Add another YA novel to the growing list of books studios are planning on adapting for the big screen. Contantin Film (the production company the produced ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,’ ‘Resident Evil’ films, and ‘The Three Musketeers’ to name a few) has acquired the rights to adapt Neal Shusterman’s ‘Unwind’ into a feature film.
Published in 2007, ‘Unwind’ takes place after a second Civil War occurs in the US over the fight on abortion. What came out of it was a new law where no life can be taken until the age of 13. Once the child reaches 13 years old and up until 17 years of age, their parent or guardian can then decide if they want to “unwind” the child, a process where their vital organs are removed and donated to others. This ensures that the child doesn’t “technically” die as all his/her organs are transplanted to various recipients. This was also an acceptable way for society to handle troublesome or unwanted teens.
Here’s the official synopsis of the book:
Connor’s parents want to be rid of him because he’s a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev’s unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family’s strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can’t be harmed — but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.
In Unwind, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award winner Neal Shusterman challenges readers’ ideas about life — not just where life begins, and where it ends, but what it truly means to be alive.”
The novel has won many awards and was picked up as one of ALA Best Books for Young Adults. A sequel to ‘Unwind’ was released in August called ‘Unwholly” and a third installment is already in the works.
The premise is reminiscent of ‘Logan’s Run’ (where those who reach 30 are lawfully and duty bound to commit suicide under the guise of the Carousel) but with a more angle to it. The plot is very captivating and hits a nerve with its political, ethical and social themes. If done well, this film can easily become the first of a franchise!
You can check out a fan made trailer for ‘Unwind’ as well as see Shusterman discussing his novel below.
At the moment, no screenwriter or director has been attached yet. The film is slated for a 2014 release.
Source: THR
