Cobweb (2023) Movie Script
1
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PLAYING TUNE)
WOMAN: Curl your fingers.
Curve.
(PLAYING NOTE)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC FADES)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(SOFT SCRAPE)
(SOFT RATTLE)
(PUFFS)
(MUFFLED KNOCKING)
(LIGHT KNOCKING)
(CLOCK CONTINUES TICKING)
(LOUD SCRAPE)
(GASPS)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(SOFT THUD)
(CLATTERING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC HALTS)
(THUD)
(SWING CREAKING)
(DOOR THUDDING)
(WIND BLOWS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(FLOOR CREAKS SOFTLY)
(MUFFLED KNOCK)
(MUFFLED KNOCKING)
(GASPS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPS)
Peter?
I heard something.
What?
Peter?
What time is it?
What did you hear?
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
Come on.
This one?
Hmm.
I don't hear anything.
Do you?
This is an old house.
There's bound to be bumps
in the night.
(SIGHS)
Come to bed.
(SIGHS)
You have a great, big,
beautiful imagination.
And all those scary things?
(SOFTLY) They're just
in your head.
(LIGHT MUSIC PLAYING)
(STUDENTS CHATTERING)
(GRUNTS)
BOY: (LAUGHS)
You'll get more
at recess.
(NOISY SHOUTING)
All right, settle. Settle.
(SHUSHING)
Students.
This is Miss Devine.
She'll be your
substitute teacher
until Mrs. Bitler comes back.
Good luck.
MISS DEVINE: Good morning.
As your principal just said,
my name is Miss Devine.
I look forward
to getting to know
each and every one of you.
(WHISPERING) Peter.
Recess is coming.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
Okay...
Oh!
Hi. Um...
Peter.
(SIGHS) You're supposed
to be at recess.
I don't like recess.
You don't want to play
with your friends?
Okay. You can stay here.
Yeah, you can help me
with the decorations.
I love Halloween.
Do you know
what you're going as?
Well, you have plenty of time
to figure it out.
(PETER GASPING)
Look, it's okay.
It's okay.
It's okay. Here.
Um...
Yeah, and take this
and slide it under, okay?
It's okay.
(SHUDDERS)
Yeah.
There you go.
Like that.
Pick it up. We're gonna
take this to the window.
(STUDENTS PLAYING)
Um...
What am I gonna be
for Halloween?
I want to dress up.
I want to trick-or-treat.
All the other kids
at school get to do it.
And we're not
their parents.
(SMACKS LIPS)
Hey, Pete. (CLEARS THROAT)
You know the old house
down the end of the lane,
with the boarded windows?
He's going
to find out eventually.
(WHISPERS) Carol.
PETER: What?
Well, a few years ago,
before you were born,
the little girl
that lived there,
she vanished
on Halloween.
PETER: What happened?
MARK: Well,
nobody knows.
She went out
trick-or-treating
and she disappeared.
(CAROL SHUDDERS)
It was a very traumatic event.
For everybody
in the neighborhood.
And I, personally,
don't like remembering it.
Am I gonna disappear?
CAROL: Oh, Peter.
Of course not, honey. No.
We would never let that
happen to you. Ever.
Okay?
(SLOW SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
(ALARMING MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUFFLED RUSTLING)
(MUFFLED RATTLING)
YOUNG GIRL:
(WHISPERS) Peter.
Daddy!
YOUNG GIRL: No, Peter.
Don't tell him.
Daddy!
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)
Peter.
(PANTING)
Pete?
What's going on?
I heard something again.
(SIGHS) Peter.
(TEARFULLY)
I really did, though.
All right,
and, uh, from where?
(SHUDDERS)
Okay.
(SIGHS)
You know what?
I bet it's rats.
But I've got something
that'll take care of that.
Rats?
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
It smells like cinnamon.
Well, be careful.
Not everything is as sweet
as it seems.
PETER: They eat it?
MARK: That's the idea.
Then what?
Well...
(IMITATES THROAT-SLIT)
(CHUCKLES)
Pete, we can't have rats.
They bite. They...
They spread disease.
Not to mention,
keep you up all hours
of the night.
Mm-hmm?
I guess.
(SIGHS) Look.
(SIGHS)
Sometimes, you have
to make tough decisions
to protect your family.
You understand?
Mm-hmm.
(POPS LIPS)
MISS DEVINE: "Throws
his shadow on the floor.
"And my soul
from out that shadow
"that lies floating
on the floor,
"shall be lifted...
"nevermore."
(GRIM MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRD CAWING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR OPENS)
May I help you?
Uh, are you Peter's mom?
Yes...
(HESITANTLY)
Sorry for showing up
like this, uninvited.
I'm Peter's teacher.
Substitute.
Of course, he did mention
that he had a substitute.
Never known one
to make house calls.
Yeah, I just wanted
to come over
and... and check
on him personally.
Hmm. I was a teacher myself.
That was before I...
I became a mother.
Is he all right?
Peter? Yes.
Um... (CHUCKLES)
I... I did want
to show you something.
What's this?
The children were drawing
for Halloween.
Peter painted this?
Yes. Yes.
The other children drew monsters
and witches, but Peter...
I see.
Huh. Well,
this is embarrassing.
You see, Peter has
an overactive imagination.
(TUTS)
He still wakes
his father and I up
in the middle of the night
with all of his little flights
of fancy which, uh,
which is all this picture is.
I do appreciate
your concern though.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR LOCKING)
What is this?
A drawing.
A drawing of what?
A drawing of what?
This is your room, Peter.
Why are you asking for help?
I'm not.
Why are you asking strangers
for help, Peter?
(FIRMLY) I'm not.
(SOFTLY) She is.
What was that?
It's just a scary drawing, Mom.
Oh, that imagination
of yours, Peter.
It's going to get you
into trouble one day.
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUFFLED KNOCK)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING)
Wake up, Peter.
(LOUD KNOCKING)
Peter.
Don't be scared.
I just want to talk.
PETER: Please be quiet.
I'm imagining you.
You're not real.
THE GIRL: Maybe, maybe not.
But it seems to me
like you could use a friend.
I know I could.
But if you don't want one,
I'll just leave.
(MUFFLED FOOTSTEPS)
PETER: Wait,
don't go.
I'm sorry.
Please stay.
THE GIRL:
Are you sure?
PETER: Yes, we can talk.
MISS DEVINE:
Peter, this is great.
What's his name?
Hector.
Of course.
He looks like a Hector.
(WHISPERING)
This one's
my favorite.
Shh.
(DARK MUSIC PLAYING)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
(SWINGS CREAKING)
(PETER GASPS, GRUNTS)
Stop!
Please!
(MELANCHOLY VOCAL MUSIC PLAYING)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING)
Peter. Are you there?
(CRYING QUIETLY)
Are you okay?
Why are you crying?
Did someone hurt you?
PETER: Mm.
Brian.
He shoves me down
every day.
THE GIRL: I was afraid
of something like that.
But I believe in you, Peter.
PETER: Mm.
THE GIRL: I bet
you're strong enough
to stand up for yourself.
If you just try.
(DARK MUSIC PLAYING)
GIRL: Busted.
(STUDENTS LAUGHING)
I'm sorry, Peter.
(STUDENTS LAUGHING)
That was very nice
of Brian, wasn't it,
Peter?
THE GIRL: Show him
you're not afraid anymore.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
(ALL CLAMORING)
THE GIRL: Make him
afraid of you.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
You have to push back.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(MUSIC BUILDS UP)
BRIAN: Peter!
Why are you...
(SCUFFLING)
(BRIAN YELPS)
(THUD)
(BRIAN SCREAMING)
BOY: Help!
(BRIAN CONTINUES SCREAMING)
CAROL: (MUFFLED)
I don't understand how
this could have happened!
Peter has never done
anything like this before!
He doesn't have a violent bone
in his body!
It was an accident.
I'm sure of it.
MARK: Expelled?
Do you have anything
to say for yourself, Peter?
Peter?
I didn't mean for him
to fall down the stairs.
For God's sakes.
We are not a family
that solves our problems
with violence, Peter.
Ever.
I don't understand
where this kind of
behavior comes from!
Peter drew a picture.
For school.
What?
I'm sorry.
I know that I should have
told you earlier.
But I...
Hold on, hold on.
What kind of picture?
What kind of picture,
Carol?
CAROL: A child.
A child asking for help.
What?
I knew that you would
jump to conclusions.
You're only telling me
this now?
And it's just not possible.
MARK: Okay, stop.
Even when I tell you about...
MARK: Stop.
Peter. Why would you
draw a picture like that?
(BREATHES SHAKILY)
(SHOUTS) Peter!
Because I really heard her!
No, you did not! No!
(MARK BREATHES DEEPLY)
You're grounded.
Okay, Peter.
Go to your room.
No, no, no! Carol,
he's grounded.
He's going
in the basement.
Now.
(CREAKING)
(MARK SIGHS)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
Stand up.
I said, stand up.
MARK: Get up.
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PETER SHUDDERS)
Go.
Mom?
(CAROL SIGHING)
Sit.
(WHIMPERS)
We're doing this
because we love you.
Because we love you.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(FRIDGE SCRAPING)
(BREATH TREMBLING) Hello?
Are you there?
Please talk to me.
(MELANCHOLY VOCAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(CRYING)
(RATTLING)
What a stupid thing.
God damn it!
Why won't you work?
PRINCIPAL: You went
to a student's house?
(SIGHS)
I did.
I wanted to make sure
that Peter was okay.
(SAD MUSIC PLAYING)
PRINCIPAL: Is he showing up
with bruises?
No, not that I can see.
Does he wet himself?
Is he talking about sex
or other things a boy his age
shouldn't know about?
No.
Then, unfortunately,
there's nothing we can do.
There are a lot of Peters.
Delicate little kids
you want to protect
from life's cruelties,
but you can't get
personally invested.
You'll be eaten alive.
(SIGHS)
You've met his parents?
His mother, there's something...
off about her.
PRINCIPAL: There's a child
that disappeared
from their neighborhood
years ago.
(GRUNTS)
Something like that
would make any parent
overprotective.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(WASHING MACHINE WHIRRING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(KEYS JINGLE)
Hello.
Hi.
I have Peter's
last math quiz.
I thought you should have it.
He only missed two.
Thank you for coming by.
Uh...
MARK: Hi, there.
Honey, this is
Miss Devine.
Peter's former teacher.
Nice to meet you.
She was just coming by
to drop off his last
math test.
That's wonderful.
We can hang it on the fridge.
(CHUCKLES DRYLY)
Please, come in.
We just made coffee.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
MARK: (MUFFLED) This way.
(DOOR LOCKING)
Have a seat.
Thanks.
(DRINK POURING)
(STOPS WHIRRING)
Here you go.
MISS DEVINE: You're bleeding.
Oh, I'm just doing
some remodeling.
Loose nail.
Don't worry about it.
(CHUCKLES)
Uh, well, since I'm here,
I just want to express
how sorry I am
about what happened.
Aw.
That's very,
very sweet of you.
But honestly,
no apology necessary.
Peter is a spirited boy.
Uh, do you have any idea
where Peter will be going
to school?
Of course,
we do.
Here. At home.
Oh.
Carol is the best teacher
Peter could ever have.
What? You don't think
that's a good idea?
Uh...
I just think that,
um, (SMACKS LIPS)
given his behavior,
he might benefit
from an environment
more suited toward
his needs?
(CHUCKLES) No, we're not going
to give our son away.
Thank you.
No. No.
No. No, we're not.
Family is what he needs.
(MUFFLED) Family's what
he's gonna get.
Where is he?
He's grounded.
In his room.
May I see him?
No, you may not.
I don't think
it's appropriate.
I would just like
to say goodbye.
What is your interest
in our son?
You're no longer his teacher.
So, I... I don't...
It's very strange to me
that you continue
to show up at our house.
I just wanted to make sure
he was all right.
I'm sorry,
"that he was all right"?
You think that
Peter's in danger?
Do you think that
I'm the kind of mother
that would harm my child?
Okay.
Honey. It's okay.
CAROL: I love Peter.
We love Peter.
We love Peter.
With every fiber
of our being.
You don't know
anything about...
Hey. Hey, enough.
No. No. Before...
How dare you? How dare
you come into our home...
MARK: Honey, honey, honey.
Carol. Carol. Stop.
CAROL: ...for you to tell us
what's best for our son.
MARK: She doesn't...
Listen to me.
(WHIRRING LOUDLY)
What mother gives up
on her child?
Sweetheart, that's enough.
CAROL: The audacity
of this woman! This stranger.
(KNOCKS)
You don't know
anything.
MARK: Don't let the opinion
of a stranger upset you.
(MUFFLED KNOCKING)
Enough. Hey. Enough.
CAROL: No, before I had Peter,
the doctor said...
...Peter's a miracle...
Help!
CAROL: ...and I would
never give up on him.
I would never give him away.
Never. Peter's a miracle.
An institute, for what?
Help!
Excuse me. I think
you better leave.
I'm sorry.
This was a mistake.
(CONTINUES WHIRRING LOUDLY)
(STOPS WHIRRING)
(THUDDING)
What is that?
What?
The noise.
The banging.
The washing machine.
(MACHINE CLICKS)
(WHIRRING)
Please.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(KNOCKING)
(GASPS)
Forgot your keys,
Miss Devine.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(TIMER TICKING)
(TIMER DINGS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
You can come out now.
Here.
Pumpkin.
For our pumpkin.
Well, Peter.
Have you had time
to think?
About what?
About how I need
to grow up.
Stop acting out.
Stop telling lies.
And no more nightmares.
No more.
We're very proud of you, Peter.
Things are going to be
different from now on.
You won't be going back
to school any longer.
I'm gonna be
your teacher now.
MARK: That's right.
Your mom here,
she's going to teach you
the three R's, Pete.
You know what they are?
Readin', Writin',
and Arithmetic. (LAUGHING)
Oh...
Okay, I'm sorry.
You're a good boy, Peter.
Oh, and we love you.
And we forgive you.
Love you too.
(MELANCHOLY VOCAL MUSIC PLAYING)
CAROL: Goodnight,
Peter.
MARK: See you
in the morning, son.
Good night.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(FOOTSTEPS LEAVING)
(MUFFLED DOOR CLOSES)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Please talk to me.
(MUFFLED KNOCK)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING) Peter.
I was worried about you.
PETER: My mom and dad
locked me in the basement.
THE GIRL: I knew it.
You have to be careful
with them.
They are not
what they seem.
I want to see you.
No.
I've been here too long.
You wouldn't like
the looks of me.
You'll scream
and get us caught.
No, I won't.
I promise.
Okay.
There's a hole
behind the wallpaper.
Do you see it?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(BALL CLATTERS)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPS)
(BREATHES RAPIDLY)
(NERVOUSLY) Who are you?
I'm your sister.
Hmm?
I've been waiting, Peter.
I had to wait till
you were big enough.
Big enough for what?
THE GIRL: Big enough
to move the clock
that hides the door.
Big enough to help me escape.
To leave the dark.
To leave the wall.
(NERVOUSLY) Please stop.
No, you're scaring me.
THE GIRL: You need to be scared.
Mom and Dad,
they're evil, Peter.
Now you know.
Your time is coming.
(GASPS)
(LOUD KNOCKING)
(GASPS)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(SOFT SCRAPING)
Hello?
(SCRAPING)
Mom?
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPING SOFTLY)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello?
Mom?
Mom? (BREATHING RAPIDLY)
MARK: Peter.
(TEETH CHATTERING)
(SPOOKY MUSIC BUILDING UP)
(CHATTERING INTENSIFIES)
Look what you've done
to your mother, Peter.
(MUFFLED RUNNING FOOTSTEPS)
(FOOTSTEPS STOP)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(PETER CRIES OUT)
Peter.
(GASPING)
You were screaming
and thrashing around.
Shh.
It's okay. It was
just a bad dream.
Shh.
Wha...
What was it about?
I...
I don't remember.
Well, it can't hurt you now.
PETER: (WHISPERING)
If they keep you in their room,
then how are you
talking to me?
THE GIRL: I escaped.
I scratched and clawed
my way to you.
Mom and Dad?
They hate me, Peter.
Once they've had enough of me,
I'm finished.
They'll kill me.
And they'll put you
in the wall.
No.
They wouldn't do that.
They wouldn't kill anybody.
No, Peter.
They already have.
You need to see
what's buried in the garden.
I'll tell you where.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(CLACK)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
CAROL: Peter.
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Peter.
What are you doing?
(MUSIC QUIETS)
I was thinking that, um,
I know I can't go
trick-or-treating,
but maybe we could
carve a pumpkin.
THE GIRL: It was Halloween.
Before they locked me
in the wall.
(PUMPKIN SQUELCHING)
A trick-or-treater came
to the door.
I asked her for help.
(WHIMPERS)
And she saw me.
They killed her, Peter.
(SNIFFLES)
I don't want to end up
like that girl.
I'm getting you out of there.
I'm gonna get you out
of there and then,
then we're gonna run away.
We're gonna be a family.
A real one.
But how?
PETER: I think I know
somebody that can help.
(SIGHING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(KEYPAD BEEPING)
(LINE RINGING)
(MUFFLED CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(CELL PHONE BUZZING)
Hello?
(WHISPERING) Miss Devine?
Peter?
I need your help.
What did you say?
I need your help.
(CREAKING)
(GASPS)
(JARRING CHORD PLAYS)
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
Hi, is this Peter's mom?
It is. Is this Miss Devine?
I think Peter just tried
to call me.
He did, indeed.
Peter was just telling me
how dearly he misses
his teacher,
and so I said,
"Peter, just give her a ring.
"Tell her yourself."
But unfortunately,
his shy streak seems
to have gotten the best of him.
He's like a little
blushing bride over here.
It's so cute. (CHUCKLING)
Well, better luck next time,
I suppose.
So sorry to have bothered you.
Have a happy Halloween.
(SLAMS RECEIVER)
(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)
That was bad, Peter.
I'm sorry.
You did a very bad thing.
(GASPS)
You called a stranger?
She doesn't know
best for you.
She doesn't love you
the way your father and I do.
I am so disappointed in you.
What is that?
It's nothing!
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PETER SHUDDERING)
No.
No...
No, no.
No. No.
(BREATHING RAGGEDLY)
No.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(WHIMPERS)
What... What did she tell you?
(SHOUTS) What did she tell you?
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(GASPS)
It doesn't matter. Whatever.
(VOICE QUAVERING)
Whatever happens now,
it will be your fault.
You just wait until
your father gets home.
(SOBBING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING) Peter.
Peter.
I heard them.
(DOOR CREAKING)
They know.
They are going
to kill us.
Peter, you have
to do something.
Peter.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
CONTINUES)
Clean house.
That's all there is to it.
I don't want to.
We can't keep finding
temporary solutions.
That is...
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(MUSIC INTENSIFYING)
(MUSIC QUIETS)
I know you're awake, son.
You get a good night's sleep.
When I get home tomorrow,
you'll help me out
in the garden.
There's a problem
we need to take care of.
(DOOR CREAKING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(GRIM MUSIC PLAYING)
(INSECTS BUZZING)
MARK: It's black rot.
Killing off the whole garden.
And blight like this,
it spreads fast.
Get rid of it now or...
or all the healthy pumpkins
will get infected.
And we can't have that.
We're going
to bury the pumpkins,
and we're going to hope
that the next crop is better.
Better luck next time.
You understand?
So, I want you
to pick up that shovel
and dig.
(INSECTS CONTINUE BUZZING)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Hey, cuz,
this is the house?
Yeah.
Wicked.
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Sorry.
(SNIFFLES QUIETLY)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Can a family
not eat in peace?
(SPOON CLACKS)
(MARK SIGHS)
Stop playing
with your food, Peter.
(DOOR OPENS)
CHILDREN: Trick-or-treat!
CAROL: Go away!
(DOOR SLAMS)
(DOOR LOCKING)
Porch light off?
Yes.
(SIGHS)
Did you do something different
with the soup tonight?
Did I do something different
with the soup?
MARK: Yeah.
No.
I mean, it's delicious.
It's great. Right?
It just tastes
a little different.
Hmm.
(SNIFFS)
It smells like...
(SNIFFING)
Smell it.
Yeah, it smells
like cinnamon.
Mm.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOOR THUDDING IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR THUDDING)
Peter.
Peter. Have you done something?
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
Peter.
Son, look at me.
Tell me the truth.
What have you done?
What did you do?
You tell me.
Tell me, what did you do?
You hurt my sister.
What did you say?
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
(SHUDDERING)
Call 911.
What is going on?
Call 911!
(GROANS)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(GROANS)
(MARK GROANING LOUDLY)
(GASPING)
(WHIMPERING)
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS HEAVILY)
(CONTINUES RETCHING)
(SHUDDERING)
Peter!
Stop!
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
(RETCHING)
(COUGHS)
(GAGGING)
(GRUNTS)
(SCREAMS)
(BONES CRACK)
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(SHUDDERING)
Peter.
(SCREAMS)
(WHISPERS) Don't let her out.
(GRUNTS)
(PETER PANTING)
(WEAKLY) Don't let her...
out.
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING)
Peter, is that you?
(CLOCK TICKING)
Did you do it?
Are they gone?
I don't know.
I think so.
THE GIRL: Do you have the keys?
(KEYS JINGLING)
Yeah.
THE GIRL: The clock.
Be careful.
It's so heavy.
(GRUNTING)
(GRUNTS)
(CREAKING)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Peter. Are you all right?
(SHUDDERS) I'm okay.
Do you see it?
Do you think you could open it?
(MUSIC BUILDING UP)
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR RATTLES)
(GASPS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(HEAVY BREATHING)
(BREATHING GROWING LOUDER)
(GASPS)
(WICKED LAUGHTER)
(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)
(RUSTLING)
(GASPING)
(MUFFLED THUDDING)
(GASPS)
(HEAVY
AND RASPY BREATHING)
(IN RASPY MATURE VOICE)
Good boy, Peter.
What was it like
watching them die?
(DOORBELL RINGS)
BOY: Trick-or-treat!
THE GIRL: Just like the girl
in the garden.
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
BOY: Hey, Peter!
You alone in there?
We just came by to say hi.
(MUSIC BUILDING UP)
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Are they fucking
with us?
Let's get this done.
(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)
BOY 2: Hey, Peter.
Are you here?
(GRUNTS)
(SING-SONGY) We know
you're in here!
Peter, where the fuck are you?
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(LIQUID DRIPPING)
What the fuck?
(MUFFLED BANGING)
(PIANO KEYS CLANGING
STRIKING)
(STRIKING CONTINUES)
(OBJECTS CRASHING)
(MUFFLED GRUNT)
(BED SQUEAKING)
(PETER SCREAMING)
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
(GRIM MUSIC PLAYING)
(PIANO KEY CLANGS)
(PIANO KEY CLANGS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
Huh? (GRUNTS)
(YELPS)
(CRUNCH)
(BOY 1 SCREAMS LOUDLY)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(DRAMATIC SPOOKY MUSIC PLAYING)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(DOOR CLACKS)
(GASPS)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(GASPS)
BOY 2: No!
(SCREAMS)
Brian, my leg!
It's got my leg.
Brian, help me!
(BOY 2 SCREAMS)
(BOY 2 GROANS, SCREAMS)
Brian, help me!
No! No!
(PANTING)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(GASPS)
(THE GIRL SNICKERING)
(SNICKERING CONTINUES)
(SNICKERING AND FOOTSTEPS STOP)
(BREATHES NERVOUSLY)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SCREAMS)
(OBJECTS CRASHING)
(BRIAN SCREAMS)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
BRIAN: No, no!
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(BRIAN CONTINUES SCREAMING)
(SCREAMING CEASES)
BOY 3: Brian?
What?
Brian?
Brian?
Brian!
(RUNNING FOOTSTEPS)
(CRUNCHING)
(BOY 3 SCREAMING)
What did you say?
(GASPS)
(TIRES SCREECH)
(PANTING)
Go!
(HARD THUMPING)
(GASPING)
(OBJECT CRASHES)
(BOY 3 GRUNTING)
BOY 3: No! (GRUNTS)
(FLESH RIPS)
(THUDDING)
(SHUDDERS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(BED SQUEAKING)
(CONTINUES IN MATURE VOICE)
When you were born,
they were so happy.
When I was born,
they screamed.
So, Daddy made me a pit.
Then he made me a cage.
While you were whining
in this warm bed,
I was suffering
among cobwebs and rats,
learning how to climb.
how to bite,
learning how
to make you do what I want.
Trick-or-treat.
(PETER SCREAMING)
(SNICKERING)
PETER: Let me go, please!
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
PETER: (SCREAMING) Help!
You'll be
safe in here.
(BANGING ON DOOR)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Hello?
(THE GIRL CRYING)
Peter?
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Peter.
(SOFTLY) Oh,
my fucking God.
What the fuck?
(DOOR CREAKS)
(GASPS)
(YELPS)
(WHIMPERING)
(RAPID FOOTSTEPS)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(SHRIEKS)
(PANTING)
(DOORKNOB RATTLING)
PETER: (YELLS) Run!
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Peter?
PETER: (YELLS) Miss Devine!
Peter.
PETER: Miss Devine, run!
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(PETER SCREAMING)
Miss Devine, run!
Miss Devine, run!
Peter! God. Oh, my God.
You have to run.
No, no, I'm not
leaving you here.
You have to get out of here!
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(BANGING ON DOOR)
(GASPING)
What the hell is that thing?
It's my sister.
(FOOTSTEPS RETREATING RAPIDLY)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(DOOR SLAMS)
She's coming!
MISS DEVINE: Stand back.
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(GRUNTING)
Peter, come on.
Come on, Peter. Come on.
Come on, Peter.
Where are you going?
PETER: The keys.
Come on. Go, go.
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(PETER SCREAMING)
No!
(SCREAMING)
(MISS DEVINE YELLS)
(GASPING)
(GASPS)
(SHUDDERING)
Why are you
like this?
(IN MATURE VOICE)
Not every child can be
as perfect as you, Peter.
I was just
born this way.
And no one loves
a monster.
MISS DEVINE: Peter!
Miss Devine!
(BREATH TREMBLING)
MISS DEVINE:
I don't know what you are,
but if you hurt him,
I'll fucking kill you.
(SHRIEKS)
No!
(GASPING)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
Miss Devine!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(GROWLS)
(SHRIEKS)
(GASPING)
(SNARLS)
(GRUNTING)
(SNARLING)
(SCREAMS)
(SNARLING)
(SCREAMING)
(SCREAMING)
(GRUNTING)
(GROWLING)
(SQUELCHING)
(PETER GRUNTS)
(THUDDING)
(SNARLING)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING
IN CHILD'S VOICE) Peter!
Please.
You're my brother.
(SHUDDERS) Peter, let's go.
THE GIRL: Don't you see, Peter?
It's in our blood.
You killed Mom and Dad.
You're just like me.
No!
I'm not like you.
THE GIRL: (IN MATURE VOICE)
Do you really think this is
gonna keep me down here?
Every night,
when you lie in bed,
you'll wonder
if you locked the door,
or saw a shadow move.
(CREAKING)
Every creak,
every groan,
every tap in the wall,
you'll think of me.
We're family, Peter.
I will always be with you.
Always.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PLAYING TUNE)
WOMAN: Curl your fingers.
Curve.
(PLAYING NOTE)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC FADES)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(SOFT SCRAPE)
(SOFT RATTLE)
(PUFFS)
(MUFFLED KNOCKING)
(LIGHT KNOCKING)
(CLOCK CONTINUES TICKING)
(LOUD SCRAPE)
(GASPS)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(SOFT THUD)
(CLATTERING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC HALTS)
(THUD)
(SWING CREAKING)
(DOOR THUDDING)
(WIND BLOWS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(FLOOR CREAKS SOFTLY)
(MUFFLED KNOCK)
(MUFFLED KNOCKING)
(GASPS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPS)
Peter?
I heard something.
What?
Peter?
What time is it?
What did you hear?
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
Come on.
This one?
Hmm.
I don't hear anything.
Do you?
This is an old house.
There's bound to be bumps
in the night.
(SIGHS)
Come to bed.
(SIGHS)
You have a great, big,
beautiful imagination.
And all those scary things?
(SOFTLY) They're just
in your head.
(LIGHT MUSIC PLAYING)
(STUDENTS CHATTERING)
(GRUNTS)
BOY: (LAUGHS)
You'll get more
at recess.
(NOISY SHOUTING)
All right, settle. Settle.
(SHUSHING)
Students.
This is Miss Devine.
She'll be your
substitute teacher
until Mrs. Bitler comes back.
Good luck.
MISS DEVINE: Good morning.
As your principal just said,
my name is Miss Devine.
I look forward
to getting to know
each and every one of you.
(WHISPERING) Peter.
Recess is coming.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
Okay...
Oh!
Hi. Um...
Peter.
(SIGHS) You're supposed
to be at recess.
I don't like recess.
You don't want to play
with your friends?
Okay. You can stay here.
Yeah, you can help me
with the decorations.
I love Halloween.
Do you know
what you're going as?
Well, you have plenty of time
to figure it out.
(PETER GASPING)
Look, it's okay.
It's okay.
It's okay. Here.
Um...
Yeah, and take this
and slide it under, okay?
It's okay.
(SHUDDERS)
Yeah.
There you go.
Like that.
Pick it up. We're gonna
take this to the window.
(STUDENTS PLAYING)
Um...
What am I gonna be
for Halloween?
I want to dress up.
I want to trick-or-treat.
All the other kids
at school get to do it.
And we're not
their parents.
(SMACKS LIPS)
Hey, Pete. (CLEARS THROAT)
You know the old house
down the end of the lane,
with the boarded windows?
He's going
to find out eventually.
(WHISPERS) Carol.
PETER: What?
Well, a few years ago,
before you were born,
the little girl
that lived there,
she vanished
on Halloween.
PETER: What happened?
MARK: Well,
nobody knows.
She went out
trick-or-treating
and she disappeared.
(CAROL SHUDDERS)
It was a very traumatic event.
For everybody
in the neighborhood.
And I, personally,
don't like remembering it.
Am I gonna disappear?
CAROL: Oh, Peter.
Of course not, honey. No.
We would never let that
happen to you. Ever.
Okay?
(SLOW SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
(ALARMING MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUFFLED RUSTLING)
(MUFFLED RATTLING)
YOUNG GIRL:
(WHISPERS) Peter.
Daddy!
YOUNG GIRL: No, Peter.
Don't tell him.
Daddy!
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)
Peter.
(PANTING)
Pete?
What's going on?
I heard something again.
(SIGHS) Peter.
(TEARFULLY)
I really did, though.
All right,
and, uh, from where?
(SHUDDERS)
Okay.
(SIGHS)
You know what?
I bet it's rats.
But I've got something
that'll take care of that.
Rats?
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
It smells like cinnamon.
Well, be careful.
Not everything is as sweet
as it seems.
PETER: They eat it?
MARK: That's the idea.
Then what?
Well...
(IMITATES THROAT-SLIT)
(CHUCKLES)
Pete, we can't have rats.
They bite. They...
They spread disease.
Not to mention,
keep you up all hours
of the night.
Mm-hmm?
I guess.
(SIGHS) Look.
(SIGHS)
Sometimes, you have
to make tough decisions
to protect your family.
You understand?
Mm-hmm.
(POPS LIPS)
MISS DEVINE: "Throws
his shadow on the floor.
"And my soul
from out that shadow
"that lies floating
on the floor,
"shall be lifted...
"nevermore."
(GRIM MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRD CAWING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR OPENS)
May I help you?
Uh, are you Peter's mom?
Yes...
(HESITANTLY)
Sorry for showing up
like this, uninvited.
I'm Peter's teacher.
Substitute.
Of course, he did mention
that he had a substitute.
Never known one
to make house calls.
Yeah, I just wanted
to come over
and... and check
on him personally.
Hmm. I was a teacher myself.
That was before I...
I became a mother.
Is he all right?
Peter? Yes.
Um... (CHUCKLES)
I... I did want
to show you something.
What's this?
The children were drawing
for Halloween.
Peter painted this?
Yes. Yes.
The other children drew monsters
and witches, but Peter...
I see.
Huh. Well,
this is embarrassing.
You see, Peter has
an overactive imagination.
(TUTS)
He still wakes
his father and I up
in the middle of the night
with all of his little flights
of fancy which, uh,
which is all this picture is.
I do appreciate
your concern though.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR LOCKING)
What is this?
A drawing.
A drawing of what?
A drawing of what?
This is your room, Peter.
Why are you asking for help?
I'm not.
Why are you asking strangers
for help, Peter?
(FIRMLY) I'm not.
(SOFTLY) She is.
What was that?
It's just a scary drawing, Mom.
Oh, that imagination
of yours, Peter.
It's going to get you
into trouble one day.
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUFFLED KNOCK)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING)
Wake up, Peter.
(LOUD KNOCKING)
Peter.
Don't be scared.
I just want to talk.
PETER: Please be quiet.
I'm imagining you.
You're not real.
THE GIRL: Maybe, maybe not.
But it seems to me
like you could use a friend.
I know I could.
But if you don't want one,
I'll just leave.
(MUFFLED FOOTSTEPS)
PETER: Wait,
don't go.
I'm sorry.
Please stay.
THE GIRL:
Are you sure?
PETER: Yes, we can talk.
MISS DEVINE:
Peter, this is great.
What's his name?
Hector.
Of course.
He looks like a Hector.
(WHISPERING)
This one's
my favorite.
Shh.
(DARK MUSIC PLAYING)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
(SWINGS CREAKING)
(PETER GASPS, GRUNTS)
Stop!
Please!
(MELANCHOLY VOCAL MUSIC PLAYING)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING)
Peter. Are you there?
(CRYING QUIETLY)
Are you okay?
Why are you crying?
Did someone hurt you?
PETER: Mm.
Brian.
He shoves me down
every day.
THE GIRL: I was afraid
of something like that.
But I believe in you, Peter.
PETER: Mm.
THE GIRL: I bet
you're strong enough
to stand up for yourself.
If you just try.
(DARK MUSIC PLAYING)
GIRL: Busted.
(STUDENTS LAUGHING)
I'm sorry, Peter.
(STUDENTS LAUGHING)
That was very nice
of Brian, wasn't it,
Peter?
THE GIRL: Show him
you're not afraid anymore.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
(ALL CLAMORING)
THE GIRL: Make him
afraid of you.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
You have to push back.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(MUSIC BUILDS UP)
BRIAN: Peter!
Why are you...
(SCUFFLING)
(BRIAN YELPS)
(THUD)
(BRIAN SCREAMING)
BOY: Help!
(BRIAN CONTINUES SCREAMING)
CAROL: (MUFFLED)
I don't understand how
this could have happened!
Peter has never done
anything like this before!
He doesn't have a violent bone
in his body!
It was an accident.
I'm sure of it.
MARK: Expelled?
Do you have anything
to say for yourself, Peter?
Peter?
I didn't mean for him
to fall down the stairs.
For God's sakes.
We are not a family
that solves our problems
with violence, Peter.
Ever.
I don't understand
where this kind of
behavior comes from!
Peter drew a picture.
For school.
What?
I'm sorry.
I know that I should have
told you earlier.
But I...
Hold on, hold on.
What kind of picture?
What kind of picture,
Carol?
CAROL: A child.
A child asking for help.
What?
I knew that you would
jump to conclusions.
You're only telling me
this now?
And it's just not possible.
MARK: Okay, stop.
Even when I tell you about...
MARK: Stop.
Peter. Why would you
draw a picture like that?
(BREATHES SHAKILY)
(SHOUTS) Peter!
Because I really heard her!
No, you did not! No!
(MARK BREATHES DEEPLY)
You're grounded.
Okay, Peter.
Go to your room.
No, no, no! Carol,
he's grounded.
He's going
in the basement.
Now.
(CREAKING)
(MARK SIGHS)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
Stand up.
I said, stand up.
MARK: Get up.
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PETER SHUDDERS)
Go.
Mom?
(CAROL SIGHING)
Sit.
(WHIMPERS)
We're doing this
because we love you.
Because we love you.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(FRIDGE SCRAPING)
(BREATH TREMBLING) Hello?
Are you there?
Please talk to me.
(MELANCHOLY VOCAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(CRYING)
(RATTLING)
What a stupid thing.
God damn it!
Why won't you work?
PRINCIPAL: You went
to a student's house?
(SIGHS)
I did.
I wanted to make sure
that Peter was okay.
(SAD MUSIC PLAYING)
PRINCIPAL: Is he showing up
with bruises?
No, not that I can see.
Does he wet himself?
Is he talking about sex
or other things a boy his age
shouldn't know about?
No.
Then, unfortunately,
there's nothing we can do.
There are a lot of Peters.
Delicate little kids
you want to protect
from life's cruelties,
but you can't get
personally invested.
You'll be eaten alive.
(SIGHS)
You've met his parents?
His mother, there's something...
off about her.
PRINCIPAL: There's a child
that disappeared
from their neighborhood
years ago.
(GRUNTS)
Something like that
would make any parent
overprotective.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(WASHING MACHINE WHIRRING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(KEYS JINGLE)
Hello.
Hi.
I have Peter's
last math quiz.
I thought you should have it.
He only missed two.
Thank you for coming by.
Uh...
MARK: Hi, there.
Honey, this is
Miss Devine.
Peter's former teacher.
Nice to meet you.
She was just coming by
to drop off his last
math test.
That's wonderful.
We can hang it on the fridge.
(CHUCKLES DRYLY)
Please, come in.
We just made coffee.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
MARK: (MUFFLED) This way.
(DOOR LOCKING)
Have a seat.
Thanks.
(DRINK POURING)
(STOPS WHIRRING)
Here you go.
MISS DEVINE: You're bleeding.
Oh, I'm just doing
some remodeling.
Loose nail.
Don't worry about it.
(CHUCKLES)
Uh, well, since I'm here,
I just want to express
how sorry I am
about what happened.
Aw.
That's very,
very sweet of you.
But honestly,
no apology necessary.
Peter is a spirited boy.
Uh, do you have any idea
where Peter will be going
to school?
Of course,
we do.
Here. At home.
Oh.
Carol is the best teacher
Peter could ever have.
What? You don't think
that's a good idea?
Uh...
I just think that,
um, (SMACKS LIPS)
given his behavior,
he might benefit
from an environment
more suited toward
his needs?
(CHUCKLES) No, we're not going
to give our son away.
Thank you.
No. No.
No. No, we're not.
Family is what he needs.
(MUFFLED) Family's what
he's gonna get.
Where is he?
He's grounded.
In his room.
May I see him?
No, you may not.
I don't think
it's appropriate.
I would just like
to say goodbye.
What is your interest
in our son?
You're no longer his teacher.
So, I... I don't...
It's very strange to me
that you continue
to show up at our house.
I just wanted to make sure
he was all right.
I'm sorry,
"that he was all right"?
You think that
Peter's in danger?
Do you think that
I'm the kind of mother
that would harm my child?
Okay.
Honey. It's okay.
CAROL: I love Peter.
We love Peter.
We love Peter.
With every fiber
of our being.
You don't know
anything about...
Hey. Hey, enough.
No. No. Before...
How dare you? How dare
you come into our home...
MARK: Honey, honey, honey.
Carol. Carol. Stop.
CAROL: ...for you to tell us
what's best for our son.
MARK: She doesn't...
Listen to me.
(WHIRRING LOUDLY)
What mother gives up
on her child?
Sweetheart, that's enough.
CAROL: The audacity
of this woman! This stranger.
(KNOCKS)
You don't know
anything.
MARK: Don't let the opinion
of a stranger upset you.
(MUFFLED KNOCKING)
Enough. Hey. Enough.
CAROL: No, before I had Peter,
the doctor said...
...Peter's a miracle...
Help!
CAROL: ...and I would
never give up on him.
I would never give him away.
Never. Peter's a miracle.
An institute, for what?
Help!
Excuse me. I think
you better leave.
I'm sorry.
This was a mistake.
(CONTINUES WHIRRING LOUDLY)
(STOPS WHIRRING)
(THUDDING)
What is that?
What?
The noise.
The banging.
The washing machine.
(MACHINE CLICKS)
(WHIRRING)
Please.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(KNOCKING)
(GASPS)
Forgot your keys,
Miss Devine.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(TIMER TICKING)
(TIMER DINGS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
You can come out now.
Here.
Pumpkin.
For our pumpkin.
Well, Peter.
Have you had time
to think?
About what?
About how I need
to grow up.
Stop acting out.
Stop telling lies.
And no more nightmares.
No more.
We're very proud of you, Peter.
Things are going to be
different from now on.
You won't be going back
to school any longer.
I'm gonna be
your teacher now.
MARK: That's right.
Your mom here,
she's going to teach you
the three R's, Pete.
You know what they are?
Readin', Writin',
and Arithmetic. (LAUGHING)
Oh...
Okay, I'm sorry.
You're a good boy, Peter.
Oh, and we love you.
And we forgive you.
Love you too.
(MELANCHOLY VOCAL MUSIC PLAYING)
CAROL: Goodnight,
Peter.
MARK: See you
in the morning, son.
Good night.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(FOOTSTEPS LEAVING)
(MUFFLED DOOR CLOSES)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Please talk to me.
(MUFFLED KNOCK)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING) Peter.
I was worried about you.
PETER: My mom and dad
locked me in the basement.
THE GIRL: I knew it.
You have to be careful
with them.
They are not
what they seem.
I want to see you.
No.
I've been here too long.
You wouldn't like
the looks of me.
You'll scream
and get us caught.
No, I won't.
I promise.
Okay.
There's a hole
behind the wallpaper.
Do you see it?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(BALL CLATTERS)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPS)
(BREATHES RAPIDLY)
(NERVOUSLY) Who are you?
I'm your sister.
Hmm?
I've been waiting, Peter.
I had to wait till
you were big enough.
Big enough for what?
THE GIRL: Big enough
to move the clock
that hides the door.
Big enough to help me escape.
To leave the dark.
To leave the wall.
(NERVOUSLY) Please stop.
No, you're scaring me.
THE GIRL: You need to be scared.
Mom and Dad,
they're evil, Peter.
Now you know.
Your time is coming.
(GASPS)
(LOUD KNOCKING)
(GASPS)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(SOFT SCRAPING)
Hello?
(SCRAPING)
Mom?
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPING SOFTLY)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Hello?
Mom?
Mom? (BREATHING RAPIDLY)
MARK: Peter.
(TEETH CHATTERING)
(SPOOKY MUSIC BUILDING UP)
(CHATTERING INTENSIFIES)
Look what you've done
to your mother, Peter.
(MUFFLED RUNNING FOOTSTEPS)
(FOOTSTEPS STOP)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(PETER CRIES OUT)
Peter.
(GASPING)
You were screaming
and thrashing around.
Shh.
It's okay. It was
just a bad dream.
Shh.
Wha...
What was it about?
I...
I don't remember.
Well, it can't hurt you now.
PETER: (WHISPERING)
If they keep you in their room,
then how are you
talking to me?
THE GIRL: I escaped.
I scratched and clawed
my way to you.
Mom and Dad?
They hate me, Peter.
Once they've had enough of me,
I'm finished.
They'll kill me.
And they'll put you
in the wall.
No.
They wouldn't do that.
They wouldn't kill anybody.
No, Peter.
They already have.
You need to see
what's buried in the garden.
I'll tell you where.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(CLACK)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
CAROL: Peter.
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Peter.
What are you doing?
(MUSIC QUIETS)
I was thinking that, um,
I know I can't go
trick-or-treating,
but maybe we could
carve a pumpkin.
THE GIRL: It was Halloween.
Before they locked me
in the wall.
(PUMPKIN SQUELCHING)
A trick-or-treater came
to the door.
I asked her for help.
(WHIMPERS)
And she saw me.
They killed her, Peter.
(SNIFFLES)
I don't want to end up
like that girl.
I'm getting you out of there.
I'm gonna get you out
of there and then,
then we're gonna run away.
We're gonna be a family.
A real one.
But how?
PETER: I think I know
somebody that can help.
(SIGHING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(KEYPAD BEEPING)
(LINE RINGING)
(MUFFLED CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(CELL PHONE BUZZING)
Hello?
(WHISPERING) Miss Devine?
Peter?
I need your help.
What did you say?
I need your help.
(CREAKING)
(GASPS)
(JARRING CHORD PLAYS)
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
Hi, is this Peter's mom?
It is. Is this Miss Devine?
I think Peter just tried
to call me.
He did, indeed.
Peter was just telling me
how dearly he misses
his teacher,
and so I said,
"Peter, just give her a ring.
"Tell her yourself."
But unfortunately,
his shy streak seems
to have gotten the best of him.
He's like a little
blushing bride over here.
It's so cute. (CHUCKLING)
Well, better luck next time,
I suppose.
So sorry to have bothered you.
Have a happy Halloween.
(SLAMS RECEIVER)
(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)
That was bad, Peter.
I'm sorry.
You did a very bad thing.
(GASPS)
You called a stranger?
She doesn't know
best for you.
She doesn't love you
the way your father and I do.
I am so disappointed in you.
What is that?
It's nothing!
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PETER SHUDDERING)
No.
No...
No, no.
No. No.
(BREATHING RAGGEDLY)
No.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(WHIMPERS)
What... What did she tell you?
(SHOUTS) What did she tell you?
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(GASPS)
It doesn't matter. Whatever.
(VOICE QUAVERING)
Whatever happens now,
it will be your fault.
You just wait until
your father gets home.
(SOBBING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING) Peter.
Peter.
I heard them.
(DOOR CREAKING)
They know.
They are going
to kill us.
Peter, you have
to do something.
Peter.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
CONTINUES)
Clean house.
That's all there is to it.
I don't want to.
We can't keep finding
temporary solutions.
That is...
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(MUSIC INTENSIFYING)
(MUSIC QUIETS)
I know you're awake, son.
You get a good night's sleep.
When I get home tomorrow,
you'll help me out
in the garden.
There's a problem
we need to take care of.
(DOOR CREAKING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(GRIM MUSIC PLAYING)
(INSECTS BUZZING)
MARK: It's black rot.
Killing off the whole garden.
And blight like this,
it spreads fast.
Get rid of it now or...
or all the healthy pumpkins
will get infected.
And we can't have that.
We're going
to bury the pumpkins,
and we're going to hope
that the next crop is better.
Better luck next time.
You understand?
So, I want you
to pick up that shovel
and dig.
(INSECTS CONTINUE BUZZING)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Hey, cuz,
this is the house?
Yeah.
Wicked.
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Sorry.
(SNIFFLES QUIETLY)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Can a family
not eat in peace?
(SPOON CLACKS)
(MARK SIGHS)
Stop playing
with your food, Peter.
(DOOR OPENS)
CHILDREN: Trick-or-treat!
CAROL: Go away!
(DOOR SLAMS)
(DOOR LOCKING)
Porch light off?
Yes.
(SIGHS)
Did you do something different
with the soup tonight?
Did I do something different
with the soup?
MARK: Yeah.
No.
I mean, it's delicious.
It's great. Right?
It just tastes
a little different.
Hmm.
(SNIFFS)
It smells like...
(SNIFFING)
Smell it.
Yeah, it smells
like cinnamon.
Mm.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOOR THUDDING IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR THUDDING)
Peter.
Peter. Have you done something?
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
Peter.
Son, look at me.
Tell me the truth.
What have you done?
What did you do?
You tell me.
Tell me, what did you do?
You hurt my sister.
What did you say?
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
(SHUDDERING)
Call 911.
What is going on?
Call 911!
(GROANS)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(GROANS)
(MARK GROANING LOUDLY)
(GASPING)
(WHIMPERING)
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS HEAVILY)
(CONTINUES RETCHING)
(SHUDDERING)
Peter!
Stop!
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
(RETCHING)
(COUGHS)
(GAGGING)
(GRUNTS)
(SCREAMS)
(BONES CRACK)
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(SHUDDERING)
Peter.
(SCREAMS)
(WHISPERS) Don't let her out.
(GRUNTS)
(PETER PANTING)
(WEAKLY) Don't let her...
out.
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING)
Peter, is that you?
(CLOCK TICKING)
Did you do it?
Are they gone?
I don't know.
I think so.
THE GIRL: Do you have the keys?
(KEYS JINGLING)
Yeah.
THE GIRL: The clock.
Be careful.
It's so heavy.
(GRUNTING)
(GRUNTS)
(CREAKING)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Peter. Are you all right?
(SHUDDERS) I'm okay.
Do you see it?
Do you think you could open it?
(MUSIC BUILDING UP)
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR RATTLES)
(GASPS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(HEAVY BREATHING)
(BREATHING GROWING LOUDER)
(GASPS)
(WICKED LAUGHTER)
(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)
(RUSTLING)
(GASPING)
(MUFFLED THUDDING)
(GASPS)
(HEAVY
AND RASPY BREATHING)
(IN RASPY MATURE VOICE)
Good boy, Peter.
What was it like
watching them die?
(DOORBELL RINGS)
BOY: Trick-or-treat!
THE GIRL: Just like the girl
in the garden.
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
BOY: Hey, Peter!
You alone in there?
We just came by to say hi.
(MUSIC BUILDING UP)
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Are they fucking
with us?
Let's get this done.
(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)
BOY 2: Hey, Peter.
Are you here?
(GRUNTS)
(SING-SONGY) We know
you're in here!
Peter, where the fuck are you?
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(LIQUID DRIPPING)
What the fuck?
(MUFFLED BANGING)
(PIANO KEYS CLANGING
STRIKING)
(STRIKING CONTINUES)
(OBJECTS CRASHING)
(MUFFLED GRUNT)
(BED SQUEAKING)
(PETER SCREAMING)
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
(GRIM MUSIC PLAYING)
(PIANO KEY CLANGS)
(PIANO KEY CLANGS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
Huh? (GRUNTS)
(YELPS)
(CRUNCH)
(BOY 1 SCREAMS LOUDLY)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(DRAMATIC SPOOKY MUSIC PLAYING)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(DOOR CLACKS)
(GASPS)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(GASPS)
BOY 2: No!
(SCREAMS)
Brian, my leg!
It's got my leg.
Brian, help me!
(BOY 2 SCREAMS)
(BOY 2 GROANS, SCREAMS)
Brian, help me!
No! No!
(PANTING)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(GASPS)
(THE GIRL SNICKERING)
(SNICKERING CONTINUES)
(SNICKERING AND FOOTSTEPS STOP)
(BREATHES NERVOUSLY)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SCREAMS)
(OBJECTS CRASHING)
(BRIAN SCREAMS)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
BRIAN: No, no!
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(BRIAN CONTINUES SCREAMING)
(SCREAMING CEASES)
BOY 3: Brian?
What?
Brian?
Brian?
Brian!
(RUNNING FOOTSTEPS)
(CRUNCHING)
(BOY 3 SCREAMING)
What did you say?
(GASPS)
(TIRES SCREECH)
(PANTING)
Go!
(HARD THUMPING)
(GASPING)
(OBJECT CRASHES)
(BOY 3 GRUNTING)
BOY 3: No! (GRUNTS)
(FLESH RIPS)
(THUDDING)
(SHUDDERS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(BED SQUEAKING)
(CONTINUES IN MATURE VOICE)
When you were born,
they were so happy.
When I was born,
they screamed.
So, Daddy made me a pit.
Then he made me a cage.
While you were whining
in this warm bed,
I was suffering
among cobwebs and rats,
learning how to climb.
how to bite,
learning how
to make you do what I want.
Trick-or-treat.
(PETER SCREAMING)
(SNICKERING)
PETER: Let me go, please!
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
PETER: (SCREAMING) Help!
You'll be
safe in here.
(BANGING ON DOOR)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Hello?
(THE GIRL CRYING)
Peter?
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Peter.
(SOFTLY) Oh,
my fucking God.
What the fuck?
(DOOR CREAKS)
(GASPS)
(YELPS)
(WHIMPERING)
(RAPID FOOTSTEPS)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(SHRIEKS)
(PANTING)
(DOORKNOB RATTLING)
PETER: (YELLS) Run!
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Peter?
PETER: (YELLS) Miss Devine!
Peter.
PETER: Miss Devine, run!
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(PETER SCREAMING)
Miss Devine, run!
Miss Devine, run!
Peter! God. Oh, my God.
You have to run.
No, no, I'm not
leaving you here.
You have to get out of here!
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(BANGING ON DOOR)
(GASPING)
What the hell is that thing?
It's my sister.
(FOOTSTEPS RETREATING RAPIDLY)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(DOOR SLAMS)
She's coming!
MISS DEVINE: Stand back.
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(GRUNTING)
Peter, come on.
Come on, Peter. Come on.
Come on, Peter.
Where are you going?
PETER: The keys.
Come on. Go, go.
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
(PETER SCREAMING)
No!
(SCREAMING)
(MISS DEVINE YELLS)
(GASPING)
(GASPS)
(SHUDDERING)
Why are you
like this?
(IN MATURE VOICE)
Not every child can be
as perfect as you, Peter.
I was just
born this way.
And no one loves
a monster.
MISS DEVINE: Peter!
Miss Devine!
(BREATH TREMBLING)
MISS DEVINE:
I don't know what you are,
but if you hurt him,
I'll fucking kill you.
(SHRIEKS)
No!
(GASPING)
(SCURRYING FOOTSTEPS)
Miss Devine!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(GROWLS)
(SHRIEKS)
(GASPING)
(SNARLS)
(GRUNTING)
(SNARLING)
(SCREAMS)
(SNARLING)
(SCREAMING)
(SCREAMING)
(GRUNTING)
(GROWLING)
(SQUELCHING)
(PETER GRUNTS)
(THUDDING)
(SNARLING)
THE GIRL: (WHISPERING
IN CHILD'S VOICE) Peter!
Please.
You're my brother.
(SHUDDERS) Peter, let's go.
THE GIRL: Don't you see, Peter?
It's in our blood.
You killed Mom and Dad.
You're just like me.
No!
I'm not like you.
THE GIRL: (IN MATURE VOICE)
Do you really think this is
gonna keep me down here?
Every night,
when you lie in bed,
you'll wonder
if you locked the door,
or saw a shadow move.
(CREAKING)
Every creak,
every groan,
every tap in the wall,
you'll think of me.
We're family, Peter.
I will always be with you.
Always.