KIZ: The movie
TREATMENT
Logline:
Rising from personal tragedy, French Kiz dancer Nassim guides a Seattle hip-hop crew from failure and debt to the partner dance performance of a lifetime.
SYNOPSIS:
ACT I: Parisian Heartbreak to Seattle Streets
In Paris, the sultry moves of “KIZ,” a modern twist on Angolan Kizomba, unfold with Nassim, a Parisian dancer, whose soul is shattered by the heart-wrenching loss of his beloved dance partner, Tela. On the brink of applying to a prestigious dance academy in Paris, Nassim swears off the dance that defined him, seeking refuge and a fresh start in Seattle. In this new city, the vibrant beats of the streets introduce him to Javon, Dre, Lala, and Soundtrack’s dynamic dance crew, who are battling it out in the fierce arena of a renowned televised talent show, called “The Duel.” The stakes skyrocket when Dre, driven by ambition and a thirst for glory, makes a perilous bet that risks everything.
ACT II: Rediscovery and Redemption
After a devastating loss at The Duel, Dre’s reckless gamble ensnares the crew in a hot $10K debt with dangerous gangsters. Amidst the chaos, Nassim, cocooned in the comforting warmth of his cousin Gennie and Uncle Hal, grapples with the haunting memories of Tela, casting a shadow over his every step. As he navigates the city’s rhythm, Nassim is unwittingly swept up into the local dance world, where rivalry and resentments rise. Dre's simmering envy boils over as LaLa's undeniable attraction to Nassim becomes evident. The tension peaks when Nassim unveils mesmerizing Kiz moves at a house party, leaving Dre humiliated in the shadows. With redemption and a vital chance to erase their looming debt with a renewed shot at The Duel, the crew's desperation mounts. They turn to Nassim, begging him to teach them a secret weapon, Kiz. At first Nassim refuses, still consumed by grief, until some uncanny omens change his mind. In an underground speakeasy beneath Hal’s vinyl record store, they train hard to develop the new skills in time for the show.
ACT III: Triumph of the Spirit
As the shadow of an insurmountable debt looms, the crew faces a jarring wake-up call: Dre, already bruised in ego from the house party debacle, now bears physical scars, a brutal payment reminder from the unforgiving gangsters. In this bleak moment, a silver lining emerges. Dre's ordeal becomes the catalyst for reconciliation, mending fractured bonds within the crew. He rejoins along with his girlfriend Haile, and they all train for the big performance. Just as life is finding a new stride, Nassim receives word that he has been accepted to his dream college in Paris; but the timing forces him to choose between his dream and performing at The Duel. The crew are thrown off balance once more by Nassim's mysterious disappearance on the day of The Duel, but Lala steps in to lead their blind groupie, Aaliyah in the show. The competition is fierce, but fortified by Nassim's invaluable Kiz teachings and driven by an unyielding spirit, the crew delivers a performance that's nothing short of electric. Their intoxicating blend of Kiz and hip-hop ensnares the audience, earning them a rapturous standing ovation. As the backstage buzzes with anticipation, miles away, news of their resounding victory reaches Nassim who’s on a flight back to Paris. It’s not just a return to the city’s embrace, but a journey to a new chapter at the city’s most prestigious dance academy.
CHARACTER BIOS
NASSIM [19, French/Algerian]
Parisian born and bred, Nassim was once a rising star of the underground Urban Kiz world. His steps on the dance floor mirrored his meteoric rise in the Parisian dance community - swift, sure, and brilliant. A tragic loss forces him into a heart-wrenching pause. As he grapples with his loss, his journey intertwines with love, friendship, and a quest to rediscover the rhythm of life and dance.
GENNIE [18, Algerian/American]
With her vivacious spirit and American flair, Gennie is Nassim's beloved cousin. She dances to life's unpredictable beats, embracing every moment with level-headed curiosity. As Nassim's tether to joy, she helps him rediscover the magic of dance, and in doing so, delves deep into her own self, discovering layers she never knew existed.
LALA [19, Bi-Racial]
A whirlwind of charm, LaLa owns every room she enters with her infectious charisma and mesmerizing dance moves. Behind her dazzling persona lies a soul that's intimately acquainted with the pain of loss. Grounded by an unwavering love for her friends and dance, she thrives. Nassim's presence nudges her towards a profound realization: she's stronger than she's ever embraced.
HAL [Mid-50S, American]
Uncle Hal, a widower and Gennie’s dad, is the beating heart of the community. Having witnessed the raw, unfiltered realities of the streets, he created a sanctuary - his record store, Vinyl Vibes. A mentor to the wayward youth, Hal's wisdom, and nurturing nature make him the community's guiding star.
JAVON [19, Black]
The enigma of the group, Javon constantly teeters on the precipice between two worlds. While the allure of the streets often beckons him, his deep-seated love for dance and community acts as his anchor. Nassim's influence unveils a new world of possibilities for Javon, inspiring him to chase dreams he'd long since abandoned.
DEANDRE “DRE” [19, Black]
Confident, charismatic, and cocky, Dre is the life of every party. Renowned for his electrifying house parties and unparalleled dance moves, he often wears his ego on his sleeve. Though he's the undisputed best dancer among friends, his fragile pride often puts him in precarious situations.
HAILE [18, Latina]
Bubbling with zest and sass, when the impeccably fashionable Haile is not selling records or recommending tracks, she's immersed in the world of Salsa and Bachata, honoring her Latin roots. Her radiant energy and love for music act as a beacon of joy and energy.
SOUNDTRACK [19, Black]
Quiet in demeanor, but respected in presence, Soundtrack is the group's unsung mascot. As a local street DJ, often using his phone and bluetooth speaker to score real life, he weaves stories and emotions through his music, speaking volumes without uttering a word. Though his personal life remains cloaked in mystery, his loyalty and sharp wit never falter, making him the rock-solid foundation of the crew.
SCRIPT OUTLINE
OVER BLACK
Shuffling waist-down shots of dancers, some dance hip-hop in sneakers, others partner dancing intricately in dress shoes and heels.
EXT. PARIS/SEATTLE - NIGHT
Montage of Paris juxtaposed to Seattle visuals of youth dancing. With the Seattle youth dancing in suggestive hip hop styles and Paris youth dancing a partner dance, KIZ - on the same song.
INT. SEATTLE NIGHT CLUB - NIGHT
In a packed Seattle nightclub, street dance crews battle for a spot on "The Duel," a popular televised touring talent showcase. One crew, DEANDRE "DRE" [19], JAVON [19], LALA [19] and SOUNDTRACK [19] are excited and confident about their chances. The energy shifts when LaLa spots the talent scout, MARCUS DEAN [30s], and Dre and Javon end up lured into a $10,000 bet with local drug dealers NEEK [28] and JUICE [26]; which they lose along with the battle.
EXT. PARIS - BARBES NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
Through an open window, NASSIM [18], a composed and fit boy, mixed-race and clean cut, works on his application to one of France’s top dance colleges.
INT. NASSIM’S HOUSE – PARIS - NIGHT
Nassim's warm North African mother [mid-50s], proud of her son applying to France’s most prestigious dance academy, shares his anticipation for an upcoming Kiz dance competition. Running late, he grabs his worn red dance sneakers and hurries to the event.
EXT. PARIS STREETS
Nassim travels across Paris, showcasing the lively city and his connection to his community.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. PARIS NIGHTCLUB - EVENING
Packed club pulsates with high energy, flashing lights, and the sounds of AfroPop music. Well-dressed couples, mostly in their late-teens and 20s, dancing Kiz.
END INTERCUT
INT. PARIS NIGHTCLUB - DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT
The crowd cheers loudly as DJ/Emcee LOUIS [22] introduces a showcase by popular Kiz couple, JOJO [20s] and JENNY [20s]. Their performance is riveting.
EXT. PARIS NIGHTCLUB - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Nassim arrives, daps up the Paris nightclub doorman, then runs into his dance partner TELA [18], classically beautiful and wearing their signature red shoes, who is nervously checking the time.
INT. PARIS NIGHTCLUB - LOBBY - NIGHT
Tela greets Nassim's late arrival with warmth and a teasing jab at his worn red shoes. Louis introduces their performance, and their chemistry wins over the energetic crowd. The crescendo builds to their grand finale, a move that leaves the audience breathless. They win, as usual.
EXT. PARIS STREET CORNER - NIGHT
Post-victory, Nassim, Tela, wander Paris with Louis, who encourages them to enter the illustrious Kiz Olympiad competition. While Tela feels ready, Nassim grapples with balancing dance and academics. Nassim offers Tela a ride home with his mother, underscoring their bond.
In a heart-stopping turn of events, as Tela dashes to a nearby store, a reckless truck driver veers off course and kills her. Nassim’s world crumbles in an instant.
EXT. CEMETERY – DAY
Nassim is accompanied by his mother, Louis, and Tela’s family as she is buried. He’s devastated. He places his red shoes on the casket, but can’t watch as it’s lowered.
INT. - NASSIM’S ROOM - EVENING
After the funeral Nassim sits in his room, the full weight of the loss bearing down on him, vowing to quit dancing. His mother urges him to reconsider, saying that Tela wouldn’t want that for him. Recognizing his pain, Nassim’s mother leaves to give him some space.
EXT. PARIS STREETS - DAY
Nassim walks aimlessly, cocooned in a hoodie, earbuds funneling melodies of solace. He tries unsuccessfully to avoid anything that may trigger tender memories.
INT. - NASSIM’S ROOM - NIGHT
Nassim sits on the floor with the lights off. His phone beside him lights with a sudden glow of a text from Louis, detailing a vigil in Tela's honor. Nassim's response is a heartbreaking confession of unsaid feelings, of love left unspoken. Louis assures Nassim that Tela already knew.
EXT. PARIS STREET CORNER - NIGHT
TIMELAPSE at the same corner where Tela died, a candlelight memorial burns until sunrise.
INT. NASSIM’S ROOM - MORNING
Awakened by the Paris morning hustle, Nassim groggily checks a text, an invitation from "Cousin G USA" — a chance to escape and mend in Seattle.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. SEATAC AIRPORT - DAY
Nassim exits SeaTac Airport. His UNCLE HAL [mid 50s] awaits, leaning on a worn work van proudly bearing multiple “Vinyl Vibes Record Store” decals. Amidst crates of records, Hal stows Nassim's luggage. Wordlessly, they drive off, Nassim lost in the city's passing panorama.
EXT. SEATTLE - DAY
They take the scenic route home, passing many of Seattle’s landmarks.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - DAY
Arriving at Uncle Hal’s house, Nassim’s cousin GENEVIEVE “Gennie” [18], rushes to greet him.
EXT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - DAY
Gennie hugs Nassim tightly outside the home – but he’s still despondent over his recent loss.
INT. NASSIM’S BEDROOM – DAY
Nassim enters his new modestly furnished bedroom. Unpacking and arranging his sparse belongings, a photo of Tela slides onto the desk. A pang of pain hits him and he quickly hides it.
B ROLL FOOTAGE - SEATTLE - DAY
B roll shots of the neighborhood and Seattle’s iconic features.
EXT. SEATTLE STREET - DAY/NIGHT
Nassim, listening to music, walks through the neighborhood lost in thought. He passes a closing shop and notices some kids out front shooting dice on the sidewalk.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Nassim returns to Hal's house and as he walks up the front steps Gennie opens the door looking worried as he’s missed dinner again. Gennie and Hal are concerned, but allow him his space.
EXT. UNCLE HAL’S FRONT PORCH - MORNING
A recluse Nassim sits on the front porch, but is convinced by Hal to join his morning at work.
EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - DAY
Hal drives Nassim through the city, the old van radio plays jazz easing the awkward silence. Hal tries to engage Nassim, pointing things out around town, including Javon arguing with Neek.
EXT. CORNER STORE - DAY
Javon argues with Neek about the debt. He asks for some time and to leave the crew out of it.
INT. RECORD STORE - DAY
In the neighborhood's core, Hal unveils his Vinyl Vibes Record Store, a legacy of his journey of grief after his wife passed away giving birth to Gennie. Sensing Nassim's grief, Hal offers an open-ended comforting ear. An employee HAILE [18, Latina] arrives to work, her sassiness cuts the heavy vibe. They also meet AALIYAH [18], a blind girl on her way in to listen to records.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - DAY
Lunchtime with Hal and Gennie feels lighter than before as Nassim warms up. He accepts Gennie’s offer to show him around the neighborhood. As they head to the front door he points out an old framed photo of his late Aunt Farah in a ballet costume.
EXT. SEATTLE - DAY
Gennie gives Nassim a walking tour of the neighborhood, getting the hometown vibe and observing murals of local legends like Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones. Sounds of athletes and musicians practicing draw them to the nearby high school football field.
EXT. GHS FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY
Nassim has a cultural moment as he experiences American football vs European football/soccer, then he and Gennie are mesmerized by the high school marching band rehearsal.
EXT. SEATTLE - DAY
Gennie and Nassim bond and decipher their family history. Their mothers: Algerian sisters who diverged to Paris and Seattle before Farah's tragic passing and Hal's ensuing silence.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Gennie introduces Nassim to a park where local dancers practice as Soundtrack DJs from his phone and bluetooth speaker. Gennie nudges Nassim to join, aware of his dance prowess, but he hesitates. As they depart, Lala's coy smile towards Nassim doesn't go unnoticed by Dre. Meanwhile, Gennie's presence piques Javon's interest, hinting at a budding attraction.
Javon watches Gennie depart and says goodbye to his crew to catch up with her and Nassim.
EXT. PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS - DAY
Javon walks backwards trying to talk up Gennie – the two chat and flirt. He invites her to Dre’s house party later that night. Gennie’s hesitant as she knows Javon’s street reputation. She’s interested in him but hides it as she and Nassim lose Javon and walk home.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Dre daps up neighborhood kids as he and Lala walk to a corner store for party refreshments.
INT. CORNER STORE - DAY
In the corner store, Dre, who has a crush on Lala, tests the waters by putting his hand around her and making a suggestive comment about the party. She casually brushes him off.
B ROLL FOOTAGE - SEATTLE - DAY
B roll shots of the neighborhood. Cars, store fronts, kids playing basketball, murals, etc.
INT. NASSIM’S ROOM – NIGHT
Nassim is taken aback by Gennie’s enthusiasm in Parisian Kiz videos, and tries discussing them without being emotional. Sensing his melancholy, Gennie suggests Dre's party as a distraction.
INT. DRE’S HOUSE PARTY - NIGHT
The party atmosphere pulsates with excitement as dancers spar. Dre, fueled by jealousy over Lala, challenges Nassim to battle. Gennie and the crowd peer pressure Nassim to agree. Despite Dre’s fervor, Nassim wins over the crowd by leading Gennie and Lala in Kiz, a dance nobody has seen before. A disgruntled Dre exits in frustration, and an overwhelmed Nassim slips away.
INT. DRE’S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dre walks through the party, grabs a drink and tries to hit on a girl who is chuckling at a video on her phone. Seeing it’s a video of Nassim schooling him, Dre walks away, his pride wounded.
EXT. DRE’S FRONT YARD - NIGHT
Gennie finds Nassim, triggered and regretful of his dance, before Javon and Lala join them, dubbing the nickname "Nas". Dre watches as Lala and Nas bond, but are disrupted by police sirens. In the chaos, the four all run for a bus. Dre, feeling abandoned, angrily retreats indoors.
INT. RECORD STORE - DAY
Nassim and Gennie talk about Dre’s party, but Nassim gets angry at Gennie for a comment she makes about “moving on” and “living life” Re: Tela's death. Nassim storms off.
INT. PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS - DAY
While filming a choreo with Javon and Soundtrack, LaLa sees Nassim sulking nearby. She joins him, trying to get him to open up. Nassim deflects about his missed dance school application.
INT. RECORD STORE - DAY
At Vinyl Vibes, Gennie and Javon flirt about her favorite oldie Me & Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul, before being joined by Nassim and Lala. Soon after, Dre enters, creating tension and starting a fight. Hal steps in to break it up, and directs Nassim and Javon to cool off outside.
EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - DAY
Javon and Nassim bond, comparing cultures and swapping dance philosophies amid jests. As Javon unveils the moving tale of his late sister Leah, the duo's connection solidifies.
EXT. CORNER STORE - DAY
Javon and Nassim run into Neek and Juice, who bully them a bit.
EXT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - EVENING
Hal relaxes on the porch as Nassim and Javon arrive. Hal offers Javon paternal life advice, also implying he should only be going to the record store for the music and not Gennie.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Gennie and Nassim reconcile while washing dishes and share a tender moment when Gennie asks Nassim about Javon. They continue to bond while listening to music on the record player.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Perched on a park bench, Javon, Lala, and Soundtrack digest news from DEV [18]: Fire Crew have dropped out of The Duel. Lala receives a DM invitation from Marcus Dean, along with a challenge to be unique. Excitement for the prestige and debt solution dims as Dre, their best dancer, still missing.
EXT. DRE’S FRONT YARD - DAY
Javon unsuccessfully tries to find Dre at his house, so he texts him, trying to reconnect.
EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - DAY
Nassim walks by Seattle’s landmarks. Listening to an upbeat song through his earbuds.
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
As Soundtrack DJs, Javon and Lala fail to find fresh dance moves without Dre’s help.
INTERCUT WITH:
EXT. CORNER STORE - DAY
Dre runs into Juice who purposely bumps into him to remind him of the looming debt.
END INTERCUT.
EXT. PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS - NIGHT
Tired from the unproductive practice, Javon, Lala, and Soundtrack decide to try again in the morning.
EXT. PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS - DAY
MONTAGE of Javon, Lala, and Soundtrack trying and failing again to come up with fresh moves. A frustrated Soundtrack walks off to the record store. Lala and Javon follow, hoping to find new music.
INT. RECORD STORE - DAY
While Gennie and Hal sort records, the crew come in and announce the news about The Duel and their dilemmas - they need Dre and fresh material. Gennie pitches Kiz, Javon is skeptical but agrees. When Lala finds a clip of Nassim and Tela dancing, Gennie leads the crew to suspect a tough breakup.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - DAY
Javon visits Nassim to request he teach the crew Kiz. Nassim isn’t convinced. Javon confesses that he and Dre lost a $10k bet with Neek and Juice and The Duel could save them. He lays it on thick, saying it’s the first time he’s felt hope since losing Leah. Nassim agrees just to think about helping them.
EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - EVENING
Nassim walks the streets, pondering, and sees uncanny signs as if Tela is guiding him to dance again.
EXT. PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS - DAY
Haile leaves for her shift as Gennie tries to help the crew with some Kiz basics. Nassim arrives and agrees to teach them Kiz. They practice the fundamentals until a downpour ushers them to the store.
INT. RECORD STORE - DAY
The crew faces a new dilemma of needing a place to practice and Hal offers them access to the old speakeasy turned storage room below, if they clean it. Gennie proposed they return at night and prepare the space and the crew shared relief at their good fortune.
INT. SPEAKEASY - NIGHT
Descending into a time-worn speakeasy, MONTAGE of the crew cleaning, spurred on by Soundtrack's beats. By the end, their effort reveals a refreshed practice space, their exhaustion masked by triumph.
INT. SPEAKEASY - DAY
As the crew arrive to practice, Gennie and Nassim hang string lights, setting a vibe. Extended training MONTAGE over some weeks as the crew learns Kiz fundamentals, history, and theory. Nassim uses Miyagi-like games and exercises to disseminate the essence of the sensual and creative dance.
INT. RECORD STORE - NIGHT
After the crew disperses, Javon, seizes a private moment with Gennie. They practice Kiz musicality to Me and Mrs. Jones, unveiling their budding romance.
INTERCUT WITH:
EXT. CORNER STORE - NIGHT
Exiting the corner store, Dre gets jumped by Neek and Juice, a reminder of his debt that leaves him battered.
END INTERCUT.
INT. RECORD STORE - NIGHT
Javon’s phone interrupts his magical moment with Gennie, as it blows up with urgent calls and texts from Dre. Their mood lost, she gently pushes Javon to go check on his best friend.
EXT. DRE’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Under porch lights, Javon and a broken Dre discuss the looming danger. Javon mentions The Duel as a renewed option for their existential threat, extending an invite to Dre who suggests Haile as a partner.
EXT. UNCLE HAL’S FRONT PORCH - NIGHT
Arriving home, Gennie receives a sweet text from Javon, which makes her night.
INT. SPEAKEASY - DAY
Soon after Haile joins the crew’s practice, Dre shows up to join in and make peace. Everyone is shocked by his bruises and the moment comes to divulge the $10k debt. As Dre and Haile struggle with Kiz roles, Nassim notices Aaliyah listening from the steps and asks her to follow him in a dance. Her blindness no barrier, Aaliyah helps prove the value of leading, following, and listening. The crew rally together and commemorate with a polaroid group photo.
TRAINING MONTAGE:
The crew train around town - switching partners, comically watching the guys try to follow each other, battling street dancers in the park, dancing to city sounds, and practicing wearing blindfolds.
INT. SPEAKEASY - NIGHT
The crew are exhausted from weeks of training, and Haile takes a break in front of the record store.
EXT. RECORD STOREFRONT - NIGHT
Relaxing in the fresh air, Haile sees an event poster on the community board for an Afrobeats party. She texts a picture to Lala who gets excited.
INT. SPEAKEASY - NIGHT
Haile rejoins the crew as Nassim and Aaliyah are experimenting with her mobility cane. She tells Dre to take her to the Afrobeats party.
INT. NASSIM’S BEDROOM - DAY
Tela’s picture is taped above the desk alongside the Seattle crew’s group photo. Hal congratulates Nassim on his progress with the crew, and Nassim shares his regrets over missing the dance academy application. Hal reveals that Farah studied there as a ballerina.
INT. SEATTLE NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
They arrive at the Afrobeats party, and marvel at the vibe and talented Afro House dancers. Dre asks Lala to dance and as they begin Nassim steals Lala away. They dance amicably as three people, trading Lala back and forth, impressing all club-goers. Lala tempts Nassim with a surprise back at the booth.
INT. SEATTLE NIGHTCLUB - BOOTH - NIGHT
Nassim's crew gifts him new red shoes, triggering memories of Tela and overwhelming him to leave.
EXT. SEATTLE NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
Outside, Gennie reassures Nassim of the positive intentions behind the gift. He opens up about the loss he’s been processing, which the crew overhear. They bond over this vulnerable moment.
INT. NASSIM’S ROOM - DAY
Nassim receives a surprise acceptance email from the Academie in Paris, which Hal hints might be a favor from old Farrah’s connections. Nassim is torn: chase dreams in Paris or stand by his crew at "The Duel". He gets a text from Lala asking him to meet her at a special place, Kerry Park.
EXT. RECORD STORE / KERRY PARK / SEATTLE STREETS - DAY
SPLIT SCREEN MONTAGE showing Dre, Haile, Javon, Gennie, Soundtrack, and Aaliyah hanging out: opposite to Nassim walking alone deep in thought: opposite Lala waiting for Nassim at the park.
EXT. KERRY PARK - DAY
Against Seattle's skyline, Nassim and Lala's playful banter transitions into a dance lesson teaching Lala to lead, their flirting sparks jabs about "French kisses", but Nassim remembers his predicament and pulls away from the moment, telling Lala that in Paris they kiss both cheeks to say hello and goodbye.
INT. SPEAKEASY – DAY
TITLE: 1 WEEK UNTIL THE DUEL
In the buzzing speakeasy, Dre asks Nassim to teach them some new moves from a video he’d found. Lala proposes a daring role swap, to practice leading. Gennie senses Nassim's detachment.
EXT. PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS - NIGHT
The crew spar with local dancers, and Lala shines leading Gennie. Off to the side, Juice and Neek grill Javon and Dre, adding pressure. Nassim takes a secretive call which leaves Gennie feeling uneasy.
EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - NIGHT
Again we follow Nassim walking alone. Nassim finishes his call and continues to contemplate his situation while appreciating the liveliness of the neighborhood.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Nassim arrives home and finds that Gennie has been waiting for him. She inquires about the phone call which he plays off as a surprise and asks her help getting the crew to meet early in the morning.
INT. RECORD STORE - DAY
TITLE: 1 DAY UNTIL THE DUEL
Gennie waits inside and greets the crew as they arrive, they’re confused about meeting so early.
INT. SPEAKEASY - DAY
Nassim surprises his crew with a Zoom session opposite Paris's top Kiz dancers. They exchange impressive moves and invaluable feedback, and they praise Lala's versatility. Afterwards, the crew decides to take the day off practicing and go do something different together.
INT. PINBALL ARCADE - DAY
The crew is having fun at an antique arcade to blow off steam. MONTAGE of the crew playing games and bonding. Nassim and LaLa are the last to leave and he gives her a surprise kiss on both cheeks.
INT. UNCLE HAL’S HOUSE - DAY
TITLE: DAY OF THE DUEL
Hal and Gennie prepare to leave, but Nassim's room is empty, leaving behind only an explanation letter and a pair of red shoes for Gennie. Hal reassures Gennie to push forward and trust the letter.
INT. MOORE THEATER - STAGE - DAY
Several amazing variety acts perform, some by recognizable social media sensations. The energy of the crowd and judges is electric.
INT. MOORE THEATER - GREEN ROOM - DAY
Backstage, Nassim's absence becomes glaringly evident, unnerving the crew. A cryptic text from him to Lala sparks an epiphany. With fresh clarity, Lala steps up confidently to lead Aaliyah in the show.
INT. SEATAC AIRPORT - DAY
Nassim puts his phone in his pocket, scans his boarding pass, and walks down the gangway.
INT. MOORE THEATER - GREEN ROOM - DAY
Things get real when Marcus Dean briefly appears, notifying the crew they’re on deck.
INT. MOORE THEATER - STAGE WING - DAY
Backstage, the crew are impressed by the performance of their competition but it doesn’t stop them from getting psyched up as they’re introduced on stage as “The Vinyl Vibes Crew.”
INT. MOORE THEATER - STAGE - DAY
A mix of group choreography and the couples improvising, punctuated by Lala's leading and an impromptu Tarraxo dance between Soundtrack and Aaliyah; the Vinyl Vibes Crew‘s Kiz performance blows away the audience. They triumph and Lala captures the moment, sending the clip to Nassim.
INT. MOORE THEATER - GREEN ROOM - NIGHT
Backstage, Hal glows with pride and the crew's euphoria is palpable. Hal receives gratitude from the crew, and then catches Gennie and Javon’s first kiss. Dre leads them in a victorious chant.
EXT. PARIS SKYLINE - NIGHT
Over Paris, Nassim's plane, a beacon in the night, gracefully aligns with the radiant Eiffel Tower, a symbol of dreams and impending adventures.
INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT
Inside, a stewardess maneuvers a cart past tranquil passengers. Nassim, lost in nostalgia and anticipation, searches below for familiar landmarks. His reverie is jolted when the cart collides with his outstretched new red sneakers.