Dark Places (2026) Movie Script
(birds and insects chirp)
(suspenseful music)
(panicked sobs resonate)
(woman gasps)
No.
(woman shrieks)
(woman sobs)
(suspenseful music continues)
What you want from me?
(indistinct), you escaped us quite well.
I'm impressed.
However,
you can run,
but you can't hide.
I don't know you.
I didn't do anything to you.
You will not talk your way out of this.
It is your destiny tonight
to be our gift
to Satan.
What you're worshiping,
it doesn't exist.
Don't you understand?
You're living a lie
You're the lie.
Your whole world is a lie.
They want us to be forgotten,
but we shall make them remember.
(woman screams)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
(indistinct)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm losing all feeling
I couldn't breathe when I didn't know
I'm losing sleep
Oh, don't you hate it?
Hate what?
You're out here, you're
trying to be alone.
Some guy just walks over
and sits down next to you.
I mean, there's 20 other benches
and he decides to impose.
Do I know you?
I'm in your theology class.
I sit like three rows behind you.
I don't blame you for
not recognizing me yet.
Rather unremarkable.
Well, you need to work
on your confidence, then.
What's your name?
It's Jason,
and I'm working on that confidence thing.
So Jason,
why are you here?
You conjured me.
Fate.
I'm a creep, I don't know.
Must be a reason why I'm here.
You're a creep?
No, but I always feel
like you have to give
multiple choices.
You don't have to.
- No?
- No.
All right, then remove the creep option.
So what do you think of college?
I could take it or leave it.
What about you?
You enjoying your higher education?
Well, it's kind of my first time
in an environment like this, so.
Like what?
I was homeschooled.
Yeah, Mom and Pop didn't
really trust the system,
so they kept me home.
I can't imagine you have many friends,
being home all that time.
Just the ones I made at church camp.
- Oh, geez, church camp.
- Yeah.
(Jason laughs)
That sounds like a party.
It was more like talking about God
and then sitting by the
campfire and talking about God.
And at the end of the day,
the girls go one way
and the guys go another.
Find out, I feel like I
should walk away from you
before a priest chases me off.
You have nothing to worry about.
Good.
It's decided, then.
I say you and I tackle this
college thing together.
I don't really have any friends,
and you could be my first.
Your first?
My first friend at college,
wasn't a come-on, only
looking for a friend.
Sure.
Misery loves company, right?
[Jason] Right.
You mind if I take a
picture, memory's sake?
[Jason] Go for it.
Smile.
Hi sweetie, what's up?
Not much.
Well, you just admiring
yourself in the mirror?
No, no.
I was hanging up the
picture of a new friend.
Must have fell down somewhere.
Well, this place is a mess.
But I will help you to
move out the dresser
if you decide to clean everything up.
I can just print another
picture, it's fine.
Okay, come here.
Tell me.
Tell you what?
Tell me all about this guy.
Is he just a friend, or more, or?
I mean, you know, we just started.
We haven't really gotten that far yet.
I don't know.
I just, I might friend zone him.
- What?
- I don't know.
I just, I don't wanna go
through the whole thing
where we're friends and we're dating
and we fight and we break up
and then we're just not friends anymore.
So, we might be safer in that friend zone.
Look, no risk, no reward.
I know, I know, you can't
win if you don't play,
blah, blah, blah.
I am not telling you to
not take it slow, okay?
But just don't isolate yourself, you know?
- Okay.
- You gotta enjoy yourself.
Be smart, have a good time, okay?
Okay, I won't rule it out,
but I'm taking it slowly.
Okay, all right, you.
You are gonna clean this mess up,
okay?
- Okay.
- All right.
- I will.
(tense music)
Do you understand, I've
worked 55 hours this week
and it's only Wednesday?
No, I don't want your thanks, Bob.
I want time off.
What's the point of having time off
if I'm glued to the desk?
No, something has to change.
This is a job, it's not ownership.
Hey,
you okay?
Yeah, wonderful.
Are you sure?
Wonderful.
I know that you don't want to hear this,
but it is time to quit that job.
You tell me how.
I don't wanna walk away.
Easy, you just turn in your
laptop and your cell phone.
You don't smash it to bits.
And then you just tell him to shove it.
You know we can't afford that.
My father died at the age of 50
from a heart attack because he was
in the same, stress-filled
BS kind of job as you.
I would rather see you struggle
and live than to watch you
kill yourself to death.
I can't quit until
Natalie's outta college.
Well, I mean, maybe she can take out
student loans if needs be.
No, no, no, no.
I don't, I want her to focus
strictly on her studies and not have
some bank loan looming over her head.
Okay, well, maybe we can do both, okay?
Let's talk this weekend and come up
with a game plan, okay?
Okay.
I love you.
You too.
(tense music)
It's beautiful, isn't it?
It is, Dad.
Were you paying attention
to me today in class?
- Yes.
- Are you sure?
Because it looked like
you were falling asleep.
Come here.
There's a battle going on
in this world against faith,
and it's only getting worse.
Every day, I meet someone
who says there is no God.
Every day, I meet someone who doesn't want
a relationship with Jesus.
Gimme your hand.
Devil
has a tight grip on this world now
and you need to be aware of this evil.
Do you understand that?
- Yes, Dad.
- Do you understand, Natalie?
Yes, Dad.
Okay.
I don't know how anyone could deny Him.
Everywhere you look, His grace is
looking you right in the face.
And no matter how much the
devil tries to tempt you, Nat,
God will always protect you.
But you have to fight for Him too.
You are a warrior in His name.
Why are you here?
I mean, shouldn't you
be out with your friends
having the best time in the world?
You know, college parties
and the spring break.
TAs don't usually get
invited to student parties.
And it's the fall.
Okay, fall.
I keep forgetting.
I'm not a student.
You look so damn young.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Can I say something?
Of course.
I've been a college
professor for many years
and I've seen them come and go,
but none of them have that, um,
it factor like you do.
Let's just get back
to grading the papers,
Professor Warren.
I don't think you've had the
right support in your life.
I bet people have dismissed you.
I'm not in that group.
I think you are wonderful.
Let's just get back
to grading the exams,
Professor Warren.
I know it's scary.
What?
Having feelings for someone like me.
It might be hard for you
to tell me how you feel
'cause technically, I'm your boss.
What's the matter?
You are.
You brought me here to seduce me?
Did you think that would work?
No, you have it all mixed up.
No, I don't.
All this bullshit of
you're all misunderstood.
You're looking for a
little girl to manipulate.
You didn't find one.
You're mistaken, this is
just a misunderstanding.
It's not, and I'm gonna report you.
(student gasps)
You better not fuck me on this.
I will make your academic
career a short one.
Threat too?
Just made this that much easier.
(slap resounds)
(door slams)
(ominous music)
(ornament smashes)
I've had enough of this.
(objects clatter)
I wanted it.
(knock on door)
Tonight,
we spill this blood
in the name
of Satan.
(Professor Warren screams)
[All] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Can I top you off?
Yeah, that'd be great.
How are you liking that book so far?
(indistinct)
Excuse me, can I go over to that table?
(cafe patrons chatter indistinctly)
[Waitress] Your book
looks pretty interesting.
[Patron] Bad day.
I have so many I have to
finish because if I didn't,
I'd probably be taking
that recommendation, but.
[Waitress] If you need
anything, just let me know, okay?
What a bitch.
This place definitely does not
have good customer service.
How'd you know where to find me?
(indistinct), little chilly
if you're not in school
you're in a coffee shop.
Good call.
So are you stalking me or something?
No, stalking is too strong a word.
- Ah.
- Shadowing.
Mm.
Is that always creepy?
Not really, no.
You want a coffee or something?
I don't touch the stuff.
So then why are you here?
To see you.
I just like hanging out with you.
We can hang out way better than this.
Like what?
Well, maybe I'm over selling it.
Next weekend, my family's doing
their big New Year's party thing.
They do it early to get
the whole family thing.
Anyway, say I can bring a friend,
but never really had a friend until now.
Isn't it a little early
to meet your family?
Yes, but hear me out.
My dad's convinced I don't
know any girls at all.
That might help a little bit.
If you get tied up with me though,
you're gonna get your heart broken.
I'm willing to roll the dice.
All right.
I promise to go to your family's party
if you promise not to ditch me.
I'm not really a people person.
I'll be by your side the whole time.
Deal, then.
Hey, how's everything going?
Can I get you anything else?
Nah, see, my friend
here hates coffee, so.
Okay, well, I'll be around
if you do need anything,
just let me know, okay?
- It's 2:00 AM.
- I know.
Are you going to work tomorrow?
Yeah, unless the place burns down.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Come on.
You know I can't stay asleep
unless you are hogging the bed.
Yeah, I'll be to bed soon.
I'll be to bed soon.
(pouring liquor gurgles)
You need to go to bed.
You know, I think that
you're losing yourself.
You don't see yourself
as everyone else does,
as I do.
- I'm okay.
Well, your okay isn't okay, though.
You aren't happy and I hate that
and I wanna help.
I'm here, I'm right here.
No, listen.
I want us back.
I want our lives back
you know?
Look, I'll get a
handle on it, all right?
I promise.
I'm just a little overwhelmed
and I'll figure it out.
Well, look, you don't
need to figure this out
all by yourself, you know?
You can lean on me.
You used to read the Bible all the time
and it's like you don't
even have faith in it.
I don't wanna talk about this.
You know, you used to say
that God will always bail us out.
You know?
You not believe that anymore?
I get it.
I get what you're saying.
I got a lot on my plate.
- Yeah.
And I'm still waiting to be bailed out.
Maybe God skips every other house,
or maybe He's a Scientologist.
See?
You used to be happy.
You know, and I want that.
I want that for you.
Okay.
- Yeah?
- All right.
Yeah. I, yep.
Listen,
I want you to open up, okay?
And I want you to let me help.
Sure.
Yeah?
Okay.
You coming to bed?
- Sure.
- Okay.
(pouring liquor gurgles)
Well, you don't see that every day.
Yeah.
Did you speak to the dean?
Yeah, he said he was a
well-respected educator,
loved by everyone.
Well, somebody didn't.
We need to find out who?
Do you see him?
Guy behind the tree?
Yeah, the guy behind the tree.
Yep, I see him.
Let's go talk to him.
Leave me.
Leave me alone, leave me alone.
Hey, leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Hey.
Hey.
Leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Who are you?
I'm the groundskeeper, I'm Rufus.
Listen, tell us what happened.
I didn't do nothing.
Tell us what happened.
Do you know Professor Warren?
He's a prick, I'm glad he's dead.
Did you have something
to do with I with that?
[Rufus] I didn't do anything.
Whoa, whoa, drop it, Rufus, drop it.
(loud bang resonates)
Drop it.
[Rufus] I didn't do anything.
Yeah, I didn't do anything.
[Rufus] I didn't do anything.
Didn't do anything.
Just call my mom.
Call my mother.
- What are those pills?
Call my mom, I didn't do anything.
It's not the murder weapon.
You're under arrest
because drug possession
and running from the police are something.
Get him out of here.
- Mom, Mom.
[Detective] Get up, get up, come on.
(girls laugh)
Debbie, what are you doing in my room?
Well, I did knock on the door
but your dad may have had
one too many last night,
but he's alive.
He's still breathing.
So, I let myself in.
Yeah.
He was supposed to be
at work two hours ago.
Do you want me to leave?
I can go if you wanna deal with your Dad.
No, no, no, no.
It's okay, it's fine.
It's okay.
Look, it's the elephant in the room.
Mom and I have talked to him,
but he has no interest in fixing it.
It sucks.
Yeah, grabs a hold of people.
Sure does.
Grabbed a hold of my dad five years ago
when his job started to go haywire.
And now, now when he is not working,
he's usually drinking and
passing out somewhere.
I just wish the dad that I used to know
would come around sometimes.
All right, let's go, I gotta get changed.
Class starts in 40 minutes.
Well, actually that's why I'm here.
Yeah, yeah, I know, let's go.
No, no, they canceled.
Mr. Warren was gutted last night
like a Thanksgiving turkey.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, what?
Yeah, yeah.
They found his body this morning.
Someone killed him last night.
Wait, wait, Jennifer was
grading tests with him.
Is she okay?
[Debbie] Jennifer?
Yeah, no, she's the
TA in our stats class.
Oh, oh, well, there you go.
I'm sleeping through that shit.
Oh my God, this is terrible.
[Debbie] Yeah, it is.
So, coffees and conversation?
About time you got here, you're late.
Traffic was a bitch,
what do you want me to say?
You're a bitch, I'm sick
and tired of covering for you.
You show up late one more
time, you're out on your ass.
Well what, are you gonna
have Daddy fire me, Billy?
Go complain to Daddy
and watch what happens.
(Billy sighs)
(Debbie and Natalie chatter indistinctly)
Any suspects?
No, not that I've been told.
I just know he has been killed.
Had to be some disgruntled student.
Kids take grades way too seriously.
I guess so.
How are you holding up?
Why do you ask?
Well, it's no secret you go
missing in between classes.
You're not in the lunchroom.
You're not in the library.
- I'm at the green.
- The green?
Yeah, I find a nice little
bench and just sit there.
That's antisocial.
You're supposed to be mixing in
and breaking out of that shell.
I like my shell.
Okay, fine, but stop being antisocial.
Okay, it is antisocial.
But you know, I don't
click with most people.
Well, what about me?
Well, that's a stupid question.
Okay, I guess it is.
But I wanna see you mingle.
Greg and I are planning a double
date with his friend Steve,
and I think you would have a good time.
I'm sorry, I can't.
Why?
Well, I met a guy
and we're kind of in the beginning stages
of becoming a thing.
Oh yeah, do I know him?
His name's Jason.
He's in a few of our classes.
Okay, well point him out next time.
- Okay.
- Okay, so you have a guy
and that's good.
I'm worrying about you a lot less now.
Don't worry about me.
I'll always worry about you.
I love you to pieces, knucklehead.
Yeah, yeah, I love you too.
- Please.
- I guess.
Boom, chakalaka.
(Debbie and Natalie laugh)
Tonight,
blood will flow
on the streets
like a river.
[Group] Hail Satan.
They think that they
teach their children?
We will have the final say.
[Group] Hail Satan.
Our way
will become their law.
[Group] Hail Satan.
(leader laughs)
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
You're home late.
I was out with Deb.
What's the matter?
I saw on the news that
they found another body.
I'm getting less and less comfortable
with you going to that damn school.
I have to go, Mom.
Well, what about online?
You said you always wanted to do that.
It's okay, look, I am okay, Mom.
I know all about stranger danger.
This isn't a joke.
(door slams)
What's wrong, Dad?
They fired me.
They just let me go.
- What, why?
I fell asleep at my damn desk
because all the hours they
keep piling on top of me.
They sent me away for a drug test
and said I had too much
alcohol in my blood.
Can you fight it?
Hey, but, Mom, Dad, look.
This is a wake-up call.
You have to do something
about the drinking.
You don't get it, honey.
They'll nail you if you have one beer.
Well, you're having
more than a beer, okay?
No, I'm the father here
and I don't need your mothering.
Sweetie, why don't you
give us a minute, okay?
You have taken on way too much, okay?
This isn't like you.
You are the strongest man that I know.
You must not know any other men.
Come on.
No jokes.
I have looked away for far too long
because you were in so much pain
and I didn't wanna add to it.
But I am not going to look away anymore.
We are going to get you the
help that you need to kick this.
What, what, rehab?
No, no, no, no, no, look,
I'll pray really hard on it tonight,
but I'm not gonna have
some over educated jerk
tell me what I need to do.
If I had a problem, you
would tell me to solve it.
You would force me to address the issue.
Well, I'm gonna force
you to address yours now.
Pack up your shit and we're gonna go.
You're not forcing
me to do anything, Liz.
I'm sick and tired of
you and everyone else
imposing shit on me.
Well, I'm sick and tired
of picking up the pieces and pretending
that everything is normal
while you are passed out drunk
on the living room floor.
That is what I'm sick of.
I am sick of watching you kill yourself.
And I am not gonna do it anymore.
I'm not gonna stand by and
watch you kill yourself
one drink at a time.
So if you are not going to go to rehab
then you're getting the hell out.
(door slams)
(pensive music)
(ominous music)
(insects chirp)
Tonight,
we sacrifice this man
in the name of Satan.
Why are you doing this to me?
We spill his blood
in the honor
of our master.
God, help me.
- There is no help.
- God help me.
There is no help for you.
This man wants to know
why we're doing this.
You're weak
and pathetic.
(knife stabs wetly)
Why have You forsaken me?
[Group] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
What's wrong?
Your dad left me.
He said I was too controlling
and he needed some time away.
He'll be back.
I think that I pushed
him too hard this time.
No, no, he needed to hear it.
Look, I know Dad.
He's sitting in some hotel somewhere
and it's only a matter of
time before he checks himself
into a rehab center.
He knows you're right.
He just needs to step
over his ego and admit it.
(Natalie sobs)
- Hey.
- Hey.
Can I trust you with some information?
Yeah, of course.
My dad used to be a detective.
There have been several murders
all linked one way or another.
So, a serial killer then?
No, a Satanic cult.
Those still exist?
Oh yes.
My dad said the leader has
this huge, goat head mask
and doing human sacrifices.
What?
I had a dream like that
just a couple nights ago.
I mean, I saw a cult in my dream.
What do you think that means?
I dunno.
Okay, so I used to think that I had
some sort of psychic
abilities when I was little.
I used to be able to pick
all the numbers on the wheel
at the fair.
At least, that's how I remember it.
Maybe you are psychic.
Maybe you can solve the case.
You might know exactly
who's doing the murders.
Yeah, like I'm not considered
weird enough already.
Just walk into the police station, say,
"Hi everyone, I'm Natalie
Parker, I'm a psychic.
Do you need any help
with your Satanic cult?"
Yeah, they would think you were crazy.
- Yeah.
- So let's keep this stuff
between us for now.
If you have any visions, let me know
and I'll try to tell my father
without actually telling my father.
Driving through our memories
You and me, we were making plans
To be forever, babe
I know you don't need me
But to see you and me,
we can make it happen
Be my forever, babe
Leave the light on for me
Honey, let me me down slowly
I've never been a
dreamer til I met you
I know I don't deserve it
But honey, I need it
I've never been a
dreamer til I met you
(ominous music)
[Cult Member] Hail Satan.
[Group] Hail Satan.
[Cult Member] Hail Satan.
[Group] Hail Satan.
[Cult Member] Hail Satan.
[Group] Hail Satan.
(suspenseful music)
Oh, sweet Natalie.
Fear not.
Your time has not yet come,
though
it will soon.
- [Natalie] Please don't.
- Don't beg.
Begging is for the weak.
You have to be strong,
strong so that you can be
in service to our master.
(suspenseful music continues)
(gentle music)
What are you doing out here?
- They came for me.
- Who?
The cult, they chased
me here last night.
Geez, that's all in your head.
We were talking about it,
you had this nightmare.
No, no, no, no, I
was awake, I was awake.
There's a state where you can be
awake and asleep at
the same time, sort of.
Maybe, I don't know.
Maybe that happened.
I don't know.
I'll catch up with you later.
- Okay.
- In class.
Bye.
- Hey, Nat.
- Hey.
Hey, what are you doing out here?
I guess I sleep walked or something.
People were telling me they seen
a weird girl walking
around in her pajamas.
And for some reason, you came to mind.
An educated guess, for sure.
Any updates on your dad?
No, I still haven't
heard anything from him
and I'm really getting worried.
Well, you should go talk to the police.
I mean, he left a note so
he's not technically missing.
Yeah, well have them
do a wellness check.
Remember, your dad is in
a dark place right now.
At least have the cops check on him
and then we'll have peace of mind.
I'll do that.
But not like that, though.
You should go home and
shower and look presentable.
You show up looking like that,
you look like you're
some homeless whack-job.
Hey (indistinct).
Sorry.
Natalie.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
It's fine, I wasn't
really waiting that long.
Good, what can I do for you?
So my father left my
mother a few nights ago and,
I'm sorry, I feel stupid being here.
No, that's all right, go on.
My father, he has this
problem with drinking
and my mom and I,
we called him out on
it a couple nights ago
and we haven't heard
anything from him since.
I mean, even the messages I
sent him aren't delivering.
I was hoping for a
wellness check, I guess.
I just wanna make sure that he's okay.
That's reasonable.
Do you have any idea where he's staying?
Not really.
I think a hotel somewhere, maybe.
Well, that's easy enough.
I'll make some calls and let
you know what I come up with.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you so much.
And good luck with the
Professor Warren case.
I really hope you find
the people that did it.
You knew Warren?
Yeah, I was one of his students.
- Sit back down.
- Okay.
Tell me about Warren.
What do you know?
What have you heard?
I haven't really heard anything
that hasn't been on the news, so.
Come on, Natalie.
You're in the mix.
You're talking to
students every single day.
There must be rumors.
I mean, I don't really
talk to a lot of people.
I'm usually alone.
You know, you said something
that I find very curious.
What did I say?
You said that you hoped we
found the people that did it.
You didn't say person,
you said people.
I really don't know who actually did it.
I just, I don't know.
I guess this kind of hit a
little close to home for me.
Do you want me to tell you
what I know about Warren?
Sure, yeah, I guess so.
Warren is the sort of slime
that made me wanna look the other way
when he was taken out.
I applaud the person that did it.
He's got some nasty shit on his record.
He got his degree in prison
and then the college hired him.
None of the parents were notified.
No child is safe.
And every single female
student I've spoken to
has said the same thing.
They said he was creep.
Was he a creep, Natalie?
Yeah, I suppose he was.
Let me rephrase that.
Was he a creep to you?
Yeah.
You have a world of potential, Natalie,
and you're throwing it all away.
I want to know why.
I swear I turned in those assignments.
If you turned them in,
I'd have them, wouldn't I?
I don't know why you don't have them.
I swear, I swear I turned them in.
You have a D average now.
What are we gonna do about that?
I can redo them.
There isn't enough time.
Then, then what?
Oh,
I'm sure we can think of something.
(Professor Warren laughs)
Same story across the board.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Can I go now?
Sure.
Stop at the front desk.
They'll give you some forms to fill out.
Thank you.
So how's Nat doing?
As okay as can be expected, I guess.
I really appreciate
you being there for her.
You're such a good friend
and she needs that right now.
It's easy to be her friend.
She's a great person.
So tell me about Jason.
Jason?
You know, her friend.
Him.
I mean, I would if I could.
I never get to meet him.
I had a feeling she'd hide him.
You know, she's just always so afraid
of being judged, you know?
She'll be fine, you know Nat.
She's a shy chick.
She'll open up.
- Hey, sweetie.
- Hello.
Look, who is here.
Yes, it's Debbie, but
thank you for telling me.
Well, I didn't want you to miss her.
You girls want me to
order some pizza for you?
- Yeah, sure.
- Sure.
I never turn down pizza.
Smart girl.
All right, you two.
It's been too long
since we've done this,
girls night with pizza.
Yeah, simpler times.
It's funny how we wanna grow up so quickly
and when we do, we wanna run back.
I think you're right.
I mean, I think I could be 15 forever.
Yeah,
they say the world is ahead of us,
but that world is pretty scary, isn't it?
It is.
I mean, I think about my
parents and I ask myself,
do I want that?
And if not, what's the alternative?
When we graduate, do
we just move on to jobs
and marriage and kids and that's that?
Seems that way.
I just hope I find a guy
that isn't so burdened
with demons like my father was.
Yeah, well, at least you recognize it.
You know what you're looking for.
I got no clue.
What the hell are you talking about?
You've got your shit together.
I mean, you're always out with somebody.
Yeah, and what does that tell you?
I got no clue, Nat.
I don't know, I just put myself out there
and hope that something clicks.
And so far, nothing.
I think we need to
focus on making our lives
the best ever.
I mean, I don't want a job to
crush me like my dad's did.
I don't wanna just spin my wheels.
I wanna make things count.
Does that include Jason?
I mean, I don't know.
I dunno.
We haven't gotten that far yet.
Well, how far have you gotten?
Not far at all.
We are still in the beginning stages,
just seeing where things go.
When do I get to meet him?
I don't know.
I mean, I'm not hiding him from you.
Let's set up a double date.
You, Jason, me, and
somebody, I'll figure it out.
All right, deal.
Now, how did the police station go?
Did you make a report?
Yeah, but I talked too much.
I brought up Professor Warren,
and now I think the detective
suspected I was involved.
What?
Yeah, no, I think they have no clues
and are just looking for
any clues or suspects.
So you are a suspect?
No, no, no, no, no.
I think they're just grasping at straws.
Ugh, Jesus.
Amanda Lane.
The decomposition, she must
have been killed a few days ago.
What's going on in this town, right?
It has a cancer.
The longer we let it go,
the more it will spread.
So we have to cut the
cancer out of this town
and do it right now.
All right, so what's
the story with Lane?
Another professor at the college.
Same college as Professor Warren.'
Yeah, she was a psychology professor.
Two dead professors.
We may have a college student
committing these murders.
[Detective] Yeah, maybe.
What other possibilities
do you have in mind?
I don't know, custodians?
I mean, they're not well vetted, right?
They could have criminal records.
Clean enough shitters in your lifetime,
you're bound to kill somebody.
Hey, I ever tell you I used
to work at Burger King?
- No.
- Yeah, I mean,
they blew that shit up every hour.
Jesus, they got so bad,
I was ready to pull an
Uzi and kill everybody.
Instead, you went into law enforcement.
I like helping people.
My parents are so eager to meet you.
I'm not really eager to meet them.
Really?
Why not?
My head's not in a good place, Jason.
I don't know where the hell my dad is.
And your family's gonna
want something from me
and I don't know if I have
what they're looking for.
You have what I'm looking for.
That's all that matters.
That's what they want.
My family always wanted
me to do well in life.
And academically, I did.
Socially, not so much.
Why does that sound so familiar?
This party might be intimidating,
and my family is only scary
because it's easy to fear the unknown.
They're pussy cats.
All right, they are
going to love you, okay?
[Natalie] I promise
I won't embarrass you.
You're gonna make me look good.
I got myself into a
world full of trouble
I've been losing my
head, losing the battle
I drag myself downtown
but I'm not there
I got myself into a
world full of trouble
I reach for the stars
but I cannot go higher
I'm on a paper plane
flying into your fire
Did I ever tell you
you remind me of my wife?
I always assumed no woman
would ever put up with you.
Oh, never underestimate
the desperation of women.
If I am anything like your
wife, she must be awesome
but have really bad taste.
Yes.
Yes.
No, really though, you're
tough, you're smart,
you're resourceful, you're pretty,
you're a total bitch,
you're dedicated and so on.
I heard what you threw in there, Adams.
I was hoping you wouldn't catch that.
Okay, so what's got you
in total bitch mode?
This case, this whole thing.
And the fact that they're not
canceling school over this.
What else do they need?
Snow.
I am going to shoot you, I swear to God.
(Detectives laugh)
[Cult Members] Hail Satan
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Do you know anything?
We don't have any suspects just yet,
but we do have some leads.
Do you think is the guy that killed
the other professor killed my sister?
I have no direct evidence
to support that just yet.
And I don't wanna
speculate or create panic.
Could just be a coincidence.
Okay.
Do you know anyone she's been seeing,
anyone she's been hanging out with?
She's didn't have a boyfriend.
Yeah, teaching was her life.
She even tutored kids on her own dime.
It's just who she was.
I wanna thank you for your time.
You are gonna catch the guy, right?
We're gonna take down
that son of a bitch.
- Come in.
- Hi.
Oh, see?
What's up, he brought a girl.
Hello.
- Hi, hello.
[Dwight] I'm Dwight.
- I'm Natalie.
- [Dwight] Nice to meet you.
Natalie, come on in.
(tense music)
- Hi.
- Natalie.
Natalie, it's a pleasure to have you.
We've heard so much about you.
The pleasure's all mine.
My family move.
It's my lovely wife, Kristen.
Hello.
This is my niece, Ava, my dad, Bill.
Hello.
- Welcome.
- Thank you.
This sack of sour nuts, right?
Who are you?
What's his name again?
It's my cousin, Alex.
My dad's not really his biggest fan.
[Natalie] I see that.
Jason, I love Alex.
He's just not very impressive.
You know, you and your
insults are getting so old.
You know, I don't know how much longer
I'm gonna keep coming
to these family parties.
Oh, oh no.
You mean I get to have less
aggravation and more food?
You can keep your food
from the Dollar Store.
All families are fucked up.
I want Natalie Parker
in my office tonight.
Not tomorrow, not next week,
tonight.
Move to a small town, they say.
I like working in a small town.
What could possibly happen?
What could happen?
What could happen?
Hell itself happened.
And I don't think the
devil's got his due yet.
[Natalie] So why do you guys celebrate
New Year's so early?
My grandmother started it,
indirectly, I suppose.
She had stage four cancer
and she wanted to make it to New Year's,
but when it was obvious
she wasn't gonna make it,
we threw this for her.
Now it's a tradition.
I'm sorry for your loss.
So, are you
Jason's mom?
Stepmom, actually.
I married his dad four years ago.
How's that going?
It's great, I love Dwight, love Jason.
It's a good life.
But coming in as a step-parent isn't
really a winnable situation.
You have to earn your way in, like me.
Not like you.
Jason has been a concern for a long time.
Concern, why?
You met his dad, he can't shut up.
Jason is the opposite.
He's shy, he's quiet.
We had to light a fire under
his ass to go to college.
When he told us he was bringing someone,
we were so happy he was finally mingling.
He's a great guy,
a very gentle soul.
But don't worry, my parents
have the same concerns about me.
It's a new world.
I think my generation
needs to catch up to it.
Things operate differently.
You guys probably have
things in total control
and we just can't see it yet.
I mean, if you say so.
Warren,
Lane,
James Parker.
I'm telling you, she's connected.
Put 'em all together like
that, of course it's convincing.
You don't think she's involved?
She doesn't look like a killer.
How does a killer look?
Eye patch, tattoos, wielding a knife
or a gun or screaming,
"I'm gonna kill you."
Well, if you see somebody
like that, let me know.
Maybe wearing a mask
made outta skin, hmm?
Ed Gein?
Oh, the "Chainsaw Massacre" thing.
That movie.
I don't,
I love that movie.
Okay.
So, what's your major?
Theology.
Bible chick.
No, chick that didn't
know what major to pick.
And my dad has a degree in it.
He's paying for my college,
so I wanted to make him happy.
Well, that makes Daddy happy.
Does that make you happy?
I don't know, I mean, I'm not unhappy.
I'm enjoying the experience
and who knows what the
future has in store for me?
Kind of just going with the flow.
I'll see what the future holds for me.
Hey, you know that saying,
you don't choose your
destiny, it chooses you?
Sure, I think so.
Don't get discouraged
or second guess yourself.
You'll find your path
you're supposed to be on.
I believe it.
So what do you do, Eva?
Actually, I'm in school full-time too.
Doing criminal justice.
You know, the family business.
We have cops, detectives,
lawyers, judges, you name it, we got it.
Alcoholics, drug addicts,
creepy uncles, you name it.
Oh, yeah.
We have skeletons in our
closet, that's for sure.
So considering your chosen fields,
are you following the murders?
Oh yeah.
So,
Jason's going to a school
where people are turning up dead.
How do you feel about that?
Okay, I guess.
I mean, Jason's kept his cool
and it's really helped my anxiety.
But I dunno,
I'm really worried.
My dad, he went missing a few nights ago
and I can't help thinking
that something bad has happened to him,
that it's connected to the murder somehow.
Listen, you gotta talk to Uncle Dwight.
He used to be the lead
detective in Springfield.
He'll know what's going on.
I don't wanna do it at the party.
Oh, it's nothing, come on.
Hey Uncle Dwight, we need
you in the living room.
It's important.
- [Debbie] Hello.
- Hi, Debbie.
Please have a seat.
What's going on here?
You're not in any trouble.
I just need a little bit of information
and then I'll cut you loose.
Cut me loose from what?
I'm not getting what the
hell's going on here.
You've heard of the murders?
Yeah, it's all over the news.
Sure is.
Well, we found another victim tonight.
I can't get into too many details,
but it's a piece of the puzzle
I find interesting.
Somebody you know may be connected.
Oh yeah?
Natalie Parker.
Oh Jesus.
And why is her picture up there?
Is this a joke?
I mean, she wouldn't hurt a fly.
You're misunderstanding me.
I'm not saying she's killing anyone,
but she might have some
information as to who is.
If she knew anything,
she would've told me.
She may not know what she knows.
She knows nothing.
She has no information
and I have no information.
There are 3,000 students in that school
and you're zeroing in on her, why?
Because she came to report
her dad missing, that's why?
I can't get into too many details.
Okay,
you can't get into any details,
but you want all sorts of details from me.
We are only doing our job, Debbie.
We have bodies with toe tags.
And if we don't find the delivery person
that's filling up the morgue,
we're out on our asses.
Detective,
I don't have any information.
I know her dad went missing
and she's dating a guy named Jason.
Well, tell me about Jason.
Well, I haven't met him yet,
but she says he is a good guy
and I know she wouldn't
accept anyone who isn't.
Can you do me a favor?
Of course.
Can you keep this
meeting between us for now?
I will be meeting with
Natalie and Jason soon.
They aren't in any trouble,
so there's no need to rattle them.
They're in no trouble?
No trouble for now, you mean?
I mean, what I said.
If they've done nothing wrong,
they are in no trouble at all.
Okay.
Okay, great.
Well, thanks for coming in to see us.
You're welcome, I guess.
Would you like me to
walk you to your car?
No thanks, I'll be fine.
You know there used to be a time
when women would kill to have
me walk them to their car.
Oh, so what time was that?
You know this job is
turning you into a mean woman.
I'm not gonna lie to you.
Something strange going on in this town.
A plague that's been
going on for a while now.
My hubby has a real talent for drama.
Don't get scared.
- [Natalie] I'm fine.
- So
in 2014,
I took on a case that convinced me
to walk away and never come back.
It started with complaints
of abuse at a daycare center.
But when I got to talking to the kids,
they expressed fear
of something actually going on underneath.
I think I actually heard
something about this.
You heard what you were allowed to hear.
The case was buried.
All the things that the kids expressed
were completely dismissed.
The center itself
carried on to about 2021,
and then it was eventually demolished.
As they began removing the rubble,
they found a hole underneath
that lead underground,
Satanic symbolism,
pentagram on the floor,
dried bloodstains everywhere.
What the kids feared was incredibly true.
As usual, my bosses dismissed it.
They didn't want to hear it then,
and they don't want to hear it now.
Why do you think that is?
Is it not obvious?
They're in on it.
- The cops?
- Yes, Natalie, the cops.
Have you ever actually met a good cop?
The press would have you to believe
that this is a group of drunk teens
running around killing animals.
Oh, no, no.
This is a blood cult
comprised of everyday people,
all walks of life.
They're on the hunt for
sacrifices even now.
If the cops are in on
it, then what do we do?
Nothing.
You see a guy in a robe,
run and don't look back.
I've already seen one.
[Dwight] You saw one?
Now, that's interesting.
I don't know, maybe it was just a dream,
but whatever the hell
it was, it felt real.
It was a guy in a goat head mask
and some other guys in black robes.
That's the trouble with cult members.
They hide their faces.
That's how they get away with it.
No, they get away with it
because they're the ones in charge
and they're not gonna arrest themselves.
What gets me is why are they
targeting faculty members,
college professors.
Any ideas, Natalie?
None, no.
We have no idea, Dad.
You're the one with
knowledge on this shit.
What's your best guess?
Why the murders and why are
they killing our professors?
I don't know.
Maybe it is
a cell of cult members inside the school
made up of faculty or shit,
even college kids probably.
I don't know.
One thing's for sure.
This cult leader is demanding sacrifices
and those college professors were
just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Papa, you should tell her your story.
That's a good one.
I don't wanna scare the young girl.
Natalie, this is a party.
You should be laughing, having fun.
[Natalie] No, it's okay.
No, now this is putting
a damper on the party.
Let's do something fun instead.
It's okay, Jason, I'm fine.
I wanna hear it.
All right, well, full warning.
My dad here was injured sometime
in the forest a while ago
and he's been on bed rest
for about four years now.
He watches way too much
(indistinct) channel.
So some recollection might
be a little exaggerated.
What I tell you is true.
It was many years ago.
I was driving on patrol, nighttime.
Car comes past me at high speed
and was swerving all over the road.
So, I pulled them over.
I got their keys and I
was checking the car.
In the trunk was a girl in a white gown.
She was tied up in there.
So of course, I went to
arrest them immediately.
And I was blinded by
some bright headlights.
Whoever I pulled over
wasn't traveling alone.
That car hit me, knocked
me down, knocked me out.
I was groggy, in and outta consciousness.
When I came to my senses, I was in a field
tied up to a cross,
face to face with a damn goat head.
It was a mask.
The cult leader,
they let me go that night,
but I got the message.
And the girl?
Couldn't tell you.
They must have killed her that night.
I wish there was something I
could have done to save her.
Uncle Dwight, her dad is missing.
Can you help her?
Well, have you reported it?
Yeah.
And what did they say?
Not much, they basically
treated me like a criminal.
No surprise there, they're useless.
Look, Natalie, you and I are gonna meet.
You are gonna bring me all
the information that you have.
I'm gonna pull together all my resources.
We are gonna find your dad.
Thank you, sir.
Don't call me sir, call me Dwight.
Thanks, Dwight.
Hey, where's your bathroom?
Down the hall on the right.
Jason, you might wanna check in on her.
Yes.
(tense music)
Natalie?
Mrs Parker?
(tense music escalates)
Is this Detective Trent?
(Natalie sniffs)
Hey, I'm sorry, that was too much.
- No.
- I should have set
ground rules, only happy stuff.
No, it's okay.
I'm okay.
I'm sorry for losing it for a second.
Your dad's missing and my family starts
telling horror stories.
It's easy to see why you got upset.
Look, I'm sure your dad's fine.
I hope you're right.
I am.
Okay, I'm good.
How are you doing?
Not good.
I'm not good at all.
My best friend is missing
and a second mother to me is dead
in a house that I nearly grew up in.
I'm so sorry.
I understand, but I need to find Natalie.
I know.
Listen, if you have any
other information about her,
you need to let us know
and we need to know now,
Her boyfriend's last name is Evans.
That's all I know.
And I have her cell phone number too,
but she's not answering.
Okay, I think we have that.
Look, let's track down this Jason Evans.
I'll find out what he's about.
Hey, I need some
information on Jason Evans.
He's a college student at the university.
(voices chatter indistinctly)
(upbeat music)
Slow the motion
Slow the road that you're on
Keep it going
Oh, full disclosure,
I'm not of drinking age.
I see, (indistinct).
Okay.
In the end, we are one
I have the passion
In my soul
Because I know that it's worthy
These affirmations
Let me know that I'm already perfect
(indistinct) yes, I am
100 miles up, say yes I can
Is it all us, say yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
(indistinct) say, yes, I am
100 miles up, say yes I can
(indistinct, distorted singing)
(phone rings)
This is Trent.
It's about time you called me back.
Wait, hold on.
Say that again.
And this has been confirmed?
Okay, thank you.
I'm glad you're sitting down.
There is no record
of any Jason Evans taking any
classes at the university.
What?
What do you mean?
What I mean is Jason Evans
isn't who he says he is.
He's a shadow.
And your friend might be in great danger
if we don't find out
who this guy really is.
This isn't real.
This isn't real.
This is just a dream.
No, no, no, no, no.
Oh, no, no, not a dream.
More like
a nightmare.
No, Jason.
Jason, help me.
Help me.
Help her.
Help her, Jason.
(Dwight laughs)
Jason?
No.
I'm sorry, Nat.
I really did like you.
I wish we didn't have to do this.
You do what's commanded of you.
You do what is pleasing to our master.
Please, just let me go.
I can't do that.
You can't or you won't?
Nat, we need a virgin.
And try finding one at that school.
But don't worry, though.
Now your life has a purpose.
Remember, you told me you wanted one?
Now your life has purpose.
No, your religion is a lie.
You're following a fucking lie.
A lie?
You're gonna learn the truth real soon.
So many people have dismissed us.
But you are gonna learn just like they did
that we are very real.
Did you kill my father?
Oh, you're upset enough as it is.
Nat, just relax.
Pain will only last a minute.
Now we offer up our
most precious sacrifice
to our master.
[Group] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
She's not answering.
Can you ping her phone?
I'll try.
Nothing.
Shit, keep trying.
Any last words?
I actually do.
[Dwight] What's that, sweetheart?
Thank you.
(Dwight screams)
[Cult Member] Kill that bitch.
(locked door rattles)
(Natalie yells)
Come on, now, let me in.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on, Natalie.
Come on, come on.
(Alex yells)
Natalie.
Natalie, where are you?
(Alex yells)
(wet stabbing resounds repeatedly)
(tense music)
(Ava screams)
(tense music continues)
Holy shit, her phone pinged.
Hand it to me.
19 Corbus Street.
Adams, grab the car.
[Detective] Got it, anything else?
Yes, hit the noise and cherries.
Tell me how much she suffered.
I wanna hear every detail.
Are you gonna tell me or what?
Ava, you tell me right
now how she suffered.
How did that bitch die?
With a knife through her throat?
(wet stabbing resounds)
(Kristen gasps and groans)
(tense music continues)
How you doing, Uncle Samuel?
Hello.
You know something, you can just leave.
Go ahead, right off the bat.
I'll hold people back here.
Go ahead.
(tense music continues)
All right,
okay.
All right, that's good.
All right, that's enough, that's enough.
That's it, the stairs.
(Samuel yells)
(wheelchair clatters)
(sirens blare)
What's our ETA?
[Detective] 30 minutes.
Step on it.
I'm doing 90.
If we go any faster, we'll
be traveling through time.
Hello, Jason.
I guess it's just you and me now
since I killed your entire family.
Thank God,
you saved me.
[Natalie] I saved you?
I wasn't even their kid.
I was a foster kid.
They only took me in to help them kill.
They said if I didn't
help them, they'd kill me.
They didn't give a shit about me.
Oh, so you would kill
me to appease them?
Never.
You and I are meant for each other.
I love you.
I love you.
And
now we can be happy.
I mean, we can travel the
world, say fuck these assholes.
Be free.
Just forget this.
Forget all the murders.
I never murdered anyone.
I did.
No, that was self-defense.
My scumbag family did it all.
I'll testify to that.
And you and I can live happily ever after.
(wet stabbing resounds)
(Jason gasps)
(wet stabbing resounds)
Debbie, I need you to stay back.
Adams, call it in.
Natalie.
Natalie.
- Oh my God.
They tried to kill me.
They did.
You're safe now, you're safe now.
Natalie, what am I
going to find in there?
Hell,
pure hell.
I'm putting you in handcuffs
for your safety and ours.
(Debbie sobs)
They were the ones killing people.
And Jason, he was with them too.
They were fucking Satanists.
Oh my God.
But I killed them.
I killed them, Deb.
I killed them all.
I'm just happy you're safe now.
You can't trust these detectives.
They're probably Satanists too.
That's what Dwight said.
Well, who's Dwight?
Jason's dad.
This is not a home.
It's a butcher shop.
How many bodies?
Five, six, I don't know.
Still got a couple rooms to go.
Jesus Christ, it's a nightmare.
[Detective] Yeah.
Well, thank God the girl survived.
I wouldn't thank God for that.
[Debbie] How's Natalie doing?
Well, she's told a tremendous story
about a Satanic cult,
about a boyfriend named Jason Evans
and so much more.
But there's a catch.
What?
None of What she said is real.
She made up the cult.
She made up the boyfriend.
So Jason, why are you here?
You're a creep.
No, no.
She's created all of it in her mind.
I'm sorry, I'm lost.
Apparently,
she felt that she didn't
have an interesting life.
She didn't have a boyfriend.
She didn't have a social life.
Her father was an alcoholic.
She was very depressed
and began fantasizing about a new life.
She craved something interesting.
(Professor Warren yells)
So, she made up the cult.
She made up the perfect
guy as a boyfriend.
So none of it was real?
Well, what about that
family at that house?
That was Jason's family, wasn't it?
Hi, may I help you?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
What are you doing?
Hi, I'm Natalie.
The pleasure's all mine.
No, no, no, no, who are you?
Get you need, you need, no.
Jason told me all about you.
No, no, no.
Look, you need to leave
and you need to leave now, young lady.
Well, babe, babe,
babe, call the police,
this girl's on something.
It was just a normal,
middle class family
that
Natalie believed was a cult
that wanted to kill her.
So it was just some innocent family?
Did she kill her mother too?
It looks that way.
She told me that her
mother was in the cult too.
We're still investigating.
She said everywhere she went,
she saw cult members.
[Debbie] Oh,
this is so unbelievable.
She's waiting for her lawyer.
(window bangs)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I can't help but feel
it's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm closing all feeling
I couldn't breathe when I didn't know
I'm losing sleep while
your (indistinct)
I wasn't scared that you (indistinct)
All I wanted was to love
(indistinct)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I can't help but feel
it's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm losing all feeling
(indistinct)
I didn't know if I
wanted to be friends
(indistinct)
I didn't know if I
wanted to be friends
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I can't help but feel
it's not you it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm losing all feeling
Thank you for meeting me like this.
I don't really know how all this works,
but with you by my side, think I'm okay.
So do you think I'll
be outta here by 5:00?
I like your chances.
(tense music)
(suspenseful music)
(panicked sobs resonate)
(woman gasps)
No.
(woman shrieks)
(woman sobs)
(suspenseful music continues)
What you want from me?
(indistinct), you escaped us quite well.
I'm impressed.
However,
you can run,
but you can't hide.
I don't know you.
I didn't do anything to you.
You will not talk your way out of this.
It is your destiny tonight
to be our gift
to Satan.
What you're worshiping,
it doesn't exist.
Don't you understand?
You're living a lie
You're the lie.
Your whole world is a lie.
They want us to be forgotten,
but we shall make them remember.
(woman screams)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
(indistinct)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm losing all feeling
I couldn't breathe when I didn't know
I'm losing sleep
Oh, don't you hate it?
Hate what?
You're out here, you're
trying to be alone.
Some guy just walks over
and sits down next to you.
I mean, there's 20 other benches
and he decides to impose.
Do I know you?
I'm in your theology class.
I sit like three rows behind you.
I don't blame you for
not recognizing me yet.
Rather unremarkable.
Well, you need to work
on your confidence, then.
What's your name?
It's Jason,
and I'm working on that confidence thing.
So Jason,
why are you here?
You conjured me.
Fate.
I'm a creep, I don't know.
Must be a reason why I'm here.
You're a creep?
No, but I always feel
like you have to give
multiple choices.
You don't have to.
- No?
- No.
All right, then remove the creep option.
So what do you think of college?
I could take it or leave it.
What about you?
You enjoying your higher education?
Well, it's kind of my first time
in an environment like this, so.
Like what?
I was homeschooled.
Yeah, Mom and Pop didn't
really trust the system,
so they kept me home.
I can't imagine you have many friends,
being home all that time.
Just the ones I made at church camp.
- Oh, geez, church camp.
- Yeah.
(Jason laughs)
That sounds like a party.
It was more like talking about God
and then sitting by the
campfire and talking about God.
And at the end of the day,
the girls go one way
and the guys go another.
Find out, I feel like I
should walk away from you
before a priest chases me off.
You have nothing to worry about.
Good.
It's decided, then.
I say you and I tackle this
college thing together.
I don't really have any friends,
and you could be my first.
Your first?
My first friend at college,
wasn't a come-on, only
looking for a friend.
Sure.
Misery loves company, right?
[Jason] Right.
You mind if I take a
picture, memory's sake?
[Jason] Go for it.
Smile.
Hi sweetie, what's up?
Not much.
Well, you just admiring
yourself in the mirror?
No, no.
I was hanging up the
picture of a new friend.
Must have fell down somewhere.
Well, this place is a mess.
But I will help you to
move out the dresser
if you decide to clean everything up.
I can just print another
picture, it's fine.
Okay, come here.
Tell me.
Tell you what?
Tell me all about this guy.
Is he just a friend, or more, or?
I mean, you know, we just started.
We haven't really gotten that far yet.
I don't know.
I just, I might friend zone him.
- What?
- I don't know.
I just, I don't wanna go
through the whole thing
where we're friends and we're dating
and we fight and we break up
and then we're just not friends anymore.
So, we might be safer in that friend zone.
Look, no risk, no reward.
I know, I know, you can't
win if you don't play,
blah, blah, blah.
I am not telling you to
not take it slow, okay?
But just don't isolate yourself, you know?
- Okay.
- You gotta enjoy yourself.
Be smart, have a good time, okay?
Okay, I won't rule it out,
but I'm taking it slowly.
Okay, all right, you.
You are gonna clean this mess up,
okay?
- Okay.
- All right.
- I will.
(tense music)
Do you understand, I've
worked 55 hours this week
and it's only Wednesday?
No, I don't want your thanks, Bob.
I want time off.
What's the point of having time off
if I'm glued to the desk?
No, something has to change.
This is a job, it's not ownership.
Hey,
you okay?
Yeah, wonderful.
Are you sure?
Wonderful.
I know that you don't want to hear this,
but it is time to quit that job.
You tell me how.
I don't wanna walk away.
Easy, you just turn in your
laptop and your cell phone.
You don't smash it to bits.
And then you just tell him to shove it.
You know we can't afford that.
My father died at the age of 50
from a heart attack because he was
in the same, stress-filled
BS kind of job as you.
I would rather see you struggle
and live than to watch you
kill yourself to death.
I can't quit until
Natalie's outta college.
Well, I mean, maybe she can take out
student loans if needs be.
No, no, no, no.
I don't, I want her to focus
strictly on her studies and not have
some bank loan looming over her head.
Okay, well, maybe we can do both, okay?
Let's talk this weekend and come up
with a game plan, okay?
Okay.
I love you.
You too.
(tense music)
It's beautiful, isn't it?
It is, Dad.
Were you paying attention
to me today in class?
- Yes.
- Are you sure?
Because it looked like
you were falling asleep.
Come here.
There's a battle going on
in this world against faith,
and it's only getting worse.
Every day, I meet someone
who says there is no God.
Every day, I meet someone who doesn't want
a relationship with Jesus.
Gimme your hand.
Devil
has a tight grip on this world now
and you need to be aware of this evil.
Do you understand that?
- Yes, Dad.
- Do you understand, Natalie?
Yes, Dad.
Okay.
I don't know how anyone could deny Him.
Everywhere you look, His grace is
looking you right in the face.
And no matter how much the
devil tries to tempt you, Nat,
God will always protect you.
But you have to fight for Him too.
You are a warrior in His name.
Why are you here?
I mean, shouldn't you
be out with your friends
having the best time in the world?
You know, college parties
and the spring break.
TAs don't usually get
invited to student parties.
And it's the fall.
Okay, fall.
I keep forgetting.
I'm not a student.
You look so damn young.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Can I say something?
Of course.
I've been a college
professor for many years
and I've seen them come and go,
but none of them have that, um,
it factor like you do.
Let's just get back
to grading the papers,
Professor Warren.
I don't think you've had the
right support in your life.
I bet people have dismissed you.
I'm not in that group.
I think you are wonderful.
Let's just get back
to grading the exams,
Professor Warren.
I know it's scary.
What?
Having feelings for someone like me.
It might be hard for you
to tell me how you feel
'cause technically, I'm your boss.
What's the matter?
You are.
You brought me here to seduce me?
Did you think that would work?
No, you have it all mixed up.
No, I don't.
All this bullshit of
you're all misunderstood.
You're looking for a
little girl to manipulate.
You didn't find one.
You're mistaken, this is
just a misunderstanding.
It's not, and I'm gonna report you.
(student gasps)
You better not fuck me on this.
I will make your academic
career a short one.
Threat too?
Just made this that much easier.
(slap resounds)
(door slams)
(ominous music)
(ornament smashes)
I've had enough of this.
(objects clatter)
I wanted it.
(knock on door)
Tonight,
we spill this blood
in the name
of Satan.
(Professor Warren screams)
[All] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Can I top you off?
Yeah, that'd be great.
How are you liking that book so far?
(indistinct)
Excuse me, can I go over to that table?
(cafe patrons chatter indistinctly)
[Waitress] Your book
looks pretty interesting.
[Patron] Bad day.
I have so many I have to
finish because if I didn't,
I'd probably be taking
that recommendation, but.
[Waitress] If you need
anything, just let me know, okay?
What a bitch.
This place definitely does not
have good customer service.
How'd you know where to find me?
(indistinct), little chilly
if you're not in school
you're in a coffee shop.
Good call.
So are you stalking me or something?
No, stalking is too strong a word.
- Ah.
- Shadowing.
Mm.
Is that always creepy?
Not really, no.
You want a coffee or something?
I don't touch the stuff.
So then why are you here?
To see you.
I just like hanging out with you.
We can hang out way better than this.
Like what?
Well, maybe I'm over selling it.
Next weekend, my family's doing
their big New Year's party thing.
They do it early to get
the whole family thing.
Anyway, say I can bring a friend,
but never really had a friend until now.
Isn't it a little early
to meet your family?
Yes, but hear me out.
My dad's convinced I don't
know any girls at all.
That might help a little bit.
If you get tied up with me though,
you're gonna get your heart broken.
I'm willing to roll the dice.
All right.
I promise to go to your family's party
if you promise not to ditch me.
I'm not really a people person.
I'll be by your side the whole time.
Deal, then.
Hey, how's everything going?
Can I get you anything else?
Nah, see, my friend
here hates coffee, so.
Okay, well, I'll be around
if you do need anything,
just let me know, okay?
- It's 2:00 AM.
- I know.
Are you going to work tomorrow?
Yeah, unless the place burns down.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Come on.
You know I can't stay asleep
unless you are hogging the bed.
Yeah, I'll be to bed soon.
I'll be to bed soon.
(pouring liquor gurgles)
You need to go to bed.
You know, I think that
you're losing yourself.
You don't see yourself
as everyone else does,
as I do.
- I'm okay.
Well, your okay isn't okay, though.
You aren't happy and I hate that
and I wanna help.
I'm here, I'm right here.
No, listen.
I want us back.
I want our lives back
you know?
Look, I'll get a
handle on it, all right?
I promise.
I'm just a little overwhelmed
and I'll figure it out.
Well, look, you don't
need to figure this out
all by yourself, you know?
You can lean on me.
You used to read the Bible all the time
and it's like you don't
even have faith in it.
I don't wanna talk about this.
You know, you used to say
that God will always bail us out.
You know?
You not believe that anymore?
I get it.
I get what you're saying.
I got a lot on my plate.
- Yeah.
And I'm still waiting to be bailed out.
Maybe God skips every other house,
or maybe He's a Scientologist.
See?
You used to be happy.
You know, and I want that.
I want that for you.
Okay.
- Yeah?
- All right.
Yeah. I, yep.
Listen,
I want you to open up, okay?
And I want you to let me help.
Sure.
Yeah?
Okay.
You coming to bed?
- Sure.
- Okay.
(pouring liquor gurgles)
Well, you don't see that every day.
Yeah.
Did you speak to the dean?
Yeah, he said he was a
well-respected educator,
loved by everyone.
Well, somebody didn't.
We need to find out who?
Do you see him?
Guy behind the tree?
Yeah, the guy behind the tree.
Yep, I see him.
Let's go talk to him.
Leave me.
Leave me alone, leave me alone.
Hey, leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Hey.
Hey.
Leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Who are you?
I'm the groundskeeper, I'm Rufus.
Listen, tell us what happened.
I didn't do nothing.
Tell us what happened.
Do you know Professor Warren?
He's a prick, I'm glad he's dead.
Did you have something
to do with I with that?
[Rufus] I didn't do anything.
Whoa, whoa, drop it, Rufus, drop it.
(loud bang resonates)
Drop it.
[Rufus] I didn't do anything.
Yeah, I didn't do anything.
[Rufus] I didn't do anything.
Didn't do anything.
Just call my mom.
Call my mother.
- What are those pills?
Call my mom, I didn't do anything.
It's not the murder weapon.
You're under arrest
because drug possession
and running from the police are something.
Get him out of here.
- Mom, Mom.
[Detective] Get up, get up, come on.
(girls laugh)
Debbie, what are you doing in my room?
Well, I did knock on the door
but your dad may have had
one too many last night,
but he's alive.
He's still breathing.
So, I let myself in.
Yeah.
He was supposed to be
at work two hours ago.
Do you want me to leave?
I can go if you wanna deal with your Dad.
No, no, no, no.
It's okay, it's fine.
It's okay.
Look, it's the elephant in the room.
Mom and I have talked to him,
but he has no interest in fixing it.
It sucks.
Yeah, grabs a hold of people.
Sure does.
Grabbed a hold of my dad five years ago
when his job started to go haywire.
And now, now when he is not working,
he's usually drinking and
passing out somewhere.
I just wish the dad that I used to know
would come around sometimes.
All right, let's go, I gotta get changed.
Class starts in 40 minutes.
Well, actually that's why I'm here.
Yeah, yeah, I know, let's go.
No, no, they canceled.
Mr. Warren was gutted last night
like a Thanksgiving turkey.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, what?
Yeah, yeah.
They found his body this morning.
Someone killed him last night.
Wait, wait, Jennifer was
grading tests with him.
Is she okay?
[Debbie] Jennifer?
Yeah, no, she's the
TA in our stats class.
Oh, oh, well, there you go.
I'm sleeping through that shit.
Oh my God, this is terrible.
[Debbie] Yeah, it is.
So, coffees and conversation?
About time you got here, you're late.
Traffic was a bitch,
what do you want me to say?
You're a bitch, I'm sick
and tired of covering for you.
You show up late one more
time, you're out on your ass.
Well what, are you gonna
have Daddy fire me, Billy?
Go complain to Daddy
and watch what happens.
(Billy sighs)
(Debbie and Natalie chatter indistinctly)
Any suspects?
No, not that I've been told.
I just know he has been killed.
Had to be some disgruntled student.
Kids take grades way too seriously.
I guess so.
How are you holding up?
Why do you ask?
Well, it's no secret you go
missing in between classes.
You're not in the lunchroom.
You're not in the library.
- I'm at the green.
- The green?
Yeah, I find a nice little
bench and just sit there.
That's antisocial.
You're supposed to be mixing in
and breaking out of that shell.
I like my shell.
Okay, fine, but stop being antisocial.
Okay, it is antisocial.
But you know, I don't
click with most people.
Well, what about me?
Well, that's a stupid question.
Okay, I guess it is.
But I wanna see you mingle.
Greg and I are planning a double
date with his friend Steve,
and I think you would have a good time.
I'm sorry, I can't.
Why?
Well, I met a guy
and we're kind of in the beginning stages
of becoming a thing.
Oh yeah, do I know him?
His name's Jason.
He's in a few of our classes.
Okay, well point him out next time.
- Okay.
- Okay, so you have a guy
and that's good.
I'm worrying about you a lot less now.
Don't worry about me.
I'll always worry about you.
I love you to pieces, knucklehead.
Yeah, yeah, I love you too.
- Please.
- I guess.
Boom, chakalaka.
(Debbie and Natalie laugh)
Tonight,
blood will flow
on the streets
like a river.
[Group] Hail Satan.
They think that they
teach their children?
We will have the final say.
[Group] Hail Satan.
Our way
will become their law.
[Group] Hail Satan.
(leader laughs)
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
You're home late.
I was out with Deb.
What's the matter?
I saw on the news that
they found another body.
I'm getting less and less comfortable
with you going to that damn school.
I have to go, Mom.
Well, what about online?
You said you always wanted to do that.
It's okay, look, I am okay, Mom.
I know all about stranger danger.
This isn't a joke.
(door slams)
What's wrong, Dad?
They fired me.
They just let me go.
- What, why?
I fell asleep at my damn desk
because all the hours they
keep piling on top of me.
They sent me away for a drug test
and said I had too much
alcohol in my blood.
Can you fight it?
Hey, but, Mom, Dad, look.
This is a wake-up call.
You have to do something
about the drinking.
You don't get it, honey.
They'll nail you if you have one beer.
Well, you're having
more than a beer, okay?
No, I'm the father here
and I don't need your mothering.
Sweetie, why don't you
give us a minute, okay?
You have taken on way too much, okay?
This isn't like you.
You are the strongest man that I know.
You must not know any other men.
Come on.
No jokes.
I have looked away for far too long
because you were in so much pain
and I didn't wanna add to it.
But I am not going to look away anymore.
We are going to get you the
help that you need to kick this.
What, what, rehab?
No, no, no, no, no, look,
I'll pray really hard on it tonight,
but I'm not gonna have
some over educated jerk
tell me what I need to do.
If I had a problem, you
would tell me to solve it.
You would force me to address the issue.
Well, I'm gonna force
you to address yours now.
Pack up your shit and we're gonna go.
You're not forcing
me to do anything, Liz.
I'm sick and tired of
you and everyone else
imposing shit on me.
Well, I'm sick and tired
of picking up the pieces and pretending
that everything is normal
while you are passed out drunk
on the living room floor.
That is what I'm sick of.
I am sick of watching you kill yourself.
And I am not gonna do it anymore.
I'm not gonna stand by and
watch you kill yourself
one drink at a time.
So if you are not going to go to rehab
then you're getting the hell out.
(door slams)
(pensive music)
(ominous music)
(insects chirp)
Tonight,
we sacrifice this man
in the name of Satan.
Why are you doing this to me?
We spill his blood
in the honor
of our master.
God, help me.
- There is no help.
- God help me.
There is no help for you.
This man wants to know
why we're doing this.
You're weak
and pathetic.
(knife stabs wetly)
Why have You forsaken me?
[Group] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
What's wrong?
Your dad left me.
He said I was too controlling
and he needed some time away.
He'll be back.
I think that I pushed
him too hard this time.
No, no, he needed to hear it.
Look, I know Dad.
He's sitting in some hotel somewhere
and it's only a matter of
time before he checks himself
into a rehab center.
He knows you're right.
He just needs to step
over his ego and admit it.
(Natalie sobs)
- Hey.
- Hey.
Can I trust you with some information?
Yeah, of course.
My dad used to be a detective.
There have been several murders
all linked one way or another.
So, a serial killer then?
No, a Satanic cult.
Those still exist?
Oh yes.
My dad said the leader has
this huge, goat head mask
and doing human sacrifices.
What?
I had a dream like that
just a couple nights ago.
I mean, I saw a cult in my dream.
What do you think that means?
I dunno.
Okay, so I used to think that I had
some sort of psychic
abilities when I was little.
I used to be able to pick
all the numbers on the wheel
at the fair.
At least, that's how I remember it.
Maybe you are psychic.
Maybe you can solve the case.
You might know exactly
who's doing the murders.
Yeah, like I'm not considered
weird enough already.
Just walk into the police station, say,
"Hi everyone, I'm Natalie
Parker, I'm a psychic.
Do you need any help
with your Satanic cult?"
Yeah, they would think you were crazy.
- Yeah.
- So let's keep this stuff
between us for now.
If you have any visions, let me know
and I'll try to tell my father
without actually telling my father.
Driving through our memories
You and me, we were making plans
To be forever, babe
I know you don't need me
But to see you and me,
we can make it happen
Be my forever, babe
Leave the light on for me
Honey, let me me down slowly
I've never been a
dreamer til I met you
I know I don't deserve it
But honey, I need it
I've never been a
dreamer til I met you
(ominous music)
[Cult Member] Hail Satan.
[Group] Hail Satan.
[Cult Member] Hail Satan.
[Group] Hail Satan.
[Cult Member] Hail Satan.
[Group] Hail Satan.
(suspenseful music)
Oh, sweet Natalie.
Fear not.
Your time has not yet come,
though
it will soon.
- [Natalie] Please don't.
- Don't beg.
Begging is for the weak.
You have to be strong,
strong so that you can be
in service to our master.
(suspenseful music continues)
(gentle music)
What are you doing out here?
- They came for me.
- Who?
The cult, they chased
me here last night.
Geez, that's all in your head.
We were talking about it,
you had this nightmare.
No, no, no, no, I
was awake, I was awake.
There's a state where you can be
awake and asleep at
the same time, sort of.
Maybe, I don't know.
Maybe that happened.
I don't know.
I'll catch up with you later.
- Okay.
- In class.
Bye.
- Hey, Nat.
- Hey.
Hey, what are you doing out here?
I guess I sleep walked or something.
People were telling me they seen
a weird girl walking
around in her pajamas.
And for some reason, you came to mind.
An educated guess, for sure.
Any updates on your dad?
No, I still haven't
heard anything from him
and I'm really getting worried.
Well, you should go talk to the police.
I mean, he left a note so
he's not technically missing.
Yeah, well have them
do a wellness check.
Remember, your dad is in
a dark place right now.
At least have the cops check on him
and then we'll have peace of mind.
I'll do that.
But not like that, though.
You should go home and
shower and look presentable.
You show up looking like that,
you look like you're
some homeless whack-job.
Hey (indistinct).
Sorry.
Natalie.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
It's fine, I wasn't
really waiting that long.
Good, what can I do for you?
So my father left my
mother a few nights ago and,
I'm sorry, I feel stupid being here.
No, that's all right, go on.
My father, he has this
problem with drinking
and my mom and I,
we called him out on
it a couple nights ago
and we haven't heard
anything from him since.
I mean, even the messages I
sent him aren't delivering.
I was hoping for a
wellness check, I guess.
I just wanna make sure that he's okay.
That's reasonable.
Do you have any idea where he's staying?
Not really.
I think a hotel somewhere, maybe.
Well, that's easy enough.
I'll make some calls and let
you know what I come up with.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you so much.
And good luck with the
Professor Warren case.
I really hope you find
the people that did it.
You knew Warren?
Yeah, I was one of his students.
- Sit back down.
- Okay.
Tell me about Warren.
What do you know?
What have you heard?
I haven't really heard anything
that hasn't been on the news, so.
Come on, Natalie.
You're in the mix.
You're talking to
students every single day.
There must be rumors.
I mean, I don't really
talk to a lot of people.
I'm usually alone.
You know, you said something
that I find very curious.
What did I say?
You said that you hoped we
found the people that did it.
You didn't say person,
you said people.
I really don't know who actually did it.
I just, I don't know.
I guess this kind of hit a
little close to home for me.
Do you want me to tell you
what I know about Warren?
Sure, yeah, I guess so.
Warren is the sort of slime
that made me wanna look the other way
when he was taken out.
I applaud the person that did it.
He's got some nasty shit on his record.
He got his degree in prison
and then the college hired him.
None of the parents were notified.
No child is safe.
And every single female
student I've spoken to
has said the same thing.
They said he was creep.
Was he a creep, Natalie?
Yeah, I suppose he was.
Let me rephrase that.
Was he a creep to you?
Yeah.
You have a world of potential, Natalie,
and you're throwing it all away.
I want to know why.
I swear I turned in those assignments.
If you turned them in,
I'd have them, wouldn't I?
I don't know why you don't have them.
I swear, I swear I turned them in.
You have a D average now.
What are we gonna do about that?
I can redo them.
There isn't enough time.
Then, then what?
Oh,
I'm sure we can think of something.
(Professor Warren laughs)
Same story across the board.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Can I go now?
Sure.
Stop at the front desk.
They'll give you some forms to fill out.
Thank you.
So how's Nat doing?
As okay as can be expected, I guess.
I really appreciate
you being there for her.
You're such a good friend
and she needs that right now.
It's easy to be her friend.
She's a great person.
So tell me about Jason.
Jason?
You know, her friend.
Him.
I mean, I would if I could.
I never get to meet him.
I had a feeling she'd hide him.
You know, she's just always so afraid
of being judged, you know?
She'll be fine, you know Nat.
She's a shy chick.
She'll open up.
- Hey, sweetie.
- Hello.
Look, who is here.
Yes, it's Debbie, but
thank you for telling me.
Well, I didn't want you to miss her.
You girls want me to
order some pizza for you?
- Yeah, sure.
- Sure.
I never turn down pizza.
Smart girl.
All right, you two.
It's been too long
since we've done this,
girls night with pizza.
Yeah, simpler times.
It's funny how we wanna grow up so quickly
and when we do, we wanna run back.
I think you're right.
I mean, I think I could be 15 forever.
Yeah,
they say the world is ahead of us,
but that world is pretty scary, isn't it?
It is.
I mean, I think about my
parents and I ask myself,
do I want that?
And if not, what's the alternative?
When we graduate, do
we just move on to jobs
and marriage and kids and that's that?
Seems that way.
I just hope I find a guy
that isn't so burdened
with demons like my father was.
Yeah, well, at least you recognize it.
You know what you're looking for.
I got no clue.
What the hell are you talking about?
You've got your shit together.
I mean, you're always out with somebody.
Yeah, and what does that tell you?
I got no clue, Nat.
I don't know, I just put myself out there
and hope that something clicks.
And so far, nothing.
I think we need to
focus on making our lives
the best ever.
I mean, I don't want a job to
crush me like my dad's did.
I don't wanna just spin my wheels.
I wanna make things count.
Does that include Jason?
I mean, I don't know.
I dunno.
We haven't gotten that far yet.
Well, how far have you gotten?
Not far at all.
We are still in the beginning stages,
just seeing where things go.
When do I get to meet him?
I don't know.
I mean, I'm not hiding him from you.
Let's set up a double date.
You, Jason, me, and
somebody, I'll figure it out.
All right, deal.
Now, how did the police station go?
Did you make a report?
Yeah, but I talked too much.
I brought up Professor Warren,
and now I think the detective
suspected I was involved.
What?
Yeah, no, I think they have no clues
and are just looking for
any clues or suspects.
So you are a suspect?
No, no, no, no, no.
I think they're just grasping at straws.
Ugh, Jesus.
Amanda Lane.
The decomposition, she must
have been killed a few days ago.
What's going on in this town, right?
It has a cancer.
The longer we let it go,
the more it will spread.
So we have to cut the
cancer out of this town
and do it right now.
All right, so what's
the story with Lane?
Another professor at the college.
Same college as Professor Warren.'
Yeah, she was a psychology professor.
Two dead professors.
We may have a college student
committing these murders.
[Detective] Yeah, maybe.
What other possibilities
do you have in mind?
I don't know, custodians?
I mean, they're not well vetted, right?
They could have criminal records.
Clean enough shitters in your lifetime,
you're bound to kill somebody.
Hey, I ever tell you I used
to work at Burger King?
- No.
- Yeah, I mean,
they blew that shit up every hour.
Jesus, they got so bad,
I was ready to pull an
Uzi and kill everybody.
Instead, you went into law enforcement.
I like helping people.
My parents are so eager to meet you.
I'm not really eager to meet them.
Really?
Why not?
My head's not in a good place, Jason.
I don't know where the hell my dad is.
And your family's gonna
want something from me
and I don't know if I have
what they're looking for.
You have what I'm looking for.
That's all that matters.
That's what they want.
My family always wanted
me to do well in life.
And academically, I did.
Socially, not so much.
Why does that sound so familiar?
This party might be intimidating,
and my family is only scary
because it's easy to fear the unknown.
They're pussy cats.
All right, they are
going to love you, okay?
[Natalie] I promise
I won't embarrass you.
You're gonna make me look good.
I got myself into a
world full of trouble
I've been losing my
head, losing the battle
I drag myself downtown
but I'm not there
I got myself into a
world full of trouble
I reach for the stars
but I cannot go higher
I'm on a paper plane
flying into your fire
Did I ever tell you
you remind me of my wife?
I always assumed no woman
would ever put up with you.
Oh, never underestimate
the desperation of women.
If I am anything like your
wife, she must be awesome
but have really bad taste.
Yes.
Yes.
No, really though, you're
tough, you're smart,
you're resourceful, you're pretty,
you're a total bitch,
you're dedicated and so on.
I heard what you threw in there, Adams.
I was hoping you wouldn't catch that.
Okay, so what's got you
in total bitch mode?
This case, this whole thing.
And the fact that they're not
canceling school over this.
What else do they need?
Snow.
I am going to shoot you, I swear to God.
(Detectives laugh)
[Cult Members] Hail Satan
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Do you know anything?
We don't have any suspects just yet,
but we do have some leads.
Do you think is the guy that killed
the other professor killed my sister?
I have no direct evidence
to support that just yet.
And I don't wanna
speculate or create panic.
Could just be a coincidence.
Okay.
Do you know anyone she's been seeing,
anyone she's been hanging out with?
She's didn't have a boyfriend.
Yeah, teaching was her life.
She even tutored kids on her own dime.
It's just who she was.
I wanna thank you for your time.
You are gonna catch the guy, right?
We're gonna take down
that son of a bitch.
- Come in.
- Hi.
Oh, see?
What's up, he brought a girl.
Hello.
- Hi, hello.
[Dwight] I'm Dwight.
- I'm Natalie.
- [Dwight] Nice to meet you.
Natalie, come on in.
(tense music)
- Hi.
- Natalie.
Natalie, it's a pleasure to have you.
We've heard so much about you.
The pleasure's all mine.
My family move.
It's my lovely wife, Kristen.
Hello.
This is my niece, Ava, my dad, Bill.
Hello.
- Welcome.
- Thank you.
This sack of sour nuts, right?
Who are you?
What's his name again?
It's my cousin, Alex.
My dad's not really his biggest fan.
[Natalie] I see that.
Jason, I love Alex.
He's just not very impressive.
You know, you and your
insults are getting so old.
You know, I don't know how much longer
I'm gonna keep coming
to these family parties.
Oh, oh no.
You mean I get to have less
aggravation and more food?
You can keep your food
from the Dollar Store.
All families are fucked up.
I want Natalie Parker
in my office tonight.
Not tomorrow, not next week,
tonight.
Move to a small town, they say.
I like working in a small town.
What could possibly happen?
What could happen?
What could happen?
Hell itself happened.
And I don't think the
devil's got his due yet.
[Natalie] So why do you guys celebrate
New Year's so early?
My grandmother started it,
indirectly, I suppose.
She had stage four cancer
and she wanted to make it to New Year's,
but when it was obvious
she wasn't gonna make it,
we threw this for her.
Now it's a tradition.
I'm sorry for your loss.
So, are you
Jason's mom?
Stepmom, actually.
I married his dad four years ago.
How's that going?
It's great, I love Dwight, love Jason.
It's a good life.
But coming in as a step-parent isn't
really a winnable situation.
You have to earn your way in, like me.
Not like you.
Jason has been a concern for a long time.
Concern, why?
You met his dad, he can't shut up.
Jason is the opposite.
He's shy, he's quiet.
We had to light a fire under
his ass to go to college.
When he told us he was bringing someone,
we were so happy he was finally mingling.
He's a great guy,
a very gentle soul.
But don't worry, my parents
have the same concerns about me.
It's a new world.
I think my generation
needs to catch up to it.
Things operate differently.
You guys probably have
things in total control
and we just can't see it yet.
I mean, if you say so.
Warren,
Lane,
James Parker.
I'm telling you, she's connected.
Put 'em all together like
that, of course it's convincing.
You don't think she's involved?
She doesn't look like a killer.
How does a killer look?
Eye patch, tattoos, wielding a knife
or a gun or screaming,
"I'm gonna kill you."
Well, if you see somebody
like that, let me know.
Maybe wearing a mask
made outta skin, hmm?
Ed Gein?
Oh, the "Chainsaw Massacre" thing.
That movie.
I don't,
I love that movie.
Okay.
So, what's your major?
Theology.
Bible chick.
No, chick that didn't
know what major to pick.
And my dad has a degree in it.
He's paying for my college,
so I wanted to make him happy.
Well, that makes Daddy happy.
Does that make you happy?
I don't know, I mean, I'm not unhappy.
I'm enjoying the experience
and who knows what the
future has in store for me?
Kind of just going with the flow.
I'll see what the future holds for me.
Hey, you know that saying,
you don't choose your
destiny, it chooses you?
Sure, I think so.
Don't get discouraged
or second guess yourself.
You'll find your path
you're supposed to be on.
I believe it.
So what do you do, Eva?
Actually, I'm in school full-time too.
Doing criminal justice.
You know, the family business.
We have cops, detectives,
lawyers, judges, you name it, we got it.
Alcoholics, drug addicts,
creepy uncles, you name it.
Oh, yeah.
We have skeletons in our
closet, that's for sure.
So considering your chosen fields,
are you following the murders?
Oh yeah.
So,
Jason's going to a school
where people are turning up dead.
How do you feel about that?
Okay, I guess.
I mean, Jason's kept his cool
and it's really helped my anxiety.
But I dunno,
I'm really worried.
My dad, he went missing a few nights ago
and I can't help thinking
that something bad has happened to him,
that it's connected to the murder somehow.
Listen, you gotta talk to Uncle Dwight.
He used to be the lead
detective in Springfield.
He'll know what's going on.
I don't wanna do it at the party.
Oh, it's nothing, come on.
Hey Uncle Dwight, we need
you in the living room.
It's important.
- [Debbie] Hello.
- Hi, Debbie.
Please have a seat.
What's going on here?
You're not in any trouble.
I just need a little bit of information
and then I'll cut you loose.
Cut me loose from what?
I'm not getting what the
hell's going on here.
You've heard of the murders?
Yeah, it's all over the news.
Sure is.
Well, we found another victim tonight.
I can't get into too many details,
but it's a piece of the puzzle
I find interesting.
Somebody you know may be connected.
Oh yeah?
Natalie Parker.
Oh Jesus.
And why is her picture up there?
Is this a joke?
I mean, she wouldn't hurt a fly.
You're misunderstanding me.
I'm not saying she's killing anyone,
but she might have some
information as to who is.
If she knew anything,
she would've told me.
She may not know what she knows.
She knows nothing.
She has no information
and I have no information.
There are 3,000 students in that school
and you're zeroing in on her, why?
Because she came to report
her dad missing, that's why?
I can't get into too many details.
Okay,
you can't get into any details,
but you want all sorts of details from me.
We are only doing our job, Debbie.
We have bodies with toe tags.
And if we don't find the delivery person
that's filling up the morgue,
we're out on our asses.
Detective,
I don't have any information.
I know her dad went missing
and she's dating a guy named Jason.
Well, tell me about Jason.
Well, I haven't met him yet,
but she says he is a good guy
and I know she wouldn't
accept anyone who isn't.
Can you do me a favor?
Of course.
Can you keep this
meeting between us for now?
I will be meeting with
Natalie and Jason soon.
They aren't in any trouble,
so there's no need to rattle them.
They're in no trouble?
No trouble for now, you mean?
I mean, what I said.
If they've done nothing wrong,
they are in no trouble at all.
Okay.
Okay, great.
Well, thanks for coming in to see us.
You're welcome, I guess.
Would you like me to
walk you to your car?
No thanks, I'll be fine.
You know there used to be a time
when women would kill to have
me walk them to their car.
Oh, so what time was that?
You know this job is
turning you into a mean woman.
I'm not gonna lie to you.
Something strange going on in this town.
A plague that's been
going on for a while now.
My hubby has a real talent for drama.
Don't get scared.
- [Natalie] I'm fine.
- So
in 2014,
I took on a case that convinced me
to walk away and never come back.
It started with complaints
of abuse at a daycare center.
But when I got to talking to the kids,
they expressed fear
of something actually going on underneath.
I think I actually heard
something about this.
You heard what you were allowed to hear.
The case was buried.
All the things that the kids expressed
were completely dismissed.
The center itself
carried on to about 2021,
and then it was eventually demolished.
As they began removing the rubble,
they found a hole underneath
that lead underground,
Satanic symbolism,
pentagram on the floor,
dried bloodstains everywhere.
What the kids feared was incredibly true.
As usual, my bosses dismissed it.
They didn't want to hear it then,
and they don't want to hear it now.
Why do you think that is?
Is it not obvious?
They're in on it.
- The cops?
- Yes, Natalie, the cops.
Have you ever actually met a good cop?
The press would have you to believe
that this is a group of drunk teens
running around killing animals.
Oh, no, no.
This is a blood cult
comprised of everyday people,
all walks of life.
They're on the hunt for
sacrifices even now.
If the cops are in on
it, then what do we do?
Nothing.
You see a guy in a robe,
run and don't look back.
I've already seen one.
[Dwight] You saw one?
Now, that's interesting.
I don't know, maybe it was just a dream,
but whatever the hell
it was, it felt real.
It was a guy in a goat head mask
and some other guys in black robes.
That's the trouble with cult members.
They hide their faces.
That's how they get away with it.
No, they get away with it
because they're the ones in charge
and they're not gonna arrest themselves.
What gets me is why are they
targeting faculty members,
college professors.
Any ideas, Natalie?
None, no.
We have no idea, Dad.
You're the one with
knowledge on this shit.
What's your best guess?
Why the murders and why are
they killing our professors?
I don't know.
Maybe it is
a cell of cult members inside the school
made up of faculty or shit,
even college kids probably.
I don't know.
One thing's for sure.
This cult leader is demanding sacrifices
and those college professors were
just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Papa, you should tell her your story.
That's a good one.
I don't wanna scare the young girl.
Natalie, this is a party.
You should be laughing, having fun.
[Natalie] No, it's okay.
No, now this is putting
a damper on the party.
Let's do something fun instead.
It's okay, Jason, I'm fine.
I wanna hear it.
All right, well, full warning.
My dad here was injured sometime
in the forest a while ago
and he's been on bed rest
for about four years now.
He watches way too much
(indistinct) channel.
So some recollection might
be a little exaggerated.
What I tell you is true.
It was many years ago.
I was driving on patrol, nighttime.
Car comes past me at high speed
and was swerving all over the road.
So, I pulled them over.
I got their keys and I
was checking the car.
In the trunk was a girl in a white gown.
She was tied up in there.
So of course, I went to
arrest them immediately.
And I was blinded by
some bright headlights.
Whoever I pulled over
wasn't traveling alone.
That car hit me, knocked
me down, knocked me out.
I was groggy, in and outta consciousness.
When I came to my senses, I was in a field
tied up to a cross,
face to face with a damn goat head.
It was a mask.
The cult leader,
they let me go that night,
but I got the message.
And the girl?
Couldn't tell you.
They must have killed her that night.
I wish there was something I
could have done to save her.
Uncle Dwight, her dad is missing.
Can you help her?
Well, have you reported it?
Yeah.
And what did they say?
Not much, they basically
treated me like a criminal.
No surprise there, they're useless.
Look, Natalie, you and I are gonna meet.
You are gonna bring me all
the information that you have.
I'm gonna pull together all my resources.
We are gonna find your dad.
Thank you, sir.
Don't call me sir, call me Dwight.
Thanks, Dwight.
Hey, where's your bathroom?
Down the hall on the right.
Jason, you might wanna check in on her.
Yes.
(tense music)
Natalie?
Mrs Parker?
(tense music escalates)
Is this Detective Trent?
(Natalie sniffs)
Hey, I'm sorry, that was too much.
- No.
- I should have set
ground rules, only happy stuff.
No, it's okay.
I'm okay.
I'm sorry for losing it for a second.
Your dad's missing and my family starts
telling horror stories.
It's easy to see why you got upset.
Look, I'm sure your dad's fine.
I hope you're right.
I am.
Okay, I'm good.
How are you doing?
Not good.
I'm not good at all.
My best friend is missing
and a second mother to me is dead
in a house that I nearly grew up in.
I'm so sorry.
I understand, but I need to find Natalie.
I know.
Listen, if you have any
other information about her,
you need to let us know
and we need to know now,
Her boyfriend's last name is Evans.
That's all I know.
And I have her cell phone number too,
but she's not answering.
Okay, I think we have that.
Look, let's track down this Jason Evans.
I'll find out what he's about.
Hey, I need some
information on Jason Evans.
He's a college student at the university.
(voices chatter indistinctly)
(upbeat music)
Slow the motion
Slow the road that you're on
Keep it going
Oh, full disclosure,
I'm not of drinking age.
I see, (indistinct).
Okay.
In the end, we are one
I have the passion
In my soul
Because I know that it's worthy
These affirmations
Let me know that I'm already perfect
(indistinct) yes, I am
100 miles up, say yes I can
Is it all us, say yes, I am
Yes, I am
Yes, I am
(indistinct) say, yes, I am
100 miles up, say yes I can
(indistinct, distorted singing)
(phone rings)
This is Trent.
It's about time you called me back.
Wait, hold on.
Say that again.
And this has been confirmed?
Okay, thank you.
I'm glad you're sitting down.
There is no record
of any Jason Evans taking any
classes at the university.
What?
What do you mean?
What I mean is Jason Evans
isn't who he says he is.
He's a shadow.
And your friend might be in great danger
if we don't find out
who this guy really is.
This isn't real.
This isn't real.
This is just a dream.
No, no, no, no, no.
Oh, no, no, not a dream.
More like
a nightmare.
No, Jason.
Jason, help me.
Help me.
Help her.
Help her, Jason.
(Dwight laughs)
Jason?
No.
I'm sorry, Nat.
I really did like you.
I wish we didn't have to do this.
You do what's commanded of you.
You do what is pleasing to our master.
Please, just let me go.
I can't do that.
You can't or you won't?
Nat, we need a virgin.
And try finding one at that school.
But don't worry, though.
Now your life has a purpose.
Remember, you told me you wanted one?
Now your life has purpose.
No, your religion is a lie.
You're following a fucking lie.
A lie?
You're gonna learn the truth real soon.
So many people have dismissed us.
But you are gonna learn just like they did
that we are very real.
Did you kill my father?
Oh, you're upset enough as it is.
Nat, just relax.
Pain will only last a minute.
Now we offer up our
most precious sacrifice
to our master.
[Group] Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
Hail Satan.
She's not answering.
Can you ping her phone?
I'll try.
Nothing.
Shit, keep trying.
Any last words?
I actually do.
[Dwight] What's that, sweetheart?
Thank you.
(Dwight screams)
[Cult Member] Kill that bitch.
(locked door rattles)
(Natalie yells)
Come on, now, let me in.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on, Natalie.
Come on, come on.
(Alex yells)
Natalie.
Natalie, where are you?
(Alex yells)
(wet stabbing resounds repeatedly)
(tense music)
(Ava screams)
(tense music continues)
Holy shit, her phone pinged.
Hand it to me.
19 Corbus Street.
Adams, grab the car.
[Detective] Got it, anything else?
Yes, hit the noise and cherries.
Tell me how much she suffered.
I wanna hear every detail.
Are you gonna tell me or what?
Ava, you tell me right
now how she suffered.
How did that bitch die?
With a knife through her throat?
(wet stabbing resounds)
(Kristen gasps and groans)
(tense music continues)
How you doing, Uncle Samuel?
Hello.
You know something, you can just leave.
Go ahead, right off the bat.
I'll hold people back here.
Go ahead.
(tense music continues)
All right,
okay.
All right, that's good.
All right, that's enough, that's enough.
That's it, the stairs.
(Samuel yells)
(wheelchair clatters)
(sirens blare)
What's our ETA?
[Detective] 30 minutes.
Step on it.
I'm doing 90.
If we go any faster, we'll
be traveling through time.
Hello, Jason.
I guess it's just you and me now
since I killed your entire family.
Thank God,
you saved me.
[Natalie] I saved you?
I wasn't even their kid.
I was a foster kid.
They only took me in to help them kill.
They said if I didn't
help them, they'd kill me.
They didn't give a shit about me.
Oh, so you would kill
me to appease them?
Never.
You and I are meant for each other.
I love you.
I love you.
And
now we can be happy.
I mean, we can travel the
world, say fuck these assholes.
Be free.
Just forget this.
Forget all the murders.
I never murdered anyone.
I did.
No, that was self-defense.
My scumbag family did it all.
I'll testify to that.
And you and I can live happily ever after.
(wet stabbing resounds)
(Jason gasps)
(wet stabbing resounds)
Debbie, I need you to stay back.
Adams, call it in.
Natalie.
Natalie.
- Oh my God.
They tried to kill me.
They did.
You're safe now, you're safe now.
Natalie, what am I
going to find in there?
Hell,
pure hell.
I'm putting you in handcuffs
for your safety and ours.
(Debbie sobs)
They were the ones killing people.
And Jason, he was with them too.
They were fucking Satanists.
Oh my God.
But I killed them.
I killed them, Deb.
I killed them all.
I'm just happy you're safe now.
You can't trust these detectives.
They're probably Satanists too.
That's what Dwight said.
Well, who's Dwight?
Jason's dad.
This is not a home.
It's a butcher shop.
How many bodies?
Five, six, I don't know.
Still got a couple rooms to go.
Jesus Christ, it's a nightmare.
[Detective] Yeah.
Well, thank God the girl survived.
I wouldn't thank God for that.
[Debbie] How's Natalie doing?
Well, she's told a tremendous story
about a Satanic cult,
about a boyfriend named Jason Evans
and so much more.
But there's a catch.
What?
None of What she said is real.
She made up the cult.
She made up the boyfriend.
So Jason, why are you here?
You're a creep.
No, no.
She's created all of it in her mind.
I'm sorry, I'm lost.
Apparently,
she felt that she didn't
have an interesting life.
She didn't have a boyfriend.
She didn't have a social life.
Her father was an alcoholic.
She was very depressed
and began fantasizing about a new life.
She craved something interesting.
(Professor Warren yells)
So, she made up the cult.
She made up the perfect
guy as a boyfriend.
So none of it was real?
Well, what about that
family at that house?
That was Jason's family, wasn't it?
Hi, may I help you?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
What are you doing?
Hi, I'm Natalie.
The pleasure's all mine.
No, no, no, no, who are you?
Get you need, you need, no.
Jason told me all about you.
No, no, no.
Look, you need to leave
and you need to leave now, young lady.
Well, babe, babe,
babe, call the police,
this girl's on something.
It was just a normal,
middle class family
that
Natalie believed was a cult
that wanted to kill her.
So it was just some innocent family?
Did she kill her mother too?
It looks that way.
She told me that her
mother was in the cult too.
We're still investigating.
She said everywhere she went,
she saw cult members.
[Debbie] Oh,
this is so unbelievable.
She's waiting for her lawyer.
(window bangs)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I can't help but feel
it's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm closing all feeling
I couldn't breathe when I didn't know
I'm losing sleep while
your (indistinct)
I wasn't scared that you (indistinct)
All I wanted was to love
(indistinct)
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I can't help but feel
it's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm losing all feeling
(indistinct)
I didn't know if I
wanted to be friends
(indistinct)
I didn't know if I
wanted to be friends
It's not you, it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I can't help but feel
it's not you it's me
Thinking of eternity
Tell me what you want
I'm losing all feeling
Thank you for meeting me like this.
I don't really know how all this works,
but with you by my side, think I'm okay.
So do you think I'll
be outta here by 5:00?
I like your chances.
(tense music)