Casefield (2025) Movie Script
Thank you. Jonathan is a beloved member
of this flock. I know his family misses
him very much and we are praying day and
night for his steadfast return. We're
working day and night too so if you are
available please help us. Give the church
a call. St. Anthony's. Call us anytime.
We pray that Jonathan
is reunited with the
Becker family again.
(dramatic piano music)
I read something I quite
liked. It made me feel less empty.
Our love will not grow only diminishing
as the ones we love wither away.
(watch alarm)
You know, people tend to look at the past
like a tether. It grounds them. When it
gets too tight it very well could be the
thing that holds them back. Maybe?
You'd consider a little subtlety.
EFFORT: Oh, Yeah. Yeah.
EFFORT: Comfortably
numb. Yeah, keep everyone.
EFFORT: And everything away.
EFFORT: Spin whatever you can't control.
CARTER: That's part of the deal right?
CARTER: Entertain your audience.
CARTER: You're the one
who wanted to speak with me?
(door opens)
(eerie music)
EFFORT: Remember when
you approached me about.
EFFORT: Investigative journalism?
Okay?
Well..
Integrity and reporting
seldom go hand in hand.
(eerie guitar music)
Former colleague reach out to me
requesting I evaluate his son.
Missing quite a while. Now,
I don't ask for a lot. Hardly. But it's a
case, Carter. It's a
chance for you to dig through
documents, collect statements, get
experience. You want me to build my
credibility? Yes. But
first there's things you're going to have
to learn. Afterwards,
they..It get's murky.
Are you fucking serious?
Why me? Because you take.
Because you take
advantage of opportunities.
(low bass tone)
(fast -paced guitar music)
(laundry machine starts)
(choir singing)
EFFORT VOICE: But it's a
case, Carter. It's a chance to.
EFFORT VOICE: Dig through files, collect.
EFFORT VOICE: Statements, get experience.
CARTER VOICE: Why me?
(somber piano music)
(laundry machine ends)
(bird chirp)
THOMAS: Ruin of a place, right? That's what.
THOMAS: People think. Not coming.
THOMAS: Around till they need something.
(soft choir singing)
You would have me believe that you are a
young man who has lived a
lifetime. But maybe we've
lived the same life. CARTER:
(inhales deeply) I'm here. You're in
good standing at the university. You're
surely connected with writers with
experience. I decided to
take a gamble on the words of an
old friend. Results. Results speak about
character. But it's your history.
CARTER: Careful.
THOMAS: You see? You get it.
Everyone else is just smoke screens. And.
Men like you and I, we look
right through it. And maybe that
can come at any age. CARTER: I hope not.
(inhale)
Do you revel in public perception,
Mr. Williams? Prejudice has a
bitter taste, doesn't it? Listening to
you speak, hearing the
cracking in your teeth. What do
you mean to do with this information?
I seek no retribution.
However, I am accountable.
My failure.
Where do I start?
(fiddles with metal lock)
(metal door slam)
CARTER VOICE: He told everyone he moved on.
CARTER VOICE: But kept a
storage unit of his son's stuff.
(car door opens)
(car door close)
(guitar music)
CARTER VOICE: Letting go
isn't simple. I understand that.
(upbeat piano music)
Sweet in air and
water. Gone in the breeze
of the long hour. How I would only grow
in love, kindness, and
eternity for you and I are nothing
but flowers. (Car door close)
(distant train crossing)
(soft cymbal)
I spoke with Thomas extensively
(bird chirp)
Yeah, that struck a chord here.
The hand that protects
the children tightened..
What do you want to know?
How was his performance in class?
(low bass music)
He interact with fellow students, clubs,
activities, that sort of thing.
You know, it's funny. He got along with
anyone in class. He was one
of the ones you didn't have to
worry about, you know? Most kids just
want to fit in. But he was
kind.
Seemed optimistic.
Talked about the future ever?
He wanted to go into astronomy, to my
knowledge.
(bird chirp)
People talk, right? What'd the family say?
Responsibility is a burden to children.
Thomas was diagnosed with MS,
devoted sacrifice. They both did.
Mia?
Vigilance comes at a price, I'm afraid.
(low piano music)
What are you trying to get out of this?
I don't know.
(bird chirp)
That's okay.
What did people say, Ellie?
That he got lost in the
woods. Conjecture anyway.
ELLIE RECORDING: Most kids
just want to fit in. But he was kind.
CARTER VOICE: I don't think my thoughts are.
CARTER VOICE: Clear.
I don't think (car starts)
CARTER VOICE: I'm articulate
or well spoken. So what is.
CARTER VOICE: My mind? What are my.
CARTER VOICE: Thoughts trying to achieve?
(passing car)
(eerie choir singing)
CARTER VOICE: Traveling
backwards isn't nearly as hard.
CARTER VOICE: When everything is
archived, everything is saved.
What the hell is this?
That's what's left after the flood.
(guitar music)
CARTER VOICE: I want him to tell me.
Why now? All these years gone. (Cough)
Why now?
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow.
The more knowledge, the
more grief. Ecclesiastes
1:18. I started to think.
What difference would knowing make?
(knocking)
Even ma'am you recognize him?
Know anything about that?
No mister, I haven't seen
him. You don't remember
anything out of the
ordinary back then? No, no, sir.
Thanks for your time.
(car door close)
(gravel crushing)
(radio show about ghosts in background)
(knocking)
Hey.
Hey.
Wow.
You kept them all.
Yeah.
Well, I don't know if I should be
impressed or if I should, you know,
contact some type of hotline, you know,
Hoarder support group.
Hmm.
New York seems a world
away sometimes, doesn't it?
You're different.
A little too late, right?
No, of course not.
I wanted to surprise you.
Look at this one.
- This one?
- Mm-hmm.
I know this one all right.
(somber piano music)
I started this when you were
young and you were so sick.
Vomiting all over your mother and me.
This poor little girl who
only really ate three things.
Nothing would stay down.
Yeah.
Through it all, the only thing you ever
really wanted, that you only asked for,
was a postcard from your dad.
You always wrote me poems on the back.
THOMAS: I did.
I had to buy shoes.
I had to buy new shoes.
(laughter)
(train passing)
(headphone music)
[THUD]
(low bass notes)
Dad?
Dad?
Dad, wake up.
Shit.
[MUSIC]
Hello?
Uh.
Uh, okay, I don't know what happened.
Uh.
(sirens)
(wind)
(low bass tone)
(guitar music)
(gravel crushing)
(power tool noises)
(car door slam)
CARTER: I found theses.
CARTER: Pictures in Jonathan's stuff.
CARTER: You recognize her?
MICHAEL: I don't know her.
MICHAEL: We must have
photograph the whole town.
(metal sound)
CARTER: That's what you got up to,
but how did you end up here, I mean.
Everyone considers going
elsewhere, but you stayed.
Fertility of responsibility.
Binding us to our relationships.
How's that?
Ambition cripples them.
That's ridiculous (laughter)
Ask your questions.
Alright.
What's the last thing
you spoke to Jonathan?
Altered boys.
That's what we did.
They searched.
Till it lost all hope.
You don't remember records or articles.
I do remember an article.
(ominous music)
(out of tune piano music)
(piano music)
CARTER VOICE: Silence can bother me.
(high piano note)
[MUSIC]
[KNOCKING]
(door open)
(door close)
You wanted to know about my family.
[MUSIC]
Dad is in..
Thomas is in the hospital.
[MUSIC]
Jesus.
It's just like being dragged into my past.
(pouring alcohol)
You want to know something?
I actually believed that if I was decent,
then I could buy myself a better future.
Maybe.
That's not how it works.
[MUSIC]
Mistakes cost a fortune.
CARTER VOICE: She wants something from me.
What'd they say?
An embolic stroke.
They don't know what caused it yet.
I've shattered.
Splintered in different directions.
[MUSIC]
Every piece will never feel whole again.
My ability to feel, to love something...
Is scarred.
The memories.
What?
The memories are what's left.
(light rain)
This place is a maze (DISTORTED)
You make me wonder if now... (DISTORTED)
(rain stops)
Why write about this?
The inevitability of time.
Everything fades off.
But a message can keep going.
And there's something
beautiful about that.
Perspective.. Perspective
can change, you know.
Would yours?
You want to know the real
difference between people.
It's one moment.
Everything after that
one moment is a burden.
Ours just came early is all.
Why?
(glass slams)
Leave.
What are you doing?
CARTER VOICE: Do I tell her a lie?
CARTER VOICE: Everything will get better.
CARTER VOICE: Or do I
submit to what's unfolding?
Umm.
CARTER VOICE: She's
in pain and I can't stop it.
It's okay.
It's okay.
(bird chirp)
CARTER VOICE: Police
detective Douglas Cole is.
CARTER VOICE:
Single-handedly responsible for the.
CARTER VOICE: Handling of Jonathan's case.
I didn't catch your name?
You need a consult?
(outside air conditioner running)
Casefield, right?
That's what they call it.
The place without answers.
Is that what Jonathan ended up?
This place, I mean, you people, it's like
everything's all fucking grand.
It's only you're all fucking happy.
I mean, a kid goes missing
who gives a shit, right?
And I can't decide whether it's
incompetence or something worse here.
And you can decide how
this plays out, Detective.
You think it's so easy?
No, I didn't say all that.
(muffled arguing)
(door opens)
(dramatic music)
Saul, a prosecutor of Jesus,
ventured from Jerusalem to apprehend
followers of Christ.
On the road to Damascus,
a light appeared so bright
that it knocked Saul to the ground
and Jesus spoke to him.
A disciple in the city knew about Saul.
And in a vision, God spoke
to this disciple, Ananias,
and asked Ananias to heal him.
Ananias questioned God.
SHEPARD: Lord, I have heard plenty of.
SHEPARD: This man, the harm he has done.
He is chosen.
Ananias laid his hands upon Saul
and scales fell from his eyes.
(laughs)
Why is this significant?
Ask yourselves.
Faith.
He couldn't understand.
Expectation?
Mystery?
[MUSIC]
Shouldn't it be so simple?
God's love for us doesn't
depend upon our faithfulness.
It's unconditional.
(dramatic music)
He has loved us whilst
we remain sinners.
SHEPARD: Though we are demanding and.
SHEPARD: We do not remain faithful,
SHEPARD: Repentance, forgiveness,
that's what this is really about.
(soft music)
Body of Christ.
Body of Christ
(book throw)
SHEPARD VOICE FROM COMPUTER: Yes, it is.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM COMPUTER:
She volunteered with the group.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM
COMPUTER: Generous. Sweet.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM COMPUTER: We
will offer anything to assist the search.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM
COMPUTER: Prayer will come.
(click)
CARTER: Oh, shit.
CARTER VOICE: That's the girl.
EFFORT: Build narrative.
That's compelling storytelling.
This reverend, not to question your.
EFFORT: Infallible judgment here.
Devoting is time to.
CARTER: Rebuilding communities,
developing a traveling ministry program
to counsel at-risk teenagers.
EFFORT: Meaning what exactly?
Jesus Christ, you know.
EFFORT: Fucking crazy that sounds.
Do you?
EFFORT: How could
anyone make that connection?
I don't know that.
I don't know the sprawl of
this yet, all right.
There's scope here.
The freak arrives and children disappear.
Deliberate.
Circulate substance.
EFFORT: The implications here.
[MUSIC]
How?
Exploration.
(bird chirp)
(thud into wood)
(thud into wood)
I need to make a confession.
Forgive me.
SHEPARD: An unfamiliar face.
CARTER: Not keen on strangers.
SHEPARD: Second thoughts hardly.
SHEPARD: Occur in some crowds.
Just opportunity.
You didn't sign the cross on the way in.
Very perceptive.
What I need to be.
What is it that you need to confess?
The tragedy of me being here.
[MUSIC]
I was hopeful again.
But I know.
I've known my purpose for a long time.
And what would that be?
Keep men like you away from the door.
And everything about you is a lie.
I suppose it's all theatrics.
No, I...
I get that.
How's that working out for you?
CARTER: Really must be nice.
CARTER: Being that self-righteous.
Tell me, do you offer these people?
What do I offer?
CARTER: Yes.
Guidance.
The constant presence of God.
Accepting in faith that Jesus Christ,
the Son of God was
crucified for our sins.
This isn't going to satisfy you.
SHEPARD: Odd, isn't it?
An authoritative vessel.
Projecting certainty is dangerous.
I mean, how long
until they can't recognize.
CARTER: Their own humanity?
What are you asking me?
I'm asking you about Jonathan Becker.
I, um...
He was an altar boy.
Calling it tragic doesn't
grasp the emptiness of it,
does it?
God doesn't negate
personal accountability.
I can't tell you how many times
I've screamed myself blue for answers.
Existence isn't
always pleasurable, but...
Honestly, I believe that with our
afflictions and hardships,
it would be easy for us to detest God.
It's simply outside our understanding.
But we try.
We try.
[MUSIC]
[BREATHING]
(glass breaking)
(screaming)
(crying)
(slow heartbeat)
You're afraid?
I don't think I'm gonna
come out of this in one piece.
We've been living in solitude
because our pieces
wouldn't complete a whole person.
Not anymore.
It's an idea.
You're unwilling to accept,
you're unfulfilled,
unwilling to advance relationships.
Instead, we have the past.
It's an opportunity
a chance to impact livelihood.
It's a chance to save them
from becoming you and me.
(slow heartbeat)
(vibrating)
Hello?
Most times I'm trying to distract myself.
How's that going?
Pretty fucking poorly.
This is so fucked up.
All of this, this case, everything.
Expectations are just
things worth paying to be alive.
What, you really believe that?
Mm-hmm.
It's not like I'm keeping score.
What does it say about existence then?
MIA: Happiness is just an illusion.
MIA: Fades off.
Oh yeah.
[MUSIC]
MIA: What if it's not?
MIA: What if maybe we make the decision?
Everything with you is shades of purple.
Caught in between.
But I just grew the short straw then.
Don't say that.
Like nothing influenced us, I mean.
Why me?
Why the fuck it had to
be me to endure this shit?
That's what I can't get past.
Why do I have to sacrifice everything?
You know, a person's
life isn't supposed to.
What do you mean, Carter?
Help me understand.
CARTER VOICE: How much do I tell her?
You ever looked at something
and understood its.
CARTER: Purpose, its reason to be there,
and you don't know how you know?
Yeah.
Now imagine you're in blackness
and you feel like this whole time
wasn't about starting a family,
or seeking love.
I could recognize people's dreams
to impede the monster at the end.
(door slams)
(police siren)
Step out.
(coughing)
(kicking)
This is nice.
You're not angry?
You know, I would speak up for you.
Maybe I'll slash their tires,
and if they catch me,
I'd just say it with you.
Jail does seem appealing, doesn't it?
Books, meals, get beefed
up and come looking for you.
Then what would you do when you found me?
Kiss me?
Or your cellmate's not good kissers?
Not as good as you.
So what you're saying is
that I'd have competition.
(laughing)
Why'd I say that?
You know, I think that's the first time
I've ever heard you joke.
It's like getting a
peek behind the curtain.
Yeah.
Will you play for me?
(piano music)
(chattering)
SHEPARD: Everything setup for
tonight? FOLLOWER: All set for plans.
Back to the summer?
MIA: Yeah.
MIA: I just needed some.
MIA: Normalcy in my life, so.
What about Thomas?
(bird chirp)
I know.
I couldn't decide if
bringing it up was a good idea.
Remember how this place is.
A pin drops.
I'm sorry, Mia.
Yeah.
Really?
I am.
It's a double-edged sword.
Caring for someone.
The embellishing, the sadness.
I can't offer you advice.
I could, but it's not like
you come to church anymore.
SHEPARD: Have you lost your sense of humor?
SHEPARD: Shame.
(guitar music)
Things haven't been funny, lately.
Your brother?
SHEPARD: I wonder. What would Jonathan.
SHEPARD: Say, seeing us talking?
SHEPARD: I think?
Doing the
right thing is difficult,
but that doesn't mean it isn't necessary.
Do the hard thing.
Sleep in the waiting.
Be a mess until you can't anymore.
So, what's with today?
SHEPARD: Today?
SHEPARD: It's a fantastic day.
Our ministry program
was just recommissioned.
Sort of an investor potluck.
Just a way of bringing
the community together.
Thank you for your
contribution, by the way.
You're welcome.
Did you not enjoy things like this?
Not lately, anyway?
(sand shifting)
(choir singing)
[MUSIC]
What do you figure the
average IQ of this group is?
Some attitude you've got.
You're the one telling them how to live.
What are you doing here?
It seems you have ulterior motives.
Come on.
Ask your questions.
CARTER: Would you?
CARTER: I couldn't make you understand
how I'm feeling words
wouldn't encompass that.
Tell me exactly what he said to you.
What?
I'm upset.
It was about Thomas, that's it.
How my summer is going.
Differences from before.
Insignificant banter.
I'll be fine.
CARTER: That is the
furthest thing from fine.
You're just worried that it's all gonna
flood back like some bad dream.
How am I supposed to understand anything
if you refuse to share?
He said the event today.
There's some church
ministry programming thing
that's coming back.
(bird chirp)
CARTER VOICEMAIL: About what you said.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: And I wish I was wrong.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: I wish
I could have been more useful.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: I wish I could make.
CARTER VOICEMAIL:
People understand what I see.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: Tonight I'll have the.
CARTER VOICEMAIL:
Chance to uncover the truth.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: But I
don't know where it will lead me.
[MUSIC]
NURSE: Your brother left this for you?
My brother?
(door close)
SHEPARD SINGING: Now my
best thoughts. By day or by night.
SHEPARD SINGING: Waking or
sleeping. My presence, my light.
(dramatic music)
I found faith.
Read the story and decided it was true.
That decision generated questions
enough so to bring me here.
Man was created.
God pulled dirt from the ground
and produced Adam, removes a rim for Eve.
Giving them fields to tend,
he instructs the two never to eat
from the tree of knowledge.
Once they realize
Lucifer has deceived them,
they hide from God.
Banished, Adam was condemned to die.
Humanity would know death.
I couldn't understand why a loving God
couldn't forgive us.
Humanity created evil.
Will you offer me your insight?
Truly, will you forgive me?
Why?
The exchange of our
intimate thoughts, feelings.
It's distasteful to lie.
I was spared guilt, the sadness.
Observe this body.
It was so powerful witnessing
the turmoil.
Threads of salvation cinched us together.
Those deliberate wounds
fulfill the greater purpose
that you've inflicted.
But wasn't it worth it?
The showering of love,
affection, inspired unity.
Jonathan knew that.
As Isaac entrusted Abraham.
How do you feel?
It's okay to answer.
Jealous.
You are inoculated from
the misery you mentor.
Your eyes are clever.
I bet most people wouldn't notice.
You're probably okay with that.
Priesthood?
SHEPARD: I was so angry.
SHEPARD: My youngest
sister died from pneumonia.
SHEPARD: At overnight at the
hospital with her towards the end,
SHEPARD: For weeks, God made her suffer.
Days, breathing in, horrible pain.
I knelt by..
I knelt by her hospital
bed and prayed to God,
not that he'd save her,
but that he would make her suffering end.
Please God.
Please.
We're just animals, living in
a cruel and meaningless world.
How could anyone think that?
Stop, please.
Moses was a murderer.
I'm hardly unique.
There is a greater purpose here.
You are willfully ignoring it.
(gasps)
(dramatic music)
We're done.
CARTER VOICE: Now imagine
you're in blackness, and you feel it.
CARTER VOICE: This whole time wasn't.
CARTER VOICE: About starting a family,
CARTER VOICE: Or seeking love.
CARTER VOICE: I could
recognize people's dreams,
CARTER VOICE: To impede
the monster at the end.
(stab)
Shh.
(somber music)
Are you okay?
You know, I don't think I am.
This big kid, he would bully Aiden.
I broke two of his fingers.
It's the little stuff
you remember so clearly.
He required the crust
cut off from a sandwich.
He had watermelon flavored toothpaste.
Entertaining ourselves, that was the trick.
It would rain and he would
run around with no shoes on
and he'd get sick.
And he would always ask me to read to him.
It was the same book.
I finally had to ask,
why don't you want to try another one?
Why is it always this one?
And he said to me, I'd like this one
because everyone's happy.
I use to do so much with him.
ELLIE VOICE: What
are you trying to get off?
I don't know.
(fire crackling)
Burn him.
of this flock. I know his family misses
him very much and we are praying day and
night for his steadfast return. We're
working day and night too so if you are
available please help us. Give the church
a call. St. Anthony's. Call us anytime.
We pray that Jonathan
is reunited with the
Becker family again.
(dramatic piano music)
I read something I quite
liked. It made me feel less empty.
Our love will not grow only diminishing
as the ones we love wither away.
(watch alarm)
You know, people tend to look at the past
like a tether. It grounds them. When it
gets too tight it very well could be the
thing that holds them back. Maybe?
You'd consider a little subtlety.
EFFORT: Oh, Yeah. Yeah.
EFFORT: Comfortably
numb. Yeah, keep everyone.
EFFORT: And everything away.
EFFORT: Spin whatever you can't control.
CARTER: That's part of the deal right?
CARTER: Entertain your audience.
CARTER: You're the one
who wanted to speak with me?
(door opens)
(eerie music)
EFFORT: Remember when
you approached me about.
EFFORT: Investigative journalism?
Okay?
Well..
Integrity and reporting
seldom go hand in hand.
(eerie guitar music)
Former colleague reach out to me
requesting I evaluate his son.
Missing quite a while. Now,
I don't ask for a lot. Hardly. But it's a
case, Carter. It's a
chance for you to dig through
documents, collect statements, get
experience. You want me to build my
credibility? Yes. But
first there's things you're going to have
to learn. Afterwards,
they..It get's murky.
Are you fucking serious?
Why me? Because you take.
Because you take
advantage of opportunities.
(low bass tone)
(fast -paced guitar music)
(laundry machine starts)
(choir singing)
EFFORT VOICE: But it's a
case, Carter. It's a chance to.
EFFORT VOICE: Dig through files, collect.
EFFORT VOICE: Statements, get experience.
CARTER VOICE: Why me?
(somber piano music)
(laundry machine ends)
(bird chirp)
THOMAS: Ruin of a place, right? That's what.
THOMAS: People think. Not coming.
THOMAS: Around till they need something.
(soft choir singing)
You would have me believe that you are a
young man who has lived a
lifetime. But maybe we've
lived the same life. CARTER:
(inhales deeply) I'm here. You're in
good standing at the university. You're
surely connected with writers with
experience. I decided to
take a gamble on the words of an
old friend. Results. Results speak about
character. But it's your history.
CARTER: Careful.
THOMAS: You see? You get it.
Everyone else is just smoke screens. And.
Men like you and I, we look
right through it. And maybe that
can come at any age. CARTER: I hope not.
(inhale)
Do you revel in public perception,
Mr. Williams? Prejudice has a
bitter taste, doesn't it? Listening to
you speak, hearing the
cracking in your teeth. What do
you mean to do with this information?
I seek no retribution.
However, I am accountable.
My failure.
Where do I start?
(fiddles with metal lock)
(metal door slam)
CARTER VOICE: He told everyone he moved on.
CARTER VOICE: But kept a
storage unit of his son's stuff.
(car door opens)
(car door close)
(guitar music)
CARTER VOICE: Letting go
isn't simple. I understand that.
(upbeat piano music)
Sweet in air and
water. Gone in the breeze
of the long hour. How I would only grow
in love, kindness, and
eternity for you and I are nothing
but flowers. (Car door close)
(distant train crossing)
(soft cymbal)
I spoke with Thomas extensively
(bird chirp)
Yeah, that struck a chord here.
The hand that protects
the children tightened..
What do you want to know?
How was his performance in class?
(low bass music)
He interact with fellow students, clubs,
activities, that sort of thing.
You know, it's funny. He got along with
anyone in class. He was one
of the ones you didn't have to
worry about, you know? Most kids just
want to fit in. But he was
kind.
Seemed optimistic.
Talked about the future ever?
He wanted to go into astronomy, to my
knowledge.
(bird chirp)
People talk, right? What'd the family say?
Responsibility is a burden to children.
Thomas was diagnosed with MS,
devoted sacrifice. They both did.
Mia?
Vigilance comes at a price, I'm afraid.
(low piano music)
What are you trying to get out of this?
I don't know.
(bird chirp)
That's okay.
What did people say, Ellie?
That he got lost in the
woods. Conjecture anyway.
ELLIE RECORDING: Most kids
just want to fit in. But he was kind.
CARTER VOICE: I don't think my thoughts are.
CARTER VOICE: Clear.
I don't think (car starts)
CARTER VOICE: I'm articulate
or well spoken. So what is.
CARTER VOICE: My mind? What are my.
CARTER VOICE: Thoughts trying to achieve?
(passing car)
(eerie choir singing)
CARTER VOICE: Traveling
backwards isn't nearly as hard.
CARTER VOICE: When everything is
archived, everything is saved.
What the hell is this?
That's what's left after the flood.
(guitar music)
CARTER VOICE: I want him to tell me.
Why now? All these years gone. (Cough)
Why now?
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow.
The more knowledge, the
more grief. Ecclesiastes
1:18. I started to think.
What difference would knowing make?
(knocking)
Even ma'am you recognize him?
Know anything about that?
No mister, I haven't seen
him. You don't remember
anything out of the
ordinary back then? No, no, sir.
Thanks for your time.
(car door close)
(gravel crushing)
(radio show about ghosts in background)
(knocking)
Hey.
Hey.
Wow.
You kept them all.
Yeah.
Well, I don't know if I should be
impressed or if I should, you know,
contact some type of hotline, you know,
Hoarder support group.
Hmm.
New York seems a world
away sometimes, doesn't it?
You're different.
A little too late, right?
No, of course not.
I wanted to surprise you.
Look at this one.
- This one?
- Mm-hmm.
I know this one all right.
(somber piano music)
I started this when you were
young and you were so sick.
Vomiting all over your mother and me.
This poor little girl who
only really ate three things.
Nothing would stay down.
Yeah.
Through it all, the only thing you ever
really wanted, that you only asked for,
was a postcard from your dad.
You always wrote me poems on the back.
THOMAS: I did.
I had to buy shoes.
I had to buy new shoes.
(laughter)
(train passing)
(headphone music)
[THUD]
(low bass notes)
Dad?
Dad?
Dad, wake up.
Shit.
[MUSIC]
Hello?
Uh.
Uh, okay, I don't know what happened.
Uh.
(sirens)
(wind)
(low bass tone)
(guitar music)
(gravel crushing)
(power tool noises)
(car door slam)
CARTER: I found theses.
CARTER: Pictures in Jonathan's stuff.
CARTER: You recognize her?
MICHAEL: I don't know her.
MICHAEL: We must have
photograph the whole town.
(metal sound)
CARTER: That's what you got up to,
but how did you end up here, I mean.
Everyone considers going
elsewhere, but you stayed.
Fertility of responsibility.
Binding us to our relationships.
How's that?
Ambition cripples them.
That's ridiculous (laughter)
Ask your questions.
Alright.
What's the last thing
you spoke to Jonathan?
Altered boys.
That's what we did.
They searched.
Till it lost all hope.
You don't remember records or articles.
I do remember an article.
(ominous music)
(out of tune piano music)
(piano music)
CARTER VOICE: Silence can bother me.
(high piano note)
[MUSIC]
[KNOCKING]
(door open)
(door close)
You wanted to know about my family.
[MUSIC]
Dad is in..
Thomas is in the hospital.
[MUSIC]
Jesus.
It's just like being dragged into my past.
(pouring alcohol)
You want to know something?
I actually believed that if I was decent,
then I could buy myself a better future.
Maybe.
That's not how it works.
[MUSIC]
Mistakes cost a fortune.
CARTER VOICE: She wants something from me.
What'd they say?
An embolic stroke.
They don't know what caused it yet.
I've shattered.
Splintered in different directions.
[MUSIC]
Every piece will never feel whole again.
My ability to feel, to love something...
Is scarred.
The memories.
What?
The memories are what's left.
(light rain)
This place is a maze (DISTORTED)
You make me wonder if now... (DISTORTED)
(rain stops)
Why write about this?
The inevitability of time.
Everything fades off.
But a message can keep going.
And there's something
beautiful about that.
Perspective.. Perspective
can change, you know.
Would yours?
You want to know the real
difference between people.
It's one moment.
Everything after that
one moment is a burden.
Ours just came early is all.
Why?
(glass slams)
Leave.
What are you doing?
CARTER VOICE: Do I tell her a lie?
CARTER VOICE: Everything will get better.
CARTER VOICE: Or do I
submit to what's unfolding?
Umm.
CARTER VOICE: She's
in pain and I can't stop it.
It's okay.
It's okay.
(bird chirp)
CARTER VOICE: Police
detective Douglas Cole is.
CARTER VOICE:
Single-handedly responsible for the.
CARTER VOICE: Handling of Jonathan's case.
I didn't catch your name?
You need a consult?
(outside air conditioner running)
Casefield, right?
That's what they call it.
The place without answers.
Is that what Jonathan ended up?
This place, I mean, you people, it's like
everything's all fucking grand.
It's only you're all fucking happy.
I mean, a kid goes missing
who gives a shit, right?
And I can't decide whether it's
incompetence or something worse here.
And you can decide how
this plays out, Detective.
You think it's so easy?
No, I didn't say all that.
(muffled arguing)
(door opens)
(dramatic music)
Saul, a prosecutor of Jesus,
ventured from Jerusalem to apprehend
followers of Christ.
On the road to Damascus,
a light appeared so bright
that it knocked Saul to the ground
and Jesus spoke to him.
A disciple in the city knew about Saul.
And in a vision, God spoke
to this disciple, Ananias,
and asked Ananias to heal him.
Ananias questioned God.
SHEPARD: Lord, I have heard plenty of.
SHEPARD: This man, the harm he has done.
He is chosen.
Ananias laid his hands upon Saul
and scales fell from his eyes.
(laughs)
Why is this significant?
Ask yourselves.
Faith.
He couldn't understand.
Expectation?
Mystery?
[MUSIC]
Shouldn't it be so simple?
God's love for us doesn't
depend upon our faithfulness.
It's unconditional.
(dramatic music)
He has loved us whilst
we remain sinners.
SHEPARD: Though we are demanding and.
SHEPARD: We do not remain faithful,
SHEPARD: Repentance, forgiveness,
that's what this is really about.
(soft music)
Body of Christ.
Body of Christ
(book throw)
SHEPARD VOICE FROM COMPUTER: Yes, it is.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM COMPUTER:
She volunteered with the group.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM
COMPUTER: Generous. Sweet.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM COMPUTER: We
will offer anything to assist the search.
SHEPARD VOICE FROM
COMPUTER: Prayer will come.
(click)
CARTER: Oh, shit.
CARTER VOICE: That's the girl.
EFFORT: Build narrative.
That's compelling storytelling.
This reverend, not to question your.
EFFORT: Infallible judgment here.
Devoting is time to.
CARTER: Rebuilding communities,
developing a traveling ministry program
to counsel at-risk teenagers.
EFFORT: Meaning what exactly?
Jesus Christ, you know.
EFFORT: Fucking crazy that sounds.
Do you?
EFFORT: How could
anyone make that connection?
I don't know that.
I don't know the sprawl of
this yet, all right.
There's scope here.
The freak arrives and children disappear.
Deliberate.
Circulate substance.
EFFORT: The implications here.
[MUSIC]
How?
Exploration.
(bird chirp)
(thud into wood)
(thud into wood)
I need to make a confession.
Forgive me.
SHEPARD: An unfamiliar face.
CARTER: Not keen on strangers.
SHEPARD: Second thoughts hardly.
SHEPARD: Occur in some crowds.
Just opportunity.
You didn't sign the cross on the way in.
Very perceptive.
What I need to be.
What is it that you need to confess?
The tragedy of me being here.
[MUSIC]
I was hopeful again.
But I know.
I've known my purpose for a long time.
And what would that be?
Keep men like you away from the door.
And everything about you is a lie.
I suppose it's all theatrics.
No, I...
I get that.
How's that working out for you?
CARTER: Really must be nice.
CARTER: Being that self-righteous.
Tell me, do you offer these people?
What do I offer?
CARTER: Yes.
Guidance.
The constant presence of God.
Accepting in faith that Jesus Christ,
the Son of God was
crucified for our sins.
This isn't going to satisfy you.
SHEPARD: Odd, isn't it?
An authoritative vessel.
Projecting certainty is dangerous.
I mean, how long
until they can't recognize.
CARTER: Their own humanity?
What are you asking me?
I'm asking you about Jonathan Becker.
I, um...
He was an altar boy.
Calling it tragic doesn't
grasp the emptiness of it,
does it?
God doesn't negate
personal accountability.
I can't tell you how many times
I've screamed myself blue for answers.
Existence isn't
always pleasurable, but...
Honestly, I believe that with our
afflictions and hardships,
it would be easy for us to detest God.
It's simply outside our understanding.
But we try.
We try.
[MUSIC]
[BREATHING]
(glass breaking)
(screaming)
(crying)
(slow heartbeat)
You're afraid?
I don't think I'm gonna
come out of this in one piece.
We've been living in solitude
because our pieces
wouldn't complete a whole person.
Not anymore.
It's an idea.
You're unwilling to accept,
you're unfulfilled,
unwilling to advance relationships.
Instead, we have the past.
It's an opportunity
a chance to impact livelihood.
It's a chance to save them
from becoming you and me.
(slow heartbeat)
(vibrating)
Hello?
Most times I'm trying to distract myself.
How's that going?
Pretty fucking poorly.
This is so fucked up.
All of this, this case, everything.
Expectations are just
things worth paying to be alive.
What, you really believe that?
Mm-hmm.
It's not like I'm keeping score.
What does it say about existence then?
MIA: Happiness is just an illusion.
MIA: Fades off.
Oh yeah.
[MUSIC]
MIA: What if it's not?
MIA: What if maybe we make the decision?
Everything with you is shades of purple.
Caught in between.
But I just grew the short straw then.
Don't say that.
Like nothing influenced us, I mean.
Why me?
Why the fuck it had to
be me to endure this shit?
That's what I can't get past.
Why do I have to sacrifice everything?
You know, a person's
life isn't supposed to.
What do you mean, Carter?
Help me understand.
CARTER VOICE: How much do I tell her?
You ever looked at something
and understood its.
CARTER: Purpose, its reason to be there,
and you don't know how you know?
Yeah.
Now imagine you're in blackness
and you feel like this whole time
wasn't about starting a family,
or seeking love.
I could recognize people's dreams
to impede the monster at the end.
(door slams)
(police siren)
Step out.
(coughing)
(kicking)
This is nice.
You're not angry?
You know, I would speak up for you.
Maybe I'll slash their tires,
and if they catch me,
I'd just say it with you.
Jail does seem appealing, doesn't it?
Books, meals, get beefed
up and come looking for you.
Then what would you do when you found me?
Kiss me?
Or your cellmate's not good kissers?
Not as good as you.
So what you're saying is
that I'd have competition.
(laughing)
Why'd I say that?
You know, I think that's the first time
I've ever heard you joke.
It's like getting a
peek behind the curtain.
Yeah.
Will you play for me?
(piano music)
(chattering)
SHEPARD: Everything setup for
tonight? FOLLOWER: All set for plans.
Back to the summer?
MIA: Yeah.
MIA: I just needed some.
MIA: Normalcy in my life, so.
What about Thomas?
(bird chirp)
I know.
I couldn't decide if
bringing it up was a good idea.
Remember how this place is.
A pin drops.
I'm sorry, Mia.
Yeah.
Really?
I am.
It's a double-edged sword.
Caring for someone.
The embellishing, the sadness.
I can't offer you advice.
I could, but it's not like
you come to church anymore.
SHEPARD: Have you lost your sense of humor?
SHEPARD: Shame.
(guitar music)
Things haven't been funny, lately.
Your brother?
SHEPARD: I wonder. What would Jonathan.
SHEPARD: Say, seeing us talking?
SHEPARD: I think?
Doing the
right thing is difficult,
but that doesn't mean it isn't necessary.
Do the hard thing.
Sleep in the waiting.
Be a mess until you can't anymore.
So, what's with today?
SHEPARD: Today?
SHEPARD: It's a fantastic day.
Our ministry program
was just recommissioned.
Sort of an investor potluck.
Just a way of bringing
the community together.
Thank you for your
contribution, by the way.
You're welcome.
Did you not enjoy things like this?
Not lately, anyway?
(sand shifting)
(choir singing)
[MUSIC]
What do you figure the
average IQ of this group is?
Some attitude you've got.
You're the one telling them how to live.
What are you doing here?
It seems you have ulterior motives.
Come on.
Ask your questions.
CARTER: Would you?
CARTER: I couldn't make you understand
how I'm feeling words
wouldn't encompass that.
Tell me exactly what he said to you.
What?
I'm upset.
It was about Thomas, that's it.
How my summer is going.
Differences from before.
Insignificant banter.
I'll be fine.
CARTER: That is the
furthest thing from fine.
You're just worried that it's all gonna
flood back like some bad dream.
How am I supposed to understand anything
if you refuse to share?
He said the event today.
There's some church
ministry programming thing
that's coming back.
(bird chirp)
CARTER VOICEMAIL: About what you said.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: And I wish I was wrong.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: I wish
I could have been more useful.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: I wish I could make.
CARTER VOICEMAIL:
People understand what I see.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: Tonight I'll have the.
CARTER VOICEMAIL:
Chance to uncover the truth.
CARTER VOICEMAIL: But I
don't know where it will lead me.
[MUSIC]
NURSE: Your brother left this for you?
My brother?
(door close)
SHEPARD SINGING: Now my
best thoughts. By day or by night.
SHEPARD SINGING: Waking or
sleeping. My presence, my light.
(dramatic music)
I found faith.
Read the story and decided it was true.
That decision generated questions
enough so to bring me here.
Man was created.
God pulled dirt from the ground
and produced Adam, removes a rim for Eve.
Giving them fields to tend,
he instructs the two never to eat
from the tree of knowledge.
Once they realize
Lucifer has deceived them,
they hide from God.
Banished, Adam was condemned to die.
Humanity would know death.
I couldn't understand why a loving God
couldn't forgive us.
Humanity created evil.
Will you offer me your insight?
Truly, will you forgive me?
Why?
The exchange of our
intimate thoughts, feelings.
It's distasteful to lie.
I was spared guilt, the sadness.
Observe this body.
It was so powerful witnessing
the turmoil.
Threads of salvation cinched us together.
Those deliberate wounds
fulfill the greater purpose
that you've inflicted.
But wasn't it worth it?
The showering of love,
affection, inspired unity.
Jonathan knew that.
As Isaac entrusted Abraham.
How do you feel?
It's okay to answer.
Jealous.
You are inoculated from
the misery you mentor.
Your eyes are clever.
I bet most people wouldn't notice.
You're probably okay with that.
Priesthood?
SHEPARD: I was so angry.
SHEPARD: My youngest
sister died from pneumonia.
SHEPARD: At overnight at the
hospital with her towards the end,
SHEPARD: For weeks, God made her suffer.
Days, breathing in, horrible pain.
I knelt by..
I knelt by her hospital
bed and prayed to God,
not that he'd save her,
but that he would make her suffering end.
Please God.
Please.
We're just animals, living in
a cruel and meaningless world.
How could anyone think that?
Stop, please.
Moses was a murderer.
I'm hardly unique.
There is a greater purpose here.
You are willfully ignoring it.
(gasps)
(dramatic music)
We're done.
CARTER VOICE: Now imagine
you're in blackness, and you feel it.
CARTER VOICE: This whole time wasn't.
CARTER VOICE: About starting a family,
CARTER VOICE: Or seeking love.
CARTER VOICE: I could
recognize people's dreams,
CARTER VOICE: To impede
the monster at the end.
(stab)
Shh.
(somber music)
Are you okay?
You know, I don't think I am.
This big kid, he would bully Aiden.
I broke two of his fingers.
It's the little stuff
you remember so clearly.
He required the crust
cut off from a sandwich.
He had watermelon flavored toothpaste.
Entertaining ourselves, that was the trick.
It would rain and he would
run around with no shoes on
and he'd get sick.
And he would always ask me to read to him.
It was the same book.
I finally had to ask,
why don't you want to try another one?
Why is it always this one?
And he said to me, I'd like this one
because everyone's happy.
I use to do so much with him.
ELLIE VOICE: What
are you trying to get off?
I don't know.
(fire crackling)
Burn him.