Project update on possible summary

Now that I’ve settled on the general tone and genre for my project, I can start shaping the plot. I want to create a story that blends melancholic introspection with a sense of mystery—something that feels both intimate and surreal. This will definitely be a challenge for me, as I usually lean toward more straightforward narratives, but I think pushing myself into something more experimental will make for a stronger, more immersive piece.  

At its core, I want this to be a story about self-discovery, framed within a journey that feels just slightly off-kilter—like reality isn’t quite as stable as it seems. I’m drawn to the idea of a character on a trip, either alone or with a companion, where the places they visit seem to reflect their internal struggles. Not in an ominous or thriller-like way, but in a way that makes them question their own perceptions and memories.  

I know I want to incorporate an element of mystery, but not one centered on crime or danger. Instead, I want the mystery to be more personal—maybe a character searching for something they’ve lost, or following a trail of seemingly insignificant clues that lead them somewhere unexpected. Perhaps they keep encountering the same stranger in different places, or objects seem to appear before they even realize they need them. Maybe the journey itself isn’t linear, and time or space shifts subtly, forcing them to confront something they’ve been avoiding.  

There’s also something compelling about the idea of traveling to unfamiliar places and realizing they feel strangely familiar—like déjà vu, but deeper. I think I want to play with that sense of nostalgia for something the character can’t quite name.  

This concept gives me a lot of room to experiment with visuals—using framing, lighting, and movement to create a dreamlike quality without fully detaching from reality. I want to explore how the environment can act as both a setting and a reflection of the character’s emotional state.  

Now that I have a foundation, my next step is to map out the specifics: Who is my protagonist? What exactly are they searching for? And how does their journey—both external and internal—unfold? I’m excited to dive deeper into these questions and see where this story takes me.

Also inspired by my trip :)