Kaleidoscope

Synopsis outlining themes, subject matter, and setting.

KALEIDOSCOPE is a darkly humorous, action packed urban drama that revolves around a dysfunctional wealthy Toronto family. Deftly weaving together multiple story lines into a rich tapestry of themes, the script pulls back the curtains on the Sotherly family and their loved ones. We watch fascinated as their intersecting lives form a complex tapestry of gang violence, bereavement, adultery, death, birth, hypocrisy, and redemption.

The Players:

Elitist society powerhouse June Sotherly rules her clan with a well-manicured iron fist. Appearances are everything to June and she thoroughly enjoys the privileged life she leads, provided by her hard working husband:

Arnie who is proud to have built his family's fortune through years of shrewd negotiations in the highly competitive land fill business. Arnie is concerned about, and June is often embarrassed by their 20 year old son:

Julian, a hospital janitor, who suffers from Tourettes Syndrome and must decide between living a medicated existence or pursuing his love for:

Anusha, a young Tamil nurse, who witnesses the gangland murder of her brother and is struggling to find the courage to bring his killers to justice, or be intimidated into accepting the gangs "code of silence".

June's eldest daughter, Charlene, is overwhelmed with grief after she crashes her SUV which leads to the death of her 3 month old son. She cannot be consoled by her husband:

Patrick, a doctor, is racked with guilt over an affair he had when he finds himself faced with the excruciating decision of whether or not to take his son off life-support and donate his organs to:

Aaron, a newborn whose parents will owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Patrick and Charlene. In the end it is their son's life that ultimately gives meaning and hope to Charlene and Patrick.

June's middle child, Laura, a feisty grad student, defies her parents wishes as she plows ahead with wedding plans to marry the love of her life:

Jack Hostler, a struggling photographer with an attitude, who happens upon some incriminating evidence that could ruin June's life by exposing what she thought was a well buried secret from her past.

As the film progresses, June's protected world comes crashing head-on into the violent world of Tamil gangs. Her journey not only makes us realize the ripple effect of news headlines, but it also reminds us that we could be one unfortunate incident away from being a headline ourselves. Through June's journey we realize that we all should be more concerned about what is happening to others in our city and the world for that matter.

June's efforts to control and present the image of a "perfect" family are compromised at every turn: her pride and determination are not enough to shelter her family from scandal and tragedy. All of their lives will intersect and change forever like a pattern in a Kaleidoscope. Despite their many shortcomings and dysfunctional communication, it is ultimately through the power of this family's love and support for one another that they are able to resolve great conflict and survive trauma to reauthorize their lives.