Sam is the Deputy Sheriff of a small forgettable town. A happy-go-lucky guy, he is cheerful and genial as he goes about his work around town. But the reception he gets from the townsfolk is freezing. This does not seem to affect Sam as he has the patronage and support of his boss, Sheriff Brimmel. Sam sees a father figure in the accommodating sheriff who keeps an eye out for his partner, even outside the perimeter of official work. Another person whom Sam holds a soft spot for, is Sophie, a waitress at the local diner and the daughter of the owner, Tremont Tremaine. Tremont and his sons despise Sam and consider him to be an incompetent idiot. One night, the Sheriff’s cruiser meets with an accident and the town finds itself without a sheriff the next morning. The death of the sheriff sets off many a cog in motion, changing things in the small, forgettable town. Tremont approaches Sam and asks him to pitch in his stake for the post of Sheriff. Tremont assures Sam of being appointed to the post without contest, as he will use his influence in high places. But, Sam believes himself unworthy of the post and hesitates to stake his claim. Unable to accept the loss of the Sheriff and slow to comprehend the role the vested interests have created for him in the new status quo, Sam finds himself alone. But soon, he realizes the sinister motives of the high and mighty townsfolk and that he is now a pawn in their hands. What does it take for Sam to stand up for himself?
‘The Deputy’ is a feature length screenplay by writer Paul Corricelli. Paul creates an eerie little town where every inmate appears to be a weirdo. He then sprinkles the town with a few lovable characters strategically, who bring sunshine and make the town liveable. Spinning the tale around Sam, the deputy sheriff, Paul does not forget to add enough flesh to the other characters. Introducing them one by one, he adds layers to the dynamics between them that make the town weird. ‘The Deputy’ is a thriller that commands your attention right from the word ‘go’, with no high octane car chases or shattering gun fights. The transformation of Sam is well worked into the screenplay and a joy to watch unfold.
Paul Corricelli creates a small town thriller with a few everyday characters who seem to be a tad eccentric in their disposition. But what lies beneath the surface is a realm where the most pious and illustrious of the lot can be corrupted with money, power, and greed.
