Flaky (2022) Movie Script
1
[soft piano music]
[bright pop music]
[traffic passing]
[indistinct PA chatter]
[door chimes]
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
- You know, um...
- [scoffs]
- This is really late.
- [sighs] I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, guys.
I'm late.
- Hey!
- [woman] I'm coming right out.
[man] You're lucky
she didn't show up this morning.
I need two shrimp sauts, and
I need a lobster mac and cheese,
and a fish and chips combo.
[man, mumbling] And a fish
and chips combo...
Come on, IB, you always do this!
- You and Mimi, man!
- [door shuts]
Don't leave me out here
with this crazy lady.
I need help!
- Hi.
- Hi.
So, I would like a...
[stammers]
a medium-size fry
with lobster sauce,
and maybe...
um, hm,
a small mac and cheese
by the side?
Uh, do you want
the mac and cheese?
I'm still thinking about it.
What do you think?
Uh, it's whatever you want.
I know.
[laughs]
But that's why I'm asking you,
because you work here, you know?
You would know better.
Uh...
[chuckles]
Well, what's with the attitude?
[stammers]
I don't understand.
Uh-uh-uh. See, you,
gonna have to lower your voice.
If you don't wanna be here,
and I understand that,
but I'm not your problem!
Do you still want
the mac and cheese?
Where's your manager?
Yo, I've been in line,
like, forever!
[scoffs] Boy.
Miss, do you still want
the mac and cheese?
There's a line
of people waiting.
You are dumb rude.
Do you know that?
No, I don't.
Come on, for God's sake.
I wanna talk to your manager!
The manager isn't here.
- You can drop a note though.
- [wry laugh]
Okay.
Uh, hello!
You. Hi.
Yes, hi.
Is your manager here?
Okay, well, then,
who is responsible
for having this dumb chick here?
[light, groovy music plays]
Hello?
The manager is.
Come on,
I gotta get to work, fam.
Ah!
You are mad disrespectful.
Ma'am, do you still want
the mac and cheese?
Are you calling me old?
No, I'm just trying
to be respectful.
Come on! Anytime before
my social security kicks in!
- Just give me my damn fry, okay?
- Okay.
And give me my damn
mac and cheese!
[sighs]
Would you mind stepping aside
so I can attend to that
gentleman right behind you?
- Jeez!
- [sighs]
Rest of us
not hungry up in here?
I'm sorry about that.
What can I get you?
[scoffs] Can I get
a alfredo guchini... linguini?
Can I get a 12-piece chicken?
And, uh... you take EBT in here?
Uh... no.
No, we don't.
I know.
I'm just messing with you.
- [both chuckle]
- That's really funny.
I know.
It works every time.
- Right.
- There you go, sweetie.
Thanks.
[music continues]
There you go.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
[sighs]
[man chuckling]
Did you hear all of that?
"Get my damn fries
and my damn mac and cheese."
You know, you're
supposed to be looking
for your manager
right about now.
- Well, the manager ain't here.
- [man laughs]
[sighs] This woman
does this all the time
when she walks
into this place.
Like I stole her man
or something.
Maybe you did.
Murphy, whose side you on?
Check your pocket.
Maybe you did.
Trust me, I try to be
so nice to her every time.
I even give her compliments.
Look, she don't want
your compliments.
She wants her man back.
Give her her man back.
- Just give her her man back.
- [woman] Order's ready!
- I'm sorry!
- Oh, oh, oh, I heard something.
I'm coming.
I'm coming.
[Murphy chuckles]
Okay.
[music continues]
Have a wonderful day.
Gonna flip.
Oh, my God.
[distant horn blaring]
[indistinct chatter]
[traffic passing, horn blaring]
Man, it's crazy
how it gets so slow.
In minutes.
I hate it when it's slow.
Why?
There's less madness.
It just becomes so draggy
and all-around weird.
You Africans love
to work to death.
Hey, you can't speak
for every African.
I know about Nigerians.
Uh-huh.
[IB] No, it's just...
it's just so weird
being categorized in general
as an African
when we have so many
different diverse cultures
and I'm not even sure
if we all like each other.
Mm. You mean like
African-Americans?
[scoffs]
Light skin, dark skin.
The shit drives me crazy
all the time.
When we have
so much bigger problems.
And I'm not just talking
about electricity and water,
- and what they show on the news.
- Hmm.
What'd you study again?
How many times are you
gonna ask me that question?
Aliyah!
I just keep forgetting.
Sociology.
Oh, yeah.
[clicks tongue]
I hope to go back
to college, you know?
I can't do this forever.
It's either that, or this,
or some other way.
What other way?
[Aliyah] What are you
doing Friday?
After work.
[IB] Nothing.
A friend of mine is having
a rooftop party.
- You wanna come through?
- Sure!
I need every leisure
I can get right now.
It's in Williamsburg, 10:00 p.m.
Boogie.
Cool!
[both laugh]
Ah.
Alrighty.
[children shouting indistinctly]
[car horn blares]
[clattering]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[woman laughs]
What are you talking about?
You saw her, didn't you?
[laughs]
She knew what she was doing.
Wearing that dress,
trying to be slick and shit.
[laughs]
[dishes clank]
Yes!
My thoughts exactly!
You know she cray-cray.
Talkin' bout him and her
and where they gon' be,
in my face!
[laughs]
Girl, hold on.
What?
The pizza box is empty.
I don't need it.
You can throw it away.
I mean, you could've
just thrown it away yourself
after you got the last slice
out of the box.
[woman] I'll call you back.
[IB] I mean, it's not an issue.
I just think...
- You got a problem with me?
- No, of course not!
It looks like
you got something to say.
[IB] I already said
what I wanted to say.
Nah, it looks like you got
somethin' to say, sis,
so just go ahead and say it.
Like I said, I already said
what I wanted to say.
It's not that serious.
It's just a box.
You can throw it away
if it's bothering you that much.
It's the refrigerator.
It's also a mess.
[scoffs] Oh, geez.
[scoffs]
Yeah.
Yes!
Oh, okay, I was saying...
No, you were saying.
[laughs]
Oh, no. It wasn't important.
Girl!
Of course.
You know I don't play.
[sighs]
[sighs]
[soft rustling]
[R&B music plays]
[tapping]
[music continues]
Man no come to this country
to come die and beg.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[cell phone alarm
chiming, vibrating]
Oh, shit.
Oh, God.
[clattering]
Oh, shit.
Oh.
[sighs]
Just perfect.
[door opens]
[knocking]
- [jiggles handle]
- [faucet handle squeaks]
[shower running]
[tapping]
[sighs]
[hand thwacks]
Oh, my gosh.
[mutters indistinctly]
[siren wailing in distance]
[train clacking]
[subway slows]
[man on PA] ...will be
held due to congestion
at the terminal.
Bay Ridge-95th Street,
There's two trains
at the terminal.
- Once the train departs from Bay Ridge-95th Street...
- No, no, no.
Come on!
Which kind of wahala be this?
[footsteps approaching]
I know.
[beads clattering]
What time is it?
- Mimi, I'm sorry. I can explain.
- What time is it?
- 9:55.
- I can't hear you.
You got to speak up.
9:55.
And what time do I pay you
to get here?
- Mimi, I'm sorry...
- What time do I pay you to get here?
9:30.
[scoffs]
You hear what she said?
She said she's supposed
to be here at 9:30.
- Mimi, I'm sorry...
- You been know you supposed to be here.
What the fuck this is?
You think I'm running
some kind of charity?
Walking in here at past 9:30
like you own the fucking place.
I didn't work my ass off,
dancing for years,
building this empire
so you can come fuck shit up!
There are a thousand people
out here want this job!
If you don't want it,
fucking go back to Africa!
Maybe you can find something
meaningful over there.
I mean, maybe this ain't
for you. You never know.
But I don't care
if the sky is falling!
I don't care if World War III
is going on where you live!
If you got a time to be at work,
then be here!
Don't play with my time!
Don't play with my money!
Last strike, IB!
[melancholy jazz music]
Order four?
[chuckles]
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- [IB] Oh, boy.
- What?
I have to call my mom
and my bestie back home.
Call 'em when you get off.
- Time zone difference.
- Ah! Got you.
I feel like I've been
all over the place, you know?
Like, why is it so hard
to be happy
and just to do everything right?
Well, if it's perfection
you seek, only God is.
But aren't we are made
in his image?
- Aren't we supposed to be like him?
- We are not him.
But aren't we
supposed to be him?
[pop music playing softly]
Okay.
Just because MGK
is white and can rap,
that don't make him no Eminem.
That is a rather
far-fetched comparison.
Kobe and Jordan.
[car horn honks]
I actually like Kobe.
- Yeah, me too.
- [both laugh]
[man claps]
What's up?
Yo!
What's up, stranger?
- [man] Eh.
- Uh-huh.
So, what's good?
[Aliyah] Just, wow.
How you been?
- Uh, you know.
- No, I don't know.
I'm out here grinding.
Tryin' to make that paper.
Mmm, yeah. I see you been
rolling with Scoop Chip.
Yeah, but that's old, though.
You know,
things didn't go as planned.
He got a new team now.
- [Aliyah] Damn.
- Yeah.
Yo, so how's Auntie Nene?
She's good!
You know, just waiting
on her ragged-ass nephew
to come see her.
I know. I gotta come
see her soon, though.
- Mm-hmm.
- Why you always do that?
[both scoff]
- Hey.
- [IB] Hmm?
This my cousin, Reggie.
Hey!
Hey, what's up?
Oh, the usual.
You always been here?
Uh, for almost
over one year now.
Crazy!
I never seen you here.
That's because the last time you
was here was two years ago.
Damn, Liyah.
When was the last time
I saw you, Reggie?
Yep!
Uncle Ray's funeral.
Psh, this can go for hours.
- [laughs]
- Yeah. A'ight!
- I'ma try and visit more often.
- [Aliyah] Mm-hmm.
[music continues softly]
Uh, I gotta head out now.
I thought I'd just stop by
and, you know,
see how you doing.
[Reggie and IB laugh]
[Reggie] My bad.
What's your name again?
Uh, Ibinabo.
Ibinabo.
IB. Just... Just IB.
[laughs]
Let me get more.
Thank you.
[metal clatters]
- [Reggie] Good-looking, cuz-o.
- Mm-hmm.
[Reggie] All right.
[Aliyah laughs]
Well, I guess I'll be
seeing you around then, Ib.
Maybe.
Maybe.
[bag rustling]
[car horn honks]
- He's trouble.
- [laughs]
I'm serious.
He's trouble, girl.
[both giggle]
[car horn honks]
[chopping]
[shoes squeal]
[distant indistinct chatter]
[chopping continues]
Don't be late tomorrow.
I won't, Mimi.
[beads clattering]
[subway drones]
[woman on PA]
This is 86th Street.
Transfers available to
the F-79 select bus service.
[brakes squeal]
[traffic passing]
[door creaks]
[knocking on door]
Yes?
[woman] Can I use
some of your butter?
What?
[woman] Can you open the door
if you can't hear me?
What do you want?
[woman] Can I have
some of your butter?
Yes!
[woman] And some
of your bacon, please?
Yes, Kisha!
[Kisha] Thank you.
[paper rustling]
[man on TV]
The artiste manager...
[laughing]
[man continues in
foreign language]
[IB continues laughing]
I just wanna be crew!
[laughter]
Check out most artistes,
when they say en crue...
the crue that they refer to...
[changes channel]
[keys clattering]
[sighs]
After 12.
Ezinne's talk no go in tonight.
I'll call her tomorrow.
Where you at?
What you mean,
you're down the block?
Deshawn, I swear to God,
if I'm late...
Come on.
- [shouts gleefully]
- Oh, so good to see you.
Everything okay?
- Why you always stressing me out, man?
- I'm stressing you out?
- [Deshawn] Yeah!
- You know I gotta be at work by a certain time.
You know that
and yet you keep...
What are you even talking about?
I'm here, ain't I?
That's the problem!
You never take me serious.
Look... I don't got time for this,
okay?
I'm just here to pick up my daughter,
and if you got your own stuff going on,
- that's your problem, all right?
- It's never your problem.
Whatever, man.
Yet I've been seeing you running
'round with that light-skinned,
fake titties-ass chick.
Oh!
That's your problem?
You think I don't know about
you and the fucking bus driv...
[traffic passing]
I'm sorry, okay?
No bad words, right?
- Okay.
- Okay.
- [Aliyah sighs]
- You think I don't know about you and this bus driver?
Yeah, you're delusional, man.
Be careful who you bring
around my daughter.
Go say bye to Mommy, okay?
Mmm.
Be good okay, baby?
- Okay.
- Mama's gonna come get you on Sunday.
- All right.
- [Deshawn] All right. Come on, come on.
- You wanna go get some ice cream?
- [laughs]
- What kind of ice cream you want?
- Chocolate.
Chocolate? That's my favorite.
Did you know that?
- [Aliyah] Don't give her too much sugar!
- Okay, okay.
You want chocolate
and vanilla and strawberry?
And whatever else you want!
Okay.
How is he?
Don't worry, Mommy,
I will send you money on Monday,
and you will get it
by Wednesday.
I love you.
[rapper] I can't tell you
The blocks are regulated
I can't tell you
The bodies are levitated
The Feds openly hate me
And would likely to wait me
'Cause they've
Been watching me lately
Trying to checkmate me
See it's the kingpin
Boy, the blood in my arteries
I was a miracle baby
The game fathered me
A born G evidently
It was the Lord
That sent me
To come and
Ride up your Bentley
Making consequently
Suckers gotta die
So the ballers can live
I'm one who's hard
To forget and hard to forgive
The world know me as...
- [knocking]
- [music shuts off]
Huh?
[IB] Hey... hey, um,
I'm guessing this is all yours.
Uh-huh.
[IB] Uh, well, it's been here
over... almost two weeks now,
and it's beginning to start to
stink, if you know what I mean.
Uh, well, I was hoping
that maybe you can take it out?
Since, like I said before, it's
beginning to start to stink.
Uh-huh.
[clattering]
[door creaks]
[cars passing, honk]
- [Mimi] He said you were rude!
- [Aliyah] Nah.
Not this time. I ain't taking
no insult from nobody.
That's your problem, Aliyah.
You don't listen.
You think you know it all!
You never wanna learn!
[Aliyah] I have been working
my ass off in here
every day for the last three
years, nobody ever complained.
One little, troublesome customer
gives a little complaint and all
of a sudden, I got a problem?
[Mimi] Listen,
you gotta listen to me.
I own this place, and I know how
it ought to operate.
That has nothing to do with what we're
talking about. I know you own this place.
- [Mimi] I own the place where you work!
- I know!
And if you wanna keep working
here, you gotta do what I say!
Every organization got rules.
Just fucking follow 'em,
goddamn it!
Really?
Really, Mimi?
You heard me.
I ain't repeating myself.
But I will if you want me to.
A'ight.
I've got you.
Ow! Fuck!
I hate this place!
I really gotta get outta here.
- Number 27?
- Mm-hmm.
- Have a wonderful day.
- Thank you.
Come on.
Cheer up now.
I'm just tired
of this lifestyle, bruh.
Getting tired of all of this.
Everybody!
This place, Mimi,
my baby daddy, my family!
I'm just tired!
Are you even tired of me?
[chuckles]
Shut up.
Nah, but seriously?
I really need to get outta here.
I gotta build a better life
for me and my daughter.
Meanwhile, you still
coming out tonight?
- Fo' sho'!
- [both laugh]
You know, you're not
the only person
in this place
who needs a break.
Mm.
She gon' need
another butt implant,
'cause that ass
already falling off!
- [laughs]
- I don't care.
[both laugh]
[footsteps approaching]
[distant siren wailing]
[sighs]
[shower running]
[bright pop song plays]
[electronic voices vocalizing]
[no audible dialogue]
I just wanna
Make you dance
I just wanna see you smile
One-two step, baby
I'm gonna keep the time
Hello, hello
Tell me why you're looking
So long, so long
I know how it feels to be
Alone, alone all by myself
And I know, I know
How to change and fly
But let's go, let's go
Let me take you higher
To a place where
We can be ourselves
- So... carrot cakes?
- So...
- Yes.
- Eww.
But I can't wait to try
the sunflower seeds.
Sorry, B, one second.
[annoyed sigh]
- What?
- 'Cause of him?
- He got no game!
- [scoffs]
I swear, if I knew you was gonna
be here, I wouldn't have come.
What do you want?
- Where is she?
- Who?
You know, the girl
you work with,
the one from the restaurant.
- Oh!
- Come on, cuz.
Oh, look, I don't want you
messing with my friend.
She's a good girl.
- So what am I?
- Nigga, you trouble.
Our family's made up of trouble,
Liyah.
- [laughs]
- That's how we survive.
Listen, I only came here
because I thought that...
Dance, dance, dance
Take my hand
Let's dance, dance, dance
Oh, no, oh, no
Why you trying to rush though
Go slow, go slow
- Okay.
- [laughs]
Go.
[Aliyah] Hey!
[IB] Hey!
When you move
It's fire on the dance floor
I love your light
So I wanna go where you go
[Reggie] Hey.
Is there something
in your eye, Reggie?
[nervous chuckle]
Wait. What?
Oh, look.
I mean, how you gonna leave
a good-looking guy like that
standing all alone
at a party like this
with all these hot chicks?
You literally just pulled me
away from him.
Why don't you
go get him, tiger?
[Aliyah groans]
I... really hate you right now.
I just want you to know.
Let me know if you need saving.
I will.
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
- She's always a vibe.
- I know.
You want a drink?
Uh, yes, please.
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
There you go.
What's in it?
It's a mixture
of a little something-something.
Mm-hmm.
I'm just messing with you.
It's a margarita.
I know you're broken, baby
- Dance, dance, dance
- Cheers.
Take my hand
Let's dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Take my hand
Let's dance, dance, dance
[electronic voices vocalizing]
So word on street is, uh,
you got a Bachelor's degree
in sociology
and a Masters in art.
[laughs]
"Word on the street," huh?
Hey, I ain't no snitch.
[scoffs]
That's what they all say.
So, am I wrong?
You know the streets don't lie.
Well, yes.
I have a Bachelor's
in sociology from UNILAG.
That's the University of Lagos
in Nigeria.
I have my Masters from NYU,
but that was after
I got my scholarship.
And I'm a gold medal...
track and field athlete.
Really?
I didn't know that.
The street doesn't tell you
everything, does it?
Nope.
I'm not, like,
an Olympic gold medalist,
but I am an all-African
game gold medalist.
[Reggie] Wait, so you got
a lot of money?
No.
It doesn't work like that.
They don't care
about athletes in Nigeria.
They just need you for a moment.
You know,
the sports organization
is just as corrupt
as the politicians.
You can't keep
those in power accountable.
I mean, if you want to live,
you have to keep shut
and just go with the flow.
Is that why
the Internet scammers
are Nigerian?
I mean, no offense.
None taken, honestly.
You see, the thing is is that
there is more American scammers
than Nigerians.
It's just that the media
has the opportunity
to just pick and choose
- what they want to represent the country as.
- Facts.
You know, here,
we have the opportunity
of education.
Financial aid.
Scholarship.
All of that.
But back there?
You get what you pay for.
And in pursuit
of this American dream,
I just have to take
whatever job I can
to not only provide for myself,
but to provide
for my family back home.
And that is
a major responsibility.
Damn.
I never thought of it like that.
Well, that's the school of life.
And that's not
in the academic curriculum.
So, do you change your accent
when you talk to people
from back home?
[laughs]
- Yes, of course.
- Hi.
Let's get a picture.
Okay?
[Aliyah and IB laugh]
- Sure!
- Not you, fool!
We're gonna start with you
because you look
so good in that dress.
Oh! Yes.
Oh! Right there!
- [laughs]
- Right there!
Yes!
Ahh...
Okay, now us.
[both laugh]
Okay.
[bombastic pop music playing]
[man speaks indistinctly]
[laughter]
[Reggie]
Aliyah, you ruined the picture.
Are you gonna get in?
- Ahh, let's get it.
- All right.
[laughter]
Okay, okay.
Ohh! I am going
to send these to you.
Well, folks, I'm outta here.
- Already?
- Uh, yeah.
And like I said,
let me know if you need saving.
[exhales]
I will.
Okay.
Hasta la vista, baby!
[laughs]
Oh, my goodness!
Finally.
Hey.
She can be a lot.
This party is already
getting boring.
Wanna go for a walk?
- Okay.
- Yeah?
[music continues]
[music fades]
I had a good time tonight,
even though we were
just walking, you know?
I hope you did too.
Yeah. It was...
it was actually really cool.
Yeah.
Oh.
It's Aliyah.
Oh!
Look at that.
Damn!
You fine.
The one with me
is the best though.
[laughs]
You really do love yourself.
I can't deny that.
Oh, shoot. I have to go home.
I have work in the morning.
Well, I hope to see you soon
and do this again.
Me too.
Are you free tomorrow evening?
We could do a little something.
Well, I get off at 9:00,
so anything after.
- Well, I'll let you know then.
- Okay.
[romantic guitar music]
[IB] I gotta go.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- [IB] Good night.
- Good night.
[clacking]
[gentle music]
[door chimes]
[music continues]
[music ends]
[train rumbling]
[music resumes]
[music fades]
[exhales]
- Hey!
- Hey.
[sniffles]
[exhales]
[items clattering]
[exhales]
You okay?
I'm good, I'm good.
[IB] Hey, hey.
Hey, what... what's going...
oh, my God, Kisha.
Oh.
[sobs]
Talk to me.
What's going on?
Oh, it doesn't matter.
What?
It doesn't matter!
Nothing matters anymore!
- It's gonna be okay.
- It's not gonna be okay!
Okay, Okay.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry,
but talk to me, please.
What happened?
I've been... forgetting things.
Oh.
That's okay.
I forget things too.
We all do.
No, like, I've really
been forgetting things.
I went to the doctor and...
got the results.
I have a brain tumor.
Oh, my God. Oh.
I'm just 23, bro!
[sobs]
Damn!
I'm just 23.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
It's okay, it's okay.
Why me?
Why me?
[sobbing]
It's okay, it's okay.
I'm sorry,
I'm sorry.
[vibrating]
[Mimi] What are you
talking about?
Look at it!
Go through the records yourself!
I ain't got time for that,
Aliyah.
You never have time for nothing!
You know what?
[scoffs]
I'm done.
Fuck this.
What do you mean you're done?
There's a thousand people
out there who want this job!
Fuck you, Mimi!
You're fired!
You're so dumb!
I said I was done!
Don't waste your life
like I did.
[car horn blares]
What are you looking at?
[distant metal clanging]
Your cousin went off today.
There's a limit
that Aliyah can take.
And one thing I know is
that she knows her worth.
I've only seen her,
like, twice like that.
Today and the other time when
she went off on her baby daddy.
Yeah! That relationship,
that's something else.
At least they do
a good job parenting.
I can agree to that.
Also, I've been trying
to get in touch with her,
but there's no response.
Just give her some time.
She'll reach out.
I just wanna make sure
she's okay.
Trust me, she is.
She's probably got a joint
in her hand right now.
[both laugh]
Wanna go back to your place?
I have work in the morning.
I'll wake you up.
Yeah?
We'll see.
[light drum music playing]
[Reggie grunting]
You good...
you get on top, right?
Yeah, lemme... that way.
Okay.
All right.
Here we go.
- [IB] Oh, sorry.
- What the fuck is this thing?
All right, all right, wait.
[R&B song playing]
[Reggie panting]
Okay.
[both panting]
[Reggie] Let's try it the other way.
Let's try it the other way.
- All right. Get up.
- [both laugh]
[alarm beeps, vibrates]
[music fades]
[alarm continues]
Where you going so early?
To work.
Did you forget your cousin quit?
I have to fill in for her
before we find a replacement.
Which should be in a few days.
[Reggie] Oh, yeah.
Oh, you don't
have to leave now.
Just make sure
you close the door properly.
It locks on itself.
[IB sighs]
Hey!
I'll see you later.
[chuckles lightly]
[sighs]
[faint music plays]
[car horn honks]
[metal clanking]
[plastic bag rustles]
- Thank you.
- [IB] You're welcome.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[faint, muffled rap music]
[sighs]
[door creaks]
[Kisha] I should be on the plane
to North Carolina
by the time
you're reading this.
I got just a few years to live,
and if I'm gonna go,
I'm gonna spend my last
few years with my family.
You are definitely the best
roommate I ever had.
You cared.
Stay alive.
Kisha.
[sniffles]
[line ringing]
[speaks in foreign language]
[in English] I'm sorry.
I've been crazy-busy at work,
and there's a lot
going on over here.
I've been meaning to call you.
[speaks in foreign language]
Chika lost her mom.
[gasps]
- When?
- Two weeks ago.
Oh, my God!
And I know how much her mom
means to her.
You should call her.
I will definitely call her
tomorrow.
I think by now,
she will be asleep.
I said I'm sorry nau.
Ahh.
[woman sighs]
It's almost 3:00 a.m. here.
I have work in the morning.
[line disconnects]
[coins jangling]
No.
No, no, no.
No, no.
[melancholy music]
No.
[nervous laugh]
No.
No. No.
No. No, no, no, no.
Oh...
No, no.
No, no.
[drawers opening, closing]
No.
[music intensifies]
[breathes shakily]
Call me back when you get this!
[sobs]
Call me back!
I know you're missing
my phone calls!
I know you can see it!
It'll be okay.
[groans]
IB!
[heavy sigh]
Oh, my...
[screams] IB!
[sobbing]
[music fading]
[shouts]
Reggie.
Reggie...
I need you to call me back.
Please.
Call me back!
[man] You got it baby.
Come on, give me two more.
Come on, get that money
right in a row.
- Dang!
- Yeah, baby. Gimme that.
You brought it, son.
'Course, none of my niggas
here to see it.
- Another one?
- No, go.
Oh, come on.
[laughs]
[sniffs]
Yo. Yo, we need more beer.
[scoffs] You got the money.
You're right.
[sniffles, exhales]
I've been calling you.
Where's my money, Reggie?
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- You damn liar!
You stole my money!
That was my savings!
Why? How could you?
Listen here, bitch, I don't know
what you're talking about.
You damn liar.
You piece of shit!
Well, I wasn't when
I was between your legs, was I?
Now what you gonna do?
You gonna call the cops?
I see your visa already expired.
Now, you don't wanna
get deported
to your shithole, do you?
Now bounce, bitch!
[bottle shatters]
[man] What the fuck?
Reggie!
Reggie, you good?
Reggie?
Bro!
[Reggie groans]
Fuck.
Reggie.
Reggie, you good?
[Reggie] Bro, go get her!
- How you doing? You all right?
- Good. Go get her!
[siren blares in distance]
[melancholy music]
[man on PA] Stand clear
of the closing doors, please.
[bell dings]
[indistinct chatter]
[gentle music]
[music fades]
[crying]
[pounds on door]
[Reggie] Open up, Ib!
- [continues knocking]
- Ib, come out right now.
Open up!
I know you're in there!
Open up!
[door opens]
What?
You got a problem?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
- Ib, come out right now!
- [door opens]
Say what, nigga!
[door opens]
Man, chill.
[man] This nigga
bothering you?
[music plays faintly]
You better get the fuck
outta here.
All right, all right.
[man] Walk, nigga!
[footsteps departing]
Bitch ass.
My mixtape drops tomorrow.
My name's Lil Rodeo.
Check me out, all right?
Good night.
[music continues in distance]
[gentle piano music]
[waves crashing]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[laughs]
[speaks in foreign language]
I've been trying to reach you
for days. What's going on?
Are you okay?
I don't know.
It just feels like every time
things begin to work out,
it falls down.
[stammers]
Where is that coming from?
No, no, stop.
Don't say that anymore.
There's power in your words.
Just because
you've made a few mistakes
and things are not
working out as planned,
does not mean you've lost
your self-worth and value.
Listen. Challenges
are bound to happen.
And it's our ability
to overcome them
that makes us strong.
Just because an acatar
managed to scam you
doesn't mean you have
to stop being yourself.
Baby,
we have
been through worse.
And yet, we stand.
Do not let anything nor anyone
take away your joy.
And most importantly,
you have to create
a relationship with God.
He's everything.
He would always
be there for you,
and He would take care of you.
Okay?
I have to run now.
How's Dad?
There's been
a lot of improvement.
At least, he eats better now
but still in bed.
You know how it is.
I'm sorry I cannot send money
for his medication this week.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Don't worry about that.
We're fine.
At the end of it all,
we will all be fine.
And don't you ever forget this;
I love you.
I love you too, Mom.
Now, I have to run.
Do take care of yourself.
Bye.
[birds chirping]
[chuckles]
What are you even feeding her?
- Same damn thing I eat.
- [laughs]
I should've warned you better.
It's not your fault.
You told me he was trouble,
and I just wasn't listening.
[Aliyah] He got arrested
the other day.
[child yelps]
Burglary.
He tried to steal
from a cop's house.
- [both laugh]
- How dumb!
How you holding up?
[scoffs]
You know.
No, I don't know.
It is what it is.
I quit the restaurant though.
I took your advice.
I'm sure that drove Mimi crazy!
She's still calling!
[both laugh]
I miss Murphy, though.
Murphy...
I'm still trying to figure out
what I'm gonna do.
There's a family
looking for a babysitter.
I know them very well.
If I vouch for you,
you can have the job.
- But...
- [Aliyah] Don't worry about papers.
Thank you very much.
It's the least I can do.
Hmm, you know, I've been
doing some mental healing
and praying myself.
Like, full-on religion?
- Nah.
- [both laugh]
Just, you know,
creating a closer relationship
with God.
Putting my heart
and my mind at peace.
There's just
too much anger inside.
I've already hit rock bottom.
I ain't got nothing to lose.
[child giggles]
[birds chirping]
[IB chuckles]
[faint music]
[distant siren wailing]
[car horn honks]
[music playing]
When I see you
Standing there
When I see you
Standing there
[song fades]
[gentle music]
[soft piano music]
[bright pop music]
[traffic passing]
[indistinct PA chatter]
[door chimes]
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
- You know, um...
- [scoffs]
- This is really late.
- [sighs] I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, guys.
I'm late.
- Hey!
- [woman] I'm coming right out.
[man] You're lucky
she didn't show up this morning.
I need two shrimp sauts, and
I need a lobster mac and cheese,
and a fish and chips combo.
[man, mumbling] And a fish
and chips combo...
Come on, IB, you always do this!
- You and Mimi, man!
- [door shuts]
Don't leave me out here
with this crazy lady.
I need help!
- Hi.
- Hi.
So, I would like a...
[stammers]
a medium-size fry
with lobster sauce,
and maybe...
um, hm,
a small mac and cheese
by the side?
Uh, do you want
the mac and cheese?
I'm still thinking about it.
What do you think?
Uh, it's whatever you want.
I know.
[laughs]
But that's why I'm asking you,
because you work here, you know?
You would know better.
Uh...
[chuckles]
Well, what's with the attitude?
[stammers]
I don't understand.
Uh-uh-uh. See, you,
gonna have to lower your voice.
If you don't wanna be here,
and I understand that,
but I'm not your problem!
Do you still want
the mac and cheese?
Where's your manager?
Yo, I've been in line,
like, forever!
[scoffs] Boy.
Miss, do you still want
the mac and cheese?
There's a line
of people waiting.
You are dumb rude.
Do you know that?
No, I don't.
Come on, for God's sake.
I wanna talk to your manager!
The manager isn't here.
- You can drop a note though.
- [wry laugh]
Okay.
Uh, hello!
You. Hi.
Yes, hi.
Is your manager here?
Okay, well, then,
who is responsible
for having this dumb chick here?
[light, groovy music plays]
Hello?
The manager is.
Come on,
I gotta get to work, fam.
Ah!
You are mad disrespectful.
Ma'am, do you still want
the mac and cheese?
Are you calling me old?
No, I'm just trying
to be respectful.
Come on! Anytime before
my social security kicks in!
- Just give me my damn fry, okay?
- Okay.
And give me my damn
mac and cheese!
[sighs]
Would you mind stepping aside
so I can attend to that
gentleman right behind you?
- Jeez!
- [sighs]
Rest of us
not hungry up in here?
I'm sorry about that.
What can I get you?
[scoffs] Can I get
a alfredo guchini... linguini?
Can I get a 12-piece chicken?
And, uh... you take EBT in here?
Uh... no.
No, we don't.
I know.
I'm just messing with you.
- [both chuckle]
- That's really funny.
I know.
It works every time.
- Right.
- There you go, sweetie.
Thanks.
[music continues]
There you go.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
[sighs]
[man chuckling]
Did you hear all of that?
"Get my damn fries
and my damn mac and cheese."
You know, you're
supposed to be looking
for your manager
right about now.
- Well, the manager ain't here.
- [man laughs]
[sighs] This woman
does this all the time
when she walks
into this place.
Like I stole her man
or something.
Maybe you did.
Murphy, whose side you on?
Check your pocket.
Maybe you did.
Trust me, I try to be
so nice to her every time.
I even give her compliments.
Look, she don't want
your compliments.
She wants her man back.
Give her her man back.
- Just give her her man back.
- [woman] Order's ready!
- I'm sorry!
- Oh, oh, oh, I heard something.
I'm coming.
I'm coming.
[Murphy chuckles]
Okay.
[music continues]
Have a wonderful day.
Gonna flip.
Oh, my God.
[distant horn blaring]
[indistinct chatter]
[traffic passing, horn blaring]
Man, it's crazy
how it gets so slow.
In minutes.
I hate it when it's slow.
Why?
There's less madness.
It just becomes so draggy
and all-around weird.
You Africans love
to work to death.
Hey, you can't speak
for every African.
I know about Nigerians.
Uh-huh.
[IB] No, it's just...
it's just so weird
being categorized in general
as an African
when we have so many
different diverse cultures
and I'm not even sure
if we all like each other.
Mm. You mean like
African-Americans?
[scoffs]
Light skin, dark skin.
The shit drives me crazy
all the time.
When we have
so much bigger problems.
And I'm not just talking
about electricity and water,
- and what they show on the news.
- Hmm.
What'd you study again?
How many times are you
gonna ask me that question?
Aliyah!
I just keep forgetting.
Sociology.
Oh, yeah.
[clicks tongue]
I hope to go back
to college, you know?
I can't do this forever.
It's either that, or this,
or some other way.
What other way?
[Aliyah] What are you
doing Friday?
After work.
[IB] Nothing.
A friend of mine is having
a rooftop party.
- You wanna come through?
- Sure!
I need every leisure
I can get right now.
It's in Williamsburg, 10:00 p.m.
Boogie.
Cool!
[both laugh]
Ah.
Alrighty.
[children shouting indistinctly]
[car horn blares]
[clattering]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[woman laughs]
What are you talking about?
You saw her, didn't you?
[laughs]
She knew what she was doing.
Wearing that dress,
trying to be slick and shit.
[laughs]
[dishes clank]
Yes!
My thoughts exactly!
You know she cray-cray.
Talkin' bout him and her
and where they gon' be,
in my face!
[laughs]
Girl, hold on.
What?
The pizza box is empty.
I don't need it.
You can throw it away.
I mean, you could've
just thrown it away yourself
after you got the last slice
out of the box.
[woman] I'll call you back.
[IB] I mean, it's not an issue.
I just think...
- You got a problem with me?
- No, of course not!
It looks like
you got something to say.
[IB] I already said
what I wanted to say.
Nah, it looks like you got
somethin' to say, sis,
so just go ahead and say it.
Like I said, I already said
what I wanted to say.
It's not that serious.
It's just a box.
You can throw it away
if it's bothering you that much.
It's the refrigerator.
It's also a mess.
[scoffs] Oh, geez.
[scoffs]
Yeah.
Yes!
Oh, okay, I was saying...
No, you were saying.
[laughs]
Oh, no. It wasn't important.
Girl!
Of course.
You know I don't play.
[sighs]
[sighs]
[soft rustling]
[R&B music plays]
[tapping]
[music continues]
Man no come to this country
to come die and beg.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[cell phone alarm
chiming, vibrating]
Oh, shit.
Oh, God.
[clattering]
Oh, shit.
Oh.
[sighs]
Just perfect.
[door opens]
[knocking]
- [jiggles handle]
- [faucet handle squeaks]
[shower running]
[tapping]
[sighs]
[hand thwacks]
Oh, my gosh.
[mutters indistinctly]
[siren wailing in distance]
[train clacking]
[subway slows]
[man on PA] ...will be
held due to congestion
at the terminal.
Bay Ridge-95th Street,
There's two trains
at the terminal.
- Once the train departs from Bay Ridge-95th Street...
- No, no, no.
Come on!
Which kind of wahala be this?
[footsteps approaching]
I know.
[beads clattering]
What time is it?
- Mimi, I'm sorry. I can explain.
- What time is it?
- 9:55.
- I can't hear you.
You got to speak up.
9:55.
And what time do I pay you
to get here?
- Mimi, I'm sorry...
- What time do I pay you to get here?
9:30.
[scoffs]
You hear what she said?
She said she's supposed
to be here at 9:30.
- Mimi, I'm sorry...
- You been know you supposed to be here.
What the fuck this is?
You think I'm running
some kind of charity?
Walking in here at past 9:30
like you own the fucking place.
I didn't work my ass off,
dancing for years,
building this empire
so you can come fuck shit up!
There are a thousand people
out here want this job!
If you don't want it,
fucking go back to Africa!
Maybe you can find something
meaningful over there.
I mean, maybe this ain't
for you. You never know.
But I don't care
if the sky is falling!
I don't care if World War III
is going on where you live!
If you got a time to be at work,
then be here!
Don't play with my time!
Don't play with my money!
Last strike, IB!
[melancholy jazz music]
Order four?
[chuckles]
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- [IB] Oh, boy.
- What?
I have to call my mom
and my bestie back home.
Call 'em when you get off.
- Time zone difference.
- Ah! Got you.
I feel like I've been
all over the place, you know?
Like, why is it so hard
to be happy
and just to do everything right?
Well, if it's perfection
you seek, only God is.
But aren't we are made
in his image?
- Aren't we supposed to be like him?
- We are not him.
But aren't we
supposed to be him?
[pop music playing softly]
Okay.
Just because MGK
is white and can rap,
that don't make him no Eminem.
That is a rather
far-fetched comparison.
Kobe and Jordan.
[car horn honks]
I actually like Kobe.
- Yeah, me too.
- [both laugh]
[man claps]
What's up?
Yo!
What's up, stranger?
- [man] Eh.
- Uh-huh.
So, what's good?
[Aliyah] Just, wow.
How you been?
- Uh, you know.
- No, I don't know.
I'm out here grinding.
Tryin' to make that paper.
Mmm, yeah. I see you been
rolling with Scoop Chip.
Yeah, but that's old, though.
You know,
things didn't go as planned.
He got a new team now.
- [Aliyah] Damn.
- Yeah.
Yo, so how's Auntie Nene?
She's good!
You know, just waiting
on her ragged-ass nephew
to come see her.
I know. I gotta come
see her soon, though.
- Mm-hmm.
- Why you always do that?
[both scoff]
- Hey.
- [IB] Hmm?
This my cousin, Reggie.
Hey!
Hey, what's up?
Oh, the usual.
You always been here?
Uh, for almost
over one year now.
Crazy!
I never seen you here.
That's because the last time you
was here was two years ago.
Damn, Liyah.
When was the last time
I saw you, Reggie?
Yep!
Uncle Ray's funeral.
Psh, this can go for hours.
- [laughs]
- Yeah. A'ight!
- I'ma try and visit more often.
- [Aliyah] Mm-hmm.
[music continues softly]
Uh, I gotta head out now.
I thought I'd just stop by
and, you know,
see how you doing.
[Reggie and IB laugh]
[Reggie] My bad.
What's your name again?
Uh, Ibinabo.
Ibinabo.
IB. Just... Just IB.
[laughs]
Let me get more.
Thank you.
[metal clatters]
- [Reggie] Good-looking, cuz-o.
- Mm-hmm.
[Reggie] All right.
[Aliyah laughs]
Well, I guess I'll be
seeing you around then, Ib.
Maybe.
Maybe.
[bag rustling]
[car horn honks]
- He's trouble.
- [laughs]
I'm serious.
He's trouble, girl.
[both giggle]
[car horn honks]
[chopping]
[shoes squeal]
[distant indistinct chatter]
[chopping continues]
Don't be late tomorrow.
I won't, Mimi.
[beads clattering]
[subway drones]
[woman on PA]
This is 86th Street.
Transfers available to
the F-79 select bus service.
[brakes squeal]
[traffic passing]
[door creaks]
[knocking on door]
Yes?
[woman] Can I use
some of your butter?
What?
[woman] Can you open the door
if you can't hear me?
What do you want?
[woman] Can I have
some of your butter?
Yes!
[woman] And some
of your bacon, please?
Yes, Kisha!
[Kisha] Thank you.
[paper rustling]
[man on TV]
The artiste manager...
[laughing]
[man continues in
foreign language]
[IB continues laughing]
I just wanna be crew!
[laughter]
Check out most artistes,
when they say en crue...
the crue that they refer to...
[changes channel]
[keys clattering]
[sighs]
After 12.
Ezinne's talk no go in tonight.
I'll call her tomorrow.
Where you at?
What you mean,
you're down the block?
Deshawn, I swear to God,
if I'm late...
Come on.
- [shouts gleefully]
- Oh, so good to see you.
Everything okay?
- Why you always stressing me out, man?
- I'm stressing you out?
- [Deshawn] Yeah!
- You know I gotta be at work by a certain time.
You know that
and yet you keep...
What are you even talking about?
I'm here, ain't I?
That's the problem!
You never take me serious.
Look... I don't got time for this,
okay?
I'm just here to pick up my daughter,
and if you got your own stuff going on,
- that's your problem, all right?
- It's never your problem.
Whatever, man.
Yet I've been seeing you running
'round with that light-skinned,
fake titties-ass chick.
Oh!
That's your problem?
You think I don't know about
you and the fucking bus driv...
[traffic passing]
I'm sorry, okay?
No bad words, right?
- Okay.
- Okay.
- [Aliyah sighs]
- You think I don't know about you and this bus driver?
Yeah, you're delusional, man.
Be careful who you bring
around my daughter.
Go say bye to Mommy, okay?
Mmm.
Be good okay, baby?
- Okay.
- Mama's gonna come get you on Sunday.
- All right.
- [Deshawn] All right. Come on, come on.
- You wanna go get some ice cream?
- [laughs]
- What kind of ice cream you want?
- Chocolate.
Chocolate? That's my favorite.
Did you know that?
- [Aliyah] Don't give her too much sugar!
- Okay, okay.
You want chocolate
and vanilla and strawberry?
And whatever else you want!
Okay.
How is he?
Don't worry, Mommy,
I will send you money on Monday,
and you will get it
by Wednesday.
I love you.
[rapper] I can't tell you
The blocks are regulated
I can't tell you
The bodies are levitated
The Feds openly hate me
And would likely to wait me
'Cause they've
Been watching me lately
Trying to checkmate me
See it's the kingpin
Boy, the blood in my arteries
I was a miracle baby
The game fathered me
A born G evidently
It was the Lord
That sent me
To come and
Ride up your Bentley
Making consequently
Suckers gotta die
So the ballers can live
I'm one who's hard
To forget and hard to forgive
The world know me as...
- [knocking]
- [music shuts off]
Huh?
[IB] Hey... hey, um,
I'm guessing this is all yours.
Uh-huh.
[IB] Uh, well, it's been here
over... almost two weeks now,
and it's beginning to start to
stink, if you know what I mean.
Uh, well, I was hoping
that maybe you can take it out?
Since, like I said before, it's
beginning to start to stink.
Uh-huh.
[clattering]
[door creaks]
[cars passing, honk]
- [Mimi] He said you were rude!
- [Aliyah] Nah.
Not this time. I ain't taking
no insult from nobody.
That's your problem, Aliyah.
You don't listen.
You think you know it all!
You never wanna learn!
[Aliyah] I have been working
my ass off in here
every day for the last three
years, nobody ever complained.
One little, troublesome customer
gives a little complaint and all
of a sudden, I got a problem?
[Mimi] Listen,
you gotta listen to me.
I own this place, and I know how
it ought to operate.
That has nothing to do with what we're
talking about. I know you own this place.
- [Mimi] I own the place where you work!
- I know!
And if you wanna keep working
here, you gotta do what I say!
Every organization got rules.
Just fucking follow 'em,
goddamn it!
Really?
Really, Mimi?
You heard me.
I ain't repeating myself.
But I will if you want me to.
A'ight.
I've got you.
Ow! Fuck!
I hate this place!
I really gotta get outta here.
- Number 27?
- Mm-hmm.
- Have a wonderful day.
- Thank you.
Come on.
Cheer up now.
I'm just tired
of this lifestyle, bruh.
Getting tired of all of this.
Everybody!
This place, Mimi,
my baby daddy, my family!
I'm just tired!
Are you even tired of me?
[chuckles]
Shut up.
Nah, but seriously?
I really need to get outta here.
I gotta build a better life
for me and my daughter.
Meanwhile, you still
coming out tonight?
- Fo' sho'!
- [both laugh]
You know, you're not
the only person
in this place
who needs a break.
Mm.
She gon' need
another butt implant,
'cause that ass
already falling off!
- [laughs]
- I don't care.
[both laugh]
[footsteps approaching]
[distant siren wailing]
[sighs]
[shower running]
[bright pop song plays]
[electronic voices vocalizing]
[no audible dialogue]
I just wanna
Make you dance
I just wanna see you smile
One-two step, baby
I'm gonna keep the time
Hello, hello
Tell me why you're looking
So long, so long
I know how it feels to be
Alone, alone all by myself
And I know, I know
How to change and fly
But let's go, let's go
Let me take you higher
To a place where
We can be ourselves
- So... carrot cakes?
- So...
- Yes.
- Eww.
But I can't wait to try
the sunflower seeds.
Sorry, B, one second.
[annoyed sigh]
- What?
- 'Cause of him?
- He got no game!
- [scoffs]
I swear, if I knew you was gonna
be here, I wouldn't have come.
What do you want?
- Where is she?
- Who?
You know, the girl
you work with,
the one from the restaurant.
- Oh!
- Come on, cuz.
Oh, look, I don't want you
messing with my friend.
She's a good girl.
- So what am I?
- Nigga, you trouble.
Our family's made up of trouble,
Liyah.
- [laughs]
- That's how we survive.
Listen, I only came here
because I thought that...
Dance, dance, dance
Take my hand
Let's dance, dance, dance
Oh, no, oh, no
Why you trying to rush though
Go slow, go slow
- Okay.
- [laughs]
Go.
[Aliyah] Hey!
[IB] Hey!
When you move
It's fire on the dance floor
I love your light
So I wanna go where you go
[Reggie] Hey.
Is there something
in your eye, Reggie?
[nervous chuckle]
Wait. What?
Oh, look.
I mean, how you gonna leave
a good-looking guy like that
standing all alone
at a party like this
with all these hot chicks?
You literally just pulled me
away from him.
Why don't you
go get him, tiger?
[Aliyah groans]
I... really hate you right now.
I just want you to know.
Let me know if you need saving.
I will.
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
- She's always a vibe.
- I know.
You want a drink?
Uh, yes, please.
Dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
There you go.
What's in it?
It's a mixture
of a little something-something.
Mm-hmm.
I'm just messing with you.
It's a margarita.
I know you're broken, baby
- Dance, dance, dance
- Cheers.
Take my hand
Let's dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance
Take my hand
Let's dance, dance, dance
[electronic voices vocalizing]
So word on street is, uh,
you got a Bachelor's degree
in sociology
and a Masters in art.
[laughs]
"Word on the street," huh?
Hey, I ain't no snitch.
[scoffs]
That's what they all say.
So, am I wrong?
You know the streets don't lie.
Well, yes.
I have a Bachelor's
in sociology from UNILAG.
That's the University of Lagos
in Nigeria.
I have my Masters from NYU,
but that was after
I got my scholarship.
And I'm a gold medal...
track and field athlete.
Really?
I didn't know that.
The street doesn't tell you
everything, does it?
Nope.
I'm not, like,
an Olympic gold medalist,
but I am an all-African
game gold medalist.
[Reggie] Wait, so you got
a lot of money?
No.
It doesn't work like that.
They don't care
about athletes in Nigeria.
They just need you for a moment.
You know,
the sports organization
is just as corrupt
as the politicians.
You can't keep
those in power accountable.
I mean, if you want to live,
you have to keep shut
and just go with the flow.
Is that why
the Internet scammers
are Nigerian?
I mean, no offense.
None taken, honestly.
You see, the thing is is that
there is more American scammers
than Nigerians.
It's just that the media
has the opportunity
to just pick and choose
- what they want to represent the country as.
- Facts.
You know, here,
we have the opportunity
of education.
Financial aid.
Scholarship.
All of that.
But back there?
You get what you pay for.
And in pursuit
of this American dream,
I just have to take
whatever job I can
to not only provide for myself,
but to provide
for my family back home.
And that is
a major responsibility.
Damn.
I never thought of it like that.
Well, that's the school of life.
And that's not
in the academic curriculum.
So, do you change your accent
when you talk to people
from back home?
[laughs]
- Yes, of course.
- Hi.
Let's get a picture.
Okay?
[Aliyah and IB laugh]
- Sure!
- Not you, fool!
We're gonna start with you
because you look
so good in that dress.
Oh! Yes.
Oh! Right there!
- [laughs]
- Right there!
Yes!
Ahh...
Okay, now us.
[both laugh]
Okay.
[bombastic pop music playing]
[man speaks indistinctly]
[laughter]
[Reggie]
Aliyah, you ruined the picture.
Are you gonna get in?
- Ahh, let's get it.
- All right.
[laughter]
Okay, okay.
Ohh! I am going
to send these to you.
Well, folks, I'm outta here.
- Already?
- Uh, yeah.
And like I said,
let me know if you need saving.
[exhales]
I will.
Okay.
Hasta la vista, baby!
[laughs]
Oh, my goodness!
Finally.
Hey.
She can be a lot.
This party is already
getting boring.
Wanna go for a walk?
- Okay.
- Yeah?
[music continues]
[music fades]
I had a good time tonight,
even though we were
just walking, you know?
I hope you did too.
Yeah. It was...
it was actually really cool.
Yeah.
Oh.
It's Aliyah.
Oh!
Look at that.
Damn!
You fine.
The one with me
is the best though.
[laughs]
You really do love yourself.
I can't deny that.
Oh, shoot. I have to go home.
I have work in the morning.
Well, I hope to see you soon
and do this again.
Me too.
Are you free tomorrow evening?
We could do a little something.
Well, I get off at 9:00,
so anything after.
- Well, I'll let you know then.
- Okay.
[romantic guitar music]
[IB] I gotta go.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- [IB] Good night.
- Good night.
[clacking]
[gentle music]
[door chimes]
[music continues]
[music ends]
[train rumbling]
[music resumes]
[music fades]
[exhales]
- Hey!
- Hey.
[sniffles]
[exhales]
[items clattering]
[exhales]
You okay?
I'm good, I'm good.
[IB] Hey, hey.
Hey, what... what's going...
oh, my God, Kisha.
Oh.
[sobs]
Talk to me.
What's going on?
Oh, it doesn't matter.
What?
It doesn't matter!
Nothing matters anymore!
- It's gonna be okay.
- It's not gonna be okay!
Okay, Okay.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry,
but talk to me, please.
What happened?
I've been... forgetting things.
Oh.
That's okay.
I forget things too.
We all do.
No, like, I've really
been forgetting things.
I went to the doctor and...
got the results.
I have a brain tumor.
Oh, my God. Oh.
I'm just 23, bro!
[sobs]
Damn!
I'm just 23.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
It's okay, it's okay.
Why me?
Why me?
[sobbing]
It's okay, it's okay.
I'm sorry,
I'm sorry.
[vibrating]
[Mimi] What are you
talking about?
Look at it!
Go through the records yourself!
I ain't got time for that,
Aliyah.
You never have time for nothing!
You know what?
[scoffs]
I'm done.
Fuck this.
What do you mean you're done?
There's a thousand people
out there who want this job!
Fuck you, Mimi!
You're fired!
You're so dumb!
I said I was done!
Don't waste your life
like I did.
[car horn blares]
What are you looking at?
[distant metal clanging]
Your cousin went off today.
There's a limit
that Aliyah can take.
And one thing I know is
that she knows her worth.
I've only seen her,
like, twice like that.
Today and the other time when
she went off on her baby daddy.
Yeah! That relationship,
that's something else.
At least they do
a good job parenting.
I can agree to that.
Also, I've been trying
to get in touch with her,
but there's no response.
Just give her some time.
She'll reach out.
I just wanna make sure
she's okay.
Trust me, she is.
She's probably got a joint
in her hand right now.
[both laugh]
Wanna go back to your place?
I have work in the morning.
I'll wake you up.
Yeah?
We'll see.
[light drum music playing]
[Reggie grunting]
You good...
you get on top, right?
Yeah, lemme... that way.
Okay.
All right.
Here we go.
- [IB] Oh, sorry.
- What the fuck is this thing?
All right, all right, wait.
[R&B song playing]
[Reggie panting]
Okay.
[both panting]
[Reggie] Let's try it the other way.
Let's try it the other way.
- All right. Get up.
- [both laugh]
[alarm beeps, vibrates]
[music fades]
[alarm continues]
Where you going so early?
To work.
Did you forget your cousin quit?
I have to fill in for her
before we find a replacement.
Which should be in a few days.
[Reggie] Oh, yeah.
Oh, you don't
have to leave now.
Just make sure
you close the door properly.
It locks on itself.
[IB sighs]
Hey!
I'll see you later.
[chuckles lightly]
[sighs]
[faint music plays]
[car horn honks]
[metal clanking]
[plastic bag rustles]
- Thank you.
- [IB] You're welcome.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[faint, muffled rap music]
[sighs]
[door creaks]
[Kisha] I should be on the plane
to North Carolina
by the time
you're reading this.
I got just a few years to live,
and if I'm gonna go,
I'm gonna spend my last
few years with my family.
You are definitely the best
roommate I ever had.
You cared.
Stay alive.
Kisha.
[sniffles]
[line ringing]
[speaks in foreign language]
[in English] I'm sorry.
I've been crazy-busy at work,
and there's a lot
going on over here.
I've been meaning to call you.
[speaks in foreign language]
Chika lost her mom.
[gasps]
- When?
- Two weeks ago.
Oh, my God!
And I know how much her mom
means to her.
You should call her.
I will definitely call her
tomorrow.
I think by now,
she will be asleep.
I said I'm sorry nau.
Ahh.
[woman sighs]
It's almost 3:00 a.m. here.
I have work in the morning.
[line disconnects]
[coins jangling]
No.
No, no, no.
No, no.
[melancholy music]
No.
[nervous laugh]
No.
No. No.
No. No, no, no, no.
Oh...
No, no.
No, no.
[drawers opening, closing]
No.
[music intensifies]
[breathes shakily]
Call me back when you get this!
[sobs]
Call me back!
I know you're missing
my phone calls!
I know you can see it!
It'll be okay.
[groans]
IB!
[heavy sigh]
Oh, my...
[screams] IB!
[sobbing]
[music fading]
[shouts]
Reggie.
Reggie...
I need you to call me back.
Please.
Call me back!
[man] You got it baby.
Come on, give me two more.
Come on, get that money
right in a row.
- Dang!
- Yeah, baby. Gimme that.
You brought it, son.
'Course, none of my niggas
here to see it.
- Another one?
- No, go.
Oh, come on.
[laughs]
[sniffs]
Yo. Yo, we need more beer.
[scoffs] You got the money.
You're right.
[sniffles, exhales]
I've been calling you.
Where's my money, Reggie?
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- You damn liar!
You stole my money!
That was my savings!
Why? How could you?
Listen here, bitch, I don't know
what you're talking about.
You damn liar.
You piece of shit!
Well, I wasn't when
I was between your legs, was I?
Now what you gonna do?
You gonna call the cops?
I see your visa already expired.
Now, you don't wanna
get deported
to your shithole, do you?
Now bounce, bitch!
[bottle shatters]
[man] What the fuck?
Reggie!
Reggie, you good?
Reggie?
Bro!
[Reggie groans]
Fuck.
Reggie.
Reggie, you good?
[Reggie] Bro, go get her!
- How you doing? You all right?
- Good. Go get her!
[siren blares in distance]
[melancholy music]
[man on PA] Stand clear
of the closing doors, please.
[bell dings]
[indistinct chatter]
[gentle music]
[music fades]
[crying]
[pounds on door]
[Reggie] Open up, Ib!
- [continues knocking]
- Ib, come out right now.
Open up!
I know you're in there!
Open up!
[door opens]
What?
You got a problem?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
- Ib, come out right now!
- [door opens]
Say what, nigga!
[door opens]
Man, chill.
[man] This nigga
bothering you?
[music plays faintly]
You better get the fuck
outta here.
All right, all right.
[man] Walk, nigga!
[footsteps departing]
Bitch ass.
My mixtape drops tomorrow.
My name's Lil Rodeo.
Check me out, all right?
Good night.
[music continues in distance]
[gentle piano music]
[waves crashing]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[laughs]
[speaks in foreign language]
I've been trying to reach you
for days. What's going on?
Are you okay?
I don't know.
It just feels like every time
things begin to work out,
it falls down.
[stammers]
Where is that coming from?
No, no, stop.
Don't say that anymore.
There's power in your words.
Just because
you've made a few mistakes
and things are not
working out as planned,
does not mean you've lost
your self-worth and value.
Listen. Challenges
are bound to happen.
And it's our ability
to overcome them
that makes us strong.
Just because an acatar
managed to scam you
doesn't mean you have
to stop being yourself.
Baby,
we have
been through worse.
And yet, we stand.
Do not let anything nor anyone
take away your joy.
And most importantly,
you have to create
a relationship with God.
He's everything.
He would always
be there for you,
and He would take care of you.
Okay?
I have to run now.
How's Dad?
There's been
a lot of improvement.
At least, he eats better now
but still in bed.
You know how it is.
I'm sorry I cannot send money
for his medication this week.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Don't worry about that.
We're fine.
At the end of it all,
we will all be fine.
And don't you ever forget this;
I love you.
I love you too, Mom.
Now, I have to run.
Do take care of yourself.
Bye.
[birds chirping]
[chuckles]
What are you even feeding her?
- Same damn thing I eat.
- [laughs]
I should've warned you better.
It's not your fault.
You told me he was trouble,
and I just wasn't listening.
[Aliyah] He got arrested
the other day.
[child yelps]
Burglary.
He tried to steal
from a cop's house.
- [both laugh]
- How dumb!
How you holding up?
[scoffs]
You know.
No, I don't know.
It is what it is.
I quit the restaurant though.
I took your advice.
I'm sure that drove Mimi crazy!
She's still calling!
[both laugh]
I miss Murphy, though.
Murphy...
I'm still trying to figure out
what I'm gonna do.
There's a family
looking for a babysitter.
I know them very well.
If I vouch for you,
you can have the job.
- But...
- [Aliyah] Don't worry about papers.
Thank you very much.
It's the least I can do.
Hmm, you know, I've been
doing some mental healing
and praying myself.
Like, full-on religion?
- Nah.
- [both laugh]
Just, you know,
creating a closer relationship
with God.
Putting my heart
and my mind at peace.
There's just
too much anger inside.
I've already hit rock bottom.
I ain't got nothing to lose.
[child giggles]
[birds chirping]
[IB chuckles]
[faint music]
[distant siren wailing]
[car horn honks]
[music playing]
When I see you
Standing there
When I see you
Standing there
[song fades]
[gentle music]