A short film exploring a millennial couple's journey toward parenthood through surrogacy while navigating identity and societal expectations.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Foundations of Love
The film opens by introducing the millennial couple and their deep emotional bond. They share personal dreams and establish their commitment to building a life together.
Key Events
Couple Introduction — Establishment of the millennial couple's daily life and bond. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Domestic Setting
Family Vision Discussion — Open conversation about their desire to expand their family. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Living Space
The Surrogacy Decision
The couple transitions from dreaming to planning, formally choosing surrogacy as their path to parenthood. Medical consultations and identity considerations are introduced.
Key Events
Surrogacy Decision — Joint choice to pursue surrogacy as the path to parenthood. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Medical Consultation Room
Identity Context — Acknowledgment of one partner's transgender identity within the family framework. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Private Residence
Navigating Complexities
External societal pressures and internal doubts create tension. The couple faces challenges that test their resolve and require mutual support.
Key Events
Process Initiation — Beginning formal procedures and medical consultations for surrogacy. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Fertility Clinic
Navigating External Pressures — Confronting societal judgments and internal anxieties about their path. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Community Space
Embracing New Beginnings
Through solidarity and open communication, the couple overcomes obstacles. The narrative closes on a note of unity and forward-looking optimism.
Key Events
Navigating External Pressures — Confronting societal judgments and internal anxieties about their path. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Community Space
Emotional Breakthrough — Finding solidarity and renewed hope through shared experiences. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Support Group Setting
New Chapter Embrace — Looking forward to parenthood with strengthened unity and clarity. Characters: Robyn BrownLocation: Home
Story Breakdown
Couple Dynamics — Establishes the romantic and emotional foundation of the protagonists.
Millennial Bond — Shared generational perspective and modern relationship values.
Mutual Support — Emotional reliance and partnership during decision-making.
Family Planning — The core motivation driving the narrative forward.
Expansion Goal — Explicit desire to grow their family unit.
Path Selection — Choosing surrogacy as the viable route to parenthood.
Surrogacy Journey — The procedural and emotional steps of the chosen path.
Medical Consultations — Initial meetings and clinical evaluations.
Procedural Steps — Navigating legal and biological requirements.
Identity & Acceptance — How personal identity intersects with family building.
Transgender Context — Acknowledgment of one partner's gender identity.
Self-Validation — Internal acceptance and confidence in their family structure.
Social Navigation — Interactions with external systems and societal views.
Institutional Hurdles — Challenges within medical or legal frameworks.
Community Perception — Navigating public opinion and potential stigma.
Emotional Resolution — The culmination of their journey and thematic closure.
Breakthrough Moment — Overcoming the central conflict or doubt.
Forward Outlook — Embracing the future with renewed unity and hope.
'Intended Parents' is a short film about a Black millennial couple, seeking to expand their family through surrogacy. With one partner identifying as a transgender woman, the couple (Alexandra Grey as "Robyn" and Lawrence Locke as "Anthony") find themselves continously educating or being imprisoned by outdated traditions and opinions from loved ones. While the film explores the intersections of love, gender, surrogacy, acceptance, and desperation; the powerful couple aims to deflate multiple negative stigmas as they prepare for the life-alternating roller coaster of fertility and surrogacy.
