Scratched

Scratched begins with Liam, a young man in his early twenties, struggling to find motivation as he's stuck at home with his boyfriend Devin due to a global pandemic. The couple is trying to stay positive and occupied, but the days are blending together as they grow restless and desperate for something, anything, to break the monotony. Liam is frustrated with the lack of human interaction and the endless cycle of boredom that has become their daily routine. On the other hand, Devin seems more optimistic, trying to find ways to keep them entertained throughout the long, isolating days. Their conversation and body language expose the cracks in their relationship as Liam is visibly irritable and withdrawn, which makes Devin more determined to find something to spark some excitement. Their conversations frequently devolve into bickering, revealing deeper issues in their relationship. Devin brings up a seemingly out-of-the-blue idea, suggesting they use a Ouija board, a device typically associated with communicating with the supernatural or spirits. At first, it seems like a wild, impulsive decision, but Devin is persistent, and his enthusiasm begins to rub off on Liam. Devin explains that a Ouija board is a popular party game, and he claims that it will be fun. Liam hesitates, his initial resistance giving way to a faint glimmer of excitement as Devin's passion for the idea starts to win him over. This sudden spark of enthusiasm marks a turning point in their relationship, highlighting the differences in their personalities and approaches to handling the difficult situation they're in. Liam is more serious and analytical, while Devin is more spontaneous and open to unconventional ideas. As they decide to give the Ouija board a try, Devin retrieves it from the attic of their home, producing the dusty, eerie device that seems frozen in time. They place candles around them, creating an intimate, mystical atmosphere as they settle in for their impromptu seance. Devin leads the way, demonstrating the use of the board and explaining the rules of communication. The atmosphere starts to shift as Liam, who was initially hesitant, becomes more engaged, and their mood shifts towards anticipation. Their fingers graze the board as they attempt to contact some kind of spirit or entity. Liam's skepticism gradually gives way to curiosity, and the Ouija board becomes an instrument for them to explore the unknown, tapping into the realm of the supernatural in a bid to alleviate the monotony of their lockdown situation. As they communicate, it becomes clear that the device is having a profound impact on their relationship, allowing them to confront their differences and engage with each other in a more profound, intense manner. However, their newfound sense of connection and excitement is shattered when an unexplained message starts appearing on the board. The words are cryptic, referring to a mysterious 'scratched name' and hinting at some dark, malevolent presence lurking in the shadows. The atmosphere in the room rapidly shifts, and their initial thrill gives way to a creeping sense of dread as they begin to suspect that the Ouija board is more than just a simple game. Liam's skepticism resurfaces, and he starts to wonder if they've made a terrible mistake by unleashing forces beyond their control. As the strange occurrences escalate, Liam becomes increasingly withdrawn, overwhelmed by a growing sense of fear and unease. Devin, now more than ever, clings to his fascination with the Ouija board, convinced that they've just scratched the surface of something profound and supernatural. Their relationship reaches a breaking point as they grapple with the mysterious happenings around them. The house starts to creak, and they hear footsteps, disembodied voices, and mysterious whispers, adding to their sense of desperation. Tensions between them rise as they begin to suspect that something might indeed be watching them, and their differences are now amplified by a deep-seated fear for their safety and sanity. In the midst of the chaos, they discover a dark family secret that had been kept hidden for a long time, revealing that their home itself might be haunted. As the mysterious occurrences intensify and become more terrifying, Liam and Devin realize that they've unleashed a malevolent force that threatens to consume their lives. Their attempts to comprehend what is happening result in further isolation from the world outside their home. As the situation spirals out of control, they're forced to confront the darker aspects of their relationship and question whether their love can withstand the immense pressure that's building up around them.