One of the best modern slasher films is Lionsgate’s You’re Next, which came to life from a screenplay by Simon Barrett.
Before Adam Wingard got behind the camera, Barrett delivered quite a punch with a phenomenal screenplay that should get way more praise than it already has. It’s easily one of the best horror scripts I’ve ever read, and even carries a shockingly different ending than what Wingard put on film.
Barrett, who also wrote The Guest for Wingard to direct, has shared both screenplays at the request of his fans.
People keep asking me to put these online. At first I assumed they were just being polite, but now I think maybe they’re screenwriting students who have to write a paper and are trying to passive-aggressively irk their professors. Although I support that, I wanted to wait until the films were fully released everywhere. They are now, so here you go.
I was going to write a lengthy explanation of my creative process with each of these, clarify how and why they may differ from the finished films, and also go on a lengthy, ill-conceived rant about how I consider a majority of the scripts I’m submitted to be unreadable. But I think the changes speak for themselves, and if you have any questions upon reading, you can always find me on social media or lurking under a bridge somewhere. Otherwise, I appreciate your appreciation of my marvelous words.
After reading the scripts, you can interact directly with Barrett on Twitter @simon_barrett. He’s a hilarious guy who’s also pretty interactive with his followers.
Wingard most recently wrapped The Woods (rumored to be the next Blair Witch installment) from a script by Barrett.
