LOGLINE
In early 2000s Cape Town, Ben, an ambitious detective must battle his own ego as he and his team struggle with a series of murders committed by an elusive, methodical serial killer who hides in plain sight.
Genre: Thriller (Neo-noir Murder Mystery)
Writer: Stephen Nagel
Format: Feature Film
Page Count (Pilot): 112
Awards: Semi-Finalist, 2021 WGSA Muse Award for Best Feature Film Script
Status: In development.
INTRODUCTION TO THE STORY
Ben (30s, M, Coloured), an ambitious detective, is partnered with the old & weary Oliver (50s, M, Black). Captain Mbatha (40s, F, Black) assigns them a case to solve the murder of a young woman found strangled and put on display in a tableau on a popular running trail in an affluent suburb in Cape Town. Oliver wants out, sensing it will drag on. Ben is gung-ho, eager to make a name for himself. They’re joined by an expert in serial murder, Felix (40s, M, White). Ben, threatened by Felix, yet brimming with hubris, is confident they’ll solve the case quickly. A second body is found which leads to mounting pressure from the community, government, and the press as the public live under the looming threat of a serial killer in their midst. Ben and his team must confront their own individualism, and work together to solve the case before more women die.
As a neo-noir murder mystery, this story leans into all the tenets of neo-noir, including complex characters, blurred morality, urban landscapes, narrative complexity, high contrast cinematic style, social commentary, existential themes and an ambiguous ending.
CHARACTERS
THE WORLD
Murder Capital is set in early 2000s Cape Town, a city divided by class, race and geography experiences growing pains as development booms across the CBD and outer suburbs.
The city grows fast, serving opportunity and exploitation in equal measure. In this ever-evolving fictional landscape, a murderer hides in plain sight. DNA profiling is only a few years old. The shortcomings of this and other police technologies put Ben and the rest of the task force on the back foot as they hunt the Enigma killer (a moniker adorned by the local press).
NEXT STEPS
We’re currently looking to partner with an established film production company, locally or via an international co-production to bring this idea to life in the form of a television series. We are also exploring pre-sales agreements. For more information, please contact us today at btgfilms@gmail.com.