Macherus

2011, 2 minutes

Modern day version of Salome

2014: Maverick MP Hamish Fox is rallying support for the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence, riding a wave of patriotism, fuelled by the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Controversial church leader, the Rev. Jo Baptiste, is widely regarded as the conscience to the nation. He is unpopular with many groups but nevertheless greatly respected and has spoken publicly about the questionable morals of Fox, and especially his wife Sasha. Embarrassing news headlines are threatening to derail their political campaign as Sasha’s sordid past is progressively exposed. A telephone call is made and Baptiste’s taxi is intercepted and taken to ‘Macherus’, an empty warehouse. Meanwhile, a surprise birthday party is taking place for Fox where his step-daughter, Layla performs a sexy dance as part of the night’s glamorous entertainment. Fuelled by alcohol, consumed with lust and manipulated by his wife, Fox offers Layla anything she desires. Layla consults with her mother who alarms her by suggesting that her dark secret might soon be exposed and the family further disgraced. An anxious Layla asks Fox that Baptiste might permanently ‘disappear’. The following day an envelope is delivered to Fox’s home, which contains a graphic photograph of Baptiste - found hanged.