Riley's Roundabout
An agoraphobic woman forms an intense digital bond with a charming stranger—but when his deception comes to light, the quiet roundabout where she runs at night becomes the arena for her reckoning and rebirth.
Synopsis Riley's Roundabout is a poignant indie-style romantic mystery that delves into the complexities of mental health, digital connections, and human vulnerability. Set in a quiet rural area of Minnesota, the story centers on Riley Rosser, a 25-year-old woman grappling with agoraphobia following a traumatic past. Her life is confined to her home and a nearby roundabout, which she uses as a personal running track under the cover of night. The narrative unfolds through a series of intimate scenes, emphasizing Riley's internal struggles and her gradual steps toward reclaiming her independence, all while exploring the blurred lines between online relationships and real-world deception.
The story begins with Riley embarking on her nightly runs around the roundabout, a ritual that symbolizes her attempt to control her anxiety. During one such run, she narrowly escapes a collision with a pickup truck, triggering a severe panic attack that leaves her disoriented and ashamed. This incident forces her to confront her fears, leading to sessions with her therapist, Betty, and participation in an online agoraphobia support group. Through these digital interactions, Riley finds a sense of community, but her world is upended when she meets Lucas during a group video call. Lucas, a charming and supportive figure, shares his own fabricated stories of anxiety, drawing Riley in with his empathy and shared interest in running.
As their relationship deepens, Riley and Lucas bond over their supposed similar struggles, communicating through texts, calls, and video chats. Lucas encourages Riley to run during the day, and she experiences small victories, such as completing laps around the roundabout without panic. However, underlying tensions arise as Riley notices inconsistencies in Lucas's stories, and external threats emerge, including voyeuristic photos of her runs posted online. These events heighten the suspense, revealing Lucas's true intentions—he joined the support group under false pretenses to connect with vulnerable women. Despite this, their connection feels genuine, leading to a "Covid date" where they run the roundabout together, maintaining a safe distance.
The plot builds to an emotional climax as Riley prepares for a marathon, a metaphor for her journey toward healing. Lucas sets up a supportive race setup at the roundabout, but before the run, he confesses his deception, admitting he is not agoraphobic and has manipulated her. This revelation shatters Riley's trust, forcing her to question her progress and relationships. In a powerful moment of self-realization, Riley chooses to walk away from the roundabout and toward the mini-mart, symbolizing her decision to move forward on her own terms. The story explores themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the dangers of digital intimacy, leaving Riley's future open-ended but hopeful.
Throughout, the screenplay masterfully uses digital communication—phone calls, texts, and video chats—to convey the intimacy and isolation of modern relationships, making the audience feel the weight of Riley's internal battles. The blend of romance and mystery keeps the tension high, with Riley's personal growth arc providing a compelling emotional core.
Jeremy Allen White
Catfish (2010)
To the Bone (2017)
After a fulfilling career in teaching, counseling, and football coaching, I now devote my time to screenwriting. The discipline and patience I honed as an educator serve me well in this new creative chapter.
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