Death Among the Pines (2025) Movie Script

[suspenseful music]
[heavy breathing/panting]
[winded in pain]
(Radio) But first here's One For The Road
with their brand new
single Welcome to the World.
(Music on radio) I
like to go day trippin'
Yeah, I do it for fun.
It's like the calm before
the storm or the setting
of the sun.
I get a little bit crazy,
whenever I lose control.
There's a burning in my
heart, and a fire in my soul.
[rain sweeps the hills]
[rain and wind]
[clock ticking]
[loud knock at door]
[persistent knocking]
[persistent knocking]
Who's there?
Look, my car's broken down.
I was looking to try and
find the nearest village,
but I think I got lost.
It's two miles down the road.
Oh, look, it is freezing
out here. I'm soaking.
Look, I, I just need to come in
and use your phone if that's all right.
We don't have a phone.
Look, look, the temperature's
dropped. I'm freezing. Please.
I just need to come in and warm up.
[door clicks open]
Look, I'm sorry about the hour.
But I've nowhere else to go.
There's a phone box
half a mile down the road.
Look, please. It's cold, it's dark.
I'll wet through. If I don't make it
to the phone box, I'm done for.
Look, please. I'm begging
you. Just let me in so I can,
so I can try and warm up.
Come inside.
Really sorry about this, ehm.
Someone gave me directions and I think I
just took a wrong turn.
Let me fetch you a
towel and some dry clothes.
I'm Angela.
Thanks Angela. I really appreciate this.
Your eh, your husband's
not gonna mind, is he?
Help thy neighbour.
I'm pretty sure he said that to me before.
Stand by the radiator.
I'll be back soon with the clothes.
- Do you think they'll fit?
- I have a few sizes.
You should be okay.
- This your husband?
- Yes.
He's a big lad, ain't he?
Is he here?
Working.
Ah, so he'll be back.
Maybe.
He's not gonna come
back and lose his rag, is he?
If he finds another man in his house.
Maybe I should worry
about you losing your rag.
Me?
Your knuckles.
Oh yeah. I scraped them
when I was trying to fix the car.
I was getting a bit desperate.
I'm no mechanic, that's for sure.
You get changed.
I'll grab some disinfectant. Okay.
You a nurse or something?
Not a nurse.
Ohh.
I'll get you cup of tea as well
You'll need warming up.
[ominous music]
[clearing throat]
Have you warmed up yet?
Yeah. Thanks. I just need a pick me up.
How long were you walking?
Not that long.
You look like you've been lost
in the mountains for three days.
[light laugh]
[awkward exhale]
You not got a telly?
No. Umm...
My husband hates them.
Dad didn't like them either.
Well, don't worry,
you're not missing much.
How do you keep up to
date with the news then?
Radio.
Ah, makes sense. Anything good on today?
Celtic won and the weather's terrible.
I know, right?
Oh, your knuckles.
What about them?
I, I forgot the disinfectant.
Oh, don't worry. My fingers
haven't quite dropped off yet.
I'm sorry. I got distracted.
Not really used to visitors.
Eddie laughs at me.
Says I should try tuning
into Earth now and then.
Well he doesn't know
what he's talking about then.
What is it that our husband does?
Why do people always ask that?
It's always what the man does.
They always ask, what does your husband do?
It's never; What do you do?
Well, sorry, I didn't
mean anything by it.
It's just what we're talking
about him already so
He works at the docks and at sea.
Job to job. You know,
imagine he'll be down at the docks today,
playing poker.
Are you expecting him back at all?
You keep asking that.
He's not gonna come back
and find me with my legs
wrapped around your face.
Fucking hell.
[playful laugh]
You've got a way with words, don't you?
Sorry. Sometimes I have
no control over my mouth.
Eddie, when he first moved in,
he took me to the pub.
I told a joke.
It's pretty dark.
He never took me again.
Go on then. What was the joke?
A rabbi, a lawyer and a
priest are on a sinking ship.
The rabbi says,
shouldn't we get the kids off first?
The lawyer says, nah fuck the kids.
The priest says;
You think we've got time for that?
[choking with laughter]
Wow.
Told you it was dark.
Hmm, you did.
So you and your dark jokes
don't get out much then?
It's alright.
Pub was shite anyway.
Just a bunch of old foggies staring at me.
Yeah. Well, I'm not surprised.
Why?
Well, they probably haven't
seen a good looking woman
in about two decades.
You're hungry.
I'll warm you up some stew.
[radio tuning/interference]
Would you like to catch up with the news?
Oh, eh do you mind if we don't actually?
I've got a bit of a headache.
Oh,
I have some aspirin if you'd like?
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
You're a bit over-ripe.
You smell like you've done a week at sea.
Why don't you go wash up
and I'll sort out your dinner.
(Radio) It's gonna be a
wet one this evening, folks
but to keep you rocking through the night
next up on heavy metal hour,
It's Clementine Nightmare
with When Darkness Falls.
[music on radio]
[running water]
Fuck.
[music from radio]
Alright?
You look better.
Oh, sorry. The wind and rain died down.
I just fancied a bit of music.
What's this?
Metal
Sounds like someone's
trying to strangle a lawnmower.
It's not for everyone, I suppose.
Do you want to have it off?
Bit forward.
Oh no, I, I meant the the radio
Not a music fan then?
Yeah, I like a bit of rock
and roll, metal's kinda heavy.
That'll explain the haircut.
Ohh?
Oh, you look like a greaser.
Like you'd probably roam the streets
of Glasgow in a hot
rod and a leather jacket.
Sorry if I offended you.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
God.
Does your wife not feed you?
I'm not married.
Divorced?
Nope. I'm free range.
How is it?
Mhmm, it's good. What's the texture?
Barley. Yeah, I like
to use lots of barley.
We have a stream and
some pines in our acreage too,
but we tend to leave the
barley for the most part.
Would you like a whiskey?
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
Did your husband buy you those?
Eddie?
No. He used to call it
a waste of good money.
Well, I wouldn't call it a waste.
Flirting with married women
will get you into trouble, you know.
I wouldn't worry.
The rest of me gets me into enough trouble.
So your husband works at sea,
you own a field of barley, a
house in the middle of nowhere
You don't like the telly.
You do like whiskey.
And your husband leaves
you all on your lonesome.
And?
Oh, and you buy your own flowers.
Not for me.
For Charlie.
Charlie?
I thought you said your
husband's name was Eddie?
Did I say Charlie?
I meant Eddie.
Well, I wouldn't leave you
alone out in a place like this.
A place like this?
This might be the sleepiest
village in the whole of Scotland.
Some men can smell lonely
women from a hundred miles.
I can smell bullshit right now.
S'whiskey's got a kick,
I'm gonna go sit down.
[rain and wind]
Yeah, it's me.
(Police chief on
phone) What's the latest?
Yeah still no sign of him.
He can't have gotten far,
it's pissing it down out there
and he's on his own, and he's on foot.
What do you want me to
do? Do you want me to come in?
Should I check into the station first or
Keep searching.
What was his last known whereabouts?
Suspect was last seen hear Heddon.
Widen the net.
Let's get over to more villages.
- Yeah.
- How many men are still out?
Yeah there's a couple of guys out
I want no stone left unturned.
No I said there's a couple
of guys out doing door to door.
We're checking barns,
greenhouses, you name it.
This ends tonight Donny.
I want this guy caught before sunrise.
Yeah, I'll check a couple of doors. Yeah.
In this weather he might try
and find some place indoors.
And you know what
to do if you do find him.
Okay, I'll call you
when I know more. Bye.
RADIO NEWSREADER: The Highlands and areas
of Lanarkshire have
experienced severe flooding
due to torrential rain.
In other news a manhunt
is still underway across
across three districts
for a murder suspect.
He is described as medium
height, short dark hair
and athletic build. Last
seen on the outskirts
of Glasgow near the village of Heddon.
Greater Glasgow Police Chief
James Smith has this update.
POLICE CHIEF: The police
across all 13 divisions are deeply
saddened by the loss
of one of our officers.
A much respected family man.
We do not have the suspect's
identity but he will feel the
full force of the law.
We're confident he'll be stopped
one way or another by sunrise.
If you have any information
or see anyone untoward
do not hesitate to call us.
What's this?
I poured it for you earlier.
I just had a wee taste to
make sure it was still all right.
You smell like you've
had more than just a taste.
Well, it's strong.
Ugh!
How much bloody pepper
have you put in that, woman?
I thought you liked pepper.
Aye, a couple of good
cracks. Not the whole damn jar.
Just make me a sandwich or something.
We're out of bread.
I give you money, don't I?
Is it not your job to stock the larder?
It's a long walk to the farm shop, Eddie.
Oh, and I suppose you just prefer
sitting on your lazy arse all day?
Eddie!
Don't say that to me.
I'm sorry.
Actually no.
I'm not sorry.
You see, you're my woman,
And I'm your man.
That means you have one job in this house;
To take care of me, so
I can work myself into
an early grave putting money on that table!
If you don't know your place in this house,
I'm just gonna have
to put you in it, aren't I?
Angela? Angela,
Angela!
Angela...
Don't touch me.
Why are you in here? You should be resting.
I heard voices, I thought your
husband might have come back.
Eddie. No.
What was on the radio?
Something about a manhunt,
I wasn't really listening.
Bad news as always then.
Why are you looking at me?
Why are you looking at me?
We're having a conversation.
Isn't that normally done
through eye contact?
They said the suspect was last seen
in Heddon. It's like a village over.
Thought you weren't listening?
I caught a little between daydreams.
Also said something about flooding.
You know what? I've been thinking.
Eddie's been playing poker.
He's probably had a
little too much to drink.
I think it's probably best if you leave.
After all your hospitality Angela.
Why you backing away?
Do I make you feel
uncomfortable? Is that it?
I just don't like being
questioned in my own home.
Just making conversation.
You know, it feels like you've
gone from Mother Theresa
to pub landlord at chucking out time.
One minute you wanna soothe my knuckles
and fill my belly.
Next, you want me out on my fucking ear.
Better than Eddie throwing you out.
Oh (laughing) he's got a temper, has he?
Prone to a bit of violence.
I just think it's best if
you leave, for your own sake.
For my own sake? It's freezing out there.
I could catch hypothermia.
Actually, if I die on the
way to that phone booth,
could be hours, even
days before they find me.
Do you want that on your conscience?
Actually, to be honest, I
would rather take my chances
with Eddie than out there in the cold.
Besides if he takes a swing
at me, I'll fucking drop him.
He's bigger than you.
(laughing)
Ohh. Ooooo.
It's alright, I'm just messing with you.
I'm not in the mood for wind-ups.
Mm. What are you in the mood for, Angela?
Another one of these.
[dripping water]
Can I ask you a question?
It's your house.
Are you the one they're looking for?
Do you think I am?
I don't think you look like a killer.
Hah!
Do you think killers go around
with it written across their forehead?
What about the Moors Murderers though?
Something about at night
reading Nazi literature
to each other.
- Who? Ian Brady?
- Mmm.
Now he
may as well have had it written across his
fucking forehead.
(scoffs)
Look, if I told you it
was just coincidence,
me being out here in the middle of nowhere
on the exact night that a
police manhunt's taking place
would you believe me?
[loud banging at door]
Come here.
Is that your husband?
- No.
- You didn't look.
It's not him.
How do you know?
He wouldn't knock.
Oh yeah, that makes sense.
Hello?
Are you expecting anyone else?
Not this time of night.
Do you know who that guy is?
No idea.
Do you think he could be the murderer?
I think he saw me.
I think he might be police.
Hello?
Is there anyone in?
Should we answer?
I think we're gonna have
to, but let's stay on our toes.
Don't tell him how I arrived here.
Just watch yourself. Don't put
yourself in any danger. Okay?
Sorry madam. Eh, I'm Officer McCann.
Do you realise the hour?
Ah, yes. Sorry. But can I come in?
Ah, evening Sir.
Evening.
I'd just like a couple
of moments of your time,
if that's alright, I don't
want to keep you or your
Wife.
Come in.
Lucky man.
Lovely place that you have here.
- Thank you.
- You know, I've been curious.
I often wondered what it looked like
inside anytime I've passed by.
So what brings you here, Officer McCann?
Oh, Donny, please.
Although technically I should be off duty,
but there's been a bit of an incident
and we're conducting a
police manhunt this evening.
A manhunt?
Ah yes. Do either of you mind if I sit?
Sure.
Ah, I'm a bit damp,
but I think my jacket got the brunt of it.
It's grim out there.
It's nothing to worry about I'm sure
but we are checking local residences,
barns, out houses, that kinda thing.
Do you know who you're looking for?
I have a description but no name.
Although it's possible that
he does have gang affiliations.
Like a greaser gang?
No, a little bit more hardcore,
but, well, it's not
uncommon for gang members
to take the wrong street
and start a mass brawl.
And with that it's not uncommon
for people to end up dead.
God, glad I'm out in the sticks.
Oh, well this fella though,
he could be tough to find
we've got a pretty common description.
If it was some arsehole
with a hook for a hand
and one leg, well, he'd
be a lot easier to find.
Can I get you a cup of tea?
Ah, no thanks. I shant stay long.
It's no problem. It's rotten out there.
You probably need warming up.
I'll even throw in a biscuit.
Well, if there's a biscuit
involved, then how can I refuse?
Thank you, Mrs.
Hendry. Angela Hendry.
You lucky, lucky bastard.
She's beautiful.
Oh, Hendry. Hendry.
You're, you're Eddie Hendry?
Yep.
Someone said that
you lived up around here.
Really? Tend to try and keep
myself to myself to be honest.
Why's that?
Hiding something?
[laughing]
Just pulling your leg pal.
To be honest, with work
I rarely get the chance
to go into the village and see anyone.
Ah, I suppose so.
You work down the docks
out on the trawlers, right?
Yeah. Yeah.
Who was it that told
you that I stayed here?
You know the Irish fella,
runs a pub down the road there?
- Sure.
- I speak to him sometimes.
Your name came up.
He knows Connor that
fishes for langoustines.
He bungs me some every now and again.
You might know him actually.
No, never heard of
him. What's a langoustine?
It's like a giant prawn
You ever had scampi?
Well, it's usually just
langoustine tail meat inside.
I'm surprised you don't know what they are,
working the trawlers and all.
Yeah but the boats I
work on usually catch cod,
herring, mackerel, sometimes haddock.
Much obliged.
It's no problem.
I suppose I should ask you both,
if you've seen anything untowards tonight,
had any strange visitors?
Just you.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
Do you really think he'd
go inside someone's house?
Out in the sticks, in this weather,
no one around,
I'm sure he'd be looking
to lay low somewhere.
Chances are he could
have clobbered an old farmer
over the head and dumped
them in their own basement.
Well, we'll make sure we stay vigilant.
Well, good.
I don't want to upset
your lovely wife here,
but it's best to remain cautious.
He's dangerous.
This fella made quite
the escape from the back
of a police van injuring
an officer in the process.
[engine rumbling]
You're in the shit now.
Ah, we've got a hard bastard?
[dislocating joint]
Desmond. What the
hell's going on in there?
Shit!
[car horn blasting]
[car crashing]
[car crashing]
[engine hissing]
No, unfortunately the officer's
not expected to pull through.
Nice guy. Family man.
Been in my office a few times.
Excuse me. I I think I
might have left the gas on.
You fancy something
with a bit more of a kick?
Nah, I shouldn't.
Go on. You're not on duty now.
I suppose not.
Settles it then.
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
Getting him a drink.
Shouldn't you be
trying to get him to leave?
- Just stay here.
- Why?
Because there's
something off about this guy.
I don't like him. I don't think he's a cop.
What are you gonna do?
I don't know yet.
Don't...
He might decide to leave.
Well, I should take my leave.
I've taken up enough
of your time this evening.
You sure?
Don't want your whiskey?
Nah, it'll put me to sleep.
Still need to drive back to the station.
Check in and then I'll call it a night.
Really?
What, even with a suspect on the loose
that's wanted for manslaughter?
Murder
He's wanted for murder.
[ticking clock]
Angela.
Angela.
Angela, what are you doing?
Shut up.
You're in a lot of trouble.
Me?
You're the murderer.
Oh Christ.
Look I don't know what yarns
that fella's been spinning but
he's fucking lying to you Angela.
I think you're lying.
I know he's not your husband.
He's not?
Soon as you said the name Hendry,
I suspected.
I played cards a couple of times with a guy
named Eddie.
Down at the docks
and, and it's been a while
but that guy up there just
didn't register to me as Eddie.
But he does fit the
description of the suspect
don't you think?
So could you.
Eddie works at the trawlers
down at the docks, right?
Eddie plays cards. Right?
I confirmed it with the
picture in the bookcase, Angela.
The picture that someone
did a really shit job at
trying to hide.
He said that ehm,
he'd inherited the barley
field with the house and that,
he had no clue about
what to do with it and
Quiet.
He said he'd leave that with you.
There was this one night
where he didn't have any cash
and he tried to use
the barley as collateral.
- That does sound like Eddie.
- Yeah.
Good. See, you can trust me.
Has he given you a name yet?
Is he keeping you here against your will?
I can help you.
Untie me.
Help me how?
I just need to get to the
phone at the bottom of the hill.
One call and I can have a
unit up here to take him away.
That's it.
Okay come on, faster.
Grab one of those weapons
and I can take care of him.
That's it. That's it. Angela?
Angela, what you doing?
Angela. Come on. Angela!
Angela listen to me you daft woman!
I'm here to help!
Do you understand?
That man up there is dangerous, okay?
Oh come on he's a fucking cop killer!
He told me you tried to kill him.
That he was defending
himself when you pulled a knife.
I don't walk around with a knife on me.
I'm a police officer!
Doesn't mean you're not a killer.
You've lost your mind.
Don't let this go on any further. Please.
I can help you.
I don't want police in my house.
Why?
Angela, where's Eddie?
What the fuck are you doing?
He knows you're not Eddie.
Yeah, no shit. Put the axe down.
Admit it.
He's telling me you're the killer.
You're telling me it's him.
Who do you believe, Angela?
Why wouldn't you just admit what you did?
- Lesson Angela...
- Don't, try to convince me
that he's the one they're looking for.
I'm not stupid.
Put the axe down.
No, I have to think.
I can't deal with the two of them alone.
Daft cow.
You're gonna take someone's
head of with this thing.
You know, if you thought I was a killer,
maybe you shouldn't push my buttons.
If you were gonna kill
me, I'd be dead already.
What did you do?
You can tell me.
I won't grass you up.
You're on the wrong side of town.
[choking]
I never meant to kill him.
Gang turf's always changing.
Thought I was on a safe street.
But I wasn't.
Why don't just leave that life behind?
And go where, you can't
just cancel your membership
and ride off into the sunset.
Doesn't really work like that.
You're a victim of circumstances, right?
Why aren't you scared of me, Angela?
You're not that scary.
Really? You think so?
Because I've just killed a man.
Maybe two. Why aren't
you cowering in the corner in
fear or taking any opportunity you can
to run down to that phone box?
- You tell me.
- You know I noticed something earlier.
Something funny. Wasn't too
sure what it was at the time.
- Noticed what?
- Something on your axe.
- What's on my axe?
- Blood.
- You think so?
- I noticed something else as well.
We were talking earlier in the kitchen.
Now it might just have
been a slip of your tongue
or a mix up with your tenses,
but I am pretty sure that
you referred to your husband
Eddie in the past tense.
Tell me the truth, Angela.
No.
Well I tell you what then,
fuck off down that
hill, go to the phone box
call the cops and have them come
up here right now and take me away.
- Fuck you.
- Yeah because you want
the cops up here like
I want a red hot poker
in my fucking eye.
What do you want from me?
The truth, cards on the table.
[birds chirping
Eddie!
Eddie!
Leave me alone!
Eddie?
Leave me alone!
Eddie?
One of these days,
One of these days Angela,
you're gonna push me too far
and I'm gonna kill you.
[heavy axe blow]
I never meant to do it.
Eddie,
He didn't believe in
things like the suffragettes,
or female empowerment.
He didn't even like it
when I spoke back to him.
You mean he hit you?
Sometimes it was just a slap.
Other days a punch
and sometimes
he'd just lose it.
Three punches,
four,
a kick in the ribs on the bathroom floor.
And then, then there was
the day I thought I might die.
He'd obviously ran outta patience with me.
He didn't love me anymore.
Kept saying I ask too much of him.
Where did you bury the body?
It's close by.
That's why I didn't want the police here.
Looks like we both
have something to hide.
You'll keep my secret, won't you?
It's a two-way street, Angela.
We're not bad people.
Your cut's bleeding.
Come with me to the bathroom
and I'll clean it up for you.
You're stronger than him.
Who?
Eddie.
Not physically, I mean, mentally.
I don't follow.
You seem to handle things well.
My surrounds, you
kinda don't have a choice.
- Why go back?
- Because that's where my life is.
What? Having to watch your back 24/7?
Not knowing if things are
about to kick off at any moment.
All this nonsense about turf
and where you can and cannot go.
And what's the alternative?
You could stay here with me?
Don't talk stupid.
Why's it stupid?
Because I'm running
from something, you're not.
It's fine for you to just hide here.
You're missing it.
Look, the police are looking for you,
not Eddie.
You could stay here. Wait it out.
And if things go well, well,
we could run away together.
Come on. What you want
me to pose as your husband?
Who's gonna know? We're
out here in the middle of nowhere.
We could be each other's alibi.
I don't think that's
such a good idea, do you?
Yeah. 'Cause we're both in the habit
of making really good life choices.
Well,
At least I know your husband
ain't likely to walk in on us now.
Imagine the police
are picking you tomorrow.
You're looking at a life sentence.
Who would you like to
be your last good fuck?
And what about yours?
My last was Eddie.
That figures
Why?
Because I pounce on the first man
that walks through that door?
Actually, I've got
another confession to make.
Oh?
I've wanted you from the
minute I set foot in this house.
[passionate kissing]
[moaning]
[suffocating]
[struggling to breathe]
What now?
Masturbate for me.
What?
You heard.
Go on.
Faster. Faster.
[panting]
Come for me.
Come for me.
Look at me.
Clean it up.
There you are.
Don't you know a wife should be obedient!
I can't do this.
I don't like this.
You're pathetic.
Just do it.
Tell me how a woman should act.
Be a fucking man.
Tell me how to obey you, Eddie.
Use a strong hand.
[retching and vomiting]
Why can't you just do it?
Why don't you just take control?
Ohhh...
You shouldn't have to
act being a man, Eddie.
It should come naturally.
You have no use for your balls?
May as well just cut them off.
We have something to take care of.
It's circumstances again,
if we let him go,
our lives are over.
Yeah. Yeah.
Shit.
Shit.
His coat's still there!
- Door's locked.
- Back door!
Cut him off. Go through the pines.
Wait
What's your name?
It's Kevin.
Don't fucking move.
Donny?
The one and only.
Where is he?
He's out. Looking for you.
Bullshit.
Donny, you have to help me.
Help you?
You're gonna have to give me a wee minute
to think about that one, love.
You see I'm not that easy
to fool you fucking little bitch.
You think I didn't hear you screaming in
pleasure from the basement?
Huh?
You two are in this together.
So what is it?
He helped you kill Eddie?
No.
I did that all by myself.
But you'll never prove it.
I'll pin it on Kevin.
You can take him in.
You'll be a hero.
Who said I want to take him in?
What?
He's a fucking dead man.
You think I'm going to let
some scumbag cop killer live. Eh?
And you. You're not innocent.
What were you planning on doing with me?
Bury me next to your fucking husband?
Oh, go on. Try it.
You'd hack me up real
nice given half a chance.
Wouldn't you Angela?
You know what?
I think you're more dangerous than he is.
I'll deal with you later.
Officer Donny!
[heavy rain]
[screaming]
Angela!
Angela!
Angela.
Fuck
You marked the graves?
I like to pay my respects sometimes.
We should bury them both properly.
While the ground's still easy to dig.
So you'll stay with me?
We'll see.
I can convince you.
[birds chirping]
So how is it?
Hmm. It's good.
And if it wasn't, you'd tell me, right?
Politely. Yeah.
Why politely?
You're a man, aren't you?
(Rock Music)
You're in my
mind. You're in my soul.
I love to hate you but
you keep me going.
You take me high then you make me low.
I burn like fire or I melt like snow.
I burn like fire or I melt like-
I'm falling to pieces
and sometimes I feel I'm the end.
But I keep believing,
that one day I'll feel alive again.
Cause in my mind,
I always see,
that previous person
that I know I can be.
And in my soul,
it never leaves,
I burn like fire oh
God, help me please,
I burn like fire, oh God help me-
I'm falling to pieces,
and sometimes I fear I'm near the end.
But I keep believing,
that one day I'll feel alive again.
Feel alive again.
Feel alive again.