溪遠齋詩畫
聽溪不覺遠 泊泊入夢長
MASKS
Director: Zhu Liying
Screenwriter: Ye Meng
Cast (in order of appearance)
- Masked Figure A / Susan — Da Wu
- Masked Figure B / Anne — Ji An
- Masked Figure D / Lisa — Zhu Liying
- Stocking-Masked Man / Tony — Da Wu’s son
- Masked Figure C / Danny — Ye Meng
- Cathy (Danny’s daughter) — TBD
- Cohen (Lisa’s ex-husband, Tony’s father) — Kevin
- Anne’s Child — TBD
- Lao Cheng — Lao Chen
- Zijin (Lao Cheng’s girlfriend) — Zi Qing
1. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
A car (CAR A) drives in from the distance and pulls over near a single-family house.
Two figures in black robes step out. We only see their backs.
They head straight toward the house.
At the front door, they crouch down and search beneath the welcome mat.
CLOSE ON — the mat being lifted, revealing a house key.
One of them takes the key and unlocks the door.
CLOSE ON — a pair of feet approaches the mat, lifts it, and slides the key back underneath.
2. INT. SINGLE HOUSE A – NIGHT
The two enter without turning on the lights.
One uses a cellphone flashlight.
The beam sweeps across the wall and lands on a light switch.
CLOSE ON — the switch illuminated in the harsh glow.
One of them takes out a plastic container, places it over the switch, and tapes it securely to the wall.
3. EXT. STORE PARKING LOT – NIGHT / INT. CAR B
From the DRIVER’S POV inside CAR B:
A middle-aged woman exits a store carrying groceries and gets into another vehicle (CAR C).
She starts driving away.
CAR B follows.
She goes straight. CAR B goes straight.
She turns. CAR B turns after her.
4. INT. CAR C – NIGHT
The woman drives attentively.
She glances at the rearview mirror.
CLOSE ON — CAR B following behind.
She turns another corner.
Again she checks the mirror.
CLOSE ON — CAR B still tailing her.
Her expression tightens with unease.
She checks the mirror more frequently now.
Finally, she enters a residential neighborhood and slows to a stop by the curb.
She looks back.
From her POV, CAR B slows down behind her.
She grows tense—
—but at the last moment, CAR B accelerates slightly and passes her.
She watches it disappear around the corner.
Relieved, she exhales, starts driving again, and soon pulls into the driveway of the single house.
5. EXT. SINGLE HOUSE DRIVEWAY – NIGHT
The woman gets out.
She instinctively looks back down the quiet street.
No suspicious cars. No suspicious pedestrians.
She turns, walks up the steps, and reaches the front door.
She pulls out a keyring, selects a key with practiced ease, and unlocks the door.
6. EXT. STREET OUTSIDE SINGLE HOUSE – NIGHT
CAR B slowly pulls over across from the house.
From inside CAR B:
The middle-aged woman steps inside and closes the door behind her.
7. INT. SINGLE HOUSE – NIGHT
Pitch black.
The woman reaches toward where the wall switch should be.
Her hand searches—
—and touches the plastic box covering the switch.
She hesitates.
Then presses anyway.
Nothing.
Suddenly—
Two cellphone flashlights snap on in the darkness, illuminating the staircase ahead.
Sitting on the stairs are two black-robed figures wearing horrifying masks.
CLOSE ON — the woman’s face, frozen in terror.
She screams—
—and collapses unconscious.
Her phone slips from her hand and clatters onto the floor.
The masked figures leap up in panic.
They rush over and kneel beside her.
They exchange alarmed looks.
One grabs the other and heads for the door—
but notices the second one frozen in place.
He runs back, drags them out, and they flee.
8. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
The two masked figures sprint to CAR A.
One jumps into the driver’s seat.
The other climbs into the back seat.
The car speeds away.
9. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
CAR A races down the street—
then suddenly SLAMS on the brakes farther ahead.
Masked Figure A jumps out, yanks open the back door, and struggles with Masked Figure B inside.
From a distance, it appears A is trying to wrestle something away from B.
B finally jumps out and storms back toward the house without looking back.
A grabs at B, trying to stop them.
B jerks free and keeps walking.
A reluctantly returns to the car, turns it around, and follows behind.
10. EXT. SINGLE HOUSE FRONT DOOR – NIGHT
Masked Figures B and A climb the steps and open the door.
11. INT. SINGLE HOUSE – NIGHT
Masked Figure B reaches for the switch.
Using a phone flashlight, B illuminates the wall.
The plastic box is still there.
B removes it and flips the switch.
The lights come on.
But the unconscious woman is gone.
The two freeze in confusion.
They cautiously search deeper into the house.
Nothing.
They return to the entrance, preparing to leave—
when suddenly the front door bursts open.
A STOCKING-MASKED MAN stands there, his face hidden beneath a woman’s stocking like a bank robber.
The two masked figures freeze in shock.
Without warning, the man lunges at B and clamps both hands around B’s throat.
B struggles desperately.
A joins the fight, trying to pry the attacker’s hands loose.
Failing that, A locks an arm around the attacker’s neck from behind.
The stocking-masked man is stronger than both of them, though none gain the upper hand.
During the struggle, the attacker spots the unconscious woman’s phone on the floor.
He violently breaks free, snatches the phone, and heads for the exit—
—but suddenly stops.
At the doorway stand two more masked figures: MASKED FIGURES C and D.
C points a gun at him, forcing him back inside.
A and B retreat in terror alongside the stocking-masked man.
When A and B try to leave, C swings the gun toward them and forces them back.
He alternates aiming the gun between the attacker, A, and B.
The stocking-masked man raises both hands against the wall in surrender.
One hand still grips the phone.
STOCKING-MASKED MAN
(pleading)
I need to make a call. It’s urgent.
Masked Figure D hesitates.
D steps forward and gently lowers C’s gun.
Then D reaches for the phone.
CLOSE ON — the attacker gripping it tightly.
D can’t pull it free.
Suddenly D kicks him twice—
and after the second kick, D’s foot lingers momentarily in midair.
The attacker looks down.
CLOSE ON — D’s feet.
One foot is wearing a stocking.
The other is bare.
The attacker suddenly understands.
He looks up.
His grip loosens.
D smoothly takes the phone and subtly gestures for him to leave.
He gets the message.
Before C can react, the stocking-masked man bolts out the door.
C starts after him—
but D blocks the way.
C shrugs, confused.
D leans in close.
They whisper heatedly.
Meanwhile, A and B quietly edge toward the door—
then suddenly bolt outside.
C and D are about to chase them—
when a GIRL’S SCREAM erupts from upstairs.
They spin around.
A young girl stands frozen on the dark staircase, staring at them in horror.
Before they can react, she runs downstairs screaming and flees out the front door.
C and D stand stunned for a beat.
MASKED FIGURE C
Cathy!
C rushes after her.
D hurries after him but trips and falls.
C runs back, helps D up, and together they rush outside.
12. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET / FRONT OF SINGLE HOUSE – NIGHT
The young girl bursts out of the house and runs into the street.
CAR A, parked nearby, has just started pulling away.
The girl rushes to the passenger-side window, pounding frantically.
YOUNG GIRL
Help me! Please help me!
The car stops.
She yanks open the passenger door and starts climbing in—
—but suddenly freezes.
FROM HER POV:
Masked Figures A and B are sitting inside the car.
She SCREAMS again, stumbles backward out of the vehicle, SLAMS the door shut, and runs down the street.
13. INT. CAR A – NIGHT
From inside CAR A:
The girl runs farther away.
Masked Figures C and D sprint past the car, chasing after her.
As D runs, the black overcoat falls open, revealing women’s clothing underneath.
14. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
Masked Figures A and B get out of the car and join the chase after the girl, C, and D.
15. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
The girl turns onto another street and keeps running.
Behind her—
first come Masked Figures C and D.
Then A and B.
All five race down the street.
The girl spots CAR B, which has just started moving.
She runs toward it desperately.
YOUNG GIRL
Wait! Wait!
She reaches the passenger side and pulls the door open.
FROM HER POV:
A young man sits behind the wheel.
She jumps inside and slams the door shut.
YOUNG GIRL
Drive! Drive!
16. INT. CAR B – NIGHT
Without hesitation, the young man floors the accelerator.
The girl looks into the side mirror.
Masked Figures C and D nearly reach the car—
but as the vehicle speeds away, they disappear into the distance.
The girl exhales deeply in relief.
The young man never looks at her.
He keeps his eyes on the road, silent and focused on driving.
As the girl glances toward him, she notices something beside his seat—
a woman’s stocking.
She stares at him, confusion giving way to unease.
17. EXT. SINGLE HOUSE A – DRIVEWAY – NIGHT
SUPER: “8 MINUTES EARLIER”
Masked Figures A and B run out of the house and jump into CAR A.
18. INT. CAR A – NIGHT
A drives.
B sits in the back seat.
Both are nervous, but B is visibly shaken.
MASKED FIGURE B
We can’t just leave her there.
MASKED FIGURE A
She’ll be fine.
MASKED FIGURE B
But what if she’s not?
MASKED FIGURE A
She will be. Don’t forget—I’m a doctor.
MASKED FIGURE B
At least we should call 911. Get her an ambulance.
MASKED FIGURE A
We can’t. We’ll expose ourselves.
B hesitates.
Then slowly pulls out a cellphone.
A glances into the rearview mirror.
CLOSE ON — B beginning to dial.
19. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
CAR A speeds past frame—
then suddenly screeches to a stop farther ahead.
A jumps out, yanks open the back door, and struggles with B inside.
CUT TO CLOSER ANGLE:
A snatches the phone away.
MASKED FIGURE A
Are you crazy? You’re basically handing our identities to the police!
B shoves A aside and climbs out of the car.
MASKED FIGURE B
What if something happens to her?
B storms back toward the house without looking back.
MASKED FIGURE A
Come back! She’s going to be fine!
But B keeps walking.
A chases after B for a moment—
then reluctantly returns to the car.
20. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT
A turns the car around and slowly follows behind B.
21. EXT. STREET ACROSS FROM SINGLE HOUSE – NIGHT
SUPER: “6 MINUTES EARLIER”
FROM THE DRIVER’S POV INSIDE CAR B:
The middle-aged woman enters the house and shuts the door behind her.
The lights do not come on immediately.
A few seconds later—
an eerie glow appears inside.
Seconds after that—
Masked Figures A and B burst from the house in panic, jump into CAR A, and speed away.
The driver’s door of CAR B flies open.
A YOUNG MAN jumps out.
He watches CAR A disappear—
then sprints toward the house.
FROM HIS POV:
As he nears the doorway, he can make out the middle-aged woman lying motionless on the floor.
He rushes inside, kneels beside her, and lifts her into his arms.
YOUNG MAN
Mom! Mom! Wake up! Mom!
He lowers her carefully and frantically pats his pockets, searching for his phone.
Nothing.
He bolts outside.
He rushes back to CAR B and tears through the front seat area looking for it.
Still nothing.
Panicked, he runs back toward the house—
CLOSE ON — the narrow gap beside the driver’s seat in CAR B.
A cellphone hidden there suddenly lights up.
Incoming call.
The young man rushes back into the house, lifts the unconscious woman into his arms, and carries her outside.
He places her in the back seat of CAR B.
Then he jumps into the driver’s seat and starts the engine.
FROM INSIDE CAR B:
CAR A suddenly returns and pulls up in front of the house.
Masked Figures A and B jump out and run toward the front door.
YOUNG MAN
Shit!
He throws open the car door and starts toward the house—
then suddenly stops, remembering something.
He runs back to CAR B.
Behind him, the lights inside the house flick on.
He opens the rear door, removes the unconscious woman’s shoes, quickly peels off one of her stockings, and pulls it over his head.
From this point on, the young man is referred to as THE STOCKING-MASKED MAN.
FROM HIS POV:
He approaches the front door of the house.
The door swings open—
revealing Masked Figures A and B face-to-face with him.
THIRD-PERSON VIEW:
The stocking-masked man lunges at B, reaching into B’s pocket.
B tries to shove him away.
The attacker grabs B by the throat with one hand while continuing to search B’s pockets with the other.
B claws desperately at the hand choking them.
A rushes in from behind and locks an arm around the attacker’s neck.
The three struggle violently.
During the fight, the stocking-masked man spots the middle-aged woman’s phone on the floor.
He suddenly releases B, throws A off him, snatches the phone—
and turns to run.
A gun suddenly blocks his path, forcing him back inside.
22. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET – NIGHT / INT. CAR D
SUPER: “4 MINUTES EARLIER”
Inside CAR D:
A middle-aged man drives casually while music plays from the stereo.
Relaxed.
The car rounds a corner.
FROM HIS POV:
A middle-aged woman suddenly jumps out from the back seat of parked CAR B, looks around wildly, and starts running down the sidewalk in panic.
The man immediately shuts off the music and speeds toward her.
As he pulls alongside her, he rolls down the window.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Lisa! Lisa!
The woman glances toward the car—
then keeps running.
MIDDLE-AGED MAN
Lisa, it’s me! Danny! It’s Danny!
Finally she stops, still terrified, peering into the car.
Danny leans over and pushes open the passenger door.
She hesitates—
then jumps inside and slams the door shut.
DANNY
What happened?
LISA
There were burglars in your house. They scared me half to death.
DANNY
Burglars? Did you call the police?
LISA
Call the police? I fainted!
Danny pulls out his phone and starts dialing.
LISA
They were wearing terrifying masks...
Danny pauses.
Then suddenly relaxes with realization.
DANNY
Masks? Oh... I get it. It must be Cathy. She’s going to a costume party tonight. Probably her friends messing around. Kids love pranks like this.
LISA
A prank? I passed out! And when I woke up, I was lying in some stranger’s car.
DANNY
You actually fainted?
(beat)
Okay, that’s too far. Come on—we’re going back. I’m giving those kids hell.
The two are about to get out—
when Danny suddenly remembers something.
He opens the trunk.
LISA
What are you doing?
Danny pulls out two masks.
He puts one on and hands the other to Lisa.
DANNY
Put it on. Let’s give them a taste of their own medicine.
Then he pulls out a realistic toy pistol and tears off the packaging.
LISA
Danny... what are you doing?
DANNY
If we’re getting revenge, we’re doing the deluxe version.
From this point on, Danny and Lisa are referred to as MASKED FIGURES C and D.
They head toward the house.
As they approach the front door, they notice it’s open.
Instinctively, C pulls the toy gun from his waistband.
Just as they reach the doorway—
they come face-to-face with the stocking-masked man trying to leave.
Everyone freezes.
Then C immediately points the gun at him and forces him back inside.
