An Unfortunate Misunderstanding

Synopsis : A new neighbour who recently moved in beside the main character's house sparks Suspicion and a series of hilarious misunderstandings. Join Mrs tan and madam Siva as she learns the truth about her new neighbours. The narrow mindedness of old school people can be ridiculous and outdated in this modern era. However, there are still some people who are gullible and susceptible to believing in the supernatural thus leading to impulsive behaviours. The journey of being good neighbours can sometimes become complicated due to misunderstandings. Without asking we will never know the exact truth of some actions.

Main character profile (Mrs Tan) : Very extroverted, confident and assertive. The Mid 50s, female, very outspoken and impulsive. stay at home housewife and very nosy at times.

Madam Siva : An old neighbour of the main character. In the mid-60s, female, a grandmother and best friends with the main character. Very nosy and chatty. Participated in the bullying and ostracizing of the new neighbours.

Jason : New neighbour, works at night and very reclusive. In the mid-30s, male, An extreme introvert. He has a very pale complexion and dark-rimmed eyes like a drug addict. Had abusive parents. Father was an alcoholic and a wife-beater. Currently in prison. Mother likes to pick on her children, especially Clara. Dead after committing suicide.

Clara : The younger sibling of Jason. in the mid-20s, female, very reclusive and A very sickly child. Suffers from Ehlers Panos syndrome, a condition where joints pops and ligaments are weak which cause bruisings. Suffered a lot of childhood trauma from abusive parents and lacks social skills due to disability.

Mr Tan : The husband of the main character. In the mid-60s, male, very logical. works most of the time and comes home tired. Always reprimanding his wife not to be nosy and rash. Knows about the story of their new neighbours. A very kind and generous man. A fatherly figure for the new neighbours.



ACT 1

Scene 1

EXT void deck LIFT AREA - EVENING 1

Mrs Tan rushes to press the lift button. She sighed from the exhaustion of having to carry heavy groceries which she had needed urgently for cooking dinner.

Freeze on Mrs Tan

EFFECT TO

Scene 2

CARICATURE OF MRS TAN
Confident and assertive.
The Mid 50s, female, very outspoken and impulsive.
Very extroverted.
Stay at home housewife.
Very nosy.
Very superstitious.

Scene 3

EXT void deck LIFT AREA - EVENING 2

As the lift reached the ground level she proceeded to enter the lift but was stopped short by the bulky items in the lift. Squeezing herself in the lift, she pressed the button for her floor level and waited for the lift to bring her up.

Scene 4

INT lift - EVENING

She glanced around for a proper look of the items in the lift. There were also boxes with a moving company’s logo on them. She shook her head at the irresponsible way the movers were handling their client’s items. When she finally reached her floor, she was about to step out when she nearly bumped into someone. She glanced up and saw a mover trying to get the items out from the lift. Muttering to herself she made her way to her gate and pulled out her keys. She unlocked the gate and door and steps inside the house.

Scene 5

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat BEDROOM - NIGHT 1

Mrs Tan was getting ready for bed. Her husband, Mr Tan was in the toilet. Suddenly she heard moaning sounds coming from the other side of her bedroom wall. She tugs at Mr Tan's sleeves.

MRS TAN :
Eh! What is that sound ah? (crease her eyebrows)

MR TAN :
(Stops to listen but heard nothing) What are you talking about? What noise? Aiyah! I'm tired. It’s late. Just go to sleep lah!

Mr and Mrs Tan tuck themselves in bed. Mr Tan switched off the bed lamp and closed his eyes. Mrs Tan, however, couldn't sleep and just stared blankly while trying to pick out any more noise disturbances.

EFFECT TO

Scene 6

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat BEDROOM - NIGHT 2

Mrs Tan was not having a good sleep. It was humid and she has perspiration trickling all over her face. Suddenly she heard the moaning sounds again. She tried to wake up her husband but he was fast asleep. She pushed aside the bedcover, switched on the bed lamp and walked to the living room. The sound was coming from next door so she decided to take a peek outside.

Scene 7

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 1

She opened the door slightly and saw a man standing outside the vacant house beside her unit. He was wearing a grey hoodie and looked as if he had just come out of the house. He sensed her watching and turned to look at her. Mrs Tan gasps as she took in the features of the guy. He had a very pale complexion and had dark-rimmed eyes. He stood quite tall but with a stoop and was very thin. His eyes looked very dead. As if all of the life had left them. She quickly closed the door and rushed back to bed. As she pulled the bed cover over her trembling self, her husband continued snoring obliviously to what she had just witnessed.

EFFECT TO

Scene 8

EXT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat CORRIDOR - MORNING 1

Mrs Tan was humming to herself as she waters the plants. Suddenly, her old neighbour came out of her house.

MADAM SIVA :
Hey, Mrs Tan! How are you today?

Freeze on Madam Siva

EFFECT TO

Scene 9

CARICATURE OF MADAM SIVA
An old neighbour living there for 10 years.
In the mid-60s, female, a grandmother and best friends of Mrs Tan.
Confident and assertive.
Very nosy and chatty.
Participated in the ridiculous superstitious beliefs of Mrs Tan about the new neighbours.

Scene 10

EXT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat CORRIDOR - MORNING 2

CAMERA ANGLE BACK TO MRS TAN

MRS TAN :
I’m fine. Eh! You know our new neighbour just moved in!

MADAM SIVA :
(Frowns) When did they move in? I never see leh?

MRS TAN :
(In gossiping mode) That’s what is strange! He moved in around late evening till night time yesterday. But where got people move in at this timing one? Very suspicious right?

MADAM SIVA :
True! True! Hmm.. Very suspicious. (Puts index finger on her lips and crease brows)


Scene 11

EXT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat CORRIDOR - MORNING 3


Madam Siva approached Jason's house. She started to peer through the window. Suddenly she saw a movement and jumped back in shock.

Mrs Tan :
What, what? What did you see ah?

Madam Siva :
I saw something in the house!!! (shivering and rubbing her arms)


Mrs Tan started to approach the window too. Madam Siva gripped her tightly as if trying to prevent her from peeping. Suddenly a moaning sound began to permit from the house. Startled Mrs Tan and Madam Siva both dash to their houses.

EFFECT TO

Scene 12

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - EVENING 1

Mrs Tan stood pacing the living room floor. She was waiting for her husband to return home. She started biting her fingers nervously and mumbling as she recalled the event that happened that morning.

Mrs Tan :
Who is their neighbour actually? What does he do for a living? Why does he look like a drug addict? Oh, why did he have to move in next door!

Scene 13

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - EVENING 2

Her train of thoughts was interrupted when Mr Tan stepped into the front door. Despite looking tired from work, he immediately noticed how unsettled his wife looked. He creased his brows with worry.

Mr Tan :
What’s wrong dear? Did something bad happen? (crease brow in worry)

Mrs Tan :
Dear, our new neighbour may not be a good person!

Mr Tan :
What do you mean?

Mrs Tan :
Me and Madam Siva saw something inside his house! Anyway, have you seen our new neighbour? He looks like a drug addict! I am very scared leh.

Mr Tan :
What did I tell you? Mind your own business! Don’t go and bother our new neighbour!

Mrs Tan :
But isn’t it suspicious? Who moves in at night? Some more can hear this moaning sounds coming from his house every day! I tell you ah, he confirm got do something bad one.

Mr Tan:
(Sighed and shook his head as he headed inside to take a shower before bed.)

EFFECT TO

Scene 14

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 2

As Mr Tan was taking a shower, Mrs Tan lingered around the living room. She has hatched up a plan to prove her theory. Suddenly she heard the sound of a gate closing. She peered through her door peephole and saw the new neighbour leaving the house. Her heartbeat with anticipation of what she was about to do. Silently, she opened her door and crept closer to her neighbour's house. She took out her mobile phone and switch on her camera with flashlight. Inching closer to the window, she peeped inside and aimed her camera. Suddenly, a moaning sound started inside the house. Mrs Tan was so frightened that she stood rooted to the spot in fear. A flash of white blurs across the camera screen.

Mrs Tan :
Aahh!!!


Scene 15

EXT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Mr Tan rushed out of the house and gripped her tightly.

Mr Tan :
What’s the matter? What happened?

Mrs Tan :
G..G...Ghost!!! (Pointed towards the neighbour’s window)

Mr Tan :
I told you not to be nosy. Look what has happened! Come inside now! (steering Mrs Tan towards the door)

EFFECT TO


Scene 16

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - MORNING 1

Mrs Tan was sitting silently on the sofa. Madam Siva is busy talking on the phone as she paced around the living room. Mrs Tan complexion had become very pale. She looked like some of her life force has been drained.

FLASHBACK

Scene 17

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat BEDROOM - MORNING

Mr Tan :
I’m going off to work now. (Putting down a glass of coffee after a sip)

DON'T meddle in other people’s business anymore. Understand? (Wagging index fingers)

Mrs Tan :
(mumbling) Ok...

Mrs Tan :
(Thinking) How can I not meddle when it could affect our everyday life? No! I have to do something about it! Let me ask Madam Siva what she thinks about it.

RETURN FROM FLASHBACK

Scene 18

INT Mr & Mrs Tan HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - MORNING 2

Madam Siva :
Yes, yes. The address is Pasir Ris Drive 1... Ok... We will be waiting for you... Thank you for your help.. (Puts down the phone)

(Sidles up to Mrs Tan) Alright. I already called the “Bomoh” and a Buddhist priest also. We don’t need to worry now. (Smiling with satisfaction)

EFFECT TO

Scene 19

EXT Jason's HDB Flat CORRIDOR - MORNING

Buddhist Priest :
“Ohm...Ding...Ohmmm… Ding, ding…” (sounds of prayers)

EFFECT TO

Scene 20

EXT Jason's HDB Flat CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON 1

Bomoh :
Where is the haunted house? Could you show me?

Mrs Tan showed the Bomoh where the house was. The Bomoh started muttering some verse and sprinkled holy water at the neighbours' gate. Suddenly the moaning started again. Mrs Tan and Madam Siva clung to each other for comfort as the Bomoh's voice increased. However, the moaning just continued with no effect.

Scene 21

EXT Jason's HDB Flat CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON 2

Bomoh :
Madam, the spirit is too powerful for me to handle. I advise you to move away from here. If you don't, you will be constantly disturbed by the spirit.

Mrs Tan and Madam Siva started sobbing in each other's arms. They were sad that they will be separated after so long being friends.

Scene 22

EXT Jason's HDB Flat CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON 3

Suddenly the neighbours' door flew open. All of them jumped back in surprise. The haggard man stood at the doorway.

Jason :
Yes, aunties, uncle how can I help you?

Mrs Tan :
(Finally got the courage to speak) What is that moaning sounds that we always hear coming from your house?

Madam Siva :

Since you moved in, we have been disturbed by the evil spirit that you keep in your house! We don't need a neighbour like you to disturb us! Admit what you have done to us! (Getting angry all of a sudden)

Jason's face creased in confusion. Perspiration started pouring down his face. He has always hated confrontations.

Freeze on Jason

EFFECT TO

Scene 23

EXT Jason's HDB Flat CORRIDOR AFTERNOON 4

Suddenly the lift door opens and out walk Mr Tan and a nurse. They were talking to each other when they noticed the tension outside Jason's house. Mr Tan stared at Mrs Tan and the Bomoh. He finally realised what had happened.

Mr Tan :
What are doing to Mr Jason? He never did anything wrong. Why did you call a Bomoh? I told you not be nosy right!!!

Madam Siva :
Your wife is doing what's right for all of us! He is keeping an evil spirit in his house. We need to do something about it or we will be in danger. (Trying to justify their actions)

Mr Tan :
There's no evil spirit! Only our young neighbour and his sick little sister. How can you all just accuse people with no proof? (Sighed in exasperation)

Nurse :
Hi Mr Jason. I'm here to check on Clara. May I come in?

Jason :
Sure. Why don't all of you come in so we can discuss further?

EFFECT TO

Scene 24

INT Jason's HDB Flat LIVING ROOM

Mrs Tan and Madam Siva peered around the house looking for any lurking evil spirits. Failing to see any they noticed how dark the living room was. Mrs Tan reached out to the light switch to switch on the lights.

Jason :
Don't! My sister cannot tolerate too much light!

Mrs Tan :
Oh! (Thinking back to her taking flash photography the other day and the ensuing scream that followed)

Jason started to recount his life story.

Jason :
My sister and I come from a broken family. My father was a drunk and a wife-beater. He eventually died in a car crash due to drink driving. My mother likes to pick on Clara the most. Clara is a very sickly child. She is sensitive to light and has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Mrs Tan :
Eher what? (Wrinkling face in confusion)

Jason :
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. It is a medical condition where the patient suffers from frequent joint dislocations. The abuse that she suffered previously also didn't help her condition. I am just glad that I can take care of her now. I don't want her to suffer anymore.

Madam Siva :
What happened to your mother then?

Jason :
A neighbour reported her abuse and she got jailed. She's in prison now.

Mrs Tan :
What about you? I'm sorry to say but you look like a drug addict with your dark eyes.

Jason :
Yeah. I can't help it. I have to after Clara in the morning. I go to work at night while she sleeps. With that's going on, I'm barely getting any sleep. Sorry if I frightened you. (Rubs eyes with his palms)

Mrs Tan :
It's okay. (Sheepish expression)

Mr Tan :
Well, now you guys know the truth. Let's go back to our houses. We need to give Jason his privacy. (Stood up to leave)

Everyone files out of the house and went back to their own house.

EFFECT TO

Scene 25

INT Jason's HDB Flat LIVING ROOM - MORNING

Mrs Tan :
Clara, open your mouth ah! (Feed Clara a spoonful of chicken porridge)

Clara :
Ahm!

Jason walks into the living room.

Jason :
Thank you for helping out in taking care of Clara Mrs Tan. You and Madam Siva have both reduced my burden significantly. (Smiling)

Mrs Tan :
It's okay. We are all neighbours after all. We take care of each other. Get some sleep so you won't be tired at work later.

Jason :
Thanks, Mrs Tan. You're like my real mother. (Grinning)

Mrs Tan :
Such a sweet mouth you have! (Swatting affectionately at Jason)

Jason evaded and rushed to his room giggling. Mrs Tan shook her head at his behaviour. She was glad everything was fine after all. She loves Jason and Clara dearly. They are like her own children now. She smiles to herself contently.

Zooms out; Camera Angle : Top

Scene 26

Narrator :
And that's how Mrs Tan gained two new loved ones after an unfortunate misunderstanding. It is very difficult to be good neighbours sometimes. We tend to misunderstand each other and get into fights. But sometimes the people who can help us the most in times of need are our neighbours. So let's try to understand each other better. If you see any victim of family abuse, please seek help at 1800 777 5555 or dial 999 for the police.

FADES AWAY