Echoes of Dread (2026) Movie Script
What is your soul worth?
Excuse me, sir,
but you can't smoke here.
Hi. What's happening?
I'm Samantha. And I'm Rueben.
And you know the deal.
We are obsessed with all things
macabre, creepy.
Ghosts, legend. Hauntings, and the like.
Oh, so dramatic. I just can't help myself.
Nerd warriors, go!
But that's not why you watch our channel.
So ... our newest project.
Drum roll, please.
Rick Harding!
Booyah!
I'm Rick Harding.
Archeologist at the Time Troops.
You're watching Time Troop.
Yeah.
That guy.
We have just three days
to solve this archeological mystery.
A 20 year run on the BBC.
Oh, I do love that show.
I confess something.
That hat? I though it was kind sexy.
What?!
Oh my God. So embarrassing.
Okay.
So we are going to be visiting
him at Tremper University.
To learn about his mysterious films.
Mysterious films.
From 1908.
A hundred and 16 years ago.
Uncovered from where?
Russia.
And his latest discovery.
Scary, right?
Super spooky.
Ready for an adventure.
Then follow me.
You can't be real.
But it's so cool.
[DOOR BANG]
Car's all packed. We're ready to go.
I guess there's only one thing left to do
before we hit the road
[GIGGLING]
Rueben, it's like a dream.
Thought you'd appreciate this.
[Gunshot]
What's that?
Hunter's probably.
What are you all doing here?
Just admiring the view, officer.
You got ID?
My wallet's ...
It's in the car.
Slowly.
Should I put my hands up?
Why?
I don't ...
Come on.
Where are you headed?
To an Inn.
Which one?
The Bellatrix.
Vacation?
No. Yes.
Well, actually, it's for an interview.
Got to be careful.
There's been a lot of strange people
coming and going around here.
Yeah, actually, we just heard shots.
You're done here.
Get where you're going.
Get gone.
Yes, sir.
Looks like a Hitchcock film.
Ooh. Creepy.
I love it.
ViewTubers.
Well, isn't that interesting?
What does that mean?
Paranormal.
Spooky stuff.
Oh, well, we've got plenty of that
around here these days.
Actually, we're here to interview
Rick Harding.
The Time Troop Guy.
Yeah, he works at the university.
Then ...
... you haven't heard
About what?
He died.
He set himself on fire at the university
last week.
Oh, my God.
Holy shit.
Sorry.
That.
And the loss of Mrs. Bennett.
Mrs. Bennett?
Our cat.
15 years.
Last week, she just
wandered off.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
[Loud doorbell ring]
Oh. Evening,
Mr. G.
Well ...
... ah ....breakfast
... is it 730.
Your bags or in your room.
Well ...
... on that note, this has been lovely.
Thank you so much.
Did you?
Holy shit. Rick Harding..
Dead.
Burned himself.
Wow. That's intense.
His channels down.
It's not really a surprise.
I mean, if he was a reclusive
old has-been.
Hey.
That's not very nice.
Besides, I
didn't get that vibe on our calls.
I mean, he sounded excited.
I can't wait to share what I found.
Extraordinary footage.
Your audience is going to love this.
No one really knows anyone, Sam.
Reuben?
You're like a super savant computer whiz.
This bathroom really reminds me
of my grandparents house.
Do you think you can hack this channel?
You know you can.
No.
Please.
Look, we have to see
what he wanted to show us.
We came all this way.
The man's dead, Samantha. Just let him be.
Oh, come on.
Nobody's going to know.
We might learn something.
There could be
unlisted videos about hidden temples.
Mummies.
Spookies.
I bet they're there.
Let's see.
Let's explore.
Please.
I mean,
you want to know, too.
Right?
Fine, fine, fine.
You go get something to eat.
Yes!
Make it snappy.
Hi?
Here you go.
Thank you.
Wait.
You're Samantha, the Nerd Warrrior, right?
Oh my gosh. You recognize me?
Yeah.
You're here
for all that weird stuff, right?
Weird stuff?
Let's chat. Back to work.
Have a good night.
No way.
Okay, Mr. Rick Harding ...
... what are you up to?
Rueben?
Help me, Samantha.
Please.
I'm taking you
to the emergency room.
Grab your stuff.
I'll take you.
He's not feeling well.
I understand.
It's going to be okay.
We're going to the hospital.
Is this the way to the hospital?
Where are you taking us?
To a friend's house.
Not far.
No, no, no.
He needs a hospital.
He wants a positive for any condition.
There's nothing the doctors can do for him.
Let me out.
He's got to work it out.
What?
The seed.
What are you talking about?
Of despair.
His soul go to excreted it. Reject it.
Then we have to destroy it.
God, this is crazy.
Would be the first time I've heard that.
Stop the car. Let us out.
Let
me
out!
Samantha!
Listen to me.
It's going to be fine.
Trust me.
All right.
Help him.
Otherwise I will kill you.
Hello, my old friend.
Oh, let me help.
Hi, I'm Norman.
Samantha.
And this is Reuben.
Reuben.
Reuben was my grandfather's name.
Reuben, my friend.
I'm not going to lie to you.
It's going to be a rough night.
Oh, I was hoping I was going to be alright.
Oh, okay, that's all right.
If he shits vomits, excretes anything,
let me know.
It's critical.
And that's not sick?
In need of a doctor?
For later.
And when you. need the bathroom
it's right there.
He's going to sleep for quite a few hours.
Gestation.
Gestation?
Who the hell are you?
How did you see the film?
The lecture was last week.
Film?
Oh, you guys are so weird.
Wait,
does this have something
to do with Rick Harding?
Oh, shit.
Reuben must have cracked it.
The YiewTube channel.
Harding's channel?
I shut it down.
You shut it down?
Norman, your computer!
It's in the office.
It's up.
He reactivated it while I was asleep.
Damn, he's good.
[Snoring]
Thousands of views.
Comments.
Holy crap.
Hey!
I wanted to see that.
We're in a world of shit.
You like beer?
Hate it.
Sucks to be you.
Oh, I've got Moscato.
Done.
Discussing me?
My catatonic boyfriend?
I thought you didn't like beer.
Moscato's gone.
Ah.
I want to see the videos.
Why did Rick Harding reach out to you?
I'm a ViewTuber.
The Nerd Warrior.
I've got a following.
I don't really follow social media.
I know.
You like porn, though?
I've seen the bookmarks on your computer.
I'm gonna go check on that pizza.
Hi. What happened in time, Samantha?
And I'm Rueben.
And you know the deal.
We are obsessed with all things
creative, adventurous, and just plain fun.
Come and learn, Quest.
And explore with us.
Nerd Warriors go!
That is some freaky art.
Someone sure needs a therapist.
I like it, though.
There cool.
It's my contrarian nature.
Appeals to the anarchy in my soul.
You're going to fit right in.
"G"
Is that you?
Oh, it is you.
Who is the mysterious Mr. G, anyways?
[wretching and groaning]
Thank God, Samantha.
I feel so much better.
[Bubbling sounds]
Holy moley.
What? What? What is it?!
Get out!
There's a little snake thing.
Coming out of the toilet!
He just puked!
Sorry about the bathroom, Norm.
Go for it.
You're gonna die.
[Bam!]
[Screaming]
[Screeching]
[Screeming]
I think you got it.
Good job.
You guys suck.
That was a lot of beating.
You don't like beer?
Why didn't you wake me?
What?
Last night?
You hacked the channel right?
Yeah.
Yeah, I did.
You're right.
Oh, my God.
Those videos. Holy shit.
Those creepy videos.
You made the video's public.
I did?
Yeah.
Is that bad?
You have no idea.
All right, enough.
What is with these videos?
Let me see them.
Huh. No.
Who are you guys?
They're archival films
By Russians.
About an event.
A meteor crash in 1908.
Except it wasn't a meteor.
Please don't say spaceships.
Shush.
It impacted in Tunguska Russia.
[Boom!]
[Explosion]
These were soulless beings.
One in particular was infectious
in its hate and spite.
And the czar responded.
They burned the beings from my world
right to purgatory itself.
Purgatory?
Is this a metaphor?
Suppressed.
Stalinist and forgotten for 100 years
until Rick Harding.
A once famous,
now aging archeologist
still looking for the limelight?
He had no idea
where he was inviting back into the world.
Those cinematographers had captured
dark, essence and photochemistry.
But Harding ignored his paranoid hauntings.
Dismissed them as alcohol fueled
delusions.
Norman sent me a Reddit
post about his upcoming lecture.
It was the Tunguska
that drew me in.
Thanks for joining us tonight.
You bet.
I hope you'll enjoy it. I think you will.
Hello. Pleasure to meet you.
In the basement in Bulgaria
about a year and a half ago.
I had a contact there
in my dealings as an anthropologist
and an archeologist.
And he alerted me to it.
They were.
As shocked as I can see on your faces
that you're pretty shocked
at what you're seeing as well.
As soon as I saw the footage,
I recognized them for what they were.
Why?
The creatures in the film
were familiar
because I had already encountered,
confronted and defeated them before.
So they were real.
I want to see them.
No you don't?
Yes, I do.
You don't.
Yes.
In seeing the film, I just assumed
they were merely echoes of dread
from the past.
I was wrong.
Why wrong?
I don't understand.
Thank you very much.
Thanks ... thank you.
Thank you.
[Toilet flushing]
Hello Mrs. Bennett.
I would go in there if I were you.
Phew.
How was the lecture?
Honestly, I'm sorry I went.
Some things are best left unseen.
Glad I missed it.
Oh. Oh.
Sleep well, Mr. G?
Ah, not really.
Oh?
I'll be checking out today.
Mrs. Bennett?
Mrs. Bennett?
Oh.
Where has that naughty cat gotten off too?
Mrs. Bennett?
I followed.
Oh. This is good.
Get your video camera.
I don't want too.
Get your video camera!
Okay, okay.
Ah.
Gordon,
have you come to join me at last?
[Deep echoing laughter]
Hey, don't go in there.
Stop!
Something terrible's in there.
Stop!
Stop!!
Stop!!!
Forget something, did we?
I'll be staying longer,
if you don't mind, Mr. Bellatrix?
Oh, that'd be fine.
Same room, then?
Mr. G?
You haven't seen Mrs. Bennett, have you?
You may call me Gordon, Mrs. Bellatrix.
The background check came back just fine.
And you are good to go.
Thanks.
Yes, thank you, sir.
It was gone.
Holy shit.
This is the juice.
Okay, so many questions.
Ah. The beast.
We're going to call it for the channel.
It needs a name.
The Despiser.
Really?
Yeah. That sucks.
Never mind.
Proceed.
Oh, yes, Mr. Gordon.
Yeah? I remember you from the other night.
It's affecting everybody that sees it.
No, wait a second.
I didn't think he'd believe me.
You're being dramatic, don't you think?
I had to find them.
Lecture attendees.
The infected.
They were bringing it back.
One meat sack at a time.
Contributing
to its mass of spiteful horror.
Ick.
I realize I could see a shimmer around
those carrying the seed.
An aura.
I saw that too.
Miss?
Quit following us!
Where is he?
Where are you going?
You can't stop us.
[Scream]
[Growling]
[Snarling]
[Gunshot]
I never found the other two.
You ... shot her?
The goth girl?
Except
they weren't people anymore.
Okay.
Um.
We're good. We're good.
Thank you.
And thank you for your hospitality.
Rueben is feeling much better right now.
I feel much better.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Say, Norman, you have a car, right?
Yeah, what's happening?
Shoes are in the bedroom, hon.
She's scared.
No.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I am scared.
Good.
You just might live through this.
You know, this got too real, too quick.
We'd like to go.
Is that a problem?
Because of the videos you two released.
Evil is spreading to an ill prepared
audience.
Witnesses are tainted.
Infected.
Manifesting necrotic tissue.
People are coming
from all corners of the earth
by plane, train and car.
Housewives, carpenters, teens.
Voyeurs to Harding's horrors.
They're in transit now,
heading here.
Summoned by it's a subversive call.
A dark revolution
to will evil, back into existence
with seduced fealty and flesh.
And it's up to us to hold the line.
We've got to find it and destroy it.
We would like a ride back now.
Please.
Holy shit balls, Rueben.
I mean, do we call the police?
We've his confession on camera.
Shush!
He's right down the hall.
I'm taking you to an actual doctor
tomorrow.
It's fine by me, but I do feel better.
Coughing up demon toads.
Hopefully he doesn't murder us in our sleep.
Just don't wake me if he does.
Sam?
We let this out.
We have to end it.
So what's the plan?
To stop it?
This ... um
Despiser?
Yes. Despiser.
When they arrive, the people,
the audience, the video infected.
And they will.
We will follow them.
They'll take us to our quarry.
To the beast.
And then we'll burn it back to hell.
With fire!
[Spoon drops.]
Sounds dangerous.
Photogenic.
By then, it could be huge.
Unstoppable.
Agreed.
Well, since we have a head start,
I have a better idea.
I love the fact that you're
comfortable with this.
We cut the little bastard loose
and follow it to Big Daddy.
Now you're thinking like a killer.
What do you think?
Is a cute?
Like ...
in anyway?
Rueben?
Well, you think?
You kidding me?
I guess it's a no.
You look like a prepper Elmer Fudd.
Oh, he's hunting wrabbits.
This is not productive.
I'm a county worker,
a fuel pumper, a taxpayer,
a veteran,
and one eternally patient friend of
Mr. Gordon Haige
We served in the Navy together.
Oh.
And now I'm leaving.
Leaving you to competent hands.
He can be a real dick.
Well, since he got back from Purgatory.
So that's twice you've said that.
I thought he was an artist.
Long story.
But not now.
My monster fighting friends.
You can start the camera.
Oh, sure,
Have you ever fired a gun?
Yes.
Yeah.
Okay, well this is an AR-15
and contrary to popular belief,
the "AR" does not stand for assault rifle
or automatic rifle.
It stands for Armalite rifle.
Correct.
Yeah, it's essentially an. M-16.
But it does not have exploding bullets.
Rather, the smaller rounds
the high velocity bullets
creating that hydrostatic shock.
It's basically a military weapon.
It's just not capable
of fully automatic fire.
You wouldn't want to do that anyway.
No, it decreases accuracy.
All of that is correct.
We did a special about it on our channel.
It was really good. It's really good
Okay.
Wanna fire off a few practice rounds?
Hell, yes!
[Gunfire! and exploding glass.]
Holy shit balls.
Nerd Warriors, go!
Well, they don't suck.
Are they're going to get us killed?
More importantly,
are we going to get them killed?
Hmm.
We made a video
of me teaching them how to shoot.
It could be pretty cool
if you're into that sort of thing.
Hmm.
Could call the police.
Get the authorities involved.
Homeland Security, maybe.
It's an awful lot to explain.
By then even if they let us out
of jail it would be way too late.
Bureaucracy, red tape.
Like the COVID response.
Another brand of hell.
You really are a crusty old bastard.
You know that?
Experience is something you don't get
until just after you need it.
Fortune cookie advice.
Ooh, maps!
Battle plans.
Where'd you get the map?
I work for the gas company.
Called before you dig.
I don't understand.
It was a big campaign ...
[Camera beep]
Must we?
Oh, maybe later, babe.
Focus, please.
Let's see where nightmares goes to nest.
You're gonna die.
Bitch!
Oh, jeeze.
I am too old for this shit.
You're gonna die!!!!
[Maniacal laughter]
A little turd.
It escaped into the culvert.
Oh.
Shit balls.
I'm going to kill my demon, baby.
No objections.
That is so weird.
Are you having a heart attack?
Piss off.
Well,
we know it's in there.
I'm guessing it's at the heart
of this junction of these spillways.
We'll split up.
Rueben, Samantha,
head for the East conduit by the creek.
If it's large enough, send that drone in.
Can you do that?
I think so.
And there's obstacle detection.
I don't even know what that means.
You're only to recon.
Do not go in alone.
Understood?
Norman and I will take this tunnel,
the West conduit.
Okay, walkie talkie check.
[Distortion]
NERD WARRIORS GO!
Sorry. I'll be good.
Samantha here.
Was she always like this?
Oh, you get used to it.
Rueben here. Check.
Norm's good.
Gordon. Out.
Stick to the UHF frequencies.
They've got a better chance of
working underground.
Try not to burn yourself.
Not on my bucket list.
More combat lessons!
Never, ever try this at home.
Unless you're fighting monsters and shit.
Oh, go, go, go, go.
We're going to jail, aren't we?
Probably.
How are you doing?
Not sure really.
Operating on autopilot.
Compartmentalize, I guess.
Scared.
Mostly.
Excited, though,
but mostly scared.
You're so hot when you're scared.
Funny boy.
You?
Yeah.
I'm scared.
But, you know, on the bright side,
this is going to make an excellent
episode of Nerd Warriors.
Hey.
You mean everything to me?
You know that.
Everything.
I ... I ... I ...
I need you to stay safe.
I love you, Reuben.
Who else would put up with me?
Oh, Samantha.
Nobody would put up with you.
Well,
here we go.
Into the woods.
It's the last midnight.
It's the last wish.
Soon it will be boom squish!
God., I hope not.
Did you see that?
Yeah.
Oh, my God.
Sam, step back.
I can see the aura.
They're looking at us.
Okay, stay calm.
I'm just going to slowly back ...
... away.
Hi.
Don't mind us.
Just shootin' a video.
No, no, no, no, no.
Oh, shit.
Hands up.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
They're coming.
Don't move.
What is that?
What are you wearing?
Okay, don't. Don't shoot. Careful, please.
I know this is going to sound really awful
and weird, but these are bombs.
Ah, jeez.
I so don't want to burn.
I'll take them off.
Get your knees now!
Okay.
Where's Reuben?
What the hell?
No!
Oh!
[Gunshot]
I've already been seeded.
Oh. Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm trying to stop it.
Sorry.
Oh. No.
Reuben!
Reuben!!!
You know, you should really visit more often.
We have so much fun.
Hanging out.
Relaxing.
Talking about the good old days.
Discovering sewers with slimy monsters.
Just the barrel of monkeys.
Exactly.
And I forgot how talkitive you were.
Hardly get a word in edgewise.
Uh huh.
You know,
we really haven't spoken since Maggie.
I'm really sorry, man.
I appreciate that.
So I've got an idea.
Couldn't land this in prison forever.
Wow me.
My access to Temper Petroleum.
I'm their delivery foreman.
You knew that, right?
Yeah. What's your point?
What if this Despiser is huge?
Massive.
Beyond Molotov cocktail massive.
Go on.
I go up to the firm.
Get a gas truck.
Drive it to the highest
drainage entry point.
Spill of fuel into the sewer.
And burn him out.
That's crazy.
[Rumbling]
I think that rumbling just reinforced my point.
I hate it when you make sense.
Good.
Good.
Good.
Gordon.
They've taken Rueben into the sewer.
I'm going in.
Samantha. No wait. We'll come to you.
I can't leave him.
[Mr. G]
No. Wait. We'll come to you.
Samantha.
Samantha!
Damn it.
You know this network better than I do.
Go for it.
Head for the high ground.
Get your tanker.
Flood the tunnels.
But on my signal.
You got it, brother.
Let's get after it
Love you brother.
You're a dick.
Oh, no, no,
no, no, no.
Dear viewer,
if this video
survives or.
I don't know, makes it into the cloud,
I just want to go on record.
I am scared
shitless.
Creepy stuff is ahead.
Are you not entertained?
Okay.
[Distant screams]
[Horrific screams]
I'm sorry.
I'm so
sorry.
Have you seen Rueben?
[Screams]
Oh, have you seen Ruben?
[Screams]
Rueben?
Rueben?!!!
Rueben, are you here?!!!
Let me know where you are.
Wow, the Army Corps of Engineers
gets a gold star.
Rueben.
Gordon.
Norman.
Anyone?
Can anyone hear me?
Samantha, are you okay?
Where are you?
I'm in the cistern,
in the heart of the system.
I think.
I'm on my way.
I'll be there soon.
There's terrible things here.
There's people fused to the walls all over.
It's horrible.
It's worse than any of Harding's films.
You stay away from everything.
You're not safe.
Yeah,
I got that part.
I'm too old for this shit.
Okay, Normy.
You got this. You got this.
Tremper Fuel my boys, here I come.
Oh, gun!
I am going to prison.
I am definitely going to prison.
Rueben?
Rueben?
Say something.
I'm here.
Samantha?
Rueben.
Rueben.
Where are you?
Keep talking, keep talking.
Here.
I'm in here.
Where?
I can't see you.
Inside.
The mouth.
I'm dying.
I'm dying.
[Grunt]
Standby, baby.
I thought I was going to smother.
Are you unjured?
You're okay?
Yeah, I think so.
You're okay?
You are my Nerd Warrior.
I was so worried.
You're everything to me.
Oh, I thought I was going to lose you.
You almost did.
Hello, Samantha? Reuben?
G, we're here.
Everyone all right?
There's crazy crap every where.
Serious nightmare fuel.
This really sucks.
Yeah.
Get out of here.
Call the frickin' Army. The ... the ...
National Guard.
No, he's here.
He's here. I know it.
I know you're here!
Where is this ... ?
Really?
Jeeze.
What do ... ?
Speak bitch!
Where am I?
You've arrived at your destination.
Oh, okay. I've arrived.
All right.
Where?
Ahh.
Gordon, can you hear me?
I'm right above you.
Yes, we're at the storm sewer junction.
Can you see my light?
I see it.
Yeah.
Hi Norman.
Oh, hi, Sam.
How's it going?
Really shitty.
Yeah, I get that.
Ah. We need to call the authorities.
Norman. The police.
What?
Why?
Are you shitting me?!
[Growling]
What the hell?
Holy moley!
[Bang!]
Whoa!
Get away from there.
[Bang!]
Gordon, shit is getting hairy up here.
Okay, Norman.
Dump tanks.
Now?
Yes, now !
Aye aye, Captain.
All right.
Out.
That tunnel.
It's faster.
A shorter way out.
Business hours are open.
What are you doing?
We're going to flood the sewers with gasoline.
What?
What about these?
I don't think they'll be enough.
Now get going.
No.
This is crazy.
It's so crazy. Samantha, let's go.
What about you?
The West tunnel's that way.
Oh, no.
Gordon, I'm ready.
Are you ready?
I've got this.
No run!
Let her rip.
Bomb's away.
All ye all ye outs in free!
Come on out!
Come on out and reveal yourself!
I'm waiting!
I'm challenging!
I'm here!
You're going to die down here!
Move!!!
[Water gush]
Ah, more meat for my bones.
It's about time, you horned bastard.
You are obsessed, aren't you?
No video is worth this, Samantha.
Come on.
Agreed.
My little man.
My old friend Gordon.
Ready to join your dead wife?
Suicide I believe, wasn't it?
Maggie.
It took time.
But in the end,
she did succumb to my will.
To despair? Yes.
Jesus has fled your world.
You're just a man, against FIRE!!!
I am the bringer of fire!
Remember?!
We are the little people!
[Screams]
Run!!!
[Screams]
[Explosions]
[Screams]
[Explosions]
Holy moley!
Jeeze.
You're not getting away.
YOU are not getting away.
Nope.
Look up there.
That's got to be Norman.
Come on.
I'm the hero.
I'm the hero.
And I am not going to prison.
Cause I'm saving the day.
Better make a Nerd Warrior
episode out of this!
Stop!!!
[Breathing heavy]
Back to hell you bastard!
[Truck horn]
[Scream]
[Explosion]
I'm sorry, G.
Gordon slipped away into the night
unnoticed by anyone except us.
You were interviewed.
Cameras confiscated.
Footage gone.
We checked out of the Inn the next day.
Hey, you made quite the knight.
It was awesome, wasn't it?
Yes.
Yes, it was.
I think I've had enough adventure
for a while.
Hello, Samantha.
What is your soul worth?
Any insights?
My soul is a whisper in the wind.
A flicker in the dark.
And if its price is love?
And the safety of those I care about?
Let is be spent without regret.
The channel's deleted.
Let's go for a walk.
Get some fresh air.
Yeah?
[SAMANTHA VO]
Nerd Warriors have exited the building.
Excuse me, sir,
but you can't smoke here.
Hi. What's happening?
I'm Samantha. And I'm Rueben.
And you know the deal.
We are obsessed with all things
macabre, creepy.
Ghosts, legend. Hauntings, and the like.
Oh, so dramatic. I just can't help myself.
Nerd warriors, go!
But that's not why you watch our channel.
So ... our newest project.
Drum roll, please.
Rick Harding!
Booyah!
I'm Rick Harding.
Archeologist at the Time Troops.
You're watching Time Troop.
Yeah.
That guy.
We have just three days
to solve this archeological mystery.
A 20 year run on the BBC.
Oh, I do love that show.
I confess something.
That hat? I though it was kind sexy.
What?!
Oh my God. So embarrassing.
Okay.
So we are going to be visiting
him at Tremper University.
To learn about his mysterious films.
Mysterious films.
From 1908.
A hundred and 16 years ago.
Uncovered from where?
Russia.
And his latest discovery.
Scary, right?
Super spooky.
Ready for an adventure.
Then follow me.
You can't be real.
But it's so cool.
[DOOR BANG]
Car's all packed. We're ready to go.
I guess there's only one thing left to do
before we hit the road
[GIGGLING]
Rueben, it's like a dream.
Thought you'd appreciate this.
[Gunshot]
What's that?
Hunter's probably.
What are you all doing here?
Just admiring the view, officer.
You got ID?
My wallet's ...
It's in the car.
Slowly.
Should I put my hands up?
Why?
I don't ...
Come on.
Where are you headed?
To an Inn.
Which one?
The Bellatrix.
Vacation?
No. Yes.
Well, actually, it's for an interview.
Got to be careful.
There's been a lot of strange people
coming and going around here.
Yeah, actually, we just heard shots.
You're done here.
Get where you're going.
Get gone.
Yes, sir.
Looks like a Hitchcock film.
Ooh. Creepy.
I love it.
ViewTubers.
Well, isn't that interesting?
What does that mean?
Paranormal.
Spooky stuff.
Oh, well, we've got plenty of that
around here these days.
Actually, we're here to interview
Rick Harding.
The Time Troop Guy.
Yeah, he works at the university.
Then ...
... you haven't heard
About what?
He died.
He set himself on fire at the university
last week.
Oh, my God.
Holy shit.
Sorry.
That.
And the loss of Mrs. Bennett.
Mrs. Bennett?
Our cat.
15 years.
Last week, she just
wandered off.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
[Loud doorbell ring]
Oh. Evening,
Mr. G.
Well ...
... ah ....breakfast
... is it 730.
Your bags or in your room.
Well ...
... on that note, this has been lovely.
Thank you so much.
Did you?
Holy shit. Rick Harding..
Dead.
Burned himself.
Wow. That's intense.
His channels down.
It's not really a surprise.
I mean, if he was a reclusive
old has-been.
Hey.
That's not very nice.
Besides, I
didn't get that vibe on our calls.
I mean, he sounded excited.
I can't wait to share what I found.
Extraordinary footage.
Your audience is going to love this.
No one really knows anyone, Sam.
Reuben?
You're like a super savant computer whiz.
This bathroom really reminds me
of my grandparents house.
Do you think you can hack this channel?
You know you can.
No.
Please.
Look, we have to see
what he wanted to show us.
We came all this way.
The man's dead, Samantha. Just let him be.
Oh, come on.
Nobody's going to know.
We might learn something.
There could be
unlisted videos about hidden temples.
Mummies.
Spookies.
I bet they're there.
Let's see.
Let's explore.
Please.
I mean,
you want to know, too.
Right?
Fine, fine, fine.
You go get something to eat.
Yes!
Make it snappy.
Hi?
Here you go.
Thank you.
Wait.
You're Samantha, the Nerd Warrrior, right?
Oh my gosh. You recognize me?
Yeah.
You're here
for all that weird stuff, right?
Weird stuff?
Let's chat. Back to work.
Have a good night.
No way.
Okay, Mr. Rick Harding ...
... what are you up to?
Rueben?
Help me, Samantha.
Please.
I'm taking you
to the emergency room.
Grab your stuff.
I'll take you.
He's not feeling well.
I understand.
It's going to be okay.
We're going to the hospital.
Is this the way to the hospital?
Where are you taking us?
To a friend's house.
Not far.
No, no, no.
He needs a hospital.
He wants a positive for any condition.
There's nothing the doctors can do for him.
Let me out.
He's got to work it out.
What?
The seed.
What are you talking about?
Of despair.
His soul go to excreted it. Reject it.
Then we have to destroy it.
God, this is crazy.
Would be the first time I've heard that.
Stop the car. Let us out.
Let
me
out!
Samantha!
Listen to me.
It's going to be fine.
Trust me.
All right.
Help him.
Otherwise I will kill you.
Hello, my old friend.
Oh, let me help.
Hi, I'm Norman.
Samantha.
And this is Reuben.
Reuben.
Reuben was my grandfather's name.
Reuben, my friend.
I'm not going to lie to you.
It's going to be a rough night.
Oh, I was hoping I was going to be alright.
Oh, okay, that's all right.
If he shits vomits, excretes anything,
let me know.
It's critical.
And that's not sick?
In need of a doctor?
For later.
And when you. need the bathroom
it's right there.
He's going to sleep for quite a few hours.
Gestation.
Gestation?
Who the hell are you?
How did you see the film?
The lecture was last week.
Film?
Oh, you guys are so weird.
Wait,
does this have something
to do with Rick Harding?
Oh, shit.
Reuben must have cracked it.
The YiewTube channel.
Harding's channel?
I shut it down.
You shut it down?
Norman, your computer!
It's in the office.
It's up.
He reactivated it while I was asleep.
Damn, he's good.
[Snoring]
Thousands of views.
Comments.
Holy crap.
Hey!
I wanted to see that.
We're in a world of shit.
You like beer?
Hate it.
Sucks to be you.
Oh, I've got Moscato.
Done.
Discussing me?
My catatonic boyfriend?
I thought you didn't like beer.
Moscato's gone.
Ah.
I want to see the videos.
Why did Rick Harding reach out to you?
I'm a ViewTuber.
The Nerd Warrior.
I've got a following.
I don't really follow social media.
I know.
You like porn, though?
I've seen the bookmarks on your computer.
I'm gonna go check on that pizza.
Hi. What happened in time, Samantha?
And I'm Rueben.
And you know the deal.
We are obsessed with all things
creative, adventurous, and just plain fun.
Come and learn, Quest.
And explore with us.
Nerd Warriors go!
That is some freaky art.
Someone sure needs a therapist.
I like it, though.
There cool.
It's my contrarian nature.
Appeals to the anarchy in my soul.
You're going to fit right in.
"G"
Is that you?
Oh, it is you.
Who is the mysterious Mr. G, anyways?
[wretching and groaning]
Thank God, Samantha.
I feel so much better.
[Bubbling sounds]
Holy moley.
What? What? What is it?!
Get out!
There's a little snake thing.
Coming out of the toilet!
He just puked!
Sorry about the bathroom, Norm.
Go for it.
You're gonna die.
[Bam!]
[Screaming]
[Screeching]
[Screeming]
I think you got it.
Good job.
You guys suck.
That was a lot of beating.
You don't like beer?
Why didn't you wake me?
What?
Last night?
You hacked the channel right?
Yeah.
Yeah, I did.
You're right.
Oh, my God.
Those videos. Holy shit.
Those creepy videos.
You made the video's public.
I did?
Yeah.
Is that bad?
You have no idea.
All right, enough.
What is with these videos?
Let me see them.
Huh. No.
Who are you guys?
They're archival films
By Russians.
About an event.
A meteor crash in 1908.
Except it wasn't a meteor.
Please don't say spaceships.
Shush.
It impacted in Tunguska Russia.
[Boom!]
[Explosion]
These were soulless beings.
One in particular was infectious
in its hate and spite.
And the czar responded.
They burned the beings from my world
right to purgatory itself.
Purgatory?
Is this a metaphor?
Suppressed.
Stalinist and forgotten for 100 years
until Rick Harding.
A once famous,
now aging archeologist
still looking for the limelight?
He had no idea
where he was inviting back into the world.
Those cinematographers had captured
dark, essence and photochemistry.
But Harding ignored his paranoid hauntings.
Dismissed them as alcohol fueled
delusions.
Norman sent me a Reddit
post about his upcoming lecture.
It was the Tunguska
that drew me in.
Thanks for joining us tonight.
You bet.
I hope you'll enjoy it. I think you will.
Hello. Pleasure to meet you.
In the basement in Bulgaria
about a year and a half ago.
I had a contact there
in my dealings as an anthropologist
and an archeologist.
And he alerted me to it.
They were.
As shocked as I can see on your faces
that you're pretty shocked
at what you're seeing as well.
As soon as I saw the footage,
I recognized them for what they were.
Why?
The creatures in the film
were familiar
because I had already encountered,
confronted and defeated them before.
So they were real.
I want to see them.
No you don't?
Yes, I do.
You don't.
Yes.
In seeing the film, I just assumed
they were merely echoes of dread
from the past.
I was wrong.
Why wrong?
I don't understand.
Thank you very much.
Thanks ... thank you.
Thank you.
[Toilet flushing]
Hello Mrs. Bennett.
I would go in there if I were you.
Phew.
How was the lecture?
Honestly, I'm sorry I went.
Some things are best left unseen.
Glad I missed it.
Oh. Oh.
Sleep well, Mr. G?
Ah, not really.
Oh?
I'll be checking out today.
Mrs. Bennett?
Mrs. Bennett?
Oh.
Where has that naughty cat gotten off too?
Mrs. Bennett?
I followed.
Oh. This is good.
Get your video camera.
I don't want too.
Get your video camera!
Okay, okay.
Ah.
Gordon,
have you come to join me at last?
[Deep echoing laughter]
Hey, don't go in there.
Stop!
Something terrible's in there.
Stop!
Stop!!
Stop!!!
Forget something, did we?
I'll be staying longer,
if you don't mind, Mr. Bellatrix?
Oh, that'd be fine.
Same room, then?
Mr. G?
You haven't seen Mrs. Bennett, have you?
You may call me Gordon, Mrs. Bellatrix.
The background check came back just fine.
And you are good to go.
Thanks.
Yes, thank you, sir.
It was gone.
Holy shit.
This is the juice.
Okay, so many questions.
Ah. The beast.
We're going to call it for the channel.
It needs a name.
The Despiser.
Really?
Yeah. That sucks.
Never mind.
Proceed.
Oh, yes, Mr. Gordon.
Yeah? I remember you from the other night.
It's affecting everybody that sees it.
No, wait a second.
I didn't think he'd believe me.
You're being dramatic, don't you think?
I had to find them.
Lecture attendees.
The infected.
They were bringing it back.
One meat sack at a time.
Contributing
to its mass of spiteful horror.
Ick.
I realize I could see a shimmer around
those carrying the seed.
An aura.
I saw that too.
Miss?
Quit following us!
Where is he?
Where are you going?
You can't stop us.
[Scream]
[Growling]
[Snarling]
[Gunshot]
I never found the other two.
You ... shot her?
The goth girl?
Except
they weren't people anymore.
Okay.
Um.
We're good. We're good.
Thank you.
And thank you for your hospitality.
Rueben is feeling much better right now.
I feel much better.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Say, Norman, you have a car, right?
Yeah, what's happening?
Shoes are in the bedroom, hon.
She's scared.
No.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I am scared.
Good.
You just might live through this.
You know, this got too real, too quick.
We'd like to go.
Is that a problem?
Because of the videos you two released.
Evil is spreading to an ill prepared
audience.
Witnesses are tainted.
Infected.
Manifesting necrotic tissue.
People are coming
from all corners of the earth
by plane, train and car.
Housewives, carpenters, teens.
Voyeurs to Harding's horrors.
They're in transit now,
heading here.
Summoned by it's a subversive call.
A dark revolution
to will evil, back into existence
with seduced fealty and flesh.
And it's up to us to hold the line.
We've got to find it and destroy it.
We would like a ride back now.
Please.
Holy shit balls, Rueben.
I mean, do we call the police?
We've his confession on camera.
Shush!
He's right down the hall.
I'm taking you to an actual doctor
tomorrow.
It's fine by me, but I do feel better.
Coughing up demon toads.
Hopefully he doesn't murder us in our sleep.
Just don't wake me if he does.
Sam?
We let this out.
We have to end it.
So what's the plan?
To stop it?
This ... um
Despiser?
Yes. Despiser.
When they arrive, the people,
the audience, the video infected.
And they will.
We will follow them.
They'll take us to our quarry.
To the beast.
And then we'll burn it back to hell.
With fire!
[Spoon drops.]
Sounds dangerous.
Photogenic.
By then, it could be huge.
Unstoppable.
Agreed.
Well, since we have a head start,
I have a better idea.
I love the fact that you're
comfortable with this.
We cut the little bastard loose
and follow it to Big Daddy.
Now you're thinking like a killer.
What do you think?
Is a cute?
Like ...
in anyway?
Rueben?
Well, you think?
You kidding me?
I guess it's a no.
You look like a prepper Elmer Fudd.
Oh, he's hunting wrabbits.
This is not productive.
I'm a county worker,
a fuel pumper, a taxpayer,
a veteran,
and one eternally patient friend of
Mr. Gordon Haige
We served in the Navy together.
Oh.
And now I'm leaving.
Leaving you to competent hands.
He can be a real dick.
Well, since he got back from Purgatory.
So that's twice you've said that.
I thought he was an artist.
Long story.
But not now.
My monster fighting friends.
You can start the camera.
Oh, sure,
Have you ever fired a gun?
Yes.
Yeah.
Okay, well this is an AR-15
and contrary to popular belief,
the "AR" does not stand for assault rifle
or automatic rifle.
It stands for Armalite rifle.
Correct.
Yeah, it's essentially an. M-16.
But it does not have exploding bullets.
Rather, the smaller rounds
the high velocity bullets
creating that hydrostatic shock.
It's basically a military weapon.
It's just not capable
of fully automatic fire.
You wouldn't want to do that anyway.
No, it decreases accuracy.
All of that is correct.
We did a special about it on our channel.
It was really good. It's really good
Okay.
Wanna fire off a few practice rounds?
Hell, yes!
[Gunfire! and exploding glass.]
Holy shit balls.
Nerd Warriors, go!
Well, they don't suck.
Are they're going to get us killed?
More importantly,
are we going to get them killed?
Hmm.
We made a video
of me teaching them how to shoot.
It could be pretty cool
if you're into that sort of thing.
Hmm.
Could call the police.
Get the authorities involved.
Homeland Security, maybe.
It's an awful lot to explain.
By then even if they let us out
of jail it would be way too late.
Bureaucracy, red tape.
Like the COVID response.
Another brand of hell.
You really are a crusty old bastard.
You know that?
Experience is something you don't get
until just after you need it.
Fortune cookie advice.
Ooh, maps!
Battle plans.
Where'd you get the map?
I work for the gas company.
Called before you dig.
I don't understand.
It was a big campaign ...
[Camera beep]
Must we?
Oh, maybe later, babe.
Focus, please.
Let's see where nightmares goes to nest.
You're gonna die.
Bitch!
Oh, jeeze.
I am too old for this shit.
You're gonna die!!!!
[Maniacal laughter]
A little turd.
It escaped into the culvert.
Oh.
Shit balls.
I'm going to kill my demon, baby.
No objections.
That is so weird.
Are you having a heart attack?
Piss off.
Well,
we know it's in there.
I'm guessing it's at the heart
of this junction of these spillways.
We'll split up.
Rueben, Samantha,
head for the East conduit by the creek.
If it's large enough, send that drone in.
Can you do that?
I think so.
And there's obstacle detection.
I don't even know what that means.
You're only to recon.
Do not go in alone.
Understood?
Norman and I will take this tunnel,
the West conduit.
Okay, walkie talkie check.
[Distortion]
NERD WARRIORS GO!
Sorry. I'll be good.
Samantha here.
Was she always like this?
Oh, you get used to it.
Rueben here. Check.
Norm's good.
Gordon. Out.
Stick to the UHF frequencies.
They've got a better chance of
working underground.
Try not to burn yourself.
Not on my bucket list.
More combat lessons!
Never, ever try this at home.
Unless you're fighting monsters and shit.
Oh, go, go, go, go.
We're going to jail, aren't we?
Probably.
How are you doing?
Not sure really.
Operating on autopilot.
Compartmentalize, I guess.
Scared.
Mostly.
Excited, though,
but mostly scared.
You're so hot when you're scared.
Funny boy.
You?
Yeah.
I'm scared.
But, you know, on the bright side,
this is going to make an excellent
episode of Nerd Warriors.
Hey.
You mean everything to me?
You know that.
Everything.
I ... I ... I ...
I need you to stay safe.
I love you, Reuben.
Who else would put up with me?
Oh, Samantha.
Nobody would put up with you.
Well,
here we go.
Into the woods.
It's the last midnight.
It's the last wish.
Soon it will be boom squish!
God., I hope not.
Did you see that?
Yeah.
Oh, my God.
Sam, step back.
I can see the aura.
They're looking at us.
Okay, stay calm.
I'm just going to slowly back ...
... away.
Hi.
Don't mind us.
Just shootin' a video.
No, no, no, no, no.
Oh, shit.
Hands up.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
They're coming.
Don't move.
What is that?
What are you wearing?
Okay, don't. Don't shoot. Careful, please.
I know this is going to sound really awful
and weird, but these are bombs.
Ah, jeez.
I so don't want to burn.
I'll take them off.
Get your knees now!
Okay.
Where's Reuben?
What the hell?
No!
Oh!
[Gunshot]
I've already been seeded.
Oh. Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm trying to stop it.
Sorry.
Oh. No.
Reuben!
Reuben!!!
You know, you should really visit more often.
We have so much fun.
Hanging out.
Relaxing.
Talking about the good old days.
Discovering sewers with slimy monsters.
Just the barrel of monkeys.
Exactly.
And I forgot how talkitive you were.
Hardly get a word in edgewise.
Uh huh.
You know,
we really haven't spoken since Maggie.
I'm really sorry, man.
I appreciate that.
So I've got an idea.
Couldn't land this in prison forever.
Wow me.
My access to Temper Petroleum.
I'm their delivery foreman.
You knew that, right?
Yeah. What's your point?
What if this Despiser is huge?
Massive.
Beyond Molotov cocktail massive.
Go on.
I go up to the firm.
Get a gas truck.
Drive it to the highest
drainage entry point.
Spill of fuel into the sewer.
And burn him out.
That's crazy.
[Rumbling]
I think that rumbling just reinforced my point.
I hate it when you make sense.
Good.
Good.
Good.
Gordon.
They've taken Rueben into the sewer.
I'm going in.
Samantha. No wait. We'll come to you.
I can't leave him.
[Mr. G]
No. Wait. We'll come to you.
Samantha.
Samantha!
Damn it.
You know this network better than I do.
Go for it.
Head for the high ground.
Get your tanker.
Flood the tunnels.
But on my signal.
You got it, brother.
Let's get after it
Love you brother.
You're a dick.
Oh, no, no,
no, no, no.
Dear viewer,
if this video
survives or.
I don't know, makes it into the cloud,
I just want to go on record.
I am scared
shitless.
Creepy stuff is ahead.
Are you not entertained?
Okay.
[Distant screams]
[Horrific screams]
I'm sorry.
I'm so
sorry.
Have you seen Rueben?
[Screams]
Oh, have you seen Ruben?
[Screams]
Rueben?
Rueben?!!!
Rueben, are you here?!!!
Let me know where you are.
Wow, the Army Corps of Engineers
gets a gold star.
Rueben.
Gordon.
Norman.
Anyone?
Can anyone hear me?
Samantha, are you okay?
Where are you?
I'm in the cistern,
in the heart of the system.
I think.
I'm on my way.
I'll be there soon.
There's terrible things here.
There's people fused to the walls all over.
It's horrible.
It's worse than any of Harding's films.
You stay away from everything.
You're not safe.
Yeah,
I got that part.
I'm too old for this shit.
Okay, Normy.
You got this. You got this.
Tremper Fuel my boys, here I come.
Oh, gun!
I am going to prison.
I am definitely going to prison.
Rueben?
Rueben?
Say something.
I'm here.
Samantha?
Rueben.
Rueben.
Where are you?
Keep talking, keep talking.
Here.
I'm in here.
Where?
I can't see you.
Inside.
The mouth.
I'm dying.
I'm dying.
[Grunt]
Standby, baby.
I thought I was going to smother.
Are you unjured?
You're okay?
Yeah, I think so.
You're okay?
You are my Nerd Warrior.
I was so worried.
You're everything to me.
Oh, I thought I was going to lose you.
You almost did.
Hello, Samantha? Reuben?
G, we're here.
Everyone all right?
There's crazy crap every where.
Serious nightmare fuel.
This really sucks.
Yeah.
Get out of here.
Call the frickin' Army. The ... the ...
National Guard.
No, he's here.
He's here. I know it.
I know you're here!
Where is this ... ?
Really?
Jeeze.
What do ... ?
Speak bitch!
Where am I?
You've arrived at your destination.
Oh, okay. I've arrived.
All right.
Where?
Ahh.
Gordon, can you hear me?
I'm right above you.
Yes, we're at the storm sewer junction.
Can you see my light?
I see it.
Yeah.
Hi Norman.
Oh, hi, Sam.
How's it going?
Really shitty.
Yeah, I get that.
Ah. We need to call the authorities.
Norman. The police.
What?
Why?
Are you shitting me?!
[Growling]
What the hell?
Holy moley!
[Bang!]
Whoa!
Get away from there.
[Bang!]
Gordon, shit is getting hairy up here.
Okay, Norman.
Dump tanks.
Now?
Yes, now !
Aye aye, Captain.
All right.
Out.
That tunnel.
It's faster.
A shorter way out.
Business hours are open.
What are you doing?
We're going to flood the sewers with gasoline.
What?
What about these?
I don't think they'll be enough.
Now get going.
No.
This is crazy.
It's so crazy. Samantha, let's go.
What about you?
The West tunnel's that way.
Oh, no.
Gordon, I'm ready.
Are you ready?
I've got this.
No run!
Let her rip.
Bomb's away.
All ye all ye outs in free!
Come on out!
Come on out and reveal yourself!
I'm waiting!
I'm challenging!
I'm here!
You're going to die down here!
Move!!!
[Water gush]
Ah, more meat for my bones.
It's about time, you horned bastard.
You are obsessed, aren't you?
No video is worth this, Samantha.
Come on.
Agreed.
My little man.
My old friend Gordon.
Ready to join your dead wife?
Suicide I believe, wasn't it?
Maggie.
It took time.
But in the end,
she did succumb to my will.
To despair? Yes.
Jesus has fled your world.
You're just a man, against FIRE!!!
I am the bringer of fire!
Remember?!
We are the little people!
[Screams]
Run!!!
[Screams]
[Explosions]
[Screams]
[Explosions]
Holy moley!
Jeeze.
You're not getting away.
YOU are not getting away.
Nope.
Look up there.
That's got to be Norman.
Come on.
I'm the hero.
I'm the hero.
And I am not going to prison.
Cause I'm saving the day.
Better make a Nerd Warrior
episode out of this!
Stop!!!
[Breathing heavy]
Back to hell you bastard!
[Truck horn]
[Scream]
[Explosion]
I'm sorry, G.
Gordon slipped away into the night
unnoticed by anyone except us.
You were interviewed.
Cameras confiscated.
Footage gone.
We checked out of the Inn the next day.
Hey, you made quite the knight.
It was awesome, wasn't it?
Yes.
Yes, it was.
I think I've had enough adventure
for a while.
Hello, Samantha.
What is your soul worth?
Any insights?
My soul is a whisper in the wind.
A flicker in the dark.
And if its price is love?
And the safety of those I care about?
Let is be spent without regret.
The channel's deleted.
Let's go for a walk.
Get some fresh air.
Yeah?
[SAMANTHA VO]
Nerd Warriors have exited the building.