How I Learned to Fly (2023) Movie Script
1
(projector whirring)
(film clicking)
(people arguing faintly)
(dark music)
(object booms)
(dogs barking)
(Eli snoring lightly)
(fluorescent lights buzzing)
(brooding music)
(fluorescent lights
buzzing menacingly)
(phone beeping)
(brooding music)
(haunting music)
(water splashing)
(water trickling)
(insects chirping)
There's a glitter
of the city
That can make a body roam
But my light is your love
- [Daniel] Mom.
The way she looked at the world
wasn't always easy for
us kids to understand.
- Stop it.
- [Daniel] Mom had her rules.
- Go ahead.
- [Daniel] Negativity was
not allowed into the house.
(Dorothee laughs)
She said it was like crack.
Highly addictive and everywhere.
- That's all you
get, so watch it.
- [Daniel] Looking
back, she was right.
- [Cliff] Thank you.
- [Daniel] Sad stories
are to be found so easily.
- [Dorothee] Oh, I
didn't get no rice.
- [Daniel] Not so
much the happy ones.
But once you change the
way you look at things,
the things you look at
(Eli snoring lightly)
change.
(alarm beeping)
(dogs barking)
(fire sirens wailing distantly)
(neighbors shouting faintly)
(laid-back music)
Father
I stretch my hands to thee
No other help I know
My Lord
My Lord
My blessings
If I should count them all
As countless as the stars
My Lord
My Lord
If thou withdraw
Thyself from me
Ah
(phone ringing)
- [Daniel] Hello?
- [Mrs. Meyers] Good morning.
This is Mrs. Meyers,
the academic counselor from
Vermont Valley High School.
Is Mrs. Davis available?
- Uh, no.
- Is this Daniel?
- Yes.
- [Mrs. Meyers] Hi Daniel.
We spoke a couple weeks ago.
I have one more
piece of information
for your mother about
the financial aid,
but she wouldn't return my calls
and this is the only
number I have here.
- She lost her phone.
- [Mrs. Meyers] Daniel, I'm
really trying to help here.
I just looked at
your latest grades
and you're a perfect
candidate for college.
So could you help me get
your mother on the phone?
(train droning)
- [Daniel] The dreams
started after dad left.
(tender music)
(Daniel screaming)
(Daniel thuds)
It was as if he was
pulling me down with him.
(train wheels screeching)
- Hey! Daniel, how you doing?
- Good.
- And your mom,
how's she doing?
- She been pretty busy lately.
- Gotcha.
Yeah, I just hadn't
seen her in a while now-
- Got to go.
- All right.
(gentle jazz music)
(fluorescent lights buzzing)
(pencil scratching)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(fluorescent lights
continue buzzing)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(door thuds)
- [Daniel] Shower
before I'm back.
(gentle jazz music continues)
(traffic droning)
(phone beeping)
- [Automated Message]
Your new balance is $5.19.
(patrons and employees
chattering softly)
(water splashing)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(mailbox squeaks)
(car alarm honking distantly)
(Daniel sighs)
(insects chirping)
(insects continue chirping)
- Dude, you could
have just cut one.
(gentle music)
Thank you though.
(phone beeping and ringing)
- [Dorothee] You've reached the
voicemail of Dorothee Davis.
Leave your name and number
and I'll call you back.
- Um, hi- hi M- Mom.
I, uh...
- [Daniel] You haven't
showered yet, have you?
(brooding music)
- Are those legs or toothpicks?
I can't tell.
- [Daniel] Eli.
(Daniel knocking)
- I forbid you from
using the hot water
until you grow some
goddamn muscles.
- Eli. Turn the water on.
(Eli gasps and screams)
- Walk to school or
run. I don't care.
But make sure you getting
rid of those girl legs.
(brooding music continues)
(Eli shouts)
- Eli.
(water crashing)
(Daniel shouting)
(Daniel thuds)
- [Louis] Hey,
Dorothee, you home?
(Louis knocking)
Knock, knock.
It's your neighbor, Louis.
I got this letter that
blew over in my driveway.
Yeah, it's hella windy out here.
(Louis knocking)
Okay, I'm just gonna
leave it under the door.
(paper rustling)
(airplane droning)
(melancholic music)
(phone camera clicking)
(dogs barking)
(phone camera clicking)
(melancholic music continues)
(Eli snoring gently)
(melancholic music continues)
(switch clicks)
(insects chirping)
(Eli grunting softly)
- Hey. Hey.
- No, no! No!
- Hey, hey, hey, hey.
It's okay. You're okay.
Here.
(gentle music)
(Daniel humming)
And if that mocking
bird don't sing
Momma's gonna buy
you a diamond ring
- Oh, so daddy taking
care of his little girl?
- Little fag have no legs?
(teens laugh)
- Give him some fucking time.
(gentle music continues)
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
(gentle music continues)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-Oh, oh
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
Found peace
I found love and peace I
(alarm chiming)
Join
Join
(alarm continues chiming)
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
(birds chirping)
- When is mom...?
(gentle music)
- What?
- S- she is not, uh,
(dark music)
coming back.
- Stop talking about her.
Do you want them to separate us?
Do you want to end
up in foster care?
(gentle music)
(Game Boy chiming cheerfully)
(door thuds)
(Daniel and neighbor
chattering faintly)
(gate creaks faintly)
(tender music)
(tender music continues)
(fence rattles)
(tender music continues)
Amor Mama
Ooh
Oh, my love
(children screaming playfully)
Amor Mama
Ooh
Ooh
Amor Mama
Poor Mama
Poor Mama
Amor Mama
Poor Mama
Poor Mama
Ooh, ooh, ah
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ah, ah
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
(traffic droning)
(gentle dark music)
(gentle dark music continues)
(gentle dark music continues)
(foil crinkling)
(foil continues crinkling)
There's a glitter of a city
That could make a body roam
But my light is your love
There's no light
I place above
- [Mechanic] If the
engine isn't turning over
as you expected it to,
like I said, flash tutorial.
Make sure 12-volts are
running to the battery
and then check the alternator
to make sure that we're
getting the current.
That my light is your love
You're the brightest
star I know
(bottles clinking)
And I look for love
from the stars above
In the hustle and the bustle
of the city people's ways
(water splashing)
(dishes clinking)
And I watch you every day
And every night I dream
Yes, every night I dream
Of you-know-who
- Food.
Eli!
(insects chirping)
(worrisome music)
Shit.
Hey, hey.
Wake up. Come on.
You okay?
What happened?
Look at you.
(worrisome music continues)
(water splashing)
(insects chirping)
(dogs barking distantly)
(water splashing)
(liquor sloshing)
(phone beeping)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(insects chirping)
(Daniel sighs softly)
(gentle music
continues distortedly)
(blinds clacking distortedly)
(blinds continue clacking)
(gentle music)
- We don't steal.
We don't drink.
We don't lie.
We dress well.
(spoon clattering)
(gentle music continues)
(sirens wailing faintly)
- Look, I get that you don't
want to talk to me, right?
But I can't have you
walking around drunk
without an explanation.
So write it, draw it,
whatever, do anything.
I don't care.
I just want to
know what happened.
When you're done do the dishes.
- Where is my Game Boy?
- I needed to pay rent.
(sheets rustling)
(sheets continues rustling)
(upbeat music)
Fuck.
(water splashing)
C'mon.
I'll handle the dishes later.
I made a mistake
And I owe you an apology.
(razor buzzing)
I fucked up.
Sometimes I feel so good
Giving love to you
And hope you will feel
The same as I do
Come on, have faith
And love will find a way
Sometimes I feel so good
Giving love to you
- My favorite pair.
Happy birthday.
They look pretty good on you.
(tender music)
Hey, I'm, uh, sorry I
forgot your birthday.
Hey, come on.
(tender music continues)
I love you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
(brooding music)
(train droning)
(starter whirring)
(starter whirring)
- Hey, how you guys doing?
Eli?
Look, the guy from the
gas company came by here
and said he need to
shut off your gas.
Been having problem
with your gas lately?
Listen, I don't want you boys
getting sick, so. (chuckles)
Night's been getting cold
as hell around here lately.
Virtue never dwells alone.
It always has a neighbor.
Look man, I can see what
you boys been going through.
So take that.
Ain't no shame in that.
All right, just be careful.
Make sure you switch it
off before you go to sleep.
Oh, and that note's
for your brother.
- Hey, what's, what's wrong
with y- with your car?
- I don't know.
This piece of shit been
bitching at me for a while now.
- [Eli] Thank you.
- Hey, if you're hungry,
there's always food at my house.
There's the hustle
and the bustle
Of the city people's way
But my light is your love
And I want you every day
Yes, every night I dream
Every night I dream
Yes, every night I dream
Of you-know-who
Oh, yes you do
You must know who
My light is you
My life is you
- Shoulda sold this
motherfucker a long time ago.
Couldn't do it.
Some things you just
fall in love with.
You know, you can't help it.
The more love you give,
the more love you get back.
It's the law.
That's how the universe
works, you know?
It's magical. (sighs)
But I have no idea
what's wrong with it now.
You ever fix a car?
Look at this piece of shit, man.
Full of flaws.
I even yell at it sometime.
(gentle music)
You ever think about it?
How there's nothing
in this world
that's not loved by
something or someone?
Nothing man.
Everything you see,
it's here to be loved.
(wrench cranking)
You all right?
Something bothering you?
I know I'm nosy, man. I know.
It upsets a lot of
people and I get it.
Lemme me say this,
I only ask because I care.
Ain't nothing in this
life gonna be perfect.
You know, there's always
gonna be something
that's broken, missing,
you know, need to be fixed.
Ain't got nothing
to do with you.
Absolutely nothing.
This whole thing right
here, all this, see,
it's a shit show.
It's a spectacle that
you have no control over.
But the one thing you do
have the power to control
is yourself and your heart.
The way you care about
the people that you love.
No reason to be harsh
on yourself or to hide,
or to hold back, no reason.
Took me a long time to
figure that shit out.
Too fucking long.
(starter whirring)
(engine rumbles)
Oh!
Holy shit, man.
- How'd you do that?
- Uh,
YouTube.
- I don't understand.
(birds chirping)
I'm not hungry, so eat it all.
(dogs barking distantly)
(dogs continue
barking distantly)
(tender music)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(tender music continues)
(tender music continues)
(Daniel chuckles)
(Daniel sniffing)
(Daniel grunts)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(alarm beeping)
- [Eli] We s- shower daily.
(alarm continues beeping)
(phone chimes)
(warm jazz music)
(Eli sniffs)
(warm jazz music continues)
One bright
And guiding light
That taught me
wrong from right
I found
In my mother's eyes
Those baby tales she told me
Those streets are
paved with gold
I found, I found, I found
- We don't steal.
We don't drink.
We wash our clothes.
We look, look, look,
look out for each other.
We love, love
and respect each other.
(backpacks thudding)
(backpack thuds)
(audio ringing)
- You tell me what happened.
Read it out loud.
(birds chirping)
(Eli exhales sharply)
(ceiling fan whooshing)
(worrisome music)
(Eli grunting)
Sit down!
You're not going anywhere.
Come on.
(Eli grunts)
Read it! Read it!
(tumultuous music)
(tumultuous music fades sharply)
(birds chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
I took it too far.
(birds continue chirping)
I just want to
communicate with you.
I want to help you.
(birds continue chirping)
(Daniel grunts)
Get up.
You don't have to
get out of bed today.
(gentle music)
- We just talk to each other.
We talk to each other.
(gentle music continues)
(door chimes)
(gentle music continues)
(car alarm chirps)
- [Dorothee] You've reached the
voicemail of Dorothee Davis.
Leave your name and number
and I'll call you back.
- Hi, M- Mom.
I w- wanted
to t- tell you
about this a- amazing
pizza I'm having
and- and it
almost tastes
as good as the...
(Eileen snarling)
(Eileen growling)
(Eileen yelps)
(energetic music)
That's what I get
for being so kind
I give you my love and
you leave me behind
That's what I get
for being so true
It hurts when a woman
makes a fool out of you
I've done everything
that a good man should
I tried to please ya
(dog whines)
Every way I could
I've given you
everything that I own
But next thing I know,
that the turkey has flown
That's what I get
for being so kind
(phone ringing)
I give you my love
And you leave
me behind, yeah
- [Answering Machine] Please
leave a message after the tone.
(phone beeps)
- Hi, uh,
I f- found your dog.
And I'll bring him home as so-
- [Automated Message]
Your credit is too low.
Please check your balance
or contact customer service.
(Eli knocking)
(doorbell buzzing)
(Eli knocking)
(car honks and revs)
- God, you're saving my ass.
My mom's just about to kill me.
Mom!
(dog groaning)
The dog is fine.
This young gentleman
just brought her back.
Mom, listen.
Eileen is fine.
She's with me now.
Listen, Eileen is fine, okay?
No, I don't have any
cash with me, but...
Gimme a second.
Mom!
Of course I'm gonna take
this from your cash.
It's your dog.
Get down, Eileen!
You don't wanna
give him anything?
(crow cawing)
(lively jazz music)
(lively jazz music continues)
(lively jazz music continues)
(water splashing)
(lively jazz music continues)
(starter whirring)
(lively jazz music continues)
- I see you got inspired.
(gate creaks)
(birds chirping)
(fridge door thuds)
(fridge door thuds)
(fridge door thuds)
(pizza box rustling)
(traffic droning faintly)
(bleak music)
(bleak music continues)
(downtrodden music)
(downtrodden music continues)
- Do you know what this means?
(downtrodden music continues)
(downtrodden music continues)
You know, I really wish you'd
say something right now.
I don't have anyone that I
can talk to about all this.
(downtrodden music continues)
(downtrodden music continues)
(downtrodden music continues)
(keys jingle)
(downtrodden music continues)
(engine rumbles)
(garbage bag rustling)
(sirens wailing faintly)
Uh, I...
(neighbors chattering faintly)
(birds chirping)
(trunk lid creaks)
(dogs barking)
(traffic droning)
(gentle music)
Hi, Mom.
I just wanted to tell you
that we will sleep in the car.
(gate creaks)
But we won't be far. Okay?
Mama
I'm in love
And I know love
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Mama
Went through my life, yeah
And I won't be
like this in love
Hello, Mama
(fire crackling)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(garbage bags rustling)
- Where you guys headed?
- Going for a drive.
Eli fixed the car.
- Hm.
- Well, I made some sandwiches.
- Thanks.
- Look, it's not a lot of
people left in this world
that still listen.
You're blessed.
You too. You're blessed, man.
(car doors creak)
(engine rumbles)
(upbeat music)
You know that I love
you so much it's crazy
It's crazy
And I bet that you
feel the same way I do
My love keeps
growing every day
Every day
Oh darling, won't you
come and stay with me
- And then the little boy said-
Come on and stay
- "It's far away, Mr. Frog."
(engine rumbling)
(crickets chirping)
(upbeat music continues)
(engine pinging)
(traffic banging and droning)
(dogs barking)
(sirens wailing faintly)
(car alarm honking)
(gentle music)
(insects chirping)
(mailbox creaks)
(gentle music continues)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-a-oh-a, oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-a-oh-a, oh
- We don't steal.
We don't drink.
We don't lie.
(switches creak)
(keys jingle)
(gentle music continues)
(Lada moaning)
(car creaking)
(Jerry grunting)
(Lada screams)
- Jesus! What the hell.
Who the fuck...
Pervert!
Dirty little shit!
Fuck!
- Just a kid. (laughs)
- Where the fuck
did he come from?
(water splashing)
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
- Arm up.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
- A- a- a- (sighs lightly)
Are we
h- homeless?
(dogs barking faintly)
(insects chirping)
(dogs barking faintly)
(insects continue chirping)
- No. No, no.
We, I mean, we have this
and we have each other.
You know, some people, they
have, they have nothing.
They have, they have no one.
They sleep on the curb.
So, you know, basically, we're,
we're kind of rich.
(dogs continue barking faintly)
Good night.
(gentle music)
- [Eli] We love and
respect- respect each other.
We l- look after each other.
Go to school.
We do our homework.
- These are financial aid forms
for like tuition, supplies,
housing, of course.
- I'd be able to
rent my own place?
- It wouldn't be a house,
but a small studio or room?
Yes.
(gentle music continues)
Some day we'll rise
Rise, rise
- Come on guys.
You know this is not
a public bathroom.
(door creaks)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
(gravel crunching)
(police radio chattering)
(siren chirps)
(insects chirping)
- A- are we in trouble, sir?
- What are you doing in there?
- Homework.
- You guys are going to school?
- Yes, sir.
- [Officer Luz] When'd
you eat your last meal?
- Um, 10 hours ago.
(insects continue chirping)
(police radio
continues chattering)
- By no means are
you in trouble.
I wish I could help you guys.
I wish I could get you
outta this situation.
You guys are doing great.
And take care of each other.
Okay?
- Okay.
(insects continue chirping)
(Daniel sighs)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(backboard thuds)
- Hey, what's
taking you so long?
- Yeah, why are you
taking off your shoes?
(lively jazz music)
(lively jazz music continues)
(lively jazz music continues)
- So did you forget your shoes?
(lively jazz music continues)
Oh, okay.
Cool. Cool.
So you just, (chuckles)
you just left.
Dude, what the fuck?
What the fuck goes on
in that little stupid
fucking head of yours?
(lively jazz music continues)
(birds chirping)
They stole your shoes.
(lively jazz music continues)
(Eli sniffles)
It's okay.
I'll get you another pair.
(lively jazz music continues)
(lively jazz music continues)
You got the mail?
(mailbox creaks)
(lively jazz music softens)
(insects chirping)
(Eli snoring softly)
Maybe I was too exhausted
or maybe I just wanted
everything to be over.
(gentle music)
But the moment I let go,
things started to change.
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
(clothes rustling rhythmically)
(Eli moaning gently)
Hey, you think you could
do that in the shower?
(birds chirping)
- We don't have
a- a shower.
(spiritual music)
(spiritual music continues)
(spiritual music continues)
- You know they're real leather?
(spiritual music continues)
You look pretty good.
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
What?
Mm, mighty all day
(light buzzing)
Thank you.
(pencil scratching)
(switch clicks)
(washers droning)
(washer beeping)
(water splashing)
Come on.
- Your desk
- You know her?
- Come.
Come on. You first.
There's some towels back there.
(change clanking)
16 divided by 4.
(gentle jazz music)
Make four equal stacks.
Count!
Where are your parents?
You don't talk much, huh?
- [Eli] Mom is on a holiday.
- Holidays, huh?
For how long?
You know, my mom's
on holiday too
and I wish she would
never come back.
- Four.
- Write that down.
(change jangling)
My mom forced me to
count so much change
that to this day, I can tell
by weighing a handful of coins
exactly how much money that is.
21 divided by 3.
She could have bought a
machine to count all the coins
but she claimed that she doesn't
trust machines or employees
and would rather have me count.
I believed her at the time.
It took me years to realize
that she's actually
greedy as fuck.
I can't help it.
That's the world I grew up in.
And this would've been it
if I didn't force my parents
to change their plans.
It got pretty ugly
when I told them
I don't want anything
to do with this.
Basically, I had
to blackmail them.
Oh, I'm their only child.
So I kidnapped Mom's dog.
My mom would only get her back
if they let me go to college.
- Uh, you're- you're...
- Weird. Yeah, I know.
And that's how I became
a computer scientist.
72 divided by 6.
- W- what's a
computer-
- Computer scientist?
I guess it's a job I never
even dared to dream of
when I first started
counting change in here
with a mom who barely
spoke English at the time.
My mom missed her dog so much
that one day she came to
my room ready to negotiate.
They would finally
let me go to college.
On one condition:
I have to look after
the business on holidays
so after 25 years of work
they could finally
take some time off.
And that was our deal.
(Eileen barks)
Shut up.
Why does she have a-
w- why is her leg?
- Oh, she got hit by a car.
Yeah, she hasn't
learned anything since.
She keeps running away.
Even with three legs.
(Eileen grumbles)
Sometimes my mom calls
me by the dog's name.
Accidentally, of course.
- Seven.
- Write that down.
I guess that sums up our
relationship pretty well.
- We gotta go.
- No, he stays.
He needs a desk.
Where are you going?
- Work.
(door chimes)
(gentle lounge music)
- Feels good, huh?
(washers rumbling gently)
(gentle lounge music continues)
Don't forget to pack that too.
Keep it. You saved my ass.
(gentle lounge music continues)
What?
Just wait.
(phone buzzing)
(Mom chattering angrily)
Okay, let me go change and
then we can go for a walk.
(Mom continues
chattering angrily)
I feel like it's
worked out for the best
because we all love her.
You know, I mean, who
wouldn't love a dog?
(Eli chuckles)
Hey, gimme a second.
(Yaya sighs softly)
Come on. There are no cars.
(gentle music continues)
(power lines buzzing)
I like the thought of being
the only person in the world,
like, the last life
in the universe.
(lighter clicks)
Sometimes when I
look at the night sky
I think about how small
we like to make ourselves.
Like we trick
ourselves into thinking
that the moon is up there
and we're down here.
(siren wailing faintly)
But there's absolutely
no truth to that.
I mean, it's just a way
of looking at things.
Like, I'd much rather believe
we're hovering
high above it all.
I see the moon down there.
Doesn't that feel much better?
(disorienting music)
(wind whistles)
- You're, uh, you're-
- Weird. Yeah, you said that.
- Yeah, but, uh-
- What?
- I, uh,
I- I like, I like you.
- Can I ask you something?
Have you ever fucked a girl?
(rumbling music)
(insects chirping)
You have fucked a
girl, haven't you?
You gay?
- I'm, I'm, I- I'm 14.
- So you masturbate a lot, huh?
(sirens continue
wailing faintly)
Come back to the
laundromat tomorrow,
you can use the shower.
(insects continue chirping)
(soft jazz music)
(boss chattering indistinctly)
(soft jazz music continues)
(soft jazz music continues)
- Daniel.
Do you have my number?
Come back tomorrow
And text me when you get here.
I'm so sorry for
what happened today.
- [Daniel] Thank you.
(soft jazz music continues)
(sirens wailing faintly)
(soft jazz music continues)
(soft jazz music continues)
I couldn't deny it.
Yeah, I was flying in my dreams
but in real life everything
was falling apart.
- [Dorothee] You've reached the
voicemail of Dorothee Davis.
Leave your name and number
and I'll call you back.
- Uh, uh,
hi, M- Mom.
I- I- I gotta go.
(insects chirping)
(plastic bag rustling)
(Eli slurping)
(ship horn blaring distantly)
- She's dead.
There's no point in
leaving her messages.
Mom is dead.
(gunshot blasts)
(Dorothee thumps)
(insects chirping)
(insects continue chirping)
- Sit down.
Sit down!
(insects continue chirping)
(Cliff sighs)
(beer sloshes)
What do you see?
(insects continue chirping)
- A gun.
- Speak up boy!
What do you see?
- A gun.
- No. Try again.
(beer sloshes)
(insects continue chirping)
- A gun, a table.
- You know, there are
certain moments in life
when you gotta speak up,
when you gotta be loud,
when you want to
confront your enemy.
Like when someone
hits you in the face,
what you going to do?
(fists thud)
You hit back, right?
Then there's these other moments
when you gotta stand
down, look away.
Shut your mouth.
(chuckles) You follow me?
See, you want to live your
life according to what?
Reality? Not fantasy?
Hell, we all want
to live our lives
according to what's
actually real.
You agree with me here?
- Yes.
- Close your eyes.
(bottle thuds)
Close your fucking eyes, Daniel.
(insects continue chirping)
What do you see now?
(insects continue chirping)
- Nothing.
- No magic.
One moment the gun is there,
the next moment it's
gone.
See, that's how our minds work,
how we remember things.
Don't we?
You always been the smart
one of the family, right?
So I'm sure you understand
what I'm saying here.
If you and your brother
wanna stay together,
now's the time for you
to be really smart
about what you remember.
So I'll ask you again.
(beer sloshes)
What do you see?
(insects continue chirping)
Look at her.
Look at her!
(Daniel breathing heavily)
(insects continue chirping)
Tell me,
what do you see?
(insects continue chirping)
(insects continue chirping)
- Nothing.
I see nothing.
(Cliff laughing wildly)
(Cliff continues laughing)
(insects continue chirping)
- Help me carry that big
piece of nothing outside.
(Eli snoring softly)
(gentle music)
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh
(birds chirping)
(traffic droning)
(phone ringing)
- [Automated Message] No one
is available to take your call.
Please leave a message
after the tone.
(phone beeps)
- [Daniel] Hey
Eli, where are you?
(traffic continues droning)
(phone ringing)
- [Automated Message]
Our small volunteer group
is overwhelmed with those
requesting assistance.
Please speak your full name
and phone number
slowly and clearly
and we will get back to
you as soon as we can.
- [Automated Message] This
mailbox is full. Goodbye.
(phone beeps)
- (grunts) Fuck! Fuck!
(Daniel shouts primally)
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
(desperate music)
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Eli!
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.
I should have, I should have
told you earlier about Mom.
(waves crashing)
(seagulls squawking)
Mom loved this place.
Is that why you're here?
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
You read it?
(waves continue crashing)
- Ev- every-
everybody leaves me.
(waves continue crashing)
- So
you were gonna leave
me before I left you?
Is that what this is?
'Cause, 'cause of this?
(tender music)
Hey.
I'm not gonna leave you.
I'm never gonna leave you.
- All these colleges are
very close to where you live.
Would you consider applying
further outta state?
- No.
- Oh, okay.
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
(gentle music continues)
- Dear Mr. Davis,
I am delighted to inform you
that the Committee of Admissions
has admitted you to the class.
Someday we'll rise
Rise, rise
(shopping cart rattling)
(gentle music continues)
- So you speak now?
What made you change your mind?
What's this?
It's an ashtray?
(ashtray clicks)
- That
was
my mom's.
- Thanks.
Let's get you to the back.
Yeah. Okay.
Yeah, I can do that. Bye.
Come on. I got a
surprise for us.
(door creaks loudly)
(patrons chattering)
(driving electronic music)
(driving electronic
music continues)
(sirens wailing)
(driving electronic music)
(waves crashing)
(seagulls squawking)
- Where you going?
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(suitcase splashes)
(phone beeping and ringing)
- [Automated Message] This
number is no longer in use.
Please dial another
number or call...
- S- sh- she loved this place.
Why?
Why- why- why did he,
why did he kill her?
(waves continue crashing)
- You know, Mom always
wanted to be a teacher
but she ended up
scrubbing toilets
at the school where
she wanted to teach at.
One of the guys who worked there
offered her money
in exchange for
sex.
He found out.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
Some day we'll rise
Rise, rise
(Eli snoring softly)
- [Daniel] I never
had my own room.
It was weird.
It looked exactly
like in my dream.
And even though this was
a new experience for me,
(Eli snoring softly)
we decided to keep some of
our family traditions alive.
Looking back, life
suddenly seemed so simple.
There was basically
just one thing
she wanted us to remember.
She wrote it down
a long time ago.
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
Someday we'll rise
Rise, rise
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
There's the
glitter of the city
That could make a body roam
But my light is your love
There's no light I
place above your glow
So I sing this little ditty
As I make it
through the show
That my light is your love
(upbeat jazz music)
You're the brightest
star I know
And I look for love
from the stars above
Will that kiss light
the fire inside
In the hustle and the bustle
of the city people's ways
Well, my light is your love
And I watch you every day
And every night I dream
Every night I dream
Yes, every night I dream
Of you-know-who
Oh, yes you do
You might know who
My light is you
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(projector whirring)
(film clicking)
(people arguing faintly)
(dark music)
(object booms)
(dogs barking)
(Eli snoring lightly)
(fluorescent lights buzzing)
(brooding music)
(fluorescent lights
buzzing menacingly)
(phone beeping)
(brooding music)
(haunting music)
(water splashing)
(water trickling)
(insects chirping)
There's a glitter
of the city
That can make a body roam
But my light is your love
- [Daniel] Mom.
The way she looked at the world
wasn't always easy for
us kids to understand.
- Stop it.
- [Daniel] Mom had her rules.
- Go ahead.
- [Daniel] Negativity was
not allowed into the house.
(Dorothee laughs)
She said it was like crack.
Highly addictive and everywhere.
- That's all you
get, so watch it.
- [Daniel] Looking
back, she was right.
- [Cliff] Thank you.
- [Daniel] Sad stories
are to be found so easily.
- [Dorothee] Oh, I
didn't get no rice.
- [Daniel] Not so
much the happy ones.
But once you change the
way you look at things,
the things you look at
(Eli snoring lightly)
change.
(alarm beeping)
(dogs barking)
(fire sirens wailing distantly)
(neighbors shouting faintly)
(laid-back music)
Father
I stretch my hands to thee
No other help I know
My Lord
My Lord
My blessings
If I should count them all
As countless as the stars
My Lord
My Lord
If thou withdraw
Thyself from me
Ah
(phone ringing)
- [Daniel] Hello?
- [Mrs. Meyers] Good morning.
This is Mrs. Meyers,
the academic counselor from
Vermont Valley High School.
Is Mrs. Davis available?
- Uh, no.
- Is this Daniel?
- Yes.
- [Mrs. Meyers] Hi Daniel.
We spoke a couple weeks ago.
I have one more
piece of information
for your mother about
the financial aid,
but she wouldn't return my calls
and this is the only
number I have here.
- She lost her phone.
- [Mrs. Meyers] Daniel, I'm
really trying to help here.
I just looked at
your latest grades
and you're a perfect
candidate for college.
So could you help me get
your mother on the phone?
(train droning)
- [Daniel] The dreams
started after dad left.
(tender music)
(Daniel screaming)
(Daniel thuds)
It was as if he was
pulling me down with him.
(train wheels screeching)
- Hey! Daniel, how you doing?
- Good.
- And your mom,
how's she doing?
- She been pretty busy lately.
- Gotcha.
Yeah, I just hadn't
seen her in a while now-
- Got to go.
- All right.
(gentle jazz music)
(fluorescent lights buzzing)
(pencil scratching)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(fluorescent lights
continue buzzing)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(door thuds)
- [Daniel] Shower
before I'm back.
(gentle jazz music continues)
(traffic droning)
(phone beeping)
- [Automated Message]
Your new balance is $5.19.
(patrons and employees
chattering softly)
(water splashing)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(gentle jazz music continues)
(mailbox squeaks)
(car alarm honking distantly)
(Daniel sighs)
(insects chirping)
(insects continue chirping)
- Dude, you could
have just cut one.
(gentle music)
Thank you though.
(phone beeping and ringing)
- [Dorothee] You've reached the
voicemail of Dorothee Davis.
Leave your name and number
and I'll call you back.
- Um, hi- hi M- Mom.
I, uh...
- [Daniel] You haven't
showered yet, have you?
(brooding music)
- Are those legs or toothpicks?
I can't tell.
- [Daniel] Eli.
(Daniel knocking)
- I forbid you from
using the hot water
until you grow some
goddamn muscles.
- Eli. Turn the water on.
(Eli gasps and screams)
- Walk to school or
run. I don't care.
But make sure you getting
rid of those girl legs.
(brooding music continues)
(Eli shouts)
- Eli.
(water crashing)
(Daniel shouting)
(Daniel thuds)
- [Louis] Hey,
Dorothee, you home?
(Louis knocking)
Knock, knock.
It's your neighbor, Louis.
I got this letter that
blew over in my driveway.
Yeah, it's hella windy out here.
(Louis knocking)
Okay, I'm just gonna
leave it under the door.
(paper rustling)
(airplane droning)
(melancholic music)
(phone camera clicking)
(dogs barking)
(phone camera clicking)
(melancholic music continues)
(Eli snoring gently)
(melancholic music continues)
(switch clicks)
(insects chirping)
(Eli grunting softly)
- Hey. Hey.
- No, no! No!
- Hey, hey, hey, hey.
It's okay. You're okay.
Here.
(gentle music)
(Daniel humming)
And if that mocking
bird don't sing
Momma's gonna buy
you a diamond ring
- Oh, so daddy taking
care of his little girl?
- Little fag have no legs?
(teens laugh)
- Give him some fucking time.
(gentle music continues)
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
(gentle music continues)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh-Oh, oh
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
Found peace
I found love and peace I
(alarm chiming)
Join
Join
(alarm continues chiming)
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm
(birds chirping)
- When is mom...?
(gentle music)
- What?
- S- she is not, uh,
(dark music)
coming back.
- Stop talking about her.
Do you want them to separate us?
Do you want to end
up in foster care?
(gentle music)
(Game Boy chiming cheerfully)
(door thuds)
(Daniel and neighbor
chattering faintly)
(gate creaks faintly)
(tender music)
(tender music continues)
(fence rattles)
(tender music continues)
Amor Mama
Ooh
Oh, my love
(children screaming playfully)
Amor Mama
Ooh
Ooh
Amor Mama
Poor Mama
Poor Mama
Amor Mama
Poor Mama
Poor Mama
Ooh, ooh, ah
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ah, ah
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
(traffic droning)
(gentle dark music)
(gentle dark music continues)
(gentle dark music continues)
(foil crinkling)
(foil continues crinkling)
There's a glitter of a city
That could make a body roam
But my light is your love
There's no light
I place above
- [Mechanic] If the
engine isn't turning over
as you expected it to,
like I said, flash tutorial.
Make sure 12-volts are
running to the battery
and then check the alternator
to make sure that we're
getting the current.
That my light is your love
You're the brightest
star I know
(bottles clinking)
And I look for love
from the stars above
In the hustle and the bustle
of the city people's ways
(water splashing)
(dishes clinking)
And I watch you every day
And every night I dream
Yes, every night I dream
Of you-know-who
- Food.
Eli!
(insects chirping)
(worrisome music)
Shit.
Hey, hey.
Wake up. Come on.
You okay?
What happened?
Look at you.
(worrisome music continues)
(water splashing)
(insects chirping)
(dogs barking distantly)
(water splashing)
(liquor sloshing)
(phone beeping)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(insects chirping)
(Daniel sighs softly)
(gentle music
continues distortedly)
(blinds clacking distortedly)
(blinds continue clacking)
(gentle music)
- We don't steal.
We don't drink.
We don't lie.
We dress well.
(spoon clattering)
(gentle music continues)
(sirens wailing faintly)
- Look, I get that you don't
want to talk to me, right?
But I can't have you
walking around drunk
without an explanation.
So write it, draw it,
whatever, do anything.
I don't care.
I just want to
know what happened.
When you're done do the dishes.
- Where is my Game Boy?
- I needed to pay rent.
(sheets rustling)
(sheets continues rustling)
(upbeat music)
Fuck.
(water splashing)
C'mon.
I'll handle the dishes later.
I made a mistake
And I owe you an apology.
(razor buzzing)
I fucked up.
Sometimes I feel so good
Giving love to you
And hope you will feel
The same as I do
Come on, have faith
And love will find a way
Sometimes I feel so good
Giving love to you
- My favorite pair.
Happy birthday.
They look pretty good on you.
(tender music)
Hey, I'm, uh, sorry I
forgot your birthday.
Hey, come on.
(tender music continues)
I love you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
(brooding music)
(train droning)
(starter whirring)
(starter whirring)
- Hey, how you guys doing?
Eli?
Look, the guy from the
gas company came by here
and said he need to
shut off your gas.
Been having problem
with your gas lately?
Listen, I don't want you boys
getting sick, so. (chuckles)
Night's been getting cold
as hell around here lately.
Virtue never dwells alone.
It always has a neighbor.
Look man, I can see what
you boys been going through.
So take that.
Ain't no shame in that.
All right, just be careful.
Make sure you switch it
off before you go to sleep.
Oh, and that note's
for your brother.
- Hey, what's, what's wrong
with y- with your car?
- I don't know.
This piece of shit been
bitching at me for a while now.
- [Eli] Thank you.
- Hey, if you're hungry,
there's always food at my house.
There's the hustle
and the bustle
Of the city people's way
But my light is your love
And I want you every day
Yes, every night I dream
Every night I dream
Yes, every night I dream
Of you-know-who
Oh, yes you do
You must know who
My light is you
My life is you
- Shoulda sold this
motherfucker a long time ago.
Couldn't do it.
Some things you just
fall in love with.
You know, you can't help it.
The more love you give,
the more love you get back.
It's the law.
That's how the universe
works, you know?
It's magical. (sighs)
But I have no idea
what's wrong with it now.
You ever fix a car?
Look at this piece of shit, man.
Full of flaws.
I even yell at it sometime.
(gentle music)
You ever think about it?
How there's nothing
in this world
that's not loved by
something or someone?
Nothing man.
Everything you see,
it's here to be loved.
(wrench cranking)
You all right?
Something bothering you?
I know I'm nosy, man. I know.
It upsets a lot of
people and I get it.
Lemme me say this,
I only ask because I care.
Ain't nothing in this
life gonna be perfect.
You know, there's always
gonna be something
that's broken, missing,
you know, need to be fixed.
Ain't got nothing
to do with you.
Absolutely nothing.
This whole thing right
here, all this, see,
it's a shit show.
It's a spectacle that
you have no control over.
But the one thing you do
have the power to control
is yourself and your heart.
The way you care about
the people that you love.
No reason to be harsh
on yourself or to hide,
or to hold back, no reason.
Took me a long time to
figure that shit out.
Too fucking long.
(starter whirring)
(engine rumbles)
Oh!
Holy shit, man.
- How'd you do that?
- Uh,
YouTube.
- I don't understand.
(birds chirping)
I'm not hungry, so eat it all.
(dogs barking distantly)
(dogs continue
barking distantly)
(tender music)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(tender music continues)
(tender music continues)
(Daniel chuckles)
(Daniel sniffing)
(Daniel grunts)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(alarm beeping)
- [Eli] We s- shower daily.
(alarm continues beeping)
(phone chimes)
(warm jazz music)
(Eli sniffs)
(warm jazz music continues)
One bright
And guiding light
That taught me
wrong from right
I found
In my mother's eyes
Those baby tales she told me
Those streets are
paved with gold
I found, I found, I found
- We don't steal.
We don't drink.
We wash our clothes.
We look, look, look,
look out for each other.
We love, love
and respect each other.
(backpacks thudding)
(backpack thuds)
(audio ringing)
- You tell me what happened.
Read it out loud.
(birds chirping)
(Eli exhales sharply)
(ceiling fan whooshing)
(worrisome music)
(Eli grunting)
Sit down!
You're not going anywhere.
Come on.
(Eli grunts)
Read it! Read it!
(tumultuous music)
(tumultuous music fades sharply)
(birds chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
I took it too far.
(birds continue chirping)
I just want to
communicate with you.
I want to help you.
(birds continue chirping)
(Daniel grunts)
Get up.
You don't have to
get out of bed today.
(gentle music)
- We just talk to each other.
We talk to each other.
(gentle music continues)
(door chimes)
(gentle music continues)
(car alarm chirps)
- [Dorothee] You've reached the
voicemail of Dorothee Davis.
Leave your name and number
and I'll call you back.
- Hi, M- Mom.
I w- wanted
to t- tell you
about this a- amazing
pizza I'm having
and- and it
almost tastes
as good as the...
(Eileen snarling)
(Eileen growling)
(Eileen yelps)
(energetic music)
That's what I get
for being so kind
I give you my love and
you leave me behind
That's what I get
for being so true
It hurts when a woman
makes a fool out of you
I've done everything
that a good man should
I tried to please ya
(dog whines)
Every way I could
I've given you
everything that I own
But next thing I know,
that the turkey has flown
That's what I get
for being so kind
(phone ringing)
I give you my love
And you leave
me behind, yeah
- [Answering Machine] Please
leave a message after the tone.
(phone beeps)
- Hi, uh,
I f- found your dog.
And I'll bring him home as so-
- [Automated Message]
Your credit is too low.
Please check your balance
or contact customer service.
(Eli knocking)
(doorbell buzzing)
(Eli knocking)
(car honks and revs)
- God, you're saving my ass.
My mom's just about to kill me.
Mom!
(dog groaning)
The dog is fine.
This young gentleman
just brought her back.
Mom, listen.
Eileen is fine.
She's with me now.
Listen, Eileen is fine, okay?
No, I don't have any
cash with me, but...
Gimme a second.
Mom!
Of course I'm gonna take
this from your cash.
It's your dog.
Get down, Eileen!
You don't wanna
give him anything?
(crow cawing)
(lively jazz music)
(lively jazz music continues)
(lively jazz music continues)
(water splashing)
(lively jazz music continues)
(starter whirring)
(lively jazz music continues)
- I see you got inspired.
(gate creaks)
(birds chirping)
(fridge door thuds)
(fridge door thuds)
(fridge door thuds)
(pizza box rustling)
(traffic droning faintly)
(bleak music)
(bleak music continues)
(downtrodden music)
(downtrodden music continues)
- Do you know what this means?
(downtrodden music continues)
(downtrodden music continues)
You know, I really wish you'd
say something right now.
I don't have anyone that I
can talk to about all this.
(downtrodden music continues)
(downtrodden music continues)
(downtrodden music continues)
(keys jingle)
(downtrodden music continues)
(engine rumbles)
(garbage bag rustling)
(sirens wailing faintly)
Uh, I...
(neighbors chattering faintly)
(birds chirping)
(trunk lid creaks)
(dogs barking)
(traffic droning)
(gentle music)
Hi, Mom.
I just wanted to tell you
that we will sleep in the car.
(gate creaks)
But we won't be far. Okay?
Mama
I'm in love
And I know love
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Mama
Went through my life, yeah
And I won't be
like this in love
Hello, Mama
(fire crackling)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(garbage bags rustling)
- Where you guys headed?
- Going for a drive.
Eli fixed the car.
- Hm.
- Well, I made some sandwiches.
- Thanks.
- Look, it's not a lot of
people left in this world
that still listen.
You're blessed.
You too. You're blessed, man.
(car doors creak)
(engine rumbles)
(upbeat music)
You know that I love
you so much it's crazy
It's crazy
And I bet that you
feel the same way I do
My love keeps
growing every day
Every day
Oh darling, won't you
come and stay with me
- And then the little boy said-
Come on and stay
- "It's far away, Mr. Frog."
(engine rumbling)
(crickets chirping)
(upbeat music continues)
(engine pinging)
(traffic banging and droning)
(dogs barking)
(sirens wailing faintly)
(car alarm honking)
(gentle music)
(insects chirping)
(mailbox creaks)
(gentle music continues)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-a-oh-a, oh
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-a-oh-a, oh
- We don't steal.
We don't drink.
We don't lie.
(switches creak)
(keys jingle)
(gentle music continues)
(Lada moaning)
(car creaking)
(Jerry grunting)
(Lada screams)
- Jesus! What the hell.
Who the fuck...
Pervert!
Dirty little shit!
Fuck!
- Just a kid. (laughs)
- Where the fuck
did he come from?
(water splashing)
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
- Arm up.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
- A- a- a- (sighs lightly)
Are we
h- homeless?
(dogs barking faintly)
(insects chirping)
(dogs barking faintly)
(insects continue chirping)
- No. No, no.
We, I mean, we have this
and we have each other.
You know, some people, they
have, they have nothing.
They have, they have no one.
They sleep on the curb.
So, you know, basically, we're,
we're kind of rich.
(dogs continue barking faintly)
Good night.
(gentle music)
- [Eli] We love and
respect- respect each other.
We l- look after each other.
Go to school.
We do our homework.
- These are financial aid forms
for like tuition, supplies,
housing, of course.
- I'd be able to
rent my own place?
- It wouldn't be a house,
but a small studio or room?
Yes.
(gentle music continues)
Some day we'll rise
Rise, rise
- Come on guys.
You know this is not
a public bathroom.
(door creaks)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
(gravel crunching)
(police radio chattering)
(siren chirps)
(insects chirping)
- A- are we in trouble, sir?
- What are you doing in there?
- Homework.
- You guys are going to school?
- Yes, sir.
- [Officer Luz] When'd
you eat your last meal?
- Um, 10 hours ago.
(insects continue chirping)
(police radio
continues chattering)
- By no means are
you in trouble.
I wish I could help you guys.
I wish I could get you
outta this situation.
You guys are doing great.
And take care of each other.
Okay?
- Okay.
(insects continue chirping)
(Daniel sighs)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(backboard thuds)
- Hey, what's
taking you so long?
- Yeah, why are you
taking off your shoes?
(lively jazz music)
(lively jazz music continues)
(lively jazz music continues)
- So did you forget your shoes?
(lively jazz music continues)
Oh, okay.
Cool. Cool.
So you just, (chuckles)
you just left.
Dude, what the fuck?
What the fuck goes on
in that little stupid
fucking head of yours?
(lively jazz music continues)
(birds chirping)
They stole your shoes.
(lively jazz music continues)
(Eli sniffles)
It's okay.
I'll get you another pair.
(lively jazz music continues)
(lively jazz music continues)
You got the mail?
(mailbox creaks)
(lively jazz music softens)
(insects chirping)
(Eli snoring softly)
Maybe I was too exhausted
or maybe I just wanted
everything to be over.
(gentle music)
But the moment I let go,
things started to change.
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
(clothes rustling rhythmically)
(Eli moaning gently)
Hey, you think you could
do that in the shower?
(birds chirping)
- We don't have
a- a shower.
(spiritual music)
(spiritual music continues)
(spiritual music continues)
- You know they're real leather?
(spiritual music continues)
You look pretty good.
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
Mighty all day
What?
Mm, mighty all day
(light buzzing)
Thank you.
(pencil scratching)
(switch clicks)
(washers droning)
(washer beeping)
(water splashing)
Come on.
- Your desk
- You know her?
- Come.
Come on. You first.
There's some towels back there.
(change clanking)
16 divided by 4.
(gentle jazz music)
Make four equal stacks.
Count!
Where are your parents?
You don't talk much, huh?
- [Eli] Mom is on a holiday.
- Holidays, huh?
For how long?
You know, my mom's
on holiday too
and I wish she would
never come back.
- Four.
- Write that down.
(change jangling)
My mom forced me to
count so much change
that to this day, I can tell
by weighing a handful of coins
exactly how much money that is.
21 divided by 3.
She could have bought a
machine to count all the coins
but she claimed that she doesn't
trust machines or employees
and would rather have me count.
I believed her at the time.
It took me years to realize
that she's actually
greedy as fuck.
I can't help it.
That's the world I grew up in.
And this would've been it
if I didn't force my parents
to change their plans.
It got pretty ugly
when I told them
I don't want anything
to do with this.
Basically, I had
to blackmail them.
Oh, I'm their only child.
So I kidnapped Mom's dog.
My mom would only get her back
if they let me go to college.
- Uh, you're- you're...
- Weird. Yeah, I know.
And that's how I became
a computer scientist.
72 divided by 6.
- W- what's a
computer-
- Computer scientist?
I guess it's a job I never
even dared to dream of
when I first started
counting change in here
with a mom who barely
spoke English at the time.
My mom missed her dog so much
that one day she came to
my room ready to negotiate.
They would finally
let me go to college.
On one condition:
I have to look after
the business on holidays
so after 25 years of work
they could finally
take some time off.
And that was our deal.
(Eileen barks)
Shut up.
Why does she have a-
w- why is her leg?
- Oh, she got hit by a car.
Yeah, she hasn't
learned anything since.
She keeps running away.
Even with three legs.
(Eileen grumbles)
Sometimes my mom calls
me by the dog's name.
Accidentally, of course.
- Seven.
- Write that down.
I guess that sums up our
relationship pretty well.
- We gotta go.
- No, he stays.
He needs a desk.
Where are you going?
- Work.
(door chimes)
(gentle lounge music)
- Feels good, huh?
(washers rumbling gently)
(gentle lounge music continues)
Don't forget to pack that too.
Keep it. You saved my ass.
(gentle lounge music continues)
What?
Just wait.
(phone buzzing)
(Mom chattering angrily)
Okay, let me go change and
then we can go for a walk.
(Mom continues
chattering angrily)
I feel like it's
worked out for the best
because we all love her.
You know, I mean, who
wouldn't love a dog?
(Eli chuckles)
Hey, gimme a second.
(Yaya sighs softly)
Come on. There are no cars.
(gentle music continues)
(power lines buzzing)
I like the thought of being
the only person in the world,
like, the last life
in the universe.
(lighter clicks)
Sometimes when I
look at the night sky
I think about how small
we like to make ourselves.
Like we trick
ourselves into thinking
that the moon is up there
and we're down here.
(siren wailing faintly)
But there's absolutely
no truth to that.
I mean, it's just a way
of looking at things.
Like, I'd much rather believe
we're hovering
high above it all.
I see the moon down there.
Doesn't that feel much better?
(disorienting music)
(wind whistles)
- You're, uh, you're-
- Weird. Yeah, you said that.
- Yeah, but, uh-
- What?
- I, uh,
I- I like, I like you.
- Can I ask you something?
Have you ever fucked a girl?
(rumbling music)
(insects chirping)
You have fucked a
girl, haven't you?
You gay?
- I'm, I'm, I- I'm 14.
- So you masturbate a lot, huh?
(sirens continue
wailing faintly)
Come back to the
laundromat tomorrow,
you can use the shower.
(insects continue chirping)
(soft jazz music)
(boss chattering indistinctly)
(soft jazz music continues)
(soft jazz music continues)
- Daniel.
Do you have my number?
Come back tomorrow
And text me when you get here.
I'm so sorry for
what happened today.
- [Daniel] Thank you.
(soft jazz music continues)
(sirens wailing faintly)
(soft jazz music continues)
(soft jazz music continues)
I couldn't deny it.
Yeah, I was flying in my dreams
but in real life everything
was falling apart.
- [Dorothee] You've reached the
voicemail of Dorothee Davis.
Leave your name and number
and I'll call you back.
- Uh, uh,
hi, M- Mom.
I- I- I gotta go.
(insects chirping)
(plastic bag rustling)
(Eli slurping)
(ship horn blaring distantly)
- She's dead.
There's no point in
leaving her messages.
Mom is dead.
(gunshot blasts)
(Dorothee thumps)
(insects chirping)
(insects continue chirping)
- Sit down.
Sit down!
(insects continue chirping)
(Cliff sighs)
(beer sloshes)
What do you see?
(insects continue chirping)
- A gun.
- Speak up boy!
What do you see?
- A gun.
- No. Try again.
(beer sloshes)
(insects continue chirping)
- A gun, a table.
- You know, there are
certain moments in life
when you gotta speak up,
when you gotta be loud,
when you want to
confront your enemy.
Like when someone
hits you in the face,
what you going to do?
(fists thud)
You hit back, right?
Then there's these other moments
when you gotta stand
down, look away.
Shut your mouth.
(chuckles) You follow me?
See, you want to live your
life according to what?
Reality? Not fantasy?
Hell, we all want
to live our lives
according to what's
actually real.
You agree with me here?
- Yes.
- Close your eyes.
(bottle thuds)
Close your fucking eyes, Daniel.
(insects continue chirping)
What do you see now?
(insects continue chirping)
- Nothing.
- No magic.
One moment the gun is there,
the next moment it's
gone.
See, that's how our minds work,
how we remember things.
Don't we?
You always been the smart
one of the family, right?
So I'm sure you understand
what I'm saying here.
If you and your brother
wanna stay together,
now's the time for you
to be really smart
about what you remember.
So I'll ask you again.
(beer sloshes)
What do you see?
(insects continue chirping)
Look at her.
Look at her!
(Daniel breathing heavily)
(insects continue chirping)
Tell me,
what do you see?
(insects continue chirping)
(insects continue chirping)
- Nothing.
I see nothing.
(Cliff laughing wildly)
(Cliff continues laughing)
(insects continue chirping)
- Help me carry that big
piece of nothing outside.
(Eli snoring softly)
(gentle music)
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh
(birds chirping)
(traffic droning)
(phone ringing)
- [Automated Message] No one
is available to take your call.
Please leave a message
after the tone.
(phone beeps)
- [Daniel] Hey
Eli, where are you?
(traffic continues droning)
(phone ringing)
- [Automated Message]
Our small volunteer group
is overwhelmed with those
requesting assistance.
Please speak your full name
and phone number
slowly and clearly
and we will get back to
you as soon as we can.
- [Automated Message] This
mailbox is full. Goodbye.
(phone beeps)
- (grunts) Fuck! Fuck!
(Daniel shouts primally)
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
(desperate music)
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Eli!
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.
I should have, I should have
told you earlier about Mom.
(waves crashing)
(seagulls squawking)
Mom loved this place.
Is that why you're here?
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
You read it?
(waves continue crashing)
- Ev- every-
everybody leaves me.
(waves continue crashing)
- So
you were gonna leave
me before I left you?
Is that what this is?
'Cause, 'cause of this?
(tender music)
Hey.
I'm not gonna leave you.
I'm never gonna leave you.
- All these colleges are
very close to where you live.
Would you consider applying
further outta state?
- No.
- Oh, okay.
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
(gentle music continues)
- Dear Mr. Davis,
I am delighted to inform you
that the Committee of Admissions
has admitted you to the class.
Someday we'll rise
Rise, rise
(shopping cart rattling)
(gentle music continues)
- So you speak now?
What made you change your mind?
What's this?
It's an ashtray?
(ashtray clicks)
- That
was
my mom's.
- Thanks.
Let's get you to the back.
Yeah. Okay.
Yeah, I can do that. Bye.
Come on. I got a
surprise for us.
(door creaks loudly)
(patrons chattering)
(driving electronic music)
(driving electronic
music continues)
(sirens wailing)
(driving electronic music)
(waves crashing)
(seagulls squawking)
- Where you going?
(waves continue crashing)
(waves continue crashing)
(suitcase splashes)
(phone beeping and ringing)
- [Automated Message] This
number is no longer in use.
Please dial another
number or call...
- S- sh- she loved this place.
Why?
Why- why- why did he,
why did he kill her?
(waves continue crashing)
- You know, Mom always
wanted to be a teacher
but she ended up
scrubbing toilets
at the school where
she wanted to teach at.
One of the guys who worked there
offered her money
in exchange for
sex.
He found out.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
Some day we'll rise
Rise, rise
(Eli snoring softly)
- [Daniel] I never
had my own room.
It was weird.
It looked exactly
like in my dream.
And even though this was
a new experience for me,
(Eli snoring softly)
we decided to keep some of
our family traditions alive.
Looking back, life
suddenly seemed so simple.
There was basically
just one thing
she wanted us to remember.
She wrote it down
a long time ago.
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
Someday we'll rise
Rise, rise
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
There's the
glitter of the city
That could make a body roam
But my light is your love
There's no light I
place above your glow
So I sing this little ditty
As I make it
through the show
That my light is your love
(upbeat jazz music)
You're the brightest
star I know
And I look for love
from the stars above
Will that kiss light
the fire inside
In the hustle and the bustle
of the city people's ways
Well, my light is your love
And I watch you every day
And every night I dream
Every night I dream
Yes, every night I dream
Of you-know-who
Oh, yes you do
You might know who
My light is you
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)
(upbeat jazzy music continues)