Aftermath 2017

Here’s a rephrased version of the section:

Inspired by a True Story

ROMAN’S WORLD TURNS UPSIDE DOWN

Roman Melynk (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a stalwart construction foreman in his early sixties, has built a life defined by hard work and dedication. His routine is punctuated by regular check-ins with co-worker Matt (Glenn Morshower), who shares the good news that their current project will be completed ahead of schedule. With this development, Roman is freed up to focus on more pressing matters - specifically, preparing his home for a joyous family reunion with his wife and daughter over the Christmas holidays. The impending arrival of grandchildren is an added excitement, one that Matt senses and urges Roman to take the following day off to savor the moment.

Roman arrives at the airport early, bouquet in hand, anticipation building as he awaits the arrival of his loved ones. However, his reverie is shattered when he’s drawn into a peculiar scene: a notice on their flight’s departure board prompts him to seek out a specific counter attendant. The attendant’s countenance changes upon hearing Roman’s wife and daughter’s flight number - AX 1-12 - and she asks for identification before leading him to a private area.

As Roman waits, he becomes aware of the somber atmosphere surrounding him. A shell-shocked individual catches his eye, but Roman brushes it off as an anomaly. Suddenly, another man’s anguished cries pierce the air, followed by Eve Sanders (Mariana Klaveno) entering the room to deliver a devastating blow: the flight carrying his wife and daughter has suffered a catastrophic event, with little hope of survivors.

Roman stands frozen, reeling from the news, as the gravity of the situation slowly sinks in. The realization that his pregnant daughter was on board, and that she had been on her way to bring home their grandchild, is too much for him to bear. Roman’s eyes glaze over as he becomes numb to the surrounding chaos, his mind reeling with unimaginable tragedy.

Here’s my attempt at rephrasing the section:

Roman’s medical attention is a welcome respite from his emotional turmoil. As he recovers, Eve gently inquires if there are any other family members who should be notified about his situation. Roman’s response is laced with a sense of isolation and resignation as he reveals that he faces this ordeal alone. Eve, sensing the weight of his grief, shares information about a support center being established at a nearby hotel, offering medical and psychological counseling, as well as updates on his loved one’s condition. She also offers her personal contact details, emphasizing that Roman shouldn’t hesitate to reach out if he needs anything. As she departs, Roman is left alone to grapple with his sorrow.

In the midst of this turmoil, Jacob (Scoot McNairy) and Christina (Maggie Grace) find comfort in each other’s company as they share a tender moment together. Afterward, they take a few precious moments to check on their young son Samuel, before Jacob regales Christina with a story about his beloved childhood teddy bear, Ishmael. The couple laughs and jokes together, momentarily forgetting the trials that lie ahead. As the morning wears on, Jacob prepares for another day at work as an air traffic controller.

As he settles into his duties, Jacob’s focus is interrupted by two technicians working on the terminals, who inform him about upcoming tests designed to put the system into security mode. Meanwhile, a series of messages pops up on his screen, including a priority alert from AX 1-12 requesting permission to descend to 10,000 feet. Jacob’s instincts caution him to wait for confirmation before giving the go-ahead. Just then, a supervisor arrives, informing him about an unexpected flight diversion, EF 135, which has been forced to land due to inclement weather. Jacob is instructed to contact the Pittsburgh tower, but his attempts at communication are foiled by poor reception.

As he works through this technical snag, Jacob’s attention is diverted once more when a new plane, DH 616, appears on the radar screen, slowly and inexorably closing in on AX 1-12.

As Jacob frantically navigates the complexities of air traffic control, a sense of urgency builds. On one channel, EF 135, he’s struggling to connect with Pittsburgh Airport, while on another, DH 616, warnings are flashing to descend - but Jacob remains oblivious to the danger. With his eyes fixed on the screen, he gives the order for AX 1-12 to drop to 6,000 feet, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision. Yet, as soon as he removes his headphones, DH 616 begins its own descent, unaware of the impending doom.

Jacob finally secures clearance from Pittsburgh and returns to his terminal, only to realize that AX 1-12 and DH 616 are now hurtling towards each other in a deadly collision course. Desperate to warn AX 1-12, he tries to make contact, but receives no response. In an instant, both planes vanish from the radar screen, leaving Jacob frozen in stunned horror.

The gravity of the situation becomes all too real as Jacob is ushered into a conference room, where his boss, Robert (Martin Donovan), confirms his worst fears: two planes have collided at high altitude, with little chance of survivors. Overwhelmed by grief and despair, Jacob breaks down in tears, pleading for answers about the number of fatalities and the lives lost.

Robert’s words of caution are like a lifeline - Jacob is not being blamed or accused of any wrongdoing, but rather, he must keep his composure to facilitate a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Roman returns home to an empty, cold house, forever changed by the tragedy that has claimed the life of his loved ones.

The next day, Jacob is subjected to a detailed debriefing of his actions on that fateful night. Robert recites a minute-by-minute account of Jacob’s decisions, including the critical moment when he was without his headphones and didn’t hear DH 616’s warning. As the investigation unfolds, Jacob is escorted out by his lawyer, who advises him to remain silent, avoid contact with anyone, and stay hidden away.

Jacob returns home to find his wife watching the news coverage of the tragic crash. He enters the house, enveloped in a sense of sorrow, and hugs his wife, seeking comfort in her arms.

As Roman gazes upon the devastating news broadcast, the grim tally of 271 fatalities serving as a stark reminder of the tragedy that has befallen his family. Eve Sanders’ solicitous call finds him struggling to come to terms with the enormity of the disaster, her words of comfort and concern falling on deaf ears. Instead, Roman’s anguish propels him towards the crash site, where he dons the garb of a volunteer and begins the painstaking process of sifting through the wreckage. The scene unfolds like a gruesome tableau, with Roman’s stunned expression a testament to the sheer horror that surrounds him.

As he navigates the desolate landscape, his eyes land on an intact section of the plane, where he’s met with a heart-wrenching sight: several lifeless bodies still strapped in their seats. The devastation is all too real, and Roman’s sense of disorientation gives way to a growing sense of dread as he searches for any sign of his loved ones. It is then that he stumbles upon a glimmer of hope - a pearl necklace belonging to his daughter, Nadiya - which sends him on a desperate quest through the underbrush. His anguished cries echo through the forest until he’s confronted with an unimaginable sight: a row of seats lodged in the branches of a tree, one of them bearing the lifeless form of his only child. Roman cradles her in his arms, his sobs mingling with those of the surrounding technicians as they struggle to comprehend the unfathomable.

As Roman is taken away from the crash site, he’s escorted back to where the bodies are being held, where he insists on sitting amidst his wife and daughter, refusing to leave their side. His grief is palpable, a heavy burden that threatens to consume him whole. Meanwhile, Christina returns home to find a news van parked outside her street, its presence a stark reminder of the chaos that has engulfed their lives. Her son Samuel’s innocent query about his father’s whereabouts serves as a cruel reminder that Roman has been absent all day, and that the public has already begun to cast judgment.

As she enters her home, Christina is met with a chilling sight: KILLER and MURDERER scrawled across the walls in bold letters. The news has spread, and the public has its scapegoat - Roman, the man who was once her loving husband. She finds him in bed, catatonic, his eyes glazed over as if trapped in a waking nightmare.

Roman’s descent into grief is a slow-motion tragedy, marked by his repeated visits to the grave of his family. He leaves bouquets of flowers for his wife, daughter, and unborn grandchild, an act that serves as a poignant testament to his enduring love and loss. Hours later, a groundskeeper stumbles upon Roman slumped at the gravesite, his body language speaking volumes about the depth of his despair. The man’s reluctant intervention serves only to underscore Roman’s all-consuming grief, as he continues to linger in the cemetery, lost in his own private world of anguish.

As the weight of his guilt settles in, Jacob’s nocturnal habits become increasingly erratic. The news anchors’ solemn faces and somber tones are his only companions as he paces through the dark hours, his mind racing with thoughts of his own culpability. When his son ventures into the kitchen, Jacob is caught off guard, attempting to conjure up a makeshift breakfast while his conscience continues its relentless nagging. Christina’s arrival brings a much-needed dose of reality, her sharp words piercing the fog of Jacob’s obsession like a beacon of sanity.

As she expertly deflects his attempts at conversation and ushers their son back to bed, it becomes clear that the fragile equilibrium in their household is on the verge of collapse. The eggs, once a simple breakfast staple, now lie scattered and forlorn on the kitchen counter, a poignant symbol of Jacob’s crumbling composure.

Meanwhile, Roman finds solace in the nostalgia-inducing glow of old home movies, his mind wandering back to a time when life was simpler and his family was whole. The harsh reality of the present is jarringly interrupted by the knock at the door, as Tessa Corbett, a determined journalist, arrives bearing gifts of written word and a keen interest in exploring the complexities of Roman’s story.

As they part ways, Roman is left to grapple with the weight of his emotions, his thoughts consumed by the ache of loss and the burden of responsibility. His colleague Matt drops by, offering words of condolence and cautionary tales of the dangers of becoming too entrenched in grief. Roman listens intently, his expression a mask of stoicism as he begins to formulate a plan for moving forward.

Yet, despite the urging of his friend and the allure of productivity, Roman knows that his heart remains anchored to the cemetery, where the memories of his loved ones continue to hold sway. The need to care for those left behind is a constant reminder of the bittersweet nature of his grief, a painful yet essential aspect of his journey towards healing.

As Christina shares her plan with Jacob (played by), she proposes that Samuel and herself spend quality time with her sister, giving Jacob the opportunity to recharge and rediscover himself. The stakes are high, as their relationship will continue to deteriorate irreparably if they don’t take this step; ultimately, it’s a sacrifice for the sake of their son and marriage. Jacob agrees to this arrangement, putting his child’s well-being above all else.

Meanwhile, Roman is consumed by nostalgia, gazing at family photos with a mix of longing and sadness. In a state of emotional turmoil, Jacob finds solace in the familiar routine of browsing gun store aisles. A conversation with the clerk prompts him to purchase a handgun, a desperate attempt to feel safe and secure in a world that seems increasingly unpredictable. As he returns home, Jacob becomes withdrawn, lost in a haze of cartoons and apathy.

The chaos at the airport serves as a stark reminder of his newfound notoriety, as reporters besiege him, making it a struggle just to get inside. There, he’s met by his lawyer and Robert (played by), who update him on the status quo: no trial date has been set, but they’re prepared to provide any legal support Jacob may need. Robert once again emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help, citing the potential long-term damage that can result from unresolved emotions.

As Jacob weighs his options, he’s presented with two paths forward: administrative duties or a severance package. If he chooses the latter, Robert and the lawyer strongly recommend going into hiding under an assumed identity in a new town. However, this prospect is complicated by the fact that his wife and family live in their current community, making it impossible to make a swift departure. With this challenge in mind, Robert and the lawyer urge Jacob to consider what truly is best for his loved ones, encouraging him to take a step back and reassess his priorities.

As Roman sat across from lawyers James Gullick (Larry Sullivan) and John Gullick (Kevin Zeigers), representing the airline, he was met with a calculated attempt to silence him. Despite his lack of legal representation, they proposed a settlement package worth $160,000 in compensation for the deaths of his family, along with other benefits. Roman’s attempts to speak were repeatedly interrupted by James, who touted the offer as a generous gesture in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. It was clear that the airline aimed to buy their way out of public accountability and avoid any genuine remorse for their actions.

Roman’s frustration finally boiled over, and he demanded that John take a moment to gaze upon a photo of his wife and daughter. The lawyers’ insipid expressions remained unchanged as they were presented with the stark reality of Roman’s loss. John’s condescending tone was the final straw, and Roman stood up, ordering him to look at the photo. “LOOK AT IT!” he thundered, his voice echoing through the room. John reluctantly complied, his emotions as flat as the deadened expression on his face. Roman stormed out of the meeting, leaving the lawyers to their morally bankrupt endeavors.

Meanwhile, Jacob was attempting to navigate a therapy session with his shrink, who probed for positive thoughts from the past week. Jacob’s response was a stark reminder that he had not been coping well: he simply wanted to get his prescription refilled and maintained his desire to stay numb. The shrink pressed on, prompting Jacob to snap, “Or I’ll go down the street and rob the goddamned pharmacy!” His desperation was palpable.

As Roman gazed upon his wall of photos, now punctuated by newspaper clippings detailing the debate surrounding Jacob’s potential accountability for the crash, he was forced to confront the depth of their shared pain. Jacob, in his apartment, was on the brink of collapse, shoveling a handful of pills into his mouth as tears streamed down his face. The physical and emotional agony proved too much, and he fell to the floor, retching up the medication.

Roman’s own struggles took him to a local bar, where he purchased a bottle of alcohol. He then made his way back to his construction site, wandering aimlessly before finding himself on the rooftop, grappling with the dark thoughts that had haunted him since the tragedy. The ghosts of the past seemed to manifest as a burning plane plummeted towards the earth, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

As the somber anniversary of the devastating accident approaches, Roman stands vigil at the crash site, surrounded by poignant steel markers bearing witness to the lives lost. It is here that he encounters Andrew Berg (Christopher Darga), the man whose family was torn from him in the tragedy, and who had been inspired by Roman’s story about Nadiya’s necklace to design these metaphysical beacons. As they commiserate on their shared grief, Andrew confesses his struggle to find meaning in a world without his loved ones. Roman offers words of solace, assuring him that time will help ease the ache, but for now, it is essential to allow himself to feel the weight of his emotions.

Cut to a travel agency, where Jacob, now rechristened Pat Dealbert, has found a new sense of purpose in planning a romantic getaway for a couple. However, the reality of his situation is far from idyllic; he returns home each evening to an empty apartment, a constant reminder of his isolation from those he holds dear.

Meanwhile, Roman’s days are filled with laboring on a fence as a side job, a task that provides a fleeting sense of purpose. His employer offers him a beer and a paycheck, but Roman declines the latter, choosing instead to finish the job, driven by a desire to find fulfillment. The conversation takes an awkward turn when his employer mentions that he would be pleased if his wife had picked out the fence design, prompting Roman to withdraw, sensing the insincerity of the remark.

As Roman waits outside Tessa’s building, he is consumed by the desire to ask her for a favor: to help him locate Jacob. He hopes that the airline will not provide the closure he seeks, and instead, he wants Jacob to offer him an apology on behalf of his company. Tessa agrees to convey his message, using Jacob’s new name, Pat Dealbert.

In a dimly lit bar, Tessa reveals to Jacob/Pat that she has completed most of their book, but she wishes to give him the opportunity to add any final thoughts or sentiments he might want to include. With a deep breath, Jacob begins to speak:

“Sometimes I put myself in their shoes. The families who lost loved ones. And then I think about my son and wife, and it terrifies me. It’s a pain that I wish would just disappear. So, tell them: I’m not a bad person.”

Tessa listens intently, her expression a mask of stoicism as she absorbs Jacob’s words.

As Jacob concludes his mundane errands and heads back home for the weekend, Roman remains tethered to his duties at work, oblivious to the turmoil brewing on the other side of town. Tessa’s sudden call, laced with a mix of urgency and trepidation, shatters Roman’s equilibrium, as she reveals that Jacob has not only abandoned their life together but also assumed a new identity in another state. The news sends Roman into a frenzy of emotions, his mind racing with the weight of betrayal.

Roman arrives at the designated coffee shop, where Tessa awaits, her words dripping with apprehension as she recounts Jacob’s transformation from husband and father to someone who has seemingly erased their past. As Roman presses for details, seeking closure and a chance to confront Jacob, Tessa’s trepidation grows, sensing that Roman’s intentions may not be entirely pure.

With a heavy heart, Tessa shares the new address, and Roman, his determination palpable, promises only to look Jacob in the eye, share photos of their family, and demand an apology. His words hang in the air like a challenge: “No one has said they’re sorry.” The weight of his unspoken threat hangs over the conversation, leaving Tessa with no choice but to part ways, her eyes scanning Roman’s face for any sign of relenting.

Meanwhile, Jacob’s life has taken on a sense of normalcy, as he goes about his daily routine, oblivious to the storm brewing outside. The doorbell rings, and Jacob’s heart skips a beat as he reaches for the gun, only to find his wife and son standing before him, seeking refuge in their weekend getaway. As they settle into their new surroundings, Christina probes Jacob’s emotional state, and he candidly confesses his feelings of isolation and melancholy.

As night falls, the family trio discusses Jacob’s new identity, with Samuel displaying an uncanny understanding of his father’s circumstances. Jacob implores Christina to reconsider leaving, yearning for a fresh start, but she cautions against rushing into a decision. As they retreat to bed, the trio’s longing for unity and wholeness is palpable.

The next morning, Christina awakens, her mind still grappling with the complexities of their situation. Little do they know that Roman has already set his sights on reuniting with them. Sequestered in a hotel room, he becomes fixated on the memory of his family, his thoughts consumed by visions of their demise. His gaze drifts out the window, where Jacob’s apartment looms just across the street. With a heavy heart, Roman sets off once more, driven by an insatiable hunger for closure and confrontation.

The evening’s tranquility is shattered as Jacob (name omitted) opens the door to an unexpected visitor - Roman, whose presence is akin to a ticking time bomb. As Roman implores Jacob to apologize, the latter’s reluctance is palpable, his words dripping with condescension and disdain. The unspoken tension between them is suffocating, like a thick fog that refuses to lift. Roman’s anguish is met with Jacob’s callous indifference, a stark reminder of the chasm that separates two individuals who once shared a bond.

The fragile facade of civility begins to crumble as Roman becomes increasingly agitated, his eyes fixed on the photo he holds. The sound of Jacob reaching for the phone serves as the final catalyst, sending Roman into a frenzied state. With calculated precision, he launches himself at Jacob, the blade flashing in the dim light as it pierces the air. The ensuing chaos is a blur of violence and despair, with Jacob’s screams silenced by the cold steel.

As the life drains from Jacob’s body, Roman’s grip on reality falters further, his hallucinations taking hold like a fever. He mistakes Christina and Samuel for Olena and Nadiya, embracing them in a macabre tableau that defies comprehension. The camera lingers on Jacob’s lifeless form, a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked rage.

The story jumps forward ten years, finding Roman confined to a prison cell, his once-turbulent spirit now tempered by the weight of reality. His lawyer’s words bring a glimmer of hope - with a combination of therapy and positive reports, he may be granted parole in just four months. As Roman paces his small domain, the prospect of freedom tantalizes, but it remains to be seen whether he has truly found peace or merely a temporary reprieve from the darkness that has haunted him for so long.

As Roman steps out of prison’s confines, he finds himself shrouded in solitude at a desolate bus stop, the only sound being the hum of passing vehicles. He boards a bus and makes his way to the cemetery, driven by an unquenchable desire to reconnect with his family, now lost to the sands of time. Upon arrival, Roman pauses at his loved ones’ grave, a poignant reminder of the life he left behind. A figure in black attire lurks in the shadows, but Roman’s attention remains fixed on the weathered headstone. He tenderly places his daughter’s necklace upon it, a symbol of the love and longing that refuses to fade.

As he stands there, lost in thought, a young man approaches, clad in a black sweatshirt, his eyes fixed intently on Roman. The former convict, sensing an aura of unease, offers directions to the cemetery exit, and they begin their slow walk together. Roman’s gaze drifts back to the headstones, his mind wandering through the years since his incarceration. He pauses, struck by the realization that nothing has changed in 11 long years.

The young man, Samuel (Jacob’s now adult son), breaks the silence, inquiring about family connections to the cemetery. Roman’s ears perk up as he recognizes the familiar name. The revelation is like a punch to the gut; Roman knows exactly who this stranger is. A glimmer of understanding flickers across his countenance.

Samuel’s eyes gleam with a mixture of determination and malice as he pulls out a gun, intent on exacting vengeance upon Roman. Yet, Roman’s words are laced with an unexpected sense of resignation: “Do what you have to do. I understand.” He then utters a sorrowful apology for his past misdeed, one that had robbed Jacob of the chance to forgive and move forward.

Samuel’s resolve falters, however, as he succumbs to tears, confessing that he cannot bring himself to pull the trigger. “It’s not what I was taught,” he stammers, overcome by a mix of emotions. With a heavy heart, Roman departs the cemetery, his life forever altered by the weight of his past actions. The consequences of his crime now hang precariously over him like a specter, casting a shadow that will linger for the remainder of his days.