EXPECTATIONS

written by

Amelie Painten
ACT 1 - SCENE 1
1. INT. EVE'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Sunlight seeps through the partially closed blinds revealing
a chaotic room. Clothes are strewn across the floor, books
and papers litter the desk, and a poster hangs crookedly on
the wall. The room is a teenage battleground of disarray.
In the center of the chaos, EVE, an exhausted teenager with
disheveled hair, lies curled up on her bed. She clutches a
worn-out TIGER TEDDY, her loyal companion through countless
nights.

ALARM CLOCK on the nightstand starts to FLASH 6:00 AM. The

piercing sound of the alarm reverberates through the room,
shattering the peaceful silence.
EVE groans, stirring slightly. She peeks one eye open,
squinting at the alarm clock. Her face scrunches up in
frustration, and she throws her arm over the clock,
desperately trying to muffle the sound. The alarm persists.
EVE'S frustration reaches its peak. She grabs a PILLOW from
the bed and SCREAMS into it, muffling her morning angst. Her
scream is a mix of exhaustion, irritation, and teenage
rebellion.
Reluctantly, EVE tosses the pillow aside and sits up, rubbing
her temples. She glances around the messy room, a silent
battle between her desire for a few more moments of sleep and
the responsibilities that await her.
With a sigh, EVE swings her legs over the edge of the bed and
places her tiger teddy carefully beside her pillow. She
musters the last of her energy and stands up, stretching her
arms above her head. She leaves her bed and moves sluggishly
to the door, trying not trip over her strewn clothes blocking
her path. The door closes behind her
END OF SCENE 1
 2.

ACT 1 - SCENE 2
2. INT. BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The bathroom is small, cluttered and filled with toiletries
scattered on the counter. The sound of running water echoes
through the room.
EVE, stands in front of the sink, half asleep but determined.
She wears a disheveled pyjama set and messy bed hair. She
yawns as she mechanically squeezes toothpaste onto her
toothbrush.
With one eye half-opened, EVE begins brushing her teeth, her
movements slow and sluggish. The rhythmic sound of bristles
against her enamel fills the room. A faint hum escapes her
lips.
But suddenly, the HUMMING stops as EVE'S MOTHER'S distant
SHOUT echoes from downstairs. Toothbrush still in her mouth,
EVE answers.
EVE'S MOTHER (O.S.)
Eve are you even up yet?
EVE rolls her eyes, with toothbrush still in mouth she
muffles a reply.
EVE
Yes, I am up.
But her response goes unnoticed by her oblivious MOTHER.

EVE'S MOTHER (O.S.)

EVE! Eve are you up yet? Don't you
dare ignore me!
EVE sighs in frustration, spits out the toothpaste into the
sink, and wipes her mouth. She takes a moment to compose
herself before finally replying, an irritated shout.
EVE
I said yes Mum! Give me a minute.
(speaking quietly)
For fucks sake.
With frustration building up inside her, EVE slams the
bathroom door shut, leaving the chaotic mess of her bathroom
behind.

END OF SCENE 2
 3.

ACT 1 - SCENE 3
3. INT. KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Annoyed EVE, in her pyjamas and with messy hair, storms into
the kitchen, slamming the door behind her. She yawns and rubs
her eyes, clearly not fully awake yet.
EVE'S MUM, dressed smartly, glares straight at EVE'S entrance
as she stands by the stove, preparing her breakfast.
EVE'S MOTHER
What have I said about slamming
doors and ignoring me?
Her eyes focus back on not burning her breakfast.
EVE
I didn't ignore you, I literally
replied. You just don't listen to
me.
(rolling her eyes)
EVE'S MOTHER
But didn't you slam the door?
EVE
Yes, but thats because...
Her MOTHER then interrupts her.
EVE'S MOTHER
I really cannot deal with you this
morning. You're always in your own
world, ignoring everything around
you.
EVE moves to goes sit down at the table.
Still remaining focused on the breakfast, EVE'S MUM now
plates what looks like very burnt and unrecognisable food.
EVE
Not in the mood for a lecture.
Her MUM slams a plate on the table, shooting EVE a
disapproving glance.
EVE (CONT'D)
I am not eating that, it's
practically burnt. I'd rather
starve.
Pushing the plate away from her with disgust on her face.
 4.

EVE'S MOTHER
Take some fruit at least, if you
don't want to eat my food.
EVE snatches a banana from the fruit bowl and grabs a glass,
filling it with water.
EVE gulps down the water in one swift motion, then heads
towards the door.
Her MOTHER watches her, frustrated, as she hastily exits the
kitchen.
END OF SCENE 3
 5.

ACT 1 - SCENE 4
4. INT. EVE'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The room still a chaotic mess, with an unmade bed. EVE
frantically rummages through the piles of clothes and her
wardrobe searching for her school uniform.
EVE'S hands move swiftly, throwing clothes aside as she
mutters under her breath.
EVE
Come on, where is my blazer?
(whispering to herself in
frustration)
EVE (CONT'D)
Mum, have you seen my blazer?
Still frantically looking.
EVE'S MOTHER (O.S.)
It can't just disappear. Look
again.
EVE'S MUM appears in the doorway, frustration etched on her
face.
EVE'S MOTHER (CONT'D)
I gave it to you Eve. I can't
afford to get you another.
EVE
Well, I can't find it.
(replying angrily)
EVE'S MUM peers around the corner of the doorway. Her face
contorts in horror as she takes in the chaotic scene before
her.
EVE'S MOTHER
I told you tidy this yesterday, its
literally like a bomb has exploded.
EVE
It isn't that bad, I will do it
when I get home. I am already late!
(frantically)
Now looking her drawers and gives up mid way looking.
EVE'S MOTHER
You have 5 minutes to leave, I
won't remind you again.
(MORE)
 6.
EVE'S MOTHER (CONT'D)
You are 16 now Eve, you need to
learn to grow up.
Looking at disapproval at her daughter as she glances down to
look at the time.
EVE heads towards her mirror. She quickly examines her face,
her eyeliner smudged from a night of restless sleep. With
practiced precision, she hastily retouches her eyeliner.
EVE'S MOTHER (CONT'D)
Do you want to end working in
Debenhams?
EVE
Is that what you really expect of
me?
(rolls her eyes)
EVE picks up her school bag, collecting all of the school
papers scattered carelessly across her room. Not caring if
they got crumpled or teared in the action.
EVE'S MOTHER
Yes actually, you say you want to
be an artist or whatever, but you
will just end up in a mundane job.
By the way you are acting!
EVE picks up a crumpled hoodie as a replacement of her
missing blazer.
EVE'S MOTHER (CONT'D)
Sara's kid, what's her name...
EVE
Emma.
EVE'S MOTHER
Yes, Emma what a kind girl. She is
thinking of being a Lawyer, Sara
told me. She was always a bright
girl.
EVE
More like always a bitch.
EVE'S MOTHER shoots disapproving gaze. As EVE rushes back to
her reflection, finishing her eyeliner.
EVE'S MOTHER
You can't go to school like this,
young lady!
 7.

EVE
I've been to school like this
before, and nobody cared.
Ignoring her mother's disapproving gaze once again, EVE zips
up her bag and dashes out of the room, leaving chaos in her
wake.
END OF SCENE 4
 8.

ACT 2 - SCENE 1
5. EXT. BUS STOP - MORNING
EVE, stumbles towardS the stop, clearly half asleep. Her
clothes are crumpled, and she's still missing her blazer. Her
best friend, VERONICA, is waiting there, smiling showing her
chunky braces.
EVE yawns and rubs her eyes as she reaches the bus stop.
Veronica waves excitedly, her bubbly demeanour contrasting
with EVE'S grogginess.
VERONICA
Hey, sleepyhead! You almost missed
the bus!
(lisping due to her brace)
EVE manages a tired smile.
EVE
Morning Vee, seriously don't want
to go to school today.
The bus screeches to a halt, its doors opening. The two girls
quickly step aboard and find seats together.

5. INT. BUS - CONTINUOUS

EVE and VERONICA find two empty seats near the back.
VERONICA
It really sucks no one is
interested in me. Still haven't
even kissed anyone
VERONICA'S eyes glancing back at the STUDENTS sitting behind
her.
EVE
I have kissed someone, a guy
(lying)
EVE begins to act nervous, absently mildly bitting her
fingers and she looks down.
VERONICA
You have KISSED someone? No way!
(accidently shouting)
EVE glares in terror behind to a group of school kids. They
begin laugh and point. EVE'S face reddens with embarrassment,
her spirits dampened by their cruel remarks.
 9.

She clings tightly to her backpack. Tears well up in her

eyes, but she fights them back, refusing to give them the
satisfaction of seeing her break.
VERONICA, unaware of the hostility, notices EVE'S distress
and turns toward the school kids.
SCHOOL KID #1
Eve aren't you a lesbian?
(taunting)
SCHOOL KID #2
Nah, she's just a prude.
SCHOOL KID #3
Or both.
(struggling to get their
words out from )
They all abrupt into laugher.
SCHOOL KID #1
Have you seen what she is wearing?
Did you forget how to dress?
SCHOOL KID #3
And those clogs? Seriously?
VERONICA starts to rise from her seat, ready to confront the
bullies, but EVE grabs her arm, shaking her head.
EVE
Don't, I hate attention.
EVE turns to look at the window, admiring the views on the
way to school.
EVE (CONT'D)
Oh Shit, I forgot!
VERONICA
What? What have you forgotten over
than your blazer?
(joking)
EVE
No, I forgot about Mr. Anderson's
English work.
(worried)
EVE (CONT'D)
Can I copy yours, please Vee?
 10.

VERONICA
Last time!
She carefully takes out her English folder from her organised
school bag. She pulls out a perfectly labeled set of answers,
handing them to EVE.
EVE
Thank you, I owe you.
EVE hastily rummages through her cluttered bag, desperately
searching for a piece of paper and a pen. She finally
retrieves a crumpled sheet and a barely functional pen, both
in a sorry state.
EVE tries to write quickly, but the bus suddenly jolts,
causing her hand to jerk. The bus takes a sharp turn, causing
her to struggle even more.
VERONICA
You can't get told off her copying
my work, Mr James will not even be
able to decipher it.
EVE
I cannot have him tell me off
again, he will have my Mum in.
EVE tries to salvage her crumpled paper and regain her
composure as the school bus continues its bumpy ride.
END OF SCENE 1
 11.

ACT 2 - SCENE 2
6. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING
EVE walks alongside VERONICA through the bustling school
halls. Rushing to get to english.
Suddenly, the HEAD TEACHER, a stern and authoritative figure,
steps out from a doorway and blocks EVE'S path.
HEAD TEACHER
Eve, stop right there. Veronica, go
on ahead.
(serious tone)
VERONICA hesitates for a moment but then reluctantly
continues down the hallway, shooting a concerned glance back
at EVE.

HEAD TEACHER (CONT'D)

What do you think you're doing,
Eve? You're in violation of the
school dress code. Your makeup is
excessive, and where is your
blazer?
(angry)

EVE looks down to the floor, begins to tap her foot.

EVE
I couldn't find it, I put on a
hoodie instead.
HEAD TEACHER
Rules are rules, Eve! And your
constant disregard for them will
not be tolerated. I'm going to call
your mother and arrange a meeting.
(raising voice)
EVE's eyes widen in alarm.
EVE
I haven't done anything wrong
though.
HEAD TEACHER crosses arms, a determined look on his face.
 12.

HEAD TEACHER
We've had enough warnings, Eve.
It's time for you to face the
consequences of your actions.
Expect a meeting today.
EVE'S heart sinks as she watches the Head Teacher walk away,
leaving her standing alone in the school hallway.
EVE takes a deep breath, trying to regain composure. She then
hastily gathers her belongings and rushes off towards her
class.

6. INT. ENGLISH CLASSROOM - MOMENTS LATER

EVE bursts through the classroom door. All eyes turn towards
her as the teacher, MR. ANDERSON, stares at her in
disapproval.
MR. ANDERSON
Eve, you're late again. Take a seat
immediately.
EVE begins to move her way to the back as MR. ANDERSON keeps
talking. Writing on board as he speaks.
MR. ANDERSON (CONT'D)
Anyways as I was saying, when
analysing and responding to a text,
consider how a writer uses form,
structure and language and think
about the effect they have on the
reader and audience.
END OF SCENE 2
 13.

ACT 2 - SCENE 3
7. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING
EVE walks out of English. Students rush past her, engrossed
in their own conversations and activities.
Over the school's TANOY, a stern VOICE cuts through the
noise, echoing throughout the hallway.
SCHOOL TANOY (V.O.)
Eve Lewis, please report to the
Head Teacher's office.
EVE rolls her eyes and makes her way to the office.
7. INT. OUTSIDE OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
EVE stands anxiously outside the HEAD TEACHER'S office, her
foot tapping impatiently. Her eyes dart around, focusing on
anything but the impending meeting.
The door opens, and the HEAD TEACHER emerges, motioning for
EVE to come inside. EVE'S MOTHER, is already seated.
HEAD TEACHER
Please have a seat, Eve. We need to
discuss your academic approach.
(sternly)
EVE slumps into a chair, crossing her arms defiantly. She
looks out the window, clearly disinterested.
HEAD TEACHER (CONT'D)
I'm afraid Eve's grades have been
consistently declining, except for
art. However, we can't encourage a
creative career. It doesn't provide
stable financial prospects, and we
believe it's important to be
realistic about her future. As a
school we pride ourselves on
being... realistic.
(addressing eve's mother)

EVE still not listening continues looking out the window.

EVE'S MOTHER
Obviously, I completely understand.
HEAD TEACHER
Furthermore, Eve's choice of attire
is just inappropriate.
(MORE)
 14.
HEAD TEACHER (CONT'D)
No blazer, excessive eye makeup,
and her overall appearance is
unprofessional. School prepares
students for the real world. Once
again Mrs. Lewis, we prepare
students for the realstic real
world. Thats why we expect students
to follow the rules.
EVE turns to look at the the HEAD TEACHER.
EVE
I am fed up of everyone expecting
stuff of me its
(standing)
BULLSHIT!
EVE'S MOTHER
Stop that Eve, sit down. I am so
sorry Mr. Smith for her behaviour.
EVE sits down reluctantly and rolls her eyes, continuing to
look our the window.
HEAD TEACHER
This what I am talking about your
attitude and behaviour, it's
hindering your potential progress
of what you are currently expected.
If you don't make a change, your
future prospects will be severely
impacted, not just your remaining
year of studies.
(now addressing eve)
HEAD TEACHER (CONT'D)
I think that will be all, thank you
for coming in Mrs. Lewis and Eve.
The HEAD TEACHER stands up shaking EVE'S MOTHER'S hand and
shows them both the door.
HEAD TEACHER (CONT'D)
I have written you a late note Eve
for your next lesson, so we do not
have any more trouble. I hope we do
not have a negative meeting like
this again.
ALL leave and the door closes.
END OF SCENE 3
 15.

ACT 2 - SCENE 4
8. INT. DINNER HALL - MIDDAY
EVE stands in the lunch queue, accompanied by her friend
VERONICA.
They are nearly at the front, and EVE'S nervous fidgeting is
evident.
VERONICA
What happened in the Mr. Smith's
Office?
VERONICA peering around the corner looking at the options for
food eagerly.
EVE
Same as always.
(begins to mimic the head
teacher)
Failing grades, bad attitude,
incorrect, incorrect uniform
VERONICA
Not even surprised anymore
(laughing)
EVE
He was being extra stupid this time
as well, as a school we pride
ourselves on being realistic. What
a dick! I literally said it was
bullshit.
VERONICA
What?! You swore infant of the Head
Teacher. Eve!
(concerned)
EVE
Calm down Vee.
As EVE and VERONICA exchange words, the SCHOOL KIDS behind
them start mocking EVE, laughing at her crumpled clothes.
SCHOOL KID #2
I would be so embarrassed coming to
school looking like that.
SCHOOL KID #3
What a freak!
 16.

EVE grits her teeth, determined to ignore their taunts. She

focuses on getting her lunch. The follows VERONICA to sit
down.
SCHOOL KID #1
Watch this.
(Laughing with the other
kids)
Suddenly, one of the SCHOOL KID #1 jabs EVE with a fork,
causing her to drop her tray. The food spills all over the
floor, and the cafeteria erupts in laughter, even some
TEACHERS joining in.
EVE'S face turns red with anger and humiliation. She fights
back tears, trying to compose herself.
She quickly grabs some napkins and starts cleaning up the
mess, her hands trembling with embarrassment.
As EVE attempts to regain her composure, a TEACHER nearby
peeks round, ignoring the SCHOOL KIDS.
Without hesitation, EVE storms off from the cafeteria, her
face flushed with rage and tears streaming down her cheeks.
END OF SCENE 4
 17.

ACT 3 - SCENE 1
9. INT. LOCKED CLASSROOM - MOMENTS LATER
EVE locks herself inside an empty classroom, seeking solace
from the chaos outside. She puts on her headphones, blasting
music to drown out the noise.
Tears continue to fall as EVE trembles. She takes deep
breaths, attempting to regain control as the music blasts.
The world outside fades away as EVE loses herself in the
music, desperately trying to find a sense of calm amidst the
turmoil of what just happened.
Belle and Sebastian's song Expectations, begins to play in
her ears.

END OF SCENE 1
 18.

ACT 3 - SCENE 2
10. INT. RADIO STUDIO - DAY
The radio studio is dimly lit space, decked with kit. The
song "Expectations" by Belle and Sebastian fills the studio.
The leader singer STUART MURDOCH is sat reading his notes.
KEITH
That was Expectations by Belle and
Sebastian, an absolute indie
classic.
KEITH (CONT'D)
If you have just joined us my name
is Keith and I will be with you
till 6 today.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Speaking of Belle and Sebastian,
they've recently made a music video
for that very song despite it being
27 years since its release. To
explain why, we have the lead
singer of Belle and Sebastian,
Stuart Murdoch in the studio today.
STUART MURDOCH
Hi Keith, thanks for inviting me.
KEITH
Our pleasure, so tell us why didn't
you make the video when the song
first released, it's been quite a
while?
STUART MURDOCH
In 1996 we rushed everything in
Tigermilk, 5 days for the whole
album and I think 20 minutes for
Expectations.
STUART MURDOCH (CONT'D)
I was struggling with my condition,
of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so
they idea of a music video for
Tigermilk was not even
consideration.
KEITH
Tell us what changed?
 19.

STUART MURDOCH
We had almost swept Tigermilk under
the rug and disregarded it as a
thing of the past, however the
younger generation, who are finding
our music, seem to attach to it.
Especially the song Expectations.
STUART MURDOCH (CONT'D)
I guess a lot of people related to
it in different ways, so we wanted
to communicate with our listeners
and therefore, the music video was
made.
KEITH
For the people who haven't watched
it, could you describe it?
STUART MURDOCH
Of course it follows a outcasted
student, who we called Eve.
KEITH
Any particular reason for the name?
STUART MURDOCH
Actually yes, we based her name and
main character of our film God Help
the Girl. Fun fact, we originally
based the film and the character,
Eve, of our song Expectations.
KEITH
Oh wow, love it! Anyways, back to
telling us about the music video.
STUART MURDOCH
I always go off onto tangents.
She's seen as odd and everyone
expects her to do something
different, not something creative,
like a singer.
KEITH
Is that something you relate to as
a band?
STUART MURDOCH
Yes one hundred percent, if you
aren't as famous as Beyonce in
things like music, you are almost
disregarded in the industry.
(MORE)
 20.
STUART MURDOCH (CONT'D)
Luckily being signed to the Beggars
we have found pride in our little
Scottish indie band.

KEITH
Interesting.
(engrossed)
STUART MURDOCH
Recently I have been advocating
support in schools for people who
have neurodivergence. Although we
do not explicitly label Eve as
autistic, we leave hints by the way
she acts. We wanted her mainly to
be seen as different and outcasted
so that our audience can interpret
what that means to them.
KEITH
Thats something thats really unique
as people with autism are presented
so negatively in media, that
representation is needed
STUART MURDOCH
That is exactly what we wanted to
do, see the world through Eve.
Within the music video, we try to
be a source of comfort for her.
Thats why we added the hook “You’re
on top of the world ag-aih-ehn”.
(singing)
STUART MURDOCH (CONT'D)
We picked younger actors to
represent the younger versions of
ourselves experiencing the same
during school. To be honest she
would be someone I would have
thought was pretty hip at the time.
Thats why the end is almost like
that direct address of her
situation, we can be friends.
KEITH
It's almost a form of escapism for
your fans, they can find comfort in
your music?
 21.

STUART MURDOCH
Just that Keith! Just that! In
someway I imagine Eve is real and I
can be that source of escape.
KEITH
Thank you so much Stuart for coming
in, really appreciate your
explanation.
STUART MURDOCH
No worries Keith, thanks for having
me.
KEITH
That was Stuart Murdoch on Indie FM
and now we have another classic
song up for you next its Blur
Coffee and TV.
KEITH pushes go on the desk and BLUR begins to blast.
END OF SCENE 2
 22.

ACT 3 - SCENE 3
11. INT. LOCKED CLASSROOM - MIDDAY
EVE, still inside the locked classroom just finished
listening to the radio segment. Trying to gather her self
again she hears a BANG.
12. IXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
MR. ANDERSON approaches the locked classroom door. He tries
to open it. Failing he bangs on it, calling out to EVE.
MR. ANDERSON
Eve, open this door right now!
(shouting)
EVE remains silent, refusing to respond.
MR. ANDERSON (CONT'D)
What the hell do you think you are
doing?
(increasingly frustrated)
MR. ANDERSON slams his hand against the door, his anger
seeping through.
13. INT. LOCKED CLASSROOM - MOMENTS LATER
EVE flinches at the loud noise, her heart racing. Tears
stream down her face as she battles with her emotions.
14. IXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
MR. ANDERSON (CONT'D)
Do you think you are better than
the other kids? Get outside now!
Don't make me call Mr. Smith! Im
serious Eve.
(shouting)
Finally, EVE unlocks the door and bursts out of the
classroom, running past MR. ANDERSON. She dashes through the
corridor and outside.
15. EXT. OUTSIDE SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER
EVE'S legs pump furiously as she sprints across the school
grounds. Her determination to escape the suffocating
environment fuels her every step.
EVE reaches the school gates, panting heavily. She pauses for
a moment, catching her breath, before darting through the
open gates and into the outside world.
 23.

EVE continues to run, her face streaked with tears. Her pace
quickens as she gets closer to home.
END OF SCENE 3
 24.

ACT 3 - SCENE 4
16. INT - EVE'S BEDROOM - EVENING
EVE bursts into her cluttered and disheveled room, tears
streaming down her face. She rushes to her bed and collapses
onto it, clutching her worn-out tiger teddy tightly.
EVE curls up, burying her face in the teddy's fur, seeking
comfort.
The room filled with scattered clothes and art supplies
strewn across the floor. Posters of her favorite bands and
artists adorn the walls. The start of Belle and Sebastian's
song can he heard faintly in the background as EVE drifts to
sleep. Reflecting the start.
THE END