Story

A socially reserved girl tries hallucinogens at a college Halloween party for the first time, but as the night drags on, it becomes clear to her that she’s not just experiencing a “bad trip”, but something paranormal.

Synopsis

Olive, a socially reserved girl, steps out of her comfort zone and attends a college Halloween party with her longtime best friend, Sarah. During the party, she is pressured into taking hallucinogens for the first time. As Olive gets comfortable she finally starts to open up and enjoy herself. She shares stories, dances, and even seems to have caught the interest of a charming boy. But all good things have a dark side...

As the night drags on, Olive realizes something isn’t quite right about the party-goers. They stare too long at her, linger around her, and move ever so slightly unnaturally. As Olive feels out of place once more, she descends into drug-induced paranoia. Olive must devise a plan to save herself and Sarah, that is, if she can even trust Sarah anymore.

Director's Statement

"What Rots The Olive Branch" was inspired by one of my most uncomfortable fears; the fear of losing control of my own mind and body. I always like to be in control and that left me with a lot of anxiety about experiencing new things. "What Rots The Olive Branch", to me, is my perfect nightmare. The social pressure, the fear of vulnerability, and a paranormal twist to up the stakes.

When writing the character Olive, I thought of myself straight out of high school. I was just starting to come out of my shell and I was excited for college because it felt like a fresh start. I was naive, trusting, shy, yet overly eager to find some sense of "fitting in". Olive’s arc focuses on the growth to advocate for herself, something she and I wish we would have done earlier. It also addresses the treatment women experience, especially at parties, that some people turn a blind eye to in order to save themselves. This film is a cautionary tale of where following your peers instead of listening to your intuition will get you. The "sacrifice" of yourself to fit in with others is never worth the risk.

Donation Impact & Budget Breakdown

What Rots the Olive Branch is an ambitious project that features many different elements all of which will come together to create a unique and stylized film about anxiety and social pressures. The budget of this film will be spread across many different areas. The funds will go towards getting the right location for this film, as well as buying pieces of set decoration and costumes that all suit the environment of the film. These things will combine to create a tonal world for the story to take place in. Other elements include things to keep our cast and crew safe and happy such as food, and a Stunt Co-ordinator. Funds will also be allocated to elements after the completion of the film such as money for film festival submissions to keep the journey of this film going.