I was hit with an idea over the weekend that I can't shake. I'm partially inspired by the Netflix film Paddleton and the way that story was conveyed.
Two men, one white and one black, from different backgrounds, meet in a men's divorce support group. They hit it off on a friendly level immediately due to their similar circumstance revolving around their divorce. At some point, there is a romantic attraction between the two and a decision is made to explore their feelings.
Act 1 is the focal character (one of the two guys) and his life immediately following his divorce. He moves into his new apartment, people at his job show pity on him, etc. He goes to his first support group meeting, finds it coping, especially since others there have much more dramatic stories. The act concludes when the other of two men shows up at the support group.
Act 2A is them becoming friends, some more meetings, and the beginning of something romantic after some awkward event involving the two. Not sure what will introduce the spark between them just yet.
Act 2B will be them exploring the newfound romantic attraction. They reveal at the support group that they're a couple. People will be surprised yet supportive of this. The last part of this chunk will be one of the following, or maybe both - one of them will suggest that they meet his parents. Or one of their wives comes back into the picture, and the ex-husband of her will introduce the other guy. I can get some comedy out of both scenarios.
Act 3 starts with the fallout of the decision to tell people about their relationship. One of the men second-guesses the whole thing, he takes some time to get his head straight, etc. Eventually they realize they can't be without each other.
Pretty simple premise, but the depth will come from the characters themselves and their stories. I don't want to go the sad route or the super happy ending, but I'm not sure how to pull that off just yet. I have enough meat to get started and get into the second act somewhere. I haven't decided where/when this takes place, as that will drastically change the events of the second act.
Two men, one white and one black, from different backgrounds, meet in a men's divorce support group. They hit it off on a friendly level immediately due to their similar circumstance revolving around their divorce. At some point, there is a romantic attraction between the two and a decision is made to explore their feelings.
Act 1 is the focal character (one of the two guys) and his life immediately following his divorce. He moves into his new apartment, people at his job show pity on him, etc. He goes to his first support group meeting, finds it coping, especially since others there have much more dramatic stories. The act concludes when the other of two men shows up at the support group.
Act 2A is them becoming friends, some more meetings, and the beginning of something romantic after some awkward event involving the two. Not sure what will introduce the spark between them just yet.
Act 2B will be them exploring the newfound romantic attraction. They reveal at the support group that they're a couple. People will be surprised yet supportive of this. The last part of this chunk will be one of the following, or maybe both - one of them will suggest that they meet his parents. Or one of their wives comes back into the picture, and the ex-husband of her will introduce the other guy. I can get some comedy out of both scenarios.
Act 3 starts with the fallout of the decision to tell people about their relationship. One of the men second-guesses the whole thing, he takes some time to get his head straight, etc. Eventually they realize they can't be without each other.
Pretty simple premise, but the depth will come from the characters themselves and their stories. I don't want to go the sad route or the super happy ending, but I'm not sure how to pull that off just yet. I have enough meat to get started and get into the second act somewhere. I haven't decided where/when this takes place, as that will drastically change the events of the second act.