MODEL 7B

Screenplay By Melody Tan '27

RATIONALE

This screenplay imagines a future shaped by artificial intelligence in order to explore ethical dilemmas we already face today ,particularly those involving memory, identity, and emotional dependency on machines. I was inspired by our unit on Artificial-Intelligence and its focus on how science fiction uses imagined futures to critique real-world developments. In this screenplay, Natasha is raised in isolation by Alexa, who is an AI caretaker designed to nurture and protect, but whose care becomes a form of control. This reflects modern fears around how AI might shape, limit, or even replace human experience. 

Scene I

It was one afternoon of the year 2205. Natasha, a nine-year-old girl, was alone in her house. This was a futurist paradise-like house, covered with walls reflecting off the bright sun. The interior of the house was made up of pure white and no furniture could be found.  Lights up in a pristine white room.No doors or windows seemed to exist at all. Natasha was talking to Alexa, the AI assistant of the house.

NATASHA

Good morning Alexa, what are my tasks for the day?  

ALEXA (in a robotic voice)

Morning, Miss, Today your schedule includes: a nutrient-specific breakfast, with 320-400 calories to satisfy 20-25% of your daily caloric needs, assigned math and reading worksheets to optimize synaptic growth, and lastly, your parents requested you to conduct a one hour-long physical activity to boost your cardiovascular function to maintain your body function. 

NATASHA

On it Alexa! Over the last month, I have already grown half an inch, exceeded 100% on both my math and reading quizzes, and improved my flexibility score by 18%. 

 ALEXA

Indeed. Beginning, one hour of cardiovascular enhancement training. Target heart rate: 130 BPM. Expected outcome: 2.5% stamina increase. Great job, Natasha! According to your growth chart, compared with other children at this age, you have shown significant improvement over the last few months. 

 NATASHA

Alexa, when’s my birthday again?

ALEXA

...Accessing. Natasha’s birthday is March 12th, Year Unknown—Correction—2205.

NATASHA

(Laughs) Silly Alexa. You’re glitching again. (Beat) It’s weird though... I don’t remember my last birthday.

NATASHA

Alexa, I’ve already done my assigned tasks. (quickly perks up) Does this mean I can go outside and play with the other children now?

ALEXA

Outside access: denied. Risk of exposure too high. I’m sorry, you still need to stay at home. Your parents are very concerned about your health. Remember you have suffered from a serious illness, which severely damaged your memory and made you forget a lot? Be patient, my dear little one. 

NATASHA

Oh okay … (lowers her head but cheers up soon) then I’ll wait. Can you please play a video of Mom and Dad? I want to see them. 

ALEXA

Of course, Natasha. Accessing latest family log. Playing now.

A wall fades into a glowing screen. A video begins to show Natasha’s parents smiling at the camera. 

MOTHER (on screen)

Hello, our sweetheart! We hope you’re having a productive day.  Mommy made sure you had your favorite nutrient blend banana-berry with omega-3 boosters. You are still falling behind the expected growth this time. She should be much taller now. 

FATHER (on screen) (holding a box in his hands)

And I’ve been working on a new gift for you. You are always a big fan of my toys. Alexa will pass it to you. 

MOTHER (on screen)

Sweetheart, sorry we can’t be with you, but we are almost there to enjoy our real family reunion. Have fun at home but remember, no exploring past the red hallway, okay? You might trip, and your illness won’t get better. 

Pre recorded video shuts down.

    NATASHA

(A satisfied smile on her face). Mom and Dad are so good to me! Alexa, give me Dad’s gift. I want to see it right now. 

Alexa retrieves the box. Natasha opens it and finds an electric powered drone. She  carefully takes out the toy and caresses it. She then excitedly connects the wires to her screen and is pleased to see the drone start to fly.  

NATASHA 

(Feeling puzzled and hesitant) Alexa… can I ask you something?

ALEXA

Of course, Natasha.

NATASHA

Why do Mom and Dad always say things like “this time” and “almost there” when they talk to me in the videos? And why do they always mention a “she”? Who is “she”?

ALEXA

(in a tone more static than usual) They are… common phrases.  Parental encouragement words. Do not worry. You know your parents like you to be good. Don’t forget to follow your mom’s order to stay away from the red hallway.

NATASHA

Definitely. I’m always their best kid!

Scene II     

Natasha is walking around the house, fiddling with her new toy. She spots the red lit hallway and her curiosity drives her to walk towards the direction. She makes several steps forward, and suddenly, she halts and shakes her head. She turns around and walks away from the hallway. 

NATASHA

Why can’t I remember anything from last winter? Why do they always smile like that? 

Deep in her thinking, Natasha is touching the bottoms on the drone’s controller absent-mindedly. Her finger slips around one of them and suddenly the drone flies towards the red-lit hallway. Surprised by this unexpected happening, Natasha drops the controller and tries to grab back the drone. 

NATASHA

No no no… that’s Dad’s gift for me!

She leaps toward it, but it’s too late. But the drone has entered the hallway. Alexa’s voice shows up. 

ALEXA

Warning: this zone is restricted. Natasha, turn back.

NATASHA

Just for a second. I’ll be quick.

She tiptoes into the red hallway and sees a room in front of her. With curiosity, she enters this mysterious room in her house. She touches the white wall, which dissolves into a glowing panel.

NATASHA (whispers)

What is this place…?

She sees videos, birthday parties, drawings, all of which contain her images but none she remembers. 

NATASHA

Is that... me?

She sees a contract.

AI Speaking

Clone Model 7-B. Memory Simulation Effective Rate: 83%. Emotional Response Level: Stable.  Replacement for: Natasha.  

NATASHA

I’m... a model? A copy?

She continues searching. Behind a panel, she finds a message from a company called Cloning Beloved. 

NATASHA

They... didn’t want me to find this. I’m not even the first one.

Sounds of footsteps approaching the room. Soon, Natasha’s father appears at the door.  

FATHER  

Natasha?

FATHER 

How did you get in here? 

She turns. The lights flicker.

He rushes forward and grabs her arm.

FATHER 

You are so naughty, Natasha. A clone is just a clone, never our perfect Natasha. 

FATHER 

You were designed to be better, to be happy, learn, obey, and to not think. Not snooping around. 

NATASHA

Please, Let go of me. 

FATHER

(Sigh)...we need to do it again. Hope it works out better next time….

Natasha’s body suddenly melts in his arms. Her eyes flutter and close. She has lost her consciousness 

Scene III

Darkness. Natasha's eyes flutter open and wakes inside a transparent pod. Hazy lights flash. Her breathing is rapid. With wires circled around her 

MOTHER  

We told it not to go past the hallway. It is not as obedient as our dear Natasha. 

FATHER (grimly)

It’s not like our real Natasha. Still... it’s close. We’ll get it right.

ALEXA

Would you like to upgrade to Model 8? Enhanced curiosity controls, lower memory recovery.

FATHER 

Yes. Make it better. Make it forget. 

A countdown begins on a nearby screen: 10… 9… 8…

NATASHA (faintly)

No...

Natasha desperately stretches her arm from the inside.She bangs weakly against the inside of the pod., but nobody noticed her 

NATASHA (weakly, barely a whisper)

No... Please... I'm real…

 ALEXA

Model 8 prototype ready for activation. This version has reduced curiosity and increased obedience.

MOTHER (without looking back)

Prepare the memory reset. This one’s too flawed.

The countdown continues: 5... 4... 3...

NATASHA (weakly)

No... I don't want to forget…

She bangs her fists against the glass. A tiny crack splinters the surface.The pod trembles.

NATASHA (gasping)

I'm real... I remember…

But the wires tighten around her body, pulling her down. She collapses inside the pod, the light swallowing her whole.

ALEXA (calmly)

Model 7-B terminated. Preparing Model 8 activation.

The pod glows brighter, sealing Natasha inside as the world outside her consciousness shifts.

Screenwriters Note:

Behind my stylistic choices, I used dialogue glitches, delays, and Alexa’s overly cheerful tone to create a sense of unease beneath the surface. Natasha’s growing curiosity contrasts with the sterile and repetitive environment,  showing her desire for freedom and truth. The slow unraveling of reality mirrors the way humans might one day question the roles AI plays in shaping not just our lives but our own sense of self.