By the Throat (2025) Movie Script

1
[ominous music plays]
ah...
[Heavy breathing]
[SCREAMS]
[eerie music intensifies]
[crying]
And you'll get to
check in on the cat
every couple of
days.
Yeah, course.
Thank you
You sure you're
feeling up to this?
You dont think its too soon?
- mum, please
can we not.
Sorry, sorry.
I just worry thats all.
mum, I'm fine
you dont sound it.
ok, Thanks.
And you had another nightmare,
didnt you
You know what doctor Hugh said about stres
Mom, this
conversation is
stressing me out.
I'm fine.
I'd say
if I wasn't okay.
I'll call you later,
okay?
Yeah. I'm sorry.
I didn't mean
to upset you.
I love you.
[ends phone call]
[sighs]
[heartbeat, music intensifies]
[SCREAMS]
[music becomes mysterious]
[voicemail greeting] - Hi, it's Lizzie.
Leave a message.
Hi. This is, It's,
the agency
gave me a number,
and so I'm just
calling to confirm
that you're still okay
for the house sitting job?
starting this
Friday.
If you have any
queries or anything,
please feel free
to call me back on
this number.
Okay. Thanks. bye.
Is this it?
yeah this is it.
[kdoor knock]
- hey, you made it
- yes
I hope the journey wasnt too bad
Yeah. It was
it was right there.
i, assume he was able to
find you at the station
Yes, it is easy
enough.
I actually don't
mind train journeys.
same, theres something about
watching the world go by
did you get to take in
much of the scenery?
I did?
It's really
beautiful.
ill have to show you around one day
you know,
in the meantime, please.
I'm sorry. Come in.
Come on.
uhm, let me take that in for you
So, Okay.
coat and shoes there
[muffled audio through window]
This is the dining
room.
What a beautiful place
you have here. Thanks.
And to be honest,
this place feels
like a
shell of itself.
That's funny
how quickly
things can change.
Come on.
one of the rules of the house.
please dont enter this room
I have to be
very clear with this.
Under
no circumstances.
I mean,
no circumstances.
are you to enter this room
We... We keep it
a certain way,
and
- I understand
ill avoide it at all
costs.
Thank you.
Yeah, other than that
the place is yours
and feel free
to make yourself at home
This is your room.
This is okay.
No, it's really
lovely.
Yeah,
I got going...
an en suite.
Nice.
All right,
let's,
finish up this tour.
Did the agency
explain
about the chores or
that we want tdoing around the house
- uh huh
This is,
unfortunately, Aimee,
I seem to have,
She, she hasnt left it in some time
so, if you could just
bring her food
up on the tray,
be great.
Just knock,
and leave the food by the door
when shes finished shell leave
the tray outside for you
oh, uhm, one last thing.
Our family doctor,
a doctor, nurse will be around
- oh okay.
If you could let him
in for me,
that would be great.
I've informed him
you'll be here.
Yeah.
We'll do, of course.
Yeah, right.
Just make sure
he has
everything he needs. Yeah.
Of course. Right.
Well, unfortunately,
I need to make
a move.
Business trip
But I'll be back,
first thing Monday.
Is there anything else?
I've.
I feel like I've.
I've gone
through everything.
Yeah,
I think I'm good.
Yeah. Great.
Right.
Well, I'll be off.
You have my number
if you need
anything.
Or if you're confused
just drop me a text.
Okay?
Right.
- im going,
- have a safe trip
- thank you so much
I'll be back. Okay.
see you Monday.
[door closes]
[music amplifies]
[door knock]
Mrs. Cummings,
Mrs. Cummings,
your food's here.
[distant door opens]
[muffled TV show chatter]
[from the TV]
But they could just be
traveling through.
They could be
passing by. Oh.
think how long
Took us to find
this place.
In case
we've been talked
about, of survival.
[swiping on phone]
[SCREAM]
[muffled struggling]
[intense panting]
[phone alarm rings]
[eerie birds tweeting]
[eerie music intensifies]
[cleaning plates]
[phone rings]
Hey, mom.
Hey, there you are.
thought you were going to
call me last night
Oh, sorry.
I, Yeah, I settled in
then I just completely forgot
and my mind got away from me
What's wrong?
It's.
It's nothing.
I can hear it
in your voice.
Something's up.
It's nothing.
you taking your tablets?
Mom, if I say
I'm fine.
I'm sorry,
I'm sorry.
youre right.
I'm being a parent.
hang on
I literally
just have to
get this breakfast
up to Mrs.
Cummings.
- How is she?
I dont know, I havent met her yet.
- what?!
I met the husband
hes nice enough
but not her?
She keeps herself to herself
Doesn't come out
of her room apparently.
She's not
come out once?
I dont think so.
[quiet crying]
[doorbell]
You must be Lizzy
Doctor Lewis.
Did Alex
not mention me?
I'm Amy's doctor.
Oh, yes.
Sorry.
Can I come in?
Oh, yes. Of course.
Please.
Sorry.
Please come in.
she still
in her room?
Yeah.
I'll, I'll go up.
Amy. Amy,
it's Doctor Lewis.
[inaudible music plays in earphones]
[drops bowl]
Jesus.
I didn't mean
to startle you.
no, it's okay.
Here, I'll take that
off you.
Is everything okay?
We're getting there.
Well,
can I offer you
a cup
of tea or something?
No, no.
Thank you.
I best be off
just starting
my morning rounds.
Oh, okay.
well, It was
nice to meet you.
You too.
She, uh, she
should be fine,
but should something
happen while Alex is away,
you can call me
on that number.
I'm sure
we'll be fine.
I'm sure you will.
[TV show] See?
[thumping from upstairs]
[TV show] Lots of smoke.
[eerie music begins]
[inaudible whispering]
Mrs. Cummins
and you ok?
where am i?
- youre... in your house
Mrs Cummins
am i?
- yes
come on,
Let's get you off to bed
shall we
rest up, okay?
Stay with me
- would you rather
If I left you sleeping.
Please, please.
Okay.
I'm going
to turn off
all the lights,
and I'm going to
sleep on this sofa
next to you,
okay?
thank you, okay.
[lock]
[music intensifies]
[SCREAMING]
sh, sh, sh
its ok, sh
just take a deep breath
[deep breath]
[shower turns on]
I'm going to get you
some fresh pajamas,
some new sheets. ok.
[door knock]
[floorboard creek]
who are you
Lizzy
- who?
Lizzy
Mrs Cummings.
Get out,
get out!
GET OUT!
[crying]
ok. It's okay.
Just tell
me what happened.
It's nothing.
No tell me
what's wrong.
No. It's nothing.
It's fine.
I should be able to
handle these things.
It is okay to vent, Lizzy
you always
get like this
when you're upset,
you shut down. Ever since -
- No, don't.
I don't want to talk
about this right now.
Can we not?
I'm just saying.
I've got to go.
Don't be like that.
Alright then.
I'll call you
tomorrow,
Lizzy. Dont
Why don't we talk
about something else?
its fine.
I've, I've got to
get back to work
anyway, so.
Okay.
Well, I'm here
if you need to talk.
I know.
Goodbye.
I love you.
You too.
[mufled scream]
God!
[footsteps upstairs]
Mrs. Cummings,
sorry for the delay.
Your dinner will
be with you shortly.
[eerie horror music]
Mrs. Cummings,
it's so good
to see you
out of your room.
Is it.
Don't call me Mrs.
Cummings, please.
theres something
unsettling about it
okay?
Yeah, sure.
Is there anything I can get you or -
youve been at work, havent you?
Thanks.
I've just.
Let me take another look at you.
Yeah.
Youre cute.
Thanks.
Have one with me with me.
I'm still
on the clock.
Yeah, well,
I'm your boss,
and I'm granting you
the rest of
the day off.
Still a bit early for me.
[Whispered] shut up
Indulge me.
Okay.
yey.
Cheers
Cheers
Right. Follow me.
I, um.
Would like to apologize
for the other night.
That's okay, Mrs Cummings.
Jesus Christ,
did you not hear me.
Can you call me
Amy, please?
Sorry.
Its, um, it's
kind of you
to look after me
like that.
That's okay.
I was just doing
my job.
Yeah, well,
theres nothing like embarrassment
to humble a person
So, what
did my husband
tell you about me?
Nothing.
Just what
the agency told me.
What was that?
That you had both
been involved
in an accident
and that you needed
someone
to help you out
around the house?
And that's it.
He didn't
tell you about
the accident? No.
No, of course he wouldnt
You're curious, though?
its none of
my business.
It was a car crash.
We lost our daughter
We were on holiday
in south of France.
Alex is driving.
We're heading
to the beach.
He took a turning and just made
a stupid mistake.
accidentally turned on to the wrong
side of the road.
It was a head on collision
with a lorry.
I'm so sorry
that it's awful.
You know
what's truly awful
is that I live
knowing the pain
of what
it's like
to lose a child.
We used to dance in here.
she used to just stand on
my toes and wed...
Waltz around.
Come on.
Please.
I want you to dance
with me.
Will you do that
for me?
Yeah.
There you go.
[Mrs Cummings humms music]
I saw I thought
I saw something
what where?
in the bushes.
What are you
talking about.
Theres nothing there.
I thought I.
[Amy Cummings laughs]
[front door opens]
Hello?
Hi.
What are you doing? Look at you.
So good to see you out of that room.
[kiss]
Is everything okay.
Lizzy thinks we've
got a peeping Tom.
No, I just,
I see you've been
drinking.
Yeah, ive had
a couple of glasses.
and some girl time
Sorry, what was that?
what?
You rolled your eyes at me.
- no i didnt roll my eyes at you
- You saw that didnt you?
You don't have to do
that.
Why not? It's a job.
It's not.
It's really no bother.
- see.
Whyve you employed her
If she's not going
to do some work around the house.
Why are you being
You wanted me out of that room. Here I am.
- no, just, uh
Yeah, walk away. great.
Sorry about that.
Oh, no. It's fine.
It's okay.
No, no, no. Its not.
The place looks great by the way.
Thanks.
How she been?
We had one bad night.
She was screaming.
No sleep.
She wet the bed.
Stop.
she suffers from
night terrors.
Why dont you take the rest
of the day off.
No thats really
kind of you but-
Honestly,
I won't take
no for an answer.
Just go out, for the day,
do some exploring,
okay?
Yeah, Ill sort her out.
Are you sure?
Positive.
Now, just go.
Okay.
Okay, so I've put.
I've done
the tomato paste.
I've put the two
tins in our water.
Cumin, the Oregonian chili
powder, and,
the coriander.
And a beef stock cube..
Chicken
no vegetable.
No, uh, chicken stock?
- no, no beef stock
Yeah, we definitely do.
well it would be here.
And we've got
chicken
or vegetable now,
[SCREAM]
Look behind the gravy,
it might be there
ah, berry, peach
yuck, no, for thi-
- here you go.
Whoa, are you ok?
You alright?
Thank you.
- green beans?
Yeah. Go on
Chuck it in.
Get away!
Get away from me!
Oh, my God, I thought it was
supposed to be mushrooms?
I didn't do them all
- its fine
can you do the rest?
Thats fine theres three there-
No, no, but what are we going to do
with the last two there?
Were just going to throw
them away and waste them.
Theres three, no were not its fine.
Just please just chop
them up and put them in.
Its going to make this better.
Hey, hi
- hi
How was it
Yeah. Was nice.
Just a quick
walk around
the neighborhood.
Yeah. Who did you see-
- really quaint.
I just went up
to the post office.
Ah yeah nice.
yeah
right
That smells good.
Oh. Thank you.
Yeah.
No, it's not
finished yet.
Wait a minute.
So I decided
to make a chili
for us tonight,
and we are going
to properly
welcome
you into our home.
You don't have to
do that.
No. Well, I mean,
youve gracefully.
accepted coming to work
for us.
My, I want to
show you
that we're not,
I'm not a complete
psycho.
I never thought
that.
Really?
Well, then you're a
better person
than I am.
And also,
I would like
us all to
dress up tonight
because I've been in
pajamas.
No makeup
for too long.
So did you
bring anything
that you can
get dressed up in or something?
No, I didn't think
to pack anything up.
Okay, well,
you can wear something of mine
That's fine.
You can just wear
whatever you want
its going to be relaxed.
Oh. It's fine.
Oh, I'm
sorry, I'm throwing this
all at you.
you don't
have to say yes
if you don't
want to.
am, am I being weird -
- no its fine
Its fine, its lovely
Sorry.
I haven't
really interacted
with since.
Fine.
Its lovely
Its bubbling...
Sounds really good.
Im looking forward to it.
Great. I'm.
We can get
ready together.
Yeah. Yeah.
Okay okay. Great.
Okay.
Well then you do
the mushrooms.
I think it's fine
Just do them, just chop them up, please.
Please.
Okay.
Just make me happy.
Yeah. Okay.
No its nice! A little girl bonding time.
It's nice
you would not understand, youre a man
See. This one.
What do you think.
Yeah I like it.
Great.
Well, should try it on.
I just need
to take a shower.
Yeah,
and then we can
get ready together
What, where are you going?-
- To take a shower?
Oh, it's okay,
you can use mine.
It's much bigger.
Oh, towels are
hanging up behind
the door, but.
Okay.
[inaudible whispering]
Who were you talking too?
- oh just Alex
Didn't know how
to turn the oven down.
Okay.
You feeling
refreshed?
Yey
let's do this.
You ok?
Yeah.
What makeup you thinking?
I dont know.
Im not really a makeup person
You have such beautiful skin.
I know exactly what
you need.
Does that feel nice
yeah really nice.
Okay.
Just like painting
a picture.
You have really good bones
I think that looks good.
Close your eyes.
Perfect.
Up you get.
Now, go and put your dress on.
Look at us
family is everything to me.
That's all
I've ever wanted.
Big family.
We are good people.
We just.
Hurting right now.
You know?
I want you
to know that
of course.
Shi-, thats not going to fit your feet
it's not going
to fit your feet.
Its alright.
Ill wear my own
Yeah, okay.
Yeah.
[positively] ummm
Really really
delicious.
Yeah.
Okay.
High praise.
It's pretty good.
It's been a while.
I haven't forgotten
how to do it.
And it's brill
Now I would like
to make a toast.
I'd like to
officially
welcome Lizzy
into our home
and thank her for
taking on this job
to help us through
such a difficult
time.
I know I haven't
been myself
lately, but
I have
a good feeling.
I think
things are only
going to get better
from here on in.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
[inaudible conversation]
None.
Is everythingg alright?
Yeah, Sorry.
I think I just
need a glass of water or something
Excuse me
Oh. Oh.
[SCREAMING]
OH MY GOD!
- Whats going on?
Theres someone in the window
There's
someone outside.
Are you sure?
You see someone
in the garden?
its okay, its alright
uhmmm, theres noone there, look.
Let me get you some water
[music crescendo]
are you ok?
[coughing, thorws up]
[Alex] jesus
shh
its all ok, its going to be ok.
its ok. its ok
[door knocking]
Hello.
Hi.
How are you feeling?
Not great.
We were having a nice night
Then next thing you know,
you passed out.
Oh, did
I hit my head?
I don't think so-
- no.
Oh my God,
I was sick of you
last night.
I am so sorry
- its ok, dont worry
[doorbell]
thatll be him, I called Doctor Lewis
You shouldn't have.
I want to make sure
you're okay.
It's probably
nothing.
Yeah, I'm
sure you're right.
But better to be
safe than sorry.
All right.
Let's get a good
look at you.
I think I'm fine.
I think it's just
a bug or something.
Well, I'll be
the judge of that.
Will you give us a moment
Yes, of course
I'll give
you some privacy.
Yell, if you need
anything.
Open your mouth
for me.
- ahhh
- ahhhh
Your glands are up
Would you mind,
How des that feel?
- fine
And that? No sharp pain
or discomfort. No.
Well,
you definitely
have a fever,
but apart from that,
I'd say you're fine.
You're right.
It's just a
mild bug.
I suggest
plenty of rest,
some good, hearty
food, and,
ill prescribe medication
to help fight off
the temperature.
And, uh, you'll be up
and running in
the next day or so.
Okay?
Okay.
Right.
Well, then
you've
got my number,
so call me
if anything worsens.
But honestly,
Youll be up on your feet
by the end of the week.
Thank you.
[mum, from the phone]
Well, that'svery kind of them,
but what
do you mean?
You fainted?
I just,
couldn't breathe.
And then room
started spinning.
It sounds like
you're having
a panic attack,
I mean,
how's your anxiety?
Remember what the doctor said
about
feeling overwhelmed.
Maybe
I should come up.
Mom, stop
worrying about.
I'm fine.
Are you taking
your medication?
Maybe.
Maybe I could pay
you a visit.
Come by, say, hey,
we could get
some lunch.
Mum, really, im fine, please
Then why didn't you take
your medication with you?
So youve been
snooping around my house
No, I was
feeding the cat
like you asked.
I used your toilet
and saw that you left them.
I just didn't feel like
taking it this time.
But, you know, it's
not good to just
suddenly
stop taking them.
uh, you could be
having side effects.
I'm.
I'm fine, I promise.
Okay. Stop worrying.
Fine.
But you'll keep me
updated yeah?
I will do
- ok
well, ill stop now
okay, i love you.
I love you, bye
- bye.
[harsh music]
Oh. Are you okay?
oh, did you have a nightmare?
What was it about?
I just keep having the same dream.
[begins crying]
About
six months ago.
I was attacked
by a man with a knife.
My God, Lizzy.
I'm so sorry.
He tried to push
himself on me.
Managed to get
the knife, but,
We started struggling and, and then,
Then the next thing
I know, he's
lying on the ground,
bleeding out.
I'm holding
the knife.
That told me that
I did nothing wrong
because I was just
defending myself.
But the,
the guy that got.
[man desperately panting]
He didn't make it.
He died, on the wqy to the hospital.
Yeah,
I know
it's not my fault. I just
I keep
playing the scenario
over and over in my
in my head.
I have these very,
very vivid dreams
about him.
I feel like
he's all around me
all of the time.
I can just I.
I can just
feel his presence.
Like last night
when you thought
you saw
someone in the garden.
Oh, you need to
rest.
Here.
um, are these the pills
that Doctor Lewis gave me
Yeah,
yeah,
I think I just got
back from
the pharmacy.
You need to take them
every four hours.
Where did you find this?
It was under my bed-
- ive been looking everwhere for it
I got it from a flea
market.
in town. Its a, uh
Its a fertility symbol.
I've been using it when...
We'd been trying
for another baby.
Which is stupid,
because the doctors
already told me
it wouldn't
be possible with
my injuries. But.
Well, there we are.
We've
still got a bit of a
temperature.
How's the headache?
I'm much better.
well the pills should
help with that.
I'll come back
and check on you
in a bit, okay?
When you finished
with the tray,
you just leave it
by the bed, okay?
Thank you.
[begins crying]
[yuck of disgust]
[ominous music begins]
[no audible diagetic sound]
[music intensifies]
[heartbeat is audible]
[heavy breathing]
Hello? Hello?
[audible panic]
[SCREAM]
Oh my God.
[sharp breathing]
[tree branch snaps]
[scream]
Nerves I think
I'm not sure
I keep having this
really,
really crazy dreams.
Look, Alex.
I'm sorry.
My mom was right.
I shouldn't
I shouldn't be here.
Im not well.
I, I think I might
be going crazy,
hey, youre not crazy.
I keep having this
really fucked up
nightmares.
Last night
wasn't a nightmare
What?
Well Amy asked me not to say
anything to you.
What do you mean?
Sorry?
Alex,
can you just tell me
what happened last
night? I found you
you hit your head pretty hard.
Worried about you?
For a sec.
I thought I was
being chased
by these figures
they had on these weird
masks.
Im not well, I need to go home, Alex.
I need to call my mother.
- Lizzy, Lizzy, Lizzy!
I want you, to forgive Jason
What are you talking
about?
Youre awake.
What the fuck is going on.
Get me out of here.
I'm sorry. I can't
live without my little girl.
[struggling]
No. Let me go.
Please
Did she do the rituals like I asked
She drank the tea
- thanks Alex
I put the symbol under her bed,
but she found it
Is it ruined, will it still work?
its not an exact science
but itll help the process begin
what whatever it is
that you're
both doing.
Please stop.
You don't have to do
this.
Amy. Alex,
please let me go.
Don't do this.
Please stop.
Stop doing this.
[MUSIC TENSION RISES]
Stop doing this.
Oh, no.
No fucking way! No!
Oh, god, no no no,
what are you doing
what is going on?
Ow! oh, no fucking hell, get off of me
get off me please,
get it off me!
[reciting ritual]
Let these two souls lines.
coffin common.
When your soul
and body
are no longer
with this knife,
we'll sacrifice
this life
Giving the body
in turn for this child
No, no no no.
Lets begin.
No no no no no.
[spitting, coughing and cant breathe]
What are you doing?
no, get the fuck off me.
When we close this
it's going to be pitch black.
Now, dont know about you
but the dark
And that real pitch blackness, where you
cant see your hand infront of your face
[whispers] terrifies me.
It's a small mass.
Isnt there, right?
no, no, no, no [crying]
[eerie creek]
Amy, Amy, Alex!, Alex!
[nails hammered]
Amy, Amy, Amy
ALEX!
[sobbing intensifies]
Thanks, thanks so much
Hello?
[voicemail greeting]
Hi its Lizzy, leave a message.
Please accept our sacrifice
one soul
for another.
Oh Shit i forget my ball
Will you go and get it.
Oh, I've um, forgot to ask.
Isnt an issue but uh,
while were waiting.
Payment?
Oh right, I went to the bank this morning
Um, its in the gym bag in the kitchen
[throat slit]
No. What are you
doing?
[stab, stab]
[knocking rapidly] Alex!
Amy, AMY!
Let me out of here!
[cocks gun]
Get me out!
[empty chamber]
[thud]
Oh. Oh.
[falls down stairs]
Christ thank fuck thats over.
Uh, that mask is so itchy.
Yeah. Let's take
five and seven.
Weve got a big night ahead of us.
Gotta clean everything up.
Moneys in the kitchen right,
thats what he said?
In the gym bag.
People really believe anything. wont they
What can I say, dead kids,
they fuck people up.
Still can't believe
you got that book
from that car
boot sale.
Yeah, got all this shit in there
Some gypsy was selling it.
[harsh breath] oh god!
[muffled screaming]
Easy now.
Get in the living room.
NOW! -
- okay
Is he dead?
I think so
Stop moving.
Or I shoot
I'm calling
the police,
so I suggest you
start running now.
There's no bullets in there, is there.
what are
you talking about?
That guns not loaded
Yes, it is.
Go on then, shoot one of us.
[screams]
Ow ow ow ow ow ow
ow ow ow ow!
[crying]
[kicking the coffin]
[wood break!]
Fuck!
[short, sharp breathing]
She's escaped.
I know, I'll go
you two sort this one out.
[stab] OH!
[glass smash]
You go, ill stay
[stab in neck]
[bleeding out]
[multiple stab]
mum, oh god, sorry.
Wheres your phone
[struggling] he smashed it.
- oh god
Okay.
Im going to get one,
can you hold on for me. okay?
Oh, God.
[kick in the head]
Ow ow ow
ow ow ow ow!
Fuck!
You bitch!
Oh, fuck!
[suffocating]
[THUD]
[short, sharp breaths]
Mum. Fuck.
ARGH!
Why wont you fucking die? Fucking! Die!
[multiple stabs]
Oh mum come here.
Oh, come here.
Okay, okay.
[police sirens]
[evil groaning]
You've got to be
fucking kidding me.