The Streets Are Ours
The Streets Are Ours is an action-filled short film. In the unforgiving streets, rival gangs clash, but when a mysterious briefcase that everyone wants to get their hands on emerges, all-out war is declared. As betrayals unfold and new alliances are made, only one truth remains: The Streets Are Ours.
Overview:
A short action packed neo-noir crime thriller
Premise
The uneasy truce between two rival gangs is shattered by the discovery of a mysterious briefcase that everyone wants to get their hands on. Amidst the chaos of the ensuing battle, Serena, a Wyvern, and Ronny, a Suit, must form an unlikely alliance if they hope to survive the chaos that surrounds them.
Style
The Streets are Ours combines elements of gritty realism with stylized action sequences and atmospheric cinematography to create a visually immersive experience. Visually, the film utilises a dark, muted colour palette with occasional bursts of vibrant hues to emphasise the beauty in the violence, whilst the handheld camera work and dynamic angles help convey the frenetic energy of the gang conflict.
Setting
The Streets are Ours is set in the grittier parts of Bristol, where its distinct architecture, atmospheric streets and beautiful graffiti shape the lives of its inhabitants.
The area formed by the massive concrete supports under an overpass is a focal point in the drama. The concrete structure both domineers and shelters, providing a rich backdrop for the intense action that unfolds there.
Main Characters
Serena
The Wyverns are the only family Serena has ever known, and being taken under their wing as a child is the only reason she’s survived this long. She is now a high-ranking footsoldier, tasked with the most important missions. She is a complex blend of ruthless determination and unexpected compassion. Despite her hardened exterior, she possesses a strong, if unconventional, moral compass. A vicious fighter, Serena wears practical clothes and proudly displays the gang tattoos that signify her allegiance and history.
Ronny
The nephew of the Suits’ leader, Ronny is a sergeant in the gang and commands a high level of fear and respect. In common with Serena, he too has a strong, if warped, moral compass, though he has a fatal way of dealing with transgressors.He is cool and cold. His attire reflects his status in the gang, wearing only the best suits and, of course, a fedora hat.
Shane
A high-ranking footsoldier for the Suits with an eye on reaching the very top. A terrifyingly ferocious fighter who commands the respect of the other gang members. His fighting prowess is probably why he is allowed to get away with pushing the limits of, if not entirely flouting, the Suits dress code by wearing just suit trousers and a trench coat, though he does, of course, wear the fedora.
Jenny
Jenny is an ambitious and cunning member of the Suits, willing to manipulate, betray or kill anyone to achieve her goals. Cold, calculating, and charismatic, Jenny can charm and manipulate those around her to get what she wants. She hides her true intentions behind a facade of loyalty and camaraderie but is ultimately self-serving and treacherous. Jenny’s appearance is typical of the Suits, wearing a sharp suit and fedora hat, though she does wear a pair of heavy motorcycle boots so she is ready to use her preferred mode of transport.
Synopsis
LOGLINE: The newly promoted head of the Suit gang must declare all-out war on their rivals, the Wyverns, in order to recover his boss’ invaluable briefcase, which he was meant to be protecting.
On being given control of the fearsome Suit gang’s largest branch, Ronny is handed his first task: retrieve a mysterious briefcase for his boss. Not trusting his underlings with something he’s been told is so important and not needing their assistance with something so simple, he sets off alone, but on his way, he is ambushed, and is left for dead in an alleyway with his stomach sliced open. Luckily, a passer-by spots him and calls an ambulance. As Ronny recovers in hospital, Jenny, his second in command, presents him with evidence that it was Serena, a member of the rival Wyvern gang, who attacked him and that she now has the briefcase. Despite his injury, Ronny has no choice but to leave the hospital and lead an attack on the Wyverns.
During the battle, Jenny goes after Serena, who is trying to escape with the briefcase. Seeing Jenny struggling with Serena, Ronny helps. However, the exertion reopens the wound on his stomach. Whilst he tries to patch himself up, he gets a better look at Serena and realises that she hadn’t been the one to attack him in the alley and had, in fact, been the one who saved his life by calling him an ambulance. As Ronny watches Jenny and Serena continue to fight, he realises that it was Jenny who attacked him. He surmises that it was out of jealousy for his promotion, and now, having learned about the importance of the briefcase, she intends to cement her place as his replacement by retrieving it herself.
As Jenny is about to finish off Serena, Ronny attacks her, saving Serena but worsening his stomach wound. With blood pouring from him, he collapses to the floor. Jenny takes advantage and is about to end him when Serena, unable even to get up off the floor, distracts her by showing her the contents of the case they are all fighting over. Whilst Jenny is distracted, Ronny uses the last of his energy to stab her as she had stabbed him earlier and leaves her to die. He looks at the blood pouring from his stomach and waits to die, too.
However, Serena once again comes to his rescue. She crawls over to him and stops the bleeding. They both look about the battlefield: the fight has wiped out both sides. They look at each other and then at the case. Leaning on each other, they struggle to their feet, turn their backs on the battleground and limp off together with the briefcase.
The Streets Are Ours is an action-packed short film full of dramatic stunts and fight sequences inspired by films like Nobody and the John Wick franchise.
Action Sequences
Chase Scenes
Thrilling pursuits on a dirt bike around the concrete supports of an underpass.
Intense Showdowns
Gripping fight scenes filled with raw emotion.
Mass Brawls
Intricate set pieces with enthralling one-shot cinematography.
Breathtaking Stunts
Awe-inspiriring action as our stunt performers put their bodies on the line.
Tone and Style
With a cinematic quality that evokes the spirit of films like “John Wick” and “Atomic Blonde”, The Streets Are Ours immerses viewers in the haunting urban landscapes of Bristol. Harnessing the city’s unique visual palette, in particular its beautiful graffiti-adorned brutalist concrete structures, it crafts a backdrop that is both menacing and unmistakably British.
The showstopping fight and action sequences are delivered with an almost balletic quality, providing a beautifully violent counterpoint to the characters’ struggles. Utilising modern handheld techniques with light gimbals, the film puts the viewer right into the action and delivers tight close-ups even amongst the most aggressive of sequences to capture the intense performances of its cast.
The Streets Are Ours marries the high stakes of crime thriller with amazing action. Here, the search for a briefcase serves as a key that opens up a world of fight choreography that will leave you breathless.
Meet the Writer: Robert A Wood
About the Author
Having moved to the Bristol area a decade ago from a small seaside resort, Robert A Wood’s writing is deeply influenced by the city’s vibrant and diverse environment. He is a seasoned writer and storyteller, renowned for his ability to weave intricate narratives that captivate and engage audiences.
He began his career writing murder mystery dinner theatre, where he honed his skills in complex plots involving many characters. He then moved into writing theatre shows, fine-tuning his skills in dialogue and character development in the process. Now, transitioning to film, he hopes his work will be marked by a series of successful projects that showcase his flair for creating thrilling action-packed dramas.
Robert A Wood’s work is characterised by its depth and complexity, often exploring themes of morality, loss, and justice. His narratives are known for their rich characterisation and authentic portrayal of the human experience. The Streets Are Ours, his latest project, is a testament to his skill in crafting stories that are not only spectacular but also emotionally resonant.
As a writer with a reputation for tackling challenging subjects with sensitivity and insight, Robert A Wood’s contributions to the British film landscape will no doubt solidify his status as a leading writer in the genre.
In addition to his own creative work, Robert A Wood often mentors other writers. He is passionate about nurturing new talent and believes in the power of storytelling to evoke change and understanding.
The Streets Are Yours!
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