The shining

A family man descends into madness while serving as the winter caretaker of an isolated and haunted hotel.

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Overview

Poster
Unique Selling Point

This script offers a fresh and chilling take on the haunted hotel genre, with a unique blend of psychological horror, supernatural elements, and family drama. The characters are authentic and relatable, brought to life through naturalistic dialogue and nuanced performances. The Overlook Hotel is not just a backdrop, but a character in its own right, with a dark and tragic history that seeps into the present. The innovative storytelling techniques, including the use of Danny's 'shining' ability, add depth and intrigue to the narrative. This script is a compelling and original piece of storytelling that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

AI Verdict & Suggestions

This rating is from a single AI engine based on structure, character, tone, and emotional engagement.

Gemini
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Story Facts

Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Horror, Psychological

Setting: Present day, The Overlook Hotel, a grand but isolated hotel located in the Colorado Rockies, and Boulder, USA.

Themes: Isolation and Confinement, Family Dynamics and Relationships, Supernatural and the Occult

Conflict & Stakes: The primary conflict is between Jack and the hotel's malevolent forces, which threaten to drive him insane and harm his family. The stakes are high, as Jack's mental health, his family's safety, and their very lives are at risk.

Mood: Psychological horror and suspense

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: A fresh take on a classic horror story, with updated visuals and a modern audience in mind.
  • Plot Twist: The hotel's malevolent forces threaten to drive Jack insane and harm his family, adding a layer of psychological tension to the supernatural elements.
  • Distinctive Setting: The isolated and grand Overlook Hotel, with its dark past and supernatural presence.

Comparable Scripts: The Shining by Stephen King (book), The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick, Doctor Sleep (2019) directed by Mike Flanagan, The Haunting of Hill House (novel and series), 1408 (2007) directed by Mikael Håfström, The Amityville Horror (1979) directed by Stuart Rosenberg, The Innocents (1961) directed by Jack Clayton, The Turn of the Screw (novella and various adaptations), The Changeling (1980) directed by Peter Medak, The Legend of Hell House (1973) directed by John Hough

Script Level Analysis

This section delivers a top-level assessment of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses — covering overall quality (P/C/R/HR), character development, emotional impact, thematic depth, narrative inconsistencies, and the story’s core philosophical conflict. It helps identify what’s resonating, what needs refinement, and how the script aligns with professional standards.

Screenplay Insights

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Story Critique
Big-picture feedback on the story’s clarity, stakes, cohesion, and engagement.
Characters

Explores the depth, clarity, and arc of the main and supporting characters.

Emotional Analysis

Breaks down the emotional journey of the audience across the script.

Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Evaluates character motivations, obstacles, and sources of tension throughout the plot.
Themes
Analysis of the themes of the screenplay and how well they’re expressed.
Logic & Inconsistencies
Highlights any contradictions, plot holes, or logic gaps that may confuse viewers.

Scene Analysis

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Scene-Level Percentile Chart
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Other Analyses

This section looks at the extra spark — your story’s voice, style, world, and the moments that really stick. These insights might not change the bones of the script, but they can make it more original, more immersive, and way more memorable. It’s where things get fun, weird, and wonderfully you.

Unique Voice
Assesses the distinctiveness and personality of the writer's voice.
Writer's Craft
Analyzes the writing to help the writer be aware of their skill and improve.
Memorable Lines
Spotlights standout dialogue lines with emotional or thematic power.
Tropes
Highlights common or genre-specific tropes found in the script.
World Building
Evaluates the depth, consistency, and immersion of the story's world.
Correlations
Identifies patterns in scene scores.
Loglines
Presents logline variations based on theme, genre, and hook.