BRAINIAC

Screenplay by Bima Stander

Cerebral, oddly affecting drama about a small town farmer afflicted with a brain tumor that renders him super smart. Melvin O’Malley takes his small town by storm when word of his phenomenal gift gets out (it’s rumored he was abducted and probed by aliens). Melvin uses his new powers to learn foreign languages, farm gigantic tomatoes, and along the way, charm the pants off of sexy widow Jayma and become a father figure to her two teenage daughters. Character-driven fantasy proposes that everyone has this wondrous ability if only we could unlock the source in our minds. Dazzling writing handles the science fiction as distinctively as the relationships. Script offers a real connection between Melvin and Jayma, brainy conversations, and the town’s gossipy neighbors are a hoot. Villains of the piece are reptilian government suits who want to capture Melvin (think E.T.) so they can militarize his telekinesis. Tragic third act goes for the hankies with Melvin’s sad passing from the brain tumor, reminding us how fleeting life can be.