Never Let Go (2024) Movie Script
First, it came to Mama as a snake.
Then it took other forms to torment her.
But Mama was a good little girl.
She listened to her parents and always
stayed on the road.
So the evil couldn't touch her outside the
house.
...because if the evil touches you...
...it makes you do bad things.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never wrong.
Heaven is here within our home.
...Jeez, this is so awful.
Samuel, Nolan?
10 minute warning, boys.
9 minute warning, Nolan.
Mama says there's only love inside of us.
That's why the evil wants us so badly.
He wants to destroy this love...
...make us turn against each other.
...kill each other.
...like it made the people in the world
do.
All it needs is one touch, without the
rope on.
And then, not even the house can save you.
Get it.
There you go.
Frogs ain't loud last night.
Spring's coming.
We'll be ready.
It's a good day for a good day.
Don't feed the dog.
We're not the only ones starving.
And I don't need to eat as much as you.
Mama?
Mama, can we listen to it tonight?
It's not new moon.
I'm asking Mama.
We should wait.
We'll be special if we don't.
Toad?
You'll grow into one.
Do you see
it?
Go get him, Coder.
Bring us a big fat rabbit.
Y'all ready?
Never let go.
Never let go.
Mama told us that even before the evil
possessed everyone, the world was already bad.
And that's why I came.
The people opened their door for it,
whether they knew it or not.
But Grandma knew it.
And Grandpa was the only one to believe
her.
He was a good man and built this place for
her.
A blessed house where the evil wouldn't be
able to come in.
A place to raise a family far away from
the darkness of the world.
It was a good life.
But after a while, Grandma started to feel
a presence lurking in the woods.
Something evil.
Getting stronger.
She refused to leave the house anymore.
So Grandpa figured out how to tie the rope
to the foundation of the house.
So she could finally go outside.
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Nolan!
What are you doing?
Making some slack so I can grab this egg.
Don't!
Could be a trick.
I could grab it.
It's right there.
Give me a machete.
No.
Well let Mama decide.
She can tie the ropes together.
I wasn't going to let go.
We didn't get this far just to die of
hunger.
How can you be so sure of everything?
Because I'm older than you.
Yeah.
By three minutes.
She loves me more.
What?
What?
What did you say?
I didn't say anything.
I didn't say anything.
Did it touch you?
Huh?
Did it touch you?
No.
I don't think so.
Just breathe.
Just breathe.
It's okay.
It's okay.
Just breathe.
Just breathe.
On your knees.
You need to be sure.
Don't look at me.
Touch the wood.
Hands on the cellar.
Say it.
Say it!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Sheltered to the pure and good.
We will keep you bright and never roam.
Heaven is here within our home.
Heaven is here within our home.
Okay, get up.
What happened?
I didn't mean to.
I stepped on his rope.
Have you lost your mind?
It's all right, Mama.
He didn't... Quiet.
One more second and it would have all been
over.
For all of us.
That rope is your lifeline.
I'm sorry.
I don't need you to be sorry.
I need you to use your head.
Can you move it?
I think it's broke.
Don't just stand there.
Get me a splint for his ankle.
It's okay.
What did it look like this time?
Like my mama.
It was trying to scare me.
Like it tried to scare my mama before.
That's all we got today.
Don't eat too fast.
But it's good.
I used to be thankful...
...that the East...
...Evil didn't show itself to you.
And then I figured out what it was doing.
I never told y'all this...
...but one time...
...it came to me as a little girl...
...crying out for him.
She was just half my rope's limit.
She got her foot stuck in a golf hole.
She was howling...
...and screaming.
I saw the bone...
...sticking out.
I had to keep telling myself that it
wasn't real.
But the screams went on for days.
So every morning...
...I went out to check...
...to see if the Evil had given up.
But she was still there.
Her skin turned
blue... ...and gray...
A smear.
I wondered why she was still out there.
Why?
Because it wanted me to go see about that
girl.
It wanted me to doubt myself.
To lure me off the rope.
Hope, the evil is clever and patient.
It's like the snake you've seen in the
woods.
Evil can wear many, many skins.
And the greatest trick of all is playing
on you boys.
And when enough time goes by, you're gonna
forget it's even there.
One touch without a
robe on is all it takes
to possess one of us
and get inside the house.
Never let go.
Never let go.
How long?
About an hour.
I felt longer tonight.
Did you imagine it?
Yes.
Tell us about it.
I imagined it was all gone.
You.
Sam.
Coda.
The house.
All I had left was the darkness.
And then what?
I thought about our birth and the house.
And how safe it keeps us every day.
And I felt the darkness float away.
Look around.
Look how lucky you are.
All your dreams came true.
The evil can't touch you here.
Samuel, your turn.
Time to clean your soul.
Remember.
Lose us completely.
And then find us again.
And fill the cellar up with all your love.
And remind the house what we deserve is
protection.
Can I move yet?
Nope.
Nolan, I got an itch.
I said don't move.
It's just one itch.
Okay.
That should do it.
Wow.
Are those owl wings?
Uh-huh.
I can fly anywhere I want.
And eat whatever you want.
Once upon a time, there
was a boy who could
fly and catch all the
squirrels in the trees.
Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
Hey, Sam.
After your rope broke, did you notice
anything?
Like what?
Anything strange.
That was the first time we ever let go.
And nothing changed.
Because it didn't get us?
Yeah.
If it did, do you think Mama would have
killed us?
Like she killed Papa?
Like she killed Grandma and Grandpa?
The evil touched them.
She was protecting us.
I know that.
What?
Nothing.
You ever wish you could run free like
Coda?
Not a rope around your chest?
But Coda's a dog.
The evil doesn't care about animals.
You ever wish you could see what she sees?
Just once?
I felt something was getting closer today.
You were just scared.
Why are you asking all these questions?
Mama never lied to us.
She loves me more.
That's what I heard you say before I
stepped on your rope.
I didn't say that.
I didn't mean for what happened.
I know.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Home to my runaway wife.
Hey, Junebug.
What's wrong?
June.
June.
June, it's me.
It's been a while.
God have I missed you.
You think I can see them?
Oh, you ain't telling the truth about
their father.
I get it.
Because then you got to tell them who you
really are.
Ain't that right, my Lord Junebaugh?
I'm not hurt no more.
You know you loved it?
What's your plan?
I know you.
You ain't got no plan.
You might as well give them to me.
Or would you rather watch them starve?
I came so close today.
Sooner or later, you're going to let go.
And when you do, I'm
going to make you eat your brains.
June!
June!
Careful now.
Don't break those roots.
You think it'll get better?
Hard to say.
The winter did a number on us.
All we can do now is hope.
What?
Nothing.
The snake on your back.
You said you got it when you were in the
city.
But you also said the evil was already
there.
Killing everybody.
I don't understand.
I got it before it all started.
When I met your papa, I was a different
person back then.
Does it still scare you?
Not anymore.
I like it now.
Why?
Because it's from your life before.
In the old world.
A world full of pain and suffering?
What's to like about that?
Huh?
Dunno.
How was your age?
Asking questions like you do?
I didn't really believe my mama either.
That's why you left?
Never thought I'd come back here.
But it's the only place I could keep y'all
safe.
But what if the evil did touch one of us
and come in the house?
What would happen?
It would make us kill each other.
That's how the world ended.
But how do you know we're alone?
Maybe our house isn't the only one that's
protected.
Would that make you feel better?
We wouldn't be alone for the rest of our
lives.
We're not alone, Noel.
We have each other.
And that's everything.
There's nobody else out there,
baby.
We're the world now.
Once upon a time, there
dwelt near a large wood
a poor woodcutter with
his wife and two children.
A little boy called Hansel and a girl
called Gretel.
Once, when there was
a great famine in the
land, he could not procure
even his daily bread.
As they lay there thinking in the bed one
evening, rolling about for trouble...
he sighed and said to his wife,
what will become of us?
How will I feed my children?
When we have no more than we can eat
ourselves?
No then, my husband, answers she,
we will lead them away.
Quite early in the morning.
Into the thickest part of the woods.
And there make them a fire.
And give them each a little piece of
bread.
And then we will go to our work.
And leave them alone.
They will not find a way home again.
And we shall be freed from them.
It's new.
You sure?
You got eyes, don't you?
It's a new moon.
Right, mama?
Can we listen to it tonight?
Yes.
As the sun went down.
And the jungle fire was burning.
Down the track came a hobo hiking.
He said, boys, I'm not turning.
I'm heading for a land that's far away.
Beside the crystal fountain.
So come with me.
Come on, mama.
Go and see the big rock candy mountains.
In the big rock candy mountains.
There's a land that's fair and bright.
Where the handouts grow on bushes.
And you sleep out every night.
Where the boxcars all are empty.
And the sun shines every day.
On the birds and the bees and the
cigarette trees.
And the lemonade springs where the
bluebird sings.
In the big rock candy mountains.
In the big rock candy mountains.
All the cops have wooden legs.
And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth.
And the hens lay soft-boiled eggs.
And the farmers' trees are full of fruit.
And the barns are full of hay.
Oh, I'm bound to go.
Where there ain't no snow.
Where the rain don't fall.
And the wind don't blow.
In the big rock candy mountains.
Nolan?
Nolan?
Are you still asleep?
Nolan?
There you go.
Oh, you forgot your bill again.
It's better with that.
Yeah.
That'll make it taste less like a treat.
We're doing the best we can.
Eat.
Mama?
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
No!
No!
Ah!
Ah!
No!
No!
Ah!
No!
No!
Touch the wood.
Say it!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and ever-rope.
Heaven is here within our home.
Say it again!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Again!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Louder!
Shelter to the pure and good.
Mama.
I have to pee, Mama.
Mama!
Did you feel the darkness go away?
Sam.
You're awake?
No.
Sam.
Sam.
Yes.
We need to leave the house.
Good night, Nolan.
I'm serious.
Sam.
Shh.
How do you want to leave?
The evil will catch us as soon as we take
off the rope.
We know the forest.
If we look after each other, we might have
a chance to outrun it.
What about Mama?
We'll come back for her once we find
something to eat.
Mama knows what's right for us.
I don't think she does anymore.
Did you see her?
She's not...
She always begs something out.
For once, we have to...
At this old manor?
Will you really let go of the rope?
I can let go of the rope.
But I can't let go of my brother.
It's too dangerous.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
This is a very special tool.
It's called a camera.
What does it do?
It takes pictures.
It captures what it sees with this little
eye.
You aim it.
Then you push this button right here.
And...
A real live picture comes out.
Like this one.
This was me.
From the old world.
Is that really you?
Hey, hey, careful.
I was a different person back then.
What is one?
I took it outside on the porch.
What's that?
This is us?
And this is Coda?
Yeah.
You can take a picture of anything you
want.
But a good picture shows more than what
the camera is looking at.
It shows a special moment.
Frozen in time.
It can even show a feeling.
Like love.
Where's Papa?
He was holding the camera.
Do you have a picture of him?
Mm-mm.
These are the only two I chose to keep.
And there's one more in there,
too.
I've been saving it.
For when?
Look for the right moment.
Maybe you'll find one that reminds us what
we're living for.
Even if it's something small.
Because some moments in life are hard.
But when we remember why we're holding on,
we get strong again.
This right here is about to be one of
those hard moments.
We've been through some brutal,
brutal winters, haven't we?
But nothing like this one.
Everything in the garden gone.
The roots are waterlogged.
The animals, they ain't come back yet.
We got water.
And that'll last us maybe a couple weeks,
maybe a month.
But soon, our bodies are gonna start
shutting down.
And we gonna die.
So we only got one option.
And that's Koda.
What?
We can salt the meat.
Maybe it'll last us a month or so before
it's spoiled.
No!
I know you love him.
We all do.
But he nearing the end of his life.
And he... he ain't got us nothing in
months.
We can eat more frogs.
That's not gonna be enough.
I'll eat the bark, the bugs.
I don't mind it, Mama, I swear.
No, no.
Maybe it's safe to leave.
I was out there without a rope,
huh?
The evil could've touched me, but it
didn't.
Because it chose not to.
It wants you to doubt me.
And look, that's exactly what you're
doing.
What if you're wrong?
What if the world is still out there?
This is the world.
There's nothing out there.
It's either the house or the evil.
That's it.
No, this is evil.
Eating family is evil.
If we can't feed ourselves, how are we
gonna feed the dog?
You wanna die?
I don't wanna die, but I don't wanna see
my friend die!
But this is not fair!
Let's ask Samuel.
Of course he'll do what you say!
He could talk for himself.
Samuel?
We have to.
I hate you!
I hate both of you!
I hate this house!
I hate this house!
Come on, Coda.
Mama, I can do it if you want.
No!
No!
No!
No!
No!
Mama!
Please!
Please, no!
Coda!
Please!
You had a good dog, Coda.
Huh?
.
.
.
.
...
Mama!
Mama!
Nolan.
It's not real.
Listen to me.
You need to see.
You need to see there's nothing to be
scared of.
That's what it wants you to think,
baby.
Don't do it!
Nolan!
Open this door!
Nolan!
Open the door!
Nolan!
I didn't tell you everything!
I brought the evil here!
The evil is real!
And if it touches me and gets inside the
house, it's gonna make me kill you!
Open the door!
Please!
Bad little goat.
Bad little goat.
Caught sitting in my chair.
Let's see that tushy.
And I'll make it so you can't sit
anywhere.
It's here!
It's here!
Mama!
Bad!
Bad!
Bad little goat.
Putting poison in my food.
Bad little goat.
Bad!
I told you.
I'm gonna make you eat your babies.
You'll never get here.
No!
Mama?
Wake up, Mama.
Mama, wake up!
It's okay, Mama.
I'm tying the ropes together.
It's okay, Mama.
It's okay.
Mama, please.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never rope.
Heaven is here within our home.
Mom, please.
That house has a start, Mama.
You can wake up, please, Mama.
Wake up.
I need you.
Please, Mama.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never rope.
Heaven is here within our home.
Mama, please.
Please, Mama.
Okay...
...is like a song that
lingers on wic denken
adjustment leaving tears
ever after fading away
...it is like a symphony
I made some pine needle tea.
It'll help with your hunger.
Was that you out there?
I went.
I saw you in the woods laughing at me.
Thank you for not being able to say that.
I think you were dreaming.
Touch the wood.
Touch it.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood,
shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never wrong.
Heaven is here within our home.
OK.
Now drink.
You need some air.
I will let you die.
Excuse me.
Hi there.
Sorry to intrude, I just, uh...
I was hiking and I...
I thought I heard someone screaming for
help.
That wasn't you by any chance,
was it?
I...
I thought my ears were playing tricks on
me.
Oh, I didn't think anyone was out here.
This is, uh...
Huh.
Are you OK?
What's your name, son?
Sorry I didn't catch that.
Nolan.
Nolan?
Hi, Nolan, I'm Cole.
It's nice to meet you.
So, uh...
where are your folks at?
They around?
My mom was dead.
Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that.
How'd she pass?
My brother's sick.
He needs food.
OK.
Well, I've got some food in my pack.
You know...
Nolan, I've got a truck
about five miles from here,
and I could take you and
your brother... Eat that!
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
OK, OK, OK.
Whoa.
OK.
Uh...
Look, I don't mean your boys any harm.
Nolan here says you're sick.
We're not stupid, Sam.
I didn't say you were stupid.
I just...
I just thought someone was in trouble.
That's it.
You killed my momma.
No, son, I... I don't
know your momma.
OK?
Look, this was just...
This was a mistake.
I'm sorry.
I'm gonna go.
I'm gonna leave.
Don't move.
All right?
I just... I just...
OK, just calm down.
What if he's a real person?
We were happy.
Listen to me, OK?
I'm just gonna turn.
I'm just gonna go back.
I'm gonna go back from where I came from.
All right?
Just... I said don't move!
Look, everything's fine.
Just let him go.
Everything's OK.
Let him go, Sam.
Sam, please.
It's over.
She's gone.
No!
Sam.
Help me!
Colin, don't!
He said he has food!
It's a trick!
Help me!
911, what's your emergency?
Sir?
Sir, can you hear me?
Sir, tell me where you are.
It's from the man.
He's dead.
That wasn't a man.
Try it.
Did you let go?
No.
I touched him with the rope on.
He wouldn't have let me if he was the
evil, right?
You still won't learn.
You're falling for it all over again.
Just try it.
No.
Maybe there's no evil.
Mama lied to us.
We're not the only ones left in the world.
If we thought there was nothing out there
for us, then we wouldn't want to leave her.
She killed herself to keep us safe,
and you still won't believe it.
Just try it!
You'll see that it's real.
It'll make you feel better.
I promise.
Once upon a time, there were two brothers
who trusted each other.
She loved you.
She loved you.
She loved you.
And I'm so sorry for what I did.
But we're not safe.
We're dying.
At least then we'll be with Mom again.
Maybe that'll be enough for you this time.
Hello?
Who's in there?
Coda?
Coda?
Hello?
Ah!
Mama?
Hello?
I'm looking for my dad.
He asked me to wait by the car,
but he never came back.
Do you mind lowering that?
Thanks.
How did you get here?
I followed his footsteps in the mud.
He's tall, black hair, bit of gray on the
sides.
Have you seen him?
Why is that rope around your waist?
To keep me safe.
From what?
Where did you get that flashlight?
That's my dad's.
It was a mistake.
I didn't mean to.
What are you talking about?
Where is he?
What did you do?
What did you do to him?
I thought he was the evil.
No, wait!
I thought he was the evil!
Come back!
Ugh!
I know she's real.
Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
No!
Sam?
Sam?
Why did you cut my rope?
Sam?
Sam?
Oh blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never woe.
Heaven is here within our home.
Stop it Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
And as the sun went down and the jungle
fire was burning.
Down the track came a hobo hiking.
He said, boys I'm not turning.
Sam!
Sam!
You don't want to do this!
You can walk right out again as soon as
you can.
The house
won't protect you anymore.
Roland.
Come here babe.
Come here.
I'm not mad at you, Nolan.
I was just like you when I was your age.
I want to hold you again, baby.
Come on.
My sweet boy.
I missed you so much.
You're not her.
I saw what you did to Sam.
You saw what he really was.
I just helped him see.
Look at what you did.
You destroyed your whole family.
And I didn't even have to touch you.
I didn't mean to.
It's okay.
You don't have to be scared anymore.
You're not my mama!
I'm more her.
Than she ever was.
I'm the darkness that was inside her.
I'm the darkness that's inside you now.
The darkness is in your blood.
All you got to do.
It's back.
I can't!
The big clue and the big rock can be
found.
If I feed
you, then you can walk right out again.
She will be gone in a minute...
There is nothing for you in there, silly.
I will bring you with me.
Did you imagine it?
Yes.
Tell us about it.
I thought about our birth and the house...
...and how safe it keeps us every day.
...and I felt the darkness float away.
...and we remember why we're holding on...
...and who we're holding on for.
...we get strong again.
...you can't touch me here.
...the dawn's at night and you're here.
...oh blessed house of ancient wood.
...sheltered to the pure and good.
...never let go.
...never let go.
...we'll keep you bright and never wrong.
...heaven is here within our home.
...I love you mama!
...I need to find my brother.
...you're safe now.
...my brother.
...but we can't leave him.
...you're safe now, just breathe.
...no!
Where is he?
...just breathe now.
...it's okay.
...he's right here.
...Sam.
...Sam.
...here.
...hey Sam.
...I'm here Sam.
...I'm here.
...we're free.
...we're free.
...he loves me more.
...the night is for bigger dreams.
...
...
...you'll never sleep.
...you're a child of god.
he'll never be so far
away that he can call
each night and say good
night mother good night
Then it took other forms to torment her.
But Mama was a good little girl.
She listened to her parents and always
stayed on the road.
So the evil couldn't touch her outside the
house.
...because if the evil touches you...
...it makes you do bad things.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never wrong.
Heaven is here within our home.
...Jeez, this is so awful.
Samuel, Nolan?
10 minute warning, boys.
9 minute warning, Nolan.
Mama says there's only love inside of us.
That's why the evil wants us so badly.
He wants to destroy this love...
...make us turn against each other.
...kill each other.
...like it made the people in the world
do.
All it needs is one touch, without the
rope on.
And then, not even the house can save you.
Get it.
There you go.
Frogs ain't loud last night.
Spring's coming.
We'll be ready.
It's a good day for a good day.
Don't feed the dog.
We're not the only ones starving.
And I don't need to eat as much as you.
Mama?
Mama, can we listen to it tonight?
It's not new moon.
I'm asking Mama.
We should wait.
We'll be special if we don't.
Toad?
You'll grow into one.
Do you see
it?
Go get him, Coder.
Bring us a big fat rabbit.
Y'all ready?
Never let go.
Never let go.
Mama told us that even before the evil
possessed everyone, the world was already bad.
And that's why I came.
The people opened their door for it,
whether they knew it or not.
But Grandma knew it.
And Grandpa was the only one to believe
her.
He was a good man and built this place for
her.
A blessed house where the evil wouldn't be
able to come in.
A place to raise a family far away from
the darkness of the world.
It was a good life.
But after a while, Grandma started to feel
a presence lurking in the woods.
Something evil.
Getting stronger.
She refused to leave the house anymore.
So Grandpa figured out how to tie the rope
to the foundation of the house.
So she could finally go outside.
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Nolan!
What are you doing?
Making some slack so I can grab this egg.
Don't!
Could be a trick.
I could grab it.
It's right there.
Give me a machete.
No.
Well let Mama decide.
She can tie the ropes together.
I wasn't going to let go.
We didn't get this far just to die of
hunger.
How can you be so sure of everything?
Because I'm older than you.
Yeah.
By three minutes.
She loves me more.
What?
What?
What did you say?
I didn't say anything.
I didn't say anything.
Did it touch you?
Huh?
Did it touch you?
No.
I don't think so.
Just breathe.
Just breathe.
It's okay.
It's okay.
Just breathe.
Just breathe.
On your knees.
You need to be sure.
Don't look at me.
Touch the wood.
Hands on the cellar.
Say it.
Say it!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Sheltered to the pure and good.
We will keep you bright and never roam.
Heaven is here within our home.
Heaven is here within our home.
Okay, get up.
What happened?
I didn't mean to.
I stepped on his rope.
Have you lost your mind?
It's all right, Mama.
He didn't... Quiet.
One more second and it would have all been
over.
For all of us.
That rope is your lifeline.
I'm sorry.
I don't need you to be sorry.
I need you to use your head.
Can you move it?
I think it's broke.
Don't just stand there.
Get me a splint for his ankle.
It's okay.
What did it look like this time?
Like my mama.
It was trying to scare me.
Like it tried to scare my mama before.
That's all we got today.
Don't eat too fast.
But it's good.
I used to be thankful...
...that the East...
...Evil didn't show itself to you.
And then I figured out what it was doing.
I never told y'all this...
...but one time...
...it came to me as a little girl...
...crying out for him.
She was just half my rope's limit.
She got her foot stuck in a golf hole.
She was howling...
...and screaming.
I saw the bone...
...sticking out.
I had to keep telling myself that it
wasn't real.
But the screams went on for days.
So every morning...
...I went out to check...
...to see if the Evil had given up.
But she was still there.
Her skin turned
blue... ...and gray...
A smear.
I wondered why she was still out there.
Why?
Because it wanted me to go see about that
girl.
It wanted me to doubt myself.
To lure me off the rope.
Hope, the evil is clever and patient.
It's like the snake you've seen in the
woods.
Evil can wear many, many skins.
And the greatest trick of all is playing
on you boys.
And when enough time goes by, you're gonna
forget it's even there.
One touch without a
robe on is all it takes
to possess one of us
and get inside the house.
Never let go.
Never let go.
How long?
About an hour.
I felt longer tonight.
Did you imagine it?
Yes.
Tell us about it.
I imagined it was all gone.
You.
Sam.
Coda.
The house.
All I had left was the darkness.
And then what?
I thought about our birth and the house.
And how safe it keeps us every day.
And I felt the darkness float away.
Look around.
Look how lucky you are.
All your dreams came true.
The evil can't touch you here.
Samuel, your turn.
Time to clean your soul.
Remember.
Lose us completely.
And then find us again.
And fill the cellar up with all your love.
And remind the house what we deserve is
protection.
Can I move yet?
Nope.
Nolan, I got an itch.
I said don't move.
It's just one itch.
Okay.
That should do it.
Wow.
Are those owl wings?
Uh-huh.
I can fly anywhere I want.
And eat whatever you want.
Once upon a time, there
was a boy who could
fly and catch all the
squirrels in the trees.
Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
Woo!
Hey, Sam.
After your rope broke, did you notice
anything?
Like what?
Anything strange.
That was the first time we ever let go.
And nothing changed.
Because it didn't get us?
Yeah.
If it did, do you think Mama would have
killed us?
Like she killed Papa?
Like she killed Grandma and Grandpa?
The evil touched them.
She was protecting us.
I know that.
What?
Nothing.
You ever wish you could run free like
Coda?
Not a rope around your chest?
But Coda's a dog.
The evil doesn't care about animals.
You ever wish you could see what she sees?
Just once?
I felt something was getting closer today.
You were just scared.
Why are you asking all these questions?
Mama never lied to us.
She loves me more.
That's what I heard you say before I
stepped on your rope.
I didn't say that.
I didn't mean for what happened.
I know.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Home to my runaway wife.
Hey, Junebug.
What's wrong?
June.
June.
June, it's me.
It's been a while.
God have I missed you.
You think I can see them?
Oh, you ain't telling the truth about
their father.
I get it.
Because then you got to tell them who you
really are.
Ain't that right, my Lord Junebaugh?
I'm not hurt no more.
You know you loved it?
What's your plan?
I know you.
You ain't got no plan.
You might as well give them to me.
Or would you rather watch them starve?
I came so close today.
Sooner or later, you're going to let go.
And when you do, I'm
going to make you eat your brains.
June!
June!
Careful now.
Don't break those roots.
You think it'll get better?
Hard to say.
The winter did a number on us.
All we can do now is hope.
What?
Nothing.
The snake on your back.
You said you got it when you were in the
city.
But you also said the evil was already
there.
Killing everybody.
I don't understand.
I got it before it all started.
When I met your papa, I was a different
person back then.
Does it still scare you?
Not anymore.
I like it now.
Why?
Because it's from your life before.
In the old world.
A world full of pain and suffering?
What's to like about that?
Huh?
Dunno.
How was your age?
Asking questions like you do?
I didn't really believe my mama either.
That's why you left?
Never thought I'd come back here.
But it's the only place I could keep y'all
safe.
But what if the evil did touch one of us
and come in the house?
What would happen?
It would make us kill each other.
That's how the world ended.
But how do you know we're alone?
Maybe our house isn't the only one that's
protected.
Would that make you feel better?
We wouldn't be alone for the rest of our
lives.
We're not alone, Noel.
We have each other.
And that's everything.
There's nobody else out there,
baby.
We're the world now.
Once upon a time, there
dwelt near a large wood
a poor woodcutter with
his wife and two children.
A little boy called Hansel and a girl
called Gretel.
Once, when there was
a great famine in the
land, he could not procure
even his daily bread.
As they lay there thinking in the bed one
evening, rolling about for trouble...
he sighed and said to his wife,
what will become of us?
How will I feed my children?
When we have no more than we can eat
ourselves?
No then, my husband, answers she,
we will lead them away.
Quite early in the morning.
Into the thickest part of the woods.
And there make them a fire.
And give them each a little piece of
bread.
And then we will go to our work.
And leave them alone.
They will not find a way home again.
And we shall be freed from them.
It's new.
You sure?
You got eyes, don't you?
It's a new moon.
Right, mama?
Can we listen to it tonight?
Yes.
As the sun went down.
And the jungle fire was burning.
Down the track came a hobo hiking.
He said, boys, I'm not turning.
I'm heading for a land that's far away.
Beside the crystal fountain.
So come with me.
Come on, mama.
Go and see the big rock candy mountains.
In the big rock candy mountains.
There's a land that's fair and bright.
Where the handouts grow on bushes.
And you sleep out every night.
Where the boxcars all are empty.
And the sun shines every day.
On the birds and the bees and the
cigarette trees.
And the lemonade springs where the
bluebird sings.
In the big rock candy mountains.
In the big rock candy mountains.
All the cops have wooden legs.
And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth.
And the hens lay soft-boiled eggs.
And the farmers' trees are full of fruit.
And the barns are full of hay.
Oh, I'm bound to go.
Where there ain't no snow.
Where the rain don't fall.
And the wind don't blow.
In the big rock candy mountains.
Nolan?
Nolan?
Are you still asleep?
Nolan?
There you go.
Oh, you forgot your bill again.
It's better with that.
Yeah.
That'll make it taste less like a treat.
We're doing the best we can.
Eat.
Mama?
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
No!
No!
Ah!
Ah!
No!
No!
Ah!
No!
No!
Touch the wood.
Say it!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and ever-rope.
Heaven is here within our home.
Say it again!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Again!
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Louder!
Shelter to the pure and good.
Mama.
I have to pee, Mama.
Mama!
Did you feel the darkness go away?
Sam.
You're awake?
No.
Sam.
Sam.
Yes.
We need to leave the house.
Good night, Nolan.
I'm serious.
Sam.
Shh.
How do you want to leave?
The evil will catch us as soon as we take
off the rope.
We know the forest.
If we look after each other, we might have
a chance to outrun it.
What about Mama?
We'll come back for her once we find
something to eat.
Mama knows what's right for us.
I don't think she does anymore.
Did you see her?
She's not...
She always begs something out.
For once, we have to...
At this old manor?
Will you really let go of the rope?
I can let go of the rope.
But I can't let go of my brother.
It's too dangerous.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
This is a very special tool.
It's called a camera.
What does it do?
It takes pictures.
It captures what it sees with this little
eye.
You aim it.
Then you push this button right here.
And...
A real live picture comes out.
Like this one.
This was me.
From the old world.
Is that really you?
Hey, hey, careful.
I was a different person back then.
What is one?
I took it outside on the porch.
What's that?
This is us?
And this is Coda?
Yeah.
You can take a picture of anything you
want.
But a good picture shows more than what
the camera is looking at.
It shows a special moment.
Frozen in time.
It can even show a feeling.
Like love.
Where's Papa?
He was holding the camera.
Do you have a picture of him?
Mm-mm.
These are the only two I chose to keep.
And there's one more in there,
too.
I've been saving it.
For when?
Look for the right moment.
Maybe you'll find one that reminds us what
we're living for.
Even if it's something small.
Because some moments in life are hard.
But when we remember why we're holding on,
we get strong again.
This right here is about to be one of
those hard moments.
We've been through some brutal,
brutal winters, haven't we?
But nothing like this one.
Everything in the garden gone.
The roots are waterlogged.
The animals, they ain't come back yet.
We got water.
And that'll last us maybe a couple weeks,
maybe a month.
But soon, our bodies are gonna start
shutting down.
And we gonna die.
So we only got one option.
And that's Koda.
What?
We can salt the meat.
Maybe it'll last us a month or so before
it's spoiled.
No!
I know you love him.
We all do.
But he nearing the end of his life.
And he... he ain't got us nothing in
months.
We can eat more frogs.
That's not gonna be enough.
I'll eat the bark, the bugs.
I don't mind it, Mama, I swear.
No, no.
Maybe it's safe to leave.
I was out there without a rope,
huh?
The evil could've touched me, but it
didn't.
Because it chose not to.
It wants you to doubt me.
And look, that's exactly what you're
doing.
What if you're wrong?
What if the world is still out there?
This is the world.
There's nothing out there.
It's either the house or the evil.
That's it.
No, this is evil.
Eating family is evil.
If we can't feed ourselves, how are we
gonna feed the dog?
You wanna die?
I don't wanna die, but I don't wanna see
my friend die!
But this is not fair!
Let's ask Samuel.
Of course he'll do what you say!
He could talk for himself.
Samuel?
We have to.
I hate you!
I hate both of you!
I hate this house!
I hate this house!
Come on, Coda.
Mama, I can do it if you want.
No!
No!
No!
No!
No!
Mama!
Please!
Please, no!
Coda!
Please!
You had a good dog, Coda.
Huh?
.
.
.
.
...
Mama!
Mama!
Nolan.
It's not real.
Listen to me.
You need to see.
You need to see there's nothing to be
scared of.
That's what it wants you to think,
baby.
Don't do it!
Nolan!
Open this door!
Nolan!
Open the door!
Nolan!
I didn't tell you everything!
I brought the evil here!
The evil is real!
And if it touches me and gets inside the
house, it's gonna make me kill you!
Open the door!
Please!
Bad little goat.
Bad little goat.
Caught sitting in my chair.
Let's see that tushy.
And I'll make it so you can't sit
anywhere.
It's here!
It's here!
Mama!
Bad!
Bad!
Bad little goat.
Putting poison in my food.
Bad little goat.
Bad!
I told you.
I'm gonna make you eat your babies.
You'll never get here.
No!
Mama?
Wake up, Mama.
Mama, wake up!
It's okay, Mama.
I'm tying the ropes together.
It's okay, Mama.
It's okay.
Mama, please.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never rope.
Heaven is here within our home.
Mom, please.
That house has a start, Mama.
You can wake up, please, Mama.
Wake up.
I need you.
Please, Mama.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never rope.
Heaven is here within our home.
Mama, please.
Please, Mama.
Okay...
...is like a song that
lingers on wic denken
adjustment leaving tears
ever after fading away
...it is like a symphony
I made some pine needle tea.
It'll help with your hunger.
Was that you out there?
I went.
I saw you in the woods laughing at me.
Thank you for not being able to say that.
I think you were dreaming.
Touch the wood.
Touch it.
Oh, blessed house of ancient wood,
shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never wrong.
Heaven is here within our home.
OK.
Now drink.
You need some air.
I will let you die.
Excuse me.
Hi there.
Sorry to intrude, I just, uh...
I was hiking and I...
I thought I heard someone screaming for
help.
That wasn't you by any chance,
was it?
I...
I thought my ears were playing tricks on
me.
Oh, I didn't think anyone was out here.
This is, uh...
Huh.
Are you OK?
What's your name, son?
Sorry I didn't catch that.
Nolan.
Nolan?
Hi, Nolan, I'm Cole.
It's nice to meet you.
So, uh...
where are your folks at?
They around?
My mom was dead.
Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that.
How'd she pass?
My brother's sick.
He needs food.
OK.
Well, I've got some food in my pack.
You know...
Nolan, I've got a truck
about five miles from here,
and I could take you and
your brother... Eat that!
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
OK, OK, OK.
Whoa.
OK.
Uh...
Look, I don't mean your boys any harm.
Nolan here says you're sick.
We're not stupid, Sam.
I didn't say you were stupid.
I just...
I just thought someone was in trouble.
That's it.
You killed my momma.
No, son, I... I don't
know your momma.
OK?
Look, this was just...
This was a mistake.
I'm sorry.
I'm gonna go.
I'm gonna leave.
Don't move.
All right?
I just... I just...
OK, just calm down.
What if he's a real person?
We were happy.
Listen to me, OK?
I'm just gonna turn.
I'm just gonna go back.
I'm gonna go back from where I came from.
All right?
Just... I said don't move!
Look, everything's fine.
Just let him go.
Everything's OK.
Let him go, Sam.
Sam, please.
It's over.
She's gone.
No!
Sam.
Help me!
Colin, don't!
He said he has food!
It's a trick!
Help me!
911, what's your emergency?
Sir?
Sir, can you hear me?
Sir, tell me where you are.
It's from the man.
He's dead.
That wasn't a man.
Try it.
Did you let go?
No.
I touched him with the rope on.
He wouldn't have let me if he was the
evil, right?
You still won't learn.
You're falling for it all over again.
Just try it.
No.
Maybe there's no evil.
Mama lied to us.
We're not the only ones left in the world.
If we thought there was nothing out there
for us, then we wouldn't want to leave her.
She killed herself to keep us safe,
and you still won't believe it.
Just try it!
You'll see that it's real.
It'll make you feel better.
I promise.
Once upon a time, there were two brothers
who trusted each other.
She loved you.
She loved you.
She loved you.
And I'm so sorry for what I did.
But we're not safe.
We're dying.
At least then we'll be with Mom again.
Maybe that'll be enough for you this time.
Hello?
Who's in there?
Coda?
Coda?
Hello?
Ah!
Mama?
Hello?
I'm looking for my dad.
He asked me to wait by the car,
but he never came back.
Do you mind lowering that?
Thanks.
How did you get here?
I followed his footsteps in the mud.
He's tall, black hair, bit of gray on the
sides.
Have you seen him?
Why is that rope around your waist?
To keep me safe.
From what?
Where did you get that flashlight?
That's my dad's.
It was a mistake.
I didn't mean to.
What are you talking about?
Where is he?
What did you do?
What did you do to him?
I thought he was the evil.
No, wait!
I thought he was the evil!
Come back!
Ugh!
I know she's real.
Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
No!
Sam?
Sam?
Why did you cut my rope?
Sam?
Sam?
Oh blessed house of ancient wood.
Shelter to the pure and good.
We'll keep you bright and never woe.
Heaven is here within our home.
Stop it Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
Sam!
And as the sun went down and the jungle
fire was burning.
Down the track came a hobo hiking.
He said, boys I'm not turning.
Sam!
Sam!
You don't want to do this!
You can walk right out again as soon as
you can.
The house
won't protect you anymore.
Roland.
Come here babe.
Come here.
I'm not mad at you, Nolan.
I was just like you when I was your age.
I want to hold you again, baby.
Come on.
My sweet boy.
I missed you so much.
You're not her.
I saw what you did to Sam.
You saw what he really was.
I just helped him see.
Look at what you did.
You destroyed your whole family.
And I didn't even have to touch you.
I didn't mean to.
It's okay.
You don't have to be scared anymore.
You're not my mama!
I'm more her.
Than she ever was.
I'm the darkness that was inside her.
I'm the darkness that's inside you now.
The darkness is in your blood.
All you got to do.
It's back.
I can't!
The big clue and the big rock can be
found.
If I feed
you, then you can walk right out again.
She will be gone in a minute...
There is nothing for you in there, silly.
I will bring you with me.
Did you imagine it?
Yes.
Tell us about it.
I thought about our birth and the house...
...and how safe it keeps us every day.
...and I felt the darkness float away.
...and we remember why we're holding on...
...and who we're holding on for.
...we get strong again.
...you can't touch me here.
...the dawn's at night and you're here.
...oh blessed house of ancient wood.
...sheltered to the pure and good.
...never let go.
...never let go.
...we'll keep you bright and never wrong.
...heaven is here within our home.
...I love you mama!
...I need to find my brother.
...you're safe now.
...my brother.
...but we can't leave him.
...you're safe now, just breathe.
...no!
Where is he?
...just breathe now.
...it's okay.
...he's right here.
...Sam.
...Sam.
...here.
...hey Sam.
...I'm here Sam.
...I'm here.
...we're free.
...we're free.
...he loves me more.
...the night is for bigger dreams.
...
...
...you'll never sleep.
...you're a child of god.
he'll never be so far
away that he can call
each night and say good
night mother good night