Kangaroo Island (2024) Movie Script

1
[percussion instrumental plays]
[reel clicking]
[music winds down]
[ethereal music plays]
[lighter flicks three times]
[fire crackling]
[crackling fades]
[gentle birdsong]
["Little Lie" by
Lindi Ortega plays]
I told a little lie or two
When I spoke to you
On the phone the other night
What's a girl supposed to do
When the bitter truth
Turns into a sweeter lie?
I didn't wanna tell you
Tell you
Didn't wanna tell you
Anything you didn't
Wanna hear
Look a little closer
Then the truth becomes clear
I told a little lie or three
When you looked at me
And asked
If I love you still
You don't wanna know
What's real
How I really feel
Never did and you never will
No, no, no
I didn't wanna tell you
Tell you
Didn't wanna tell you
Anything you didn't
Wanna hear
Look a little closer
Then the truth becomes clear
[instrumental break]
[song fades out]
-[man] Lou? You home?
-[door opens and closes]
[TV playing in background]
[keys clatter]
[man sighs]
At least open a window.
-Why aren't you at work?
-[window creaks open]
We need to talk.
Why?
-Your dad's trying to reach you.
-I know. Just ignore him.
Too late. We spoke.
He... he wants you
to go home for a bit.
What?
He got you a ticket.
I printed it.
No, don't throw it away -
your passport's in there.
Wow, Steve, do you wanna
pack my bags for me as well?
Lou. [pats bed]
You can't stay here anymore.
It's awkward for Sal.
She doesn't want my ex...
[sighs] Come on, Lou.
I get it. It's fine.
Don't worry about me,
I have a meeting booked
with my agents on Thursday.
I'm sure they have a big job
for me, so I'm gonna be fine.
I'll get out of your hair.
That's great.
That's great.
But I really think
that seeing your family...
..might be what you need.
[Lou] Oh, no, they are
definitely not what I need.
Okay. Well, tell your dad.
Because I think the ticket's for
Thursday, and they aren't cheap.
[Lou] This Thursday?
Glad he checked with me first.
He tried.
Yeah, I'm not going.
[footsteps receding]
[wistful piano music plays]
-[door opens]
-[woman 1] Lou Wells, everybody.
-[woman 2] Hi, Lou.
-Hi, guys.
-[woman 2] How are you?
-[Lou] Good.
Thanks for coming in.
It's been so long.
Good to see you, Lou.
-You look great.
-Thank you.
[woman 2] You eyebrows
look really nice.
-They're just...
-Yeah.
-It's mine. [chuckles]
-Oh. Mm.
So, listen, we brought you in
today because...
we're just not feeling
excited by you.
It's been a long time
since you booked a job, Lou.
But it's kind of difficult
for me to book a job
if you're not actually
sending me out--
You said you needed time.
Yeah, but not an
indefinite period of time.
Lou, I got you a meeting
with Russel Boast
for the lead in "Catskills",
and you didn't even show up.
Sorry, I didn't even
know about...
A meeting with Russel...
Russel Boast? Did you call me?
We think you're really talented.
It's time to part ways.
[indicator ticking]
[cranks handbrake]
[sighs]
Fuck!
[phone dialling]
-Annie?
-Hey! What'd they say?
-They fucking dropped me.
-No!
Fucking motherfuckers.
Anyway, are we going out
tonight or what?
And did you ask Viv if I can
crash at yours for a bit?
Yes, definitely.
Awesome, thank you so much.
Viv is gonna want rent,
though, Lou.
Yeah, that's fine. I'll just
start waitressing or something.
Waitressing at 34?
You must wanna kill yourself.
It's fine.
-God, you're strong!
-[car horn honking]
Dude, what the fuck?!
Fuck off! Just go around me.
So, are we going out
tonight or what?
You know, I actually just
started a health kick.
I've been looking at
our lives lately
-and I'm like...
-Oh, fuck!
-Pretty much.
-[siren whoops]
-Shit!
-Is that the police?
-Yes.
-Fuck your life.
Fuck my fucking life.
Is there a problem?
I don't know, is there?
You can't stop here.
-Okay. Sorry.
-License and registration.
-Really?
-License and registration.
Your license.
I don't... I'm sorry,
I don't have it on me.
I left my wallet at home--
-That an English accent?
-I'm Australian, actually.
I'm on a green card.
Got any ID?
Actually, I think I, um...
really have my passport.
Do you have
a California license?
No, ma'am, I don't have
a California license.
I'm on my Australian one.
Well, these expired last year.
You don't have a legal license
and you're likely impaired.
Hey, ma'am, I'm so sorry, okay?
I know that
I've royally fucked up
and I'm a walking shitshow,
but I'm...
just...
trying to get onto a plane.
So now you want to add
'lying to a police officer'
-to the list?
-I'm not, ma'am.
I'm not lying to you.
Here's my ticket.
Ma'am...
Please, if you could just
give me a break.
I've had the worst fucking day.
-You can't drive this car.
-Please.
Please you have no idea
what I've been through.
Please, can you just let me go?
Okay, miss...
-[Lou breathes rapidly]
-Calm down.
Get your bags.
I'll take you.
What?
I'll take you to the airport.
-But my car?
-It has to be impounded.
Come on, you don't wanna
miss your flight.
Thank you. Yes. You're amazing.
Thank you so much.
Yeah, let's go to the airport.
To...
catch a...
..flight.
[under breath] Fuck.
Get off.
What about your bags?
Oh.
I travel light.
Okay.
[plane soaring overhead]
Hey, Steve. Um, I need a favour.
I'm at the airport and...
-[Steve] You're going?
-No. I'm not going.
But, um, I got pulled over
in the car.
I told you not to
drive that car.
Yeah, I know, I know.
But I didn't have a choice.
I was in a hurry.
Anyway, the cop
was gonna charge me,
but I talked my way out of it,
thanks to the plane ticket.
And then she drove me
to the airport. Which is wild.
-Lou--
-Yeah, so, um...
They're gonna impound the car
and now I'm stranded here
and I need a lift home.
Get a cab.
Well, I can't get a cab because
I left my wallet at home,
and the card on my phone
is frozen.
Lou... [scoffs softly]
Did your agent
have anything for you?
Yeah. Yep, yep, yep, they did.
They've got a lot of stuff
lined up, so...
-That's good.
-Yeah, it went really well.
I'm not leaving work till 9ish.
What are we--
What am I gonna do till 9?
I don't know, Lou.
I can text you a guest pass
to the lounge, maybe.
Yeah, actually, that'd be great.
You know kangaroos?
Can't go backwards.
-Kangaroos can't go backwards?
-No.
And I'll tell you who else
can't go backwards.
-Who?
-Emus.
-So where are you flying in to?
-Australia.
No. In Australia.
Oh. Uh... Mel-bourne?
You're going to... 'Mel-ben'.
-Mel... Oh, 'Mel-ben'.
-'Mel-ben'.
-'Mel-ben'.
-Yes.
'Mel-ben'.
-[women sing] Together...
-[whoops]
[women laugh]
[all sing]
On a night like this...
-Tell you what...
-Cheers.
-You were on that show?
-Yeah.
They're just like, "Ooh,
we're not excited about you."
What does that even mean?
Wait, wait, wait. Okay...
[gasps]
You were the psycho ex!
What was her name?
Carly!
Sasha.
-Oh! Sasha the tire-slasher!
-Yeah.
You were such a great bitch!
Oh. Thank you, yeah.
[laughs]
-We need to sit together!
-Yes!
Ooh, no,
I'm actually not going.
-What?
-Huh?
Yeah, it's a long story.
You're not gonna
use your ticket?
No, I'm not gonna use my ticket.
It was a dumb gift from my dad
and I'm not using it.
But you're at the airport.
Yes, I know.
But I have to stay here.
I have to find a new agent.
I have to get a frickin' job.
I have to figure out my car.
All my stuff...
No! Screw agents!
We're excited by you.
You are boarding that plane.
We need shots.
[women chant] Come with us!
Come with us! Come with us!
Guys, I can't. I don't even
have my luggage on me.
I have nothing.
[scoffs] Luggage is baggage!
Luggage is baggage?
-Luggage is baggage.
-Oh, my God! Cheers to that.
That there.
[dance music plays]
-Luggage!
-[women whoop]
You're boarding that plane.
[chatter and laughter]
[women chant] Come with us!
Come with us!
[overlapping chatter]
[chatter muffles and fades]
[atmospheric music plays]
He fell out of the ugly tree.
-Poor thing.
-[sings] That's what I like!
Oh, my God, he's coming,
he's coming, he's coming.
I'm goin' in.
Oh...
-Hi.
-Hey.
Um... looking pretty good
out there.
It got better with the tide,
that's for sure.
So, are you visiting?
No, we just moved.
-Oh.
-Yeah, Dad's at the hospital.
I'm so sorry. Is he okay?
He's the new doctor.
-Oh.
-[chuckles]
-I thought you meant he was...
-That's all right. Um...
-Have a good surf.
-Okay. Cool.
Rightio.
You're my actual hero.
[laughing] You're my hero!
Hey, you comin' in
with us, Frey?
Nah, it's too gnarly for me,
Toddy.
-You guys have fun.
-There's a left over there.
Hey, um... I was gonna give
Hanson Bay a go tomorrow.
Is that any good?
Too choppy with a sou-wester
blowing in tomorrow.
You want to be
on the north coast.
Right. Where do you...
where should I go?
Snellings. Stokes.
King Whiting Beach.
Never heard of that one.
No, there's no access.
It's the best break
on the island.
Yeah, well,
it's on private property.
You could use the gate
off Deviation Track.
[Todd] I wouldn't.
Grumpy owner's got a gun
and isn't afraid to use it.
There used to be six of us.
-Todd, you idiot!
-[laughter]
-See ya round, man.
-See ya.
[Todd] You comin', Lou?
Yeah.
Heavy stuff.
I read it in, um, high school,
and loved it.
"All animals are equal, but some
are more equal than others."
It's from "Animal Farm".
-Oh, right. Struth.
-[laughs]
[heavy rumbling]
[bell chimes]
[man over PA] The seatbelt
sign is now switched on.
Please return to your seats.
Oh, fuck.
[huffs]
[sighs]
[gentle, wistful music plays]
Look!
[Freya] Oh, my God.
I think it's the...
[Lou] It's beach guy.
Doctor - son, man.
[Freya] He paddled
all the way round?
-Oh, my God!
-He's keen.
[women chuckling]
I just can't believe you got
all this to yourselves.
I can't believe you paddled
all the way out here.
Fuckin' psychopath.
[Ben] You said
it was private property,
you didn't say it was
your fuckin' private property.
Who's the guy with the gun?
That's their old man.
But he will take a
pot shot at anything.
Oh, that's not true.
He's harmless.
[Lou] Uh, says the favourite.
When we used to
argue as kids,
he used to lock us in a
cupboard until we behaved.
Yikes. Where was mum?
She passed away
when we were kids.
I'm sorry.
Mine too.
So, what are you studying
at uni, Ben?
Astronomy.
Like star signs and stuff?
[laughing] Um...
that's astrology.
Oh.
An astronomer
studies the universe.
I hate the stars.
You hate stars?
They make me feel small.
But you're gonna be one,
one day.
-Sorry, what?
-Lou's going to Hollywood.
I got accepted into
a drama program over there.
-Congratulations.
-[Freya] I'm so jealous.
Frey, you can't be jealous,
you're afraid
to get on the ferry,
let alone on a big plane.
Plus, you gotta go to uni,
smartypants.
-Where are you studying, Freya?
-Adelaide Uni.
-I'll see you there.
-Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
What are you studying?
Astrology.
[all laugh]
Majoring in horoscopology.
[laughs] Yep.
Very funny.
[laughs]
How you going' there, Toddy?
[laughs]
Uh-oh. Toddy's taken flight.
[all laughing]
Toddy's out!
So... [claps hands]
..skinny dip?
-[Ben] You're kidding?
-[Lou] Nope! Come on!
-[Todd] Really?
-[Freya] What?!
-[Todd] I'm coming!
-[Freya] It'll be freezing.
-[Todd laughs]
-You're nuts!
[Lou and Todd laugh
and squeal playfully]
-[Lou] Come on!
-[water splashing!
[gentle acoustic guitar
music plays]
[indistinct announcement
over PA system]
Stay.
What?
Aren't you curious? Don't you
wanna get out and see the world?
I don't think it'd get
much better than this.
-[Lou] You know what?
-[Ben] Mmm?
-My visa will run out...
-Mmm.
And then they'll realise I have
no talent and then I'll be back.
[Ben] Nah, you've got talent.
[Lou] How do you know that?
'Cause you're so bloody dramatic
all the time.
[Lou chuckling] Shut up.
[Ben] What did you do?
[Lou] Nothing.
Lou.
-Are you kidding?
-[laughs] I didn't do anything!
-Are you kidding?
-I didn't!
-That was gonna be dinner.
-I know.
They were swimming around,
they were still alive
and looking at me and I felt
bad and had to get rid of them.
-They're fresh fish.
-But they were sad.
I'll make it up to you.
Oh, yeah?
You gonna catch more fish?
-No.
-[Ben chuckles]
-[Lou chuckles]
-What?
Something else.
Wasn't sure you were coming.
Wasn't sureyou were coming.
Miss me, did ya?
I'm glad you didn't
waste the ticket.
That was the last of my points.
Thanks.
Hey, um, is it okay
if you pay for that?
I've misplaced my wallet.
-Oh, yeah, of course.
-Thank you.
Good flight?
Yeah, just slept a bit.
Slept or passed out?
Where's your suitcase?
Oh, uh... I think they,
um, like, lost it at Sydney.
But that's fine. They'll just...
-It'll...
-Hey, Bob!
They've lost Lou's luggage.
Dad, it's fine. They're just
gonna call me when they get it.
-Let's go!
-No, it's okay. Bob's here.
-Mrs TV star.
-Hey, Bob.
You have the stub? They normally
attach it to the ticket.
Yeah, um, I think I left it
in the seat pocket thing.
But it's fine. I'll just get
a new wardrobe while I'm here.
That's what dads are for.
Not a wardrobe like that,
you won't.
Nah, nah, we'll get it.
Typical Sydney. Always dramas.
-Honestly, Bob, it's fine--
-Leave it with me.
Bob, no.
-I'll give you a call, Rory.
-Yeah, on ya, mate.
What is he doing?
Why is he talking to the pilot?
[Rory] They'll sort it out.
[Lou huffs]
Kangaroo Island's all grown up.
Snazzy new airport, tourists...
Yeah, be good
if they respected the place,
but not all of them do.
Your voice sounds different.
Been a while since you heard it.
[wistful piano music plays]
Dad!
[heavy thud]
[tyres screech on gravel]
I haven't missed this.
Just leave it, Lou.
[seagulls squawking in distance]
[handbrake cranks]
Freya's here?
I don't want any trouble, okay?
[handbrake cranks,
seatbelts click]
Come on, Teddy. Come on, Alby.
Auntie Lou's here!
-Hey.
-Hey.
Hey. Say, "Hi, Auntie Lou."
[boys] Hi, Auntie Lou!
Hey, guys, hi!
Wow!
This is amazing.
We finally meet in person.
-Wow.
-[Freya chuckling] Hey.
Hi.
It's really you!
Yeah.
Wow.
What?
Oh, still gorgeous.
Oh, no, I look old.
You just got off a 30-hour
flight and look amazing.
I look old.
-Aussie sun's punishing.
-No.
Wow! You guys are
such big dudes now.
-Look at you!
-Say, "Thank you, Auntie Lou."
-Thank you, Auntie Lou.
-Thank you, Auntie Lou.
Look at her outfit!
It's so Hollywood.
I'm so mumsie.
It's awful. [chuckles]
Come inside!
-Oh. Bag?
-They misplaced them.
-Oh, you're joking?
-No.
-Lou! Welcome back.
-Hi, Auntie Rose.
Lovely to see you again, darls.
How have you been?
So I heard
they lost your luggage?
Oh, yeah. It doesn't matter.
I'm just gonna get stuff
in Kingscote.
-I'll call the airline.
-No, don't. Really. Please.
It's fine. They're gonna--
I'm gonna--
It'll be fine.
-Come on.
-Okay.
[soft, pensive music plays]
[faint indistinct whispering]
[Freya] Can I make you
something to eat?
No, I'm good.
Oh, here,
what about a cold drink?
Help yourself, yeah.
-So, how long are you here for?
-I dunno.
Well, you're welcome to stay
as long as you like.
Yeah. I know.
Hey, um, come with me.
Sorry, it's a bit of a mess.
I, uh...
I didn't think you guys
would get here, um...
And we'll... we'll, um,
sleep with the kids
so you can have
your old room back, obviously.
Slow burn?
It's the most read book
in the world for a reason.
Hey, um...
Here.
Come sit.
Oh...
Can you sit for a sec?
Thanks.
Um...
God, when was the last time
we saw each other?
[softly] Sorry.
Um, listen,
I, uh, I know you... I know you
think this stuff is woo-woo.
But...
I've let Jesus into my life
and Jesus has...
It's a...
It's been extraordinary.
-Okay.
-Um...
I've had this for a while
and, like,
don't take it the wrong way,
I just thought
it might be interesting for you.
-Ooh.
-[stammers]
Oh, I think maybe we should
join the others.
There's just...
there's so much to learn.
Jesus has so much to offer.
Every time you say Jesus,
I'm gonna scull beer.
I just wanted
to share it with you.
Mm-hm.
-[Rory] Come on, girls!
-Yep.
Well, good chat.
[footsteps receding]
[to herself] I shouldn't
have done that.
[indistinct chatter]
I'll put that inside
with your things.
God bless.
-Hey, dude.
-Yeah?
Is that your dad out there?
[Teddy] Uh, yeah, that's Dad.
Did you bring us presents?
Um...
Yes, I did.
Hey, do you wanna run inside
and get that, um,
green purse of mine?
For me? Thank you.
So, how's the acting business?
Um, it's pretty slow,
actually, Auntie Rose.
Yeah, I must say,
I didn't like that character
you played on that show.
That's fair enough.
I never understood why you
bothered with a soap opera.
It's actually pretty competitive
over there.
Geoffrey Rush!
Now he picks good movies.
-Yeah.
-"The King's Speech."
-Oh, yeah.
-That was wonderful.
-Yeah, great film.
-It's a great film.
-He's great--
-Teddy said you wanted this?
Yeah. Thank you.
Cate Blanchett!
Why not be more like her?
You're just as talented.
Are you famous, Auntie Lou?
Not a chance, little man.
Here you go.
I know it's not much, but, um...
you guys can share.
-[Teddy] Mum?
-[Freya] Yeah?
I don't want this.
[chuckles]
Don't be rude, Teddy.
It's okay. Sorry.
[Teddy] We saw you on YouTube.
Mum looks at you all the time,
and Dad said
it's not very healthy.
You've got that confused, Teddy.
Mummy, can I have this?
Um, sorry, Al-Pal.
That one's gonna stay
with me. Sorry, bud.
Wow, I forgot
how beautiful it is here.
Would you ever move back, darls?
No, you wouldn't
wanna move back.
Okay.
I just...
sorry, I just mean you'd...
you'd be bored after Hollywood.
She's not coming back. I mean,
all of her work's in the States.
And Steve's there.
Well, actually, we broke up.
No!
Yes.
[Rose] Sorry to hear that, dear.
Yeah. It's all right.
We were having problems.
Relationships are tough.
Our minister actually
has this story--
-Minister counts!
-[Teddy] Auntie Lou?
Is it true
that Liam's in heaven?
You know what, Teddy-O?
There's no such thing as heaven.
-Auntie Lou's kidding, Teddy.
-Liam's ashes are sprink--
Yeah, Liam's in heaven.
I don't wanna die!
Aw, bub. No one's dying.
Liam... he just went
to heaven early
'cause he was
such a special boy.
[mutters under breath] What
the fuck? You fucking nut-job.
[gentle piano]
[waves crashing,
seagulls squawking in distance]
[sighs]
[gentle acoustic guitar]
[water splashing gently]
[footsteps approaching]
Hey.
Hey.
Thought you guys were
gonna be in Adelaide.
School holidays.
Plus it's way too hot
in Adelaide.
Oh, yeah?
Fuckin' scorcher!
Good to see you kept
your bogan accent.
[laughs] Fuck oath, mate.
[chuckles]
-Front coming in tomorrow.
-Ooh, nice.
Did you surf Malibu?
Nah, not really.
Nah, it was a bit cold, crowded.
Just shit, really.
[Ben] Yeah, right.
Steve didn't surf.
How is he?
We broke up.
I'm sorry.
-Did you dress up for the beach?
-[chuckles]
-Fuck off.
-[chuckles]
Smartarse. No, I, um...
Yeah, it's a long story.
I just...
I have no clothes.
[Freya] Hey, guys.
Barbecue's ready. Let's head up.
Got more clothes
for you too, Lou.
-Good.
-Yeah.
And we'll go into town
to get you some more tomorrow.
Oh, it's right--
-Hey!
-Hey, hey, hey.
-Stop. Stop, stop, stop.
-[Ben] Be gentle.
Can you put that away?
You on a Hollywood diet
there, darls?
No, I just still don't eat meat.
Why not?
Um, 'cause I don't like
eating other animals.
This is animal?
Okay, gang, listen up,
Uh-oh, here comes
Dad's list of chores.
-Not it!
-Not it! Dammit.
No, the gutter's tomorrow.
I, um... I wanted to...
[inhales deeply]
I've been thinking a lot
lately about
how we keep this property
in the family.
You know, there's not a lot of
places like this in Australia,
let alone the world.
That's for sure.
But it's a hell of
a lot of work.
So, I've spoken to Freya,
and she's agreed to take it on.
Sorry, wait, do you...
Take it on?
Like you're just giving
the property to Freya?
-I am.
-Just Freya?
Well, obviously
you can still use it.
Dad, that's really unfair!
This is my home as well.
You live overseas.
Well, then why
can't we split it?
Look, I'm selling the land at
Cape Borda, I've got shares--
Dad, I don't care
about the money.
-I love this place.
-You're not here, Lou.
Maybe we could talk--
-This doesn't concern you, mate.
-But, Dad, I don't--
Lou, what would you do with
a property this size anyway?
I mean, Freya's got kids,
she's...
I'm sorry.
[softly] Fuck.
Sit down.
[atmospheric music plays]
[birds honking]
[waves crashing]
[atmospheric music plays]
[atmospheric music distorts]
What are you doing here?
I just wanted to say hi.
Hi.
Should probably go back
to your wedding rehearsal.
I think they're gonna notice
the groom is missing.
Yeah.
Well, thank you for coming.
[scoffs]
How are you?
Yeah, really good. Great, yeah.
How do you think I am, Ben?
Last time I saw you,
you're my boyfriend.
And now you're
marrying my sister!
-Yes, I know.
-Do you?
-Yes.
-Do you?
Because everyone's acting
like it's really normal.
And maybe for you guys it is.
But, for me, I'm not here
to see you guys get together.
I'm-I'm...
I don't see it develop.
And then I'm the last
person to know.
Yes, I know, I'm sorry. Freya -
she just wanted to be sure.
-Oh, she did, did she?
-Yes.
-But you were sure.
-You were going to America.
You were gonna be this actress.
And you did it.
You were never coming home.
How do you know that, Ben?
You could've come after me
in LA.
Why would I go to America?
-For me.
-Why?
Why?
You were on a path, Lou.
You were gonna be a star.
You didn't want to be my wife.
I didn't know you were looking
for a freaking wife!
Neither did I.
[Lou sighs]
It's important.
-[Lou] What is?
-Us.
Us?!
Closure.
Ben, I think you
marrying my sister
does a pretty good job
of closure.
What are you doing, Ben?
Huh?
Do you even love her?
Yes, I do.
Well, you better.
She reminds me of you, Lou.
[soundscape distorts,
music stops]
-[sighs]
-[Ben] Just...
I thought I'd put us
behind me, in the past,
you know?
You're just drunk and...
[inaudible]
[exhales]
[knock at door]
Just one second.
Jesus, Dad!
Whatever's going on between
you and Ben stops right now.
-They're getting married, Lou.
-Yeah, but, Dad--
-She is your sister.
-Exactly.
How can she do this to me?
And he's made his choice.
You so sure of that?
-Ow! Dad!
-He's marrying Freya.
After the wedding, you'll go
straight back to America.
Do you hear me?
[gentle music plays]
[car rolling slowly over gravel]
[car stops,
door opens and closes]
[car door opens]
It's chilly out there.
What you doin'?
Stealing a beer.
[opens beer]
Nah, I'm gonna go meet
a friend in town.
But then I saw you out here.
What are you doing?
Moping or stargazing?
I hate the stars.
Yeah. Yeah, I know.
No, it's not fair,
you guys getting all this.
Yeah, I had no idea.
You didn't?
Isn't that weird?
Yeah, I know.
I'll talk to your dad about it,
you know--
No, don't.
[both chuckle softly]
Don't.
Thanks, though.
[jazzy phone ringtone plays]
So, Freya's gone balls deep
on the religion stuff?
[Ben chuckles]
She gave me a book on Jesus.
-Did she?
-Mm-hm.
I dunno,
it helps her cope, I guess.
Yeah.
Well, we all need something.
So, does that mean
you're super religious now too?
No, that's not for me.
No, I can't get past
the Epicurean paradox.
-[stifles laugh]
-Yeah?
-[laughs] You idiot!
-Thought you'd like that.
Okay, Professor,
what is the Epicurean paradox?
The idea is, if God's unable
to prevent evil,
well, then he's not
all powerful.
And if he's unwilling,
he's not all good.
Yeah.
I stopped believing in God
when Liam died.
I'm sorry, Lou.
I just felt...
I just felt something...
I just felt a thing on my leg.
-Okay.
-I felt something on my leg.
-Okay.
-Can you have a look? please?
Use your phone.
It's moving on my foot.
-[gasps] Oh, my God!
-Holy shit!
Looks like a copperhead.
Maybe even a tiger snake.
I don't give a shit,
Steve Irwin!
What if it fucking bites me?
Do I move?
-Yep.
-[squeals]
You'll be all right.
Just keep coming to me.
-[inhales sharply]
-You're good.
[exhales] Don't bite me.
Please, God,
please, God, please God.
You hypocrite, Lou.
I know, I hate myself.
Whoa. He's heavy.
I got him. Holy shit,
look at the size of this thing.
Have you got it?
-Oh, my God.
-[Lou gasps]
-Jesus Christ.
-Oh, my God, it's huge!
-That's massive!
-That thing was huge.
How'd you not see that
in the car?
I dunno. I can't believe
you just grabbed that.
-Yeah. You're a big sook.
-Shut up!
It's nice to have you home.
What?
You're the only one
who thinks I'm home.
[car approaching]
What are you guys doing?
Lou had a snake in her car.
It's lucky Ben was here
to help you.
I just spoke to Todd. He said
you're not catching up tonight.
Frey, I'm gonna go see the
Elvishes. You can chat to Zoe.
Fine. [scoffs]
[magpies warbling,
birds tweeting]
[wistful piano music plays]
[jaunty ringtone playing]
Ben?
Why are you calling me?
Is everyone okay?
[Ben] Yeah.
Everyone's good. How are you?
Um, okay, it's like
five in the morning here,
and I have to be on set later,
so I would really...
Who's... who's... who's the dad?
Um, that's none of
your business.
Well, I think it might be.
Is it mine?
No, it isn't.
All right, who, then?
It's no one you know.
[Ben indistinguishable]
Ben, he's not in the picture,
okay?
So, if there's nothing else,
I would really love
to get back to bed.
All right.
Freya's... Freya's pregnant.
That's great, that's, um...
Congratulations.
Cousins.
Don't waste the good stuff.
It's not a waste.
Not that healthy either.
Well, neither's worrying, Dad.
Well, it's your liver.
Hey, there was a snake
in your car last night.
Yeah, I heard.
Crazy.
Yeah.
Ben was with you?
Yeah, he was just
on his way out.
[crockery smashes]
-Ooh!
-Shit.
-It's all right. Got it.
Here you go.
-Hey, um, Dad.
-Yep?
Do you think we could have
a chat about the property?
I'm going for a swim.
Wonderful. I'll join you.
Not if you've been drinking,
you won't.
Ah, relax. Barely a sip.
You know, I never used to
worry about sharks,
now they're all
I can think about.
-You're going soft.
-Says the guy wearing a snorkel!
When did that start happening,
old man?
[chuckles]
White-bellies.
Look.
I didn't think there'd be
any left after the fires.
Yeah, I thought
they were done for,
but then these two showed up.
Must have a nest
nearby somewhere.
Lucky Freya.
I've missed Aussie wildlife.
Except for the sharks.
And the snakes.
And the spiders.
-And the bull ants. They suck.
-[Rory grunts]
Ooh! You right?
Yep, I'm okay.
Dad, you know it's not fair,
giving all this to one child.
I don't care about the money,
I just...
I love this place. All my
memories of Mum are here.
Neither of you can afford
to buy each other out.
If I leave it in a trust,
you'll just fight over who stays
when, who pays for the upkeep,
who's gonna inherit it
later on.
You know, this way,
I can save you both from that.
and make the decision myself.
So you can move on.
Are you trying
to keep me away from Ben?
[sighs]
-[light indistinct chatter]
-[mellow guitar music playing]
[Ben laughs]
[Ben and boys whoop
and grunt playfully]
[Ben] You're too slow!
-[sliding door opens]
-[Todd] Hey-hey!
-Hey, Toddy.
-Hey, everyone.
Oh, and the Dude!
What's up, man?
Hey, what's going on, big boy?
-Hey, mate.
-Hey, how are ya?
-You get shorter or something?
-Go fuck yourself.
-Good to see you, Todd.
-Here's Rose.
-Mwah. Been a long time.
-This is a, uh, white.
-G'day, Rory.
-[Rory speaks indistinctly]
And there's the TV star.
[Lou] Hi.
Wow, look at you!
Is the island sponsoring you?
Uh... [chuckles awkwardly]
No. Actually Teddy and Alby
picked my wardrobe.
And they nailed it, didn't they?
Yeah, I heard about
your suitcase.
They couldn't find the stub
on the plane,
so Bob's going through
the rubbish
from the airport at the dump.
Tell me you're joking.
I mean, they can't track
your luggage without it, so...
So, how's it being back?
-I'm adjusting.
-Yeah?
To whatever this is
on your face.
You've got a beard, dude.
-Yeah, it's a beard.
-Is it, though?
Hey, steak and calamari
off the barbie, okay?
-Couple of seconds.
-Bring it on.
-You helping or what?
-[Lou] Who's this?
-This is Dude.
-Hi, beautiful!
Aw, he loves you so much.
[both laugh]
That's disgusting!
-That's one too many kisses.
-Do you want a beer?
I'd love a beer. And a...
-..something to wipe...
-[Lou] And a wipe?
[both laugh]
[Freya]..just into this thing
about how, like, you know,
-they... the, like...
-[Rory] Another podcast?
-[Freya] Yeah.
-[Ben] Oh, God.
[Freya] The science can't prove
that there isn't something.
This is what I don't understand.
Like, you, of all people,
should believe in God.
Why's that?
Because science
points to a Creator.
[Lou, dubiously] Really?
Okay, go.
-[Freya] Okay!
-[light chuckling]
Okay, if gravity was
one-part-in-ten-to-the-60th
stronger,
the universe would have
collapsed in on itself
after the big bang.
One-part-in-ten-to-the-60th
stronger.
-What's she talking about?
-[Ben] It's true, though.
The odds of gravity
being perfect for life are
as improbable
as a poker player
being dealt ten royal flushes
in a row.
-Or...
-And that's not possible.
[Freya] It's possible,
but it's so improbable
that you'd never believe
it happened by chance.
Yeah, but if physics predicts
this infinite number
of universes, which it does,
then anything that is possible,
that just becomes inevitable.
So, the theory that
we can't be here by chance,
that just doesn't add up,
I'm afraid.
So eventually those ten
flushes in a row show up.
[Ben] Correct.
And physicists
have never been wrong.
-Yes, got you there.
-Okay, fine. Sure.
But, if this Creator,
he does exist,
she, them, they, it doesn't
mean that it's anything like
this beautiful Christian God.
It could've just been this
cold, unfeeling little alien
that created the universe
and then died the next day.
People just want to believe that
there's something good out there
looking out for us all,
like we're all special.
-[Rory] Nothing wrong with that.
-Isn't there?
[Rose] No, that's...
that's the point of faith.
A human's life is no more sacred
than an ant's life.
[scoffs]
I don't know about that.
Okay. Why?
Er, humans are the most
intelligent animal, for one.
Uh-uh. Intelligence
doesn't make you special.
No.
And scientists think
that there are animals now
that have cognitive faculties
that far outweigh
anything of a human being.
[Rose] How would they know that?
Science. [laughs]
And, to be clear, I love ants,
you know.
-I never step on them.
-Oh, good, Toddy.
-'Cause I really was...
-[Lou] The thing is,
that when we die, we die.
The little ant-soul
doesn't float up
to a magical ant heaven.
Neither does
the human soul.
We're all just animals,
and when we die, that's it.
And it sucks, but just
because something sucks,
it doesn't mean we should
all go around deluding ourselves
into thinking that some
great big magical God-guy
is going to come
and take all our pain away.
[Teddy] Did God make ice cream?
Yeah, mate, he did.
God made bedtimes too.
Boo.
Good debate.
You always lose gracefully.
Thank you kindly. I've got it.
Oh, thanks.
-Okay, nigh-night, my boys.
-[Ben] Come on, mate, let's go.
Brush your teeth.
Well, that's goodnight
for me too.
God or no God,
I'm just glad I have you lot.
-Thanks for having me.
-Goodnight.
[Freya] We love it, Auntie Rose.
[Rory] Goodnight, Rose.
Well, if there is a God,
I'll find out soon enough.
[Todd] You got
plenty of time, mate.
Actually, I... I don't.
What?
[inhales deeply]
Yeah.
Yeah, wasn't sure when the right
time was to tell you girls,
but, um, I suppose now's
as good a time as any.
Um...
I've been diagnosed with
motor neurone disease.
MND, ALS, Lou Gehrig's...
You know, whatever. But, um...
Yeah, I found out
a few months ago.
It's why I wanted you here.
[Todd] That genius
in the wheelchair has it, right?
Still motoring along.
[Lou] Dad, what does this mean?
Um, gradually I'm gonna lose...
gradually I'm gonna lose control
of my muscles.
I won't be able to swallow
and...
At best, um,
I've got five years.
Yeah, at best.
And they won't be
very good years.
Jesus.
[Todd] I'm really sorry, Rory.
It's all right, mate.
I've had a bloody good life.
You know?
That's what I want you
girls to understand.
I need you to understand that.
I've had a good life.
I'm just not gonna be able
to watch your little mongrels
grow up, that's all.
[Todd] Think I'll, uh,
let you guys be a family.
I'm around tomorrow
if you need anything.
-Okay.
-Yeah, cheers, Todd.
Hey, come on, Dude, let's go.
I have my good days. You know,
last few days have been fine.
But, you know,
mostly I'm nauseous,
I've got, you know, headaches
and, uh, you know, just this
sense of losing control.
But, you know,
the drugs help a bit.
Thank your old man for that,
if you could, Ben?
Dad... Dad has MND.
Fuck. Sorry, Rory.
Jesus, Dad.
Can you not?
-What?
-Say 'Jesus'.
-Seriously, Freya?
-Girls!
[Lou sighs heavily]
Look, I'm going to be frank...
..I don't want to be
a burden on anyone.
What? You'd never
be a burden, Dad.
Most importantly,
I... I don't want what's coming.
So I'm... I'm going to
end things on my own terms.
[Freya] What does that mean?
Um...
I... I've managed to get hold of
some medicine, which, uh...
should, um, do the trick.
"Do the trick"?
Dad, you can't.
It's painless, honey.
Dad, it's a sin.
I'm pretty sure my entry into
heaven was revoked years ago.
[Ben] Rory, where is it?
The medicine? It's in
the pantry, on the top shelf.
-Kids won't be able to get it.
-[Freya] Who gave it to you?
A vet.
[Freya] I...
I can't believe this.
Dad, there are rules
around this.
-You can't just decide.
-A vet? Why a vet?
I don't want to deal with
all the red tape bullshit.
You know, like,
it's legal for dogs,
works just as well with us.
-What are you talking--
-Look, I...
My muscles are gonna
waste away slowly.
I'm-I'm... I'm not gonna
be able to walk,
talk, swallow or breathe,
and that is my idea of hell.
And a man... you know,
a man has a right
not to have someone else
wipe his arse.
Yeah?
Look, I'm sorry
for dumping this on you,
but these things happen quickly.
And I don't... I don't want you
to find out after the fact
and be angry at me.
That's why I'm telling you now.
Dad, I'm gonna take care of you.
Now, I'm feeling
pretty good tonight,
so, um, if you don't mind,
I'm going to, uh...
I'm gonna have a cigar
and a glass of Island Gin
on the deck.
All right?
What?
I was half hoping that you girls
might be there, at the end,
just to... just to see me off.
But...
..either way, you know.
It's up to you.
I know it's a lot to ask.
[sliding door opens]
[sobs]
[sliding door closes]
[atmospheric synthesiser
music plays]
Betcha a thousand bucks
the 'big guy' can't cure Dad.
I'm not praying for a cure.
Why not?
I'm praying for strength,
to deal with God's plan.
You made me.
It's a bit early even for you,
isn't it?
I'm sorry. I just...
I don't think it's right,
what he's doing.
Well, I'm going to support him
and I think you should too,
given what he's done for you.
What are you girls
talking about?
[Lou and Freya] Our periods.
[inaudible]
Oi, if you're gonna read 'em,
buy 'em.
What can I get you, love?
Hey, Mary.
Um, can I get a whiting burger
and a bag of chips, please?
Is that a Wells girl?
Yeah, Lou, Rory's eldest.
Yeah, you're the one
who went to America,
got yourself on the telly.
-Yeah, for a bit.
-Hey! No shoes, no service.
Can I get a pale ale
and a water too, please.
Heard about your luggage.
Bloody big fancy airlines.
That'll be $65.
How's your Dad?
Uh... yeah,
he's getting on a bit.
Yeah. Aren't we all?
[woman] Can we order?
We put shoes on.
Sure. What'll you have?
Do you have a vegan option?
Get out.
Bloody shame -
foreign investors
building on your land.
What?
The Southern Alliance
Christian Centre.
Christian centre?
What are you talking about?
Is... isn't that why
you're back?
I play bridge
with Sharon Redman,
who's on the council.
Apparently...
they're planning to build
this giant conference centre
on the island.
And your sister has just
sold them an 80-year lease
to build on
your family's property.
It's gonna be the biggest
development on the island.
How can you not
know about it, love?
I don't know. I don't think
my dad even knows.
Fuck.
Well, you didn't hear it from
me. I've got enough trouble.
[up-tempo percussive
music playing]
[starts engine]
Teddy!
Oh!
[laughter]
Hey, Dad.
Your favourite.
Hey, Teddy.
Can I have the ball, mate?
Oh, my God! What the heck?
When were you going to tell us
about turning our family home
into a Bible camp, Freya?
Or was it just a secret from me?
-What's this, Freya?
-What?
[stammering] I didn't want
the stress to make things worse.
-It's just... it's a lease.
-An 80-year lease!
[Ben] Wait a minute.
You knew your dad was sick?
Well, it was your dad
who told me.
-Dad!
-[Rory] Barnaby?
She tricked me into telling her.
I could tell that something was
different. And I was worried.
You tricked him into telling
you, and then you tricked Dad
into giving you the property.
And, hey, Dad, good job. Way
to keep it in the family, huh?
I didn't trick anyone.
He'd already put it
into my name.
That's also why I knew
that something was up.
And this way,
it pays for itself,
and we can share it with people.
-An 80-year lease, Freya!
-People who need a lift.
So I guess I'll come and visit
when I'm, I dunno,
a hundred and fuck!
You haven't been back
in ten years.
Why should I keep it as is?
For you?
The only reason you're back
is 'cause you failed at acting,
you failed at your relationship
and you're broke!
Freya.
[Freya screams]
[cars screech and crash]
[silence]
[lights buzzing,
equipment beeping]
She's going to be fine.
It's just a bit of whiplash.
Neck brace can come off soon.
Sleep's...
sleep's what she needs now.
You all right, mate?
Oh, you know...
You can go and see her.
She's, uh...
probably knocked out
by the painkillers, though.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
You know where I am
if you need me.
Yeah.
[sighing] Okay.
Okay.
[machine beeping steadily]
[whispers] Lou, can you hear me?
I think a lot
about that trip to LA.
I was so nervous, the plane
bumping all over the place.
Worried about leaving
Teddy and Alby with Ben.
They were fine, of course.
I... you know,
I wanted to meet Liam.
Had to.
Remember how he used to
line up his little cars
and shoot them across the floor?
He was such a little bug.
I loved him. Very much.
I was finally visible to Ben
when you left.
Like we had our own thing.
It was different to yours,
but it was...
it was good.
And then, that night, I...
on my rehearsal...
..I saw you guys
coming back from...
wherever you were,
moments apart, and I knew.
I pretended I didn't,
but I knew.
I couldn't say anything
without blowing up my life,
so I just stayed quiet,
told myself,
"Be happy, forget it."
And then Liam came,
nine months later,
and, you know...
If that's a coincidence,
it's too cruel.
He was... [inhales]
He was just a bit ahead of me.
I told him to stop.
But he didn't.
And...
I saw the car reversing
and I should have run to him
and pulled him back, but...
..I just stood there,
unable to move.
[sobs] I'm sorry...
I don't know why
I didn't save him.
Why didn't I save him?
[atmospheric music playing]
You look a lot better
than your dad's ute.
Yay, another reason
for him to hate me.
We drive on the left here,
you know.
Yeah. Cool. Thanks, Todd.
That's great.
So, why are we going
to see Shaz?
She's on the council.
I'm gonna get her
to block Freya's development.
Why would she do that?
Birds, Todd. Birds.
-And beer.
-Oh.
To the bottle-o!
[Lou] Thanks, Todd.
Can you see her?
Sharon?
[clippers whirring]
-Go behind. Here, get up.
-[dog barking]
[sheep bleating]
[Todd exclaims]
G'day.
Todd Crawly, Marg and Dave
Crawly's son from Middle River.
This is Lou,
Rory Wells' daughter
from King Whiting Beach.
Um, I was wondering if we could
chat to you guys for a sec.
We brought beer.
-You sure they're white-bellies?
-Yeah, definitely.
Oh, there's only a few dozen
left since the fires.
White-bellies mate for life,
you know.
-Really?
-Yeah.
And the males like their females
bigger than 'em.
Nothin' wrong with big birds.
[Sharon taps him playfully]
Well, that's it, then.
Even if the council
approves it,
the EPA will knock it back.
You can't build anywhere
near a white-belly's nest.
-It's illegal.
-[Lou] Yep.
Who else knows?
You're the first.
Gonna ruffle some feathers.
-[Michael exclaims]
-See what you did there.
Gets the bullseye every time.
If only he could find
my bullseye.
[coughs and laughs]
-[Todd] Shit. Slattery's here.
-[Lou] What?
[Todd] Remember when I told you
I was growing weed
in my kitchen?
-[Lou] Yeah.
-Yeah, I lied about the kitchen.
It's more like an acre,
to be exact. And Slatts knows.
-[Lou] An acre?!
-Yeh, been trying to avoid him.
[Slattery] Oh, yeah,
look, it's all right.
I'm just telling everyone,
really.
-Hey.
-[Slattery] G'day.
Read about your luggage.
You read?
There was an article
in "The Islander".
Does anyone want a bevvie?
Working.
Stick around, can ya, mate?
Your sister Freya
paid me a visit this morning.
We got talking about
all kinds of things.
Such as?
Funnily enough, we got onto
the topic of euthanasia.
-Bit intense.
-Weird.
There are strict rules
about voluntary assisted dying
in South Australia.
You are aware of that?
-Yeah.
-[Slattery] Right?
Yeah.
I wouldn't listen to Freya.
Despite her
saintly reputation,
she has been known to lie.
Yeah, Freya got the wrong
end of the stick, that's all.
She's been under
a lot of stress lately.
All right.
Just...
don't go doing
anything you shouldn't.
No.
-Okay?
-[Lou] Mm-hm.
[Slattery] Oh, and Todd?
Perhaps you can
pay me a visit
so we can discuss permissible
vegetation on the island.
Better that
than me coming to you, yeah?
-Yep.
-I'll see you out.
Bye.
[Slattery] Thanks, Rory.
Freya?
-Freya!
-She's not here, darls.
They went to Island Beach
for the night.
Well, what's wrong?
She told the cops
about Dad's plan.
Cops? Dad's plan?
What are you talking about?
-Nothing.
-[Rose] Nothing my arse.
More drama round here
than "Home and Away".
Go.
-[laughs]
-That's ridiculous.
No, you're joking! I mean,
how are you even getting--
Shh! You're gonna wake up
Dad and Auntie Rose.
It's nice they have each other
for company.
Hey, you don't think
they're, uh...
What? Dad and Auntie Rose?
Ew, no.
No, I think, um...
I think Dad is Auntie Rose's way
of staying close to Mum.
Is it still weird for you seeing
your sister married to Ben?
Oh, my God, so weird.
Yeah.
Yeah, it was pretty weird
when they got together.
Not that Freya's not great,
'cause she is...
Is she?
Freya's struggled as well, Lou.
So, there's, uh...
something that
I've always wondered.
[Lou] Mmm?
Um...
Well, it's to do with...
It...
'Cause, um...
Well, I was always wondering
who the, um...
Liam's Dad?
[Todd] Yes.
Yeah. Yeah,
'cause it wasn't Steve, right?
'Cause you met him
after Liam was born, so...
Was it Steve?
You know,
I think it's really cool
that you raised him
on your own all those years,
away from home,
without family support.
I mean,
that can't have been easy.
Mmm.
I loved being a mum.
I knew I would the moment
I found out I was pregnant.
-What?
-Nothin'.
I mean,
you've been through a lot.
I get it.
I'm on holiday.
[Todd] So, uh, Liam's dad,
was he, uh...
[exhales]
So, what about you, Todd?
Anyone special over the years?
[Todd exhales]
No, it's... it's hard
moving on from your first love.
Isn't it?
I never should have left.
What is it with girls
and the bad boy?
-Bad boy?
-Yeah.
Um, I don't think so.
So you're the one
running a drug cartel.
[Todd chuckles]
Yeah, well...
drugs numb the pain.
What pain?
Come on, Lou.
You know how I feel.
[Lou] Still?
Still.
After all these years.
[chuckles wryly]
Why?
Todd, you can't.
I mean, I'm not worth it.
I disagree.
You know, one day,
not too far away...
[Todd] Mmm?
..I'm gonna be really old.
-Yeah?
-I am.
I'm gonna be wrinkly,
-just... grey hair.
-Yeah?
My boobs will be, like,
down by my knees,
-just knocking around.
-Oh, yeah, that's great.
No teeth.
I'll put my dentures in.
I'm gonna be really...
like a really angry, horrible,
grumpy old coot.
Yeah. Oh, yeah.
[Lou chuckles] And then,
you know,
you're gonna be so over me.
I'll still want you.
Oh, my God, you'd be a GILF!
[both laugh]
Oh, God!
I'm serious.
I can picture it now.
Can you not picture me
in my saggy-butt granny panties?
-Oh, it's great.
-They're so high, they're all--
[both laughing]
[birdsong]
[Rory, faintly] Oh, shit.
[Rory groans softly]
-[faint thump]
-[Rory] Fuckin' hell.
[Rory groaning]
[faint thudding]
[Rory grunts]
[Rory] Fuck this.
Dad? Are you okay?
[Rory] Go. It's okay.
-Okay. It's all right.
-[Rory] Leave it, please.
[Lou] Dad, it's fine, it's fine.
Just lie there
and when you can get up--
-[Rory] Lou, just--
-[Lou] Dad, it's all right.
Don't worry about it.
-[Rory sobs softly]
-[Lou] Dad, it's okay.
And when you get up,
I'll change the sheets.
[Rory] I can't move.
[Rory sobs]
[Lou] It's okay.
-Hey.
-[Lou] Hi.
-Can I get you anything?
-Nah, I'm fine.
Well, do you want some tea?
Some eggs? Coffee?
Do you have an appetite?
Here you go.
Stop treating me
like an old man.
I'm not treating you
like an old man,
I'm treating you
like a dying man.
[chuckles]
I'm not hungry.
Grab yourself a beer,
I won't judge.
Ah, I'm okay.
Hey, um, I was reading that
it's really normal for you--
I hate that you had to
see me like that.
You changed my diapers
once upon a time.
[Rory] Yeah, that's true.
Lou, I'm really sorry
that I didn't visit
after Liam was born.
I thought we had more time.
Well, it's a long way to fly.
I really should have met
my grandson in person.
Yeah.
[Rory] He seemed like
a real lovely little chap
from the videos you sent.
He was amazing.
Yeah,
and about the property, I...
You know, maybe this disease
is clouding my judgement.
Well, no, I think you've always
had clouded judgement.
Thought I'd lost you
to Hollywood.
Well, who needs fake drama
when you can have
the real thing, huh?
Yeah.
[Lou exhales]
Dad, I want to be there
in the end.
Really?
-Yeah, I know it's a lot to ask.
-No, it's not, really.
Well, I haven't quite
figured out
the legalities of it yet,
though, but...
Yeah.
Well, I don't know,
we'll figure it out.
We'll just make it look
like I wasn't there.
Yep.
When are you thinking?
After the holidays,
when the kids have gone.
That soon?
Yeah. The worse it gets,
the angrier I get.
But with everyone here...
..I really wanted to go out
on a high note.
Sorry if I ruined
the 'high note' bit.
It wasn't just you.
I don't think I helped either.
[inhales]
I really wish you girls
would stop fighting.
[phone vibrating]
-Lou...
-[Lou] Sorry, Dad.
-Freya's...
-That's so weird.
Sorry, I just have to take this?
I'm sorry.
Hey, Lou Wells speaking.
[man] Hi, Lou. I have Danielle
on the line for you.
Fuckin' phones.
Lou Wells!
We're back.
Okay...
Your little Russel Boast
no-show manoeuvre
only made them want you more.
They're offering you
the lead in "Catskills".
What?
Yeah. And it's a great offer.
I scored you a ton of perks.
Oh, my God,
how did this happen?
Okay, so the actress they
originally cast in the role,
she was hiking this weekend
and had some sort of tussle
with a mountain lion.
Oh, my God,
is she gonna be okay?
Her face is fucked.
She's never gonna work again.
It's amazing how life
just works out sometimes.
Anyway, can I say yes?
Yes?
Um, yeah... yes.
Good, 'cause I already said yes.
Anyway,
it starts in three weeks.
but they want you there
for rehearsals next week.
-And wardrobe--
-Sorry.
Did you say three weeks?
I'm... I'm just...
Can they push it a little bit?
I'm in Australia with my family.
You're fucking joking, right?
No, they can't fucking
push it back a bit.
Get your ass to LA right away.
Yep, yeah. Okay.
Lou?
I always believed in you.
Bye.
Uh, bye.
[toots horn]
What do you two bitches want?
Pennington's goin' off.
Get in, I'll get your stuff.
All right, I'm in.
[car door opens]
Hey.
Hey.
Where's Frey and the kids?
Some church thing.
Mmm, playing hooky, are we?
-Blasphemous!
-I know, right?
But if the big guy
wanted me there,
he wouldn't have made 5-foot
swells and offshores, would he?
Touch.
[loud thud on car roof]
[chuckles]
Far out.
Absolute dogshit out there.
How's fuckin' Todd
putting on a paddling clinic?
[Ben laughs]
You okay?
I literally just booked
my dream job.
I have to be in LA next week.
And there's, like,
five, six months of shooting
and then press commitments...
It's a lot.
[Ben chuckles]
Wow, Lou.
What about your dad?
[exhales]
I haven't had a chance
to tell him yet.
Yeah, well, you know Rory
would want you to take it.
[sighs]
Yeah, I know.
[Ben] See ya later.
[Lou] See ya, Toddy.
[horn toots]
[Lou chuckles]
-Dad!
-Oh, mate!
Hey? Hey, you two!
What you guys been doing?
-[Alby] We went to the beach
-[Ben] What, without me?
How dare you.
Did you catch any waves?
You want to try some parenting
and feed them dinner?
Sure.
Where were you guys?
[Lou] Pennington.
You think that's okay? Spending
the afternoon with my husband?
Do you think it's okay,
telling the cops about Dad?
He's not of sound mind, Lou.
I mean, he's going to a vet
to get medicine.
He's perfectly sane.
-You, on the other hand!
-Suffering is a part of life.
We can't just all,
like, opt out.
Trust me, with you as a sister,
I'm well aware.
[Ben] They're not hungry.
What do you mean,
they're not hungry?
They've been waiting
for you to come home.
Where are you going?
You're not gonna bet.
We can't afford it.
[Ben] Just leave it,
Freya, please.
Give me the credit card!
You sure can move.
When it suits you.
What is that supposed to mean?
I wasn't asleep.
Lou, I...
Lou, I... Fuck.
I was trying to sa--
Fuck this!
What the fuck is happening?
Where are you going?
I'm not gonna make
the same mistake twice.
Oh, my God,
you have to have him.
You have to get
everything you want.
Otherwise you can't handle it.
Okay, well,
let's see how you handle it
when council
blocks your plans, then.
-No, it's already approved.
-Wrong.
There's a white-belly's nest
on the property.
I told council.
They're not gonna let you build.
[car door closes, engine starts]
[moody acoustic guitar
music playing]
[light-hearted chatter]
[song continues playing
over speakers]
-[Ben chattering indistinctly]
-[woman chuckles]
Ben.
-Hey.
-Hi.
-What are you doing here?
-Same as you.
Escaping the wrath of Freya.
Kira, this is
my sister-in-law Lou.
How do you guys know each other?
She's a student at uni. But her
folks have got a place out here.
Oh, cool. Whereabouts?
Just... on the beach.
Anyway, hey,
it's great to see you.
But I'll see you round?
-Yes.
-Uh... nice to meet you, Lou.
-You too.
-And, uh, great seeing you, Ben.
[Ben] Yeah, see ya.
Bye.
Gosh, she's so pretty.
She's no you.
Ben, is this ever gonna go away?
I mean, would you ever stay?
[phone rings and vibrates]
-Give us a bit.
-Yeah.
Um, I need a drink.
What are you having?
-Oh, no, I'm okay. Thank you.
-Okay.
-Hi.
-What'll it be?
-[Lou] Oh, I don't know.
-Same as them?
[Ben] Lou, just...
Lou, would you just
wait a moment?
How many Kiras are there, Ben?
[Lou sighs in exasperation]
-[starts engine]
-Lou, stop.
What?
What?
You gonna tell Frey?
Lou.
[footsteps approaching]
Hey.
Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.
I need your help
to fix something in the shed.
Just got an old bed base in here
I need to get moved.
Dad, what are we doing?
We'll need a torch.
-Why aren't there lights on?
-[Freya] It's broken.
Yeah, I'll go get a new bulb.
Just, uh, just get...
[Lou] Dad, Dad!
Dad, what the fuck?!
[Freya] There are snakes
in here, Dad!
[Lou] There's one next to me.
[Freya] Shut up!
-Can't believe we fell for this.
-This isn't parenting, Dad!
Freya, just be quiet, he comes
back when we're quiet.
You're the one talking.
Can you just shut up
and find a torch?
Sure, whatever you want, Lou.
Oh, no,
whatever you want, Freya.
The dad, the house, the boy...
-Oh, hey, the church.
-Oh, my God!
This coming from the sister who
screwed my husband last night!
I didn't.
[Freya] Yeah, right!
What stopped you this time?
[faint flapping]
What was that?!
I dunno.
Anyway, I booked a job.
I'm outta here.
Well, thanks for coming.
It's been great.
When do you go?
Soon as they book my ticket.
So you'll miss Dad's goodbye?
You're not gonna
let him do it anyway.
I can't stop him.
-[flapping and squeaking]
-[screaming]
-It's a fucking bat!
-Ew, are you sure?
-Yes!
-Dad!
Let us out!
There is a fucking bat in here!
[Freya]
Dad, this is child abuse!
Okay, I can't do this anymore.
[Freya] Here it is.
They like hair.
Auntie Rose!
She's in town with the kids.
[huffs] Great.
Well, where's Ben?
I don't know. You tell me.
You saw him last.
-[flapping]
-[Lou screams]
[Freya] So, did you see him?
Yes.
Frey...
I'm such an idiot.
No.
Thinking I would ever
be enough for a guy like that.
No, Frey,
you're better than him.
I should not have
gone after him like that.
I don't know
what I was thinking.
You guys have kids,
for fuck's sake.
He's all yours.
Just have to fight off
the others.
[Lou scoffs]
Yeah. I got that.
I'm getting a divorce.
You are?
Yeah, I've been thinking
about it for a while.
It just sucks for the kids.
It'll break their little hearts.
You know?
He's a decent dad,
he's just a shit husband.
He's gambled away
our savings.
I never sawthat coming.
Lou, the development, I...
I didn't think
you were coming back.
You know?
Last job I had
was at the museum gift shop.
I... I have no money.
I'm about to be single
with two kids.
I was gonna buy you out
when I could.
Well, I sure took a big dump
on those plans, didn't I?
No. I deserved it.
I should never have done it.
Just, um...
Behind Dad's back, and yours.
Just got lost.
I'm so sorry.
I would never have hurt Liam
on purpose.
I know.
Sometimes, there are animals
that when they get scared,
they get adrenaline,
and they fight harder,
they run faster.
And some,
when they get scared,
they just freeze.
[sobs softly]
It happens.
I shouldn't be crying.
I'm sorry.
That's okay.
[Freya sniffles]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry you had to
go through that too.
I've missed you.
You loser. [chuckles]
[loud clunk, lights buzz]
Oh, my God.
He switched off the mains.
Bastard.
We can't let him
get away with this.
Lie down. Just look really dead.
[Lou] Yeah, yeah.
-Okay.
-I'm dead. Yeah.
I killed her, Dad! You happy?
Fuckin' idiots.
-[laughs]
-And nice try with the bat.
-[Lou] There was an actual bat.
-[Freya] Dad!
There's only bat-shit
when it comes to you two.
[atmospheric music plays]
[magpies warbling]
[birds twittering]
What's that for?
Thank you for my babies.
Thank you.
I want a divorce.
Frey, whatever Lou told you,
she's--
Stop.
I'm...
You're a good-looking, charming
guy who gets whatever he wants.
And you're a good dad.
But I can't spend
the rest of my life with you.
That's good timing, isn't it?
As soon as you come into money?
Yeah. I did something
behind your back.
How does it feel?
Where is it?
Kinda cute.
Ben's gonna stay
at Todd's for a while.
We're getting a divorce.
Not me.
Freya?
[Freya sobs softly]
Frey?
[Freya continues sobbing]
[phone ringing]
[woman] Piro Talent Agency.
How may I direct your call?
Hey, this is Lou Wells
for Danielle Goldberg, please.
[Shaun] Danielle Goldberg's
office. This is Shaun.
Hey, this is Lou Wells.
-Oh, hi, Lou.
-Hi.
Um, could you just let her know
I need to pass on "Catskills"?
I'll put you through.
No, no, no, it's fine, you--
-['on hold' tone]
-[sighs]
[Danielle] What the fuck, Lou?
You can't pass. I said yes.
Yeah, I know.
I just... I need to be with
my family right now.
How long do you need? A week?
No. Longer. I...
I don't know. I don't know.
-Two weeks is the best...
-Just can...
Can you please just
apologise to them
and thank them for me?
Do you know how
this makes me look?
-You fucking apologise to me.
-I know. I am.
I'm sorry to you as well.
-[Danielle] You are fucked!
-I...
You made me look
like an amateur.
I know.
You'll never work
with this company again.
-I know. I...
-[dialtone beeps]
[atmospheric music plays]
[thunder rumbling in distance]
You're brave.
[both chuckle]
[Rory groans sleepily]
Here's another one.
[Rory and Lou chuckle]
[Freya] Hey, Dad, is there
anything you want to do,
before we go back?
[tender acoustic guitar
music plays]
[acoustic guitar music building]
[music fades out]
[Freya] Okay, good boy.
All right, you got everything?
Are we gonna miss the ferry,
Mum?
No. No, darling.
Why is everyone sad? I'm the one
going back to school.
All rightie. Give me a hug.
[cries softly]
It's all right.
[Rose sniffles]
[sobs]
See you on the other side.
Can you pray with me?
Uh, sure.
[car horn blares]
-Dear God, please forgive--
-[horn tooting]
Please, uh,
let this man into heaven.
He's honest,
most of the time.
He's loving,
and Mum's been waiting for him,
so please don't punish her
for any of his
dumb-arse mistakes, Amen.
[Lou and Rory] Amen.
Please don't do this, okay?
I'm gonna assume
you'll come to your senses.
Yeah, I like that
as an option, Freya.
Yep. I'll see if I do.
-Now get out of here.
-Okay, I'll see you if I do.
[car door opens and closes]
[car engine starts up]
Are you gonna try and visit me?
What do you mean?
You know,
you get to the other side
and there is another side,
and then you're like
a spirit or something.
[chuckling]
No, it's stupid, sorry.
I'm not sure.
[Rory chuckles]
[exhales softly]
You know, I just...
You think you have
all the time in the world.
I didn't appreciate it.
What?
[Lou] Life.
You.
I just wasn't present enough,
I didn't soak it all in.
That means you were living.
I'm gonna miss you.
Don't feel too sorry for me.
I'm not going anywhere
you're not going.
Hey, why don't we go outside...
..and we'll lie under the stars
and you can tell me all your
stories until the sun comes up?
Sure.
Even the naughty bits.
[chuckles] Weren't nearly enough
of those.
Whatever.
[wistful music plays]
[inaudible]
[magpies warbling]
Dad?
Dad?
Dad!
[weeps softly]
[sliding door opens]
-Hey.
-Hi, you came back.
Yeah. I don't know what
I was thinking.
I just...
[sighs] I just need to be here
with you guys.
-It's okay.
-It's not my place to judge.
It's okay.
-It'll be all right.
-I need to just...
-Hey, Frey?
-Yeah?
-Um...
-Yeah?
Are you all right? What?
He's gone.
[Freya] What? He can't have.
The medicine's gone.
[Freya] No. No, I took it.
I don't know why I did it.
I-I just...
I just thought
he wasn't thinking straight.
He can't be gone.
Hi.
Uh...
A fisherman found Rory's body.
About a kilometre out
from the point.
[car approaching]
-I'm really sorry, it's...
-[car door opens]
I think Slats is coming
to tell you officially.
I'm, uh, I'm sorry, Lou.
They've stopped searching.
I told them about Rory.
What about Rory?
Isn't that why you're here?
This has nothing to do
with Rory, mate.
Lou, your luggage is gone.
There was no sign of it
ever actually--
Rory's body was found
out from the point.
Fuck off. What do you mean?
Ah, shit.
He did it, did he?
I am... so sorry.
[tender piano music plays]
[waves lapping gently]
I get it.
I can feel God.
That's funny.
I can't.
["Little Lie" by Lindi Ortega
plays]
I told a little lie or two
When I spoke to you
On the phone the other night
What's a girl supposed to do
When the bitter truth
Turns into a sweeter lie?
I didn't wanna tell you
Tell you
Didn't wanna tell you
Anything you didn't wanna hear
Look a little closer
Then the truth becomes clear
[song fades out]
[wistful piano music plays]
[gentle acoustic guitar
music plays]