Like Father Like Son (2025) Movie Script

1
(metal grinding)
(wind whistling softly)
(birds chirping)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(zipper jingling)
(sighs happily)
- Dad, you ready?
- Almost.
I just gotta do
the restroom sink
and clean the bird
shirt off the benches.
Go faster if you help.
Thanks.
Guess I'll do the bird shit.
(plastic crinkles)
(paper rustles)
(kick thuds)
(student shouts)
(bully laughs)
- Loser.
(bully laughing)
What's the matter?
Did I run your comic book?
Give it back, Lonnie! (panting)
- Huh? Want this?
You want it, you want it?
You want it?
(paper tearing)
Oh! (laughing)
Fuckin' fairy ass!
- Don't call me that!
- Oh, how about that?
How 'bout I call you
a faggot instead, huh?
(tense music)
Eat dirt and die, Lonnie.
- Oh, really?
Scary fuckin' Gary!
(Gary spits)
Ew!
Fuck!
You little shit!
You fucking fag!
(punch thrown)
(Lonnie breathing heavily)
Come on.
Come on. Fuckin' eat it!
Come on, fuckin' eat it.
(Gary coughing)
(Lonnie chuckling)
(Gary choking)
Next time, I'm gonna
kill your faggot ass!
(intense music)
What are you doing?
Don't you have some shitty-ass
toilet to clean or something?
(tense music)
(Gary coughs)
(knife stabs)
(Lonnie gasps)
(blood spurting)
(Lonnie gasping)
(Lonnie groaning)
(Lonnie coughing)
(hammer pounds)
(Lonnie shouts)
Please.
(Lonnie yells)
(hammer pounding)
Please!
Please!
(hammer pounding)
(blood spurting)
(disturbing music)
- Eli, go! Get outta here!
Get outta here, now!
(dramatic music)
- [Dispatcher] 911.
What is your emergency?
(Eli stammering)
- [Eli] My father's
killed someone.
He killed someone!
(dramatic music)
(siren wailing)
(camera shutter clicking)
(siren wailing)
- [Judge] Gabriel
Michael McKinnon,
you have been found guilty
of the first degree
murder of Lonnie Walker.
(dramatic music)
This heinous act was
premeditated and deliberate,
with intent to kill.
Your crime is beyond
comprehension.
You do not understand
that life is precious.
(dog barks)
And so, with the authority
given to me by the State
of California, I
hereby sentence you to death.
May God have mercy on
your soul.
(intense music)
(passionate blues rock music)
["Fly Away" playing]
Woke up this morning
on the dark side
Didn't barely sleep at all
(alarm clock beeping)
I been waiting for a miracle
to bring me change along
I recall
(smacks alarm clock)
Though I ain't got
the strength to try
(smacking alarm clock)
Lying here with
no reason why
I wanna fly
Fly away
Away from here
wanna fly away
I wanna wake up where
there's no one else around
Nobody to bring me down
Like they doin'
round here round here
(blues rock music continues)
(Eli sniffs)
(Eli chewing)
(Eli coughs and spits)
I wanna fly
(shower running)
Fly away
(Eli shivering)
From here wanna fly away
I wanna wake up where
there's no one else around
Nobody to bring me down
Like they doin' round here
- Oh, fuck. (breathing heavily)
I close my eyes and
I am free free to fly
- Your truck.
They took it.
- What? Who took it?
- The towing company.
They say it's been repossessed.
(blues rock music continues)
(music fades)
(phone ringing)
- You can't do this. I have
one more payment to own it.
I'll make the last payment.
For fuck's sake,
I need my truck.
Because I was waiting to get
paid, you fucking asshole!
(slams phone)
- McKinnon, what are you doing?
- My truck got repoed. I was
just trying to deal with it.
- I don't give a shit.
You do that on your
own time, not mine.
I need three sales
from you today.
You're falling behind the
rest of these fucking idiots.
- Okay, I'll do it.
- "Okay, I'll do
it." You better.
You say that every day,
and then you don't.
I've had crack heads
work in this office.
sell more than you, dipshit!
(door slams)
(tense music)
(tense music continues)
(rabbi groaning)
(rabbi exhales)
(rabbi groans)
- Tati, I thought you
were going to temple.
(rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
(rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- This is too much for you.
(rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- Hey, Tzipora?
- Yes.
- The hot water's out again.
(rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- He said, "Why so down?"
- Rough day. Work sucks.
- But at least you're working.
I hope this means I can
expect the back rent you owe.
- Most of it.
- You said you'd get
caught up today, Eli.
- I know. What do
you want me to do?
- Pay the rent for starters.
- I just need more
times, Tzipora.
Can I pay you at
the end of the week?
(rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- You have a friend here.
Till the end of the
week, but that's it.
- Sure thing.
I can take in the
groceries, too, if you want.
- Leave them on the
kitchen table, please.
(rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- He said, "Have faith.
You're young. Change will come."
- Your dad's a nice guy.
(paper bags rustling)
(intense music)
(Eli panting)
(phone ringing)
- [Man on Phone] Hello?
- Hi, I'm looking
for a Harold Toman.
(cell door clunks)
(phone ringing)
(Eli panting)
Hello?
Yeah, I'll accept.
- Hey, Eli, it's me.
- Yeah, Dad, I know.
- [Man on Phone] Is this a
sales call?
- I'm calling from
Holder Life Insurance.
- I don't want life insurance.
- Do you have a family?
- Why?
- What do you want?
- I want you to come visit me.
- That's a hard pass.
- [Man on Phone] Is that all?
- Getting a life insurance plan
is the best way
to take care of your family
after you're gone.
- I don't care. I'm not
interested.
- It's the last "I love
you" you'll ever give 'em.
- We should talk while we still
can. It's important.
- Look, I've got nothing
to say to you, okay?
- [Man on Phone] Are
you deaf and stupid?
This is the last "fuck off
and die" I'll give you,
- [Eli] I gotta go.
(phone strikes receiver)
(phone strikes receiver)
(phone strikes receiver)
(Eli sighs)
(Eli panting)
(cell door slams)
- [Gabriel] Eli, I've called
you a few times with no luck.
Your mother used to give me
the silent treatment too.
Now, I know you're mad, but
I'd really like to see you.
The thing is, I can't
make you. I know.
And you're stubborn
like your old man.
Here's hoping you
change your mind.
(Lonnie screams)
(unsettling music)
- How do you feel about this?
- How do you think?
- I imagine you feel angry.
- Good guess.
- Eli, as you know, this
is our last time together.
12 sessions is all the
center provides at no cost.
We do offer sessions
on a sliding scale.
I really think you should-
- I can't afford it.
- I understand.
Have you had any thoughts of
harming yourself or others
since we last met it?
(intense music)
- No.
- Eli, what else is
going on for you?
- I just fucking
hate him so much.
- Well, if there's one
thing I have gathered
from our time
together, it is that.
- He's a monster.
- I don't disagree, but this
is not about your father.
You have to learn to control
how you deal with your anger,
how you let it affect your life.
- Who does something like that?
Does he have something
missing in his brain?
- Well, technically,
frontal lobe dysfunction
is what accounts for
a lot of impulsivity
and sociopathic tendencies,
so it's not a part
that's missing, per se.
Let's put your father's life
to the side for a moment.
What do you want out of yours?
- Normal existence,
halfway decent job,
- Family maybe?
- Maybe, just be a better
father than he ever was.
Do you know what it's like?
He's the one person I
never want to think about,
and he's the only person I
think about every fucking day.
- Well, maybe seeing him would
bring some closure for you.
- You really think
there's closure for this?
- Honestly, I do.
Eli, one day, maybe
20 years from now,
you might wish you saw him.
If you can understand
your father,
you may begin to understand
yourself and your anger.
I really believe that is the key
to you having a better life.
(troubled music)
(chatter on radio)
(troubled music continues)
(inmates chattering)
- Thought you
didn't wanna see me.
What changed your mind?
So, you doing all right?
- How do you think?
- Well, I'd like to know.
- Jesus.
- I see you're wearing my watch.
So, if it means something to
you, I'm glad you turned me in.
- It doesn't.
Why? Why did you do it?
I saw what was going
on, and it triggered me.
(disturbing music)
I guess.
I tried to stop myself.
Yeah, no better way to put it.
I don't blame you if you're
angry, but tread carefully.
Remember whose son you are.
- I'm nothing like you.
(dramatic music)
(phone strikes receiver)
(dramatic music continues)
(lighter clicks)
- Hey, you Frankie?
- You a cop?
- No, I'm not a cop.
My friend from work
said I'd find you here.
- Yeah? What'd your friend
say I could do for you?
- My dad's watch,
I wanna sell it.
They said you could help me?
- What the do I look
like, a pawn shop?
Get the fuck outta here.
- It's gold-plated.
- Look, I got drugs,
guns, and pussy.
Unless you got cash,
don't waste my time.
- It's worth a lot.
My grandfather gave
it to my father.
It's gotta be over
100 years old.
- All right, let me see it.
I'm not gonna steal it.
Gimme the fucking watch.
(watch jangles)
I'll give you 40 for it.
- Come on.
It's worth more than
that. You know it.
- 50.
- You don't want it,
go fuck yourself.
- I'll take it. I'll take it.
(bills rustling)
- It's worth a lot
more than that.
(dramatic music)
- But if you shut it off,
I'm gonna have to pay
you to put it back on.
Can someone be a decent
fucking human being?
(intense music)
(phone slams)
(siren wailing)
(crowd clammoring)
["Creatures of Habit" playing]
I guess some
creatures of habit
Sink our teeth into classics
So what if we're so dramatic
It's in our blood
The kings and
queens of the castle
Upon a new higher level
We'll bring the whole fucking
kingdom down just for fun
But who are you honestly
You don't wanna fuck with me
I can see your
lies in the dark
Cruel as you want to be
Just so you know,
I don't pay for it.
- That's not what
I'm looking for.
(thrilling music)
(both panting)
(thrilling music continues)
(belt jangles)
- My wallet's gone.
- Ugh, must have been those
fucking junkies in the alley.
They...
Thieves!
- Bullshit. It was in my pocket.
- Okay, well, maybe
it just fell out?
- Where is it? You
took it, didn't you?
- Oh, how dare you!
You would accuse me of
something like that.
What the fuck are you doing?
- Gimme that!
- What is wrong with you?
What the fuck?
(body slams)
(slapping)
(Hayley choking)
(Hayley gasping)
You fucking psychopath!
- Hayley!
- Me!
- Hayley!
Hayley, I didn't mean to!
Hayley!
(tense music)
(unsettling music)
(lighter clicking)
(phone ringing)
It's the last I...
It's the last I love...
(phone strikes receiver)
- Let me guess, another no.
- I can't make people
want life insurance, Jake.
- Yes, you can.
(cigarette ash hisses)
Pick up the phone.
- Why?
- Pick up the phone,
and I'm gonna tell you what
to say, when to say it,
and how to say it, in real time.
Dial.
- Don't you think
somebody will figure out
that I'm repeating
after someone?
- I don't give a shit.
Now you're gonna dial the number
and do what I'm
telling you to do
if you wanna keep your job.
(Eli sighs)
Dial the number.
(buttons tapping)
- Hi, I'm looking
for Mr. George King.
My name's Eli. I'm calling from
Holder Life Insurance.
- Join Holder Life
Insurance today
and get the first
three months free.
Say it.
Say it now!
- Join and get the
first three months free.
- Are you in your 70s?
- Are you in your 70s?
You are?
- Good, because the life
expectancy today for a man is 80
If you're lucky,
would he rest in peace
knowing that he left his
poor family with nothing?
Say it!
God dammit, you say it.
You make that man feel like
he is a fucking piece of shit
if he does not help his family!
- I'm not your fucking parrot!
- Oh, wow.
Huh.
Okay, my friend, you're
not my fucking parrot.
You're also not my
fucking employee.
You're fired, shit head!
- Big fucking deal.
You think any of us give a
flying fuck about this job?
- Hey, back up!
I'll call the cop! Back up!
(tense music)
Fuckin' whack job.
(cabinet bangs)
- I want to know, was
this the first time?
- New watch today.
- I sold it.
- Can't imagine you'd want
a memory of me anyway.
- So, was this the first time?
- One other.
Long before you were born.
- I want to know.
Come on. I have
the right to know.
- One night, got wasted,
met a gal in a dive bar,
went back to her apartment.
After, she asked me for money.
So I killed her.
- Let me guess, you
couldn't help yourself.
Pathetic.
- That's funny, coming from you.
As a kid, used to
check the mouse traps
to see if you could find
one squirming around.
If I had a dime for every
mouse you tormented.
- This is a little
fucking different.
- Is it? Maybe we're a little
more alike than you think.
(Hayley choking)
(troubled music)
(dance music playing)
(laughter and chatter)
(siren blaring)
(firework whistling and popping)
(laughter and chatter)
(laughter and chatter)
(dance music playing)
(dance music continues)
(Hayley screams)
(Hayley groaning)
(Hayley shouting)
(rock slams)
(Hayley gasping)
- What the fuck?
(rock slams)
(both grunt)
(Hayley gasps)
(rock slams)
(Eli grunts)
- Oh my God. What the fuck?
(Eli grunts)
(rock slams)
- I have no clue
what came over me.
- Well, you're a pretty
fucking violent dude, honestly,
- But if he's alive,
we should help him out, right?
- No, no, no. No, no.
No, no. No, no, no.
Nobody saw, okay?
We should just go.
Nobody fucking saw. We're good.
He got fucked up because he
was gonna fucking rape me,
chop me into little pieces.
- All right, I'm gonna go.
- Wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait, wait, wait.
Okay. Thank you for
saving me, seriously.
I really wanna thank you.
We can lay low for
a little bit, okay?
If you're hungry,
you know, his treat.
- [Eli] Thought you
weren't a hooker.
- I'm not. I just
was really desperate.
Just couldn't go
through with it, so...
- You live around here?
- Well, I guess I don't
really live anywhere,
but I was staying in a weekly.
- Where are you from?
- Riverside.
- You're running away?
- More like moving on.
- Some bad guy, I take.
- My mom's boyfriend.
Last time I stood up for
myself, he almost killed me,
so it felt like
the time, you know?
- Did you tell your mom?
- She kicked me down the stairs.
- That's fucked up.
- Not ideal.
Hey, so I know our
history is like, you know,
pretty eh and,
like, this is weird.
Is there any way that I
could stay with you tonight?
Like just tonight.
- What happened to your weekly?
- Well, I might be behind
three weeks on rent,
and they might
have kicked me out.
So, like no pressure.
I don't wanna guilt you,
but I don't really have
anywhere else to go.
Don't wanna guilt you at all.
I just would be like for
real, for real homeless.
I'd probably have to
give the alley BJ.
- Yeah, you can stay with
me for real, for real.
- Thanks.
That wasn't out of
guilt though, right?
- Eh.
I mean, it feels kind
of like a guilt trip.
- Oh my God, I
wasn't guilting you.
I can't believe you
would say that about me.
Yeah.
Do you sleep naked?
Do you do it with socks on?
- Yeah, socks on.
(soft music)
I mean.
(romantic music)
(romantic music continues)
Not too bad.
- Are you sure you don't
mind me being here?
- Just don't take
my wallet again.
- Oh God, I'm so sorry.
I really was just so desperate.
- It's water under the bridge.
I had a pretty shit week myself.
(lighter clicks)
- What happened?
- Typical stuff.
People suck sometimes.
- They really do, don't they?
- Hey, you can take the bed.
I'll take the couch.
- Actually, would you mind
sleeping with me tonight?
Just sleeping, I promise.
- Yeah, sure.
- You ever done that
before? Saved someone?
- No.
- He could have
killed me, you know?
That could be me all
fucked up and bloody,
lying in that alley.
- Definitely better
him than you.
- What was it like?
- I mean, it happened so fast.
I kind of felt good.
I mean to stop what
I saw happening.
- Those articles.
Your dad, I take it.
- Yeah.
- Why do you keep 'em up there?
- Just trying to
make sense of it all.
- And your mom?
- She left a long time ago.
(Hayley chuckles)
- It seems
like they always leave.
- Yeah .
(relaxed music)
(relaxed music continues)
(Eli chuckles)
(relaxed music continues)
(inmates chattering)
(door clicking)
(chatter on radio)
(door slams)
(lock clicking)
- [Inmate] Guess we're roomies.
- Yes, we are.
- [Dennis] I'm Dennis.
- Yeah, I'm Gabe.
(water running)
- What landed you in here?
- Seems I like to kill people.
- Seems I like to rape people.
- It would have to be
be bad if you're here.
- Well, she was 11.
Maybe 12.
(brushing teeth)
(Dennis spits)
Picked her up at the playground.
I've always loved
that smooth baby skin.
- Don't say anymore.
- Oh, the murderer's gonna
take the moral high ground?
- Yeah, you're damn right!
- Maybe I should
have murdered her.
Then she couldn't ID my ass.
- That's enough.
- Excuse the fuck outta
me for not killing her.
(tense music)
- Did you find anything?
- Yeah, delivery driver
for the newspaper.
I won't have to deal with a
boss giving me endless shit.
- Yeah.
As exciting as that
sounds, I was thinking,
why don't we do something that's
a little bit more exciting?
- Hayley.
I need to find a job fast, okay?
Otherwise we'll be
out on the street.
- Yeah.
Mm-hm.
- I'm gonna go down there
and figure out the gig.
- Okay.
- Look, I don't
mean to be a dick.
I'm just really
stressed right now.
- No, it's okay. I understand.
(Dennis growls)
- And she screamed.
It's always been one of the
biggest turn-ons for me.
- You keep talking like that,
you won't last long around here.
- Yeah, I'm not real
concerned about that.
(bed creaks)
- Maybe you should be
- [Louise] No
delivery experience.
- First time for
everything, right?
- This is the delivery route.
The area we need covered
is Chestnut Hill.
Pretty bad neighborhood.
- Doesn't bother me.
I live in that area.
- Huh. Rough hood.
You're originally
from around there?
- No, I'm from the Bronx.
- You read the newspaper?
- No, not really
- Good!
I don't need someone who
cares what the newspaper says.
Reading while driving, and bam!
Next thing you know,
smack dab into the
back of a school bus.
Don't believe me?
Oh, it happens.
As far as I'm concerned,
I'd like for all the
drivers to be illiterate.
- Well, I've never
had an accident.
- Never had an accident?
How old are you? 25, 26?
- I'm 24.
- 24. Young.
Probably won't be here long.
You'll find something better.
- Look, I promise you, if
you just give a chance,
I will not let you down.
- Look, I don't care
how long it takes you,
as long as you have all
your deliveries by sunrise.
- I can handle it.
- You have to check all
your delivery slips twice.
- No, fuck-ups.
- I got it.
- All right.
And then you're gonna need this.
Can be pretty dark out there.
- When do I start?
- We'll run your driving record,
and as long as you
haven't killed nobody...
(Eli grunting)
(rock slamming)
you start tomorrow night.
Cool?
- Sounds good.
Works for me.
- All right, go fill
out your paperwork.
- Okay.
- All right.
Young buck.
- [Eli] They said this was
my last time seeing you.
Yeah, my time's up, Elijah.
- You haven't been
on the row that long.
- Little problem with
the new cellmate.
(tense music)
(Gabe shouts)
(blood spurts)
(Dennis screams)
(Gabe grunting)
(foot stomping)
(Gabe panting)
- So you killed him?
- Bashed in his a
skull with my foot.
Turns out if you kill an inmate,
it speeds things up around here.
(disturbing music)
(Gabe whispering)
- Did you want to die?
- Denied my appeal.
This is the end, Eli.
You know it was
gonna happen anyway.
- I don't know what to say
- Well, why don't you say a
little prayer for your old man.
How's that?
- Sure.
- Is there anything else
you want to know?
You don't have a
whole lot of time.
- All those years
between when you killed,
did you ever have the urge?
- To kill again?
- Yeah.
- You might be
having similar urges.
Is that it?
- How did you control it?
- I thought of you, son.
I thought of you
being stuck out there
in that big world
all by yourself.
That was enough to keep me
on the path of righteousness.
Until it wasn't.
Now, you can come clean with me.
(handcuffs rattle)
- I saw this man
attacking at this girl.
She had no way to
defend herself.
(Hayley screaming)
- And you killed him.
- I didn't mean to.
- Since then, those urges
are coming over you.
Don't kill anyone you know.
- I don't want to kill anyone.
- It's a little late for that.
- [Guard] Time's up, McKinnon.
Let's go.
- Wait.
Were there others you
weren't telling me about?
(grim music)
(chains jangling)
(paper rustling)
(flashlight clicks)
(Hooker shouts)
(Thief laughs)
(Hooker shouts)
- [Hooker] You fucker!
(flashlight clicks)
(garbage can rustles)
(suspenseful music)
(flashlight clicks)
- What the fuck?
- Didn't mean to startle you.
- Wanna turn that thing off?
(flashlight clicks)
- My car broke.
I was just wondering where
the nearest gas station was.
- Yeah, man, it's like
a mile down the road.
(kick slams)
(thief groans)
What the fuck?
(Eli grunts)
(flashlight slams)
Just take the money!
(Eli grunts)
(flashlight slams)
(thief coughing)
Please.
(thief coughing)
(coughing continues)
Please, man.
(flashlight slams)
(thief groans)
(hammer slams)
(thief groans)
(flashlight slams)
(heart pounding)
(disturbing music)
No!
Please!
Please! (sobbing)
No!
(brick slams)
(blood squelches)
(Eli breathing heavily)
(flashlight rattles)
(dramatic music)
(knocking on window)
(window creaking)
- Evening.
How you doing?
- Good, officer. How are you?
Can I help you, officer?
- Well, we got a call for
disturbance in the area,
particularly like a woman
screaming.
Have you seen anything or
heard anything unusual?
- No. I haven't.
No.
- Nothing at all? Like
about 20 minutes ago?
- No.
- All right.
Well, it's a pretty
dangerous neighborhood,
a lot of dangerous people
around here, so you might
not wanna stick
around much longer, okay?
- I'll keep that in mind.
- All right. You
have a good night.
- You too.
(tense music)
(tense music continues)
(crickets chirping)
(startling music)
(thief screams)
(tense music)
(Eli breathing heavily)
(birds chirping)
Anything?
- Well, there's a job as a
coat check at the Camel Club.
- Shit hole.
(both chuckle)
- Yeah, obviously.
But it's $4.50 an
hour plus tips, so...
Can I use your phone?
(Eli chuckles)
- I don't really have a phone.
- Why?
- I used to, but the
phone company sucks.
- Yeah, I mean, you
really gave it to 'em.
You showed 'em.
- I know.
- Yeah.
- I was kind of at the
end of my rope that day.
- Yeah. Yeah, makes
sense. (chuckles)
Okay, well, I'll just go there
tonight, talk to the manager.
- [Eli] Well, be careful.
I don't want to have to
fend off another creep.
- But you would do it for me.
(gentle music)
(both laughing)
- How'd it go?
- Well, Leo the boss is
a creepy perv and all,
but I got the job.
Ever think you'd be
driving a newspaper truck?
- Ever thought you'd be a coat
check in a piss-stained bar?
(Hayley chuckles)
- Wonder where we'll
be in 10 years.
- Can't even think
about tomorrow.
Are you really worried
about that shit?
- Yeah.
Probably way too much.
(both chuckles)
- So where exactly is
Hayley Moretti in a decade?
- Well, I definitely have a kid.
A boy or girl, doesn't matter.
I'm one of those working moms,
like at a doctor's office or
somewhere that helps people.
- What about a dad to that kid?
- He'll be a really good guy.
We'll have a Christmas
tree, tons of presents,
watch our favorite
Christmas movies.
Always looks at me like
I'm someone special.
What about you?
(music playing softly)
- I don't know.
- Come on.
You must have some idea
of where you wanna end up.
- Well, I thought maybe I'd
write a book or a movie.
Something to be noticed for.
That might just sound
stupid, now that I'm saying it.
- No, that is so not stupid.
You wanna be a famous writer.
- Not famous, but just seen.
You know?
- Have you written anything?
- No. (chuckles)
I'm not really even sure
what to write about.
- Okay, so, this future
writer, does he have a girl?
Married?
Yeah, I guess that
that'd be cool.
- Yeah.
So, are you gonna be
there for your dad?
- If it were me,
I'd probably want someone
there in my last few moments.
- You want me to go with you?
- No, I don't want
you to see that.
You've seen enough death.
- Well, actually,
on that subject,
I actually saw an article
in the paper today
about the guy.
I mean, you're the guy.
- Yeah.
- And they're obviously
looking for whoever did it,
but the article
said no witnesses.
- That's good.
- You know I'd never
tell anyone, right?
I'll take that to the grave.
- I know.
You're the best thing that's
ever happened in my shit life.
(lips smacking)
- I know I am.
(engine rumbling)
(music fades)
(anxious music)
- What's wrong?
- [Hayley] Nothing.
(tense music)
- Who are you?
- I'm here for Hayley.
- I just don't want to
talk about it right now.
- Hayley, tell me.
No one is gonna
hurt you any more
and get away with it, all right?
Do you understand?
Now tell me, what did he do?
- Hayley don't
work here no more.
- Yeah, I know why.
- He tried to put
his hands on me.
I said no, and then I quit.
- Whatever Hayley told you
is a bunch of bullshit.
- It's handled.
(keys jangling)
Eli, it's handled!
(boss exhales)
- I think we're done here.
(tense music)
- Eli, it's handled!
(door slams)
(boss grunts)
- Whoa! Whoa!
My wife's about to have a baby!
- Yeah, does she know what
kind of sick fuck you are?
(elbow slams)
(boss grunts)
(knife clatters)
- Dumb son of a bitch!
You come into my office
and come at me like that?
(glass shatters)
(boss groans)
(boss groaning)
(knife stabbing)
(blood squelching)
(unsettling music)
(boss coughing)
(blood spurting)
(knife stabs)
(blood squelches)
(disturbing music)
(knife clatters)
(crickets chirping)
(tense music)
(door opens)
(Hayley gasps)
- Oh, Jesus, Eli!
What if someone saw you?
What if they traced
this back to us?
- No one saw, all right?
No one will know.
It was him or me.
Look, that night I met you,
I shouldn't have
done what I did.
It wasn't okay.
I'm sorry.
- Leo was it.
No more.
I will protect you for
the rest of your life.
(Hayley sniffling)
(lips smacking)
We should go away.
Far away.
- And how are we gonna do
all of that without money?
- Your old boss will pay for it.
- [Hayley] What?
- [Eli] From the cash box.
It's enough money for a
couple of bus tickets,
down payment on a
halfway decent apartment
with a little leftover, too.
(knife stabs)
So where's that dream house of
yours?
- [Hayley] Well, I saw San
Diego in a magazine once,
looked pretty nice.
- San Diego it is.
(soft music)
(broom rustling)
(broom rustling)
Hey, Tzipora.
- What happened to you?
- It's just a little bar fight.
- Violence solves
nothing, you know.
- I know.
So, listen, me and
Hayley, we're moving.
We're going to San
Diego, like tomorrow.
I can pay for the
last two weeks' rent.
It's not a big deal.
I've been saving.
- Don't worry.
It's my gift for you
two, for your new life.
- That's very nice of you.
- It's Rosh Hashanah.
We should do (speaking in
Yiddish), blessings.
Join us for dinner.
- I don't know. I don't know.
- You bring Hayley.
It will be nice to
see how we celebrate.
Be nice send off.
- Okay.
(bright acoustic guitar music)
- No, I'm okay.
- I'm late.
And I'm never late.
- What, you're pregnant?
- Been this way once
before, a couple years ago.
Felt like this.
- Like in high school?
- Yeah.
My mom's rapist boyfriend.
As soon as I told him,
he dragged me down
to some dirty-ass
clinic to get rid of it.
- What are you gonna do?
I mean, if you are.
- I don't know.
- I'm with you all the way.
Whatever you decide.
- For the first
time, I feel safe.
(gentle acoustic guitar music)
(gentle music continues)
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Damn, what
happened to your eye?
- I just fell.
- Hmm .
- Do you have a minute?
- What, you're quitting?
- How'd you know?
- People only come to my
office for two reasons:
to ask for a raise or to quit.
You haven't been here long
enough to ask for a raise,
so you're quitting, am I right?
- Yeah, but I can
finish out the week.
- Nah, that's okay.
Got a new job?
- No, actually I'm moving to
San Diego with my girlfriend.
We're having a kid.
- Wow! (laughs)
That's a lot.
So you're gonna move to San
Diego and you have no job?
I've got a cousin who
lives in San Diego.
She has a restaurant.
Give her a call? Tell
her that I referred you.
Maybe she'll have
some work for you.
- Thanks, Louise.
Oh, and here are the keys.
Maybe I'll see you in San Diego.
- Never know who you
may see out there.
Good luck.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome, Eli.
(keys jangle)
(Louise sighs)
(traffic whooshing)
(tense music)
- Daddy's watch boy.
What you selling
this time? (exhales)
Grandma's pearls?
- No, I'm looking to buy a gun.
(tense music)
- Not here.
(tense music continues)
(tense music continues)
(gun rattling)
.38.
Hundred bucks.
(bills rustling)
(tense music)
- So, you just point, shoot
at whoever the fuck
pissed you off.
- That's it?
- Yeah, you just pull the
trigger, and it's gonna go bang.
(gun rattling)
(tense music)
(knocking on door)
- [Eli] Are you Tom?
- Yeah.
- Sorry to bother you.
I'm a friend Hayley's.
I'm just a little
worried about her.
- You know where Hayley is?
- Yeah, she's at
my place right now.
She had nowhere to go.
I've been trying to
get her to come home.
Can I come in?
(crickets chirping)
(stepdad exhales)
- And you are?
- I'm Eli.
- How do you know Hayley?
- We met one night and
kind of just shacked up.
You know how it is.
- Well, you tell me where you
live, and I'll go pick her up.
- You know, a funny
thing about that is.
I don't think she's
ready for that.
- Is she on drugs or something?
- It's more like...
What do you call
it? Shell shock?
- What the hell are
you talking about, man?
- You fucked her, that's what!
- Who the fuck are you?
(gun fires)
- Honey! (gasps)
(gun fires)
(blood spurting)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(doorbell rings)
(doorbell rings)
(tense music)
- Oh, hey man. Sorry I'm late.
- It's okay.
- It's gonna be $6.99.
(music playing from headphones)
- Here's a 20.
- I don't have any change.
- It's fine.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- Oh, thanks man.
Enjoy the pizza.
- Thanks. Have a good one.
Fuck.
(gun fires)
Fuck!
(guns firing)
(trigger clicking)
(Eli groans)
Fucking idiot.
(Eli breathing heavily)
(drawers sliding)
(Eli breathing heavily)
(Eli groaning)
(dramatic music)
I can't believe that
piece of shit just grazed me .
Fuck it, I don't care .
No one can treat
Hayley like that, ever .
(traffic whooshing)
(siren wailing)
(intense music)
("Gone" playing)
Hey, Frankie.
- You're back.
- Yeah .
- Hey.
You better have a fucking
better night tonight.
What do you want?
- You got any weed?
- Little shaken up.
How much you want?
I'm not walking back to my place
for a fucking shit dime bag.
- I just want an eighth.
I got 40.
- Ah.
Let's go.
(intense rock music)
Don't normally let
people down here.
This neighborhood's
nothing but spicks,
niggers and Jews, you
know what I'm sayin'?
(tense music)
(toy squeaks)
- You have a kid?
- Twins.
When their fuckin' cunt
mother lets me see 'em.
- What?
- Are you a Jew?
- No, I'm not Jewish.
- Right on.
- You know, I used
to be just like you,
got nothing doin',
nothing goin' nowhere.
- You don't know
a thing about me.
(Frankie chuckles)
- Fuck I don't.
Oh.
Check this out, hm?
(smacks arms)
I belong to something!
You never heard of
the brotherhood?
- Brother, we
protect each other.
We fight for what's right.
We're gonna take America back.
Give it back to it's
rightful owners.
Clean up the streets,
you know what I'm saying?
Like my daddy taught me and
I'm gonna teach my boys.
The only thing better
than a dead nigger
is a dead Jew, you
know what I mean?
Oh, look at that.
Oh, you got so much fucking
anger in you, brother.
Oh, I love it. Ooh!
Ooh, we gotta fucking use that.
Take over the fucking country.
I need you to get mad.
(smacks chest)
Get mad. You gotta get mad!
Get mad, brother!
Get fucking mad!
- Fuck you!
(gun cocks)
(trigger clicking)
(knife swishes)
You need some ammo with that?
Why would you want
to shoot Frankie?
What did I ever do to you?
(suspenseful music)
(knife clatters)
(knife stabs)
(flagpole stabs)
(Frankie groans)
(body slams)
(blood squelching)
(Frankie groaning)
(flagpole clatters)
(Frankie groans)
(watch rattles)
(blood dripping)
(unsettling music)
(siren wailing)
(dramatic music)
(car door opens)
(car door closes)
(birds chirping)
- You taking those?
- Nah, I don't need 'em.
- Well, if you're really
serious about becoming a writer,
they say write what you know,
and you got a great story
right in front of you.
- You mean my dad?
- Why not? It's your story too.
He brought you into this world.
That's enough for me.
(crickets chirping)
(praying in Yiddish)
(praying continues)
- Let's eat.
So, why San Diego?
- Oh, well, it just seems
like a really beautiful place
and seems like a great
place to have a family.
- You guys want children?
- We're having a baby?
(joyful gasps)
(Tzipora gasps)
(speaking in Yiddish)
- He said this is a miracle,
that we should bless you.
- Is that like a toast?
- Better.
(emotional violin music)
(Rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- "I will bless the
one who blessed you."
(Rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
(cell door clunks)
- [Tzipora] "And the one who
curses you, I will curse them."
(chains rattling)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(Rabbi speaking in Yiddish)
- "And you and all the family
of the earth will be blessed."
(somber music)
(straps clicking)
(straps rattling)
(emotional violin music)
(gurney rattling)
(emotional violin music)
- Have any last words?
(glass shatters)
- Is my son here?
- Yeah, Dad, I'm here!
- I know I let you down,
Eli, and I'm sorry.
Thank you for being here for me.
Now I'm gonna get honest.
There were others.
But every one of 'em, every
one of 'em deserved it.
They deserved it!
Maybe that was
not for me to say.
Is that the Walkers?
- That's them.
(Gabe breathing heavily)
- I watched your son
torment that innocent boy.
What I did wasn't right, I know.
Didn't justify it.
I took your son from you.
I'm sorry for that.
God has forgiven me.
I hope you can too.
(dramatic music)
I'm ready.
(switch clunks)
- [Guard] Gabriel McKinnon,
you are being put to death
for the murder of Lonnie Walker
on today's date,
June 6th, 1990.
(dramatic music)
- [Priest] Yea, walk
through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for thou art with me.
(intense music)
Thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table
before me
in the presence of mine
enemies.
Thou anoints my head
with oil.
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.
(disturbing music)
- [Judge] Gabriel
Michael McKinnon...
(hammer bashing)
you have been found guilty
of the first degree
murder of Lonnie Walker.
This heinous act was
premeditated and deliberate
with intent to kill.
Your crime is beyond
comprehension.
You do not understand
that life is precious.
I hereby sentence you to death.
May God have mercy
on your soul.
(grim music)
(grim music continues)
(grim music continues)
(music fades)
- Before we get to San Diego,
I need you to promise me
something. That that's over.
We're gonna be parents.
Eli, don't you wanna be
better than what we had?
And I'm not saying
this to hurt you,
but right now, you're
no better than your dad,
and I know that's not you,
- That's behind us.
(disturbing music)
Okay?
I want a new start for us too.
Listen to me. I am
nothing like my father.
(Hayley shouts)
Do you understand?
(rock bashes)
I promise.
(rock bashes)
(tense music)
("Jack's Scuba License" playing)
(music continues)
It's been too long
since when I left
- [Jodie] Hello?
- Jodie, hey! It's Hayley.
- [Jodie] Finally!
- Ugh, I know. I'm sorry.
I should have
called. It was just-
- [Jodie] You heard
about the shooting.
Dude, someone shot
your mom and Tom
in your fucking house!
- Wait what?
- [Jodie] Like a month ago.
I'm sorry Hayley.
I thought you would've known.
(phone strikes receiver)
(unsettling music)
(unsettling music continues)
(car door closes)
(keys jangling)
(lock clicks)
- I got the job!
- Wow.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
I think I just have a little
bit of morning sickness.
- Yeah, no, I start as a server,
and I can move up to
manager eventually.
- Wow. (chuckles)
You know, I really think
this is the sign we needed
that everything's gonna be okay.
- I start at 150 bucks
a week plus tips.
- Wow. That's great, Eli.
- Yeah.
- That's so great.
- This is exactly
what we needed.
- Yeah.
(tense music)
(crickets chirping)
(cheerful instrumental music)
(toy train rattling)
(son mimics train whistle)
- Sam, buddy, can you
keep it down, please?
- The train ran off the tracks
and all the people died.
- Sam!
- What about Rebecca?
I mean, she's only been working
with us for a couple months.
- I know, but she's so
good with the customers.
And it's Christmas.
Give her 50?
- All right.
(toy train clattering)
- Did you check the mail today?
- [Eli] I sure did .
- And?
Anything from the publisher?
- Yeah, but I'm not
gonna read that tonight.
I don't want a rejection
letter on Christmas.
- But what if it's not
a rejection letter?
I get it?
Your story's incredible, Eli.
Someone's gonna buy it.
(toy train clattering)
- Sam, honey?
(toy train clatters)
Sam? Keep it down a little bit.
Thank you.
What a kid, right?
(Hayley chuckles)
I'm gonna go get some wood,
grab another bottle
of wine while I'm out.
- Okay.
Are you sure you're
okay to drive?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Okay. Drive carefully.
- Thank you.
(toy train rattling)
(light instrumental music)
(envelope rustling)
(chatter on radio)
(paper rustling)
(light instrumental music)
(light instrumental
music continues)
No fucking way.
(light instrumental music)
Jake?
- Holy shit, you're that
kid from back at the place!
- Yeah, the kid. Eli.
- Eli!
Yeah, that's right, Eli!
You...
Man, it's been a long time.
I mean, you look good.
- You live here now?
- Yeah, had to move
back in with my folks.
Fuckin' economy, right? (laughs)
Yeah, I was just out for a walk,
was going to the liquor
store, get me a bottle,
you know, a fresh bottle,
but I left my wallet.
- What happened to the job?
I thought you'd die there.
- Fuckers fired me.
"Bad attitude," they said.
Assholes.
- I'll tell you what, I got a
bottle of whiskey in the car
I was about to drink.
Why don't you join me?
- You sure?
- It's Christmas Eve, right?
Let's bury the hatchet.
- Hell yeah!
Hatchets buried. (laughed)
Silent night
Holy night
(both laughing)
(Jake singing)
Silent night
Holy night
Round young virgin, mo-
(Jake grunts)
(Jake laughing)
Round yon virgin
mother and child
Why are their virgins
round? (laughing)
You ever had a round virgin?
I fucked a square
virgin once. (laughs)
I mean, she was ugly!
And, you know what
the weird thing was?
I think she was the fucking
love of my life though.
Like, I'm not kidding.
Swear to you, it's
like everybody said.
They said, "Jake, you're not
living until... (stammering)
you find your self a virgin,"
and I was like, "Fuck yeah."
Wow, it's nice out here.
Why are we in a park?
(tense music)
- I thought we'd build a
fire, have ourselves a drink.
You know, it's kind of
cold otherwise, right?
- You're being so nice to me.
I was a dick to you.
I was a dick to
everyone in my life.
But I just hated
that fucking job.
I know it sucked for you,
'cause I was your boss,
and I was a crappy boss.
- It's okay.
It's all right, man.
It's okay.
It's a long time ago.
- No, it wasn't.
It was just a minute ago.
Can I tell you something?
- Sure.
- You won't judge me?
- No judgment here.
- Tonight, I was thinking
about killing myself.
I was gonna walk in
front of a fucking train.
They would've been picking
pieces of me up for months.
(Jake laughs)
But the sad thing is,
I don't think anybody
would've given a shit.
Nobody was gonna
fucking miss me.
(somber music)
- Let me guess.
Family?
- Fuck 'em!
And my mom, she's okay, but
my dad is a fucking asshole!
Today, he gets up in my face.
"God dammit, Jake,
you're worthless!
You're such a disappointment!
45 years old, living
in my basement,
borrowing $10 from your mother
'cause you can't
afford cigarettes and
a fuckin' bus pass!"
He says, "I expected
more out of you, son."
No shit, Dad.
I expected more out of me too.
I expected more out of me too.
(Jake sobbing)
- I've been there.
- You have?
- All the time.
- But...
- Look, look, look.
Let me show you something that
helps me.
Close your eyes.
Now, tell me when you see him.
(tense music)
- Yeah.
I see him.
- Now say, "I love you."
Say it.
- I love you.
- That's the last "I love
you" you'll ever give them.
(suspenseful music)
(log slams)
(Jake grunts)
(Jake groaning)
- What the fuck?
(intense music)
No!
No!
What the fuck?
No, no, no!
(log bashing)
(disturbing music)
(log bashing)
(Gabe shouting)
(log bashing)
(disturbing music)
(disturbing music continues)
- [Gabe] Eli, go!
Go now!
(intense music)
(intense music continues)
(engine rumbling)
(music fades)
- Good, you're back.
I just put Sam down to bed.
He was looking for you if
you wanna go pop in there.
(tense music)
Are you okay?
- I called the police.
They're on their way.
- What?
Why?
- I ran into my old boss, and...
- Please don't be saying
what I think you're saying.
- I killed him, Hayley.
I fought the urge as long
as I could until tonight.
I never meant to hurt you.
- They'll be here soon.
It is time to say
goodbye to Sam.
(somber music)
- Hey, kiddo.
- Hi, daddy.
Why is mommy crying?
- 'Cause I'm going
away for a while.
- Where?
- Far away.
- Why?
Was I bad?
- No.
No, not yet.
Gosh, I'm worried
that you might be.
(Sam screams)
- Ah, Daddy!
(suspenseful music)
- No!
(glass shatters)
(siren wailing)
(gun fires)
- [Sam] Daddy!
(knife clatters)
(siren wailing)
(unsettling music)
(siren wailing)
(Eli groans)
(handcuffs rattling)
- It won't stop, Hayley.
It won't stop!
(disturbing music)
(siren wailing)
(disturbing music continues)
(disturbing music continues)
(disturbing music continues)
(feathers plucking)
- Sam, come on baby.
Your breakfast is ready.
I gotta go to work.
- Be right there,
(feather plucks)
- Sam.
(feather plucks)
- Oh my God. Sam,
what are you doing?
Oh my God!
- It was hurt. It couldn't fly.
- I don't care. That
doesn't make it okay.
- Why? It was gonna die anyway!
- Sam, get up! What
is wrong with you?
Mom, you're hurting me.
(dramatic music)
- Oh my God. Sam.
Oh my God, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
You cannot do that.
(anxious music)
- I'm glad you came.
I missed you.
- Don't
(plastic bag rustling)
Sam did this.
- I was about his
age when I started.
This is what I was
afraid of, Hayley.
It's in his blood.
- Is this really the life
you want for our son?
Please talk to him.
(tense music)
- Hey, son.
(disturbing music)
(somber piano music)
("Making Peace with Violence"
playing)
(music ends)