Since I bleed creativity and my previous project needs so more not-so-postable hard work, let’s continue with the theme of childhood nostalgia as I introduce project 4. I was feeling like cornball, larger-than-life family movies with a quality drama storyline. Still dabbling in the realm of high-stakes, family action and adventure, if you like Spy Kids and National Treasure, you’ll like Antikythera!
For Tristin King, her parents being spies was never secret, but when enemies from an organization called The New World come for her, she ends up being rescued by the International Intelligence Agency, her parent’s organization. With her parents being kidnapped while attempting to recover pieces to an Egyptian puzzle, Tristin agrees to try to solve the mystery of the puzzle and hopefully figure out what The New World wants that her parents know.
Back to my fully family-friendly, light-hearted media preference, I imagine Antikythera as bringing back the vibes of the movies above. I feel modern family media is often either too infantilized and neon, or extremely desaturated and depressing. Don’t get me wrong, IF and the Harold and the Purple Crayon movie weren’t a bad watch, but it seems like every movie for kids/family is simplified and frankly, the pacing struggles, and every teen movie is drugs and sadness painted in the color of depression. That’s not to say there aren’t genuine struggles being rightfully represented, but perhaps a tender middle ground that shows a future worth hoping for, deserves some time in the sun.
But I’m not a therapist…
Anyway, aside from the usual reluctant hero trope, we have a subversion of expectations with omission of the beloved double-cross! Also, rather than having a “gone rogue” moment, the story features the main character becoming an active member of a team that doesn’t try to do manipulative damage control. However, I did keep some of the necessary tropes, like unrealistic gadgets, missions in Paris and DC, and villains that think of everything except not underestimating their opponent.
Additionally, there are surprising elements of realism and real-world applicable concepts. For example, practical self-defense techniques for women and reassurance to use them guilt-free. Of course, there is also my typical inclusion of women with unique personalities, healthy male role-models, and representation of positive and healthy interactions among men and women.
If this sounds like a movie you would enjoy, come find me on Instagram or X/Twitter @em.thelogline to see what nostalgia-inspired screenplay comes next! If you’re Gen Z, maybe comment a nostalgic movie that you can’t help rewatching. Thanks for reading!
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