Genre: Historical Drama, War
Logline: In perhaps the most terrifying battle of the Civil War, The Battle of the Wilderness, a Union soldier is shot in the head and somehow survives but is blinded, now contending with the intense wilderness fire and escaping before he burns alive.
Synopsis: “The Wildernes” presents a horrifying,compelling true narrative of resilience and courage, and the indomitable instinct for survival in the case of impossible odds.
Treatment:
Act 1:
The intense chaos of the Battle of the Wilderness rages on. Amidst the deafening sounds of gunshots and the overpowering smell of smoke, Union soldier Jacob Miller, mid-twenties, fights courageously. Suddenly, a shot resonates, hitting Jacob in the head.
Jacob collapses, disoriented and in excruciating pain. His surroundings worsen as the hot bullets ignite the dry tinder, causing flames to spread like wildfire. He awakens to horrifying screams of wounded soldiers burning alive, their desperate cries echoing in his ears. All turns black. Jacob’s life flashes before his eyes, like a movie. He sees the good things and the bad things that he did.
Act 2:
Jacob regains consciousness. Disoriented and blinded, Jacob desperately tries to find his bearings. His eyes are swollen shut, making it impossible to determine which way to go. In the midst of overwhelming hopelessness, he stumbles upon a dead soldier. As he gropes around, his hand lands on his canteen. Miraculously, it still holds water.
Summoning a last reserve of strength, Jacob pours water into his eyes, willing them to open. With sheer determination, he manages to force his right eye open, albeit blurry. Though his vision remains impaired, he can discern enough to start moving once more.
Using his rifle as a crutch, Jacob staggers forward, the flames closing in around him. The scene suggests that his struggle may be in vain. Suddenly, he loses his vision, his breath stolen by smoke inhalation. In a final attempt at survival, he stumbles blindly towards a nearby creek, where he finds solace and relief.
Jacob clings to life, laying in the shallow waters of the creek. Though he cannot see, he feels a slight relief as the swelling in his eyes subsides. To his astonishment, light penetrates through his one open eye, revealing an injured soldier filled with determination.
Act 3:
A compassionate farmer discovers the wounded Jacob at the creek and ensures his safety. He brings him to a nearby Union field hospital, where overwhelmed surgeons and nurses attend to the relentless stream of casualties. Jacob, now lying on a makeshift cot, is examined by a weary Union surgeon. The surgeon informs him that the mini ball had passed through his skull, miraculously sparing his brain but causing severe damage.
Overwhelmed with both gratitude and disbelief, Jacob understands that he has a second chance at life. Though recovery may be long, he is filled with hope and the strength to endure the consequences of war.
