The Four Of Us Are Dying: Jesse Dorian’s Desert Odyssey

Jesse Dorian’s recent screenplay “The Four Of Us Are Dying” transports us to the American Southwest, where desolation stretches for miles and a twenty-something fugitive-antihero, along with a naive romantic partner and an unexpected couple, are all ensnared in a surreal quest that blurs the lines between reality and extraterrestrial fantasies.

Dorian traces the origins of his screenplay to a road trip from central Texas to Los Angeles in 2012 and 2013. The barren landscapes fueled his imagination, contemplating the unpredictable events that could unfold in the isolated vastness. “Maybe a violent kidnapping…? Or a human sacrifice…? An orgy…? Aliens…? Interspecies erotica…? To that I say, ‘how about all of the above,'” reflects Dorian.

The title, “The Four Of Us Are Dying,” pays homage to a classic Twilight Zone episode unrelated to his story. Dorian’s screenplay, however, delves into alien abduction and the redefinition of purpose.

As the screenplay evolved, Dorian emphasizes the minimal evolution of his main character, the fugitive-antihero. The character was already complex, but crucial details were added to the origin story.

For Dorian, completing an unpaid feature screenplay remains one of the most challenging aspects of screenwriting. “There’s almost nothing more challenging for me than finishing a feature screenplay that I’m not even getting paid to write,” he admits, highlighting the relentless optimism required to complete such a task.

Despite the challenges, Dorian finds joy in the craft, particularly in the autonomy it provides. “The most enjoyable aspect of the craft is having complete control over what you’re writing,” he notes. With fewer external influences, he can solidify a unique voice and tone within his work.

With “The Four Of Us Are Dying” selected as an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival from February 12-17, Dorian welcomes filmmakers interested in optioning his screenplay or collaborating on new projects. He can be reached directly through social media and linktr.ee/jessedorian. While horror, thriller, sci-fi, and romance are his comfort zone, Dorian remains open to stepping outside those boundaries.