TANKED

A feature film written by Kerry Drumm

Development Script Reading — completed

A rehearsed development script reading of Tanked was held as part of the film’s early development.
The project remains in active development and this page documents that process.

Why this story

I believe in this script because it comes from a place of lived experience and close observation. Tanked is about grief, love, and survival inside a military family — not the spectacle of war, but the quiet aftermath that settles into kitchens, bedrooms, and friendships.

This is a story about what happens when people are doing their best, and it still isn’t enough. It’s honest, uncomfortable at times, and rooted in care. I wanted to hear it out loud, in a room, because that’s where I believe this story belongs

The film

Tanked follows Jackie, a mother living on a military base after the death of her son and the return of her husband from active service. As the family struggles to reconnect, the film moves through moments of humour, tenderness, conflict, and collapse — tracing how grief reshapes marriage, parenthood, and friendship.

The screenplay balances raw emotion with warmth and dark humour, grounded in character and lived experience.

Development to date

• Feature-length screenplay completed
• Development script reading held
• Follow-up industry conversations and meetings
• Project in active development

This wasn’t a closed exercise — it was an open act of belief in the work.

Script reading cast (with thanks)

The development reading featured performances by:

• Katrina Mathers: Jackie
• Richard Cawthorne: Tom 
• Abbie McLeish: Sally Ewen Gorman Deeble: Dan
• Eliza Matengu: Drona | Military Doctor
• Tim Constantine: Jake | Dan’s Mate #1 | Inspector 
• Ruby Duncan: Polly | Counsellor 
• Justin Hosking: Padre | Dan’s Mate #2 |Billy |Joe 
• Reschelle O’Connor: Belle | Co-worker #1
• Liam O’Kane: Alex | Officer | Rob 
• Rhiannon Langeberg: Lou | Stella | Co-worker #2

With thanks to the cast for their contribution to the development of the film.

Interested in the project

I’m keen for Tanked to continue its journey and to connect with producers, directors, and collaborators who respond to the story.

If you’d like to read the screenplay or discuss the project, please get in touch.

[ Contact ]