The Veltd

I've changed my mind altogether. After reading The Veldt, I saw potential for this as a film. It reminded me of The Stepford Wives, in the way that it is a captivating and visually appealing comedy, but with a creepy unexpected twist to it. It will hold the attention of the audience as well as be attractive to directors because of the use of advanced technology in a non-traditional sci-fi manner. I want to keep the title as The Veldt because then the plot isn't obvious and adds to the suspense. I considered Happylife Home, but I just want to integrate that title into the movie more than just mentioning that is what the home is called/where it's from.

I'm still working on some of the casting but I know I want Elle Fanning as Wendy because of the innocence her face still possesses, and her established but growing reputation. She doesn't look like an "evil" child which will pan out well in the unexpected plot occurrences. I think Marcia Cross would make a great Lydia, she has the ability to appear as a coy, simplistic housewife as she has proven before, but I also see her ability to deceive the audience. Cillian Murphy would be perfect for the father, George. He possesses this spooky yet surreal calm image and I find that every movie I see him in I am captivated. 

The setting will be modern, obviously in the future to allow for such a "smart house". Similar to Stepford Wives and Desperate Housewives, the neighborhood should be pristine, almost overly manicured, which is suitable because of the nature of the house. 

I'm considering the addition of a third child, and possibly having him as the one who dies instead of the parents. I don't want to leave the ending with the kids having just killed their parents and living in the house. It might also be spooky to have the parents die rather early on and the kids use the houses technology to cover it up so the neighbors don't suspect it. The psychologist is also the family friend so he is the one who starts to figure it out. I don't yet have a motive for the children's unhealthy thoughts and actions. 

Irony is evident because of the setting and nature of the house. No one expects these kids to kill the parents and cover it up. I need to develop this aspect further.