Dummy (2026) Movie Script
Now Bartholomew,
it's time for a bit of
sophisticated humor.
Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything.
Bartholomew, that joke's
older than the moon.
Well, it's a classic, Marty.
Always lead with a classic.
I've heard better
jokes in the obituaries.
Hmm.
Passion, Delphi?
I feel gas.
If someone brings their beans
because that's what's
electrifying the air.
County fairs can be so depressing,
especially when the
entertainment is someone
who's washed up.
Speaking of that, do you remember
that one Ventriloquist guy?
His dummy was named Chucklehead.
Oh, Archibald.
Yeah, he played a county fair over here.
Really? Wow, that's sad.
Wasn't he all over late
night TV at one point?
Yeah, he was everywhere.
And then I forget what show he was on,
but he bombed horribly.
That's right. And then
it just kept happening.
He just couldn't recover from that.
Yeah, he went from being everywhere
to pretty much nothing.
Hmm, poor Archibald.
Yeah, poor Chucklehead. He was awesome.
You would feel sorry for the puppet..
Boo! You suck.
Hey,
which one's the ventriloquist
and which one's the dummy?
So Chucklehead.
This is so aging.
How do cats stop a VCR?
I don't know, Archibald.
How does a cat stop a VCR?
It hits the pause button.
I bet that thing
is more of a brain left
than this old man.
Yes, I got it.
And I hope it ain't contagious.
Looks like we're
knocking them dead tonight.
Dead, nothing could
resurrect your career.
Tell me again why I put up with you.
I'm part of your work release, remember?
You know Chucklehead, this
is our final performance.
What are you gonna do in retirement?
Get as far away from you as possible.
Are those
jokes from the Stone Age?
That's not nice.
Why?
How would you like my hand
up your ass for 20 years?
It's been longer than
20 years, Chucklehead.
Don't remind me.
They say time flies
when you're having fun.
No wonder our time together
feels like an eternity.
What are you gonna do in retirement?
Honestly, I don't know, Chucklehead.
I don't know.
The ventriloquist
is barely passable.
It's all been done before and better.
This is just sad.
Hey, dummy.
Say something.
Yes, well.
Ladies and gentlemen,
as they say in show biz,
that's all folks.
It means it's time to go.
Thanks Archibald.
Thanks Chucklehead.
Better luck next time.
There isn't going to be a next time.
Goodnight.
Oh, hello Archibald. How'd
your final performance go?
- As predicted.
- Oh, don't look so glum.
Now you can move on to
new and exciting things.
Showbiz is all I know.
Did you know my family
started in Vaudeville?
No, really?
Yes, way back in 1908.
Our family even toured
with Barn and Bailey.
That's how I got Chucklehead here.
Oh, well maybe it's time that you
and that thing take a break.
Chucklehead?
Him and I will be together forever.
Why don't you pass him on to one
of your other relatives in show business?
Because I'm the only one left.
The last of my kind.
It's just him and me now.
You seem very depressed.
I'm sorry. Look, everything will be fine.
Be thankful that you can
retire. I'll never be able to.
I'm going to my room now.
Are you sure you don't
want something to eat?
The dining room will be
open for another 30 minutes.
No, but I'll see you at breakfast.
Will you be checking out in the morning?
No, I'm going to stay a few days more.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Cheers, my friend.
Not thirsty tonight, okay.
Oh, how I long for the
joy of another world.
We should be there shortly.
Good.
We can check in and get
cleaned up before the reunion.
How many high school reunions
have we been to together?
I don't know. About
four maybe, I lose track.
I wonder if Maggie will be there.
Drop it.
You dated her in high school
and you took her to the prom.
Big deal.
She'll never forget that night.
Best five seconds of her life, I'm sure.
Every reunion we go to, she's after me.
She's just being nice. That's all.
Her husband is never too happy to see you.
He's a chump.
She realized what a
mistakes she probably made.
Right, he's a rich Wall Street banker
with a house on Long Island.
Big deal. He's got money, so what?
Yeah, look, so what?
Let's just enjoy the time we
have away from our crazy life.
These times aren't gonna last forever.
Amen.
Maggie still wants me. I
don't care what you guys say.
There's a place right there up ahead.
We have arrived.
I guess we'll park here for now.
Let's check in and get something to eat.
We wouldn't want Maggie
thinking you're malnourished.
Well, hello there.
Hi guys. What can I do for you?
We have a reservation,
a room for Alan Duncan.
Okay, let me see.
Oh, there you are. Room 203.
Maybe the rest of our
classmates are here too.
Classmates?
Oh, we are here for a class reunion.
It's here at the high school.
Hmm.
Well, no one else has
checked in and mentioned it,
but then I live outside of town,
so I don't know what goes on here.
How many hotels do
you have in this town?
Just two.
Well, they must be at
the other hotel then.
Hmm.
How big was your graduating class?
Oh, around 128 kids.
Hmm.
Well maybe it's only
the three of you then.
Here's the key.
I see you have a dining room.
What time do you serve meals?
Breakfast is at 8:30, lunch at noon
and dinner is at five sharp.
We'll see you at lunch then.
Your room is upstairs and to the left.
- Okay, thanks.
- Thanks.
Thank you.
It'd be odd if we
were the only ones here.
Hey, you know this isn't half bad.
Really turn of the century charm.
I'm starved.
Hey, does that guy look familiar?
I wonder what the dummy ordered.
What can I get you guys?
I'll have a coke and a cheeseburger.
I'll have a roast beef
sandwich and a glass of water.
I'll try the chicken and
biscuits and a coke as well.
You got it. I'll put
that order right in.
Hey, I know who that guy
is. He's Archibald the Great.
He's a ventriloquist. I saw
him on That's Incredible once.
He doesn't look so great to me.
Can't be too famous if he's
hanging around this town.
Excuse me, sir,
are you Archibald the Great?
Why, yes. Yes I am.
How did you know?
I saw you on TV when I was a kid.
Would you mind having a seat with us?
Chucklehead and I have
traveled all over the world.
We gave our final performance last night.
Are you retiring from the business?
Yes, I'm afraid people today aren't
into my antiquated style.
It's time to move on.
I can't believe you don't
have your own reality TV show.
Have you always
performed with Chucklehead?
Yes, since the very beginning.
That's cool.
Would you mind if I asked
you for an autograph?
I would be delighted.
Thanks so much.
It was a pleasure talking with you,
but we must be going.
Take care.
Thanks again.
How cool was that?
Swell.
Has-been entertainer signed your napkin.
Hope this isn't the
high point of our trip.
Come on.
We made the guy's day.
Archibald, I have your fresh towels.
Where is that weirdo? I'm keying in.
Fuck you.
That was damn good.
Listen, we're eating
dinner at the reunion.
You ate so much, you're
not even gonna be hungry.
Look, these things go into the night.
Plenty of time to eat
and for other things too.
Please don't tell us
you think you're scoring
with Maggie tonight.
Who knows?
Dream along with me
Are you guys ready?
Isn't it a bit early?
What time did you say this thing started?
4:30.
But I thought we'd get there ahead of time
so we could get a good table.
Who's paying?
Have fun tonight.
You can bet on it.
May I please ask not
to be disturbed tonight?
- Sure thing.
- Thanks.
Hey, why don't we walk?
It's only a few blocks away.
Because I'm not carrying
your drunk ass home tonight.
Good point.
It is time, my friend. We
knew this day would come.
We did give our final performance.
Maybe we'll see one another soon.
Party time.
Looks like we're the only ones here.
Thanks to Mr. Early Bird.
Let's go check it out.
What the hell?
What time did you say this starts?
See?
5:30.
Yeah, but not today. Next week.
What?
Oops.
You've got to be kidding me.
You've got the damn date wrong.
Sorry. I did.
No wonder no one was
at the hotel besides us
and the ventriloquist.
You did it again.
You never pay attention to details.
It was a simple mistake.
We'll come back next week.
I can't get off work that soon.
We booked a hotel for two days
and prepaid for this event.
Come on.
We've been worse scrapes, right?
Come on. I'm sorry.
You certainly are.
Let's just get outta here.
Hey, hey guys.
Hey, hey.
Hey, that was quick.
There gave us the wrong date.
It's next week.
Not this week.
Ooh, they don't seem too happy.
It was an honest mistake.
Well buy them dinner tonight
and they'll forgive you.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to do something.
What the hell?
Look, I said I was sorry.
I made a mistake. I had the wrong date.
I'll make it up to you. I promise.
How?
A week of vacation at the Bahamas.
Tickets to a Broadway show.
= $200 a slot at the casino.
All right, all right, you're
getting a bit carried away.
How about dinner on me?
Fair enough.
You only wasted a week
of our vacation time
and lots of money.
Way to make me feel better.
Come on.
Have a good night.
What have I done?
- What can I do for you?
- Dinner for three.
The Echo and Ed show
presents a fascinating dynamic.
They're talking about
our main man, Archibald.
Technical skills is undeniable.
But Ed, the puppet, displays
a level of sardonic wit
that often upstage human counterpart.
The dialogue crackles with an
almost uncomfortable honesty,
pushing the boundaries of
traditional ventriloquism.
While the act is undeniably innovative,
certain unease lingers.
Ed cynicism, while often
hilarious borders on nihilistic.
Is this social commentary
or simply shock about you?
The jury's still out.
Seraphine and Silas
is a study in contrasts.
I guess he is famous.
See, I told you so.
That was very nice of them
to do a farewell piece on his final show.
Turned out better than our reunion.
Is less a conversation.
Watch it.
Hunting dance of light and shadow.
Silas the dummy is a revelation.
Now, Reginald, tell the
audience about your latest
scientific discovery.
Well professor, it
involves a complex algorithm,
a quantum entanglement field
and, oh look, a butterfly.
Reginald, please. This
is important research.
Important?
But butterflies are important.
They're like flying flowers.
His voice alone resonant.
It seems to emanate from
a place beyond the stage.
It's a performance that
transcends mere ventriloquism
venturing into the realm
of theatrical possession.
Where the hell is
that wait staff person.
What makes someone wanna get
into a profession like Archibald?
He probably found joy in
making other people happy.
What are you getting at?
I think it takes an odd person
to hang out with a ventriloquist dummy.
Odd, but probably wealthy.
You can only be so lucky.
When he sat down next to us,
I couldn't ignore the air
of sadness around him.
Well, he gave his final performance.
I'm sure it was an emotional
couple hours for him.
It's a lot for one person to deal with,
especially an entertainer.
They're used to being
a center of attention.
It's a lot to have to deal with.
Still.
Stop playing psychologist
and go back to your video game.
Striking out all over the place.
Funny.
- Have a great night.
- Good night.
Hello Basset Night
Inn. How can I help you?
Okay, lemme take a look.
Thanks for waiting, yes.
We have availability on the 15th and 16th.
Okay, how would you like to pay for that?
Credit card.
May I have the credit card number please?
Okay and an email address please.
Okay, you should be receiving
a confirmation shortly
and we'll see you soon.
Alistair and Reginald
was a very complex
intellectual ventriloquist act.
Alistair is like a scholar.
Measured, composed, always in control.
You know guys, I miss high school.
Do you?
I don't miss it at all. All
the cliques and pettiness.
Life's better on the outside.
You make it sound like jail.
It was, just legalized.
How about you Trey?
Did you miss school?
I wanted out on the school thing.
Maggie didn't change your mind?
Oh yeah, Maggie.
She made every day worth it.
Til you got beat up in the locker room.
I got slugged a few times,
but I always hit back.
Remember George Watson and his gang?
Sure do,
you mopped his ass up in
the cafeteria that day.
And his posse.
Their reputation got ruined
and all I got was in-school suspension.
Yeah, they never
bothered anyone ever again.
Most people, when they
think of the idea of talking
through someone else, think ventriloquism.
Which these days is just prop comedy.
Oh look, there's our friend.
Hey, I saw 'em about a
minute ago down the hallway.
Wasn't looking too good.
Yeah, he's probably just tired.
Talking through someone
else, like having a dummy
or a puppet speak for you
more often is a symptom
of mental illness in adults.
That's sometimes it's react to
someone like social anxiety.
Some people act one way
because that's how they
feel they're expected to act
or because they're too
scared to be themselves
and they use that other self
to let their real
personality shine through.
They act how they want
and if other people get upset,
they can just blame it on the dummy.
For others, it's a symptom
of some deeper mental illness like
disassociative identity disorder.
Think Arnold Wesker's Scarface
from the Batman series.
Wesker was a criminal
genius, but weak and inept.
So Scarface was a separate personality
that manifested itself.
And Wesker created the Scarface dummy
so that could look and play the part more.
So talk you through someone else,
you should sign that it's time
to seek some professional help.
Unless of course you're
stuck in a horror movie.
In which case the other self
was your friends, your family,
your neighbors, and that your date
to the senior prom in
horrible and gruesome ways.
Why?
Why are you doing this?
This is what you wanted.
I never wanted death.
Death is a part of revenge.
I never wanted revenge.
You did.
You did.
I did?
For all the failures.
The people who cheated you.
The people who laughed at you.
Those people.
Yes.
But these aren't those people.
All people are those people.
Revenge.
Damn.
I need ice.
And there's no ice here.
No, I thought I saw an
ice machine in the lobby.
I can go get some.
No, I'll go get it. Be right back.
Hello?
I need some ice.
Is anyone here?
I am never staying at this hotel again.
I don't even see an ice
machine. Those guys are whacked.
Anyone? Anyone?
This is ridiculous.
No, don't go down there.
Who's there?
Hello?
Don't do it.
Hello?
Is anyone here?
I need some help. Stop screwing around.
What the hell was that?
Who's down here?
Hello?
You've got to be kidding me.
I see the crack, Silas.
The fractures and the carefully
constructed realities.
I see the void, Silas.
The emptiness they tries
out desperately to ignore.
And it calls to us.
Hey Patrick, were you
expecting a package anytime soon?
Because I got something delivered to me.
It had your name on it.
I don't think so.
I don't know.
But it said "say hello to Patricia."
How do they know my drag name?
I don't know where it came from.
I don't know why it is,
but it's just a little dummy head.
Yeah, yeah.
Do we do we need a third mic or?
Mic up Patricia.
Let's see what she says.
I have no clue why it's called a dummy.
I mean up puppet, mannequin,
dummy. What do you think?
Institutional bias.
Yeah, I can't postulate
on why they're called dummies
with her eyes just
staring at me like that.
It feels very judgmental.
Like anything I say
could be like offensive.
I dunno if I want to offend
our new third co-host.
Maybe it makes you feel like a dummy
because you don't know what to say.
You know, maybe it's a feedback loop.
Maybe we call them dummies
and, you know, it insults
them on a molecular level
and they have to lash out
in the form of murder.
Oh yeah. All right, goodbye Patricia.
So anyway, what movie are
we gonna watch this week?
Silas and Shadow is a departure
from traditional ventriloquism.
Silas's intense focus and
shadows unsettling pronouncements
create an atmosphere of palpable tension.
Shadow the dummy is a chilling presence.
His voice a low
and gut rumble seems to come
from a place of darkness.
The act is lesser performance
and more a ritual leaving the audience
with a sense of unease.
Hey, Bolt, ready to rock this joint?
Ready as I'll ever be.
Let's get loud and break something.
All right, try not to break everything.
We still gotta get paid.
Details, Rusty, details.
Now give me the mic.
Oh, Jacque, darling.
Do you feel the electricity in the air?
The sheer passion of our performance.
Passion, Delphi?
I feel gas.
Did someone brings the beans,
because that's what's
electrifying the air.
Jacque, show some restraint.
We are artists.
Artists who need to eat.
I hope we have some good
dippers in the audience.
Shadow, do you see what
I see when I look at them?
I see the cracks, Silas,
the fracture in their carefully
constructed realities.
And what do those cracks reveal, Shadow?
I see the void, Silas.
The emptiness they try
so desperately to ignore.
And he's made a wood.
Enough about Archibald.
Gosh, it's been taking Alan
a long time to get that ice.
Maybe he got lost.
This place is too small to get lost.
Maybe he went to the
corner store to get some.
I'm gonna take a nap.
I'm tired.
I'm gonna go see if I can
see where he wandered off to.
Okay.
He's waiting for you.
Please be warned.
Hey, anyone here?
Oh, Archibald, have you seen Helen?
Hey, Archibald, I'm talking to you.
Man you look like shit.
It's too late for Alan.
What?
Gather your other friend and leave.
You're not making any sense.
Let's find a place to sit down and chat.
Maybe we can get you some help.
It's too late for me.
Chucklehead is loose in this hotel,
and now he wants to kill everyone.
Look, you're taking this
doubt thing way too seriously.
I know you might be in the dumps
about quitting your act, but.
It's alive. I am not.
My negative energy filled the
dummy after I took my life
and now it wants to kill everyone.
What?
All my negative energy over
the years filled the dummy
and now it is exacting
retribution on everyone.
Be warned.
Whoa, did I see what I think I saw?
Hey, what's wrong?
We gotta go.
I can't find Alan and
Archibald's a ghost or something.
He said, Alan is dead.
Are you nuts?
I'm being honest. I swear.
He says his dummy Chucklehead
is alive and killing people.
Listen to what you're saying.
Are you getting even
because we were mad at you.
I wish it was.
There's only one way to find out.
How's that?
Let's go to Archibald's room and see.
He's probably watching TV.
All right, let's go.
Archibald,
we need to have a word with you.
I told you he wasn't there.
Archibald.
I told you that dude's dead.
He's not here.
Over there.
Oh my god.
I told you he was dead.
How did you see him moving around?
It was his ghost. I told you that.
Well, let's get outta here.
That dummy's lurking
around here somewhere.
Let's get outta here.
I can't make it down the stairs.
My leg hurt so much.
The room.
My leg.
We should be safer now.
You have to stop the bleeding.
This should help.
Thanks.
This is so unbelievable.
Well, believe it because it's happening.
It's not working. Let me see your phone.
It is no good.
Well, we're in the middle of nowhere.
It's not that,
the dummy must have
tampered with the router.
How could it know to do that?
Because it possesses human knowledge.
Everything Archibald knew
transferred to the doll.
Why would the dummy be killing people?
Because now it has all
of Archibald's pent up rage
and anger as its fuel.
That's why it's full of hate and rage.
What do we do now?
Try to get out of here.
I can't go anywhere on this leg.
Then I'll have to go.
Damn, too high to climb down.
What are you gonna do?
You stay put. You'll be safe here.
Please hurry.
It really hurts and I feel lightheaded.
You're losing a lot of
blood. I will hurry back.
Hey, I need help.
Something serious is happening here.
Oh, no, no.
Alan is dead. We're gonna
have to try to get you out.
Oh no.
Fucker, come on out.
Chucklehead knucklehead.
Got you Chucklehead.
Hey, hey. Let me in here.
What in the name of Caesar
are you all in a state about?
I know this is gonna sound incredible,
but I'm being chased by a living dummy.
Dummy, are you drunk?
No, it's Chucklehead.
The dummy Archibald used
during his final performance.
Yeah, I know him.
He was here about a night
ago. Really poor turnout.
But I got overtime, so who cares?
We need to call the police.
Well, the phone's over there.
Don't open!
Leave me alone. I
didn't do anything to you.
Go now, it is finished.
What?
I know now, only I can stop Chucklehead.
He is me and I am him.
He has unholy powers.
The curtain is closing.
Go now. Without haste.
I take back any negative
energy I unwittingly gave you.
It is time, my friend.
Time to go.
Good luck, Archibald. Wherever you are.
Yes, well, ladies and gentlemen,
as they say in showbiz, that's all folks.
Dummy
Dummy
Lock doors
Stay still
I'm coming for you
You better run
You didn't escape
Of getting out
So lock your doors and go upstairs
I'm already in your house
You can run, you can scream
I'll come find you in your house
Run away or stay and fight
Either way it ends tonight
Grab a knife, grab a gun
Grab a gun is not so fun
Come and shot me, charm me, marry me
You can lock me up
But no matter what you do
I'll be coming back for you
I only got eyes for you
Before I go, you're coming too
Lock you up
Lock doors
Staying still
I can hear him coming
Coming, coming
I'm coming for you
I'm coming to get you
Lock the doors
Staying still
I can hear him coming
Coming, coming, coming
They say time flies
when you're having fun.
No wonder our time together
feels like an eternity.
What are you gonna do in retirement?
Honestly, I don't know, Chucklehead.
I don't know.
Hey dummy. Say something
it's time for a bit of
sophisticated humor.
Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything.
Bartholomew, that joke's
older than the moon.
Well, it's a classic, Marty.
Always lead with a classic.
I've heard better
jokes in the obituaries.
Hmm.
Passion, Delphi?
I feel gas.
If someone brings their beans
because that's what's
electrifying the air.
County fairs can be so depressing,
especially when the
entertainment is someone
who's washed up.
Speaking of that, do you remember
that one Ventriloquist guy?
His dummy was named Chucklehead.
Oh, Archibald.
Yeah, he played a county fair over here.
Really? Wow, that's sad.
Wasn't he all over late
night TV at one point?
Yeah, he was everywhere.
And then I forget what show he was on,
but he bombed horribly.
That's right. And then
it just kept happening.
He just couldn't recover from that.
Yeah, he went from being everywhere
to pretty much nothing.
Hmm, poor Archibald.
Yeah, poor Chucklehead. He was awesome.
You would feel sorry for the puppet..
Boo! You suck.
Hey,
which one's the ventriloquist
and which one's the dummy?
So Chucklehead.
This is so aging.
How do cats stop a VCR?
I don't know, Archibald.
How does a cat stop a VCR?
It hits the pause button.
I bet that thing
is more of a brain left
than this old man.
Yes, I got it.
And I hope it ain't contagious.
Looks like we're
knocking them dead tonight.
Dead, nothing could
resurrect your career.
Tell me again why I put up with you.
I'm part of your work release, remember?
You know Chucklehead, this
is our final performance.
What are you gonna do in retirement?
Get as far away from you as possible.
Are those
jokes from the Stone Age?
That's not nice.
Why?
How would you like my hand
up your ass for 20 years?
It's been longer than
20 years, Chucklehead.
Don't remind me.
They say time flies
when you're having fun.
No wonder our time together
feels like an eternity.
What are you gonna do in retirement?
Honestly, I don't know, Chucklehead.
I don't know.
The ventriloquist
is barely passable.
It's all been done before and better.
This is just sad.
Hey, dummy.
Say something.
Yes, well.
Ladies and gentlemen,
as they say in show biz,
that's all folks.
It means it's time to go.
Thanks Archibald.
Thanks Chucklehead.
Better luck next time.
There isn't going to be a next time.
Goodnight.
Oh, hello Archibald. How'd
your final performance go?
- As predicted.
- Oh, don't look so glum.
Now you can move on to
new and exciting things.
Showbiz is all I know.
Did you know my family
started in Vaudeville?
No, really?
Yes, way back in 1908.
Our family even toured
with Barn and Bailey.
That's how I got Chucklehead here.
Oh, well maybe it's time that you
and that thing take a break.
Chucklehead?
Him and I will be together forever.
Why don't you pass him on to one
of your other relatives in show business?
Because I'm the only one left.
The last of my kind.
It's just him and me now.
You seem very depressed.
I'm sorry. Look, everything will be fine.
Be thankful that you can
retire. I'll never be able to.
I'm going to my room now.
Are you sure you don't
want something to eat?
The dining room will be
open for another 30 minutes.
No, but I'll see you at breakfast.
Will you be checking out in the morning?
No, I'm going to stay a few days more.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Cheers, my friend.
Not thirsty tonight, okay.
Oh, how I long for the
joy of another world.
We should be there shortly.
Good.
We can check in and get
cleaned up before the reunion.
How many high school reunions
have we been to together?
I don't know. About
four maybe, I lose track.
I wonder if Maggie will be there.
Drop it.
You dated her in high school
and you took her to the prom.
Big deal.
She'll never forget that night.
Best five seconds of her life, I'm sure.
Every reunion we go to, she's after me.
She's just being nice. That's all.
Her husband is never too happy to see you.
He's a chump.
She realized what a
mistakes she probably made.
Right, he's a rich Wall Street banker
with a house on Long Island.
Big deal. He's got money, so what?
Yeah, look, so what?
Let's just enjoy the time we
have away from our crazy life.
These times aren't gonna last forever.
Amen.
Maggie still wants me. I
don't care what you guys say.
There's a place right there up ahead.
We have arrived.
I guess we'll park here for now.
Let's check in and get something to eat.
We wouldn't want Maggie
thinking you're malnourished.
Well, hello there.
Hi guys. What can I do for you?
We have a reservation,
a room for Alan Duncan.
Okay, let me see.
Oh, there you are. Room 203.
Maybe the rest of our
classmates are here too.
Classmates?
Oh, we are here for a class reunion.
It's here at the high school.
Hmm.
Well, no one else has
checked in and mentioned it,
but then I live outside of town,
so I don't know what goes on here.
How many hotels do
you have in this town?
Just two.
Well, they must be at
the other hotel then.
Hmm.
How big was your graduating class?
Oh, around 128 kids.
Hmm.
Well maybe it's only
the three of you then.
Here's the key.
I see you have a dining room.
What time do you serve meals?
Breakfast is at 8:30, lunch at noon
and dinner is at five sharp.
We'll see you at lunch then.
Your room is upstairs and to the left.
- Okay, thanks.
- Thanks.
Thank you.
It'd be odd if we
were the only ones here.
Hey, you know this isn't half bad.
Really turn of the century charm.
I'm starved.
Hey, does that guy look familiar?
I wonder what the dummy ordered.
What can I get you guys?
I'll have a coke and a cheeseburger.
I'll have a roast beef
sandwich and a glass of water.
I'll try the chicken and
biscuits and a coke as well.
You got it. I'll put
that order right in.
Hey, I know who that guy
is. He's Archibald the Great.
He's a ventriloquist. I saw
him on That's Incredible once.
He doesn't look so great to me.
Can't be too famous if he's
hanging around this town.
Excuse me, sir,
are you Archibald the Great?
Why, yes. Yes I am.
How did you know?
I saw you on TV when I was a kid.
Would you mind having a seat with us?
Chucklehead and I have
traveled all over the world.
We gave our final performance last night.
Are you retiring from the business?
Yes, I'm afraid people today aren't
into my antiquated style.
It's time to move on.
I can't believe you don't
have your own reality TV show.
Have you always
performed with Chucklehead?
Yes, since the very beginning.
That's cool.
Would you mind if I asked
you for an autograph?
I would be delighted.
Thanks so much.
It was a pleasure talking with you,
but we must be going.
Take care.
Thanks again.
How cool was that?
Swell.
Has-been entertainer signed your napkin.
Hope this isn't the
high point of our trip.
Come on.
We made the guy's day.
Archibald, I have your fresh towels.
Where is that weirdo? I'm keying in.
Fuck you.
That was damn good.
Listen, we're eating
dinner at the reunion.
You ate so much, you're
not even gonna be hungry.
Look, these things go into the night.
Plenty of time to eat
and for other things too.
Please don't tell us
you think you're scoring
with Maggie tonight.
Who knows?
Dream along with me
Are you guys ready?
Isn't it a bit early?
What time did you say this thing started?
4:30.
But I thought we'd get there ahead of time
so we could get a good table.
Who's paying?
Have fun tonight.
You can bet on it.
May I please ask not
to be disturbed tonight?
- Sure thing.
- Thanks.
Hey, why don't we walk?
It's only a few blocks away.
Because I'm not carrying
your drunk ass home tonight.
Good point.
It is time, my friend. We
knew this day would come.
We did give our final performance.
Maybe we'll see one another soon.
Party time.
Looks like we're the only ones here.
Thanks to Mr. Early Bird.
Let's go check it out.
What the hell?
What time did you say this starts?
See?
5:30.
Yeah, but not today. Next week.
What?
Oops.
You've got to be kidding me.
You've got the damn date wrong.
Sorry. I did.
No wonder no one was
at the hotel besides us
and the ventriloquist.
You did it again.
You never pay attention to details.
It was a simple mistake.
We'll come back next week.
I can't get off work that soon.
We booked a hotel for two days
and prepaid for this event.
Come on.
We've been worse scrapes, right?
Come on. I'm sorry.
You certainly are.
Let's just get outta here.
Hey, hey guys.
Hey, hey.
Hey, that was quick.
There gave us the wrong date.
It's next week.
Not this week.
Ooh, they don't seem too happy.
It was an honest mistake.
Well buy them dinner tonight
and they'll forgive you.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to do something.
What the hell?
Look, I said I was sorry.
I made a mistake. I had the wrong date.
I'll make it up to you. I promise.
How?
A week of vacation at the Bahamas.
Tickets to a Broadway show.
= $200 a slot at the casino.
All right, all right, you're
getting a bit carried away.
How about dinner on me?
Fair enough.
You only wasted a week
of our vacation time
and lots of money.
Way to make me feel better.
Come on.
Have a good night.
What have I done?
- What can I do for you?
- Dinner for three.
The Echo and Ed show
presents a fascinating dynamic.
They're talking about
our main man, Archibald.
Technical skills is undeniable.
But Ed, the puppet, displays
a level of sardonic wit
that often upstage human counterpart.
The dialogue crackles with an
almost uncomfortable honesty,
pushing the boundaries of
traditional ventriloquism.
While the act is undeniably innovative,
certain unease lingers.
Ed cynicism, while often
hilarious borders on nihilistic.
Is this social commentary
or simply shock about you?
The jury's still out.
Seraphine and Silas
is a study in contrasts.
I guess he is famous.
See, I told you so.
That was very nice of them
to do a farewell piece on his final show.
Turned out better than our reunion.
Is less a conversation.
Watch it.
Hunting dance of light and shadow.
Silas the dummy is a revelation.
Now, Reginald, tell the
audience about your latest
scientific discovery.
Well professor, it
involves a complex algorithm,
a quantum entanglement field
and, oh look, a butterfly.
Reginald, please. This
is important research.
Important?
But butterflies are important.
They're like flying flowers.
His voice alone resonant.
It seems to emanate from
a place beyond the stage.
It's a performance that
transcends mere ventriloquism
venturing into the realm
of theatrical possession.
Where the hell is
that wait staff person.
What makes someone wanna get
into a profession like Archibald?
He probably found joy in
making other people happy.
What are you getting at?
I think it takes an odd person
to hang out with a ventriloquist dummy.
Odd, but probably wealthy.
You can only be so lucky.
When he sat down next to us,
I couldn't ignore the air
of sadness around him.
Well, he gave his final performance.
I'm sure it was an emotional
couple hours for him.
It's a lot for one person to deal with,
especially an entertainer.
They're used to being
a center of attention.
It's a lot to have to deal with.
Still.
Stop playing psychologist
and go back to your video game.
Striking out all over the place.
Funny.
- Have a great night.
- Good night.
Hello Basset Night
Inn. How can I help you?
Okay, lemme take a look.
Thanks for waiting, yes.
We have availability on the 15th and 16th.
Okay, how would you like to pay for that?
Credit card.
May I have the credit card number please?
Okay and an email address please.
Okay, you should be receiving
a confirmation shortly
and we'll see you soon.
Alistair and Reginald
was a very complex
intellectual ventriloquist act.
Alistair is like a scholar.
Measured, composed, always in control.
You know guys, I miss high school.
Do you?
I don't miss it at all. All
the cliques and pettiness.
Life's better on the outside.
You make it sound like jail.
It was, just legalized.
How about you Trey?
Did you miss school?
I wanted out on the school thing.
Maggie didn't change your mind?
Oh yeah, Maggie.
She made every day worth it.
Til you got beat up in the locker room.
I got slugged a few times,
but I always hit back.
Remember George Watson and his gang?
Sure do,
you mopped his ass up in
the cafeteria that day.
And his posse.
Their reputation got ruined
and all I got was in-school suspension.
Yeah, they never
bothered anyone ever again.
Most people, when they
think of the idea of talking
through someone else, think ventriloquism.
Which these days is just prop comedy.
Oh look, there's our friend.
Hey, I saw 'em about a
minute ago down the hallway.
Wasn't looking too good.
Yeah, he's probably just tired.
Talking through someone
else, like having a dummy
or a puppet speak for you
more often is a symptom
of mental illness in adults.
That's sometimes it's react to
someone like social anxiety.
Some people act one way
because that's how they
feel they're expected to act
or because they're too
scared to be themselves
and they use that other self
to let their real
personality shine through.
They act how they want
and if other people get upset,
they can just blame it on the dummy.
For others, it's a symptom
of some deeper mental illness like
disassociative identity disorder.
Think Arnold Wesker's Scarface
from the Batman series.
Wesker was a criminal
genius, but weak and inept.
So Scarface was a separate personality
that manifested itself.
And Wesker created the Scarface dummy
so that could look and play the part more.
So talk you through someone else,
you should sign that it's time
to seek some professional help.
Unless of course you're
stuck in a horror movie.
In which case the other self
was your friends, your family,
your neighbors, and that your date
to the senior prom in
horrible and gruesome ways.
Why?
Why are you doing this?
This is what you wanted.
I never wanted death.
Death is a part of revenge.
I never wanted revenge.
You did.
You did.
I did?
For all the failures.
The people who cheated you.
The people who laughed at you.
Those people.
Yes.
But these aren't those people.
All people are those people.
Revenge.
Damn.
I need ice.
And there's no ice here.
No, I thought I saw an
ice machine in the lobby.
I can go get some.
No, I'll go get it. Be right back.
Hello?
I need some ice.
Is anyone here?
I am never staying at this hotel again.
I don't even see an ice
machine. Those guys are whacked.
Anyone? Anyone?
This is ridiculous.
No, don't go down there.
Who's there?
Hello?
Don't do it.
Hello?
Is anyone here?
I need some help. Stop screwing around.
What the hell was that?
Who's down here?
Hello?
You've got to be kidding me.
I see the crack, Silas.
The fractures and the carefully
constructed realities.
I see the void, Silas.
The emptiness they tries
out desperately to ignore.
And it calls to us.
Hey Patrick, were you
expecting a package anytime soon?
Because I got something delivered to me.
It had your name on it.
I don't think so.
I don't know.
But it said "say hello to Patricia."
How do they know my drag name?
I don't know where it came from.
I don't know why it is,
but it's just a little dummy head.
Yeah, yeah.
Do we do we need a third mic or?
Mic up Patricia.
Let's see what she says.
I have no clue why it's called a dummy.
I mean up puppet, mannequin,
dummy. What do you think?
Institutional bias.
Yeah, I can't postulate
on why they're called dummies
with her eyes just
staring at me like that.
It feels very judgmental.
Like anything I say
could be like offensive.
I dunno if I want to offend
our new third co-host.
Maybe it makes you feel like a dummy
because you don't know what to say.
You know, maybe it's a feedback loop.
Maybe we call them dummies
and, you know, it insults
them on a molecular level
and they have to lash out
in the form of murder.
Oh yeah. All right, goodbye Patricia.
So anyway, what movie are
we gonna watch this week?
Silas and Shadow is a departure
from traditional ventriloquism.
Silas's intense focus and
shadows unsettling pronouncements
create an atmosphere of palpable tension.
Shadow the dummy is a chilling presence.
His voice a low
and gut rumble seems to come
from a place of darkness.
The act is lesser performance
and more a ritual leaving the audience
with a sense of unease.
Hey, Bolt, ready to rock this joint?
Ready as I'll ever be.
Let's get loud and break something.
All right, try not to break everything.
We still gotta get paid.
Details, Rusty, details.
Now give me the mic.
Oh, Jacque, darling.
Do you feel the electricity in the air?
The sheer passion of our performance.
Passion, Delphi?
I feel gas.
Did someone brings the beans,
because that's what's
electrifying the air.
Jacque, show some restraint.
We are artists.
Artists who need to eat.
I hope we have some good
dippers in the audience.
Shadow, do you see what
I see when I look at them?
I see the cracks, Silas,
the fracture in their carefully
constructed realities.
And what do those cracks reveal, Shadow?
I see the void, Silas.
The emptiness they try
so desperately to ignore.
And he's made a wood.
Enough about Archibald.
Gosh, it's been taking Alan
a long time to get that ice.
Maybe he got lost.
This place is too small to get lost.
Maybe he went to the
corner store to get some.
I'm gonna take a nap.
I'm tired.
I'm gonna go see if I can
see where he wandered off to.
Okay.
He's waiting for you.
Please be warned.
Hey, anyone here?
Oh, Archibald, have you seen Helen?
Hey, Archibald, I'm talking to you.
Man you look like shit.
It's too late for Alan.
What?
Gather your other friend and leave.
You're not making any sense.
Let's find a place to sit down and chat.
Maybe we can get you some help.
It's too late for me.
Chucklehead is loose in this hotel,
and now he wants to kill everyone.
Look, you're taking this
doubt thing way too seriously.
I know you might be in the dumps
about quitting your act, but.
It's alive. I am not.
My negative energy filled the
dummy after I took my life
and now it wants to kill everyone.
What?
All my negative energy over
the years filled the dummy
and now it is exacting
retribution on everyone.
Be warned.
Whoa, did I see what I think I saw?
Hey, what's wrong?
We gotta go.
I can't find Alan and
Archibald's a ghost or something.
He said, Alan is dead.
Are you nuts?
I'm being honest. I swear.
He says his dummy Chucklehead
is alive and killing people.
Listen to what you're saying.
Are you getting even
because we were mad at you.
I wish it was.
There's only one way to find out.
How's that?
Let's go to Archibald's room and see.
He's probably watching TV.
All right, let's go.
Archibald,
we need to have a word with you.
I told you he wasn't there.
Archibald.
I told you that dude's dead.
He's not here.
Over there.
Oh my god.
I told you he was dead.
How did you see him moving around?
It was his ghost. I told you that.
Well, let's get outta here.
That dummy's lurking
around here somewhere.
Let's get outta here.
I can't make it down the stairs.
My leg hurt so much.
The room.
My leg.
We should be safer now.
You have to stop the bleeding.
This should help.
Thanks.
This is so unbelievable.
Well, believe it because it's happening.
It's not working. Let me see your phone.
It is no good.
Well, we're in the middle of nowhere.
It's not that,
the dummy must have
tampered with the router.
How could it know to do that?
Because it possesses human knowledge.
Everything Archibald knew
transferred to the doll.
Why would the dummy be killing people?
Because now it has all
of Archibald's pent up rage
and anger as its fuel.
That's why it's full of hate and rage.
What do we do now?
Try to get out of here.
I can't go anywhere on this leg.
Then I'll have to go.
Damn, too high to climb down.
What are you gonna do?
You stay put. You'll be safe here.
Please hurry.
It really hurts and I feel lightheaded.
You're losing a lot of
blood. I will hurry back.
Hey, I need help.
Something serious is happening here.
Oh, no, no.
Alan is dead. We're gonna
have to try to get you out.
Oh no.
Fucker, come on out.
Chucklehead knucklehead.
Got you Chucklehead.
Hey, hey. Let me in here.
What in the name of Caesar
are you all in a state about?
I know this is gonna sound incredible,
but I'm being chased by a living dummy.
Dummy, are you drunk?
No, it's Chucklehead.
The dummy Archibald used
during his final performance.
Yeah, I know him.
He was here about a night
ago. Really poor turnout.
But I got overtime, so who cares?
We need to call the police.
Well, the phone's over there.
Don't open!
Leave me alone. I
didn't do anything to you.
Go now, it is finished.
What?
I know now, only I can stop Chucklehead.
He is me and I am him.
He has unholy powers.
The curtain is closing.
Go now. Without haste.
I take back any negative
energy I unwittingly gave you.
It is time, my friend.
Time to go.
Good luck, Archibald. Wherever you are.
Yes, well, ladies and gentlemen,
as they say in showbiz, that's all folks.
Dummy
Dummy
Lock doors
Stay still
I'm coming for you
You better run
You didn't escape
Of getting out
So lock your doors and go upstairs
I'm already in your house
You can run, you can scream
I'll come find you in your house
Run away or stay and fight
Either way it ends tonight
Grab a knife, grab a gun
Grab a gun is not so fun
Come and shot me, charm me, marry me
You can lock me up
But no matter what you do
I'll be coming back for you
I only got eyes for you
Before I go, you're coming too
Lock you up
Lock doors
Staying still
I can hear him coming
Coming, coming
I'm coming for you
I'm coming to get you
Lock the doors
Staying still
I can hear him coming
Coming, coming, coming
They say time flies
when you're having fun.
No wonder our time together
feels like an eternity.
What are you gonna do in retirement?
Honestly, I don't know, Chucklehead.
I don't know.
Hey dummy. Say something