In Fidelity (2024) Movie Script
(poignant piano music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
I don't want you to be alone.
I would've liked to have been a grandma.
Greta.
Greta is not our fault.
Tomorrow, she'll come for dinner.
Yeah, with a date.
She texted me too.
What?
Did she not tell you that?
(Holly sighing)
- God.
[Lyle] I'm sorry.
Do you mind if I tell them?
Forbes published it last autumn.
He made his first
millions when he was my age.
You-you must have worked very hard.
Not exactly.
I had an idea one day, so I created it
and I sweet talked this guy at
my corner store in the Bronx,
circa 1972, to sell it.
And next day they're sold out.
So, he wants more.
Same day, my home phone rings.
Every general store in the five boroughs
wants them on their shelves.
He's a fucking genius.
I'm humble.
Though I can see your audience here
might have been better
served without the expletive.
(cutlery clinking)
(soft classical music)
Excuse me, uh, may I please be directed
to your little boy's room?
Little?
You sport an uncircumcised
golf putter, limp.
It's around that way to the left there
and then another left.
(soft classical music)
Mom, the fuck's your problem?
You, you are my problem.
No, you're not my problem.
You're just a nightmare, period.
That's exactly how I feel about you.
You know, what you're doing,
normal people would
consider you a whore, Greta.
Well, Webster has your face pictured
next to normal in the dictionary, Dad.
I'm-I don't think I'm normal.
Well, you are.
And thank you for the compliment, Mom.
A whore in your eyes
means I am living my life
profiting off of the
body that God gave me.
No, fuck God.
Universe conditioned me to say that name.
I, surprisingly, like Walter.
I find him to be a catch.
You know, he shares his
wealth with loved ones
rather than hoarding it away in a bank.
That's rare, or is it normal?
Who pays your rent?
Me.
- And utilities.
So, am I evil because I expect you
to get a job to pay for
the rest of your expenses
like a responsible young adult?
No.
- There's a lot of reward
that comes with earning money
versus being given a handout.
You're normal and you know it, Dad.
I have cancer.
(soft classical music)
It's terminal.
I wish you came alone tonight.
How long do you have?
- Well, I was-
- Not long.
(toilet flushing)
(somber music)
(Holly clearing her throat)
(somber music)
(music ending)
You just peed 10 minutes ago.
I wasn't.
Still, get your prostate checked.
I have.
Please go again.
(water running)
In the 29 plus years that you have had me,
have you ever wanted
to be with anyone else?
No.
As long as thoughts remain thoughts.
Who do you think about?
Nobody.
(poignant piano music)
You, has there...
has there been anyone?
You, only you.
Don't flatter me, liar.
I'm not lying.
Interesting.
(poignant piano music)
I believe you.
Do I... when we do it,
I mean, you enjoy it.
You don't pretend with me?
No.
(poignant piano music)
I'm easy to operate, as you know,
but you do it for me.
You do.
Lyle, you do.
I've been loyal to you.
- I know.
- For almost 30 years.
I know, I've been loyal to you too.
(Lyle sighing)
But have you ever wanted to with any?
(music ending)
I would-I would never wanna hurt you.
Thanks.
But answer my question.
Of course not.
You blinked.
No.
No.
I just-I just feel so-
Different.
(melancholy music)
(music continuing)
With the first of the tide
When the day breaks with light
And the seagulls cry
I'm awake
I'm awake
With the first of the tide
With the first of the tide
When the day breaks with light
When the day breaks with light
When the seagulls cry
I'm awake
I'm awake
I'm awake
I'm awake
I'm awake
With the first of the tide
(music fading)
Gold digger baby
That's my name
Gold digger
Gold digger baby
(Lyle sneezing)
Gesundheit.
You prematurely blessed him.
[Wendell] Excuse me.
This dust has become insufferable.
Who else keeps your
precious hole in the wall
from perishing into oblivion?
Shithole in the wall.
Sorceress Kiki.
(Lyle sneezing)
(Kiki gasping)
Now.
- Gesundheit.
- Bless you.
Thanks.
Any customers today?
Money spenders or in and outers?
Nobody bought shit.
Unless someone came in while
I was dropping a deuce.
There were no transactions
during your lengthy potty break.
You know, if you two run my shithole,
maybe you could run the vacuum
across the floor once in a while, please.
What's up your ass today?
How's Holly feeling?
Oh, fuck me.
Forgot, sorry.
Feeling all right
Holly came home from chemo and crashed.
She called Greta a whore
last night at dinner
after she brought home this entrepreneur
a good decade older than me.
And it set Holly off to
thinking about... never mind.
No, no, you can't skip
straight to the juice
and pull the plug.
I've been your vault
for two plus decades.
Okay, no back talk.
All right.
I feel guilty.
Should I?
For being her only when I
had one fleeting girlfriend
before I met Holly
and, you know, saw in her eyes a future.
It was forever.
There was no end.
Her wandering mind yearns to experience
one final lasting rush,
aside from your private courtship.
What?
No, not exactly.
How did you, I mean, why
would you assume that?
- Sorceress.
- Let her.
It's no biggie, if you don't-
She'll bang the first
dude with two feet.
Clearly any imbecile can get it up.
Talking to me?
Thanks for the advice.
Back to work.
(gentle classical music)
Is it me or does this
taste like chemicals?
Yeah, tasty chemicals.
(gentle classical music)
Everything tastes like chemicals.
It's fine.
(gentle classical music)
You want something else?
(ducks quacking)
(gentle classical music)
(gentle classical music)
Did you go to the shop last night?
- M-hm.
- Anything new?
(gentle classical music)
You should perform again, just for fun.
Why don't you?
Children's birthdays and bar
mitzvahs are why I retired.
Think bigger.
You used to have a name
for yourself, get it back.
The industry's changed, a lot.
As will you, once I'm no longer here.
You're still here.
(gentle classical music)
(Lyle sighing)
(gentle classical music)
Without making it obvious,
look to your left, guy in a suit.
(gentle classical music)
What about him?
Do you think he's handsome?
He's aesthetically appealing, yes.
Would you want to with him?
Want to what?
Oh, oh, sleep with him?
Is this based on the talk
that we had the other night?
Yeah.
(gentle classical music)
Lyle, that's far from how it works.
Compared to how we met.
Well, you chose me out of your audience.
A stunningly beautiful
girl with her hand up.
There were many willing volunteers.
And one took my breath away.
You made me vanish on stage.
I was a kid without a clue.
Well, his confidence won my heart.
He believed in magic.
I believe in you.
(gentle classical music)
(gentle emotional music)
(music fading)
Good morning, Mr. Ayker, Mrs. Ayker.
Love those earrings, they new?
Oh, no, thank you, these are heirlooms.
Ah, look who it is, Mr. Johnston.
It's another one of those nights, Louie.
[Louie] Ah, I'd kill for one of those.
Well, I got a little black book for you
if you're really interested, young buck.
Otherwise, keep your day job.
Folks.
(traffic rumbling)
(Hoyt whistling)
Howdy.
- Howdy.
You cat's been out all night?
- Us?
- Oh.
No, we just got back from breakfast.
At this hour?
Uh, it's almost nine.
On a Saturday.
Friday.
Is it?
(Hoyt chuckling)
I don't keep a calendar.
Honestly, I'm surprised I'm still alive.
(Hoyt chuckling)
(elevator chiming)
Oh, lucky number eight.
(Holly chuckling)
I've seen you guys around, yeah?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, I think so.
[Lyle] We've seen you.
How's your day going?
Very well.
And yourself?
Fan-freaking-tastic.
I'm a day younger, now that
it's Friday, not Saturday.
(Holly chuckling)
(elevator chiming)
Till we meet again.
Same.
I mean, yes.
(Hoyt chuckling)
[Lyle] Do you even know who he is?
Yeah, uh yeah, of course I do.
Okay, tell me.
Movie actor.
Nope, you don't have a clue.
A television actor.
He is a musician.
That's what I meant to say.
You don't know his music?
I don't even remember his name.
Hoyt Johnston.
Wait, you know his music?
Yeah, I was curious when Ethel told us
he lived at the end of the hall.
Ethel told us?
Yeah, it was shortly
after Greta left the nest,
he apparently moved into the building.
Here, this is.
- Oh.
(Hoyt singing)
Is this him singing?
See your face in the flickering light
His voice sounds so different.
What do you think?
It's easy to listen to.
Does he write his own lyrics?
I don't know.
Why?
And when the moon
They sound incredibly intimate.
Well, I know he's no George Clooney,
but he's probably as
close as you're gonna get.
And you've only had sex with me
and I would resent me if I were you and I-
I don't resent you.
That's when I
But if this is really the
end of our time together,
I wanna know that you took a
chance and did something too.
That's how you can love me.
(Hoyt singing faintly)
So, is he kind of famous?
He has some fan, from the '80s.
Who are you texting?
- Nothing.
- Nothing.
- Yes.
- No.
You always need her opinion.
I don't need it, I want it.
She's my sister from another mister.
And look, I know you don't get her,
but she's the one who's...
she's the one who's always gonna be there.
Okay.
(Hoyt singing faintly)
(music ending)
Ethel said he still performs.
Hmm.
Yeah, that's impressive.
Just performing every night,
putting himself out there
to entertain people still.
Oh, he has a show this
Thursday in Tribeca.
- I'll go with you.
- Okay.
I want you to have anything you want.
I just don't want you doing things
without knowing you're safe.
Oh, Ethel's begging to join.
Do you mind?
I would, if I only had a choice.
(soulful music)
Feel my love for you
Groovy yeah
Got me stuck like crazy
I want you so goddamn bad
My groovy yeah
Groovy yeah
Going mad
And my groovy yeah
(music ending)
(audience appluading)
- [Holly] This way?
- Yeah, yeah.
No, no, this way, this way.
- Oh, yes, there it is.
- There is is, there it is.
Alrighty, should we knock or?
- Yes.
- Okay.
[Holly] Do you wanna knock?
[Ethel] You can knock.
- [Holly] I'll knock?
- Yeah, you go ahead.
We'll both knock.
- Oh.
- [Ethel] Hi.
Oh, hello young ladies.
Oh, I know you.
Howdy neighbor.
Howdy.
(Holly chuckling)
Right on, thanks for coming.
I'm glad you came.
Thank you.
The show was unbelievable,
you're incredible.
The lyrics meant so much to me
and I just felt like all the songs
were coming from your soul.
And I could just feel what
you had endured, you know?
Oh, sweetheart, you're a doll.
You know the way to this aged man heart.
(Ethel chuckling)
I also live in the building, I'm Ethel.
Ethel, it's a pleasure to meet you.
I'm kind of Holly's, you know,
sister from another mister.
- Yes.
I'm the one who got her
and Lyle into the building.
Lyle Lovett?
No, no, you actually met him.
My husband.
- Oh.
So tell me, Holly, how did
you feel about the show?
I enjoyed it very much.
Holly, hmm.
There's a song in that name,
waiting to be scribed by a man
that knows the inner workings
of your divine nature.
Lyle was once a magician.
Oh, he must have put a spell on you.
(Holly chuckling)
(muffled piano lounge music)
Hey, you look like you could use a drink.
Yeah, yes.
Whatever you're having.
Not here.
Oh, where?
My place.
Straight down your hall.
Bring Lyle if you desire.
And bring Lyle Lovett too.
I'd love to ask that
cat how he landed Julia.
(Ethel and Holly laughing)
All right.
Howdy Mr. Johnson.
It's Mr. Johnston with a T, young lady.
Well, it's Isabella.
You gave me your spare key.
Are you serious?
Young lady, I must have lost my marbles.
(muffled piano lounge music)
(music ending)
[Ethel] Well, what are we thinking?
I just-I don't know, I just-
Come on.
It's pretty rude of you not to show faith.
He invited you too, Lyle.
- Oh.
- Yeah, chaperone Ethel.
- Me? No.
- Yeah.
This was for you, not me,
not Ethel either for that matter, for you.
I trust you, go.
Be safe.
(poignant piano music)
You go, text me.
Send pictures.
Just, you go.
- Okay, all right.
(poignant piano music)
(intriguing music)
(knuckles rapping on door)
[Hoyt] Who is it?
Hi, it's Ethel.
Where's Holly?
Uh, she's home.
Return with her.
She's kind of tired.
Return with her if you desire coming in.
Okay.
(intriguing music)
(music ending)
- What went wrong?
Oh my God.
Ask me instead what went right.
Can't you tell by the look on my face?
I'm not gonna take no
for an answer, come on.
- Come-
- You know
you have my blessing.
Lyle, come, come.
I defeat the purpose.
Just go.
Just let me know you're safe.
Oh, wait, wait, one last thing.
Any details are yours.
Seal the vault, I don't need to hear.
- Understood.
- Love you.
I love you.
Okay, come on, come on, I
got her, got her, got her.
Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go.
Go, go.
- Okay, okay, okay.
Alrighty.
(intriguing music)
Wait, wait, hold on.
Let me check your teeth.
Oh.
(intriguing music)
Clean.
Hair is a little.
Maybe.
- In front?
- Yeah, yeah.
- One side?
Yeah, yeah, one side, one side, okay.
(both chuckling)
(intriguing music)
- Knock or-
- [Hoyt] It's unlocked,
ladies.
- Just go.
- Yeah, yeah.
- He's expecting us.
(intriguing music)
(people laughing faintly)
(intriguing music)
(music ending)
(people laughing and chattering)
(poignant piano music)
Going to do some magic, Mr. Ayker?
I have no idea.
Chicken wing chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with-
- [Bartender] Your drink.
- [Greta] Thank you.
(upbeat music)
Seriously?
You already owe us from
the last two times.
Yeah, we actually have
to work jobs we hate.
You think that you don't have to work,
but let me tell you something, honey.
You do.
You have to work on you.
And I'm not talking about a cleanse.
Therapy is normal now.
I'll cover you again.
Okay, I'm sorry.
(upbeat music)
(music ending)
(Lyle sighing)
(Lyle sighing)
(cabinet creaking)
(Lyle sighing)
(liquid sloshing)
(door creaking)
(tense music)
(ice clinking)
(knuckles rapping on door)
(tense music)
(Lyle sighing)
(Lyle groaning)
There's nothing but liquor over there.
[Lyle] Okay, where's Holly?
[Ethel] I can't drink.
Okay, Ethel.
Where's Holly?
Oh, Holly is...
she's on Hoyt's couch.
Fully clothed.
- Hey, (stammering)
I don't need to know.
No, okay, suit yourself.
You want me to stay
with you?
- No.
No, go back there please.
Be there for Holly.
Well, she's... do you wanna hear?
No, go.
Please, make sure she's safe.
- She's safe.
- Okay, great, great.
- Yeah.
- Let's-let's go.
Now what have you been
doing all this time?
It's been 15 minutes.
Right, I know.
What have you been doing?
Nothing.
By not telling me,
what do you want me to
think you were up to?
Getting ready for bed.
(Ethel laughing)
- You're fully clothed.
- Okay.
You know, I really
shouldn't go back there.
I mean, I'm a mess.
Okay, thought you couldn't drink.
Well, clearly I shouldn't,
but nobody was stopping me
and so now I can't.
Let me-you know what I'll do?
I'll go back and I'll get a...
I had a pre-rolled joint in my bag.
So, you hang tight.
- Okay.
- I'll come back.
- No, no, just-
We'll hang out.
Just-just stay there.
- All right.
- And be there for Holly.
Yes, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mum's the word, mum's the word.
[Lyle] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[Ethel] Mum's the word.
Don't return here without her.
[Ethel] Yes, sir.
(cellphone ringing)
Hey.
What are you doing awake this late, Dad?
Well, I was up for once at
a time that I knew you'd be,
and I wanted to see if,
you know, after the other night.
I'm fine.
If it had to happen to one parent,
I'm glad it wasn't you.
I gotta go.
[Lyle] Wait, why?
Kind of busy, I'm going somewhere.
Okay, where are you off to?
[Greta] Wherever I want.
- With Walter?
- Who?
Oh, no.
- You want some company?
Shouldn't you be with mom?
She's out for the night herself.
Mom is out?
But you're tied to her hip.
Well, can I join you or not?
Okay, yeah, sure.
I'll text you an address.
Okay, great, I'll see you shortly.
Are you serious, Dad?
This is weird as fuck.
But okay, yeah, see you.
Okay.
(relaxed music)
(upbeat music)
What kind of event is this?
Dad, chill.
Do you want a hit of my vape?
I'm relaxing.
No, I'm fine.
Mom's not here.
And between us, her ass has gotten high
plenty of times behind your back, no joke.
She's so weird when she's high.
Mind you, an hour before I see her,
I swallow an impressive amount of Xanax,
which might explain why I slur my words
and I act all zen and shit around her.
But at least you're cool.
You let me be me without telling
me how to fucking breathe.
Well, you don't listen to me anyway, so.
- I listen to nobody.
- Exactly.
I just wish you'd be
kinder to your mother.
She's your Achilles
heel, Dad, and you know it.
Do you wanna know how her
pancreatic cancer is doing?
I can take a wild guess,
probably figure it out myself.
(people chattering)
[Guest] Wow, they're here?
That's crazy.
Hans, good to see you.
Hey, how come they don't have to wait?
Dad, you don't know who they are?
- No.
- Fuck, of course you don't.
They're worth, I don't even
know... they're billionaires.
- Oh, wow.
- Yeah.
I'm-I'm-I'm chilling, I promise.
I'm just curious what
kind of event this is.
Okay, you've waited long enough.
Drum roll.
Humor me, come on, drum roll.
(Lyle imitating drum roll)
You're hopefully gonna
see me perform tonight.
God, that's great.
Like, like in a play or something?
Not quite.
And hopefully, I said.
Okay, okay.
ID's please.
(muffled upbeat music)
Lyle Ayker, you're that magician dude.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, my dad's the shit.
He's with me, I'm on the list.
Greta Ayker, gotcha.
Good to go.
- Thank you so much.
- Thank you.
(energetic upbeat music)
So the performing list is
basically a Chinese auction
with artists vying for paid gigs.
Does that make sense?
- No.
- It will.
(energetic upbeat music)
(horn trumpeting)
[Chad & Gabe] Let's fucking go!
(crowd cheering)
(upbeat showy music)
Artists, artists,
artists, artists, artists.
(crowd cheering)
Thank you, we see you, we feel you.
For those of you who don't know us.
Shame on you.
My name is Chad Villaro
and this is my baby brother.
By 68 seconds.
(crowd laughing)
Gabe Villaro, everybody.
And together we
support artists.
- Support artists.
We were advised to go to business school
and forget about our dream
of becoming real artists.
Though it led to making money.
An abundance of it.
- Fuck you money.
- Fuck you money.
It didn't feed our souls.
Which is why.
Once a month, say it with us.
We give back to keep art alive.
[All] Keep art alive.
Keep art alive.
(Greta cheering)
Keep art alive.
- Yes!
You fine folks here did
not follow our same advice
and we salute you.
So, in this corner of the
room, we need one fine soul
to bear himself, herself,
or them self for art.
And the sake of $5,000.
[Gabe] It doesn't entail much.
You'll come on up, introduce yourself,
casually undress, and then model on this
finally upholstered furniture
for these two generous patrons
who've each pledge $2,500
to sketch you by hand.
Do we have a volunteer?
Right in the front,
you in the blue, come on up.
No, no, what are you doing?
[Greta] Dad, you've seen me naked.
When?
(people chattering)
You bathed me and changed my ass.
When you were a baby.
You have accidentally
walked in on me masturbating
and with boyfriends.
I'm gonna go.
Dad, it's 5K.
Let's make mom proud, I'm working here.
Why would you want me to stay?
I'm comfortable, I could care less.
I'm not comfortable.
And I do care.
[Chad & Gabe] We're waiting Smurfette.
Okay, then leave.
Okay.
Dinner this week?
Sure, call me.
(people chattering)
Do it, do it, do it,
do it, do it, do it,
do it, do it, do it, do it, do it, do it.
(crowd cheering)
(bright music)
Have we met?
[Greta] We have, right
here one month ago.
[Chad] Please introduce yourself.
I am Greta Ayker.
Performance artist, visual
poet, actress and model.
Welcome, Greta.
Is that your boy toy with you tonight?
Um, that is my old man.
Your father?
How does he feel about, you
know, what you're about to do?
He's supportive of my decisions.
(bright music)
He's best dad in the world.
Let's give a round of
applause for Greta's dad.
(crowd cheering)
- [Guest] Go Dad, yeah.
All right folks,
and it's about to get hot in here.
Greta, when you're
ready, kindly undress.
[Gabe] All eyes are on you.
[All] Take it off,
take it off, take it off.
(crowd cheering)
(bright music)
Damn.
(bright music)
Can I keep my socks on?
Your toesies woesies get cold?
They do.
The feet mittens can stay.
(bright music)
(crowd cheering)
(music ending)
(gentle music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
(water running)
Lyle!
(water running)
(Holly whimpering)
- It's okay.
It's okay.
(Holly crying)
It's okay.
(water running)
(gentle folk music)
(music continuing)
When this cold, cold world
Won't let you in
(clippers buzzing)
(gentle folk music)
When this cold, cold world
Won't let you in
Stretch your hand out here
- [Doctor] I'm sorry.
I wish I had better news.
Guide you home
(gentle folk music)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
(knuckled rapping on door)
Hey, Lyle.
How did Holly make out?
Well, uh.
She's been better.
Who were the flowers for?
Actually, they're for Lyle
to put in a vase for his,
uh, breathtaking wife.
(door creaking)
What's more glamorous about this wife?
Her lack of hair or her lack of makeup?
Both, equal plus her vigor.
(Hoyt sighing)
Not to mention her heart.
The one on her sleeve
and the one that's still beating.
Hey, may I borrow you?
These bare hands have
installed crown molding
in my guest bathroom.
I would love a second opinion.
Sure.
Let me get myself together.
You're quite ready as is.
Joining us, Lyle?
No, I'll hold the fort down here.
[Hoyt] Okay.
(melancholy music)
Forgot I was coming to see you.
I must be losing my mind, I don't-
Tricked you, ha.
I'm unannounced.
Brace yourself.
Ready to blow your mind.
It really doesn't need to.
Well, my latest feat is ready, come.
Good.
Do you remember my Celeste?
Say hello.
Hi, Celeste.
Keep your eye on her, watch her closely,
'cause when I or you or
anybody claps their hands,
she'll go poof.
Give it a whirl.
(Lyle clapping)
(mischievous music)
Well done.
Where's the bird?
You tell me where my Celeste is.
(mischievous music)
Let's see under the coat.
(mischievous music)
You-you got me, Kiki, congratulations.
It hasn't been particularly the best day,
so if you don't mind telling me,
I'd really appreciate it.
Ah, well, letting you in my secret
is like Superman buying
Kryptonite for Lex Luther
to stick up his tuchus.
Okay, we've known
each other for decades.
I've let you in on lots
of classified info.
I thank you profusely,
but every time you've
been a willing sucker.
I could fire you.
You'd be burning yourself.
(mischievous music)
Any customers today?
Our maid, Mariah, quit on us.
(Holly yelling)
Whoa, hello Holly.
Hi, high on life.
[Kiki] What fruit loops is she on?
Wait, you smell that?
What, you smoke pot with Hoyt?
One hit, one hit.
He grows medicinal
stuff, not recreational.
See, I'm on Kiki's planet now, Kiki.
Holly, you're on a
lot of different meds.
What if it doesn't react positively?
Look, I'm gonna die either way.
Come on, I've spent my
whole life playing it safe.
I can count the number of times
I've smoked pot on one hand.
Greta told me you hit her pin with her
and I didn't believe her.
Well, that prevented me from
dissecting her life apart.
Come on, just... sit.
Please, don't judge me.
You refuse to take an Advil.
You've never done a drug
in your entire life.
Just, look, I'm sorry.
I mean, I knew it would upset you, but-
Then why do it if you knew?
You're okay with me fucking him
but not him getting me stoned?
I'm concerned for you.
Not as concerned as I'm for you.
I dreadfully regret that we
didn't take massive risks.
Define risks.
Hoyt, he-he spends
his day honing his music
and he maintains this aura
of confidence no matter what.
And he-he lives.
We've never lived.
My mother would've smacked sense into me
if I ever even dreamt of being a singer,
and your mom would've murdered you.
You wanna know what happened at Hoyt?
No.
- Nothing.
- Correct.
Correct, nothing.
Nothing happened.
(gentle piano music)
It could have,
but it didn't.
It could.
Look, I told you, I don't
wanna know, all right?
I don't wanna know.
(emotional music)
I don't wanna hurt you.
You won't.
(emotional music)
You make me happy every day.
I wanna witness you
doing something that makes
you happy just for you.
That would make me so happy.
(music fading)
(knuckled rapping on door)
Howdy again.
Can I borrow Holly one more time?
Nothing outta line, pinky swear.
M-hm.
(gentle piano music)
I love you.
(door creaking)
(melancholy music)
(Lyle gulping and coughing)
(knuckled rapping on door)
Holly, it's not locked.
It's Ethel.
- Oh, okay.
- You alone?
- No, no.
- Oh, where's Holly?
Is she here?
- [Lyle] No.
- Oh.
So who's here?
- You.
- Besides us?
Nobody.
So you're here alone?
- Yes.
- Oh.
Pretty pricey scotch you got there.
(Ethel chuckling)
Hey, let's do a shot.
I actually already just did so.
Good for you.
Let's do another.
- Okay.
(liquid pouring)
Ooh, oh.
Let's-let's make a cheers.
- [Lyle] To what?
- To us.
- Us?
- Yeah, come on.
To us, you and I, you and me, us.
(gentle music)
Nobody's gonna miss her more than us.
- To Holly.
- Yeah.
Not us.
(gentle music)
(glasses clinking)
The days will fly by,
but the sleepless nights won't.
I'm telling you, you're
gonna get very lonely.
Ethel, I love Holly.
Yes, planet Earth is aware.
I was drinking tequila with Hoyt
and I-I think I may
have swallowed a worm.
I'm gonna go freshen up.
- Okay.
(playful music)
- Hey.
- Oh, Mr. Ayker.
How are you this evening?
I'm amazing, I'm perfect.
How-how are you?
I am wonderful.
My little boy at home, my one-year-old,
he started walking today.
- No way, he's walking?
- [Louie] He's walking.
Louie, the hell you doing here?
Get home to him.
You know what, I remember
when my little Greta,
well, not little anymore,
but now I haven't a clue, actually,
when she started walking.
Oh, she always felt face
first, wailing helplessly.
Nothing would shut her up.
Nothing's changed, poor baby.
But you know what?
Life is so worth it, Louie.
It's so worth it.
Pretty soon your little
boy will be talking.
Gonna be talking shit about you
and you just, you just keep smiling,
Louie, at your proudest
'cause your boy's a-walking here.
You know what, his name escapes me.
Oh, it's Louie, Louie Junior.
Louie Junior.
You know what, you spend
this on Louie Junior.
- Thank you Mr. Ayker.
- Yeah.
Your energy this evening, I love it.
I usually can't get two words outta you.
You know what, here the thing, Louie.
I'm drunk as a skunk.
I never would've convicted you, sir.
(Lyle chuckling)
You know, you're always
so respectful and friendly.
That's why you're so loved here, Louie Sr.
Thank you Mr. Ayker.
I mean, hey, you got a coat or something?
It's kind of chilly out tonight.
You going far?
I have no clue.
Well, consider bundling up, you're wet.
Okay, okay.
All right.
- See you.
(music ending)
(doorbell chiming)
(door creaking)
Hey, can I ask you a question?
Okay.
Are you even a fan of Hoyt Johnston?
[Lyle] Of the man or his music?
He would quote that
they go hand in hand.
(intriguing music)
He's personable, I guess.
I mean, he radiates charm.
Mm, he's a huge philanthropist.
You could be too, you've got the time.
Mm.
(intriguing music)
Are you a fan of his music?
Sure.
(intriguing music)
I can't sing like him.
(Ethel laughing)
You must hate him.
I mean, deep down you
must really hate him.
I hate no one, not even... nobody.
(music ending)
(mellow music)
I'll break open my '78 Beaucastel next.
Oh my.
(mellow music)
I'm already high.
Well, at least you're not drunk.
(glasses clinking)
(mellow music)
Can I ask you another question?
Just ask Ethel, don't ask to ask.
You do it too often.
- [Ethel] Gosh.
- Don't say that word either.
What, I'm sorry.
Holly says, "Just ask, no apology."
- [Ethel] I'm sorry.
- Ask.
Why is it that Lyle is the only man
that you've ever made love to?
(mellow music)
(intriguing music)
What can I do to make you respect me?
Treat me as if I'm a real person?
(intriguing music)
You've never gotten to know me.
I know you.
I mean, know me know me.
(intriguing music)
Listen, I-I know what you two have
is hard to find at any age.
The look on your face,
watching you is like,
you're watching me die trying.
(intriguing music)
Point is, she doesn't want us to be alone.
You, me, us.
So- (music ending)
Stop.
She wants this for us.
We can seal it in the vault.
He's the only man I've ever loved.
(mellow music)
Lucky man.
Baby if you need me
I sure would love
What's-what's wrong with waiting?
I have waited.
But this way we can say
that we did this for you.
(Lyle retching)
(elevator chiming)
(melancholy piano music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
- Hi.
- Hi.
(melancholy music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music fading)
(gentle piano music)
(emotional music)
(music continuing)
No, Holly, Holly.
It's not time.
It's not time yet.
(emotional music)
Holly.
(Lyle sobbing softly)
Come on.
(emotional music)
Yeah, hello.
My-my wife is not breathing.
(Lyle banging on door)
Hoyt!
Hoyt!
Hoyt!
Hoyt!
Where's the fire?
What's wrong?
Holly's not breathing.
(door creaking)
Come, come.
- What?
(emotional music)
(Lyle sobbing)
- Holly.
- Peacefully in her sleep.
Exactly how she wanted.
She was considerate of you in life
and now in death.
(emotional music)
What a woman.
What a woman.
(Lyle sobbing)
(emotional music)
(music ending)
Can you please pull your shirt up?
It's a dress,
and I forgot panties.
(Lyle sighing)
- All right.
Thank you.
- Condolences.
- Thank you.
Condolences.
You know, we never had
anything to say to each other,
but the way she made you feel,
she was someone lovely.
I only met her once,
but I knew she was special.
Thank you, thank you.
Isn't that the musician
mogul over there?
Yep, sure is.
Hoyt Johnston.
Thanks for coming, Kiki and Wendell.
There's more heads than I thought.
[Wendell] Yeah, sure.
That makes two of us.
Hi, I'm Ethel, I was Holly's best friend.
- Oh, Kiki.
- Wendell.
Hi, nice to meet you.
They work with me at the shop.
[Ethel] Oh, I see.
You haven't been to his store?
I know, I'm real.
I don't believe in magic.
Well, do you believe in not being
such a snotty bitch and supporting someone
'cause it's the right thing to do?
Let me tell you something, young lady,
your mother supported you.
She lost faith in her only child
even after you had your second abortion,
when you were a minor.
Okay enough, enough.
Lyle, so sorry.
Thanks, thanks Brent.
Greta, you got big.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I'm gonna miss Holly's
Christmas meatballs.
Perhaps maybe you have her recipe?
I'll see.
Oh yeah, I mean, come
on, that red sauce, I mean-
There was no meat.
Holly was sneaky.
But it was for a good cause, our health.
[Brent] Yeah.
- You take care of yourselves.
- [Brent] It's a loss.
If you need anything, call me.
Thanks Ellen, thanks Brent.
This is why I've always fucking loved
mom's side of the family.
Okay, okay.
- I'm sorry, Mr. Ayker.
- Thank you.
You okay, hon?
Lyle, I-I don't what to say, man.
Just, if you need anything.
Both of you.
Those butterscotch cookies
dipped in butter that she made.
Oh, they were delectable.
Oh, I'll see if I can
find her recipe, Louie.
Oh no, Mr. Ayker, that's-
that's not why I'm here.
I'm not here looking
for recipes, you know?
Holly was truly a breath of fresh air.
You know, you're old,
but you are cool, Big I.
[Louie] Thank you, Greta.
- I'm so sorry.
- Thank you so much.
It's all right.
Thank you for paying respects, Hoyt.
I'm Lyle's daughter Greta.
Greta, pleasure's mine.
Your mother was more than a human being.
I have no idea what that means.
Greta, Hoyt's my neighbor.
He's kind of a well-known musician.
Ah, millennials won't know me.
Actually, I'm a generation Z-er.
Really?
Aren't you cats hell a worse?
It's yet to be determined.
Where'd you get this pizza from?
Dad?
The spot on First Avenue.
I love it there, big ass slices.
Swish, nice shot.
New York fucking pizza.
Look, I get you're sad and all,
but what the fuck do you want from me?
I'm trying to change the mood in here.
Sorry I can't keep my mouth shut.
Hence, why I am friendless
and no job or sexual
relation lasts for me.
That makes sense, yeah.
You have a friend in me forever.
Okay, Buzz Lightyear.
Love you too,
but we're like oil and vinegar.
Will you miss your mom a little?
What do you want me to say, Dad?
Look, it was always something with you,
we never knew what we were gonna get.
Okay, Forrest Gump.
Sorry.
I already forgave you.
So, what was, um, a famous
neighbor doing there today?
How did mom know him aside from,
like, an infrequent elevator hello?
That's a long story.
I've got loads of time.
Another day.
Whatever.
I didn't want her to die.
You know, as cold as her ass was,
she was still my mom.
I'm gonna go hit my vape outside.
You wanna join?
(melancholy music)
Hey, I made my world-famous brisket.
Oh, there's hardly
any room in the fridge.
But it's sweet of you though.
It's best if you eat it while it's hot.
I'm starving, I hope you're hungry.
Where's your daughter?
You sure you don't want any?
I'm content at the moment.
All right, I hate to eat by myself.
It's gonna make me feel like a pig.
Come on, sit, I'll make you a plate.
[Lyle] I'm content at the moment.
You sure?
I don't wanna sit here and eat solo.
Where's Greta?
Oh, look at this, speak of the devil.
Greta, I made my world-famous brisket.
Should I get you a plate?
(stammering)
Are are you still a no on the brisket?
You invited her?
Didn't think so.
World-famous brisket.
Dad, can I have a word with you please?
[Lyle] What?
I ran into him in the lobby.
Who?
I know how mom knows him now.
- Who?
- Hoyt told me everything.
What did Hoyt say?
What I needed to hear.
- Which is?
- What I need, Dad.
Me, not you.
- You didn't?
- Didn't what?
You know what.
In that short time span?
God, I hope he'd last longer.
No, I talked to him.
I- I listened to the man explain himself.
Why the fuck do you think I fucked him?
He's so old.
He's, like, older than you and...
But he is rich, so yeah.
No, I get where you're coming from,
but no, I didn't fuck him.
Got the brisket, it's still hot.
I don't want your fucking meat, Ethel.
What did she ever do to you?
Mom once said that Ethel
would thrive with you.
An easygoing man with no hobbies,
who offers himself to others like water.
Over my dead body is she
gonna get lucky with my dad.
You're the only normal human I have left.
You know that right?
Menopausal women are
gonna fight for your ass,
and she is one tough bitch.
The sheer fathom ability that
you could settle with her
if she strikes at the right chord,
it plagues me, okay?
Plagues me.
But don't worry.
I've got you, okay?
I got you, I won't let it happen.
(knuckles rapping on door)
- Howdy,
- [Lyle] Howdy, Hoyt.
Did your daughter
tell you that we talked?
She was about to.
Can I invite myself in?
- Of course, yeah.
- Yeah.
Oh, Ethel's over.
Hoyt, I made my world-famous,
I'm talking prize-winning, brisket
and Greta doesn't fucking want any,
so maybe you can have her portion.
By whose standards is
it world famous, huh?
And who the fuck coined
that glorified term?
And tell me one thing you fucking want.
What does it matter?
I mean, why are you yelling?
Oh my God, it is not world famous,
it has won nothing,
so stop self praising your
fraudulent fucking meat.
Hmm, well I'll chow down.
Smells epic.
Okay, great, well sit down
you logical man of reason.
(Ethel chuckling)
Now, it's so lean, you
don't even need a knife.
No knife.
(cutlery clinking)
Hmm, yum.
Lean indeed.
Compliments maestro.
Well, the pleasure's all hers.
(Ethel and Hoyt chuckling)
(doorbell ringing)
[Lyle] Good afternoon.
[Louie] Mr. Ayker, it's your boy, Louie.
So sorry again for your loss.
A lovely lady and a guy
are waiting with food.
[Lyle] Send them right up.
A lovely lady?
Oh, that's his wacky sidekick.
Kiki and that guy work for him.
Doing magic?
I've been meaning to ask,
what tricks do you do, Lyle?
He owns the store around the block.
- Never been.
- Neither has Ethel.
You can fucking go with her.
Can they make her disappear?
(Greta and Hoyt laughing)
I'm pretty sure he was kidding.
(mischievous music)
- Hey.
- Hey.
Howdy.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Kiki cooked for y'all.
I purchased this is slamming
cherry pie from Gristedes.
My gosh.
Sorry, oh boy.
(mischievous music)
It's full.
I'm gonna throw away this crap.
You know what, um.
- What?
- Not you.
Everyone else, thank you for everything.
But I need, if you don't
mind, a moment alone
to think clearly in solitude.
With me or no?
Alone with my daughter.
Okay, we can devour the
rest of this at my place.
Are you inviting me over?
Provided you bring the brisket
and then excuse yourself after.
Done.
Hey, do you have some
room for Wendell and myself?
[Hoyt] Of course, why not?
Heat up the frittata when
you're feeling appetized.
It's homemade.
Hey, boss, leave room for dessert.
Gristedes.
I know you wanna be alone,
but you're not alone.
I'll check in on you later, yeah?
Okay.
You know where to find me.
(siren blaring faintly)
So?
Dad?
Dad?
Why do you even want me here
if you're not gonna speak to me?
This is your home.
Then what do you call
that shoebox downtown
you shell out 2K a month
plus utilities for?
My vacation home away from mom.
Why do you loathe Hoyt so much?
Did I ever say that?
Not verbally.
He's pretty famous.
Yeah, I told you.
You were right.
When have I ever given you bad advice
or wrong information?
Well, that, Dad, has
yet to be determined.
Do you think if I asked
Hoyt for career advice,
he'd hear me out?
Hear what out?
My visual poetry, plus I can sing.
Greta, Hoyt cannot help you.
You're probably right.
I'm gonna go hit my vape
outside if you wanna join.
(melancholy music)
And by the way, I actually
already asked Hoyt.
He thinks I'm extremely talented.
See, unlike you, I ask for what I want.
You don't simply because
you don't even know what you want anymore.
I'm right, Dad, I know I am.
Any magic you used to have,
you spent it all up on Mom.
Hell, it got me here.
Not that I fucking asked to be here,
but it's like you were her AI
and now that she's gone,
you're essentially a robot
without a master or a plan.
(melancholy music)
(emotional melancholy music)
(music continuing)
(music fading)
(line ringing)
[Answering Service] Leave a message.
(plastic crinkling)
(line ringing)
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Hoyt?
Chilling with my homies
It's Lyle.
Chicken wing
Greta!
Chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my
(funky music)
Hello, hello, just a second.
I'm feeling all right, yeah
Oh, hey.
(Hoyt chuckling)
Brisket's all gone, man.
Hoyt, where's my daughter?
(funky music)
I'm looking
(objects clattering)
But I'm the only man all right
What you gonna do about it
Lyle.
When I can see
Your daughter is a seductress.
Now, I-I never did anything with Holly.
She loved you.
She wanted to know what
was behind my door.
She she wanted you to join her.
Me too.
Hold on
- Lyle?
(funky music)
All right, come on, man.
Now, relax.
(Hoyt grunting)
About to come back
Why the fuck did you do that?
(Hoyt groaning)
I deserved it.
Get your clothes.
Go, now.
Now!
(funky music)
(Hoyt coughing)
Put some ice on it.
I'm sorry.
No, no I'm not.
I don't apologize.
It felt amazing.
Holly was the sole woman to decline me.
Hold on
You're a blessed man.
(melancholy music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
Dad, why the fuck did you do that?
Hoyt didn't deserve that shit.
I don't care.
Then why the fuck did you do it?
Can you please not curse
in every single sentence you say?
Sit.
I said sit.
I knew he wouldn't hit me back.
Dad.
I'm right here.
(Greta breathing shakily)
I'm scared.
Of what?
Life, I guess, in general.
- Good.
- How is that good?
(somber music)
I've been petrified my whole life.
- Of what?
- Living.
(somber music)
(Greta breathing shakily)
What did I say?
(Greta crying)
Did she (sniffling)
Did she actually love me?
Of course, of course.
I just, I fucked up so many times.
I'm sorry, I cursed again.
I messed up so many times.
And she was hard on me
because she loved me, right?
Yeah.
(somber music)
And I had no respect for her.
I wanted her money for bullshit like drugs
and shit I didn't need.
(somber music)
We were so different, I know that,
but I loved her.
(somber music)
I loved her so fucking much
and she died so fast.
(Greta breathing shakily)
You can do right by her.
There's still time to make
something with your life.
That's what I want.
I told Hoyt about this
live experience I wanna do.
It's like a (sniffling) movie and a museum
and a Broadway show all rolled into one.
You never told me about that.
When was I gonna tell you?
You were too busy being mom's parrot.
She wanted you to work hard on your own
to achieve a goal and to
make something of yourself.
That's what I want, look at me.
I am.
I am.
(somber music)
You're beautiful.
You're smart and dangerous.
And I adore you.
Primarily when you're not
being a condescending...
(emotional music)
(Greta sniffling)
You're the only family I have left.
What were you gonna call me?
A child.
What did you think?
A bitch.
(emotional music)
Seriously though, I wish
you didn't punch Hoyt.
He was gonna invest some cash in me.
You don't need Hoyt.
I don't intend to keep your mom's money
in her Valley National bank account.
(doorbell ringing)
Per se.
To be continued.
(Greta sniffling)
Good evening.
[Louie] Mr. Ayker, you know who.
A lovely lady has returned.
I've patted her down,
unarmed, no weapons, sir.
Thank you, Louie.
Hey Dad, just don't be so hard on Hoyt.
He's too cool to be associated with you.
He wouldn't tell me the
story of how you met him.
He said to ask you.
Well, then you may never know.
No, Dad, you can't-
you can't do that to me.
- Hey, how are we?
- Hm.
Hm, have you had a moment?
Dad decked Hoyt in the face.
No, I punched him in the throat.
- Consciously?
- M-hm.
(Kiki gasping)
Kill shot, nice, huh.
What did he do?
(knuckles rapping on door)
Come in, it's not locked.
Howdy, Lyle.
Hey, look, I'm sorry for...
you did what any decent
father would've and should've.
And thanks for not bashing in my face.
(Hoyt sighing)
My throat hurts like hell.
Keep ice on.
You sound like Tom Waits now.
Greta, I was sincere
about your skillset,
and I'm down to try honing your craft.
Trying.
Thanks, but-
She'd love any advice you can give her.
We both would.
I'm curious to hear what you have in mind.
Well, I'm glad you asked.
See, what I'm-
No, you know what, on second thought,
don't waste time explaining it to me,
just execute.
Okay.
Hell, I got some people
that I can pitch it to,
down to putting some capital up on it.
That won't be necessary.
We have our own money.
No, I do.
Don't screw her.
Literally, but figuratively just as much.
Or it will be your face next time.
Okay, deal.
You got a very generous
old man here, young lady,
and a bright future.
And we have a lot of work to do.
When do you wanna get started?
How about now?
No time like the present
Your place?
More space.
You know where to find us.
Oh, one more thing, while the iron is hot.
Since my latest album,
"Regina", back in 1999,
I've been planning a comeback record.
Would you be down to partnering up?
I suspect you like my music.
Do you have a business plan?
Oh, right here cat, accounted for.
Okay, well, put it
in my hands and maybe.
All right.
[Kiki] Anything you'd
like to talk about?
Hmm, not particularly.
Would you care to know
how I make my Celeste
vanish into thin air?
Sure.
Would you like the power of knowledge
on how to monetize the shop?
Cut to the chase.
Both questions require one answer.
Sorceress Kiki has arrived.
The world yearns to know
where my Celeste poofs off to.
Let's join forces.
Live shows, your return
headlined by my twilight awakening.
(optimistic music)
I'm flattered,
but my heart's not there anymore.
I'm sorry to disappoint.
(optimistic music)
Tell me how much, Sorceress Kiki.
I'll fund your whole shebang.
For you to fail won't possibly
be from lack of effort
and you've had the look down for years.
You deserve it.
(optimistic music)
I'll make us loaded.
That won't make either of us happy.
Eternally, my gratitude is yours.
(optimistic music)
Okay, I can't breathe.
Please don't forget your day job.
Your shop?
Never.
It's our second home.
(optimistic music)
You won't regret it.
(music ending)
(Lyle sighing)
(gentle classical music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music fading)
(people chattering)
(uplifting music)
Just had to begin again
Had to get through the maze
Pull back from destruction
Just to set the hills ablaze
You had my full attention
But you had longed to stray
Living in the disconnect
My view began to phase
Dreaming of a better place
I dream of something more
Living in the shades of gray
Living in the shades of gray
We'll see what's in store
(uplifting music)
I picked up myself again
In the process of repair
You only wanted shelter
I was unaware
(uplifting music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
Living in the shades of gray
Living in the shades of gray
(music fading)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
I don't want you to be alone.
I would've liked to have been a grandma.
Greta.
Greta is not our fault.
Tomorrow, she'll come for dinner.
Yeah, with a date.
She texted me too.
What?
Did she not tell you that?
(Holly sighing)
- God.
[Lyle] I'm sorry.
Do you mind if I tell them?
Forbes published it last autumn.
He made his first
millions when he was my age.
You-you must have worked very hard.
Not exactly.
I had an idea one day, so I created it
and I sweet talked this guy at
my corner store in the Bronx,
circa 1972, to sell it.
And next day they're sold out.
So, he wants more.
Same day, my home phone rings.
Every general store in the five boroughs
wants them on their shelves.
He's a fucking genius.
I'm humble.
Though I can see your audience here
might have been better
served without the expletive.
(cutlery clinking)
(soft classical music)
Excuse me, uh, may I please be directed
to your little boy's room?
Little?
You sport an uncircumcised
golf putter, limp.
It's around that way to the left there
and then another left.
(soft classical music)
Mom, the fuck's your problem?
You, you are my problem.
No, you're not my problem.
You're just a nightmare, period.
That's exactly how I feel about you.
You know, what you're doing,
normal people would
consider you a whore, Greta.
Well, Webster has your face pictured
next to normal in the dictionary, Dad.
I'm-I don't think I'm normal.
Well, you are.
And thank you for the compliment, Mom.
A whore in your eyes
means I am living my life
profiting off of the
body that God gave me.
No, fuck God.
Universe conditioned me to say that name.
I, surprisingly, like Walter.
I find him to be a catch.
You know, he shares his
wealth with loved ones
rather than hoarding it away in a bank.
That's rare, or is it normal?
Who pays your rent?
Me.
- And utilities.
So, am I evil because I expect you
to get a job to pay for
the rest of your expenses
like a responsible young adult?
No.
- There's a lot of reward
that comes with earning money
versus being given a handout.
You're normal and you know it, Dad.
I have cancer.
(soft classical music)
It's terminal.
I wish you came alone tonight.
How long do you have?
- Well, I was-
- Not long.
(toilet flushing)
(somber music)
(Holly clearing her throat)
(somber music)
(music ending)
You just peed 10 minutes ago.
I wasn't.
Still, get your prostate checked.
I have.
Please go again.
(water running)
In the 29 plus years that you have had me,
have you ever wanted
to be with anyone else?
No.
As long as thoughts remain thoughts.
Who do you think about?
Nobody.
(poignant piano music)
You, has there...
has there been anyone?
You, only you.
Don't flatter me, liar.
I'm not lying.
Interesting.
(poignant piano music)
I believe you.
Do I... when we do it,
I mean, you enjoy it.
You don't pretend with me?
No.
(poignant piano music)
I'm easy to operate, as you know,
but you do it for me.
You do.
Lyle, you do.
I've been loyal to you.
- I know.
- For almost 30 years.
I know, I've been loyal to you too.
(Lyle sighing)
But have you ever wanted to with any?
(music ending)
I would-I would never wanna hurt you.
Thanks.
But answer my question.
Of course not.
You blinked.
No.
No.
I just-I just feel so-
Different.
(melancholy music)
(music continuing)
With the first of the tide
When the day breaks with light
And the seagulls cry
I'm awake
I'm awake
With the first of the tide
With the first of the tide
When the day breaks with light
When the day breaks with light
When the seagulls cry
I'm awake
I'm awake
I'm awake
I'm awake
I'm awake
With the first of the tide
(music fading)
Gold digger baby
That's my name
Gold digger
Gold digger baby
(Lyle sneezing)
Gesundheit.
You prematurely blessed him.
[Wendell] Excuse me.
This dust has become insufferable.
Who else keeps your
precious hole in the wall
from perishing into oblivion?
Shithole in the wall.
Sorceress Kiki.
(Lyle sneezing)
(Kiki gasping)
Now.
- Gesundheit.
- Bless you.
Thanks.
Any customers today?
Money spenders or in and outers?
Nobody bought shit.
Unless someone came in while
I was dropping a deuce.
There were no transactions
during your lengthy potty break.
You know, if you two run my shithole,
maybe you could run the vacuum
across the floor once in a while, please.
What's up your ass today?
How's Holly feeling?
Oh, fuck me.
Forgot, sorry.
Feeling all right
Holly came home from chemo and crashed.
She called Greta a whore
last night at dinner
after she brought home this entrepreneur
a good decade older than me.
And it set Holly off to
thinking about... never mind.
No, no, you can't skip
straight to the juice
and pull the plug.
I've been your vault
for two plus decades.
Okay, no back talk.
All right.
I feel guilty.
Should I?
For being her only when I
had one fleeting girlfriend
before I met Holly
and, you know, saw in her eyes a future.
It was forever.
There was no end.
Her wandering mind yearns to experience
one final lasting rush,
aside from your private courtship.
What?
No, not exactly.
How did you, I mean, why
would you assume that?
- Sorceress.
- Let her.
It's no biggie, if you don't-
She'll bang the first
dude with two feet.
Clearly any imbecile can get it up.
Talking to me?
Thanks for the advice.
Back to work.
(gentle classical music)
Is it me or does this
taste like chemicals?
Yeah, tasty chemicals.
(gentle classical music)
Everything tastes like chemicals.
It's fine.
(gentle classical music)
You want something else?
(ducks quacking)
(gentle classical music)
(gentle classical music)
Did you go to the shop last night?
- M-hm.
- Anything new?
(gentle classical music)
You should perform again, just for fun.
Why don't you?
Children's birthdays and bar
mitzvahs are why I retired.
Think bigger.
You used to have a name
for yourself, get it back.
The industry's changed, a lot.
As will you, once I'm no longer here.
You're still here.
(gentle classical music)
(Lyle sighing)
(gentle classical music)
Without making it obvious,
look to your left, guy in a suit.
(gentle classical music)
What about him?
Do you think he's handsome?
He's aesthetically appealing, yes.
Would you want to with him?
Want to what?
Oh, oh, sleep with him?
Is this based on the talk
that we had the other night?
Yeah.
(gentle classical music)
Lyle, that's far from how it works.
Compared to how we met.
Well, you chose me out of your audience.
A stunningly beautiful
girl with her hand up.
There were many willing volunteers.
And one took my breath away.
You made me vanish on stage.
I was a kid without a clue.
Well, his confidence won my heart.
He believed in magic.
I believe in you.
(gentle classical music)
(gentle emotional music)
(music fading)
Good morning, Mr. Ayker, Mrs. Ayker.
Love those earrings, they new?
Oh, no, thank you, these are heirlooms.
Ah, look who it is, Mr. Johnston.
It's another one of those nights, Louie.
[Louie] Ah, I'd kill for one of those.
Well, I got a little black book for you
if you're really interested, young buck.
Otherwise, keep your day job.
Folks.
(traffic rumbling)
(Hoyt whistling)
Howdy.
- Howdy.
You cat's been out all night?
- Us?
- Oh.
No, we just got back from breakfast.
At this hour?
Uh, it's almost nine.
On a Saturday.
Friday.
Is it?
(Hoyt chuckling)
I don't keep a calendar.
Honestly, I'm surprised I'm still alive.
(Hoyt chuckling)
(elevator chiming)
Oh, lucky number eight.
(Holly chuckling)
I've seen you guys around, yeah?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, I think so.
[Lyle] We've seen you.
How's your day going?
Very well.
And yourself?
Fan-freaking-tastic.
I'm a day younger, now that
it's Friday, not Saturday.
(Holly chuckling)
(elevator chiming)
Till we meet again.
Same.
I mean, yes.
(Hoyt chuckling)
[Lyle] Do you even know who he is?
Yeah, uh yeah, of course I do.
Okay, tell me.
Movie actor.
Nope, you don't have a clue.
A television actor.
He is a musician.
That's what I meant to say.
You don't know his music?
I don't even remember his name.
Hoyt Johnston.
Wait, you know his music?
Yeah, I was curious when Ethel told us
he lived at the end of the hall.
Ethel told us?
Yeah, it was shortly
after Greta left the nest,
he apparently moved into the building.
Here, this is.
- Oh.
(Hoyt singing)
Is this him singing?
See your face in the flickering light
His voice sounds so different.
What do you think?
It's easy to listen to.
Does he write his own lyrics?
I don't know.
Why?
And when the moon
They sound incredibly intimate.
Well, I know he's no George Clooney,
but he's probably as
close as you're gonna get.
And you've only had sex with me
and I would resent me if I were you and I-
I don't resent you.
That's when I
But if this is really the
end of our time together,
I wanna know that you took a
chance and did something too.
That's how you can love me.
(Hoyt singing faintly)
So, is he kind of famous?
He has some fan, from the '80s.
Who are you texting?
- Nothing.
- Nothing.
- Yes.
- No.
You always need her opinion.
I don't need it, I want it.
She's my sister from another mister.
And look, I know you don't get her,
but she's the one who's...
she's the one who's always gonna be there.
Okay.
(Hoyt singing faintly)
(music ending)
Ethel said he still performs.
Hmm.
Yeah, that's impressive.
Just performing every night,
putting himself out there
to entertain people still.
Oh, he has a show this
Thursday in Tribeca.
- I'll go with you.
- Okay.
I want you to have anything you want.
I just don't want you doing things
without knowing you're safe.
Oh, Ethel's begging to join.
Do you mind?
I would, if I only had a choice.
(soulful music)
Feel my love for you
Groovy yeah
Got me stuck like crazy
I want you so goddamn bad
My groovy yeah
Groovy yeah
Going mad
And my groovy yeah
(music ending)
(audience appluading)
- [Holly] This way?
- Yeah, yeah.
No, no, this way, this way.
- Oh, yes, there it is.
- There is is, there it is.
Alrighty, should we knock or?
- Yes.
- Okay.
[Holly] Do you wanna knock?
[Ethel] You can knock.
- [Holly] I'll knock?
- Yeah, you go ahead.
We'll both knock.
- Oh.
- [Ethel] Hi.
Oh, hello young ladies.
Oh, I know you.
Howdy neighbor.
Howdy.
(Holly chuckling)
Right on, thanks for coming.
I'm glad you came.
Thank you.
The show was unbelievable,
you're incredible.
The lyrics meant so much to me
and I just felt like all the songs
were coming from your soul.
And I could just feel what
you had endured, you know?
Oh, sweetheart, you're a doll.
You know the way to this aged man heart.
(Ethel chuckling)
I also live in the building, I'm Ethel.
Ethel, it's a pleasure to meet you.
I'm kind of Holly's, you know,
sister from another mister.
- Yes.
I'm the one who got her
and Lyle into the building.
Lyle Lovett?
No, no, you actually met him.
My husband.
- Oh.
So tell me, Holly, how did
you feel about the show?
I enjoyed it very much.
Holly, hmm.
There's a song in that name,
waiting to be scribed by a man
that knows the inner workings
of your divine nature.
Lyle was once a magician.
Oh, he must have put a spell on you.
(Holly chuckling)
(muffled piano lounge music)
Hey, you look like you could use a drink.
Yeah, yes.
Whatever you're having.
Not here.
Oh, where?
My place.
Straight down your hall.
Bring Lyle if you desire.
And bring Lyle Lovett too.
I'd love to ask that
cat how he landed Julia.
(Ethel and Holly laughing)
All right.
Howdy Mr. Johnson.
It's Mr. Johnston with a T, young lady.
Well, it's Isabella.
You gave me your spare key.
Are you serious?
Young lady, I must have lost my marbles.
(muffled piano lounge music)
(music ending)
[Ethel] Well, what are we thinking?
I just-I don't know, I just-
Come on.
It's pretty rude of you not to show faith.
He invited you too, Lyle.
- Oh.
- Yeah, chaperone Ethel.
- Me? No.
- Yeah.
This was for you, not me,
not Ethel either for that matter, for you.
I trust you, go.
Be safe.
(poignant piano music)
You go, text me.
Send pictures.
Just, you go.
- Okay, all right.
(poignant piano music)
(intriguing music)
(knuckles rapping on door)
[Hoyt] Who is it?
Hi, it's Ethel.
Where's Holly?
Uh, she's home.
Return with her.
She's kind of tired.
Return with her if you desire coming in.
Okay.
(intriguing music)
(music ending)
- What went wrong?
Oh my God.
Ask me instead what went right.
Can't you tell by the look on my face?
I'm not gonna take no
for an answer, come on.
- Come-
- You know
you have my blessing.
Lyle, come, come.
I defeat the purpose.
Just go.
Just let me know you're safe.
Oh, wait, wait, one last thing.
Any details are yours.
Seal the vault, I don't need to hear.
- Understood.
- Love you.
I love you.
Okay, come on, come on, I
got her, got her, got her.
Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go.
Go, go.
- Okay, okay, okay.
Alrighty.
(intriguing music)
Wait, wait, hold on.
Let me check your teeth.
Oh.
(intriguing music)
Clean.
Hair is a little.
Maybe.
- In front?
- Yeah, yeah.
- One side?
Yeah, yeah, one side, one side, okay.
(both chuckling)
(intriguing music)
- Knock or-
- [Hoyt] It's unlocked,
ladies.
- Just go.
- Yeah, yeah.
- He's expecting us.
(intriguing music)
(people laughing faintly)
(intriguing music)
(music ending)
(people laughing and chattering)
(poignant piano music)
Going to do some magic, Mr. Ayker?
I have no idea.
Chicken wing chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with-
- [Bartender] Your drink.
- [Greta] Thank you.
(upbeat music)
Seriously?
You already owe us from
the last two times.
Yeah, we actually have
to work jobs we hate.
You think that you don't have to work,
but let me tell you something, honey.
You do.
You have to work on you.
And I'm not talking about a cleanse.
Therapy is normal now.
I'll cover you again.
Okay, I'm sorry.
(upbeat music)
(music ending)
(Lyle sighing)
(Lyle sighing)
(cabinet creaking)
(Lyle sighing)
(liquid sloshing)
(door creaking)
(tense music)
(ice clinking)
(knuckles rapping on door)
(tense music)
(Lyle sighing)
(Lyle groaning)
There's nothing but liquor over there.
[Lyle] Okay, where's Holly?
[Ethel] I can't drink.
Okay, Ethel.
Where's Holly?
Oh, Holly is...
she's on Hoyt's couch.
Fully clothed.
- Hey, (stammering)
I don't need to know.
No, okay, suit yourself.
You want me to stay
with you?
- No.
No, go back there please.
Be there for Holly.
Well, she's... do you wanna hear?
No, go.
Please, make sure she's safe.
- She's safe.
- Okay, great, great.
- Yeah.
- Let's-let's go.
Now what have you been
doing all this time?
It's been 15 minutes.
Right, I know.
What have you been doing?
Nothing.
By not telling me,
what do you want me to
think you were up to?
Getting ready for bed.
(Ethel laughing)
- You're fully clothed.
- Okay.
You know, I really
shouldn't go back there.
I mean, I'm a mess.
Okay, thought you couldn't drink.
Well, clearly I shouldn't,
but nobody was stopping me
and so now I can't.
Let me-you know what I'll do?
I'll go back and I'll get a...
I had a pre-rolled joint in my bag.
So, you hang tight.
- Okay.
- I'll come back.
- No, no, just-
We'll hang out.
Just-just stay there.
- All right.
- And be there for Holly.
Yes, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mum's the word, mum's the word.
[Lyle] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[Ethel] Mum's the word.
Don't return here without her.
[Ethel] Yes, sir.
(cellphone ringing)
Hey.
What are you doing awake this late, Dad?
Well, I was up for once at
a time that I knew you'd be,
and I wanted to see if,
you know, after the other night.
I'm fine.
If it had to happen to one parent,
I'm glad it wasn't you.
I gotta go.
[Lyle] Wait, why?
Kind of busy, I'm going somewhere.
Okay, where are you off to?
[Greta] Wherever I want.
- With Walter?
- Who?
Oh, no.
- You want some company?
Shouldn't you be with mom?
She's out for the night herself.
Mom is out?
But you're tied to her hip.
Well, can I join you or not?
Okay, yeah, sure.
I'll text you an address.
Okay, great, I'll see you shortly.
Are you serious, Dad?
This is weird as fuck.
But okay, yeah, see you.
Okay.
(relaxed music)
(upbeat music)
What kind of event is this?
Dad, chill.
Do you want a hit of my vape?
I'm relaxing.
No, I'm fine.
Mom's not here.
And between us, her ass has gotten high
plenty of times behind your back, no joke.
She's so weird when she's high.
Mind you, an hour before I see her,
I swallow an impressive amount of Xanax,
which might explain why I slur my words
and I act all zen and shit around her.
But at least you're cool.
You let me be me without telling
me how to fucking breathe.
Well, you don't listen to me anyway, so.
- I listen to nobody.
- Exactly.
I just wish you'd be
kinder to your mother.
She's your Achilles
heel, Dad, and you know it.
Do you wanna know how her
pancreatic cancer is doing?
I can take a wild guess,
probably figure it out myself.
(people chattering)
[Guest] Wow, they're here?
That's crazy.
Hans, good to see you.
Hey, how come they don't have to wait?
Dad, you don't know who they are?
- No.
- Fuck, of course you don't.
They're worth, I don't even
know... they're billionaires.
- Oh, wow.
- Yeah.
I'm-I'm-I'm chilling, I promise.
I'm just curious what
kind of event this is.
Okay, you've waited long enough.
Drum roll.
Humor me, come on, drum roll.
(Lyle imitating drum roll)
You're hopefully gonna
see me perform tonight.
God, that's great.
Like, like in a play or something?
Not quite.
And hopefully, I said.
Okay, okay.
ID's please.
(muffled upbeat music)
Lyle Ayker, you're that magician dude.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, my dad's the shit.
He's with me, I'm on the list.
Greta Ayker, gotcha.
Good to go.
- Thank you so much.
- Thank you.
(energetic upbeat music)
So the performing list is
basically a Chinese auction
with artists vying for paid gigs.
Does that make sense?
- No.
- It will.
(energetic upbeat music)
(horn trumpeting)
[Chad & Gabe] Let's fucking go!
(crowd cheering)
(upbeat showy music)
Artists, artists,
artists, artists, artists.
(crowd cheering)
Thank you, we see you, we feel you.
For those of you who don't know us.
Shame on you.
My name is Chad Villaro
and this is my baby brother.
By 68 seconds.
(crowd laughing)
Gabe Villaro, everybody.
And together we
support artists.
- Support artists.
We were advised to go to business school
and forget about our dream
of becoming real artists.
Though it led to making money.
An abundance of it.
- Fuck you money.
- Fuck you money.
It didn't feed our souls.
Which is why.
Once a month, say it with us.
We give back to keep art alive.
[All] Keep art alive.
Keep art alive.
(Greta cheering)
Keep art alive.
- Yes!
You fine folks here did
not follow our same advice
and we salute you.
So, in this corner of the
room, we need one fine soul
to bear himself, herself,
or them self for art.
And the sake of $5,000.
[Gabe] It doesn't entail much.
You'll come on up, introduce yourself,
casually undress, and then model on this
finally upholstered furniture
for these two generous patrons
who've each pledge $2,500
to sketch you by hand.
Do we have a volunteer?
Right in the front,
you in the blue, come on up.
No, no, what are you doing?
[Greta] Dad, you've seen me naked.
When?
(people chattering)
You bathed me and changed my ass.
When you were a baby.
You have accidentally
walked in on me masturbating
and with boyfriends.
I'm gonna go.
Dad, it's 5K.
Let's make mom proud, I'm working here.
Why would you want me to stay?
I'm comfortable, I could care less.
I'm not comfortable.
And I do care.
[Chad & Gabe] We're waiting Smurfette.
Okay, then leave.
Okay.
Dinner this week?
Sure, call me.
(people chattering)
Do it, do it, do it,
do it, do it, do it,
do it, do it, do it, do it, do it, do it.
(crowd cheering)
(bright music)
Have we met?
[Greta] We have, right
here one month ago.
[Chad] Please introduce yourself.
I am Greta Ayker.
Performance artist, visual
poet, actress and model.
Welcome, Greta.
Is that your boy toy with you tonight?
Um, that is my old man.
Your father?
How does he feel about, you
know, what you're about to do?
He's supportive of my decisions.
(bright music)
He's best dad in the world.
Let's give a round of
applause for Greta's dad.
(crowd cheering)
- [Guest] Go Dad, yeah.
All right folks,
and it's about to get hot in here.
Greta, when you're
ready, kindly undress.
[Gabe] All eyes are on you.
[All] Take it off,
take it off, take it off.
(crowd cheering)
(bright music)
Damn.
(bright music)
Can I keep my socks on?
Your toesies woesies get cold?
They do.
The feet mittens can stay.
(bright music)
(crowd cheering)
(music ending)
(gentle music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
(water running)
Lyle!
(water running)
(Holly whimpering)
- It's okay.
It's okay.
(Holly crying)
It's okay.
(water running)
(gentle folk music)
(music continuing)
When this cold, cold world
Won't let you in
(clippers buzzing)
(gentle folk music)
When this cold, cold world
Won't let you in
Stretch your hand out here
- [Doctor] I'm sorry.
I wish I had better news.
Guide you home
(gentle folk music)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
(knuckled rapping on door)
Hey, Lyle.
How did Holly make out?
Well, uh.
She's been better.
Who were the flowers for?
Actually, they're for Lyle
to put in a vase for his,
uh, breathtaking wife.
(door creaking)
What's more glamorous about this wife?
Her lack of hair or her lack of makeup?
Both, equal plus her vigor.
(Hoyt sighing)
Not to mention her heart.
The one on her sleeve
and the one that's still beating.
Hey, may I borrow you?
These bare hands have
installed crown molding
in my guest bathroom.
I would love a second opinion.
Sure.
Let me get myself together.
You're quite ready as is.
Joining us, Lyle?
No, I'll hold the fort down here.
[Hoyt] Okay.
(melancholy music)
Forgot I was coming to see you.
I must be losing my mind, I don't-
Tricked you, ha.
I'm unannounced.
Brace yourself.
Ready to blow your mind.
It really doesn't need to.
Well, my latest feat is ready, come.
Good.
Do you remember my Celeste?
Say hello.
Hi, Celeste.
Keep your eye on her, watch her closely,
'cause when I or you or
anybody claps their hands,
she'll go poof.
Give it a whirl.
(Lyle clapping)
(mischievous music)
Well done.
Where's the bird?
You tell me where my Celeste is.
(mischievous music)
Let's see under the coat.
(mischievous music)
You-you got me, Kiki, congratulations.
It hasn't been particularly the best day,
so if you don't mind telling me,
I'd really appreciate it.
Ah, well, letting you in my secret
is like Superman buying
Kryptonite for Lex Luther
to stick up his tuchus.
Okay, we've known
each other for decades.
I've let you in on lots
of classified info.
I thank you profusely,
but every time you've
been a willing sucker.
I could fire you.
You'd be burning yourself.
(mischievous music)
Any customers today?
Our maid, Mariah, quit on us.
(Holly yelling)
Whoa, hello Holly.
Hi, high on life.
[Kiki] What fruit loops is she on?
Wait, you smell that?
What, you smoke pot with Hoyt?
One hit, one hit.
He grows medicinal
stuff, not recreational.
See, I'm on Kiki's planet now, Kiki.
Holly, you're on a
lot of different meds.
What if it doesn't react positively?
Look, I'm gonna die either way.
Come on, I've spent my
whole life playing it safe.
I can count the number of times
I've smoked pot on one hand.
Greta told me you hit her pin with her
and I didn't believe her.
Well, that prevented me from
dissecting her life apart.
Come on, just... sit.
Please, don't judge me.
You refuse to take an Advil.
You've never done a drug
in your entire life.
Just, look, I'm sorry.
I mean, I knew it would upset you, but-
Then why do it if you knew?
You're okay with me fucking him
but not him getting me stoned?
I'm concerned for you.
Not as concerned as I'm for you.
I dreadfully regret that we
didn't take massive risks.
Define risks.
Hoyt, he-he spends
his day honing his music
and he maintains this aura
of confidence no matter what.
And he-he lives.
We've never lived.
My mother would've smacked sense into me
if I ever even dreamt of being a singer,
and your mom would've murdered you.
You wanna know what happened at Hoyt?
No.
- Nothing.
- Correct.
Correct, nothing.
Nothing happened.
(gentle piano music)
It could have,
but it didn't.
It could.
Look, I told you, I don't
wanna know, all right?
I don't wanna know.
(emotional music)
I don't wanna hurt you.
You won't.
(emotional music)
You make me happy every day.
I wanna witness you
doing something that makes
you happy just for you.
That would make me so happy.
(music fading)
(knuckled rapping on door)
Howdy again.
Can I borrow Holly one more time?
Nothing outta line, pinky swear.
M-hm.
(gentle piano music)
I love you.
(door creaking)
(melancholy music)
(Lyle gulping and coughing)
(knuckled rapping on door)
Holly, it's not locked.
It's Ethel.
- Oh, okay.
- You alone?
- No, no.
- Oh, where's Holly?
Is she here?
- [Lyle] No.
- Oh.
So who's here?
- You.
- Besides us?
Nobody.
So you're here alone?
- Yes.
- Oh.
Pretty pricey scotch you got there.
(Ethel chuckling)
Hey, let's do a shot.
I actually already just did so.
Good for you.
Let's do another.
- Okay.
(liquid pouring)
Ooh, oh.
Let's-let's make a cheers.
- [Lyle] To what?
- To us.
- Us?
- Yeah, come on.
To us, you and I, you and me, us.
(gentle music)
Nobody's gonna miss her more than us.
- To Holly.
- Yeah.
Not us.
(gentle music)
(glasses clinking)
The days will fly by,
but the sleepless nights won't.
I'm telling you, you're
gonna get very lonely.
Ethel, I love Holly.
Yes, planet Earth is aware.
I was drinking tequila with Hoyt
and I-I think I may
have swallowed a worm.
I'm gonna go freshen up.
- Okay.
(playful music)
- Hey.
- Oh, Mr. Ayker.
How are you this evening?
I'm amazing, I'm perfect.
How-how are you?
I am wonderful.
My little boy at home, my one-year-old,
he started walking today.
- No way, he's walking?
- [Louie] He's walking.
Louie, the hell you doing here?
Get home to him.
You know what, I remember
when my little Greta,
well, not little anymore,
but now I haven't a clue, actually,
when she started walking.
Oh, she always felt face
first, wailing helplessly.
Nothing would shut her up.
Nothing's changed, poor baby.
But you know what?
Life is so worth it, Louie.
It's so worth it.
Pretty soon your little
boy will be talking.
Gonna be talking shit about you
and you just, you just keep smiling,
Louie, at your proudest
'cause your boy's a-walking here.
You know what, his name escapes me.
Oh, it's Louie, Louie Junior.
Louie Junior.
You know what, you spend
this on Louie Junior.
- Thank you Mr. Ayker.
- Yeah.
Your energy this evening, I love it.
I usually can't get two words outta you.
You know what, here the thing, Louie.
I'm drunk as a skunk.
I never would've convicted you, sir.
(Lyle chuckling)
You know, you're always
so respectful and friendly.
That's why you're so loved here, Louie Sr.
Thank you Mr. Ayker.
I mean, hey, you got a coat or something?
It's kind of chilly out tonight.
You going far?
I have no clue.
Well, consider bundling up, you're wet.
Okay, okay.
All right.
- See you.
(music ending)
(doorbell chiming)
(door creaking)
Hey, can I ask you a question?
Okay.
Are you even a fan of Hoyt Johnston?
[Lyle] Of the man or his music?
He would quote that
they go hand in hand.
(intriguing music)
He's personable, I guess.
I mean, he radiates charm.
Mm, he's a huge philanthropist.
You could be too, you've got the time.
Mm.
(intriguing music)
Are you a fan of his music?
Sure.
(intriguing music)
I can't sing like him.
(Ethel laughing)
You must hate him.
I mean, deep down you
must really hate him.
I hate no one, not even... nobody.
(music ending)
(mellow music)
I'll break open my '78 Beaucastel next.
Oh my.
(mellow music)
I'm already high.
Well, at least you're not drunk.
(glasses clinking)
(mellow music)
Can I ask you another question?
Just ask Ethel, don't ask to ask.
You do it too often.
- [Ethel] Gosh.
- Don't say that word either.
What, I'm sorry.
Holly says, "Just ask, no apology."
- [Ethel] I'm sorry.
- Ask.
Why is it that Lyle is the only man
that you've ever made love to?
(mellow music)
(intriguing music)
What can I do to make you respect me?
Treat me as if I'm a real person?
(intriguing music)
You've never gotten to know me.
I know you.
I mean, know me know me.
(intriguing music)
Listen, I-I know what you two have
is hard to find at any age.
The look on your face,
watching you is like,
you're watching me die trying.
(intriguing music)
Point is, she doesn't want us to be alone.
You, me, us.
So- (music ending)
Stop.
She wants this for us.
We can seal it in the vault.
He's the only man I've ever loved.
(mellow music)
Lucky man.
Baby if you need me
I sure would love
What's-what's wrong with waiting?
I have waited.
But this way we can say
that we did this for you.
(Lyle retching)
(elevator chiming)
(melancholy piano music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
- Hi.
- Hi.
(melancholy music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music fading)
(gentle piano music)
(emotional music)
(music continuing)
No, Holly, Holly.
It's not time.
It's not time yet.
(emotional music)
Holly.
(Lyle sobbing softly)
Come on.
(emotional music)
Yeah, hello.
My-my wife is not breathing.
(Lyle banging on door)
Hoyt!
Hoyt!
Hoyt!
Hoyt!
Where's the fire?
What's wrong?
Holly's not breathing.
(door creaking)
Come, come.
- What?
(emotional music)
(Lyle sobbing)
- Holly.
- Peacefully in her sleep.
Exactly how she wanted.
She was considerate of you in life
and now in death.
(emotional music)
What a woman.
What a woman.
(Lyle sobbing)
(emotional music)
(music ending)
Can you please pull your shirt up?
It's a dress,
and I forgot panties.
(Lyle sighing)
- All right.
Thank you.
- Condolences.
- Thank you.
Condolences.
You know, we never had
anything to say to each other,
but the way she made you feel,
she was someone lovely.
I only met her once,
but I knew she was special.
Thank you, thank you.
Isn't that the musician
mogul over there?
Yep, sure is.
Hoyt Johnston.
Thanks for coming, Kiki and Wendell.
There's more heads than I thought.
[Wendell] Yeah, sure.
That makes two of us.
Hi, I'm Ethel, I was Holly's best friend.
- Oh, Kiki.
- Wendell.
Hi, nice to meet you.
They work with me at the shop.
[Ethel] Oh, I see.
You haven't been to his store?
I know, I'm real.
I don't believe in magic.
Well, do you believe in not being
such a snotty bitch and supporting someone
'cause it's the right thing to do?
Let me tell you something, young lady,
your mother supported you.
She lost faith in her only child
even after you had your second abortion,
when you were a minor.
Okay enough, enough.
Lyle, so sorry.
Thanks, thanks Brent.
Greta, you got big.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I'm gonna miss Holly's
Christmas meatballs.
Perhaps maybe you have her recipe?
I'll see.
Oh yeah, I mean, come
on, that red sauce, I mean-
There was no meat.
Holly was sneaky.
But it was for a good cause, our health.
[Brent] Yeah.
- You take care of yourselves.
- [Brent] It's a loss.
If you need anything, call me.
Thanks Ellen, thanks Brent.
This is why I've always fucking loved
mom's side of the family.
Okay, okay.
- I'm sorry, Mr. Ayker.
- Thank you.
You okay, hon?
Lyle, I-I don't what to say, man.
Just, if you need anything.
Both of you.
Those butterscotch cookies
dipped in butter that she made.
Oh, they were delectable.
Oh, I'll see if I can
find her recipe, Louie.
Oh no, Mr. Ayker, that's-
that's not why I'm here.
I'm not here looking
for recipes, you know?
Holly was truly a breath of fresh air.
You know, you're old,
but you are cool, Big I.
[Louie] Thank you, Greta.
- I'm so sorry.
- Thank you so much.
It's all right.
Thank you for paying respects, Hoyt.
I'm Lyle's daughter Greta.
Greta, pleasure's mine.
Your mother was more than a human being.
I have no idea what that means.
Greta, Hoyt's my neighbor.
He's kind of a well-known musician.
Ah, millennials won't know me.
Actually, I'm a generation Z-er.
Really?
Aren't you cats hell a worse?
It's yet to be determined.
Where'd you get this pizza from?
Dad?
The spot on First Avenue.
I love it there, big ass slices.
Swish, nice shot.
New York fucking pizza.
Look, I get you're sad and all,
but what the fuck do you want from me?
I'm trying to change the mood in here.
Sorry I can't keep my mouth shut.
Hence, why I am friendless
and no job or sexual
relation lasts for me.
That makes sense, yeah.
You have a friend in me forever.
Okay, Buzz Lightyear.
Love you too,
but we're like oil and vinegar.
Will you miss your mom a little?
What do you want me to say, Dad?
Look, it was always something with you,
we never knew what we were gonna get.
Okay, Forrest Gump.
Sorry.
I already forgave you.
So, what was, um, a famous
neighbor doing there today?
How did mom know him aside from,
like, an infrequent elevator hello?
That's a long story.
I've got loads of time.
Another day.
Whatever.
I didn't want her to die.
You know, as cold as her ass was,
she was still my mom.
I'm gonna go hit my vape outside.
You wanna join?
(melancholy music)
Hey, I made my world-famous brisket.
Oh, there's hardly
any room in the fridge.
But it's sweet of you though.
It's best if you eat it while it's hot.
I'm starving, I hope you're hungry.
Where's your daughter?
You sure you don't want any?
I'm content at the moment.
All right, I hate to eat by myself.
It's gonna make me feel like a pig.
Come on, sit, I'll make you a plate.
[Lyle] I'm content at the moment.
You sure?
I don't wanna sit here and eat solo.
Where's Greta?
Oh, look at this, speak of the devil.
Greta, I made my world-famous brisket.
Should I get you a plate?
(stammering)
Are are you still a no on the brisket?
You invited her?
Didn't think so.
World-famous brisket.
Dad, can I have a word with you please?
[Lyle] What?
I ran into him in the lobby.
Who?
I know how mom knows him now.
- Who?
- Hoyt told me everything.
What did Hoyt say?
What I needed to hear.
- Which is?
- What I need, Dad.
Me, not you.
- You didn't?
- Didn't what?
You know what.
In that short time span?
God, I hope he'd last longer.
No, I talked to him.
I- I listened to the man explain himself.
Why the fuck do you think I fucked him?
He's so old.
He's, like, older than you and...
But he is rich, so yeah.
No, I get where you're coming from,
but no, I didn't fuck him.
Got the brisket, it's still hot.
I don't want your fucking meat, Ethel.
What did she ever do to you?
Mom once said that Ethel
would thrive with you.
An easygoing man with no hobbies,
who offers himself to others like water.
Over my dead body is she
gonna get lucky with my dad.
You're the only normal human I have left.
You know that right?
Menopausal women are
gonna fight for your ass,
and she is one tough bitch.
The sheer fathom ability that
you could settle with her
if she strikes at the right chord,
it plagues me, okay?
Plagues me.
But don't worry.
I've got you, okay?
I got you, I won't let it happen.
(knuckles rapping on door)
- Howdy,
- [Lyle] Howdy, Hoyt.
Did your daughter
tell you that we talked?
She was about to.
Can I invite myself in?
- Of course, yeah.
- Yeah.
Oh, Ethel's over.
Hoyt, I made my world-famous,
I'm talking prize-winning, brisket
and Greta doesn't fucking want any,
so maybe you can have her portion.
By whose standards is
it world famous, huh?
And who the fuck coined
that glorified term?
And tell me one thing you fucking want.
What does it matter?
I mean, why are you yelling?
Oh my God, it is not world famous,
it has won nothing,
so stop self praising your
fraudulent fucking meat.
Hmm, well I'll chow down.
Smells epic.
Okay, great, well sit down
you logical man of reason.
(Ethel chuckling)
Now, it's so lean, you
don't even need a knife.
No knife.
(cutlery clinking)
Hmm, yum.
Lean indeed.
Compliments maestro.
Well, the pleasure's all hers.
(Ethel and Hoyt chuckling)
(doorbell ringing)
[Lyle] Good afternoon.
[Louie] Mr. Ayker, it's your boy, Louie.
So sorry again for your loss.
A lovely lady and a guy
are waiting with food.
[Lyle] Send them right up.
A lovely lady?
Oh, that's his wacky sidekick.
Kiki and that guy work for him.
Doing magic?
I've been meaning to ask,
what tricks do you do, Lyle?
He owns the store around the block.
- Never been.
- Neither has Ethel.
You can fucking go with her.
Can they make her disappear?
(Greta and Hoyt laughing)
I'm pretty sure he was kidding.
(mischievous music)
- Hey.
- Hey.
Howdy.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Kiki cooked for y'all.
I purchased this is slamming
cherry pie from Gristedes.
My gosh.
Sorry, oh boy.
(mischievous music)
It's full.
I'm gonna throw away this crap.
You know what, um.
- What?
- Not you.
Everyone else, thank you for everything.
But I need, if you don't
mind, a moment alone
to think clearly in solitude.
With me or no?
Alone with my daughter.
Okay, we can devour the
rest of this at my place.
Are you inviting me over?
Provided you bring the brisket
and then excuse yourself after.
Done.
Hey, do you have some
room for Wendell and myself?
[Hoyt] Of course, why not?
Heat up the frittata when
you're feeling appetized.
It's homemade.
Hey, boss, leave room for dessert.
Gristedes.
I know you wanna be alone,
but you're not alone.
I'll check in on you later, yeah?
Okay.
You know where to find me.
(siren blaring faintly)
So?
Dad?
Dad?
Why do you even want me here
if you're not gonna speak to me?
This is your home.
Then what do you call
that shoebox downtown
you shell out 2K a month
plus utilities for?
My vacation home away from mom.
Why do you loathe Hoyt so much?
Did I ever say that?
Not verbally.
He's pretty famous.
Yeah, I told you.
You were right.
When have I ever given you bad advice
or wrong information?
Well, that, Dad, has
yet to be determined.
Do you think if I asked
Hoyt for career advice,
he'd hear me out?
Hear what out?
My visual poetry, plus I can sing.
Greta, Hoyt cannot help you.
You're probably right.
I'm gonna go hit my vape
outside if you wanna join.
(melancholy music)
And by the way, I actually
already asked Hoyt.
He thinks I'm extremely talented.
See, unlike you, I ask for what I want.
You don't simply because
you don't even know what you want anymore.
I'm right, Dad, I know I am.
Any magic you used to have,
you spent it all up on Mom.
Hell, it got me here.
Not that I fucking asked to be here,
but it's like you were her AI
and now that she's gone,
you're essentially a robot
without a master or a plan.
(melancholy music)
(emotional melancholy music)
(music continuing)
(music fading)
(line ringing)
[Answering Service] Leave a message.
(plastic crinkling)
(line ringing)
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my homies
Chicken wing, chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Hoyt?
Chilling with my homies
It's Lyle.
Chicken wing
Greta!
Chicken wing
Hotdog and baloney
Chicken and macaroni
Chilling with my
(funky music)
Hello, hello, just a second.
I'm feeling all right, yeah
Oh, hey.
(Hoyt chuckling)
Brisket's all gone, man.
Hoyt, where's my daughter?
(funky music)
I'm looking
(objects clattering)
But I'm the only man all right
What you gonna do about it
Lyle.
When I can see
Your daughter is a seductress.
Now, I-I never did anything with Holly.
She loved you.
She wanted to know what
was behind my door.
She she wanted you to join her.
Me too.
Hold on
- Lyle?
(funky music)
All right, come on, man.
Now, relax.
(Hoyt grunting)
About to come back
Why the fuck did you do that?
(Hoyt groaning)
I deserved it.
Get your clothes.
Go, now.
Now!
(funky music)
(Hoyt coughing)
Put some ice on it.
I'm sorry.
No, no I'm not.
I don't apologize.
It felt amazing.
Holly was the sole woman to decline me.
Hold on
You're a blessed man.
(melancholy music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music ending)
Dad, why the fuck did you do that?
Hoyt didn't deserve that shit.
I don't care.
Then why the fuck did you do it?
Can you please not curse
in every single sentence you say?
Sit.
I said sit.
I knew he wouldn't hit me back.
Dad.
I'm right here.
(Greta breathing shakily)
I'm scared.
Of what?
Life, I guess, in general.
- Good.
- How is that good?
(somber music)
I've been petrified my whole life.
- Of what?
- Living.
(somber music)
(Greta breathing shakily)
What did I say?
(Greta crying)
Did she (sniffling)
Did she actually love me?
Of course, of course.
I just, I fucked up so many times.
I'm sorry, I cursed again.
I messed up so many times.
And she was hard on me
because she loved me, right?
Yeah.
(somber music)
And I had no respect for her.
I wanted her money for bullshit like drugs
and shit I didn't need.
(somber music)
We were so different, I know that,
but I loved her.
(somber music)
I loved her so fucking much
and she died so fast.
(Greta breathing shakily)
You can do right by her.
There's still time to make
something with your life.
That's what I want.
I told Hoyt about this
live experience I wanna do.
It's like a (sniffling) movie and a museum
and a Broadway show all rolled into one.
You never told me about that.
When was I gonna tell you?
You were too busy being mom's parrot.
She wanted you to work hard on your own
to achieve a goal and to
make something of yourself.
That's what I want, look at me.
I am.
I am.
(somber music)
You're beautiful.
You're smart and dangerous.
And I adore you.
Primarily when you're not
being a condescending...
(emotional music)
(Greta sniffling)
You're the only family I have left.
What were you gonna call me?
A child.
What did you think?
A bitch.
(emotional music)
Seriously though, I wish
you didn't punch Hoyt.
He was gonna invest some cash in me.
You don't need Hoyt.
I don't intend to keep your mom's money
in her Valley National bank account.
(doorbell ringing)
Per se.
To be continued.
(Greta sniffling)
Good evening.
[Louie] Mr. Ayker, you know who.
A lovely lady has returned.
I've patted her down,
unarmed, no weapons, sir.
Thank you, Louie.
Hey Dad, just don't be so hard on Hoyt.
He's too cool to be associated with you.
He wouldn't tell me the
story of how you met him.
He said to ask you.
Well, then you may never know.
No, Dad, you can't-
you can't do that to me.
- Hey, how are we?
- Hm.
Hm, have you had a moment?
Dad decked Hoyt in the face.
No, I punched him in the throat.
- Consciously?
- M-hm.
(Kiki gasping)
Kill shot, nice, huh.
What did he do?
(knuckles rapping on door)
Come in, it's not locked.
Howdy, Lyle.
Hey, look, I'm sorry for...
you did what any decent
father would've and should've.
And thanks for not bashing in my face.
(Hoyt sighing)
My throat hurts like hell.
Keep ice on.
You sound like Tom Waits now.
Greta, I was sincere
about your skillset,
and I'm down to try honing your craft.
Trying.
Thanks, but-
She'd love any advice you can give her.
We both would.
I'm curious to hear what you have in mind.
Well, I'm glad you asked.
See, what I'm-
No, you know what, on second thought,
don't waste time explaining it to me,
just execute.
Okay.
Hell, I got some people
that I can pitch it to,
down to putting some capital up on it.
That won't be necessary.
We have our own money.
No, I do.
Don't screw her.
Literally, but figuratively just as much.
Or it will be your face next time.
Okay, deal.
You got a very generous
old man here, young lady,
and a bright future.
And we have a lot of work to do.
When do you wanna get started?
How about now?
No time like the present
Your place?
More space.
You know where to find us.
Oh, one more thing, while the iron is hot.
Since my latest album,
"Regina", back in 1999,
I've been planning a comeback record.
Would you be down to partnering up?
I suspect you like my music.
Do you have a business plan?
Oh, right here cat, accounted for.
Okay, well, put it
in my hands and maybe.
All right.
[Kiki] Anything you'd
like to talk about?
Hmm, not particularly.
Would you care to know
how I make my Celeste
vanish into thin air?
Sure.
Would you like the power of knowledge
on how to monetize the shop?
Cut to the chase.
Both questions require one answer.
Sorceress Kiki has arrived.
The world yearns to know
where my Celeste poofs off to.
Let's join forces.
Live shows, your return
headlined by my twilight awakening.
(optimistic music)
I'm flattered,
but my heart's not there anymore.
I'm sorry to disappoint.
(optimistic music)
Tell me how much, Sorceress Kiki.
I'll fund your whole shebang.
For you to fail won't possibly
be from lack of effort
and you've had the look down for years.
You deserve it.
(optimistic music)
I'll make us loaded.
That won't make either of us happy.
Eternally, my gratitude is yours.
(optimistic music)
Okay, I can't breathe.
Please don't forget your day job.
Your shop?
Never.
It's our second home.
(optimistic music)
You won't regret it.
(music ending)
(Lyle sighing)
(gentle classical music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
(music fading)
(people chattering)
(uplifting music)
Just had to begin again
Had to get through the maze
Pull back from destruction
Just to set the hills ablaze
You had my full attention
But you had longed to stray
Living in the disconnect
My view began to phase
Dreaming of a better place
I dream of something more
Living in the shades of gray
Living in the shades of gray
We'll see what's in store
(uplifting music)
I picked up myself again
In the process of repair
You only wanted shelter
I was unaware
(uplifting music)
(music continuing)
(music continuing)
Living in the shades of gray
Living in the shades of gray
(music fading)