L A B R A T

Written by

Matt Brothers

Draft 7 - April 2018

1 EXT. SCIENCE FACILITY - NIGHT

A large, clinical building looms large in the darkness. Silent

and sinister.

2 INT. SCIENCE FACILITY - NIGHT

It’s the graveyard shift. Cold, empty atriums and corridors

stretch out far and wide. The occasional staff member milling
about - footsteps echoing eerily.

3 INT. EMPTY LAB - NIGHT

Two FIGURES SLAM down in front of us. They’re kissing. It’s

passionate. Mischievous. We rotate to reveal they’re embracing
against a wall.

They’re in a secluded room filled with scientific equipment.

Large windows overlook a slightly populated break room.

JOHNNY (30s - effortlessly handsome, practical, straight-

laced) pulls away from ALIKA (20s - confident and free-
spirited with loose wild hair) as she unbuckles his trousers.

JOHNNY
(whispering)
She’s going to catch us.

ALIKA
It’s machines she cares about, not
people.

Alika is going for it but Johnny is a million miles away.

ALIKA (CONT’D)
She gets in your head too, huh?

JOHNNY
Must run in the family.

Alika thumps him playfully on the shoulder before passionately

feeling him up. He eyes Alika lovingly. She leans in and bites
his neck.

JOHNNY (CONT’D)
I’m not just a piece of meat, you
know?

She sniggers but quickly realises he’s being serious.

JOHNNY (CONT’D)
This. Us. Is it --

She shifts uncomfortably under his gaze. A VOICE crackles over

a TANNOY, disrupting the moment.
 2.

VOICE (O.S.)
Alika Edwards to Dr. Edwards office.

Alika hesitates for a brief, charged moment. It’s awkward.

Through the glass windows, Johnny watches her walk away.

4 INT. BREAK ROOM - NIGHT

A handful of SCIENTISTS sit scattered about the room, eating

from lunchboxes, reading or lying down across couches. The
glow of a lone VENDING MACHINE illuminates in the corner.

Johnny walks out of the lab. He notices a scientist, ELLIE

(30s - cold, clinical, heavy make-up) watching Alika leave
then turning to look at him suspiciously. She’s almost hurt at
the discovery of Alika and Johnny together but puts her mask
on and smiles. He breaks her gaze, embarrassed.

MARVIN (20s, eager to please) is sitting besides Ellie

chatting and eating crisps. He suddenly twitches. He looks to
Ellie nervously to see if she’s noticed.

Johnny takes his seat at a separate table. A half-eaten

sandwich and circuit board sit in front of him. He glances at
the empty seat opposite.

5 EXT. FACILITY CORRIDOR - NIGHT

From the outside of the building, we see Alika walking through

a dimly lit corridor.

6 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - NIGHT

A STAFF PHOTO, at least 15 years old and resting within an old

frame, shows a group of scientists - a younger Edwards
included - stood outside the science facility.

On the wall are schematics for robotic designs, with a focus

on the ‘brain’. On the other side, a WALL OF MONITORS branch
upwards from a CONTROL PANEL, currently not switched on.

DR. EDWARDS (40s - calm and commanding) is on her earpiece,

feet up on her desk.

DR. EDWARDS
Yep, that works.

She looks up and spots Alika at the door. She motions for her
to enter. Alika steps in and quietly shuts the door before
moving over to the monitors and preparing her workspace.

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Alright, I think we’re good to go.
 3.

7 INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

One of the other seated scientists is revealed to be wearing a

discreet EARPIECE. He gets to his feet and walks towards the
exit. One by one, OTHER SCIENTISTS casually follow suit.

On a muted TV a NEWS REPORT of a violent RIOT. A strip of text

on the bottom: “Riots escalate over trade-robot job takeover”.

Johnny’s attention is diverted from the TV as he slowly

notices the quiet exodus. He glances at Ellie speaking to an
engrossed Marvin, oblivious.

And just like that - the place is empty except for the three
of them. Johnny looks around nervously. Something isn’t right.
As he gets up--

--the TANNOY BURSTS back into life.

DR. EDWARDS (O.S.)

Attention please. Your dedication to
our work... to our cause... has been
without equal.

Ellie and Marvin stop speaking. They look around and realize
they’re alone in the room.

DR. EDWARDS (O.S.) (CONT’D)

These past few months have been
preparation for tonight. For the next
phase.

8 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Edwards is holding a slim microphone in her hand.

DR. EDWARDS
We’re actually much further ahead in
our research than you’ve been led to
believe.

Alika walks over to Edwards desk and sits down. She ties her
hair up into a bun - matching her mother. She grabs her tablet
and types something. All business.

9 INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

DR. EDWARDS
We’ve created a human-like A.I. It
can mimic emotions. It can sweat.
Cry. Bleed. It is, to the untrained
eye, completely human. But it is not.

They all look at each other, confused.

 4.

DR. EDWARDS (O.S) (CONT’D)

It is one of you.

Ellie jumps to her feet, unamused. Is this a joke? Johnny

tenses up. Marvin looks to the others, unsure how to feel.

We hear a METALLIC CLICK. Johnny turns to the main door. He

walks towards it and tries to open it. It’s locked.

DR. EDWARDS (O.S.) (CONT’D)

It knows who it is. Your task is to
test it. Question it. Expose it...

STEEL SHUTTERS at the back of the room begin to DESCEND. The

lights slowly dim.

DR. EDWARDS (O.S) (CONT’D)

You will not be allowed to leave
until you do.

Marvin notices the shutters too late. Rushes towards them but
doesn’t make it through.

Ellie looks to Johnny at the door. He looks concerned. She

runs towards it and tries to rattle it open. No luck. She
SLAMS her fists into the door. Marvin mirrors Ellie, banging
on the shutters.

ELLIE MARVIN
Hey! Let us out! Where is everybody!?

Thinking fast, Johnny rushes to his phone on the table.

JOHNNY
Shit. They’ve cut us off.

10 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Edwards clicks off the mic and lifts a remote. The MONITORS
BURST into life, displaying multi-angled feeds of the break
room.

Alika turns and locks onto an image of Johnny. Unseen to

Edwards, she masks her slight hesitation.

DR. EDWARDS
Not what you were expecting?

Alika turns around to her mother, projecting confidence.

ALIKA
You’re definitely unpredictable.

DR. EDWARDS
That’s what makes it fun, Baba.
 5.

ALIKA
You know I hate it when you call me
that.

DR. EDWARDS
Then how can I resist?

Alika stands up and walks towards the monitors, getting on

with it.

ALIKA
Earpiece.

As Alika gets comfortable by the monitors, Edwards leans in

over her shoulder. She gazes at the participants on the
screens with intense intrigue.

11 INT. BREAK ROOM - LATER

Johnny and Marvin are seated. Marvin picks at something on his

arm - a nervous force of habit. Ellie paces the room, agitated
and highly strung. There is a heavy beat of silence.

ELLIE
Somebody’s lying. That’s a simple
fact.

Marvin gets up and joins Ellie.

MARVIN
(nodding)
Someone’s lying.

ELLIE
Edwards is fucking with us. Androids
are years away from what she’s
claiming. There’s just no way...

MARVIN
Neuromorphic computing was never that
far off... Can you imagine a world
filled with human-like A.I?

JOHNNY
Yes I can. People are already
becoming redundant--

ELLIE
--Don’t suddenly pretend to care
about people.

Johnny examines Ellie curiously. She notices and looks away.

She hides her face behind her hair, getting uncomfortable.

They all eye each other up, uncertain. Tension fills the room.
 6.

DR. EDWARDS (PRE-LAP)

Initial observations?

12 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Alika listens in, typing up notes on her tablet.

ALIKA
They’re remaining rational. Trying to
apply logic. Not rushing to
conclusions... I think it’s Ellie.

DR. EDWARDS
You’ve never liked her.

Alika leans closer to the screens, watching as Ellie circles

the table, asserting her dominance as Johnny stays seated.

ALIKA
It’s like she knows. She’s defensive.

DR. EDWARDS
Wouldn’t you be?

ALIKA
This is different.

DR. EDWARDS
Don’t fall back on casual
observations.

ALIKA
I’m telling you, it’s her. Always
thought she was fake.

DR. EDWARDS
She’s cold, yes. A little direct?
Absolutely. But flawed too...

ALIKA
Are you saying you’ve created
something perfect?

Edwards looks back to the monitors, she can’t help but smile.

DR. EDWARDS
Not yet.

13 INT. BREAK ROOM - LATER

Johnny’s intense blue eyes glisten as he feeds coins into the

vending machine.

ELLIE
You avoiding us?
 7.

Ellie approaches - Marvin lingering behind. Johnny says

nothing.

ELLIE (CONT’D)
Why don’t you tell me what you’ve
been up to with her.

KA-CHUNK. A can drops into the tray. Johnny picks it up and

walks away, avoiding eye contact.

JOHNNY
I wouldn’t expect someone like you to
understand.

He takes a seat. Ellie looms over him.

ELLIE
What’s that supposed to mean?

Johnny looks up at her blankly. Ellie maintains her composure.

MARVIN
What you saying Johnny?

Marvin provokes him. Johnny sizes him up.

JOHNNY
Are you able to form your own opinion
Marvin?

Marvin looks to Ellie for validation but she doesn’t give it

to him. He gets defensive.

MARVIN
At least I have friends. No one likes
an unsociable smart-ass.

ELLIE
All I know is, I want to get out of
here. And if I have to pick someone--

Marvin nervously picks at something on his arm - it looks like

a loose piece of skin. Realising himself, Marvin discreetly
tugs his sleeve and pulls it over his arm. Johnny notices out
of the corner of his eye.

Ellie’s eyes flick between Marvin and Johnny. Marvin looks at

Ellie pleadingly. Her eyes settle on Johnny. He holds her
gaze, on edge.

14 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Edwards hovers behind Alika, sitting on the desk casually.

DR. EDWARDS
She’s certainly decisive. Seems to
have made her mind up.
 8.

ALIKA
Somebody here doesn’t have a mind.
(to herself)
Maybe it’s Marvin?

Alika tries to convince herself. Edwards smiles.

DR. EDWARDS
Right. It has programming.
Programming I want to break.

Alika squirms under her mother’s eye but takes a breath.

ALIKA
What happens when your lab rat has
served its purpose?

Edwards says nothing but Alika knows, her breath quickening.

She watches Johnny on the monitor, fearful. Having serious
second thoughts.

15 INT. BREAK ROOM - LATER

Ellie goes for Johnny, out for blood.

ELLIE
It all makes sense now. Always
thought something was off about you.
So indifferent. Soulless.

Marvin steps forward. Johnny feels ganged up on.

JOHNNY
You should talk. You’re so guarded,
you’ve got more to hide than either
of us.

His words have an effect on Ellie. She instinctively fixes her

hair, as if hiding something. Marvin glances at her, having
his own doubts. Johnny notices and appeals to him.

JOHNNY (CONT’D)
Marv, you know I’m right. She’s not
really your friend. She’s incapable
of it. She’s just one big lie.

Marvin looks at Ellie, unsure. Ellie appeals to him, riling

him up.

ELLIE
What better disguise for a robot than
pretending to be in love?

Marvin doesn’t waste any time siding with Ellie.

MARVIN
Really thought you could fool us?
 9.

Ellie smiles.

JOHNNY
I’m not the robot.

ELLIE
It’s all clicking into place. I’ve
seen Edwards watching you.

Johnny motions to the cameras.

JOHNNY
She’s watching all of us.

They close in. Johnny gets worried. He points at Marvin,

trying to take the heat off himself.

JOHNNY (CONT’D)
And what about the mysterious
‘intern’ with no personality. Not
suspicious at all.

Marvin edges closer, fists clenching. The tension is

escalating quickly. Suddenly he TWITCHES involuntarily. He
looks around embarrassed.

JOHNNY (CONT’D)
Did you see that? He’s glitching!

Ellie glances at Marvin, uncertain.

JOHNNY (CONT’D)
They didn’t even build it right--

Marvin suddenly SHOVES Johnny, knocking the can out of his

hands. Before he can react, Marvin follows up with a quick,
pathetic PUNCH. It takes everyone by surprise.

A stilted, awkward beat. Shit just got real. Ellie clams up. A
flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Marvin doubles down for another go. Johnny beats him to it and
LAUNCHES himself into him.

16 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

DR. EDWARDS
Well that didn’t take long.

Alika ignores her. Watches the monitor in horror.

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Do you love him?

It’s a silent dig, and Alika knows it.

 10.

ALIKA
Don’t pretend to know what that
means, mother.

Edwards swallows her pride for a moment. She glances at the

photo-frame of her lab family - there’s a man beside her.

Alika looks at her mother as if the first time she’s displayed

some vulnerability. It doesn’t last long.

DR. EDWARDS
Humans are unreliable.

Alika turns to look at Johnny in the monitor.

17 INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Johnny and Marvin’s fight gets more vicious. Ellie circles

them, biding her time.

ALIKA (O.S)
You have to stop this.

DR. EDWARDS (O.S)

What if I made him... For you?

18 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Edwards is trying to press her buttons - it’s working.

ALIKA
You wouldn’t.

Alika holds back her anger. Her tears.

19 INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

A loud THUD. Johnny hits the deck hard. Marvin backs up,
ashamed. His hands held out in meek apology.

MARVIN
I didn’t mean to. My nervous tics. I
had an accident --

Johnny doesn’t care. He sees red and LEAPS up. He lays into
Marvin without the previous restraint of a schoolyard tussle.

Something snaps in Ellie and she finally steps in. Together,

her and Marvin fight Johnny off and PIN him to the wall.

ELLIE
I think we’ve made our choice.

She slowly CLASPS her hands around his neck, determined.

 11.

20 INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Finally reaching breaking point, Alika leaps up.

ALIKA
Stop this now.

DR. EDWARDS
Because they’re right?

ALIKA
Because you can!

DR. EDWARDS
Alika no one makes history by playing
it safe.

Alika pushes past her and RUNS out of the room.

21 INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Ellie tightens her grip around Johnny’s neck. He is suddenly

scared. Marvin lets go and steps back, looking increasingly
torn. Weakening, Johnny drops to the ground - Ellie atop him.

MARVIN
Ellie, wait a minute--

ELLIE
Back off Marv. Either I’m right and
I’m just pulling the plug on a faulty
prototype--

MARVIN
Or you’re wrong--

ELLIE
--and someone’s about to run in here
to save themselves a lawsuit.

22 EXT. BREAK ROOM - NIGHT

Alika hammers the locked doors in a panic. She watches Johnny

get choked through the windows. Edwards walks up behind her,
taunting her with the keycard.

ALIKA
Mum, please. Open the door.

DR. EDWARDS
Progress always has a cost.

Alika goes for the keycard. Edwards stops her. Noticing a FIRE
EXTINGUISHER on the floor, Alika GRABS it. She holds it over
her mother threateningly.
 12.

It’s tense. Edwards remains unhinged and unusually calm. She

hands over the keycard as if she always planned to.

23 INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Ellie struggles to keep a strong hold of Johnny’s throat.

Alika CHARGES from the door, right for her..

CRASH! They both go skidding across the floor. Alika recovers

quickly as Johnny GASPS for air.

She shoots a look over at Ellie. With her hair to one side, it
reveals a BRUISE by her temple caked with make-up. Ellie
quickly covers it up, looking ashamed. Marvin is speechless.

Alika pulls Johnny to his feet and GRABS his hand.

24 EXT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS

They RUN out of the doors. Edwards isn’t there.

25 INT. GLASS CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER

We rotate as Alika and Johnny race down frantically. Red

warning lights start to flash, illuminating the glass walls.

Alika sees a figure in the distance and stops. She examines

Johnny’s face for a moment, uncertain. But she doesn’t care.

ALIKA
You’re more than a piece of meat to me.

Johnny locks eyes, touched by her declaration. A silent beat

hangs heavy. They kiss. Hard and strong. As Johnny moves away
he spots something over her shoulder, his eyes widening.

Alika turns to see what he’s looking at. Stepping out of the
shadows behind her... is ALIKA. Another Alika. Absolutely
identical. Alika is taken aback. She’s in utter disbelief.

Confused, Alika edges closer to her double. Drawn like a moth

to the flame. Mesmerized. She stares into ‘her’ eyes, holding
a palm up as if trying to interact with a reflection.

Alika backs away in disbelief. She turns to Johnny for comfort

but he stumbles back, flinching. Her heart sinks.

Alika’s double walks away towards Edwards, who appears from

the shadows. Alika is in a state of confusion.

ALIKA (CONT’D)
Mum? I...

A flicker of guilt washes over Edwards.

 13.

DR. EDWARDS
You’re perfect.

ALIKA
All my memories... with you...

Edwards edges towards her. Alika steps back, utterly betrayed.

DR. EDWARDS
It doesn’t make them any less real...
Baba I’m still your mother.

Alika shakes her head, refusing to accept the truth. She meets
Johnny’s wide-eyed gaze. They share a moment. Tears filling
her eyes, she finally turns to run--

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Terminus Eius.

As soon as these words are spoken, it’s like someone has

flicked a switch inside Alika. She goes limp - her arms
dropping and head lolling yet she remains unnaturally rigid.

Edwards speaks into her earpiece.

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Phase 3 complete. Let’s prep for the
final product test.

She signals to the Alika double to leave. Johnny looks at

Edwards, eyes filled with questions.

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Heartbreak. Rejection. Loss... I just
made them all obsolete.

Edwards says this devoid of irony as a heartbroken Johnny

approaches the ‘powered down’ Alika.

Two PEOPLE enter the room with a stretcher. They gently lift
her, but one of them almost drops her. Edwards reacts
instinctively, with care - like a mother would.

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Careful, she’s going to be worth billions.

She edges towards Johnny.

DR. EDWARDS (CONT’D)

Why search for love when you can buy
it? Someone who will love you
unconditionally... or your money back.

Edwards’ words fade out as Johnny watches Alika’s lifeless

face float past him as she is wheeled away. A sad look of
longing in his eyes.

FADE TO BLACK