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Slow Burn

Genre: Feature - Psychological Thriller/Romance - 16 - Adult - NYC & Vermont Logline: When a successful businesswoman falls victim to her dangerously, charming husband’s deadly schemes, she escapes with her loyal dog, and they transform from prey to predator to return and take back their lives.

"Slow Burn" is a high-stakes, character-driven thriller that combines the emotional depth of Sleeping with the Enemy with the suspense and survival instincts of Enough. With its female protagonist forced into a deadly game of survival against a manipulative husband, this film offers an empowering, pulse-pounding story with widespread commercial appeal. The film's core hook is its relatability: it taps into themes of betrayal, survival, and resilience that resonate with a broad, universal audience. Audiences today are drawn to stories of strong women overcoming oppressive forces, and "Slow Burn" delivers just that. It has a strong female lead who, alongside her loyal dog, transforms from a victim of manipulation and violence to a fierce force determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers. This kind of character journey resonates deeply with viewers who seek empowerment and catharsis. The Hook: A successful businesswoman accused of embezzlement by her charming but ruthless husband is forced to go on the run alongside her loyal dog. They must use their instincts to survive deadly schemes and transform into forces to be reckoned with to outsmart then confront the man who not only wants her company, her dogs, and her dead. This is a gripping survival story with intense action, suspense, and emotional depth. Why It Will Be Profitable: 1. Universal Themes: o Themes of betrayal, revenge, survival, and empowerment resonate with a wide audience. Audiences are drawn to stories of personal transformation and resilience, especially when combined with action and suspense. o The dynamic of the strong woman fighting back against an abusive relationship is both timely and relevant, particularly in a world where female empowerment and justice-driven stories are in high demand. 2. Comparable Films: o Enough (2002) and Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) have both proven successful at the box office, with their emotionally charged storylines and intense action sequences drawing in wide audiences. o “Slow Burn” fits perfectly within this established genre of female-led thrillers, tapping into the same audience while also bringing a fresh spin with the added emotional depth of the woman's bond with her dog. 3. Action and Suspense: o While violence is present, it is not excessive or gratuitous. The action scenes are carefully executed to build tension and suspense without veering into overly graphic content, keeping the film accessible to a wider audience, including those who prefer action without excessive gore. o The strategic use of mild cursing keeps the tone edgy but still broadly marketable, appealing to both mainstream and action-thriller audiences. 4. Cross-Demographic Appeal: o The strong female lead will resonate with female viewers seeking empowerment stories, while the action and suspense elements also cater to a male audience who enjoy adrenaline-pumping thrillers. o The central relationship with the dog offers additional emotional layers, appealing to animal lovers and viewers who appreciate heartwarming bonds within intense stories. This aspect can also be a selling point in marketing and promotional materials, drawing in a larger, family-friendly audience while maintaining an edge. 5. Potential for Franchise or Spin-Off: o With the success of similar films featuring strong female leads—like The Hunger Games, Atomic Blonde, and Mad Max: Fury Road—there is potential for "Slow Burn" to be expanded into a larger franchise or series. The transformation of Sam from a victim to a lethal force could lend itself to future sequels, with potential storylines involving her continuing fight for justice or dealing with new adversaries. o The bond between Sam and her dog, Rocket, could also serve as a basis for merchandise, promotional tie-ins, and more. Fans of animal-centered stories often develop a deep emotional attachment, which could add to the film’s longevity. 6. Accessible but High-Impact: o The film’s production value is high, but it doesn’t require enormous budgets like superhero movies or CGI-heavy blockbusters. The focus on suspense, character development, and practical action can make the film both costeffective and high reward at the box office. o By setting the film in minimum NYC locations as well as the isolated, scenic Vermont hills, you can capture visually compelling imagery that helps the film stand out from similar thrillers. Metropolitan and glamorous New York then wide, open landscapes provide a contrast to the tight, intimate confrontations that happen within, further building suspense. How "Slow Burn" Appeals to a Broad Audience: • Women’s Empowerment: As an underdog story, Sam’s journey from corporate queen to fugitive and survivor is one of self-discovery, strength, and triumph. Her transformation resonates with women looking for inspiration in overcoming adversity and reclaiming their lives. • Heart-Pounding Action: With suspenseful chase sequences, tactical survival scenarios, and a fierce battle between Sam and her husband’s ruthless goons, the action keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It’s intense but grounded in realistic situations, making it highly engaging. • Strong Emotional Core: Sam’s bond with her dog Rocket adds an emotional element that brings depth to the film, making it not just about survival, but about love, loyalty, and trust—values that universally appeal to viewers. • Widely Relatable: The themes of betrayal, loss, and the fight for justice have universal appeal, making this film easy to market to a global audience. It’s a story that connects emotionally with viewers while delivering the action and thrills they crave. In conclusion, “Soft Burn” offers a compelling narrative that blends emotional drama with high-octane action, appealing to both male and female audiences. Its themes of survival, empowerment, and justice will resonate widely, while its action sequences and emotional depth make it a film that is both entertaining and impactful. With a strong female lead, a loyal canine companion, and a satisfying storyline of redemption, Slow Burn is primed to be a commercially successful thriller that could also extend into a profitable franchise.

Written by:
Format:
Screenplay
Starring Roles For:
Hailee Steinfeld as Cas
Michael Trevino as Derek
Trevor Jackson as Leo
In the Vein Of:
Succession
Sleeping with the Enemy
Enough
Posted:
02/26/2026
Updated:
02/26/2026
Author Bio:
“My goal is to write great fiction that exposes deeply hidden truths”

Sherry is service oriented with a desire to create deep cultural changes worldwide by demonstrating positive stories to entertain and enhance the quality of life in a struggling world.

Savage’s Appalachian heritage enriched her with a culture of truthful and fictional storytelling... it’s instilled in her blood. She’s an award-winning screenwriter and a twenty-five-year educator, counselor, and entrepreneur.

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