Fluorescent Beast (2023) Movie Script
1
[birds chirping]
[bell chimes]
[bell chimes]
[deep breath]
[approaching footsteps]
[sighs] Ah fuck.
[exhales]
A young boy is asked by
his teacher to draw a picture.
-Jeez.
-The teacher asks him to
draw a picture of his family.
I know this one already.
Spare me, will ya?
Asks him to draw
a picture of his family.
Motherfuck!
[man] So the boy draws
a picture of his family,
standing in front of
their house,
on their front lawn,
on a bright sunny day.
He hands it to the teacher,
who looks it over
carefully and says,
"Well, I can see your father,
your mother,
your sister, your baby brother
and your dog, but...
-where are you in this picture?"
-Shut up.
And the boy says, "You didn't
ask me to draw myself.
-You asked me to
draw my family."
-Shut up.
[man] And the teacher says,
"But aren't you a member
of your family?"
-Shut up!
-[alarm beeping]
[sigh]
[alarm beeping]
[grunts softly]
Don't forget to let the dog out.
-Mm.
-First thing.
[sigh] I'm on it.
-Also, the dishwasher's
ready to be emptied.
-[man] Got it.
[woman] And can I get the
green tea this morning,
with a splash of
milk extra and a dollop
of that new Australian
honey I bought?
-Right.
-[woman] And Nelson?
Mm?
Smile.
[soft somber music]
[door opening and closing]
[car alarm beeps]
[engine revs]
[car gear change]
[engine rumbling]
[horn blaring]
[car horns honking]
[brooding music]
[music continues]
[music stops, fluorescent light
buzzing]
[buzzing continues]
[sigh]
[man]
Welcome, my friend,
to Consolidated Investment
Enterprises Incorporated,
your portal to the world of
international business.
And the place free
donuts go to die.
-It's your first day, right?
-[man 2] Yeah.
[man] How you liking it so far?
[man 2] Uh, it's good,
everybody's really nice.
Uh, just trying to keep
all the names straight.
[man] Yeah, I hear ya.
You, uh, you see the redhead
down in shipping yet, huh?
-Huh?
-[man 2] Uh? Uh, no, not yet.
[man] How about the brunette?
The brunette outside of
McCready's office.
[gasp] Oh, am I right,
or am I right?
[man 2]
I'm gonna guess you're right.
[man] Hey, I'm right, I'm right.
A lot of perks
in this place if you
know where to look.
If you play nice, there could be
a big future here for you.
[man 2] Oh, well,
I don't know about that.
To be honest, I don't know how
long I'm gonna be working here.
[man] Oh, no?
[man 2] Yeah, this is, like,
just to make ends meet
right now.
Uh, it's my band, actually.
Yeah, we're putting out
an album soon, so--
You're a musician?
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, I was just saying,
we have our album
coming out soon, so
this is temporary.
And I got married last year,
just trying to be at least a
little financially
responsible until it comes out.
Yeah, no, no,
I know what you mean.
Um, I'm actually a novelist.
[scoff] Novelist... okay.
-What, I am.
-[man scoffs]
I'm working on a book
right now, in fact.
Hell of a book.
Just gotta, you know,
I just gotta finish it up.
So I get what you mean.
You know, you make ends meet
until the art pays off, right?
Exactly, man, yeah, he gets it.
How long you been here?
-Not long.
-Um, excuse me, how long?
-Not long.
-Ten?
-Eight.
-Eight.
Right, okay, it's eight.
Years.
Oh, yeah, Shakespeare.
You're busting out of here
any day now.
My Kindle thirsts for
your tortured prose.
Now, as for you, McCartney,
let me show you the blonde
down in HR.
[man 2] Okay, you do know
I'm gay, right?
[man]
Oh, not for long you're not,
[whispering]
she's so dumb, it's awesome.
[sighs]
[fluorescent light buzzing
intensifies]
[indistinct TV show]
[woman] Nelson, is my tea ready?
Yeah, I'll be out in a minute.
[sighs]
[suspenseful music]
[music intensifies]
-It cools off quickly.
-[music stops abruptly]
I wouldn't leave it
on the counter too long.
-[TV beeps]
-[woman] Oh, my,
-[TV beeps]
-oh, my,
so many options tonight.
-[TV beeps]
-Entire seasons we can binge.
Do you have a preference?
No, anything's fine.
[woman] Perhaps something funny.
[TV beeps]
Oh, I think I decided
not to go back to work
when she's born.
We'll have to tighten
the ship a little,
but you'll keep earning,
so we'll be fine.
-[TV beeps]
-Oh.
Um, uh, okay.
I mean, that's all right,
isn't it?
I'll be here working full-time
raising your child.
You'll provide for us?
Yeah.
No, y-- yeah, of course, sure.
[woman] Good.
-[TV beeps]
-What about this one?
I understand the
homosexual neighbor
character is quite hilarious.
You know, I think I'm gonna
skip out on this tonight.
You know, jump on the laptop,
try to get some writing done.
Really? Now?
-Well--
-[woman] Is that wise?
You can write any time.
Remember, once she's born,
things are gonna get
very, very busy.
You and I sitting together
and relaxing,
that will become a rare luxury.
We should do as much of that
as we can now.
Don't you think?
Yeah.
Sure, of course, you're right.
Good.
Now, get ready to laugh.
I know I am.
[TV beeps]
-[clock ticking]
-[faint buzzing]
[clicking and buzzing stop]
[click whirring]
[woman sighs]
[clock whirring]
I am very tired, Nelson.
[Nelson]
Yeah, no, of course you are,
I'm sorry, that's my bad.
[sigh] Listen, you know,
I should
probably get some writing
done anyway.
[woman] Are you sure?
You need your sleep.
Yeah, no, just a couple pages,
I promise.
I gotta get something
done tonight.
You'll be more productive
if you rest, Nelson.
-Yeah, no, no, no.
-[light switch clicks, echoing]
[clock ticking]
[sighs softly]
[clicking continues]
[wind blowing]
[bell chiming]
[footsteps approaching]
Fuck.
[sighs]
[exhales]
Don't you dare start.
Two men share a hospital room.
-Fuck!
-Each in their own bed.
Goddamn it!
[Nelson 2] One man has
a bed facing the window,
the other facing a wall.
The man facing the wall,
unable to move,
becomes increasingly sad,
seeing only a gray,
blank surface day and night.
So the man facing the window
begins to describe the things
he can see outside
in order to cheer him up.
The sunshine, the moonlight,
children playing in the park
across the street,
lovers holding hands as
they take a stroll--
How about asshole doppelgngers
who won't shut the fuck up?
Does he see any of
those out there?
This does indeed
lift the spirits of the man
who'd been facing the wall,
and soon he recovers
from his illness.
The man facing the window,
however, grows weaker
and eventually dies.
As he's being discharged,
the man who'd been
facing the wall
goes over to the other man's bed
to look out the window,
hoping to finally see
with his own eyes,
all of the beautiful things
that had been described
to him by his friend,
only to discover...
...that this window looked out
onto an alley,
onto another blank wall.
-Fuck you!
-[alarm beeping]
[panting softly]
-[panting]
-[alarm beeping]
[sighs]
Nelson, don't forget to let out
the dog, first thing.
[alarm continues]
[light, upbeat music]
[water running]
[keys jingle]
[car alarm beeps]
[music continues]
[buzzing]
[indistinct conversation]
It's like, can't I ask,
the redhead in shipping,
come on!
That doesn't make you wonder?
I mean, gonna go...
[music continues]
[keyboard typing]
[thud]
-[music stops abruptly]
-[clock ticking]
-[intercom beep]
-[woman] We need you in
conference room 15.
-[intercom beep]
-Now.
[music restarts]
[liquid pouring]
[liquid pouring]
[fluorescent light buzzing]
[car alarm beeps]
[car door closes]
[car horns honking]
[steady chopping]
[indistinct TV noise]
-[paper rustling]
-[indistinct mumbling]
Oh, honey... [mumbles]
-Nope.
-Right, sorry.
[music fades]
[clock ticking]
[sharp whoosh]
[sharp whoosh]
[ticking continues]
[wind blowing]
[bell chiming]
[footsteps approaching]
Oh, come on.
[dreamy music]
Oh.
[music continues]
[gasp]
[music continues]
[belt jingling]
Yeah. [chuckles]
[soft thud]
[fabric snaps then lands]
A wealthy man sends his youngest
son to live with the pauper.
Oh, son of a bitch!
[sexual sounds from a computer]
[moaning]
Oh yeah, you're so hot.
-[click]
-[computer audio stops]
-[paper rustling]
-[sigh]
-Shit.
-[paper rustling]
[moaning in computer restarts]
Oh, that's right. That's right.
Do it. Like that. [moans]
[moaning] Yeah.
-[click]
-[computer audio stops]
[keyboard typing]
-[moaning in computer restarts]
-Oh, come on!
[moaning]
[laptop shuts]
-[phone ringing]
-Yeah?
[woman in phone]
Are you handling the quarterly?
-Uh-- Yes!
-[woman] You are?
Yes, no, I'm working on that
right now, actually.
-[woman] So that's in progress.
-Uh-huh.
[woman]
And that's all you're on?
-No, I have the full--
-[woman] Anything else?
Yeah, I have the full TTPP--
[woman] Let's pause on that.
-Okay.
-[woman] I need you to
come down to my office.
-Yeah, okay.
-[woman] Thanks, Shell.
[receiver clicks]
-[clothes rustling]
-[belt jingling]
[buzzing]
[metal balls clacking]
-[knocking]
-Hey.
You wanted to see me?
No.
Oh.
But you just called me.
[sigh]
Yeah, I'm not the one
that wants to see you.
Come in.
Well, before I forget,
here are the TTPPCC33 reports.
In triplicate, as requested.
-Due today, so...
-Wonderful.
Thanks for saving our bacon
for yet another month.
[clears throat] Oh, sit, please.
So, [sighs] someone high up has
requested a meeting with you.
You've been summoned.
High up?
-Who?
-Now, why would
they tell me that?
I'm just the branch manager.
It's just my valuable employees
that they're yanking out of
active duty, throwing
my deadlines into the wind.
But my petty problems aren't
their concern, are they?
Uh-- No.
I-- I mean, I guess not, so...
I'm sorry, who is it?
[manager] Somebody important.
I don't know. The request came
over the executive channel.
Oh. Well, can I at least ask
what it's regarding?
You can ask, but again,
I don't have the slightest
bare-ass flipping clue.
Reason not stated.
Your meeting is today at 3 p.m.
Off-site.
Wait, wait, off-site?
It's not here in
the conference room?
No, it's off-site.
Here's the address.
The only contact info
I have is your liaison,
one Enid Sneed.
No idea who that is.
And, uh, there's also this.
[paper rustling]
A red letter.
[metal clacking stops]
-A red letter?
-Indeed.
I don't know what that is.
It's a red letter.
Yeah, okay, yeah.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
You don't-- you don't open it.
You take it with you.
You present it.
Oh. Okay, I--
I will bring it.
[manager] Red letter, Shell.
Red letter.
Godspeed.
[car passes by]
[suspenseful music]
[music fades]
[door rattles]
[crow cawing]
[car passing by]
[footsteps echo]
[paper whooshing]
[soft rattle]
-[objects crashing]
-[woman] Motherfucker! Goddamn!
Now what the fuck!
[door unlocks]
-[metal screeching]
-[door unlocks]
This is a private business.
I'm... so sorry to bother you.
-I'm--
-Yes?
I'm looking for Miss Enid Sneed.
I was sent to this address.
I'm Sneed... I don't know you.
I didn't think that you would,
we haven't met yet.
-Um, I was sent here.
-Who sent you?
Well, I was sent by my facility
manager, Miss Falstead.
-Who?
-[Nelson] F-- Falstead.
Janet Falstead.
I'm Nelson Shell.
I work for the local
branch of Consolidated
Investment Enterprises
Incorporated.
I'm-- I'm sorry,
I was under the impression
that this was maybe some sort of
outlier of the same business,
that we work with
the same people.
Is that-- is that not right?
And why are you here?
-Why?
-[Sneed] Yes, the reason.
Just to fuck up my day?
No... I-- I was sent
here by corporate.
So you're here for no reason.
Why don't you go jerk
yourself off someplace else?
No, wait, wait, I got something.
-I got a red letter.
-[door locks]
[metal door screeching]
[door squeaking]
Yeah, uh-- I'll show you...
It's, um, I got it here,
I got my--
-I guess I'm not
supposed to open it.
-A red letter?
Yeah, I've never seen one
before, can I ask you what a
red letter is? Because
they wouldn't tell me.
-Give me the red letter.
-It's-- yeah, it's here
somewhere.
Give me the fucking
red letter now.
-All right, all right.
-Now!
Jesus... here.
You have a red letter.
Yeah.
Yeah, what does that mean,
exactly?
Are y-- are you gonna open it?
You don't...
...open...
a red letter.
Okay.
You come along now.
He's waiting for you.
-Excuse me, he?
-[Sneed] Now!
[door loudly closes]
Follow me, please.
Time is short.
[thud]
[sizzling]
[letter ignites]
Stay here.
Do not move from this spot.
Okay.
[Sneed in the distance]
Mr. Nelson Shell.
[footsteps approaching]
You may go in now.
Walk to the chair provided,
then sit.
Do not deviate from this path.
Goodbye, Mr. Shell.
[door closes echoing]
[ominous music]
[music increasing gradually]
[handle clicks]
[music stops abruptly]
[soft thud]
[sighs]
-[paper rustling]
-[loud thud]
[distant metal thud]
[switch rattles]
-[loud buzzing]
-[groan]
Jeez.
[man] Nelson Shell?
You are Nelson Shell.
Yes?
[man] Shell, I brought you
here today on a matter
of great importance.
The importance of
this matter is indeed
very, very great.
I wanna stress that to you now.
I want you to understand this.
[pen scribbling]
Okay, yeah, I--
I understand, it's important.
[man] Good.
It's good you understand.
I have a task for you
to perform, Shell.
It may or may not be easy,
it may or may not be
pleasant, but it must be done.
And you, and you alone
are the only one who can do it.
You and you alone
are uniquely qualified.
It is all squarely and
specifically on you.
Okay, uh, Mr...
Mr. Hayden.
He's Mr. Hayden.
-Uh, Mr. Hayden?
-Yes?
Uh... [stuttering]
What is it you need me to--
to do, sir?
[Mr. Hayden] Shell, the details
of this assignment
will be made clear
to you shortly.
For now, all you need to
know is that in a moment,
my assistant, Mr. Smearle,
will provide you with a packet
which contains travel
information, meal per diem,
and lodging instructions,
all this, and of course,
where you are to report
when you arrive.
I-- I'm sorry, travel
information? I'm traveling?
Where am I going?
It'll all be included
in the packet,
which, as I have stated...
...you will have shortly.
[sighs]
Okay, um...
...well, should I let
my branch manager know?
I mean, if... I'm stepping away
from my duties here.
Branch manager, Shell?
[Nelson] Well, yes.
I'm sorry, this--
this is for Consolidated, right?
[pen continues scribbling]
Consolidated Investment
Enterprises Incorporated,
CIEI, right?
I'm-- I'm sorry,
corporate sent me here to--
And this--
this is for my job, right?
For Consolidated?
Yes, Shell,
why would that be a question?
-Well, because--
-[Mr. Hayden] You haven't been
moonlighting, have you?
Working for one of
our competitors
or some other such outfit?
No, no, no, no, no,
I-- it's just that
no one's identified themselves.
There's no sign here, no logos,
none of our usual corporate...
you know, trappings.
I'm just making sure
that I'm supposed to be here.
[Mr. Hayden] You are indeed
supposed to be here, Shell.
some could argue... by destiny.
Okay.
[pen continues scribbling]
All right... I'll--
I'll be sure to let my
branch manager know
that I'll be on assignment.
And who should I say
is sending me to the...
Well, I mean, are you
the regional manager, or...
No.
I am not the regional manager.
[woman] He's Mr. Hayden.
Cour-- Of course,
so you're higher up
at corporate? You're...
Executive supervisor
or... vice president?
Executive vice president?
President?
The board?
You're on the board,
you're-- Chairman?
Executive chairman? I--
Senior executive chairman?
Do you know why...
committees like
an executive board,
do you know why they exist?
I...
[chuckles] I guess I don't.
[Mr. Hayden] Diffusion of
responsibility.
Most men,
men who both aspire to power and
find themselves with the means
of achieving it,
are oftentimes unprepared...
for the responsibility that
comes with it.
-Okay.
-[Mr. Hayden] But above
such committees,
the board, the executive board,
the ones above that.
-Above that?
-[Mr. Hayden] At the top of
any hierarchy, Shell.
If you go high enough,
it always comes down to one man.
That, Shell.
That is the sphere
in which I reside.
Wow.
A-- And with all that
responsibility and authority,
I-- I'm the guy you need?
[Mr. Hayden]
Don't misunderstand me, Shell.
There are indeed many
under my influence
who could perform this task.
But you, you are the one.
You must perform it.
[Nelson] But, um...
Uh, this thing that you--
you want me to do, is it, uh...
[clears throat] ...is it legal?
Legal?
[Nelson]
Yeah, I just-- the secrecy,
the way that we're
talking about it here,
I just wanna make...
It's legal, right?
I don't understand.
I'm asking if it's within the
boundaries of the law,
this thing you're
asking me to do.
And what, Shell, does that
have to do with anything?
Well, it'll certainly help me
decide, you know?
Whether or not I can do this.
[woman gasps and drops object]
[pen scribbling]
Whether or not... you can?
-W-- Yeah, I just mean that--
-[Mr. Hayden] I see.
You are mistakenly
harboring the idea
that this situation
somehow involves
the concept of free will.
-I am? I--
-[Mr. Hayden] Free will
is a myth, Shell.
It is a fairy story made up
by those who
refuse to accept the
purpose and function
for which they've been designed.
Do you know what you are, Shell?
Do you think you're a man?
You are not a man.
You are not a
conscious creature.
You...
...are a cog.
[stutters]
I'm-- I'm sorry,
I'm-- I'm a what?
[Mr. Hayden] A cog.
You are a specifically
designed and
well-crafted grooved gear
nestled deep into the workings
of a large machine,
and you have been sculpted the
entire duration of your life
to fit into an exact place
within that machine,
to turn an exact piston, and
perform an exact function.
That is all you are,
and all you are permitted to do.
Now, M-- Mr. Hayden,
with all due respect--
[Mr. Hayden]
Consider this, Shell.
How much of your life is spent
doing the things you wanna do?
How many hours are you
behind your desk,
commuting in your car,
maintaining your marriage,
performing your chores,
satisfying your
biological needs,
such as eating and the
ever time-consuming
activity of sleep?
And how much of
your day is spent
exercising your
prized free will?
I'll wager that you daydream
and entertain thoughts
of who you think you
will someday be
between the slivers and cracks
of your normal routine,
stolen moments where you reflect
on a version of yourself.
You have convinced yourself
you truly are.
But this... is a lie.
It is self-deception.
It is useless, and it makes you
less efficient because, Shell
you are a cog,
a machine part,
servicing a mechanism
far greater than you could
possibly comprehend.
and if you are not
performing your function,
if you are working at
less than capacity,
you will be routed out,
replaced,
and permanently discarded.
Now, Shell...
...you ask who am I.
[ominous music]
I own your employer.
I own your employer's employer.
I own the land upon which
your house is built,
the bank to which
its deed is cast,
the technology firm that
manufactures and maintains
the computer systems
in which your identity
and all your financial assets
reside,
the Internet and
televisual providers
upon which everything
you see and hear is delivered
and through which all of
your earthly communications
are transmitted,
the retail outlets from
which you purchase
all your goods and services,
and the hospitals into which you
were born and in which one day
you most assuredly will leave
this plane of existence.
I, the man behind
all you have ever known,
now know, and will ever know,
I, who have shaped you
and sculpted you and
set you into motion,
I am giving you the task for
which you've been designed
and in which you will not waver,
in which you will not hesitate,
and in which you will not fail.
And when you leave here, you
will do as I command!
[music increases, then halts]
[loud clack]
[panting]
[eerie buzzing]
-[groans]
-[Mr. Smearle] Enclosed are your
flight vouchers,
lodging details, and a bank card
with which you can
access your per diem.
You depart at 8 a.m.
Upon arrival,
head directly to your hotel
and await further instructions.
You may inform
your branch manager,
your spouse, and any other
obligated parties
that you will return,
your business completed,
in three days.
What-- What am I
being asked to do?
Mr. Shell, we have made it
perfectly clear
that we will make
this perfectly clear.
In due time.
[Ms. Falstead] Hayden?
Mr. Hayden?
He's... uh... that's--
that's Mr. Hayden.
So what, he--
he's like the big boss?
Yeah, big.
Big, big boss.
I mean, I've heard rumors,
I've heard stories.
What's he like?
What, you never met him?
Me? Uh, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
[nervous laugh]
[Nelson sighs]
Okay, um...
All right, so I'll hand off
my accounts to Pinback
for him to cover until I return.
I mean,
unless you think it can wait.
Hmm, give everything to Pinback.
[deep breath] We're gonna
miss you around here.
But it's--
I'll be back in a few days.
Will you? Tell that to Mears.
-Who?
-Uh, Mickey Mears.
He was the last one sent on
assignment for Mr. Hayden.
Such a shame.
Handsome, smart,
infectious smile.
He sang like an angel. He--
He kept a guitar in his office,
and sometimes he would just...
[humming]
He was only supposed to be gone
three days, just like you.
And that-- [sighs]
That was it.
That was what?
-That was what?
-Mmm...
That was it, that was the end.
We never saw him again.
What, he-- He died?
What? No, he got
bumped up to corporate.
-Oh, God.
-[Ms. Falstead] Big promotion,
big raise,
the works.
Oh, but I miss him.
He was such a peach.
I mean, just look at
that sweet mug.
You're good people, Shell.
It's hard to find good people.
We're really gonna
miss you around here.
Miss Falstead, please...
I'll be back.
[Ms. Falstead] Maybe.
Maybe you're already gone.
[plane engine whirring]
[pop music on speakers]
[eerie music]
Welcome, Mr. Shell.
[music increases, then halts]
[soft deep thud]
[ominous music]
[soft rattle]
[music stops abruptly]
[music restarts]
[music fades]
[toilet flushing]
[door opening]
Uh...
I, uh...
I had a little too
much coffee, so...
Read the memo.
It's from Mr. Hayden.
[paper rustling]
-[intriguing music]
-[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden,
transcribed live directly
from his most important
Miami conference room.
Shell,
welcome to your assignment.
You will soon be
receiving instructions
for the first stage.
Until then, I strongly suggest
you use this time
to get acclimated
to your new surroundings.
A muscle cannot be
effectively used
unless it's had time
to relax.
And these next few
hours have been
strategically designed
for just that purpose.
Additionally, feel free to
help yourself to
any of the items
from the top shelf
of the minibar.
The top shelf only.
[Mr. Smearle] Message ends.
[paper rustles]
[music fades]
[computer initializing]
[clicks]
[suspenseful music]
-[phone ringing]
-[music stops abruptly]
[phone continues ringing]
[disconnect tone]
[sighs]
[suspenseful music]
-[phone ringing]
-[music stops abruptly]
[disconnect tone]
[sighs]
[suspenseful music]
-[phone ringing]
-[music stops abruptly]
-[phone continues ringing]
-[mysterious sting]
[phone continues ringing]
[water running]
[feet scuffing]
[woman] Are you a writer?
Oh, I hope you say you're
a writer, that'd be so cool.
Anyone who'd bring a laptop
to a hotel pool to look at
spreadsheets or whatever
would be a total wang.
And you just don't seem...
...wangish.
So the only possibilities are
I'm a writer or a-- a wang?
[woman] Yeah, pretty much.
I guess I'm a writer, then.
Ah, I knew it.
Have I read any of your stuff?
No, I don't think so.
What, you don't write, like,
a Nazi blog or something,
-do ya?
-What? No.
-Those exist?
-Yeah, I mean, I don't know...
firsthand, but yeah,
I imagine they do.
Guess that stands to reason.
[woman]
I mean, I haven't read any.
Hence my assertion
that if that's
what you write,
then I don't read those.
Yeah, I get it,
and no, I don't write any...
I'm actually working
on my first book.
Oh, you're an aspiring writer.
Well, I like to think
I'm more than that
because I'm actually writing.
So I'm not aspiring to write
so much as I'm actually,
you know,
getting the writing done.
Totally, I get that.
Um, 'cause so many people say
they're gonna write,
and then they don't
write anything.
What I meant was
that you are aspiring
to be published, you're aspiring
to be a professional.
You do something else
for money now,
but this is who you really are.
Yeah.
Yeah, no, that-- that's--
[chuckling]
that's exactly it.
[woman] Yeah, I love that.
Hey, man, quit the day job,
write the book.
How long you been at it?
So you're an artist? Or...
Oh, yeah. I'm an artist like
you're a writer.
You know, it's like what I do
when I don't gotta do what I do,
-you know?
-I think so.
-Sketches mostly?
-[woman] Yeah.
But this is nothing,
compared to what
I got up in my room.
You wanna know what
I got up there?
-Do I?
-You might.
What?
Paints.
Ooh, and a canvas.
[chuckling]
Wouldn't you know it,
I get this far away from home,
and suddenly I'm inspired.
No husband, no job,
no kids, and poof.
I turn back into myself
for like five minutes.
That's weird, right?
No, that's, uh...
that makes sense.
Do you wanna come up and see it?
You know, artist unity
and all that.
-[Mr. Smearle] Mr. Shell.
-Shit.
Please return your
laptop to your room
and meet me in the
west parking lot of this hotel.
[faint buzzing]
[sharp sound]
Hello?
Can I help you with something?
[suspense sting]
[scoffs]
From Mr. Hayden?
Your latest instructions.
All right.
[paper rustling]
[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden,
transcribed live directly
from the luxury kitchen
of his most private
country estate.
Shell, the time is nearing
for you to perform
your ultimate task.
And as with any task,
you must be properly attired.
Like a soldier
preparing for battle,
a physician scrubbing up
to deliver life-saving surgery,
or an astronaut opening
his atmospheric hatch
to place his feet for the
first time on an alien world,
you must be adequately adorned,
as you represent me,
my dominion, and my corporate
empire worldwide.
Mr. Smearle will provide you
with a vehicle.
It is within this vehicle that
you will travel to a nearby
commercial retail establishment,
the Glossenbeck Mall.
Within the mall,
you shall find a tailor
commissioned by me
and entrusted with preparing
for you an appropriate suit,
which he will create
immediately and skillfully
based on your exact measurements
and specifications.
The suit, Shell,
the suit you will wear.
Message ends.
-[keys jingling]
-[Mr. Smearle] Your vehicle.
[paper rustling]
[car alarm beeps]
-This is it?
-Yes.
Well, this looks
exactly like my car.
It's a coincidence.
No, but I mean like exactly.
It's a coincidence.
No, there's the
scratch over here
and the dent by the wheel well,
plus the plates are
exactly the same.
It's a coincidence.
Okay.
Yeah.
Mr. Shell,
you have your instructions.
You best be on your way.
[rumbling engine]
[car alarm beeps]
[soft pop music]
[faint lighting buzzing]
[buzzing intensifies]
[buzzing continues]
[zipper opening]
[scoffs]
[zipper closing]
[action music]
Hey, can I help you
with something?
-[hit]
-[grunt]
[distant traffic noises]
[groaning]
[plastic case clatters]
[groan]
[distant sirens]
[sirens intensify]
-[clack]
-[plastic rattling]
[ice rustling]
-[CD player whirs]
-[keyboard typing]
[CD player whirs]
[sighs]
[keyboard click]
[case beeps]
[CD player whirs]
[clicks]
[dramatic music]
[music increases, then halts]
[woman] Oh, hey, Hemingway.
[soft stirring]
Oh, don't you hate that,
when people do that?
Uh-- Do what?
[woman] Call you the name of
some famous writer,
sarcastically, I mean.
[chuckles softly]
Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner.
Yeah, they actually, uh-- they
hit me with Shakespeare, so...
[woman] Wow, pulling out
the million dollar clichs.
Those are some fine co-workers
you've got there.
It-- It is your co-workers,
right?
Oh, yeah, of course.
[woman] Yeah, see, it always is.
With mine, it's, um,
"Hey, Picasso,
how go the cartoons?"
Or, "What you drawing, Van Gogh?
Can you draw me something?"
Yeah, how about I draw blood,
next time you say that to me?
But you know, most day jobs
are not very kind to the
creative pursuit.
That's true, I guess.
Nothing good grows under
fluorescent lights, right?
Well, I mean, we have this,
like, really nice
tungsten track lighting
where I work, but I get it.
You know, it's very poetic.
So tell me that you have taken a
leave of absence from all that
to come to this fabulous hotel
and finish your novel.
Inspire me, be my hero.
Ah, I'm sorry,
-just a business trip.
-[deflated sigh]
I'm just trying to make use of
my downtime, you know?
[woman]
That's what I like to hear.
What is your business?
What brings you to town?
Does it have anything to do
with that creepy butler guy
that was with you before?
Uh... I don't know.
You don't know... if it has to
do with the creepy butler guy?
No, I don't know what
business brings me to town.
You don't know, really?
Yeah, really. Look, this is
gonna sound really strange,
but I'm on... some kind of
secret mission.
I mean, it's a secret,
even from me.
I have no idea what
they want me to do.
I just keep getting these...
memos sent to me with these
c-- cryptic instructions.
Are you serious?
Yeah... why would
I make that up?
Because you're a writer?
It's literally what you do?
Oh, well, no,
I'm not making this up.
I'm taking orders from some
secret, mysterious
-super boss.
-Who?
I don't know, like I said,
he's mysterious.
-The name?
-Oh, um,
Mr. Hayden.
Mine's Miss Church.
You're on a secret mission, too?
What do you do for a living?
What's your job?
I work at Consolidated
Investment
Enterprises Incorporated. You?
Industry Corporate Legal
Associates Unlimited.
So we both work
at different jobs,
but they have us here
doing the same crazy,
clandestine operation,
but with different bosses.
Yeah, with different bo--
although,
mine said she was
the boss of bosses,
like above all other
bosses or something.
Yeah.
Mine, too.
What did they
have you do so far?
[sighs] Uh-- Get a suit.
Get a suit? That's it?
Yeah, get fitted for a suit.
Weird, right? What about you?
I'm getting fitted
for a suit tomorrow.
Really?
[woman] So it sounds like
you're a step ahead of me.
Maybe phase two is
they put us in a limo.
Yeah... or a grave.
Ugh, that went so dark so fast.
Sorry, I just...
I can't help it.
I generally don't like wearing
suits. It's kind of like,
"Hey, you know what? This is
what they're going to
put you in when you die."
For me, it's just the
general discomfort
of formal wear
-that I'm not crazy about.
-Well, yeah, there's that, too.
Yeah, well, you try being
a woman for five minutes.
You add a cinched waist and
the high heels to the mix.
"It's not how you feel,
it's how you look."
-All that?
-Noted.
I'll... count my blessings.
Well, do me a solid.
Whatever they ask you
to do next, tell me what it is.
Yeah, sure.
Even if whatever
it is, kills you,
you'll come back as a ghost and
Ouija board me that shit?
Yeah. Or a--
a charades-performing zombie.
-Yeah.
-Because zombies don't talk?
-They're too busy eating brains.
-Exactly.
-That's clever.
-Was it?
I don't think I
delivered it too well.
Well... you didn't.
[soft chuckle]
Hey, come with me.
I wanna show you something,
and I could use your opinion.
[door opening]
It's over there.
Well... what do you think?
[Nelson] It's beautiful.
Yeah?
Not too dentist office?
No, definitely better than that.
So,
celebrity plastic surgeon's
waiting room?
Yes, at least.
-[both chuckle]
-[woman] Thanks.
I'm really happy with it.
So far. I mean, it's not all the
way there yet, obviously.
How did you fit this
in your luggage?
Well, I bought the canvas here.
Just packed the paints
and the brushes.
[deep breath]
It's been so long
since I've had time to do any
real work like this, so...
when the secret mission
trip came up, I figured
maybe there'd be a little
downtime, you know?
Away from the husband and the
office and the kids...
and the chores and the
bills and the cat and...
Voil.
[Nelson] I know what you mean.
Feels like I only get
to be myself in the...
...cracks of my day.
[sighs] Yeah. Exactly.
Do you know why I first talked
to you down at the pool?
Hm?
I recognized you.
I mean, not... you exactly.
Like, I knew who you were.
Does that make sense?
Yeah, it does.
Like... everyone on Earth has
been taken over by
pod people and we're the only
humans left.
Like, everyone's in
black and white,
but we're still in
color so we can
spot each other
from across the room.
Yeah, exactly.
Huh.
-Listen, I--
-[knocking on door]
[eerie music]
What's that,
room service or something?
[scoffs] Hotels with
complimentary waffle bars
don't have room service?
[insistent door knocking]
Oh wait, I-- I'll go.
[insistent door knocking]
[door opens]
Mr. Shell, you have a call.
Is that my phone?
Your call, Mr. Shell.
-Hello?
-Hello, Nelson.
Oh, hi.
It's me.
It's Beth, your wife.
No, yeah, I know,
is everything okay?
I don't know, Nelson.
Is everything okay?
Yeah, of course. Why?
I just miss you is all.
What are you up to?
Uh... nothing.
That's good.
Nothing is good.
When you're doing nothing,
you can focus
on what you have to do.
After all, when you're
on a business trip,
you're always at work.
And your work is very important.
Me and your child,
your unborn child,
we're counting on you.
Yeah, no, that's...
Yeah, I know.
Are you in your room?
Uh, no, not yet,
but I'm actually
going there now.
And you'll be there,
in your room, for the night?
-All night?
-[Nelson] Yeah, of course.
That's good, Nelson.
Return to your room,
take a shower,
masturbate and go to bed.
Something tells me
tomorrow will be a big day.
Oh, yeah?
Something's telling you that?
Yes... yes, I can feel it.
Tomorrow will be big.
[music increases, then halts]
[bells chiming]
[approaching footsteps]
[sighs]
A young man stands atop a
tall hill overlooking the woods.
He's alone.
In his hands, he holds
a walking stick
that once belonged to--
Ah, fuck it.
-[rifle loading]
-No, no, no!
-[rifle fires]
-[gasp]
[panting]
-Memo from Mr. Hayden.
-[gasping]
Hey, that's-- you can't--
You can't keep just
coming in here, okay?
This is my private room.
It contains the
latest instructions
-for your assignment.
-Are you hearing me?
I don't care who you work for.
This is America,
and we have boundaries.
It contains the latest
instructions
for your assignment.
Yeah, okay, fine.
[door closes]
[sighs]
[paper rustling]
[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden,
transcribed live directly
from his esteemed place
upon his most elegant private
corporate toilet.
Shell, this morning will set you
upon the second stage
of your assignment
and the final stage
of preparation
before your ultimate task.
On your cellular phone,
we've taken the liberty
of installing a
preplanned route into your GPS.
[action music]
This route will take you
outside of the city.
It will take you away from
the eyes of others,
far from the things of man.
You will navigate these
long roads, and eventually
you will come to
a modest building.
This building houses neither
a residence nor a business.
It is simply a portal,
the protuberance into
the surface world
of a much greater structure.
You need not knock nor ring a
bell nor announce your presence.
You may simply enter
and proceed directly into
the bowels of this
subterranean hive.
And once you're deep
enough inside,
you will find...
...the Keeper.
He will be expecting you.
You only need
identify yourself to him.
Are you the, uh...
Am I the, uh?
Are you the Keeper?
To some... perhaps.
Okay.
I-- I don't know what
that means,
but I'm Nelson Shell.
I was told you'd be
expecting me.
Nelson Shell?
-Shell?
-Yeah.
Are you an egg?
I'm only yolking.
[sigh] You're no fun.
This way.
[Hayden] He will provide you
with an object.
[soft grunting]
And you will accept this object.
What is it?
It's a box.
[Nelson] Yeah, I know.
What's inside it?
What do you mean, inside?
What does it matter?
You just take it.
You take the box.
What, so the box itself is
the object I'm supposed to take?
[Keeper] Sure, why not?
Ain't that just like a box?
[Hayden] You will not open it.
You will not examine it.
You will not shake it or
tamper with it in any way.
You will merely transport it
back to your lodgings,
and there it will stay
in wait...
...until the time is right
for you to complete your
assignment.
[music fades]
[sharp tap]
[indistinct whispers]
[whispers increase, then halt]
[door knocking then opening]
Hi, can I come in?
Great, great, thanks.
All right.
Okay, so, listen.
You told me to let you know
if I had further instructions
-on my assignment, right?
-Yeah.
Well, I got further
instructions.
I had to drive out
to this place,
like, really, really
far out of town.
It was like this old,
dilapidated,
dead, abandoned kinda--
I'm sorry, I'm making
this all about me.
How are you? You good?
How was your day?
-Oh, I'm fine, I guess.
-Yeah.
Did you get any more painting?
Okay, so you didn't get any more
painting done,
but it looks good.
No, well, it was
kind of a busy day.
-I was about to start, though.
-What, busy doing what?
My assignment.
I get fitted for the suit,
-took forever.
-Right, yeah.
Looks good, expensive.
So they had you drive someplace?
Yeah, I had to
drive out of town,
pick something up, and
bring it back.
-[woman] What?
-It's a box.
Tha-- that's it? Just a box?
Is there anything in it?
Yeah, there's something in it.
-What?
-I don't know.
They told me not to open it.
Yet.
-[huff] Oh, that's messed up.
-[Nelson] Yeah.
There could be
anything in there.
-I know.
-Drugs.
-Money. A--
-A bomb.
-A couple of fish tacos.
-A couple of--
Why would they put-- why would
they put fish tacos in there?
No, I'm just saying there could
be anything in the box, right?
Like a huge diamond,
or a severed human jaw,
or a couple of sweaty
ballet shoes, anything.
[sighs]
Wow, your brain really is
a Google search gone wrong,
isn't it?
And I can't really explain this,
but there's something
about it that's very...
unsettling.
Like it's got this energy,
you know?
This bad energy.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
I know, I've been
feeling that too all day,
like something's off.
-[Nelson] Yeah?
-Yeah.
So what do we do?
[sighs] I don't know.
I mean, until one of us
gets another memo,
I mean, there's nothing to do.
[single door knock]
[paper rustling]
[eerie music]
They have a car for me,
and I'm supposed to
drive someplace.
Far from the things of man?
-[paper rustles]
-I got-- I gotta go, I guess.
Catch you later?
[music increases, then halts]
[soft thud]
[click]
[suspenseful music]
[faint buzzing]
[buzzing intensifies]
[buzzing continues intensifying]
-[buzzing stops]
-[gasps]
-[laptop closes]
-[eerie music]
-What'd you think of my album?
-[gasps]
[gulp] What?
What... did you think...
of my album?
Oh, your CD.
Uh, it was, uh, blank.
You can be honest.
What'd you think of it?
I really appreciate feedback.
No, the CD was--
the CD was-- itself was blank.
-There was nothing on it.
-So you liked it?
Or no?
I-- I don't know, I--
The CD was-- was blank.
Am I not saying that right?
I never got a chance to
hear your music.
I have no idea what
your music even sounds like.
Right.
Exactly.
[liquid pouring]
You're not gonna hit me again,
are you?
Ah, keep them coming,
my good man.
[soft chuckle]
Mm-hmm.
Mmm!
-Yeah!
-[glass slams]
[exhales]
You're Mears, right?
Right? That's your name?
Mickey Mears?
[Mears] Mick.
It's Mick now.
Mick... sorry.
They told me about you.
[Mick] Oh, they. [chuckles]
Yeah, the people I work with.
Miss Falstead, your old boss,
and others.
And what did they tell you?
Well, they just
told me that you--
-Did they tell you I was dead?
-No, no, th--
they just said
you'd gone up to corporate.
[dry laugh]
That is the same thing.
-[soft thud]
-But in a way,
aren't we all dead?
Hm? Isn't that why they refer
to us as working stiffs?
Huh?
Wow, it's-- it's gotten all
kinds of metaphysical.
-So!
-[soft thud]
Shell.
What are you doing here?
I told you to go home.
What, are you immune to
wisdom or something?
What? No.
No, I got something to do here,
all right?
And I-- I don't know you.
I don't-- I don't work for you.
Or... do I?
Wow.
That is so fucking sad.
I mean, you're in corporate,
so I guess technica--
Guy is a goddamn marionette,
and he has no idea
how many hands are
pulling his strings!
Yeah, well, I know
you're pulling on
something of mine,
and I'd like you to stop.
-You'd like me to?
-Yeah!
Or I'm--
I'm asking, maybe.
You know, I'm here for work
with orders from on high,
all right? Much higher than you.
So you have no authority
over me being here.
And why'd you have to
hit me anyway?
I mean, Jesus,
what was that about?
I was trying to
get your attention.
Well, you could have
just said hello.
I needed you to hear me.
To really hear me.
To hear you, like your CD?
Like your completely blank CD?
-Ooh, did you like it?
-[stutters]
It just said,
"Leave", on the note,
okay? "Leave!"
I had no idea what
you were talking about.
And I had no reason to heed
your-- your cryptic suggestion.
[sighs]
Well, that doesn't mean
you shouldn't do
what I'm telling you
to do, because,
-you should.
-Why?
[sighs]
Because Hayden gave
you an assignment.
Okay, but I have no idea
what the assignment is yet.
It doesn't matter what it is.
-You don't do it.
-[Nelson] Why?
Is it--
Is it illegal?
[stuttering] Is it dangerous?
It doesn't matter.
If he tells you to do it,
you do not do it.
Okay, but isn't Hayden
like the big boss,
like the ultimate big, big boss?
Yes, he is, he...
most certainly is that.
Okay, well, then I should do
what he's asking, shouldn't I?
-You shouldn't.
-[Nelson] Why?
[soft thud]
Because of what
it will cost you.
-[liquid pouring]
-[soft sigh]
But won't it cost me if
I don't do what he's asking?
[dry laugh] Welcome to life.
You're gonna get fucked
whatever you do, so...
pick a position.
-Mmm.
-[scoff]
Whatever.
I'm out of here tomorrow.
[Mick]
You won't make it to tomorrow.
[ominous music]
The box.
What's inside of it?
Finally.
That is the right question.
[music intensifies]
[sighs]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[phone ringing]
[phone continues ringing]
[insistent door knocking]
[ringing and knocking continue]
[music, knocking and ringing
intensifying]
[latch clicks]
[ringing and knocking stop]
[music fades]
[box rattling softly]
[gasps]
[ominous music]
[pant]
[pant]
[thud]
[eerie sting]
Meg!
Meg, open up, it's Shell.
I know what's in the box.
I'm not sure what they
want me to do with it yet,
but I can't imagine a world in
which it's something good.
Meg!
Oh shit.
[sighs]
[music continues]
[panting]
[phone tapping]
[calling tone]
Hello?
[lighter sparks]
[foreboding music]
Nelson?
Nelson, are you there?
Nelson? Darling,
is everything all right?
[flames crackling]
[ominous sting]
It's all gonna be okay.
All of it, Nelson.
[flames crackling]
[music continues]
[action music]
[thud]
-What are you doing?
-[gasps]
What the fuck?
-What the actual fuck?
-What are you doing?
Get the fuck out of my room,
you creepy piece of shit!
You cannot leave until you've
completed your assignment.
-[thud]
-[grunts]
You cannot leave until you have
completed your assignment.
[gasping]
What do you want me to do, huh?
Shoot somebody?
Shoot myself?
I'm not doing anything
with that gun.
-[tightening]
-[moaning]
You will do as you are told.
[thud]
Do it?
Just do it,
like it's my destiny?
It is your destiny,
you have no choice.
Oh, I have a choice,
I have a choice
or you wouldn't be tossing me
around like this.
You have no choice because
the repercussions for failure
are unfathomable.
-You have a wife.
-[kick]
-You have a child on the way.
-[kick]
A mortgage, responsibilities.
You have dependents
who rely on you.
Dependents you owe your life to.
And if you fail to act,
if you waiver from your
duties to your employer,
if your behavior warrants
sharp termination
from said employment, your world
will come crashing down on you.
-[coughs]
-You will all be penniless.
You will all be in the streets.
-You will all starve.
-[coughs]
Mr. Hayden controls everything.
And everything is precisely what
he will turn against you.
Do not concern yourself with
laws, with rules, with morality.
Morality is a luxury
the working man cannot afford.
And the only rule he must
obey is that he is driven,
at all costs, to survive.
So I ask you, Mr. Shell,
do you wish to survive
or do you wish to
continue down this road
of beggars and fools
that will lead to a
final uncertain
oblivion for yourself
and everything
that you hold dear?
[gasping]
[heavy breathing]
[heavy breathing]
[paper rustling]
Mr. Hayden's final memo.
[ominous music]
[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden.
Transcribed live directly
from atop the curvaceous ass
of his most beautiful
private concubine.
Shell? We've moved to
the final stage of
your assignment.
As I believe you've
already surmised,
let me confirm with
great intent and authority
that, yes, you will be using the
gun you found within the box
and with it take a human life.
This may seem cruel,
it may seem unjust,
but I assure you it is not.
You may feel you're not
up to the task,
that murder is outside the very
boundaries of your nature,
but I must confirm
with great confidence
that you were born,
absolutely born,
raised and trained
your whole life
for this very thing.
And the man whose life
you must extinguish,
do not despair his passing,
do not mourn him.
He is most assuredly undeserving
of a continued existence,
a foolish man, a useless man,
a man who contributes
neither goods
nor services to the
fellows of his species,
but is in fact a great
burden upon them
and indeed an even greater
burden on himself.
Regardless, I recognize
that revoking his life
will be difficult for you.
It will require more courage,
resolve and that elusive
quality of moxie than
you previously believed you had.
But you can do this, Shell.
You will, and you must.
Now.
Tonight.
Hey, Shelley.
[Hayden] The procedure
you will undertake
to complete this assignment
is as follows.
First, you will
thoroughly bathe,
dry and dress yourself in
the tailor-made suit
which we've provided for you.
After all,
our clothes define us.
We become who we dress
ourselves to be.
Inside the suit,
you will find a pocket
made to fit the appropriate
dimensions of the firearm.
You may choose to
disengage the safety now.
Rest assured, the weapon
will not accidentally discharge
and you will want it
at the ready.
We've taken the liberty of
loading it for you in advance.
To further steel yourself
for the task at hand,
Mr. Smearle will chauffeur you
to your destination.
[engine rumbling]
You'll use this time
for a quiet reflection
to focus your energies.
After this,
your life will reflect
the perfection of a
purpose realized.
Soon you will find yourself
in front of a great house.
[ominous music]
This is where
your target dwells.
Do not be intimidated by
its apparent opulence.
It is an illusion, a fantasy.
You will not find your target
inside the home, but rather
behind it.
Take the pathway alongside
the house to the right.
Do not be concerned
about any interference.
You are alone with your target
and no one will stop you.
Take your weapon in your hand...
...and proceed to your destiny.
Godspeed, Shell,
and good luck.
[music stops]
Message ends.
[footsteps]
[crickets chirping]
[bells chiming]
[chiming continues]
[keyboard typing]
A man is tilling his field when
an angel appears before him.
She hands him
a glass of water and
asks him to hold it aloft,
which he does.
She asks him if doing so is
difficult, to which he replies,
"No."
After all, it is just
a glass of water.
"Good,"
the angel says, "because
if you can hold
this glass up just
like you are now,
don't put it down,
don't spill it out,
don't drink it, just...
hold it,
like you are now...
...then all your dreams
will come true."
The angel promises to
return soon
and then disappears.
So the man holds
the glass aloft.
[dramatic music]
A few minutes roll by,
an hour,
and the task is easy because...
...after all...
...it is just a glass of water.
Don't do this.
But then that one hour
becomes two...
...then three.
His muscles begin to ache,
and the sun bakes down on him
-and the wind shakes him.
-Please don't.
[Nelson] Five hours now, six,
and the glass feels
heavier and heavier.
He wants to pour some of it out
to lessen the burden,
but he can't.
He wants to drink
some of the water
because he's so parched
from the heat and the strain,
-but he can't.
-Stop!
[Nelson] Hours turn into days,
and the man's outstretched arm
feels like it's on fire.
-He's dizzy with fever.
-Just stop!
Faint from exhaustion, the man
kneels to the ground,
trembling, until finally,
he can no longer hold the glass.
Stop, goddammit!
The muscles in his fingers
finally give way,
and the glass tumbles
to the earth, shattering.
-Fucking stop! [sobs]
-[music fades lightly]
Stop.
[heavy breathing]
Listen to me.
You don't have to do this.
Please.
The man collapses.
And he looks up to see
the angel as she returns.
She looks at the broken glass
and frowns and says,
"I thought you said
this would be easy."
"It would have been,"
the man replies.
"But the world made it
just too hard.
I can no longer hold the glass."
[scoff]
-No.
-I'm sorry.
No, no, no, no!
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[multiple gunshots]
[fluorescent light buzzing]
[pant]
[pant]
[buzzing continues]
[soft rock music]
[keyboard typing]
[keyboard typing]
[music fades]
[birds chirping]
[bell chimes]
[bell chimes]
[deep breath]
[approaching footsteps]
[sighs] Ah fuck.
[exhales]
A young boy is asked by
his teacher to draw a picture.
-Jeez.
-The teacher asks him to
draw a picture of his family.
I know this one already.
Spare me, will ya?
Asks him to draw
a picture of his family.
Motherfuck!
[man] So the boy draws
a picture of his family,
standing in front of
their house,
on their front lawn,
on a bright sunny day.
He hands it to the teacher,
who looks it over
carefully and says,
"Well, I can see your father,
your mother,
your sister, your baby brother
and your dog, but...
-where are you in this picture?"
-Shut up.
And the boy says, "You didn't
ask me to draw myself.
-You asked me to
draw my family."
-Shut up.
[man] And the teacher says,
"But aren't you a member
of your family?"
-Shut up!
-[alarm beeping]
[sigh]
[alarm beeping]
[grunts softly]
Don't forget to let the dog out.
-Mm.
-First thing.
[sigh] I'm on it.
-Also, the dishwasher's
ready to be emptied.
-[man] Got it.
[woman] And can I get the
green tea this morning,
with a splash of
milk extra and a dollop
of that new Australian
honey I bought?
-Right.
-[woman] And Nelson?
Mm?
Smile.
[soft somber music]
[door opening and closing]
[car alarm beeps]
[engine revs]
[car gear change]
[engine rumbling]
[horn blaring]
[car horns honking]
[brooding music]
[music continues]
[music stops, fluorescent light
buzzing]
[buzzing continues]
[sigh]
[man]
Welcome, my friend,
to Consolidated Investment
Enterprises Incorporated,
your portal to the world of
international business.
And the place free
donuts go to die.
-It's your first day, right?
-[man 2] Yeah.
[man] How you liking it so far?
[man 2] Uh, it's good,
everybody's really nice.
Uh, just trying to keep
all the names straight.
[man] Yeah, I hear ya.
You, uh, you see the redhead
down in shipping yet, huh?
-Huh?
-[man 2] Uh? Uh, no, not yet.
[man] How about the brunette?
The brunette outside of
McCready's office.
[gasp] Oh, am I right,
or am I right?
[man 2]
I'm gonna guess you're right.
[man] Hey, I'm right, I'm right.
A lot of perks
in this place if you
know where to look.
If you play nice, there could be
a big future here for you.
[man 2] Oh, well,
I don't know about that.
To be honest, I don't know how
long I'm gonna be working here.
[man] Oh, no?
[man 2] Yeah, this is, like,
just to make ends meet
right now.
Uh, it's my band, actually.
Yeah, we're putting out
an album soon, so--
You're a musician?
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, I was just saying,
we have our album
coming out soon, so
this is temporary.
And I got married last year,
just trying to be at least a
little financially
responsible until it comes out.
Yeah, no, no,
I know what you mean.
Um, I'm actually a novelist.
[scoff] Novelist... okay.
-What, I am.
-[man scoffs]
I'm working on a book
right now, in fact.
Hell of a book.
Just gotta, you know,
I just gotta finish it up.
So I get what you mean.
You know, you make ends meet
until the art pays off, right?
Exactly, man, yeah, he gets it.
How long you been here?
-Not long.
-Um, excuse me, how long?
-Not long.
-Ten?
-Eight.
-Eight.
Right, okay, it's eight.
Years.
Oh, yeah, Shakespeare.
You're busting out of here
any day now.
My Kindle thirsts for
your tortured prose.
Now, as for you, McCartney,
let me show you the blonde
down in HR.
[man 2] Okay, you do know
I'm gay, right?
[man]
Oh, not for long you're not,
[whispering]
she's so dumb, it's awesome.
[sighs]
[fluorescent light buzzing
intensifies]
[indistinct TV show]
[woman] Nelson, is my tea ready?
Yeah, I'll be out in a minute.
[sighs]
[suspenseful music]
[music intensifies]
-It cools off quickly.
-[music stops abruptly]
I wouldn't leave it
on the counter too long.
-[TV beeps]
-[woman] Oh, my,
-[TV beeps]
-oh, my,
so many options tonight.
-[TV beeps]
-Entire seasons we can binge.
Do you have a preference?
No, anything's fine.
[woman] Perhaps something funny.
[TV beeps]
Oh, I think I decided
not to go back to work
when she's born.
We'll have to tighten
the ship a little,
but you'll keep earning,
so we'll be fine.
-[TV beeps]
-Oh.
Um, uh, okay.
I mean, that's all right,
isn't it?
I'll be here working full-time
raising your child.
You'll provide for us?
Yeah.
No, y-- yeah, of course, sure.
[woman] Good.
-[TV beeps]
-What about this one?
I understand the
homosexual neighbor
character is quite hilarious.
You know, I think I'm gonna
skip out on this tonight.
You know, jump on the laptop,
try to get some writing done.
Really? Now?
-Well--
-[woman] Is that wise?
You can write any time.
Remember, once she's born,
things are gonna get
very, very busy.
You and I sitting together
and relaxing,
that will become a rare luxury.
We should do as much of that
as we can now.
Don't you think?
Yeah.
Sure, of course, you're right.
Good.
Now, get ready to laugh.
I know I am.
[TV beeps]
-[clock ticking]
-[faint buzzing]
[clicking and buzzing stop]
[click whirring]
[woman sighs]
[clock whirring]
I am very tired, Nelson.
[Nelson]
Yeah, no, of course you are,
I'm sorry, that's my bad.
[sigh] Listen, you know,
I should
probably get some writing
done anyway.
[woman] Are you sure?
You need your sleep.
Yeah, no, just a couple pages,
I promise.
I gotta get something
done tonight.
You'll be more productive
if you rest, Nelson.
-Yeah, no, no, no.
-[light switch clicks, echoing]
[clock ticking]
[sighs softly]
[clicking continues]
[wind blowing]
[bell chiming]
[footsteps approaching]
Fuck.
[sighs]
[exhales]
Don't you dare start.
Two men share a hospital room.
-Fuck!
-Each in their own bed.
Goddamn it!
[Nelson 2] One man has
a bed facing the window,
the other facing a wall.
The man facing the wall,
unable to move,
becomes increasingly sad,
seeing only a gray,
blank surface day and night.
So the man facing the window
begins to describe the things
he can see outside
in order to cheer him up.
The sunshine, the moonlight,
children playing in the park
across the street,
lovers holding hands as
they take a stroll--
How about asshole doppelgngers
who won't shut the fuck up?
Does he see any of
those out there?
This does indeed
lift the spirits of the man
who'd been facing the wall,
and soon he recovers
from his illness.
The man facing the window,
however, grows weaker
and eventually dies.
As he's being discharged,
the man who'd been
facing the wall
goes over to the other man's bed
to look out the window,
hoping to finally see
with his own eyes,
all of the beautiful things
that had been described
to him by his friend,
only to discover...
...that this window looked out
onto an alley,
onto another blank wall.
-Fuck you!
-[alarm beeping]
[panting softly]
-[panting]
-[alarm beeping]
[sighs]
Nelson, don't forget to let out
the dog, first thing.
[alarm continues]
[light, upbeat music]
[water running]
[keys jingle]
[car alarm beeps]
[music continues]
[buzzing]
[indistinct conversation]
It's like, can't I ask,
the redhead in shipping,
come on!
That doesn't make you wonder?
I mean, gonna go...
[music continues]
[keyboard typing]
[thud]
-[music stops abruptly]
-[clock ticking]
-[intercom beep]
-[woman] We need you in
conference room 15.
-[intercom beep]
-Now.
[music restarts]
[liquid pouring]
[liquid pouring]
[fluorescent light buzzing]
[car alarm beeps]
[car door closes]
[car horns honking]
[steady chopping]
[indistinct TV noise]
-[paper rustling]
-[indistinct mumbling]
Oh, honey... [mumbles]
-Nope.
-Right, sorry.
[music fades]
[clock ticking]
[sharp whoosh]
[sharp whoosh]
[ticking continues]
[wind blowing]
[bell chiming]
[footsteps approaching]
Oh, come on.
[dreamy music]
Oh.
[music continues]
[gasp]
[music continues]
[belt jingling]
Yeah. [chuckles]
[soft thud]
[fabric snaps then lands]
A wealthy man sends his youngest
son to live with the pauper.
Oh, son of a bitch!
[sexual sounds from a computer]
[moaning]
Oh yeah, you're so hot.
-[click]
-[computer audio stops]
-[paper rustling]
-[sigh]
-Shit.
-[paper rustling]
[moaning in computer restarts]
Oh, that's right. That's right.
Do it. Like that. [moans]
[moaning] Yeah.
-[click]
-[computer audio stops]
[keyboard typing]
-[moaning in computer restarts]
-Oh, come on!
[moaning]
[laptop shuts]
-[phone ringing]
-Yeah?
[woman in phone]
Are you handling the quarterly?
-Uh-- Yes!
-[woman] You are?
Yes, no, I'm working on that
right now, actually.
-[woman] So that's in progress.
-Uh-huh.
[woman]
And that's all you're on?
-No, I have the full--
-[woman] Anything else?
Yeah, I have the full TTPP--
[woman] Let's pause on that.
-Okay.
-[woman] I need you to
come down to my office.
-Yeah, okay.
-[woman] Thanks, Shell.
[receiver clicks]
-[clothes rustling]
-[belt jingling]
[buzzing]
[metal balls clacking]
-[knocking]
-Hey.
You wanted to see me?
No.
Oh.
But you just called me.
[sigh]
Yeah, I'm not the one
that wants to see you.
Come in.
Well, before I forget,
here are the TTPPCC33 reports.
In triplicate, as requested.
-Due today, so...
-Wonderful.
Thanks for saving our bacon
for yet another month.
[clears throat] Oh, sit, please.
So, [sighs] someone high up has
requested a meeting with you.
You've been summoned.
High up?
-Who?
-Now, why would
they tell me that?
I'm just the branch manager.
It's just my valuable employees
that they're yanking out of
active duty, throwing
my deadlines into the wind.
But my petty problems aren't
their concern, are they?
Uh-- No.
I-- I mean, I guess not, so...
I'm sorry, who is it?
[manager] Somebody important.
I don't know. The request came
over the executive channel.
Oh. Well, can I at least ask
what it's regarding?
You can ask, but again,
I don't have the slightest
bare-ass flipping clue.
Reason not stated.
Your meeting is today at 3 p.m.
Off-site.
Wait, wait, off-site?
It's not here in
the conference room?
No, it's off-site.
Here's the address.
The only contact info
I have is your liaison,
one Enid Sneed.
No idea who that is.
And, uh, there's also this.
[paper rustling]
A red letter.
[metal clacking stops]
-A red letter?
-Indeed.
I don't know what that is.
It's a red letter.
Yeah, okay, yeah.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
You don't-- you don't open it.
You take it with you.
You present it.
Oh. Okay, I--
I will bring it.
[manager] Red letter, Shell.
Red letter.
Godspeed.
[car passes by]
[suspenseful music]
[music fades]
[door rattles]
[crow cawing]
[car passing by]
[footsteps echo]
[paper whooshing]
[soft rattle]
-[objects crashing]
-[woman] Motherfucker! Goddamn!
Now what the fuck!
[door unlocks]
-[metal screeching]
-[door unlocks]
This is a private business.
I'm... so sorry to bother you.
-I'm--
-Yes?
I'm looking for Miss Enid Sneed.
I was sent to this address.
I'm Sneed... I don't know you.
I didn't think that you would,
we haven't met yet.
-Um, I was sent here.
-Who sent you?
Well, I was sent by my facility
manager, Miss Falstead.
-Who?
-[Nelson] F-- Falstead.
Janet Falstead.
I'm Nelson Shell.
I work for the local
branch of Consolidated
Investment Enterprises
Incorporated.
I'm-- I'm sorry,
I was under the impression
that this was maybe some sort of
outlier of the same business,
that we work with
the same people.
Is that-- is that not right?
And why are you here?
-Why?
-[Sneed] Yes, the reason.
Just to fuck up my day?
No... I-- I was sent
here by corporate.
So you're here for no reason.
Why don't you go jerk
yourself off someplace else?
No, wait, wait, I got something.
-I got a red letter.
-[door locks]
[metal door screeching]
[door squeaking]
Yeah, uh-- I'll show you...
It's, um, I got it here,
I got my--
-I guess I'm not
supposed to open it.
-A red letter?
Yeah, I've never seen one
before, can I ask you what a
red letter is? Because
they wouldn't tell me.
-Give me the red letter.
-It's-- yeah, it's here
somewhere.
Give me the fucking
red letter now.
-All right, all right.
-Now!
Jesus... here.
You have a red letter.
Yeah.
Yeah, what does that mean,
exactly?
Are y-- are you gonna open it?
You don't...
...open...
a red letter.
Okay.
You come along now.
He's waiting for you.
-Excuse me, he?
-[Sneed] Now!
[door loudly closes]
Follow me, please.
Time is short.
[thud]
[sizzling]
[letter ignites]
Stay here.
Do not move from this spot.
Okay.
[Sneed in the distance]
Mr. Nelson Shell.
[footsteps approaching]
You may go in now.
Walk to the chair provided,
then sit.
Do not deviate from this path.
Goodbye, Mr. Shell.
[door closes echoing]
[ominous music]
[music increasing gradually]
[handle clicks]
[music stops abruptly]
[soft thud]
[sighs]
-[paper rustling]
-[loud thud]
[distant metal thud]
[switch rattles]
-[loud buzzing]
-[groan]
Jeez.
[man] Nelson Shell?
You are Nelson Shell.
Yes?
[man] Shell, I brought you
here today on a matter
of great importance.
The importance of
this matter is indeed
very, very great.
I wanna stress that to you now.
I want you to understand this.
[pen scribbling]
Okay, yeah, I--
I understand, it's important.
[man] Good.
It's good you understand.
I have a task for you
to perform, Shell.
It may or may not be easy,
it may or may not be
pleasant, but it must be done.
And you, and you alone
are the only one who can do it.
You and you alone
are uniquely qualified.
It is all squarely and
specifically on you.
Okay, uh, Mr...
Mr. Hayden.
He's Mr. Hayden.
-Uh, Mr. Hayden?
-Yes?
Uh... [stuttering]
What is it you need me to--
to do, sir?
[Mr. Hayden] Shell, the details
of this assignment
will be made clear
to you shortly.
For now, all you need to
know is that in a moment,
my assistant, Mr. Smearle,
will provide you with a packet
which contains travel
information, meal per diem,
and lodging instructions,
all this, and of course,
where you are to report
when you arrive.
I-- I'm sorry, travel
information? I'm traveling?
Where am I going?
It'll all be included
in the packet,
which, as I have stated...
...you will have shortly.
[sighs]
Okay, um...
...well, should I let
my branch manager know?
I mean, if... I'm stepping away
from my duties here.
Branch manager, Shell?
[Nelson] Well, yes.
I'm sorry, this--
this is for Consolidated, right?
[pen continues scribbling]
Consolidated Investment
Enterprises Incorporated,
CIEI, right?
I'm-- I'm sorry,
corporate sent me here to--
And this--
this is for my job, right?
For Consolidated?
Yes, Shell,
why would that be a question?
-Well, because--
-[Mr. Hayden] You haven't been
moonlighting, have you?
Working for one of
our competitors
or some other such outfit?
No, no, no, no, no,
I-- it's just that
no one's identified themselves.
There's no sign here, no logos,
none of our usual corporate...
you know, trappings.
I'm just making sure
that I'm supposed to be here.
[Mr. Hayden] You are indeed
supposed to be here, Shell.
some could argue... by destiny.
Okay.
[pen continues scribbling]
All right... I'll--
I'll be sure to let my
branch manager know
that I'll be on assignment.
And who should I say
is sending me to the...
Well, I mean, are you
the regional manager, or...
No.
I am not the regional manager.
[woman] He's Mr. Hayden.
Cour-- Of course,
so you're higher up
at corporate? You're...
Executive supervisor
or... vice president?
Executive vice president?
President?
The board?
You're on the board,
you're-- Chairman?
Executive chairman? I--
Senior executive chairman?
Do you know why...
committees like
an executive board,
do you know why they exist?
I...
[chuckles] I guess I don't.
[Mr. Hayden] Diffusion of
responsibility.
Most men,
men who both aspire to power and
find themselves with the means
of achieving it,
are oftentimes unprepared...
for the responsibility that
comes with it.
-Okay.
-[Mr. Hayden] But above
such committees,
the board, the executive board,
the ones above that.
-Above that?
-[Mr. Hayden] At the top of
any hierarchy, Shell.
If you go high enough,
it always comes down to one man.
That, Shell.
That is the sphere
in which I reside.
Wow.
A-- And with all that
responsibility and authority,
I-- I'm the guy you need?
[Mr. Hayden]
Don't misunderstand me, Shell.
There are indeed many
under my influence
who could perform this task.
But you, you are the one.
You must perform it.
[Nelson] But, um...
Uh, this thing that you--
you want me to do, is it, uh...
[clears throat] ...is it legal?
Legal?
[Nelson]
Yeah, I just-- the secrecy,
the way that we're
talking about it here,
I just wanna make...
It's legal, right?
I don't understand.
I'm asking if it's within the
boundaries of the law,
this thing you're
asking me to do.
And what, Shell, does that
have to do with anything?
Well, it'll certainly help me
decide, you know?
Whether or not I can do this.
[woman gasps and drops object]
[pen scribbling]
Whether or not... you can?
-W-- Yeah, I just mean that--
-[Mr. Hayden] I see.
You are mistakenly
harboring the idea
that this situation
somehow involves
the concept of free will.
-I am? I--
-[Mr. Hayden] Free will
is a myth, Shell.
It is a fairy story made up
by those who
refuse to accept the
purpose and function
for which they've been designed.
Do you know what you are, Shell?
Do you think you're a man?
You are not a man.
You are not a
conscious creature.
You...
...are a cog.
[stutters]
I'm-- I'm sorry,
I'm-- I'm a what?
[Mr. Hayden] A cog.
You are a specifically
designed and
well-crafted grooved gear
nestled deep into the workings
of a large machine,
and you have been sculpted the
entire duration of your life
to fit into an exact place
within that machine,
to turn an exact piston, and
perform an exact function.
That is all you are,
and all you are permitted to do.
Now, M-- Mr. Hayden,
with all due respect--
[Mr. Hayden]
Consider this, Shell.
How much of your life is spent
doing the things you wanna do?
How many hours are you
behind your desk,
commuting in your car,
maintaining your marriage,
performing your chores,
satisfying your
biological needs,
such as eating and the
ever time-consuming
activity of sleep?
And how much of
your day is spent
exercising your
prized free will?
I'll wager that you daydream
and entertain thoughts
of who you think you
will someday be
between the slivers and cracks
of your normal routine,
stolen moments where you reflect
on a version of yourself.
You have convinced yourself
you truly are.
But this... is a lie.
It is self-deception.
It is useless, and it makes you
less efficient because, Shell
you are a cog,
a machine part,
servicing a mechanism
far greater than you could
possibly comprehend.
and if you are not
performing your function,
if you are working at
less than capacity,
you will be routed out,
replaced,
and permanently discarded.
Now, Shell...
...you ask who am I.
[ominous music]
I own your employer.
I own your employer's employer.
I own the land upon which
your house is built,
the bank to which
its deed is cast,
the technology firm that
manufactures and maintains
the computer systems
in which your identity
and all your financial assets
reside,
the Internet and
televisual providers
upon which everything
you see and hear is delivered
and through which all of
your earthly communications
are transmitted,
the retail outlets from
which you purchase
all your goods and services,
and the hospitals into which you
were born and in which one day
you most assuredly will leave
this plane of existence.
I, the man behind
all you have ever known,
now know, and will ever know,
I, who have shaped you
and sculpted you and
set you into motion,
I am giving you the task for
which you've been designed
and in which you will not waver,
in which you will not hesitate,
and in which you will not fail.
And when you leave here, you
will do as I command!
[music increases, then halts]
[loud clack]
[panting]
[eerie buzzing]
-[groans]
-[Mr. Smearle] Enclosed are your
flight vouchers,
lodging details, and a bank card
with which you can
access your per diem.
You depart at 8 a.m.
Upon arrival,
head directly to your hotel
and await further instructions.
You may inform
your branch manager,
your spouse, and any other
obligated parties
that you will return,
your business completed,
in three days.
What-- What am I
being asked to do?
Mr. Shell, we have made it
perfectly clear
that we will make
this perfectly clear.
In due time.
[Ms. Falstead] Hayden?
Mr. Hayden?
He's... uh... that's--
that's Mr. Hayden.
So what, he--
he's like the big boss?
Yeah, big.
Big, big boss.
I mean, I've heard rumors,
I've heard stories.
What's he like?
What, you never met him?
Me? Uh, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
[nervous laugh]
[Nelson sighs]
Okay, um...
All right, so I'll hand off
my accounts to Pinback
for him to cover until I return.
I mean,
unless you think it can wait.
Hmm, give everything to Pinback.
[deep breath] We're gonna
miss you around here.
But it's--
I'll be back in a few days.
Will you? Tell that to Mears.
-Who?
-Uh, Mickey Mears.
He was the last one sent on
assignment for Mr. Hayden.
Such a shame.
Handsome, smart,
infectious smile.
He sang like an angel. He--
He kept a guitar in his office,
and sometimes he would just...
[humming]
He was only supposed to be gone
three days, just like you.
And that-- [sighs]
That was it.
That was what?
-That was what?
-Mmm...
That was it, that was the end.
We never saw him again.
What, he-- He died?
What? No, he got
bumped up to corporate.
-Oh, God.
-[Ms. Falstead] Big promotion,
big raise,
the works.
Oh, but I miss him.
He was such a peach.
I mean, just look at
that sweet mug.
You're good people, Shell.
It's hard to find good people.
We're really gonna
miss you around here.
Miss Falstead, please...
I'll be back.
[Ms. Falstead] Maybe.
Maybe you're already gone.
[plane engine whirring]
[pop music on speakers]
[eerie music]
Welcome, Mr. Shell.
[music increases, then halts]
[soft deep thud]
[ominous music]
[soft rattle]
[music stops abruptly]
[music restarts]
[music fades]
[toilet flushing]
[door opening]
Uh...
I, uh...
I had a little too
much coffee, so...
Read the memo.
It's from Mr. Hayden.
[paper rustling]
-[intriguing music]
-[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden,
transcribed live directly
from his most important
Miami conference room.
Shell,
welcome to your assignment.
You will soon be
receiving instructions
for the first stage.
Until then, I strongly suggest
you use this time
to get acclimated
to your new surroundings.
A muscle cannot be
effectively used
unless it's had time
to relax.
And these next few
hours have been
strategically designed
for just that purpose.
Additionally, feel free to
help yourself to
any of the items
from the top shelf
of the minibar.
The top shelf only.
[Mr. Smearle] Message ends.
[paper rustles]
[music fades]
[computer initializing]
[clicks]
[suspenseful music]
-[phone ringing]
-[music stops abruptly]
[phone continues ringing]
[disconnect tone]
[sighs]
[suspenseful music]
-[phone ringing]
-[music stops abruptly]
[disconnect tone]
[sighs]
[suspenseful music]
-[phone ringing]
-[music stops abruptly]
-[phone continues ringing]
-[mysterious sting]
[phone continues ringing]
[water running]
[feet scuffing]
[woman] Are you a writer?
Oh, I hope you say you're
a writer, that'd be so cool.
Anyone who'd bring a laptop
to a hotel pool to look at
spreadsheets or whatever
would be a total wang.
And you just don't seem...
...wangish.
So the only possibilities are
I'm a writer or a-- a wang?
[woman] Yeah, pretty much.
I guess I'm a writer, then.
Ah, I knew it.
Have I read any of your stuff?
No, I don't think so.
What, you don't write, like,
a Nazi blog or something,
-do ya?
-What? No.
-Those exist?
-Yeah, I mean, I don't know...
firsthand, but yeah,
I imagine they do.
Guess that stands to reason.
[woman]
I mean, I haven't read any.
Hence my assertion
that if that's
what you write,
then I don't read those.
Yeah, I get it,
and no, I don't write any...
I'm actually working
on my first book.
Oh, you're an aspiring writer.
Well, I like to think
I'm more than that
because I'm actually writing.
So I'm not aspiring to write
so much as I'm actually,
you know,
getting the writing done.
Totally, I get that.
Um, 'cause so many people say
they're gonna write,
and then they don't
write anything.
What I meant was
that you are aspiring
to be published, you're aspiring
to be a professional.
You do something else
for money now,
but this is who you really are.
Yeah.
Yeah, no, that-- that's--
[chuckling]
that's exactly it.
[woman] Yeah, I love that.
Hey, man, quit the day job,
write the book.
How long you been at it?
So you're an artist? Or...
Oh, yeah. I'm an artist like
you're a writer.
You know, it's like what I do
when I don't gotta do what I do,
-you know?
-I think so.
-Sketches mostly?
-[woman] Yeah.
But this is nothing,
compared to what
I got up in my room.
You wanna know what
I got up there?
-Do I?
-You might.
What?
Paints.
Ooh, and a canvas.
[chuckling]
Wouldn't you know it,
I get this far away from home,
and suddenly I'm inspired.
No husband, no job,
no kids, and poof.
I turn back into myself
for like five minutes.
That's weird, right?
No, that's, uh...
that makes sense.
Do you wanna come up and see it?
You know, artist unity
and all that.
-[Mr. Smearle] Mr. Shell.
-Shit.
Please return your
laptop to your room
and meet me in the
west parking lot of this hotel.
[faint buzzing]
[sharp sound]
Hello?
Can I help you with something?
[suspense sting]
[scoffs]
From Mr. Hayden?
Your latest instructions.
All right.
[paper rustling]
[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden,
transcribed live directly
from the luxury kitchen
of his most private
country estate.
Shell, the time is nearing
for you to perform
your ultimate task.
And as with any task,
you must be properly attired.
Like a soldier
preparing for battle,
a physician scrubbing up
to deliver life-saving surgery,
or an astronaut opening
his atmospheric hatch
to place his feet for the
first time on an alien world,
you must be adequately adorned,
as you represent me,
my dominion, and my corporate
empire worldwide.
Mr. Smearle will provide you
with a vehicle.
It is within this vehicle that
you will travel to a nearby
commercial retail establishment,
the Glossenbeck Mall.
Within the mall,
you shall find a tailor
commissioned by me
and entrusted with preparing
for you an appropriate suit,
which he will create
immediately and skillfully
based on your exact measurements
and specifications.
The suit, Shell,
the suit you will wear.
Message ends.
-[keys jingling]
-[Mr. Smearle] Your vehicle.
[paper rustling]
[car alarm beeps]
-This is it?
-Yes.
Well, this looks
exactly like my car.
It's a coincidence.
No, but I mean like exactly.
It's a coincidence.
No, there's the
scratch over here
and the dent by the wheel well,
plus the plates are
exactly the same.
It's a coincidence.
Okay.
Yeah.
Mr. Shell,
you have your instructions.
You best be on your way.
[rumbling engine]
[car alarm beeps]
[soft pop music]
[faint lighting buzzing]
[buzzing intensifies]
[buzzing continues]
[zipper opening]
[scoffs]
[zipper closing]
[action music]
Hey, can I help you
with something?
-[hit]
-[grunt]
[distant traffic noises]
[groaning]
[plastic case clatters]
[groan]
[distant sirens]
[sirens intensify]
-[clack]
-[plastic rattling]
[ice rustling]
-[CD player whirs]
-[keyboard typing]
[CD player whirs]
[sighs]
[keyboard click]
[case beeps]
[CD player whirs]
[clicks]
[dramatic music]
[music increases, then halts]
[woman] Oh, hey, Hemingway.
[soft stirring]
Oh, don't you hate that,
when people do that?
Uh-- Do what?
[woman] Call you the name of
some famous writer,
sarcastically, I mean.
[chuckles softly]
Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner.
Yeah, they actually, uh-- they
hit me with Shakespeare, so...
[woman] Wow, pulling out
the million dollar clichs.
Those are some fine co-workers
you've got there.
It-- It is your co-workers,
right?
Oh, yeah, of course.
[woman] Yeah, see, it always is.
With mine, it's, um,
"Hey, Picasso,
how go the cartoons?"
Or, "What you drawing, Van Gogh?
Can you draw me something?"
Yeah, how about I draw blood,
next time you say that to me?
But you know, most day jobs
are not very kind to the
creative pursuit.
That's true, I guess.
Nothing good grows under
fluorescent lights, right?
Well, I mean, we have this,
like, really nice
tungsten track lighting
where I work, but I get it.
You know, it's very poetic.
So tell me that you have taken a
leave of absence from all that
to come to this fabulous hotel
and finish your novel.
Inspire me, be my hero.
Ah, I'm sorry,
-just a business trip.
-[deflated sigh]
I'm just trying to make use of
my downtime, you know?
[woman]
That's what I like to hear.
What is your business?
What brings you to town?
Does it have anything to do
with that creepy butler guy
that was with you before?
Uh... I don't know.
You don't know... if it has to
do with the creepy butler guy?
No, I don't know what
business brings me to town.
You don't know, really?
Yeah, really. Look, this is
gonna sound really strange,
but I'm on... some kind of
secret mission.
I mean, it's a secret,
even from me.
I have no idea what
they want me to do.
I just keep getting these...
memos sent to me with these
c-- cryptic instructions.
Are you serious?
Yeah... why would
I make that up?
Because you're a writer?
It's literally what you do?
Oh, well, no,
I'm not making this up.
I'm taking orders from some
secret, mysterious
-super boss.
-Who?
I don't know, like I said,
he's mysterious.
-The name?
-Oh, um,
Mr. Hayden.
Mine's Miss Church.
You're on a secret mission, too?
What do you do for a living?
What's your job?
I work at Consolidated
Investment
Enterprises Incorporated. You?
Industry Corporate Legal
Associates Unlimited.
So we both work
at different jobs,
but they have us here
doing the same crazy,
clandestine operation,
but with different bosses.
Yeah, with different bo--
although,
mine said she was
the boss of bosses,
like above all other
bosses or something.
Yeah.
Mine, too.
What did they
have you do so far?
[sighs] Uh-- Get a suit.
Get a suit? That's it?
Yeah, get fitted for a suit.
Weird, right? What about you?
I'm getting fitted
for a suit tomorrow.
Really?
[woman] So it sounds like
you're a step ahead of me.
Maybe phase two is
they put us in a limo.
Yeah... or a grave.
Ugh, that went so dark so fast.
Sorry, I just...
I can't help it.
I generally don't like wearing
suits. It's kind of like,
"Hey, you know what? This is
what they're going to
put you in when you die."
For me, it's just the
general discomfort
of formal wear
-that I'm not crazy about.
-Well, yeah, there's that, too.
Yeah, well, you try being
a woman for five minutes.
You add a cinched waist and
the high heels to the mix.
"It's not how you feel,
it's how you look."
-All that?
-Noted.
I'll... count my blessings.
Well, do me a solid.
Whatever they ask you
to do next, tell me what it is.
Yeah, sure.
Even if whatever
it is, kills you,
you'll come back as a ghost and
Ouija board me that shit?
Yeah. Or a--
a charades-performing zombie.
-Yeah.
-Because zombies don't talk?
-They're too busy eating brains.
-Exactly.
-That's clever.
-Was it?
I don't think I
delivered it too well.
Well... you didn't.
[soft chuckle]
Hey, come with me.
I wanna show you something,
and I could use your opinion.
[door opening]
It's over there.
Well... what do you think?
[Nelson] It's beautiful.
Yeah?
Not too dentist office?
No, definitely better than that.
So,
celebrity plastic surgeon's
waiting room?
Yes, at least.
-[both chuckle]
-[woman] Thanks.
I'm really happy with it.
So far. I mean, it's not all the
way there yet, obviously.
How did you fit this
in your luggage?
Well, I bought the canvas here.
Just packed the paints
and the brushes.
[deep breath]
It's been so long
since I've had time to do any
real work like this, so...
when the secret mission
trip came up, I figured
maybe there'd be a little
downtime, you know?
Away from the husband and the
office and the kids...
and the chores and the
bills and the cat and...
Voil.
[Nelson] I know what you mean.
Feels like I only get
to be myself in the...
...cracks of my day.
[sighs] Yeah. Exactly.
Do you know why I first talked
to you down at the pool?
Hm?
I recognized you.
I mean, not... you exactly.
Like, I knew who you were.
Does that make sense?
Yeah, it does.
Like... everyone on Earth has
been taken over by
pod people and we're the only
humans left.
Like, everyone's in
black and white,
but we're still in
color so we can
spot each other
from across the room.
Yeah, exactly.
Huh.
-Listen, I--
-[knocking on door]
[eerie music]
What's that,
room service or something?
[scoffs] Hotels with
complimentary waffle bars
don't have room service?
[insistent door knocking]
Oh wait, I-- I'll go.
[insistent door knocking]
[door opens]
Mr. Shell, you have a call.
Is that my phone?
Your call, Mr. Shell.
-Hello?
-Hello, Nelson.
Oh, hi.
It's me.
It's Beth, your wife.
No, yeah, I know,
is everything okay?
I don't know, Nelson.
Is everything okay?
Yeah, of course. Why?
I just miss you is all.
What are you up to?
Uh... nothing.
That's good.
Nothing is good.
When you're doing nothing,
you can focus
on what you have to do.
After all, when you're
on a business trip,
you're always at work.
And your work is very important.
Me and your child,
your unborn child,
we're counting on you.
Yeah, no, that's...
Yeah, I know.
Are you in your room?
Uh, no, not yet,
but I'm actually
going there now.
And you'll be there,
in your room, for the night?
-All night?
-[Nelson] Yeah, of course.
That's good, Nelson.
Return to your room,
take a shower,
masturbate and go to bed.
Something tells me
tomorrow will be a big day.
Oh, yeah?
Something's telling you that?
Yes... yes, I can feel it.
Tomorrow will be big.
[music increases, then halts]
[bells chiming]
[approaching footsteps]
[sighs]
A young man stands atop a
tall hill overlooking the woods.
He's alone.
In his hands, he holds
a walking stick
that once belonged to--
Ah, fuck it.
-[rifle loading]
-No, no, no!
-[rifle fires]
-[gasp]
[panting]
-Memo from Mr. Hayden.
-[gasping]
Hey, that's-- you can't--
You can't keep just
coming in here, okay?
This is my private room.
It contains the
latest instructions
-for your assignment.
-Are you hearing me?
I don't care who you work for.
This is America,
and we have boundaries.
It contains the latest
instructions
for your assignment.
Yeah, okay, fine.
[door closes]
[sighs]
[paper rustling]
[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden,
transcribed live directly
from his esteemed place
upon his most elegant private
corporate toilet.
Shell, this morning will set you
upon the second stage
of your assignment
and the final stage
of preparation
before your ultimate task.
On your cellular phone,
we've taken the liberty
of installing a
preplanned route into your GPS.
[action music]
This route will take you
outside of the city.
It will take you away from
the eyes of others,
far from the things of man.
You will navigate these
long roads, and eventually
you will come to
a modest building.
This building houses neither
a residence nor a business.
It is simply a portal,
the protuberance into
the surface world
of a much greater structure.
You need not knock nor ring a
bell nor announce your presence.
You may simply enter
and proceed directly into
the bowels of this
subterranean hive.
And once you're deep
enough inside,
you will find...
...the Keeper.
He will be expecting you.
You only need
identify yourself to him.
Are you the, uh...
Am I the, uh?
Are you the Keeper?
To some... perhaps.
Okay.
I-- I don't know what
that means,
but I'm Nelson Shell.
I was told you'd be
expecting me.
Nelson Shell?
-Shell?
-Yeah.
Are you an egg?
I'm only yolking.
[sigh] You're no fun.
This way.
[Hayden] He will provide you
with an object.
[soft grunting]
And you will accept this object.
What is it?
It's a box.
[Nelson] Yeah, I know.
What's inside it?
What do you mean, inside?
What does it matter?
You just take it.
You take the box.
What, so the box itself is
the object I'm supposed to take?
[Keeper] Sure, why not?
Ain't that just like a box?
[Hayden] You will not open it.
You will not examine it.
You will not shake it or
tamper with it in any way.
You will merely transport it
back to your lodgings,
and there it will stay
in wait...
...until the time is right
for you to complete your
assignment.
[music fades]
[sharp tap]
[indistinct whispers]
[whispers increase, then halt]
[door knocking then opening]
Hi, can I come in?
Great, great, thanks.
All right.
Okay, so, listen.
You told me to let you know
if I had further instructions
-on my assignment, right?
-Yeah.
Well, I got further
instructions.
I had to drive out
to this place,
like, really, really
far out of town.
It was like this old,
dilapidated,
dead, abandoned kinda--
I'm sorry, I'm making
this all about me.
How are you? You good?
How was your day?
-Oh, I'm fine, I guess.
-Yeah.
Did you get any more painting?
Okay, so you didn't get any more
painting done,
but it looks good.
No, well, it was
kind of a busy day.
-I was about to start, though.
-What, busy doing what?
My assignment.
I get fitted for the suit,
-took forever.
-Right, yeah.
Looks good, expensive.
So they had you drive someplace?
Yeah, I had to
drive out of town,
pick something up, and
bring it back.
-[woman] What?
-It's a box.
Tha-- that's it? Just a box?
Is there anything in it?
Yeah, there's something in it.
-What?
-I don't know.
They told me not to open it.
Yet.
-[huff] Oh, that's messed up.
-[Nelson] Yeah.
There could be
anything in there.
-I know.
-Drugs.
-Money. A--
-A bomb.
-A couple of fish tacos.
-A couple of--
Why would they put-- why would
they put fish tacos in there?
No, I'm just saying there could
be anything in the box, right?
Like a huge diamond,
or a severed human jaw,
or a couple of sweaty
ballet shoes, anything.
[sighs]
Wow, your brain really is
a Google search gone wrong,
isn't it?
And I can't really explain this,
but there's something
about it that's very...
unsettling.
Like it's got this energy,
you know?
This bad energy.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
I know, I've been
feeling that too all day,
like something's off.
-[Nelson] Yeah?
-Yeah.
So what do we do?
[sighs] I don't know.
I mean, until one of us
gets another memo,
I mean, there's nothing to do.
[single door knock]
[paper rustling]
[eerie music]
They have a car for me,
and I'm supposed to
drive someplace.
Far from the things of man?
-[paper rustles]
-I got-- I gotta go, I guess.
Catch you later?
[music increases, then halts]
[soft thud]
[click]
[suspenseful music]
[faint buzzing]
[buzzing intensifies]
[buzzing continues intensifying]
-[buzzing stops]
-[gasps]
-[laptop closes]
-[eerie music]
-What'd you think of my album?
-[gasps]
[gulp] What?
What... did you think...
of my album?
Oh, your CD.
Uh, it was, uh, blank.
You can be honest.
What'd you think of it?
I really appreciate feedback.
No, the CD was--
the CD was-- itself was blank.
-There was nothing on it.
-So you liked it?
Or no?
I-- I don't know, I--
The CD was-- was blank.
Am I not saying that right?
I never got a chance to
hear your music.
I have no idea what
your music even sounds like.
Right.
Exactly.
[liquid pouring]
You're not gonna hit me again,
are you?
Ah, keep them coming,
my good man.
[soft chuckle]
Mm-hmm.
Mmm!
-Yeah!
-[glass slams]
[exhales]
You're Mears, right?
Right? That's your name?
Mickey Mears?
[Mears] Mick.
It's Mick now.
Mick... sorry.
They told me about you.
[Mick] Oh, they. [chuckles]
Yeah, the people I work with.
Miss Falstead, your old boss,
and others.
And what did they tell you?
Well, they just
told me that you--
-Did they tell you I was dead?
-No, no, th--
they just said
you'd gone up to corporate.
[dry laugh]
That is the same thing.
-[soft thud]
-But in a way,
aren't we all dead?
Hm? Isn't that why they refer
to us as working stiffs?
Huh?
Wow, it's-- it's gotten all
kinds of metaphysical.
-So!
-[soft thud]
Shell.
What are you doing here?
I told you to go home.
What, are you immune to
wisdom or something?
What? No.
No, I got something to do here,
all right?
And I-- I don't know you.
I don't-- I don't work for you.
Or... do I?
Wow.
That is so fucking sad.
I mean, you're in corporate,
so I guess technica--
Guy is a goddamn marionette,
and he has no idea
how many hands are
pulling his strings!
Yeah, well, I know
you're pulling on
something of mine,
and I'd like you to stop.
-You'd like me to?
-Yeah!
Or I'm--
I'm asking, maybe.
You know, I'm here for work
with orders from on high,
all right? Much higher than you.
So you have no authority
over me being here.
And why'd you have to
hit me anyway?
I mean, Jesus,
what was that about?
I was trying to
get your attention.
Well, you could have
just said hello.
I needed you to hear me.
To really hear me.
To hear you, like your CD?
Like your completely blank CD?
-Ooh, did you like it?
-[stutters]
It just said,
"Leave", on the note,
okay? "Leave!"
I had no idea what
you were talking about.
And I had no reason to heed
your-- your cryptic suggestion.
[sighs]
Well, that doesn't mean
you shouldn't do
what I'm telling you
to do, because,
-you should.
-Why?
[sighs]
Because Hayden gave
you an assignment.
Okay, but I have no idea
what the assignment is yet.
It doesn't matter what it is.
-You don't do it.
-[Nelson] Why?
Is it--
Is it illegal?
[stuttering] Is it dangerous?
It doesn't matter.
If he tells you to do it,
you do not do it.
Okay, but isn't Hayden
like the big boss,
like the ultimate big, big boss?
Yes, he is, he...
most certainly is that.
Okay, well, then I should do
what he's asking, shouldn't I?
-You shouldn't.
-[Nelson] Why?
[soft thud]
Because of what
it will cost you.
-[liquid pouring]
-[soft sigh]
But won't it cost me if
I don't do what he's asking?
[dry laugh] Welcome to life.
You're gonna get fucked
whatever you do, so...
pick a position.
-Mmm.
-[scoff]
Whatever.
I'm out of here tomorrow.
[Mick]
You won't make it to tomorrow.
[ominous music]
The box.
What's inside of it?
Finally.
That is the right question.
[music intensifies]
[sighs]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[phone ringing]
[phone continues ringing]
[insistent door knocking]
[ringing and knocking continue]
[music, knocking and ringing
intensifying]
[latch clicks]
[ringing and knocking stop]
[music fades]
[box rattling softly]
[gasps]
[ominous music]
[pant]
[pant]
[thud]
[eerie sting]
Meg!
Meg, open up, it's Shell.
I know what's in the box.
I'm not sure what they
want me to do with it yet,
but I can't imagine a world in
which it's something good.
Meg!
Oh shit.
[sighs]
[music continues]
[panting]
[phone tapping]
[calling tone]
Hello?
[lighter sparks]
[foreboding music]
Nelson?
Nelson, are you there?
Nelson? Darling,
is everything all right?
[flames crackling]
[ominous sting]
It's all gonna be okay.
All of it, Nelson.
[flames crackling]
[music continues]
[action music]
[thud]
-What are you doing?
-[gasps]
What the fuck?
-What the actual fuck?
-What are you doing?
Get the fuck out of my room,
you creepy piece of shit!
You cannot leave until you've
completed your assignment.
-[thud]
-[grunts]
You cannot leave until you have
completed your assignment.
[gasping]
What do you want me to do, huh?
Shoot somebody?
Shoot myself?
I'm not doing anything
with that gun.
-[tightening]
-[moaning]
You will do as you are told.
[thud]
Do it?
Just do it,
like it's my destiny?
It is your destiny,
you have no choice.
Oh, I have a choice,
I have a choice
or you wouldn't be tossing me
around like this.
You have no choice because
the repercussions for failure
are unfathomable.
-You have a wife.
-[kick]
-You have a child on the way.
-[kick]
A mortgage, responsibilities.
You have dependents
who rely on you.
Dependents you owe your life to.
And if you fail to act,
if you waiver from your
duties to your employer,
if your behavior warrants
sharp termination
from said employment, your world
will come crashing down on you.
-[coughs]
-You will all be penniless.
You will all be in the streets.
-You will all starve.
-[coughs]
Mr. Hayden controls everything.
And everything is precisely what
he will turn against you.
Do not concern yourself with
laws, with rules, with morality.
Morality is a luxury
the working man cannot afford.
And the only rule he must
obey is that he is driven,
at all costs, to survive.
So I ask you, Mr. Shell,
do you wish to survive
or do you wish to
continue down this road
of beggars and fools
that will lead to a
final uncertain
oblivion for yourself
and everything
that you hold dear?
[gasping]
[heavy breathing]
[heavy breathing]
[paper rustling]
Mr. Hayden's final memo.
[ominous music]
[Mr. Smearle] Official
memorandum from Mr. Hayden.
Transcribed live directly
from atop the curvaceous ass
of his most beautiful
private concubine.
Shell? We've moved to
the final stage of
your assignment.
As I believe you've
already surmised,
let me confirm with
great intent and authority
that, yes, you will be using the
gun you found within the box
and with it take a human life.
This may seem cruel,
it may seem unjust,
but I assure you it is not.
You may feel you're not
up to the task,
that murder is outside the very
boundaries of your nature,
but I must confirm
with great confidence
that you were born,
absolutely born,
raised and trained
your whole life
for this very thing.
And the man whose life
you must extinguish,
do not despair his passing,
do not mourn him.
He is most assuredly undeserving
of a continued existence,
a foolish man, a useless man,
a man who contributes
neither goods
nor services to the
fellows of his species,
but is in fact a great
burden upon them
and indeed an even greater
burden on himself.
Regardless, I recognize
that revoking his life
will be difficult for you.
It will require more courage,
resolve and that elusive
quality of moxie than
you previously believed you had.
But you can do this, Shell.
You will, and you must.
Now.
Tonight.
Hey, Shelley.
[Hayden] The procedure
you will undertake
to complete this assignment
is as follows.
First, you will
thoroughly bathe,
dry and dress yourself in
the tailor-made suit
which we've provided for you.
After all,
our clothes define us.
We become who we dress
ourselves to be.
Inside the suit,
you will find a pocket
made to fit the appropriate
dimensions of the firearm.
You may choose to
disengage the safety now.
Rest assured, the weapon
will not accidentally discharge
and you will want it
at the ready.
We've taken the liberty of
loading it for you in advance.
To further steel yourself
for the task at hand,
Mr. Smearle will chauffeur you
to your destination.
[engine rumbling]
You'll use this time
for a quiet reflection
to focus your energies.
After this,
your life will reflect
the perfection of a
purpose realized.
Soon you will find yourself
in front of a great house.
[ominous music]
This is where
your target dwells.
Do not be intimidated by
its apparent opulence.
It is an illusion, a fantasy.
You will not find your target
inside the home, but rather
behind it.
Take the pathway alongside
the house to the right.
Do not be concerned
about any interference.
You are alone with your target
and no one will stop you.
Take your weapon in your hand...
...and proceed to your destiny.
Godspeed, Shell,
and good luck.
[music stops]
Message ends.
[footsteps]
[crickets chirping]
[bells chiming]
[chiming continues]
[keyboard typing]
A man is tilling his field when
an angel appears before him.
She hands him
a glass of water and
asks him to hold it aloft,
which he does.
She asks him if doing so is
difficult, to which he replies,
"No."
After all, it is just
a glass of water.
"Good,"
the angel says, "because
if you can hold
this glass up just
like you are now,
don't put it down,
don't spill it out,
don't drink it, just...
hold it,
like you are now...
...then all your dreams
will come true."
The angel promises to
return soon
and then disappears.
So the man holds
the glass aloft.
[dramatic music]
A few minutes roll by,
an hour,
and the task is easy because...
...after all...
...it is just a glass of water.
Don't do this.
But then that one hour
becomes two...
...then three.
His muscles begin to ache,
and the sun bakes down on him
-and the wind shakes him.
-Please don't.
[Nelson] Five hours now, six,
and the glass feels
heavier and heavier.
He wants to pour some of it out
to lessen the burden,
but he can't.
He wants to drink
some of the water
because he's so parched
from the heat and the strain,
-but he can't.
-Stop!
[Nelson] Hours turn into days,
and the man's outstretched arm
feels like it's on fire.
-He's dizzy with fever.
-Just stop!
Faint from exhaustion, the man
kneels to the ground,
trembling, until finally,
he can no longer hold the glass.
Stop, goddammit!
The muscles in his fingers
finally give way,
and the glass tumbles
to the earth, shattering.
-Fucking stop! [sobs]
-[music fades lightly]
Stop.
[heavy breathing]
Listen to me.
You don't have to do this.
Please.
The man collapses.
And he looks up to see
the angel as she returns.
She looks at the broken glass
and frowns and says,
"I thought you said
this would be easy."
"It would have been,"
the man replies.
"But the world made it
just too hard.
I can no longer hold the glass."
[scoff]
-No.
-I'm sorry.
No, no, no, no!
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[multiple gunshots]
[fluorescent light buzzing]
[pant]
[pant]
[buzzing continues]
[soft rock music]
[keyboard typing]
[keyboard typing]
[music fades]