Death Letter Blues (2023) Movie Script
1
The rascals sweet waters
In the bottom of the
Arkansas River now
He's eating coal and Spanish
In the daylight donkey
He rolled into town
smelling like a sea breeze.
Hmm?
That's me.
Where?
There.
Ed and I were having breakfast
and we heard a noise outside.
I mean, like a howl.
Yeah.
So anyway, we come
out here with the gun,
and there he is, standing
there looking back
from behind the bushes.
He wasn't wearing any clothes.
I'll spend a few
minutes with him.
I've done all I can do for now.
Figured we needed
a second opinion.
What should I expect?
Just go in easy.
We don't reckon he can talk.
How you doing?
The blessings we get are not
always the blessings we want.
Now, Ed and Marcy, I
see an opportunity here.
Pardon me, Father, but
it's been a long while
since we come to terms
with things as they are.
You're right.
You have a home here without a
child, and you're used to it.
You think he was led this way?
I see a boy who's
been on his own
for there's no telling how long.
I say the Lord is watching.
It doesn't matter.
He needs to be somewhere
that can handle him.
And how can we know
if he'll take to folks
or if folks will take to him?
Perhaps we can't.
Now, either he can
go to the station,
or he can stay here
with you for a while.
I'll make a few calls.
Suppose we could make
him some breakfast.
Eggs.
You may find he
might take to folks.
I never can forget the day
When my dear mother
Did sweetly say
You are leaving
My darling boy
You always have been
Your mother's of joy
Now, as you leave
This world alone
You may not be able
To get back home
But remember, Jesus
Who lives on high
Is watching over you
With a mighty eye.
The world is so far
Oh sin and woe
And many sorrows
Everywhere you go
But remember, Jesus
Who's everywhere
If you get in trouble now
He'll meet you there
It's healing as it should.
You must have a good connection
with the man upstairs.
Get changed, and I'll
meet you in my office
You're a fucking freak.
You fucking bit my hand.
Pete.
Get in there right now.
All y'all, get in there.
Come on.
Right damn now!
My hand.
My thumb is hanging off.
Jesus Christ.
We were pleased
to welcome Nathan
into the St. James
family, but I'm afraid
that as he's matured...
We both know they provoke him.
Kids were picking on him,
but nothing physical.
And how does he respond?
He bites him.
Broke the skin.
We had to take him
to the hospital.
Just look at this guy.
It is no use.
He's never been in
a fight in his life.
No reason our son won't
get the same as anyone's.
Call the others in.
See about their place here.
I really wish I could help here.
I do.
But it's time to consider that
homeschooling was a better fit.
Sorry, mom.
I suppose you all
deserve an update.
I did receive a
clean bill of health,
but I formally won't be
returning till next week.
There's strength here.
Theodore will live on in
each and every one of you.
May his soul, and the
soul of all the faithful
departed, through the
mercy of god rest in peace.
Let's bow our heads.
Thank you both.
That was a wonderful service.
Well, Ted was a wonderful man.
52 years of marriage
says it all.
It's quite a feat, Mrs. Webb.
Please I've heard my
share of kind words today.
Father, I'd like you
to meet with my lawyer
to discuss the
matter of the will.
Well, I hope he didn't think
it was necessary to leave
anything for me.
He was very fond of you.
Join us at the Bradford
office tomorrow at noon?
Yeah, sure.
You two have a lovely day.
God bless you.
OK.
I think we should get
a couple tuna salads.
Go easy on our hearts.
Can I share something with you?
I mean, you might think it's
unsavory coming from a funeral
to talk about a loss of an eye.
I don't think that's
unsavory, Father.
How y'all doing? You good?
Sure are, Jo.
I'll have the tuna salad.
OK.
And for you?
The steak and eggs and fried
liver on the side, please.
Stop it.
OK, that'll be out in a minute.
Now, this tumor, it
has a way of bringing
on a series of nightmares.
It's just an image.
I can't move for nothing.
And there's this figure
comes into the light.
And I see that it's my
father, a man I deeply love,
stood over me.
And he reaches for my face.
And, I mean, you've never
seen fingers as long as these.
Before you know, he
lays hold of my eye,
wrestling it from the socket.
But then again,
it's just strange.
Freaky dreams.
Freaky dreams.
You would not believe the way
they fuck with these fish.
I mean, some of them are in
tanks so full of their own shit,
they ain't never going to see
the light of day till they die.
I remember I watched someone
swing a catfish by the tail
just to see how far
they could throw it.
I hope you're not doing
any of that crap, Riley.
No way.
He'll sting you if
you hold him wrong.
What's all this
research for, anyway?
I mean, what else you got
to learn about a catfish?
I don't know.
You talking to the
wrong person, pops.
If you ask me,
they're a bad fish.
What we got today?
We're still up in the
back part by the river.
That ain't so bad.
Be out of everyone's way.
Dude, I hate it out here.
At least there was
shade in the car wash.
You hear about the party
in the woods, Pete?
I heard that the football team's
going to light a huge fire.
All right, then.
I woke up today, and there
was a spider in my bed.
I killed it.
My dad said it was
a brown recluse.
What's that?
Those will raise
hell if you let them.
I got a cousin bit by one.
Thought they had to take
his whole fucking arm off.
Ooh!
Hey, cheer up, feral boy.
You really bit into
him, didn't you?
Didn't mean to.
That's what it sounds
like, you know?
Greasy fucker had it coming.
Yeah, Sawyer is a greasy fucker.
Gotta ask after today, man.
You really grow up
with wild animals?
I know as much about
that as y'all do.
It's no difference to me.
Your pops looked like he
came out of the woods, too.
Hey, feral boy, why don't you
come to that fire party tonight?
My dad's going to get
us a fifth of whiskey.
They don't want me to go.
Like hell they don't.
Be too far gone to notice.
You goddamn right.
Check this out.
More heavy rain from
hurricanes and tropical storms.
You know my friends
from the fish farm?
That boy and girl, or the
fat ones from last summer?
Boy and girl.
Want me to go with them
to a party tonight.
Rapidly rising water has
reached heights of 30...
Aren't you worried about that,
especially with everything
going on right now?
Just bring them over
tomorrow for a beer.
6 inches of torrential rain
from decaying hurricanes
or tropical systems can
also produce river flooding.
I'll have plenty
of friends there.
Distant thunder roar from
a faraway thunderstorm.
Are they picking you up?
Come on, Marcy, it's
pretty apparent.
Before the hurricane...
Glad to see you at the
diner for lunch today.
It's like it used to be.
Before, I only saw you at night.
That's entirely your choice.
When I couldn't sleep as a
kid, I always had some milk.
Sometimes it still
does the trick.
I don't know about
tonight, though.
Feral boy.
Come on, man.
Dressed like that?
Put on some pants.
Let's go.
-All right, then.
All right, let's do it.
Hurry up.
Get a drink.
You don't take forever.
Hey, try to enjoy yourself.
I will.
I hope so.
Pull?
Who's going to take me serious?
I think you look handsome.
Like a pirate priest.
That'd be nice.
I'll come back and see you soon.
Man, I'm never buyin'
from that sawyer again.
He, like, sits on this
shit in school all day.
Hey, everybody!
Feral boy's here.
It's a party now.
Son of a bitch.
I think it's coming home.
I'm sorry, Nate.
Imagine how many mosquitoes
you just let in here?
I hope he found himself
a good bed to sleep in.
I'll call Riley's dad.
See if he wound up over
there or something.
I bequeath to Father Jack
Andrew Moss my 1989 Jaguar
convertible.
I know you admired
it, and I always
valued our pleasant
conversations following mass.
I must specify that the car
is my personal gift to you
and is not intended for
donation to the church.
My wife will
provide instructions
for its care and upkeep.
I trust you will follow them.
I appreciate it.
He often spoke of passing it
on to you when it came time.
Surely one of your children may
be interested in the vehicle.
He wished he would go to
someone who'd take care of it.
I really don't know what to say.
Why don't you come by on Monday?
Family will be out
of the house then.
Yeah, all right.
I'll be damned.
There was a fight?
Not even.
Well, what was it then?
There were some firecrackers.
And I thought he walked home.
And you just let him
out in the woods?
Well, that's where
he's from, dad.
I thought he was crossing
in the cornfield.
Your friend came
by this morning.
I told him you
were still asleep.
Why didn't you get me up?
I tried, but you're
hard to wake.
I'm just going to go to my room.
Invite you to take a closer
look at Sonoma County
in the '90s with your
host, Rick McLendon.
Before we begin today's service,
I'm afraid tragedy has
befallen a young member
of our congregation.
Nathan Fowler was
discovered dead yesterday.
I'll leave the graphic
details to the papers.
The police are
investigating foul play.
And I got to admit, I'm angry.
I hope for the family's
sake, there are consequences.
I wish you would have asked
him to put it off for a while.
Guy's a cyclops.
I think it's beneficial
to keep in mind here
that God didn't take
Nathan away from us,
but that he received him.
I can appreciate that, Father.
We usually don't smoke inside.
It can be a difficult concept.
I'm sorry, Father.
All this is horseshit.
Marcy, I believe
your son was special.
Special?
How special?
That the Lord was watching out?
Looking over him?
I'm asking for
answers to this, too.
Believe me.
Well, I'm sure the police
are doing all they can.
They ran out of onions.
You made sure?
The lady told me.
Which lady?
Go in and ask.
I'm ready to get home.
That'd be fine.
I bet you got
onions, didn't you?
Don't you let...
Let him go on being miserable.
You don't want that.
Are they going to
keep acting that way?
They ain't going to
get anywhere else.
Shit, Jo.
They blame me for bringing
him into their lives.
They wouldn't want
it any other way.
Did you really believe
he was led there?
It seems there were
too many coincidences.
How about now?
No, I don't think so.
I mean, if this was supposed
to happen, if this was a test,
then we all fail.
But what would be the point
of something so cruel?
I had a dream the other
night after you left.
I was in the kitchen, and
something caught my eye
on the back end.
And the floor got a little
cooler with every step I took.
And at the top of the stairs,
the bathroom door was glowing.
I mean, it was like a light
you'd never seen, oscillating.
And something told me to
stop in my tracks, so I did.
I just turned around
and went back to my room
and closed the door.
And then what?
Nothing.
Nothing.
What did you expect?
Well, it sounds like you
should have gone through.
And you would have?
Well, it's a dream.
There's nothing to run from.
Maybe not for you.
Well, then that's a nightmare.
Maybe you're right.
Good morning, everyone.
I'm Detective Cook, but my
friends like to call me Tank.
This here is Detective Hanson.
Class, we'll try not to be
too much of a disruption,
but we'll be pulling you all
out of the room one at a time.
Be honest with us.
And if you got something
to tell us, you best do it.
First up, Pete Arrington.
Right through there.
We've heard from some
of your classmates
that you were
friends with Nathan.
I didn't know he had too many.
Guess we hung out enough.
We all worked at the Research
Center and the ponds.
From your perspective, Pete,
how did the others take to him?
At first, most of
them were friendly.
But Feral Boy never could
get the hang of things.
A lot of people
tried to get at him.
But if you got used
to him, you liked him.
This Riley gal.
She a friend too?
Yeah, she liked
him from the start.
She and Nathan never
show an interest?
No, not like that.
It was like... you know how
it's just easy with some folks?
They got along.
Hello?
She wears a hearing aid.
TV's on.
Man, I'm not coming out
here with you again.
Oh, Mrs. Webb.
Father, let me show
you to the car.
Come on, Woody.
Well, he kept in terrific shape.
He spent plenty
of time doing it.
Change the oil
every 5,000 miles.
10W-50.
The leather requires a
good coat of Armor All.
If you're going out
of town, the battery
ought to be kept on
a trickle charger.
I'll send that home with you.
You got that written up?
Sheet's in the glove box.
He had it laminated.
Think you can manage that?
He'll do just fine.
This is the only car we ever
owned that never broke down.
Are you taking tallies
on how many drinks I had?
What I know is that
my hand got bit.
That's the motherfucker.
I can feel it.
I don't know, Pete.
You know, he used to
hook us up all the time.
And a lot of people
didn't like Feral Boy.
How many times did he go
chewing through a hand?
You didn't see anything?
Sorry, it's my bad.
Intoxicated.
Memory's a little fuzzy.
So what did they ask you?
They thought me and
Feral Boy were in love.
Yeah, they asked
me about that, too.
Hey, Brian.
Hunter.
Hey, Marcy.
We're sorry for your
loss and all, ma'am.
Suppose you're here to see Ed?
We just stopped by to
see how he was doing.
He's out by the hangar.
Hang on a second.
I got something you
all can bring him.
Hey, man.
Marcy thought you
might be thirsty.
I got beer in the cockpit.
Yeah, I figured as much.
You know, we were
talking and thought
maybe you could use a trip.
Take the boat out on the lake.
Catch some fish.
I don't need to catch any fish.
Hey, look, man.
You know, my Riley, she's
real beat up about it, too.
Might do you some good to see
some company every now and then.
A lot of time to talk
out there on the water.
Come back tomorrow.
I like Miller Lite.
Well, give me that
old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Well, it's good enough for me
It was good for Paul and Silas
It was good for Paul and Silas
It was good for Paul and Silas
And it's good enough for me
Give me that old time religion
Give me that one time religion
Give me that old time religion
Well, it's good enough for me
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Well, it's good enough for me
Yeah, it's bad.
A lot of smoke.
Oh, does that mean fire?
No, no.
No fire.
Well, try and stand
where I can see you.
All right.
Dear Father Moss, this
is Charles Webb writing.
I trust that my letter
has discreetly found you.
The car will be fine
after a light tune-up.
I knew my wife could encourage
you to accept the vehicle.
Perhaps, though, at the
end of this account,
you wish not to drive it anyhow.
This story is from my early 20s.
I returned from Korea.
We played a lot of
cards over there,
and that habit stuck with me.
The more debt I happened
to accumulate, the more
fights I seem to pick.
I met a stranger traveling
through town on the Greyhound.
He was an arrogant man who
was soon throwing punches.
I spent some time in
my car sobering up
at the end of the lot.
He staggered out of the place.
I took my cane
from the back seat
and strolled through
the rain and hit him
in the back of the head.
A few mean blows, and
he stopped moving.
I pulled up the floorboards at
a friend's old fishing shack.
Laid his body in front
of the fireplace.
It remains, as far as I
know, there to this day.
You see, Father, I have lived
and died a contradiction.
In the last 50 years,
I've had three children.
Six grandchildren.
I've been a loving
and faithful husband.
By most accounts, a good man.
However, as I near
the end of my life,
I fear the judgment that
awaits me on the other side.
So, in addition
to my confession,
I leave with you directions
to the grave and a decision
to make.
That was this booth where
he always had coffee.
How do I begin to tell his wife?
If he had come to
you sooner, would you
have given him counsel?
I would encourage him
to turn himself in.
She loved him for
a very long time.
He's gone.
What good is that
going to do now?
You think he would have
said something if he didn't
like us calling the Feral Boy?
Gave him an identity.
But maybe he didn't want
to stick out like that.
I'm going to go fishing
with Brian and his friend.
You said you wanted to go
through his room today.
A lot of time to talk
out there on the water.
Looked like someone tampered
with your serpentine belt.
They had it so tight,
it just snapped.
Just like that.
Seemed like they wanted
you to break down.
Nice car though, man.
Thanks.
Dude, I gotta go to this Boy
Scout thing this weekend.
I'll tell you one thing.
My boy will never
be a Boy Scout.
Oh, man.
Fuck that.
You can't let him be
in the Boy Scouts?
Hell, no.
When I was in the Cub Scouts,
my troop leader... natural
born alcoholic.
What's your take on that, Ed?
Well, I picked up some pretty
good memories out there.
I guess it just depends
on who's running it.
I know I'm not looking
forward to that shit.
Hello?
Mrs. Webb?
Broken heart, most likely.
Saw it go that way with my pop.
Yeah.
If you don't mind me
asking, Detective,
have you been speaking
much with the Fowlers?
Grisly situation.
Grisly is right, Father.
I sat with them
after it happened.
They were in a sad state.
It hit me pretty hard, too.
Yeah, I hear you, man.
Look, forensics put
out their report.
Hit and run, most likely.
Body dragged into the woods.
No witnesses come forward yet.
My condolences to the family,
but it's a hard catch.
Yeah.
Well, thank you, Detective.
This will stay between us.
Hit and run?
Well, I'll be damned.
What do you think, Deacon,
if this individual moves on,
has a good life...
a peaceful one, but never
confesses to a soul...
not even god?
Where do you think he
stands when he passes on?
I imagine it'll come
back to bite him.
The change in this action
wouldn't speak for itself?
And what would bring
about that change?
You get off free once,
you just come back
and see what else you can
squeeze from the world.
Man, did I tell you all what
happened to me the other day?
No. What happened?
I was in my kitchen
making myself some cheese
toast for breakfast, and
some fella walks in my house
and he starts screaming at me.
French fries and tater tots.
French fries and tater tots.
Just out of no-fucking-where.
You got that .22 under your bar.
Did you shoot him?
That motherfucker
don't work, man.
It's worth a shot.
I went back to the
house to get my .38.
By the time I got back out
there, the dude was gone.
Hey, I think I got one, fellas.
Well, hell, man.
Reel that shit in.
That's a pretty good size, man.
Here, knock his ass out and
throw him in the cooler.
Hey! Hey, man.
-Come on.
-Whoa.
Stop.
You're getting that
shit all over me.
Shit, man.
Hey, Danny, your
kitchen still open?
Nah.
Jack's already gone
home for the day,
but I can get you
a bag of chips.
You really shouldn't let
them in here so young.
They from the high school?
Keeps them out of trouble.
Their father's hanging
around here, anyway.
If you came by, I wouldn't
mind you spending the night.
I'm already falling asleep.
I see.
I got time this weekend.
We could take the
convertible somewhere.
Hide out in another town.
I don't think we should
use that car anymore.
It's a car.
And he was just a guy.
Can I ask you a question, Jack?
Yeah.
Do you ask forgiveness
after you see me?
I've been putting
it off for now.
OK, Marcy.
You made your point.
His Boy Scout sash
is on the dirt.
This ain't right.
Hello?
Mrs. Webb?
Get his ass!
Feral boy.
Motherfucker!
Let's go!
Let's go.
You know what we're going
to do when we catch you
Oh, yeah!
Yo.
Come on!
Get him.
Fuck!
The truck just kept going.
Look at him.
He's dead as shit.
We gotta move him now.
How many times are you
going to read that thing?
I don't know about this.
I think I should just
speak from the gut.
Can I read it to you?
I'll hear it soon enough.
I just want to get it right.
Hello?
Hey, Jo, you got a minute
before you go to work?
I got something to show you.
Sure. Yeah.
Come on up.
And that's the Sutton kid.
They belong to the parish.
And that's Tom Hubbard's.
You know, the butcher.
These are children.
That's the five I saw.
You can't just accuse
children of doing something
because you had a bad dream.
What were you planning on doing?
Hello, everybody.
I got a few words to say, if
you'll just bear with me here.
Oh, fuck.
Shit.
I'm just going to
bring up Father Moss.
I'm not going to pretend
like this isn't difficult.
I don't want to wait
for answers anymore.
Rare sort and could be so quiet.
We got to do something.
And had such a presence.
Sorry.
Let's all bow our heads for
the opening prayer, please.
Whoa.
Just say it,
motherfucker. Say it.
Say what?
You killed Feral Boy.
God dammit.
Look at my hands.
So what!
I got mine.
Check my backpack.
I swear.
Something you got
to see in there.
You run for it,
I'll break your nose
into so many fucking pieces,
your mother won't recognize you.
The envelope.
You know how I sell.
Locker to locker.
Get the cash and
leave the product.
Now, I found that in
Chandler Newman's locker
I know what you did.
Meet me at the apartments on the
Broadway Loop tomorrow at 4:30
PM.
Funny thing is, I saw
that fucking priest
lurking around the school.
Pete, that's in,
like, 20 minutes.
You should come with us.
Fuck me.
What's going to happen to us?
We're good, man.
Come on.
You don't need to
know how I know.
But I have reason to believe
that I'm the only one that does.
You got no idea what the
hell you're talking about.
Shut the fuck up, Taylor.
Yeah, please be quiet.
I look at the five of you, and
I wonder, how did you carry on?
I suppose you can't afford a
conscience after doing something
like this.
You're wrong.
I haven't slept.
I dream things I
never thought I would.
He stumbled onto us, Father.
We were trying to have a
little fun with the kid.
Well, I'm not going
to turn you in,
and I'm not going to
expect you to yourselves.
But if you want
me to step aside,
there's two things you
need to understand.
There is potential in
your lives for redemption,
and that this universe
is very forgiving.
But also, the time we have
to answer to our cruelty
is very limited, for
some more than others.
So what do we do now?
Well, I'm not going to
ask you all to pray.
Because, quite frankly, I
have my own share of doubts.
But what you can
do, you can take
what you learned from this,
whatever there is to learn,
and you can hope that
one day you can prove it.
Until then, gentlemen,
you got to keep looking.
How you doing, Mr. Fowler?
How are you doing?
As soon as the sun crosses
that wire right there,
that's when I start drinking.
Um, we got something
to let you know about.
Come on in.
We saw all five of
them with our own eyes.
Who was it y'all said
got hold of this?
Sawyer Harrison, ma'am.
Ain't that the boy that got bit?
Yes, sir.
Pete, Riley, thank you for this.
Now be ready to give your
statements when the time comes.
Said I wouldn't
tell you anything
And I couldn't hide
such a love as Jesus
You come to your senses?
Yeah, well.
Look, I'm cooking fish tonight.
Pull into the shade.
Give me a minute.
I got a funny question for you.
That crowd of younger
people at the bar?
What?
The other day?
Yeah.
Newman's boy and them.
Yes, ma'am.
They wandered in
not too long ago.
Maybe you should call them back.
All right.
Thank you.
I'm going to walk
down to the Sheriff's.
Try to find a way
to explain this.
There's nothing
special about us.
No more than he was.
He wasn't brought into our
life for any good reason.
We ain't part of some plan.
Would it change
anything if we were?
Be back around 8:00.
I don't trust him.
It seems like he
meant what he said.
Shit, we all know the
Sheriff goes to church.
He's going to buckle.
Does it really even matter?
I'm in bed, and I
hear my dog barking.
She's old.
She doesn't make much noise.
So I step out in the hallway,
and Daisy's sitting there
in front of the door to the
spare room, and it's shining.
Like, light goes
right through it.
So I reach for the
knob, and she starts
to run around my legs all wild.
But I swing it open anyways.
It's just dark.
Not like closing your eyes.
But nothing's there.
Then I wake up to the sound
of a crow at my window.
Got a shift at
the farm tomorrow?
3:00.
Me too.
Five seconds mile away.
You seem calm.
I am calm.
Did anything happen?
Not really.
Can't say it doesn't bother me.
But I figured it was best for
everyone if I kept out of it.
You can get that if you want.
No.
Water's not cold yet.
Hello, you've reached Father
Jack [inaudible speaking].
People come
And people go
Buried in them
Plots in a row
A cemetery her home...
Good to see you, Marcy.
Everyone's got their
own separate will
When tomorrow comes,
I'll say goodbye to the sun
And I'll be welcomed by earth
Where we're surrounded by dirt
Bear me up on the high ground
Love me until the
doors come down
And the river puts
the water all around
You'll know
I'll be up on the high ground
Up on the high ground
Up on the high ground
Holy shit!
How did you know about that?
Daily walking close to thee
Oh, let it be
You know it'll be.
$3.79.
Pack of Red 100s.
$9.20.
Put your hands up, Marcy.
You have them now.
Hey!
It's all right.
She's calm.
Where's the rifle at, lady?
In the truck?
Hands in the air, now, Marcy.
Come on.
Good god!
Fuck, man!
Grab the paddle.
Oh, shit!
Go, go, go, go, go!
What the fuck is that?
I don't have a
fuckin' clue, man.
We're about to fucking die, man.
What do you make of it?
We better get inside.
Come on, Rick.
I love you, Jo.
Tempted and tried
We're oft made to wonder
Why it should be us
All the day long
While there are others
Living about us
Never molested
Or in the wrong
Farther along
We'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it
All by and by
When we see Jesus
Coming in glory
When he comes from his
Home in the skies
Then we shall be in
The bright mansions
We'll understand it
All by and by
Farther along
We'll know all about it
Farther along
We'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it
All by and by
We'll understand it
All by and by
The rascals sweet waters
In the bottom of the
Arkansas River now
He's eating coal and Spanish
In the daylight donkey
He rolled into town
smelling like a sea breeze.
Hmm?
That's me.
Where?
There.
Ed and I were having breakfast
and we heard a noise outside.
I mean, like a howl.
Yeah.
So anyway, we come
out here with the gun,
and there he is, standing
there looking back
from behind the bushes.
He wasn't wearing any clothes.
I'll spend a few
minutes with him.
I've done all I can do for now.
Figured we needed
a second opinion.
What should I expect?
Just go in easy.
We don't reckon he can talk.
How you doing?
The blessings we get are not
always the blessings we want.
Now, Ed and Marcy, I
see an opportunity here.
Pardon me, Father, but
it's been a long while
since we come to terms
with things as they are.
You're right.
You have a home here without a
child, and you're used to it.
You think he was led this way?
I see a boy who's
been on his own
for there's no telling how long.
I say the Lord is watching.
It doesn't matter.
He needs to be somewhere
that can handle him.
And how can we know
if he'll take to folks
or if folks will take to him?
Perhaps we can't.
Now, either he can
go to the station,
or he can stay here
with you for a while.
I'll make a few calls.
Suppose we could make
him some breakfast.
Eggs.
You may find he
might take to folks.
I never can forget the day
When my dear mother
Did sweetly say
You are leaving
My darling boy
You always have been
Your mother's of joy
Now, as you leave
This world alone
You may not be able
To get back home
But remember, Jesus
Who lives on high
Is watching over you
With a mighty eye.
The world is so far
Oh sin and woe
And many sorrows
Everywhere you go
But remember, Jesus
Who's everywhere
If you get in trouble now
He'll meet you there
It's healing as it should.
You must have a good connection
with the man upstairs.
Get changed, and I'll
meet you in my office
You're a fucking freak.
You fucking bit my hand.
Pete.
Get in there right now.
All y'all, get in there.
Come on.
Right damn now!
My hand.
My thumb is hanging off.
Jesus Christ.
We were pleased
to welcome Nathan
into the St. James
family, but I'm afraid
that as he's matured...
We both know they provoke him.
Kids were picking on him,
but nothing physical.
And how does he respond?
He bites him.
Broke the skin.
We had to take him
to the hospital.
Just look at this guy.
It is no use.
He's never been in
a fight in his life.
No reason our son won't
get the same as anyone's.
Call the others in.
See about their place here.
I really wish I could help here.
I do.
But it's time to consider that
homeschooling was a better fit.
Sorry, mom.
I suppose you all
deserve an update.
I did receive a
clean bill of health,
but I formally won't be
returning till next week.
There's strength here.
Theodore will live on in
each and every one of you.
May his soul, and the
soul of all the faithful
departed, through the
mercy of god rest in peace.
Let's bow our heads.
Thank you both.
That was a wonderful service.
Well, Ted was a wonderful man.
52 years of marriage
says it all.
It's quite a feat, Mrs. Webb.
Please I've heard my
share of kind words today.
Father, I'd like you
to meet with my lawyer
to discuss the
matter of the will.
Well, I hope he didn't think
it was necessary to leave
anything for me.
He was very fond of you.
Join us at the Bradford
office tomorrow at noon?
Yeah, sure.
You two have a lovely day.
God bless you.
OK.
I think we should get
a couple tuna salads.
Go easy on our hearts.
Can I share something with you?
I mean, you might think it's
unsavory coming from a funeral
to talk about a loss of an eye.
I don't think that's
unsavory, Father.
How y'all doing? You good?
Sure are, Jo.
I'll have the tuna salad.
OK.
And for you?
The steak and eggs and fried
liver on the side, please.
Stop it.
OK, that'll be out in a minute.
Now, this tumor, it
has a way of bringing
on a series of nightmares.
It's just an image.
I can't move for nothing.
And there's this figure
comes into the light.
And I see that it's my
father, a man I deeply love,
stood over me.
And he reaches for my face.
And, I mean, you've never
seen fingers as long as these.
Before you know, he
lays hold of my eye,
wrestling it from the socket.
But then again,
it's just strange.
Freaky dreams.
Freaky dreams.
You would not believe the way
they fuck with these fish.
I mean, some of them are in
tanks so full of their own shit,
they ain't never going to see
the light of day till they die.
I remember I watched someone
swing a catfish by the tail
just to see how far
they could throw it.
I hope you're not doing
any of that crap, Riley.
No way.
He'll sting you if
you hold him wrong.
What's all this
research for, anyway?
I mean, what else you got
to learn about a catfish?
I don't know.
You talking to the
wrong person, pops.
If you ask me,
they're a bad fish.
What we got today?
We're still up in the
back part by the river.
That ain't so bad.
Be out of everyone's way.
Dude, I hate it out here.
At least there was
shade in the car wash.
You hear about the party
in the woods, Pete?
I heard that the football team's
going to light a huge fire.
All right, then.
I woke up today, and there
was a spider in my bed.
I killed it.
My dad said it was
a brown recluse.
What's that?
Those will raise
hell if you let them.
I got a cousin bit by one.
Thought they had to take
his whole fucking arm off.
Ooh!
Hey, cheer up, feral boy.
You really bit into
him, didn't you?
Didn't mean to.
That's what it sounds
like, you know?
Greasy fucker had it coming.
Yeah, Sawyer is a greasy fucker.
Gotta ask after today, man.
You really grow up
with wild animals?
I know as much about
that as y'all do.
It's no difference to me.
Your pops looked like he
came out of the woods, too.
Hey, feral boy, why don't you
come to that fire party tonight?
My dad's going to get
us a fifth of whiskey.
They don't want me to go.
Like hell they don't.
Be too far gone to notice.
You goddamn right.
Check this out.
More heavy rain from
hurricanes and tropical storms.
You know my friends
from the fish farm?
That boy and girl, or the
fat ones from last summer?
Boy and girl.
Want me to go with them
to a party tonight.
Rapidly rising water has
reached heights of 30...
Aren't you worried about that,
especially with everything
going on right now?
Just bring them over
tomorrow for a beer.
6 inches of torrential rain
from decaying hurricanes
or tropical systems can
also produce river flooding.
I'll have plenty
of friends there.
Distant thunder roar from
a faraway thunderstorm.
Are they picking you up?
Come on, Marcy, it's
pretty apparent.
Before the hurricane...
Glad to see you at the
diner for lunch today.
It's like it used to be.
Before, I only saw you at night.
That's entirely your choice.
When I couldn't sleep as a
kid, I always had some milk.
Sometimes it still
does the trick.
I don't know about
tonight, though.
Feral boy.
Come on, man.
Dressed like that?
Put on some pants.
Let's go.
-All right, then.
All right, let's do it.
Hurry up.
Get a drink.
You don't take forever.
Hey, try to enjoy yourself.
I will.
I hope so.
Pull?
Who's going to take me serious?
I think you look handsome.
Like a pirate priest.
That'd be nice.
I'll come back and see you soon.
Man, I'm never buyin'
from that sawyer again.
He, like, sits on this
shit in school all day.
Hey, everybody!
Feral boy's here.
It's a party now.
Son of a bitch.
I think it's coming home.
I'm sorry, Nate.
Imagine how many mosquitoes
you just let in here?
I hope he found himself
a good bed to sleep in.
I'll call Riley's dad.
See if he wound up over
there or something.
I bequeath to Father Jack
Andrew Moss my 1989 Jaguar
convertible.
I know you admired
it, and I always
valued our pleasant
conversations following mass.
I must specify that the car
is my personal gift to you
and is not intended for
donation to the church.
My wife will
provide instructions
for its care and upkeep.
I trust you will follow them.
I appreciate it.
He often spoke of passing it
on to you when it came time.
Surely one of your children may
be interested in the vehicle.
He wished he would go to
someone who'd take care of it.
I really don't know what to say.
Why don't you come by on Monday?
Family will be out
of the house then.
Yeah, all right.
I'll be damned.
There was a fight?
Not even.
Well, what was it then?
There were some firecrackers.
And I thought he walked home.
And you just let him
out in the woods?
Well, that's where
he's from, dad.
I thought he was crossing
in the cornfield.
Your friend came
by this morning.
I told him you
were still asleep.
Why didn't you get me up?
I tried, but you're
hard to wake.
I'm just going to go to my room.
Invite you to take a closer
look at Sonoma County
in the '90s with your
host, Rick McLendon.
Before we begin today's service,
I'm afraid tragedy has
befallen a young member
of our congregation.
Nathan Fowler was
discovered dead yesterday.
I'll leave the graphic
details to the papers.
The police are
investigating foul play.
And I got to admit, I'm angry.
I hope for the family's
sake, there are consequences.
I wish you would have asked
him to put it off for a while.
Guy's a cyclops.
I think it's beneficial
to keep in mind here
that God didn't take
Nathan away from us,
but that he received him.
I can appreciate that, Father.
We usually don't smoke inside.
It can be a difficult concept.
I'm sorry, Father.
All this is horseshit.
Marcy, I believe
your son was special.
Special?
How special?
That the Lord was watching out?
Looking over him?
I'm asking for
answers to this, too.
Believe me.
Well, I'm sure the police
are doing all they can.
They ran out of onions.
You made sure?
The lady told me.
Which lady?
Go in and ask.
I'm ready to get home.
That'd be fine.
I bet you got
onions, didn't you?
Don't you let...
Let him go on being miserable.
You don't want that.
Are they going to
keep acting that way?
They ain't going to
get anywhere else.
Shit, Jo.
They blame me for bringing
him into their lives.
They wouldn't want
it any other way.
Did you really believe
he was led there?
It seems there were
too many coincidences.
How about now?
No, I don't think so.
I mean, if this was supposed
to happen, if this was a test,
then we all fail.
But what would be the point
of something so cruel?
I had a dream the other
night after you left.
I was in the kitchen, and
something caught my eye
on the back end.
And the floor got a little
cooler with every step I took.
And at the top of the stairs,
the bathroom door was glowing.
I mean, it was like a light
you'd never seen, oscillating.
And something told me to
stop in my tracks, so I did.
I just turned around
and went back to my room
and closed the door.
And then what?
Nothing.
Nothing.
What did you expect?
Well, it sounds like you
should have gone through.
And you would have?
Well, it's a dream.
There's nothing to run from.
Maybe not for you.
Well, then that's a nightmare.
Maybe you're right.
Good morning, everyone.
I'm Detective Cook, but my
friends like to call me Tank.
This here is Detective Hanson.
Class, we'll try not to be
too much of a disruption,
but we'll be pulling you all
out of the room one at a time.
Be honest with us.
And if you got something
to tell us, you best do it.
First up, Pete Arrington.
Right through there.
We've heard from some
of your classmates
that you were
friends with Nathan.
I didn't know he had too many.
Guess we hung out enough.
We all worked at the Research
Center and the ponds.
From your perspective, Pete,
how did the others take to him?
At first, most of
them were friendly.
But Feral Boy never could
get the hang of things.
A lot of people
tried to get at him.
But if you got used
to him, you liked him.
This Riley gal.
She a friend too?
Yeah, she liked
him from the start.
She and Nathan never
show an interest?
No, not like that.
It was like... you know how
it's just easy with some folks?
They got along.
Hello?
She wears a hearing aid.
TV's on.
Man, I'm not coming out
here with you again.
Oh, Mrs. Webb.
Father, let me show
you to the car.
Come on, Woody.
Well, he kept in terrific shape.
He spent plenty
of time doing it.
Change the oil
every 5,000 miles.
10W-50.
The leather requires a
good coat of Armor All.
If you're going out
of town, the battery
ought to be kept on
a trickle charger.
I'll send that home with you.
You got that written up?
Sheet's in the glove box.
He had it laminated.
Think you can manage that?
He'll do just fine.
This is the only car we ever
owned that never broke down.
Are you taking tallies
on how many drinks I had?
What I know is that
my hand got bit.
That's the motherfucker.
I can feel it.
I don't know, Pete.
You know, he used to
hook us up all the time.
And a lot of people
didn't like Feral Boy.
How many times did he go
chewing through a hand?
You didn't see anything?
Sorry, it's my bad.
Intoxicated.
Memory's a little fuzzy.
So what did they ask you?
They thought me and
Feral Boy were in love.
Yeah, they asked
me about that, too.
Hey, Brian.
Hunter.
Hey, Marcy.
We're sorry for your
loss and all, ma'am.
Suppose you're here to see Ed?
We just stopped by to
see how he was doing.
He's out by the hangar.
Hang on a second.
I got something you
all can bring him.
Hey, man.
Marcy thought you
might be thirsty.
I got beer in the cockpit.
Yeah, I figured as much.
You know, we were
talking and thought
maybe you could use a trip.
Take the boat out on the lake.
Catch some fish.
I don't need to catch any fish.
Hey, look, man.
You know, my Riley, she's
real beat up about it, too.
Might do you some good to see
some company every now and then.
A lot of time to talk
out there on the water.
Come back tomorrow.
I like Miller Lite.
Well, give me that
old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Well, it's good enough for me
It was good for Paul and Silas
It was good for Paul and Silas
It was good for Paul and Silas
And it's good enough for me
Give me that old time religion
Give me that one time religion
Give me that old time religion
Well, it's good enough for me
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Well, it's good enough for me
Yeah, it's bad.
A lot of smoke.
Oh, does that mean fire?
No, no.
No fire.
Well, try and stand
where I can see you.
All right.
Dear Father Moss, this
is Charles Webb writing.
I trust that my letter
has discreetly found you.
The car will be fine
after a light tune-up.
I knew my wife could encourage
you to accept the vehicle.
Perhaps, though, at the
end of this account,
you wish not to drive it anyhow.
This story is from my early 20s.
I returned from Korea.
We played a lot of
cards over there,
and that habit stuck with me.
The more debt I happened
to accumulate, the more
fights I seem to pick.
I met a stranger traveling
through town on the Greyhound.
He was an arrogant man who
was soon throwing punches.
I spent some time in
my car sobering up
at the end of the lot.
He staggered out of the place.
I took my cane
from the back seat
and strolled through
the rain and hit him
in the back of the head.
A few mean blows, and
he stopped moving.
I pulled up the floorboards at
a friend's old fishing shack.
Laid his body in front
of the fireplace.
It remains, as far as I
know, there to this day.
You see, Father, I have lived
and died a contradiction.
In the last 50 years,
I've had three children.
Six grandchildren.
I've been a loving
and faithful husband.
By most accounts, a good man.
However, as I near
the end of my life,
I fear the judgment that
awaits me on the other side.
So, in addition
to my confession,
I leave with you directions
to the grave and a decision
to make.
That was this booth where
he always had coffee.
How do I begin to tell his wife?
If he had come to
you sooner, would you
have given him counsel?
I would encourage him
to turn himself in.
She loved him for
a very long time.
He's gone.
What good is that
going to do now?
You think he would have
said something if he didn't
like us calling the Feral Boy?
Gave him an identity.
But maybe he didn't want
to stick out like that.
I'm going to go fishing
with Brian and his friend.
You said you wanted to go
through his room today.
A lot of time to talk
out there on the water.
Looked like someone tampered
with your serpentine belt.
They had it so tight,
it just snapped.
Just like that.
Seemed like they wanted
you to break down.
Nice car though, man.
Thanks.
Dude, I gotta go to this Boy
Scout thing this weekend.
I'll tell you one thing.
My boy will never
be a Boy Scout.
Oh, man.
Fuck that.
You can't let him be
in the Boy Scouts?
Hell, no.
When I was in the Cub Scouts,
my troop leader... natural
born alcoholic.
What's your take on that, Ed?
Well, I picked up some pretty
good memories out there.
I guess it just depends
on who's running it.
I know I'm not looking
forward to that shit.
Hello?
Mrs. Webb?
Broken heart, most likely.
Saw it go that way with my pop.
Yeah.
If you don't mind me
asking, Detective,
have you been speaking
much with the Fowlers?
Grisly situation.
Grisly is right, Father.
I sat with them
after it happened.
They were in a sad state.
It hit me pretty hard, too.
Yeah, I hear you, man.
Look, forensics put
out their report.
Hit and run, most likely.
Body dragged into the woods.
No witnesses come forward yet.
My condolences to the family,
but it's a hard catch.
Yeah.
Well, thank you, Detective.
This will stay between us.
Hit and run?
Well, I'll be damned.
What do you think, Deacon,
if this individual moves on,
has a good life...
a peaceful one, but never
confesses to a soul...
not even god?
Where do you think he
stands when he passes on?
I imagine it'll come
back to bite him.
The change in this action
wouldn't speak for itself?
And what would bring
about that change?
You get off free once,
you just come back
and see what else you can
squeeze from the world.
Man, did I tell you all what
happened to me the other day?
No. What happened?
I was in my kitchen
making myself some cheese
toast for breakfast, and
some fella walks in my house
and he starts screaming at me.
French fries and tater tots.
French fries and tater tots.
Just out of no-fucking-where.
You got that .22 under your bar.
Did you shoot him?
That motherfucker
don't work, man.
It's worth a shot.
I went back to the
house to get my .38.
By the time I got back out
there, the dude was gone.
Hey, I think I got one, fellas.
Well, hell, man.
Reel that shit in.
That's a pretty good size, man.
Here, knock his ass out and
throw him in the cooler.
Hey! Hey, man.
-Come on.
-Whoa.
Stop.
You're getting that
shit all over me.
Shit, man.
Hey, Danny, your
kitchen still open?
Nah.
Jack's already gone
home for the day,
but I can get you
a bag of chips.
You really shouldn't let
them in here so young.
They from the high school?
Keeps them out of trouble.
Their father's hanging
around here, anyway.
If you came by, I wouldn't
mind you spending the night.
I'm already falling asleep.
I see.
I got time this weekend.
We could take the
convertible somewhere.
Hide out in another town.
I don't think we should
use that car anymore.
It's a car.
And he was just a guy.
Can I ask you a question, Jack?
Yeah.
Do you ask forgiveness
after you see me?
I've been putting
it off for now.
OK, Marcy.
You made your point.
His Boy Scout sash
is on the dirt.
This ain't right.
Hello?
Mrs. Webb?
Get his ass!
Feral boy.
Motherfucker!
Let's go!
Let's go.
You know what we're going
to do when we catch you
Oh, yeah!
Yo.
Come on!
Get him.
Fuck!
The truck just kept going.
Look at him.
He's dead as shit.
We gotta move him now.
How many times are you
going to read that thing?
I don't know about this.
I think I should just
speak from the gut.
Can I read it to you?
I'll hear it soon enough.
I just want to get it right.
Hello?
Hey, Jo, you got a minute
before you go to work?
I got something to show you.
Sure. Yeah.
Come on up.
And that's the Sutton kid.
They belong to the parish.
And that's Tom Hubbard's.
You know, the butcher.
These are children.
That's the five I saw.
You can't just accuse
children of doing something
because you had a bad dream.
What were you planning on doing?
Hello, everybody.
I got a few words to say, if
you'll just bear with me here.
Oh, fuck.
Shit.
I'm just going to
bring up Father Moss.
I'm not going to pretend
like this isn't difficult.
I don't want to wait
for answers anymore.
Rare sort and could be so quiet.
We got to do something.
And had such a presence.
Sorry.
Let's all bow our heads for
the opening prayer, please.
Whoa.
Just say it,
motherfucker. Say it.
Say what?
You killed Feral Boy.
God dammit.
Look at my hands.
So what!
I got mine.
Check my backpack.
I swear.
Something you got
to see in there.
You run for it,
I'll break your nose
into so many fucking pieces,
your mother won't recognize you.
The envelope.
You know how I sell.
Locker to locker.
Get the cash and
leave the product.
Now, I found that in
Chandler Newman's locker
I know what you did.
Meet me at the apartments on the
Broadway Loop tomorrow at 4:30
PM.
Funny thing is, I saw
that fucking priest
lurking around the school.
Pete, that's in,
like, 20 minutes.
You should come with us.
Fuck me.
What's going to happen to us?
We're good, man.
Come on.
You don't need to
know how I know.
But I have reason to believe
that I'm the only one that does.
You got no idea what the
hell you're talking about.
Shut the fuck up, Taylor.
Yeah, please be quiet.
I look at the five of you, and
I wonder, how did you carry on?
I suppose you can't afford a
conscience after doing something
like this.
You're wrong.
I haven't slept.
I dream things I
never thought I would.
He stumbled onto us, Father.
We were trying to have a
little fun with the kid.
Well, I'm not going
to turn you in,
and I'm not going to
expect you to yourselves.
But if you want
me to step aside,
there's two things you
need to understand.
There is potential in
your lives for redemption,
and that this universe
is very forgiving.
But also, the time we have
to answer to our cruelty
is very limited, for
some more than others.
So what do we do now?
Well, I'm not going to
ask you all to pray.
Because, quite frankly, I
have my own share of doubts.
But what you can
do, you can take
what you learned from this,
whatever there is to learn,
and you can hope that
one day you can prove it.
Until then, gentlemen,
you got to keep looking.
How you doing, Mr. Fowler?
How are you doing?
As soon as the sun crosses
that wire right there,
that's when I start drinking.
Um, we got something
to let you know about.
Come on in.
We saw all five of
them with our own eyes.
Who was it y'all said
got hold of this?
Sawyer Harrison, ma'am.
Ain't that the boy that got bit?
Yes, sir.
Pete, Riley, thank you for this.
Now be ready to give your
statements when the time comes.
Said I wouldn't
tell you anything
And I couldn't hide
such a love as Jesus
You come to your senses?
Yeah, well.
Look, I'm cooking fish tonight.
Pull into the shade.
Give me a minute.
I got a funny question for you.
That crowd of younger
people at the bar?
What?
The other day?
Yeah.
Newman's boy and them.
Yes, ma'am.
They wandered in
not too long ago.
Maybe you should call them back.
All right.
Thank you.
I'm going to walk
down to the Sheriff's.
Try to find a way
to explain this.
There's nothing
special about us.
No more than he was.
He wasn't brought into our
life for any good reason.
We ain't part of some plan.
Would it change
anything if we were?
Be back around 8:00.
I don't trust him.
It seems like he
meant what he said.
Shit, we all know the
Sheriff goes to church.
He's going to buckle.
Does it really even matter?
I'm in bed, and I
hear my dog barking.
She's old.
She doesn't make much noise.
So I step out in the hallway,
and Daisy's sitting there
in front of the door to the
spare room, and it's shining.
Like, light goes
right through it.
So I reach for the
knob, and she starts
to run around my legs all wild.
But I swing it open anyways.
It's just dark.
Not like closing your eyes.
But nothing's there.
Then I wake up to the sound
of a crow at my window.
Got a shift at
the farm tomorrow?
3:00.
Me too.
Five seconds mile away.
You seem calm.
I am calm.
Did anything happen?
Not really.
Can't say it doesn't bother me.
But I figured it was best for
everyone if I kept out of it.
You can get that if you want.
No.
Water's not cold yet.
Hello, you've reached Father
Jack [inaudible speaking].
People come
And people go
Buried in them
Plots in a row
A cemetery her home...
Good to see you, Marcy.
Everyone's got their
own separate will
When tomorrow comes,
I'll say goodbye to the sun
And I'll be welcomed by earth
Where we're surrounded by dirt
Bear me up on the high ground
Love me until the
doors come down
And the river puts
the water all around
You'll know
I'll be up on the high ground
Up on the high ground
Up on the high ground
Holy shit!
How did you know about that?
Daily walking close to thee
Oh, let it be
You know it'll be.
$3.79.
Pack of Red 100s.
$9.20.
Put your hands up, Marcy.
You have them now.
Hey!
It's all right.
She's calm.
Where's the rifle at, lady?
In the truck?
Hands in the air, now, Marcy.
Come on.
Good god!
Fuck, man!
Grab the paddle.
Oh, shit!
Go, go, go, go, go!
What the fuck is that?
I don't have a
fuckin' clue, man.
We're about to fucking die, man.
What do you make of it?
We better get inside.
Come on, Rick.
I love you, Jo.
Tempted and tried
We're oft made to wonder
Why it should be us
All the day long
While there are others
Living about us
Never molested
Or in the wrong
Farther along
We'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it
All by and by
When we see Jesus
Coming in glory
When he comes from his
Home in the skies
Then we shall be in
The bright mansions
We'll understand it
All by and by
Farther along
We'll know all about it
Farther along
We'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother
Live in the sunshine
We'll understand it
All by and by
We'll understand it
All by and by