“Thunderbolt” is a gripping tale centered on John, whose life spirals after the brutal murder of his wife and daughter in a suspicious hit-and-run incident just before he retires from his role as a CIA covert operative. Struggling against suicidal thoughts and drug addiction, John’s only emotional anchor is his loyal dog, Sparky. He leans on his best friend and fellow veteran, Dave, but remains oblivious to the dark truth that he is a CIA-controlled, high-tech MK-Ultra assassin—thanks to a Nano chip implanted via an H1N1 vaccine. When a massive thunderbolt triggers a catastrophic clash between newly launched 5G communications and the MK System, John is thrust into an assassination mission with only 12 hours to unravel the truth behind the manipulation of his mind before he self-destructs. Meanwhile, the corrupt CIA Psyop Director is hell-bent on eliminating John to protect the Senator responsible for the disastrous hit. As John engages in explosive combat, methodically dismantling each termination team sent against him, he finds an ally in Michelle Dumont, a principled CIA Sysadmin who rebels against the system and aids his fight. The mobile CIA MK handlers scramble to regain control, while the Director of Homeland Security partners with the Senator to exploit the MK Systems and eliminate the fallout. The deranged scientific mastermind behind the MK technology enjoys playing a twisted mental game with John, but ultimately, Michelle steps in to bring him down. As the FBI and local police investigate the chaos, John cleverly uses the ensuing scrutiny to his advantage, thwarting his handlers’ attempts to reassert control. With his mind, body, and soul on the line, John battles not just for survival but to reclaim his identity. The situation escalates when danger closes in, forcing John and Michelle to retreat to a safe house. There, as she treats his gunshot wound, she hacks into the MK system, but this is only the beginning of a far more intricate and thrilling story.

It is a typical American thriller that combines elements of technology and suspense. It shares similarities with other films like “Blade Runner” and “Terminator.” Like those movies, “Thunderbolt” is packed with action and drama, delivering a dopamine hit on every page. One of the most captivating aspects of the script is its clarity; the story lingers in the reader’s mind long after finishing. The best part is that it is thrilling from the very beginning, rather than unfolding slowly over time. The story contains elements reminiscent of an Ian Fleming narrative and delves deeply into the reader’s psyche. As previously mentioned, it is fast-paced and impactful. However, some memorable scenes reveal John’s softer side, which differs from Ian Fleming’s iconic hero, James Bond. The technological aspects are particularly engaging, reflecting our reality in a world saturated with technology. Additionally, the story provides insight into CIA operations, offering a glimpse into their covert methods. All these elements combine to create an exciting and impactful reading experience. When a reader engages with the story, they feel captivated from the very beginning due to the quality of the writing.

“Thunderbolt” is a well-crafted script that encompasses all the elements of a great story. The writing is fresh and engaging, telling the tale of an agent navigating the modern world. Anyone who follows the news will find it relatable. The narrative flows smoothly, like a river during the monsoon season, with each page featuring exciting moments. The writer, Rick Zingale, demonstrates a strong command of screenwriting techniques, which is evident in his work. He knows how to tell a compelling story, and he has done an excellent job here. Moreover, the story has universal appeal, making it accessible to people of all ages.

It’s important to recognize that if Thunderbolt secures a director, it has the potential to be an exciting film. The script contains all the elements of a box-office hit, and the audience will likely enjoy it if it is brought to life. Additionally, it’s fascinating to learn why someone like Rick has created a story like Thunderbolt. This project is his passion, nurtured over five years, making it a true labour of love. As a script reviewer, I’m pleased to rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Like many others, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see this story on the big screen.