Dear Stranger (2024) Movie Script
1
Did you see the gray sweater?
I laid it out here.
Kai's sweater?
I might have put it with the laundry.
Did you wash it?
I already washed it by hand.
Can you pick...?
Should I do shopping
on my way back?
I'll have time after my class.
That would be great.
- We're running low on milk.
- Okay.
Text me a list later.
Yeah, I will.
Kai,
that's enough screen time for you.
I heard the preschool strike
will end next week.
Finally.
According to
the story in the Bible,
the Tower of Babel
was the first building
to cut human beings off from nature,
challenging the power of God.
God responded to this challenge
by separating our languages
and dividing humans.
They couldn't understand each other,
so they couldn't work together.
The tower's construction
was stopped and it collapsed.
The Tower of Babel
was the birth of architecture,
and also the first ruins.
In this sense,
ruins could actually be thought of
as acts of God.
This Japanese word means
"the remains of total breakdown",
which brings to mind
a static image of death.
However, the English word "ruin"
comes from the Latin verb "ruere",
and carries the dynamic image
of collapsing.
So it is clearly linked to "life".
Hello, this is Jane.
Thanks for your trouble.
Yes, that's right.
She's worried about this.
Oh, I see.
That's fine. Please put her on.
Thank you.
Mom?
Did you hear that?
Could be the agency's mistake.
She'll ask the agency
to find someone else.
Hurry up. Come on. Let's go.
...the fuck up.
Grab it. Go.
Are you okay?
Are you all right?
I'll go get the phone. Wait.
Kenji!
Jane!
How's Kai? Is he hurt?
He's okay.
He's playing with Mom in the back.
Good. Is your father here too?
Come.
They must be shocked.
The police are here already.
This is the second time. It's crazy.
Can you open the back?
Yeah.
What's that?
Mom gave it to me.
They had it for defending the store.
Is it a real gun?
Yes, my father bought it
at the black market.
Let me put it here for now.
Wait, Jane.
It's a good idea?
I don't want to have it at home.
Alright.
Good work today.
Knock it off.
I gotta get him into pajamas.
No, I'll do it.
Go ahead and shower.
Are you sure?
I do have some work to do.
Are we set for tomorrow?
I have to leave after noon.
What?
It's nothing.
Thank you.
Why?
Why?
It's you.
No.
It's you.
Here, Kai.
Let's rinse you off.
Okay!
- Okay?
- Ya.
Still no helper?
Not yet.
The caregiver from yesterday
said they'd find someone.
-Welcome home.
-Grandma!
Hello Kai.
Did you sleep well?
-Hello.
-Hello.
Did you hear about Lawrence Street?
No. Did something happen?
I heard there were robberies 68
there too.
Stores are closing down there.
What's going to happen to this town?
More and more trouble.
Kai, come here.
I have a treat for you.
Stop giving him sweets.
It's fine.
He must have been scared yesterday.
It's gluten-free.
I got it at Walmart.
Shall we get you changed?
Come on.
Not again.
Could you get some clean clothes?
Kai,
your ice cream will melt.
I'm getting old. My back hurts.
There is always something up
with your dad.
So I can't relax.
Found a suitable caregiver yet?
It's not easy.
I know you want to keep Dad's store.
Why don't you move in with us?
Kai would love to have you there.
Not a good idea.
It's not convenient
with Kenji around.
Your student evaluations are
excellent, but your research,
though it's an important subject, it's
been pretty well covered by others.
So, that's an issue.
Now you're in your fifth year
on the tenure track, correct?
I understand the requirements,
and I'm pulling together a dossier.
Professor Conrad,
he's addressing the essence of matters
of architecture and society
that have been poorly defined.
Can I ask about your motivation
with regard to ruins?
Sure.
First was my personal experience.
When I was a teenager,
a huge earthquake hit Japan.
I woke up in the morning
to loud noises,
and everything's shaking.
Buildings collapsed in an instant,
and everything was turned to rubble.
I have a strong memory
of what I saw and felt.
Somehow,
I felt excited.
But then,
we learned that my mother was missing.
Whether she died or survived,
she's still hasn't be found.
Boss, do you have my fish?
My man will bring it soon.
Oh, here it is.
Thank you.
Yes, I'm listening.
Tell me what?
No way!
He came back?
But the rehearsal's tomorrow.
Be careful.
He may be good, but...
will he be ready in time?
Yes, I know.
It's gonna be tough for you, too.
But I'm looking forward to it.
Yes.
Okay, just let me know, alright?
Okay, talk to you later.
Bye.
Kai?
Kai?
Kai?
Where did you go?
I told you you have to
always stay with me.
Sorry.
Welcome back!
Mommy got you snacks? Great.
Let's wash hands and eat.
Come quick, wash.
Can I have a minute?
Okay, but I have to get going soon.
I'll wait outside.
What the heck is this?
It happened in a parking lot
at the supermarket.
In the middle of the day?
Someone's crazy.
It's outrageous. Why this harassment?
Maybe you are cursed?
Be serious.
At least you weren't hurt.
Try to get some rest.
Can you get this
cleaned up somewhere?
Sure.
Be careful, okay?
Okay.
What are you drawing?
It is a sea monster catching fish,
'cause it was hungry...
How much longer will that take?
Can't you help me?
I'm almost done.
Can you draw two monkeys in a tree?
Okay.
Do you like some?
You like some of this?
Okay.
Careful of the fishbone.
Enough?
Shall we close the shop for a while?
I've just gotten back to work.
I don't have time to help out.
And what would I do with Kai?
Talk it over with Kenji.
I can't count on him.
Yes, he is very busy
but he's trying his best.
Mom,
I've been working from home for
so long and I'm trying my best too.
Kenji hasn't secured tenure yet.
I can't stay away
from the theater forever.
You don't have to
come to the shop every day.
Plus, we haven't found
a caregiver yet.
Hello?
She never settles down.
You had some before.
That's too much.
Mom, stop giving him sweet things.
Finally done with your work?
An important puppet was broken.
My colleagues are trying to fix it.
Mom,
go ahead and say it.
How long are you
going to keep this up?
What's so important about puppets?
Shouldn't you focus on Kai?
I've been doing that all along.
But I don't want to give up my work.
Can't you understand?
Your son wants more time with you.
You're his mother!
Since we moved to New York City,
I have been taking care of you.
To care for your dad,
I gave up on my own things too.
Everyone sacrifices something.
But you?
Have you tried to understand me?
You're always blaming Dad
and imposing your expectations on me.
- I don't...
-I'm not becoming you!
I don't want to blame Kenji.
I'll care for Kai no matter what,
and I've always been
responsible for myself.
- We're going, Kai.
- Yang Yi-zhen!
- Why? No, I don't want to go home!
-Because we can't stay here tonight.
Enough! Watching too much TV
will make you dumb.
Come!
You can't treat your kid like that.
Don't take it out on your son!
Let's go!
Hey.
What the hell happened to it?
Isn't it terrible?
Pop the hood.
It rattles all the time now.
Yeah.
Sounds like the alternator's shot.
No good? It's broken?
Well, this thing's ancient, man.
You're better off scrapping it
and getting something decent.
But the old man's
still attached to it.
Well, it will bleed you dry
just for keeping it running.
Eat in there, right?
Yeah, I got you.
Where'd that come from?
That's the loser
my kid is messing with.
He can't just park this crap
anywhere, so...
I let him dump it here.
Is graffiti a big thing around here?
Yo! Food's here.
You're napping in there?
Get your lazy ass down.
This guy is from around here.
I got him watching the dog.
Really?
Did you do this yourself?
What are you doing here?
What the hell?
If you wanna eat,
do something useful!
Son of a bitch!
Hi.
Do you live around here?
Still stuffing your face?
You piece of shit.
I told you no freeloading.
Fuck off.
What did you say?
What did you say?
Big talk for
a fucking dumb leech like you!
Miguel, just eat while it's warm.
Anyway,
I ain't got that spare pulley
for that alternator.
No, my bad.
Such short notice.
Go ahead and eat something.
Maybe my buddy got one.
Let me see if I can use it.
Yeah.
Yo! Jack-ass!
Washer's ready.
So get your lazy ass moving!
Now!
Bastard.
So, where did you
get attacked like that?
At the supermarket, during the day.
Pretty crazy, huh?
Oh my god.
Fuck me,
somebody must really hate you.
Maybe a student.
Did I do something
to make them hate...
Sorry.
Jane?
Do you really have to go now?
Are you alright?
I went to Miguel's place
to get the graffiti cleaned off.
And that noise,
the car always makes?
That piece of junk is beyond fixing.
This hurts.
The old man stepped on it.
Why did you come home?
What?
Are you angry?
I'm not angry.
Stop telling me how I feel.
I'm just worried, that's all.
You don't look worried.
Are you that upset
that I asked you to come back?
Did I complain?
You don't like it that
I am working again,
do you?
At least you could help clean up.
You know the pressure I'm under.
Is that all you have to say?
Just because I ask you to
take care of Kai sometimes.
Your research is promising,
but my work isn't?
I came back like you asked me.
But why is it always an emergency?
It's okay that you work,
but there's always so much chaos.
So it's my fault?
When I ask you to
look after Kai once in a while,
-What more do you want from me?
-you can't even do it right.
- I do all the housework!
-To ease your burden,
I never ask much of you.
- I wash the dishes!
-but I'm so tired!
-Can't you help me even a little?
- Enough!
Enough!
Let's stop.
Why do we always end up like this?
I'm sorry.
As I was putting Kai to bed earlier,
I started thinking back,
about us,
since we met.
We always had Kai.
It was the three of us.
But what about just you and me?
What did we have?
When I thought about it,
there was nothing there.
No memories of us.
That's not true.
We're always talking.
When was the last time we had sex?
We said we'd have a baby together,
but...
...that was all talk.
And this language we use,
it's not ours.
What do we have?
Did I ever love you?
I don't even know anymore.
I'm sorry.
Forget about it.
I don't even know
if I'm making any sense.
I'm dying.
Yo, what's that noise?
What's going on?
Holy shit!
No way. Are you serious?
Damn!
Where did you get it?
I stole it.
Mama?
Mama?
Papa!
-What?
-Mama's gone.
I think she went to work.
What time is it?
If I'm alone, all that shit
comes back to haunt me.
So, I'm staying here.
What's wrong?
Donny?
Later, you can come with me
to Papa's school.
That's where we all
make little schools
and buildings,
and decide
what kind of town to build.
Hey Papa, close your eyes.
What for?
Come on, Kai, brush your teeth!
Kai, you're not done brushing...
Better it happened at the rehearsal
than the performance.
If you have broken that puppet's neck
during the show,
I don't know who
would have rescued you.
Jeremy would.
Hey, director,
I heard about last night.
What happened?
I was just trying
to work something out.
As the director aren't you supposed
to create the show
instead of destroying it?
Are you giving me a hard time?
No. I know sometimes you have to
destroy one thing to make another.
That's why you are
in this show with me.
Morning guys.
Morning.
Come here.
-Slow down! That's too fast!
-Wait!
- Hey stop!
-I'm sorry...
I'll catch him. Right away.
Let's find out how
these puppets move, okay?
Yeah, baby.
Places, please.
Mark, give me some tempo.
Try.
Focus.
Start.
Different levels, high and low.
High and low.
Yes!
Bouncing...
Faster...
Come on! Faster...
Go faster.
Stop there, Kai.
Wait.
Kai.
Good!
Faster, come on, faster!
Now,
slow.
Slowly.
Come on, Kai.
I got you.
It's dangerous to ride this here.
I got it. Let's go.
Come on.
I'll leave it here.
Kai...
here you go.
And sit there.
Okay?
Kai...
Professor Conrad,
thanks for the other day.
Kenji. Are you here alone?
Yes. The editor couldn't make it.
Well, it was short notice.
I'll introduce you to the dean.
Thank you.
She said she'd like to meet you soon.
That reminds me,
have you seen Joseph?
He compared you to Anthony Vidler
and said you were
highly regarded by the academy.
Really? That's very nice to hear.
I haven't seen him in a long time.
I recently went with him to IIT,
in Chicago.
The glass and steel campus building
was wonderful.
But that cube ruins everything.
Does it?
Those unnecessary columns
are lamentable too.
It's a violation of Mies's philosophy.
You've seen the Farnsworth House,
haven't you?
It's maintained just as it was.
- It's important that we cherish the...
-Professor!
- Kenji! You're here too.
-Hi Mike.
Michael, I saw your student's work.
That theory has potential.
But I am still in the concept phase.
I'm thinking about where to take it.
Jonathan, hello!
Long time no see.
- Sir, do you have a minute?
-Yes.
I'd like to introduce you
to my colleague, Kenji Saiga.
Nice to meet you.
He's focusing his studies on ruins.
He's about to publish his book.
Call me anytime.
Looking forward to seeing it.
Thank you for your time.
I'll walk you out.
What's up, Kenji?
I just...
Sorry, I'll stay here.
Kai!
Let's go home!
Where are you?
Kai?
Kai?
Kai!
Excuse me, did you see a little boy?
I don't think so.
Thanks.
I'm so grateful to you all
for making this with me.
It's hard to believe it's been 5 years
since our performance.
It feels like
another lifetime.
Kai!
Where are you?
Are you hiding?
Kai!
Thanks to all of you.
Kenji?
-Calm down!
- Jane!
- What happened?
- Jane, there are drinks.
Kai did what?
Kai is gone!
I looked for him.
I checked...
I checked all the classrooms,
the hallways...
- I don't know where he is!
-Is something wrong?
My son is missing.
He was around here.
The boy who was with you before?
When's the last time you see him?
Over there. A few minutes ago.
I checked everywhere!
I'm talking with a security guard.
I know, I got you.
Please look for him.
He might be hiding.
- Okay, we'll help you find him.
-I will.
- So please stick around.
- I'm heading there now.
Kai!
Kai!
Kai!
Kai!
Kai!
Is the puppet theater studio
close to Bale?
If there's no traffic, it's quick.
You drove from there
to the university,
and when you arrived,
there was a commotion.
And you,
were you giving a presentation?
There was a gathering of
people I needed to meet.
I hear the academic world is tough.
Is it necessary to take your son
to the university?
There are times when you have to,
even if you hate to.
-If you hate to?
- Well, what I mean...
If you hate it,
you should just say so.
Would that change anything?
We have no one to look after him.
If I knew you'd gripe about it,
I would've taken him with me.
You were talking with someone,
not looking after Kai.
You left in the middle of the night,
leaving the house a mess.
You lost Kai! I want my son back.
If your son was kidnapped,
statistics tell us that
it's very likely
that the perpetrator is
someone who is close to the boy.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Can I talk with each of you
individually?
I am so sorry.
Jane, can I ask you
some questions over there?
Can we do it here?
Yes, it's fine with me.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Are the two of you married?
Not just living together.
We've been married for 5 years.
Last night,
you left your son here and went out
in the middle of the night.
You wouldn't understand.
Something urgent?
A major problem.
My precious partner...
that kid is my alter ego.
I went to see where he was broken.
Only I can fix him, and if I don't,
everything comes to a halt.
You went out for work?
That's right.
You stopped working
for a long time.
And to get help with child care,
you got an apartment near your parents.
Is that what he said?
-You also help out at your parent's store.
We chose this apartment because
it's close to the university.
Not for my sake.
As you see it, does Kenji
get along with your family?
Has he ever had an argument
with your parents?
I don't know.
You've also been through a robbery
at the store when your child was there.
And your car was painted
with graffiti.
Hey! Are you okay?
You want some water?
Jane, are you okay?
-What did you do?
- I didn't do anything.
If she has a medical condition,
you should call her doctor.
Can't you see she's exhausted?
- Just go away. Right now!
-We have patrol units on the move.
We reached out
to the evening news people.
Our son is missing!
Do you get that?
He's only 4 years old.
- What will happen when night comes?
- Every minute counts. That's why
- we're asking for your cooperation.
-We didn't do this.
Why don't you get that?
Here, take this.
Check anything you want.
Kenji.
-If you need to contact me.
-We are finished.
Get out.
One more thing.
-What?
-When was the last time
you were in touch
with your family in Japan?
Why?
If the case falls outside our jurisdiction,
it'll be assigned to someone else,
especially if it's international.
I have no family there.
They all died.
I see.
I'm sorry.
What are you doing?
Was it him?
There's no connection.
Jane...
I haven't seen him in a long time.
We should have told Kai.
He's still too young for that.
Yeah.
You're right.
Sorry.
Don't apologize.
I just want to see Kai.
So do I.
I can't believe you really did this.
I have the right.
- Yeah, but...
-- I don't want to talk about it.
All right.
I'm starving.
I got you, buddy.
Something to eat? (
Grab the flashlight.
Hey, won't it be cold in there?
Do you want to bring, like,
some blankets?
Wait.
-Mama!
- Hey, stop!
You okay?
Dude, you had food this whole time?
Wait, no, give me some.
That's all you got?
Come on. You'll be fine.
You wanna try?
This one's running out.
Here, try this on this wall.
Here you go.
Come on, try here.
Closer.
I need your full arm okay? Look.
Hold it.
Closer, you gotta do it with the...
yeah, entire arm, okay?
Ya, here you go.
The NYPD has issued an Amber Alert
for a 4-year-old Asian boy named Kai.
He has black hair and black eyes.
Kai was last seen with his father
Sunday afternoon
at the campus of The Bale Institute.
He was wearing a red knit cap,
a blue down jacket, and...
Do it stronger.
You can do better than that. Come on!
There you go.
Try to hit me!
There you go.
One more time?
You box?
You know how to box?
Come on, show me.
Alright?
I want your right fist,
to hit my right hand.
Alright, there you go, again!
And same thing,
left fist left hand, alright?
Go! 1, 1...
I've got those tattoos. Look at this.
You know what this is?
Look at it.
It's a dog, right?
This one?
Can you tell what this is?
It's a dragon.
Where's Papa?
...he's gonna be back soon.
Alright?
You're scared of the dark,
aren't you?
Of course you are.
I am too.
Hey, you wanna try this?
You know...
this place used to be our school
back in the day, you know.
Not a thing left.
Do you close...
He's asleep...
Donny, he's asleep.
Sit.
Let's go back.
Miguel is not here.
You are here alone?
Show me what's inside!
I'm looking for him,
my kid.
Let me look.
Your kid? He's not here.
You know where he is!
You're the one who took him!
Shit!
Hey, where are you?
Hey, you are alone?
Oh my god!
What happened?
Okay, it's okay...
It's okay...
We have to go right now...
Hello?
Yes.
Yeah.
Are you sure?
Sorry, which hospital?
-Where is Kai?
-Come this way. Where's Kenji?
I called him, didn't get through.
-Come on, let's go.
-His phone must be off.
It's the room over there.
That's the attending doctor,
Dr. Gregory.
Follow me.
- Are you the mother?
- Yeah!
He seemed to be totally exhausted.
This is your son, correct?
Yes, he is my son.
Kai has no noticeable injuries.
The medical team will
continue to monitor him.
Jane,
I'll give you a brief explanation.
This way.
Okay.
So,
Kai was found at a gas station
outside the city.
Alone?
When the owner noticed him,
he was alone
with someone's blood
on his face and clothes.
But, look.
He himself was not injured.
So this means the blood was of
someone else involved with the incident.
Everyone, including hospital security,
is searching with the highest priority.
The kidnapper might still be
in the vicinity.
What's your name?
Mama! Mama!
I'll never let you
out of my sight again.
Mama...
This is a hospital.
Where is Papa?
He'll be here soon.
He's coming as fast as he can.
Okay?
No worries.
Did you hear the radio?
Yeah, made me miss
a touching reunion.
- You heading back to the station?
- No, I'm going to the scene.
- You stay here.
-Got you.
Tim, move your car over there.
- They'll close the lot in a while.
-You got it.
She was really worked up, man.
I couldn't understand a damn thing
she was saying.
Of course! Then I had to tell them to
bring me here.
But why does everything
turn out so shitty for me, man?
And this was like two
or three months ago.
Who is that?
The father of the woman
under interrogation.
I brought him out here.
Thanks.
Must've been a tough time for you.
Yeah.
Can I go now?
- I have to go back to my shop.
- I just need a minute. Do you mind?
Jane.
How is Kai? Was he hurt?
-Is he okay?
-He's in his own room.
He's totally fine.
We got him back safely.
It's nothing.
Just got hurt somewhere.
Are you okay?
What did he say?
He asked, "Where's Papa?"
You didn't answer your phone,
so I was worried.
I passed out on the sofa.
I heard on the radio that
Kai was found.
What are they doing here?
They haven't caught
the kidnapper yet.
He might still be around here.
Are you Kenji Saiga?
Where were you?
He was at our apartment.
I heard from him just now.
That's Kenji's car?
- Yes.
-Can I look inside it?
Why?
Why? Because there might be
something inside it.
Unit 45,
we have a report on an accident...
Did you call them?
They showed up
right after I got here.
Copy that, dispatch.
I'm on another investigation.
Can you reassign this call?
They'll wonder
why your face is like that.
This looks terrible.
Where did it happen?
Could you open the door for me?
Could I ask you to open the trunk?
Alright.
Thank you.
Alright, thanks.
He had a little money saved up.
He worked at the auto shop
and sold stuff, you know, like resale.
He said we were gonna
go to California.
But he
always is just talking about plans.
Well, that's interesting.
But you're the one who left the boy
at the gas station.
No, I told you
I did not leave him there alone.
- There was a guy working there.
-No.
The employee wasn't there yet.
You left the little boy all alone,
abandoned him.
I just wanted to
help that little kid.
You know, like,
make him happy.
Because he was his son,
that's what Donny said.
How is that so?
Donny used to date the boy's mother
before me.
Do you know the boy's mother?
I know she walked out on Donny
and cut off all contact.
And it made Donny crazy.
Because he wasn't able to be a dad.
I didn't believe it.
Really.
I'm not as sure about the details,
but he said something like that.
Is there a reason
he had to tell you that?
He's been acting weird for a while,
ever since he saw that guy
who acts like that boy's father.
So what kind of guy was Donny?
He liked animals,
because they wouldn't
double-cross you,
he said.
And he had to deal with
a lot of shit.
After his foster parents died,
he's just been living out of that van.
He's a fucking idiot.
He really is, but...
...he's a really sensitive guy.
You know, he didn't even know
who his real parents were.
He had nothing to believe in.
Always uneasy, couldn't settle down...
...and we just couldn't fucking
bear it anymore.
We were gonna move away,
and start over.
Together.
And if it wasn't for that
fucking guy showing up,
none of this would've come down,
and we would be in California,
away from all of this fucking bullshit.
Alright.
Sound asleep.
He was so looking forward to
coming home.
Did he say where he was?
I don't know.
It's as if nothing happened.
Where did you go?
This is so fun!
And then, let's deal with my puppets.
Faster!
Stop! You'll get hurt!
You alright?
Who is it?
Not sure.
- Hello.
-Hello.
I heard you brought your son home.
We just got back.
He's already asleep.
You must be relieved now.
Is Kenji upstairs too?
Yes. We were just about to eat.
I have some urgent news to share.
May I come in?
Yeah.
Nice to see you again.
What happened to your face?
I don't really know.
I don't remember.
Where were you yesterday?
I was...
I ended up at the Lunatic Theater.
Oh?
That theater closed down years ago.
I couldn't bear what was happening.
There was a kind of
chaotic beauty there.
You were, like, meditating?
That's what you came to talk about?
No, not initially.
Have you ever seen her?
Do you know her?
This is Monica Lombera,
the daughter of an auto shop owner.
She's the one who brought Kai
to the gas station.
Her father, Miguel Lombera,
brought her in.
She surrendered to the police
and we have her in custody.
-What does that mean?
-She was at the crime scene.
From my interrogation, it appears
she may have been roped in
by the kidnapper.
Donovan Fox,
he committed the kidnapping on his own,
according to her testimony.
Jane,
do you know this man?
I dated him, some time ago.
When was the last time you saw him?
I haven't seen him for years,
more than 5 years.
You certain of that?
Yes.
Did he kidnap Kai?
is body was found at the scene of the crime
in an abandoned school building.
We determined that blood on the corpse
matches the blood we found on Kai.
According to Monica's testimony,
when she found your son,
he was holding a gun
- and he fired a shot.
- Wait now.
Wait!
- Are you saying Kai killed him?
-Calm down.
I'm just saying it's possible
that he shot him by accident...
That can't be.
How could that be possible?
Kai is 4 years old.
-He's never touched a gun.
-A case involving children
requires careful verification.
Now we'll continue our investigation,
but I want you to understand,
since it is one hypothesis,
we have to take your son in
for questioning...
You believe the story
she's making up?
- Kenji, not a tough interrogation.
-No way!
Kai's home now.
Everything's back to normal.
So leave us alone!
This guy's the one
who kidnapped him.
Jane,
the gun used to shoot Donny
is the kind that circulates
on the black market.
It's not legally registered,
so it's hard to track down the owner.
If the gun was Donny's,
do you know how
he might have gotten it?
I don't know.
It's a strange story,
but as his companion tells it,
Donny's motive for
kidnapping the boy,
he said Kai was his child.
You okay?
I'm alright.
I just don't know
what to believe anymore.
What did he want?
Nothing much.
Do you know why I went to
the Lunatic Theater?
Did you really go there?
That's where I first met you.
I have gone back many times
since then.
That's brave of you.
I couldn't do that.
Why not?
Because that would remind me that
there's no going back.
Jane?
Something's not right.
I just have a bad feeling
and I can't calm down.
I'm sorry.
I think I'm losing it.
It's like a premonition, you know?
We've got our son back,
but I feel like I'm a failure,
as a mother.
What is it?
What's wrong?
No. Don't go.
Please.
Stop, don't touch me.
Give me some space.
I feel my heart
is about to burst.
I've been holding my feelings in
for so long. Honestly,
I'm afraid
everything's gonna fall apart.
That guy knew
that Kai was his son.
No, that's not true.
Haven't you been seeing him
all this time?
You knew it was him
during the robbery, right?
Kenji...
He was looking at you,
and at Kai!
The graffiti on the car,
you knew who did that, right?
Why did you put the gun in the car?
Why did you go out?
Where did you go?
Did you meet up with him somewhere?
Did you see Donny?
I'm hungry.
You want pancakes?
Hi, Jane. You can wait in there,
-I'll be right back.
- Okay.
Did you see the kid
that broke the vase?
It's always the same kid.
-Yes it's crazy, I'm sure it's him.
-What is it?
- Excuse me?
- You were talking about Kai, right?
Are you his dad?
I'm sure that was quite an ordeal.
What was?
I want you to stop.
Stop spreading rumors.
Did my son do something?
Kenji.
We were so worried...
I'm really glad that
Kai wasn't hurt.
Thank you for your concern.
We know you are busy.
Did the police come here too?
Yes, they told us that
- Kai is fine. He is, right?
- Yes, he's fine.
We just want to get back to normal,
and we'd love your help with that.
Jane, I'm sure you have to work,
but, considering
what he's been through,
you might want to prioritize
spending time together as a family.
What do you mean?
Well, when you consider
his mental state,
- we need to figure out if...
-Mental state?
Are you saying
you know what Kai experienced?
I don't.
But that's all the more...
Please don't talk about
what you don't know.
Did you tell the other parents?
I just want to give Kai a normal life.
Kenji.
These are baseless accusations.
Did the cops tell you something?
Nothing out of the ordinary,
just about the investigation.
I want you to treat Kai
just as before.
I understand that.
But if something happens,
who will take responsibility?
The police said they have
vital information...
Do you trust what the police say
more than me?
The police interrogated him
at the hospital!
- Stop this bullshit.
-Mr. Saiga...
There're no reason
Kai can't go to school.
There's nothing wrong with him.
The police are trying to
pin the crime on Kai,
- so they can close the case.
- Look around you!
Stop it.
Now what?
Ever heard of the raven paradox?
It's the idea that
to prove that all ravens are black,
you have to prove that all things
that aren't black aren't ravens.
What's your point?
I asked you to stop coming around.
-To learn who was the perp,
we have to investigate
who wasn't the perp. So...
Who was at the crime scene?
You know, I went by there.
I said I don't know anything
about that.
If you're gonna keep following us around,
talk to our lawyer.
They are still out here.
Kai, food's ready.
Let's rinse you off.
Papa, I want to draw
on your face with a pencil.
A pencil won't show.
-How about a marker?
- A marker?
I want something that won't rub off.
I'm making a giraffe...
and a fire...
and some trees...
and then a dragon.
Two monsters coming!
"Come join us, Mira,
wild and free!"
They howled,
and danced beneath the trees.
He laughed, he twirled,
he leaped so high.
Among the stars, up in the sky.
Mama will always be with you.
Mama?
Everything will be okay.
I was born.
My choice to come here
was necessary.
Somehow, I lost sight of myself.
The membrane between myself
and the world collapsed.
And I was free,
but alone.
I am simply looking for
a place to sleep.
I need a bed to sleep in.
I need a place to eat.
I cannot sleep outside.
I need the same thing every night,
not something different every night.
Mom, I'm going out.
When will you be back?
-Can you put Kai to bed?
- Sure.
Don't come home too late.
Hey Jane.
I'll have the same.
Kenji?
Let's talk with Kai about everything.
About me and you.
Even if he can't understand yet,
- just little by little...
-Then what?
What do you want to do?
Tell me.
You wanna keep this a secret?
I was the one
who was supposed to die.
When Donny heard that I was pregnant,
he ran away.
But you told me,
"The baby you're carrying is mine."
I did say that.
Because I was in love with you.
I made mistakes
I can never undo.
I should have gone on, on my own.
- I should never have been here.
-No. 1
It's because of you
that I've been happy.
Then forget about him.
You're the only one
who's sad about him dying.
A person has died, Kenji.
And Kai,
our boy was found covered with blood.
I wanted to be his father,
even though I wasn't.
I really wanted to protect him.
But...
now...
the only way I can...
No.
Kenji, that's not what I'm saying...
Don't just walk away!
Don't do anything stupid.
If you're gone, Kai will suffer.
You know that!
How are we supposed
to live without you?
Kenji!
I trust you more than anyone else.
As long as we're together,
everything will work out just fine.
So please...
stay.
Don't leave us.
Why are you playing the victim?
You say everything is for us, but...
it's just your ego talking.
Don't be selfish.
Kenji, I know you.
No matter where you go,
it will be hell.
Hey.
Glad you're here.
Don't overdo it.
Should I cancel the interviews
after the talk?
- No, it's okay.
- Alright.
I'll get their questions
in advance, where I can.
Look, Kenji...
If you're asked about anything
other than the book,
you don't have to answer.
Okay, thanks.
So, what you said earlier,
the lack of belief
in architectural apocalypse,
it's a very Japanese characteristic.
Can you further explain this?
The reason I am here.
I'm brought here by shame,
and by rage.
Shame over a Far East island nation
that is infatuated with Western ideas
about ruins and cities.
Conversely,
rage over how Westerners praise
Japan's distorted landscape
as the face of the future.
Paradoxically,
that gave impetus to my work.
Hi, excuse me,
it's Lily.
You called ruins
the space of the gods.
That's a new, intriguing perspective.
But let me ask you:
What do you think about the fact
that they can also become
the breeding ground for crime?
Everything in life is transient.
Is the law able to judge everything
in this world correctly?
Perhaps we should say
humans are unresolved.
We constantly suffer,
even after death.
This is what ruins embody.
Their weathered beauty and fragility.
It's in the wreckage
that we find the truth, isn't it?
That isn't an answer!
- Can society bear the consequences?
-Settle down!
What are ruins
but a beautiful, terrible fate?
We have to continue living
until we exhaust that fate.
Not to eliminate ruins,
but to learn from them,
without turning our back.
You're being too abstract!
Where do you get the money
to maintain the ruins?
Who takes responsibility?
What's the impact on our society?
You're pathetic!
Fuck.
Well, I thought I'd find you here.
What exactly did you do, Kenji?
-Kai didn't do it.
- Well, what about your crimes?
Do you really want to
turn that child into a murderer?
I'm just trying to respect the memory
of the deceased with the truth.
I had no idea where he had gone.
I didn't know where he fled.
As much as I searched,
I couldn't find him.
But I was worried about Kai...
Kenji.
Jane.
Will you come back home?
I'm here.
Yeah,
I'll be back home.
Dinner together?
Yeah,
sure,
I'll eat with you.
How about pasta?
Sounds great.
What's Kai up to?
He's playing.
I see.
I can't wait to...
Are you okay?
-Calm down.
-I'm alright.
It's your fault that Donny's dead!
I will never forgive you!
You murdered him.
I hope you rot in hell!
I'll never forgive you!
Get off me!
I hate you!
I hate you!
Get off!
Stop it!
You're right.
It's all my fault.
I wanted to kill him.
It's all because of me.
That's right.
If I wasn't there,
he'd never have ended up like that.
It was me.
I did it.
It's all my fault.
Don't you understand?
I want to turn myself in.
I didn't expect this from you.
Sorry to disappoint.
You won't be the first.
You know I'm gonna have to cuff you.
Come on. Let's go.
DF: Donovan Fox
Did you see the gray sweater?
I laid it out here.
Kai's sweater?
I might have put it with the laundry.
Did you wash it?
I already washed it by hand.
Can you pick...?
Should I do shopping
on my way back?
I'll have time after my class.
That would be great.
- We're running low on milk.
- Okay.
Text me a list later.
Yeah, I will.
Kai,
that's enough screen time for you.
I heard the preschool strike
will end next week.
Finally.
According to
the story in the Bible,
the Tower of Babel
was the first building
to cut human beings off from nature,
challenging the power of God.
God responded to this challenge
by separating our languages
and dividing humans.
They couldn't understand each other,
so they couldn't work together.
The tower's construction
was stopped and it collapsed.
The Tower of Babel
was the birth of architecture,
and also the first ruins.
In this sense,
ruins could actually be thought of
as acts of God.
This Japanese word means
"the remains of total breakdown",
which brings to mind
a static image of death.
However, the English word "ruin"
comes from the Latin verb "ruere",
and carries the dynamic image
of collapsing.
So it is clearly linked to "life".
Hello, this is Jane.
Thanks for your trouble.
Yes, that's right.
She's worried about this.
Oh, I see.
That's fine. Please put her on.
Thank you.
Mom?
Did you hear that?
Could be the agency's mistake.
She'll ask the agency
to find someone else.
Hurry up. Come on. Let's go.
...the fuck up.
Grab it. Go.
Are you okay?
Are you all right?
I'll go get the phone. Wait.
Kenji!
Jane!
How's Kai? Is he hurt?
He's okay.
He's playing with Mom in the back.
Good. Is your father here too?
Come.
They must be shocked.
The police are here already.
This is the second time. It's crazy.
Can you open the back?
Yeah.
What's that?
Mom gave it to me.
They had it for defending the store.
Is it a real gun?
Yes, my father bought it
at the black market.
Let me put it here for now.
Wait, Jane.
It's a good idea?
I don't want to have it at home.
Alright.
Good work today.
Knock it off.
I gotta get him into pajamas.
No, I'll do it.
Go ahead and shower.
Are you sure?
I do have some work to do.
Are we set for tomorrow?
I have to leave after noon.
What?
It's nothing.
Thank you.
Why?
Why?
It's you.
No.
It's you.
Here, Kai.
Let's rinse you off.
Okay!
- Okay?
- Ya.
Still no helper?
Not yet.
The caregiver from yesterday
said they'd find someone.
-Welcome home.
-Grandma!
Hello Kai.
Did you sleep well?
-Hello.
-Hello.
Did you hear about Lawrence Street?
No. Did something happen?
I heard there were robberies 68
there too.
Stores are closing down there.
What's going to happen to this town?
More and more trouble.
Kai, come here.
I have a treat for you.
Stop giving him sweets.
It's fine.
He must have been scared yesterday.
It's gluten-free.
I got it at Walmart.
Shall we get you changed?
Come on.
Not again.
Could you get some clean clothes?
Kai,
your ice cream will melt.
I'm getting old. My back hurts.
There is always something up
with your dad.
So I can't relax.
Found a suitable caregiver yet?
It's not easy.
I know you want to keep Dad's store.
Why don't you move in with us?
Kai would love to have you there.
Not a good idea.
It's not convenient
with Kenji around.
Your student evaluations are
excellent, but your research,
though it's an important subject, it's
been pretty well covered by others.
So, that's an issue.
Now you're in your fifth year
on the tenure track, correct?
I understand the requirements,
and I'm pulling together a dossier.
Professor Conrad,
he's addressing the essence of matters
of architecture and society
that have been poorly defined.
Can I ask about your motivation
with regard to ruins?
Sure.
First was my personal experience.
When I was a teenager,
a huge earthquake hit Japan.
I woke up in the morning
to loud noises,
and everything's shaking.
Buildings collapsed in an instant,
and everything was turned to rubble.
I have a strong memory
of what I saw and felt.
Somehow,
I felt excited.
But then,
we learned that my mother was missing.
Whether she died or survived,
she's still hasn't be found.
Boss, do you have my fish?
My man will bring it soon.
Oh, here it is.
Thank you.
Yes, I'm listening.
Tell me what?
No way!
He came back?
But the rehearsal's tomorrow.
Be careful.
He may be good, but...
will he be ready in time?
Yes, I know.
It's gonna be tough for you, too.
But I'm looking forward to it.
Yes.
Okay, just let me know, alright?
Okay, talk to you later.
Bye.
Kai?
Kai?
Kai?
Where did you go?
I told you you have to
always stay with me.
Sorry.
Welcome back!
Mommy got you snacks? Great.
Let's wash hands and eat.
Come quick, wash.
Can I have a minute?
Okay, but I have to get going soon.
I'll wait outside.
What the heck is this?
It happened in a parking lot
at the supermarket.
In the middle of the day?
Someone's crazy.
It's outrageous. Why this harassment?
Maybe you are cursed?
Be serious.
At least you weren't hurt.
Try to get some rest.
Can you get this
cleaned up somewhere?
Sure.
Be careful, okay?
Okay.
What are you drawing?
It is a sea monster catching fish,
'cause it was hungry...
How much longer will that take?
Can't you help me?
I'm almost done.
Can you draw two monkeys in a tree?
Okay.
Do you like some?
You like some of this?
Okay.
Careful of the fishbone.
Enough?
Shall we close the shop for a while?
I've just gotten back to work.
I don't have time to help out.
And what would I do with Kai?
Talk it over with Kenji.
I can't count on him.
Yes, he is very busy
but he's trying his best.
Mom,
I've been working from home for
so long and I'm trying my best too.
Kenji hasn't secured tenure yet.
I can't stay away
from the theater forever.
You don't have to
come to the shop every day.
Plus, we haven't found
a caregiver yet.
Hello?
She never settles down.
You had some before.
That's too much.
Mom, stop giving him sweet things.
Finally done with your work?
An important puppet was broken.
My colleagues are trying to fix it.
Mom,
go ahead and say it.
How long are you
going to keep this up?
What's so important about puppets?
Shouldn't you focus on Kai?
I've been doing that all along.
But I don't want to give up my work.
Can't you understand?
Your son wants more time with you.
You're his mother!
Since we moved to New York City,
I have been taking care of you.
To care for your dad,
I gave up on my own things too.
Everyone sacrifices something.
But you?
Have you tried to understand me?
You're always blaming Dad
and imposing your expectations on me.
- I don't...
-I'm not becoming you!
I don't want to blame Kenji.
I'll care for Kai no matter what,
and I've always been
responsible for myself.
- We're going, Kai.
- Yang Yi-zhen!
- Why? No, I don't want to go home!
-Because we can't stay here tonight.
Enough! Watching too much TV
will make you dumb.
Come!
You can't treat your kid like that.
Don't take it out on your son!
Let's go!
Hey.
What the hell happened to it?
Isn't it terrible?
Pop the hood.
It rattles all the time now.
Yeah.
Sounds like the alternator's shot.
No good? It's broken?
Well, this thing's ancient, man.
You're better off scrapping it
and getting something decent.
But the old man's
still attached to it.
Well, it will bleed you dry
just for keeping it running.
Eat in there, right?
Yeah, I got you.
Where'd that come from?
That's the loser
my kid is messing with.
He can't just park this crap
anywhere, so...
I let him dump it here.
Is graffiti a big thing around here?
Yo! Food's here.
You're napping in there?
Get your lazy ass down.
This guy is from around here.
I got him watching the dog.
Really?
Did you do this yourself?
What are you doing here?
What the hell?
If you wanna eat,
do something useful!
Son of a bitch!
Hi.
Do you live around here?
Still stuffing your face?
You piece of shit.
I told you no freeloading.
Fuck off.
What did you say?
What did you say?
Big talk for
a fucking dumb leech like you!
Miguel, just eat while it's warm.
Anyway,
I ain't got that spare pulley
for that alternator.
No, my bad.
Such short notice.
Go ahead and eat something.
Maybe my buddy got one.
Let me see if I can use it.
Yeah.
Yo! Jack-ass!
Washer's ready.
So get your lazy ass moving!
Now!
Bastard.
So, where did you
get attacked like that?
At the supermarket, during the day.
Pretty crazy, huh?
Oh my god.
Fuck me,
somebody must really hate you.
Maybe a student.
Did I do something
to make them hate...
Sorry.
Jane?
Do you really have to go now?
Are you alright?
I went to Miguel's place
to get the graffiti cleaned off.
And that noise,
the car always makes?
That piece of junk is beyond fixing.
This hurts.
The old man stepped on it.
Why did you come home?
What?
Are you angry?
I'm not angry.
Stop telling me how I feel.
I'm just worried, that's all.
You don't look worried.
Are you that upset
that I asked you to come back?
Did I complain?
You don't like it that
I am working again,
do you?
At least you could help clean up.
You know the pressure I'm under.
Is that all you have to say?
Just because I ask you to
take care of Kai sometimes.
Your research is promising,
but my work isn't?
I came back like you asked me.
But why is it always an emergency?
It's okay that you work,
but there's always so much chaos.
So it's my fault?
When I ask you to
look after Kai once in a while,
-What more do you want from me?
-you can't even do it right.
- I do all the housework!
-To ease your burden,
I never ask much of you.
- I wash the dishes!
-but I'm so tired!
-Can't you help me even a little?
- Enough!
Enough!
Let's stop.
Why do we always end up like this?
I'm sorry.
As I was putting Kai to bed earlier,
I started thinking back,
about us,
since we met.
We always had Kai.
It was the three of us.
But what about just you and me?
What did we have?
When I thought about it,
there was nothing there.
No memories of us.
That's not true.
We're always talking.
When was the last time we had sex?
We said we'd have a baby together,
but...
...that was all talk.
And this language we use,
it's not ours.
What do we have?
Did I ever love you?
I don't even know anymore.
I'm sorry.
Forget about it.
I don't even know
if I'm making any sense.
I'm dying.
Yo, what's that noise?
What's going on?
Holy shit!
No way. Are you serious?
Damn!
Where did you get it?
I stole it.
Mama?
Mama?
Papa!
-What?
-Mama's gone.
I think she went to work.
What time is it?
If I'm alone, all that shit
comes back to haunt me.
So, I'm staying here.
What's wrong?
Donny?
Later, you can come with me
to Papa's school.
That's where we all
make little schools
and buildings,
and decide
what kind of town to build.
Hey Papa, close your eyes.
What for?
Come on, Kai, brush your teeth!
Kai, you're not done brushing...
Better it happened at the rehearsal
than the performance.
If you have broken that puppet's neck
during the show,
I don't know who
would have rescued you.
Jeremy would.
Hey, director,
I heard about last night.
What happened?
I was just trying
to work something out.
As the director aren't you supposed
to create the show
instead of destroying it?
Are you giving me a hard time?
No. I know sometimes you have to
destroy one thing to make another.
That's why you are
in this show with me.
Morning guys.
Morning.
Come here.
-Slow down! That's too fast!
-Wait!
- Hey stop!
-I'm sorry...
I'll catch him. Right away.
Let's find out how
these puppets move, okay?
Yeah, baby.
Places, please.
Mark, give me some tempo.
Try.
Focus.
Start.
Different levels, high and low.
High and low.
Yes!
Bouncing...
Faster...
Come on! Faster...
Go faster.
Stop there, Kai.
Wait.
Kai.
Good!
Faster, come on, faster!
Now,
slow.
Slowly.
Come on, Kai.
I got you.
It's dangerous to ride this here.
I got it. Let's go.
Come on.
I'll leave it here.
Kai...
here you go.
And sit there.
Okay?
Kai...
Professor Conrad,
thanks for the other day.
Kenji. Are you here alone?
Yes. The editor couldn't make it.
Well, it was short notice.
I'll introduce you to the dean.
Thank you.
She said she'd like to meet you soon.
That reminds me,
have you seen Joseph?
He compared you to Anthony Vidler
and said you were
highly regarded by the academy.
Really? That's very nice to hear.
I haven't seen him in a long time.
I recently went with him to IIT,
in Chicago.
The glass and steel campus building
was wonderful.
But that cube ruins everything.
Does it?
Those unnecessary columns
are lamentable too.
It's a violation of Mies's philosophy.
You've seen the Farnsworth House,
haven't you?
It's maintained just as it was.
- It's important that we cherish the...
-Professor!
- Kenji! You're here too.
-Hi Mike.
Michael, I saw your student's work.
That theory has potential.
But I am still in the concept phase.
I'm thinking about where to take it.
Jonathan, hello!
Long time no see.
- Sir, do you have a minute?
-Yes.
I'd like to introduce you
to my colleague, Kenji Saiga.
Nice to meet you.
He's focusing his studies on ruins.
He's about to publish his book.
Call me anytime.
Looking forward to seeing it.
Thank you for your time.
I'll walk you out.
What's up, Kenji?
I just...
Sorry, I'll stay here.
Kai!
Let's go home!
Where are you?
Kai?
Kai?
Kai!
Excuse me, did you see a little boy?
I don't think so.
Thanks.
I'm so grateful to you all
for making this with me.
It's hard to believe it's been 5 years
since our performance.
It feels like
another lifetime.
Kai!
Where are you?
Are you hiding?
Kai!
Thanks to all of you.
Kenji?
-Calm down!
- Jane!
- What happened?
- Jane, there are drinks.
Kai did what?
Kai is gone!
I looked for him.
I checked...
I checked all the classrooms,
the hallways...
- I don't know where he is!
-Is something wrong?
My son is missing.
He was around here.
The boy who was with you before?
When's the last time you see him?
Over there. A few minutes ago.
I checked everywhere!
I'm talking with a security guard.
I know, I got you.
Please look for him.
He might be hiding.
- Okay, we'll help you find him.
-I will.
- So please stick around.
- I'm heading there now.
Kai!
Kai!
Kai!
Kai!
Kai!
Is the puppet theater studio
close to Bale?
If there's no traffic, it's quick.
You drove from there
to the university,
and when you arrived,
there was a commotion.
And you,
were you giving a presentation?
There was a gathering of
people I needed to meet.
I hear the academic world is tough.
Is it necessary to take your son
to the university?
There are times when you have to,
even if you hate to.
-If you hate to?
- Well, what I mean...
If you hate it,
you should just say so.
Would that change anything?
We have no one to look after him.
If I knew you'd gripe about it,
I would've taken him with me.
You were talking with someone,
not looking after Kai.
You left in the middle of the night,
leaving the house a mess.
You lost Kai! I want my son back.
If your son was kidnapped,
statistics tell us that
it's very likely
that the perpetrator is
someone who is close to the boy.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Can I talk with each of you
individually?
I am so sorry.
Jane, can I ask you
some questions over there?
Can we do it here?
Yes, it's fine with me.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Are the two of you married?
Not just living together.
We've been married for 5 years.
Last night,
you left your son here and went out
in the middle of the night.
You wouldn't understand.
Something urgent?
A major problem.
My precious partner...
that kid is my alter ego.
I went to see where he was broken.
Only I can fix him, and if I don't,
everything comes to a halt.
You went out for work?
That's right.
You stopped working
for a long time.
And to get help with child care,
you got an apartment near your parents.
Is that what he said?
-You also help out at your parent's store.
We chose this apartment because
it's close to the university.
Not for my sake.
As you see it, does Kenji
get along with your family?
Has he ever had an argument
with your parents?
I don't know.
You've also been through a robbery
at the store when your child was there.
And your car was painted
with graffiti.
Hey! Are you okay?
You want some water?
Jane, are you okay?
-What did you do?
- I didn't do anything.
If she has a medical condition,
you should call her doctor.
Can't you see she's exhausted?
- Just go away. Right now!
-We have patrol units on the move.
We reached out
to the evening news people.
Our son is missing!
Do you get that?
He's only 4 years old.
- What will happen when night comes?
- Every minute counts. That's why
- we're asking for your cooperation.
-We didn't do this.
Why don't you get that?
Here, take this.
Check anything you want.
Kenji.
-If you need to contact me.
-We are finished.
Get out.
One more thing.
-What?
-When was the last time
you were in touch
with your family in Japan?
Why?
If the case falls outside our jurisdiction,
it'll be assigned to someone else,
especially if it's international.
I have no family there.
They all died.
I see.
I'm sorry.
What are you doing?
Was it him?
There's no connection.
Jane...
I haven't seen him in a long time.
We should have told Kai.
He's still too young for that.
Yeah.
You're right.
Sorry.
Don't apologize.
I just want to see Kai.
So do I.
I can't believe you really did this.
I have the right.
- Yeah, but...
-- I don't want to talk about it.
All right.
I'm starving.
I got you, buddy.
Something to eat? (
Grab the flashlight.
Hey, won't it be cold in there?
Do you want to bring, like,
some blankets?
Wait.
-Mama!
- Hey, stop!
You okay?
Dude, you had food this whole time?
Wait, no, give me some.
That's all you got?
Come on. You'll be fine.
You wanna try?
This one's running out.
Here, try this on this wall.
Here you go.
Come on, try here.
Closer.
I need your full arm okay? Look.
Hold it.
Closer, you gotta do it with the...
yeah, entire arm, okay?
Ya, here you go.
The NYPD has issued an Amber Alert
for a 4-year-old Asian boy named Kai.
He has black hair and black eyes.
Kai was last seen with his father
Sunday afternoon
at the campus of The Bale Institute.
He was wearing a red knit cap,
a blue down jacket, and...
Do it stronger.
You can do better than that. Come on!
There you go.
Try to hit me!
There you go.
One more time?
You box?
You know how to box?
Come on, show me.
Alright?
I want your right fist,
to hit my right hand.
Alright, there you go, again!
And same thing,
left fist left hand, alright?
Go! 1, 1...
I've got those tattoos. Look at this.
You know what this is?
Look at it.
It's a dog, right?
This one?
Can you tell what this is?
It's a dragon.
Where's Papa?
...he's gonna be back soon.
Alright?
You're scared of the dark,
aren't you?
Of course you are.
I am too.
Hey, you wanna try this?
You know...
this place used to be our school
back in the day, you know.
Not a thing left.
Do you close...
He's asleep...
Donny, he's asleep.
Sit.
Let's go back.
Miguel is not here.
You are here alone?
Show me what's inside!
I'm looking for him,
my kid.
Let me look.
Your kid? He's not here.
You know where he is!
You're the one who took him!
Shit!
Hey, where are you?
Hey, you are alone?
Oh my god!
What happened?
Okay, it's okay...
It's okay...
We have to go right now...
Hello?
Yes.
Yeah.
Are you sure?
Sorry, which hospital?
-Where is Kai?
-Come this way. Where's Kenji?
I called him, didn't get through.
-Come on, let's go.
-His phone must be off.
It's the room over there.
That's the attending doctor,
Dr. Gregory.
Follow me.
- Are you the mother?
- Yeah!
He seemed to be totally exhausted.
This is your son, correct?
Yes, he is my son.
Kai has no noticeable injuries.
The medical team will
continue to monitor him.
Jane,
I'll give you a brief explanation.
This way.
Okay.
So,
Kai was found at a gas station
outside the city.
Alone?
When the owner noticed him,
he was alone
with someone's blood
on his face and clothes.
But, look.
He himself was not injured.
So this means the blood was of
someone else involved with the incident.
Everyone, including hospital security,
is searching with the highest priority.
The kidnapper might still be
in the vicinity.
What's your name?
Mama! Mama!
I'll never let you
out of my sight again.
Mama...
This is a hospital.
Where is Papa?
He'll be here soon.
He's coming as fast as he can.
Okay?
No worries.
Did you hear the radio?
Yeah, made me miss
a touching reunion.
- You heading back to the station?
- No, I'm going to the scene.
- You stay here.
-Got you.
Tim, move your car over there.
- They'll close the lot in a while.
-You got it.
She was really worked up, man.
I couldn't understand a damn thing
she was saying.
Of course! Then I had to tell them to
bring me here.
But why does everything
turn out so shitty for me, man?
And this was like two
or three months ago.
Who is that?
The father of the woman
under interrogation.
I brought him out here.
Thanks.
Must've been a tough time for you.
Yeah.
Can I go now?
- I have to go back to my shop.
- I just need a minute. Do you mind?
Jane.
How is Kai? Was he hurt?
-Is he okay?
-He's in his own room.
He's totally fine.
We got him back safely.
It's nothing.
Just got hurt somewhere.
Are you okay?
What did he say?
He asked, "Where's Papa?"
You didn't answer your phone,
so I was worried.
I passed out on the sofa.
I heard on the radio that
Kai was found.
What are they doing here?
They haven't caught
the kidnapper yet.
He might still be around here.
Are you Kenji Saiga?
Where were you?
He was at our apartment.
I heard from him just now.
That's Kenji's car?
- Yes.
-Can I look inside it?
Why?
Why? Because there might be
something inside it.
Unit 45,
we have a report on an accident...
Did you call them?
They showed up
right after I got here.
Copy that, dispatch.
I'm on another investigation.
Can you reassign this call?
They'll wonder
why your face is like that.
This looks terrible.
Where did it happen?
Could you open the door for me?
Could I ask you to open the trunk?
Alright.
Thank you.
Alright, thanks.
He had a little money saved up.
He worked at the auto shop
and sold stuff, you know, like resale.
He said we were gonna
go to California.
But he
always is just talking about plans.
Well, that's interesting.
But you're the one who left the boy
at the gas station.
No, I told you
I did not leave him there alone.
- There was a guy working there.
-No.
The employee wasn't there yet.
You left the little boy all alone,
abandoned him.
I just wanted to
help that little kid.
You know, like,
make him happy.
Because he was his son,
that's what Donny said.
How is that so?
Donny used to date the boy's mother
before me.
Do you know the boy's mother?
I know she walked out on Donny
and cut off all contact.
And it made Donny crazy.
Because he wasn't able to be a dad.
I didn't believe it.
Really.
I'm not as sure about the details,
but he said something like that.
Is there a reason
he had to tell you that?
He's been acting weird for a while,
ever since he saw that guy
who acts like that boy's father.
So what kind of guy was Donny?
He liked animals,
because they wouldn't
double-cross you,
he said.
And he had to deal with
a lot of shit.
After his foster parents died,
he's just been living out of that van.
He's a fucking idiot.
He really is, but...
...he's a really sensitive guy.
You know, he didn't even know
who his real parents were.
He had nothing to believe in.
Always uneasy, couldn't settle down...
...and we just couldn't fucking
bear it anymore.
We were gonna move away,
and start over.
Together.
And if it wasn't for that
fucking guy showing up,
none of this would've come down,
and we would be in California,
away from all of this fucking bullshit.
Alright.
Sound asleep.
He was so looking forward to
coming home.
Did he say where he was?
I don't know.
It's as if nothing happened.
Where did you go?
This is so fun!
And then, let's deal with my puppets.
Faster!
Stop! You'll get hurt!
You alright?
Who is it?
Not sure.
- Hello.
-Hello.
I heard you brought your son home.
We just got back.
He's already asleep.
You must be relieved now.
Is Kenji upstairs too?
Yes. We were just about to eat.
I have some urgent news to share.
May I come in?
Yeah.
Nice to see you again.
What happened to your face?
I don't really know.
I don't remember.
Where were you yesterday?
I was...
I ended up at the Lunatic Theater.
Oh?
That theater closed down years ago.
I couldn't bear what was happening.
There was a kind of
chaotic beauty there.
You were, like, meditating?
That's what you came to talk about?
No, not initially.
Have you ever seen her?
Do you know her?
This is Monica Lombera,
the daughter of an auto shop owner.
She's the one who brought Kai
to the gas station.
Her father, Miguel Lombera,
brought her in.
She surrendered to the police
and we have her in custody.
-What does that mean?
-She was at the crime scene.
From my interrogation, it appears
she may have been roped in
by the kidnapper.
Donovan Fox,
he committed the kidnapping on his own,
according to her testimony.
Jane,
do you know this man?
I dated him, some time ago.
When was the last time you saw him?
I haven't seen him for years,
more than 5 years.
You certain of that?
Yes.
Did he kidnap Kai?
is body was found at the scene of the crime
in an abandoned school building.
We determined that blood on the corpse
matches the blood we found on Kai.
According to Monica's testimony,
when she found your son,
he was holding a gun
- and he fired a shot.
- Wait now.
Wait!
- Are you saying Kai killed him?
-Calm down.
I'm just saying it's possible
that he shot him by accident...
That can't be.
How could that be possible?
Kai is 4 years old.
-He's never touched a gun.
-A case involving children
requires careful verification.
Now we'll continue our investigation,
but I want you to understand,
since it is one hypothesis,
we have to take your son in
for questioning...
You believe the story
she's making up?
- Kenji, not a tough interrogation.
-No way!
Kai's home now.
Everything's back to normal.
So leave us alone!
This guy's the one
who kidnapped him.
Jane,
the gun used to shoot Donny
is the kind that circulates
on the black market.
It's not legally registered,
so it's hard to track down the owner.
If the gun was Donny's,
do you know how
he might have gotten it?
I don't know.
It's a strange story,
but as his companion tells it,
Donny's motive for
kidnapping the boy,
he said Kai was his child.
You okay?
I'm alright.
I just don't know
what to believe anymore.
What did he want?
Nothing much.
Do you know why I went to
the Lunatic Theater?
Did you really go there?
That's where I first met you.
I have gone back many times
since then.
That's brave of you.
I couldn't do that.
Why not?
Because that would remind me that
there's no going back.
Jane?
Something's not right.
I just have a bad feeling
and I can't calm down.
I'm sorry.
I think I'm losing it.
It's like a premonition, you know?
We've got our son back,
but I feel like I'm a failure,
as a mother.
What is it?
What's wrong?
No. Don't go.
Please.
Stop, don't touch me.
Give me some space.
I feel my heart
is about to burst.
I've been holding my feelings in
for so long. Honestly,
I'm afraid
everything's gonna fall apart.
That guy knew
that Kai was his son.
No, that's not true.
Haven't you been seeing him
all this time?
You knew it was him
during the robbery, right?
Kenji...
He was looking at you,
and at Kai!
The graffiti on the car,
you knew who did that, right?
Why did you put the gun in the car?
Why did you go out?
Where did you go?
Did you meet up with him somewhere?
Did you see Donny?
I'm hungry.
You want pancakes?
Hi, Jane. You can wait in there,
-I'll be right back.
- Okay.
Did you see the kid
that broke the vase?
It's always the same kid.
-Yes it's crazy, I'm sure it's him.
-What is it?
- Excuse me?
- You were talking about Kai, right?
Are you his dad?
I'm sure that was quite an ordeal.
What was?
I want you to stop.
Stop spreading rumors.
Did my son do something?
Kenji.
We were so worried...
I'm really glad that
Kai wasn't hurt.
Thank you for your concern.
We know you are busy.
Did the police come here too?
Yes, they told us that
- Kai is fine. He is, right?
- Yes, he's fine.
We just want to get back to normal,
and we'd love your help with that.
Jane, I'm sure you have to work,
but, considering
what he's been through,
you might want to prioritize
spending time together as a family.
What do you mean?
Well, when you consider
his mental state,
- we need to figure out if...
-Mental state?
Are you saying
you know what Kai experienced?
I don't.
But that's all the more...
Please don't talk about
what you don't know.
Did you tell the other parents?
I just want to give Kai a normal life.
Kenji.
These are baseless accusations.
Did the cops tell you something?
Nothing out of the ordinary,
just about the investigation.
I want you to treat Kai
just as before.
I understand that.
But if something happens,
who will take responsibility?
The police said they have
vital information...
Do you trust what the police say
more than me?
The police interrogated him
at the hospital!
- Stop this bullshit.
-Mr. Saiga...
There're no reason
Kai can't go to school.
There's nothing wrong with him.
The police are trying to
pin the crime on Kai,
- so they can close the case.
- Look around you!
Stop it.
Now what?
Ever heard of the raven paradox?
It's the idea that
to prove that all ravens are black,
you have to prove that all things
that aren't black aren't ravens.
What's your point?
I asked you to stop coming around.
-To learn who was the perp,
we have to investigate
who wasn't the perp. So...
Who was at the crime scene?
You know, I went by there.
I said I don't know anything
about that.
If you're gonna keep following us around,
talk to our lawyer.
They are still out here.
Kai, food's ready.
Let's rinse you off.
Papa, I want to draw
on your face with a pencil.
A pencil won't show.
-How about a marker?
- A marker?
I want something that won't rub off.
I'm making a giraffe...
and a fire...
and some trees...
and then a dragon.
Two monsters coming!
"Come join us, Mira,
wild and free!"
They howled,
and danced beneath the trees.
He laughed, he twirled,
he leaped so high.
Among the stars, up in the sky.
Mama will always be with you.
Mama?
Everything will be okay.
I was born.
My choice to come here
was necessary.
Somehow, I lost sight of myself.
The membrane between myself
and the world collapsed.
And I was free,
but alone.
I am simply looking for
a place to sleep.
I need a bed to sleep in.
I need a place to eat.
I cannot sleep outside.
I need the same thing every night,
not something different every night.
Mom, I'm going out.
When will you be back?
-Can you put Kai to bed?
- Sure.
Don't come home too late.
Hey Jane.
I'll have the same.
Kenji?
Let's talk with Kai about everything.
About me and you.
Even if he can't understand yet,
- just little by little...
-Then what?
What do you want to do?
Tell me.
You wanna keep this a secret?
I was the one
who was supposed to die.
When Donny heard that I was pregnant,
he ran away.
But you told me,
"The baby you're carrying is mine."
I did say that.
Because I was in love with you.
I made mistakes
I can never undo.
I should have gone on, on my own.
- I should never have been here.
-No. 1
It's because of you
that I've been happy.
Then forget about him.
You're the only one
who's sad about him dying.
A person has died, Kenji.
And Kai,
our boy was found covered with blood.
I wanted to be his father,
even though I wasn't.
I really wanted to protect him.
But...
now...
the only way I can...
No.
Kenji, that's not what I'm saying...
Don't just walk away!
Don't do anything stupid.
If you're gone, Kai will suffer.
You know that!
How are we supposed
to live without you?
Kenji!
I trust you more than anyone else.
As long as we're together,
everything will work out just fine.
So please...
stay.
Don't leave us.
Why are you playing the victim?
You say everything is for us, but...
it's just your ego talking.
Don't be selfish.
Kenji, I know you.
No matter where you go,
it will be hell.
Hey.
Glad you're here.
Don't overdo it.
Should I cancel the interviews
after the talk?
- No, it's okay.
- Alright.
I'll get their questions
in advance, where I can.
Look, Kenji...
If you're asked about anything
other than the book,
you don't have to answer.
Okay, thanks.
So, what you said earlier,
the lack of belief
in architectural apocalypse,
it's a very Japanese characteristic.
Can you further explain this?
The reason I am here.
I'm brought here by shame,
and by rage.
Shame over a Far East island nation
that is infatuated with Western ideas
about ruins and cities.
Conversely,
rage over how Westerners praise
Japan's distorted landscape
as the face of the future.
Paradoxically,
that gave impetus to my work.
Hi, excuse me,
it's Lily.
You called ruins
the space of the gods.
That's a new, intriguing perspective.
But let me ask you:
What do you think about the fact
that they can also become
the breeding ground for crime?
Everything in life is transient.
Is the law able to judge everything
in this world correctly?
Perhaps we should say
humans are unresolved.
We constantly suffer,
even after death.
This is what ruins embody.
Their weathered beauty and fragility.
It's in the wreckage
that we find the truth, isn't it?
That isn't an answer!
- Can society bear the consequences?
-Settle down!
What are ruins
but a beautiful, terrible fate?
We have to continue living
until we exhaust that fate.
Not to eliminate ruins,
but to learn from them,
without turning our back.
You're being too abstract!
Where do you get the money
to maintain the ruins?
Who takes responsibility?
What's the impact on our society?
You're pathetic!
Fuck.
Well, I thought I'd find you here.
What exactly did you do, Kenji?
-Kai didn't do it.
- Well, what about your crimes?
Do you really want to
turn that child into a murderer?
I'm just trying to respect the memory
of the deceased with the truth.
I had no idea where he had gone.
I didn't know where he fled.
As much as I searched,
I couldn't find him.
But I was worried about Kai...
Kenji.
Jane.
Will you come back home?
I'm here.
Yeah,
I'll be back home.
Dinner together?
Yeah,
sure,
I'll eat with you.
How about pasta?
Sounds great.
What's Kai up to?
He's playing.
I see.
I can't wait to...
Are you okay?
-Calm down.
-I'm alright.
It's your fault that Donny's dead!
I will never forgive you!
You murdered him.
I hope you rot in hell!
I'll never forgive you!
Get off me!
I hate you!
I hate you!
Get off!
Stop it!
You're right.
It's all my fault.
I wanted to kill him.
It's all because of me.
That's right.
If I wasn't there,
he'd never have ended up like that.
It was me.
I did it.
It's all my fault.
Don't you understand?
I want to turn myself in.
I didn't expect this from you.
Sorry to disappoint.
You won't be the first.
You know I'm gonna have to cuff you.
Come on. Let's go.
DF: Donovan Fox