Invisible Borders (2026) Movie Script
1
[buzzer]
[metal thudding]
[insects humming]
[clanging]
[thudding]
[knocking]
[buzzer]
[door rattling]
[soft dramatic music]
[dispatcher chatter]
OFFICER: Transporting one man
from the Nassau County jail
to Astoria, Queens.
- Can we put some music on?
- Well, this is
a courtesy ride, sire.
I'm not really
allowed to do that.
All right, let's go.
You stay down here
at the bottom of the stairs
while I talk to her.
[knocking]
Good morning, ma'am.
WOMAN: Good morning.
- Are you expecting
this gentleman here.
- Yeah.
- Have a good day, sir.
WOMAN: [non-english speech]
- Wow.
This is nice.
I like the place, Joe.
How many rooms you got here?
Four?
Business must be good.
Here we are.
- Jonathan.
[non-english speech]
- English, please.
WOMAN: You can pretend.
But you are not an American.
And you never will be.
- Imagine, Lucia a grandmother.
Huh?
- So who's the lucky guy?
- The important thing is we
have to be there for her.
- Where does she live now?
- Framingham, Massachusetts.
It's beautiful.
- I bet it is.
- Mm-hmm.
- It's a shame that you
can't leave the state.
I mean, she would
love to see you.
- Would she?
- She's getting ahead
in the office, too.
Oh, she's always
been a hard worker.
- This is great, Mom.
LUCIA: Thank you.
Um, so what are your plans
for finding a job?
- I've got a few propositions,
some meetings to attend.
LUCIA: Really?
Doing what?
- I could ask at work.
I mean, we always need drivers.
- Jonathan needs to stand
on his own two feet.
- I'm just saying.
LUCIA: He can't
be leaning on us.
Jonathan, um, uh,
[non-english speech]
In English, it's
just bad timing.
- Bad timing?
- Uh-huh.
[non-english speech]
- Are you serious?
What?
Do you think I'm going
to rob the house?
- [non-english speech]
- What the fuck, Mom?
- [sighs]
[non-english speech]
- What father?
[distant siren]
Patricia?
- Jonathan?
My friend, is that you?
- Yeah, look at you.
- Oh, don't look at this.
I had a really long night.
- To me, you look like a mirage.
- Yeah, right.
We have to catch up, have
some fun together, OK?
- After hours
at the Spark, I'm surprised
this place is still happening.
Hey, listen, do you know
how I can find Karen?
WOMAN: Trish, let's go.
- I'm over that bitch.
Seriously, I don't
want to talk about her.
Her name, to me,
she's dead and buried.
JONATHAN: Is she still in Miami?
- [scoffs] Miami?
I wish she was in fucking
China, but unless she has
a twin sister, I'm
pretty sure she's waiting
tables at Geronimo's.
JONATHAN: Geronimo's, Queens?
TRISH: Ciao.
JONATHAN: Jesus.
- Oh, brother.
- You look better without
all the orange, man.
- Yeah, I was getting tired
of looking like a Cheeto puff.
How long you been out?
- A few hours.
- Oh, come on.
It's on the house.
Take a seat.
We're hiring, you know?
I'm just saying, if you need
a job talk to the owner.
He's a good hearted man.
- Nah, man.
I'm cool.
- Not a lot of places around
here hire ex-cons, believe me.
All right.
Offer's on the table.
How's that dude Tommy?
You remember him?
Cool dude, a Brooklyn guy,
shaved head, kind of bigger.
You know when he's coming home?
[gentle music]
- It's nice to see you, too.
- [non-english speech]
- What are you doing here?
- Nothing, really.
What the fuck does it
look like I'm doing here?
- I thought you were in Miami.
- Just tell me what you want
so we can get this over with.
I need to work.
- I just got out.
- I don't give a fuck.
- Yeah, you don't give a fuck
has been a clear message
for a long time.
What happened to modeling?
- Modeling?
They let me go a long time ago.
I had no papers, so--
now I do this.
- Why did you never visit?
Fuck, man, it's not like I got
locked up on purpose, you know?
- No, because I remember
you lying to my face.
One last drink with my friends.
I had my bags packed--
and a fucking wedding dress.
[pill bottle rattles]
- What's that shit for?
- For the headache
you're giving me.
Why is this happening now?
I was doing fine.
- Yeah.
You look like
you're doing great.
You changed your number.
- Is that what
you're upset about?
- You disappeared.
- Maybe I did.
- Karen, TJ's here.
- TJ.
[non-english] Honey, you can't
keep running away from school.
- I'm sorry, Mom.
KAREN: Do you want to get
your backpack out of the way?
Are you hungry?
- How old is he?
How old are you?
- Go with Maria, OK?
Go, go, go.
He's six.
Come with me.
Relax.
He's not your son.
- So you waited, what?
Like, a week?
- You need to go.
[sullen music]
- Ted Duke.
[buzzer rings]
TED: Hey, hey, hey, hey.
[non-english]
[sighs]
Jonathan.
[grunts]
[laughs]
Oh, you're getting old, brahs.
JONATHAN: You'll always be
two hours older than me, man.
[scuffling]
- Oh.
Shit.
Fuck.
[laughs]
- Nice crib.
- Thanks, man.
This right here, this
is the most comfortable
couch known to man, my friend.
Cecilia, can you shut that
vacuum off for just a second,
please?
We're trying to--
we're trying to talk.
She's--
[sighs]
- Why'd you tell me
she was in Miami?
- What the fuck, man?
Jesus.
Miami, Puerto Rico,
Mexico, whatever.
What were you going to do,
jerk off to a fucking ghost?
- I wish you'd
told me the truth.
TED: She didn't
want to see you, OK?
You're like my little bro.
I take care of you.
She's too old
for you anyway, bro.
JONATHAN: Look what they
gave me back this morning.
Fuckers busted the strap.
Should be an easy fix, though.
You gave me this
for my birthday.
- Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
Look at you, bro.
You're a whole lot worse than
a month ago, I'll tell you what.
- Yeah, seven years
hanging out with dudes.
TED: All right.
You know what, dude?
Why don't you go buy yourself
a toothbrush and toothpaste,
a razor, shampoo-- what else?
Maybe some condoms.
All right?
[laughs] Is that good?
- I need some clothes.
- All right.
Hey, why don't we
go out tonight?
Huh?
You find some girls for us?
What?
There's no such thing as a free
lunch in America, brother.
And make sure you
look real pretty, OK?
Oh, and by the way, how
long are you staying?
- I don't know.
Till I get back on my feet?
TED: Sure.
Yeah.
Make yourself at home, OK?
I got to meet my trainer.
It's good to have you back.
I love you, brother.
I'm happy you're back.
Mi casa es su casa.
Adios.
[tense music]
- Karen?
- [non-english speech]
- Is that the father,
the guy in the car?
- No.
Leave us alone.
- Who is it then?
- Listen, you're
creeping me out.
- You know, in prison, I often
dreamed about us in Miami.
- That's nice, Jonathan,
but you're seven years too late.
- I can make it work this time.
- Stop.
Come on.
[somber music]
[child whimpering]
(QUIETLY) That's great.
Good job.
TJ: You promised
that guy would leave.
- He will.
OK?
- Mom, turn the TV on.
[tv chatter]
JONATHAN: When I was
a kid, I could only
fall asleep with the TV on.
[latin music playing on stereo]
[spanish singing]
- Last time you
kissed me like this,
I didn't see you in seven years.
- I'm planning on sticking
around this time.
[soft romantic music]
Hey.
I gotta go see some
people tonight.
It's important.
- Oh, shit.
Flashback.
- I'm coming back tomorrow.
- Yeah
[dance music]
- This man, right here,
fucking legend, OK?
Back in the day, he
couldn't walk into a room
without getting his dick sucked.
[exclamations, laughter]
Now that was some heavy
shit that went down, man.
- Yeah, and you know
that wasn't our fault.
TED: Yeah you just got unlucky.
MAN: That's right.
- Come on, man.
- So how about this, huh?
Homecoming.
Yeah.
MAN: Bubbilicious, man.
[laughter]
- So I assume you're
a rich man now.
I wonder, curious,
how much they paid you
for seven years of your life.
Heard of millionaire?
It's good to have you back.
TED: Yo, guys.
Jonathan, he's over by the bar.
Please.
I love you.
Oh.
- Hey, I need a vial
of Special K and two bags.
- $300.
Give me the bread, please.
TED: My knees!
Give me, give me, give me,
give me, give me, give me,
give me, give me, give me, sugar
pop, give me, give me, give me.
MAN: Oh.
Good.
Oh, baby.
[exclamations]
And justice for all!
CUSTOMER: Get
the line, get the line.
TED: Jonathan!
TRISH: Come on, Jonathan.
TED: Here, bros.
Come on, just one for me.
MAN: Come on, do it.
TED: Come on, bro.
- I won't fucking do it.
- OK, OK, OK.
OK.
Baby Mr. Brad, the real deal.
- So Ted's birthday
is coming up.
- I know, man, it's
the same day as mine.
- No.
- No shit!
- I forgot about that.
- OK, so we're going
to throw that motherfucker
the party of the century.
Hey, we should do
a double celebration.
- Yeah, yeah.
We were thinking maybe you'd
help out and make it happen,
you know.
- We're talking
about the party, OK?
We want Victoria's
Secret, top models.
I want grade A meat, all
the best shit out there.
You know what I'm saying?
And you're going to make
money from the get-go.
- I think I'm in love.
Will you get her for me?
- Who's the guy?
- Who gives a fuck.
Come on.
MAN: Just like back
in the back of the day, right?
JONATHAN: Hey.
- What's up?
- You don't seem to be
having much fun over here.
- Really?
You were watching me?
- Yeah.
- That's kind of creepy.
- See that guy over there?
That's my friend,
Theodore Duke III.
WOMAN: Duke III?
[laughs]
- What do you say?
You want to come over?
- Um.
- How's your evening going?
- Excellent.
But you know, a little boring.
TED: Really?
- Sure.
Dude.
- What are you doing?
- Nothing.
Calm down.
- Hey, chill.
- Calm down.
- Have a drink, man.
Chill.
- Let's get the fuck
out of here.
Guys like you should be hung off
of bridges in the Rio Grande.
- OK.
That's enough.
- Huh?
Go back to your country,
you fucking spic!
Hmm?
What?
You fucking pussy.
Do something.
Do something.
What the fuck are you gonna do?
Hmm?
- [panting]
[exhales]
CO-WORKER:
[non-english conversation]
- What's going on?
- Karen didn't show up
to work this morning.
I tried calling her cell
phone, but she didn't pick up.
We know she put TJ
on the school van this morning,
but that's all we know.
- Did you try the police?
CO-WORKER: No no, no.
We can't call the police.
- She's illegal.
The police got involved,
it goes on the restaurant.
They'll have her deported.
- I'm sorry, but I have
my own kids, my husband and
I. I just can't get involved.
- Yeah, I got another job, man.
I don't get home till,
like, 5 in the morning.
The kid can't stay
here, not without Karen.
- Why?
- If there's an emergency,
you can call.
- Hey, what the fuck am I
supposed to do with this kid?
JESUS: I don't know, man.
- Come on.
Jesus.
Come on.
[tense music]
Hey, kid!
Come on.
Stop!
Stop.
- I want to see my mom.
- I need to go somewhere first.
Come on, let's go.
Come on.
- I want to go home.
- I got to go somewhere first.
Let's go.
- Stop looking at me.
I'm gonna tell
my mom you hurt me.
- I didn't hurt you.
So do you like school?
- No.
Fuck school.
- My mother used to slap me
every time I said the word fuck.
- Well, you're not
my mother, so fuck you.
JONATHAN: Sit here.
- Jonathan Silva.
- I'm going to go
and talk to someone.
Now, you stay here quiet, OK?
You stay here where or that
guy is going to lock you up.
Do you understand?
Don't move.
Watch my shit.
- Conditions for parole.
You must be employed
or looking for work.
You cannot operate
a motor vehicle.
You must not leave
the county without a parole
officer's authority.
And you must report
all encounters with law
enforcement of any nature.
And you must report
your weekly progress.
And my personal favorite--
you must agree
to random drug test.
That means total sobriety.
I am obliged to say this to you.
That means no recreational
drugs whatsoever.
And that includes alcohol.
Do you understand?
- Yeah.
- I need you to say
"I understand."
- I understand.
- Do you have any
long-term goals?
Plans for the future?
- Staying out of the can.
- You have family?
- Doesn't everybody?
- Is that kid your relative?
- No.
It's a son of a friend.
- So you might want
to start looking for a job.
I'll need the paperwork
to certify it.
I have the lowest rate
of re-entry in the county.
So long as you don't ruin
my streak, we'll be just fine.
And you still have time.
[sound of urination]
JONATHAN: Wake up.
Come on, man.
Wake up.
Wake up.
Come on, man.
Let's go.
Stop.
Let's go.
Grab your coat.
- I'm tired.
- Me too.
So stop bitching.
Hey, listen to me.
I need to get to the job
center before it closes.
And I'm trying to get
you home to your mother.
So work with me.
All right?
Let's go.
It's this one?
- 1F.
[buzzer]
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): Yes?
- Hey.
What's her name?
- Mrs. Johnson.
- Ms. Johnson, I'm
Karen's friend.
I'm here with TJ.
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER):
I'll be right out.
- There is no one inside.
She left this morning
and hasn't come back.
I hear everything that
goes on in that apartment.
It's an old building.
And you people make
a lot of noise.
[loud knocking]
[chuckles]
You don't believe me?
[loud knocking]
JONATHAN: Can the kid stay with
you until his mom comes back?
- I'm sorry, but I can't.
I'm busy.
- Shit.
Come on, let's go.
- Why can't I stay here?
- Cause I gotta be somewhere.
- I don't want to go.
- You can't stay here
by yourself, man.
Hurry up.
Your mother's not here.
Let's go.
Come on.
[distant siren]
Fuck.
Fuck.
Because of you, I'm
not going to make it.
- Where are we going?
I want to see my mom.
- I don't know
where your mom is.
Do you have a cell phone?
OK.
Let's go.
- I can stay here by myself.
- OK, fuck it.
Why do I care?
Hey, Peter, it's Jonathan.
Yeah, man, I've been
thinking about what
you said yesterday
regarding Ted's party,
and I really want
to be involved.
Can we meet somewhere
to talk about it?
Yeah.
No, man.
Tonight's complicated.
Can we do that tomorrow?
Can you tell me what
my end will be on this?
Talk to Sam?
I got to go.
I'll meet you there tomorrow.
I see what you're doing.
Don't make me lose my shit.
- I hate broccoli.
- You ordered it.
Eat it.
You want mine?
There's no broccoli.
- Yes.
JONATHAN: Where is your father?
You never met your father?
- No.
JONATHAN: Your mother
never said anything?
- My father's dead.
JONATHAN: She said that?
- No.
- Then he might be alive.
TJ: I don't think so.
If my father wasn't
dead, he went far,
far away before I was born.
- Any idea where
your mother could be?
TJ: No.
- Family?
Friends?
- No.
JONATHAN: There's
got to be somebody.
Are you sure?
- Just stop asking me questions.
[knocking]
- Jonathan?
What the fuck?
- We got a situation.
- We gotta go.
She might be home.
- Who's the kid?
- Your cousin.
- Karen's son?
- Yep.
- Hey.
Sup, little cuz?
JONATHAN: Karen's missing.
Do you have any idea
where she could be?
- Nah, man.
I haven't heard
from her in years.
TJ: We gotta go.
JONATHAN: What
about your father.
- My father doesn't
know anything.
- Can you call him?
- Sorry, I can't.
TJ: Let's go!
JONATHAN: Come on, Junior.
This is an emergency.
JUNIOR: Bro, my father
doesn't remember my name.
Alzheimer's.
- Any idea where she could be?
Any friends?
- I really don't know.
- I can't do this.
I need you to stay
with him tonight.
- Let's go.
- Sorry.
I'm not getting
involved in this shit.
- Come on, Junior.
He's your family, man.
- I got stuff to do, man.
- Hey, Junior, do you
know who his father is?
- Nah.
Oh, shit.
Is it you?
[phone buzzes] I
gotta take this, man.
- Let's go.
- Fucking kid.
[door creaks]
[buzzes repeatedly]
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): Yes?
Who is this?
- Is my mom home?
- Did Karen come home?
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): She
still hasn't come back.
- Can you buzz us in?
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): Go away.
I'm calling the police.
- We're leaving.
Let's go.
[somber music]
- Can we stay here
until Mom comes home?
[techno music]
- Czech-- Czechy--
Czechoslovakey-toes.
They got special
ones over there.
[knocking]
Be right back.
I'm always waiting for someone.
Who fucking knows,
and who fucking cares.
[laughs] Hold down
the fort, my sweet.
Brahs!
Where the fuck have you been?
- It's you.
No.
You told me she was in Miami
while you were fucking her?
- No, it's-- go
in the bedroom, OK?
WOMAN: [non-english speech]
- Shut the fuck--
just shut the fuck up
and get in the bedroom.
Fuck.
Just calm down.
When you went away,
she got real bad, OK?
She-- she needed help, man.
She needed some comfort.
She needed a shoulder.
She was mad at you brahs, OK?
I tried to help her.
I tried to keep
her out of trouble.
Fuck, man.
Listen, she stayed
in my house a couple nights,
and-- and things
got out of hand.
I'm not going to deny it, OK?
JONATHAN: Did you drug her, too?
- OK.
Look, I'm not going
to lie to you.
Stay the fuck back.
OK?
She turned me on.
Deep down inside,
I wanted that shit.
- [grunts]
- Fuck you.
Get off!
JONATHAN: Fuck, dude.
Fuck!
TED: [groans] Get off!
- Where is she?
- I don't know.
- I'm going to fucking kill you.
Where is she?
- I swear, man, I don't know.
- You should have
gone down, not me.
It wasn't my shit, any of it.
- Look, what the--
what is your problem, man?
- My problem?
Oh, that's right,
I don't have one.
You do, and he's six years old.
TJ, come here.
- This is bullshit.
You're going to let some
bitch come between us.
- Look at him.
No, look at him!
- [muffled groan]
JONATHAN: Fuck!
Seven years.
I could have turned you
in and walked out in two.
- I came to visit
you whenever I could.
I gave you money.
I kept you safe.
- Yeah, to make sure I
wasn't going to talk.
- And you kept
asking about Karen.
What was I supposed to tell you?
- You told me she was gone.
- Because I wanted you
to stop asking questions.
But then she got pregnant.
When shit got serious,
I mean, come on.
- I went down
for you, motherfucker.
- I know.
Can you get this
kid out of here?
JONATHAN: Go back inside.
Go.
Don't follow me.
Do you understand?
Don't follow me.
Come on.
TED: Gia?
Gia?
[soft dramatic music]
[car beeps]
- Ah.
[non-english speech]
- Can I come in?
- Yeah.
- Can we talk for a minute?
LUCIA: [non-english speech]
- Just one minute.
- [non-english speech]
[soft dramatic music]
[non-english speech]
[sirens blaring]
REPORTER 1 (ON TV): --inhumane.
The government stands
by its strategy.
REPORTER 2 (ON TV): Protests
continued in Texas yesterday,
accusing the government
of putting
families at risk by separating
children from their parents.
WOMAN (ON TV): Well,
the biggest immigration problem
starts when a family enters the
country illegally and is caught.
So then the parents are
processed as criminals,
but the kids get processed by
Social Services that just don't
have the capacity, you know.
And that's the way things are.
They can get shipped as far
afield as Texas or even
New York.
This can last up
to three or four months.
And so that's why
our organization is
providing free
legal services and
tracking because the government,
frankly, is overwhelmed
by its own incompetence.
REPORTER 2 (ON TV): So this is
just an administrative decision?
WOMAN (ON TV): That's right.
REPORTER 2 (ON
TV): It isn't law.
WOMAN (ON TV): Correct
REPORTER 2 (ON TV): How does
breaking up families help you?
[upbeat music]
TED: Who is it?
JONATHAN: Open the door.
- I got fucking neighbors, man.
Shut the fuck up.
- Where's the kid?
- The kid?
I don't man.
He left with you.
- What do you mean,
you don't know?
TED: Listen, man.
I got a deal with Karen, OK?
I pay her bills.
I cover his expenses.
Why the fuck did you
bring him here, huh?
JONATHAN: He's your son.
Where is he?
Where's the kid, man?
- Oh, brother.
Take a good look at me.
Do I look like father material?
JONATHAN: Where's TJ, Ted?
- Look, man.
JONATHAN: TJ.
- I offered to pay
for the abortion.
JONATHAN: TJ?
- Here you want the money?
She wouldn't even discuss it.
She was having that fucking kid.
- [shrieks]
[laughter]
[dramatic music]
JONATHAN: TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
[child sneezes]
Hey.
You OK?
Come on.
Come here.
[doorbell chimes]
Excuse me.
The kid needs
to use the restroom.
- Down the corridor on the left.
- Thank you.
TJ: Does it hurt?
JONATHAN: Not so bad.
- That man at the apartment,
I don't like him.
You kicked his ass.
Is he my father?
- Do you have a room for two?
- It's just you and your kid?
- Yeah.
- $49.
- Can you keep
the watch, and I'll
give you the money tomorrow.
- We only take cash
or credit card.
- It's worth at least $1,000.
- How do I know it's yours?
Anyway, we are not a pawn shop.
- Wait here.
This watch here, it's
worth at least $1,000.
Maybe like $300?
$150.
- Hey, don't touch anything!
JONATHAN: Hey!
What are you doing?
Take your hands off him.
- Please take your son away.
- Come on.
- Is that your family.
- That's me.
And that's my mom.
- Where was your dad?
[pensive music]
[television chatter]
[light knock]
- [non-english speech]
[arguing]
- Have him sit over
there on the couch.
OK?
Bedrooms.
[water spattering]
- Fuck.
- Do you know, we do
have a washing machine?
- Yeah, but I figure
they make a lot of noise.
- Since Carlos got
deported last year,
he gets very upset
when he senses trouble.
- Well, if an ex-con
and a kid whose
mother is missing
walks into my house,
I wouldn't like it either.
- Maybe she got
caught by la migra.
Maybe ICE took her.
They're arresting people in
courthouses, schools, hospitals.
It's-- it's a nightmare.
What are you going
to do with the kid?
[train rumbling]
- Jonathan, wake up.
Jonathan, wake up.
Wake up.
- [gasps]
It's OK, kid.
- Do you have nightmares?
- Sometimes.
- I had a nightmare.
It was about a monster in my
closet trying to kill my mother.
And I had to save
her, but I couldn't.
Did you have
a nightmare like that?
- I don't know.
So you put your arm
around my neck like that.
The other one goes in the back,
and you tighten up.
Yeah, that's how
you kill monsters.
Tap out.
- Who's going
to take me to school?
- How about we
call it a day off?
- My mom's going to be pissed.
- You can tell her
it was my idea.
How do you like that?
[giggling]
- My mom washes my clothes.
Does your mom wash your clothes?
- When I was a kid, my mom
used to work cleaning the house
and washing clothes
for the rich people.
When she didn't have
anybody to leave me with,
she'd take me with her.
So I learned how to wash
my clothes watching my mom work.
- Did your mom ever leave you?
- Are you hungry?
TJ: Yes.
- Let's go get something to eat.
- You don't have any money.
- Hey, man, how much can
I get for this watch?
- OK.
You can get, like, $300.
- $300?
- Yep.
- It's worth, like,
$1,000 or more.
- Yeah, but we only give it,
like, a third of the price.
OK?
1-- 1--
- Most of us scream loud.
I had to wait an hour and a half
to get in to see my father.
I beg all those who are
able to, please help us.
We need every single one of you.
- Please, step forward.
Please, hands up.
- I need to go to the bathroom.
JONATHAN: Come on.
TJ.
[knocks]
TJ: There's no
more toilet paper.
- All right, man.
Come here.
[toilet flushes]
Wash your ass.
Come on, man.
I'm not doing it for you.
- My ass is gonna get wet.
- It's better wet than dirty.
Do it, man.
Come on, man.
ICE?
[elevator dings]
[telephones ringing]
Come on.
You're done.
CLERK: Her name is
not in the system.
But then again, if she
was detained yesterday,
it may be that she was
sent to another facility,
and the website hasn't
been updated yet.
- Can you find that out for me?
CLERK: That's not my job.
You can try the Kings, Nassau,
and Richmond County offices.
Sir, please move along.
You're holding up the line.
- Listen.
His mother was supposed to pick
him up at school yesterday
and disappeared.
Can you please help me out?
- Take a seat.
Nope.
She's not with us.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
Have you checked the hospitals?
The morgue?
You might want to check there.
[somber music]
- A woman was sleeping in an
alley between two dumpsters.
Two drunk college kids
lit her on fire for fun.
Can you give me anything?
- What the fuck am I
supposed to do with that?
CORONER: We'll run
dental records and DNA,
but it will take a while.
[pa chatter]
- Come on, TJ.
Let's go.
- Do you think my mother's dead?
- No.
- Then why is she
hiding from me?
- I don't know.
- I think she found out I did
something wrong at school.
I don't think she
loves me anymore.
PRIEST: Normally, I'd say
go to the social services.
- What if Karen shows up?
- It's not good
if she's an illegal.
Well, that's why people
come here, you know?
We're not la migra.
We do have some people
in the community who would
like to be able to help out.
And it doesn't matter if you
have your papers or not.
Let me make a few phone calls
and see if anybody knows her.
It'll only take me
a couple of minutes, OK?
OK, so the mother came here
looking for help four years ago,
but she never followed up.
And I do remember her.
She was here with
a very good friend.
And they were two very
beautiful young ladies.
- Patricia?
- But there are some
good people here
I know that can look after him.
- Don't leave me here.
I won't run away
again, I promise.
[smooth jazz music]
- Who took that?
[indistinct conversation]
- Open it up for me, please.
- [non-english speech]
JONATHAN: This is a girl who
used to bust my balls every time
I did a little Molly.
- I'm telling you.
[non-english speech]
MAN: Patricia?
- Sorry, baby.
I have to go.
Sorry.
- Did your mother
ever mention me?
- I don't think so.
I think she loved you.
- She said that?
PATRICIA: I was
there for 30 seconds,
and you told me I was too old.
Come on, man.
I have a life to live.
I'm not doing this again.
I'm sorry.
I hope you find her.
OK.
There's this place we went
a couple of times together.
- Hey, can you keep
an eye on the kid?
Just until I get back?
It's going to take,
like, 10 minutes.
- OK.
[train rattling]
- Who the fuck are you?
- Just looking for a bag, man.
- I don't know you.
Get the fuck out of here.
- Come on.
THUG: You hard of hearing?
Get the fuck out of here.
The fuck is wrong with you?
[tense music]
[knocking]
- Who are you looking for?
- Karen.
- Karen?
Who the fuck is Karen, dawg?
This ain't no whorehouse?
What will it be,
crack or heroin?
- Are you sure
she's not in there?
- Hey, yo.
Get the fuck out of here.
Move.
Don't let me see you
back around here again
or I'll fucking kill you.
Get the fuck out of here.
[percussive music]
[car alarm beeps]
[train rattling overhead]
- Yeah.
What?
What?
[grunting]
- Where's Karen?
- Flannigan's gonna kill you.
- Where the fuck is she?
- I don't know who you're
talking about, man.
- The girl from
the restaurant, Geronimo's.
- [grunting]
[metal rattles]
- I don't have
any beef with you.
I just need to find her.
- OK.
OK.
Look, I warned her
to stay off of that shit.
I heard she was doing fine.
Then she called me, man.
So I went over.
I'm a business man.
I ain't seen her since, I swear.
[groans]
- Where is she?
- I have no fucking idea.
[groans] She used to hang
out at this motel.
But that was a long time
ago, before she got clean.
JONATHAN: What motel?
- Some-- some skeevy motel
off Clinton Ave, huh?
- Give me your car keys.
- You ain't taking
my fucking car.
JONATHAN: Give me
the fucking car keys.
You can get your car
back if she's there.
TJ, let's go.
TJ: I like this car.
What happened to your face?
- Put your seat belt on.
- Is this your car?
MAN: Hey, hey.
You ain't Smiley.
JONATHAN: Come here.
- You work for him?
- Back the fuck off, man.
Let's go.
- Hi, TJ.
- Hi, Carmen.
- You know those guys.
- Yeah, Carmen and Roberto.
Is my mama here, Mister?
- Where is she?
Is she coming back soon?
Do you know if Karen's
here, TJ's mother?
Are you going to be OK here?
Promise?
OK.
I'll be right back.
- Come on, let's play.
[tense music]
- Hey, honey.
What you looking for?
- Karen.
- No, Karen here.
Maybe you should
look over there.
[disco music on stereo]
[laughter]
[shouting]
[woman screaming]
WOMAN: Oh my god.
She's dead.
She's dead.
What the fuck?
What the fuck?
[sirens blaring]
- Let's get out of here.
[birds squawking]
[somber music]
[laughter]
- Whoa.
Whoa.
Where have you been, man?
- Yeah.
- You look like shit.
- I'm looking for Ted.
I assume he's in there.
- No, no.
Ted's not here.
- Yeah, no.
But you know what?
We did actually think about what
you were talking about before,
and we want to give you 20%
because we want to help you out.
SAM: Yeah.
We are counting on you
to pull this off.
Yes.
- Yeah, you know what doesn't
feel quite right, Sam?
I've been out of the game
for seven years.
I'm obviously not
the right guy for this job.
So why are you guys
so keen to hire me?
- As long as Ted is happy.
- Right, because Ted
loves you, man.
I mean, you guys
are like brothers.
- Did Ted mentioned
I've been walking
around with a six-year-old boy,
looking for his mother, Karen?
- Bro, why are you
so hung up on this skank?
OK.
She burned out
a long, long time ago.
- Like, seven years ago?
- Look.
Bitch went crazy, OK.
It got embarrassing.
We had to like, let her go.
Seriously.
I mean, someone would offer her
a pill, she'd grab a handful.
And yeah, it was funny at first,
but it got unfunny real quick.
- She was fucking anyone
who'd give her a tude.
Dudes were, like-- were, like,
fighting over her and shit.
She was insane.
- Yeah, like, out of her mind.
- Yeah.
- Is Ted here?
- Hey.
Listen, man, you can't
just walk inside.
Not like that, OK?
These guys are uptight.
They have a dress code.
This is the oldest
club in New York.
- Yeah, what is this place?
The fucking KKK?
- [laughs]
- Peter, give me your jacket.
- Ted's father's in there.
- Take it off.
SAM: You're kidding, man.
- It's his funeral, man.
- So I made a list
of those modeling agencies.
I mean, we're going
to need at least a couple
of really big names, you know.
Some Victoria's Secret models.
- It's nothing you
haven't done before.
SAM: Yeah, right.
Exactly.
A walk in the park.
[smooth jazz music]
- What's up, buddy?
- Dad, this is my good
friend, Jonathan.
- It's a pleasure, Jonathan.
Please.
- Where's Karen.
Ted?
- How has your day
been so far, Jonathan?
- It's hard to tell you.
It's been a long day.
Yeah.
Jonathan lived some
long days in prison.
Seven long years.
It's OK.
I didn't kill anybody.
I was a promoter.
I mainly worked
for clubs, parties,
and for some really
close friends.
I bring in the girls--
models-- fill them with drugs.
Sometimes I would sneak drugs
into their drinks, anything
to keep my clients happy.
So one day, we were
at this amazing party
at this rich guy's
house, and the neighbors
decided to call the police.
So I thought it would be a good
time for me to leave discreetly
because you know what?
Someone was waiting
for me at home--
my fiance.
We're getting married
the next day, moving to Miami,
starting a new life.
But what I didn't
know that night
was that my friends
had the great idea
to sneak all of the drugs
in the trunk of my car.
So the police stopped
me on the corner.
- They only searched your car
because you attacked a cop.
- It's true.
I did overreact.
Pretty dumb, huh?
But you know what
was even dumber?
I never told anyone
they weren't my drugs.
- Jonathan, Ted is my only son.
And he thinks of you
like a brother.
Born on the same day, same year.
What are the odds?
I greatly appreciate
what you've done for him.
And I'd like to make
things up to you.
- You know that wonderful
girl I was going home for?
I didn't see her
for seven years.
But you did, Sam.
You too.
Peter.
Especially you, Ted.
I was told she really
went off the rails,
but my friends took care of her.
Isn't that great?
Took her out, bought her drinks,
gave her drugs, took her home,
fucked her, got her
pregnant, dumped her.
- That's not what happened.
- You're out of your mind, bro.
- Am I?
Maybe I am.
And what about a six-year-old
boy who never had a father
and doesn't know
where his mother is?
JOE: That's the oldest
trick in the book.
The kid was just
a bargaining chip for her.
But we don't negotiate
with that class of person.
- And what class is that, sir?
It doesn't matter because it
doesn't mean anything to you.
But the one thing I
would love to know
is where the fuck is Karen?
Where's Karen, Ted?
What did you do to her?
Did you have her killed?
- What do you think
I am, a gangster?
- Why didn't you take care
of the kid just a little bit?
- Because we are a respectable
family, Jonathan.
And you don't get
in unless you're invited.
It's a question of values.
- The boy has been
taken by the police.
He's probably now
sitting in a cage.
Do you want to make
things up to me, Mr. Duke?
Help him.
- Why is this kid
so important to you, Jonathan?
[dramatic music]
PAROLE OFFICER: So let
me get this straight.
You don't have a place to live.
That's a violation.
You don't have a job or proof
that you're looking for a job--
violation.
Clearly, you've been in some
sort of physical altercation--
violation.
And you spent
the night as a vagrant
with a six-year-old
child who has
no documentation before
getting picked up by the police
for creating a disturbance
in one of the city's most
exclusive gentlemen's clubs.
Tell me, why
shouldn't I just throw
your sorry ass back into jail?
Did you at least find
the child's mother?
- I found women just like her.
One that had been set
on fire by some evil jackass.
All was left of her was
a stack of burnt barbecue ribs.
The other one had been dead for
two days from a heroin overdose.
The syringe was
still in her arm.
Her son was dead by her side--
in a motel, surrounded
by people, in America.
[somber music]
No one checked on her.
No one missed the kid.
No one cared.
- Is there anything else
you need to tell me?
- What's going
to happen to the kid?
- I've been on this
ward for 20 years now.
I have some friends
in Social Services.
Once you're on your feet,
we'll look into the situation.
But right now, you
are my concern.
This is your one literal
get-out-of-jail-free card.
Understood?
- Understood.
- If you find the child's
mother, bring her to see me.
I'm not the immigration police.
REPORTER (ON TV): --faces
at the Duke family gathering.
Last Friday, 30-year-old
Theodore Duke III,
son of the socialite
and billionaire entrepreneur
Theodore Duke II, welcomed
everyone who's anyone
to his birthday party.
Theodore, known as Ted
by his intimates,
took the occasion to announce
his hedge fund's launch
of a new charity dedicated
to combating poverty
in the third world, proving you
can have your fun in the sun
and make the world
a better place.
[sentimental music]
- Good to see you, man.
You want to come in?
Want chocolate fudge?
Yeah?
PAROLE OFFICER: There are
no promises, no guarantees.
This is how it goes down.
Until he can be placed
with a foster family,
he has to stay
in a community home--
I mean, a safe
and secure facility.
He will be allowed out
on supervised visits
with persons of confidence
under the tutelage
of approved state aides.
- How often do I get to see him?
- Once he is settled with
the agreement of the department,
through the authorized agent,
he may be able to visit you,
and vice versa.
This is what you get for now.
ALL: Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday,
dear Jonathan
Happy birthday to you
Feliz cumpleaos a ti
[laughter]
Feliz cumpleaos a ti
[clapping]
- Make a wish.
- (WHISPERING) Wish
for my mom to come back.
[soft dramatic music]
[gentle acoustic guitar music]
[melancholy music]
[buzzer]
[metal thudding]
[insects humming]
[clanging]
[thudding]
[knocking]
[buzzer]
[door rattling]
[soft dramatic music]
[dispatcher chatter]
OFFICER: Transporting one man
from the Nassau County jail
to Astoria, Queens.
- Can we put some music on?
- Well, this is
a courtesy ride, sire.
I'm not really
allowed to do that.
All right, let's go.
You stay down here
at the bottom of the stairs
while I talk to her.
[knocking]
Good morning, ma'am.
WOMAN: Good morning.
- Are you expecting
this gentleman here.
- Yeah.
- Have a good day, sir.
WOMAN: [non-english speech]
- Wow.
This is nice.
I like the place, Joe.
How many rooms you got here?
Four?
Business must be good.
Here we are.
- Jonathan.
[non-english speech]
- English, please.
WOMAN: You can pretend.
But you are not an American.
And you never will be.
- Imagine, Lucia a grandmother.
Huh?
- So who's the lucky guy?
- The important thing is we
have to be there for her.
- Where does she live now?
- Framingham, Massachusetts.
It's beautiful.
- I bet it is.
- Mm-hmm.
- It's a shame that you
can't leave the state.
I mean, she would
love to see you.
- Would she?
- She's getting ahead
in the office, too.
Oh, she's always
been a hard worker.
- This is great, Mom.
LUCIA: Thank you.
Um, so what are your plans
for finding a job?
- I've got a few propositions,
some meetings to attend.
LUCIA: Really?
Doing what?
- I could ask at work.
I mean, we always need drivers.
- Jonathan needs to stand
on his own two feet.
- I'm just saying.
LUCIA: He can't
be leaning on us.
Jonathan, um, uh,
[non-english speech]
In English, it's
just bad timing.
- Bad timing?
- Uh-huh.
[non-english speech]
- Are you serious?
What?
Do you think I'm going
to rob the house?
- [non-english speech]
- What the fuck, Mom?
- [sighs]
[non-english speech]
- What father?
[distant siren]
Patricia?
- Jonathan?
My friend, is that you?
- Yeah, look at you.
- Oh, don't look at this.
I had a really long night.
- To me, you look like a mirage.
- Yeah, right.
We have to catch up, have
some fun together, OK?
- After hours
at the Spark, I'm surprised
this place is still happening.
Hey, listen, do you know
how I can find Karen?
WOMAN: Trish, let's go.
- I'm over that bitch.
Seriously, I don't
want to talk about her.
Her name, to me,
she's dead and buried.
JONATHAN: Is she still in Miami?
- [scoffs] Miami?
I wish she was in fucking
China, but unless she has
a twin sister, I'm
pretty sure she's waiting
tables at Geronimo's.
JONATHAN: Geronimo's, Queens?
TRISH: Ciao.
JONATHAN: Jesus.
- Oh, brother.
- You look better without
all the orange, man.
- Yeah, I was getting tired
of looking like a Cheeto puff.
How long you been out?
- A few hours.
- Oh, come on.
It's on the house.
Take a seat.
We're hiring, you know?
I'm just saying, if you need
a job talk to the owner.
He's a good hearted man.
- Nah, man.
I'm cool.
- Not a lot of places around
here hire ex-cons, believe me.
All right.
Offer's on the table.
How's that dude Tommy?
You remember him?
Cool dude, a Brooklyn guy,
shaved head, kind of bigger.
You know when he's coming home?
[gentle music]
- It's nice to see you, too.
- [non-english speech]
- What are you doing here?
- Nothing, really.
What the fuck does it
look like I'm doing here?
- I thought you were in Miami.
- Just tell me what you want
so we can get this over with.
I need to work.
- I just got out.
- I don't give a fuck.
- Yeah, you don't give a fuck
has been a clear message
for a long time.
What happened to modeling?
- Modeling?
They let me go a long time ago.
I had no papers, so--
now I do this.
- Why did you never visit?
Fuck, man, it's not like I got
locked up on purpose, you know?
- No, because I remember
you lying to my face.
One last drink with my friends.
I had my bags packed--
and a fucking wedding dress.
[pill bottle rattles]
- What's that shit for?
- For the headache
you're giving me.
Why is this happening now?
I was doing fine.
- Yeah.
You look like
you're doing great.
You changed your number.
- Is that what
you're upset about?
- You disappeared.
- Maybe I did.
- Karen, TJ's here.
- TJ.
[non-english] Honey, you can't
keep running away from school.
- I'm sorry, Mom.
KAREN: Do you want to get
your backpack out of the way?
Are you hungry?
- How old is he?
How old are you?
- Go with Maria, OK?
Go, go, go.
He's six.
Come with me.
Relax.
He's not your son.
- So you waited, what?
Like, a week?
- You need to go.
[sullen music]
- Ted Duke.
[buzzer rings]
TED: Hey, hey, hey, hey.
[non-english]
[sighs]
Jonathan.
[grunts]
[laughs]
Oh, you're getting old, brahs.
JONATHAN: You'll always be
two hours older than me, man.
[scuffling]
- Oh.
Shit.
Fuck.
[laughs]
- Nice crib.
- Thanks, man.
This right here, this
is the most comfortable
couch known to man, my friend.
Cecilia, can you shut that
vacuum off for just a second,
please?
We're trying to--
we're trying to talk.
She's--
[sighs]
- Why'd you tell me
she was in Miami?
- What the fuck, man?
Jesus.
Miami, Puerto Rico,
Mexico, whatever.
What were you going to do,
jerk off to a fucking ghost?
- I wish you'd
told me the truth.
TED: She didn't
want to see you, OK?
You're like my little bro.
I take care of you.
She's too old
for you anyway, bro.
JONATHAN: Look what they
gave me back this morning.
Fuckers busted the strap.
Should be an easy fix, though.
You gave me this
for my birthday.
- Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
Look at you, bro.
You're a whole lot worse than
a month ago, I'll tell you what.
- Yeah, seven years
hanging out with dudes.
TED: All right.
You know what, dude?
Why don't you go buy yourself
a toothbrush and toothpaste,
a razor, shampoo-- what else?
Maybe some condoms.
All right?
[laughs] Is that good?
- I need some clothes.
- All right.
Hey, why don't we
go out tonight?
Huh?
You find some girls for us?
What?
There's no such thing as a free
lunch in America, brother.
And make sure you
look real pretty, OK?
Oh, and by the way, how
long are you staying?
- I don't know.
Till I get back on my feet?
TED: Sure.
Yeah.
Make yourself at home, OK?
I got to meet my trainer.
It's good to have you back.
I love you, brother.
I'm happy you're back.
Mi casa es su casa.
Adios.
[tense music]
- Karen?
- [non-english speech]
- Is that the father,
the guy in the car?
- No.
Leave us alone.
- Who is it then?
- Listen, you're
creeping me out.
- You know, in prison, I often
dreamed about us in Miami.
- That's nice, Jonathan,
but you're seven years too late.
- I can make it work this time.
- Stop.
Come on.
[somber music]
[child whimpering]
(QUIETLY) That's great.
Good job.
TJ: You promised
that guy would leave.
- He will.
OK?
- Mom, turn the TV on.
[tv chatter]
JONATHAN: When I was
a kid, I could only
fall asleep with the TV on.
[latin music playing on stereo]
[spanish singing]
- Last time you
kissed me like this,
I didn't see you in seven years.
- I'm planning on sticking
around this time.
[soft romantic music]
Hey.
I gotta go see some
people tonight.
It's important.
- Oh, shit.
Flashback.
- I'm coming back tomorrow.
- Yeah
[dance music]
- This man, right here,
fucking legend, OK?
Back in the day, he
couldn't walk into a room
without getting his dick sucked.
[exclamations, laughter]
Now that was some heavy
shit that went down, man.
- Yeah, and you know
that wasn't our fault.
TED: Yeah you just got unlucky.
MAN: That's right.
- Come on, man.
- So how about this, huh?
Homecoming.
Yeah.
MAN: Bubbilicious, man.
[laughter]
- So I assume you're
a rich man now.
I wonder, curious,
how much they paid you
for seven years of your life.
Heard of millionaire?
It's good to have you back.
TED: Yo, guys.
Jonathan, he's over by the bar.
Please.
I love you.
Oh.
- Hey, I need a vial
of Special K and two bags.
- $300.
Give me the bread, please.
TED: My knees!
Give me, give me, give me,
give me, give me, give me,
give me, give me, give me, sugar
pop, give me, give me, give me.
MAN: Oh.
Good.
Oh, baby.
[exclamations]
And justice for all!
CUSTOMER: Get
the line, get the line.
TED: Jonathan!
TRISH: Come on, Jonathan.
TED: Here, bros.
Come on, just one for me.
MAN: Come on, do it.
TED: Come on, bro.
- I won't fucking do it.
- OK, OK, OK.
OK.
Baby Mr. Brad, the real deal.
- So Ted's birthday
is coming up.
- I know, man, it's
the same day as mine.
- No.
- No shit!
- I forgot about that.
- OK, so we're going
to throw that motherfucker
the party of the century.
Hey, we should do
a double celebration.
- Yeah, yeah.
We were thinking maybe you'd
help out and make it happen,
you know.
- We're talking
about the party, OK?
We want Victoria's
Secret, top models.
I want grade A meat, all
the best shit out there.
You know what I'm saying?
And you're going to make
money from the get-go.
- I think I'm in love.
Will you get her for me?
- Who's the guy?
- Who gives a fuck.
Come on.
MAN: Just like back
in the back of the day, right?
JONATHAN: Hey.
- What's up?
- You don't seem to be
having much fun over here.
- Really?
You were watching me?
- Yeah.
- That's kind of creepy.
- See that guy over there?
That's my friend,
Theodore Duke III.
WOMAN: Duke III?
[laughs]
- What do you say?
You want to come over?
- Um.
- How's your evening going?
- Excellent.
But you know, a little boring.
TED: Really?
- Sure.
Dude.
- What are you doing?
- Nothing.
Calm down.
- Hey, chill.
- Calm down.
- Have a drink, man.
Chill.
- Let's get the fuck
out of here.
Guys like you should be hung off
of bridges in the Rio Grande.
- OK.
That's enough.
- Huh?
Go back to your country,
you fucking spic!
Hmm?
What?
You fucking pussy.
Do something.
Do something.
What the fuck are you gonna do?
Hmm?
- [panting]
[exhales]
CO-WORKER:
[non-english conversation]
- What's going on?
- Karen didn't show up
to work this morning.
I tried calling her cell
phone, but she didn't pick up.
We know she put TJ
on the school van this morning,
but that's all we know.
- Did you try the police?
CO-WORKER: No no, no.
We can't call the police.
- She's illegal.
The police got involved,
it goes on the restaurant.
They'll have her deported.
- I'm sorry, but I have
my own kids, my husband and
I. I just can't get involved.
- Yeah, I got another job, man.
I don't get home till,
like, 5 in the morning.
The kid can't stay
here, not without Karen.
- Why?
- If there's an emergency,
you can call.
- Hey, what the fuck am I
supposed to do with this kid?
JESUS: I don't know, man.
- Come on.
Jesus.
Come on.
[tense music]
Hey, kid!
Come on.
Stop!
Stop.
- I want to see my mom.
- I need to go somewhere first.
Come on, let's go.
Come on.
- I want to go home.
- I got to go somewhere first.
Let's go.
- Stop looking at me.
I'm gonna tell
my mom you hurt me.
- I didn't hurt you.
So do you like school?
- No.
Fuck school.
- My mother used to slap me
every time I said the word fuck.
- Well, you're not
my mother, so fuck you.
JONATHAN: Sit here.
- Jonathan Silva.
- I'm going to go
and talk to someone.
Now, you stay here quiet, OK?
You stay here where or that
guy is going to lock you up.
Do you understand?
Don't move.
Watch my shit.
- Conditions for parole.
You must be employed
or looking for work.
You cannot operate
a motor vehicle.
You must not leave
the county without a parole
officer's authority.
And you must report
all encounters with law
enforcement of any nature.
And you must report
your weekly progress.
And my personal favorite--
you must agree
to random drug test.
That means total sobriety.
I am obliged to say this to you.
That means no recreational
drugs whatsoever.
And that includes alcohol.
Do you understand?
- Yeah.
- I need you to say
"I understand."
- I understand.
- Do you have any
long-term goals?
Plans for the future?
- Staying out of the can.
- You have family?
- Doesn't everybody?
- Is that kid your relative?
- No.
It's a son of a friend.
- So you might want
to start looking for a job.
I'll need the paperwork
to certify it.
I have the lowest rate
of re-entry in the county.
So long as you don't ruin
my streak, we'll be just fine.
And you still have time.
[sound of urination]
JONATHAN: Wake up.
Come on, man.
Wake up.
Wake up.
Come on, man.
Let's go.
Stop.
Let's go.
Grab your coat.
- I'm tired.
- Me too.
So stop bitching.
Hey, listen to me.
I need to get to the job
center before it closes.
And I'm trying to get
you home to your mother.
So work with me.
All right?
Let's go.
It's this one?
- 1F.
[buzzer]
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): Yes?
- Hey.
What's her name?
- Mrs. Johnson.
- Ms. Johnson, I'm
Karen's friend.
I'm here with TJ.
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER):
I'll be right out.
- There is no one inside.
She left this morning
and hasn't come back.
I hear everything that
goes on in that apartment.
It's an old building.
And you people make
a lot of noise.
[loud knocking]
[chuckles]
You don't believe me?
[loud knocking]
JONATHAN: Can the kid stay with
you until his mom comes back?
- I'm sorry, but I can't.
I'm busy.
- Shit.
Come on, let's go.
- Why can't I stay here?
- Cause I gotta be somewhere.
- I don't want to go.
- You can't stay here
by yourself, man.
Hurry up.
Your mother's not here.
Let's go.
Come on.
[distant siren]
Fuck.
Fuck.
Because of you, I'm
not going to make it.
- Where are we going?
I want to see my mom.
- I don't know
where your mom is.
Do you have a cell phone?
OK.
Let's go.
- I can stay here by myself.
- OK, fuck it.
Why do I care?
Hey, Peter, it's Jonathan.
Yeah, man, I've been
thinking about what
you said yesterday
regarding Ted's party,
and I really want
to be involved.
Can we meet somewhere
to talk about it?
Yeah.
No, man.
Tonight's complicated.
Can we do that tomorrow?
Can you tell me what
my end will be on this?
Talk to Sam?
I got to go.
I'll meet you there tomorrow.
I see what you're doing.
Don't make me lose my shit.
- I hate broccoli.
- You ordered it.
Eat it.
You want mine?
There's no broccoli.
- Yes.
JONATHAN: Where is your father?
You never met your father?
- No.
JONATHAN: Your mother
never said anything?
- My father's dead.
JONATHAN: She said that?
- No.
- Then he might be alive.
TJ: I don't think so.
If my father wasn't
dead, he went far,
far away before I was born.
- Any idea where
your mother could be?
TJ: No.
- Family?
Friends?
- No.
JONATHAN: There's
got to be somebody.
Are you sure?
- Just stop asking me questions.
[knocking]
- Jonathan?
What the fuck?
- We got a situation.
- We gotta go.
She might be home.
- Who's the kid?
- Your cousin.
- Karen's son?
- Yep.
- Hey.
Sup, little cuz?
JONATHAN: Karen's missing.
Do you have any idea
where she could be?
- Nah, man.
I haven't heard
from her in years.
TJ: We gotta go.
JONATHAN: What
about your father.
- My father doesn't
know anything.
- Can you call him?
- Sorry, I can't.
TJ: Let's go!
JONATHAN: Come on, Junior.
This is an emergency.
JUNIOR: Bro, my father
doesn't remember my name.
Alzheimer's.
- Any idea where she could be?
Any friends?
- I really don't know.
- I can't do this.
I need you to stay
with him tonight.
- Let's go.
- Sorry.
I'm not getting
involved in this shit.
- Come on, Junior.
He's your family, man.
- I got stuff to do, man.
- Hey, Junior, do you
know who his father is?
- Nah.
Oh, shit.
Is it you?
[phone buzzes] I
gotta take this, man.
- Let's go.
- Fucking kid.
[door creaks]
[buzzes repeatedly]
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): Yes?
Who is this?
- Is my mom home?
- Did Karen come home?
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): She
still hasn't come back.
- Can you buzz us in?
WOMAN (ON SPEAKER): Go away.
I'm calling the police.
- We're leaving.
Let's go.
[somber music]
- Can we stay here
until Mom comes home?
[techno music]
- Czech-- Czechy--
Czechoslovakey-toes.
They got special
ones over there.
[knocking]
Be right back.
I'm always waiting for someone.
Who fucking knows,
and who fucking cares.
[laughs] Hold down
the fort, my sweet.
Brahs!
Where the fuck have you been?
- It's you.
No.
You told me she was in Miami
while you were fucking her?
- No, it's-- go
in the bedroom, OK?
WOMAN: [non-english speech]
- Shut the fuck--
just shut the fuck up
and get in the bedroom.
Fuck.
Just calm down.
When you went away,
she got real bad, OK?
She-- she needed help, man.
She needed some comfort.
She needed a shoulder.
She was mad at you brahs, OK?
I tried to help her.
I tried to keep
her out of trouble.
Fuck, man.
Listen, she stayed
in my house a couple nights,
and-- and things
got out of hand.
I'm not going to deny it, OK?
JONATHAN: Did you drug her, too?
- OK.
Look, I'm not going
to lie to you.
Stay the fuck back.
OK?
She turned me on.
Deep down inside,
I wanted that shit.
- [grunts]
- Fuck you.
Get off!
JONATHAN: Fuck, dude.
Fuck!
TED: [groans] Get off!
- Where is she?
- I don't know.
- I'm going to fucking kill you.
Where is she?
- I swear, man, I don't know.
- You should have
gone down, not me.
It wasn't my shit, any of it.
- Look, what the--
what is your problem, man?
- My problem?
Oh, that's right,
I don't have one.
You do, and he's six years old.
TJ, come here.
- This is bullshit.
You're going to let some
bitch come between us.
- Look at him.
No, look at him!
- [muffled groan]
JONATHAN: Fuck!
Seven years.
I could have turned you
in and walked out in two.
- I came to visit
you whenever I could.
I gave you money.
I kept you safe.
- Yeah, to make sure I
wasn't going to talk.
- And you kept
asking about Karen.
What was I supposed to tell you?
- You told me she was gone.
- Because I wanted you
to stop asking questions.
But then she got pregnant.
When shit got serious,
I mean, come on.
- I went down
for you, motherfucker.
- I know.
Can you get this
kid out of here?
JONATHAN: Go back inside.
Go.
Don't follow me.
Do you understand?
Don't follow me.
Come on.
TED: Gia?
Gia?
[soft dramatic music]
[car beeps]
- Ah.
[non-english speech]
- Can I come in?
- Yeah.
- Can we talk for a minute?
LUCIA: [non-english speech]
- Just one minute.
- [non-english speech]
[soft dramatic music]
[non-english speech]
[sirens blaring]
REPORTER 1 (ON TV): --inhumane.
The government stands
by its strategy.
REPORTER 2 (ON TV): Protests
continued in Texas yesterday,
accusing the government
of putting
families at risk by separating
children from their parents.
WOMAN (ON TV): Well,
the biggest immigration problem
starts when a family enters the
country illegally and is caught.
So then the parents are
processed as criminals,
but the kids get processed by
Social Services that just don't
have the capacity, you know.
And that's the way things are.
They can get shipped as far
afield as Texas or even
New York.
This can last up
to three or four months.
And so that's why
our organization is
providing free
legal services and
tracking because the government,
frankly, is overwhelmed
by its own incompetence.
REPORTER 2 (ON TV): So this is
just an administrative decision?
WOMAN (ON TV): That's right.
REPORTER 2 (ON
TV): It isn't law.
WOMAN (ON TV): Correct
REPORTER 2 (ON TV): How does
breaking up families help you?
[upbeat music]
TED: Who is it?
JONATHAN: Open the door.
- I got fucking neighbors, man.
Shut the fuck up.
- Where's the kid?
- The kid?
I don't man.
He left with you.
- What do you mean,
you don't know?
TED: Listen, man.
I got a deal with Karen, OK?
I pay her bills.
I cover his expenses.
Why the fuck did you
bring him here, huh?
JONATHAN: He's your son.
Where is he?
Where's the kid, man?
- Oh, brother.
Take a good look at me.
Do I look like father material?
JONATHAN: Where's TJ, Ted?
- Look, man.
JONATHAN: TJ.
- I offered to pay
for the abortion.
JONATHAN: TJ?
- Here you want the money?
She wouldn't even discuss it.
She was having that fucking kid.
- [shrieks]
[laughter]
[dramatic music]
JONATHAN: TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
TJ!
[child sneezes]
Hey.
You OK?
Come on.
Come here.
[doorbell chimes]
Excuse me.
The kid needs
to use the restroom.
- Down the corridor on the left.
- Thank you.
TJ: Does it hurt?
JONATHAN: Not so bad.
- That man at the apartment,
I don't like him.
You kicked his ass.
Is he my father?
- Do you have a room for two?
- It's just you and your kid?
- Yeah.
- $49.
- Can you keep
the watch, and I'll
give you the money tomorrow.
- We only take cash
or credit card.
- It's worth at least $1,000.
- How do I know it's yours?
Anyway, we are not a pawn shop.
- Wait here.
This watch here, it's
worth at least $1,000.
Maybe like $300?
$150.
- Hey, don't touch anything!
JONATHAN: Hey!
What are you doing?
Take your hands off him.
- Please take your son away.
- Come on.
- Is that your family.
- That's me.
And that's my mom.
- Where was your dad?
[pensive music]
[television chatter]
[light knock]
- [non-english speech]
[arguing]
- Have him sit over
there on the couch.
OK?
Bedrooms.
[water spattering]
- Fuck.
- Do you know, we do
have a washing machine?
- Yeah, but I figure
they make a lot of noise.
- Since Carlos got
deported last year,
he gets very upset
when he senses trouble.
- Well, if an ex-con
and a kid whose
mother is missing
walks into my house,
I wouldn't like it either.
- Maybe she got
caught by la migra.
Maybe ICE took her.
They're arresting people in
courthouses, schools, hospitals.
It's-- it's a nightmare.
What are you going
to do with the kid?
[train rumbling]
- Jonathan, wake up.
Jonathan, wake up.
Wake up.
- [gasps]
It's OK, kid.
- Do you have nightmares?
- Sometimes.
- I had a nightmare.
It was about a monster in my
closet trying to kill my mother.
And I had to save
her, but I couldn't.
Did you have
a nightmare like that?
- I don't know.
So you put your arm
around my neck like that.
The other one goes in the back,
and you tighten up.
Yeah, that's how
you kill monsters.
Tap out.
- Who's going
to take me to school?
- How about we
call it a day off?
- My mom's going to be pissed.
- You can tell her
it was my idea.
How do you like that?
[giggling]
- My mom washes my clothes.
Does your mom wash your clothes?
- When I was a kid, my mom
used to work cleaning the house
and washing clothes
for the rich people.
When she didn't have
anybody to leave me with,
she'd take me with her.
So I learned how to wash
my clothes watching my mom work.
- Did your mom ever leave you?
- Are you hungry?
TJ: Yes.
- Let's go get something to eat.
- You don't have any money.
- Hey, man, how much can
I get for this watch?
- OK.
You can get, like, $300.
- $300?
- Yep.
- It's worth, like,
$1,000 or more.
- Yeah, but we only give it,
like, a third of the price.
OK?
1-- 1--
- Most of us scream loud.
I had to wait an hour and a half
to get in to see my father.
I beg all those who are
able to, please help us.
We need every single one of you.
- Please, step forward.
Please, hands up.
- I need to go to the bathroom.
JONATHAN: Come on.
TJ.
[knocks]
TJ: There's no
more toilet paper.
- All right, man.
Come here.
[toilet flushes]
Wash your ass.
Come on, man.
I'm not doing it for you.
- My ass is gonna get wet.
- It's better wet than dirty.
Do it, man.
Come on, man.
ICE?
[elevator dings]
[telephones ringing]
Come on.
You're done.
CLERK: Her name is
not in the system.
But then again, if she
was detained yesterday,
it may be that she was
sent to another facility,
and the website hasn't
been updated yet.
- Can you find that out for me?
CLERK: That's not my job.
You can try the Kings, Nassau,
and Richmond County offices.
Sir, please move along.
You're holding up the line.
- Listen.
His mother was supposed to pick
him up at school yesterday
and disappeared.
Can you please help me out?
- Take a seat.
Nope.
She's not with us.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
Have you checked the hospitals?
The morgue?
You might want to check there.
[somber music]
- A woman was sleeping in an
alley between two dumpsters.
Two drunk college kids
lit her on fire for fun.
Can you give me anything?
- What the fuck am I
supposed to do with that?
CORONER: We'll run
dental records and DNA,
but it will take a while.
[pa chatter]
- Come on, TJ.
Let's go.
- Do you think my mother's dead?
- No.
- Then why is she
hiding from me?
- I don't know.
- I think she found out I did
something wrong at school.
I don't think she
loves me anymore.
PRIEST: Normally, I'd say
go to the social services.
- What if Karen shows up?
- It's not good
if she's an illegal.
Well, that's why people
come here, you know?
We're not la migra.
We do have some people
in the community who would
like to be able to help out.
And it doesn't matter if you
have your papers or not.
Let me make a few phone calls
and see if anybody knows her.
It'll only take me
a couple of minutes, OK?
OK, so the mother came here
looking for help four years ago,
but she never followed up.
And I do remember her.
She was here with
a very good friend.
And they were two very
beautiful young ladies.
- Patricia?
- But there are some
good people here
I know that can look after him.
- Don't leave me here.
I won't run away
again, I promise.
[smooth jazz music]
- Who took that?
[indistinct conversation]
- Open it up for me, please.
- [non-english speech]
JONATHAN: This is a girl who
used to bust my balls every time
I did a little Molly.
- I'm telling you.
[non-english speech]
MAN: Patricia?
- Sorry, baby.
I have to go.
Sorry.
- Did your mother
ever mention me?
- I don't think so.
I think she loved you.
- She said that?
PATRICIA: I was
there for 30 seconds,
and you told me I was too old.
Come on, man.
I have a life to live.
I'm not doing this again.
I'm sorry.
I hope you find her.
OK.
There's this place we went
a couple of times together.
- Hey, can you keep
an eye on the kid?
Just until I get back?
It's going to take,
like, 10 minutes.
- OK.
[train rattling]
- Who the fuck are you?
- Just looking for a bag, man.
- I don't know you.
Get the fuck out of here.
- Come on.
THUG: You hard of hearing?
Get the fuck out of here.
The fuck is wrong with you?
[tense music]
[knocking]
- Who are you looking for?
- Karen.
- Karen?
Who the fuck is Karen, dawg?
This ain't no whorehouse?
What will it be,
crack or heroin?
- Are you sure
she's not in there?
- Hey, yo.
Get the fuck out of here.
Move.
Don't let me see you
back around here again
or I'll fucking kill you.
Get the fuck out of here.
[percussive music]
[car alarm beeps]
[train rattling overhead]
- Yeah.
What?
What?
[grunting]
- Where's Karen?
- Flannigan's gonna kill you.
- Where the fuck is she?
- I don't know who you're
talking about, man.
- The girl from
the restaurant, Geronimo's.
- [grunting]
[metal rattles]
- I don't have
any beef with you.
I just need to find her.
- OK.
OK.
Look, I warned her
to stay off of that shit.
I heard she was doing fine.
Then she called me, man.
So I went over.
I'm a business man.
I ain't seen her since, I swear.
[groans]
- Where is she?
- I have no fucking idea.
[groans] She used to hang
out at this motel.
But that was a long time
ago, before she got clean.
JONATHAN: What motel?
- Some-- some skeevy motel
off Clinton Ave, huh?
- Give me your car keys.
- You ain't taking
my fucking car.
JONATHAN: Give me
the fucking car keys.
You can get your car
back if she's there.
TJ, let's go.
TJ: I like this car.
What happened to your face?
- Put your seat belt on.
- Is this your car?
MAN: Hey, hey.
You ain't Smiley.
JONATHAN: Come here.
- You work for him?
- Back the fuck off, man.
Let's go.
- Hi, TJ.
- Hi, Carmen.
- You know those guys.
- Yeah, Carmen and Roberto.
Is my mama here, Mister?
- Where is she?
Is she coming back soon?
Do you know if Karen's
here, TJ's mother?
Are you going to be OK here?
Promise?
OK.
I'll be right back.
- Come on, let's play.
[tense music]
- Hey, honey.
What you looking for?
- Karen.
- No, Karen here.
Maybe you should
look over there.
[disco music on stereo]
[laughter]
[shouting]
[woman screaming]
WOMAN: Oh my god.
She's dead.
She's dead.
What the fuck?
What the fuck?
[sirens blaring]
- Let's get out of here.
[birds squawking]
[somber music]
[laughter]
- Whoa.
Whoa.
Where have you been, man?
- Yeah.
- You look like shit.
- I'm looking for Ted.
I assume he's in there.
- No, no.
Ted's not here.
- Yeah, no.
But you know what?
We did actually think about what
you were talking about before,
and we want to give you 20%
because we want to help you out.
SAM: Yeah.
We are counting on you
to pull this off.
Yes.
- Yeah, you know what doesn't
feel quite right, Sam?
I've been out of the game
for seven years.
I'm obviously not
the right guy for this job.
So why are you guys
so keen to hire me?
- As long as Ted is happy.
- Right, because Ted
loves you, man.
I mean, you guys
are like brothers.
- Did Ted mentioned
I've been walking
around with a six-year-old boy,
looking for his mother, Karen?
- Bro, why are you
so hung up on this skank?
OK.
She burned out
a long, long time ago.
- Like, seven years ago?
- Look.
Bitch went crazy, OK.
It got embarrassing.
We had to like, let her go.
Seriously.
I mean, someone would offer her
a pill, she'd grab a handful.
And yeah, it was funny at first,
but it got unfunny real quick.
- She was fucking anyone
who'd give her a tude.
Dudes were, like-- were, like,
fighting over her and shit.
She was insane.
- Yeah, like, out of her mind.
- Yeah.
- Is Ted here?
- Hey.
Listen, man, you can't
just walk inside.
Not like that, OK?
These guys are uptight.
They have a dress code.
This is the oldest
club in New York.
- Yeah, what is this place?
The fucking KKK?
- [laughs]
- Peter, give me your jacket.
- Ted's father's in there.
- Take it off.
SAM: You're kidding, man.
- It's his funeral, man.
- So I made a list
of those modeling agencies.
I mean, we're going
to need at least a couple
of really big names, you know.
Some Victoria's Secret models.
- It's nothing you
haven't done before.
SAM: Yeah, right.
Exactly.
A walk in the park.
[smooth jazz music]
- What's up, buddy?
- Dad, this is my good
friend, Jonathan.
- It's a pleasure, Jonathan.
Please.
- Where's Karen.
Ted?
- How has your day
been so far, Jonathan?
- It's hard to tell you.
It's been a long day.
Yeah.
Jonathan lived some
long days in prison.
Seven long years.
It's OK.
I didn't kill anybody.
I was a promoter.
I mainly worked
for clubs, parties,
and for some really
close friends.
I bring in the girls--
models-- fill them with drugs.
Sometimes I would sneak drugs
into their drinks, anything
to keep my clients happy.
So one day, we were
at this amazing party
at this rich guy's
house, and the neighbors
decided to call the police.
So I thought it would be a good
time for me to leave discreetly
because you know what?
Someone was waiting
for me at home--
my fiance.
We're getting married
the next day, moving to Miami,
starting a new life.
But what I didn't
know that night
was that my friends
had the great idea
to sneak all of the drugs
in the trunk of my car.
So the police stopped
me on the corner.
- They only searched your car
because you attacked a cop.
- It's true.
I did overreact.
Pretty dumb, huh?
But you know what
was even dumber?
I never told anyone
they weren't my drugs.
- Jonathan, Ted is my only son.
And he thinks of you
like a brother.
Born on the same day, same year.
What are the odds?
I greatly appreciate
what you've done for him.
And I'd like to make
things up to you.
- You know that wonderful
girl I was going home for?
I didn't see her
for seven years.
But you did, Sam.
You too.
Peter.
Especially you, Ted.
I was told she really
went off the rails,
but my friends took care of her.
Isn't that great?
Took her out, bought her drinks,
gave her drugs, took her home,
fucked her, got her
pregnant, dumped her.
- That's not what happened.
- You're out of your mind, bro.
- Am I?
Maybe I am.
And what about a six-year-old
boy who never had a father
and doesn't know
where his mother is?
JOE: That's the oldest
trick in the book.
The kid was just
a bargaining chip for her.
But we don't negotiate
with that class of person.
- And what class is that, sir?
It doesn't matter because it
doesn't mean anything to you.
But the one thing I
would love to know
is where the fuck is Karen?
Where's Karen, Ted?
What did you do to her?
Did you have her killed?
- What do you think
I am, a gangster?
- Why didn't you take care
of the kid just a little bit?
- Because we are a respectable
family, Jonathan.
And you don't get
in unless you're invited.
It's a question of values.
- The boy has been
taken by the police.
He's probably now
sitting in a cage.
Do you want to make
things up to me, Mr. Duke?
Help him.
- Why is this kid
so important to you, Jonathan?
[dramatic music]
PAROLE OFFICER: So let
me get this straight.
You don't have a place to live.
That's a violation.
You don't have a job or proof
that you're looking for a job--
violation.
Clearly, you've been in some
sort of physical altercation--
violation.
And you spent
the night as a vagrant
with a six-year-old
child who has
no documentation before
getting picked up by the police
for creating a disturbance
in one of the city's most
exclusive gentlemen's clubs.
Tell me, why
shouldn't I just throw
your sorry ass back into jail?
Did you at least find
the child's mother?
- I found women just like her.
One that had been set
on fire by some evil jackass.
All was left of her was
a stack of burnt barbecue ribs.
The other one had been dead for
two days from a heroin overdose.
The syringe was
still in her arm.
Her son was dead by her side--
in a motel, surrounded
by people, in America.
[somber music]
No one checked on her.
No one missed the kid.
No one cared.
- Is there anything else
you need to tell me?
- What's going
to happen to the kid?
- I've been on this
ward for 20 years now.
I have some friends
in Social Services.
Once you're on your feet,
we'll look into the situation.
But right now, you
are my concern.
This is your one literal
get-out-of-jail-free card.
Understood?
- Understood.
- If you find the child's
mother, bring her to see me.
I'm not the immigration police.
REPORTER (ON TV): --faces
at the Duke family gathering.
Last Friday, 30-year-old
Theodore Duke III,
son of the socialite
and billionaire entrepreneur
Theodore Duke II, welcomed
everyone who's anyone
to his birthday party.
Theodore, known as Ted
by his intimates,
took the occasion to announce
his hedge fund's launch
of a new charity dedicated
to combating poverty
in the third world, proving you
can have your fun in the sun
and make the world
a better place.
[sentimental music]
- Good to see you, man.
You want to come in?
Want chocolate fudge?
Yeah?
PAROLE OFFICER: There are
no promises, no guarantees.
This is how it goes down.
Until he can be placed
with a foster family,
he has to stay
in a community home--
I mean, a safe
and secure facility.
He will be allowed out
on supervised visits
with persons of confidence
under the tutelage
of approved state aides.
- How often do I get to see him?
- Once he is settled with
the agreement of the department,
through the authorized agent,
he may be able to visit you,
and vice versa.
This is what you get for now.
ALL: Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday,
dear Jonathan
Happy birthday to you
Feliz cumpleaos a ti
[laughter]
Feliz cumpleaos a ti
[clapping]
- Make a wish.
- (WHISPERING) Wish
for my mom to come back.
[soft dramatic music]
[gentle acoustic guitar music]
[melancholy music]