A screenplay by Anthony Pearson (written in the mid-nineties)
Synopsis
(Contains spoilers)
In the quiet suburban village of Acrenham, life takes a chilling turn when its residents inexplicably vanish, leaving only six survivors: Guy, Imelda, Darren, Kate, Jo, and Martin. The story begins with scenes of routine and normalcy, slowly unraveling into eerie silence as the characters realise they are utterly alone. Acrenham’s streets are frozen in time—shops abandoned mid-operation, cars still parked, and newspapers undelivered. It’s as if time itself has paused, and they are the only ones left to witness it.
The survivors – a group of socially mismatched friends – band together out of necessity, forming a makeshift community within an abandoned mansion called Swakeleys. As they try to understand the inexplicable disappearance of everyone around them, they fall into cycles of hedonism, rebellion, and philosophical contemplation. Guy, the introspective centre of the group, clings to Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, a grounding influence that gives him perspective amid the chaos. His voice-overs, rich with Stoic philosophy, frame the group’s actions within broader questions of fate, destiny, and survival.
Tensions arise as they navigate their new reality. Imelda clings to materialism, Kate battles with frustration, Darren descends into impulsive indulgence, and Jo struggles with grief and denial. Their conflicting approaches to survival test their unity, leading to reckless acts of looting and defiance against the remnants of societal norms. Darren, in particular, symbolises the collapse of order—his impulsive smashing of shop windows and disregard for moral boundaries contrast starkly with Guy’s reflective nature.
The climax builds to the burning of Swakeleys—a symbolic destruction of their last connection to the past. Guy’s breakdown during the fire is perhaps the most profound, symbolising not just the loss of their sanctuary but the last tether to a structured world. In the aftermath, the group faces the grim reality that there may be no going back. Their search for answers is met with silence, reinforcing the profound isolation that now defines their existence.
The screenplay closes on an ambiguous note, with Guy and Imelda contemplating their fate amidst the ashes of Swakeleys. Guy’s philosophical musings linger in the air, leaving the audience questioning the nature of community, destiny, and the fragility of civilisation itself. The final scenes suggest that survival is not just a physical struggle but a profound mental reckoning with solitude and meaning.
Review
Lost People is a haunting and introspective exploration of isolation, survival, and the fragility of societal bonds. Pearson crafts an atmosphere thick with unease, using the empty village of Acrenham as a stage for existential reflection and human frailty. His writing captures both the mundane and the surreal, blending post-apocalyptic tension with philosophical introspection.
The screenplay’s philosophical backbone is deeply rooted in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, which serves as Guy’s moral and existential compass. This literary device adds weight to his character, turning moments of survival into reflections on fate, existence, and the nature of human connection. Pearson’s choice to weave Aurelius’ stoicism throughout the narrative elevates Lost People from a mere survival story to a meditation on destiny and resilience.
Character development is well-executed, with each survivor representing a fragment of societal archetypes. Imelda’s materialism, Darren’s chaotic rebellion, Kate’s blunt pragmatism, Jo’s emotional fragility, and Martin’s intellectual detachment all serve as mirrors to society’s own coping mechanisms. Their interactions are raw and unfiltered, revealing fractures in their unity as desperation and moral ambiguity take hold. Darren, in particular, is a standout; his gradual descent into anarchic indulgence is both unsettling and believable, challenging the group’s fragile moral fabric.
The narrative structure is patient, allowing the eerie silence of Acrenham to settle in before erupting into moments of chaos and revelation. Pearson’s pacing is deliberate, heightening the sense of unease as days pass without resolution. Swakeleys, the mansion they occupy, is a brilliant metaphor for their collective consciousness—grand yet crumbling, filled with echoes of a life that is now out of reach. Its eventual destruction marks a poignant turning point in the story, symbolising the collapse of their psychological and physical shelter.
In summary, Lost People is not just a screenplay about survival; it is a meditation on the nature of existence when stripped of community and order. Pearson masterfully balances bleakness with reflection, leaving the audience to ponder not just what happened to Acrenham—but what happens to people when the world they know disappears.
Character Breakdown
Guy — The Philosopher and Anchor
Guy is the reflective soul of the group, a character heavily influenced by Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, which serves as his philosophical anchor. His journey is one of introspection, as he contemplates not only the physical reality of isolation but its existential implications. Guy’s voice-overs, rich with Stoic philosophy, add a layer of gravitas to the story, framing the group’s actions within broader questions of fate, destiny, and survival.
Imelda — The Materialist and Social Chameleon
Imelda is the embodiment of materialism and status, clinging to symbols of success even as the world around her collapses. Her polished exterior and obsession with appearances mask a fragile sense of self-worth. Imelda’s reaction to the disappearance of society is initially one of disbelief, followed by an almost manic attempt to maintain normalcy—dressing impeccably, applying makeup, and adhering to routines even when there is no one left to impress.
Darren — The Anarchist and Rebel
Darren is chaos personified, embracing the collapse of societal norms with reckless abandon. He symbolises the breakdown of order, gleefully smashing shop windows, stealing supplies, and living entirely for the moment. His philosophy is pure hedonism—if it exists, it’s his to take. Darren’s journey is one of escalating defiance, mirroring the erosion of moral boundaries in their micro-society.
Kate — The Pragmatist and Protector
Kate represents raw pragmatism. Unlike Imelda’s vanity or Darren’s wildness, Kate is grounded and fiercely practical. Her sharp tongue and blunt realism serve as both a shield and a weapon, often cutting through the group’s denial with harsh truths. Her relationship with Jo is particularly significant, as she takes on a protective role, shielding Jo from the harsher realities while pushing her to toughen up.
Jo — The Innocent and the Heartbroken
Jo is the emotional centre of the group, characterised by vulnerability and heartbreak. Her discovery of her boyfriend’s infidelity just before the disappearances leaves her emotionally shattered. She clings to memories of her past life, symbolising the struggle to let go of what was. Her journey from fragility to hardened survivalist is a poignant arc in the narrative.
Martin — The Academic and Idealist
Martin is the intellectual of the group, a scholar whose life was defined by routine and academic achievement. He clings to study schedules and daily rituals long after they’ve lost their meaning, desperate to maintain structure amid chaos. His gradual adaptation to the group’s anarchic ways is a reflection of survival overpowering ideology.
Estimated running time 100 mins