Grace by Night (2024) Movie Script

1
(no audio)
(projector hums and whirs)
(ethereal music)
(ethereal music continues)
(brooding piano music)
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
- [Jon] Crisis.
- [Caller] Okay.
Tonight's the night.
I'm gonna pull the trigger.
- You wanna talk?
- [Caller] No, I don't.
(caller sighs)
Okay.
Let's talk.
- [Jon] All right.
I'll need an address.
(caller sighs)
(caller breathes heavily)
You stay where you
are. I'm on my way.
(dark orchestral music)
I work Crisis, 24/7.
A dead-end job with a low pay
and no chance of advancement.
That said, the job's
not without its perks.
I have divine
assistance. So I'm told.
Without sleep in 36 hours,
believing in hope
seems a fantasy.
A dream induced by insomnia.
But I don't have the grace
to live this life alone.
And lately, I find myself
reaching for something.
Anything.
(engine hums)
(car door opens)
(car door slams)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(floorboards creak)
(ominous music)
- Stop right there.
Stop right there.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey,
hey. Take it easy.
Take it easy, take it
easy. You just called me.
You just called me.
You just called me.
We talked on the
phone. Remember?
(baby cries)
What about you little girl?
Please, don't pull that trigger.
Do not pull that trigger. Your
little girl is right here.
Please. Please, do
not pull the trigger.
Listen, you pull that
trigger, your life is not
the only life that's
about to change forever.
Look, look, look at...
Look. Just, please.
We can talk. Look, I'm
gonna sit down with you.
We can talk. All right?
I'm here.
- There's nothing to talk about.
I don't wanna feel
the pain no more.
I'm checking out.
- Maybe the pain is temporary.
- What do you know about pain?
- As far as I know,
everyone is hurting.
(caller sighs)
(gun clacks)
- You think so?
- In one way or another, I do.
- I don't know what
you believe, but,
I like to think there's
someone watching out for us.
I just can't seem
to find him lately.
And don't think
I haven't looked.
- Maybe in our struggles, God
is closer to us than we think.
- He is so close.
He's so close.
It should have been me he took.
Not my six-year-old to cancer.
(somber music)
It should've been me he took.
- Yeah, but you're still here.
So, God is not
through with you yet.
You gotta stick with him.
- What are you? Some
sort of preacher?
- (scoffs) Nah, I'm very far
from it. I'm just a messenger.
- Oh, yeah? What's the message?
- The message is that you
have another little girl
right here who loves you,
who's counting on you to
make the right choice.
Look at her.
(baby cries)
- You lost someone, too.
It's in your eyes.
You blame yourself.
(somber music continues)
You're gonna be okay.
We're gonna be all
right, aren't we?
(muffled siren wails)
If they find that,
they'll take my kids.
(heavy knocks on door)
(suspenseful music)
- Hands in the air, now!
- Hey guys. You're
right on time.
- Is that right?
- I'm ready to go.
You can arrest me
now, if you want.
- All units standby.
- Cuff 'em.
(handcuffs click)
Neighbors heard her
screaming down the hallway.
Death threats.
What's with you, Aames?
- What's that?
- You get 'em to submit
without even a scratch.
What you got that we don't?
- Punctuality?
- No. There's definitely
something else.
Hey!
- I ain't much for miracles,
but you worked one here.
That's for certain.
You saved my life.
Thank you.
- Worked a miracle, huh?
- [Jon] Not me.
(brooding music)
(car door slams)
- [Claire] I got your message.
(somber music)
- Look, I am, uh...
I'm sorry I didn't call.
It's just that I...
It's been a tough day, you know?
- [Claire] He would've
been 18 tomorrow.
Jon?
Jon?
- Yeah. Yeah, I'm, I'm here.
- [Claire] Are are you okay?
- I'm sorry I bothered you.
- [Claire] Are you
sure you're okay?
- Goodnight.
(alcohol swashes)
(somber music continues)
(water splashes)
(water splashes)
- [Caller] So, I told him, "If
you wanna be with Cleo, good!
Great! Go be with her.
But if you do, don't be
asking to come back to me.
Never. Never, ever.
I mean, what do you think?
Was I too hard on
him? What should I do?
- Ma'am, this is
Crisis Intervention.
- [Caller] And what does
this sound like to you?
Some picnic?
No! It's a crisis.
- I can't help you with
your boyfriend. Sorry.
- [Caller] Don't you hang
up on me. Don't you dare!
(phone vibrates)
- Crisis.
- [Caller 2] I need some
help. It's, it's my dad.
- What's wrong? Is he all right?
- [Caller 2] No. He's
just real drunk again.
- Hey, don't judge me!
(glass shatters)
- Well, if you're in danger,
I can call the police.
- [Caller 2] No cops. No cops.
He's been in jail a dozen times,
so it doesn't do any good.
- Boy!
(glass shatters)
- [Caller 2] So, are
you gonna help or not?
- All right. Where you at?
(car starts)
(distant train horn blares)
(engine idles)
(dog barks)
(car door opens)
(dog barks)
(car door slams)
(distant train horn blares)
- [Ray] Why can't you...
Your next Injury, boy.
(knocks on door)
- Wait, I'm sorry!
(glass shatters)
- You gonna judge me, after
everything I've done for you?
- Wait, I'm sorry! Wait, wait!
(glass shatters)
No, wait, wait, wait!
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
- Whoa, whoa, whoa! No, no,
no, no! Stop, stop, stop!
Just stop!
- Who you at and what
you doing in my house?
- Name is Jon Aames.
I work Crisis.
- You call him?
- [Jon] Listen. Why
don't you go outside?
I need a minute with
your dad. Come on.
- Well, you heard
him. Get goin'.
- I hate you.
- [Jon] Come on, just go
outside. Just go outside!
- I'm so hurt by that, man!
(Ray laughs)
- [Jon] Just put the iron down.
Let me know what's
going on, okay?
(iron thumps)
(Jon pants)
(patrons chatter)
- Mm.
How much they pay you for this?
- For what?
- Crisis calls. How much?
- Nothing, actually.
It's voluntary.
- So, you're not getting paid?
- Nope. (chuckles)
- You've got some
strange extracurricular
activities, my friend.
- (chuckles) You know what?
I had a psyche degree years ago
and I'm putting it into use.
- Hm.
We'll see.
- [Jon] We'll see what?
- Where I come from?
No such thing as free lunch.
What do you do for money?
- Well, I had a business
and I was able to save.
I'm all right.
- Must be nice.
- Um...
Hey, listen. Um...
Does your dad know how you feel?
- [Calvin] About what?
- About you being worried
that you're gonna end
up in foster care.
- My dad wouldn't know the
first thing about how I feel.
Plus, he's always gone. So...
- [Jon] For work?
- Hardly.
Unless drinking's a job.
Then he'd be promoted by now.
(rucksack rustles)
- I tell you what.
Why don't we meet here, next
Friday, same time, same place,
and I'll buy you another
pizza, what do you say?
- What I gotta do for it?
- You gotta do nothing,
except stay outta trouble.
What do you say?
- That's it?
- That's it, so?
- I'm not crazy enough to
turn down free food, mister.
- Okay, so you're gonna
be here next Friday?
- See you next week.
Thanks for the food.
- You got it.
Hey, uh, I never got your name.
- Calvin.
- I'm Jon.
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(Jon sighs)
(caller screams)
Just calm down! Breathe!
Help is coming, okay?
It's gonna be okay.
Can you be calm?
- I'm calm.
I'm calm. I'm okay.
(caller pants)
(caller pants)
(crickets chirp)
(brooding orchestral music)
- [Jon] You're a brave little
girl. You know that, right?
Very brave.
You're gonna be
taking your daddy
to get the right
help he needs, okay?
He knows he needs to
be better for you.
- It's not his fault, you know.
Since I got sick, he's
had a lot more problems.
- He's doing this 'cause he
loves you. You know that, right?
- Yeah. I know it.
Doctor called today.
Must be bad news.
He's always like
this with bad news.
Does their light burn out,
or do you think it
just keeps shining?
- I think it keeps shining.
(siren wails)
- Daddy says we have guardian
angels looking out for us,
when things get bad.
Are you an angel?
- Nah.
I'm just a guy with problems.
Just like your daddy.
- I hope in heaven we don't
have problems anymore.
That all the pain is gone.
- Me too.
- And we'll hear
all the angels sing.
- You like to sing?
- Not professionally.
Just for fun.
Would you like to
hear a song I know?
- I would love to.
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it
shine, let it shine
(somber orchestral music)
(somber orchestral
music continues)
(somber orchestral
music continues)
(somber orchestral
music continues)
(somber orchestral
music continues)
(somber orchestral
music continues)
(car door slams)
(thunder claps)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(thunder claps)
(birds chirp)
(distant train horn blares)
(distant siren wails)
(knocks on window)
- [Calvin] Ray!
(distant train horn blares)
(dark music)
(distant train horn blares)
(car starts)
(engine revs)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(car approaches)
- Come on, get in the car.
(car whooshes)
(car door slams)
(engine revs)
Why weren't you in school today?
- Can't concentrate
without food.
- You got no food at your place?
- Ray didn't come home.
So, I was locked out.
- So, where'd you sleep?
- Under the bridge.
- Does that happen a lot?
- No.
Just twice a week.
(pen clicks)
- That's my address.
It happens again, you
come and stay at my place.
You understand?
Look at me.
You understand me?
(school bell rings)
(spectators cheer)
(whistle blows)
(body slams)
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(spectators cheer)
- [Wrestler] Outta
the way, loser.
(spectators cheer)
(thunder claps)
(rain splashes)
(knocks on door)
- Ray!
(distant train horn blares)
(thunder claps)
Ray!
(knocks on window)
Ray!
Ray! Ray, open up!
(thunder claps)
(thunder claps)
(knocks on door)
(door creaks)
(rain splashes)
- [Jon] Get in here.
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(switch clicks)
(muffled thunder claps)
- You live here?
It's not what I was expecting.
- Me neither. It's
not exactly home.
(muffled thunder claps)
- Looks like home to me.
(Jon chuckles)
- Come on. Let me
show you your room.
I left you some dry
clothes on the bed.
You hungry?
- Yeah. I could eat.
What's on the menu?
- Well, I got Hot Pockets and
a macaroni and cheese special.
And I make them
equally very well.
- All right. I like Hot Pockets.
- We eat in five, okay?
- Yeah.
(somber music)
(thunder rumbles)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(footsteps approach)
- You ready?
- Yeah.
- Let's eat.
- I saw the wrestling
trophies in your room.
You used to wrestle?
- Once upon a time.
You wrestle at West Hills?
- Nah.
I like to, but can't afford it.
Shoes too expensive.
- Your dad cannot help
you out with that?
- Welfare goes
straight to booze,
or anything else
he deems essential.
- What about your mom?
- Last I heard?
She's in rehab outta the state.
- Mm.
There's no grant
program in your school?
- Nah.
Plus, they know I won't
be there too long.
- What do you mean by that?
- I'm realistic about my place.
No offense, but I wouldn't
expect you to understand.
(brooding music)
(brooding music continues)
- [Son] I love you, Daddy.
(son giggles)
(Jon grunts)
(brooding music continues)
(Calvin grunts)
(brooding music continues)
(floorboards creak)
- Hey, man!
Don't you knock?
- My bad.
I'll see you in the car.
(Calvin sighs)
You know, I saw all
these scars on him?
They were everywhere.
- [Paul] Street fights?
- I don't know. It could be his
dad and he wouldn't tell me.
- [Paul] So, why don't
you go to the police?
- I can't. I earned his trust.
I'm not gonna betray him.
Plus, if I did
that, he would run,
and he would keep on running.
- Well, a kid from the
streets could benefit
from someone who can help
him harness his aggression.
Learn to defend himself
at the very least.
Look, I'm just saying it
might keep him in school.
Give him a sense of worth.
It could be an opportunity
for you both, my friend.
- (scoffs) I've been outta
the game of wrestling.
I can't teach him that.
- This kid is
invisible to everybody.
He's on the fast track
to becoming a criminal,
just like his father.
You'll make the right
decision. I have faith in you.
(whistle blows)
(coach yells)
- [Coach] Grip his
head, right now!
Go after him! Go push him!
(coach yells)
(whistle blows)
- I talked to the
wrestling coach.
There's a tournament coming up.
We have three weeks
to get you in shape.
See if you can make the team.
- Thanks.
But I already told
you, I can't afford it.
So, you know, it's no big deal.
- Hm.
Consider it an
interest-free loan.
You could pay me back
when you're able.
Check it out.
- These hyper sweeps?
- The one and only.
Now that you're out of excuses,
meet me in my house,
tomorrow morning, 5 AM,
and don't be late, okay?
(no audio)
(water splashes)
(suspenseful music)
From here on out, you do
everything I say, when I say it.
- What's all this gotta
do with wrestling?
- [Jon] You trust me?
- (chuckles) I guess so.
- Good.
(Calvin grunts)
(water splashes)
(muffled yelling)
(water splashes)
(muffled yelling)
(water splashes)
(water splashes)
(Calvin pants)
- What're you doing?
- What was the one thing
you were fighting for?
The one thing you were
holding onto, huh?
- Uh, getting air.
- That's right. Breathing.
You were trying
to survive, right?
You wanna know how
to be a champion?
By winning every single
fight, every single match,
like you are trying to breathe.
That's how you be a champion.
(water splashes)
Focus.
Switch!
Hold on.
Speed, strength, technique.
You're gonna need
all three to compete.
You have the strength,
you have the speed,
but you're lacking
with technique.
You're sloppy. Undisciplined.
We're about to change
all that. Come on!
(dramatic music)
One more.
Come on.
First, first.
- Stop, stop, stop.
What are you doing?
- Distract your opponent
like that and then...
You take him down, Using
your speed. Come on.
Wrestling's about
finding your limits.
You find that pain
and you push past it.
The fight is in your
mind. Push past it.
Breathe. Come on, stay with me.
Breathe and look
at me. Calm down.
You push past it!
Let's go!
Come on, buddy. You can do it.
Let's go. Again.
(dramatic music continues)
Again.
Let's go! Shoot!
(Calvin grunts)
Push past it!
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
Push past it!
(Calvin grunts)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
(car doors slam)
(brooding music)
(brooding music continues)
(brooding music continues)
(brooding music continues)
(whistle blows)
(coach yells)
- [Coach] Break!
Yeah!
- I know where he comes from.
You honestly think he's
gonna make the cut?
- I don't know.
- Is he fast, at least?
- We're about to find out.
(whistle blows)
(spectators yell)
(hand slaps)
- I knew this was
a waste of time.
(coach yells)
(whistle blows)
(Calvin grunts)
(hand slaps)
(whistle blows)
(body thumps)
(wrestler groans)
(hand slams)
- Nine seconds.
- Is that fast? It
felt pretty fast to me.
(Jon chuckles)
(coach yells)
(wrestler groans)
(hand slams)
(Calvin grunts)
(hand slams)
(hand slams)
- How many was that?
- Six.
(hand slams)
Seven.
(hand slams)
(spectators applaud)
(brooding music continues)
(hand slams rapidly)
- He's got stamina.
- He's a man child.
Where's he from?
- Do a home run.
- So, did he make the cut?
(brooding music continues)
- [Calvin] What's this?
- Congratulations.
You made the team.
(Jon chuckles)
- But what about the fees?
- I took care of it.
Just have your dad
sign this off, okay?
Hey.
You did real good out
there. I'm proud of you.
(hand slaps)
New champ!
(crickets chirp)
- [Sports Announcer] Oh, it's
a long flag off center field!
Oh, that's a long one!
Looks like he's coming
around to first base.
Oh, he's safe at second
base! What a play!
What a play and what
a run, huh? Hustlin'.
Vince Stanley. How many?
22nd doubles this year.
That's unbelievable.
(ominous music)
(students laugh)
(ominous music continues)
(ominous music continues)
(engine revs)
(phone rings)
- Hello?
- I won't tolerate it anymore.
They need to pay
for what they did.
- Who needs to pay?
What happened? Where are you?
- Sitting in my car.
Deciding who should be first.
(engine roars)
(dramatic music)
They should all suffer.
Like I've had to suffer.
- Whatever you thinking of
doing, you don't wanna do.
Otherwise, you wouldn't
have called me.
(dramatic music continues)
- [Caller] I called, 'cause
this will be all over the news,
by the end of the day.
And they'll be searching for
answers as to why it happened.
And when they do, I
want you to tell them
that this could have
all been prevented.
If one person
had cared.
If one person
hadn't ignored the problem.
(engine roars)
(dramatic music continues)
(students chant "Cougars!")
- Cougars rule! You hear me?
All the way!
(engine roars)
- [Jon] What are you
planning on doing?
- [Caller] You'll
know soon enough.
(tires screech)
(dramatic music continues)
(engine revs)
(bullets clack)
(engine roars)
(tires screech)
(engine revs)
(truck horn blares)
(engine roars)
(dramatic music continues)
(engine revs)
(tires screech)
(engine revs)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
(knocks on window)
- Hey, you wanna talk?
(Jon pants)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
There you go.
Gimme your plate.
- No Hot Pockets?
- Not anymore.
You need to make weight,
and no more pizza, either.
Hey, gimme your
plate. There you go.
- Who's the pretty lady?
- What?
- In the picture.
Who's the pretty lady?
- That's my wife.
Or ex-wife. It's kinda
pending right now.
- Hm.
What'd you do?
- It's more like
what I didn't do.
- So, what didn't you do?
- Kind of blew it, all right.
That's all you need to know.
- Well, she's still
on your wall, so,
she must seem pretty
important to you.
Should get her back.
(Jon sighs)
- It's too late for that, bro.
- What?
- Mm-hm.
- You quittin'?
Come on. That don't
sound like you.
Give her a call.
- Eat your food, man.
(Calvin chuckles)
(crickets chirp)
(patrons chatter)
You look good.
- Thanks.
You too.
- You can never lie to me.
(Claire chuckles)
- Hey, I...
I want you to know
that I never blamed you
for what happened.
- Thank you.
Why are you here?
- Because you asked me to be.
- Why did you agree to
come here? I failed you.
I don't have the same money
I used to make. We know that.
- Hey. No, no, no.
I made a promise to
stay married to you,
for better or worse.
- You know, I thought
things would be different.
I thought I'd be some sort
of John Wayne type of guy.
You know?
(Claire chuckles)
- Yeah. Well, I always
thought you were.
Yeah, I heard rumors about
what you're doing for that kid,
and I think it's really great.
Yeah. For both of you.
(gentle music)
- How are you?
How are you doing?
Huh?
- I'm in counseling.
You know, we're not
the only ones, Jon.
There are others.
So, I don't care how
much money you make.
We can't take it with us.
(cicadas chirp)
(distant chatter)
(head thuds)
(head thuds)
(school bell rings)
- Better at wrestling
than math, huh?
I saw you got trials,
the other day.
I can tutor you, if you want.
- Uh, thanks, but um...
I don't really have
any money, so it's not-
- I'm not after your money.
- So, what do you want?
- Take me out, sometime.
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
- Hello.
Yeah. I'm up.
I'm on my way.
(engine revs)
(distant dog barks)
(suspenseful music)
(knocks on door)
(distant dog barks)
(water splashes)
(suspenseful music continues)
(suspenseful music continues)
Come on, don't do
this. Stay with me.
Stay with me. Come
on, don't die on me.
Come on. Wake up.
Wake up!
Come on. Wake up.
Wake up. Come on.
Come on. Oh, my
God, don't do this.
Come on, don't do
this. Stay with me.
Come on, now! Don't die on me!
Stay with me! Come on, come on!
Come on, honey. All
right, let's go.
Come on, let's go! Let's go.
(tense music)
(engine roars)
Come on. Stay with me.
(engine roars)
(phone vibrates)
- [Hospital Announcer] Dr.
Simmons, emergency call.
Third floor.
(phone vibrates)
Dr. Simmons.
(phone vibrates)
(distant chatter)
- [Anthony] Jon Aames?
- [Jon] Hi. That's me.
How's she doing?
- She's stable.
- Thank God.
- She's going to be all right.
Thanks to you.
She's lucky you got
there, when you did.
She'd like to talk to you.
(somber music)
- Hi.
(somber music continues)
- They say you're the
man who saved my life.
- Yeah, I brought
you to the hospital,
but anybody would've done that.
- They say I flatlined.
10 minutes.
Clinically, I shouldn't
even be here, but here I am.
You believe in
miracles, Mr. Aames?
- (sighs) More of a skeptic.
- Before I blacked out, I
was praying for a miracle.
Asking for a sign.
Then you showed up.
- I showed up because
you called me.
- I didn't call you.
- You certainly did.
You just don't remember.
(Jackie chuckles)
- This gonna sound crazy.
- Nothing I haven't heard.
- I had this, uh...
This out-of-body experience.
I saw you, slapping my face,
trying to wake me up, then...
And something else.
This bright light.
Then I knew.
I knew there was something
else. I could feel it.
But then I knew I
had to come back.
Saw the doctors
working on me and...
I don't know. The
rest is a blur.
I don't even know why
I'm telling you all this.
Just felt like I'm supposed to.
Maybe sometimes we hurt
enough to be honest.
Jon.
The experience I had
was real.
- Yeah, well, maybe it was the
massive amount of Trazodone
you took that played a big part.
Look, I'm not the guy
to help you with this,
but I'm glad you're okay.
Okay.
- Jon, when your wife
calls, you should answer.
She called when you
were in the lobby.
And your wallet's downstairs
at the front desk.
You were looking for it.
(Jon sighs)
- You take care, okay?
(somber music continues)
Excuse me, ma'am. Did you
happen to find a wallet?
- What was the name?
- Jon Aames.
- [Receptionist] We did! We
found it in the parking lot.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
(somber music continues)
(Jon snores)
(Claire sighs)
(knocks on window)
(Jon groans)
(car door opens)
(Jon sighs)
(cans clink)
- Hi, Claire.
(car door slams)
(Claire sighs)
- I've seen your car
out here, every day.
- Sorry about that. (sighs)
- When are you gonna
stop killing yourself,
huh? Haven't we-
- Haven't we what?
(Claire sighs)
(Claire chuckles)
- Do you remember when
we bought this place?
- Yeah. It emptied my
bank account. (chuckles)
I remember.
- I have better memories.
You and Jesse, you
built that tree house.
All of us camping
in the backyard.
- Please, Claire. Don't.
(Claire sighs)
- I just want you
to be happy again.
(Jon sighs)
- I should go.
- This is still your home.
And it'll be here,
whenever you're ready.
(car door opens)
(car door slams)
- What's it like?
- What?
- Going to state, and
winning all these trophies.
- Trophies collect dust, but
in the end, there's a process
of getting there that
stays with you, you know?
- I thought you said you
didn't have any kids.
- [Jon] Oh, that's
my nephew. Why?
- No reason.
(spectators cheer)
(suspenseful music)
- You don't hold
anything back, you hear?
There's fight inside you. Now,
let it out on the mat, okay?
- I should've tried
out for football.
- Now, listen. sports are great.
They're important,
but this is not it.
You're against another man.
If you lose, you've got no one
else to blame but yourself,
but if you win, the
victory's all yours.
Now, breathe in your
nose, out your mouth.
Look at me.
Relax.
Go on the mat and do
what you gotta do, okay?
Whatever it takes. Come on.
(spectators cheer)
(suspenseful music continues)
(whistle blows)
(wrestlers grunt)
(spectators cheer)
(whistle blows)
- Shift it back to center.
- Come on!
(whistle blows)
(whistle blows)
(wrestlers grunt)
(bodies slam)
(wrestlers grunt)
- Get the arm! Get the arm!
(whistle blows)
Yeah!
Yeah! Come on!
(spectators cheer)
(gentle piano music)
(camera flashes thump)
(spectators cheer)
(camera flashes thump)
(camera flashes thump)
- So, do you
remember a time that
your parents were
happy together?
Hey, I'm sorry. It's
none of my business.
- I tried so hard to
keep 'em together.
I remember one night, not
too long before Mom went.
(glass shatters)
(Ray yells)
- [Ray] Get outta my house.
- [Calvin] Like, if I
wanted it bad enough,
it would happen, you know?
But it didn't.
Just made him more mad.
All I really wanted was
for them to be together.
Like...
Like a normal family.
- What do you want now?
- Better life. (chuckles)
Make my old man
proud, but you know
that day's never gonna come.
(birds chirp)
(Amanda chuckles)
Oh. (chuckles)
(Amanda chuckles)
What's that...
What's that for?
(Amanda chuckles)
- Does there have to
be a reason? (chuckles)
Not everything comes
with attachments.
- [Jackie] Been, uh, reading
this Bible you left me.
(Jackie chuckles)
- I'm glad someone
is putting it to use.
- "And we know that all
things work together for good
to them that love God,
to those that are called
according to his purpose."
You know, everyone
I cared about left,
when they found out
about my habits.
But I see now.
All for my good.
Even the would-be tragedies.
Yeah.
When you find hope
in this darker place,
you know it's coming from a
source greater than yourself.
- You actually think
this is part of his plan?
You ending up here, huh?
- I don't know.
Maybe.
He works in mysterious
ways. (chuckles)
Jon, I...
I gotta believe something good
could come from all the bad.
Otherwise, what's
the point of it all?
- How do you do it?
- Do what?
- Find the good.
- Ah. It ain't that hard.
You know, you just gotta
open your eyes to it.
(Jackie chuckles)
I guess that's where
faith comes in, you know?
Trusting in a plan
greater than your own.
Ever since I got
out that hospital,
it ain't my death
I'm worried about.
It's my life.
I want to live,
before I die.
(birds chirp)
(Jackie breathes deeply)
(spectators cheer)
(suspenseful music)
Remember, the four top
wrestlers in each weight class
qualify for sectionals, okay?
- So, no pressure, right?
- Look, he's got talent.
But drive beats
talent all the time.
You take the fight to
him, okay? Come on.
(spectators cheer)
(suspenseful music continues)
(whistle blows)
Shoot! Shoot!
There you go.
Drive!
Drive him!
Yeah, yeah! Lift this head!
There you go, keep
driving! Drive, drive him!
Keep driving! There you go!
Yeah, lift this
head! Lift this head!
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
I'm so proud of you. Good job.
All right there, Casanova.
You wanna celebrate?
You wanna ask your
friend to come with us?
- Uh...
Yeah.
- (chuckles) All right.
So proud of you. Good stuff.
(moody synth music)
There it is.
- Hey!
Oh, that's it, that's it.
- There it is, that's it.
That's a dollar.
(lasers ping from
arcade machine)
(moody synth music continues)
(Amanda laughs)
- [Calvin] All right.
Let's see something, Jon.
- [Amanda] Okay.
Yay!
- [Jon] Come on,
man! Come on, man!
- [Calvin] I like that,
I like that, I like that.
(ball thuds)
- Oh!
- Oh, my gosh.
- Mm-mm.
- (chuckles) What is...
- What is he doing?
Come on, man.
Look at him move.
Look at him move.
Oh!
- Oh!
(Jon laughs)
(Amanda sighs)
(machine chimes)
Here we go.
Here we go. Okay. (chuckles)
- Why is the ball going in
the other lanes every time?
- Why?
(ball clatters)
I think it's the way
you're throwing it.
You gotta look at the-
- I got it.
- At the lane, I don't know.
- Yeah, and the pins.
(Amanda chuckles)
You gotta hit the pins.
Or any pin.
(Jon laughs)
No.
Well, good try, my man.
- I tried.
- [Jon] You did not make one.
- Why would you invite me
bowling? I don't understand.
- Moral support.
- (laughs) Yeah.
- You know, the ball
has to hit the pins.
- We get it, we get
it. I know, I know.
You'll get more pins on the mat.
- All right, funny.
Funny, all right?
All right, let's play
again. Let me redeem myself.
(Jon laughs)
Okay?
(Amanda giggles)
- Honestly, you've
never bowled before?
I would've never guessed.
- Look, if you
guys couldn't tell,
there was definitely
something wrong with the ball.
- Yeah, it was in your hand.
Aren't you glad that you're a
better wrestler than a bowler?
- Yeah, yeah. Okay, I
found my sport, huh?
- Hey, hey! Nice singlet, homie.
(gang chuckle)
(suspenseful music)
- Keep walking.
Come on, come on.
- If it isn't the poor,
underprivileged kid
and the great savior.
- Savior?
Hardly, man.
He's got more problems
than any of us.
- Man, check it.
Why don't you ditch the weirdo,
and you and the pretty
girl come hop in my ride?
(gun cocks)
I said, get in the car.
- You might wanna look
over your shoulder.
(suspenseful music continues)
- Remember your place, son.
Hey, Calvin.
- [Jon] Come on. Get in the car.
(car starts)
(car doors slam)
(engine revs)
(suspenseful music continues)
Listen. You stay
clear of those guys.
As long as I'm training
you, you cut your ties.
If you need money, just
let me know. Agreed?
- Agreed.
Hey, man?
- Mm.
- You never told me how it
went with the pretty lady.
(Jon chuckles)
- Not too bad.
- Okay.
Get a second date?
- We got coffee next Tuesday.
- My man! (laughs)
I knew you still had it in you.
(Jon chuckles)
Hey, Jon.
- Mm.
- I just wanna say thank
you, for everything.
- You can thank me if we
make it to sectionals.
- When we make it to sectionals.
- That's right.
- All right, man. I'll see you.
(car door slams)
(Jon sighs)
(Jon chuckles)
(keys clink)
(car starts)
(door slams)
- Where you been?
- Out.
Out with some friends.
- Don't lie to me, boy.
It says here, you're
planning on wrestling
in some tournament.
State championships.
(Ray scoffs)
Well, that ain't
never gonna happen.
- I'm not afraid of you, Ray.
(suspenseful music)
- What was that?
(suspenseful music continues)
Well, speak your mind, boy.
- I'm not good at many
things, but I'm good at this.
I mean, coach said I got
some real talent. I could...
I could even get a scholarship-
- Sports take you as far
as your next injury, boy!
As soon as you're
hurt, they drop you!
Your dream, now your life!
That's all I've
been doin', bruh.
- I'm not you.
- Oh, you think you special?
You ain't special, boy!
Get that through your head.
(Ray chuckles)
You done with wrestling.
- You just jealous, huh?
Jealous I'm actually doing
something with my life.
- Did I ever tell you I
wanted you to be like me, boy?
- I don't plan on it.
(fist thuds)
(both grunt)
Are we done, Ray?
Are we done, Ray?
- Just get off of me!
(Ray grunts)
Yeah, we done!
Get outta my house.
(Ray grunts and pants)
(Ray groans)
(door slams)
(crickets chirp)
- Why are you doing this, man?
Why do you even care?
(chair scrapes)
(Jon sighs)
- Hey.
That wasn't my nephew
in those pictures.
- Yeah, I figured.
- That was my son.
He was about the same age
as you when he passed.
He was an athlete.
Gifted, like you.
Before he took his own life.
You know, you hear about these
problems happening all over,
but you never think for once
it's gonna be your own child.
People don't wanna talk about
these kinds of problems,
and before you
know it... (sighs)
Before you know it, it's
all gone in a flash.
- What's his name?
- Jesse.
- You're Jesse Aames' dad?
- You knew him?
- I mean, no.
It's a small town, so when
something like that happens,
everybody kinda knows.
- Were you friends with him?
- Nah.
It's different
sides of the tracks.
- But did you ever talk to him?
Did he ever tell you
anything that was going on
with his problems,
anything like that?
- In high school.
No problems bigger
than the usual.
But he did tell me that
he wants to make it
to the major leagues.
- What else did he say?
(somber music)
- That if he's gonna do it,
he's gonna do it on his own.
Nobody else's help.
- I was buried in my work.
He used to come to me every
day and ask me to play catch,
and I would say, "Hey,
you know, tomorrow."
Then tomorrow... (chuckles)
He just realized that
tomorrow was never coming,
so he just quit
asking altogether.
And if I would've just
been there for him,
one of those times?
I might still have
my son right now.
Anyway, I'm gonna
get some sleep.
You should do the same, okay?
- Yeah.
Night, Jon.
(somber music continues)
(uplifting music)
(uplifting music continues)
(door slams)
(Calvin pants)
(Calvin pants)
(distant chatter)
(Calvin pants)
(Calvin pants)
(uplifting music continues)
(distant chatter)
Amanda?
- Amanda. (laughs)
(locker door clangs)
(water splashes)
(Jon grunts)
(Jon pants)
- What are you? Crazy?
- It's time to get up.
Look.
You once told me to find the
pain and push past it, right?
(Jon chuckles)
Or was that made up?
No?
Cool.
Now that you're out of excuses,
I'll be at the lake
by six o'clock.
See you tonight. Don't be late.
- Hey!
We're doing this. We're going
all the way to state, right?
- Wouldn't happen any
other way. (chuckles)
(Jon chuckles)
(Jon sighs)
(uplifting music continues)
- Go in a circle.
Stay with me, come on!
(spectators cheer)
(hand slams)
(camera flashes thump)
(hand slams)
(spectators cheer)
(camera flashes thump)
(uplifting music continues)
(uplifting music continues)
(uplifting music continues)
(uplifting music continues)
(spectators cheer)
(camera flashes thump)
(spectators cheer)
(spectators cheer)
(camera flashes thump)
- CJ Lawson.
Two-times state champ.
When you go to state,
you can bet you're gonna
have to beat this guy.
- Dude, he's fast.
- [Jon] Yeah, he's fast, but
he doesn't have what you have.
He doesn't have your drive.
You can beat this guy.
- You really think so?
- I know so.
- Dude, this is
depressing. Why are we-
- No, no, no, no,
wait! Hold on, hold on!
I'm looking for the
fly in the ointment.
- The what?
- I'm looking for his mistakes.
See, there it is. There it is.
He's shifting his
weight forward.
He's off balance.
Can you see that?
That's it.
You wait till he
over commits, okay?
When you feel the weight
shifting through the back leg,
you pivot and you strike.
Your stamina is your strength.
So, you're gonna have
to wear him down.
- Look. It's two
minutes per period.
I mean, how bad could it be?
- With a guy like CJ, two
minutes is an eternity.
Come on, let's go!
On your feet.
Come on.
(distant train horn blares)
(distant train horn blares)
(door opens)
(groceries clatter)
- [Ray] Hey!
So, you're the one that keeps
trespassing on my property.
- Name is Jon. You might
remember me from the other-
- I know exactly who you are.
You the one filling my boy's
head with them pipe dreams.
And I don't need your sympathy.
- Okay.
Listen, I just thought
you might wanna know
that Calvin is
staying at my place.
- Oh, I figured that, bruh.
Not that it matters all now.
If he think he all that,
he don't need to be living
under my roof no more.
- Listen, Mr. Reed.
Your son has got a gift.
He has a chance to make state.
You know, a few weeks ago, he
was ready to drop outta school
and start selling
dope on the street.
- And he'll get a street
education, just like I had to.
Gotta start somewhere.
- I would think you would want
something more for your son.
Wouldn't you?
(Ray laughs)
- I know what you're doing.
- What's that?
- Tell him he gonna be something
that he ain't never gonna be.
Trying to be the father
you think I never was.
You know, you and me, we
may be a little different,
for he likes you,
but he's still my son.
In the end, you're
gonna drop him.
- You still have time
to be there for him.
You don't just owe it to him,
but you owe it to yourself.
You know what? You and I?
We're no different after all.
(phone vibrates)
Hello?
Yeah, it's me.
No, I was not aware of that.
How many days has he missed?
(dark music)
I see.
(dark music continues)
(engine revs)
(door creaks)
Hey, how was school?
- Cool.
(key clatters)
Not too bad.
- Really?
It's kinda hard to study when
you don't even go to class.
- You following me?
- I'm gonna be asking all
the questions right now,
and you better answer,
give me the truth.
Why are you still hanging out
with those guys from the street?
- Look, I work for 'em.
- You work for them?
We had an agreement.
- I have to.
- For money?
There's better ways to make
money, like an honest job!
- Look, you don't
understand, all right?
They're not gonna let
me out without a fight.
- Then you fight back.
You're a wrestler.
- It's not that easy.
I actually care about my
life, unlike some people.
- What is that
supposed to mean, huh?
- Come on, Jon.
I'm not stupid.
You want the truth?
- Yeah.
- I know why you're willing
to go out into the buildings
with people with guns,
out on the rooftops,
late nights in the hood.
I get it.
You're not afraid to die.
Admit it.
You don't care what happens
to your life, but I do.
I actually care about my life.
- It's non-negotiable.
You stop ditching
school, find new friends,
or you find yourself
a new coach.
- Calvin.
Calvin!
Hey! (chuckles) Are you there?
- Yeah. Yeah, um...
Sorry. Just realized that,
you know, I'm on my own again.
Like usual. So...
- On your own?
I'm right here, aren't I?
- Yeah. It's just, uh... (sighs)
No, you wouldn't understand.
- What don't I understand?
That he cares about you?
That he wants you to be safe?
- You taking his side on this?
- I'm taking anyone's
side, Calvin.
Look, I just think that
you need to realize that
there are people here
that care about you
and that are trying to help you,
and it's okay for
you to believe that.
Calvin.
Calvin!
Calvin!
(dark music)
(dark music continues)
(rope whooshes)
(Calvin pants)
(rope whooshes)
- Name of the father, of
the son, the Holy Spirit.
- [Jon] I need your
help with somethin'.
- Jon?
Is that you?
- Yeah.
- (sighs) Oh, that's
really great. Jon.
Oh, you came back to the
church. Really beautiful.
- I didn't come
here to talk to God.
I came here to talk to you.
- Oh, okay. How can I help?
- Can we talk somewhere else?
Addicts at the end of the
rope have more belief than me.
Even more than the ones that
come here on these pews.
- Is that why you
stopped coming?
- I stopped coming here
because no one wants
to hear my problems.
They, uh...
They come here to feel good.
That's why you keep a light
at the pulpit, you know?
Avoiding the hard topics?
- Yeah, maybe.
But it's not how it should be.
Getting out to the streets,
to the least of these?
We need more like you, Jon.
Christ went out to the misfits.
The way I see it, you're
doing the same work.
- I can't help him.
- Sometimes, Christ uses
the broken to get the job done.
In the end, everything
comes together
and works together
for his purpose.
But you cannot
negotiate with God.
It's all or nothin'.
Out of suffering
can come redemption.
- There's gotta be someone
who's more qualified than me.
- God's not interested
in your credentials.
Sometimes, he takes us
places we don't want to go.
Don't quit on that kid.
No matter who you think
you're doing it for,
the life you save just
might be your own.
(suspenseful music)
(muffled spectators cheer)
(spectators cheer)
(suspenseful music continues)
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(bodies slam)
(spectators cheer)
- [Spectator] Come on, man!
(wrestlers grunt)
(spectators cheer)
(hands slam)
(Calvin groans)
(hand slams)
(whistle blows)
(suspenseful music continues)
- Can you tell me what's
going on out there?
You're letting the number
five seed beat you.
What's going on?
- Look, I don't look, coach.
I just, I lost the
fight in me, I guess.
- Well, you better find it.
(dramatic music)
(helmet thuds)
(footsteps approach)
- Thanks for not
showing up, Jon.
You said you'd be there.
- I guess we both broke
our promises, didn't we?
Look, you're dad failing
you is not my fault, okay?
Not my fault.
(Jon pants)
- You believe in a higher power?
Look, maybe's God's
simply made up.
Like the Easter
bunny or something.
'Cause otherwise, life
would be easier, right?
But then, sometimes,
it's impossible the
way things work out
without him, you know?
why are we even doing this?
(Calvin scoffs)
See, Ray was right. It's
not gonna change nothin'.
- Get your things.
We're going for a drive.
Come on.
(warm piano music)
- Where are we going?
- You know, wrestling will
teach you a lot about life,
but some things it can't.
(fire crackles)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(warm music continues)
(engine revs)
(car door creaks)
(car door slams)
(lever clangs)
Hey, can you give
me some paper towels
out of the glove box, please?
- Yeah.
- Thanks.
(glove box squeaks)
(ominous music)
(glove box closes)
Ah, thank you.
- Yeah, sure.
(lever clangs)
(car door creaks)
(car door slams)
Where we going next?
- One more stop.
Okay?
(car starts)
(machine hisses and
bleeps rhythmically)
(machine hisses and
bleeps rhythmically)
(Jon sighs)
There's someone I
want you to meet.
An old coach friend of mine.
Come on.
How you doin'?
- Oh.
Oh.
You know.
Circling the drain.
- (chuckles) Right.
- There's someone I want you
to meet. His name is Calvin.
He's a talented wrestler.
I thought maybe you'd give
him a little perspective.
You got it in you, coach?
- Around here,
I've watched a lot of
people pass on around me.
Heading home.
(gentle piano music)
And soon I'll be joining 'em.
And that's okay.
But death, it gives perspective.
- I mean, I'm sure
you'll have time.
(coach coughs)
(coach coughs)
- Mighty kind of ya.
Ultimately untrue.
None of us do, really.
Important thing is to
make good on what
little there is.
(coach coughs)
Number one regret of
those on their death bed.
Not...
Not being used up.
Talents we're
given for a reason.
If you've got one, don't take
it to the grave with you.
Live full.
Die empty.
I'm not claiming to have
the secret to life here,
but I know this.
You find your passion,
your purpose,
and once you do,
you never let it go.
Not for anyone.
(machine bleeps rhythmically)
Oh, God.
(gentle music continues)
- We're gonna go now.
I love you, Dad.
I love you very much.
(gentle music continues)
- Those people that call.
How do you know what to say?
- Sometimes, the key is not
to say anything and just...
Just listen.
- I don't know what kind
of salesman you were,
but you got a gift for this.
I think it's your purpose.
I mean, it must
feel good, right?
Changing all those lives.
- Nah.
They're changing mine.
(gentle music continues)
- I owe you an apology.
Look.
You're right.
About everything, okay?
It's just...
It's hard for me
to trust people.
- I know you're
afraid of being hurt.
So am I.
But I'm not gonna be
the one to hurt you.
Let your guard down.
(birds chirp)
(whistle blows)
(spectators yell)
(bodies slam)
(spectators cheer)
(spectators yell)
(hand slams)
(spectators cheer)
(water splashes)
(dark music)
(Calvin grunts)
- I know you think
you're somethin' special!
Just because of your
poor, trash neighborhood,
with a lack of talent.
And that's all that is.
But when you step
on the mat with me,
I'll make you remember
why you kept yourself
separate from us for so long.
Now, if I were you, I'd go
back to the soup kitchen,
where you belong,
before you get hurt.
(Calvin groans)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(spectators cheer)
- [Spectator] Come on!
(spectators cheer)
- [Jon] What happened?
- Don't talk about it.
- Fair enough.
My father used to say,
"We don't start fights.
We finish them."
And at the right time, you're
gonna finish that fight.
But for now, you
got some work to do.
You win this, you're
going to state.
Now, you got something
to prove, right?
Prove it.
(dramatic music)
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(wrestlers grunt)
(bodies slam)
(wrestlers grunt)
(hand slams)
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
Hey, listen.
See that guy with the bad suit?
Hm?
- (chuckles) Yeah.
- I didn't wanna make
you nervous but I
want to talk to him.
He's a scout for Brewan Parker.
He wants to see you at state.
Now, if you win it,
you could possibly have a
full scholarship, you hear?
(both chuckle)
- I don't know what to say.
- You don't have to say
anything. You earned it.
Now, go and get it done.
Come on.
(spectators cheer)
- Yeah, was great match, huh?
- That's right.
(stranger whistles)
Can I help you?
- You're Jon Aames, right?
- That's right.
- The Jon Aames?
- (sighs) Do I know you?
- (scoffs) You're the one that's
coaching that colored boy.
- Oh, his name is
actually Calvin.
- I ain't interested in who
he is, but I know who you are.
(scoffs) You washed up
train wreck of a coach.
Let me ask you a question.
- Mm-hm.
- Why don't you stick to
training your own kind?
- What kind is that?
(stranger chuckles)
- Seems we got the blind
leading the blind out here.
(stranger chuckles)
I'm gonna help you out.
The way I see it, you can
let him keep wrestling.
(scoffs) Embarrass himself.
This whole town.
Or you can pull the
plug on this, right now!
Before somebody gets hurt.
Maybe save what's left of your
already damaged reputation.
(stranger scoffs)
This is not personal. I'm
just trying to help you.
- With all due respect,
you just made it personal.
- Yeah. (chuckles)
Well, I hope he has a
high pain threshold!
Let's go.
- Man, what he want?
- Oh, he just wanted to
congratulate us on your victory.
(car doors slam)
Come on.
(dark music)
(car doors slam)
(car starts)
(alarm clock bleeps)
(dramatic music)
(rope whooshes)
Shoot!
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
- [Coach] Let's go!
Move your feet!
(dramatic music continues)
(Calvin grunts)
(Calvin screams)
- [Jon] Breathe. Stay with me.
- [Coach] Pick up
the pace! Pace!
Let's go!
(ropes whoosh)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
(bodies slam)
(fists thud)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
(gentle tones)
(birds chirp)
(flask lid scrapes)
- What're you doing?
You should not be here.
(Jackie chuckles)
- Baby, it's...
It's me.
Don't you know your own
mama when you see her?
(somber music)
- Uh...
My mom's in California.
- No. No, no, no.
I always been, right
here, close to you.
I'd never leave you.
- [Jon] Leave now.
- I, I, I, I even got your...
Your picture, right
here in my wallet.
Carry it everywhere I go.
Yeah, yeah, that's
why Jon here's
been helping me get cleaned up.
I even got job waitressing-
- You two know each other?
- I was gonna tell you.
I promise. It's just
not the right time.
- But you lied to me.
Ray lied about her being gone,
and now you lie
to me about this.
I trusted you, man.
And now you're no
better than him.
I don't want you to
help anymore, all right?
Stop! I don't want
your help anymore, Jon!
The only reason why
you're trying to save me,
is 'cause you couldn't
save your son.
- [Jon] That's not
true and you know it.
- I'm not your son, Jon.
- [Jon] That's not true.
- I'm not your son!
I'm not your son!
And saving me ain't gonna
bring him back, either.
The only reason why
you're trying to help me
is to feel good about yourself.
You never cared about me.
- That's not true
and you know it.
- Listen. I'm not getting
hurt anymore, all right?
- [Jon] Calvin, please,
Listen to me, Calvin!
(Jackie sighs)
Hey, pal.
- Hey, buddy.
Got your message about the kid.
- I did all I could. Okay?
(Paul chuckles)
- So, you're just gonna
throw in the towel?
One little hiccup
and it's all over?
- There you go
with a sermon, huh?
- I'm talking to
you as a friend.
Not a priest.
- I've been on autopilot,
every single night.
You know, I started this,
because I wanted to
understand the pain.
I wanted to see how they
were dealing with it.
So maybe it could
help me, right?
I heard Jesse's cry
on every single call.
Things are not better.
They're worse, pal.
You understand?
- I do.
I know how you feel.
I battled depression
a long time.
- [Jon] You?
- Yeah, I didn't tell anybody.
Like you said, mental
health and addiction,
it's all too dark to talk about.
Not marketable for
the mainstream.
So, I kept quiet, just
ignored it until it got worse.
The point is, I've
been in your shoes,
pretending to be
someone on the outside
that I wasn't on the inside.
Gotta hand it to you, buddy.
It's quite an act
you've been putting on.
Academy Award performance.
- What're you talking about?
- Come on, man.
You've been talking to this
kid and others about belief,
but you haven't
found it yourself.
You lack the courage of your
convictions and he knows it.
- What do you want me to do?
Huh?
I lost my son.
- Yeah. You lost your son.
And bad things happen to
good people, all of the time.
Have you noticed how
many of those people
God sent your way
recently to wake you up?
- Come on!
- To help you see
that you're forgiven!
That you're not alone.
And what's he gotta do to
prove to you that he loves you?
Other than die on a cross.
- You said you were not
gonna talk like a priest.
- I lied!
(somber music)
(Jon sighs)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(train clinks and
clacks rhythmically)
(dark music)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(gun fires)
(melancholy music)
(melancholy music continues)
(VCR player whirs)
- I love you, Daddy.
- [Jon] I love you too, kiddo!
- Kiss, Daddy. Kiss.
- I love you too, kiddo. Right?
(Jon laughs menacingly)
(son yelps)
Yeah, who's laughing now?
Who's laughing now, huh?
Who's laughing now,
the kiddo, kiddo.
Who's calling daddy who? Huh?
(son yelps and giggles)
- I'm getting
whipped cream and...
What are Mommy getting?
(melancholy music continues)
(train clinks and
clacks rhythmically)
(ominous music)
(fist thuds)
- I really ain't wanna do this.
You brought this on yourself.
(Calvin groans)
This fool will always
bleed. Get him a towel.
You know how much
money you cost me?
Huh?
Ever since chasing
your little dream,
I lost three more clients.
So, here's how it's gonna be.
There's a liquor
store, three blocks up.
The owner closes every
night alone. 10:30 PM.
We're gonna clear
out the registers.
But you're gonna be
the one to do it.
You hear me?
Are you hearing me?
- Yeah, yeah.
(Calvin pants)
10 o'clock, sharp.
Don't be late.
You got that?
(fist thuds)
(high-pitched tone rings)
(Calvin pants)
(Calvin spits)
(high-pitched tone
drones from TV)
(dark music)
(TV static buzzes and crackles)
- Folks, we got brand new
cars. We've got used cars.
We have the car of your
dreams, right here, right now.
(dark music continues)
The car of your dreams.
The car of your dreams.
The car of your dreams.
(TV static crackles)
And all I wanna ask you is,
what exactly are you
doing, right now?
(TV static buzzes and crackles)
We're standing by,
ready to help you.
Are you listening?
(TV static crackles)
Pay attention, Jon.
Give us a call, or
come on down yourself.
(TV static buzzes and crackles)
Either way...
Either way, you
need to move now.
(bottle clinks)
That's right.
(TV static crackles)
Leave now, Jon.
(TV static crackles)
You need to move now.
(TV static crackles)
Move now, Jon.
(high-pitched tone
drones from TV)
(engine revs)
(dark music continues)
(dark music continues)
(bell rings)
- Hey, Calvin.
Oh, sorry.
(lights crackle)
(dark music continues)
(lights hum)
(paper tears)
(Calvin groans)
(Calvin groans)
(dark music continues)
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
(baby cries)
(gentle music)
- Rough night?
- You could say that.
Can I help you with something?
- You don't remember me, do you?
- No.
- It's okay. I looked
different, then.
I had a bottle of pills,
and I was ready to
call it quits for good.
And then you showed up.
Like some sort of
divine appointment.
You told me something that
night that changed everything.
Do you remember what it was?
You told me that
your son was gone
and you couldn't get him back,
and you didn't think that
you were going to make it.
And yet, there you were,
opening up your heart,
trying to save someone else.
When I was at my darkest,
no pastor, priest, life coach
could have changed my mind.
No, sir.
Only someone who had been
to that darker place,
somewhere even darker
than I had ever been,
could give me the hope that
I needed in that moment,
to not only save my life,
but that of my baby girl.
You talked me out of
making a bad decision.
A week later, I found
out I was pregnant
with Little Maya here.
Now, I don't know what brought
us together that night,
or what made us cross
paths again here tonight.
Some may call it
fate, or destiny,
but we may never
fully understand
where our pain is used
for a greater purpose.
At least not in this life.
But I do know one thing.
I love my baby more than I've
ever loved anyone or anything,
and more than I love myself.
And for me, she'll be the
reason I'll keep on living.
Well...
We better get going.
(baby cries)
We don't always get
to see the fruits
of our work in this life.
Tonight, I'm glad you can.
What you do makes a difference.
Never forget that.
(gentle music continues)
(engine revs)
(glove box squeaks)
(suspenseful music)
(glove box slams)
(thunder claps)
- [Anchor] The forecast,
showers heavy at times
with occasional thunderstorm
tonight with a low of 74.
Rain tapering off
tomorrow afternoon.
(phone vibrates)
Followed by a partial
clearing and a high of 61.
- Hello?
- [Jackie] Is Calvin with you?
- Jackie?
- [Jackie] I've been trying
to get ahold of him, but he,
he won't answer my calls.
Jon.
- [Jon] I'll call you back.
(engine roars)
(suspenseful music continues)
(engine roars)
(suspenseful music continues)
- What you want?
- Come here!
Next time you hit someone,
make sure it's not a kid!
- What you talking about, man?
- I saw the bruises on his face!
- Not that it's any
of your business,
but I ain't seen
Calvin in weeks.
I woke up and my truck was gone.
I thought he was with you!
What's going on, man?
(door slams)
(car door slams)
(glove box squeaks)
(glove box slams)
(car starts)
(engine roars)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(car horn blares)
(engine roars)
(dramatic music continues)
(tense music)
- Here's how it's gonna go down.
You slip in.
We'll watch the door.
You clear out the register.
Get in, get out. That's
all there is to it.
You're one of us now.
Now, let's talk more about
the money you owe me.
(tense music continues)
- I think I got a better idea.
(guns cock)
(Victor chuckles)
(Victor spits)
- Now, that was stupid.
- I want you stay away from
me and my family, a'ight?
(Victor chuckles)
- That ain't how this
work, little man.
You don't call the
shots around here.
(gun cocks)
(bottles clink)
- Put the guns down.
(gun cocks)
(Victor laughs)
(Victor claps)
- If it isn't an
interventionist.
I don't recall anyone
inviting you here, Savior.
- Anytime you wanna step in
here, it's fine by me, God.
- Oh, no. You ain't gonna
talk your way outta this one.
(gun clicks)
- [Jon] I imagined
how things might go,
if God actually
showed up for once.
Truly showed what
he's capable of.
My idea of divine intervention.
An actual miracle.
That he'd bring my son back.
(ominous music)
That I wouldn't die that day.
But this is reality and
things work differently.
(dark music)
(dark music continues)
- [Calvin] Jon!
(dark music continues)
(gun fires)
(gun fires)
(gun cocks)
(gun fires)
Jon!
(Victor grunts)
- Yo, man. You shot him!
- [Calvin] No!
(muffled siren wails)
- Hey, we gotta
go! It's five-oh!
(sirens wail)
(high-pitched tones ring)
- Jon, Jon, Jon! Hey, Jon, Jon!
Stay with me, Jon.
Jon, stay with me.
Hey! Somebody help!
Help!
(camera shutter clicks)
- [Son] I love you, Daddy.
- [Jon] I love you too, kiddo!
- [Son] Kiss, Daddy. Kiss.
(camera shutter clicks)
- Jon!
Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon!
Stay with me, Jon.
Jon, stay with me. Jon, please.
(Calvin screams)
(somber music)
(Calvin screams)
(siren wails)
(siren wails)
(somber music continues)
(heartbeat thumps)
- Jon, let's go. Come on, Jon.
Losing him.
Clear.
(defibrillator thumps)
(machine bleeps rhythmically)
One, two, three, four.
- Pulse is 40.
- Jon!
- Shock again.
- Clear.
(defibrillator thumps)
(siren wails)
(somber music continues)
- [Calvin] Jon!
(eerie tones)
(lights hum and buzz)
(defibrillator thumps)
(machine bleeps rhythmically)
(heavy breathing)
(machine hisses and
bleeps rhythmically)
- Hey. Welcome back.
You gave us quite a scare.
Looks like the bullet
missed a major artery
by maybe a quarter of an inch.
You're a lucky man.
- Not lucky.
Blessed.
It's okay.
- I'm sorry, honey.
- I'm sorry, too.
(somber music)
I'm sorry, too.
- Good to see you.
(Claire chuckles)
Listen, I, um...
(sighs) I've just been so
confused for such a long time.
You know? I...
I want you to know that, um...
I love you, honey. I
love you very much.
(Jon sighs)
I want you to forgive me.
- I already have.
I wanna come home. (sighs)
- So, come home, Jon.
- I wanna be with my baby.
- Come home.
Come home.
- Wait, wait.
Where's Calvin? Where is he?
- [Claire] He's in the lobby.
- Oh, God.
- He's okay.
- Thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord.
- [Claire] Yeah.
- I'm gonna go grab something
from the vending machine.
Do you two want anything?
- No.
- Okay.
- She cute, Cal.
Real sweetheart, too.
You got good taste.
(somber music continues)
(pills rattle)
(bag zips)
Listen now.
I gotta go away.
Just, just for a while.
- You just got here,
and you're already leaving?
- I can't beat this,
if I keep hanging
around the same crowd.
It ain't good for me.
Seems like everybody
going nowhere
wants to take you with 'em.
Hey.
I know you're mad, but
you can't blame him.
I was already gonna
reach out anyway, but,
something else
brought us together.
So, try not to be too
hard on him, okay?
He saved my life.
You ain't know that.
- What're you talking about?
- I had an accident,
and
if he hadn't have showed up...
(Jackie sighs)
I always loved you, Cal.
You know that, right?
(Jackie breathes heavily)
Listen.
I might not...
I might not ever beat my past,
but you could beat yours.
You hear me?
You stronger than me.
You gonna do great things.
(Calvin breathes heavily)
(Calvin breathes heavily)
(Jackie whimpers)
- I forgive you.
For everything.
Do what you gotta
do to beat this.
I love you, Mom.
(Jackie sniffles)
(Jackie whimpers)
- [Jackie] I love you.
(Jackie sniffles)
(Jackie gasps)
(Jackie sniffles)
- [Claire] Ah.
- [Jon] There you are.
- [Claire] I'll give
you two some time, okay?
- Okay, baby.
- All right.
- Hey, champ.
I gotta tell you, man.
That was a hell of a
takedown. (chuckles)
You know you're gonna
get a bonus for that,
'cause you saved my life.
- One suspect has been
identified as Victor Reyes.
Police took him into custody
after the attempted robbery
occurred late last night,
ending in a shootout
that left at least two
critically injured.
- Think they'll be back?
- It doesn't matter
'cause you're gonna
be way gone by then.
You're the town's star athlete.
Nobody wants that kind of heat.
- I was an athlete.
I don't know, man. Just
caused so many problems.
- Hey.
Look at me.
There's always gonna
be problems, kid.
Listen. I made some
mistakes, okay?
And I crossed the boundaries.
But I want you to know that
I don't want my mistakes
to come in between everything
you worked so hard for.
You worked so hard.
- Doesn't matter. It's just
some stupid wrestling, man.
- No.
Never been about
the wrestling match.
- Man, I've heard it before.
I mean, it's an
individual sport. What
do you want me to do?
Rely on myself?
- I want you to rely on him.
- What if I can't beat him?
- It doesn't matter whether
you beat him or not,
but you're always gonna wonder
if you did or you didn't.
Remember?
"Die empty."
I promise you, I'm gonna
be there on Friday.
Are you?
(spectators cheer)
(tense music)
(spectators cheer)
- Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,
to the Alabama State
Wrestling Championship!
If you are a wrestling fan,
then today is the day for you.
Returning state champion
CJ Lawson is back to prove
he has what it takes
to defend the title.
We're expecting a
great show, here today.
- Calvin did make weight, right?
- Yes, he did, but he has three
minutes or delay of match.
- Come on. Where are you, kid?
(Calvin vomits)
(suspenseful music)
(muffled announcement)
- [Announcer] The undefeated
and the reigning champion,
CJ Lawson!
(spectators cheer)
- [Official] His time's up.
I'm sorry. We're gonna
have to call the match.
- [Announcer] Wrestling
at 160 pounds for John P-
- I see him!
- Calvin Reed!
- Hey, wait, wait, wait!
I'm here!
- Come here!
- Okay, sorry I'm late.
- How you feelin'?
- 10 pounds lighter.
- Okay, look, look.
He's stronger, he's faster and
he knows all the moves, okay?
- That supposed to be a
pep talk? It's not workin'.
- He doesn't have what you have.
He doesn't have the
pain and the struggles
that you've been
through, you understand?
I want you to dig it out!
This is your moment.
Look where you are.
We never expected to be here,
right? But you're here now.
It was meant to be. God
wanted you to be here.
It's for his glory.
It's your time.
You worked harder than
anybody I ever known.
And I want you leave your mark.
He's got nothing. You've
got everything, right here.
Leave your mark and let
them know who you are.
Go get him!
- [Announcer] This is the
moment you've been waiting for.
This is the main event.
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(dramatic music continues)
(wrestlers grunt)
Lawson is off to an
aggressive start.
- Come on, CJ!
You gotta break him!
Break him!
(dramatic music continues)
(wrestlers grunt)
- [Official] Takedown! Two, red!
Near fall.
Two, red.
- [Announcer] Near fall!
Lawson is in the early lead!
(spectators cheer)
(dramatic music continues)
- Get after him!
- One point mistake, green!
(spectators cheer)
(dramatic music continues)
- [Coach] What're
you waiting for?
Break him!
(bodies thump)
(whistle blows)
(spectators jeer)
- [Announcer] Looks
like there's a call.
Unnecessary roughness
down on the mat,
and the crowd is not
liking this one bit at all.
(Calvin pants)
(whistle blows)
Ladies and gentlemen.
We head into the second period.
Defending champion CJ Lawson
leads Calvin Reed, four to two!
(feet stomp)
I can't hear you!
Make some noise!
(spectators cheer)
- [Coach] Let's go!
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(bodies slam)
- [Official] Takedown. Two, red.
(Calvin groans)
(whistle blows)
- Blood, blood.
(muffled scream)
(dark music)
(intense distorted tones)
(dark music continues)
(intense distorted tones)
(dark music continues)
(intense distorted tones)
(dark music continues)
- Listen to me! Look at me!
He knows you, who you
are. He's afraid, okay?
He's afraid of you. You hear me?
He's afraid of you.
You've got him exactly
where you want him to be.
He knows who you are right now.
He didn't see it coming,
but he knows now.
He knows what kind of
character you've got.
(Calvin groans)
I know it hurts.
I know it hurts, okay?
You stay with me.
You recycle that pain and you
use that, you understand me?
You used that pain in you.
He's afraid, listen to me.
Remember what I told you.
We don't start fights, we
finish them, right? Right?
Now, go ahead and finish it.
Hold that pain inside you
and do what you gotta do.
Finish this and I believe
in you. I know you got this.
Go do what you were
born to do. Go!
(dramatic music)
(spectators cheer)
- [Announcer] I cannot believe
this kid is getting up!
This kid has got some heart.
It's amazing, folks.
Reed's back in the fight.
- [Coach] Come on! Let's go!
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
- God can't help you. Not here.
(whistle blows)
(dramatic music continues)
(wrestlers grunt and groan)
(spectators cheer)
- [Announcer] A
takedown for Reed!
- [Official] Near
fall. Three, green.
(indistinct announcement)
(wrestlers grunt)
(suspenseful music)
(whistle blows)
And now we head to the
third and final period!
(spectators cheer)
The entire State Championship
rides on the next two minutes!
- Let's go, CJ!
Come on! pick it up!
(whistle blows)
(dramatic music continues)
(wrestlers grunt)
- [Announcer] They're
going head to head!
It's all-out street brawl!
(bodies slam)
- Two. Takedown, red.
(spectators cheer)
(Calvin gasps)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
- Your dream, now your life!
That's all I've
been doin', bruh.
(glass shatters)
(suspenseful music continues)
- [Coach] Let's go!
Come on, CJ! Finish him!
(dark music)
(dark music continues)
(dramatic music)
- [Official]
Reversal. Two points.
- [Announcer]
Absolutely amazing.
Where did this kid come from?
(indistinct announcement)
(spectators cheer)
(dramatic music continues)
These are two
gladiators out there.
Absolutely amazing, folks!
It's an all-out war!
- Let's go, CJ!
Come on! Pick it up!
Pick up the pace! Pace!
(wrestlers grunt)
Let's go! What're
you waiting for?
Finish him!
- [Announcer] We were not
expecting this at all.
Lawson is visibly tired.
(wrestlers pant)
He wasn't expecting this.
He may his match, right here.
(wrestlers pant)
We're in the final seconds.
(dramatic music continues)
It's a fight for the finish!
The next point takes it all!
He's got a leg.
This could be it!
(spectators cheer)
(dramatic music continues)
(bodies slam)
(whistle blows)
(spectators cheer)
(triumphant music)
(Calvin screams)
Absolutely amazing!
And our new State Champion!
Calvin
Reed!
- Woo!
- [Announcer] Unbelievable!
Do you believe in miracles?
(spectators cheer)
(triumphant music continues)
(spectators cheer)
(triumphant music continues)
(spectators cheer)
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(muffled spectators cheer)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(knocks on door)
- [Jon] Hey Ray. May I come in?
- Thanks for coming.
- My pleasure.
- You know, ever since I, uh,
checked into this place, I've
had a lot of time to think.
(chuckles) Not much else to do.
I wanted to tell you in
person how thankful I am
for everything that
you've done for Calvin.
And I'm sorry.
I misjudged you.
- Ray, you have nothing
to be sorry about.
You have done so much for me.
You don't even know.
- But I signed the
papers you sent.
- [Jon] Okay.
- You're right.
Open adoption is the best thing.
Not just for me.
For Calvin.
I still wanna be a part of
his life, but I'm not ready.
At least, not yet.
- [Jon] You got my number.
You can call me anytime.
- What do I do now?
- You can make
different choices.
- Do me a favor?
- Anything.
- Tell Calvin I saw his match,
and that I'm proud of him.
- You can tell him yourself.
(Ray gasps)
(Ray sobs)
(warm orchestral music)
(Ray sobs)
Miracles do exist.
(Ray sobs)
They're often found when
you least expect them.
In a laundromat on the
worst side of town.
In the face of a child
who might never have.
In a simple prayer on top of a
ledge of a 30 story highrise.
In the voice of a little girl.
And in a family
no longer broken.
I believe in divine
intervention,
and miracles,
but only because I've seen them,
in the stories and
people all around me.
And maybe the biggest miracle
of all is that God's mercy
is never out of reach.
I'm living proof of that.
And thanks to him,
I found my calling.
(warm orchestral
music continues)
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
(Jon sighs)
Crisis.
- [Caller] I need
help. Can you help me?
- Where are you?
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music continues)
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