Mid-Century (2022) Movie Script
1
[mysterious music playing]
[static warbling]
[boy] Hey, Mom, why do
these cookies taste so good?
[announcer]
Kids, they're made with lard.
Legum Lard
[boy] Boy, that's crisp.
[announcer]
Cunningham Spray Starch,
for shirts as crisp
as the bacon he brings home.
[man] Anthony.
[static buzzing]
[music playing on radio]
[upbeat music playing on radio]
[vehicle approaching]
[grunts softly]
[man] Anthony.
- [Anthony] Mr. Banner.
- [chuckles]
- How are things?
- Copacetic, Mr. Banner.
Copacetic.
Little something for the wifey?
[Anthony]
Yeah, I just stopped off.
So how does the missus
like my neighborhood?
- Oh, she's on cloud nine.
- Ah...
[exclaims]
Whoo-hoo! Oh...
[Anthony] It's... it's sleek.
She's quite a possession.
She is.
Uh, Mr. Banner,
I probably shouldn't keep,
uh, Joanne waiting.
- Mm-hm.
- Excuse me.
Alright...
[bird squawking]
[door opens]
[Anthony] Hi, doll.
[Joanne] What took you so long?
Frederick... Banner.
[sighs]
He cornered me again.
He's off.
I caught him staring at me
while I was in the garden
the other day.
What?!
Joanne, I said I didn't want you
to speak to him.
Seriously.
- How was your day?
- It was okay.
I wish I was out and about
like you, having adventures.
- I did get you something.
- You shouldn't have.
[exhales]
Did you get me a new drill
to fix the dishwasher?
- No...
- [package rattles]
You got me books.
Did you find a copy
of the Naked Lunch?
Open it.
Nope.
Undies.
[laughs]
Come on, Joanne,
don't be a wet rag.
Go put 'em on.
Am I just here
for your amusement?
Sometimes.
[Joanne laughs]
[bottle sprays]
Margie Grady
said the new pulp novel
by Robert Bloch was good.
[whimsical music playing]
You're gonna like what you see!
This is where you belong
Here I have the keys
What are you doing here?
You and Anthony
look so happy together.
I admit, I haven't felt like
that since my Alice passed.
[tense music playing]
You sure do look lovely, Joanne.
Anthony!
Lower your voice, please.
- Don't make me
take off my belt.
- [belt unbuckles]
Anthony!
Anthony!
Anthony!
[mysterious music playing]
[narrator] These are the first
of the Banner homes.
Built in the late 50s
by architectural icon
Frederick Banner.
Beautiful on the outside,
but step inside
and the picture darkens.
[phone chimes]
[sniffs]
You smell nice tonight, Alice.
Two COVID patients,
two cardiac patients.
Prepare for a long night.
- [pager bleeping]
- [man on PA]
Paging Doctor Volker.
Don't go anywhere.
[woman on PA indistinct]
[phone chimes]
[woman on TV] Keep your eyes
on clear skies tonight
for this lunar event
that hasn't been
visible for decades.
The National Weather Service
says that tonight
the Southland will be able
to witness
a rare lunar eclipse
of the blood wolf moon.
Your place is amazing.
You know,
Frederick Banner inspired me
to study architecture.
Alice might have mentioned that.
[laughing]
[laughs]
You never thought about
going into medicine, Tom?
Oh, he faints
at the sight of blood.
Mm. I couldn't stare death
square in the face.
Not like you superheroes.
So, Tom, you're thinking of,
uh, relocating your practice?
We're still
working out the details.
But if I had to be
stuck in a house...
we could do worse than this.
- Cheers.
- [Alice] Cheers.
[glasses clink]
[woman] We're so glad
you could stop by.
It's not often we get to
have docs try out ER call.
[man] Get a good nap in.
It's gonna be busy tonight
with a full moon.
[exhales] Thank you.
- Good to see you!
- So good to see you, too.
- Buy, guys.
- Pleasure. Okay.
Put yourself in my shoes.
I don't know,
they don't look comfortable.
[laughs]
- You insisted I wear them.
- Mm-hm.
Mm.
Kerri and Hal are sweet
and this job's perfect.
And the firm's
finally taking off.
Six years of work
out the window.
And Beverly Gordon
will be thrilled.
[birds squawking]
[Alice] I know how hard you
worked and you can do that here.
I work harder
just to be taken seriously.
Hey, believe me, I want you
far, far away from that creep.
Okay?
Maybe this is our opportunity
to start a family.
I trained for a decade,
became an expert
in the middle of a pandemic,
all while getting nasty looks
from wrinkled, White,
thirsty docs who were
more interested in my heels
- than in what I was saying.
- Mm.
So, right now,
I'm not dropping everything
to change diapers.
Can you think about
me too, honey?
I mean...
[car door opens]
[door closes]
Damn it.
Alright.
[Alice] It's this one here.
What?
See?
I'm always thinking of you.
You're right
and I'm so sorry.
I've just been under
a lot of pressure lately.
Pull an all-nighter,
I won't be here to bother you.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Right here. Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Let's go check it out.
Okay.
[alarm beeping]
Wow.
[chuckles]
- Here?
- Yeah.
Oh, uh, alarm code's
star 237.
- Star 237.
- Yes.
[alarm blaring]
- Star 237. Got it.
- [alarm stops]
Got a note.
"Welcome to your
home away from home.
This modest dwelling
was one of the first built
by architect and builder
Frederick Banner in 1955."
- What?
- [laughs]
"Please
make yourself comfortable
and enjoy Saturday's eclipse.
Call with any questions.
Eldridge."
Frederick Banner.
This is killer.
- [both chuckle]
- Oh, my God.
"After shuffling off
this mortal coil
my temple remains.
Frederick Banner."
It's a bit extra.
Frederick Banner.
Whoa.
Dude's temple isn't
the only thing that remains.
You'll love that.
- [sniffs] Ooh!
- That's the good stuff.
[mysterious music playing]
[Alice] This is a mood.
- [Tom] Yeah, it is.
- [Alice] Mm-hm.
That's an Emil Larson.
- Oh.
- Mm.
Maybe we put
a bedsheet over it?
[needle hits]
[whimsical music playing]
This is where you belong
Here I have the keys
Step into your new home
I'll care for
all your needs
This is where you belong
It's where our life
will begin
Okay.
[birds chirping]
[life support machine beeping]
[woman] Hi, my sweet baby.
Mommy loves you so much.
I'm-I'm gonna be home soon.
Okay?
I just wanna see my family.
Do you think...
[breathes deeply]
...I'll see them again?
Somewhere else,
do you believe in that?
[Alice] I don't know, Marley.
[rapid beeping]
[gasps] Mm...
You mean you didn't hear me?
- Mm-mm.
- Mm-hm.
- There you go.
- Thank you.
Thank you for this.
I don't know,
do you think I can really
create something truly iconic?
If we're talking about your
bartending skills, then, yes.
Yeah.
[laughs]
Look, the mid-century
was great.
I think I just
missed my time.
Don't go there with that shit.
No, no, no.
I'm talking about the style.
Real talk, this reminds me
of my gram's photos
from in the day.
She would have been redlined
right out of this neighborhood,
you know.
But go ahead and be
the man of the house
she cleaned.
Light up a Pall Mall,
sip some bourbon--
Okay, real talk.
I didn't mean it that way.
You can go live in any time,
but you can't bring me.
Which is exactly why
I'm staying right here, honey.
[bang on window]
- [softly] Jesus.
- [softly] Oh, my God.
[normal voice]
It came from outside.
[tense music playing]
Ah, hell.
Poor bird.
Hand me the shovel.
[Tom] A shovel?
Yeah.
[bird chirps]
[exhales]
I can't believe
you killed that bird.
The window killed it,
I just shuffled it off
the mortal coil.
[Tom] See that?
[Alice] Do you think
he's watching us
in a lounge chair
in the Caribbean?
Ooh...
Yeah, yeah. Um...
Let's definitely not
skinny dip.
[jazz music playing
on record player]
- Mm, wait.
- What, what, what?
Wait, wait, wait.
[laughs]
Are you gonna move here
if I get it?
Um...
can it be a Banner home?
Just not this one.
- Sold.
- Deal.
[laughs]
- [Tom] I love this place.
- [Alice] I'm glad.
Mm.
I'm glad you're here.
I still can't get over the way
you straight up
murdered that bird.
[both laughing]
Death doesn't faze me.
I see it every day.
The real struggle is living
with people
that don't respect me.
Well, I respect you.
I've been there for
a lot of people at the end.
They just wanted to be seen
and to feel safe.
Taking this job
would make me feel safe.
Well, let's hope
they offer it to you.
- I'm not saying take the L.
- Mm.
Maybe this is a fresh start
for you, too?
Maybe.
- [chuckles] Order food.
- Yes, Doctor.
- Doesn't get old.
- I know it doesn't.
- Say it again.
- Yes, Doctor.
- Okay. [laughs]
- Okay. [laughs]
[mysterious music playing]
[coughs]
[laughs]
[doorbell rings]
Hey...
Oh, hey, you're not
the regular dude.
No. No, um...
We're just renting it
for the weekend.
Hey, uh, so Eldridge
is a regular, huh?
Regular?
[laughs]
Yeah.
Normal, not so much, bro.
Okay, uh... [chuckles]
What's so strange about him?
Just the way he looks at me.
I can't put it into words, man.
But I'm telling you bro, like--
Sleep with one eye open.
Okay, I'll tell him you said hi.
Bon appetite.
[laughs]
[jazz music playing
on record player]
- Hello.
- Hello. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Let's build a fire
tomorrow night.
Crack open
one of Eldridge's bottles
and watch this eclipse
everyone keeps talking about.
[laughs]
You're really taking his
"make yourself comfortable"
seriously.
Mm.
[dog barking in distance]
[upbeat music playing on radio]
[tire punctures]
[mysterious music playing]
[crickets chirping]
A fucking flat?
[man] Eldridge?
[groaning]
[Eldridge] No one can know.
[Alice] Will you look around
for new places for sale?
Is there something
you wanna say?
[Tom sighs]
Hey...
Honey...
Oh, come on, you don't have to
be at the hospital until 7:00.
Hey, I didn't say no.
There's just...
[sighs]
There's a lot to consider,
you know.
Grams used to say,
"Love is showing up
and sticking around."
Hey...
I...
Show up and stick around.
[door opens, closes]
[door locks]
[door creaks]
[tense music playing]
[door creaks]
Hello?
Wow...
Jesus.
Frederick Banner.
[tense music sting]
[door opens, closes]
[Kerri]
Was San Diego worse than here?
I held a lot of hands
in their final minutes.
[Kerri] Hm.
But the hard part
was our Head of Trauma.
[woman on PA indistinct]
Couldn't keep his hands off me.
- [exhales]
- Yeah.
We've all been there.
But honestly not at this job.
Would that affect
your decision?
[sighs]
Tom would rather me
start a family than work.
[chuckles] Hal, too.
He's been trying
to get me pregnant,
but I have lupus.
Sticking up for yourself in
a relationship never feels good.
Yeah. I mean, Hal comes from
a dysfunctional family
- and wants a "do over".
- Mm.
And he's convinced himself
that we both want
the same thing.
You have family?
Mine passed.
Uh, but Tom
has family in Arizona.
Mm.
How's the Banner house?
I mean, Hal thought that would,
you know, convince Tom.
Uh, no, the home rent thing
worked out great.
It's perfect for Tom.
'Course I'd be more comfortable
pretending it's not 1955.
No! [laughs]
I mean, I sure as shit
don't wanna go back.
- [laughs]
- I am way too into
my birth control pill.
[laughs] Yeah.
[owl hooting]
[mysterious music playing]
"The missing husbands
of Mandarin."
[typing on phone]
[mysterious music continues]
[woman on phone]
I'm leaving any minute now.
[Tom] Yeah, I figured
you'd still be there.
[woman on phone] Beverly Gordon
has called twice.
Listen... I need a favor.
Are you procrastinating
or did you miss me?
If I tell you I miss you
will you do me the favor?
I need you to look for a book
with the orange binding.
You're procrastinating.
Why can't we just Wikipedia him
like normal people?
I did. A lot was missing.
Beverly Gordon
is going to kill you
if you don't finish her plans.
The Strange Life
of Frederick Banner.
Yes. Yes, yes, yes, that's it.
Now I remember there being, um,
a lot of photos
of Banner in his home.
There are a lot of photos
in front of houses.
Okay. Well, look for a photo
of him standing in front of
an old Ford Thunderbird.
[woman on phone]
This is probably it.
What's the address of the house?
[woman] 1960 Marion Lane.
I knew it.
I'm in his actual house.
[chuckles]
What's it like?
Well, it's like
stepping back in time.
Only... smaller than I thought,
but lived in.
Probably died in, too.
Flip to the table of contents.
I-I remember reading
years ago that Banner
was obsessed with the occult.
You don't pay me enough
to read the whole goddamn book
on a Friday night.
Hannah, Just find the chapter
and what was so strange
about the dude.
Okay, um... His wife Alice
disappeared under mysterious
circumstances in 1958.
- Her name was Alice?
- Looks like it.
Uh, rumors he was polygamist.
He was technically
married twice.
Second time
to a Joanne Waxtan-Banner
until his death in '83.
How did Banner die?
Um, at home.
His wife died
from a heart attack
a month later in the same house.
His young son
went into foster care.
A chunk of this
is about Emil Larson
and his influence on Banner.
Well, Larson
looks super sketch.
You should see his paintings.
[chuckles]
Contemporaries said
Larson and Banner
started a secret society,
The Brotherhood
of the Orange King.
Blah, blah, blah.
Some garbage called
"human transmutation".
"To bring forth
an immortal being."
[laughs] Look...
These guys
were obviously bananas.
Can I go now?
No. Um, um...
Send me all the photographs
in that book of Banner
with women. Okay?
[groans]
I'm missing happy hour.
Well, in a few minutes
you can bounce.
How's it going?
You kill Alice yet?
I think they're gonna
offer her the job.
So...
what do that mean for us?
Well...
I guess I have to consider
becoming a Mandarin County
housewife.
Want a change of scenery?
I thought things weren't
going well between you two?
Sometimes you have to
make sacrifices.
Sounds like you're done with me.
Finish the Gordon project.
[dial tone]
[phone hangs up]
[mysterious music playing]
[exhales]
Multiple wives, multiple lives.
Eldridge.
Marie Verdin.
[sighs]
[tense music playing]
Prep bay five.
Grab two units of O negative.
Patient found in vehicle
with multiple stab wounds
to the neck and abdomen.
- Total blood loss?
- There were two liters left
- on the floor of the ambulance.
- Let's move.
[monitors beeping]
He's lost too much blood.
The dude said,
"No one can know"...
[mutters]
[flatline sound]
[crickets chirping]
[Beverly]
Oh, a seamless integration
of indoor and outdoor space.
I see you were inspired by
Frederick Banner.
That's right, Ms. Gordon.
Banner Homes
are built for entertaining.
[Beverly] Yes, well,
I'm looking for something
that lasts for more than
just a handful of parties.
I need something that will
last for decades.
An iconic home,
that generations from now
will stand out
as a true achievement.
Mr. Levin,
I motivate people for a living.
Clearly you knew
what you were getting into.
[exhales] I appreciate
your patience, ma'am.
Maybe I'm just, uh,
the wrong guy for the job.
Don't give me that.
Now you haven't lived
until you've created something
that will last.
Ms. Gordon,
we would be more than happy
to reassess the property.
[chuckles]
Were you really
under the impression
I was spending
ten million dollars
to have a place
to stuff my furniture?
Look at your initial proposal.
And read the Warhol quote
you included!
"The idea isn't to live forever,
but to create something
that will."
You feel me?
[tense music playing]
Oh, I must be losing my shit.
[chuckles]
Oh, what the fuck?!
[exhales]
Hi, this is Dr. Alice Dodgeson.
If this is a medical emergency
please hang up and dial 911.
[answering machine beeps]
[phone vibrating]
I'm gone. Headed to the Gaslamp.
Hey, look... [sighs]
I just wanted to apologize.
You sounded mad.
So this is just a job for me?
Hannah...
I think we have a
great working relationship.
And so what I'm trying to say--
Think about someone
besides yourself for once.
I think I saw someone
in this house.
[Hannah on phone]
I've got two martinis waiting.
[phone clicks off]
[sighs]
[crickets chirping]
I noticed your tire's low.
I know that it's low.
Thanks.
No one can know.
Excuse me?
[yelping]
[screaming]
[arms flailing against seat]
[phone vibrating]
Alice.
Kerri told me
about that patient.
I'm so sorry.
Thanks.
Hasn't been an easy night...
but I've seen worse.
Yeah, me too.
Look, I hope you
consider staying with us.
Could really use you
around here.
Thanks, Hal.
[clears throat]
If you'll excuse me?
[mysterious music playing]
Do you live here?
I used to.
I've been waiting for
someone like you.
[woman]
There are multiple stab wounds
to the abdomen.
[woman 2] Knife?
No.
Puncture wounds, see...
by two fine points.
Are we talking vampires, Doc?
Not a thirsty one.
He was covered in blood.
Um... is there any ink
in the wounds?
Um...
Let's wait for the labs.
Looks like a painful way to go.
[female officer]
Alright, thank you so much.
Mm-hm.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Oh...
[whimsical music playing]
This is where you belong
Here I have the keys
Step into your new home
I'll care for
all your needs
This is where you belong
It's where our life
will begin
[door creaks]
Whenever you're by my side
You'll never...
[music stops]
[tense music playing]
Jesus!
I've been waiting for
someone like you.
Aurantiaco Rex.
By Emil Larsen.
[Emil]
The mid-century modern home
is built so that no one
even can see beyond the walls.
You want me to dig a hole?
[scoffs]
- [music lyrics indistinct]
- [man choking]
Frederick!
[choking]
The perfect life
we have built
Goodbye, Graham.
[groans]
Where's my damn phone?
[dial tone]
[rotary phone whirrs]
[line ringing]
[woman] 911, what's the nature
of your emergency?
Um, hi... Uh...
I-I don't know
if it's an emergency
but I-I really would
like to talk to someone.
What's the nature
of your emergency?
I think I found
some human remains.
Hello?
Hello?!
[static screeching]
[dial tone]
His last words were,
"Dude said no one could know."
Do you think the dude he was
referring to was your husband?
I don't think so.
It was probably
just a coincidence.
We don't believe
in coincidences.
Tell us about
your husband, ma'am.
Doctor.
He's an architect.
We've been married three years.
[male officer]
Is your husband a violent man?
No.
You two getting along okay?
Mm-hm.
[siren blaring in distance]
Will you check in on Tom?
I'm kinda worried about him.
You bet.
[Officer Dorado]
If you have any concerns,
don't hesitate to call.
Thank you.
[mysterious music playing]
[Frederick]
Don't make me take off my belt.
Anthony!
[Tom gasping]
[grunts]
[belt rattles]
[dramatic musical sting]
[grunts]
This asshole's never giving our
cleaning deposit back.
- Peek-a-boo!
- [Marie giggles]
Let's see who can
get a taller one.
Hey, buckaroo!
[laughs]
Look, you're finally
wearing the dress
and it looks
quite lovely on you.
I'll be staying for dinner.
Did you get the chops
I sent over?
You know, I bought that dress
for my Alice more than
20 years ago.
Mm-hm.
Hey, hey.
Oh, I got your nose!
[both laughing]
[Frederick] Have you
been a good boy this week?
[upbeat music playing]
[Frederick laughs]
What about you Marie?
Have you been a good girl?
[chopping]
Considering the circumstances.
Such as... this house,
which I bought and paid for,
the groceries, the diapers
that are delivered to you
seven days a week.
You might wanna be
a little careful.
I'll get the impression
that you're not very grateful.
Please try not to
overcook the chops.
Otherwise, I'm gonna
have to dine at Joanne's.
I hope you're
not jealous of her.
You know, Joanne...
[sighs]
she's not very good
at keeping a clean house.
Or keeping secrets.
[clicks tongue]
If I were you,
I wouldn't be sharing
anything with her
that, well, unless you
want the whole neighborhood
to know about it.
I didn't say anything to her.
If you truly believe
what Joanne says you believe,
well, you really should
notify the authorities.
You look like
you've seen a ghost.
- Oh!
- [knife rattles]
Why did you do that?
Hm?
Everything was perfect.
Just like I imagined.
My orange queen.
Please. Please. Please.
I'm afraid we're gonna
spoil this dress.
I took Graham,
now I'm taking Eldridge.
- [gags]
- [knife slices]
[upbeat music playing]
[tense music playing]
- Hm.
- [Eldridge mutters]
Shh. Mommy's sleeping.
[retching]
- [breathing heavily]
- [knocking on door]
[tense music playing]
[Tom] Eldridge?
You never left.
[exhales]
[phone rattles]
[whispering] Come on, come on...
[woman] 911, what's the nature
of your emergency?
Hello, 911.
[whispering] Yes, uh, please
send a car to 1960 Marion Lane,
Mandarin, California.
I'm sorry, I can't hear you.
Can you speak up?
[quietly] Can you hear me?
[door opens]
[tense music playing]
[house alarm blaring]
[grunts]
[keys beeping]
[alarm stops]
[man on dispatch] Car 22,
we have reports of a 911 call
from 1960 Marion Lane.
Copy that. On our way.
Down the road from our 419.
I hate coincidences.
[engine starts]
[doorbell rings]
[Eldridge] Oh, fuck.
Evening, sir.
I'm Sergeant Choe.
We received a 911 call
from this address.
You know I...
I think I accidentally
knocked the phone off the hook.
I probably autodialed you.
[Officer Dorado]
What's your name, sir?
Eldridge Banner.
Oh. Hey, Mr. Banner.
We didn't realize
you lived here.
Do you rent this home
on Home Rentz?
You know, the Mandarin police
just keep getting prettier.
Well, Mr. Banner, uh,
there seems to have been
a big mix up.
We were told there was
a Tom Levin at this address.
No, I think you're mistaken.
Did you order
any takeout tonight?
No, I cook.
Tonight was, uh,
grass-fed liver with broad beans
paired with an '09 Amarone.
It was truly exquisite.
[inhales deeply]
[Sergeant Choe]
That sounds delicious.
Got me hungry.
Are you sure
there's no one else in here?
No sweetie, not a soul.
Would you mind if we come in
and take a look around.
Uh, that won't be necessary.
Uh, we're really sorry
to trouble you, Mr. Banner.
We'll be on our way.
No problem at all officers.
I'll see you at the, uh,
next fundraiser.
- Yeah.
- Alright.
Have a safe night.
[grunts]
Where the hell
did this hole come from?
- [door closes]
- Dude, what the hell was that?
He wrote a ten million
dollar check to bail out
the department.
Dude holds a lot of weight
around here.
We have a witness
and a delivery slip
that places our vic
at this house.
What if Dodgeson
faked the receipts?
- Or Banner's lying!
- Come on.
Williams and Cryer can follow up
with the restaurant owner.
[tense music playing]
Yo, hold on a sec.
What?
What is going on?
[Officer Dorado indistinct]
- [muffled shouting]
- [car horn beeping]
Come on, if we hurry we can get
some fried chicken wrapped tacos
before the drive-in closes.
[sighs] Fucking moron.
Don't even think about it.
I wanna see
the footage from earlier.
[scoffs]
You can run that by Chief Grady.
Are we gonna serve and protect
or what?
The only thing I want served
is a greasy fried taco.
Come on. Let's go.
[engine starts]
[car drives off]
[line trilling]
[sighs]
[cart wheeling]
[automated voice]
Please, leave your message
for 3-0-3-6-1-0...
[beep]
Hey. I'm worried.
Just let me know you're okay.
[phone clicks off]
[grunts]
Ah, shit.
[jazz music playing]
[grunts]
[chuckles]
I saw him kill you.
I-I felt like I...
like I was you.
[Marie] He welcomed us to
the neighborhood with a smile.
And then one by one
he took our husbands away.
He's still here.
Plotting his return.
Return?!
Come on, the dude's dead.
That won't stop him.
He's stuck in the house
he died in.
Help me put an end to him.
I think I'm just gonna
call an Uber
and introduce your son's face
to this shovel.
I designed you.
I built you.
You have a purpose.
I have a purpose.
[tense music playing]
[softly]
Keep drinking, fuck face.
[breathing deeply]
[door creaks]
[car door opens, closes]
[car engine starts]
[car drives away]
[water dripping]
[door creaking]
[gasps]
[wolves howling]
[engine starts]
[elevator dings]
[phone ringing]
- Alice.
- Hey.
I just submitted
your recommendation.
Hm.
[exhales]
Thank God.
- I so need this.
- I know. I know.
[exhales]
[tense music playing]
Tom?
Tom.
Tom?
[line trilling]
[automated voice indistinct]
Hey, it's me.
I had a tough night.
I need you to try and understand
what it's like to be me.
How tough this move
is for me, too.
And if you leave
after I've asked you
to show up and stick around
it just tells me
you're not invested in us.
[phone clicks off]
[muted dialogue]
She's not safe here.
[Tom] Can you warn her?
She doesn't believe in
the hereafter.
I don't remember.
He drowned you.
[Tom] Show me how to stop him.
Nice police work.
[phone clicks]
[line trilling]
[Officer Dorado]
Hey, Manny, um, I think
I found the murder weapon.
It's an architectural
bow compass.
What the hell's that?
It's a--
it's a metallic instrument.
Dual pointed. Architects use it.
[scoffs]
So Levin or Banner?
Banner.
[Sergeant Choe]
You got a motive?
I'm working on it.
Raquel, both of our salaries
are pretty much covered
by Eldridge Banner.
Call Chief Grady
before you do anything stupid.
Okay.
[phone clicks off]
Forget about your hand.
It's not really there.
Know you're moving the piece
before you even try.
You have to focus.
It's hard.
Our minds are...
what's left
of them are always hazy.
Maybe I'm just a checkers guy.
My husband and I
never finished this game.
It must have been hard
watching Eldridge...
turn into his father.
Drove me mad.
I didn't have
the strength to stop him.
No, but you had the guts
to grab that knife and try.
You tried to be a good mother.
- What was your mother like?
- She had a great laugh.
A mountain of curly black hair.
When I was seven
we went for a car ride.
No seatbelts.
I stumbled out of the car
and, uh...
she was laying there
in a sea of broken glass.
I was scared a lot growing up.
Feelings were something that...
real men ignored.
Feelings are all
that's left of us.
Not exactly.
[phone ringing]
Officer Raquel Dorado.
[Alice on phone] Hi, Officer.
This is Alice Dodgeson.
Did you and your partner
speak with my husband
last night?
Your husband wasn't at
the address you provided,
uh, the owner was.
- What?
- Eldridge Banner.
He said he'd never
heard of a Tom Levin.
[tense music playing]
Are you sure
you had the right house?
One-nine-six-zero Marion Lane.
Eldridge was in
this house last night?
He was. I saw him myself.
Officer, I have a bad feeling
my husband didn't just leave.
Can you come here now please?
Yes, of course. I'm on my way.
[Marie]
This is how we can warn her.
- [Frederick on film] If I may?
- [Emil on film] Be my guest.
The purpose of architecture...
The purpose of architecture
is that after one has, um...
moved on from this plane...
Hm?
One has created something
that will live forever.
[Emil] This is true.
You've gotten more professorial
in your age.
- [Frederick laughs]
- You, uh...
You, uh, have a tendency
to be good at lecturing.
I knew what you were saying.
However, what if I were
to tell you
you're looking at it
all backward.
[Frederick laughs]
My blueprints,
I insisted that you used
for a reason far greater,
uh, and consequential
than maximizing
the square footage of a home.
Years ago,
I came upon a grimoire,
and it told about
the ancient wraith
of the blood deed.
During a rare blood wolf moon,
it's possible
to impregnate a woman
with an inhabitant...
of the underground.
The spirit is able
to escape death
and gets reborn.
Requisite is a proper
architectural space.
A man and a woman.
The vessel is the woman.
[Emil continues
on film indistinct]
[knob rattles]
[door opens, closes]
Tom?
- Hello.
- Oh.
I must have gotten
the days mixed up.
Uh, we have it booked
till tomorrow.
Were you here last night?
You must be Alice.
I'm Eldridge, the owner.
Why are you here?
My husband'll
be here any second.
I doubt that.
You know, I'm automatically
attracted to beautiful women.
[grunts]
[tense music playing]
[Eldridge grunts, shouts]
Alice!
Please! Somebody help!
Please!
Please...
- Oh, please!
- [horn honking]
[muffled screams]
[syringe hisses]
[grunts]
[panting]
She took you over.
Don't blame me!
[Marie] You blacked out
by the pool and I-I just...
I fell into you.
I didn't even know that I could.
[Eldridge] Who are you?
[Marie's voice] Elly.
I'm your mother.
Bullshit.
Your father murdered me.
She left him.
That's how he knew
women couldn't be trusted.
No, no. He trusted the nanny
and maids to raise you.
My nanny was a mother to me.
Your nanny was a prisoner.
She knew he slit my throat
in front of you.
You're not her.
I possessed this body.
And I didn't--
I didn't mean to.
But I'm here,
and I beg of you to please
put down that knife.
Whoever you are,
if you die in another body
you'll plummet into an abyss
of excruciating madness.
I've already had
a lifetime of that.
Elly, don't be like him.
You're not like him.
I'm just like him.
He was a great man.
He's going to be great again.
[grunting]
[knife clatters]
[Marie]
I was trying to stop him.
- I can't believe you!
- [Marie] It was a mistake!
I...
What the hell was your plan?
I put on your clothes, I...
I wanted to stop him.
To try and save you two
from being here forever.
I left your body
right before he...
drowned you.
I'm so sorry.
Help me finish what you started.
[Marie] I think as long as he's
unconscious you can possess him.
I guess it's my turn to drive.
[moans softly]
Tom?
[Tom] I'm here, honey.
Was so worried about you.
He drugged me.
[Tom] I'm taking care of him.
Just rest, okay?
[Alice] Where's your ring?
[Tom] Don't worry.
[digging]
[mysterious music playing]
[whispers] Doctor...
Are you okay? Are you hurt?
[moans softly]
Eldridge... drugged me.
- Find Tom.
- Okay.
- Please find him.
- Okay. Just stay here.
Don't go anywhere, okay?
[tense music playing]
[Officer Dorado] Drop the shovel
and put your hands on your head.
Put your hands on your head.
Let me handle this.
So who's pretty now?
Have we met?
I'm the cop you said was pretty.
Look... I'm not
who you think I am.
I think you're a piece of shit
burying some dude
in your back yard.
Get on your knees.
Well, you're not entirely off.
Technically, I'm unburying him.
Is that Tom Levin?
Sort of.
Look, I'm-I'm doing this
to show you what he's...
what I've done.
[doorbell rings]
You expecting someone?
Chief, I found him burying
a corpse in the backyard.
This true?
Arrest me.
Just take care of Alice.
You don't wanna hurt her?
You care about her?
- Where's Dr. Dodgeson?
- [Officer Dorado]
She's in the bedroom.
She was tranquilized.
But she's-she's stable
and she's semi-conscious.
You've got some
explaining to do.
It's Tom Levin.
Banner was throwing dirt
on him when I arrived.
My father
committed multiple murders.
This whole property's
a graveyard.
Get on your knees.
- Sir, what are you--
- On your knees, I said.
- What are you doing? This--
- It's okay, Dorado.
I wanna know
what in the hell is going on.
- Chief, what--
- [gunshot]
Now tell me why you don't
recognize your goddamn brother.
[scoffs] So much trouble
to cover our tracks.
Took care of anyone
who knew you were here.
Yet somehow you got
the upper hand, Mr. Levin.
You learn quickly, Mr. Levin.
Utilizing the space
inside our creations
is the hallmark
of a great architect.
[grunts]
[choking]
Leave my wife alone.
You are no longer of the world.
She is mine to claim.
Despite my instructions
to find a fiery haired vixen,
Eldridge chose your Alice
as my vessel.
Women were put here
to tempt us, to vex us.
The true work of man
is to shut Pandora
back in her box.
Some things like you, Mr. Levin,
were not built to last.
Oh... my God...
How many years has it been?
Hm?
You been
watching the whole time.
Scheming, muck up my plans.
You don't have power
over me anymore.
You already took everything.
No, it was you
that took from me.
You ungrateful trollop.
You never loved me.
[laughs]
[Marie] See you in hell.
You'll have to wait
another lifetime, dear.
I plan to stay a while.
[distorted yelling]
[Marie] Tom?
Tom?! Where are you?
[yelling]
[Marie] Tom?!
[Tom] Marie?!
[gasps]
[Tom] Marie?!
What is this place?
Where are you?
[yelling]
[Marie] He trapped us here.
Can you find me?
Follow my voice.
Tom... reach for me.
[chanting in foreign language]
We have reached the equinox
of the blood wolf moon.
The time to conjure our father
back into this world.
[chanting in foreign language]
[Marie] Tom, reach for me.
Don't look back.
How did we escape?
Same as Frederick.
My eavesdropping
finally paid off.
She'll be unconscious.
Possess her and you can
catch them off-guard.
[Tom]
She didn't train ten years
just to change his diapers.
Let our brother Eldridge
receive the wandering ghost.
Wraith of the blood deed.
Our father who has been
with us from seed... to soul.
[man] Let us imbibe the blood
of our vessel's lover.
[Alice moans softly]
No, s-stop...
I wouldn't wanna sleep
through this either.
[Alice grunts softly]
She's about to
become part of history.
Consecrate her
to our orange king.
[cup clatters]
[Alice breathing shakily]
My boys.
Let us summon
my perfection back...
into the world of matter.
Behind these walls
surrounded by looking glass
we do as we wish.
[Tom] She's awake!
[chokes]
[Alice] Don't!
[Marie]
She needs to be unconscious.
[all] Blood and honor.
We do as we wish.
[tense music playing]
[grunts]
Father! Father!
Stop her!
[screaming]
[Tom] She came to!
You've ruined everything!
[Alice screaming]
Get off me! No!
[grunting]
Why don't you try on
hot head over there?
[groaning]
[dramatic music playing]
[screams]
[groans]
[panting]
[groans]
Why are you struggling?
[groans]
Through the ages
you've been good
for only one thing.
The thing I need.
To give me more time.
[grunts]
Your time's up, motherfucker!
[groans]
[woman] 911, what's the nature
of your emergency?
- Tom?
- Yeah?
What happened to you?
Don't worry about me.
Help is on the way.
[exhales]
Hold my hand.
[Tom] Okay.
Pressure's falling.
No, hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey...
You're not dying tonight.
Hey... Okay.
I'm sorry I wasn't here for you
when I should have been.
I could have
listened to you more.
I could have put myself
in your shoes.
[soft chuckle]
You would have
hated those shoes.
[both laughing]
I'm glad you're holding my hand.
You're holding mine.
I don't wanna live in
a Banner house.
No, no. Absolutely not.
Maybe a... Paul Williams
if it's on the market.
If you're looking for modernism.
But not a troubled architect.
Shut up.
Hey.
- Mm.
- Mm.
It's gonna be okay.
Yeah.
I love you.
I love you, too.
[people chattering]
What a shit show.
What are my vitals?
Hey, you're gonna be okay.
Take me to the hospital please.
[siren blaring]
[monitor beeping]
[Tom] The truth was staring
at me through the glass.
But I didn't see it.
[Marie] Love is showing up
and sticking around.
[mysterious music playing]
[static warbling]
[boy] Hey, Mom, why do
these cookies taste so good?
[announcer]
Kids, they're made with lard.
Legum Lard
[boy] Boy, that's crisp.
[announcer]
Cunningham Spray Starch,
for shirts as crisp
as the bacon he brings home.
[man] Anthony.
[static buzzing]
[music playing on radio]
[upbeat music playing on radio]
[vehicle approaching]
[grunts softly]
[man] Anthony.
- [Anthony] Mr. Banner.
- [chuckles]
- How are things?
- Copacetic, Mr. Banner.
Copacetic.
Little something for the wifey?
[Anthony]
Yeah, I just stopped off.
So how does the missus
like my neighborhood?
- Oh, she's on cloud nine.
- Ah...
[exclaims]
Whoo-hoo! Oh...
[Anthony] It's... it's sleek.
She's quite a possession.
She is.
Uh, Mr. Banner,
I probably shouldn't keep,
uh, Joanne waiting.
- Mm-hm.
- Excuse me.
Alright...
[bird squawking]
[door opens]
[Anthony] Hi, doll.
[Joanne] What took you so long?
Frederick... Banner.
[sighs]
He cornered me again.
He's off.
I caught him staring at me
while I was in the garden
the other day.
What?!
Joanne, I said I didn't want you
to speak to him.
Seriously.
- How was your day?
- It was okay.
I wish I was out and about
like you, having adventures.
- I did get you something.
- You shouldn't have.
[exhales]
Did you get me a new drill
to fix the dishwasher?
- No...
- [package rattles]
You got me books.
Did you find a copy
of the Naked Lunch?
Open it.
Nope.
Undies.
[laughs]
Come on, Joanne,
don't be a wet rag.
Go put 'em on.
Am I just here
for your amusement?
Sometimes.
[Joanne laughs]
[bottle sprays]
Margie Grady
said the new pulp novel
by Robert Bloch was good.
[whimsical music playing]
You're gonna like what you see!
This is where you belong
Here I have the keys
What are you doing here?
You and Anthony
look so happy together.
I admit, I haven't felt like
that since my Alice passed.
[tense music playing]
You sure do look lovely, Joanne.
Anthony!
Lower your voice, please.
- Don't make me
take off my belt.
- [belt unbuckles]
Anthony!
Anthony!
Anthony!
[mysterious music playing]
[narrator] These are the first
of the Banner homes.
Built in the late 50s
by architectural icon
Frederick Banner.
Beautiful on the outside,
but step inside
and the picture darkens.
[phone chimes]
[sniffs]
You smell nice tonight, Alice.
Two COVID patients,
two cardiac patients.
Prepare for a long night.
- [pager bleeping]
- [man on PA]
Paging Doctor Volker.
Don't go anywhere.
[woman on PA indistinct]
[phone chimes]
[woman on TV] Keep your eyes
on clear skies tonight
for this lunar event
that hasn't been
visible for decades.
The National Weather Service
says that tonight
the Southland will be able
to witness
a rare lunar eclipse
of the blood wolf moon.
Your place is amazing.
You know,
Frederick Banner inspired me
to study architecture.
Alice might have mentioned that.
[laughing]
[laughs]
You never thought about
going into medicine, Tom?
Oh, he faints
at the sight of blood.
Mm. I couldn't stare death
square in the face.
Not like you superheroes.
So, Tom, you're thinking of,
uh, relocating your practice?
We're still
working out the details.
But if I had to be
stuck in a house...
we could do worse than this.
- Cheers.
- [Alice] Cheers.
[glasses clink]
[woman] We're so glad
you could stop by.
It's not often we get to
have docs try out ER call.
[man] Get a good nap in.
It's gonna be busy tonight
with a full moon.
[exhales] Thank you.
- Good to see you!
- So good to see you, too.
- Buy, guys.
- Pleasure. Okay.
Put yourself in my shoes.
I don't know,
they don't look comfortable.
[laughs]
- You insisted I wear them.
- Mm-hm.
Mm.
Kerri and Hal are sweet
and this job's perfect.
And the firm's
finally taking off.
Six years of work
out the window.
And Beverly Gordon
will be thrilled.
[birds squawking]
[Alice] I know how hard you
worked and you can do that here.
I work harder
just to be taken seriously.
Hey, believe me, I want you
far, far away from that creep.
Okay?
Maybe this is our opportunity
to start a family.
I trained for a decade,
became an expert
in the middle of a pandemic,
all while getting nasty looks
from wrinkled, White,
thirsty docs who were
more interested in my heels
- than in what I was saying.
- Mm.
So, right now,
I'm not dropping everything
to change diapers.
Can you think about
me too, honey?
I mean...
[car door opens]
[door closes]
Damn it.
Alright.
[Alice] It's this one here.
What?
See?
I'm always thinking of you.
You're right
and I'm so sorry.
I've just been under
a lot of pressure lately.
Pull an all-nighter,
I won't be here to bother you.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Right here. Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Let's go check it out.
Okay.
[alarm beeping]
Wow.
[chuckles]
- Here?
- Yeah.
Oh, uh, alarm code's
star 237.
- Star 237.
- Yes.
[alarm blaring]
- Star 237. Got it.
- [alarm stops]
Got a note.
"Welcome to your
home away from home.
This modest dwelling
was one of the first built
by architect and builder
Frederick Banner in 1955."
- What?
- [laughs]
"Please
make yourself comfortable
and enjoy Saturday's eclipse.
Call with any questions.
Eldridge."
Frederick Banner.
This is killer.
- [both chuckle]
- Oh, my God.
"After shuffling off
this mortal coil
my temple remains.
Frederick Banner."
It's a bit extra.
Frederick Banner.
Whoa.
Dude's temple isn't
the only thing that remains.
You'll love that.
- [sniffs] Ooh!
- That's the good stuff.
[mysterious music playing]
[Alice] This is a mood.
- [Tom] Yeah, it is.
- [Alice] Mm-hm.
That's an Emil Larson.
- Oh.
- Mm.
Maybe we put
a bedsheet over it?
[needle hits]
[whimsical music playing]
This is where you belong
Here I have the keys
Step into your new home
I'll care for
all your needs
This is where you belong
It's where our life
will begin
Okay.
[birds chirping]
[life support machine beeping]
[woman] Hi, my sweet baby.
Mommy loves you so much.
I'm-I'm gonna be home soon.
Okay?
I just wanna see my family.
Do you think...
[breathes deeply]
...I'll see them again?
Somewhere else,
do you believe in that?
[Alice] I don't know, Marley.
[rapid beeping]
[gasps] Mm...
You mean you didn't hear me?
- Mm-mm.
- Mm-hm.
- There you go.
- Thank you.
Thank you for this.
I don't know,
do you think I can really
create something truly iconic?
If we're talking about your
bartending skills, then, yes.
Yeah.
[laughs]
Look, the mid-century
was great.
I think I just
missed my time.
Don't go there with that shit.
No, no, no.
I'm talking about the style.
Real talk, this reminds me
of my gram's photos
from in the day.
She would have been redlined
right out of this neighborhood,
you know.
But go ahead and be
the man of the house
she cleaned.
Light up a Pall Mall,
sip some bourbon--
Okay, real talk.
I didn't mean it that way.
You can go live in any time,
but you can't bring me.
Which is exactly why
I'm staying right here, honey.
[bang on window]
- [softly] Jesus.
- [softly] Oh, my God.
[normal voice]
It came from outside.
[tense music playing]
Ah, hell.
Poor bird.
Hand me the shovel.
[Tom] A shovel?
Yeah.
[bird chirps]
[exhales]
I can't believe
you killed that bird.
The window killed it,
I just shuffled it off
the mortal coil.
[Tom] See that?
[Alice] Do you think
he's watching us
in a lounge chair
in the Caribbean?
Ooh...
Yeah, yeah. Um...
Let's definitely not
skinny dip.
[jazz music playing
on record player]
- Mm, wait.
- What, what, what?
Wait, wait, wait.
[laughs]
Are you gonna move here
if I get it?
Um...
can it be a Banner home?
Just not this one.
- Sold.
- Deal.
[laughs]
- [Tom] I love this place.
- [Alice] I'm glad.
Mm.
I'm glad you're here.
I still can't get over the way
you straight up
murdered that bird.
[both laughing]
Death doesn't faze me.
I see it every day.
The real struggle is living
with people
that don't respect me.
Well, I respect you.
I've been there for
a lot of people at the end.
They just wanted to be seen
and to feel safe.
Taking this job
would make me feel safe.
Well, let's hope
they offer it to you.
- I'm not saying take the L.
- Mm.
Maybe this is a fresh start
for you, too?
Maybe.
- [chuckles] Order food.
- Yes, Doctor.
- Doesn't get old.
- I know it doesn't.
- Say it again.
- Yes, Doctor.
- Okay. [laughs]
- Okay. [laughs]
[mysterious music playing]
[coughs]
[laughs]
[doorbell rings]
Hey...
Oh, hey, you're not
the regular dude.
No. No, um...
We're just renting it
for the weekend.
Hey, uh, so Eldridge
is a regular, huh?
Regular?
[laughs]
Yeah.
Normal, not so much, bro.
Okay, uh... [chuckles]
What's so strange about him?
Just the way he looks at me.
I can't put it into words, man.
But I'm telling you bro, like--
Sleep with one eye open.
Okay, I'll tell him you said hi.
Bon appetite.
[laughs]
[jazz music playing
on record player]
- Hello.
- Hello. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Let's build a fire
tomorrow night.
Crack open
one of Eldridge's bottles
and watch this eclipse
everyone keeps talking about.
[laughs]
You're really taking his
"make yourself comfortable"
seriously.
Mm.
[dog barking in distance]
[upbeat music playing on radio]
[tire punctures]
[mysterious music playing]
[crickets chirping]
A fucking flat?
[man] Eldridge?
[groaning]
[Eldridge] No one can know.
[Alice] Will you look around
for new places for sale?
Is there something
you wanna say?
[Tom sighs]
Hey...
Honey...
Oh, come on, you don't have to
be at the hospital until 7:00.
Hey, I didn't say no.
There's just...
[sighs]
There's a lot to consider,
you know.
Grams used to say,
"Love is showing up
and sticking around."
Hey...
I...
Show up and stick around.
[door opens, closes]
[door locks]
[door creaks]
[tense music playing]
[door creaks]
Hello?
Wow...
Jesus.
Frederick Banner.
[tense music sting]
[door opens, closes]
[Kerri]
Was San Diego worse than here?
I held a lot of hands
in their final minutes.
[Kerri] Hm.
But the hard part
was our Head of Trauma.
[woman on PA indistinct]
Couldn't keep his hands off me.
- [exhales]
- Yeah.
We've all been there.
But honestly not at this job.
Would that affect
your decision?
[sighs]
Tom would rather me
start a family than work.
[chuckles] Hal, too.
He's been trying
to get me pregnant,
but I have lupus.
Sticking up for yourself in
a relationship never feels good.
Yeah. I mean, Hal comes from
a dysfunctional family
- and wants a "do over".
- Mm.
And he's convinced himself
that we both want
the same thing.
You have family?
Mine passed.
Uh, but Tom
has family in Arizona.
Mm.
How's the Banner house?
I mean, Hal thought that would,
you know, convince Tom.
Uh, no, the home rent thing
worked out great.
It's perfect for Tom.
'Course I'd be more comfortable
pretending it's not 1955.
No! [laughs]
I mean, I sure as shit
don't wanna go back.
- [laughs]
- I am way too into
my birth control pill.
[laughs] Yeah.
[owl hooting]
[mysterious music playing]
"The missing husbands
of Mandarin."
[typing on phone]
[mysterious music continues]
[woman on phone]
I'm leaving any minute now.
[Tom] Yeah, I figured
you'd still be there.
[woman on phone] Beverly Gordon
has called twice.
Listen... I need a favor.
Are you procrastinating
or did you miss me?
If I tell you I miss you
will you do me the favor?
I need you to look for a book
with the orange binding.
You're procrastinating.
Why can't we just Wikipedia him
like normal people?
I did. A lot was missing.
Beverly Gordon
is going to kill you
if you don't finish her plans.
The Strange Life
of Frederick Banner.
Yes. Yes, yes, yes, that's it.
Now I remember there being, um,
a lot of photos
of Banner in his home.
There are a lot of photos
in front of houses.
Okay. Well, look for a photo
of him standing in front of
an old Ford Thunderbird.
[woman on phone]
This is probably it.
What's the address of the house?
[woman] 1960 Marion Lane.
I knew it.
I'm in his actual house.
[chuckles]
What's it like?
Well, it's like
stepping back in time.
Only... smaller than I thought,
but lived in.
Probably died in, too.
Flip to the table of contents.
I-I remember reading
years ago that Banner
was obsessed with the occult.
You don't pay me enough
to read the whole goddamn book
on a Friday night.
Hannah, Just find the chapter
and what was so strange
about the dude.
Okay, um... His wife Alice
disappeared under mysterious
circumstances in 1958.
- Her name was Alice?
- Looks like it.
Uh, rumors he was polygamist.
He was technically
married twice.
Second time
to a Joanne Waxtan-Banner
until his death in '83.
How did Banner die?
Um, at home.
His wife died
from a heart attack
a month later in the same house.
His young son
went into foster care.
A chunk of this
is about Emil Larson
and his influence on Banner.
Well, Larson
looks super sketch.
You should see his paintings.
[chuckles]
Contemporaries said
Larson and Banner
started a secret society,
The Brotherhood
of the Orange King.
Blah, blah, blah.
Some garbage called
"human transmutation".
"To bring forth
an immortal being."
[laughs] Look...
These guys
were obviously bananas.
Can I go now?
No. Um, um...
Send me all the photographs
in that book of Banner
with women. Okay?
[groans]
I'm missing happy hour.
Well, in a few minutes
you can bounce.
How's it going?
You kill Alice yet?
I think they're gonna
offer her the job.
So...
what do that mean for us?
Well...
I guess I have to consider
becoming a Mandarin County
housewife.
Want a change of scenery?
I thought things weren't
going well between you two?
Sometimes you have to
make sacrifices.
Sounds like you're done with me.
Finish the Gordon project.
[dial tone]
[phone hangs up]
[mysterious music playing]
[exhales]
Multiple wives, multiple lives.
Eldridge.
Marie Verdin.
[sighs]
[tense music playing]
Prep bay five.
Grab two units of O negative.
Patient found in vehicle
with multiple stab wounds
to the neck and abdomen.
- Total blood loss?
- There were two liters left
- on the floor of the ambulance.
- Let's move.
[monitors beeping]
He's lost too much blood.
The dude said,
"No one can know"...
[mutters]
[flatline sound]
[crickets chirping]
[Beverly]
Oh, a seamless integration
of indoor and outdoor space.
I see you were inspired by
Frederick Banner.
That's right, Ms. Gordon.
Banner Homes
are built for entertaining.
[Beverly] Yes, well,
I'm looking for something
that lasts for more than
just a handful of parties.
I need something that will
last for decades.
An iconic home,
that generations from now
will stand out
as a true achievement.
Mr. Levin,
I motivate people for a living.
Clearly you knew
what you were getting into.
[exhales] I appreciate
your patience, ma'am.
Maybe I'm just, uh,
the wrong guy for the job.
Don't give me that.
Now you haven't lived
until you've created something
that will last.
Ms. Gordon,
we would be more than happy
to reassess the property.
[chuckles]
Were you really
under the impression
I was spending
ten million dollars
to have a place
to stuff my furniture?
Look at your initial proposal.
And read the Warhol quote
you included!
"The idea isn't to live forever,
but to create something
that will."
You feel me?
[tense music playing]
Oh, I must be losing my shit.
[chuckles]
Oh, what the fuck?!
[exhales]
Hi, this is Dr. Alice Dodgeson.
If this is a medical emergency
please hang up and dial 911.
[answering machine beeps]
[phone vibrating]
I'm gone. Headed to the Gaslamp.
Hey, look... [sighs]
I just wanted to apologize.
You sounded mad.
So this is just a job for me?
Hannah...
I think we have a
great working relationship.
And so what I'm trying to say--
Think about someone
besides yourself for once.
I think I saw someone
in this house.
[Hannah on phone]
I've got two martinis waiting.
[phone clicks off]
[sighs]
[crickets chirping]
I noticed your tire's low.
I know that it's low.
Thanks.
No one can know.
Excuse me?
[yelping]
[screaming]
[arms flailing against seat]
[phone vibrating]
Alice.
Kerri told me
about that patient.
I'm so sorry.
Thanks.
Hasn't been an easy night...
but I've seen worse.
Yeah, me too.
Look, I hope you
consider staying with us.
Could really use you
around here.
Thanks, Hal.
[clears throat]
If you'll excuse me?
[mysterious music playing]
Do you live here?
I used to.
I've been waiting for
someone like you.
[woman]
There are multiple stab wounds
to the abdomen.
[woman 2] Knife?
No.
Puncture wounds, see...
by two fine points.
Are we talking vampires, Doc?
Not a thirsty one.
He was covered in blood.
Um... is there any ink
in the wounds?
Um...
Let's wait for the labs.
Looks like a painful way to go.
[female officer]
Alright, thank you so much.
Mm-hm.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Oh...
[whimsical music playing]
This is where you belong
Here I have the keys
Step into your new home
I'll care for
all your needs
This is where you belong
It's where our life
will begin
[door creaks]
Whenever you're by my side
You'll never...
[music stops]
[tense music playing]
Jesus!
I've been waiting for
someone like you.
Aurantiaco Rex.
By Emil Larsen.
[Emil]
The mid-century modern home
is built so that no one
even can see beyond the walls.
You want me to dig a hole?
[scoffs]
- [music lyrics indistinct]
- [man choking]
Frederick!
[choking]
The perfect life
we have built
Goodbye, Graham.
[groans]
Where's my damn phone?
[dial tone]
[rotary phone whirrs]
[line ringing]
[woman] 911, what's the nature
of your emergency?
Um, hi... Uh...
I-I don't know
if it's an emergency
but I-I really would
like to talk to someone.
What's the nature
of your emergency?
I think I found
some human remains.
Hello?
Hello?!
[static screeching]
[dial tone]
His last words were,
"Dude said no one could know."
Do you think the dude he was
referring to was your husband?
I don't think so.
It was probably
just a coincidence.
We don't believe
in coincidences.
Tell us about
your husband, ma'am.
Doctor.
He's an architect.
We've been married three years.
[male officer]
Is your husband a violent man?
No.
You two getting along okay?
Mm-hm.
[siren blaring in distance]
Will you check in on Tom?
I'm kinda worried about him.
You bet.
[Officer Dorado]
If you have any concerns,
don't hesitate to call.
Thank you.
[mysterious music playing]
[Frederick]
Don't make me take off my belt.
Anthony!
[Tom gasping]
[grunts]
[belt rattles]
[dramatic musical sting]
[grunts]
This asshole's never giving our
cleaning deposit back.
- Peek-a-boo!
- [Marie giggles]
Let's see who can
get a taller one.
Hey, buckaroo!
[laughs]
Look, you're finally
wearing the dress
and it looks
quite lovely on you.
I'll be staying for dinner.
Did you get the chops
I sent over?
You know, I bought that dress
for my Alice more than
20 years ago.
Mm-hm.
Hey, hey.
Oh, I got your nose!
[both laughing]
[Frederick] Have you
been a good boy this week?
[upbeat music playing]
[Frederick laughs]
What about you Marie?
Have you been a good girl?
[chopping]
Considering the circumstances.
Such as... this house,
which I bought and paid for,
the groceries, the diapers
that are delivered to you
seven days a week.
You might wanna be
a little careful.
I'll get the impression
that you're not very grateful.
Please try not to
overcook the chops.
Otherwise, I'm gonna
have to dine at Joanne's.
I hope you're
not jealous of her.
You know, Joanne...
[sighs]
she's not very good
at keeping a clean house.
Or keeping secrets.
[clicks tongue]
If I were you,
I wouldn't be sharing
anything with her
that, well, unless you
want the whole neighborhood
to know about it.
I didn't say anything to her.
If you truly believe
what Joanne says you believe,
well, you really should
notify the authorities.
You look like
you've seen a ghost.
- Oh!
- [knife rattles]
Why did you do that?
Hm?
Everything was perfect.
Just like I imagined.
My orange queen.
Please. Please. Please.
I'm afraid we're gonna
spoil this dress.
I took Graham,
now I'm taking Eldridge.
- [gags]
- [knife slices]
[upbeat music playing]
[tense music playing]
- Hm.
- [Eldridge mutters]
Shh. Mommy's sleeping.
[retching]
- [breathing heavily]
- [knocking on door]
[tense music playing]
[Tom] Eldridge?
You never left.
[exhales]
[phone rattles]
[whispering] Come on, come on...
[woman] 911, what's the nature
of your emergency?
Hello, 911.
[whispering] Yes, uh, please
send a car to 1960 Marion Lane,
Mandarin, California.
I'm sorry, I can't hear you.
Can you speak up?
[quietly] Can you hear me?
[door opens]
[tense music playing]
[house alarm blaring]
[grunts]
[keys beeping]
[alarm stops]
[man on dispatch] Car 22,
we have reports of a 911 call
from 1960 Marion Lane.
Copy that. On our way.
Down the road from our 419.
I hate coincidences.
[engine starts]
[doorbell rings]
[Eldridge] Oh, fuck.
Evening, sir.
I'm Sergeant Choe.
We received a 911 call
from this address.
You know I...
I think I accidentally
knocked the phone off the hook.
I probably autodialed you.
[Officer Dorado]
What's your name, sir?
Eldridge Banner.
Oh. Hey, Mr. Banner.
We didn't realize
you lived here.
Do you rent this home
on Home Rentz?
You know, the Mandarin police
just keep getting prettier.
Well, Mr. Banner, uh,
there seems to have been
a big mix up.
We were told there was
a Tom Levin at this address.
No, I think you're mistaken.
Did you order
any takeout tonight?
No, I cook.
Tonight was, uh,
grass-fed liver with broad beans
paired with an '09 Amarone.
It was truly exquisite.
[inhales deeply]
[Sergeant Choe]
That sounds delicious.
Got me hungry.
Are you sure
there's no one else in here?
No sweetie, not a soul.
Would you mind if we come in
and take a look around.
Uh, that won't be necessary.
Uh, we're really sorry
to trouble you, Mr. Banner.
We'll be on our way.
No problem at all officers.
I'll see you at the, uh,
next fundraiser.
- Yeah.
- Alright.
Have a safe night.
[grunts]
Where the hell
did this hole come from?
- [door closes]
- Dude, what the hell was that?
He wrote a ten million
dollar check to bail out
the department.
Dude holds a lot of weight
around here.
We have a witness
and a delivery slip
that places our vic
at this house.
What if Dodgeson
faked the receipts?
- Or Banner's lying!
- Come on.
Williams and Cryer can follow up
with the restaurant owner.
[tense music playing]
Yo, hold on a sec.
What?
What is going on?
[Officer Dorado indistinct]
- [muffled shouting]
- [car horn beeping]
Come on, if we hurry we can get
some fried chicken wrapped tacos
before the drive-in closes.
[sighs] Fucking moron.
Don't even think about it.
I wanna see
the footage from earlier.
[scoffs]
You can run that by Chief Grady.
Are we gonna serve and protect
or what?
The only thing I want served
is a greasy fried taco.
Come on. Let's go.
[engine starts]
[car drives off]
[line trilling]
[sighs]
[cart wheeling]
[automated voice]
Please, leave your message
for 3-0-3-6-1-0...
[beep]
Hey. I'm worried.
Just let me know you're okay.
[phone clicks off]
[grunts]
Ah, shit.
[jazz music playing]
[grunts]
[chuckles]
I saw him kill you.
I-I felt like I...
like I was you.
[Marie] He welcomed us to
the neighborhood with a smile.
And then one by one
he took our husbands away.
He's still here.
Plotting his return.
Return?!
Come on, the dude's dead.
That won't stop him.
He's stuck in the house
he died in.
Help me put an end to him.
I think I'm just gonna
call an Uber
and introduce your son's face
to this shovel.
I designed you.
I built you.
You have a purpose.
I have a purpose.
[tense music playing]
[softly]
Keep drinking, fuck face.
[breathing deeply]
[door creaks]
[car door opens, closes]
[car engine starts]
[car drives away]
[water dripping]
[door creaking]
[gasps]
[wolves howling]
[engine starts]
[elevator dings]
[phone ringing]
- Alice.
- Hey.
I just submitted
your recommendation.
Hm.
[exhales]
Thank God.
- I so need this.
- I know. I know.
[exhales]
[tense music playing]
Tom?
Tom.
Tom?
[line trilling]
[automated voice indistinct]
Hey, it's me.
I had a tough night.
I need you to try and understand
what it's like to be me.
How tough this move
is for me, too.
And if you leave
after I've asked you
to show up and stick around
it just tells me
you're not invested in us.
[phone clicks off]
[muted dialogue]
She's not safe here.
[Tom] Can you warn her?
She doesn't believe in
the hereafter.
I don't remember.
He drowned you.
[Tom] Show me how to stop him.
Nice police work.
[phone clicks]
[line trilling]
[Officer Dorado]
Hey, Manny, um, I think
I found the murder weapon.
It's an architectural
bow compass.
What the hell's that?
It's a--
it's a metallic instrument.
Dual pointed. Architects use it.
[scoffs]
So Levin or Banner?
Banner.
[Sergeant Choe]
You got a motive?
I'm working on it.
Raquel, both of our salaries
are pretty much covered
by Eldridge Banner.
Call Chief Grady
before you do anything stupid.
Okay.
[phone clicks off]
Forget about your hand.
It's not really there.
Know you're moving the piece
before you even try.
You have to focus.
It's hard.
Our minds are...
what's left
of them are always hazy.
Maybe I'm just a checkers guy.
My husband and I
never finished this game.
It must have been hard
watching Eldridge...
turn into his father.
Drove me mad.
I didn't have
the strength to stop him.
No, but you had the guts
to grab that knife and try.
You tried to be a good mother.
- What was your mother like?
- She had a great laugh.
A mountain of curly black hair.
When I was seven
we went for a car ride.
No seatbelts.
I stumbled out of the car
and, uh...
she was laying there
in a sea of broken glass.
I was scared a lot growing up.
Feelings were something that...
real men ignored.
Feelings are all
that's left of us.
Not exactly.
[phone ringing]
Officer Raquel Dorado.
[Alice on phone] Hi, Officer.
This is Alice Dodgeson.
Did you and your partner
speak with my husband
last night?
Your husband wasn't at
the address you provided,
uh, the owner was.
- What?
- Eldridge Banner.
He said he'd never
heard of a Tom Levin.
[tense music playing]
Are you sure
you had the right house?
One-nine-six-zero Marion Lane.
Eldridge was in
this house last night?
He was. I saw him myself.
Officer, I have a bad feeling
my husband didn't just leave.
Can you come here now please?
Yes, of course. I'm on my way.
[Marie]
This is how we can warn her.
- [Frederick on film] If I may?
- [Emil on film] Be my guest.
The purpose of architecture...
The purpose of architecture
is that after one has, um...
moved on from this plane...
Hm?
One has created something
that will live forever.
[Emil] This is true.
You've gotten more professorial
in your age.
- [Frederick laughs]
- You, uh...
You, uh, have a tendency
to be good at lecturing.
I knew what you were saying.
However, what if I were
to tell you
you're looking at it
all backward.
[Frederick laughs]
My blueprints,
I insisted that you used
for a reason far greater,
uh, and consequential
than maximizing
the square footage of a home.
Years ago,
I came upon a grimoire,
and it told about
the ancient wraith
of the blood deed.
During a rare blood wolf moon,
it's possible
to impregnate a woman
with an inhabitant...
of the underground.
The spirit is able
to escape death
and gets reborn.
Requisite is a proper
architectural space.
A man and a woman.
The vessel is the woman.
[Emil continues
on film indistinct]
[knob rattles]
[door opens, closes]
Tom?
- Hello.
- Oh.
I must have gotten
the days mixed up.
Uh, we have it booked
till tomorrow.
Were you here last night?
You must be Alice.
I'm Eldridge, the owner.
Why are you here?
My husband'll
be here any second.
I doubt that.
You know, I'm automatically
attracted to beautiful women.
[grunts]
[tense music playing]
[Eldridge grunts, shouts]
Alice!
Please! Somebody help!
Please!
Please...
- Oh, please!
- [horn honking]
[muffled screams]
[syringe hisses]
[grunts]
[panting]
She took you over.
Don't blame me!
[Marie] You blacked out
by the pool and I-I just...
I fell into you.
I didn't even know that I could.
[Eldridge] Who are you?
[Marie's voice] Elly.
I'm your mother.
Bullshit.
Your father murdered me.
She left him.
That's how he knew
women couldn't be trusted.
No, no. He trusted the nanny
and maids to raise you.
My nanny was a mother to me.
Your nanny was a prisoner.
She knew he slit my throat
in front of you.
You're not her.
I possessed this body.
And I didn't--
I didn't mean to.
But I'm here,
and I beg of you to please
put down that knife.
Whoever you are,
if you die in another body
you'll plummet into an abyss
of excruciating madness.
I've already had
a lifetime of that.
Elly, don't be like him.
You're not like him.
I'm just like him.
He was a great man.
He's going to be great again.
[grunting]
[knife clatters]
[Marie]
I was trying to stop him.
- I can't believe you!
- [Marie] It was a mistake!
I...
What the hell was your plan?
I put on your clothes, I...
I wanted to stop him.
To try and save you two
from being here forever.
I left your body
right before he...
drowned you.
I'm so sorry.
Help me finish what you started.
[Marie] I think as long as he's
unconscious you can possess him.
I guess it's my turn to drive.
[moans softly]
Tom?
[Tom] I'm here, honey.
Was so worried about you.
He drugged me.
[Tom] I'm taking care of him.
Just rest, okay?
[Alice] Where's your ring?
[Tom] Don't worry.
[digging]
[mysterious music playing]
[whispers] Doctor...
Are you okay? Are you hurt?
[moans softly]
Eldridge... drugged me.
- Find Tom.
- Okay.
- Please find him.
- Okay. Just stay here.
Don't go anywhere, okay?
[tense music playing]
[Officer Dorado] Drop the shovel
and put your hands on your head.
Put your hands on your head.
Let me handle this.
So who's pretty now?
Have we met?
I'm the cop you said was pretty.
Look... I'm not
who you think I am.
I think you're a piece of shit
burying some dude
in your back yard.
Get on your knees.
Well, you're not entirely off.
Technically, I'm unburying him.
Is that Tom Levin?
Sort of.
Look, I'm-I'm doing this
to show you what he's...
what I've done.
[doorbell rings]
You expecting someone?
Chief, I found him burying
a corpse in the backyard.
This true?
Arrest me.
Just take care of Alice.
You don't wanna hurt her?
You care about her?
- Where's Dr. Dodgeson?
- [Officer Dorado]
She's in the bedroom.
She was tranquilized.
But she's-she's stable
and she's semi-conscious.
You've got some
explaining to do.
It's Tom Levin.
Banner was throwing dirt
on him when I arrived.
My father
committed multiple murders.
This whole property's
a graveyard.
Get on your knees.
- Sir, what are you--
- On your knees, I said.
- What are you doing? This--
- It's okay, Dorado.
I wanna know
what in the hell is going on.
- Chief, what--
- [gunshot]
Now tell me why you don't
recognize your goddamn brother.
[scoffs] So much trouble
to cover our tracks.
Took care of anyone
who knew you were here.
Yet somehow you got
the upper hand, Mr. Levin.
You learn quickly, Mr. Levin.
Utilizing the space
inside our creations
is the hallmark
of a great architect.
[grunts]
[choking]
Leave my wife alone.
You are no longer of the world.
She is mine to claim.
Despite my instructions
to find a fiery haired vixen,
Eldridge chose your Alice
as my vessel.
Women were put here
to tempt us, to vex us.
The true work of man
is to shut Pandora
back in her box.
Some things like you, Mr. Levin,
were not built to last.
Oh... my God...
How many years has it been?
Hm?
You been
watching the whole time.
Scheming, muck up my plans.
You don't have power
over me anymore.
You already took everything.
No, it was you
that took from me.
You ungrateful trollop.
You never loved me.
[laughs]
[Marie] See you in hell.
You'll have to wait
another lifetime, dear.
I plan to stay a while.
[distorted yelling]
[Marie] Tom?
Tom?! Where are you?
[yelling]
[Marie] Tom?!
[Tom] Marie?!
[gasps]
[Tom] Marie?!
What is this place?
Where are you?
[yelling]
[Marie] He trapped us here.
Can you find me?
Follow my voice.
Tom... reach for me.
[chanting in foreign language]
We have reached the equinox
of the blood wolf moon.
The time to conjure our father
back into this world.
[chanting in foreign language]
[Marie] Tom, reach for me.
Don't look back.
How did we escape?
Same as Frederick.
My eavesdropping
finally paid off.
She'll be unconscious.
Possess her and you can
catch them off-guard.
[Tom]
She didn't train ten years
just to change his diapers.
Let our brother Eldridge
receive the wandering ghost.
Wraith of the blood deed.
Our father who has been
with us from seed... to soul.
[man] Let us imbibe the blood
of our vessel's lover.
[Alice moans softly]
No, s-stop...
I wouldn't wanna sleep
through this either.
[Alice grunts softly]
She's about to
become part of history.
Consecrate her
to our orange king.
[cup clatters]
[Alice breathing shakily]
My boys.
Let us summon
my perfection back...
into the world of matter.
Behind these walls
surrounded by looking glass
we do as we wish.
[Tom] She's awake!
[chokes]
[Alice] Don't!
[Marie]
She needs to be unconscious.
[all] Blood and honor.
We do as we wish.
[tense music playing]
[grunts]
Father! Father!
Stop her!
[screaming]
[Tom] She came to!
You've ruined everything!
[Alice screaming]
Get off me! No!
[grunting]
Why don't you try on
hot head over there?
[groaning]
[dramatic music playing]
[screams]
[groans]
[panting]
[groans]
Why are you struggling?
[groans]
Through the ages
you've been good
for only one thing.
The thing I need.
To give me more time.
[grunts]
Your time's up, motherfucker!
[groans]
[woman] 911, what's the nature
of your emergency?
- Tom?
- Yeah?
What happened to you?
Don't worry about me.
Help is on the way.
[exhales]
Hold my hand.
[Tom] Okay.
Pressure's falling.
No, hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey...
You're not dying tonight.
Hey... Okay.
I'm sorry I wasn't here for you
when I should have been.
I could have
listened to you more.
I could have put myself
in your shoes.
[soft chuckle]
You would have
hated those shoes.
[both laughing]
I'm glad you're holding my hand.
You're holding mine.
I don't wanna live in
a Banner house.
No, no. Absolutely not.
Maybe a... Paul Williams
if it's on the market.
If you're looking for modernism.
But not a troubled architect.
Shut up.
Hey.
- Mm.
- Mm.
It's gonna be okay.
Yeah.
I love you.
I love you, too.
[people chattering]
What a shit show.
What are my vitals?
Hey, you're gonna be okay.
Take me to the hospital please.
[siren blaring]
[monitor beeping]
[Tom] The truth was staring
at me through the glass.
But I didn't see it.
[Marie] Love is showing up
and sticking around.