Title: "Shadow in the Hills"

Genre: Fantasy/Action

Treatment:

In the heart-pounding fantasy adventure "Shadow in the Hills," Alicia, an unfiltered and determined bio-medical project manager from Rochester, New York, seeks solace and a fresh start in the mystical Northumbrian village of Ainsby, nestled in the wilds of northeast England.

Little does Alicia know that her arrival coincides with a sinister gathering of the malevolent Miles and his diabolical fraternity. Their dark purpose? To resurrect the ancient and malefic Lord Soulin, whose spirit has been trapped for over two millennia.

But the twisted plan hits a roadblock—Soulin cannot return as long as the Scallien amulet, a powerful artifact embedded in a stone, remains intact. Realizing that Alicia possesses the potential to unlock the amulet's secrets, Miles vows to destroy it and harness its dark magic to overthrow governments and reshape the world.

As Alicia navigates her new surroundings, she encounters Lucy, a spirited local shop assistant, and Hammer Holmes, a free-spirited neighbor with a knack for New Age mysticism. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, bound by a shared destiny to protect the village from the encroaching evil.

With each passing day, Alicia's latent magical abilities awaken. From battling mischievous Hobthrushes to confronting bloodthirsty Redcaps, she faces a whirlwind of supernatural challenges. As her powers grow, so does the ire of Miles and his malevolent brotherhood, who see Alicia as both a threat and a valuable asset for their nefarious rituals.

In a climactic showdown at a desolate abbey, Alicia finds herself lured into a dangerous trap set by the treacherous Damien, whom she had unknowingly grown close to. Betrayed and outnumbered, Alicia's fate seems sealed as the brotherhood prepares her for a ritual sacrifice.

Yet, the unyielding spirit of Alicia cannot be extinguished. With the aid of a timely warning from Hammer and the unexpected arrival of Lucy, Alicia rallies her allies for a final, breathtaking battle against the forces of darkness.

United and fueled by the pulsating energy of the amulet, Alicia, Hammer, and Lucy unleash a torrent of awe-inspiring magic, shattering the brotherhood's defenses and rescuing Alicia from the brink of annihilation.

Emerging victorious, Alicia undergoes a profound transformation. Alongside her trusted comrades, she embarks on a new chapter, forging a powerful bond with James, the dashing 18th Earl of Northumberland, and solidifying their shared purpose of protecting the village from any lingering threats.

"Shadow in the Hills" is an electrifying cinematic journey, blending pulse-pounding action, enchanting mysticism, and a tale of personal redemption. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled adventure that explores the depths of courage, the strength of friendship, and the extraordinary power that lies within. Prepare to be captivated as Alicia embraces her destiny, defies the forces of darkness, and becomes a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

Alicia Cole, an unfiltered and impatient American woman in her late 20s, endures a recent breakup, despises her job, and holds contempt for her colleagues. As the only child of doting parents whom she wishes to break free from, Alicia's emotional reactions intensify when faced with adversity. Armed with a strong science degree, she moves to the UK with the determination for a fresh start. Throughout her journey, Alicia's character arc unfolds from bossy aggression to considered assertiveness, culminating in a final scene that showcases her achievements as she begins a new job, having learned the value of tempered emotions and effective communication.

James the 18th Earl of Northumbria, whose life takes a tragic turn when his fiancée dies, followed by the passing of his father and his mother's battle with Alzheimer's. Retreating into seclusion, he finds solace in managing the estate's farm, distancing himself from the society that raised him and closing off his heart.
However, when he meets Alicia, a spirited woman fighting her own battles, James's sympathies are stirred. Encouraged by Alicia's unwavering determination and their shared understanding, he begins to embrace life once more, believing that their connection holds the key to his reawakening. Together, they embark on a transformative journey of rediscovery, love, and newfound purpose.

Hammer Holmes, a widowed and independent woman, has embraced her role as a deeply spiritual new-age witch. Known for her healing and protection spells, Hammer has become a respected figure in the village of Ainsbury. Despite her initial aloofness, Hammer takes Alicia, a young woman seeking guidance, under her wing. As Hammer mentors Alicia in the ways of magic, their relationship evolves from frosty to one of mutual respect and friendship, as they navigate the intricacies of power and spirituality together.

Damien: is a cunning and sharp-witted individual from a working-class background, transitions from being a player to craving power and influence. His desire for admiration surpasses any regard for others' feelings, as he manipulates and exploits his way through broken relationships. With a string of conquests, Damien's treachery towards Alicia is a reflection of his raw ambition and total lack of empathy, solidifying his reputation as a truly nasty piece of work.

Lucy:, having recently ended a relationship due to her boyfriend's disloyalty, undergoes a transformative journey. Returning to her hometown and taking on a temporary job, Lucy grapples with the conflict between her attachment to village life and her yearning for a fresh start. However, her encounter with Alicia, whom she befriends and supports in a magical quest, leads to a surprising revelation of Lucy's own magical powers. This revelation signifies her character growth as she overcomes her hesitations, embraces change, and becomes a source of strength, both for herself and for Alicia.

This film taps into the mesmerizing fascination of US/UK culture clash, bringing it to life in a fresh and enchanting way.

Our protagonist, an all-American city girl, finds herself in a charming UK village, igniting a collision of worlds as she encounters the local aristocracy. As their lives intertwine, a thrilling magical conflict, reminiscent of the epic battles in the "Harry Potter" series, ensues.

We take it up a notch by infusing the story with a delightful "Pride and Prejudice" romance, With this irresistible combination of culture clash, romance, and fantastical elements, our film promises a captivating and immersive experience that will leave audiences spellbound and craving for more.

The challenge of a down-to-earth flawed American woman travelling to the UK, coupled with magical thriller elements, makes 'A Shadow in the Hills' engaging to all audiences—the cultural clashes between the U.K. and the U.S. provide some comic relief.

A 'Pride and Prejudice' style three-way relationship and betrayal add an edge to the appeal and stakes. The powerful, magical finale gives a satisfying conclusion to this grounded yet mystical adventure.

We have positioned this 'parental advisory' film to have a high appeal for the grownup 'Harry Potter generation. A female-led film, that is grounded and relatable. The primary focused appeal is 15 - 28 female demographic but with a wide four-quadrant appeal.

The budget of $1m -$5m should give a good ROI with the right marketing. There is an existing interest in the U.S. and UK cultural differences, as well as aristocrats and stately homes, which are bought out in this action-adventure fantasy.

This script has been rewritten after several professional coverages.

It has not been edited by anyone other than the author.

It may need the services of a professional script editor.  

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