Tahoe Bunny

A young mother and her half white, half Native American son must deal with the arrival of a violent bounty hunter and his capture to their isolated cabin.

  • Jerzy P. Suchocki
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Screenplay, Short Script
  • Genres:
    western, drama, action
  • Number of Pages:
    20
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Writer Biography - Jerzy P. Suchocki

Jerzy P. Suchocki is an award-winner screenwriter and director working on his first feature, a horror comedy called How to Expose Possible Vampires (And Not Get Killed in the Process).

A self-taught person, he has always been in love with films and is convinced that they are the best way to create communication and empathy among people.

Besides writing screenplays (often about delusional dreamers trying to find their place in the world), Jerzy is also a novelist and script consultant for different companies and contests.

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Writer Statement

I wanted to create a Western that feature a mother as our protagonist, something that, I feel, we rarely see in this genre. A mother who must look after her child as they deal with racism and rejection from society, and how far they are willing to go to survive.

A FEW REVIEWS...

"Tahoe Bunny is an intense, character-driven Western that deftly combines survivalist elements with themes of family, resilience, and moral ambiguity. Set against the stark wilderness of Tahoe in the 1880s, the story follows Jane, a tough, resilient mother raising her son, River, in isolation after a past marred by prejudice and violence. The screenplay stands out for its raw, visceral storytelling, presenting a survival tale that digs into primal human fears and survival instincts.

The opening scenes establish a profound bond between Jane and River. They grapple with life’s harsh realities early on, seen in Jane's pragmatic approach to survival and her attempt to instill this mindset in River. The screenplay’s dialogue is nuanced, effectively showcasing Jane’s complex blend of love and survivalist resolve as she teaches her son hard truths about life and death.

A pivotal moment arrives with the appearance of Ike, the bounty hunter, and his captive, Billy, which introduces moral tension and conflict. The interactions between Jane, Ike, and Billy carry a dark undertone, touching on themes of prejudice, justice, and personal trauma. Each character, particularly Ike with his brutish and unfiltered demeanor, is written with sharp detail, adding authenticity to the period setting.

The climax escalates into a gripping battle within the confines of the cabin, transforming it into a symbol of both safety and entrapment. Suchocki skillfully handles the stakes here, as Jane and River are forced to confront mortal danger in a brutal yet cathartic resolution. The emotional gravity of Jane’s choices and her ultimate commitment to protect River highlights her strength and love, capping the story on a powerful note of resilience and survival.

In conclusion, "Tahoe Bunny" is a well-crafted screenplay with strong characters, impactful dialogue, and a vivid setting. While grounded in the Western genre, it explores universally relatable themes, making it a compelling narrative of survival and maternal strength." - Wallachia International Film Festival