Born with a rare ability—or curse, Seraphina can see and hear the dead. During the early days of the London Blitz, she is confronted with hundreds of lost souls wandering the streets.
As the war escalates, her parents send her away to the home of an old friend in the English countryside to preserve her sanity. But there are monsters lurking in the hallways and the surrounding woods of the mansion, not all of them are ghosts.
Seraphina must use her gift to help solve the gruesome mysteries of Lewis Manor’s past in order to prevent her own murder in the present.
EXT. LONDON BLITZ - NIGHT
BOMB SIRENS blare as a squadron of NAZI BOMBERS suddenly appear behind the dark night clouds over London. PEOPLE panic and SOLDIERS mind their anti-aircraft guns.
INT. SERAPHINA'S CHILDHOOD HOUSE - NIGHT
PIPER, a little Yorkshire terrier whines and scratches at the side of SERAPHINA's (20) bed. Finally she wakes, clutching her blanket. Almost immediately, the bomb sirens go off.
FATHER (O.S.)
Seraphina, get to the pavement!
Mechanically, she bolts from her bed.
SERAPHINA
One.
She puts on her coat and shoes.
SERAPHINA (CONT'D)
Two.
She snatches up Piper with one arm.
SERAPHINA (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Three.
She grabs her bag.
EXT. SERAPHINA'S CHILDHOOD HOUSE - NIGHT
Seraphina and her MOTHER and FATHER are out of the house and into the night. Merging with the stampede of PEOPLE, they rush down the road toward the Underground Bomb Shelter.
FATHER
Almost there!
MOTHER
There it is!
The staircase into the Underground materializes.
CHILD (O.S.)
Mum, where are you? Please don't leave me!
Piper's ears point, and a soft growl catches in her throat. Seraphina comes to a halt, searching for the owner of the voice.
CHILD (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Mum, where are you? Please don't leave me. Please.
FATHER
Seraphina, what are you doing? Keep moving!
SERAPHINA
Do you hear that?
FATHER
Hear what?
SERAPHINA
A child. There is a child.
Her parents listen for a moment or two.
CHILD (O.S.)
Mum! Mum!
MOTHER
Come on, we mustn't linger. It's not safe.
The first blast sounds in the distance, followed by a successive wave of smaller explosions.
EXT. UNDERGROUND BOMB SHELTER - NIGHT
As her parents move down the stairs, Seraphina lingers, still listening for the child. Piper kicks, and leaps out of her arms to the ground, dashing toward the shops.
CHILD (O.S.)
Please don't leave me!
Seraphina turns to rush after Piper. She sees a BOY(6) huddled by the window of the chemist shop. He is still in his pajamas and barefoot, his fist clenched between his teeth as he sobs.
FATHER (O.S.)
Seraphina, come back here!
SERAPHINA
Have you lost your mum?
His large teary eyes stare back.
SERAPHINA (CONT'D)
Listen, it's all right. I can help you.
Piper emerges from behind a magazine kiosk and suddenly barks at the boy with fury.
SERAPHINA (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Piper, stop! You'll frighten him!
The boy turns his head to look at her, and jumps backward, retreating a considerable distance.
SERAPHINA (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Come on. Come with me.
CHILD
Will you help me find my mummy?
SERAPHINA
Yes, I'll help you find her.
She kneels to gather him, but he vanishes.
MOTHER (O.S.)
Seraphina, what in the world are you doing?
Her parents stare at her in confusion. The bewilderment of the moment is interrupted by a bomber flying overhead. And almost instantly, the ground shakes as a bomb lights the night sky, much too close.
FATHER
Enough!
He grabs her wrist and drags her away.
MOTHER
Piper, come on!
At Mother's command, Piper, who had cowered under the awning of a shop at the explosion, joins them. Seraphina gathers the trembling dog in her arms. They all run to the shelter.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. BROCKENHURST TRAIN STATION - DAY
SUBTITLES: BROCKENHURST, THE NEW FOREST, ENGLAND, 1942
The train creaks into the station, and Seraphina looks at the approaching station from her window. PEOPLE walk about busily looking for loved ones.
SP/X SERAPHINA'S WINDOW P.O.V.: SOME OF THE PEOPLE ARE GHOSTS
INT. TRAIN - DAY
The train finally stops, and she rises to gather her belongings.
EXT. BROCKENHURST TRAIN STATION - DAY
Dragging her suitcase, she looks at the sky. Piper sniffs the air. Other TRAVELERS brush past her. She readjusts Piper in her arms. She is looking for someone, but nobody comes.
FADE TO:
EX. BROCKENHURST TRAIN STATION - LATER
Seraphina is now the only person in sight except for the CLERK behind the ticket window and a MAN wiping the water droplets off a black car in the parking lot. She goes over to the clerk.
SERAPHINA
Excuse me, sir. Is there a way to call for a cab?
CLERK
How far are you going?
SERAPHINA
Burley. I understand it is a neighboring town?
CLERK
That's correct, and Albert Craven offers local transportation. You might want to speak to him right away. He usually leaves about now.
The Clerk points in a specific direction to Mr. Craven's location.
SERAPHINA
I'm most obliged, sir.
EXT. TRAIN STATION PARKING LOT - DAY
MR. CRAVEN is a middle-aged man with a thick mustache and bushy eyebrows. Folding the cloth in his hand, he takes a step back from his unmarked, older car. Seraphina goes over to him.
SERAPHINA
Good afternoon, sir. The clerk told me you are a cab driver. I'm in need of a lift to Burley.
MR. CRAVEN
Indeed, I am. Craven, miss. Albert Craven.
He offers a hand. She shakes it.
SERAPHINA
Seraphina Addington.
MR. CRAVEN
Burley, you said?
SERAPHINA
Yes.
MR. CRAVEN
Not too far from here, about five miles. We can be there in a jiffy. If you'll permit.
Mr. Craven places the suitcase into the boot of the car. Seraphina settles into the back with Piper snuggled against the folds of her blue dress.
EXT. PAVED STREETS - DAY
The car makes all sorts of racket complaining of long-needed maintenance. The roads are lined with thatched-roof cottages, some with hydrangea hedges, others with evergreen shrubs.
EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY
They reach the end of the paved streets, Mr. Craven turns onto a very muddy rural road guarded by trees of every shape and sort.
MR. CRAVEN
The main road to Burley gets particularly nasty after a rainstorm. You must forgive me, but I'm taking a detour. We don’t want old Harvey getting stuck in the mud.
She smiles. Up ahead, trotting gently along the roadside, a group of SOLDIERS on HORSES head in their direction. Mr. Craven steers Harvey to the side of the road.
MR. CRAVEN (CONT'D)
That's the Mounted Home Guard. They are volunteer soldiers operating out of Breamore. Great lads, they are. We have British and American troops stationed here as well, but thankfully, no bombs have fallen yet.
SERAPHINA
That's a mercy from heaven. Let us hope it remains like this.
MR. CRAVEN
Where in Burley are you staying? Where should I let you out?
SERAPHINA
The name escapes me at the moment, but I'm a guest of General Lewis.
MR. CRAVEN
Oh, the general is well known in the region. He owns the Burley mansion.
They drive a bit more.
MR. CRAVEN (CONT'D)
Wait, are you certain? The mansion currently serves as a military post. Not a good destination for a young lady, if you know what I mean.
SERAPHINA
Agreed. No, I'm not going to the mansion. I understand the general owns a country house as well.
MR. CRAVEN
You aren't speaking of All Hallows, are you?
His gaze finds her through the rear-view mirror.
SERAPHINA
Yes, that sounds about right. I’m meant to stay there until things settle down in London.
He reaches to loosen the collar of his shirt as if it suddenly strangles him.
MR. CRAVEN
That could be a long time, a long time indeed, to be in a house like that.
SERAPHINA
In a house like that?
MR. CRAVEN
It's one of the oldest houses in the region. Hundreds of years of history, you understand. I'm afraid All Hallows fame will live forever. But it has been deserted since...
SERAPHINA
Since when?
MR. CRAVEN
An awfully long time. I didn’t think it was habitable anymore.
SERAPHINA
For my sake, I hope it is. But why is it famous?
MR. CRAVEN
Actually, since I've never been to the manor, I'm afraid my opinion wouldn't be an educated one.
SERAPHINA
I would still like to hear it.
MR. CRAVEN
It's better that you wait to hear it from someone familiar with the place.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - LATER
The car slows to almost an idling stage. Piper lifts her head as high as she can, ears pointed, eyes wide open.
SERAPHINA
Is anything the matter?
MR. CRAVEN
The manor is on the outskirts, and the roads are impossible during this weather. I'm afraid all I can do is let you out in town. Maybe you can spend the night there? Rethink things?
SERAPHINA
Surely the roads can't be any worse than the ones we've traveled on.
MR. CRAVEN
Sorry, miss. If the car gets stuck, it would be days before I could get any help.
SERAPHINA
There must be another way. Tell me there is.
MR. CRAVEN
There is, but I don't recommend it.
SERAPHINA
It involves walking, then?
He moves his head in assent.
SERAPHINA (CONT'D)
Walking Piper and I can handle. We just need directions.
MR. CRAVEN
I can drop you off at the edge of Oker field. The manor is not far from there. But I must insist that staying in town is a wise choice.
SERAPHINA
Thank you, Mr. Craven. I'll take my chances.
With a severe expression of disapproval, Mr. Craven presses his foot on the gas pedal. Harvey picks up speed.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
They come to a lane free of trees on one side. Wild ponies roam freely in the fields.
EXT. DEEP WOODS ROAD - DAY
The vehicle goes deeper into the woods. Harvey comes to a halt in the middle of nowhere. Mr. Craven's hand trembles as he looks at his wristwatch. With unexpected agility, he springs from the car and opens the back door. Seraphina steps out. Piper jumps down after her.
MR. CRAVEN
Remember, cross the field and go straight south through those trees. You'll see the manor soon enough.
He sets her bag on the grass. Piper barks.
MR. CRAVEN (CONT'D)
May I suggest you waste no time.
She hands him a few bills.
SERAPHINA
Thank you.
He stashes them in his pocket without counting them.
MR. CRAVEN
It's not too far. You'll be all right.
He goes back into his car. Harvey makes a sharp turn, and with surprising speed, Mr. Craven drives away.
EXT. FENCE NEAR A MEADOW - DAY
The terrain, covered by dense wild grass, challenges Seraphina's ability to drag the suitcase toward the fence.
SERAPHINA
Come on, girl. We must beat dusk.
She studies the fence and wrought-iron gate obstructing her path. Faint tracks on the ground. She rests the suitcase against the gate. There's a thick chain at the center with a lock in place. The lock uses a combination of numbers instead of a key. Piper slips through the bars without difficulty. She fidgets with the lock. Nothing. She squeezes through the two center bars. The oxidation leaves long streaks on her dress. Reaching her arms back through the gate, she tugs her bag. Too thick. With a sigh she unzips it and pulls out clothing until she can force it through.
EXT. FIELD ON THE OTHER SIDE - DAY
Piper barks from a distance. One step at a time, Seraphina goes on and reaches the edge of the forest. She stops to assess the trees. An oversized rook dives to the ground from a high branch. She jumps. The BIRD looks at her with surreal intelligence. He smacks his beak on the forest floor. His claws stab the ground, scattering leaves and twigs from the spot. She tries to go around him. An obscure HUMAN FORM appears to one side. It turns into ELLIOTT THE GHOST. Helmet on his head, weapon on his side. With a petrifying shriek, the rook takes flight. Piper brushes against her, startling her.
SERAPHINA
Piper! You silly dog. Where have you been?
When she looks up again, the soldier is gone. At that moment, Piper lets out an explosive howl. Seraphina tries to grab her, but Piper bolts into the trees, producing howls mixed with short barks. Seraphina plunges after her.
EXT. WOODS - LATER
Hooves approach. From behind a hedge of shrubs emerges a black HORSE. It neighs at the sight of Seraphina. CAPTAIN ROSS STEWART, American, rides the horse. Piper is happily seated in front of the young soldier, his arm around her.
CAPTAIN ROSS
Who are you? What are you doing out here?
SERAPHINA
What are you doing with my dog?
CAPTAIN ROSS
This disturber of the peace is yours, then?
SERAPHINA
I'm afraid so.
He visually scouts the area before dismounting and handing Piper to Seraphina.
CAPTAIN ROSS
He could benefit from a leash, you know.
SERAPHINA
She. Piper is a she.
CAPTAIN ROSS
Well, that explains it.
SERAPHINA
Explains what?
CAPTAIN ROSS
Her temper. She doesn't know she's a small breed. She acts like a Great Dane.
SERAPHINA
Good things come in small packages, Mr.?
CAPTAIN ROSS
Captain Ross Stewart, United States Air Force.
They shake hands.
CAPTAIN ROSS (CONT'D)
But call me Ross.
SERAPHINA
Seraphina Addington. But call me Miss Addington.
CAPTAIN ROSS
(laughs) Not a chance. Having a rough day, Seraphina?
SERAPHINA
I suppose you could say that, Captain Stewart.
CAPTAIN ROSS
Ross. My name is Ross, remember?
SERAPHINA
Very well, Ross.
CAPTAIN ROSS
What are you doing out here? This is not a place for a woman to take a Sunday walk.
SERAPHINA
Thank goodness it's not Sunday, then, and I've been warned about the forest already.
CAPTAIN ROSS
Yeah, and you obviously heeded the advice.
SERAPHINA
If I shouldn't be here, then why didn't you stop me when you saw me in the field?
CAPTAIN ROSS
I didn't see you in the field.
SERAPHINA
There was a soldier on foot not ten yards from the clearing.
CAPTAIN ROSS
A few of us patrol these woods. But there is never more than one in each sector at a time. No one else should be out here.
SERAPHINA
If it wasn't you, who did I see?
CAPTAIN ROSS
What made you think he was a soldier?
SERAPHINA
He wore a helmet and carried a rifle. That's all I can tell you, but there is no doubt in my mind that he was one of yours.
CAPTAIN ROSS
Did you see which way he went?
SERAPHINA
No. I'm afraid Piper distracted me, and when I looked back, he was gone.
CAPTAIN ROSS
How unfortunate. Well, you haven't told me where you are going.
SERAPHINA
All Hallows, but I'm not sure I'm headed in the right direction.
CAPTAIN ROSS
All Hallows? You mean the old house on the southwest side?
SERAPHINA
(unsure) That's the one.
CAPTAIN ROSS
What in the world are you going there for? It's deserted, isn't it? And yes, you are off track.
SERAPHINA
It's not deserted. The Goswicks live there, I’m told. Do you know them?
CAPTAIN ROSS
I see them now and then but don't really know them. Wait, General Lewis owns that house. Are you his guest?
