The Story
Logline: Three years into his hunt for the terrorists who murdered his wife and daughter, a bereaved former spy uncovers an imminent jihadist threat that leads him from the site of a wartime atrocity to global brinkmanship on the high seas.
Love, loss, and redemption are themes explored in this taut action thriller set against the exotic backdrop of the Philippines, a nation under siege from populist uprisings, political unrest, and a flailing government losing its grip to Islamic terrorists bent on imposing their own brand of Jihad.
Retired CIA agent JOHN GELLER, whose wife and daughter were killed by a terrorist bomb in London three years earlier, has tracked Al Qaeda mastermind AMIR AL-AMATI to the Philippines, but his leads have gone cold. Haunted by recurring nightmares and finding solace in a bottle, fate brings Geller face-to-face with convicted killer QUENTIN FOBBS, the one man who can lead him to al-Amati.
Joining forces with friend and ally, KATIE McGRAW, Cultural Attaché to the US Mission, and CIA operative KAI KWAN, Geller follows a trail of murder, blackmail, and political intrigue as he closes in on al-Amati and London bomber MOHAMED ATIF, all while unraveling an enigmatic mystery triggered by events that happened more than seventy years ago.
From London to Manila to Hong Kong to Washington, Geller is thrust into a web of international terrorism that takes him from the site of a wartime atrocity to global brinkmanship on the high seas. The stakes are high: retribution for the murders of his wife and daughter, the repatriation of fallen World War Two prisoners of war, and $14 Billion in Japanese war gold.
Logline: Three years into his hunt for the terrorists who murdered his wife and daughter, a bereaved former spy uncovers an imminent jihadist threat that leads him from the site of a wartime atrocity to global brinkmanship on the high seas.
Love, loss, and redemption are themes explored in this taut action thriller set against the exotic backdrop of the Philippines, a nation under siege from populist uprisings, political unrest, and a flailing government losing its grip to Islamic terrorists bent on imposing their own brand of Jihad.
Retired CIA agent JOHN GELLER, whose wife and daughter were killed by a terrorist bomb in London three years earlier, has tracked Al Qaeda mastermind AMIR AL-AMATI to the Philippines, but his leads have gone cold. Haunted by recurring nightmares and finding solace in a bottle, fate brings Geller face-to-face with convicted killer QUENTIN FOBBS, the one man who can lead him to al-Amati.
Joining forces with friend and ally, KATIE McGRAW, Cultural Attaché to the US Mission, and CIA operative KAI KWAN, Geller follows a trail of murder, blackmail, and political intrigue as he closes in on al-Amati and London bomber MOHAMED ATIF, all while unraveling an enigmatic mystery triggered by events that happened more than seventy years ago.
From London to Manila to Hong Kong to Washington, Geller is thrust into a web of international terrorism that takes him from the site of a wartime atrocity to global brinkmanship on the high seas. The stakes are high: retribution for the murders of his wife and daughter, the repatriation of fallen World War Two prisoners of war, and $14 Billion in Japanese war gold.
Logline: Three years into his hunt for the terrorists who murdered his wife and daughter, a bereaved former spy uncovers an imminent jihadist threat that leads him from the site of a wartime atrocity to global brinkmanship on the high seas.
Love, loss, and redemption are themes explored in this taut action thriller set against the exotic backdrop of the Philippines, a nation under siege from populist uprisings, political unrest, and a flailing government losing its grip to Islamic terrorists bent on imposing their own brand of Jihad.
Retired CIA agent JOHN GELLER, whose wife and daughter were killed by a terrorist bomb in London three years earlier, has tracked Al Qaeda mastermind AMIR AL-AMATI to the Philippines, but his leads have gone cold. Haunted by recurring nightmares and finding solace in a bottle, fate brings Geller face-to-face with convicted killer QUENTIN FOBBS, the one man who can lead him to al-Amati.
Joining forces with friend and ally, KATIE McGRAW, Cultural Attaché to the US Mission, and CIA operative KAI KWAN, Geller follows a trail of murder, blackmail, and political intrigue as he closes in on al-Amati and London bomber MOHAMED ATIF, all while unraveling an enigmatic mystery triggered by events that happened more than seventy years ago.
From London to Manila to Hong Kong to Washington, Geller is thrust into a web of international terrorism that takes him from the site of a wartime atrocity to global brinkmanship on the high seas. The stakes are high: retribution for the murders of his wife and daughter, the repatriation of fallen World War Two prisoners of war, and $14 Billion in Japanese war gold.
An old-fashioned action movie
“There are no extraordinary men, just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.”
— U.S. Navy Admiral William F. Halsey
Eight Thirty Two’s action is loud, realistic, and visceral, with no reliance on superheroes or CGI in its depiction of military engagement.
Our story unfolds organically to reveal a rich, multilayered narrative, integrating converging plotlines that seamlessly blend an indistinguishable work of fiction with the stuff of legend, all rooted in factual historical record. There’s a palpable sense of urgency from FADE IN to FADE OUT, tension building to a climactic, hi-octane finale on the high seas while balancing edge-of-your-seat thrills with interwoven elements of suspense, mystery, and drama.
An old-fashioned action movie
“There are no extraordinary men, just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.”
— U.S. Navy Admiral William F. Halsey
Eight Thirty Two’s action is loud, realistic, and visceral, with no reliance on superheroes or CGI in its depiction of military engagement.
Our story unfolds organically to reveal a rich, multilayered narrative, integrating converging plotlines that seamlessly blend an indistinguishable work of fiction with the stuff of legend, all rooted in factual historical record. There’s a palpable sense of urgency from FADE IN to FADE OUT, tension building to a climactic, hi-octane finale on the high seas while balancing edge-of-your-seat thrills with interwoven elements of suspense, mystery, and drama.
An old-fashioned action movie
“There are no extraordinary men, just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.”
— U.S. Navy Admiral William F. Halsey
Eight Thirty Two’s action is loud, realistic, and visceral, with no reliance on superheroes or CGI in its depiction of military engagement.
Our story unfolds organically to reveal a rich, multilayered narrative, integrating converging plotlines that seamlessly blend an indistinguishable work of fiction with the stuff of legend, all rooted in factual historical record. There’s a palpable sense of urgency from FADE IN to FADE OUT, tension building to a climactic, hi-octane finale on the high seas while balancing edge-of-your-seat thrills with interwoven elements of suspense, mystery, and drama.
Every character has a distinct voice
Eight Thirty Two delves into the depths of profound loss and redemption, weaving a compelling narrative around retired CIA Case Officer, John Geller, who’s driven by a mission to seek justice for the murders of his wife and daughter at the hands of terrorists. Alongside Geller is Katie McGraw, Cultural Attaché to the U.S. Mission in Manila, who stands as his through-line ally and closest friend. This character-driven action thriller unfolds a deeply human story, intricately entwined with an ensemble of antagonists and supporting characters who shape a riveting tale of resilience and purpose.
“I would have thought you trusted me enough by now to keep me in the loop.” – Katie McGraw
“What do you want me to say, Katie? That I’m chasing another shadow? It’s not in me to just sit back, and hope and pray, pretend that all of this is somehow going to go away, that I’ll wake up one morning and he’ll be dead. That’s not who I am right now, and until and unless I find some resolution, whatever that looks like, I’m gonna continue to turn over however many stones it takes if it puts me one step closer to al-Amati. Besides, why should you carry this burden too? ” — John Geller
“Maybe because I care what happens to you?” – Katie McGraw
Every character has a distinct voice
Eight Thirty Two delves into the depths of profound loss and redemption, weaving a compelling narrative around retired CIA Case Officer, John Geller, who’s driven by a mission to seek justice for the murders of his wife and daughter at the hands of terrorists. Alongside Geller is Katie McGraw, Cultural Attaché to the U.S. Mission in Manila, who stands as his through-line ally and closest friend. This character-driven action thriller unfolds a deeply human story, intricately entwined with an ensemble of antagonists and supporting characters who shape a riveting tale of resilience and purpose.
“I would have thought you trusted me enough by now to keep me in the loop.” – Katie McGraw
“What do you want me to say, Katie? That I’m chasing another shadow? It’s not in me to just sit back, and hope and pray, pretend that all of this is somehow going to go away, that I’ll wake up one morning and he’ll be dead. That’s not who I am right now, and until and unless I find some resolution, whatever that looks like, I’m gonna continue to turn over however many stones it takes if it puts me one step closer to al-Amati. Besides, why should you carry this burden too? ” — John Geller
“Maybe because I care what happens to you?” – Katie McGraw
Every character has a distinct voice
Eight Thirty Two delves into the depths of profound loss and redemption, weaving a compelling narrative around retired CIA Case Officer, John Geller, who’s driven by a mission to seek justice for the murders of his wife and daughter at the hands of terrorists. Alongside Geller is Katie McGraw, Cultural Attaché to the U.S. Mission in Manila, who stands as his through-line ally and closest friend. This character-driven action thriller unfolds a deeply human story, intricately entwined with an ensemble of antagonists and supporting characters who shape a riveting tale of resilience and purpose.
“I would have thought you trusted me enough by now to keep me in the loop.” – Katie McGraw
“What do you want me to say, Katie? That I’m chasing another shadow? It’s not in me to just sit back, and hope and pray, pretend that all of this is somehow going to go away, that I’ll wake up one morning and he’ll be dead. That’s not who I am right now, and until and unless I find some resolution, whatever that looks like, I’m gonna continue to turn over however many stones it takes if it puts me one step closer to al-Amati. Besides, why should you carry this burden too? ” — John Geller
“Maybe because I care what happens to you?” – Katie McGraw
Reviews
“A hi-octane action thriller wrapped in a smart, character-driven story about profound loss and redemption.”
— Jeremy Gilbreath, Producer
“I absolutely LOVED the script! Your unification of fiction, fact, and legend is brilliantly executed, and truly delivers a compelling, engaging, and heartbreaking story that will not only leave audiences at the edge of their seats, but hopefully at the mercy of the next installment. EVERY character has such a distinct voice with enormous emotional intensity that communicates from the page so clearly. Quentin Fobbs, the main antagonist, is absolutely relentless, insanely resourceful, and sadistic. Finally, you’ve crafted incredible large-scale action sequences in The Philippines, London, and Hong Kong. I connected on a deep level with the devastating bombing scene in London in the beginning with Emily and Jenny. This tragic, heartbreaking, impactful, deeply traumatic, and immensely powerful event is the ammunition for the entire film.”
— Lorenne Clarke, Writer, Actress, Educator
“A fantastic script! We’ve seen this basic concept before, it’s true, but the writer takes what could have been a cliché-filled, formulaic programmer and instead created a unique, exciting, and deeply touching movie. Complex, interesting characters. Strong, clean prose. Tight plotting, full of tension and twists. Huge kudos to this talented writer!”
— 2024 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
“Eight Thirty Two is a very well written revenge thriller.”
— Griffin Barchek, Phoenix Pictures
“This [script] was a lot of fun. One of the key takeaways from the film for me was the importance of learning to let go and move forward to heal. John Geller as a character is a real highlight, and you’ve done a good job getting into his headspace and making the audience understand his motivations. As the driving force of the plot, it’s his rash behavior and need to make things right with his dead family that make him a compelling character.”
— Sean Hussey, Development Associate
“This script is a beautifully written, action-packed story of revenge!”
— Tatiana Paje, Producer
“The writing of Eight Thirty Two is excellent… the writers certainly know military operations!”
— Howard Kazanjian, Producer
“The script has a feel of real insider knowledge, and the rhythm you set up right away for the reader is fantastic! I believe all these people and places – they have real credibility, whether they’re nasty or good! Well done!”
— Julia McNeal, Actress, Author, Educator, Story Editor
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“Love it! Really impressive! Very smart and interesting!”
— Hannah Taylor Gordon, Actress
“This is a well-written and researched genre script.”
— Robert Dornhelm, Director
“The script is very well written. I enjoy the way you handle the action scenes. The screenplay reads like a studio film, with a lot of high-profile locations and extravagant flourishes.”
— Michelle Reihel, Producer
“Honored to be part of the creative team developing the feature film Eight Thirty-Two, where I’m contributing as Costume Supervisor. This story is rooted in real-world experience — it’s timely, powerful, and being built with a team that truly cares about authenticity. We’re in the early stages, shaping something meaningful from the ground up. It’s not every day you find a script that moves you and a team you believe in. I’m excited to help craft a visual world that supports the heart of this project — and to collaborate with those bringing passion, purpose, and integrity to the table.”
— Philip Maldonado, Costume Supervisor
“This is such a fun action story, and you infuse a real sense of history that will excite audiences, even those that wouldn’t normally seek out this type of movie. There’s a lot of chemistry between Geller and McGraw, and the climax on the ship has a real sense of danger and tension. The plot is quite complex, but you always keep it going at a fast clip, keeping the audience guessing as to what is going to happen next.”
— 2024 ScreenCraft Action & Adventure Screenplay Competition
“An energetic, nicely written script! Nice job!”
— Steve Perry, Producer
“There are certainly some conflict-rich ideas at the core of EIGHT THIRTY TWO, and conflict is always critical in keeping viewers engaged. Gatano’s early death is intriguing, as is the revelation that he had supposedly been killed by Fobbs decades earlier, which has us (the audience) wanting to know more right away. Our leads uncovering the plot with the gold is an interesting twist too, and of course, there are a number of surprising injections of violence throughout that help keep the story tense and compelling.”
— The Black List
Filmmakers
In Development
