Bloody Letters (2023) Movie Script
(inspiring music)
(clattering)
(quiet ambient music)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music)
(eerie music)
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline "Happy Life",
this is Charlotte, how can I help you?
Hello ma'am..
Hi, what is your name?
My name is Anna..
Hi Anna, and how old are you?
I'm 12..
Okay, and where are your
parents or your guardian?
They're dead..
Do you mean for a while now or...?
No, they just died..
Okay Anna, take a breath. In through
your nose, out through your mouth..
I'm going to ask you a few questions and I want
you to answer them as honest as possible, okay?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Okay, sweetheart.
Do you think your parents did this to themselves
or is there an imminent threat nearby?
No, I think they did it themselves..
There is a letter here, or something..
Okay, uhm..
Are there dangerous objects in your
area that could pose a danger to you?
I have a knife here, from the kitchen..
Anna, I want you to put that
knife down and leave that room.
Yes, but..
- Go and do that. I will stay right here.
No!
Now that my parents are gone,
I don't want to be here anymore.
I'm gonna kill myself, do
you hear me? Right now.
Anna, I understand you're upset, but..
No! You do not!
Everyone always thinks that they
know how I feel, but nobody does..
I'm only 12!
And what I've been through, some people
don't even experience in their entire life..
I'm just so exhausted..
I didn't have an easy childhood either.
And I was also so tired of
everyone telling me how to feel.
Really, I've been through this!
But it will get better! Not
right away, but over time..
Give it a chance.
I just can't anymore..
Then do it for your parents!
They want what's best for you.
Then why did they kill themselves? Huh?
Thanks to them I am going
to be placed in a foster home..
Hey, you don't even know that..
I'm sure your family will
welcome you with open arms!
I have no family! I have nobody!
Everyone is dead! I'm the last one left..
Please don't do this!
I care about you, and when you
get to know the world you will find
that there are millions of people
who will also care about you.
You don't even know me,
how can you care about me?
Because you're human? A beautiful, sweet
child who deserves a wonderful future.
We are all together on
this planet, no one is alone!
Anna?
I guess life just isn't for me..
Something wasn't right all along..
Anna, just put that knife down, go grab a glass
of water and call the police on another phone.
It would be the perfect ending..
This is how it should be..
I really don't know how I
could live without them..
Bye Charlotte. It was nice meeting you.
Do you have friends? Do
you have any favorite shows?
I'm sorry it had to go like this.
But that is not your
doing? I just want you to...
(scream)
And?
He's not doing well at all.
And it's not that strange. 28
years isn't gone in a flash, you know?
There is nothing in those eyes.
So he's still not talking?
No, not a word. He doesn't
even ask for a phone call.
Well, it probably won't happen anymore.
According to the municipal
archives, he has no family at all.
And according to the people next
to him, he's just a bit of a loner.
He never went on company
outings, drinks, parties, nothing at all.
Hey, maybe that pen pal program
could be something for him?
To be honest, I've been
thinking about that too.
But yeah, I don't know if
he would open up so fast.
You don't gain his trust that
easily. That's obvious, isn't it?
You can at least ask him.
Maybe he likes the idea!
Yeah. Maybe I'll do that..
Great! So we're done!
Do you really think it's just solved now?
Men..
Hey John.
I've been thinking..
I know you find it difficult
to open yourself up..
But what if you can get in touch with
someone from the outside world by letter?
A boy or a girl, to
share your thoughts with.
Your own personal pen pal.
Would you like that?
Will the letters be read
by other people too?
Yes, what do you think?
If you're planning on blowing
me up, I'd really like to know.
But..
I guarantee that your
privacy will be protected.
You can talk about
anything with that person.
I want a girl, around 18 years old.
No sorry, John.
I just want to clarify that
this is not a dating service.
It's a serious option.
We can also skip it, but then you can't talk to
anyone from the outside world for 28 years, so..
The choice is yours.
All right then.
I'm not that picky after all.
I always fuck everything anyways.
Okay.. Well.. Uhm..
I'm going to get the papers ready for you.
I just want to tell you that I think
it's good that you finally speak.
Keep doing that.
(door lock)
Do you think I could ever let it go?
Look, of course we can't sugarcoat it.
You just went through something terrible.
First that horrible rape and then getting
pregnant too, and having to give up your child..
You keep carrying that with
you for the rest of your life.
That's not what you want to
hear, I guess. But it is the reality.
Not everyone processes their
trauma in the same way or time.
For you there will also come a
day when you process your trauma.
And that you can finally
give it a place to rest.
But yeah, that could be in a week, in
a month or a year, that doesn't matter.
But letting go is going to
be harder than you think.
But when will I finally be able
to do what others are doing?
I see so many people
partying, going out, and..
Every time I try that and
I've done my make-up, then..
Then I just get too scared..
Then I see that horrible image in
front of me of that night again, and..
How he stopped me, and..
Then I just get too scared..
And I just don't want to
become a boring, old biddy.
There's a passion in me,
some kind of fire, and..
I don't want that to..
I'm just not like that.
Yes, but that will all come back again!
That's why you just have to make sure
that fire that's inside you doesn't go out.
That's why you have to keep
fighting. Focus on our agreements.
I do that. Daily, as promised.
Something in me would secretly
want to know how she is doing.
Who adopted her, how she named
her dolls, what her favorite movie is..
Any place is better than
with me, I'm sure of that..
You can't say that.
Yes, I can.
She will be 7 next week.
How time flies! 7 years!
That guy's a lawyer now, did you hear?
And I am still, thanks to him,
sitting traumatized on the floor..
I also just have to look for
another job. This is so not it for me..
Yeah, but we've already
discussed that, haven't we?
I said very clearly that I thought you
wouldn't be able to take that mentally.
That that would be way too much for you.
I know..
I just really wanted to do
something for other human beings.
If I had such a helping
hand in the past, then.
Things would have
turned out much better, so..
I thought, if I could be that
person for someone else, then..
Then that was my calling, so to speak.
But I didn't expect that I would only
torment myself more by doing that.
That girl..
Her scream of terror, I..
I just can't get it out of my head?
No, but that's perfectly normal.
That kid actually committed
suicide on the phone.
If that wouldn't bother you, I would
send you to an institution right away.
I just wish I had someone
besides you to open my heart to.
But more kind of like
a friend, or something?
Someone who wouldn't dump me when the going
gets tough, that would be really nice..
Well, while we're at it, I think
I might have something for you.
Oh?
I had a patient a month ago and she
actually wanted the same thing as you.
She really wanted to open her
heart to a complete stranger.
And she wanted to remain anonymous.
So then I had a lot of long conversations
and did some research here and there.
And I got in contact with a prison.
A prison?
Uhu, they've been looking for people for a
while now who really want an anonymous pen pal.
Someone they can talk to, with
whom they can share their thoughts..
Because they have no family
or friends to talk to at all.
So those prisoners can be
imprisoned for all kinds of crimes?
Yes indeed.
No, I'm sorry.
I don't want to share half
my life with a rapist again.
No, but we can just tell them that.
We're just going to say that you absolutely
don't want any serious felons, okay?
Don't worry. Those people are not
allowed to talk about what they have done.
They also do not find out who you
are, because you remain anonymous.
And everything will get controlled.
I don't know..
You can take all the time
to just think about it calmly.
I just honestly think it
could be something for you.
And you are also doing something good, which you want-
ed, because you offer a listening ear to a human being.
As far as you can still call them humans..
Listen, we can also look at other options, but
then you have to leave the house more often.
Uhm.. So just to be clear, if I do this..
Then all I have to do is write a letter and send
it and he writes me back? And so on, and so on?
Yes, exactly. But that has
to be weekly, obviously.
I really think it could be good for
you, just talking to a complete stranger.
Then maybe you would
trust people a bit more?
(door opening)
Hi John.
I promised to come back to your request.
I think I may have found a match for you.
Her name is Charlotte, she is 23 years old, and
she comes from the same village where you grew up.
More information I can't share with you.
Here I have an A4 sheet and a pencil.
I'm going home in a bit, so
I could post your first letter.
Are you able to get this done today?
Do you have a picture of her?
No, John. That is very unusual.
But what if I don't find her attractive?
That's not necessary at all, is
it? It is not an escort service.
You are supposed to write a
letter, the way you talk to a friend.
Just about life, what's bothering you, what your
interests are. That isn't that hard now, is it?
(suspenseful music)
My name is John. I am 41 years old and I have
been in prison here for several months now.
That's terrible! How long
do you have to remain there?
Long, much too long.
My crime wasn't even that bad.
Just something small and simple.
I was never supposed to get that long.
This country is corrupt.
I don't really have any friends..
Sometimes I chat on Facebook
with some high school friends..
But "friends friends"? No. Although
I would like to have some of those..
I was a maintenance man, in a factory.
If a machine broke down or there was a malfunction,
I was called and I repaired it right away.
Yeah, you could say I'm handy.
You sound really amazing, you know that?
I thought writing letters would get
boring after so many months, but..
You just never cease to amaze me!
Don't be so insecure! You are gorgeous!
I will definitely hang this
picture above my bed.
So I can dream about all the things
we're going to do as soon as I get out.
If you weren't in jail, I'd go
on a date with you right away!
Don't you find me scary then?
Well, of course I don't know what you look
like, but I'm more into someone's inside.
And how you are inside is exactly
what makes my heart beat faster!
No, don't you worry about that.
I could never do anything to you.
You're the only one I have left..
ONE MONTH LATER
John! You can go on probation..
Oh my god..
John S. Has escaped! Block all exits!
Wow Charlotte! You look so beautiful!
Thank you.
And so happy too?
That's right! Since becoming a pen pal,
my life seems to have completely changed.
That is good news. So
you did take the step?
Yes! I feel so great when I talk to him.
I can tell him everything, I know
him through and through, and..
I even feel some butterflies in
my stomach when I think about him!
Oh, but can you be a little careful with that?
Because that is of course not the intention.
Nothing could happen.
He's in jail tens of thousands
of miles from here, and I'm here.
What's the worst that could happen?
Well, it just doesn't seem
like such a good idea.
You know what? We're just going to
cancel it and find something else for you.
No! You can't do that, I've
already become so attached to him.
And you may think I'm in love,
but I didn't mean it that way.
I see him more as kind of a brother?
So no! He really means
too much to me, please.
I don't know. I just don't
think It's such a good idea.
Soon you will really fall in love with him, and
then we will be even further away from progress.
But that's really not going to
happen! Me with a prisoner?
I couldn't even think about it.
They can't wash themselves properly.
Anyway, the thing is..
I finally have someone to worry
about, someone I'm attached to.
That took so long and
that's a good thing, right?
Yes, that's true.
You know what? Then I suggest
you go ahead with this, but..
I'd like to see you twice a week, and
I'd also like to read some of your letters.
I want to be able to
estimate exactly how you feel.
Fine, I have nothing against that.
Perfect. And how are you doing besides
that? Are you leaving your house a bit more?
Well, I was thinking about maybe going to a
Halloween party in the neighborhood tonight.
Really? How good of you, Charlotte!
Yes, I thought then I can finally
bring out my cosplay outfit again!
I am so proud of you! And
were you invited to that?
Yes, an old friend from
school suddenly sent it to me.
I really haven't been in contact with
her for years, but she suddenly said;
"Yeah, it's nearby." I think
she really sent that to everyone.
But, I thought why not?
What do I have to lose, right?
I hurt myself enough in here.
Yeah, but I really think you're
going to feel a lot better after tonight.
Do you really think so?
Of course! Absolutely!
I mean, a little socializing can't hurt.
And you know, just go enjoy yourself!
And if it doesn't work out or you suddenly
get too scared, just give me a call.
I think it's so important
that you actually go.
Fine. I will remember that.
Great. Shall we grab our agendas?
So we can schedule new appointments.
Do you happen to know
what John was imprisoned for?
Unfortunately I cannot
say anything on that matter.
Oh well, he can't hurt me anyway.
He still has 28 years to go in prison..
(intense music)
Dude!
Can I help you?
Uhm..
Hmm.. That's been a long time!
Strawberries!
I used to eat those with my babysitter.
Okay?
Where did you find those?
Well, just in the supermarket?
They are also on sale now, so run!
I have no money..
Because I just got out of pris..
I just don't have so much to spend.
You know what? Take mine.
No..
Take it! They are just
strawberries, it's not a big deal.
But why?
Well, we can all do something
for our fellow humans, right?
And I feel great today, so if I can
make you feel that way too, I'd love to!
Okay.. Thanks?
Enjoy your meal.
Yeah, thank you..
(pulsing dance music)
This will take forever..
Hi! Sorry, I think there was a delay on the
app. It didn't show that you were already here.
Why are you wearing that
mask? Are you going to the party?
You're not my driver, are you?
Do you know who I am?
Think carefully.
When I was in prison you
sent me all kinds of letters.
Do you know it now?
You wrote that you would like to meet me..
That you would like to
feel my arms around you..
Well, here I am!
I broke out of prison to be with
you. Isn't that thoughtful of me?
(creepy music)
Look at me when I'm talking to you.
Look at me!
I don't want to hurt you.
You are one of the few women in my
life who genuinely makes me feel good.
Don't screw it up..
Promise you won't scream when
I take that tape off your mouth?
Are you sure?
Don't..
What? You wanted me right?
Yes, but not like this..
How stupid of me!
But promise not to run if I untie you?
No, I won't do anything! I promise.
Wait. Wouldn't it be better if we did
it somewhere on a rug under the stars?
That's more romantic..
That's a good idea!
Wait! I believe I saw a rug in the car.
Wait, I'll go see if it's in the car.
I borrowed the car, it's not mine, so..
I found it! It may not be too big, but..
You shouldn't have done that!
Hello, this is Josephine.
Yes, good evening. You are
speaking with Lillian Erfsen.
I have been informed by a
colleague that you may have
some additional information
regarding the disappearance
of one of our patients John S.
Could you please tell me
a little more about that?
Yes of course. That is indeed correct.
I have a patient that I have weekly video contact
with and we have been doing that for years.
And she's never skipped it once.
And now all of a sudden I
just can't get a hold of her.
I try to call her, but it
just doesn't work. And..
Ma'am..
This has nothing to do with
our patient's disappearance.
Next time I request that you simply
contact your local police station.
Well, could I just finish
my story for a second?
I don't know how you communicate there,
but I don't think this is the way to do it.
I would like to continue telling my story.
Excuse my manners. Please continue.
Thank you.
Well, as I said; I have a client with whom
I have had weekly video calls for years.
She really never skipped them.
And now suddenly she doesn't answer her
phone anymore and doesn't respond to emails.
Well, I put her in touch with a
foundation that takes care of pen pals.
And so she got someone
from you guys, a prisoner.
And it might be a little crazy.
But I feel like it could be connected.
The disappearance of your patient
and the disappearance of my client.
No, it's actually not that
crazy what you suggest.
I don't know who his pen pal is, we have hundreds
of patients here who all do the same thing.
But wait, I can go to his cell and
see what name is on the letters.
- Could you wait a moment?
- Yes, thank you.
(suspenseful music)
- I am back, thanks for waiting.
- Hello..
Does the name "Charlotte
Schippers" say anything to you?
Yes! That's her! That's my client!
Stop fighting me!
(yells)
(intense music)
- John! Let that girl go!
- Drop that knife!
If you don't let me
go, I'll slit her throat!
Please do something..
Fine. We're letting you go.
What? Will you just let him go?
Yes. But then you must give the girl to us!
I don't think so..
I love her! She belongs to me!
So we can start a new life together!
But I don't want to..
What?
I do not want that. I don't
want anything with you!
But you wrote..
You kidnapped me, John! This is no love!
Fine. If you want it that
way, we'll do it that way.
You can take her!
But only her body!
(gun shot)
Hey Charlotte..
Are you feeling better?
Not in the mood to talk?
I can understand.
Were you in love with him?
That's not crazy at all.
Of course, getting to know each other and
to date through letters is quite romantic.
You really won't be the first.
I don't blame you.
Maybe a little?
But more with the idea I had
of him, not how he actually is.
He's a monster..
I never want to see him again..
I just want you to know that
victim support is on its way,
and ready to talk.
Whenever you're ready.
I just want to go home..
Yeah, that is also okay..
I'm going to check if we have
everything from you, I'll be right back.
(mysterious music)
Stop it! You're only
making it worse for yourself!
What are you going to do with me?
I don't know yet!
You're not going to kill me, are you?
Please, I beg you! Don't hurt me!
Shut your mouth! I'm trying to think!
What does it matter anyway?
I have nothing to live for..
- I've been so stupid!
- You sure were.
I should have thought about how in
love I was when we wrote those letters.
I completely forgot about that feeling..
If I hadn't panicked so much, we
could be living in a fairytale right now!
I wish there was a way to reverse it all..
Thai is still possible?
- Really?
- You know how I feel about you.
- And I want to go for it.
- Me too..
I know a nice destination for us..
Where?
Oh, just wait. You will love it!
- If I untie you, promise not to run?
- Uhu.
- I can't hear you?
- Yes.
Good..
This is how it all ends for me, Isn't it?
Not at all! You know I
don't want that, right?
Come.
Look!
Are we going sailing?
- Yeah! That's romantic, right?
Uhu. Is that the boat you
wrote about in your letters?
Yeah! Now that's my little corsair.
I've owned it since I was sixteen
and refurbished it all by myself!
Wow. Still in perfect condition too..
What did you expect?
Remember; Once mine, always mine..
Come aboard!
Yes, I'm a nice man. But they
shouldn't fool around with me.
Here you go.
Yeah, I had noticed that.
You are the perfect man, right?
Handsome, protective, witty, strong.
And you're the perfect woman.
We'll toast to that.
It's nice here, at sea..
Are we far away from the quay?
Meh, not that much. At
least we're out of sight.
But we could go anywhere you want, really.
Spain, Italy, Croatia. You
name it and I'll take you there.
Really?
Yeah, of course. Anything for my girl.
You know, all you have to
do is enjoy this beautiful view,
and just be a good wife to me.
I used to wish I had a boyfriend.
But he just never came..
And I kept trying. I went
from one date to another.
Always with the hope that
it would work that one time.
But it never worked..
Was it my personality? Was I too
much or too little? I don't know..
And..
That night when I was attacked, then
I kind of started to
give up on that dream.
I was so done with men.
And then you came! And..
It felt so right! It really was
like I was writing to my soul mate.
And I don't want to let this go..
Hey, but you don't have to, do you?
No, you're right.
This can go on forever, and
then I'll be.. Blissfully happy.
Sorry, I'm a mess. Do
you have a tissue for me?
I think I have some in
the kitchen downstairs.
Do you really need it?
Yes. Well, never mind. It doesn't matter.
No, anything for my girl. If you need
something, I will take care of it for you.
Okay..
Yeah? Then I'll go grab it.
And remember to stay put.
- Yes, I can hardly go anywhere.
- Silly!
(dramatic music)
There was only one
pack left, so you're in luck.
Oh, are you trying to surprise me?
That's sweet.
Where are you now?
Where are you?
I thought you loved me!
How can you think that?
You are a serial killer! Nobody loves you!
You motherfucker!
(engine revs)
Help me..
Sorry. I'm way too busy
enjoying the pain of a madman!
Me and those dozens of other girls
didn't deserve what you did to us!
And now you're probably thinking to
yourself "oh, I'm so sad and I'm in pain."
But we felt that pain too!
Thanks to you!
You don't deserve to live.
God and society will be thankful
that you are no longer among us.
I love.. You..
You don't even fucking
know what that means!
Someone once loved you in a fucked up
way and that's why we all have to suffer.
Well, not anymore.
By the way, I would just like to thank you.
Because thanks to you, I realized
that I can handle anything and anyone.
I just need to work
up the courage to try it!
Because you know..
If I can even handle a serial killer,
then I can handle anything, right?
Die in peace.
Too much empty space for these
thoughts, and it's a long way down
All alone, face to face with
the darkness, that I know so well
Just let me go, when
the lights are gone
Just let me go, when night falls
City streets overwhelmed with
the burn, that glows in red and gold
Neon lights, fireflies render the
beauty, of the darkness obsolete
Just let me go, when
the lights are gone
(clattering)
(quiet ambient music)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music)
(eerie music)
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline "Happy Life",
this is Charlotte, how can I help you?
Hello ma'am..
Hi, what is your name?
My name is Anna..
Hi Anna, and how old are you?
I'm 12..
Okay, and where are your
parents or your guardian?
They're dead..
Do you mean for a while now or...?
No, they just died..
Okay Anna, take a breath. In through
your nose, out through your mouth..
I'm going to ask you a few questions and I want
you to answer them as honest as possible, okay?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Okay, sweetheart.
Do you think your parents did this to themselves
or is there an imminent threat nearby?
No, I think they did it themselves..
There is a letter here, or something..
Okay, uhm..
Are there dangerous objects in your
area that could pose a danger to you?
I have a knife here, from the kitchen..
Anna, I want you to put that
knife down and leave that room.
Yes, but..
- Go and do that. I will stay right here.
No!
Now that my parents are gone,
I don't want to be here anymore.
I'm gonna kill myself, do
you hear me? Right now.
Anna, I understand you're upset, but..
No! You do not!
Everyone always thinks that they
know how I feel, but nobody does..
I'm only 12!
And what I've been through, some people
don't even experience in their entire life..
I'm just so exhausted..
I didn't have an easy childhood either.
And I was also so tired of
everyone telling me how to feel.
Really, I've been through this!
But it will get better! Not
right away, but over time..
Give it a chance.
I just can't anymore..
Then do it for your parents!
They want what's best for you.
Then why did they kill themselves? Huh?
Thanks to them I am going
to be placed in a foster home..
Hey, you don't even know that..
I'm sure your family will
welcome you with open arms!
I have no family! I have nobody!
Everyone is dead! I'm the last one left..
Please don't do this!
I care about you, and when you
get to know the world you will find
that there are millions of people
who will also care about you.
You don't even know me,
how can you care about me?
Because you're human? A beautiful, sweet
child who deserves a wonderful future.
We are all together on
this planet, no one is alone!
Anna?
I guess life just isn't for me..
Something wasn't right all along..
Anna, just put that knife down, go grab a glass
of water and call the police on another phone.
It would be the perfect ending..
This is how it should be..
I really don't know how I
could live without them..
Bye Charlotte. It was nice meeting you.
Do you have friends? Do
you have any favorite shows?
I'm sorry it had to go like this.
But that is not your
doing? I just want you to...
(scream)
And?
He's not doing well at all.
And it's not that strange. 28
years isn't gone in a flash, you know?
There is nothing in those eyes.
So he's still not talking?
No, not a word. He doesn't
even ask for a phone call.
Well, it probably won't happen anymore.
According to the municipal
archives, he has no family at all.
And according to the people next
to him, he's just a bit of a loner.
He never went on company
outings, drinks, parties, nothing at all.
Hey, maybe that pen pal program
could be something for him?
To be honest, I've been
thinking about that too.
But yeah, I don't know if
he would open up so fast.
You don't gain his trust that
easily. That's obvious, isn't it?
You can at least ask him.
Maybe he likes the idea!
Yeah. Maybe I'll do that..
Great! So we're done!
Do you really think it's just solved now?
Men..
Hey John.
I've been thinking..
I know you find it difficult
to open yourself up..
But what if you can get in touch with
someone from the outside world by letter?
A boy or a girl, to
share your thoughts with.
Your own personal pen pal.
Would you like that?
Will the letters be read
by other people too?
Yes, what do you think?
If you're planning on blowing
me up, I'd really like to know.
But..
I guarantee that your
privacy will be protected.
You can talk about
anything with that person.
I want a girl, around 18 years old.
No sorry, John.
I just want to clarify that
this is not a dating service.
It's a serious option.
We can also skip it, but then you can't talk to
anyone from the outside world for 28 years, so..
The choice is yours.
All right then.
I'm not that picky after all.
I always fuck everything anyways.
Okay.. Well.. Uhm..
I'm going to get the papers ready for you.
I just want to tell you that I think
it's good that you finally speak.
Keep doing that.
(door lock)
Do you think I could ever let it go?
Look, of course we can't sugarcoat it.
You just went through something terrible.
First that horrible rape and then getting
pregnant too, and having to give up your child..
You keep carrying that with
you for the rest of your life.
That's not what you want to
hear, I guess. But it is the reality.
Not everyone processes their
trauma in the same way or time.
For you there will also come a
day when you process your trauma.
And that you can finally
give it a place to rest.
But yeah, that could be in a week, in
a month or a year, that doesn't matter.
But letting go is going to
be harder than you think.
But when will I finally be able
to do what others are doing?
I see so many people
partying, going out, and..
Every time I try that and
I've done my make-up, then..
Then I just get too scared..
Then I see that horrible image in
front of me of that night again, and..
How he stopped me, and..
Then I just get too scared..
And I just don't want to
become a boring, old biddy.
There's a passion in me,
some kind of fire, and..
I don't want that to..
I'm just not like that.
Yes, but that will all come back again!
That's why you just have to make sure
that fire that's inside you doesn't go out.
That's why you have to keep
fighting. Focus on our agreements.
I do that. Daily, as promised.
Something in me would secretly
want to know how she is doing.
Who adopted her, how she named
her dolls, what her favorite movie is..
Any place is better than
with me, I'm sure of that..
You can't say that.
Yes, I can.
She will be 7 next week.
How time flies! 7 years!
That guy's a lawyer now, did you hear?
And I am still, thanks to him,
sitting traumatized on the floor..
I also just have to look for
another job. This is so not it for me..
Yeah, but we've already
discussed that, haven't we?
I said very clearly that I thought you
wouldn't be able to take that mentally.
That that would be way too much for you.
I know..
I just really wanted to do
something for other human beings.
If I had such a helping
hand in the past, then.
Things would have
turned out much better, so..
I thought, if I could be that
person for someone else, then..
Then that was my calling, so to speak.
But I didn't expect that I would only
torment myself more by doing that.
That girl..
Her scream of terror, I..
I just can't get it out of my head?
No, but that's perfectly normal.
That kid actually committed
suicide on the phone.
If that wouldn't bother you, I would
send you to an institution right away.
I just wish I had someone
besides you to open my heart to.
But more kind of like
a friend, or something?
Someone who wouldn't dump me when the going
gets tough, that would be really nice..
Well, while we're at it, I think
I might have something for you.
Oh?
I had a patient a month ago and she
actually wanted the same thing as you.
She really wanted to open her
heart to a complete stranger.
And she wanted to remain anonymous.
So then I had a lot of long conversations
and did some research here and there.
And I got in contact with a prison.
A prison?
Uhu, they've been looking for people for a
while now who really want an anonymous pen pal.
Someone they can talk to, with
whom they can share their thoughts..
Because they have no family
or friends to talk to at all.
So those prisoners can be
imprisoned for all kinds of crimes?
Yes indeed.
No, I'm sorry.
I don't want to share half
my life with a rapist again.
No, but we can just tell them that.
We're just going to say that you absolutely
don't want any serious felons, okay?
Don't worry. Those people are not
allowed to talk about what they have done.
They also do not find out who you
are, because you remain anonymous.
And everything will get controlled.
I don't know..
You can take all the time
to just think about it calmly.
I just honestly think it
could be something for you.
And you are also doing something good, which you want-
ed, because you offer a listening ear to a human being.
As far as you can still call them humans..
Listen, we can also look at other options, but
then you have to leave the house more often.
Uhm.. So just to be clear, if I do this..
Then all I have to do is write a letter and send
it and he writes me back? And so on, and so on?
Yes, exactly. But that has
to be weekly, obviously.
I really think it could be good for
you, just talking to a complete stranger.
Then maybe you would
trust people a bit more?
(door opening)
Hi John.
I promised to come back to your request.
I think I may have found a match for you.
Her name is Charlotte, she is 23 years old, and
she comes from the same village where you grew up.
More information I can't share with you.
Here I have an A4 sheet and a pencil.
I'm going home in a bit, so
I could post your first letter.
Are you able to get this done today?
Do you have a picture of her?
No, John. That is very unusual.
But what if I don't find her attractive?
That's not necessary at all, is
it? It is not an escort service.
You are supposed to write a
letter, the way you talk to a friend.
Just about life, what's bothering you, what your
interests are. That isn't that hard now, is it?
(suspenseful music)
My name is John. I am 41 years old and I have
been in prison here for several months now.
That's terrible! How long
do you have to remain there?
Long, much too long.
My crime wasn't even that bad.
Just something small and simple.
I was never supposed to get that long.
This country is corrupt.
I don't really have any friends..
Sometimes I chat on Facebook
with some high school friends..
But "friends friends"? No. Although
I would like to have some of those..
I was a maintenance man, in a factory.
If a machine broke down or there was a malfunction,
I was called and I repaired it right away.
Yeah, you could say I'm handy.
You sound really amazing, you know that?
I thought writing letters would get
boring after so many months, but..
You just never cease to amaze me!
Don't be so insecure! You are gorgeous!
I will definitely hang this
picture above my bed.
So I can dream about all the things
we're going to do as soon as I get out.
If you weren't in jail, I'd go
on a date with you right away!
Don't you find me scary then?
Well, of course I don't know what you look
like, but I'm more into someone's inside.
And how you are inside is exactly
what makes my heart beat faster!
No, don't you worry about that.
I could never do anything to you.
You're the only one I have left..
ONE MONTH LATER
John! You can go on probation..
Oh my god..
John S. Has escaped! Block all exits!
Wow Charlotte! You look so beautiful!
Thank you.
And so happy too?
That's right! Since becoming a pen pal,
my life seems to have completely changed.
That is good news. So
you did take the step?
Yes! I feel so great when I talk to him.
I can tell him everything, I know
him through and through, and..
I even feel some butterflies in
my stomach when I think about him!
Oh, but can you be a little careful with that?
Because that is of course not the intention.
Nothing could happen.
He's in jail tens of thousands
of miles from here, and I'm here.
What's the worst that could happen?
Well, it just doesn't seem
like such a good idea.
You know what? We're just going to
cancel it and find something else for you.
No! You can't do that, I've
already become so attached to him.
And you may think I'm in love,
but I didn't mean it that way.
I see him more as kind of a brother?
So no! He really means
too much to me, please.
I don't know. I just don't
think It's such a good idea.
Soon you will really fall in love with him, and
then we will be even further away from progress.
But that's really not going to
happen! Me with a prisoner?
I couldn't even think about it.
They can't wash themselves properly.
Anyway, the thing is..
I finally have someone to worry
about, someone I'm attached to.
That took so long and
that's a good thing, right?
Yes, that's true.
You know what? Then I suggest
you go ahead with this, but..
I'd like to see you twice a week, and
I'd also like to read some of your letters.
I want to be able to
estimate exactly how you feel.
Fine, I have nothing against that.
Perfect. And how are you doing besides
that? Are you leaving your house a bit more?
Well, I was thinking about maybe going to a
Halloween party in the neighborhood tonight.
Really? How good of you, Charlotte!
Yes, I thought then I can finally
bring out my cosplay outfit again!
I am so proud of you! And
were you invited to that?
Yes, an old friend from
school suddenly sent it to me.
I really haven't been in contact with
her for years, but she suddenly said;
"Yeah, it's nearby." I think
she really sent that to everyone.
But, I thought why not?
What do I have to lose, right?
I hurt myself enough in here.
Yeah, but I really think you're
going to feel a lot better after tonight.
Do you really think so?
Of course! Absolutely!
I mean, a little socializing can't hurt.
And you know, just go enjoy yourself!
And if it doesn't work out or you suddenly
get too scared, just give me a call.
I think it's so important
that you actually go.
Fine. I will remember that.
Great. Shall we grab our agendas?
So we can schedule new appointments.
Do you happen to know
what John was imprisoned for?
Unfortunately I cannot
say anything on that matter.
Oh well, he can't hurt me anyway.
He still has 28 years to go in prison..
(intense music)
Dude!
Can I help you?
Uhm..
Hmm.. That's been a long time!
Strawberries!
I used to eat those with my babysitter.
Okay?
Where did you find those?
Well, just in the supermarket?
They are also on sale now, so run!
I have no money..
Because I just got out of pris..
I just don't have so much to spend.
You know what? Take mine.
No..
Take it! They are just
strawberries, it's not a big deal.
But why?
Well, we can all do something
for our fellow humans, right?
And I feel great today, so if I can
make you feel that way too, I'd love to!
Okay.. Thanks?
Enjoy your meal.
Yeah, thank you..
(pulsing dance music)
This will take forever..
Hi! Sorry, I think there was a delay on the
app. It didn't show that you were already here.
Why are you wearing that
mask? Are you going to the party?
You're not my driver, are you?
Do you know who I am?
Think carefully.
When I was in prison you
sent me all kinds of letters.
Do you know it now?
You wrote that you would like to meet me..
That you would like to
feel my arms around you..
Well, here I am!
I broke out of prison to be with
you. Isn't that thoughtful of me?
(creepy music)
Look at me when I'm talking to you.
Look at me!
I don't want to hurt you.
You are one of the few women in my
life who genuinely makes me feel good.
Don't screw it up..
Promise you won't scream when
I take that tape off your mouth?
Are you sure?
Don't..
What? You wanted me right?
Yes, but not like this..
How stupid of me!
But promise not to run if I untie you?
No, I won't do anything! I promise.
Wait. Wouldn't it be better if we did
it somewhere on a rug under the stars?
That's more romantic..
That's a good idea!
Wait! I believe I saw a rug in the car.
Wait, I'll go see if it's in the car.
I borrowed the car, it's not mine, so..
I found it! It may not be too big, but..
You shouldn't have done that!
Hello, this is Josephine.
Yes, good evening. You are
speaking with Lillian Erfsen.
I have been informed by a
colleague that you may have
some additional information
regarding the disappearance
of one of our patients John S.
Could you please tell me
a little more about that?
Yes of course. That is indeed correct.
I have a patient that I have weekly video contact
with and we have been doing that for years.
And she's never skipped it once.
And now all of a sudden I
just can't get a hold of her.
I try to call her, but it
just doesn't work. And..
Ma'am..
This has nothing to do with
our patient's disappearance.
Next time I request that you simply
contact your local police station.
Well, could I just finish
my story for a second?
I don't know how you communicate there,
but I don't think this is the way to do it.
I would like to continue telling my story.
Excuse my manners. Please continue.
Thank you.
Well, as I said; I have a client with whom
I have had weekly video calls for years.
She really never skipped them.
And now suddenly she doesn't answer her
phone anymore and doesn't respond to emails.
Well, I put her in touch with a
foundation that takes care of pen pals.
And so she got someone
from you guys, a prisoner.
And it might be a little crazy.
But I feel like it could be connected.
The disappearance of your patient
and the disappearance of my client.
No, it's actually not that
crazy what you suggest.
I don't know who his pen pal is, we have hundreds
of patients here who all do the same thing.
But wait, I can go to his cell and
see what name is on the letters.
- Could you wait a moment?
- Yes, thank you.
(suspenseful music)
- I am back, thanks for waiting.
- Hello..
Does the name "Charlotte
Schippers" say anything to you?
Yes! That's her! That's my client!
Stop fighting me!
(yells)
(intense music)
- John! Let that girl go!
- Drop that knife!
If you don't let me
go, I'll slit her throat!
Please do something..
Fine. We're letting you go.
What? Will you just let him go?
Yes. But then you must give the girl to us!
I don't think so..
I love her! She belongs to me!
So we can start a new life together!
But I don't want to..
What?
I do not want that. I don't
want anything with you!
But you wrote..
You kidnapped me, John! This is no love!
Fine. If you want it that
way, we'll do it that way.
You can take her!
But only her body!
(gun shot)
Hey Charlotte..
Are you feeling better?
Not in the mood to talk?
I can understand.
Were you in love with him?
That's not crazy at all.
Of course, getting to know each other and
to date through letters is quite romantic.
You really won't be the first.
I don't blame you.
Maybe a little?
But more with the idea I had
of him, not how he actually is.
He's a monster..
I never want to see him again..
I just want you to know that
victim support is on its way,
and ready to talk.
Whenever you're ready.
I just want to go home..
Yeah, that is also okay..
I'm going to check if we have
everything from you, I'll be right back.
(mysterious music)
Stop it! You're only
making it worse for yourself!
What are you going to do with me?
I don't know yet!
You're not going to kill me, are you?
Please, I beg you! Don't hurt me!
Shut your mouth! I'm trying to think!
What does it matter anyway?
I have nothing to live for..
- I've been so stupid!
- You sure were.
I should have thought about how in
love I was when we wrote those letters.
I completely forgot about that feeling..
If I hadn't panicked so much, we
could be living in a fairytale right now!
I wish there was a way to reverse it all..
Thai is still possible?
- Really?
- You know how I feel about you.
- And I want to go for it.
- Me too..
I know a nice destination for us..
Where?
Oh, just wait. You will love it!
- If I untie you, promise not to run?
- Uhu.
- I can't hear you?
- Yes.
Good..
This is how it all ends for me, Isn't it?
Not at all! You know I
don't want that, right?
Come.
Look!
Are we going sailing?
- Yeah! That's romantic, right?
Uhu. Is that the boat you
wrote about in your letters?
Yeah! Now that's my little corsair.
I've owned it since I was sixteen
and refurbished it all by myself!
Wow. Still in perfect condition too..
What did you expect?
Remember; Once mine, always mine..
Come aboard!
Yes, I'm a nice man. But they
shouldn't fool around with me.
Here you go.
Yeah, I had noticed that.
You are the perfect man, right?
Handsome, protective, witty, strong.
And you're the perfect woman.
We'll toast to that.
It's nice here, at sea..
Are we far away from the quay?
Meh, not that much. At
least we're out of sight.
But we could go anywhere you want, really.
Spain, Italy, Croatia. You
name it and I'll take you there.
Really?
Yeah, of course. Anything for my girl.
You know, all you have to
do is enjoy this beautiful view,
and just be a good wife to me.
I used to wish I had a boyfriend.
But he just never came..
And I kept trying. I went
from one date to another.
Always with the hope that
it would work that one time.
But it never worked..
Was it my personality? Was I too
much or too little? I don't know..
And..
That night when I was attacked, then
I kind of started to
give up on that dream.
I was so done with men.
And then you came! And..
It felt so right! It really was
like I was writing to my soul mate.
And I don't want to let this go..
Hey, but you don't have to, do you?
No, you're right.
This can go on forever, and
then I'll be.. Blissfully happy.
Sorry, I'm a mess. Do
you have a tissue for me?
I think I have some in
the kitchen downstairs.
Do you really need it?
Yes. Well, never mind. It doesn't matter.
No, anything for my girl. If you need
something, I will take care of it for you.
Okay..
Yeah? Then I'll go grab it.
And remember to stay put.
- Yes, I can hardly go anywhere.
- Silly!
(dramatic music)
There was only one
pack left, so you're in luck.
Oh, are you trying to surprise me?
That's sweet.
Where are you now?
Where are you?
I thought you loved me!
How can you think that?
You are a serial killer! Nobody loves you!
You motherfucker!
(engine revs)
Help me..
Sorry. I'm way too busy
enjoying the pain of a madman!
Me and those dozens of other girls
didn't deserve what you did to us!
And now you're probably thinking to
yourself "oh, I'm so sad and I'm in pain."
But we felt that pain too!
Thanks to you!
You don't deserve to live.
God and society will be thankful
that you are no longer among us.
I love.. You..
You don't even fucking
know what that means!
Someone once loved you in a fucked up
way and that's why we all have to suffer.
Well, not anymore.
By the way, I would just like to thank you.
Because thanks to you, I realized
that I can handle anything and anyone.
I just need to work
up the courage to try it!
Because you know..
If I can even handle a serial killer,
then I can handle anything, right?
Die in peace.
Too much empty space for these
thoughts, and it's a long way down
All alone, face to face with
the darkness, that I know so well
Just let me go, when
the lights are gone
Just let me go, when night falls
City streets overwhelmed with
the burn, that glows in red and gold
Neon lights, fireflies render the
beauty, of the darkness obsolete
Just let me go, when
the lights are gone