Runaway Strangers

The script received a "Recommend" rating for project and "Consider" for writer from Stage 32. It has also received "Consider" from Selling Your Screenplay and Barnstorm.

Trying to find your place in the world can be an incredibly difficult experience. As you become an adult, you are faced with more and more responsibilities and sometimes you don’t even know what you are doing. You are in some sort of self-pilot mode where you are just doing what everyone else is, simply because, well, that’s what everyone is doing. And you keep doing that… until one day you hit a wall and end up questioning yourself “What am I doing? Is this really what I want? Is this the person who I want to be?” and if the answer is “no”, then you’re in trouble because you need to find an answer to said questions. That’s what happened to me back when I was 20. One day I woke up and as I looked around, I thought “This is not what I want to be, this is not what I want for me.” So, what did I want? I couldn’t tell at the moment. All I knew was that I wanted to get away from everything. Get a car, find a girl, and escape far away from civilization and have adventures like my heroes from the movies. Like Clint Eastwood or Jean-Paul Belmondo.

Now, naturally, that’s easier said than done, and I couldn’t quite do any of that stuff… but, as a writer, I allowed myself to go on a mental escape where I could write a character like me doing the things that I wanted, but facing the existential problems I was facing, hoping to find an answer. And I sort of did. I came to realize that I’m an outsider at heart and that I needed to be a more active person and stand up for what I believe rather than agreeing with everyone all the time. So, this project became a rare coming-of-age experience in which I found the person I wanted to be. And as the years have gone by, every time I return to this story and characters, or even every I time find myself confused about life, I find some sort of support to carry on.

So, Runaway Strangers is more than just a quirky road trip crime comedy. Sure, on the surface, is an escapist adventure that involves con artists, bounty hunters, chases, and some fun references to Spaghetti Westerns or the French New Wave… but, on its core, it’s a tale about finding ourselves in a world we don’t quite understand and finding that thing that makes us get out of the bed every morning and fight the world. For our protagonist, Anthony Dunne, this will mean the charming con artist Arizona Colt… but every person will have his own motivation. And it is my hope that a story like this can help its audience to feel understood. Not everyone fits in this world… and that’s alright. It only means that you must go out and find your own world.

A FEW REVIEWS...

"“Runaway Strangers” is a tale of mystery and adventure, with deep roots into western world, which is so common for Jerzy. The script portrays Dunne's journey of self-discovery as he encounters various characters along the way, notably a father-daughter duo, Johnny Dixie and Arizona Colt, who are revealed to be hustlers on the run. The complex relationship between Dunne and Arizona forms the crux of the story, evolving from strangers to partners in escapade, with undercurrents of romantic tension and mutual intrigue.

As they navigate challenges including a relentless bounty hunter named Stonewall, the narrative delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the existential search for meaning outside societal norms. The screenplay weaves elements of drama and thriller genres, presenting a narrative that questions conventional life choices and celebrates the rebellion against them.

Dunne's adventure is not just a physical journey across landscapes but also an emotional voyage that forces him to confront his desires, fears, and aspirations. The screenplay ends on a note that emphasizes the continuity of Dunne's journey, both inward and outward, suggesting that the search for personal freedom and understanding is perpetual.

“Runaway Strangers” is a screenplay that blends elements of a road movie and a western, with a strong emphasis on character development. This script mixes elements of drama, action, and romance, using the backdrop of the American West to stage a modern tale of outlaws and existential search." - Wallachia International Film Festival

"This script was a really enjoyable read. The growing relationship between Dunne and Arizona Colt was really interesting and fun to follow. There was something very endearing in seeing the two characters connect, especially since their world of adventure almost felt like a playground, and the two had a Bonny and Clyde dynamic, but more innocent. This script also felt if it had a unique style. From the fun names, like Johnny Dixie and Arizona Colt, to Dunne's fantasies and narration. These elements make the script feel more magical, less lawless, so it's easier to connect to the plight of the protagonist." - Stage32