The Apprentice (2014) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

An isolated apprentice mortician gains unsupervised authority and uses it for transgressive acts involving the deceased.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Lonely New Apprentice

Wayne is introduced as an awkward loner who has recently begun working as an apprentice mortician. His graveyard shift establishes the isolated setting.

Key Events

• Wayne Is Introduced — Wayne is presented as an awkward loner. Characters: Wayne Location: Workplace
• Apprentice Mortician Job — Wayne has just started working as an apprentice mortician. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue
• Graveyard Shift Begins — Wayne works the graveyard shift in the morgue. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue

Authority After Midnight

Wayne's merciless supervisor leaves him alone during the night. Wayne consequently finds himself in charge of the morgue.

Key Events

• Graveyard Shift Begins — Wayne works the graveyard shift in the morgue. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue
• Supervisor Leaves — Wayne's merciless supervisor leaves him alone for the night. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue
• Nighttime Responsibility — Wayne is left in charge of the morgue during the night. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue

A Transgressive Decision

With no supervisor present, Wayne decides to make the most of his solitary authority. His decision turns the workplace situation into transgressive conduct involving the deceased.

Key Events

• Wayne Makes His Choice — Wayne decides to make the most of his solitary authority. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue
• Authority Turns Transgressive — Wayne exploits his authority over the morgue for transgressive acts. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue

Beyond Theatrical Boundaries

Wayne's conduct becomes the basis for the short film's controversial reputation. The film was ultimately cut from Movie 43's theatrical release for pushing boundaries too far.

Key Events

• Acts Involve The Deceased — The transgressive acts involve the deceased in the morgue. Characters: Wayne Location: Morgue
• Boundary-Pushing Short Film — The short film is described as controversial for pushing boundaries too far. Characters: Wayne Location: Short film context
• Theatrical Release Cut — The short film was cut from the theatrical release of Movie 43. Characters: Wayne Location: Movie 43 theatrical release

Story Breakdown

• Lonely Protagonist — Wayne's awkward, solitary personality establishes the film's isolated perspective.
  • Awkward Loner — Wayne is explicitly described as an awkward loner.
  • Solitary Perspective — The story follows Wayne while he is left alone during the night.
• Mortuary Apprenticeship — Wayne has recently entered the profession as an apprentice mortician.
  • New Job — Wayne has just started working as an apprentice mortician.
  • Morgue Workplace — His work centers on a morgue and its deceased occupants.
• Night Shift Isolation — The graveyard shift removes Wayne from ordinary supervision and social contact.
  • After Midnight — Wayne works the graveyard shift.
  • Empty Workplace — The supervisor leaves Wayne alone for the night.
• Supervisor's Departure — The merciless supervisor's absence creates the immediate situation that drives Wayne's actions.
  • Merciless Supervisor — Wayne works under a supervisor characterized as merciless.
  • Left In Charge — The supervisor leaves Wayne alone and in charge.
• Unchecked Authority — Wayne receives temporary control over the morgue without supervision.
  • Solitary Control — Wayne holds authority over the morgue during the night.
  • Personal Opportunity — Wayne decides to make the most of his unusual authority.
• Transgressive Conduct — The central transgression involves Wayne exploiting his authority in relation to the deceased.
  • Acts With Deceased — Wayne engages in transgressive acts with the deceased.
  • Pushed Boundaries — The film is described as controversial for pushing boundaries too far.

Directed by

Damon Escott, Steve Baker

Key Cast

• Anton Yelchin — Wayne
• Shane Jacobson — Bob
• Lou Lou Kearney — Mother
• Stephen Kearney — Father
• Christopher Kirby — Cop 1