on.
MAY
You forgot to pay the bill again.
He walks over towards the sink.
He turns on the faucet - no water pours out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
MAY (CONT'D)
Water's out too. Wow, you're really
on a roll.
LEON
Well why didn't you remind me?
MAY
I've been on you about this for the
past week.
LEON
Well why didn't you pitch in?
MAY
I pay for every other damn expense
in this house.
(beat)
It's not my fault you work in that
damn bookstore.
LEON
It's not like I had much of a choice.
MAY
Bullshit.
LEON
Someone has to work around here.
MAY
And I don't?
Leon drops his cereal spoon and looks at her.
LEON
No, not really.
MAY
That's because I'm busting my ass
trying to get a degree.
(beat)
Instead of sitting around like some
lazy fuck, who can't do jack shit
for anyone but himself.
LEON
May, please don't do this.
MAY
Don't do what?
LEON
Argue about this.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
MAY
Then pay the bills. Jesus Christ,
it's so fucking simple.
LEON sighs and goes back to eating his breakfast.
CUT TO:
INT. OWEN'S HOUSE - MORNING
Inside he scurries with his briefcase.
He turns and kisses Barbara.
OWEN
Well I got go. Bye.
BARBARA
Love you.
(beat)
Oh, before I forget, Audrey's coming
back from college with her new
boyfriend and a few friends, could
you try to be on time for once?
OWEN
Yeah, sure.
He leaves.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN
In the kitchen Charlie sips down hot chocolate.
His mother paces back and forth.
MOTHER
Common now, hurry up, haste make
waste, you know.
CHARLIE
Mom, I don't feel to good.
She quickly takes his tempt with her hand.
MOTHER
Well you're not running a fever.
Why don't you go to school and see how you feel. You feel
crummy you can go to the nurse.
She hands him a glass of water.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
MOTHER (CONT'D)
Here, be sure to drink plenty of
fluids, they'll at least keep your
stomach at ease.
She smile.
And he takes a sip of the water.
CHARLIE
It taste funny.
MOTHER
It taste fine, you're just spoiled
on chocolate milk and the lot.
She glances at the clock.
MOTHER (CONT'D)
Oh fu..dge, Look at the time. Charlie
sweetie, hurry up and finish your
cocoa we've got to get you to school.
They scurry to get ready.
CUT TO:
EXT. OWEN'S HOUSE - MORNING
Owen exits his house and heads for the car.
He opens the door and gets in.
P.O.V. OWEN'S CAR - MORNING
He begins to back out of the driveway.
The radio plays in his car.
OWEN
Today is the day. This is it.
He adjust the mirror.
OWEN (CONT'D)
That's right. Can you feel it? Can
you fucking feel it. The promotion
is in the bag.
He begins to back up.
Suddenly a kid and his mother - Charlie and his mother step
out in front of the car.
He stops quickly.
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11.
OWEN (CONT'D)
Son of a bitch.
The mother glares at him.
MOTHER
Learn to drive.
OWEN
Learn to watch your kid.
She glares ar him and hurries off.
OWEN (CONT'D)
Jesus, the nerve of these people.
He pulls out and drives off.
On the road he passes LEON's car.
The CAMERA moves towards his car.
CUT TO:
INT/EXT. LEON'S CAR - DAY
He drives in a daze.
"Paint it Black" by the "Rolling Stones" plays on the radio.
He sings along.
LEON
I see a red door and I want to paint
it black. I wish I could remember
more then just this verse...
He hums the verse and drums on the wheel.
Finally he turns a corner to his bookstore.
There a bum holds a sign that reads: APOCALYPSE IS UPON US
Leon looks at the sign.
LEON (CONT'D)
Damn it.
He pulls the car to a stop.
He unrolls his window.
LEON (CONT'D)
Sir, you can't loiter here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
THE BUM TURNS TOWARDS HIM
BUM
Gospel's gotta be heard somewhere.
LEON
Well could you do it somewhere else.
BUM
I'm just following the Lord's
intentions, figured you wouldn't
give a fellow the time of day to
understand.
LEON
I think I understand perfectly well.
The bum looks at him.
Leon reaches into his pocket and grabs some change.
LEON (CONT'D)
Alright, here's a few cents.
He hands it to the bum.
The change drops to the ground.
BUM
Penny for your thoughts, huh? I
don't need you charity.
The bum walks off and LEON pulls his car towards the back.
CUT TO:
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM -- MORNING
Inside the classroom the teacher, MR.MONROE, mid-forties , a
former hippie, it would seem, paces eagerly back in forth.
MR.MONROE
Yes! Oh boy, this is what stirs the
mind's juices.
(beat)
And can someone give a cause this
revolution? Danny?
A half asleep kid perks up.
DANNY
Wha...
MR.MONROE
The American Revolution, give a cause
for it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
DANNY
Uh, taxes, er, taxation with - no,
without, representation. Taxation
without representation.
MR.MONROE
No man, the squares. I kidd, oh how
I kidd. Bingo, you're right on the
mark. Taxation without representation.
(beat)
It'd be the same as me giving this
class homework for no given reason.
Well, I'd ripe expect a revolution
and nothing less, if I did that.
Heck, you guys out number me.
(BEAT)
Not to give you any ideas or anything.
(beat)
Anyone else like to have a go at
this?
A sickly looking Charlie sits in his seat, he raises his
hand.
MR.MONROE
Yes Charlie?
He shivers.
MR.MONROE (CONT'D)
Charlie.
CHARLIE
Could I go to the nurse.
MR.MONROE
You feeling that bad?
He nods.
MR.MONROE (CONT'D)
Alright. Check in with the nurse.
It's a shame you're feeling sick, hate to have you miss the
"Declaration of Independence"
Charlie gets up and stumbles a bit.
He breath becomes short, he clutches his stomach, writhing
in pain.
A bit of greenish foam with a bit of blood and tissue falls
from his mouth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
MR.MONROE (CONT'D)
Charlie?
Charlie collapses.
He begins convulsing on the floor - spewing up blood and
tissue along with the greenish foam.
The kids crowd around him.
KID
Gross.
Mr. Monroe rushes towards Charlie.
A puddle of the greenish liquid lays on the floor beside
him.
MR.MONROE
Give him space, give him space.
The kids back off. The crowd over in silence, they're too
terrified to look away or scream.
MR.MONROE (CONT'D)
Jake, get the nurse.
He takes off his sweater and folds it like an impromtu pillow.
He bends over and places the "pillow" beneath his head.
AS HE'S FIXING THE PILLOW SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING -
Charlie bites his wrist.
He pulls back, blood runs between his fingers.
The bile rest on his wrist.
MR.MONROE
Shit, god, it burns.
He quickly wipes it off and places a paper tissue on the
wound.
The nurse arrives in the room.
NURSE
Oh dear lord what happened?
MR.MONROE
I don't know, he was fine a few
minutes ago. He ask to see you, got
up and started convulsing and well,
throwing up.
She glances at his wound.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
NURSE
And your hand?
MR.MONROE
Yes, well... he bit me.
NURSE
He bit you?
MR.MONROE
Yeah, he bit me. It's probably just
a volatile reaction. I hope.
(beat)
Look, what's important is we get him
out of here and too the hospital as
soon as possible.
The nurse nods.
NURSE
Well, you phone his parents and I'll
call the hospital.
She leaves.
CUT TO:
INT. RARE AND USED BOOKSTORE - DAY
Inside numerous customers browse the shelves.
One of the customers is Charlie's mother, Annette.
She places a few books on the counter.
ANNETTE
Could I get these in paperback?
LEON
Sorry ma'am, what's on the shelf is
what we've got.
ANNETTE
Well could I at least...
Her cell phone rings.
She reaches into her purse and pulls it out.
ANNETTE (CONT'D)
Hello...Oh, god... he seemed fine
this morning.
(beat)
By all means take him to the hospital.
I'll be there as soon as possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
She put her phone back in her purse.
LEON
Well I could always hold the books
till you get back.
ANNETTE
I wouldn't want to be a bother.
LEON
It's really not that much trouble at
all.
He puts the books aside and she leaves.
CUT TO:
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Owen parks his car and steps out into the grass.
A group of people crowd around the building.
Guys in biohazard suits walk around the building.
Owen turns towards another guy, a worker, Russel Stokes, one
of those annoying co-workers who spends half the day telling
jokes at the water cooler and the other half complaining
about the coffee in the conference room.
OWEN
Anyone know what happened here?
Russel turns towards him.
RUSSEL
Strotten's dead.
OWEN
Accounting's Strotten?
RUSSEL
That's the one.
OWEN
How?
RUSSEL
He just collapsed. Pure and simple.
Owen glances towards the biohazard guys.
OWEN
Then why are they here?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
RUSSEL
Strotten complained of violent stomach
pains and sores on his bodies.
Apparently all of accounting and
most management have those symptoms.
Or at least that's what they told
me.
(beat)
I'm just glad I don't work at either.
He laughs and takes a drink of the water form a water bottle
he holds.
RUSSEL (CONT'D)
Water? It's tap but still pretty
damn refreshing.
OWEN
I'm not really thirsty, thanks anyway.
The worker puts the bottle down.
RUSSEL
Fine, suit yourself.
(beat)
Well, I'm going home - no sense
sticking around watching these guys.
He heads off.
The biohazard suits continue their check of the building.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
A nurse leans over Charlie as he's rushed down the emergency
corridor.
HOSPITAL NURSE 1
He's the seventh one today.
A doctor passes her and hands off a note.
DR. HARRISON
You may want to have a look at this.
It's the other patient we just brought
in.
She flips through the notes.
HOSPITAL NURSE 1
That's impossible... he's showing
signs of rigor mortis.
She looks down at Charlie.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
HOSPITAL NURSE 1 (CONT'D)
(whisper)
What the hell are we dealing with?
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN - DAY -- CONTINUOUS
Three hunters, Multon, a fat drunk, Rick, a older woodsman,
and Rupert, a younger city slicker of a man, move through
the thick brush.
MULTON
Seems a little crazy, don't it?
RICK
A man needs his fantasies.
Rupert cracks open a beer.
RUPERT
Amen to that.
RICK
Yes, amen to that.
They come to a fallen tree and sit to rest.
MULTON
That's all fine and dandy, but the
man's like a hermit.
RUPERT
Who? Philip Meyers?
MULTON
Who'd ya think I was talking about?
RICK
I've lived out here my entire life
and only seen the man once. Pretty
crazy, guess that's why the kids
call him "Crazy old Phil."
MULTON
I'd call him a "crazy old fuck."
Rupert laughs and Rick stokes his beard.
A rustle is heard in the brushes and the group turns their
attention that way.
Rick picks up his gun and walks towards the sound.
He pulls away at some shrubs to reveal a clearing, in it a
man is hunched over another figure - it is Agent 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
RICK
Pardon me, sir.
The figure ignores him and continues with whatever it's doing.
RICK (CONT'D)
God dang...
He puts his hands on the man's shoulder, the man whips around.
His face is partly decayed and a chunk of flesh hangs from
his mouth.
Horrified, Rick glances down at what he was hunched over - a
human, with it's face and rib cage eaten off.
Rupert and Multon look on in horror.
MULTON
Jesus!
He grabs his rifle and along with Rupert he rushes to Rick's
aid.
Rick backs off, and the creature slowly stands up.
It peers down at the gun, watching his hand for any sudden
movements.
It lunges and before Rick can react, it slams his head into
a tree.
The impact knocks him unconscious and the creature bites his
neck.
MULTON (CONT'D)
Hey? Over here!
The creature looks over.
MULTON (CONT'D)
That's right, smile.
He pulls the trigger - nothing. The gun is unloaded.
MULTON (CONT'D)
Shit.
The creature charges, Multon turns the gun around and swings
it like an impromptu bat, as the creature jumps.
It hits the creature and the thing lands on the ground with
a heavy thud.
RUPERT
Is it dead?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
MULTON
Probably not.
(beat)
Get Rick, I'll finish this thing
off.
He heads off to where their stuff was resting on the tree
branch.
Rupert heads toward Rick.
RUPERT
Rick?
Too late, Rick's already infected.
Rupert walks past the creature, who stirs, yet that goes
unnoticed by him.
RUPERT (CONT'D)
Oh my god, Rick.
The creature grabs a jagged stick.
RUPERT (CONT'D)
Multon, I think he's dead.
Multon answers in the distance.
MULTON
What?
RUPERT
Rick, he's dead...
MULTON
Sorry, what.
Rick's eyes are glossy and as Rupert turns away to talk to
Multon, he stirs.
The creature swings the stick at Rupert's leg...
RUPERT
Dead. Rick's dea...
The stick stabs into his ankle.
Rupert screams and Rick grabs him, he attempts to bite Rupert
but Rupert grabs his head and slams it against the tree
continuously until it cracks his skull.
RUPERT (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, Rick.
Rick's body falls to the ground.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
Rupert turns around.
MULTON
Watch out!
The creature viciously smacks him with a branch.
Multon fires at the creature - it misses.
It peers down at Rupert who lies dead on the ground.
MULTON (CONT'D)
Go to hell.
He readies to fire, the creature advances.
He pulls the trigger - nothing.
Nervously he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a shell.
The creature charges and jumps and while in mid air it's
suddenly shot by another hunter.
MULTON (CONT'D)
What in the world?
Philip steps out from a tree.
MULTON (CONT'D)
Philip thank god your here...
Without speaking Philip walks over to the creature and fires
point blank, he moves onto Rick, then Rupert.
MULTON (CONT'D)
Philip, what the hell you doing!?
PHILIP
Ain't taking any chances.
He draws the gun on Multon.
MULTON
Philip please, don't.
Philip remains set.
MULTON (CONT'D)
Philip!
He fires.
CUT TO:
TO BE CONTINUED...
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