Deadly Display (2023) Movie Script
Midnight on the wall.
And you're so far away.
If I could cut this tether
I'd be with you today.
The room is cold and silent.
But there is no other way.
If I could only touch you
I'd give it all away
I'd give it all away.
We do it all for love.
We know no other way.
We do it all for love.
We give it all away.
We do it all for love.
Science tells thousand stories.
Stories of your love.
The night is knocking at my window
I'm alone again.
I wonder where you are
I wonder what you'd say.
If I appeared outside your door.
And held you through the day.
This day is cold and silent.
But there is no other way.
Tomorrow, I will touch you.
And I'll give it all away
I'll give it all away.
We do it all for love.
We know no other way.
We do it all for love.
We give it all away.
We do it all for love.
The silence tells thousand stories.
Stories of your love.
This night will fade away.
And I will be with you again
I'll be with you again
I'll be with you again.
I'll be with you again.
Whoa.
That was great.
Yeah, we almost beat, actually.
Yeah.
I really liked that.
You up to much later?
Just hooking up with Louise in about...
Shit, 20 minutes ago.
Perfecto.
Hi, Dad.
Hey, Tess.
How'd the rehearsal go?
Awesome, considering
I'm practice in a few years.
Was Doug all right with you?
Yeah, like nothing even happened.
He was such a pro.
Honestly, it had me so nervous.
Anyway, you and mom about?
I can come round, show you my new costume.
It's so...
Whatever that is.
Send us a picture.
Listen, I've got a favor to ask you.
Would you mind staying on
at the club a little bit longer?
I've got plans today.
Can Scotland stay?
He's just finishing up lighting and sound.
It would only be for a few hours.
I've got someone who's
interested in buying the club.
He said he's going to drop
down there around 1:30.
So if you could show him around, keep
him happy until I get there.
His name's Edward.
Listen, sorry to spring
this on you last minute,
but it looks like he
might be willing to pay
over the asking price.
I was talking to him about you, actually.
Seems he used to work in the West End.
All the big shows.
Pretty sure he said
he's retired now, though.
Anyway, are you OK with all that?
Yeah, that's absolutely fine.
Oh, bless you, Tess.
I'll send you over the details.
Hey.
Hey.
Absolute magic on the stage today.
Yeah, completely agree.
Isn't Louise supposed to be
picking you up or something?
Yeah.
She's about as late as I am.
You know, perfect for each other.
We're going away to
her folks' for the weekend.
We've not been able to see
each other much recently.
Work's been hectic.
Ships passing in the night, as they say.
Well, you know how it is.
Yeah, I know how it was.
Is?
Sorry.
Yeah.
Tess, if we're going to make
this whole band thing work,
you've got to accept things how they are.
Doug, are you being serious?
What, because I look to you
in that one line on that song?
Oh, come on, it didn't mean anything.
It was just a song.
It made me feel uncomfortable.
I just thought you'd like to know.
I mean, yeah, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I won't do it again.
Honestly, Tess, I want this to work.
We deserve this.
But things are better now.
Nothing can hold us back.
Let's rock and...
Roll.
Yeah.
I better be off.
Doug, Doug.
It's a good... you know?
Oh, shit.
Yeah, cheers.
Later.
Practice, 10:00 AM.
Stupid bastard.
You scared me.
It's all gone?
Yeah.
You know that's Doug's?
He'll kill you if he sees you in it.
Need any help?
I'm good, thanks.
Hey, can't you read?
Staff only.
Surely I'm counted as staff.
At least today.
Just messing.
Well, actually, I do have someone coming
in 90 minutes for my
dad, so I would appreciate
a little bit of help.
Cool.
Hi Jess, it's Doug.
Just want to say thank you again for today.
Maybe things might work out between us
and we can be together again on on stage.
As a band, I mean.
I'm glad we can remain friends.
And Louise is coming to our next rehearsal.
She even said she doesn't mind doing some...
Well, I guess it's kick out time.
Afraid so.
Leave your glass on
the bar and I'll wash it up.
I appreciate it.
What are you up to later on?
I'm supposed to be having
cocktails with Melanie.
You know Mel, right?
Melanie.
Melanie Hopper from college.
She joined the army, didn't she?
Yeah, that's her.
So she's on leave at the moment.
Though, I've got to show some
guy around this place and then
wait for my dad.
Should be done around 4:00.
Would you mind if I joined you and Mel?
I mean, I could pick you up after.
Here, you give me a call
and we can go for a drink.
So I've got some ideas for
a music video for your band,
and I'd like to run that by you.
Yeah, that's great, Matt.
Actually, I was going to
run it through with Doug.
I completely forgot today.
So maybe the three of us could get together
and have a little brainstorm.
And I'm sure Doug will have
some really good ideas as well.
So yeah.
But thank you so much
for today, and cheers.
So much help.
You still like him, don't you?
I mean, it's none of my business.
But he's happy now.
You guys are getting
your band back together,
and I think you should
focus on what's important.
Yeah?
Didn't you just say it
was none of your business
and we should focus on what's important?
So what?
Were just drinking out there
to gain some Dutch courage
to ask me out or something?
You're a really nice guy, but...
But?
But how would it work?
It wouldn't be fair on Doug.
He'd feel like a third wheel.
Like I did?
OK, OK.
So you think now that the band
is back together and I'm single
and you're single, that
suddenly it's your go?
Don't make this any more
awkward than it already is.
You're right.
It's just that when I saw you again,
I remembered how much I really like you.
And how much I missed you.
As a friend.
But I just wanted to
see how things could go.
Maybe...
Look, Matt, now's not the time, OK?
It's not the time.
Hiya, are you Edward?
Excuse me?
Are you here to see the place?
Oh, yes.
Hi, I'm Tess.
You spoke to my dad earlier.
Oh, hi, yeah.
Sorry if I'm a bit late.
Oh, you're actually early.
If you just want to go
through and I'll lock up quick.
Cool.
Wow.
This place has changed.
Must be 20 years since I played here.
Oh, cool.
You're in a band.
What did you play?
Quite a few of my time.
Keyboards and backing vocals, mostly.
Hey, would you mind if I got on the stage?
No, no.
Go ahead.
This thing got power?
Sorry, no, my band was rehearsing earlier,
and we got a gig in a week.
Ah, I can imagine he was
the lead singer of a band.
I bet you've got the voice of an angel.
What's the name of your
band and when are they on?
I'll put it in the diary.
I'll come and support you.
So we're called Moments of Clarity.
It's post-nuke punk.
And we're playing Friday on the ninth.
Yeah, I like it.
I'll tell you what.
How about after you've shown
me around, you sing me a song.
I've managed a few bands in my time,
and, well, if I do take this
place on, we need live music.
And a house band would be amazing.
Plus, give me a chance
to listen to the acoustics
and check out the sound system.
Yeah, I'd love to.
I've got so many plans for this place.
Plays, film nights.
Why do one of your tracks?
Really?
You want to hear one of my tracks?
Oh, I don't know.
It's been a long time since
I've been in front of an audience.
Well, it's just going to be you and me,
and I'm going to be in
the sound booth, so...
I don't know.
I'll see how I feel.
Ah.
Weird being back on this stage.
Well, it wasn't on this
stage in particular, but...
I don't want to talk about it.
Sorry.
My dad's just messaged.
He said he's not going to make it down,
but he said if you are
interested in the place,
just give him a call later.
Oh, OK.
Yeah, I'll do that.
Listen, I hope this isn't
messing up your plans for today.
No, no, it's been a
doomed from the start day.
But you're not here to
listen to my problems.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Tess.
You know, sometimes
talking about your problems
can help you in gaining
a different perspective.
I know we've only just met
me, but I'm happy to listen.
Sometimes talking to a
stranger can be just as helpful
as talking to someone you know.
I really appreciate that, but as I said,
you're not here to listen to my problems,
so let's see the rest of the place,
and I'm sure a lot has
changed in the last five years.
Come on.
You're not going to answer that?
Three missed calls.
Don't worry.
He knows I'm busy.
You know that guy I saw
you at the door with earlier?
- Is that your boyfriend?
- What?
Matt?
No, no, he's my dad's handyman.
Ah.
Yeah, workplace relationships
can be very destructive.
I've been there, done that.
Right.
Do you want a drink?
Go on.
You twisted my arm.
So what do you think?
Do you know what?
I think I will put an
offer in on this place.
Your dad's done a great job with it.
Excellent.
Yeah, yeah, he really loved this place.
You're not having one?
I wasn't going to.
The way you were talking earlier,
I think you'd need more than a beer.
Come on, join me.
Oh, all right.
You twisted my arm.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Have you got any plans
for the rest of the day at all?
Are you OK?
It's the anniversary of
my wife's death today.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Oh, that's all right.
You didn't know.
And it's not likely to be
something you bring up, is it?
I visit her on the first
Monday of every month.
Comes around so fast.
Still, she's not very far
from here, so there's no rush.
We can still enjoy our drinks.
Here's to you, Alice.
And here's to the riches you've given me.
And thank you for making my dream of owning
my own nightclub come true.
And may your family rot
in their own personal hell
for what they did to me.
I'm sorry.
Got a bit dark there, Tess.
I'm sorry to hear they did
that... or whatever they did.
But if it helps, I think you seem
like a nice and genuine man.
Harmless, I hope.
Who's pissed at me.
I've never hurt anyone in my life.
Well, hey, didn't you say
you wanted to hear a song?
I think I've got just the right one.
Come on.
I wrote this song for Alice before...
Well, you know.
You know I have this feeling
you're not like the other ones.
Don't ask me why
I want to take you in my arms.
And hold you till it passes as you cry.
Don't really know what's good for you.
But all that I can do is truly try.
But at the end of promises and moments.
There is always goodbye.
There is always goodbye.
And every night, I dream of you
I hold your hand in mine.
An underlying need to
fill the emptiness inside.
And if you were here with me now
I'd stop the hands of time.
This night would last forever.
And we never say goodbye, goodbye.
Edward, are you OK?
Edward?
Hey, are you OK?
That was absolutely beautiful.
Alice must have loved it.
She hated it.
Now I feel like I hate it.
It's been so long since I played it.
You know when you think
you've repressed those feelings?
And something triggers them.
Like someone opened the floodgates
with traumatic memories.
I'm sorry, Jess.
You don't have to apologize for anything.
I loved it.
And it's Tess.
Tess, of course.
Listen, should we finish our drinks?
Great idea.
Edward?
Tess, are we alone here?
Yeah, of course.
Why?
I saw someone in your kitchen.
That's impossible.
I've locked up and the alarms are on, so...
Hello?
You know this place is haunted, don't you?
Did your dad never tell
you the history of this place?
Probably not.
It's extremely unpleasant.
It all happened on that very stage.
Hello?
Hello?
Edward?
Stop it.
It's just this mask reflected
in a mirror on the wall.
It's great.
Yeah.
That's Matt, the guy
you saw outside earlier.
Oh, that's your handyman, right?
Yeah, he is...
Dad loves him.
But not boyfriend material.
You're single, aren't you?
Not to be rude, but...
I know.
I know, it's none of my business.
That's what she always said.
She was wrong.
It was my business.
Look where it got her.
If you only knew the lengths
you went to destroy me,
to humiliate me, to make
me feel worthless in front
of her friends, my friends,
her family, my family.
And I'm the bad guy?
So I should go to jail?
Eight years, Tess.
I'm sorry.
I've made you feel nervous, haven't I?
It's just that I get carried away,
and, well, this place
holds so much nostalgia.
And then playing that song that I wrote,
maybe it's not such a good
idea taking this place on after all.
It's a lot to take on if you're
not in the right frame of mind.
I never said I wasn't in
the right frame of mind.
Hey, let's stop all this negative talk.
I'll tell you what, you get
your drink, I'll get the table,
and we'll go back to
having fun like we were.
There you go.
Hey, we've got a great
view of the stage, haven't we?
Yeah.
What play are we watching?
Excuse me?
I don't know.
I'm only having fun with you.
But I know I play we could watch.
It's called The Point of Murder.
Never heard of it.
Nobody has.
Apart from those that were
there on the opening night.
I wrote it.
It was a two-hander, but
they said that my performance
was most captivating.
They said that we'd take it to Broadway,
that it would win awards, but
it was never meant to be Tess.
The producer, my wife and co-star,
decided that she wanted
all the glory for herself.
She was jealous that I'd written
something so poignant, so deep.
So she changed a few things
and took credit for everything.
Nobody believed I wrote it.
We never performed the show again.
She couldn't find a
replacement for my part,
because I couldn't be replaced.
Her changes to the
script ruined everything.
Our relationship, my
career, and ultimately, her life.
You don't get eight years
for stealing a chocolate bar,
do you, Tess?
Have you ever lost the one
thing you trusted and loved
because of one mistake?
I'm really sorry to hear about your play.
That's not what I asked.
Have you ever lost the one
thing you trusted and loved
because of one mistake?
Yeah, hasn't everyone?
True.
So what about you, Tess?
What's your story?
I really don't want to get
into my personal life with you.
No offense, but I really don't know you.
Well, get to know me
whilst we're sitting here.
You've got no my plans.
Do you know what?
Fuck that bitch.
I've shown her enough respect.
How many times can you
say you're sorry before it
loses all meaning?
I really don't feel comfortable.
I want you to go.
Can you leave?
I'm sorry.
I've scared you, haven't I?
That wasn't my intention.
It's just some people are more
open than others searching
for answers, and sometimes
they can come from the strangest
of places or people.
Believe me, Tess, I only want to help.
This is one of those pranks, right?
Is that like microphones
and cameras around?
Under the table?
Did my dad put you up for this?
Now you're scaring me.
Was it Doug?
Oh, who's that?
Is that your brother?
Do you really not know who he is?
You're freaking me out.
I want you to go.
But I haven't finished my drink.
I am sure you can drink
as fast as you can talk.
Oh, Tess, this isn't a
prank or an intervention.
It's just me being an idiot and making
people feel uncomfortable.
That's the reason that I
wanted to take on this place.
Just in the hope of making some friends.
Someone that could listen to
you as they told me their conflicts
and worries.
And maybe if their life need
fixing, I could fix it for them.
And then when I saw you this morning,
I saw someone that was conflicted,
that was held back by the past.
I thought that if I opened
up to you about my problems,
that you'd open up to me.
Edward, you have to understand that not
everyone is going to
open up about their lives
and personal problems.
And telling people that
you killed your wife...
Hang on a minute.
I never said I killed her.
If you must know, it was manslaughter.
Hence the short sentence.
If this was our first date, I
think I would have blown it.
I really don't think we'd have worked.
No offense.
None taken.
Well, I guess I'd better
be making a move, Tess.
Thanks for your hospitality.
Perhaps I should go to
the graveyard after all.
Yeah.
I'll see you out.
I spoke to your father.
I've decided to take this place on.
Oh, that's great news.
He said that I could wait
inside until he arrives.
I'd really rather you didn't.
There is a coffee shop
just across the road.
Or one up there.
Really?
You loved my song.
I didn't hurt you.
I just wanted someone to talk to.
Can I at least come in
and take my medication
with a glass of water?
I should have taken them half an hour ago.
Please?
OK.
Just quick.
I see you left our table.
Yeah, I was just cleaning
up when you came back, so.
Was it worth it?
I don't know what you're on about.
Letting me back in.
I thought maybe we could sing together
while we wait for your dad.
Well?
What do you say?
I'm really not in the mood.
No problem.
Hang on.
I don't really need to
ask your permission, do I?
I own this place.
Yeah.
Really not in the mood to sing.
Shame.
Still, if you've got things to do,
maybe I could play you
some of my new material.
I think you'll like it.
Oh, shit.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Have you got a mop and bucket?
I'll clean it up.
No, it's fine. I'll do it.
I'll do it.
So, so clumsy of me.
It was an accident.
It's fine.
There's no power.
Yeah, I turned it off.
Wait.
Don't go.
We haven't finished yet.
This could have gone many ways, Tess.
You and I. You seem
to have chosen this path.
Whether you like it or
not, this is your reality.
Your fate.
Do you ever look up at the night sky,
stare at the stars and imagine that they're
an SOS from another world, hoping someone
will come and rescue them?
Still twinkling and flashing.
Like a beacon of hope when
everybody's already dead.
How many lost souls does
it take to create a star, Tess?
Edward, I don't understand...
Don't interrupt me.
This is the closing monologue of act one
of my new play, A Deadly Display.
Do you like the title?
There's something not quite right about it.
Hang on, I've got it.
Deadly Display.
Just that.
We've done a great job of acting
it out so far, haven't we, Tess?
That's the play.
That's the play we've been watching.
I don't...
I don't mean to sound
mean, but you're really
starting to fucking unnerve me.
That was my intention, forgive me.
Go.
We can do better than that, Tess.
Seriously, what's that going to do?
I said get the fuck out.
Get out.
I don't think your father
would appreciate you talking
to me like that, do you?
Now, face the audience and bow.
It's intermission time.
Clap and bow.
Clap and bow for them.
The audience have been
kind enough to await your bow.
Look out into the sea of
faces, transfixed to see
what's going to happen next.
We must not disappoint them.
No performance is worth dying for.
Let go of me.
Then let's bow together.
That wasn't so hard, was it?
Stop!
Look here.
It looks like I went a
little bit too far this time.
I'm sorry, Tess.
Sometimes I get carried away.
Let me see your foot.
I think it's broken.
I'll take you to the hospital.
No, no.
Oh, fuck!
Oh.
I think I deserve that.
I'll just tell them I fell off the stage.
We don't have to tell anyone, I promise.
Such a nice outfit.
Such a shame I ruined it.
She used to dress just like you.
I never liked it.
I didn't want to say it before.
It's OK.
I...
Take it off.
What?
Now let's try this again.
Then take it off.
Take it off.
I know what you said.
You weren't going to hurt me.
All right.
It's all right, Tess.
I did, but I didn't promise.
If you do anything, I'm going to...
Take it off!
No, I won't!
Save your voice, please.
I listened to you.
I even felt sorry for you.
I just... I didn't know how to respond, OK?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
You felt sorry for me?
You said sometimes you
just need someone to talk to.
A stranger.
A stranger is helpful.
But I'm not a stranger anymore, am I?
This is the second time we've met.
Why don't we just go to the
bar and we can have that drink?
Yeah?
Edward, what are you doing?
You never asked me
what happened to my wife.
The report said that she
died almost instantly, which
I suppose is good for her.
Weird, though, because her
body did spasm a few times.
It wasn't in a bathroom.
Certainly not a toilet.
It was in her bedroom.
The reasons for the argument aren't
important, just the outcome.
Would like me to tell you
what the outcome was?
They say the eyes are
the windows to the soul.
Is this the key to unlock yours?
She was foolish.
She moved forwards, causing
the points to pierce her pupil.
Instinctively, I pushed deeper.
I even gave it a good twist.
And then, as if by magic,
the key disappeared.
I won't bore you with how I convinced
them that it was an accident.
Here's what I see happening.
I remove my hand from your throat
and you drop yours by your side.
Are you shaking because you're nervous?
Are you shaking your head?
Yeah, yeah.
Have we got a deal?
I think you know what happens next, Tess?
Come on, Tess, pick up.
Where are you?
They'll still say you
fell off the stage, right?
I don't think I've marked you anywhere.
This can be our little secret, Tess.
Well, let's make a move.
If I don't see you again,
it's been a pleasure.
Was it worth it?
Hello?
Oh, excuse me.
I'm sorry to bother you.
You can't be in here.
Closed.
Look, whatever it is, I can't help you.
He's here, isn't he?
I found his medication box outside.
Why does he keep doing this?
Glen?
Look, when we're close to the public.
We are closed.
Come on.
You expect me to believe that?
Look at the state of you.
You're actually his type.
You can't just walk in here.
Well, if he's not here,
why do you keep stopping
me from looking around?
How many times do I have to say it,
but we're closed to the public.
We are closed.
Are you OK?
Not really.
It's just... It's just nothing.
This doesn't concern you.
I'm going to leave.
I apologize for acting irrational.
He's got to be close by.
I'll find him.
Do you have a photo of Glen?
Not the best picture to show.
He dyed his hair dark brown
and had a shave this morning.
To be fair, this time
there won't be anything
I could do to help him.
Did you recognize him?
No.
I found out recently he hasn't
been taking his medication,
and I fear what he'll
do if he doesn't take it.
It's just been me rehearsing alone today.
I fell off the stage, so I'm
just about to go to there.
Liar!
No, Glen!
Oh, what have you done?
What have you done?
Oh my god.
He's dead.
What have you done to him?
What have you done to him?
What the fuck have you done, too?
What did he do to you?
Oh my god.
Oh, Jesus.
You didn't deserve this.
I failed you again.
You bitch.
You're just staring at him,
admiring what you've done.
You left him alone to die.
Oh, I can see she's a
slut like the rest of them.
I'll make sure she pays for what she did.
I won't let our names be tarnished.
I'm not a slut.
Don't call me that.
You're a slut.
You're going to play victim to the police
like the rest of them.
In fact, let's go to the police.
Good.
Call them.
There's cameras everywhere,
and they're going to back my story.
You're his wife, aren't you?
Alice?
Just call the police.
And why would I do that?
If you want to call them,
then come and get the phone.
You're the one with the explaining to do.
Must be hard that you can't
even look in the eyes of someone
you murdered.
I hope they haunt you
for the rest of your life.
Enough of solitude tonight.
This time is ours.
And the skies have
burned away from the skies.
From the skies.
We are not who we used to be.
This time is ours, but we are free.
But I see goodbye in your eyes.
Goodbye in your eyes.
In your eyes.
That was the last part of a song he wrote.
My favorite.
Thanks to you, I would never hear it again.
Police, police?
Yeah, there's been a murder.
Yeah.
Yeah, two people.
Two people dead.
Yeah.
The Wedgewood Rooms.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Deborah?
Yeah, yeah, you need to come now.
Yeah.
He told me what he did to you.
He terrified me.
He raped me.
I didn't... I didn't have a choice.
What did you expect me to do?
I understand you're his wife, but you know
what he's capable of, clearly.
Just... just help me.
Help me.
Don't let him do this again.
I need to call my dad.
Can you just help me up?
Shut up.
You have no right to beg.
Shut up.
You have no right to talk, no right to beg.
Did he beg?
You didn't even give him a chance.
He was everything to me, and
you've taken it away from me.
Who will love me now?
You don't have to do this.
I know what he did to you.
How he uses to control you.
You know nothing about me.
You're right, you're right.
I don't.
But he told me... he told
me what he did to you.
And that gives you the right to judge me?
Like he said you would
and all the rest of them?
I'm nothing without him.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm not judging you.
I'm not judging you.
You're right.
You're right.
He did that to you.
He did that so you'd feel
undesirable to other men.
It doesn't... it doesn't
have to end like this.
I take full responsibility
for what I've done,
and I accept that.
I accept that.
You're the real victim here.
And if you do this, they
will find out sooner or later.
And then this is going to be your legacy.
What are you saying?
You're no better than him.
I'm saying we all make mistakes.
And mistakes have consequences.
What have you done?
You know I have this feeling
you're not like the other ones.
Don't ask me why
I want to take you in my arms.
And hold you till it passes as you cry.
Don't really know what's good for you.
But all that I can do is truly try.
But at the end of promises and moments.
There is always goodbye
And you're so far away.
If I could cut this tether
I'd be with you today.
The room is cold and silent.
But there is no other way.
If I could only touch you
I'd give it all away
I'd give it all away.
We do it all for love.
We know no other way.
We do it all for love.
We give it all away.
We do it all for love.
Science tells thousand stories.
Stories of your love.
The night is knocking at my window
I'm alone again.
I wonder where you are
I wonder what you'd say.
If I appeared outside your door.
And held you through the day.
This day is cold and silent.
But there is no other way.
Tomorrow, I will touch you.
And I'll give it all away
I'll give it all away.
We do it all for love.
We know no other way.
We do it all for love.
We give it all away.
We do it all for love.
The silence tells thousand stories.
Stories of your love.
This night will fade away.
And I will be with you again
I'll be with you again
I'll be with you again.
I'll be with you again.
Whoa.
That was great.
Yeah, we almost beat, actually.
Yeah.
I really liked that.
You up to much later?
Just hooking up with Louise in about...
Shit, 20 minutes ago.
Perfecto.
Hi, Dad.
Hey, Tess.
How'd the rehearsal go?
Awesome, considering
I'm practice in a few years.
Was Doug all right with you?
Yeah, like nothing even happened.
He was such a pro.
Honestly, it had me so nervous.
Anyway, you and mom about?
I can come round, show you my new costume.
It's so...
Whatever that is.
Send us a picture.
Listen, I've got a favor to ask you.
Would you mind staying on
at the club a little bit longer?
I've got plans today.
Can Scotland stay?
He's just finishing up lighting and sound.
It would only be for a few hours.
I've got someone who's
interested in buying the club.
He said he's going to drop
down there around 1:30.
So if you could show him around, keep
him happy until I get there.
His name's Edward.
Listen, sorry to spring
this on you last minute,
but it looks like he
might be willing to pay
over the asking price.
I was talking to him about you, actually.
Seems he used to work in the West End.
All the big shows.
Pretty sure he said
he's retired now, though.
Anyway, are you OK with all that?
Yeah, that's absolutely fine.
Oh, bless you, Tess.
I'll send you over the details.
Hey.
Hey.
Absolute magic on the stage today.
Yeah, completely agree.
Isn't Louise supposed to be
picking you up or something?
Yeah.
She's about as late as I am.
You know, perfect for each other.
We're going away to
her folks' for the weekend.
We've not been able to see
each other much recently.
Work's been hectic.
Ships passing in the night, as they say.
Well, you know how it is.
Yeah, I know how it was.
Is?
Sorry.
Yeah.
Tess, if we're going to make
this whole band thing work,
you've got to accept things how they are.
Doug, are you being serious?
What, because I look to you
in that one line on that song?
Oh, come on, it didn't mean anything.
It was just a song.
It made me feel uncomfortable.
I just thought you'd like to know.
I mean, yeah, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I won't do it again.
Honestly, Tess, I want this to work.
We deserve this.
But things are better now.
Nothing can hold us back.
Let's rock and...
Roll.
Yeah.
I better be off.
Doug, Doug.
It's a good... you know?
Oh, shit.
Yeah, cheers.
Later.
Practice, 10:00 AM.
Stupid bastard.
You scared me.
It's all gone?
Yeah.
You know that's Doug's?
He'll kill you if he sees you in it.
Need any help?
I'm good, thanks.
Hey, can't you read?
Staff only.
Surely I'm counted as staff.
At least today.
Just messing.
Well, actually, I do have someone coming
in 90 minutes for my
dad, so I would appreciate
a little bit of help.
Cool.
Hi Jess, it's Doug.
Just want to say thank you again for today.
Maybe things might work out between us
and we can be together again on on stage.
As a band, I mean.
I'm glad we can remain friends.
And Louise is coming to our next rehearsal.
She even said she doesn't mind doing some...
Well, I guess it's kick out time.
Afraid so.
Leave your glass on
the bar and I'll wash it up.
I appreciate it.
What are you up to later on?
I'm supposed to be having
cocktails with Melanie.
You know Mel, right?
Melanie.
Melanie Hopper from college.
She joined the army, didn't she?
Yeah, that's her.
So she's on leave at the moment.
Though, I've got to show some
guy around this place and then
wait for my dad.
Should be done around 4:00.
Would you mind if I joined you and Mel?
I mean, I could pick you up after.
Here, you give me a call
and we can go for a drink.
So I've got some ideas for
a music video for your band,
and I'd like to run that by you.
Yeah, that's great, Matt.
Actually, I was going to
run it through with Doug.
I completely forgot today.
So maybe the three of us could get together
and have a little brainstorm.
And I'm sure Doug will have
some really good ideas as well.
So yeah.
But thank you so much
for today, and cheers.
So much help.
You still like him, don't you?
I mean, it's none of my business.
But he's happy now.
You guys are getting
your band back together,
and I think you should
focus on what's important.
Yeah?
Didn't you just say it
was none of your business
and we should focus on what's important?
So what?
Were just drinking out there
to gain some Dutch courage
to ask me out or something?
You're a really nice guy, but...
But?
But how would it work?
It wouldn't be fair on Doug.
He'd feel like a third wheel.
Like I did?
OK, OK.
So you think now that the band
is back together and I'm single
and you're single, that
suddenly it's your go?
Don't make this any more
awkward than it already is.
You're right.
It's just that when I saw you again,
I remembered how much I really like you.
And how much I missed you.
As a friend.
But I just wanted to
see how things could go.
Maybe...
Look, Matt, now's not the time, OK?
It's not the time.
Hiya, are you Edward?
Excuse me?
Are you here to see the place?
Oh, yes.
Hi, I'm Tess.
You spoke to my dad earlier.
Oh, hi, yeah.
Sorry if I'm a bit late.
Oh, you're actually early.
If you just want to go
through and I'll lock up quick.
Cool.
Wow.
This place has changed.
Must be 20 years since I played here.
Oh, cool.
You're in a band.
What did you play?
Quite a few of my time.
Keyboards and backing vocals, mostly.
Hey, would you mind if I got on the stage?
No, no.
Go ahead.
This thing got power?
Sorry, no, my band was rehearsing earlier,
and we got a gig in a week.
Ah, I can imagine he was
the lead singer of a band.
I bet you've got the voice of an angel.
What's the name of your
band and when are they on?
I'll put it in the diary.
I'll come and support you.
So we're called Moments of Clarity.
It's post-nuke punk.
And we're playing Friday on the ninth.
Yeah, I like it.
I'll tell you what.
How about after you've shown
me around, you sing me a song.
I've managed a few bands in my time,
and, well, if I do take this
place on, we need live music.
And a house band would be amazing.
Plus, give me a chance
to listen to the acoustics
and check out the sound system.
Yeah, I'd love to.
I've got so many plans for this place.
Plays, film nights.
Why do one of your tracks?
Really?
You want to hear one of my tracks?
Oh, I don't know.
It's been a long time since
I've been in front of an audience.
Well, it's just going to be you and me,
and I'm going to be in
the sound booth, so...
I don't know.
I'll see how I feel.
Ah.
Weird being back on this stage.
Well, it wasn't on this
stage in particular, but...
I don't want to talk about it.
Sorry.
My dad's just messaged.
He said he's not going to make it down,
but he said if you are
interested in the place,
just give him a call later.
Oh, OK.
Yeah, I'll do that.
Listen, I hope this isn't
messing up your plans for today.
No, no, it's been a
doomed from the start day.
But you're not here to
listen to my problems.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Tess.
You know, sometimes
talking about your problems
can help you in gaining
a different perspective.
I know we've only just met
me, but I'm happy to listen.
Sometimes talking to a
stranger can be just as helpful
as talking to someone you know.
I really appreciate that, but as I said,
you're not here to listen to my problems,
so let's see the rest of the place,
and I'm sure a lot has
changed in the last five years.
Come on.
You're not going to answer that?
Three missed calls.
Don't worry.
He knows I'm busy.
You know that guy I saw
you at the door with earlier?
- Is that your boyfriend?
- What?
Matt?
No, no, he's my dad's handyman.
Ah.
Yeah, workplace relationships
can be very destructive.
I've been there, done that.
Right.
Do you want a drink?
Go on.
You twisted my arm.
So what do you think?
Do you know what?
I think I will put an
offer in on this place.
Your dad's done a great job with it.
Excellent.
Yeah, yeah, he really loved this place.
You're not having one?
I wasn't going to.
The way you were talking earlier,
I think you'd need more than a beer.
Come on, join me.
Oh, all right.
You twisted my arm.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Have you got any plans
for the rest of the day at all?
Are you OK?
It's the anniversary of
my wife's death today.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Oh, that's all right.
You didn't know.
And it's not likely to be
something you bring up, is it?
I visit her on the first
Monday of every month.
Comes around so fast.
Still, she's not very far
from here, so there's no rush.
We can still enjoy our drinks.
Here's to you, Alice.
And here's to the riches you've given me.
And thank you for making my dream of owning
my own nightclub come true.
And may your family rot
in their own personal hell
for what they did to me.
I'm sorry.
Got a bit dark there, Tess.
I'm sorry to hear they did
that... or whatever they did.
But if it helps, I think you seem
like a nice and genuine man.
Harmless, I hope.
Who's pissed at me.
I've never hurt anyone in my life.
Well, hey, didn't you say
you wanted to hear a song?
I think I've got just the right one.
Come on.
I wrote this song for Alice before...
Well, you know.
You know I have this feeling
you're not like the other ones.
Don't ask me why
I want to take you in my arms.
And hold you till it passes as you cry.
Don't really know what's good for you.
But all that I can do is truly try.
But at the end of promises and moments.
There is always goodbye.
There is always goodbye.
And every night, I dream of you
I hold your hand in mine.
An underlying need to
fill the emptiness inside.
And if you were here with me now
I'd stop the hands of time.
This night would last forever.
And we never say goodbye, goodbye.
Edward, are you OK?
Edward?
Hey, are you OK?
That was absolutely beautiful.
Alice must have loved it.
She hated it.
Now I feel like I hate it.
It's been so long since I played it.
You know when you think
you've repressed those feelings?
And something triggers them.
Like someone opened the floodgates
with traumatic memories.
I'm sorry, Jess.
You don't have to apologize for anything.
I loved it.
And it's Tess.
Tess, of course.
Listen, should we finish our drinks?
Great idea.
Edward?
Tess, are we alone here?
Yeah, of course.
Why?
I saw someone in your kitchen.
That's impossible.
I've locked up and the alarms are on, so...
Hello?
You know this place is haunted, don't you?
Did your dad never tell
you the history of this place?
Probably not.
It's extremely unpleasant.
It all happened on that very stage.
Hello?
Hello?
Edward?
Stop it.
It's just this mask reflected
in a mirror on the wall.
It's great.
Yeah.
That's Matt, the guy
you saw outside earlier.
Oh, that's your handyman, right?
Yeah, he is...
Dad loves him.
But not boyfriend material.
You're single, aren't you?
Not to be rude, but...
I know.
I know, it's none of my business.
That's what she always said.
She was wrong.
It was my business.
Look where it got her.
If you only knew the lengths
you went to destroy me,
to humiliate me, to make
me feel worthless in front
of her friends, my friends,
her family, my family.
And I'm the bad guy?
So I should go to jail?
Eight years, Tess.
I'm sorry.
I've made you feel nervous, haven't I?
It's just that I get carried away,
and, well, this place
holds so much nostalgia.
And then playing that song that I wrote,
maybe it's not such a good
idea taking this place on after all.
It's a lot to take on if you're
not in the right frame of mind.
I never said I wasn't in
the right frame of mind.
Hey, let's stop all this negative talk.
I'll tell you what, you get
your drink, I'll get the table,
and we'll go back to
having fun like we were.
There you go.
Hey, we've got a great
view of the stage, haven't we?
Yeah.
What play are we watching?
Excuse me?
I don't know.
I'm only having fun with you.
But I know I play we could watch.
It's called The Point of Murder.
Never heard of it.
Nobody has.
Apart from those that were
there on the opening night.
I wrote it.
It was a two-hander, but
they said that my performance
was most captivating.
They said that we'd take it to Broadway,
that it would win awards, but
it was never meant to be Tess.
The producer, my wife and co-star,
decided that she wanted
all the glory for herself.
She was jealous that I'd written
something so poignant, so deep.
So she changed a few things
and took credit for everything.
Nobody believed I wrote it.
We never performed the show again.
She couldn't find a
replacement for my part,
because I couldn't be replaced.
Her changes to the
script ruined everything.
Our relationship, my
career, and ultimately, her life.
You don't get eight years
for stealing a chocolate bar,
do you, Tess?
Have you ever lost the one
thing you trusted and loved
because of one mistake?
I'm really sorry to hear about your play.
That's not what I asked.
Have you ever lost the one
thing you trusted and loved
because of one mistake?
Yeah, hasn't everyone?
True.
So what about you, Tess?
What's your story?
I really don't want to get
into my personal life with you.
No offense, but I really don't know you.
Well, get to know me
whilst we're sitting here.
You've got no my plans.
Do you know what?
Fuck that bitch.
I've shown her enough respect.
How many times can you
say you're sorry before it
loses all meaning?
I really don't feel comfortable.
I want you to go.
Can you leave?
I'm sorry.
I've scared you, haven't I?
That wasn't my intention.
It's just some people are more
open than others searching
for answers, and sometimes
they can come from the strangest
of places or people.
Believe me, Tess, I only want to help.
This is one of those pranks, right?
Is that like microphones
and cameras around?
Under the table?
Did my dad put you up for this?
Now you're scaring me.
Was it Doug?
Oh, who's that?
Is that your brother?
Do you really not know who he is?
You're freaking me out.
I want you to go.
But I haven't finished my drink.
I am sure you can drink
as fast as you can talk.
Oh, Tess, this isn't a
prank or an intervention.
It's just me being an idiot and making
people feel uncomfortable.
That's the reason that I
wanted to take on this place.
Just in the hope of making some friends.
Someone that could listen to
you as they told me their conflicts
and worries.
And maybe if their life need
fixing, I could fix it for them.
And then when I saw you this morning,
I saw someone that was conflicted,
that was held back by the past.
I thought that if I opened
up to you about my problems,
that you'd open up to me.
Edward, you have to understand that not
everyone is going to
open up about their lives
and personal problems.
And telling people that
you killed your wife...
Hang on a minute.
I never said I killed her.
If you must know, it was manslaughter.
Hence the short sentence.
If this was our first date, I
think I would have blown it.
I really don't think we'd have worked.
No offense.
None taken.
Well, I guess I'd better
be making a move, Tess.
Thanks for your hospitality.
Perhaps I should go to
the graveyard after all.
Yeah.
I'll see you out.
I spoke to your father.
I've decided to take this place on.
Oh, that's great news.
He said that I could wait
inside until he arrives.
I'd really rather you didn't.
There is a coffee shop
just across the road.
Or one up there.
Really?
You loved my song.
I didn't hurt you.
I just wanted someone to talk to.
Can I at least come in
and take my medication
with a glass of water?
I should have taken them half an hour ago.
Please?
OK.
Just quick.
I see you left our table.
Yeah, I was just cleaning
up when you came back, so.
Was it worth it?
I don't know what you're on about.
Letting me back in.
I thought maybe we could sing together
while we wait for your dad.
Well?
What do you say?
I'm really not in the mood.
No problem.
Hang on.
I don't really need to
ask your permission, do I?
I own this place.
Yeah.
Really not in the mood to sing.
Shame.
Still, if you've got things to do,
maybe I could play you
some of my new material.
I think you'll like it.
Oh, shit.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Have you got a mop and bucket?
I'll clean it up.
No, it's fine. I'll do it.
I'll do it.
So, so clumsy of me.
It was an accident.
It's fine.
There's no power.
Yeah, I turned it off.
Wait.
Don't go.
We haven't finished yet.
This could have gone many ways, Tess.
You and I. You seem
to have chosen this path.
Whether you like it or
not, this is your reality.
Your fate.
Do you ever look up at the night sky,
stare at the stars and imagine that they're
an SOS from another world, hoping someone
will come and rescue them?
Still twinkling and flashing.
Like a beacon of hope when
everybody's already dead.
How many lost souls does
it take to create a star, Tess?
Edward, I don't understand...
Don't interrupt me.
This is the closing monologue of act one
of my new play, A Deadly Display.
Do you like the title?
There's something not quite right about it.
Hang on, I've got it.
Deadly Display.
Just that.
We've done a great job of acting
it out so far, haven't we, Tess?
That's the play.
That's the play we've been watching.
I don't...
I don't mean to sound
mean, but you're really
starting to fucking unnerve me.
That was my intention, forgive me.
Go.
We can do better than that, Tess.
Seriously, what's that going to do?
I said get the fuck out.
Get out.
I don't think your father
would appreciate you talking
to me like that, do you?
Now, face the audience and bow.
It's intermission time.
Clap and bow.
Clap and bow for them.
The audience have been
kind enough to await your bow.
Look out into the sea of
faces, transfixed to see
what's going to happen next.
We must not disappoint them.
No performance is worth dying for.
Let go of me.
Then let's bow together.
That wasn't so hard, was it?
Stop!
Look here.
It looks like I went a
little bit too far this time.
I'm sorry, Tess.
Sometimes I get carried away.
Let me see your foot.
I think it's broken.
I'll take you to the hospital.
No, no.
Oh, fuck!
Oh.
I think I deserve that.
I'll just tell them I fell off the stage.
We don't have to tell anyone, I promise.
Such a nice outfit.
Such a shame I ruined it.
She used to dress just like you.
I never liked it.
I didn't want to say it before.
It's OK.
I...
Take it off.
What?
Now let's try this again.
Then take it off.
Take it off.
I know what you said.
You weren't going to hurt me.
All right.
It's all right, Tess.
I did, but I didn't promise.
If you do anything, I'm going to...
Take it off!
No, I won't!
Save your voice, please.
I listened to you.
I even felt sorry for you.
I just... I didn't know how to respond, OK?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
You felt sorry for me?
You said sometimes you
just need someone to talk to.
A stranger.
A stranger is helpful.
But I'm not a stranger anymore, am I?
This is the second time we've met.
Why don't we just go to the
bar and we can have that drink?
Yeah?
Edward, what are you doing?
You never asked me
what happened to my wife.
The report said that she
died almost instantly, which
I suppose is good for her.
Weird, though, because her
body did spasm a few times.
It wasn't in a bathroom.
Certainly not a toilet.
It was in her bedroom.
The reasons for the argument aren't
important, just the outcome.
Would like me to tell you
what the outcome was?
They say the eyes are
the windows to the soul.
Is this the key to unlock yours?
She was foolish.
She moved forwards, causing
the points to pierce her pupil.
Instinctively, I pushed deeper.
I even gave it a good twist.
And then, as if by magic,
the key disappeared.
I won't bore you with how I convinced
them that it was an accident.
Here's what I see happening.
I remove my hand from your throat
and you drop yours by your side.
Are you shaking because you're nervous?
Are you shaking your head?
Yeah, yeah.
Have we got a deal?
I think you know what happens next, Tess?
Come on, Tess, pick up.
Where are you?
They'll still say you
fell off the stage, right?
I don't think I've marked you anywhere.
This can be our little secret, Tess.
Well, let's make a move.
If I don't see you again,
it's been a pleasure.
Was it worth it?
Hello?
Oh, excuse me.
I'm sorry to bother you.
You can't be in here.
Closed.
Look, whatever it is, I can't help you.
He's here, isn't he?
I found his medication box outside.
Why does he keep doing this?
Glen?
Look, when we're close to the public.
We are closed.
Come on.
You expect me to believe that?
Look at the state of you.
You're actually his type.
You can't just walk in here.
Well, if he's not here,
why do you keep stopping
me from looking around?
How many times do I have to say it,
but we're closed to the public.
We are closed.
Are you OK?
Not really.
It's just... It's just nothing.
This doesn't concern you.
I'm going to leave.
I apologize for acting irrational.
He's got to be close by.
I'll find him.
Do you have a photo of Glen?
Not the best picture to show.
He dyed his hair dark brown
and had a shave this morning.
To be fair, this time
there won't be anything
I could do to help him.
Did you recognize him?
No.
I found out recently he hasn't
been taking his medication,
and I fear what he'll
do if he doesn't take it.
It's just been me rehearsing alone today.
I fell off the stage, so I'm
just about to go to there.
Liar!
No, Glen!
Oh, what have you done?
What have you done?
Oh my god.
He's dead.
What have you done to him?
What have you done to him?
What the fuck have you done, too?
What did he do to you?
Oh my god.
Oh, Jesus.
You didn't deserve this.
I failed you again.
You bitch.
You're just staring at him,
admiring what you've done.
You left him alone to die.
Oh, I can see she's a
slut like the rest of them.
I'll make sure she pays for what she did.
I won't let our names be tarnished.
I'm not a slut.
Don't call me that.
You're a slut.
You're going to play victim to the police
like the rest of them.
In fact, let's go to the police.
Good.
Call them.
There's cameras everywhere,
and they're going to back my story.
You're his wife, aren't you?
Alice?
Just call the police.
And why would I do that?
If you want to call them,
then come and get the phone.
You're the one with the explaining to do.
Must be hard that you can't
even look in the eyes of someone
you murdered.
I hope they haunt you
for the rest of your life.
Enough of solitude tonight.
This time is ours.
And the skies have
burned away from the skies.
From the skies.
We are not who we used to be.
This time is ours, but we are free.
But I see goodbye in your eyes.
Goodbye in your eyes.
In your eyes.
That was the last part of a song he wrote.
My favorite.
Thanks to you, I would never hear it again.
Police, police?
Yeah, there's been a murder.
Yeah.
Yeah, two people.
Two people dead.
Yeah.
The Wedgewood Rooms.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Deborah?
Yeah, yeah, you need to come now.
Yeah.
He told me what he did to you.
He terrified me.
He raped me.
I didn't... I didn't have a choice.
What did you expect me to do?
I understand you're his wife, but you know
what he's capable of, clearly.
Just... just help me.
Help me.
Don't let him do this again.
I need to call my dad.
Can you just help me up?
Shut up.
You have no right to beg.
Shut up.
You have no right to talk, no right to beg.
Did he beg?
You didn't even give him a chance.
He was everything to me, and
you've taken it away from me.
Who will love me now?
You don't have to do this.
I know what he did to you.
How he uses to control you.
You know nothing about me.
You're right, you're right.
I don't.
But he told me... he told
me what he did to you.
And that gives you the right to judge me?
Like he said you would
and all the rest of them?
I'm nothing without him.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm not judging you.
I'm not judging you.
You're right.
You're right.
He did that to you.
He did that so you'd feel
undesirable to other men.
It doesn't... it doesn't
have to end like this.
I take full responsibility
for what I've done,
and I accept that.
I accept that.
You're the real victim here.
And if you do this, they
will find out sooner or later.
And then this is going to be your legacy.
What are you saying?
You're no better than him.
I'm saying we all make mistakes.
And mistakes have consequences.
What have you done?
You know I have this feeling
you're not like the other ones.
Don't ask me why
I want to take you in my arms.
And hold you till it passes as you cry.
Don't really know what's good for you.
But all that I can do is truly try.
But at the end of promises and moments.
There is always goodbye