ANEMOIA

 

Episode 1: Take a Trip 

 

Written by 

Maddie Hernandez

​



 

ACT ONE

 

MUSIC playing against black screen

 

Suddenly, something is removed from the camera lens and reveals a young girl (VALERIE) looking at herself in an eccentric, 1980s inspired look -- 

 

PUSH across the screen to reveal an entire large thrift store, filled to the brim with clothing and accessories… clothes are thrown around and it is clearly disorganized.

 

PAN back to the dressing rooms. VALERIE comes out in a new outfit, now 90s inspired next to her cart overflowing with more clothing. 

VALERIE 

Connie, does this look okay?

 

The young cashier looks over and spare her a glance. 

 

CONNIE

Not your style.

 

Valerie looks down at herself and huffs and silently nods. She turns to head back into the dressing room.

 

VALERIE

You’re always right!

 

The door to the dressing room slams closed. 

 

Valerie comes busting out of the dressing room with her arms full of clothing.   

 

VALERIE 

You’d think - 

 

A bunch of clothing falls out of Valerie’s arms. Connie looks over to her. 

 

VALERIE (CONT’D)

That by now I would have found all 

your good stuff by now. 

 

Connie rolls her eyes as Valerie scrambles to pick up her clothing from the floor.

 

CONNIE

I only have a job because of your 

weekly visit. Granted, I have a lot

more to clean in your wake, but a

job nonetheless. 

 

Valerie smiles guilty as she drops her armful of clothing on the counter. 

 

VALERIE

You know you love me. 

 

Connie huffs a laugh. 

 

VALERIE (CONT’D)

You know, I’ve been branching out in

the vintage world lately?

 

Connie actually laughs. 

 

CONNIE

It feels like yesterday I was wearing 

These exact clothes - 

 

Connie holds up a button-up paisley print shirt.

 

CONNIE 

And now you kids come in here and call

it “vintage”. I guess that's better than

calling me old. 

 

Valerie lets out a loud laugh. She readjusts her newspaper boy hat.

 

VALERIE

Are you kidding me? I would kill to

have lived back in your day! The style, 

the music, the peace and love -

 

Connie snorts.

 

CONNIE

The lack of Internet, cell phones, 

Instagram...

 

Connie trails off. Valerie makes a face of disagreement. 

 

VALERIE

I would love a break from the modern

Hell that is the Internet.

 

Valerie sighs. Connie makes a face of amusement. 

 

CONNIE

You would like to think that. I say

you wouldn’t last a day.

 

Valerie’s phone buzzes. Connie looks at her expectantly, eyebrows raised. 

 

VALERIE

Hey! I can’t help the outside influences

from wanting to contact me! My friends

won’t hold our table much longer for me.

I can quit any time.

 

Valerie shoves her phone in her back pocket with force. A smile plays on Connie’s lips. 

 

A ring in the display box catches Valeries’ eye. She traces her finger up and down the glass looking at it. 

 

VALERIE

You know, I’ve been trying to get more 

into jewelry lately. Any recommendations 

On where to find nice pieces? 

 

Connie contemplates for a moment. 

 

CONNIE

There’s this place on the other side of

the city. It’s called timeless. They

specialize in vintage and antique pieces.

Prices range, but they’ll cut you a fair 

deal.  

 

Valerie beams at Connie and grabs her overflowing bag of clothing from the counter. 

 

VALERIE 

You’re the best!

 

Connie hums in appreciation. 

VALERIE (CONT’D)
I will see you next week!

 

Valerie waves over her shoulder as she exits. Pulls her tiny framed sunglasses out of the tangle of her hair and over her eyes. 

 

CONNIE

I count on it! Don’t get into

too much trouble this week. 

 

Valerie swivels her head around with a devilish smile and winks back at Connie. 

 

Connie laughs as the BELL rings signalling Valerie's exit. 

 

CUT TO: 

 

Valerie is standing out on the street with a large smile on her face. The SOUND of the city TRAFFIC and VOICES greet her as she stands outside the “Connie’s Thrifty Boutique.” 

 

Valerie begins walking down the street and her phone begins to RING. 

 

VALERIE

Hello. 

 

STELLA 

Where are you?! 

 

Valerie winces at the volume of the voice through the phone and pulls it away from her ear a bit, trying to juggle her bags. 

 

VALERIE

I’m a block away. I’ll be there in

less than five minutes, Stella. Promise. 

 

Stella huffs. 

 

STELLA

You said that five minutes ago.

 

VALERIE

Well, this time I mean it.

 

Stella scoffs a laugh.

 

STELLA

You better! We can’t hold off the

waiter much longer.

 

VALERIE

Be right there.

 

Valarie hangs up the phone and begins to walk faster. 

 

CUT TO:  

 

Valerie enters a restaurant looking around. Oliver spots her from across the room and waves her over to a table in the back corner of the restaurant. 

 

Valerie makes her way to the table throwing her bags down at her feet as she takes a seat between Oliver and Stella. 

 

VALERIE

Hello, everyone. Sorry to keep 

you waiting.

 

Oliver kisses Valerie on the cheek. Valerie smiles at him. 

 

STELLA

You spend hours at that little store

every weekend. I don’t understand.

What more can you possibly need? 

 

VALERIE 

Well, this week I was doing research 

for the ad campaign we are shooting

this week. I just got a bit carried 

away filling my personal shopping cart.

 

Oliver snorts 

 

OLIVER 

As you say every weekend.

 

Valerie raises an eyebrow at him. 

 

VALERIE

Excuse me, Oliver, but do I comment

about the hours you spend watching

college football every weekend? 

Noah snorts from across the table. Valerie turns to him with her eyebrows raised. 

 

Noah puts his hands up in surrender. Olivia slaps him on the shoulder. Noah winces.

 

NOAH

Hey, no need violence!

 

OLIVIA 

You better stop laughing or I’ll 

bring up your favorite pastime. 

 

NOAH 

That’s not fair. I buy one action

figure and all of a sudden it

defines my entire personality. 

 

Noah looks at Valerie as if to blame her for starting this.

 

VALERIE

I’m not the one judging hobbies,

Noah. You’ll have to take that up

with Olivia. 

 

James coughs.

 

JAMES

Can we save this argument for after

we order? I’m going to eat my arm or 

maybe Sam’s if we have to wait any

longer.

 

SAM

Waiter, excuse me! Waiter.

 

Sam fakes panics and frantically tries to wave down the waiter. 

 

They all laugh.

 

WAITER

What can I get for everyone? 

 

STELLA

Can we all just do a round of 

margaritas? And we’ll split some 

chips, salsa, and guacamole to

start? 

 

She raises her eyebrows at everyone to see if anyone disagrees. They all nod in agreement.

 

The waiter takes down the order and walks away. 

 

VALERIE

Okay, so what did I miss? 

 

The group immediately pulls out their phones. Oliver tilts his screen towards Valerie -- 

 

Displayed on the screen is an ad for the Woodstock 50th anniversary festival. 

 

OLIVER

Well, we were just going over the 

plan for this weekend. 

 

Everyone immediately begins to excitedly chatter. 

 

OLIVIA

Yes! I’m so excited. Can you believe that

it’s already here? 

 

NOAH

Finally, I can stop hearing about it

every five minutes from you and my entire

social media feed.

 

Olivia looks pointedly at him.

 

SAM

I can’t wait - Woodstock 50th anniversary. 

I can’t believe that we are going to be

in the same place as the original one.

 

VALERIE

I just can’t believe we got enough tickets. 

If anything, we got lucky. 

 

NOAH

Can’t argue there. Speaking of getting

Lucky. James, are you bringing Jane still?

 

GIRLS CHORUS

Noah. Come on. Not cool.

 

Noah puts his hands up again, but this time with a smile that is anything but guilty.

 

James snickers. 

 

JAMES

Yeah, I think so. Haven’t confirm,

but last I checked.  

 

STELLA

I like her! She’s sweet and has a quick 

tongue.

 

Noah snorts. Stella shoots him a look.

 

STELLA

I meant you have to work to keep up 

with her. Your mind could use the 

workout. 

 

Stella looks Noah and James up and down. 

 

OLIVIA

Have we confirmed the check in time?

 

VALERIE

Yes. Meet at the AirBnB at 11 AM.

 

Sam makes a face. 

 

OLIVER

It’s not that early, Sam.

 

Sam mutters under his breath.

 

SAM

For you, maybe. 

 

NOAH

We’re all still dressing for the era,

right?

 

JAMES

I mean we have to. When are we ever 

going to get this opportunity again?

We have to look the part. 

 

They laugh.

 

VALERIE

You guys better take this seriously. 

If you need any advice, you know where

to find me.

 

Valarie winks.  

 

JAMES

Yes, yes, we know. No judgement on 

what I put together last minute though. 

 

Stella and Valerie groan.

 

STELLA

Can’t you take this one thing seriously,

James? 

 

VALERIE 

Please! This is important to me. My 

company is going to be doing press - 

don’t you want to have the chance to be 

featured in an ad or the promotional stuff?

 

JAMES

All I need is two good pictures for

Instagram, and my work is done. 

 

Olivia rolls her eyes. 

 

OLIVIA

You’re always saying how much you wish

you had been been able to experience

the decade of “peace and love” -

 

Olivia uses air quotes. 

 

OLIVIA (CONT’D) 

You’re really going to miss the only

opportunity to go all out? How else

will you truly actualize all your 

acid dream fantasies?    

 

They all laugh.

 

JAMES

Ha, ha. Fine, I’ll put some work in. 

 

SAM

I’m sure Jane can help.

 

VALERIE

Oliva is right. This is our chance to

really feel like we are a part of 

history. God, I’ll take any chance to 

feel like I’m living in the past. 

 

OLIVER and STELLA chorus

We know.

 

OLIVER

You just want the chance for the style 

to actually make sense for once.  

 

VALERIE

Hey! 

 

NOAH

I think you look great.

 

Noah winks at Valerie.

 

Valerie and Oliver speak at the same time.

 

VALERIE

Thank you!

 

OLIVER

Watch it, dude.

 

The waiter comes by with the food and drinks. 

 

They all quietly murmur thank yous as the items are placed in front of them. 

 

SAM

Okay, so 11AM next Saturday, right?

Can you send me the address again, Val?

 

Valerie nods while taking a sip.

 

VALERIE

Yeah, I’ll send it in the chat again.

 

Sam nods in recognition. They all begin side conversations.

 

Noah is feeding Olivia chips. James and Sam discuss the week and their plans for the week. Oliver jumps into the conversation when they mention their lunch plans for Tuesday.

 

Stella turns to Valerie. 

 

STELLA

So what’s this work project you’re

working on?

 

VALERIE

We’re shooting a lingerie campaign 

this week, and our clients are deadset 

on a 1950s inspired look - pin-up hair, 

slips, brass hair brushes, the works.

I was getting some inspiration photos. 

 

STELLA

Nice. I think the 50s look could be

cool! Unique at least. 

 

VALERIE

Yeah, it will be interesting. The slogan 

Makes me feel like we're stuck in the 50s. 

 

Valerie rolls her eyes.

 

VALERIE (CONT’D). 

“Be the woman your grandmother wanted to be.” 

 

Valerie dramatically waves her hand over the air as she says the slogan. 

 

Stella huffs. 

 

STELLA

You would think we haven’t made any progress.

 

Valerie snorts a laugh.

 

VALERIE 

You’re telling me.

 

Valerie signs.

 

VALERIE (CONT’D)

Enough about work! What are you 

doing after this? 

 

STELLA

I’ve got no plans. Might meet 

Jake later, but nothing concrete.

 

VALERIE 

Would you want to check out this 

jewelry store on the other side of 

the city that Connie mentioned after 

Lunch? I’ve been looking for some 

jewelry pieces for myself ever since

we shot the new jewelry line last month.

 

STELLA

Sure! I’d love to. 

 

Valerie smiles at Stella. They return to chatting with the rest of the table.

 

FADE as time passes.

 

The group is finishes paying the bill and are saying their goodbyes. 

 

SAM

I have to run quick. Got a call 

from work. See you all Saturday! 

 

They course a bye.

 

JAMES

I’m on the run too. See you all later.

 

Olivia and Noah wave goodbye. Noah slings an arm around Olivia’s shoulder as they leave. Olivia pushes him off with a laugh. 

 

Valerie turns to Oliver.

 

VALERIE

See you at home?

 

OLIVER

Yeah, I’m going to make a stop 

on the way, need anything?

 

VALERIE

I’m all good. Thank you.

 

Valerie smiles at him and gives him a quick kiss. 

 

OLIVER 

Bye, Stel. See you Saturday.

 

STELLA

Bye, Oli. 

 

Valerie turns to Stella.

 

VALERIE

Ready?

 

Stella nods. Valerie grabs her bag. They loop arms and walk out.

 

CUT TO:

SERIES of clips -- 

 

Valerie and Stella are making their way across the city. 

 

In the background, there are billboards advertising “what’s old is new” with a multitude of vintage inspired clothing. 

 

They pass a furniture store with midcentury furniture in the window. 

 

A popular clothing advertises “mom” jeans. 

 

ACT II 

 

CUT TO:

 

Valerie and Stella standing outside of “Timeless” Jewelers.

 

They walk in and separate to look at the pieces on display. They hold up various large types of earrings and dangle or shake them around as they look at one another from across the store. 

 

Valerie walks over to Stella.

 

VALERIE

What do you think of these?

 

Valerie holds up a pair of large hoop earrings. Stella nods in appreciation.

 

STELLA

Those are definitely your style. 

I approve.

 

Valerie smiles and nods at the earrings as an item to purchase. 

 

Stella holds up a delicate bracelet.

 

VALERIE 

I think that’s perfect. 

 

STELLA

Great. 

 

They walk over to the register to check out. 

 

Valerie becomes entranced by a pendant necklace on display in a glass case near the register. 

 

Valerie stops and stares at the piece. 

 

It’s a necklace with a small pendant charm hanging off of it. Simple, yet perfect for any occasion. 

 

PAN and CLOSE UP on the necklace. 

 

The pendant almost seems to entrance the audience. As if the delicate, natural stone pattern on it is moving.

 

Valerie can’t look away, and the CAMERA stays focused on the pendant.

 

Stella comes up from behind Valerie.

 

STELLA

Wow. It’s beautiful.

 

VALERIE

I know. 

 

SHOPKEEPER

Ahh, that’s a fine piece. 

VALERIE

It’s stunning. 

 

STELLA

Can you try it on?

 

SHOPKEEP

I apologize, but that is an extremely rare

piece. The style of stone was popular in the

1600s and it hasn’t been seen in circulation

since. If you would like to try it on, you

would have to purchase the item. 

 

STELLA

How much for it? 

 

SHOPKEEP

The current price is 1,200 dollars. 

 

Valerie groans.

VALERIE

Ugh, I couldn’t. It’s far too much. 

 

Stella looks hesitant. The shopkeeper notices. 

 

SHOPKEEPER

The stone is a highly popular piece among 

the legends of the past. 

 

The shopkeeper brings out a booklet of photos. 

 

SHOPKEEPER

You can see here that Queen Elizabeth I 

wore a similar piece in her time. Frida

Khalo is seen here with the same stone. 

Stevie Nicks actually had this exact 

style necklace on the cover of “Bella

Donna.” So a wide range of powerful

women have also been drawn to the beauty 

of this stone. 

 

Stella bites her lip and looks at Valerie.

 

  STELLA

I mean, it’s kinda perfect, Val. 

You just got promoted. You can have

this one crazy moment.

Valerie stays entranced by the necklace. 

 

VALERIE 

No, I can’t. It’s too much. Oli 

would not be happy when I get home.

 

STELLA

Screw what Oliver thinks! 

 

The shopkeeper winces at the volume of Stella’s voice. Stella glances an apology

 

STELLA (CONT’D)

You deserve this. You’re a strong,

powerful woman. 

 

Valerie laughs. The shopkeeper raises an amused eyebrow. 

 

VALERIE

While I appreciate that, I really

can’t. Maybe another time soon. 

 

Stella sighs in defeat, but nods in agreement with Valerie.

 

STELLA

Fine, but don’t think I’m not going

to drag you back here to get this soon.

 

Valerie glances a smile at Stella, then glances at the necklace again. 

 

CAMERA CLOSE UP on the necklace and the patterns in the stone still seem to be swirling. 

 

The shopkeeper rings up the items that the girls decided to purchase. They make small talk. 

 

Their voices fade to the BACKGROUND and the MUSIC rises in volume as the stone’s viens continue to move in a hypnotic fashion. 

 

The girls exit the store as the shopkeeper is busy tidying the register.

 

Valerie spares one last fleeting glance at the necklace as Stella charges out the door. 

 

STELLA

Where to next?

 

Stella’s voice comes back to the FOREGROUND over the MUSIC. 

 

STELLA (CONT’D)

Do you mind if we stop - 

 

Valerie finally swivels her head around to catch up with Stella as they step outside. 

 

FADE to black. 

 

MUSIC continues to play.

 

CUT TO: 

ACT III

 

TO BE CONTINUED.