A Reason (2014) Movie Script
(ambient, melodic, MUSIC
begins to play)
(somber VIOLIN sets in)
SERENA:
Do you think Mom would
approve of this?
NATHAN:
Probably not.
but then again do we approve of
what she thinks?
NATHAN (O.S):
Are you ready to go in?
NATHAN:
Come on. Let's do
this. Just...
You'll see...
Once we're in there it's all
gonna be easier.
SERENA:
I can't do this.
NATHAN:
Serena...
Come on.
It's time.
(musical TONE begins,
CHIMES rise)
BIANCA:
Oh, Nathan! Serena!
Finally!
We thought you'd never
arrive!
NATHAN:
Oh, it was such a long drive up
the coast and traffic...
Well, Serena? How you... um...
how are um... how you...
Come here.
Come in, guys.
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene hasn't been feeling
well all day. You know how
sensitive she is to visitors.
We arrived last night and I
think that was already
too much for her.
Chris can't wait to
see you guys.
CHRIS:
Hey you guys!
NATHAN:
Hey big bro!
CHRIS:
What took you so long?
What's up, man?
NATHAN:
Hey.
SERENA:
Hi.
CHRIS:
Munchkins.
So, um, listen Aunt Irene
isn't feeling well--
BIANCA:
I already told them.
CHRIS:
Oh. Ok, well...
she's in the living room, I
gotta...
BIANCA:
Before we go in, would
you mind covering... you know...
SERENA:
No, I don't know...
NATHAN:
You can't even see her
tattoos.
BIANCA:
That's not what I'm talking
about. I'm talking about
those...
NATHAN:
You can't be serious!
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene is a different
generation.
NATHAN:
So suicide was more
acceptable today then it was
back then?
BIANCA:
Please, I'd like to keep
the peace.
Let's not make this difficult.
She doesn't know.
Thank you.
Thank you.
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene?
AUNT IRENE:
Yes dear?
They're here.
They're here.
Nathan! Nathan!
NATHAN:
Hi!
NATHAN:
How are ya?
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene?
AUNT IRENE:
Yes dear?
BIANCA:
Serena came with him...
AUNT IRENE:
Well...
My, my, my.
I can see that.
How tall you've grown.
Just like your mother.
You do look an awful lot
like your mother.
I'm...I'm sure you
would like to unpack.
NATHAN:
Come on, Serena.
SERENA:
I'm not unpacking.
I'm not staying here.
NATHAN:
Pull yourself together.
SERENA:
I came here for you.
NATHAN:
Don't be so fucking
ungrateful!
You know what this means to us.
If Aunt Irene gets upset,
it's over.
It all just seems so wrong.
Do you know how long
she'll live?
No, neither do you!
The doctors are giving her
2 months.
She looks fine to me.
She's not fine!
Pancreatic cancer is a bitch.
This is our chance!
Well, at least you're not gonna
be short on clothes for the
funeral.
BIANCA:
They're taking an awfully long
time to come down.
CHRIS:
Well, would you be eager
to be here if you were them?
I just don't want them
to upset her. They can ruin
everything.
CHRIS (O.S.):
Ruin what?
Nothing.
Bianca... don't go down
that road.
BIANCA:
What road?
CHRIS:
You know what I'm
talking about...
I just don't want her
to think that the only reason
we're here is --
AUNT IRENE:
Oh...
Don't mind me.
Can you please be more careful?
I'm sorry.
She's like a grandmother
to me.
But she isn't, is she?
So, raising my mom
doesn't count?
Yes, of course...
and throwing her out and banning
her from the family like she's
not a person, counts too...
Look you don't understand her
generation or the circumstances,
so don't judge her for
something you know nothing
about.
AUNT IRENE:
Hmm... Blackie, what do you
think? What do you think? Hm?
You're not the only animal in
the family now.
Now we have vultures, yeah,
vultures. Hm.
NATHAN:
Did you see how fuckin'
stupid Bianca looked at you?
She's such a fucking kiss-ass.
Oh, Aunt Irene...!
And then she had the nerve to
agree with her on you looking
like Mom?
What the fuck?
SERENA:
Yeah.
NATHAN:
I don't know why Chris married
her.
I wouldn't hit that shit if
you paid me.
Would you?
Just think about last time when
she was all in your face about
not wanting kids. Remember?
She was all in your face.
Now don't just stand
there like that.
Why are you
standing like that?
I don't know.
Cause you look like a
fuckin' freak right now.
I'm sorry.
Pull yourself together,
will ya?
One day, I'm... I'm
just gonna... I'm just gonna
tell her, ya know.
Ya know, I'm just gonna grab her
and I'm just gonna...
(DOOR CLOSES)
Anyway.
BIANCA:
May I come in?
AUNT IRENE:
Yes, you may.
Leg massage?
I won't say "no" to that.
Nathan looks great,
don't you think?
Yes, dear.
Serena on the other hand...
No, dear.
It's shocking how much she looks
like her mother, isn't it?
Hmm, frankly, I was
shocked by that. Yes.
I'm not sure what she
does these days.
I think she's playing the
drums or something like that.
Oh, Well...
Some people have to make a lot
of noise to be heard.
I have a lot of confidence that
Nathan is going to be quite
successful.
Who knows, one day he might even
do as well as Chris.
Now, you and Chris are
wonderful.
It's not easy
to live up to that.
Aww, thanks. Thanks, Aunt
Irene.
AUNT IRENE:
Well, thank you.
So...tell me. When are you
planning on having your next
baby?
Um, uh...well...
we're...we're not sure at
the moment.
What do you mean
you're not sure?
Aren't you trying?
Well... We're definitely
thinking of the possibility of--
The possibility?
I really hope that your having
another baby is not just a
possibility.
You are the only one
to carry on the family line.
It would break my heart if
you...
...Agh!
Oh.
Oh, please, don't get upset,
Aunt Irene. It's not good for
you.
Let me get you
something to drink.
GEORGE:
How are you, man?
CHRIS:
Fine...man. I'm
fine.
CHRIS:
Fine...man. I'm
fine.
GEORGE:
Is that you?
Yeah.
Doesn't look
like you at all.
Then why did you ask if it
was me?
You were looking at it.
Would you excuse us?
GEORGE:
Oh, yeah, sure. No
problem, man.
CHRIS:
Thanks, man.
SERENA:
It was all such a long
time ago.
CHRIS:
Yeah.
I was just thinking,
Mom and I used to hold hands and
walk down this path.
What I would give to have her
here now, right?
SERENA:
She wouldn't give.
True.
Very true.
I keep forgetting how hard this
must be for her.
SERENA:
Her tree is still there.
CHRIS:
Yeah, I saw that.
I'm surprised that Aunt Irene
hasn't just hacked it to
pieces yet.
SERENA:
Listen, Chris...
I know that Bianca hates me
but I'm really glad that we
don't have that drama
between us.
CHRIS:
One less, huh?
Hey, Bianca doesn't hate you,
alright? You guys, you don't
know each other well enough.
How are you doing?
I mean...really? Are you
recovering?
SERENA:
I'm doing a lot better.
Thanks for having the guts
to ask me that question.
Sometimes it's...
It's hard for people to know how
to deal with this stuff.
I bet.
Look, everyone blames
themselves if it goes wrong
but if...
you know, everything turns
out okay, then...
people don't even
really wanna talk about it.
If it goes right,
you mean...
Come on, Serena. Did you...
Did you really want to die that
badly?
I didn't wanna die at all.
Then why?
Because...
I also didn't wanna live.
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene has asked everyone to
come up to the living room.
SERENA:
Why?
No one knows, but I have
a hunch.
NATHAN:
Aunt Irene wants to see us!
CHRIS:
We know. We're coming.
NATHAN:
What the fuck's going on?
SERENA:
I don't know.
NATHAN:
Maybe that bitchy old hag's
finally made her decision.
Thank you everyone for
coming.
I don't want to make this more
awkward than it has to be,
but there are some things
that you need to know
and I thought this was the best
way to do it.
Lester, why don't start.
You introduce yourself.
LESTER:
Well, first of all...
I solemnly would like to
welcome everyone.
AUNT IRENE:
Lester...
Let's not make this too
official.
As you wish.
My name is Lester Milford
and I'm Ms. Hilgrim's
executor of will.
NATHAN:
Will? As...as in...
her testament?
Yes.
NATHAN:
Sorry, I...I just wanted
to make sure I understood.
LESTER:
Irene has been so kind as...
to give me this great
responsibility to share with all
of you, which of course,
is an extreme honor --
Lester! Please.
The short version.
The short version.
Of course.
The estate and all
assets...
as well as all savings
of Ms. Irene Hilgrim...
shall be split equally...
...amongst all of you.
Amongst all of us?
That is correct.
Such a wise decision!
Yes... yes!
Such...such a wise decision.
Ah, well...
Everything you need to know
you've just heard.
There isn't
anything else to say.
So, let's all go about our
day, shall we?
Lester...
NATHAN:
What a fucking cunt!
What a...Ugh! Fucking, fuck!
Calm down, Nathan.
NATHAN:
She did this on purpose!
Why else would she
include Bianca!
She isn't a part of our family
just cause she married Chris!
She has no right!
Her part belongs to
me... and to you!
You should be the maddest!
Remember how she treated you
last time?
Remember?
Yes, I remember.
NATHAN:
I just hate her!
We shouldn't have to share
anything with her!
SERENA:
It's just a house.
NATHAN:
Just a house?
Have you
completely lost your mind?
You're not starting with that
whole
"I'm a punk, I'm
non-materialistic,
I need to go back to the clinic"
attitudes again, are you?
No... not at all.
I'm just saying that there's
enough left over for
the rest of us.
Serena...
You disappoint me.
You don't have my back.
Everyone back-stabs me and now
you.
You of all people don't
see what this is doing to me?
She is doing this because she
hates me!
And you have the nerve to say
that this is just a house?
You're the only one here that
understands me and...and now --
SERENA:
No! I get it! I get it. I
really do.
I see where you're
coming from.
I agree.
She's awful.
I'm on your side, Nathan.
I'm always on your side.
You know that, right?
If you of all people...
No, I totally get it. I
totally see it now...
She's trying to hurt you,
because she hates you.
Right? You see it!
Of course I see it.
It's horrible! I'm so sorry.
Thank you, Serena.
You're the only one who's on
my side.
We can't trust anyone else.
It's just us.
I know.
It's just us....
BIANCA:
Ahhh!
CHRIS:
Shhh... I don't want
anyone to hear us.
BIANCA:
I do.
BIANCA:
Ahhh!
CHRIS:
What are you doing? What
is wrong with you?
It's not proper, is it?
No.
Especially not in
this house.
Somebody probably heard us.
Do you know how embarrassing
that is?
Oh, Aunt Irene's probably
loving it.
What?
She brought up the baby
issue again.
You're ungrateful.
Do you know that?
She just shared everything
she had with you!
Everything she had.
She's still alive, you know.
Look, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean it like that
It shows how you think.
Do you know what I think?
I think, I don't want
any of her money.
Are...Are you thinking only
of yourself?
If you don't want
it, fine, but what...
what about Stefanie?
What if we decide
to have another baby?
Exactly!
That's why she
included me in her will.
She wants to bribe me.
to bare another child unto
your fucking clan.
Honey, you're irrational.
Don't you wish.
Enjoying the pool I see.
Yes.
I love it. Thank you.
It's amazing!
Come sit with me
when you're done.
Of course.
AUNT IRENE:
Is there a problem?
SERENA:
No.
Not at all.
When your mother was a
little girl she always liked to
swim here just like you.
I was watching you from my
window and just for a second I
thought...
she's returned.
Some people just hurt you.
and sometimes they
are your own.
Doesn't matter how much you try
to please them, to understand
them,
try to give them
everything they want...
they still don't love you back.
I know that Mom loves you
very much...
and misses you a lot.
If she loved me she
wouldn't have disappeared with
some lousy, low-class,
bastard like your father.
Yes? Is there something
you wanna say?
No...
Not at all.
Now Chris' father...
he was a true, true gentleman.
And he knew how to handle your
mother and handle her right.
It's such a priviledge to
marry into that family.
Chris' father was a direct
descendant of a British count.
You know?
You don't give that up...
you don't just throw
that away
to lust after some
white-trash pseudo musician.
She loves Dad a lot.
And I do too...
Speaking of love...
I hear you have
a girlfriend, not a boyfriend?
Who told you that?
That's because of your
father, isn't it?
What?
Yeah, just...just wondering.
I just heard someone
calling me from the house.
Oh, I don't hear anyone.
SERENA:
Yeah. I did. I'm sorry.
I...I'll be back.
Hey, hey, hey, what
happened?
Aunt Irene is the biggest
bitch I've ever met.
If she wasn't dying, I --
What? Whoa, whoa,
what did she do?
She started talking shit
about my dad
and then implied that I'm a
Lesbian because of him!
Because of your father?
Yeah, I didn't get it either.
She's full of shit!
Shit just fucking comes out of
her mouth.
Hey, watch your fucking
language, Missy!
Look. She's old and
she's bitter, okay?
She doesn't have a clue how
these things work, just...
be the bigger
person and let it go.
CHRIS:
Alright?
Shit.
shit, shit, shit, shit, shit,
shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
Woah!
It's just me! No
ghost or anything.
What's for dinner?
Soup.
What kinda soup?
Chicken soup.
Chicken soup.
okay...
You know what surprises me?
It surprises me that Aunt Irene
has taken such a liking to you
that she would include you
in her will.
So, lemme get this
straight.
You come here, while I'm busy
cooking for all of you
and you accuse me of being a
damn legacy hunter?
Shame on you,
Nathan. Shame on you.
You know...
your Swedish accent
comes out when you're angry...
(in SWEDISH) Eat that!
CHRIS:
There's no way!
AUNT IRENE:
No, I'm...I'm telling you this.
So then he says to me, "well,
my lady, if that's the way you
see it,
I will excuse myself and learn
to masterfully satisfy your
roses!
I'm sure he just means well.
Oh, I'm sure he does.
But George is certainly the
strangest gardener I ever had.
Listen, I wanted to tell you
that um...
it made me really happy that you
included Bianca in your will.
And it made me even happier
that you included Serena.
That, hmm, that took
a lot of soul searching for me.
You know I love your father, but
hers...that...
low class, uneducated, you
know, white trash--
Okay, hold on. At least he
doesn't use Mom as a punching
bag like mine did...
AUNT IRENE:
I never believed that!
That was her excuse for leaving
and running off with this...
...Man...
Thank you very much,
dear, this, "man".
Anyway, it was a very difficult
decision to include Serena
and Nathan for that matter
because they are their
father's children.
but you know, it was easier with
Nathan, because he is a good
kid.
He comes to visit me, you know
and he sends me cards
and calls me at Christmas and on
my Birthday.
But Serena...
never made any effort, you know.
It was the right decision.
I feel good about it, yeah.
Good.
And you know that Serena is not
a Lesbian because of her father.
Well, you know...
I don't know anything about
things like that
and I don't care.
CHRIS:
Uh-huh, well...
I'm just telling you.
Well, thank you for teaching
this old fox a few new things
about love, my dear.
CHRIS:
It's my pleasure.
Mom's doing well by the way.
Ah, do you...do you hear
somebody calling from the house?
CHRIS:
No, I didn't hear anything.
Oh, I think I hear
somebody calling.
I just learned
that from little Serena.
I love you, you old fox.
Well, never mind.
NATHAN:
Serena?
SERENA:
Hmmm?
You know I wonder how
much it actually comes out to.
Well, if we split the estate
four ways and her savings
I don't think there's much
left for anyone.
I'm thinking about talking to
Lester Milford to find out more
details.
If splitting everything four
ways severely decreases our
inheritance,
I think it's time for some
action.
Bianca for instance--
Bianca isn't the
problem, Nathan.
NATHAN:
Of course she is! Do the
fucking math!
SERENA:
I don't want anything
from Aunt Irene anyway.
Now listen up!
Do you have any idea what this
money could mean to us?
Bianca's portion won't
make that much of a difference.
That's what I'm trying
to find out.
Why don't you just ask
Aunt Irene directly?
NATHAN:
Have you lost your mind?
Oh, yeah, that's right.
You just spent the last month
in an insane asylum.
Don't do this, Nathan.
Well, you're not stable.
I keep forgetting.
Have you talked to Doctor
Phillips yet today?
No, not today.
You know you're supposed
to call him every day.
Yes, I will.
I'm the one in charge of you.
I'm the only one on your side.
I can't let you slide back --
SERENA:
I will call him right
now.
Good.
Remember... you're
still not yourself.
You think you might be,
but you're not.
You've proven how good you are
at making your own decisions.
If it weren't for me, you'd be
in a coffin right now.
AUNT IRENE:
Hmmm.
This tastes wonderful. What type
of soup is this, Bianca?
It's chicken.
Tastes like onion.
It's just delicious.
Aw, thanks, Aunt Irene.
Thank you, Aunt Irene.
Excuse me, Nathan...
is there something you'd
like to say?
No.
Nothing.
What?
AUNT IRENE:
So...
Serena...
what is that girlfriend
of yours like?
Did I mention what's
for dessert?
CHRIS:
Uh, no... but we can't
wait to hear about it, honey.
It's a very special treat.
Onion pie?
Mousse au Chocolat.
Huh!
Aw, my favorite! Oh,
my dear. How lovely!
Nathan...now it seems to me that
you have something to say.
I'll let you know when I have
something to say, how's that?
Sounds like a plan.
Did I miss something?
Oh, no, Aunt Irene.
Everything is just fine.
Will you excuse me a moment.
(Intense, deep PIANO swells)
SERENA:
They don't have the
power over you.
Don't give them power over you.
Don't give them the power
over you.
Don't give them the power
over you.
They have
no power over you.
They have
no power over you.
They have no power over you.
(PIANO swells,
VIOLINS rise to crescendo...)
(KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK)
BIANCA (O.S.):
Serena?
Are you in there?
SERENA:
Yes.
BIANCA (O.S.):
Are you ok?
SERENA:
Yes, can you just give me --
Can I have a minute to myself?!
BIANCA (O.S.):
Of course.
SERENA:
No one's helping you?
BIANCA:
Nope. I don't need any help.
Why don't you go into the living
room and join the others?
Thank you.
I guess the kitchen's old school
women's territory in this house.
SERENA:
How's your daughter?
She's good.
She's with my parents over the
weekend.
It's weird to be apart from her.
SERENA:
I'm sure you're
a really good mom.
I try my best.
SERENA:
Well, the soup was
delicious.
BIANCA:
Just a little heavy on
the onion, I suppose.
SERENA:
I can't cook at all.
I once tried to make a Lasagna -
NATHAN (O.S.):
Serena!
NATHAN:
You're being missed in the
living room.
SERENA:
Of course.
NATHAN:
What are you doing?
SERENA:
What do you mean?
You're talking to that uber
bitch like she's your friend!
I'm just trying to make
conversation.
NATHAN:
I hate her, because of you.
What she did last time--
SERENA:
...was last time.
She was just trying to set my
head straight, when I was down.
Yeah, it was harsh, but...
I think she was right.
NATHAN:
She's pure hate, pure evil,
pure bile.
I'm not so--
You don't know!
You have no idea how
spiteful she is.
You and I need to stay on the
same page or we're gonna go
crazy in this house.
Remember...
I'm your life raft.
I'm here for you and you're
here for me and...
together, we'll get through
this.
Ok?
Ok.
AUNT IRENE:
Haha...you know.
CHRIS:
There you are!
AUNT IRENE:
Ahhhh!
NATHAN:
Well, we're just coming
to say, "good night".
AUNT IRENE:
What? Already?
But it's only 9.
NATHAN:
Serena is exhausted from
the travel and should sleep now.
CHRIS:
Well, if that's the case...
Serena?
Is that the case?
SERENA:
Yes, I'm very tired.
I'm sorry.
CHRIS:
Okay then.
Good night.
SERENA:
Good night.
NATHAN:
See...they don't give
a fuck.
Let's just smoke a J
and go to bed.
My God...
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
NATHAN:
See...
you and I have a great
time when they're not around.
They're all pigs.
Look at what happened to you and
no one wants to talk about it.
It's like they're
afraid of it.
It's like something to be
embarrassed about.
They'll never accept you for who
you are.
but I'll always be on your
side.
Who was always there when Mom
was working
and no one else gave
a shit, huh?
I'm really grateful for
you, Nathan.
Here, pass it.
(MUSIC fades out)
BIANCA:
I'm sorry about today.
CHRIS:
It's ok. I love you.
BIANCA:
I love you, too.
CHRIS:
It's just...
can't keep seeing bad things
everywhere and think that
everyone's up to no good.
People aren't like that.
Not everyone wishes others bad.
No... you're right.
You saw how Nathan reacted at
the dinner table, though, right?
I did, but he's just a douche
sometimes.
It's nothing to worry about.
Are you even listening to me?
Yes.
Ok.
You're right.
Seriously.
Stop making up stories.
BIANCA:
The furnace is broken,
isn't it?
AUNT IRENE:
It gets awfully cold in here.
The good thing about dying...
I won't have to deal with
that anymore.
BIANCA:
I admire you.
AUNT IRENE:
Why is that?
BIANCA:
I don't think that I could just
talk about my own death
like you do.
AUNT IRENE:
Well, they say... what doesn't
kill you, makes you stronger...
even if only for a few
more weeks.
But you know...
I'm not afraid of dying,
because my legacy will continue.
That's all that matters.
There really is only one more
wish I have in life.
What's...what's this?
It's for your next baby.
I made it.
I wanted to make it so that
your next baby
would always remember me.
I see.
BIANCA:
Um...I'll be right back.
CHRIS:
What are you doing out here?
BIANCA:
I can't breathe!
What's wrong?
Are you okay?
It's your Aunt Irene.
CHRIS:
We can't just be peaceful?
Just once?
She just gave me a baby
blanket that she made for our
next child.
Well, that was sweet of her.
You don't understand!
This is putting me under so much
pressure.
She's trying to put a
guilt trip on me!
How dare you even think
something like that?
She is old and she is bitter,
Fine. But she is not
manipulative!
You don't see it.
Because she is your family.
She's not mine.
I can't...I can't stay
out here and listen to this.
Do not talk to me again until
you've come to your senses.
Oh Serena!
I didn't see you there.
Sorry.
I didn't mean to spy on you.
Is everything ok?
Yes.
Everything's fine...
Except for you know I'm
gonna have to kill you now.
I can't have witnesses to
my breakdowns.
Some of us have life long
witnesses to our breakdowns.
Can I have one?
You?
You smoke?
I used to...
I used to be a chain smoker
before I met Chris.
Why does the blanket
bother you?
Because I don't want
another child.
Chris told Aunt Irene and now
she does this.
Why don't you want
another child?
You're like the perfect mother.
Perfect mother!
Oh, the sound!
Do you know why I'm the
perfect mother?
Guilt.
I don't understand.
You know they tell you that
motherhood is the best thing
that can ever happen to you.
When I was pregnant with
Stephanie I was so excited.
I couldn't wait to give birth to
that dream child.
But then...
when she was
born I... I felt nothing.
What do you mean
you felt nothing?
Go ahead! Judge me...
they call it postpartum
depression and it's the most
embarrassing,
shameful thing in the world
because you're supposed to be
happy.
But instead you wanna run.
I love her, that's for sure and
things are better now.
I guess I'm used to it now.
But I know, that I don't want
another child.
It'd be like a crime...
Another kid with an emotionally
unavailable mother who
overcompensates her lack of
motherly instinct
by being the picture perfect
mom with a...
empty heart.
SERENA:
Wow...
Now I need another smoke.
SERENA:
Careful, might make you sick.
I already feel sick.
At least then I have a reason.
CHRIS:
Oh.
There you are.
Hey, I wanted to see if
there's any way you could help
me take a look at the furnace.
In a minute.
CHRIS:
Uh...great.
Doesn't have to be right now,
just...whenever...
Nathan?
NATHAN:
You know, I love Bianca.
Don't get me wrong,
it's just...
Imagine Aunt Irene had left my
girlfriend part of the estate.
Or Serena's girlfriend.
Hmm?
How would you feel?
I don't think I wanna
hear this.
I just think it should be
split within the family.
Everyone gets more.
Then we can decide to split
it with whomever we choose.
But I don't think it's fair
that we have to split
a three way inheritance,
four ways.
Okay, um...
Don't ever
compare my wife
to a girlfriend.
And don't you ever imply that
she's not a part of this family.
She is the mother of my child.
CHRIS (O.S):
And has taken care of Aunt Irene
like any blood relative would.
She's entitled to just as much
as we are.
Don't ever bring this up again
and don't you dare mention a
word of this to Aunt Irene.
Do we understand each other?
Do we?
Yes.
Oh, Blackie baby...did you
hear that? Did you hear that?
Too much noise.
No, we don't want
to hear that.
SERENA:
Do you know how it feels
when...
everything you've ever
believed in
turns out to be a lie?
Do you know how it feels when...
everything you've ever loved
just disappears?
When you don't
even trust yourself anymore or
anything you do, because you
fuck up all the time?
When you think because you
simply exist you should be
locked away
because as soon as you leave the
house...
as soon as you open your
mouth...as soon as you even
just...
think, you fuck up!
I do.
No, you have no clue. You
have everything.
You've never
experienced shit!
And how do you know?
You look at me and you see an
image that I've created for
the world to see,
but you don't care enough to
look at what's hidden behind
the facade.
I'm one person when I'm dealing
with Aunt Irene...
I'm a different person when
I'm with my old friends.
Isn't everybody like
that though?
A pleaser, you mean?
Yeah, a pleaser.
We mirror the people we talk to.
It's normal.
Normal.
well, maybe it's...
that normality
that makes us sick.
The fact that I don't
have the guts to go and tell
Aunt Irene how I really feel.
Why don't you?
You just can't do that.
Yes, you can!
Let's go!
Right now!
What?
You should go to her
right now and tell her
everything she's ever done to
you.
No.
She doesn't even know you.
I'm done being eaten up
inside... I'm alive.
And so are you!
And you should show her.
Why?
Why do we give people the power
over us to control us,
to hurt us, to keep us quiet?
I'm done being quiet!
NATHAN (O.S.):
Serena...?
Did I just hear you yelling?
No.
I'm fine.
I'm okay.
Are you sure?
Yes.
I was just telling Bianca
something and
I got really passionate.
Okay, then.
Just take a
deep breath, okay?
Remember what
we talked about?
Yes.
Ok.
Why do we give people the
power over us, to control us,
and keep us quiet?
You better take a
good look in the mirror, Serena.
Oh!
Nathan, darling!
Are you having a good time or
are you bored to death with us
old folks?
Aunt Irene, I always have a
wonderful time when I'm here,
you know that.
So...
How's life?
It's great. I mean, I'm making a
lot of progress with my business
degree and...
I met this amazing girl.
Oh, is that right?
Yeah.
You'd just love her.
I'm sure I would.
NATHAN:
Would you like to see a
picture?
Well, of course.
AUNT IRENE:
Awe! Pretty!
NATHAN:
Yeah, I think so, but
then again, I'm biased.
NATHAN:
Oh...
AUNT IRENE:
What was that?
NATHAN:
Oh, uh...
Was that Serena?
Uh...
Yeah.
She looked like a drug
addict in that picture.
Come on. Tell me.
Don't hold
anything back.
If she is a drug
addict, I need to know that.
Well, so...
you haven't heard?
Well...um...
AUNT IRENE:
Will you stop dragging your
feet. Just you tell me.
You can trust your old aunt.
Serena is unstable.
She's in with a bad crowd.
Oh! Is that right?
Yeah.
You didn't...
you didn't hear it from me,
but she even... um...
She spent the last
month in an insane asylum...
I'm sorry, a mental institution.
Why wasn't I informed of that?
I think they thought it might
affect her chances of being
included in your will, but...
I...I'm not sure... okay?
Thank you so much,
Nathan, for telling me that.
I'm sure that was very
difficult for you to do
since Serena is your sister...
Are you ok?
I just, I just need to
think now.
Of course, Aunt Irene.
BIANCA:
There you are.
CHRIS:
It's cold out there.
BIANCA:
I know and it's
supposed to be California.
CHRIS:
And...
have we calmed down
a bit?
BIANCA:
I...
actually had a really
good conversation with Serena.
With Serena?
Turns out, we have quite a
bit in common.
That is surprising.
I think last year's drama is
finally coming to an end and...
I don't know... I just...
I just really related to her.
It was weird.
People change you know.
Hold on.
You and Serena...bonding?
She's not as bad as I
thought.
She's a very bright
person...
in a very dark place.
And, I know her exterior might
be a little punkish or whatever
they call it,
but she's so real.
It feels really good to have
someone that real around for a
change.
Well, I'm just happy if you
don't hate my entire family.
It's a trust thing, you know.
Yeah.
I know.
They can be tough sometimes.
BIANCA:
Hm-hm.
Come here.
NATHAN:
Bianca is hardcore
attacking Auntie.
SERENA:
Attacking?
NATHAN:
Yeah, you know, slime, slime.
I still don't know why
she's putting up this show.
Makes me think she's up to
something.
Maybe she is. Maybe she isn't.
It's none of our business.
The will was read.
End of story.
I don't want any of the
money anyway.
Yeah, but...
When I saw them talking...
I saw them talking and, and, and
they looked at me and...
Fuck.
Bianca had this look like...
like I caught her
doing something.
Just let it go!
Can you please not raise
your voice at me?
Sorry. I'm just on edge.
I'm not so sure Bianca is who
you think she is.
Meaning?
I think she's kinda cool...
Have you talked to Doctor
Phillips yet today?
SERENA:
I don't need to talk to Doctor
Phillips today.
I'm fine.
I'm just concerned about
you, that's all.
AUNT IRENE:
Serena.
I need to talk to you.
Now.
Of course, Aunt Irene.
What is it?
I'm cutting you out
of my will.
What? Why?
Can I see your wrists?
That's why.
See.
I told you Bianca said something
to her. That fucking bitch!
Told you, didn't I?
BIANCA (O.S.):
Oh, Serena, I wanted to tell you
that I really enjoyed talking to
you earlier.
Why?
Because I thought that--
Why did you do it?
Do what?
Why did you tell Aunt Irene?
AUNT IRENE:
What is this screaming?
SERENA:
She doesn't wanna have
anymore children!
Bianca!
Is that right?
Why are doing this?
I'm just doing what you
did to me.
I didn't do anything.
Don't lie!
Of course you did!
She has postpartum
depression and is unbalanced.
She's suicidal, too, and
doesn't love her child!
Serena, why are you doing this?
I'm not taking anymore
shit from anyone!
I'm not staying quiet!
I thought I could trust you!
This isn't happening.
AUNT IRENE:
Enough of this nonsense!
You're both out of my will!
Both of you!
You...
are a disgrace to the family!
I am deeply
disappointed in you.
You don't deserve Chris or this
house or me.
You should be
ashamed of yourself.
Don't look at me like that!
This is a mad house.
Out!
Go to your room!
Get out of my sight!
(slow, somber, VIOLINS play)
Why did Bianca stare at me
like that?
NATHAN:
She probably realized
what she did.
But she looked so shocked.
like...
she didn't know what
was happening.
It's all in your head.
She's just a fucking bitch,
that's all.
A fucking bitch
wouldn't be so...
sad.
She's probably just a
good actress.
SERENA:
No, something seems...
BIANCA (V.O.):
Before we go in would you mind
covering...
I think...
BIANCA (V.O.):
Aunt Irene is a
different generation...
Oh my God...
BIANCA (V.O.):
Please, I'd like to keep the
peace. She doesn't know.
Thank you.
Oh my God, it wasn't her.
She wouldn't have said anything.
You're so full of shit!
You just don't wanna believe
that people are as fucked up
as they are
cause you're so naive!
But... it feels wrong--
NATHAN:
Cause what she did was wrong!
SERENA:
No, what I did. I feel like
I made a terrible mistake!
Cause you're a good person!
See, you're so much better
than her!
No, I can't get her
eyes out of my mind.
You're making stuff up.
I think she's innocent
in all of this.
Bullshit! Just listen to
yourself!
Shut up!
(MUSIC slowly rises.
Return to somber VIOLINS)
Mom?
ANNABELLE:
Baby.
After all these years...
Blackie...
...after all these years!
Yeah, yeah, that's right,
that's right, darling
that's right.
Oh, Nathan!
Please tell your mother that if
she thinks she can stay in this
house tonight,
she is quite wrong!
Of course, Aunt Irene.
I'll tell her.
You don't have a
problem with that...do you?
No, no, of course not.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh, I see, that's just
what I figured.
I have a problem with that.
I...I don't think I
understand, Aunt Irene.
Oh, don't Aunt Irene
me all the time
and I think you
know what I'm talking about...
Tell me...
who do you
care about, Nathan?
I'm not sure what
you're getting at right now
and I really feel...
it's best if I leave...
now.
Yes...
I think that's a very good idea.
ANNABELLE:
I gave birth to this body...
and look what you did to
it...
I always wanted you to be happy.
Only happy.
I know.
Why didn't you tell me?
Nathan didn't think it
was a good idea.
ANNABELLE (O.S.):
Nathan?
He's been taking care of me.
Nathan...?
Do you know what my
greatest joy in life is?
Your children?
Yes.
Do you understand that if you
were to hurt yourself,
it would be the end of me.
Why did you do it?
It's just...
I was in...
I was in so much pain.
I needed to not feel anymore.
I just wanted it all to stop.
Some of us feel
too much, don't we?
You are so loved, my child.
You have no idea.
There's a whole world out there.
and you can't hide from it.
You are beautiful,
amazing,
kind,
smart,
gay--
Mom!
I'm proud of that!
Really?
Of course!
I couldn't deal with a son in
law. I'd whoop his ass!
Mom!
I would...
I would, I would, I would.
Well, you two seem to be
having fun.
Hi honey.
Aunt Irene wanted me to
tell you--
I don't need you to tell me
anything.
Anything she needs to say to me,
she can say to my face.
Oh, I wouldn't do that.
Ok...
Why were you in the
swimming pool with Bianca?
Are you completely insane?
Oh, yeah, I totally forgot!
You are!
Just looking at you it shouldn't
be that hard to remember.
What are you doing?
The only smart thing.
I'm getting out of this house,
away from this shit!
I'm staying with Mom in a hotel.
Leaving me alone.
Seems like you're coping
just fine.
Well, I'm not the suicidal one.
CHRIS:
Listen...
we all have our quirks.
BIANCA:
Quirks are ok, being
cold-hearted isn't.
I don't know what you
want me to say.
How about you don't
always defend her.
Look at what she's doing to me
and Serena now.
Do you want me to talk to her?
No.
No more talking.
We already said enough in these
two damn days.
It's the talking
that makes everything worse.
I don't know what you
want me to do.
Maybe I don't want you
to do anything.
NATHAN (O.S.):
You're coming back
tomorrow, though, right?
I mean, I'm fine, but we did
say we're a united front.
I just need to leave the
house for a night, that's all.
Chris says Aunt Irene wants
to have dinner with us.
She has an announcement she
wants to make.
SERENA:
Aren't we going to the hotel?
I'd like to hear what
she has to say.
This is so fucked up!
Aunt Irene, I'm sorry everything
went wrong in your life,
but I don't think I can
subject my daughter or myself
or anyone else to this abuse any
longer!
Good-bye!
Stop!
Where do you
think you're going?
ANNABELLE:
Any place but here!
I never invited you
in the first place!
What did you come here for?
I came here because
you're sick!
and to take care
of my daughter, because I wanna
take care of her...
...of both of you...
something you never taught
me, by the way!
You can't talk to me this way.
Well, I never did and it's
something I should've done a
long time ago!
You have just lost any
privileges you ever had in this
house.
Don't come around me anymore.
I herewith officially cut you
out of my life.
Don't try to call me.
I don't wanna receive your
Christmas cards.
Don't try to contact me
in any way.
I am done with you.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
She doesn't give a shit
about people.
She only cares about money.
Bianca!
How dare you talk like that--
I'm only saying what's
been on my mind for a long time.
Oh yeah, go ahead,
just spit it all out!
You think we all want this
house and your money.
You...you...you...you...
you think all people see in you
is your money, but you're wrong!
And I don't give a shit anymore!
CHRIS:
Honey, wait!
You really did overdo
it this time.
I'm sorry, but I have to agree.
Good-bye.
NATHAN:
Serena!
They're all nuts.
I'm still here for you,
though, Aunt Irene.
Don't listen to them.
Out!
Beg your pardon?
AUNT IRENE:
Out!
Get out!
You devil!
Get out!
NATHAN:
You didn't go with her?
SERENA:
She didn't want me to come.
She said there was enough tears
for one night.
NATHAN:
So, she left you to the
pack of wolves.
Well, at least I'm here.
Let's go to bed.
Aunt Irene?
Aunt Irene, are
you...Are you ok?
Oh, jeez!
You scared me!
You know there was a
time when I was...
...just Irene.
Not Aunt Irene, not an aunt, not
a great-grand aunt.
Not the owner of an estate.
Not a filthy rich old...hag
Just Irene.
I wish I were
that Irene again.
That young girl...
with her hopes
and dreams...
not knowing how her life would
turn out, because it hadn't
happened yet...
instead of...
knowing what my life had turned
out to be, because it
already happened.
You can't think that way.
Chris...
I don't have much time left.
I'm dying.
My family is a mess
and that young Irene is gone.
Soon this Irene that's here...
this Aunt Irene...
she is going to be gone,
too.
Forever.
How do you learn to...
let go of your life, when you
don't have time to learn that,
because there's no tomorrow?
Are you alive right now?
Yeah, I guess.
Then you can use
every second you have left to
bring Irene back.
It's too late.
It's too late for everything.
It's all over.
and all I have left is
this house,
and all that money
that I accumulated.
I never wanted any of this.
Irene.
You're not gone.
and if you never wanted any of
this, then don't hold on to it.
Just let it go.
You have a beautiful daughter.
She's not my daughter. She's
just someone I raised.
Hear me out...
She's the only thing worth
holding onto in your life.
Loving someone also means,
taking them as they are.
It means loving them
despite their shortcomings.
It's not about the things that
Mom does that you disapprove of
or the things that she says
that you disagree with.
It's about...
loving her like you did when she
was a little girl...
and loving Serena as if
she were your own grand-child.
Serena is a...
suicidal lesbian.
Yes, she is.
Nothing that fits into your
book, right?
Right.
Yeah, well...
she fits into mine.
And she fits into Mom's
and she fits into Bianca's.
I love her exactly how she is.
I mean, have you ever even tried
to get to know her?
What's the use?
You can't teach a dying dog
new tricks.
Maybe not.
But I can...
open a dying woman's eyes
who can still give the gift of
love to someone who has their
whole life ahead of them.
Can you make me one, too?
Sure.
I couldn't sleep all night.
NATHAN:
Me neither.
I had nightmares of some monster
that kept trying to
bite me in the ass until I
turned into Aunt Irene.
You think that's funny?
I hate this house.
Who would wanna live here anyway
with all this shit going on?
Well, you know who's
shitty here and it's not us.
This will all be over soon.
What do you mean?
She's gonna die.
I keep wondering why
she's like this.
Cause she's a fucking bitch!
Bianca didn't say
anything to her.
And you know that how?
Because she told me.
Just because someone says
they're honest,
doesn't mean they're honest.
Yeah...
Don't look at me like that.
I wasn't.
Yes. Yes, you were!
You were studying me and I hate
it when you study me. It makes
me feel like you don't trust me
when I'm the only one
you can trust!
I know.
Don't blow your nose like that.
You look totally asocial when
you do that.
You know, you could do it a
little less nasty.
I'm sorry.
Why are you getting up
like that?
Like what?
Do you even see yourself?
Standing there?
You look ridiculous.
I'm sorry.
Really, Serena.
Pull yourself together.
You look like a pitiful piece of
shit right now.
AUNT IRENE:
Leave the child alone!
NATHAN:
I...I didn't mean to--
I can see exactly
what's going on here.
BIANCA:
What is going on here?
Nathan!
You should be
ashamed of yourself!
To talk to your sister that way!
SERENA:
No, he knows what's
best for me...
he's only trying to help.
Help you?
Who made him an authority on
what's good and bad?
I'm just honest with her!
Just because someone
says they're honest,
doesn't mean they are honest,
my dear.
You've been putting Serena down
since you guys arrived.
It's sickening.
SERENA:
He does only mean well.
He's right.
I shouldn't
stand here like that.
I look stupid.
Only because he tells you
so. That doesn't make it true!
Serena, you are a beautiful,
smart, young woman.
Don't let him do this to you.
My sister knows that I can
help get her life back on track!
Oh dear! I see!
You are a predatory little
devil!
Serena...
would it perhaps interest you to
know who told me about your...
scars?
SERENA:
No...
No, that's not
possible.
Oh, yes, believe me.
He tried to get my portion
of the will
and when that didn't work, he
threw you under the bus.
Nathan...
They're lying!
I wouldn't say that!
Don't you see what they're
doing? Don't believe them.
They're full of shit!
AUNT IRENE:
Serena, I am an old lady. I have
better things to do than to be
full of...
NATHAN:
Serena, don't you see
what's going on?
They're trying to pit us
against each other!
But why?
They have no reason.
I have no reason to
betray you!
Yes, you do!
You got a good reason.
The oldest reason in the history
of human kind...
Serena, look at me.
Look at me!
Now!
They have a reason.
They hate you! Me!
They hate us, because we're
our father's children.
Aunt Irene never
accepted us.
She just wants the
both of us out of her will
and Bianca's just covering her
own ass!
Don't you see?
They're in this together!
That is bullshit!
She's right!
This is...
bullshit!
How could you do this to me?
Dear.
Mister.
Milford.
I, Bianca Hilgrim,
decided to divorce
my husband.
will affect my chances
of being included
in the testament
Would it be better for me
to divorce him before or after
her
death?
Kind regards,
You scared me.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to.
My grandfather planted
all these trees.
Except for that one.
Your mother planted that one.
It's always been in the way.
Always blocking my view.
Never letting me forget.
This was me when I was
about your age.
You were such a rebel!
You remind me a lot of myself.
I was so afraid of you
when I was a child.
Ah and I was afraid of
you when you were a child, too.
What?
No, I had no idea what
to do with you.
I was actually really not very
good with kids.
At first, I didn't know what to
do with your mother.
You know my husband left me when
I decided to raise her.
I didn't know that.
All I wanted for her
was a good husband of her own.
She had one, she blew it.
Just like me.
What would I give
to go back to your age.
Don't be too upset by
your brother.
You're a strong young woman.
I can see that.
You've got that sparkle in
your eye. We all have it.
Sometimes someone comes along in
your life to subdue it
but they can never kill it.
Unless you allow it.
Your life is up to you.
Why do we allow the ones we love
the most to control us the most?
I always thought that love
meant freedom...
Ah...
Are you ok?
No.
I'm dying.
Does it hurt?
In more ways than you know.
NATHAN:
You're never gonna
believe what I found!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean
to interrupt anything.
CHRIS:
You're fine.
That girl...
Being in love
after all this time it's...
a dream come true.
Bianca and little Stephanie...
I think I would die without
them.
It's amazing waking up every
morning next to that person...
that one person you're so
fucking in love with.
Do you remember Mom used to tell
us that love wasn't supposed
to hurt?
Now I know what that means.
Why is your cheek so red?
Oh, I don't wanna talk about it.
CHRIS:
Okay, I'm sorry.
What was it you wanted
to show me?
It's nothing.
No, please, show me.
No.
What the heck?
Just show me!
Why did you do that?
Cause it's just a house.
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
CHRIS:
Yeah, just leave it on my desk.
I'll be back later, I'll deal
with it then.
I'll take care of it then.
I gotta go.
Mom.
You shouldn't be here.
She's gonna freak out if
she sees you.
So be it.
What would you do if I said I
never wanted to speak to you
again?
ANNABELLE (throat clearing):
Ahem, hm.
You?
ANNABELLE:
Hey.
No, no, no.
I told you, I don't want you
in this house!
I don't want to
see you ever again!
I'm not leaving.
Oh, yes you are!
You are a disgrace to this
family. You're selfish!
That's what
you are! You're selfish!
I want you to go away.
I'm not going.
I don't want you in
this house!
I don't want you
anywhere near me!
You just want everything I have!
Get away from me!
ANNABELLE:
No.
AUNT IRENE:
I want you to leave!
ANNABELLE:
No.
I want you to leave!
Why aren't you leaving?
ANNABELLE:
Because...
I'm not going to let you die
alone.
begins to play)
(somber VIOLIN sets in)
SERENA:
Do you think Mom would
approve of this?
NATHAN:
Probably not.
but then again do we approve of
what she thinks?
NATHAN (O.S):
Are you ready to go in?
NATHAN:
Come on. Let's do
this. Just...
You'll see...
Once we're in there it's all
gonna be easier.
SERENA:
I can't do this.
NATHAN:
Serena...
Come on.
It's time.
(musical TONE begins,
CHIMES rise)
BIANCA:
Oh, Nathan! Serena!
Finally!
We thought you'd never
arrive!
NATHAN:
Oh, it was such a long drive up
the coast and traffic...
Well, Serena? How you... um...
how are um... how you...
Come here.
Come in, guys.
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene hasn't been feeling
well all day. You know how
sensitive she is to visitors.
We arrived last night and I
think that was already
too much for her.
Chris can't wait to
see you guys.
CHRIS:
Hey you guys!
NATHAN:
Hey big bro!
CHRIS:
What took you so long?
What's up, man?
NATHAN:
Hey.
SERENA:
Hi.
CHRIS:
Munchkins.
So, um, listen Aunt Irene
isn't feeling well--
BIANCA:
I already told them.
CHRIS:
Oh. Ok, well...
she's in the living room, I
gotta...
BIANCA:
Before we go in, would
you mind covering... you know...
SERENA:
No, I don't know...
NATHAN:
You can't even see her
tattoos.
BIANCA:
That's not what I'm talking
about. I'm talking about
those...
NATHAN:
You can't be serious!
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene is a different
generation.
NATHAN:
So suicide was more
acceptable today then it was
back then?
BIANCA:
Please, I'd like to keep
the peace.
Let's not make this difficult.
She doesn't know.
Thank you.
Thank you.
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene?
AUNT IRENE:
Yes dear?
They're here.
They're here.
Nathan! Nathan!
NATHAN:
Hi!
NATHAN:
How are ya?
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene?
AUNT IRENE:
Yes dear?
BIANCA:
Serena came with him...
AUNT IRENE:
Well...
My, my, my.
I can see that.
How tall you've grown.
Just like your mother.
You do look an awful lot
like your mother.
I'm...I'm sure you
would like to unpack.
NATHAN:
Come on, Serena.
SERENA:
I'm not unpacking.
I'm not staying here.
NATHAN:
Pull yourself together.
SERENA:
I came here for you.
NATHAN:
Don't be so fucking
ungrateful!
You know what this means to us.
If Aunt Irene gets upset,
it's over.
It all just seems so wrong.
Do you know how long
she'll live?
No, neither do you!
The doctors are giving her
2 months.
She looks fine to me.
She's not fine!
Pancreatic cancer is a bitch.
This is our chance!
Well, at least you're not gonna
be short on clothes for the
funeral.
BIANCA:
They're taking an awfully long
time to come down.
CHRIS:
Well, would you be eager
to be here if you were them?
I just don't want them
to upset her. They can ruin
everything.
CHRIS (O.S.):
Ruin what?
Nothing.
Bianca... don't go down
that road.
BIANCA:
What road?
CHRIS:
You know what I'm
talking about...
I just don't want her
to think that the only reason
we're here is --
AUNT IRENE:
Oh...
Don't mind me.
Can you please be more careful?
I'm sorry.
She's like a grandmother
to me.
But she isn't, is she?
So, raising my mom
doesn't count?
Yes, of course...
and throwing her out and banning
her from the family like she's
not a person, counts too...
Look you don't understand her
generation or the circumstances,
so don't judge her for
something you know nothing
about.
AUNT IRENE:
Hmm... Blackie, what do you
think? What do you think? Hm?
You're not the only animal in
the family now.
Now we have vultures, yeah,
vultures. Hm.
NATHAN:
Did you see how fuckin'
stupid Bianca looked at you?
She's such a fucking kiss-ass.
Oh, Aunt Irene...!
And then she had the nerve to
agree with her on you looking
like Mom?
What the fuck?
SERENA:
Yeah.
NATHAN:
I don't know why Chris married
her.
I wouldn't hit that shit if
you paid me.
Would you?
Just think about last time when
she was all in your face about
not wanting kids. Remember?
She was all in your face.
Now don't just stand
there like that.
Why are you
standing like that?
I don't know.
Cause you look like a
fuckin' freak right now.
I'm sorry.
Pull yourself together,
will ya?
One day, I'm... I'm
just gonna... I'm just gonna
tell her, ya know.
Ya know, I'm just gonna grab her
and I'm just gonna...
(DOOR CLOSES)
Anyway.
BIANCA:
May I come in?
AUNT IRENE:
Yes, you may.
Leg massage?
I won't say "no" to that.
Nathan looks great,
don't you think?
Yes, dear.
Serena on the other hand...
No, dear.
It's shocking how much she looks
like her mother, isn't it?
Hmm, frankly, I was
shocked by that. Yes.
I'm not sure what she
does these days.
I think she's playing the
drums or something like that.
Oh, Well...
Some people have to make a lot
of noise to be heard.
I have a lot of confidence that
Nathan is going to be quite
successful.
Who knows, one day he might even
do as well as Chris.
Now, you and Chris are
wonderful.
It's not easy
to live up to that.
Aww, thanks. Thanks, Aunt
Irene.
AUNT IRENE:
Well, thank you.
So...tell me. When are you
planning on having your next
baby?
Um, uh...well...
we're...we're not sure at
the moment.
What do you mean
you're not sure?
Aren't you trying?
Well... We're definitely
thinking of the possibility of--
The possibility?
I really hope that your having
another baby is not just a
possibility.
You are the only one
to carry on the family line.
It would break my heart if
you...
...Agh!
Oh.
Oh, please, don't get upset,
Aunt Irene. It's not good for
you.
Let me get you
something to drink.
GEORGE:
How are you, man?
CHRIS:
Fine...man. I'm
fine.
CHRIS:
Fine...man. I'm
fine.
GEORGE:
Is that you?
Yeah.
Doesn't look
like you at all.
Then why did you ask if it
was me?
You were looking at it.
Would you excuse us?
GEORGE:
Oh, yeah, sure. No
problem, man.
CHRIS:
Thanks, man.
SERENA:
It was all such a long
time ago.
CHRIS:
Yeah.
I was just thinking,
Mom and I used to hold hands and
walk down this path.
What I would give to have her
here now, right?
SERENA:
She wouldn't give.
True.
Very true.
I keep forgetting how hard this
must be for her.
SERENA:
Her tree is still there.
CHRIS:
Yeah, I saw that.
I'm surprised that Aunt Irene
hasn't just hacked it to
pieces yet.
SERENA:
Listen, Chris...
I know that Bianca hates me
but I'm really glad that we
don't have that drama
between us.
CHRIS:
One less, huh?
Hey, Bianca doesn't hate you,
alright? You guys, you don't
know each other well enough.
How are you doing?
I mean...really? Are you
recovering?
SERENA:
I'm doing a lot better.
Thanks for having the guts
to ask me that question.
Sometimes it's...
It's hard for people to know how
to deal with this stuff.
I bet.
Look, everyone blames
themselves if it goes wrong
but if...
you know, everything turns
out okay, then...
people don't even
really wanna talk about it.
If it goes right,
you mean...
Come on, Serena. Did you...
Did you really want to die that
badly?
I didn't wanna die at all.
Then why?
Because...
I also didn't wanna live.
BIANCA:
Aunt Irene has asked everyone to
come up to the living room.
SERENA:
Why?
No one knows, but I have
a hunch.
NATHAN:
Aunt Irene wants to see us!
CHRIS:
We know. We're coming.
NATHAN:
What the fuck's going on?
SERENA:
I don't know.
NATHAN:
Maybe that bitchy old hag's
finally made her decision.
Thank you everyone for
coming.
I don't want to make this more
awkward than it has to be,
but there are some things
that you need to know
and I thought this was the best
way to do it.
Lester, why don't start.
You introduce yourself.
LESTER:
Well, first of all...
I solemnly would like to
welcome everyone.
AUNT IRENE:
Lester...
Let's not make this too
official.
As you wish.
My name is Lester Milford
and I'm Ms. Hilgrim's
executor of will.
NATHAN:
Will? As...as in...
her testament?
Yes.
NATHAN:
Sorry, I...I just wanted
to make sure I understood.
LESTER:
Irene has been so kind as...
to give me this great
responsibility to share with all
of you, which of course,
is an extreme honor --
Lester! Please.
The short version.
The short version.
Of course.
The estate and all
assets...
as well as all savings
of Ms. Irene Hilgrim...
shall be split equally...
...amongst all of you.
Amongst all of us?
That is correct.
Such a wise decision!
Yes... yes!
Such...such a wise decision.
Ah, well...
Everything you need to know
you've just heard.
There isn't
anything else to say.
So, let's all go about our
day, shall we?
Lester...
NATHAN:
What a fucking cunt!
What a...Ugh! Fucking, fuck!
Calm down, Nathan.
NATHAN:
She did this on purpose!
Why else would she
include Bianca!
She isn't a part of our family
just cause she married Chris!
She has no right!
Her part belongs to
me... and to you!
You should be the maddest!
Remember how she treated you
last time?
Remember?
Yes, I remember.
NATHAN:
I just hate her!
We shouldn't have to share
anything with her!
SERENA:
It's just a house.
NATHAN:
Just a house?
Have you
completely lost your mind?
You're not starting with that
whole
"I'm a punk, I'm
non-materialistic,
I need to go back to the clinic"
attitudes again, are you?
No... not at all.
I'm just saying that there's
enough left over for
the rest of us.
Serena...
You disappoint me.
You don't have my back.
Everyone back-stabs me and now
you.
You of all people don't
see what this is doing to me?
She is doing this because she
hates me!
And you have the nerve to say
that this is just a house?
You're the only one here that
understands me and...and now --
SERENA:
No! I get it! I get it. I
really do.
I see where you're
coming from.
I agree.
She's awful.
I'm on your side, Nathan.
I'm always on your side.
You know that, right?
If you of all people...
No, I totally get it. I
totally see it now...
She's trying to hurt you,
because she hates you.
Right? You see it!
Of course I see it.
It's horrible! I'm so sorry.
Thank you, Serena.
You're the only one who's on
my side.
We can't trust anyone else.
It's just us.
I know.
It's just us....
BIANCA:
Ahhh!
CHRIS:
Shhh... I don't want
anyone to hear us.
BIANCA:
I do.
BIANCA:
Ahhh!
CHRIS:
What are you doing? What
is wrong with you?
It's not proper, is it?
No.
Especially not in
this house.
Somebody probably heard us.
Do you know how embarrassing
that is?
Oh, Aunt Irene's probably
loving it.
What?
She brought up the baby
issue again.
You're ungrateful.
Do you know that?
She just shared everything
she had with you!
Everything she had.
She's still alive, you know.
Look, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean it like that
It shows how you think.
Do you know what I think?
I think, I don't want
any of her money.
Are...Are you thinking only
of yourself?
If you don't want
it, fine, but what...
what about Stefanie?
What if we decide
to have another baby?
Exactly!
That's why she
included me in her will.
She wants to bribe me.
to bare another child unto
your fucking clan.
Honey, you're irrational.
Don't you wish.
Enjoying the pool I see.
Yes.
I love it. Thank you.
It's amazing!
Come sit with me
when you're done.
Of course.
AUNT IRENE:
Is there a problem?
SERENA:
No.
Not at all.
When your mother was a
little girl she always liked to
swim here just like you.
I was watching you from my
window and just for a second I
thought...
she's returned.
Some people just hurt you.
and sometimes they
are your own.
Doesn't matter how much you try
to please them, to understand
them,
try to give them
everything they want...
they still don't love you back.
I know that Mom loves you
very much...
and misses you a lot.
If she loved me she
wouldn't have disappeared with
some lousy, low-class,
bastard like your father.
Yes? Is there something
you wanna say?
No...
Not at all.
Now Chris' father...
he was a true, true gentleman.
And he knew how to handle your
mother and handle her right.
It's such a priviledge to
marry into that family.
Chris' father was a direct
descendant of a British count.
You know?
You don't give that up...
you don't just throw
that away
to lust after some
white-trash pseudo musician.
She loves Dad a lot.
And I do too...
Speaking of love...
I hear you have
a girlfriend, not a boyfriend?
Who told you that?
That's because of your
father, isn't it?
What?
Yeah, just...just wondering.
I just heard someone
calling me from the house.
Oh, I don't hear anyone.
SERENA:
Yeah. I did. I'm sorry.
I...I'll be back.
Hey, hey, hey, what
happened?
Aunt Irene is the biggest
bitch I've ever met.
If she wasn't dying, I --
What? Whoa, whoa,
what did she do?
She started talking shit
about my dad
and then implied that I'm a
Lesbian because of him!
Because of your father?
Yeah, I didn't get it either.
She's full of shit!
Shit just fucking comes out of
her mouth.
Hey, watch your fucking
language, Missy!
Look. She's old and
she's bitter, okay?
She doesn't have a clue how
these things work, just...
be the bigger
person and let it go.
CHRIS:
Alright?
Shit.
shit, shit, shit, shit, shit,
shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
Woah!
It's just me! No
ghost or anything.
What's for dinner?
Soup.
What kinda soup?
Chicken soup.
Chicken soup.
okay...
You know what surprises me?
It surprises me that Aunt Irene
has taken such a liking to you
that she would include you
in her will.
So, lemme get this
straight.
You come here, while I'm busy
cooking for all of you
and you accuse me of being a
damn legacy hunter?
Shame on you,
Nathan. Shame on you.
You know...
your Swedish accent
comes out when you're angry...
(in SWEDISH) Eat that!
CHRIS:
There's no way!
AUNT IRENE:
No, I'm...I'm telling you this.
So then he says to me, "well,
my lady, if that's the way you
see it,
I will excuse myself and learn
to masterfully satisfy your
roses!
I'm sure he just means well.
Oh, I'm sure he does.
But George is certainly the
strangest gardener I ever had.
Listen, I wanted to tell you
that um...
it made me really happy that you
included Bianca in your will.
And it made me even happier
that you included Serena.
That, hmm, that took
a lot of soul searching for me.
You know I love your father, but
hers...that...
low class, uneducated, you
know, white trash--
Okay, hold on. At least he
doesn't use Mom as a punching
bag like mine did...
AUNT IRENE:
I never believed that!
That was her excuse for leaving
and running off with this...
...Man...
Thank you very much,
dear, this, "man".
Anyway, it was a very difficult
decision to include Serena
and Nathan for that matter
because they are their
father's children.
but you know, it was easier with
Nathan, because he is a good
kid.
He comes to visit me, you know
and he sends me cards
and calls me at Christmas and on
my Birthday.
But Serena...
never made any effort, you know.
It was the right decision.
I feel good about it, yeah.
Good.
And you know that Serena is not
a Lesbian because of her father.
Well, you know...
I don't know anything about
things like that
and I don't care.
CHRIS:
Uh-huh, well...
I'm just telling you.
Well, thank you for teaching
this old fox a few new things
about love, my dear.
CHRIS:
It's my pleasure.
Mom's doing well by the way.
Ah, do you...do you hear
somebody calling from the house?
CHRIS:
No, I didn't hear anything.
Oh, I think I hear
somebody calling.
I just learned
that from little Serena.
I love you, you old fox.
Well, never mind.
NATHAN:
Serena?
SERENA:
Hmmm?
You know I wonder how
much it actually comes out to.
Well, if we split the estate
four ways and her savings
I don't think there's much
left for anyone.
I'm thinking about talking to
Lester Milford to find out more
details.
If splitting everything four
ways severely decreases our
inheritance,
I think it's time for some
action.
Bianca for instance--
Bianca isn't the
problem, Nathan.
NATHAN:
Of course she is! Do the
fucking math!
SERENA:
I don't want anything
from Aunt Irene anyway.
Now listen up!
Do you have any idea what this
money could mean to us?
Bianca's portion won't
make that much of a difference.
That's what I'm trying
to find out.
Why don't you just ask
Aunt Irene directly?
NATHAN:
Have you lost your mind?
Oh, yeah, that's right.
You just spent the last month
in an insane asylum.
Don't do this, Nathan.
Well, you're not stable.
I keep forgetting.
Have you talked to Doctor
Phillips yet today?
No, not today.
You know you're supposed
to call him every day.
Yes, I will.
I'm the one in charge of you.
I'm the only one on your side.
I can't let you slide back --
SERENA:
I will call him right
now.
Good.
Remember... you're
still not yourself.
You think you might be,
but you're not.
You've proven how good you are
at making your own decisions.
If it weren't for me, you'd be
in a coffin right now.
AUNT IRENE:
Hmmm.
This tastes wonderful. What type
of soup is this, Bianca?
It's chicken.
Tastes like onion.
It's just delicious.
Aw, thanks, Aunt Irene.
Thank you, Aunt Irene.
Excuse me, Nathan...
is there something you'd
like to say?
No.
Nothing.
What?
AUNT IRENE:
So...
Serena...
what is that girlfriend
of yours like?
Did I mention what's
for dessert?
CHRIS:
Uh, no... but we can't
wait to hear about it, honey.
It's a very special treat.
Onion pie?
Mousse au Chocolat.
Huh!
Aw, my favorite! Oh,
my dear. How lovely!
Nathan...now it seems to me that
you have something to say.
I'll let you know when I have
something to say, how's that?
Sounds like a plan.
Did I miss something?
Oh, no, Aunt Irene.
Everything is just fine.
Will you excuse me a moment.
(Intense, deep PIANO swells)
SERENA:
They don't have the
power over you.
Don't give them power over you.
Don't give them the power
over you.
Don't give them the power
over you.
They have
no power over you.
They have
no power over you.
They have no power over you.
(PIANO swells,
VIOLINS rise to crescendo...)
(KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK)
BIANCA (O.S.):
Serena?
Are you in there?
SERENA:
Yes.
BIANCA (O.S.):
Are you ok?
SERENA:
Yes, can you just give me --
Can I have a minute to myself?!
BIANCA (O.S.):
Of course.
SERENA:
No one's helping you?
BIANCA:
Nope. I don't need any help.
Why don't you go into the living
room and join the others?
Thank you.
I guess the kitchen's old school
women's territory in this house.
SERENA:
How's your daughter?
She's good.
She's with my parents over the
weekend.
It's weird to be apart from her.
SERENA:
I'm sure you're
a really good mom.
I try my best.
SERENA:
Well, the soup was
delicious.
BIANCA:
Just a little heavy on
the onion, I suppose.
SERENA:
I can't cook at all.
I once tried to make a Lasagna -
NATHAN (O.S.):
Serena!
NATHAN:
You're being missed in the
living room.
SERENA:
Of course.
NATHAN:
What are you doing?
SERENA:
What do you mean?
You're talking to that uber
bitch like she's your friend!
I'm just trying to make
conversation.
NATHAN:
I hate her, because of you.
What she did last time--
SERENA:
...was last time.
She was just trying to set my
head straight, when I was down.
Yeah, it was harsh, but...
I think she was right.
NATHAN:
She's pure hate, pure evil,
pure bile.
I'm not so--
You don't know!
You have no idea how
spiteful she is.
You and I need to stay on the
same page or we're gonna go
crazy in this house.
Remember...
I'm your life raft.
I'm here for you and you're
here for me and...
together, we'll get through
this.
Ok?
Ok.
AUNT IRENE:
Haha...you know.
CHRIS:
There you are!
AUNT IRENE:
Ahhhh!
NATHAN:
Well, we're just coming
to say, "good night".
AUNT IRENE:
What? Already?
But it's only 9.
NATHAN:
Serena is exhausted from
the travel and should sleep now.
CHRIS:
Well, if that's the case...
Serena?
Is that the case?
SERENA:
Yes, I'm very tired.
I'm sorry.
CHRIS:
Okay then.
Good night.
SERENA:
Good night.
NATHAN:
See...they don't give
a fuck.
Let's just smoke a J
and go to bed.
My God...
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
(TECHNO music plays)
NATHAN:
See...
you and I have a great
time when they're not around.
They're all pigs.
Look at what happened to you and
no one wants to talk about it.
It's like they're
afraid of it.
It's like something to be
embarrassed about.
They'll never accept you for who
you are.
but I'll always be on your
side.
Who was always there when Mom
was working
and no one else gave
a shit, huh?
I'm really grateful for
you, Nathan.
Here, pass it.
(MUSIC fades out)
BIANCA:
I'm sorry about today.
CHRIS:
It's ok. I love you.
BIANCA:
I love you, too.
CHRIS:
It's just...
can't keep seeing bad things
everywhere and think that
everyone's up to no good.
People aren't like that.
Not everyone wishes others bad.
No... you're right.
You saw how Nathan reacted at
the dinner table, though, right?
I did, but he's just a douche
sometimes.
It's nothing to worry about.
Are you even listening to me?
Yes.
Ok.
You're right.
Seriously.
Stop making up stories.
BIANCA:
The furnace is broken,
isn't it?
AUNT IRENE:
It gets awfully cold in here.
The good thing about dying...
I won't have to deal with
that anymore.
BIANCA:
I admire you.
AUNT IRENE:
Why is that?
BIANCA:
I don't think that I could just
talk about my own death
like you do.
AUNT IRENE:
Well, they say... what doesn't
kill you, makes you stronger...
even if only for a few
more weeks.
But you know...
I'm not afraid of dying,
because my legacy will continue.
That's all that matters.
There really is only one more
wish I have in life.
What's...what's this?
It's for your next baby.
I made it.
I wanted to make it so that
your next baby
would always remember me.
I see.
BIANCA:
Um...I'll be right back.
CHRIS:
What are you doing out here?
BIANCA:
I can't breathe!
What's wrong?
Are you okay?
It's your Aunt Irene.
CHRIS:
We can't just be peaceful?
Just once?
She just gave me a baby
blanket that she made for our
next child.
Well, that was sweet of her.
You don't understand!
This is putting me under so much
pressure.
She's trying to put a
guilt trip on me!
How dare you even think
something like that?
She is old and she is bitter,
Fine. But she is not
manipulative!
You don't see it.
Because she is your family.
She's not mine.
I can't...I can't stay
out here and listen to this.
Do not talk to me again until
you've come to your senses.
Oh Serena!
I didn't see you there.
Sorry.
I didn't mean to spy on you.
Is everything ok?
Yes.
Everything's fine...
Except for you know I'm
gonna have to kill you now.
I can't have witnesses to
my breakdowns.
Some of us have life long
witnesses to our breakdowns.
Can I have one?
You?
You smoke?
I used to...
I used to be a chain smoker
before I met Chris.
Why does the blanket
bother you?
Because I don't want
another child.
Chris told Aunt Irene and now
she does this.
Why don't you want
another child?
You're like the perfect mother.
Perfect mother!
Oh, the sound!
Do you know why I'm the
perfect mother?
Guilt.
I don't understand.
You know they tell you that
motherhood is the best thing
that can ever happen to you.
When I was pregnant with
Stephanie I was so excited.
I couldn't wait to give birth to
that dream child.
But then...
when she was
born I... I felt nothing.
What do you mean
you felt nothing?
Go ahead! Judge me...
they call it postpartum
depression and it's the most
embarrassing,
shameful thing in the world
because you're supposed to be
happy.
But instead you wanna run.
I love her, that's for sure and
things are better now.
I guess I'm used to it now.
But I know, that I don't want
another child.
It'd be like a crime...
Another kid with an emotionally
unavailable mother who
overcompensates her lack of
motherly instinct
by being the picture perfect
mom with a...
empty heart.
SERENA:
Wow...
Now I need another smoke.
SERENA:
Careful, might make you sick.
I already feel sick.
At least then I have a reason.
CHRIS:
Oh.
There you are.
Hey, I wanted to see if
there's any way you could help
me take a look at the furnace.
In a minute.
CHRIS:
Uh...great.
Doesn't have to be right now,
just...whenever...
Nathan?
NATHAN:
You know, I love Bianca.
Don't get me wrong,
it's just...
Imagine Aunt Irene had left my
girlfriend part of the estate.
Or Serena's girlfriend.
Hmm?
How would you feel?
I don't think I wanna
hear this.
I just think it should be
split within the family.
Everyone gets more.
Then we can decide to split
it with whomever we choose.
But I don't think it's fair
that we have to split
a three way inheritance,
four ways.
Okay, um...
Don't ever
compare my wife
to a girlfriend.
And don't you ever imply that
she's not a part of this family.
She is the mother of my child.
CHRIS (O.S):
And has taken care of Aunt Irene
like any blood relative would.
She's entitled to just as much
as we are.
Don't ever bring this up again
and don't you dare mention a
word of this to Aunt Irene.
Do we understand each other?
Do we?
Yes.
Oh, Blackie baby...did you
hear that? Did you hear that?
Too much noise.
No, we don't want
to hear that.
SERENA:
Do you know how it feels
when...
everything you've ever
believed in
turns out to be a lie?
Do you know how it feels when...
everything you've ever loved
just disappears?
When you don't
even trust yourself anymore or
anything you do, because you
fuck up all the time?
When you think because you
simply exist you should be
locked away
because as soon as you leave the
house...
as soon as you open your
mouth...as soon as you even
just...
think, you fuck up!
I do.
No, you have no clue. You
have everything.
You've never
experienced shit!
And how do you know?
You look at me and you see an
image that I've created for
the world to see,
but you don't care enough to
look at what's hidden behind
the facade.
I'm one person when I'm dealing
with Aunt Irene...
I'm a different person when
I'm with my old friends.
Isn't everybody like
that though?
A pleaser, you mean?
Yeah, a pleaser.
We mirror the people we talk to.
It's normal.
Normal.
well, maybe it's...
that normality
that makes us sick.
The fact that I don't
have the guts to go and tell
Aunt Irene how I really feel.
Why don't you?
You just can't do that.
Yes, you can!
Let's go!
Right now!
What?
You should go to her
right now and tell her
everything she's ever done to
you.
No.
She doesn't even know you.
I'm done being eaten up
inside... I'm alive.
And so are you!
And you should show her.
Why?
Why do we give people the power
over us to control us,
to hurt us, to keep us quiet?
I'm done being quiet!
NATHAN (O.S.):
Serena...?
Did I just hear you yelling?
No.
I'm fine.
I'm okay.
Are you sure?
Yes.
I was just telling Bianca
something and
I got really passionate.
Okay, then.
Just take a
deep breath, okay?
Remember what
we talked about?
Yes.
Ok.
Why do we give people the
power over us, to control us,
and keep us quiet?
You better take a
good look in the mirror, Serena.
Oh!
Nathan, darling!
Are you having a good time or
are you bored to death with us
old folks?
Aunt Irene, I always have a
wonderful time when I'm here,
you know that.
So...
How's life?
It's great. I mean, I'm making a
lot of progress with my business
degree and...
I met this amazing girl.
Oh, is that right?
Yeah.
You'd just love her.
I'm sure I would.
NATHAN:
Would you like to see a
picture?
Well, of course.
AUNT IRENE:
Awe! Pretty!
NATHAN:
Yeah, I think so, but
then again, I'm biased.
NATHAN:
Oh...
AUNT IRENE:
What was that?
NATHAN:
Oh, uh...
Was that Serena?
Uh...
Yeah.
She looked like a drug
addict in that picture.
Come on. Tell me.
Don't hold
anything back.
If she is a drug
addict, I need to know that.
Well, so...
you haven't heard?
Well...um...
AUNT IRENE:
Will you stop dragging your
feet. Just you tell me.
You can trust your old aunt.
Serena is unstable.
She's in with a bad crowd.
Oh! Is that right?
Yeah.
You didn't...
you didn't hear it from me,
but she even... um...
She spent the last
month in an insane asylum...
I'm sorry, a mental institution.
Why wasn't I informed of that?
I think they thought it might
affect her chances of being
included in your will, but...
I...I'm not sure... okay?
Thank you so much,
Nathan, for telling me that.
I'm sure that was very
difficult for you to do
since Serena is your sister...
Are you ok?
I just, I just need to
think now.
Of course, Aunt Irene.
BIANCA:
There you are.
CHRIS:
It's cold out there.
BIANCA:
I know and it's
supposed to be California.
CHRIS:
And...
have we calmed down
a bit?
BIANCA:
I...
actually had a really
good conversation with Serena.
With Serena?
Turns out, we have quite a
bit in common.
That is surprising.
I think last year's drama is
finally coming to an end and...
I don't know... I just...
I just really related to her.
It was weird.
People change you know.
Hold on.
You and Serena...bonding?
She's not as bad as I
thought.
She's a very bright
person...
in a very dark place.
And, I know her exterior might
be a little punkish or whatever
they call it,
but she's so real.
It feels really good to have
someone that real around for a
change.
Well, I'm just happy if you
don't hate my entire family.
It's a trust thing, you know.
Yeah.
I know.
They can be tough sometimes.
BIANCA:
Hm-hm.
Come here.
NATHAN:
Bianca is hardcore
attacking Auntie.
SERENA:
Attacking?
NATHAN:
Yeah, you know, slime, slime.
I still don't know why
she's putting up this show.
Makes me think she's up to
something.
Maybe she is. Maybe she isn't.
It's none of our business.
The will was read.
End of story.
I don't want any of the
money anyway.
Yeah, but...
When I saw them talking...
I saw them talking and, and, and
they looked at me and...
Fuck.
Bianca had this look like...
like I caught her
doing something.
Just let it go!
Can you please not raise
your voice at me?
Sorry. I'm just on edge.
I'm not so sure Bianca is who
you think she is.
Meaning?
I think she's kinda cool...
Have you talked to Doctor
Phillips yet today?
SERENA:
I don't need to talk to Doctor
Phillips today.
I'm fine.
I'm just concerned about
you, that's all.
AUNT IRENE:
Serena.
I need to talk to you.
Now.
Of course, Aunt Irene.
What is it?
I'm cutting you out
of my will.
What? Why?
Can I see your wrists?
That's why.
See.
I told you Bianca said something
to her. That fucking bitch!
Told you, didn't I?
BIANCA (O.S.):
Oh, Serena, I wanted to tell you
that I really enjoyed talking to
you earlier.
Why?
Because I thought that--
Why did you do it?
Do what?
Why did you tell Aunt Irene?
AUNT IRENE:
What is this screaming?
SERENA:
She doesn't wanna have
anymore children!
Bianca!
Is that right?
Why are doing this?
I'm just doing what you
did to me.
I didn't do anything.
Don't lie!
Of course you did!
She has postpartum
depression and is unbalanced.
She's suicidal, too, and
doesn't love her child!
Serena, why are you doing this?
I'm not taking anymore
shit from anyone!
I'm not staying quiet!
I thought I could trust you!
This isn't happening.
AUNT IRENE:
Enough of this nonsense!
You're both out of my will!
Both of you!
You...
are a disgrace to the family!
I am deeply
disappointed in you.
You don't deserve Chris or this
house or me.
You should be
ashamed of yourself.
Don't look at me like that!
This is a mad house.
Out!
Go to your room!
Get out of my sight!
(slow, somber, VIOLINS play)
Why did Bianca stare at me
like that?
NATHAN:
She probably realized
what she did.
But she looked so shocked.
like...
she didn't know what
was happening.
It's all in your head.
She's just a fucking bitch,
that's all.
A fucking bitch
wouldn't be so...
sad.
She's probably just a
good actress.
SERENA:
No, something seems...
BIANCA (V.O.):
Before we go in would you mind
covering...
I think...
BIANCA (V.O.):
Aunt Irene is a
different generation...
Oh my God...
BIANCA (V.O.):
Please, I'd like to keep the
peace. She doesn't know.
Thank you.
Oh my God, it wasn't her.
She wouldn't have said anything.
You're so full of shit!
You just don't wanna believe
that people are as fucked up
as they are
cause you're so naive!
But... it feels wrong--
NATHAN:
Cause what she did was wrong!
SERENA:
No, what I did. I feel like
I made a terrible mistake!
Cause you're a good person!
See, you're so much better
than her!
No, I can't get her
eyes out of my mind.
You're making stuff up.
I think she's innocent
in all of this.
Bullshit! Just listen to
yourself!
Shut up!
(MUSIC slowly rises.
Return to somber VIOLINS)
Mom?
ANNABELLE:
Baby.
After all these years...
Blackie...
...after all these years!
Yeah, yeah, that's right,
that's right, darling
that's right.
Oh, Nathan!
Please tell your mother that if
she thinks she can stay in this
house tonight,
she is quite wrong!
Of course, Aunt Irene.
I'll tell her.
You don't have a
problem with that...do you?
No, no, of course not.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh, I see, that's just
what I figured.
I have a problem with that.
I...I don't think I
understand, Aunt Irene.
Oh, don't Aunt Irene
me all the time
and I think you
know what I'm talking about...
Tell me...
who do you
care about, Nathan?
I'm not sure what
you're getting at right now
and I really feel...
it's best if I leave...
now.
Yes...
I think that's a very good idea.
ANNABELLE:
I gave birth to this body...
and look what you did to
it...
I always wanted you to be happy.
Only happy.
I know.
Why didn't you tell me?
Nathan didn't think it
was a good idea.
ANNABELLE (O.S.):
Nathan?
He's been taking care of me.
Nathan...?
Do you know what my
greatest joy in life is?
Your children?
Yes.
Do you understand that if you
were to hurt yourself,
it would be the end of me.
Why did you do it?
It's just...
I was in...
I was in so much pain.
I needed to not feel anymore.
I just wanted it all to stop.
Some of us feel
too much, don't we?
You are so loved, my child.
You have no idea.
There's a whole world out there.
and you can't hide from it.
You are beautiful,
amazing,
kind,
smart,
gay--
Mom!
I'm proud of that!
Really?
Of course!
I couldn't deal with a son in
law. I'd whoop his ass!
Mom!
I would...
I would, I would, I would.
Well, you two seem to be
having fun.
Hi honey.
Aunt Irene wanted me to
tell you--
I don't need you to tell me
anything.
Anything she needs to say to me,
she can say to my face.
Oh, I wouldn't do that.
Ok...
Why were you in the
swimming pool with Bianca?
Are you completely insane?
Oh, yeah, I totally forgot!
You are!
Just looking at you it shouldn't
be that hard to remember.
What are you doing?
The only smart thing.
I'm getting out of this house,
away from this shit!
I'm staying with Mom in a hotel.
Leaving me alone.
Seems like you're coping
just fine.
Well, I'm not the suicidal one.
CHRIS:
Listen...
we all have our quirks.
BIANCA:
Quirks are ok, being
cold-hearted isn't.
I don't know what you
want me to say.
How about you don't
always defend her.
Look at what she's doing to me
and Serena now.
Do you want me to talk to her?
No.
No more talking.
We already said enough in these
two damn days.
It's the talking
that makes everything worse.
I don't know what you
want me to do.
Maybe I don't want you
to do anything.
NATHAN (O.S.):
You're coming back
tomorrow, though, right?
I mean, I'm fine, but we did
say we're a united front.
I just need to leave the
house for a night, that's all.
Chris says Aunt Irene wants
to have dinner with us.
She has an announcement she
wants to make.
SERENA:
Aren't we going to the hotel?
I'd like to hear what
she has to say.
This is so fucked up!
Aunt Irene, I'm sorry everything
went wrong in your life,
but I don't think I can
subject my daughter or myself
or anyone else to this abuse any
longer!
Good-bye!
Stop!
Where do you
think you're going?
ANNABELLE:
Any place but here!
I never invited you
in the first place!
What did you come here for?
I came here because
you're sick!
and to take care
of my daughter, because I wanna
take care of her...
...of both of you...
something you never taught
me, by the way!
You can't talk to me this way.
Well, I never did and it's
something I should've done a
long time ago!
You have just lost any
privileges you ever had in this
house.
Don't come around me anymore.
I herewith officially cut you
out of my life.
Don't try to call me.
I don't wanna receive your
Christmas cards.
Don't try to contact me
in any way.
I am done with you.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
She doesn't give a shit
about people.
She only cares about money.
Bianca!
How dare you talk like that--
I'm only saying what's
been on my mind for a long time.
Oh yeah, go ahead,
just spit it all out!
You think we all want this
house and your money.
You...you...you...you...
you think all people see in you
is your money, but you're wrong!
And I don't give a shit anymore!
CHRIS:
Honey, wait!
You really did overdo
it this time.
I'm sorry, but I have to agree.
Good-bye.
NATHAN:
Serena!
They're all nuts.
I'm still here for you,
though, Aunt Irene.
Don't listen to them.
Out!
Beg your pardon?
AUNT IRENE:
Out!
Get out!
You devil!
Get out!
NATHAN:
You didn't go with her?
SERENA:
She didn't want me to come.
She said there was enough tears
for one night.
NATHAN:
So, she left you to the
pack of wolves.
Well, at least I'm here.
Let's go to bed.
Aunt Irene?
Aunt Irene, are
you...Are you ok?
Oh, jeez!
You scared me!
You know there was a
time when I was...
...just Irene.
Not Aunt Irene, not an aunt, not
a great-grand aunt.
Not the owner of an estate.
Not a filthy rich old...hag
Just Irene.
I wish I were
that Irene again.
That young girl...
with her hopes
and dreams...
not knowing how her life would
turn out, because it hadn't
happened yet...
instead of...
knowing what my life had turned
out to be, because it
already happened.
You can't think that way.
Chris...
I don't have much time left.
I'm dying.
My family is a mess
and that young Irene is gone.
Soon this Irene that's here...
this Aunt Irene...
she is going to be gone,
too.
Forever.
How do you learn to...
let go of your life, when you
don't have time to learn that,
because there's no tomorrow?
Are you alive right now?
Yeah, I guess.
Then you can use
every second you have left to
bring Irene back.
It's too late.
It's too late for everything.
It's all over.
and all I have left is
this house,
and all that money
that I accumulated.
I never wanted any of this.
Irene.
You're not gone.
and if you never wanted any of
this, then don't hold on to it.
Just let it go.
You have a beautiful daughter.
She's not my daughter. She's
just someone I raised.
Hear me out...
She's the only thing worth
holding onto in your life.
Loving someone also means,
taking them as they are.
It means loving them
despite their shortcomings.
It's not about the things that
Mom does that you disapprove of
or the things that she says
that you disagree with.
It's about...
loving her like you did when she
was a little girl...
and loving Serena as if
she were your own grand-child.
Serena is a...
suicidal lesbian.
Yes, she is.
Nothing that fits into your
book, right?
Right.
Yeah, well...
she fits into mine.
And she fits into Mom's
and she fits into Bianca's.
I love her exactly how she is.
I mean, have you ever even tried
to get to know her?
What's the use?
You can't teach a dying dog
new tricks.
Maybe not.
But I can...
open a dying woman's eyes
who can still give the gift of
love to someone who has their
whole life ahead of them.
Can you make me one, too?
Sure.
I couldn't sleep all night.
NATHAN:
Me neither.
I had nightmares of some monster
that kept trying to
bite me in the ass until I
turned into Aunt Irene.
You think that's funny?
I hate this house.
Who would wanna live here anyway
with all this shit going on?
Well, you know who's
shitty here and it's not us.
This will all be over soon.
What do you mean?
She's gonna die.
I keep wondering why
she's like this.
Cause she's a fucking bitch!
Bianca didn't say
anything to her.
And you know that how?
Because she told me.
Just because someone says
they're honest,
doesn't mean they're honest.
Yeah...
Don't look at me like that.
I wasn't.
Yes. Yes, you were!
You were studying me and I hate
it when you study me. It makes
me feel like you don't trust me
when I'm the only one
you can trust!
I know.
Don't blow your nose like that.
You look totally asocial when
you do that.
You know, you could do it a
little less nasty.
I'm sorry.
Why are you getting up
like that?
Like what?
Do you even see yourself?
Standing there?
You look ridiculous.
I'm sorry.
Really, Serena.
Pull yourself together.
You look like a pitiful piece of
shit right now.
AUNT IRENE:
Leave the child alone!
NATHAN:
I...I didn't mean to--
I can see exactly
what's going on here.
BIANCA:
What is going on here?
Nathan!
You should be
ashamed of yourself!
To talk to your sister that way!
SERENA:
No, he knows what's
best for me...
he's only trying to help.
Help you?
Who made him an authority on
what's good and bad?
I'm just honest with her!
Just because someone
says they're honest,
doesn't mean they are honest,
my dear.
You've been putting Serena down
since you guys arrived.
It's sickening.
SERENA:
He does only mean well.
He's right.
I shouldn't
stand here like that.
I look stupid.
Only because he tells you
so. That doesn't make it true!
Serena, you are a beautiful,
smart, young woman.
Don't let him do this to you.
My sister knows that I can
help get her life back on track!
Oh dear! I see!
You are a predatory little
devil!
Serena...
would it perhaps interest you to
know who told me about your...
scars?
SERENA:
No...
No, that's not
possible.
Oh, yes, believe me.
He tried to get my portion
of the will
and when that didn't work, he
threw you under the bus.
Nathan...
They're lying!
I wouldn't say that!
Don't you see what they're
doing? Don't believe them.
They're full of shit!
AUNT IRENE:
Serena, I am an old lady. I have
better things to do than to be
full of...
NATHAN:
Serena, don't you see
what's going on?
They're trying to pit us
against each other!
But why?
They have no reason.
I have no reason to
betray you!
Yes, you do!
You got a good reason.
The oldest reason in the history
of human kind...
Serena, look at me.
Look at me!
Now!
They have a reason.
They hate you! Me!
They hate us, because we're
our father's children.
Aunt Irene never
accepted us.
She just wants the
both of us out of her will
and Bianca's just covering her
own ass!
Don't you see?
They're in this together!
That is bullshit!
She's right!
This is...
bullshit!
How could you do this to me?
Dear.
Mister.
Milford.
I, Bianca Hilgrim,
decided to divorce
my husband.
will affect my chances
of being included
in the testament
Would it be better for me
to divorce him before or after
her
death?
Kind regards,
You scared me.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to.
My grandfather planted
all these trees.
Except for that one.
Your mother planted that one.
It's always been in the way.
Always blocking my view.
Never letting me forget.
This was me when I was
about your age.
You were such a rebel!
You remind me a lot of myself.
I was so afraid of you
when I was a child.
Ah and I was afraid of
you when you were a child, too.
What?
No, I had no idea what
to do with you.
I was actually really not very
good with kids.
At first, I didn't know what to
do with your mother.
You know my husband left me when
I decided to raise her.
I didn't know that.
All I wanted for her
was a good husband of her own.
She had one, she blew it.
Just like me.
What would I give
to go back to your age.
Don't be too upset by
your brother.
You're a strong young woman.
I can see that.
You've got that sparkle in
your eye. We all have it.
Sometimes someone comes along in
your life to subdue it
but they can never kill it.
Unless you allow it.
Your life is up to you.
Why do we allow the ones we love
the most to control us the most?
I always thought that love
meant freedom...
Ah...
Are you ok?
No.
I'm dying.
Does it hurt?
In more ways than you know.
NATHAN:
You're never gonna
believe what I found!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean
to interrupt anything.
CHRIS:
You're fine.
That girl...
Being in love
after all this time it's...
a dream come true.
Bianca and little Stephanie...
I think I would die without
them.
It's amazing waking up every
morning next to that person...
that one person you're so
fucking in love with.
Do you remember Mom used to tell
us that love wasn't supposed
to hurt?
Now I know what that means.
Why is your cheek so red?
Oh, I don't wanna talk about it.
CHRIS:
Okay, I'm sorry.
What was it you wanted
to show me?
It's nothing.
No, please, show me.
No.
What the heck?
Just show me!
Why did you do that?
Cause it's just a house.
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
(Soft CHIMES fill the air)
CHRIS:
Yeah, just leave it on my desk.
I'll be back later, I'll deal
with it then.
I'll take care of it then.
I gotta go.
Mom.
You shouldn't be here.
She's gonna freak out if
she sees you.
So be it.
What would you do if I said I
never wanted to speak to you
again?
ANNABELLE (throat clearing):
Ahem, hm.
You?
ANNABELLE:
Hey.
No, no, no.
I told you, I don't want you
in this house!
I don't want to
see you ever again!
I'm not leaving.
Oh, yes you are!
You are a disgrace to this
family. You're selfish!
That's what
you are! You're selfish!
I want you to go away.
I'm not going.
I don't want you in
this house!
I don't want you
anywhere near me!
You just want everything I have!
Get away from me!
ANNABELLE:
No.
AUNT IRENE:
I want you to leave!
ANNABELLE:
No.
I want you to leave!
Why aren't you leaving?
ANNABELLE:
Because...
I'm not going to let you die
alone.