RECOMMENDATION: CONSIDER

Rationale: This script has a strong foundation with relevant themes, a compelling protagonist, and high stakes that feel authentic to current security concerns. Teresa Mankiller is a well-conceived character whose Cherokee heritage and military background create a unique perspective in the action thriller genre.

The concept has commercial potential - nuclear terrorism remains a relevant fear, and the "Die Hard in a nuclear plant" setup could attract both action audiences and those interested in more grounded, realistic thrillers. The female protagonist with Native American heritage also addresses diversity concerns in action cinema.

LOGLINE

A kick-ass female security guard at a nuclear power plant must overcome personal demons and use her military expertise to stop a terrorist group from causing a meltdown that would devastate California.

SAVE THE CAT STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

Opening Image: Teresa Mankiller on patrol at dawn, establishing her as a vigilant protector of a nuclear facility.

Theme Stated: "Rules are rules" and "People die when rules are broken" - the central conflict between following protocol versus making moral choices.

Setup: Teresa is a former military K9 handler working nuclear security, dealing with workplace pranks and trying to reconnect with her daughter Aya while living with her mother Rita.

Catalyst: Discovery of hang gliders on the turbine building roof, indicating a security breach.

Debate: Should Teresa investigate alone or follow protocol? Her decision to pursue leads to the larger terrorist plot discovery.

Break into Two: The plant is taken over by the Sons of Liberty, a neo-Nazi group posing as eco-terrorists.

B Story: Teresa's relationship with her daughter Aya and learning to balance duty with family.

Fun and Games: Cat-and-mouse games with the terrorists, using her military training and the help of computer programmer Jackson to outmaneuver the enemy.

Midpoint: Teresa is captured but realizes the true scope of the terrorist plot - a nationwide attack on the power grid.

Bad Guys Close In: The FBI assault fails, terrorists kill guards, and the nuclear core begins to be exposed.

All Is Lost: Multiple casualties, plant systems compromised, and public evacuation becomes impossible.

Dark Night of the Soul: Teresa faces the reality that her rule-following nature conflicts with what's needed to save lives.

Break into Three: Teresa adapts, using Jackson's earthquake simulation and her knowledge of the facility.

Finale: Coordinated assault using fake earthquake to create distraction, Teresa defeats Karl, saves the plant.

Final Image: Teresa promoted to Security Chief, finally balancing career and family on the beach with Aya and Rita.

SELLING POINTS

Strengths:

• Timely Subject Matter: Nuclear security concerns resonate with current geopolitical climate

• Strong Female Protagonist: Teresa is a well-developed, capable lead with clear motivation

• Technical Authenticity: Detailed knowledge of nuclear plant operations adds credibility

• Cultural Representation: Cherokee heritage adds depth and authenticity to character

• High Stakes: Nuclear meltdown threatens massive casualties

• Relevant Themes: Domestic terrorism, grid vulnerability, and family vs. duty conflicts

Weaknesses:

• Length Issues: Script feels overlong with excessive technical dialogue

• Pacing Problems: Middle act drags with too much exposition about plant operations

• Dialogue: Often exposition-heavy and unnatural, particularly technical discussions

• Character Development: Supporting characters like Jackson need more depth

• Tone Inconsistency: Shifts between workplace comedy and serious thriller elements

CHARACTER LIST

TERESA MANKILLER (30s) - Cherokee nuclear security guard, former military K9 handler. Tough, rule-oriented, struggling to reconnect with family after overseas deployment.

AYA (15) - Teresa's daughter. Teenager dealing with having an absent mother, creative and independent.

RITA MANKILLER (60s) - Teresa's mother, warm and nurturing, has been raising Aya during Teresa's deployment.

JACKSON MILTON (20s) - Computer programmer/hacker, initially antagonistic but becomes ally. Quirky and brilliant.

KARL (30s) - Primary terrorist, former military dog handler, leader of the assault team with personal vendetta.

CATHY PORTER (50s) - Security supervisor, former cop, Teresa's mentor and eventual successor.

JIM HOVEL (50s) - Plant manager, bureaucratic but ultimately moral.

CUNNINGHAM (60s) - Corporate executive, prioritizes profits over safety.

CLEM BLACKNIGHT (40s) - Native American terrorist, conflicted about the mission.

COMPARABLE FILMS

DIE HARD (1988) - $140M worldwide
Similarity: Single location, lone hero against terrorists, using building knowledge as advantage

THE CHINA SYNDROME (1979) - $51M worldwide
Similarity: Nuclear plant thriller exploring corporate cover-ups and safety concerns

UNDER SIEGE (1992) - $156M worldwide
Similarity: Military protagonist using specialized skills against terrorists in contained environment

SPEED (1994) - $350M worldwide
Similarity: Race-against-time thriller with technical obstacles and high civilian stakes

THE PEACEMAKER (1997) - $110M worldwide
Similarity: Nuclear terrorism threat with military protagonist and geopolitical implications