Set against the backdrop of New York’s urban and suburban environments, Worthy tells the story of Chris, a young lesbian navigating tumultuous relationships with her family and her partner, Junie. Chris’s life spirals out of control due to an opioid addiction, bringing her to confront her past and the systemic failures of the recovery industry. The screenplay follows her path of self-discovery and redemption, marked by a significant subplot involving a love triangle with Junie and Chris’s friend Maggie, adding emotional complexity and tension to Chris’s journey. Through life’s struggles, Chris finds her self-worth and turns her pain into passion helping others facing similar battles. The script offers a raw and honest look at addiction and recovery.
THEMES
Addiction and Recovery
A realistic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs associated with opioid addiction.
Self-Worth & Redemption
Chris’s journey towards reclaiming her self-worth and redeeming her past.
LGBTQ+ & Family Dynamics
The complexities and conflicts for family members highlight the broader impact of addiction.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Chris
Underdog protagonist
A resilient young woman battling opioid addiction, Chris strives to rebuild her life and relationships, driven by a determination to reform a flawed recovery system and find self-worth.
Junie
Secondary Character
A compassionate and resilient partner who provides emotional stability and moral guidance, challenging Chris to confront her addiction while navigating the complexities of their deep, evolving relationship.
Maggie
Secondary Character
A quirky, loyal friend with her own struggles, Maggie’s eccentricities and deep bond with Chris add emotional complexity and tension, making her both a source of support and conflict.
Drake
Antagonist
A manipulative and unscrupulous drug dealer who exploits Chris’s vulnerability. Drake is charismatic yet ruthless, drawing people into his web of addiction for his own gain. His presence in Chris’s life represents the darker temptations she must overcome.
Nurse Janice
Antagonist
A jaded and apathetic nurse at the recovery clinic, Nurse Janice symbolizes the systemic failures within the addiction treatment industry. Her lack of empathy and dismissive attitude towards patients like Chris highlights the challenges of navigating a flawed system.
KEY SCENES
01
Teenage Rebellion
Chris’s early life sets the stage for her struggle with addiction.
02
Masking Struggle
Chris doctor shops, visits multiple pharmacies, and sells drugs to maintain a facade of control.
03
Family Funeral
A climactic reveal of deep-seated family issues and internal conflict.
04
Relationship Resolution
Chris’s heartfelt conversation with Maggie about their future.
05
Methadone Clinic
The start of Chris’s quest to fix the system.
COMPARABLE FILMS
“This project is very close to my heart as it’s based in part on my own experiences and shared to provide much needed hope to those affected by addiction.”
— CHRISTINE OLIVA-CASTILLO, AUTHOR
FESTIVAL FEEDBACK
DIVERSITY FILM FESTIVAL
The writer does a great job of developing three compelling anti-heroines who are empowering in their fallibility, struggles, and emotional complexities. Overall, this story breaks ground by featuring female leads and memorable secondary characters who are neither forced to be perfectly strong nor to be one-note stereotypes in a male-led tale.
THE TORONTO FEMALE FILM FESTIVAL
This script works really well. The author has constructed an emotionally compelling and nuanced narrative which is supported by natural dialogue and strong visual language. The author has a strong sense of writing for the visual language and it is easy to see how this would translate to the scene for an entertaining and heartfelt viewing experience.
SCRIPTREADER
The screenplay delves into the complexities of addiction and its impact on relationships and personal growth. Well-developed characters with emotional depth and compelling dynamics… Realistic portrayal of mental health : The screenplay explores mental health issues, such as OCD and anxiety, in a realistic and sensitive manner.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE SCREENPLAY
Christine Oliva-Castillo
Author & Co-Director
Christine is a writer who has been working in the substance use disorder field for over 13 years as a licensed counselor and government administrator. She is a passionate advocate for individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders, with a special focus on those impacted by the opioid epidemic.
Bradley Raymond
Co-Director
Bradley is the director of Disney’s critically acclaimed and award-winning film The Lion King 1 ½, Tinkerbell and Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World. Disney’s Oscar nominated feature Raya and the Last Dragon was based on a story by Brad. He studied directing and writing at the American Film Institute and UCLA Extension.
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