Tap. Tap. Tap.

The eerie sound of sharp metal tapping against wood. Threatening.

A typical Venice Beach friend group, Natalie, Rachel, Hall and Oats, all 20 somethings, sit by a campfire gossiping and enjoying smores.

Our view shifts and we press in closer, the four look directly at "us".

We are in the POV of an unknown villian.

Uh, Can we help you?

We lift a rusty, gore soaked MACHETE. The friends SCREAM and scatter into the woods. We chase Natalie as she runs for her life! We catch up to her, tackling her to the ground.

No! Please! Just let me leave! I'll leave right now I promise!

I don't want you to leave. You're my treasure.

Our machete SLICES down and Natalie reacts, putting up her hands. She SCREAMS in agony as we follow her fingers. They fly off her hand and plop into the river, floating along as we hear her brutal screams, then eerie quiet.

Title Card: Desert Hot Springs

The sweltering desert sun bakes a tall outcropping of rocks in Southern California at the height of summer.

ALEX (20's, male, fit, well groomed) strides up the rocks with ease.

SKY (20’s, female, long hair, probably smells like patchouli) follows him close behind.

Moments later KELCI (20's, female, fair skinned, athleisure wear) finally appears in a cursing, sweaty lump. Her dust caked sweat stains sit under her trendy sports bra, which is barely holding together her broken heart.

Jesus Sky, if you brought me all the way out here to murder me you could have at least killed me before this godforsaken hike.

Honey, I will be the first one to kill you. Sky here wouldn’t even hurt Charles Manson.

He’s misunderstood.

See?

How much longer? I wanna get into this spring you two wouldn't shut up about.

Sky hands over a water bottle and Kelci guzzles it.

Time is a social construct.

Sky you know what I mean.

Alex refers to his compass and clocks where the sun is located.

About another hour.

Kelci groans.

Why did we have to come out all this way? We could have just hung out at my place.

Your den of despair you mean?

Kelci. It’s been two months since you've left your apartment.

You know I'm not built for hiking, right? I'm lazy and fat. That's why Todd dumped me.

No talking about my friend like that. It's time to release this negative energy.

Yea. You are going to leave all that Todd bullshit in the hot spring.

Alex takes a banana hand out of his bag. Snaps one off and digs into it. He offers a banana to the two of them and they wave it off.

You brought a whole hand of bananas?

Girl, I don’t wanna cramp. Do you?

Next, we cross the river.

We have to forge a fucking river? What is this, Oregon Trail?

Organ trail? Like. A bloody trail of organs? Gross.

Kelci rolls her eyes.

Kelci you have got to lighten up.

Sorry. I’m just... sorry.

Kelci sighs and softens. Sky hugs her, but boy she's sweaty. Kelci winces. Alex pats her on the head.

I'll hug you after you shower.

A wide stream cuts across a gulch, moving steadily with rocks and deep pockets here and there.

The three of them sit at one side, taking off their shoes in preparation to walk across.

It’s a good thing we got here early. I wouldn't cross this river at night.

Kelci's foot touches the river.

HOLY-- That’s cold! Nope. Let’s go around.

We can't. There’s no way around it.

It's the price your soul pays to experience the hot spring.

It's totally worth it I promise.

The friends trudge through the ice cold river with their belongings over their heads.

Yeah the river is angrier than I remember. The waters are trying to cleanse out evil spirits.

Kelci and Alex look at each other, then at her.

Did you already take the shrooms?

When we lost cell service I saw a crow and he said I should take them.

Are you kidding me?

I'm not gonna argue with a crow! That's crazy.

Yea, That's a good CAW. CAW. CAW.

Kelci makes a bird flapping motion and slips in the river! Alex struggles to help her back to her feet.

Don't encourage her.

Now Alex begins to slip! He catches himself, barely, but his BANANAS float off.

My bananas!

Oh river, please accept our offering--

My god. I cannot with you right now.

Sky becomes distracted, staring as the bananas float down the river, she turns and glaces the treeline, where a dark figure stands.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

This sucks! I never should have come here.

Sky, Can you give us a hand here?

Sky looks back at Kelci and Alex.

Sure, just a minute.

She looks back at the treeline, scanning it.

But there’s nothing there.

The golden sun shines its last rays through the tall pines, casting long shadows as we arrive at a familiar clearing with two logs and a fire pit.

Yup! We're here!

Kelci, sweaty and exhausted, immediately takes off her pack and plops herself onto a log around the fire pit as Alex and Sky start unfurling a tarp and tent roll.

Thank god.

This is our destined spot. The trees are smiling at us.

Sky looks around beaming with joy. Kelci and Alex exchange a look.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Sky looks around, suddenly on gaurd. She sees that the trees have chips missing in them, as if they've been chopped by a large knife.

Kelci notices Sky's worried expression.

Sounds like we have neighbors.

We can go meet them later. You two set up the tent I'm going to collect firewood while there's still light.

But the hot spring!

We'll go later.

Alex is creating a fire using a lighter and some gathered kindling. Sky does yoga next to the tent. Kelci is wearing her bikini, slumped on the log, venting.

I just still don't get it? He was so in love with me and we were planning our future together and looking at apartments and naming our future kids. And then all of a sudden it’s over.

Honestly, I think he just panicked.

What is it about me that makes guys panic? I think I'm just meant to be a "good time girl" because all these guys love dating me, until it's time to commit.

Kelci. You are a goddess. And if only you could see the crown of stars around your head you would never be sad over a man child ever again.

Even though I didn't take any shrooms I agree.

Let him go. Find someone who deserves you.

Not that I don't love a good bitch session but can one of you please find some more kindling?

Kelci hauls herself to her feet and shuffles to the outskirts of the campground. Once she's out of sight from Alex and Sky she pulls out a love letter that Todd once wrote to her, again.

CLOSE ON: The letter full of poetic love. We pause on a section that says "I can't wait until I get to marry you."

She starts to cry, folds the letter and put it into her shirt. Rolls her eyes at herself.

Suddenly a breeze picks up. The sounds of someone walking around and crunching on sticks.

Hello?

No Answer. Kelci turns to look behind her when out of nowhere RACHEL, (also dressed in athlesiure) jumps out, ready to strike with the rock raised in her hand. Kelci SHRIEKS!

Oh my god! I’m so sorry. I thought you were him!

She lowers her weapon.

Him?

Sky calls over.

Are you okay?!

Footsteps come from behind Rachel. She turns to attack with the rock-

Rachel it's us!

Hall (stylish, fit, well groomed) and Oats (witchy, would also smell like patchouli) run to join the group. They look horrified. They all hug.

Oh thank god! I'm so happy to see you!

Where's Natalie?

Rachel looks devestated. Oats addresses the group.

You haven't seen another girl run by have you?

No, we havent. Here, come ask my friends.

We can't leave without her.

I don't think we have a choice.

They all walk from the treeline back into the campsite. Alex and Sky stand and size up the visitors, and for a moment the two groups of three look like they're cousins.

Have you seen another girl come by here?

No we havent't.

Well that's it then. Let's go.

No!

He's gunna find us!

Hang on everyone. Let's take a big breath-

Look whoever this is there's enough of us now that no one is gonna bother us.

Yeah just come chill by the fire and wait for your friend. We'll all stick together.

We can't risk it. We should all go home. You guys too.

But we just got here! The springs!

Trust me it’s not worth your life!

Everyone wait! Let's consult the spirits.

Sky pulls out her pendulum. Oats notices and pulls hers out too. They lock eyes and come closer together, like two Beyblade battlers.

Oh god. There's two woo woo girls now.

Kelci snorts.

Should we all stay and wait for Natalie?

The pendulum swings a big "NO!"

My pendulum is saying a hard no.

Mine is saying no too. BIG NO.

Should we leave?

The pendulums swing in the opposite direction. A big "Yes!"

YES!

NO! I'm so sick of this shit, of course it was the shrooms! I'm not going just because your stupid fucking rocks "told us to!" You guys had me hike eight fucking miles that I didn't want to hike all so I could soak in some magical hot spring for healing or whatever and NOW you guys want to go back home? NO. I'm staying here until I'm IN. THAT. SPRING!

Everyone is stunned. Silence.

Hall looks down and sees our trio’s only lantern leaning against the tent. He looks at Rachel and Oats. In a flash he steals it and runs off towards the stream.

I'm sorry! You’re on your own!

Oats looks after Hall and bolts for it. Kelci looks at Rachel.

What the fuck? That's our only lantern!

I’m sorry.

She trots off after them. Our trio is stunned, illuminated only by the weak campfire.

Well that's fucked.

ALEX is tending the campfire, which is providing the only light they have. Kelci is munching on graham crackers. Sky is watching the flames dance, still disturbed.

You know what I could really go for right now?

What?

A banana.

Kelci rolls her eyes, turns to Sky.

Sky, how far are the springs from here?

Not far. But there’s something we have to do first.

Sky and Alex look at each other and pull out a bag of stuff. Intervention style.

Wait. Why did you bring Todd's stuff here? I don't want to see it.

Exactly. It's time to let it go.

Kelci looks at the bag of Todd's stuff. She considers throwing it all in the fire, then cowers.

And we don’t mean metaphorically honey you’ve been hoarding all this junk at our apartments. It’s either this or we're charging you rent. Say goodbye.

Alex takes out items one at a time, first a hoodie.

This was his favorite-

Sky pulls out a coffe mug with a large, heavy look.

No! He gave that to me. I can use it again eventually-

Alex pulls out a watch.

That I should actually find a way to give back.

Is there anything else from him we need to get rid of tonight?

...No.

As this happens we see a dark figure moving towards them. Tall, hooded, towering. As he gets closer the fire slightly illuminates that he's covered in various items such as stuffed animals, watches, army tags, beads, and love letters. Our heroes fall silent.

Got a light?

Uncomfortable, Alex quickly hands him the lighter.

Keep it man. Have a good night.

MACHETE MAN turns on the lighter and lights a cigarette in his mouth. We don't see much of his face, but we see a scar. He turns away and walks off.

Let's get inside the tent.

I knew I saw something!

But- I thought we were going to the hot spring-

You seriously want to walk around in the woods with no lantern and HIM wandering around?

Fine. But I refuse to take this bathing suit off until I’m in that damn spring.

Sky and Alex are sleeping in the tent. Kelci is wearing Todd's hoodie over her swimsuit. She smells it, still smells like him. She has a small pen light in her mouth and is reading Todd's letter. Again.

Tap Tap Tap. Kelci turns her head and the slight shows a silouette outside the tent. She gasps, dropping the penlight and nudges Alex. Who groans at her.

(whispering)

Guys-

Suddenly a SLASH is carved into their tent. They all SCREAM. Machete Man steps through the hole in the tent. He lets out a GUTTERAL HOWL like a DRUNKEN ANGRY WOLF

The trio escape out the back of the tent and run, barefoot into the woods, wearing nothing but their pajamas/bathing suit. Kelci leaves Todd's bag behind.

They pause near a tree and catch their breath. All whispering, tensely.

What do we do? Run for the river?

We’d get hypothermia.

Todd's Stuff!

Maybe we can fight him long enough to-

SUDDENLY A FIREBALL blasts into the sky where the tent is.

On second thought we should run for help.

He looks around. In the distance is a small light.

Look a light! Let's see if it's someone that can help us!

They are running towards the light, almost there. Suddenly Alex cramps up!

Fuck! Cramp! Cramp got me!

Quick in here!

Sky and Kelci throw Alex’s arms over their shoulders and they hobble quickly to the cave.

The trio's stolen lantern sits at the top of the entrance to what looks like an abandoned mine shaft. There's a bloody handprint on it.

Wait. Is- is that?

Our lantern.

I don’t care. Just in. IN!

The inside of the cave. Several various lanterns are scattered around the inside, giving light to the darkness.

There's mountains of clutter here: old photographs, army metals, and other memorabilia litter the cave. Hot coals glow under a hanging kettle. A curtain hangs by a string towards the back.

The trio scatters into the cave, taking it in.

Hoarder much?

Alex sees his bananas sitting on a pile of junk.

Son of a-

Uh, guys?

A slow burbling sound coming from one side of the cave, tucked behind some rocks.

Sky has found there’s a hot spring inside the cave! The three dirty sweaty friends gather around in wonderment.

Finally.

She gingerly puts a toe in.

Oh man. It’s perfect! It’s just like a hot tub!

It must be connected to the other spring system.

Alex starts to explore the cave. As Kelci starts to take the hoodie off to get in-

Are you crazy? We have to get out of here.

But- but it's right here! Only for a second.

Alex rolls his eyes, sees the curtain, is curiously drawn to it.

SKY pulls out her pendulum. It swings.

Just as Alex is about to draw the curtain Sky's pendulum goes NUTS.

No. He's coming. Hide.

They look at her as she crawls behind an outcropping of junk.

(whispered)

HIDE.

They reluctantly join her amongst the collected "treasures" of Machete Man. As soon as they're behind something he walks in. SCRAPING his machete across the ground, tapping it as he walks.

He's got TODD's BAG with him!

Oh thank god! Todd's stuff!

He takes the hoodie off and tosses it on the pile closest to our trio, walks to his kettle and puts down the coffee mug, and then finally over to the curtained area where he THWACKS his machete into a stump, pulls back the curtain with one motion.

Hello darlings.

Kelci Sky and Alex see what's behind the curtain. A half dozen BLOODY HALF DECOMPOSED BODIES sitting at a dinner table.

I brought you all a gift. I saved it for you.

He lays out Todd's watch on the table.

Todd’s watch shines on crimson slicked table, along with several previous offerings.

And I'll get more too. Just, please. PLEASE STAY. I'll give whatever you want. ANYTHING.

Sky's pendulum stands perpendicularly, pointing at the door, as if spirits are truly moving it themselves. She looks at Alex and Kelci, who are considering believeing her for the first time.

Sky silently signals and Alex and Kelci follow her towards the exit, as quietly as they can.

Kelci is almost there when-- she slips and falls into a stack of rubbish, everything clattering.

She has slipped on a banana.

You've got to be kidding me.

Machete man looks back and sees them!

I knew you wouldn't leave.

He stands up and turns to them, pulling the MACHETE out of the stump. The group scrambles for the exit.

Don't go! Stay here with me. Forever!

He charges at them! Kelci tries to run but he grabs her and throws her to the ground.

Alex throws a futile punch at machete man but he easily dodges it and thrusts his blade into Alex's shoulder, SLICING him open with slicked crimson. Alex SCREAMS in pain as Machete Man cackles.

SKY, futilely throws her pendulum at Machete Man, drawing his ire. He leans down and snatches it, she scurries away from him and towards Kelci and the fire.

But Machete Man is after them, Kelci, back on her feet grabs the closest thing - Todd's Coffee Cup. With slight hesitation she reels back and SMASHES it over Machete Man's head. He roars and stumbles backwards.

Alex jumps onto his back, trying to put him in a sleeper hold. The machete man throws him over his front and Alex tumbles to the floor. He BARELY DODGES a direct Machete thrust.

Stay still!

Kelci is looking around for something else, Todd's hoodie! She scrambles over to it and snags it.

Machete man is going for another STAB but Kelci whips the hoodie around his neck just in time. Choking him. He STRUGGLES for a time and then uses the machete to cut the hoodie in half.

Kelci is left with a busted hoodie. Machete Man is getting back to his feet.

Why fight me?

Sky has made her way to the dinner table and snags the watch.

Kelci! Catch!

She throws the watch to Kelci, who catches it and palms it like a pair of brass knuckles. Machete Man raises his machete to swipe at Kelci but Alex KICKS his kness from behind, putting Machete Man's face right in front of Kelci.

She reels back and SMASHES his face with a devastating punch. The watch crunches and shatters. The machete flies across the room towards the hot spring, clattering on the rocks there.

Fuck off!

Machete man looks back at her, bleeding from the mouth, scar re-opened.

No. You can't leave me! We'll be happy together!

He stands up and BEAR HUGS Kelci, they struggle towards the hot spring.

Please. Please stay.

No FUCKING WAY.

Kelci STOMPS on his foot, and he releases. She takes one step forward when he grabs her hair and yanks her backwards into the HOT SPRING.

YES! That's where you belong!

He kneels down at the edge of the spring and forces her head down, drowning her.

We focus on Kelci, under water, fighting for her life. She SCREAMS and air bubbles fly out of her mouth. The noise of the cave around her starts to fade and dim and Todd's letter floats out of her bathing suit top where she had stashed it.

It floats in front of her, taunting her. It slowly starts to dissolve in the hot water. Instead of grabbing it, she brushes it away and starts fighting back.

Back above the water, Alex is still on the ground. Sky looks around, panicked. She grabs the kettle.

I'm so sorry!

Sky SMASHES the kettle into Machete Man's head with a sickening crack! Machete Man falls unconscious into the spring, releasing Kelci who surfaces GASPING for air.

Are you okay?

Yeah... are you?

Alex! Are you okay?

SKY rushes over to ALEX. He's clearly wounded. Kelci studies Machete Man.

Sky! You...Oh my god you killed him!

I- I didn't want to- I didn't mean to-

Alex comforts Sky

Oh my god... what does this mean for my karma?

Kelci picks up the Machete from the spring, about to exit the spring.

Just then Machete Man roars back to life! Todd's love letter has clung to his chest somehow in the water.

Kelci watch out!!

Instinctually, Kelci lifts up the machete and Machete Man lunges himself right onto the machete like meat on a skewer. Straight through the letter. He is stunned, life fading from his eyes as he falls over for good face first into the hot spring just in front of Kelci.

Sky and Alex look at her. NOW it's done.

The three friends sit in the hot spring, battered, bruised, bloodied. Kelci is finally content.

Wow you guys were right. I really needed this.

We pull back and Machete Man is floating in the tub with them, with drinks on his back.