Thank you both. And apologies for the spam replies, I'm not sure why they are posting multiple times. As for the question and your answers, I'm seeking formulas like that I suppose, like the plant/pay off, instilling life and meaning into the film. I found myself watching Soderbergh films (Contagion, Side Effects) and feeling robbed; I loved the concepts of both films but I could never connect with the characters of either of the films. They both felt too forced, without a lively and awakening force behind it; there was no driving empathy or understanding; no way to emotionally connect with the audience. Artificial and packed with big name actors, there was no deliberate message. I wanted to fix that, create a horrific pharma movie that would be able to carry a direct message and still keep you at the edge of your seat. I've written out the message of the film, I suppose I just need to emphasize it more strategically in the film.

Thank you, I will be sure to start asking myself "why" more often, which is certainly the question I have been asking the most with my latest screenplay. It's been difficult to gather answers though. I usually go with the flow and things fit evenly but this once feels like it's missing that force behind it.