Some
words to consider…
•
The
word ‘Umbra’ is the Latin word for shadow.
•
The
word also comes from the three distinct parts of a shadow – the umbra is the
darkest section.
•
Oneirophobia
– the fear of dreams.
•
Sciaphobia
– the fear of shadows.
The Umbra:
The Umbra
has no distinct shape, form, size or species. You could say that it is merely a
shadow…but the Umbra is much more than that.
It targets
people when they’re asleep, vulnerable and unknowing, and causes them to have
horrific dreams about their innermost fears. These dreams will repeat night
after night, gradually becoming more nightmarish and unbearable.
The victim
will think that they are safe during the day – that they can only be exposed to
these images whilst asleep. Though the dreams are just the beginning.
During the
daylight hours, the victims start to see manifestations of what they fear in
the shadows.
Did you
just see a spider out the corner of your eye?
Do the
walls of that open room seem like they’re closing in around you?
Was that an
image of your loved one, burnt and dead in the corner?
No, it
wasn’t…but you defiantly saw something.
Most
victims will simply blame it on their mind playing tricks on them; blaming it
on the light or that lack of sleep. However they soon start to see more and
more of these images in the shadows. Despite their best efforts, in the end
they simply can’t ignore it.
The victims
slowly start to feel their sanity slip away. They are unable to sleep due to
the dreams. They cannot stand being awake in case they see the shadows.
The Umbra
causes them to become paranoid and in a state of constant fear. Eventually the
victims either go insane or refuse to live any longer in this reality.
The Umbra,
however, does not kill. It is unable to touch it’s victims. Whilst the
Umbra drives people to the brink of their minds, it does not technically harm
them. In the end, the only harm done is by the victims themselves.
The Film:
Set in
modern day Michigan, USA. A town named ‘Tautin’ prides itself on it’s low crime
rate. That is until a man is found in his house, completely insane beyond
saving. A woman’s dead body is found in the same room. The local police force
quickly pin the ‘murder’ on the man, but there are still more questions than
answers.
Local
reporter Blake Massey is looking for his big break, and believes unfolding the
true story behind this case to be the key. With the help of policewoman
Savannah Romero, a woman who was thrown off the case after she raised her own
doubts, offers to assist him.
As the two
struggle to make sense of the mysteries, a sudden suicide offers them a new
lead. One phrase keeps reappearing – ‘the shadows’. Blake and Savannah start to
wonder if their answers could lie in the paranormal.
They
eventually learn about the Umbra. Though as yet more people start to become
influenced by the monster, it becomes a race to find a way to beat the menace.
Though that’s only if they can avoid becoming victims to the monsters
themselves.
Blake
Massey
Aged
between 27 – 32.
A
journalist working for the local paper. He hopes to move away from the town and
is looking for an opportunity to make a headline breaking story.
Determined
but prone to selfish motivations. He is truly dedicated to this work. Blake is
conflicted between the limited opportunities in his town and loyalty to the
only place he has ever truly known.
He sees the
police case as his chance to prove his worth as a writer. Although as time
progresses and his reality is threatened to change, Blake starts to become less
selfish and more concerned for others.
Savannah
Romero
Aged 30 –
34
A
policewoman who was thrown off the case of the murder after she openly
questioned her higher-ups judgment.
Brave,
tough and authoritative. She is a believer in justice and dedicated to her
town. Being a single mother with a full-time job has meant that life hasn’t
been easy, but she came through her struggles a stronger person.
Although at
first reluctant to work with Blake, she soon finds an ally in an unlikely
place. Despite her tough exterior she has a strong love for her daughter and
certain fears of her own she would rather remain hidden.
Maya Romero
Aged 10
A young
girl who is largely unaware of the recent events in town. She is the daughter
of Savannah.
Although
she may be young, Maya has a big heart and is surprisingly tough (a trait she
inherited from her mother). She sees the pressure her mum is under and supports
her however she can.
Maya’s
presence acts as a motivator for Savannah, and later Blake, to find a way to
combat the Umbra and restore life to normal.
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