We’re inside a modern and sleek gym with state of the art equipment and the hottest people LA has to offer.

In one corner DANTE (30’s, jacked, suave) finishes a set of shoulder presses with an impressive grunt, dropping the weights and whipping out his phone. He wipes sweat off his face and preens his cornrows before taking a selfie.

He scrolls through social media - a bunch of hot girl content - but stops and sits at a video of a posh woman in a beautiful red dress at a fancy party. The description says “The best rooms to be in are ones you’re valued in. #thankyounext #kristinwins”. Dante puts his phone down and sighs.

He stands up, flexes hard and takes another selfie in the mirror. He goes to post it on social media with the caption “Always working when my Opps are partying. #fitdante #shoulderday”

He looks through his previous posts and they’re not getting traction, pulling abysmal attention numbers. He reads some of the comments.

INSERT: Social media comments: “#fatdante”, “#uglygram”

He looks over at the squat rack and sees a beautiful and fit woman ROSE (20’s, jacked, sports leggings, makeup). She poses for a selfie and posts it up. Sees Dante staring at her in the mirror and roll her eyes at him.

Dante picks the weights back up angrily and reps out a few more.

Dante throws his gym bag in the passenger seat and smacks the steering wheel in frustration. He pulls out his phone and dials up JORDAYNE, his connection on speaker.

It’s J. Sup?

Jordayne is clearly eating something while on the phone. We can hear him chewing and his lips smacking.

Need to re-up the gear.

The usual?

Yea.

I just got some new stuff that I’m only handing out to my favorites. It’s like a pheromone enhancer and glp-7 combined.

Flattered. But just the usual. Tried and true.

You sure about that? Same gear same results.

Dante considers it. Pulls his shirt up and looks over his physique. Jordayne smacks on chips over the phone.

You should see what this new stuff can do. Here, look.

Dante’s phone gets a text. He checks it.

INSERT: A SUPER JACKED and MASCULINE picture of JORDAYNE (30’s, ripped, dreads) He’s so jacked it almost looks fake.

This AI?

Nah man. Real as real gets.

Hot Damn. What is this shit?

New mRNA stuff. They’re calling it The Dream. Because once you get on it you’re living the fucking dream man. Trust me.

Shit. I’ll come through.

Dante knocks on a nondescript door that opens for him. Standing there is a handsome black man in his early 30’s, JORDAYNE, who almost glows with sex appeal. They dap.

Aight.

Dante walks inside.

Jordayne’s apartment is fashionably modern, industrial and spartan. There’s a paused video game on the TV that both guys plop onto the sofa and start playing.

Spill.

I got a special plug for it. Works for the company that’s testing it. Plug said it’s unreal how good it works and he was right. I’ve been on it for a few weeks myself and I feel fucking amazing. Best shape of my life. It’s like I’m glowing. Just like. Look.

Jordayne pulls his shirt off, he’s ripped! Dante looks him up and down and nods.

Well shit.

Best part is it makes your body release a bunch of attraction pheromones too. Makes you irresistible to the opposite sex.

I don’t believe in that shit man.

Alright well you will once you start. Your fucking social shit is gonna explode. A billion likes! Your ex Kristin is gonna start stalking your profile for once instead of the other way around.

Dante winces.

Sorry man. What I mean is you’re gonna blow up and forget all about her.

Yea.

Hell, Girls can basically smell all that pheromone shit on your social media. I’m having to hide out from three or four tinder dates right now, they all want a piece of me real bad.

Alright Alright. I’m sold. Let’s smoke one yea?

For sure.

Jordayne takes a bong off the table in front of him and takes a hit. Coughs. Hands it to Dante.

Dante comes in the door with a cardboard box full of steroid gear. Sharps kit. Bottles of pills.

He plops the whole box full on his living room table and flops onto his couch. Scrolls through social media and sees a bunch of hot people on it. He sighs and turns his attention to the box.

He pulls out a small cardboard tube and looks it over. It’s labeled with “The Dream” on it. He rips open the end and takes out a small plastic injector. He dials the end and then pulls his shirt up, readying the injection on his stomach.

He closes his eyes and presses the button. A small ‘whoosh’ and the injection is done.

He looks over at himself in a full length mirror, he shakes his head. Then pulls out his phone and snaps a pic. He uploads it to social media “Big changes coming! #thedream #fitdante”.

He tosses his phone on the couch and then slumps down onto it himself.

This shit better work.

Dante is pumping away on the lat pulldown. He checks his phone after a set.

He scrolls through some old photos of him with his ex Kristin - the posh woman from before - on beautiful moon lit dinner, they’re leaning into each other and smiling. He sighs, puts his music back on, squirts water in his mouth and keeps lifting.

Dante does another injection.

He saunters over to the kitchen and pulls out a tray of rice, broccoli, and chicken from the fridge and yeets it into the microwave with a huff.

I’m TIRED of eating the same shit over and over.

Dante is lifting a massive deadlift, he slams the barbell down and whips off his lifting belt in a huff. He looks over and there’s Rose, staring at him this time.

She walks over to him, taking off her headphones.

How many more sets do you have there hulk? It’s leg day for me too.

You wanna work in?

He motions to the weights, clearly far too many for her.

I can wait. Anything for fit Dante.

She winks at him and walks off.

Dante gets a ping on his phone. It’s a DM. There’s a fashion brand asking him to do a promo.

Fuck yea! YES!

Dante opens a new package on his living room table. It’s a bunch of fashionable workout clothing.

Baby’s first brand deal!

Dante is walking into a coffee shop in his new workout gear. KELLY (30’s, bright, plain) stops him.

Hey It’s Fit Dante!

Kelly, you still in that acting drop in?

Yea! We’ve been missing you in class. How’s the fitness content going?

It’s going. Getting there ya know. Just got my first brand deal.

Hey! I love that! You’ve really been crushing it lately.

Dante grabs his coffee off the counter and turns to leave.

Oh you know, living the dream! See ya later!

Dante laughs at his own joke and saunters off.

Dante does an injection while eating chicken and rice. He’s engrossed with his phone. Tons of notifications. Packages piled up on his couch.

He scrolls and sees content of Kristin crying into the phone. Talking directly to her audience.

-- just not fair. To me! And when I think about all those scumbag men I dated that did this to me--

He swipes into her profile, opens a menu. And Blocks her.

He puts the phone down, closes his eyes, smiles.

Dante is packing up his bag to walk out the door when Rose jogs up.

Wait up!

Dante turns

You’re different. What’s going on?

Just been eating right finally.

She folds her arms and eyes him up and down.

Well could I persuade you to have a cheat meal?

Dante smirks.

Dante and Rose are in Dante’s bed, having voracious sex. She’s on top of him.

Jesus Christ you’re so fucking HARD.

She leans down and bites him on the chest.

Ah. Ouch!

Oh shit, sorry!

He laughs it off.

Dante, in his boxers, is seeing Rose out the door. She turns back just as she’s out of the doorjamb and kisses him deeply.

Just a one time thing okay? Don’t freak.

I’ll be cool. Don’t worry.

Cool. See you.

She leaves and he closes his door. Turns to his couch and flops down. He looks down at his chest, an imprint is starting to form from the bite.

Damn, she bites hard.

He looks at one side of his living room where a pile of clothes, workout equipment, and sex toys are mounting.

His phone goes off with a call. It’s Jordayne. He picks up.

Jordayne! What’s up man? Yo that gear--

Dante. Thank fucking god. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for days.

I’m busy living the dream. You were right. That shit you got me is the best! I’m telling you this is finally IT.

Yea man that’s why I’m calling you. You gotta cut that shit out. It’s no good.

The hell are you talking about? That shit’s amazing. It changed my life. No going back.

That’s just it man. It’s-- uhh. It’s making me-- soft.

Dante takes a beat, sits back into his couch and furrows his brow.

What? Like you can’t get it up or something?

There’s a pause on the line, Jordayne is breathing hard wet breaths. Dante leans forward.

It.. It’s not like that dude. It’s-- um.. kinda hard to explain. Can you just come over?

So you’re like emotional? That shit happens. Just play some video games and chill.

No man, not like that. It’s--

There’s BANGING on the phone in the background. Someone’s at Jordayne’s door.

Well, What is it then?

Shit. It’s Like. My body. It feels... Softer.. I--

Jordayne’s breathing is heavier. Dante makes a face like he just smelled a fart.

Fuck that shit dude. I’m the most jacked I’ve ever been. I’m fucking hot chicks. My social media is popping off. This is what I always wanted!

BANGING again on the phone.

Just listen okay. I feel -- different. I can’t explain it but it’s fucking up my guts man. Plus the ladies, they’re crazy. Following me--

--Dude that weed you’re on makes you paranoid as fuck dude. Just play some more on your playstation and call me in the morning, okay?

Dante, listen okay. I know you’re still upset over Kristin--

Man fuck that bitch. This isn’t about her!

Dante hangs up on him.

Dante comes into the gym in his workout attire. The girl behind the front desk does a double take on how good he looks. She elbows a coworker who’s not paying attention and her head snaps up. They both SMACK on bubblegum.

Morning Dante!

Looking fit!

Thanks ladies!

Dante beeps in his gym pass.

Dante does a deep squat with a grunt. He racks the bar and winces, clutching his back. He looks at the bar with confusion, and starts to pull his shirt off his neck a little to examine where it made contact with him, but is interrupted by a swat on the butt by Rose, who’s snuck up behind him.

Something wrong cowboy? Or just tired from last night?

Dante winces, laughs it off nervously, and she gives him a wink.

Here, I’ll film your set, gotta feed the content machine.

She grabs his phone out of his front pocket with a smirk.

Dante’s phone is going off non-stop. He can barely see that he’s gotten millions of views. He’s completely overwhelmed with the attention and amount of messages.

He’s got quite a few lewds in his inbox and flicks rapidly between them.

He gets a call from Jordayne, but immediately sends it to voicemail.

What the fuck is going on?

Dante is walking into the coffee shop and gets stopped again by KELLY, who’s now with her friend AMBER (30’s spunky, heavy).

Well if it isn’t Fit Dante! Wow I didn’t expect to run into you here again.

-- You told me he comes here?

Kelly shoots her a look that could kill. Then laughs abruptly.

I guess Amber isn’t into the whole subtlety thing!

She laughs nervously.

Sorry, my girlfriend just dumped me and I’m a mess.

Yea, I get that. Sorry to hear that.

Kelly is eager to change the subject.

Hey how about we take a selfie together?

Kelly whips out her phone and they all clump together and take a pic. Kelly grabs Dante’s butt.

Smile!

Dante forces a smile. The selfie are taken.

Well, I gotta get a move on.

Kelly is excited about the picture.

You look like you’re doing amazing. Happy to see it. I know a lot of fitness influencers are coming down with some sort of weird cold right now.

Dante grabs his order and starts walking away.

Oh?

They’re all complaining like crazy too online. It’s like they’ve all gone totally soft.

Dante stops dead in his tracks. Turns around slowly.

Sorry, What?

Oh you haven’t seen? It’s all over the internet.

Dante hurries back to her as Amber flips her phone around and shows him a couple stories.

-- and then all of a sudden I just felt fragile-- -- It’s like my bones just don’t want to-- -- Started taking some new gear called GoodLife-- -- cant lift like before, and the bruises--

Dante can’t look away. These guys LOOK to be the most incredibly fit people ever, but are talking like they’re wasting away.

I think it’s just a new social movement to try and get sympathy. It’s like they’re on their periods or something. Just suck it up like women have to. Right?

Kelly is mortified by her friend, grabs her by the wrist.

Amber! You’re embarrassing me.

They scurry away. Dante is confused. Worried.

Dante is in his bathroom. He strips his shirt off gingerly and looks at himself. He’s got quite a bruise developing from the bite. And on the back of his neck, there’s a bar shaped bruise developing there too.

He absently washes his hands in the sink and recoils as he touches his palms. There’s bruising from holding weights!

Dante stares down at his hands above the running water.

The fuck?

Dante walks into his living room and looks at the box of steroids. He grabs the container for ‘the dream’ and looks it over. There’s not much written on it.

He pulls out his phone and dials Jordayne. The line rings a few times, and goes to voicemail

It’s J. Leave me a message. *BEEP*

Yo Jordayne. Uhh, sorry man, I was having a weird day yesterday. Can you call me? What’s in this dream shit man? It’s giving me bruises... Yea, Call me.

Dante walks into Silver’s gym. This time there’s four women behind the desk, all trying to look busy but obviously ogling him. Lips SMACKING on gum.

As a matter of fact, the whole gym has only women in it. Tall, short, thin, plump. All types doing their best to look busy as they’re eyeballing Dante.

They’re all watching his every move. Rose, territorial, walks briskly up to Dante.

What the hell is up with this huh? So busy here today!

She nervously laughs, then leans in to kiss him and he recoils.

Babe, Is something wrong?

I’m.. Uh. Not feeling so good today. Sick.

Oh? Not you too! Poor thing. Maybe I should put you in bed?

She seductively walks her fingers up his arm. Each touch sounds like a war drum to Dante, who panics.

He turns and reaches for the door, which slaps against his palm with an angry WHAP. He winces a bit as he leaves.

Wait!

All the women in the room act like someone is taking away their favorite toy and they instinctively reach towards him with longing, barely restraining themselves.

Dante pulls open the door to his car and sits inside. He scrolls through his social media feed, we only see Dante’s face as he realizes what’s going on.

-- Started falling out -- -- Just feel totally weak -- -- bruises, can’t-- -- was taking steroids but never thought-- -- the dream -- dream -- called the dream -- phermones -- tons of sex -- lifting -- traps and lats were huge -- the dream -- bruises -- going soft -- soft -- soft body -- completely soft

-- SOFT -- SOFT

Dante calls Jordayne, full panic, ragged, wet breaths.

It’s J. Leave me a message. *BEEP*

Dante hangs up. He tries to calm himself down. When he drives off we see the whole gym full of women are looking out at him like kids with their faces pressed against a candy shop window.

Dante stands at Jordayne’s door. He looks down at strange scratches around the handle and something blackish LEAKING from the bottom of the door and onto the DOORMAT.

Jordayne! You in there man?

No reply. Dante knocks on Jordayne’s door lightly, still winces from the contact. It swings open, already ajar.

Dante steps around the puddle of black goo, into the apartment.

Jordayne. Stop Playin’.

The door closes behind him and we see black goo handprints on the door!

The trail of slime leads off into the apartment.

This isn’t funny man. What’s in that shit you hooked me up with? It’s making my skin get all fucked up man. I got brand deals to do now man. Hot chicks to fuck. I can’t be all bruised up for them. You gotta put me right.

Dante rounds the corner into the living room, and finds the videogame system on pause, backlighting Jordayne on the couch, sitting in front of his bong.

J, what the hell is going on here man. I’m freaking out. If you don’t stop playing with me--

Dante slowly turns the corner to see Jordayne on the couch.

A BLACK GOO COVERED SKELETON. He’s literally MELTED from being so SOFT.

Fuck. FUCK! FUCK!

Dante runs out, tracking goo with him on his way out.

Dante puts the box of steroids into a trash bag and looks at his phone in the other hand, there’s a text from Rose. It says “Dinner?” He shakes his head like this is the LAST thing he wants right now.

Trash bag in hand, he opens the door and Rose is STANDING RIGHT THERE. He gasps.

Oh, did I scare you babe? Didn’t know if you got my text, so I thought I’d come by and see if you wanted to grab dinner? It might make you feel better.

He backs into the apartment, still holding the trash.

Uhh.. Sure. Let’s eat something.

Does my hunk want a manly steak? Let’s go to Vinny’s Rooftop. It’s where all the big industry people go.

She winks at him.

Uhh. Can you drive? Still not feeling one hundred.

Sure! Anything for my famous boyfriend!

Rose takes the trash from him and leans in to kiss him. He backs up.

B-- Boyfriend?

Rose rolls her eyes, smells something. She inhales deeply.

God you smell good. What is it you’re wearing?

Cologne? I didn’t put any on.

That can’t be true. Here give me a kiss.

She leans forward even more, expectantly, intimidatingly.

Shouldn’t we get going?

Fucking come on Dante. Kiss me!

He leans over and gives her a peck on the lips. It impacts him like a punch to the face. He coughs and winces.

A little bit of his lips peel off on her face. Rose licks it off her lips like it’s delicious. She makes lip smacking sounds.

Dante touches his lips, which are bleeding and chapped now.

Rose is sitting down at a table while Dante gingerly seats himself. The waiter helps him sit as he groans.

Damn. I guess you’re really not feeling well.

I’m not.

Man up Dante. Eat.

Rose counts off with her fingers the next bit.

Tonight you’re getting a beer and a steak and a blowjob tonight buddy so get ready for it.

Dante looks around, every single women in the room are doing their best not to stare at him, but many just can’t help it. They whisper to their friends. They take out their cell phones and record him.

You’re a big manly man and I know what you want baby. Just trust me.

Yea, I guess.

Their food comes. A steak is sat down in front of Dante. He stares at the knife and fork in front of him.

Meanwhile Rose has dug into a plate of ribs. She’s chewing the meat right off the bone with vigor. Chomping sounds. She notices him.

What’s wrong? Wanna jump straight to desert?

She winks and does a ‘blowjob’ pantomime with meat stuck in her teeth. Dante smiles politely and laughs it off.

Oh you like that huh?

Uh.. Let me try and eat something.

Rose has barbecue sauce on the edges of her mouth as she slurps meat off another bone.

Ugh. God these ribs are so tender. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.

Dante gingerly picks up his fork and knife and winces in pain as he saws at the steak. He manages somehow to saw a piece off it.

It’s red and bloody. He delicately puts it in his mouth.

It’s so sexy for a man to eat a bloody, raw, steak. Fuck I’m horny.

Dante smiles with the piece still in his mouth. He tries to chew it with as little pressure as possible. A single tear forms on his eye.

Yeah baby. Eat that fucking steak for me.

Dante chews with stifled revulsion as we hear the meat squish in his mouth. He gasps and spits the piece out. It’s barely chewed, but there’s a TOOTH in it.

Rose doesn’t seem to notice at all that he’s in pain. She talks loud for the whole restaurant to hear.

A real fucking man in my life for once who eats meat, lifts weights, and fucks like a god.

Dante palms his mouth horrifically. It bleeds all over his shirt, a dark black blood.

(muffled)

I-- I have to go.

He gets up with a substantial groan. The chair metallically scraping across the floor.

Wait. What about desert?

Rose SLAPS her palm at Dante’s hand as he snatches it away just in time. He starts to shamble to the exit.

EVERY SINGLE WOMAN ON THE ROOFTOP STANDS UP. They all start calling after him.

Where are you headed sweetie?

Leaving?

Dante, wait! Please, what cologne are you wearing?

He’s at the door to the restaurant. It’s a turn handle. He puts a hand on it and presses with a meaty thump.

(agony)

Augh!

The flesh of his hand is FLAKING OFF as he’s trying desperately to grip the door. He screams like he’s lifting heavy weights.

Both hands. Both hands SLIP and BLEED a dark black goo as the metal door handle CUTS into his palms with a snarling scrape.

Where are you headed sweetie?

Wait! I need you. Come back!

He finally succeeds and opens it with another grating metal on metal scrape, black bloody goo left on the handle. He starts shuffling down to the elevator, wounded.

(muffled)

HELP! HELP!

The women from the roof POUR THROUGH THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. All full of LUST and dying to get a piece of him.

Come here. Fuck me.

I’ll blow your mind.

I like it rough.

Just put it in a little bit.

He makes it to the elevator and jams the button with his back against the doors. It leaves a black bloody goo on the button as he calls the elevator over and over.

No. No. Stop. Don’t!

The women stalk over to him from the doorway, eyes wild with carnal lust and HUNGER.

DING. The elevator doors open and Dante stumbles inside.

Ladies. Please. I’m-- I just wanted to be popular, okay? But I’m just a normal guy okay? A normal boring guy.

Through the pile of women a Posh looking woman in a red dress steps forward.

You were never boring to me baby. I miss you.

You’re so smart.

And fit.

And sexual.

I-- I WANT YOU. NOW.

Rose steps into the elevator and GRABS A HUNK OF HIS FLESH with a SKLURP! She caresses it and then RUBS IT ALL OVER HER FACE with a primal yell.

I WANT YOU.

This triggers A SWARM of women who jump into the elevator, ravenous for him.

WANT. WANT!

Just before the doors close we see them descend on Dante like locusts, each grabbing a handful of black, bloody, gooey flesh and SMEARING all over their face and genitals.

DING. The elevator doors close.