Children of the Pines (2023) Movie Script
1
[John, shouting] Riley!
Riley!
Where are you?
This what it's come to, Kathy?
Keeping our daughter
from her hard-working father?
[young Riley] Mommy,
tell Daddy to stop.
[Kathy sobs] He will, baby.
Just be quiet.
[distant thumping]
[young Riley]
Why is Daddy being scary?
[hushed] Daddy gets scary
sometimes when I'm not quiet.
So it's important
that we don't make a peep.
Do you know what a peep is?
A peep is when you talk.
It's when you talk really soft.
Can we talk at a peep?
[John] I can't be the only one
who feels this house shrinking
as the days drag on.
You must be burnt up, Kathy.
Constantly in disposition for a
light at the end of the tunnel.
[glass shatters]
Or is it... validity?
Or recognition?
What about me, Kathy?
Woe is John, asking to be
thrown a bone every blue moon.
[glass shatters]
Who made up the rule
that love had to be a luxury?
Did your mom
teach you that, Riley?
Forgive me. Maybe I was being
passive when I gave up my life
for you to eat my food,
breathe my air,
drain my pockets.
-[nearby door opens]
-Drain me of my freedom, huh?
-[footsteps approaching]
-Do you think you can
deprive me of my life?
You both demand
and drain and demand
-and fucking drain me!
-[door opens]
[Kathy]
"Sadness will only ground you
in ways that happiness
could only dream of doing."
That's what a relative told me
on my grandma's funeral.
I didn't always
see eye-to-eye with her,
but she loved me
and I loved her.
That seemed to be enough.
After she died,
it was like a bomb had gone off
in our family.
Food tasted differently.
The places she used to take me
started to rust.
I began noticing the crow's
feet on my parents' face come in
as their hair turned icy gray.
The air became more dense.
Day by day, you pick yourself
up
and settle into the wasteland
that remains.
Day by day,
you forget about last week,
last month, last decade.
The wrinkles have
always been there,
the hair was always gray,
and the buildings always
weathered down.
The air was always this dense.
You were always this happy.
People tend to keep
their terror in the past.
And while today might not be
as unpolished and gritty
as it once was,
real terror will always
find its way through the
cracks.
[ominous music]
[man]
Leon, put the matches down!
You are not the man
you were yesterday.
You are a new man.
You are a new,
strong individual.
Strong.
Powerful.
Guide those who come to you
with love and acceptance.
Let them remind you
of your love and acceptance.
[Lorelei] Katherine Newman!
Lorelei Duncan.
Oh, my gosh.
You are so cold, honey!
It's a little chilly out today,
but I have been told
I have cold hands.
I just didn't expect
to get frostbite in June!
[chuckling]
Has somebody taken
your husband back?
Uh, yes. Uh, didn't catch
his name. A nice gentleman.
But they went over to
one of the other buildings.
Hmm. Okay. Well, great.
Well, would you follow me,
Katherine?
[Lorelei chuckles]
Oh, um, my husband and I
wanted to know what insurance
you accept, you know, if any?
Oh, your insurance is
no good here, Mrs. Newman.
After you.
Rob.
[grandfather clock chimes]
[clock ticking steadily]
I-- I didn't know
this was being recorded.
[Lorelei] Oh, it's just for you.
We have some people who
like to look back on it...
later.
Is that okay?
Yeah, yeah, I suppose it's fine.
[Lorelei] Thank you.
Now, how was the drive up?
Smooth sailing. Yeah.
What's her name?
Riley.
[Lorelei] Well, she's adorable.
[Kathy] Oh, God. That one
was from, like, 13 years ago.
Oh, the other ones I had to
get off her social media.
Was this your husband John?
[Kathy] Yes.
Interesting choice. [chuckles]
[Kathy] It's the one
he wanted to submit.
Excellent.
Katherine--
Uh, Kathy or Katherine?
Oh, Kathy's fine.
[pen clicks, scribbling]
It's faster to say.
Kathy, are you nervous?
No.
Should I be?
No, just curious.
My husband, Leon-- you'll be
meeting him at your ceremony,
if you choose to stay--
um, he and I have been running
this for the last 35 years.
I love what we do here,
but I have a feeling our time
here is coming to a close.
Leon, I guess, well, he's
waiting for some kind of omen
to tell us that it's time
for us to leave this behind.
But, uh...
well... you start to
get a little worn out.
To get a little sick of him too.
[laughing]
Um, he and I have built this up
much-- much too much to just
walk away.
You know, unless something
really special comes along.
Until then, I'll work.
Is this your first time
seeking guidance?
No. No, absolutely not.
Well, we are wonderfully
versed in healing couples.
I'm here for my daughter.
And for John.
Well,
bold of you and your husband to
jump down the rabbit hole, hey?
It was John's decision
to come here.
He's been trying
his best to grow.
I'd like to think that
Riley's noticed, but...
But John has stopped drinking.
And... we've started
going out again.
He's looking to hire
some extra help so he can
cut back on his workload.
A lot of really great things.
Well, he must be thrilled.
She hasn't really been
home in a long time.
She's been away at school.
Every break and holiday,
you know, she spends it there
with her friends.
Her new friends.
She's coming home soon.
One of the things that
we had been advised to do is to
pass over the main lines
of communication over to John.
So he's been the one
primarily reaching out to her.
What?
I wanna hear what a conversation
between these two characters
sounds like.
They must be doing
a lot of unpacking.
I-- [chuckles] No.
There's not a lot to unpack?
No, I just-- I-- I don't--
-I-- I--
-You don't know
what it sounds like.
-What?
-You're clueless as to what
these two would have to say
to each other, even in
a simple, mundane conversation.
"Hello, Riley.
How was your day?
How was your day?"
"Hey, Dad."
"How was your day, Riley?"
[ticking continues]
[inhales shakily]
Do you think...
she'll-- do you think
she'll come back?
Come back to where?
[sobs] To me.
Do you think your husband
deserves to see
a reflection of the pain
he's caused Riley?
That's really not
a fair question--
Would you say that Riley
holds more of your qualities
or John's?
Look, Lorelei,
I understand what you're
trying to do, but can we just--
Your daughter holds just as much
of you as she does of John.
She holds a million
other beautiful, complex
thoughts and feelings
that you may never understand.
Most people,
at some point in their lives,
try to break the cycle
of their parents.
If not them,
the child bears the burden.
People tend to keep their pain,
their woes, in the past,
but they always manifest
themselves again.
Just in different ways.
More subtle.
Quietly.
We had a woman, Marie--
she worked privately with Leon--
complete our program.
She and her siblings
went through, oh,
much the same types
of situations and issues
as Riley and John.
We healed her, Kathy.
Now, that case was
much more challenging,
but I know how important it is
for you to get to
the root of these issues.
We have the tools.
If at any time you feel
unsure or uncomfortable,
that door is open.
We don't force this on anyone.
But that option is only open
until we tell you
how we operate
to fix these issues.
I promise you, Kathy...
you, John, and Riley?
[electricity buzzes]
It all starts
with a leap of faith.
[pensive music]
[Riley] The air feels dense.
During summertime
in the mountains,
you would get a week straight
of pure, dry heat
followed by a week of
back-to-back afternoon showers.
The only constant
was the humidity,
lingering around as if
it thought it was wanted.
The kids didn't care, though.
Not one bit.
We just kept on playing.
After all,
we were on a break
with a reality check
attached to our next year's
report card.
During the winter months,
there was even more
weightlessness to reality.
We would be outside, just as
we were in the summer months,
breathing in the same air,
although now
it's sharp and cold.
None of us kids didn't care,
though. We just kept on
playing.
Christmas is less
than a month away,
but I can still feel
some of that warm summer air
clinging to my skin.
And for the first time,
it's pissing me off.
[]
Years ago, people couldn't
drive more than three blocks
without kids running in front
of your car,
chasing after one another
over some made-up game.
The grownups didn't care,
though.
They just smiled
and told the kids they should
try and be home by dark.
That's just the way it was.
The way it was
feels so different.
I'm on the same ground,
seeing the same buildings.
Maybe even some of
the same people stuck around.
[soft music playing
over speakers]
[Exhales]
[Gordon] Y'all good with this?
[]
[Phone dings]
Riley?
Hey.
[Gordon] Hey.
I got a job.
You look surprised.
Uh...
No, you just caught-- caught me
off-guard. Um, not in a bad way.
I just, uh-- But this is-- Nope.
Yep. This is great. Great news.
[Gordon] Well, I was stoked
to hear you'd come back.
[cell phone vibrates]
Uh, hey...
How you, uh-- how you been?
Great, actually.
Yeah, college is
a lot more of my cup of tea
than high school ever was.
Uh,
the environment's better, or...
Yeah. I mean,
just less toxic, I would say,
'cause, I mean, everyone who's
there chose to be there, so it's
just a more mature environment.
Are-- um, are you up there
for English still?
Oh, no, no. I changed
to humanitarian studies.
Oh, I thought you liked writing.
But, yeah, yeah, man.
You know, um, that's awesome.
Good for you.
Thank you.
Hmmm
Um...
I applied too.
Just thought you should now.
-Applied?
-College.
Community or university?
Uh, community.
For now.
No,
there's nothing wrong with that.
-Um, when did you apply?
-Uh, recently.
Yeah, I've been looking into
some marketing programs,
which you don't necessarily
need a degree for,
but, you know,
knocking it off as something
to have in my back pocket,
and if I'm lucky enough
to get the extra education,
it'd be smart
to take advantage of it.
-Right?
-Right.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's fantastic news.
[chuckles]
I-- I never really
got a chance to, um...
thank you. For...
inspiring me.
Yeah, it turns out
I really needed your help.
Look, I mean, you made
that call all on your own.
I think you should
be very proud.
Hey, uh, Gordon?
-I'll take care of her, Marc.
-[Marc] Right. Uh...
Chelsi told me
to tell you that--
On it. Cool. Got it.
[clears throat]
Actually...
BLT...
hold tomato.
Side of gravy fries,
and, uh, Dr Pepper.
Sound like fantastic news?
I suppose so. [chuckles]
Coming right up.
-Whoops.
-Oh!
[cell phone vibrates]
-Here you go.
-[Riley] Thank you.
So...
this is kind of awkward. Um...
I guess my mom
saw you the other day
or knows that you work here
or something,
but I just got a text,
and she says hi.
Did your dad not tell you
that I work for him?
What?
I-- I mean,
that's how I knew you were
coming back for winter break.
Wait, you work for my dad?
I've been interning at his firm.
It's been pretty dope, actually.
The other day, I got to
sit in on a consultation
with this guy who, like,
robbed a liquor store with
a fuckin' hammer. [chuckles]
Um, but, yeah, no,
I've also been helping
in your family garden
since... early June?
It's funny
we're talking about this.
After my shift, I was gonna
make my way over there,
and he and I were gonna go over
how to lay the new foundation.
[forced chuckle]
Why?
"Why" to the internship,
the gardening, or the hammer?
Why are you working for my dad?
Because he asked me.
How?
-How did he ask me?
-Yeah.
Um... [sighs]
Well, he came in on his day off
during my shift,
and right before he left,
he said, "Gordon, I could really
use some help around the firm,"
which was followed by
me saying, "Sure."
But I don't know. What do you
want?
What?
Are you--
Don't you think that's weird?
I mean, come on. Imagine this.
You need help around your firm,
and your first pick
is your daughter's
high school ex-boyfriend
with no qualifications
for the job?
And-- Okay, I'm not saying
that you're not qualified.
I just mean
what's in writing-wise, okay?
And the whole-- the whole
freaking garden thing, like,
that's only gonna last a couple
months 'cause of the snow.
-He likes me. I don't know.
-Oh, you guys are buddies now?
Okay.
-[scoffs] Okay.
-What? I'm not crucifying you.
I'm just trying to understand.
No, you're judging me.
I can feel it.
[Riley] How?
Your eyes. And your tone.
[scoffs] Okay.
[Gordon] Hey,
if it makes you feel any better,
he never said
I was his first choice.
[Gordon scoffs]
I don't know, man. He's the one
that pushed you to fight
a little longer for us, so.
-Oh, okay! Which justifies it?
-No, I'm just assuming that
Mom and Dad have
always thought highly of me
-for whatever reason.
-Mom and-- Jesus Christ, Gordon,
-they're not your family!
-Can you just let me
fucking talk? Holy shit.
I like to think that
they've always appreciated me.
What? [forced laugh]
Back when we were together,
your parents have always thought
of me as one of the family.
So why do you need justification
for something that
they might feel that you have
absolutely no control over?
I mean, it-- it pays well.
The hours are good.
It's a genuinely enjoyable time.
Growing up, I would've killed
to have a dad like yours.
You know that.
He does, too.
Okay. Should I pay in cash?
[scoffs]
Uh,
Marc can check you out up front.
Were you still
planning on dropping by later?
[Gordon] Is it okay
if I come over later?
It is not my house anymore, so.
-[Gordon] Yes.
-Yes, what?
-[Gordon] I'll drop by.
-Okay.
Thank you.
[exhales]
[melancholy music]
For 16 years of my life,
I would be driven
up and down the street
with my parents
and my parents only.
Looking back,
I realize we just had no clue
how to speak to each other.
There was once a point
where every overgrown tree,
bush, and bump
became as recognizable
as the back of my hand.
And before you know it,
Gordon is driving me
everywhere.
I couldn't be any happier.
His car felt more like
the back of my hands
than these roads ever did.
[]
It's difficult to feel
comfortable here again.
It's not even worth debating
if it's all in my head.
I know it's not in my head.
Why was I being so divisive?
I know I'm not the cause
of my own discomfort.
This was a terrible idea.
I had my shot to run.
But no. Here's Riley, running
right back into the fire,
drenched in gasoline,
like she always does,
begging to let
the past burn her,
-all for her mom to say...
-[Kathy] Hi, Riley!
-Let's go in.
-Yeah, yeah.
Okay. [chuckles]
[soft piano music playing]
[]
[knocking at door]
Um...
Come in.
It's like stepping into
a time capsule in here, huh?
[Riley] Yeah.
I forgot how cute this room was.
[sighs] Well, you were
always very precise about
exactly how and where
you wanted everything to be.
Oh, I can't tell you
how many times your dad
or I bought something,
just hoping that it would
make it into your masterpiece
of interior design in here.
[chuckles]
So...
Gordon works for you guys?
[laughs] Well,
according to your dad,
uh, if Gordon keeps it up
at the firm,
"Just watch out.
Watch that kid
climb the ladder."
Did you run into him
at the diner?
He's helping you guys
build a garden?
Well, they talk about
building this and building that.
[chuckles] Honestly,
I think they just hang out.
And the last time I checked?
We don't have a garden.
[chuckles]
Yeah, I don't even know
how that would survive.
My thoughts exactly, right?
Okay, did you tell Dad?
[Kathy] No.
Oh, you know your dad.
The older he gets,
the more stubborn.
And Gordon says
working for you guys is a
"genuinely enjoyable time."
That's sweet.
Your dad's really happy
that you're here.
We're really happy
that you came back to see us.
You know, your dad and I were...
going through some
old VHS the other day.
-Do you remember VHS?
-Yeah, we had a VHS player.
We still have a VHS player.
Wasn't sure if we'd be able
to get the damn thing to work,
but sure as shit,
it still had a heartbeat.
Anyway.
We're watching this tape, and...
gosh, you couldn't have been
more than, like, seven?
You had the role
in some school play.
It was the most adorable thing.
You and your friend...
Oh, my God. What's her name?
Rosie? Rosie.
No, no, no, Rosalyn. Rosalyn.
Oh, how is she?
[laughs] Well, I don't know.
I haven't talked to her
in years.
Okay, well...
you and Rosalyn had this little
tap duet number.
And you guys were
almost finished...
[Kathy laughing]
When you just--
[laughing]
-You just stop... [laughing]
-Oh, my--
Wait. No, I know exactly
what you're gonna say!
-Oh!
-You peed!
[both laughing]
-This is all on video?
-Oh, yeah.
What was I gonna do
right then, right? [laughing]
I felt so bad.
I remember...
your dad being
the first parent backstage--
I mean,
before the show had even ended--
with a towel in hand
for his little girl.
Do you remember that?
Mmm, I mean, yeah, but...
didn't he make
a whole thing after the show
that he missed work
-just for me
to perform one song?
-Oh, no.
No!
Yeah, he was absolutely
livid on the way home. Yeah.
[Kathy sighs]
[Riley exhales]
He, um...
Honey, your father loves you.
He loves you very much.
What's not to love, right?
Honey, this-- this will
always be your home.
No matter how old you get,
no matter what rivers
this family has to swim across.
We keep on keeping on.
As we should.
Yeah. Um...
I think I'm gonna
hit the shower,
'cause I'm just feelin' blah.
[Kathy] Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
Oh, and your-- your dad
just ran into town with the kids
to get some groceries.
He'll be back in
about 20 minutes.
I just didn't want you
to think he ran off.
Mom? What kids?
Um, the kids.
Your dad told you
about the kids.
No, he never mentioned any kids.
Are you guys, like,
foster parents now or something?
He didn't text or call you?
He promised me he would.
Do you want me to check?
Well,
maybe your voicemail's full?
Mom, I can pull it up
right now if you'd like.
Oh, no, no.
I believe you, sweetheart.
Um, I'm sorry.
I just thought that he would
have vaguely said something.
Um...
Let's just, uh...
leave it at "what kids?"
-Okay?
-All right.
All right. Well...
I'll leave you to it.
Uh--
I love you, Riley.
I love you.
[door closes]
[plaintive music]
Why did you do that?
Use your words.
[girl] I miss you.
I miss you too.
[girl] Can I come over here?
I'm right here.
[girl] I wanna play outside.
Your Aunt Zoey is
coming over soon.
[girl] I want to play outside!
Look, Marie, we sit on a throne
in a problem-free zone--
[Marie shouting] I don't care!
Where are you?
[crashing, banging]
I'm gonna find you!
[slamming, rattling]
[crashing]
Where are you?
I wanna play--
-What is this?
-How are you?
What is this tape?
That's the tape for the day.
Excuse me?
Who gave you this?
I found it on my desk.
It was from, uh...
uh, Zoey and Marie O'Neil.
This is it, right?
I thought it was from you.
Marie O'Neil's ceremony was
hosted by the couple that filled
in for myself and Lorelei.
-So what does that mean?
-It's--
They're nowhere to be found.
Marie and her siblings
possessed violent tendencies
from a young age.
They killed their parents
with a hammer.
We-- we did heal her.
This tape couldn't have
been delivered to us
with good intentions.
I wouldn't be surprised
if Marie abused her contract
and Zoey sent us this tape.
You think Marie
killed her own child?
So what are we gonna do?
Smile.
Just stay in your lane.
-Look up the Hartfords, okay?
-[Rob] Okay.
[Leon] Hello, everyone.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to play the tape--
[Leon clears throat]
And good morning to you all.
Um, it seems to be that
there are some crazies out there
who only wish to do us harm.
I do humbly apologize
for the mishap.
It is another day
that the sun shines down
and grants me the privilege
of seeing you all
healing your wounds here
in our garden of redemption,
just as so many
other brave couples
in past years have done.
After your 30 days,
we will redecorate this room
in preparation for
your final private,
intimate ceremonies here.
It-- I'm so sorry.
Lorelei tells me
I just ramble on so much,
and sometimes I get so excited
about seeing your faces
and what's gonna happen to you
and knowing your future.
So. But... [clears throat]
I'm getting way ahead of myself.
At the end of your month,
you will be given a certificate,
suitable for framing
that you can take home,
put it above your fireplace,
hang it on your wall.
Shoot, you can put it in
your bathroom. It's your call.
[chuckles]
But I need to make this brief.
Because we have an outstanding
video presentation put together
featuring a young couple that
I hope you all will find useful.
But thank you all
so much for coming.
[pleasant music playing]
[door opens, closes]
[groceries rustling]
Hey.
Hey.
Is your car running okay?
Uh, yeah. Mm-hmm.
Oh. [chuckles]
-[laughs] C'mon
Uh...
how was the drive from school?
Oh, smooth sailing.
Yeah. I saw in the news
there was a backup.
-Was there?
-That's what they said.
I mean, if anything,
I just got a late start.
Oh. Well, trust me, I get it.
This time of year,
it's hard enough to
get out of bed. [chuckles]
Um, so do you need
any help with the groceries?
Well, actually,
there is not anything left
for you to help with.
Oh, right, that's-- that's fine.
Sorry. Just figured I would ask.
Well, thank you,
and that's a lovely thought,
if there were, in fact,
groceries left for you to
help with. But there are not.
[chuckles]
It's the thought that counts.
Right indeed.
[eerie music]
Has this always been here?
[John]
Since the beginning of summer.
Looks goofy at first, I know.
[Scoffs]
-Why do you guys have this?
-Two options.
You want the short answer
or the long answer?
I mean, whichever one's
gonna convince a jury.
Well...
sooner or later, you realize
that life is too poetic
for there not to be any rhythm
in how the universe flows.
And I know I-- I haven't
always had the best rhythm,
which is another conversation
for another time.
However--
a very strange "however,"
you're probably
thinking right now--
when I decided to change
the beat of my drum,
the universe became
so much more alive,
and I wanted to bring that into
our little corner of the world,
to bring the prospect
of changing reality for good.
For me. For your mom. For us.
Gotcha.
Gordon here?
Well, you would know
before I did.
Why's that?
You guys are friends now.
You probably talk all the time.
Well, I've always liked Gordon.
I mean, what's wrong with that?
I mean, he's become
a good friend of mine.
Uh, he called you "Dad" today.
[scoffs]
Well, look, I'm not
gonna stop him,
if that's what you're asking.
I mean, Riley,
you know his past.
You know how wrong it would be
for me to tell him to stop.
You've been letting him
call you Dad?
Well, if it rubs you
the wrong way,
you can go ahead
and tell him to stop.
I'm not sure
what you're asking of me.
I'll ask.
Well, great, I mean, as long
as you feel like you're acting
like an adult, and you don't
see any errors in it,
I mean, you...
you do what feels right.
[echoing whoosh of air]
[ominous music plays]
Mom said you have kids
living with you?
She did?
Well, I got a new phone
last month, so--
Do you not have kids
living with you?
Look, I just think it would be
better if we waited until later.
-Why?
-I just feel it would be easier
if we waited until Gordon came.
Okay, what is going on?
I would just prefer that--
[sighs]
You know what, it--
that's fine, I suppose.
[sighs softly]
[John] Let me introduce you.
[tense music plays]
Kids?
This is our daughter, Riley.
Nice to meet you.
-So, you guys live here, now?
-Is that a problem?
[John] Buddy.
Well, she sounded like
it was a problem, did she not?
[John] What do we strive for?
To sit on a throne,
with a problem-free zone.
[quietly]
Which was why I said that.
What was that?
[sighs heavily]
Do we bring problems
into the zone?
-No!
-No.
See? No problems here.
Honey, don't you think
you should ask their names?
-My name--
-[John] Uh--
Let Riley ask you.
Just ask their names, Riley.
What are your names?
-Kathy.
-John?
Hi. Outstanding to meet you.
My name is John.
[Older John sighs]
[chuckles]
Who are these kids?
Did we do something wrong?
That's just her.
Kids, stay here, okay?
-[Kathy] Riley.
-I-- I don't--
[Kathy] Just come with me.
[John] Do you know where
the book is?
That's what I'm doing!
Riley, have a seat.
[suspenseful music plays]
You know, if you just
give me a moment,
we'll drop this little curtain
that we have hung up here.
You're gonna want to see this.
[]
[knocking on door]
[Riley sighs]
[Riley] Oh.
-Hey.
-Hi, um... okay.
Dad, Gordon's here.
-Um...
-[Gordon] Are you okay?
I'm home.
[Gordon chuckles]
Hey, do you, um...
Do you want to go for a--
a drive or something?
Maybe get some fresh air?
-Uh...
-[Gordon] Yeah?
I thought it would be kinda--
kinda funny, I don't know,
like, uh-- [laughs]
Like we're some old couple,
and we had squat to do,
so we make dinner plans at four
in the village or something,
you know?
"I miss my grandkids,
they should call us."
"Oh, I'm getting dementia,
what time is it?"
[laughs]
"It's four, Gordon."
Who's getting dementia?
[John and Gordon laugh]
Hopefully not any of us.
Who are you people again?
Come here.
-Was the drive up okay?
-[Gordon] Just fine.
Riley just met John and Kathy.
Wait, did you know about this?
Um, Kathy is grabbing
the book for Riley.
Hey, how's your day
going, sweetheart?
Anxious.
[Kathy] I would imagine.
Riley, come sit with me.
Uh, Gordon, why don't we go
work on the garden?
Okay.
Riley, please, have a seat.
So, uh, I overheard
you and your dad
talking about the certificate.
Did he explain what that's for?
I mean, he didn't say
anything that would
explain why you have kid--
Well, when I explain, just...
please don't push
back against me,
-it just makes it a hundred
times more complicated--
-Okay, Mom.
Your dad has-- has come
a very, very long way.
As a husband,
as a friend,
as a man.
He understands that throughout
your childhood,
and most of our marriage,
he was responsible for a lot
of the family burden.
And I, um...
I just stood by,
and rolled with the punches,
when I should have defended
yours and my integrity.
So...
during our time
at the temple, we--
Wait, the temple?
[sighs]
Yeah.
A friend of a friend
told us about it.
And I see the look
on your face,
I know, it's--
it's ludicrous, right?
I felt the same way
when I first found out.
But your dad didn't.
He, for whatever reason being,
felt a pull.
So, in early June, we...
we went to check it out.
How long were you gone?
I don't know, like, a month.
Anyway, our temple
focused heavily on...
tapping into a higher energy,
ways to help us feel youthful,
A big part of being
able to change
is to be able to reflect,
and observe oneself.
What does this have
to do with the kids?
[suspenseful music plays]
John and Katherine Newman.
Today is your special day.
Your gift waits
just upon the horizon.
You both have worked in tandem,
proving your devotion
to each other,
and to our community.
Your unwavering curiosity
to find salvation has been
the top of your intentions.
It's beautiful
how driven the soul,
no matter how good or bad,
can be when it wants
what it needs.
Unrelenting.
I am so proud of you both.
[Kathy] We thank you.
You do not speak
until spoken to!
You do not break
the flow of this event.
[dramatic music plays]
Thank you, Lorelei.
We are gathered here
in humility,
as we summon the essence
of your soul,
an embodiment
of the very thing
that is responsible for why
you lead the life you do today,
into existence.
Kathy, and John...
A gorgeous couple,
now joining a long line
of traditions.
May the children be honest
in their actions,
and the couple...
open to change.
Tonight, you must understand,
that if you do not care
for this gift,
the consequences will go
far beyond you,
and extend to every member
currently in this room.
-[crashing thud]
-[Zoey cries out]
[Zoey sobs]
[ominous music plays]
[Zoey sobbing]
Where's my sister?
-[Lorelei] Pick her up.
-Ah!
[pained moans]
What is your name?
[Zoey] You people need
to get out of here.
You bombarded into
a sacred ceremony,
and you tell these people
what to do?
My sister is gone
because of you!
Who is your sister?
[Zoey sobs]
Ah!
I'm not going to ask you again.
Marie O'Neil.
[Leon] Would you two mind
stepping outside, please?
[Zoey sobs]
[Leon] Zoey.
Zoey O'Neil.
It was you that sent us
the tape, wasn't it?
You thought you could hurt us.
Marie had no idea
what she was getting into.
She knew exactly what
she was getting into!
You could have really
benefited from us.
But here you are,
letting your past control you,
just like your sister did.
Felt poor Mommy and Daddy
had to pay the price with blood
for a few regrettable nights
of parenting?
[Zoey] Marie would never
hurt the kid!
She wasn't safe taking
care of it!
She wasn't safe around parents
who were terrible pieces
of shit,
who got what they deserved.
Marie might not
have hurt the child,
but she would hurt herself,
and she did.
She left the child.
She gave up on it!
And everyone involved
paid the price.
Did they get what they deserved?
Did they deserve to pay
for her actions?
[sobbing]
How can I get her back?
It doesn't matter how!
Marie committed
an incredibly selfish act
against all of our traditions.
She rejected that child,
and... and her new family.
I have absolutely
no sympathy for her, Zoey!
You have made
a monumental mistake
coming in here, and ruining
this beautiful ceremony!
[sobbing]
I just want my sister back.
[whispering softly]
Why now?
I can't recall a more
righteous time than now.
[Zoey] What?
Uh...
I don't think this
is the moment to end it.
A moment like this
is the reason to end it.
And it could be...
your final symphony for us.
For the temple.
Please.
Please!
Why don't we--
Please!
I'll do anything!
I'll do anything!
-I'll give you my arm--
-All right!
It's our time, Leon.
[Lorelei] Believe me, Kathy.
We are so embarrassed.
You can complete
your program, shortly.
It's just, it's really difficult
for John to, you know,
reschedule clients.
You mentioned bringing
a third party to observe.
I believe they weren't
available today.
The boyfriend.
[Kathy] Gordon.
[Lorelei] Maybe next time,
Gordon can attend.
I'm gonna have to talk to John.
I-- I'm not sure how much
he's shared with him
about all of this.
Well, there's no rush, Kathy.
Oh, this is a beautiful thing.
It just needs to happen
in the appropriate environment.
Uh, ideally without any
erratic behaviors.
[laughs heartily]
Anything else?
What's gonna happen
to that girl?
Well, this should not
concern you.
We have some things
we need to sort out, right?
I mean, the last thing
I want your mind festering on
is what happened here, tonight.
What you should
be thinking about
is how you get
back on track.
These children
will be an absolute blessing.
[door clicks shut]
[Leon] You still think it's...
time for our sacrifice?
I am sure.
Zoey was our omen.
It's time to tie
a ribbon on this thing.
We waited for our
special moment,
and it came.
It's just nice knowing that...
whether you're right or wrong
about our timing to leave
this behind,
I have the privilege
of never calling you
my past lover.
I mean, never pretending
you never existed.
Forgetting all about you,
like, only to--
you to become my ghost.
I mean, you're just
my one, and only.
In my soul,
I will be visiting you
at your rich kid's university.
[Lorelei laughs]
Sitting next to you
on that old cement staircase
late at night,
just watching the cars go by,
and trying to keep us warm,
and realizing...
I need to spend the rest
of my life with you.
Every fiber of my soul
is made up of that moment.
Lorelei...
You, you are my eternity,
Lorelei.
[suspenseful music plays]
-[Zoey whimpers]
-[chair thuds]
[Zoey grunts with effort]
[panting]
[whimpers]
[Zoey groans]
[ominous music plays]
[Zoey sobs]
[Zoey breathes shallowly]
[heartbeat thuds echo distantly]
[Zoey hyperventilating]
[Zoey whimpers]
[Zoey] Ah!
[]
[young Zoey] Who is that?
[Echoing] Who hurt you the most?
[Leon laughs maniacally]
I think you know who it is.
[young Zoey] Which one?
[laughs maniacally]
Does it matter?
[Zoey breathes shallowly]
[Zoey whimpers]
[Zoey sobs]
[Zoey hyperventilates]
[Zoey] Oh my God, oh my God.
[dark, suspenseful music plays]
[Zoey whimpers]
[Zoey hyperventilates]
[screams shrilly]
[repeated thuds]
[grunts of effort]
[squelching sounds]
[laughs]
[repeated splattering sounds]
Ohhh! I-- [laughs]
[Kathy] The kids do not
have a...
a human mother.
[wet squelching sounds]
[Kathy] They come from
a special place
deep inside our soul.
Riley.
The kids are us.
But we have been handed down
sacred knowledge,
and found a way
to bring to life
an exact copy of ourselves,
but-- but in our youth.
So, we-- we can finally see
our flaws.
We can study our roots.
It gives your dad and I
a second chance
at doing it right.
[laughs]
And one thing we've realized
is that...
it really does help us
feel young.
[sighs]
It gives us a better
understanding of our limits.
Because through these children,
the-- the only time
in our lives
that the core is really visible.
The core being our--
our center of gravity,
like, the thing
that makes you, you.
Oh! It's really
fascinating stuff.
Is this serious?
Are you being serious?
Absolutely, I swear.
[Riley] Something's wrong
with my parents.
Those kids have them
sedated, so--
I was planning on showing you.
What?
[Kathy] Just--
[sliding door rattles]
[Kathy] Tell him to come
back inside.
We're gonna do it now.
Do what now?
We're going to give you
your gift.
[ominous music plays]
-[Riley] Come on.
-[Kathy] No, don't.
Mom, you don't have
to do this, okay?
You don't have to.
This is just Dad.
He's trying to control you.
Okay, he always does this,
but this is too far.
-[Kathy] It's okay.
-This-- this isn't right.
You're not right,
but we can get you right.
You can come with me, okay?
[tense music plays]
Mom. [sighs]
Mom!
Mom, what are you doing?
[electricity crackles]
[tense music builds]
-Gordon, this isn't funny.
-[Gordon] Hey, hey, hey.
-It's not funny.
-[Gordon] It's okay. It's okay.
-[Gordon] Hold on a minute.
-[Riley sobbing]
[Gordon] I'm really happy
you're home, Riley.
If they're conjuring,
you don't go in there!
[young Kathy]
He's been drinking, Gordon!
He stole vodka
from the liquor store!
John.
Apologize.
She should listen next time.
[Gordon sighs]
John, what did we say to you
last night?
I should use my strategies
to release my anger
in a more healthy way.
-He hasn't!
-Shut up!
Hey! Time out. Go.
[door latch clicks]
Hey, hey, you're okay.
You're okay.
-He's learning.
-Thank you, Gordon.
-Mm-hmm.
-[loud scream from upstairs]
[furniture rattles]
[Kathy screaming]
[high, shrill scream]
[loud thump]
[heavy thump]
[electricity crackles]
[Kathy screams]
[high, shrill scream]
[heavy thump]
[Kathy screaming]
[eerie music plays]
You are gonna be two
very lucky parents.
[sighs]
[]
[heavy thump]
[]
[laughs]
Hi, there.
She's just nervous.
[laughs]
I want both of you to know,
you two are gonna get
all of the love in the world.
[laughs]
Okay?
Let's go meet Mommy.
[]
Hi, Mommy.
You have the greatest gift,
right before your eyes,
sweetheart.
You have a loving husband,
and two beautiful children
that know you,
inside and out.
No, these aren't my kids.
No, they're our kids.
You're not alone.
Where are their families?
Look into their faces, Riley,
how could the resemblance
be so uncanny?
We are a family.
-Oh, my God.
-Riley?
-[Gordon] Riley?
-No, Riley!
[Gordon] Riley, please!
This is what we dreamed of!
God, we were kids, Gordon!
[Gordon] We can be kids again.
[groans] You're insane!
This is so fucked up.
[Gordon] I know this sounds
crazy, I thought it was crazy,
but it really
is a beautiful thing.
[John] Riley, if you
don't accept these kids,
there are gonna be consequences.
Not just for you,
but for all of us.
These children come from
the deepest part of our soul.
And we're all responsible
for bringing them
into the outside world.
If we don't protect them,
we get drawn back to the same
place where they came from.
Life is a trade between
energy and reality.
If you take an inside energy
into an outside reality
without protecting it,
that internal energy
takes us back in exchange!
How about we exchange
these kids back
with their real parents!
You are their real parent!
It's the truth.
I wouldn't lie to you anymore.
I feel sorry for you,
if you thought that I expected
anything less
than just more lies,
and these half-muddled apologies
that aren't even
really apologies,
but just-- just a compromise
to keep waving your white flags.
You know, I have to live
with myself
that I ever gave you some hope
of some normalcy,
but I can't save you!
No one can.
You had one last shot
with me, all right?
You knew that, Mom.
I came back for you.
And you had one shot.
I love you,
but I can't do this anymore.
-You don't mean that, Riley.
-But I do, Mom.
And don't, for one minute,
act like we've been
a Brady Bunch, either.
We haven't just had our
fair share of problems.
This family is the problem.
I mean, the icing on the cake
is the goddamn children
you're holding hostage.
Let's take a breath, okay?
What you need to realize is,
Gordon is a phenomenal man,
who loves you--
-John--
-Can I speak, Kathy?
[ominous music plays]
No.
Uh, this is all just
white noise at this point.
[sighs]
Gordon, there is a difference
between love,
and memories of love.
And we don't have love anymore,
because if we did,
you wouldn't have done this.
This is manipulative
to an extent
I never even imagined
you could be.
I just wanted a fresh start.
You know, we all did.
[laughs humorlessly]
Why can't you just
open your heart,
and accept that?
Okay, well, maybe I don't want
a fresh start.
Because these fresh starts
just keep tearing me down.
You know, maybe I want
to fall for myself,
the way you say
you fell for me.
And I'm tired of that not
being a good enough reason
to leave anyone out of my life.
So, if you all love
and care about me
as much as you say you do,
you would let me go!
Why did you come back?
If you had asked me that
a day ago,
it would have been
in hopes of redemption.
Do you not think
any of us want that?
No, I think you're sick, John.
But this, I don't even
know where to begin
with how fucked up this is.
It would be wrong
if it wasn't real.
-Oh!
-This is real!
I know you feel pinned down
by your past, Riley,
but you are clearly
unwilling to grow,
and move on.
You've closed yourself off
from joy,
and chosen not to be
anything like us,
so now you're this
shell of a girl
who doesn't know
how to move forward!
You are stagnant,
and you're blinded
by memories that are clouding
what is right here
in front of you!
Look at them, Riley.
These kids,
our kids,
will help you find
your light again.
This is redemption.
I know I haven't been
as perfect to you
as I could have been.
But I made sacrifices
to make you happy,
like putting you
through college,
when you wanted to get out.
Deep down,
you still love Gordon.
I know it.
He knows it!
I mean, Riley, do you think
that me creating a safe space
so you could heal with someone
who-- who is so obviously
your soul mate,
puts me in the wrong?
I mean, if I didn't love you,
I would have just said,
"Ah, forget it."
But I didn't.
Whether you choose to believe us
or not,
you have two wonderful children
that you and Gordon
both know inside and out.
[young John] Pussy!
Um what did you just call me?
I called you pussy.
She's been walking
all over you, John,
all day long.
Let her leave if she wants to.
No, no, he's walked all over us.
What?
So, you're an exact copy
of my dad?
Yeah.
And this is all real?
Have you not been listening?
Okay.
Well, then, buckle up,
because you're in for
a long, and miserable life.
Do you know why?
Because you'll never love.
You'll never be able to cry,
and I don't mean, like,
whine or bitch,
I mean, you'll never be able
to get on your hands and knees
and genuinely pour your heart
out onto the floor.
You will never be able
to smile without an ego.
Because if this is real,
then... half of me is you.
And that's the half of me
that's angry,
and deceiving, and confused,
and just this beat-up adult.
But the other half of me
is the starry-eyed woman
sitting next to me,
who would tear herself apart
for her family.
So, me, I can change.
I've become my own person.
But you,
you're an exact
copy of something
that will never change.
And that's a pussy, John.
Oh!
[John] Let's be strong,
and not rash, okay?
Listen to us.
Everything up until this moment
has revolved around me
not stepping on anyone's toes,
and look where it got me!
The strongest,
and most rash thing
I will ever do in my life is
walk the fuck out of this house,
on my terms, okay?
So don't you fucking lecture me
about "strong" or "rash,"
you fucking man-child.
Don't you fucking touch me!
[John] Oh! Oh, hell, no!
No!
[dramatic music plays]
[]
[soft whoosh of air]
[Gordon laughs]
[Riley] What?
Why do you look like Santa Claus
in this picture?
Because I fuckin' am
Santa Claus.
[mocking] "Because I fuckin'
am Santa Claus."
[laughs] Shut up.
-I like your hair, though.
-Yeah?
And uh, oh.
And this one.
It's very... Dolly Parton.
It was for a fashion show.
A fashion show?
Did you congratulate
the first-place winner
after they beat you?
Uh, no, they actually
congratulated me.
-No way.
-Yes way.
Why-- why is that so hard
to believe?
I'm just-- I'm surprised
that you won.
-[Gordon snickers]
-[Riley gasps]
Are you-- Are you--
[Gordon] "Are you-- Are you--"
"Are you" what?
"Are you" what?
Stop smiling!
I thought you were mad.
"Are you" what?
[sighs dramatically]
Are you calling me gross?
[sighs]
Do you think you're gross?
Well, I do now.
[both laugh]
[Riley grunts]
[clears throat]
What'd you say?
[both grunt]
Can I tell you a secret?
Okay, fine, fine.
-No, wait, no!
-Fine, no, fine, fine.
-Ow!
-I don't-- no.
-What's your secret?
-No, no. I swear to fuckin' God.
-What's your secret?
-Could you please stop?
I'm fuckin' sad,
you gremlin, can you stop?
But I'm not sad.
[groans]
Are you sad?
-Promise?
-Pinky promise.
Okay, we've gotta touch thumbs,
and make that bitch official.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
[Riley laughs]
My secret is that I think...
you are absolutely beautiful.
But you just called me gross.
Okay, one,
I never said that.
Two, uh, your hair wasn't doing
any wonders for you.
-But, you as a whole.
-Me.
The entire item.
If we were at a grocery store,
you would be, like, the
equivalent to one of those--
those, like, sculptures
made out of Coke boxes.
-You know when they do that?
-Oh my God.
[sighs]
I have a secret for you.
What's that?
Can I tell you outside?
Tell me what?
No! [laughs]
I wanna go outside.
I mean, it's freezing.
Can you just tell me in here?
No.
Why?
Because if I say it
in this house,
then it won't be as special.
-Are you--
-[groans]
Don't be playing.
You really mean it?
I want to hear you say it.
Okay. [laughs]
[gentle music plays]
[music builds, becomes ominous]
[gasps]
[rain patters]
[somber music plays]
Mom?
[door latch clicks]
[young Riley]
We had no direction,
but we had each other, for now.
That's all that matters
in this world.
Mommy, Daddy, John, and Kathy
physically had each other,
but that wasn't a recipe
for happiness.
Maybe it depends
on the person.
I could tell Gordon
was nervous,
even though he wasn't
saying it.
Kathy was, too.
They both are kind souls,
I can feel it.
I didn't feel that way about
the adults, though.
Being a kind soul
isn't the formula
for us being happy,
but then again,
your soul is all you have
that's true,
honest, and special.
I've spent enough time
in Mommy's soul to know that.
Maybe we will all be happy,
since this is our beginning.
We might grow to hate
and despise each other,
but at this moment in time,
I don't dislike
the people I'm with.
It's important to remember
the beginning.
Because this is ours.
[tense, melodic music plays]
[John, shouting] Riley!
Riley!
Where are you?
This what it's come to, Kathy?
Keeping our daughter
from her hard-working father?
[young Riley] Mommy,
tell Daddy to stop.
[Kathy sobs] He will, baby.
Just be quiet.
[distant thumping]
[young Riley]
Why is Daddy being scary?
[hushed] Daddy gets scary
sometimes when I'm not quiet.
So it's important
that we don't make a peep.
Do you know what a peep is?
A peep is when you talk.
It's when you talk really soft.
Can we talk at a peep?
[John] I can't be the only one
who feels this house shrinking
as the days drag on.
You must be burnt up, Kathy.
Constantly in disposition for a
light at the end of the tunnel.
[glass shatters]
Or is it... validity?
Or recognition?
What about me, Kathy?
Woe is John, asking to be
thrown a bone every blue moon.
[glass shatters]
Who made up the rule
that love had to be a luxury?
Did your mom
teach you that, Riley?
Forgive me. Maybe I was being
passive when I gave up my life
for you to eat my food,
breathe my air,
drain my pockets.
-[nearby door opens]
-Drain me of my freedom, huh?
-[footsteps approaching]
-Do you think you can
deprive me of my life?
You both demand
and drain and demand
-and fucking drain me!
-[door opens]
[Kathy]
"Sadness will only ground you
in ways that happiness
could only dream of doing."
That's what a relative told me
on my grandma's funeral.
I didn't always
see eye-to-eye with her,
but she loved me
and I loved her.
That seemed to be enough.
After she died,
it was like a bomb had gone off
in our family.
Food tasted differently.
The places she used to take me
started to rust.
I began noticing the crow's
feet on my parents' face come in
as their hair turned icy gray.
The air became more dense.
Day by day, you pick yourself
up
and settle into the wasteland
that remains.
Day by day,
you forget about last week,
last month, last decade.
The wrinkles have
always been there,
the hair was always gray,
and the buildings always
weathered down.
The air was always this dense.
You were always this happy.
People tend to keep
their terror in the past.
And while today might not be
as unpolished and gritty
as it once was,
real terror will always
find its way through the
cracks.
[ominous music]
[man]
Leon, put the matches down!
You are not the man
you were yesterday.
You are a new man.
You are a new,
strong individual.
Strong.
Powerful.
Guide those who come to you
with love and acceptance.
Let them remind you
of your love and acceptance.
[Lorelei] Katherine Newman!
Lorelei Duncan.
Oh, my gosh.
You are so cold, honey!
It's a little chilly out today,
but I have been told
I have cold hands.
I just didn't expect
to get frostbite in June!
[chuckling]
Has somebody taken
your husband back?
Uh, yes. Uh, didn't catch
his name. A nice gentleman.
But they went over to
one of the other buildings.
Hmm. Okay. Well, great.
Well, would you follow me,
Katherine?
[Lorelei chuckles]
Oh, um, my husband and I
wanted to know what insurance
you accept, you know, if any?
Oh, your insurance is
no good here, Mrs. Newman.
After you.
Rob.
[grandfather clock chimes]
[clock ticking steadily]
I-- I didn't know
this was being recorded.
[Lorelei] Oh, it's just for you.
We have some people who
like to look back on it...
later.
Is that okay?
Yeah, yeah, I suppose it's fine.
[Lorelei] Thank you.
Now, how was the drive up?
Smooth sailing. Yeah.
What's her name?
Riley.
[Lorelei] Well, she's adorable.
[Kathy] Oh, God. That one
was from, like, 13 years ago.
Oh, the other ones I had to
get off her social media.
Was this your husband John?
[Kathy] Yes.
Interesting choice. [chuckles]
[Kathy] It's the one
he wanted to submit.
Excellent.
Katherine--
Uh, Kathy or Katherine?
Oh, Kathy's fine.
[pen clicks, scribbling]
It's faster to say.
Kathy, are you nervous?
No.
Should I be?
No, just curious.
My husband, Leon-- you'll be
meeting him at your ceremony,
if you choose to stay--
um, he and I have been running
this for the last 35 years.
I love what we do here,
but I have a feeling our time
here is coming to a close.
Leon, I guess, well, he's
waiting for some kind of omen
to tell us that it's time
for us to leave this behind.
But, uh...
well... you start to
get a little worn out.
To get a little sick of him too.
[laughing]
Um, he and I have built this up
much-- much too much to just
walk away.
You know, unless something
really special comes along.
Until then, I'll work.
Is this your first time
seeking guidance?
No. No, absolutely not.
Well, we are wonderfully
versed in healing couples.
I'm here for my daughter.
And for John.
Well,
bold of you and your husband to
jump down the rabbit hole, hey?
It was John's decision
to come here.
He's been trying
his best to grow.
I'd like to think that
Riley's noticed, but...
But John has stopped drinking.
And... we've started
going out again.
He's looking to hire
some extra help so he can
cut back on his workload.
A lot of really great things.
Well, he must be thrilled.
She hasn't really been
home in a long time.
She's been away at school.
Every break and holiday,
you know, she spends it there
with her friends.
Her new friends.
She's coming home soon.
One of the things that
we had been advised to do is to
pass over the main lines
of communication over to John.
So he's been the one
primarily reaching out to her.
What?
I wanna hear what a conversation
between these two characters
sounds like.
They must be doing
a lot of unpacking.
I-- [chuckles] No.
There's not a lot to unpack?
No, I just-- I-- I don't--
-I-- I--
-You don't know
what it sounds like.
-What?
-You're clueless as to what
these two would have to say
to each other, even in
a simple, mundane conversation.
"Hello, Riley.
How was your day?
How was your day?"
"Hey, Dad."
"How was your day, Riley?"
[ticking continues]
[inhales shakily]
Do you think...
she'll-- do you think
she'll come back?
Come back to where?
[sobs] To me.
Do you think your husband
deserves to see
a reflection of the pain
he's caused Riley?
That's really not
a fair question--
Would you say that Riley
holds more of your qualities
or John's?
Look, Lorelei,
I understand what you're
trying to do, but can we just--
Your daughter holds just as much
of you as she does of John.
She holds a million
other beautiful, complex
thoughts and feelings
that you may never understand.
Most people,
at some point in their lives,
try to break the cycle
of their parents.
If not them,
the child bears the burden.
People tend to keep their pain,
their woes, in the past,
but they always manifest
themselves again.
Just in different ways.
More subtle.
Quietly.
We had a woman, Marie--
she worked privately with Leon--
complete our program.
She and her siblings
went through, oh,
much the same types
of situations and issues
as Riley and John.
We healed her, Kathy.
Now, that case was
much more challenging,
but I know how important it is
for you to get to
the root of these issues.
We have the tools.
If at any time you feel
unsure or uncomfortable,
that door is open.
We don't force this on anyone.
But that option is only open
until we tell you
how we operate
to fix these issues.
I promise you, Kathy...
you, John, and Riley?
[electricity buzzes]
It all starts
with a leap of faith.
[pensive music]
[Riley] The air feels dense.
During summertime
in the mountains,
you would get a week straight
of pure, dry heat
followed by a week of
back-to-back afternoon showers.
The only constant
was the humidity,
lingering around as if
it thought it was wanted.
The kids didn't care, though.
Not one bit.
We just kept on playing.
After all,
we were on a break
with a reality check
attached to our next year's
report card.
During the winter months,
there was even more
weightlessness to reality.
We would be outside, just as
we were in the summer months,
breathing in the same air,
although now
it's sharp and cold.
None of us kids didn't care,
though. We just kept on
playing.
Christmas is less
than a month away,
but I can still feel
some of that warm summer air
clinging to my skin.
And for the first time,
it's pissing me off.
[]
Years ago, people couldn't
drive more than three blocks
without kids running in front
of your car,
chasing after one another
over some made-up game.
The grownups didn't care,
though.
They just smiled
and told the kids they should
try and be home by dark.
That's just the way it was.
The way it was
feels so different.
I'm on the same ground,
seeing the same buildings.
Maybe even some of
the same people stuck around.
[soft music playing
over speakers]
[Exhales]
[Gordon] Y'all good with this?
[]
[Phone dings]
Riley?
Hey.
[Gordon] Hey.
I got a job.
You look surprised.
Uh...
No, you just caught-- caught me
off-guard. Um, not in a bad way.
I just, uh-- But this is-- Nope.
Yep. This is great. Great news.
[Gordon] Well, I was stoked
to hear you'd come back.
[cell phone vibrates]
Uh, hey...
How you, uh-- how you been?
Great, actually.
Yeah, college is
a lot more of my cup of tea
than high school ever was.
Uh,
the environment's better, or...
Yeah. I mean,
just less toxic, I would say,
'cause, I mean, everyone who's
there chose to be there, so it's
just a more mature environment.
Are-- um, are you up there
for English still?
Oh, no, no. I changed
to humanitarian studies.
Oh, I thought you liked writing.
But, yeah, yeah, man.
You know, um, that's awesome.
Good for you.
Thank you.
Hmmm
Um...
I applied too.
Just thought you should now.
-Applied?
-College.
Community or university?
Uh, community.
For now.
No,
there's nothing wrong with that.
-Um, when did you apply?
-Uh, recently.
Yeah, I've been looking into
some marketing programs,
which you don't necessarily
need a degree for,
but, you know,
knocking it off as something
to have in my back pocket,
and if I'm lucky enough
to get the extra education,
it'd be smart
to take advantage of it.
-Right?
-Right.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's fantastic news.
[chuckles]
I-- I never really
got a chance to, um...
thank you. For...
inspiring me.
Yeah, it turns out
I really needed your help.
Look, I mean, you made
that call all on your own.
I think you should
be very proud.
Hey, uh, Gordon?
-I'll take care of her, Marc.
-[Marc] Right. Uh...
Chelsi told me
to tell you that--
On it. Cool. Got it.
[clears throat]
Actually...
BLT...
hold tomato.
Side of gravy fries,
and, uh, Dr Pepper.
Sound like fantastic news?
I suppose so. [chuckles]
Coming right up.
-Whoops.
-Oh!
[cell phone vibrates]
-Here you go.
-[Riley] Thank you.
So...
this is kind of awkward. Um...
I guess my mom
saw you the other day
or knows that you work here
or something,
but I just got a text,
and she says hi.
Did your dad not tell you
that I work for him?
What?
I-- I mean,
that's how I knew you were
coming back for winter break.
Wait, you work for my dad?
I've been interning at his firm.
It's been pretty dope, actually.
The other day, I got to
sit in on a consultation
with this guy who, like,
robbed a liquor store with
a fuckin' hammer. [chuckles]
Um, but, yeah, no,
I've also been helping
in your family garden
since... early June?
It's funny
we're talking about this.
After my shift, I was gonna
make my way over there,
and he and I were gonna go over
how to lay the new foundation.
[forced chuckle]
Why?
"Why" to the internship,
the gardening, or the hammer?
Why are you working for my dad?
Because he asked me.
How?
-How did he ask me?
-Yeah.
Um... [sighs]
Well, he came in on his day off
during my shift,
and right before he left,
he said, "Gordon, I could really
use some help around the firm,"
which was followed by
me saying, "Sure."
But I don't know. What do you
want?
What?
Are you--
Don't you think that's weird?
I mean, come on. Imagine this.
You need help around your firm,
and your first pick
is your daughter's
high school ex-boyfriend
with no qualifications
for the job?
And-- Okay, I'm not saying
that you're not qualified.
I just mean
what's in writing-wise, okay?
And the whole-- the whole
freaking garden thing, like,
that's only gonna last a couple
months 'cause of the snow.
-He likes me. I don't know.
-Oh, you guys are buddies now?
Okay.
-[scoffs] Okay.
-What? I'm not crucifying you.
I'm just trying to understand.
No, you're judging me.
I can feel it.
[Riley] How?
Your eyes. And your tone.
[scoffs] Okay.
[Gordon] Hey,
if it makes you feel any better,
he never said
I was his first choice.
[Gordon scoffs]
I don't know, man. He's the one
that pushed you to fight
a little longer for us, so.
-Oh, okay! Which justifies it?
-No, I'm just assuming that
Mom and Dad have
always thought highly of me
-for whatever reason.
-Mom and-- Jesus Christ, Gordon,
-they're not your family!
-Can you just let me
fucking talk? Holy shit.
I like to think that
they've always appreciated me.
What? [forced laugh]
Back when we were together,
your parents have always thought
of me as one of the family.
So why do you need justification
for something that
they might feel that you have
absolutely no control over?
I mean, it-- it pays well.
The hours are good.
It's a genuinely enjoyable time.
Growing up, I would've killed
to have a dad like yours.
You know that.
He does, too.
Okay. Should I pay in cash?
[scoffs]
Uh,
Marc can check you out up front.
Were you still
planning on dropping by later?
[Gordon] Is it okay
if I come over later?
It is not my house anymore, so.
-[Gordon] Yes.
-Yes, what?
-[Gordon] I'll drop by.
-Okay.
Thank you.
[exhales]
[melancholy music]
For 16 years of my life,
I would be driven
up and down the street
with my parents
and my parents only.
Looking back,
I realize we just had no clue
how to speak to each other.
There was once a point
where every overgrown tree,
bush, and bump
became as recognizable
as the back of my hand.
And before you know it,
Gordon is driving me
everywhere.
I couldn't be any happier.
His car felt more like
the back of my hands
than these roads ever did.
[]
It's difficult to feel
comfortable here again.
It's not even worth debating
if it's all in my head.
I know it's not in my head.
Why was I being so divisive?
I know I'm not the cause
of my own discomfort.
This was a terrible idea.
I had my shot to run.
But no. Here's Riley, running
right back into the fire,
drenched in gasoline,
like she always does,
begging to let
the past burn her,
-all for her mom to say...
-[Kathy] Hi, Riley!
-Let's go in.
-Yeah, yeah.
Okay. [chuckles]
[soft piano music playing]
[]
[knocking at door]
Um...
Come in.
It's like stepping into
a time capsule in here, huh?
[Riley] Yeah.
I forgot how cute this room was.
[sighs] Well, you were
always very precise about
exactly how and where
you wanted everything to be.
Oh, I can't tell you
how many times your dad
or I bought something,
just hoping that it would
make it into your masterpiece
of interior design in here.
[chuckles]
So...
Gordon works for you guys?
[laughs] Well,
according to your dad,
uh, if Gordon keeps it up
at the firm,
"Just watch out.
Watch that kid
climb the ladder."
Did you run into him
at the diner?
He's helping you guys
build a garden?
Well, they talk about
building this and building that.
[chuckles] Honestly,
I think they just hang out.
And the last time I checked?
We don't have a garden.
[chuckles]
Yeah, I don't even know
how that would survive.
My thoughts exactly, right?
Okay, did you tell Dad?
[Kathy] No.
Oh, you know your dad.
The older he gets,
the more stubborn.
And Gordon says
working for you guys is a
"genuinely enjoyable time."
That's sweet.
Your dad's really happy
that you're here.
We're really happy
that you came back to see us.
You know, your dad and I were...
going through some
old VHS the other day.
-Do you remember VHS?
-Yeah, we had a VHS player.
We still have a VHS player.
Wasn't sure if we'd be able
to get the damn thing to work,
but sure as shit,
it still had a heartbeat.
Anyway.
We're watching this tape, and...
gosh, you couldn't have been
more than, like, seven?
You had the role
in some school play.
It was the most adorable thing.
You and your friend...
Oh, my God. What's her name?
Rosie? Rosie.
No, no, no, Rosalyn. Rosalyn.
Oh, how is she?
[laughs] Well, I don't know.
I haven't talked to her
in years.
Okay, well...
you and Rosalyn had this little
tap duet number.
And you guys were
almost finished...
[Kathy laughing]
When you just--
[laughing]
-You just stop... [laughing]
-Oh, my--
Wait. No, I know exactly
what you're gonna say!
-Oh!
-You peed!
[both laughing]
-This is all on video?
-Oh, yeah.
What was I gonna do
right then, right? [laughing]
I felt so bad.
I remember...
your dad being
the first parent backstage--
I mean,
before the show had even ended--
with a towel in hand
for his little girl.
Do you remember that?
Mmm, I mean, yeah, but...
didn't he make
a whole thing after the show
that he missed work
-just for me
to perform one song?
-Oh, no.
No!
Yeah, he was absolutely
livid on the way home. Yeah.
[Kathy sighs]
[Riley exhales]
He, um...
Honey, your father loves you.
He loves you very much.
What's not to love, right?
Honey, this-- this will
always be your home.
No matter how old you get,
no matter what rivers
this family has to swim across.
We keep on keeping on.
As we should.
Yeah. Um...
I think I'm gonna
hit the shower,
'cause I'm just feelin' blah.
[Kathy] Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
Oh, and your-- your dad
just ran into town with the kids
to get some groceries.
He'll be back in
about 20 minutes.
I just didn't want you
to think he ran off.
Mom? What kids?
Um, the kids.
Your dad told you
about the kids.
No, he never mentioned any kids.
Are you guys, like,
foster parents now or something?
He didn't text or call you?
He promised me he would.
Do you want me to check?
Well,
maybe your voicemail's full?
Mom, I can pull it up
right now if you'd like.
Oh, no, no.
I believe you, sweetheart.
Um, I'm sorry.
I just thought that he would
have vaguely said something.
Um...
Let's just, uh...
leave it at "what kids?"
-Okay?
-All right.
All right. Well...
I'll leave you to it.
Uh--
I love you, Riley.
I love you.
[door closes]
[plaintive music]
Why did you do that?
Use your words.
[girl] I miss you.
I miss you too.
[girl] Can I come over here?
I'm right here.
[girl] I wanna play outside.
Your Aunt Zoey is
coming over soon.
[girl] I want to play outside!
Look, Marie, we sit on a throne
in a problem-free zone--
[Marie shouting] I don't care!
Where are you?
[crashing, banging]
I'm gonna find you!
[slamming, rattling]
[crashing]
Where are you?
I wanna play--
-What is this?
-How are you?
What is this tape?
That's the tape for the day.
Excuse me?
Who gave you this?
I found it on my desk.
It was from, uh...
uh, Zoey and Marie O'Neil.
This is it, right?
I thought it was from you.
Marie O'Neil's ceremony was
hosted by the couple that filled
in for myself and Lorelei.
-So what does that mean?
-It's--
They're nowhere to be found.
Marie and her siblings
possessed violent tendencies
from a young age.
They killed their parents
with a hammer.
We-- we did heal her.
This tape couldn't have
been delivered to us
with good intentions.
I wouldn't be surprised
if Marie abused her contract
and Zoey sent us this tape.
You think Marie
killed her own child?
So what are we gonna do?
Smile.
Just stay in your lane.
-Look up the Hartfords, okay?
-[Rob] Okay.
[Leon] Hello, everyone.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to play the tape--
[Leon clears throat]
And good morning to you all.
Um, it seems to be that
there are some crazies out there
who only wish to do us harm.
I do humbly apologize
for the mishap.
It is another day
that the sun shines down
and grants me the privilege
of seeing you all
healing your wounds here
in our garden of redemption,
just as so many
other brave couples
in past years have done.
After your 30 days,
we will redecorate this room
in preparation for
your final private,
intimate ceremonies here.
It-- I'm so sorry.
Lorelei tells me
I just ramble on so much,
and sometimes I get so excited
about seeing your faces
and what's gonna happen to you
and knowing your future.
So. But... [clears throat]
I'm getting way ahead of myself.
At the end of your month,
you will be given a certificate,
suitable for framing
that you can take home,
put it above your fireplace,
hang it on your wall.
Shoot, you can put it in
your bathroom. It's your call.
[chuckles]
But I need to make this brief.
Because we have an outstanding
video presentation put together
featuring a young couple that
I hope you all will find useful.
But thank you all
so much for coming.
[pleasant music playing]
[door opens, closes]
[groceries rustling]
Hey.
Hey.
Is your car running okay?
Uh, yeah. Mm-hmm.
Oh. [chuckles]
-[laughs] C'mon
Uh...
how was the drive from school?
Oh, smooth sailing.
Yeah. I saw in the news
there was a backup.
-Was there?
-That's what they said.
I mean, if anything,
I just got a late start.
Oh. Well, trust me, I get it.
This time of year,
it's hard enough to
get out of bed. [chuckles]
Um, so do you need
any help with the groceries?
Well, actually,
there is not anything left
for you to help with.
Oh, right, that's-- that's fine.
Sorry. Just figured I would ask.
Well, thank you,
and that's a lovely thought,
if there were, in fact,
groceries left for you to
help with. But there are not.
[chuckles]
It's the thought that counts.
Right indeed.
[eerie music]
Has this always been here?
[John]
Since the beginning of summer.
Looks goofy at first, I know.
[Scoffs]
-Why do you guys have this?
-Two options.
You want the short answer
or the long answer?
I mean, whichever one's
gonna convince a jury.
Well...
sooner or later, you realize
that life is too poetic
for there not to be any rhythm
in how the universe flows.
And I know I-- I haven't
always had the best rhythm,
which is another conversation
for another time.
However--
a very strange "however,"
you're probably
thinking right now--
when I decided to change
the beat of my drum,
the universe became
so much more alive,
and I wanted to bring that into
our little corner of the world,
to bring the prospect
of changing reality for good.
For me. For your mom. For us.
Gotcha.
Gordon here?
Well, you would know
before I did.
Why's that?
You guys are friends now.
You probably talk all the time.
Well, I've always liked Gordon.
I mean, what's wrong with that?
I mean, he's become
a good friend of mine.
Uh, he called you "Dad" today.
[scoffs]
Well, look, I'm not
gonna stop him,
if that's what you're asking.
I mean, Riley,
you know his past.
You know how wrong it would be
for me to tell him to stop.
You've been letting him
call you Dad?
Well, if it rubs you
the wrong way,
you can go ahead
and tell him to stop.
I'm not sure
what you're asking of me.
I'll ask.
Well, great, I mean, as long
as you feel like you're acting
like an adult, and you don't
see any errors in it,
I mean, you...
you do what feels right.
[echoing whoosh of air]
[ominous music plays]
Mom said you have kids
living with you?
She did?
Well, I got a new phone
last month, so--
Do you not have kids
living with you?
Look, I just think it would be
better if we waited until later.
-Why?
-I just feel it would be easier
if we waited until Gordon came.
Okay, what is going on?
I would just prefer that--
[sighs]
You know what, it--
that's fine, I suppose.
[sighs softly]
[John] Let me introduce you.
[tense music plays]
Kids?
This is our daughter, Riley.
Nice to meet you.
-So, you guys live here, now?
-Is that a problem?
[John] Buddy.
Well, she sounded like
it was a problem, did she not?
[John] What do we strive for?
To sit on a throne,
with a problem-free zone.
[quietly]
Which was why I said that.
What was that?
[sighs heavily]
Do we bring problems
into the zone?
-No!
-No.
See? No problems here.
Honey, don't you think
you should ask their names?
-My name--
-[John] Uh--
Let Riley ask you.
Just ask their names, Riley.
What are your names?
-Kathy.
-John?
Hi. Outstanding to meet you.
My name is John.
[Older John sighs]
[chuckles]
Who are these kids?
Did we do something wrong?
That's just her.
Kids, stay here, okay?
-[Kathy] Riley.
-I-- I don't--
[Kathy] Just come with me.
[John] Do you know where
the book is?
That's what I'm doing!
Riley, have a seat.
[suspenseful music plays]
You know, if you just
give me a moment,
we'll drop this little curtain
that we have hung up here.
You're gonna want to see this.
[]
[knocking on door]
[Riley sighs]
[Riley] Oh.
-Hey.
-Hi, um... okay.
Dad, Gordon's here.
-Um...
-[Gordon] Are you okay?
I'm home.
[Gordon chuckles]
Hey, do you, um...
Do you want to go for a--
a drive or something?
Maybe get some fresh air?
-Uh...
-[Gordon] Yeah?
I thought it would be kinda--
kinda funny, I don't know,
like, uh-- [laughs]
Like we're some old couple,
and we had squat to do,
so we make dinner plans at four
in the village or something,
you know?
"I miss my grandkids,
they should call us."
"Oh, I'm getting dementia,
what time is it?"
[laughs]
"It's four, Gordon."
Who's getting dementia?
[John and Gordon laugh]
Hopefully not any of us.
Who are you people again?
Come here.
-Was the drive up okay?
-[Gordon] Just fine.
Riley just met John and Kathy.
Wait, did you know about this?
Um, Kathy is grabbing
the book for Riley.
Hey, how's your day
going, sweetheart?
Anxious.
[Kathy] I would imagine.
Riley, come sit with me.
Uh, Gordon, why don't we go
work on the garden?
Okay.
Riley, please, have a seat.
So, uh, I overheard
you and your dad
talking about the certificate.
Did he explain what that's for?
I mean, he didn't say
anything that would
explain why you have kid--
Well, when I explain, just...
please don't push
back against me,
-it just makes it a hundred
times more complicated--
-Okay, Mom.
Your dad has-- has come
a very, very long way.
As a husband,
as a friend,
as a man.
He understands that throughout
your childhood,
and most of our marriage,
he was responsible for a lot
of the family burden.
And I, um...
I just stood by,
and rolled with the punches,
when I should have defended
yours and my integrity.
So...
during our time
at the temple, we--
Wait, the temple?
[sighs]
Yeah.
A friend of a friend
told us about it.
And I see the look
on your face,
I know, it's--
it's ludicrous, right?
I felt the same way
when I first found out.
But your dad didn't.
He, for whatever reason being,
felt a pull.
So, in early June, we...
we went to check it out.
How long were you gone?
I don't know, like, a month.
Anyway, our temple
focused heavily on...
tapping into a higher energy,
ways to help us feel youthful,
A big part of being
able to change
is to be able to reflect,
and observe oneself.
What does this have
to do with the kids?
[suspenseful music plays]
John and Katherine Newman.
Today is your special day.
Your gift waits
just upon the horizon.
You both have worked in tandem,
proving your devotion
to each other,
and to our community.
Your unwavering curiosity
to find salvation has been
the top of your intentions.
It's beautiful
how driven the soul,
no matter how good or bad,
can be when it wants
what it needs.
Unrelenting.
I am so proud of you both.
[Kathy] We thank you.
You do not speak
until spoken to!
You do not break
the flow of this event.
[dramatic music plays]
Thank you, Lorelei.
We are gathered here
in humility,
as we summon the essence
of your soul,
an embodiment
of the very thing
that is responsible for why
you lead the life you do today,
into existence.
Kathy, and John...
A gorgeous couple,
now joining a long line
of traditions.
May the children be honest
in their actions,
and the couple...
open to change.
Tonight, you must understand,
that if you do not care
for this gift,
the consequences will go
far beyond you,
and extend to every member
currently in this room.
-[crashing thud]
-[Zoey cries out]
[Zoey sobs]
[ominous music plays]
[Zoey sobbing]
Where's my sister?
-[Lorelei] Pick her up.
-Ah!
[pained moans]
What is your name?
[Zoey] You people need
to get out of here.
You bombarded into
a sacred ceremony,
and you tell these people
what to do?
My sister is gone
because of you!
Who is your sister?
[Zoey sobs]
Ah!
I'm not going to ask you again.
Marie O'Neil.
[Leon] Would you two mind
stepping outside, please?
[Zoey sobs]
[Leon] Zoey.
Zoey O'Neil.
It was you that sent us
the tape, wasn't it?
You thought you could hurt us.
Marie had no idea
what she was getting into.
She knew exactly what
she was getting into!
You could have really
benefited from us.
But here you are,
letting your past control you,
just like your sister did.
Felt poor Mommy and Daddy
had to pay the price with blood
for a few regrettable nights
of parenting?
[Zoey] Marie would never
hurt the kid!
She wasn't safe taking
care of it!
She wasn't safe around parents
who were terrible pieces
of shit,
who got what they deserved.
Marie might not
have hurt the child,
but she would hurt herself,
and she did.
She left the child.
She gave up on it!
And everyone involved
paid the price.
Did they get what they deserved?
Did they deserve to pay
for her actions?
[sobbing]
How can I get her back?
It doesn't matter how!
Marie committed
an incredibly selfish act
against all of our traditions.
She rejected that child,
and... and her new family.
I have absolutely
no sympathy for her, Zoey!
You have made
a monumental mistake
coming in here, and ruining
this beautiful ceremony!
[sobbing]
I just want my sister back.
[whispering softly]
Why now?
I can't recall a more
righteous time than now.
[Zoey] What?
Uh...
I don't think this
is the moment to end it.
A moment like this
is the reason to end it.
And it could be...
your final symphony for us.
For the temple.
Please.
Please!
Why don't we--
Please!
I'll do anything!
I'll do anything!
-I'll give you my arm--
-All right!
It's our time, Leon.
[Lorelei] Believe me, Kathy.
We are so embarrassed.
You can complete
your program, shortly.
It's just, it's really difficult
for John to, you know,
reschedule clients.
You mentioned bringing
a third party to observe.
I believe they weren't
available today.
The boyfriend.
[Kathy] Gordon.
[Lorelei] Maybe next time,
Gordon can attend.
I'm gonna have to talk to John.
I-- I'm not sure how much
he's shared with him
about all of this.
Well, there's no rush, Kathy.
Oh, this is a beautiful thing.
It just needs to happen
in the appropriate environment.
Uh, ideally without any
erratic behaviors.
[laughs heartily]
Anything else?
What's gonna happen
to that girl?
Well, this should not
concern you.
We have some things
we need to sort out, right?
I mean, the last thing
I want your mind festering on
is what happened here, tonight.
What you should
be thinking about
is how you get
back on track.
These children
will be an absolute blessing.
[door clicks shut]
[Leon] You still think it's...
time for our sacrifice?
I am sure.
Zoey was our omen.
It's time to tie
a ribbon on this thing.
We waited for our
special moment,
and it came.
It's just nice knowing that...
whether you're right or wrong
about our timing to leave
this behind,
I have the privilege
of never calling you
my past lover.
I mean, never pretending
you never existed.
Forgetting all about you,
like, only to--
you to become my ghost.
I mean, you're just
my one, and only.
In my soul,
I will be visiting you
at your rich kid's university.
[Lorelei laughs]
Sitting next to you
on that old cement staircase
late at night,
just watching the cars go by,
and trying to keep us warm,
and realizing...
I need to spend the rest
of my life with you.
Every fiber of my soul
is made up of that moment.
Lorelei...
You, you are my eternity,
Lorelei.
[suspenseful music plays]
-[Zoey whimpers]
-[chair thuds]
[Zoey grunts with effort]
[panting]
[whimpers]
[Zoey groans]
[ominous music plays]
[Zoey sobs]
[Zoey breathes shallowly]
[heartbeat thuds echo distantly]
[Zoey hyperventilating]
[Zoey whimpers]
[Zoey] Ah!
[]
[young Zoey] Who is that?
[Echoing] Who hurt you the most?
[Leon laughs maniacally]
I think you know who it is.
[young Zoey] Which one?
[laughs maniacally]
Does it matter?
[Zoey breathes shallowly]
[Zoey whimpers]
[Zoey sobs]
[Zoey hyperventilates]
[Zoey] Oh my God, oh my God.
[dark, suspenseful music plays]
[Zoey whimpers]
[Zoey hyperventilates]
[screams shrilly]
[repeated thuds]
[grunts of effort]
[squelching sounds]
[laughs]
[repeated splattering sounds]
Ohhh! I-- [laughs]
[Kathy] The kids do not
have a...
a human mother.
[wet squelching sounds]
[Kathy] They come from
a special place
deep inside our soul.
Riley.
The kids are us.
But we have been handed down
sacred knowledge,
and found a way
to bring to life
an exact copy of ourselves,
but-- but in our youth.
So, we-- we can finally see
our flaws.
We can study our roots.
It gives your dad and I
a second chance
at doing it right.
[laughs]
And one thing we've realized
is that...
it really does help us
feel young.
[sighs]
It gives us a better
understanding of our limits.
Because through these children,
the-- the only time
in our lives
that the core is really visible.
The core being our--
our center of gravity,
like, the thing
that makes you, you.
Oh! It's really
fascinating stuff.
Is this serious?
Are you being serious?
Absolutely, I swear.
[Riley] Something's wrong
with my parents.
Those kids have them
sedated, so--
I was planning on showing you.
What?
[Kathy] Just--
[sliding door rattles]
[Kathy] Tell him to come
back inside.
We're gonna do it now.
Do what now?
We're going to give you
your gift.
[ominous music plays]
-[Riley] Come on.
-[Kathy] No, don't.
Mom, you don't have
to do this, okay?
You don't have to.
This is just Dad.
He's trying to control you.
Okay, he always does this,
but this is too far.
-[Kathy] It's okay.
-This-- this isn't right.
You're not right,
but we can get you right.
You can come with me, okay?
[tense music plays]
Mom. [sighs]
Mom!
Mom, what are you doing?
[electricity crackles]
[tense music builds]
-Gordon, this isn't funny.
-[Gordon] Hey, hey, hey.
-It's not funny.
-[Gordon] It's okay. It's okay.
-[Gordon] Hold on a minute.
-[Riley sobbing]
[Gordon] I'm really happy
you're home, Riley.
If they're conjuring,
you don't go in there!
[young Kathy]
He's been drinking, Gordon!
He stole vodka
from the liquor store!
John.
Apologize.
She should listen next time.
[Gordon sighs]
John, what did we say to you
last night?
I should use my strategies
to release my anger
in a more healthy way.
-He hasn't!
-Shut up!
Hey! Time out. Go.
[door latch clicks]
Hey, hey, you're okay.
You're okay.
-He's learning.
-Thank you, Gordon.
-Mm-hmm.
-[loud scream from upstairs]
[furniture rattles]
[Kathy screaming]
[high, shrill scream]
[loud thump]
[heavy thump]
[electricity crackles]
[Kathy screams]
[high, shrill scream]
[heavy thump]
[Kathy screaming]
[eerie music plays]
You are gonna be two
very lucky parents.
[sighs]
[]
[heavy thump]
[]
[laughs]
Hi, there.
She's just nervous.
[laughs]
I want both of you to know,
you two are gonna get
all of the love in the world.
[laughs]
Okay?
Let's go meet Mommy.
[]
Hi, Mommy.
You have the greatest gift,
right before your eyes,
sweetheart.
You have a loving husband,
and two beautiful children
that know you,
inside and out.
No, these aren't my kids.
No, they're our kids.
You're not alone.
Where are their families?
Look into their faces, Riley,
how could the resemblance
be so uncanny?
We are a family.
-Oh, my God.
-Riley?
-[Gordon] Riley?
-No, Riley!
[Gordon] Riley, please!
This is what we dreamed of!
God, we were kids, Gordon!
[Gordon] We can be kids again.
[groans] You're insane!
This is so fucked up.
[Gordon] I know this sounds
crazy, I thought it was crazy,
but it really
is a beautiful thing.
[John] Riley, if you
don't accept these kids,
there are gonna be consequences.
Not just for you,
but for all of us.
These children come from
the deepest part of our soul.
And we're all responsible
for bringing them
into the outside world.
If we don't protect them,
we get drawn back to the same
place where they came from.
Life is a trade between
energy and reality.
If you take an inside energy
into an outside reality
without protecting it,
that internal energy
takes us back in exchange!
How about we exchange
these kids back
with their real parents!
You are their real parent!
It's the truth.
I wouldn't lie to you anymore.
I feel sorry for you,
if you thought that I expected
anything less
than just more lies,
and these half-muddled apologies
that aren't even
really apologies,
but just-- just a compromise
to keep waving your white flags.
You know, I have to live
with myself
that I ever gave you some hope
of some normalcy,
but I can't save you!
No one can.
You had one last shot
with me, all right?
You knew that, Mom.
I came back for you.
And you had one shot.
I love you,
but I can't do this anymore.
-You don't mean that, Riley.
-But I do, Mom.
And don't, for one minute,
act like we've been
a Brady Bunch, either.
We haven't just had our
fair share of problems.
This family is the problem.
I mean, the icing on the cake
is the goddamn children
you're holding hostage.
Let's take a breath, okay?
What you need to realize is,
Gordon is a phenomenal man,
who loves you--
-John--
-Can I speak, Kathy?
[ominous music plays]
No.
Uh, this is all just
white noise at this point.
[sighs]
Gordon, there is a difference
between love,
and memories of love.
And we don't have love anymore,
because if we did,
you wouldn't have done this.
This is manipulative
to an extent
I never even imagined
you could be.
I just wanted a fresh start.
You know, we all did.
[laughs humorlessly]
Why can't you just
open your heart,
and accept that?
Okay, well, maybe I don't want
a fresh start.
Because these fresh starts
just keep tearing me down.
You know, maybe I want
to fall for myself,
the way you say
you fell for me.
And I'm tired of that not
being a good enough reason
to leave anyone out of my life.
So, if you all love
and care about me
as much as you say you do,
you would let me go!
Why did you come back?
If you had asked me that
a day ago,
it would have been
in hopes of redemption.
Do you not think
any of us want that?
No, I think you're sick, John.
But this, I don't even
know where to begin
with how fucked up this is.
It would be wrong
if it wasn't real.
-Oh!
-This is real!
I know you feel pinned down
by your past, Riley,
but you are clearly
unwilling to grow,
and move on.
You've closed yourself off
from joy,
and chosen not to be
anything like us,
so now you're this
shell of a girl
who doesn't know
how to move forward!
You are stagnant,
and you're blinded
by memories that are clouding
what is right here
in front of you!
Look at them, Riley.
These kids,
our kids,
will help you find
your light again.
This is redemption.
I know I haven't been
as perfect to you
as I could have been.
But I made sacrifices
to make you happy,
like putting you
through college,
when you wanted to get out.
Deep down,
you still love Gordon.
I know it.
He knows it!
I mean, Riley, do you think
that me creating a safe space
so you could heal with someone
who-- who is so obviously
your soul mate,
puts me in the wrong?
I mean, if I didn't love you,
I would have just said,
"Ah, forget it."
But I didn't.
Whether you choose to believe us
or not,
you have two wonderful children
that you and Gordon
both know inside and out.
[young John] Pussy!
Um what did you just call me?
I called you pussy.
She's been walking
all over you, John,
all day long.
Let her leave if she wants to.
No, no, he's walked all over us.
What?
So, you're an exact copy
of my dad?
Yeah.
And this is all real?
Have you not been listening?
Okay.
Well, then, buckle up,
because you're in for
a long, and miserable life.
Do you know why?
Because you'll never love.
You'll never be able to cry,
and I don't mean, like,
whine or bitch,
I mean, you'll never be able
to get on your hands and knees
and genuinely pour your heart
out onto the floor.
You will never be able
to smile without an ego.
Because if this is real,
then... half of me is you.
And that's the half of me
that's angry,
and deceiving, and confused,
and just this beat-up adult.
But the other half of me
is the starry-eyed woman
sitting next to me,
who would tear herself apart
for her family.
So, me, I can change.
I've become my own person.
But you,
you're an exact
copy of something
that will never change.
And that's a pussy, John.
Oh!
[John] Let's be strong,
and not rash, okay?
Listen to us.
Everything up until this moment
has revolved around me
not stepping on anyone's toes,
and look where it got me!
The strongest,
and most rash thing
I will ever do in my life is
walk the fuck out of this house,
on my terms, okay?
So don't you fucking lecture me
about "strong" or "rash,"
you fucking man-child.
Don't you fucking touch me!
[John] Oh! Oh, hell, no!
No!
[dramatic music plays]
[]
[soft whoosh of air]
[Gordon laughs]
[Riley] What?
Why do you look like Santa Claus
in this picture?
Because I fuckin' am
Santa Claus.
[mocking] "Because I fuckin'
am Santa Claus."
[laughs] Shut up.
-I like your hair, though.
-Yeah?
And uh, oh.
And this one.
It's very... Dolly Parton.
It was for a fashion show.
A fashion show?
Did you congratulate
the first-place winner
after they beat you?
Uh, no, they actually
congratulated me.
-No way.
-Yes way.
Why-- why is that so hard
to believe?
I'm just-- I'm surprised
that you won.
-[Gordon snickers]
-[Riley gasps]
Are you-- Are you--
[Gordon] "Are you-- Are you--"
"Are you" what?
"Are you" what?
Stop smiling!
I thought you were mad.
"Are you" what?
[sighs dramatically]
Are you calling me gross?
[sighs]
Do you think you're gross?
Well, I do now.
[both laugh]
[Riley grunts]
[clears throat]
What'd you say?
[both grunt]
Can I tell you a secret?
Okay, fine, fine.
-No, wait, no!
-Fine, no, fine, fine.
-Ow!
-I don't-- no.
-What's your secret?
-No, no. I swear to fuckin' God.
-What's your secret?
-Could you please stop?
I'm fuckin' sad,
you gremlin, can you stop?
But I'm not sad.
[groans]
Are you sad?
-Promise?
-Pinky promise.
Okay, we've gotta touch thumbs,
and make that bitch official.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
[Riley laughs]
My secret is that I think...
you are absolutely beautiful.
But you just called me gross.
Okay, one,
I never said that.
Two, uh, your hair wasn't doing
any wonders for you.
-But, you as a whole.
-Me.
The entire item.
If we were at a grocery store,
you would be, like, the
equivalent to one of those--
those, like, sculptures
made out of Coke boxes.
-You know when they do that?
-Oh my God.
[sighs]
I have a secret for you.
What's that?
Can I tell you outside?
Tell me what?
No! [laughs]
I wanna go outside.
I mean, it's freezing.
Can you just tell me in here?
No.
Why?
Because if I say it
in this house,
then it won't be as special.
-Are you--
-[groans]
Don't be playing.
You really mean it?
I want to hear you say it.
Okay. [laughs]
[gentle music plays]
[music builds, becomes ominous]
[gasps]
[rain patters]
[somber music plays]
Mom?
[door latch clicks]
[young Riley]
We had no direction,
but we had each other, for now.
That's all that matters
in this world.
Mommy, Daddy, John, and Kathy
physically had each other,
but that wasn't a recipe
for happiness.
Maybe it depends
on the person.
I could tell Gordon
was nervous,
even though he wasn't
saying it.
Kathy was, too.
They both are kind souls,
I can feel it.
I didn't feel that way about
the adults, though.
Being a kind soul
isn't the formula
for us being happy,
but then again,
your soul is all you have
that's true,
honest, and special.
I've spent enough time
in Mommy's soul to know that.
Maybe we will all be happy,
since this is our beginning.
We might grow to hate
and despise each other,
but at this moment in time,
I don't dislike
the people I'm with.
It's important to remember
the beginning.
Because this is ours.
[tense, melodic music plays]