Overview
Melissa is a major character in Screwdriver. She is portrayed by Milly Sanders. Melissa is Robert’s wife and a figure at Zygoprep, a biomedical start-rupt whose work is connected to the couple’s reproductive plans.
Melissa is thirty-five and appears poised, classically radiant, and controlled. Inside the house, she moves between hostess, caretaker, supervisor, and abuser as Emily becomes dependent on Robert and Melissa’s interpretation of events.
Role in the Film
Melissa approves Emily’s temporary stay, gives her a Zygoprep smoothie, manages dinners and breakfasts, and reacts sharply when Emily does not follow the household’s expected routine. She also touches Emily with increasing intimacy, including massages, face touching, a forehead kiss, and later caressing Emily at the beach.
Melissa’s work life frames much of her language and anxiety. She complains about Brianne’s mistakes, mentions Dr. Park’s volatility, refers to Zygoprep’s IPO, and discusses onboarding Tom Landen. Robert later says Melissa’s eggs were stored by the company so she could build the program and that doctors have said none are viable. Melissa rejects Robert’s account near the end of the film, saying the children are fine and only need a healthy little nest.
After Sean comes to the house, Melissa tells Emily that the incident proves something evil is present and promises to protect her. She then helps stage a private celebration for Emily. The celebration collapses after Emily admits Sean was inside. Melissa verbally attacks Emily, pours cocktail over her, returns barefoot with a frying pan, declares the house hers, and pursues Emily toward the bathroom.
Melissa later helps Robert drag Emily from the bathroom and lock her in the dark guest bedroom. The next morning, she reframes the previous night as Robert losing his temper over a spilled drink and Emily cutting herself because Melissa allowed her to drink too much vodka. Melissa’s final on-screen situation is at the beach, where Emily lies with her head in Melissa’s lap while Melissa strokes her side.