Nutcracker Massacre (2022) Movie Script
(thunder booming)
(metal clanging)
(intense music)
(crickets chirping) (car engine humming)
Yeah, trust me, I thought
about waiting to deliver it,
but it's Christmas.
Bad karma.
Yeah, later.
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps thudding)
(footsteps thudding)
(suspenseful music continues)
(deliveryman panting softly)
(footsteps tapping softly)
(crickets chirping)
(water splashing)
(footsteps tapping softly)
(suspenseful music continues)
(deliveryman panting softly)
(dramatic music)
Jesus Christ.
It's just a decoration.
A creepy decoration.
(nutcracker creaking)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps tapping)
Creepy Christmas decorations.
(door clicks)
(dramatic music)
Nice costume.
I left a parcel for you around the corner.
I didn't want to ring the bell
just in case everyone was sleeping.
No harm meant.
(suspenseful music)
(fingers snapping)
You don't have to be an asshole.
Fuck this.
Did you a favor coming out this late,
and this is the thanks I get?
(fingers creaking)
(nutcracker squelching)
(thrilling music)
Moving forward, his lips and hers.
(laptop keys clicking)
The End.
(laptop lid claps)
(suspenseful music)
Well, if you're gonna
treat someone poorly,
you can't expect respect.
Exactly.
Oh.
So how's the book coming along then?
I just finished it.
Amazing, well done.
Thank you. (Glasses clinking)
I just, I don't know,
hope this one finds a bigger audience, so.
Well, does it have a happy ending?
It's a romance novel, of course it does.
Right?
Um.
I might have projected
a little bit at the end.
How do you mean?
Right when it hits the
main crescendo of love,
the romantic leading
man confessed to cheating.
[Friend] Ew.
He did glean it.
I had to do a little rewrite.
What a prick.
It's all that dickhead Paul did.
I know, but he felt bad.
Yeah, right.
No, I could see the
shame in his eyes, you know.
He felt bad.
Did he tell you who
he cheated on you with?
Yes, whose ass do I
have to kick? (Chuckles)
No.
He didn't say, and I didn't ask.
Sorry.
I just...
(sighs) Really loved him, you know?
It was just so close to Christmas.
I got a great present.
Sorry.
What are you gonna do
for Christmas now then?
I don't know.
Come on, let's drink more.
(glasses clinking)
(suspenseful chiming music)
(mobile phone buzzing)
(mobile phone ringing)
(mobile phone buzzing)
Auntie Marie, hi, how are you?
Well, I'm doing well, sugar.
I am just looking over my Christmas decor.
Oh, that sounds like fun.
Did you decorate?
Yeah, yeah, of course, I did.
Well, I wasn't sure, since you and Paul
were headed out on your trip.
How is he by the way?
Yeah, yeah, no, he's, he's fine.
He's just been really busy
with work, I've barely seen him.
Oh, well, you know what?
A nice romantic trip could be
just what the doctor ordered.
Yeah, unfortunately,
we had to cancel the trip.
Oh no, what happened?
Oh, Paul just got a
lot of work at the office,
and I had a deadline on my new book.
Well, I am very sorry to hear that.
Do you know what?
Nobody's gonna be working on Christmas,
so I insist that you come
spend the holiday with me, okay?
It's been too long.
Yeah.
Yeah, actually that would be really nice.
Thank you.
And you must bring Paul with you.
Yeah, we'll see.
But I for sure will be there.
Actually, would it be okay if I came early?
Oh, of course.
You know you always have a home here.
All right, well, I will leave shortly.
So I'll see you soon.
Me too.
Bye.
(suspenseful music)
(cars whooshing)
(car horn honking) (Clara gasping)
(suspenseful classical music)
(doorbell chiming)
(suspenseful classical music continues)
Ah, the Nutcracker.
Dmitri.
Pleased to meet you.
They're wonderful.
Yes, they are.
May I?
Of course.
Thank you.
There's something about this,
something familiar, but I
can't put my finger on it.
They have become very popular.
At this time of year,
it's hard to turn around
without seeing one somewhere.
I'll take it.
Would you be able to wrap it for me?
It's a gift for my aunt.
Oh, well, maybe you know her.
Marie Sweet?
Marie Sweet.
I should have known
you're one of the Sweets.
You have a timeless beauty.
This one is for display only.
Okay.
But I have one already packaged.
I'll get it for you.
Thank you.
(footsteps tapping)
(mobile phone buzzing)
(mobile phone ringing)
(mobile phone buzzing)
What do you want, Paul?
[Paul] I just want to
see how you're doing.
How do you think I'm doing?
I don't know.
I'm so, so, sorry.
Sorry about what you
did or sorry for telling me?
I wish I could take it back.
It was a stupid mistake.
Please, can we meet and talk?
I could, I could come to
your place or, you know,
we can meet for dinner.
I'm not at home right now.
I needed to clear my head.
Look, we'll talk when I'm back, okay?
I've gotta go.
Fuck!
Boyfriend trouble?
Ex-boyfriend.
Thank you.
You're welcome, enjoy.
(suspenseful music)
Hello?
(door shuts softly)
(luggage wheels clatter)
Auntie Marie?
Hello?
(suspenseful music)
Ah!
(Clara gasps)
(laughs) I'm sorry, I had to.
I saw you pull up as I
was putting these away.
Oh, look at you.
I am so glad you could come.
Gosh, oh.
Me too, I was so happy when you called.
[Marie] Yes, of course.
(Danford clears throat)
(laughs) Danford.
Miss Clara, welcome!
Ah, how long has it been?
I don't know, too long.
[Danford] And how is
life for the famous author?
I'm not famous.
You should be.
I've read those books, quite good.
And quite naughty.
Danford.
I'm just giving my opinion, Ma'am.
Well, why don't you
offer to take her belongings
up to her room?
[Danford] Yes, Ma'am.
- And Danford?
- Yes, Ma'am?
You can drop the Ma'am shit.
- We're all family here.
- Hmm.
We do that for the tourists,
they love having a butler.
Yeah, I can't believe you
turned this place into a B & B.
[Marie] Yeah, don't worry though.
It's just family for Christmas.
(gasps) Danford, I will take that box.
As you wish.
Thank you.
Okay, I prefer Danford the
caretaker to Danford the butler.
Melissa loves it.
Is Mousey coming?
You know she hates that
nickname, but you know what?
She wasn't gonna come, but
she found out you were coming,
so she changed her plans.
I think she misses you.
I doubt that.
Well, let's get you settled, come on.
(soft chiming music)
(fire crackling softly)
I had that put up once I
found out you were coming.
It's, um, creepy. (Chuckles)
Well, that's not exactly
the reaction I was hoping for.
- Clara?
- Yeah, sorry.
[Marie] No, that's okay, I
asked if you remember it.
No.
Oh, I was kind of hoping you might.
You know, I found that in the attic.
It was with your parents' belongings.
I mean, there's something
familiar about it, but yeah.
I don't know.
I just wonder how my
parents got something so tall.
Well, that I know.
I gave it to 'em as a gift
for your first Christmas.
The tree looks fantastic, by the way.
You know, when we were kids,
decorating the tree was your Mom
and I's favorite thing to do for Christmas.
I miss her.
I miss her too.
But when you're around,
makes it feel like a part of her
is still here with me.
You know, that's why I always insisted
that you and Melissa put
up decorations together,
make it a sister type thing.
Did you and Mom argue
about who put what on the tree?
[Marie] Only the tree topper.
I was happy you and Melissa
never argued over that.
Yeah, she always wanted
to put it on so I let her.
You know, you could
have done it if you wanted to.
No.
Felt like something that
your daughter should do.
I may not have given birth to you,
but I always looked at you as my daughter.
Anyway, what is new with you?
Tell me.
Well, I'm afraid
there's not a lot to share.
Life here is, it's uncomplicated.
No.
What about, do you have a man in your life?
What about that, um, what was his name?
Dmitri from the shop.
Dmitri, no.
Danford is all I need.
You and Danford?
I mean, he's been by my
side for years and I do love him,
but not like that.
We're best friends, you know?
Speaking of couples, is Paul coming?
No.
No, he had to work in the end.
[Marie] Mm, I'm sorry to hear that.
I can tell you're disappointed.
It's okay.
I am just glad that I get to
spend Christmas with you.
What a lovely time we're gonna have.
[Clara] Yeah.
(Dmitri sings softly)
(magnifying glass taps)
(hands rubbing)
(Dmitri sings softly)
So what's in the box?
Oh, I bought you a present.
Oh, wonderful.
Should I put it under the tree?
No, it's pointless now.
A gift from you could never be pointless.
I appreciate that, but you'll see.
Go ahead.
- You sure?
- Yeah, open it.
It's beautiful.
Love the wrapping.
(wrapping paper rustling)
Oh, I love it, it's beautiful.
Do you think it's gonna
look weird next to the big one?
No, of course not.
He's supposed to watch
over and protect her.
Her?
[Marie] It's the Sugar Plum Fairy.
(soft classical music)
(Dmitri sings softly)
(suspenseful music)
(Dmitri sings softly)
(fingers tapping softly)
(door creaking softly)
- Hey.
- Hi.
Do you have everything you need?
Yeah, thank you, everything is great.
Okay, I'm gonna head to bed now.
Okay, thank you for everything.
I'm just, I'm so happy to be home.
It's my pleasure.
I'll see you in the morning, okay?
Thank you.
- Good night.
- Good night.
(Clara sighs)
Who was it?
(somber music)
(mobile phone buzzing)
(soft chiming music)
(mysterious whirring)
(decorations rustling) (suspenseful music)
(eerie music)
(car engine humming)
Yeah, trust me, I thought
about waiting to deliver it,
but it's Christmas.
Bad karma.
(door clicking) (door whooshing)
(suspenseful music)
Nice costume.
I left a parcel for you around the corner.
I didn't wanna ring the bell
just in case everyone was sleeping.
No harm meant.
(suspenseful music)
(fingers snapping)
You don't have to be an asshole.
Fuck this.
Did you a favor coming out this late,
and this is the thanks I get?
(fingers cracking)
(nutcracker squelching)
(delivery man gagging) (suspenseful music)
(dramatic music)
(delivery man gagging)
(nutcracker squelching)
(body thudding)
(suspenseful music)
(birds chirping)
(crow cawing)
(car engine humming)
I should have known.
Mom, I'm home.
Welcome home, Melissa.
Have you seen my mom?
Oh, she's around somewhere.
Well, I told her I was gonna
get here for about 10 so.
She was gonna wait for me out front.
I'm sure she's just lost track of time.
But she waited up for
Clara though, didn't she?
Would you like me to find her?
No, I want you to go get my suitcases.
Take them up to my room, please.
As you wish.
(Melissa clears throat)
As you wish, Ma'am.
I swear he gets more and
more useless like every year.
He seemed nice.
You didn't introduce us.
Yeah, what's the point?
It doesn't matter.
Who doesn't matter?
- Hi, Mom!
- Hi, Melissa.
Well, who's your friend?
Oh, it's just my boyfriend.
- Um, James.
- Oh.
Yeah, it's really nice to meet ya.
Oh.
Yeah, you have an amazing home.
Well, thank you.
Well, you guys had a long trip.
Is there anything I can help with?
I'm good.
No, yeah, good, yeah.
Thank you, yeah.
- Was that for me?
- No, it's mine.
I had it delivered here.
I thought we've not been
together in such a long time.
Such a special occasion.
So I bought me and James
something really special.
(Melissa laughs)
- [Marie] Crowns.
- Yeah.
[Marie] Oh, how wonderful.
Nice.
Hi, Mousey.
Melissa.
How are you doing?
Yeah, I'm fine actually.
You still working at that clothing shop?
Yeah, I'm gonna be a
manager there soon, I think.
- Cool.
- Yep.
Where's your boyfriend?
He's upstairs, just
putting our stuff away.
- He seems cool.
- Yeah, he is cool.
Cooler than Paul.
Why do you always have to
make everything a competition?
Do you know what?
I don't need this shit,
not from you, so bye.
Oh, hi, sweetheart.
Well, what's wrong?
It's just Clara.
- What's she done?
- She's just...
Wow.
That is one ugly son of a bitch.
It's almost as big as the tree.
They ought to chop it
up and use it for firewood.
Someone's put a lot of effort into this.
Who cares?
I should tell my Mom to get
rid of it before Christmas Eve.
But she's put it up.
So?
- So she must like it.
- Yeah, it's hideous.
I'm gonna go.
Right, I need a foot rub, come on.
(neck creaking)
(suspenseful music)
[Paul] I told you not to come out here.
You gave me no choice.
You've been ignoring my texts.
Come on, Paul.
You deserve better than her.
Listen, Bai.
I'm gonna make this short and to the point.
Don't call or visit me again, ever.
I'm gonna do whatever I
can to make it work with Clara.
Because I love her.
Then why did you fuck me?
That was once.
Go home, I'm blocking you.
And I'm gonna tell Clara to do the same.
She already did.
Stay out of our lives.
Mother fucker.
(door creaking)
(dramatic music)
(footsteps tapping softly)
(doll creaking softly)
(crickets chirping) (suspenseful music)
(heavy breathing)
(footsteps thudding)
(grass crunching)
(dramatic music)
(heavy breathing)
(Bai gasps)
(heavy breathing)
It's a weird time to go skating.
(heavy breathing)
(Bai whimpers softly)
This isn't funny.
(dramatic music)
(Bai gasping)
(Bai choking)
(suspenseful music) (Bai whimpering)
(heavy breathing)
(suspenseful music continues)
(body thudding)
(wine splashing)
That was an awesome meal, thank you.
Yes, delicious.
Yeah, well, you should know.
You ate enough.
Thank you, James.
I'm sorry we're eating so late.
I got sidetracked a bit.
Hey, where I'm from eating at 10 at night
is perfectly normal.
[Marie] And you,
Melissa, did you enjoy it?
Yeah, it's no Chez La La.
[Marie] What's Chez La La?
It's this French-inspired restaurant
that does these amazing amuse-bouches.
Amuse-bouches?
It means small bites.
Yeah, it's got two Michelin stars.
[Marie] I see.
Well, I think the meal was fantastic.
A home cooked meal was just what I needed.
(knocking)
And speaking of what you need.
(footsteps tapping softly)
Paul.
Hey, Clara.
I couldn't let you spend Christmas apart.
Hi.
I sense tension in the air.
No, I'm just surprised, that's all.
Hey, I'm James.
Paul.
Hi, again.
Hey.
Hey, Mousey.
There's plenty of food left
over, I can get you a plate.
You probably wanna put
your stuff upstairs, right?
Yeah.
Yeah, I stopped on the
way and grabbed a burger.
So I'm not hungry right now anyway.
Thank you though.
I hate to eat and run, but we
have some catching up to do.
I bet you do.
See you in the morning.
Would anybody like dessert before bed?
Yeah, please.
No.
Yes, please.
- No.
- No.
(door creaking)
Close the door.
(door banging)
What are you doing here?
Marie invited me.
Okay, you didn't need to say yes.
I tried saying no, but she
was adamant that I make it.
Why didn't you tell her we broke up?
Because she likes you.
She always has.
And I like her.
She always treats me like family.
Yeah, that's why I didn't tell her.
I don't wanna ruin her
Christmas, like you ruined mine.
(muffled voices speaking)
Hey, are you coming to bed?
Shh, go back in there!
Shut up!
(muffled voices speaking)
I thought everything was fine between us.
So did I.
I can't explain it.
You know how many hours
I've been putting in at the office.
I went out with the guys after
work, to blow off some steam.
I had too much to drink.
I'm sorry, Clara.
Say something.
You can stay the night,
but I want you gone in the morning.
What are you doing?
(tense music)
Trouble in paradise?
I don't wanna talk about it.
Little Miss Perfect has a booboo?
Why are you always so mean to me?
Because I don't like you.
I never have and I never will. (Chuckles)
I haven't done anything to you.
But, yeah, you have.
[Clara] What?
Been born.
(floor creaking softly)
(tense music continues)
(creaking)
Hello?
(tense music continues)
(door creaking)
What are you doing?
(Clara gasps)
Nothing.
(door bangs)
(tense music continues)
(pills rattling)
Hey, hey, take it easy.
Don't start.
They help me relax, all right?
Yeah, but you're only
supposed to take one.
Can we talk about this?
I don't wanna talk right now.
(pillow thumps)
(lamp switch clicks)
(belt rattling)
(distant banging)
(door closes softly)
(refrigerator door closes softly)
(plate clanks)
(handle rattles)
(bowl clanks)
(nut taps)
(drawer slides)
(utensils rattle)
(nut cracks)
(pieces clatter)
(pieces clatter)
(James moans)
(suspenseful music)
What the hell?
(heavy breathing)
(suspenseful music continues)
(heavy breathing)
You scared me.
(suspenseful classical music)
(heavy breathing)
Oh.
Nice one, mate.
(suspenseful music continues)
(James chokes)
(dramatic music)
(James chokes)
(nutcracker clanging)
(heavy breathing)
(James whimpering)
(cracking) (blood squirting)
(James choking) (cracking)
(suspenseful music continues)
(nutcracker rattles)
(James choking)
(soft classical music) (heavy breathing)
(ominous music) (heavy breathing)
(footsteps tapping)
Look who finally decided to get up.
Yeah, sorry, I overslept.
What's going on?
James is missing.
What?
He's gone, and he's
not answering his phone.
Okay.
Have you checked out the front
to see if his car is still there?
(chuckles) No, we didn't think of that.
That's not all.
The Nutcracker is missing.
(tense music)
Okay.
Okay, look, we can,
we can go into town and
see if we can find him.
That's a great idea.
Do you wanna come with me if I drive?
No, I'm okay.
I'll go with you.
Yeah.
What?
There's something
weird about that nutcracker.
What?
I don't know, but I'm gonna find out.
(car engine revving)
(doorbell chiming)
Hello?
Hello.
[Clara] I was in here the other day.
I remember you.
You're Marie's kin.
Yeah.
I bought a nutcracker from you.
Yes, a very good choice.
You, you gave me a sugar plum fairy.
Oh, an honest mistake.
I will, I will exchange it for you.
Oh no, no, no.
That's not necessary.
I just, I need some information
from you about the Nutcracker.
Anything I can do to help?
Where do you get them from?
Right here.
- You make them?
- Yes.
I've always had an
attachment to the Nutcracker.
There's something very special about them.
Their curiosity, a power,
something you cannot get from something
that is mass produced.
What do you mean?
Take a Ouija board, for example.
You could find one now in any toy store.
They've made a children's game of it.
And it is if you use
one of those cardboard,
mass-produced things that they give you.
But if you find one that is
made from good material,
that some time has gone
into, that's a different story.
We're not buying a Ouija board.
That's good 'cause I won't sell you one.
Okay.
Have you, have you ever
made any larger Nutcrackers?
How big are you suggesting?
Six feet.
No, the cost will be too great.
This is a waste of time, let's go.
My Aunt Marie, she has a
Nutcracker that's six feet tall.
Marie has one that is six feet tall?
Amazing, I'd love to see it.
Well, that's the thing.
It's disappeared.
It just up and vanished.
Well, as I said, something
that big would be very valuable
depending on the wood
and the craftsmanship.
Someone may have stolen it.
My cousin's boyfriend,
he's also disappeared.
(chuckles) You lost a Nutcracker
and your cousin's boyfriend?
Not a great day.
How, how trustworthy was the boyfriend?
I mean, we don't really know him.
No, no, he's a nice guy.
He wouldn't have stolen it.
Have you ever heard of
anything weird happening
involving a Nutcracker?
Do you know the
history of the Nutcracker?
It's a ballet.
That's right, but it
was a book before that.
Let me guess, based on a true story.
No, it was very much a work of fiction,
but there is a true
story based on the book.
Legend has it that the Nutcracker
represents strength and power.
And it will guide you and protect you
from evil spirits and
your family from danger.
Yeah, but well, it's not, it's not real.
It was to one person.
(footsteps tapping)
(door creaking)
(footsteps tapping) (tense music)
(bottles rattling)
(Danford gasps)
Who's there?
James?
Everyone is looking for you.
(tense music continues)
If that's you, Melissa, this isn't funny.
(light switch clicks)
He was a soldier in
Germany in the late 1800s.
The world was suffering
a great plague pandemic.
Nowadays, we call it tuberculosis.
In those days it was known as consumption.
It was a vile and horrible disease.
And those afflicted suffered greatly.
The world,
it was full of sadness,
and people needed relief, some escape.
And they found it in a play.
The Nutcracker.
Yes.
The soldier, he saw it on
his way through Russia.
St. Petersburg to be exact.
And it wasn't very famous then.
It took nearly 50 years
for it to find its audience.
But art as like that can take a long time
to be appreciated.
The play struck a chord with the soldier.
It's easy to see why.
The go-to blame for plagues
when it wasn't God was rodents.
They lived in squalor, and
vermin were always associated
with sickness and disease.
In this case, they were innocent,
but that did not stop the
soldier from the association.
For him, the Mouse King was to blame.
That's crazy.
Insane even.
But you've got to remember
that the soldier was completely insane.
(footsteps tapping) (tense music continues)
(heavy breathing) (arms creaking)
(suspenseful music) (heavy breathing)
(dramatic music)
He wasn't always insane though.
People who knew him who said he was
a kind and gentle person.
He became a soldier just to see the world.
Traveling the world,
discovering all it had to offer
in many countries.
Along the way, he found evil.
More precisely, evil found him.
(dramatic music)
(leaves crunching)
(mysterious chiming music)
[Dmitri] Locals would
tell a tale about jewels
that came from hell itself.
(mysterious chiming)
They are harvesters of evil and insanity.
Merely holding one can drive a man insane.
Imagine what it would
do if it was consumed.
(soldier swallows)
(mysterious chiming music continues)
He swallowed it?
Yes.
And from that moment he believed that he
was the Nutcracker.
He was convinced that
to end the plague he had
to find the Mouse King and destroy him.
But remember, he was insane,
and he wanted to find someone else first.
I remember seeing the play.
What was her name?
Clara.
Yes.
Clara, that was the name in
both the play and the book.
But he had to find
someone else more powerful.
The Sugar Plum Fairy.
He searched far and wide
and found two women, sisters.
He took them both in the night.
He had to be fast because
he wanted to discover who
was to be his princess
and who had been corrupted
by the Mouse King.
How, how did he do that?
(dramatic music)
(knife slicing) (blood gurgling)
He killed her?
Yes.
What happened to the other girl?
(girl whimpers)
You're pure.
I found my princess.
[Dmitri] He fed the remaining
sister one of the jewels
to be a partner in his insanity.
(girl whimpers)
She passed the test.
And what happened to them?
Oh, they died.
He died with his princess.
[Dmitri] The jewel had
completely absorbed the man.
(policeman shouting in German)
(girl gasps)
(gunshot blasting)
The woman died leaving
only an imprint in the jewel.
(soldier gasps)
Taste of a bloodline, one
you know quite well, Clara.
Do you actually believe any of this?
Yes, I do.
I like to think that their souls went off
to Sweet heaven and
lived happily ever after.
But I know they didn't.
Autopsies were performed.
No jewels were found.
(clock chiming)
It's time for me to go.
I have things to do before I go home.
Okay.
Well, thank you for telling us the story.
You're very welcome, I
hope it will serve some help.
Thank you.
That's all I know.
That's all I know.
(tense music)
I think I know what's going on.
What?
The Nutcracker, it's alive.
You've got to be kidding me.
Somehow the soldier has possessed it.
Are you listening to what you're saying?
I'm listening to what he was saying.
So you think a Nutcracker
possessed by a German soldier
from the 1800s came to
life and, what, killed James?
And what else could it be?
He took a rideshare somewhere
to get away from your bitch
of a cousin and is currently
three sheets to the wind.
You're right, it's a killer doll thing.
Totally makes sense.
(eerie music)
Have you seen Danford?
Why would I care where he is?
Don't be rude.
He's a really good man.
He's done a lot for us.
Oh, he puts the, um, but in butler.
That's not funny.
(Melissa laughs)
Just social media things. He puts...
- Can we just talk?
- We've been talking.
No, I've been talking.
You've been occasionally taking
a break from your cell phone
to spit out some random responses.
Fine.
What do you want to talk about?
James.
What about him?
Has he ever disappeared like this before?
No.
Did you guys get in a fight or anything?
No.
Actually you should ask Clara about that.
Do you know why she came here alone?
'Cause they broke up,
and she got cheated on.
I don't believe that.
I actually heard them
talking about it last night.
She was really upset.
Why do you hate her so much?
Why do you love her so much?
I love you both equally.
Yeah, that's not fair.
I'm your daughter, I'm your real daughter.
She's just your dead sister's trophy.
You know what?
I wished she died in that crash.
(hand slaps)
You hit me.
It was long overdue.
God, you're a selfish, spoiled brat.
I'm going to bed.
(footsteps thudding)
Oh, hey, any luck?
[Paul] No.
But I have something to tell you.
I've heard this story
already and once is enough.
Why didn't you tell me
you and Paul broke up?
That doesn't matter right now.
Look, I'm gonna tell you something,
and it's gonna seem unbelievable,
but I need you to believe me.
What is it?
(door creaking)
(door banging)
(door banging)
Did you find him then?
No.
I guess we're both single now.
I'll get it.
You go get Paul and Mousey,
and we'll meet back down here.
(Melissa sighs)
You know, I'm so sorry about Clara.
You don't know what you're talking about.
I know exactly what I'm talking about,
I grew up with her.
She's obsessed with herself.
Like everyone else comes second.
You know, I could treat you much better.
Your boyfriend's missing.
So, he's not here.
You are though.
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
that's not gonna happen.
I learn from my mistakes.
You two deserve each other.
[Clara] Paul?
It's not what it looks like.
Oh, you evil bitch.
Clara.
Oh God, calm down.
It's not like she was gonna
take you back anyway. (Chuckles)
Clara.
- Clara, stop.
- Don't touch me!
Look, just let me explain.
What is the point?
First, I find you with my friend,
and then I walk in
with all of this going on,
and you're in there with my cousin!
No, it's not like that.
She hit on me.
So you blame the booze
and now you blame her?
When are you gonna
take responsibility, Paul?
(floor creaking)
It's too late now, you've
missed your chance. (Chuckles)
(Melissa gasping) (suspenseful music)
[Paul] Think about it, please.
I came all this way here for you,
and I'm just gonna throw
all of that away off Mousey?
Come on, you know me.
I thought I did.
I made a mistake,
and I'm gonna regret
it for the rest of my life.
But I just wanna spend the rest
of my life making it up to you.
Please, just give me a chance.
What about Mousey?
She heard you coming
and then she jumped on me.
She set that up.
Where are you going?
To tell that bitch how I really feel.
Mousey, you little...
(door creaking)
Where is she?
(heavy breathing)
Doesn't make any sense,
she didn't pass us in the hall.
(muffled whimpering)
[Clara] Maybe she
went out the other door.
(muffled whimpering)
Maybe we should just leave.
I can't leave, he's here somewhere.
Who's here?
The Nutcracker.
[Paul] Oh my God, there's no such thing.
(muffled whimpering)
Right, you want me to trust you,
then you need to trust me.
Okay, what can I do to help?
(heavy breathing) (muffled whimpering)
Come with me.
(dramatic music)
(Melissa screaming) (decoration rustling)
Help me!
(Melissa choking)
(dramatic music continues)
(switch clicks)
(heavy breathing)
(body thudding)
(heavy breathing)
Look, maybe we
should just call the police.
Yeah, and say what?
That a giant Nutcracker has come to life
and is kidnapping people?
If you didn't believe me, why would they?
So what should we do?
I...
Wait.
I don't remember seeing that before.
That's because it wasn't there.
(suspenseful music)
(floor creaking)
(decorations rattling)
(wrapper rustling)
(Clara gasps)
Shit, shit.
Calm down, calm down, Clara.
(Clara whimpering)
It's okay.
(suspenseful music)
The shopkeeper, he said the soldier,
he took two girls, sisters.
He killed one and the other one tricked him
into thinking she was the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Do you think he killed Mousey?
But we're not sisters.
I remember.
(tense music)
The Nutcracker.
(heavy breathing) (soft classical music)
He doesn't want me.
He wants Marie.
Okay, he wants a sister.
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps tapping)
Danford?
Danford?
(footsteps tapping)
(suspenseful music)
(Marie gasps)
(heavy breathing)
No, no please.
(suspenseful music continues)
Oh no, no.
(Marie screams)
(heavy breathing)
(door banging)
Auntie Marie!
Auntie Marie?
- I brought this.
- Okay, let's go.
(heavy breathing)
(dramatic music)
(heavy breathing)
Oh shit.
Clara, run!
(hammer thudding)
Paul!
Wait!
I know it's Marie that you want.
(suspenseful music) (footsteps thudding)
(Clara whimpering) (heavy breathing)
(footsteps thudding)
(heavy breathing)
(Clara whimpering)
(suspenseful music) (footsteps thudding)
Oh my God, Paul.
You're alive.
You're okay.
Oh my God, you're alive.
Oh my God, I thought you were dead.
(footsteps thudding)
(heavy breathing)
No!
(Clara choking) (suspenseful music)
(heavy breathing)
(Clara choking) (suspenseful music)
(Clara gasping)
(heavy breathing)
Get out of here now!
(Clara panting)
(dramatic music) (head thudding loudly)
(body thudding)
(door banging)
(Clara panting)
Oh shit.
(Clara panting)
(closet doors creaking)
(door creaking)
(suspenseful music) (heavy breathing)
(dramatic music)
(Clara gasps softly)
(Clara whimpers softly)
(body creaking) (heavy breathing)
(floor creaking) (heavy breathing)
(closet door creaking)
(heavy breathing)
(body creaking) (heavy breathing)
(Clara whimpers)
(distant footsteps tapping)
(door creaking)
Clara.
Hey, hey, hey.
Hey, it's okay, it's okay.
Look at me, look at me.
Let me see the gash.
Do you know where he is?
No.
I um...
I need to stop the bleeding, okay?
Look at me, look at me.
You're okay, okay, you're okay.
(Clara panting)
(fabric tearing)
Okay, okay, okay.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Okay, it's okay, sorry, it's okay.
I'm so sorry.
You're gonna be all right.
There we go.
(Clara panting)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I have an idea.
(dramatic music)
(Marie gasps)
(soft classical music)
You don't have to hurt anyone else.
You have me.
Please let it be enough.
Take me to my family.
Take me to the land of the Sweets.
Hey, Nutfucker!
You wanted the Mouse King and Queen?
You've got them.
(heavy breathing)
(body creaking)
(Marie whimpers)
(suspenseful music)
(gun cocks)
(gunshot popping)
(suspenseful music continues)
(gunshot popping)
(tense music)
[Marie] Is it over?
(soft classical music)
I don't know.
(body creaking)
That was easier.
(fingers creaking)
(dramatic music)
- No, no!
- Clara!
Clara!
[Clara] No, no!
(Clara whimpers)
[Marie] Clara!
(Clara groans)
Clara!
[Marie] Clara!
(suspenseful music)
Hey, dipshit!
(hammer thumps)
(mysterious chiming)
The jewel, Paul, the jewel!
(mysterious chiming)
Paul, the jewel!
(hammer banging)
(Clara panting) (heavy breathing)
(suspenseful music)
(Marie panting)
This is for fucking with my family!
(gunshot popping)
[Clara] The star, Paul, hand me the star!
(mysterious chiming)
[Marie] Go for it, sugar.
Hand me the star.
No encore for you.
(dramatic music)
(hissing)
(soft classical music)
(Clara panting)
(Marie panting)
(somber music)
[Marie] So does this mean
you guys are back together?
(Clara chuckles)
Merry fucking Christmas.
(somber music continues)
(soft classical music)
(lips smacking)
Behave, Dmitri.
Behave.
(lips smacking)
(tense music)
(blowing)
(tense music continues)
(suspenseful music)
(intense music)
(metal clanging)
(intense music)
(crickets chirping) (car engine humming)
Yeah, trust me, I thought
about waiting to deliver it,
but it's Christmas.
Bad karma.
Yeah, later.
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps thudding)
(footsteps thudding)
(suspenseful music continues)
(deliveryman panting softly)
(footsteps tapping softly)
(crickets chirping)
(water splashing)
(footsteps tapping softly)
(suspenseful music continues)
(deliveryman panting softly)
(dramatic music)
Jesus Christ.
It's just a decoration.
A creepy decoration.
(nutcracker creaking)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps tapping)
Creepy Christmas decorations.
(door clicks)
(dramatic music)
Nice costume.
I left a parcel for you around the corner.
I didn't want to ring the bell
just in case everyone was sleeping.
No harm meant.
(suspenseful music)
(fingers snapping)
You don't have to be an asshole.
Fuck this.
Did you a favor coming out this late,
and this is the thanks I get?
(fingers creaking)
(nutcracker squelching)
(thrilling music)
Moving forward, his lips and hers.
(laptop keys clicking)
The End.
(laptop lid claps)
(suspenseful music)
Well, if you're gonna
treat someone poorly,
you can't expect respect.
Exactly.
Oh.
So how's the book coming along then?
I just finished it.
Amazing, well done.
Thank you. (Glasses clinking)
I just, I don't know,
hope this one finds a bigger audience, so.
Well, does it have a happy ending?
It's a romance novel, of course it does.
Right?
Um.
I might have projected
a little bit at the end.
How do you mean?
Right when it hits the
main crescendo of love,
the romantic leading
man confessed to cheating.
[Friend] Ew.
He did glean it.
I had to do a little rewrite.
What a prick.
It's all that dickhead Paul did.
I know, but he felt bad.
Yeah, right.
No, I could see the
shame in his eyes, you know.
He felt bad.
Did he tell you who
he cheated on you with?
Yes, whose ass do I
have to kick? (Chuckles)
No.
He didn't say, and I didn't ask.
Sorry.
I just...
(sighs) Really loved him, you know?
It was just so close to Christmas.
I got a great present.
Sorry.
What are you gonna do
for Christmas now then?
I don't know.
Come on, let's drink more.
(glasses clinking)
(suspenseful chiming music)
(mobile phone buzzing)
(mobile phone ringing)
(mobile phone buzzing)
Auntie Marie, hi, how are you?
Well, I'm doing well, sugar.
I am just looking over my Christmas decor.
Oh, that sounds like fun.
Did you decorate?
Yeah, yeah, of course, I did.
Well, I wasn't sure, since you and Paul
were headed out on your trip.
How is he by the way?
Yeah, yeah, no, he's, he's fine.
He's just been really busy
with work, I've barely seen him.
Oh, well, you know what?
A nice romantic trip could be
just what the doctor ordered.
Yeah, unfortunately,
we had to cancel the trip.
Oh no, what happened?
Oh, Paul just got a
lot of work at the office,
and I had a deadline on my new book.
Well, I am very sorry to hear that.
Do you know what?
Nobody's gonna be working on Christmas,
so I insist that you come
spend the holiday with me, okay?
It's been too long.
Yeah.
Yeah, actually that would be really nice.
Thank you.
And you must bring Paul with you.
Yeah, we'll see.
But I for sure will be there.
Actually, would it be okay if I came early?
Oh, of course.
You know you always have a home here.
All right, well, I will leave shortly.
So I'll see you soon.
Me too.
Bye.
(suspenseful music)
(cars whooshing)
(car horn honking) (Clara gasping)
(suspenseful classical music)
(doorbell chiming)
(suspenseful classical music continues)
Ah, the Nutcracker.
Dmitri.
Pleased to meet you.
They're wonderful.
Yes, they are.
May I?
Of course.
Thank you.
There's something about this,
something familiar, but I
can't put my finger on it.
They have become very popular.
At this time of year,
it's hard to turn around
without seeing one somewhere.
I'll take it.
Would you be able to wrap it for me?
It's a gift for my aunt.
Oh, well, maybe you know her.
Marie Sweet?
Marie Sweet.
I should have known
you're one of the Sweets.
You have a timeless beauty.
This one is for display only.
Okay.
But I have one already packaged.
I'll get it for you.
Thank you.
(footsteps tapping)
(mobile phone buzzing)
(mobile phone ringing)
(mobile phone buzzing)
What do you want, Paul?
[Paul] I just want to
see how you're doing.
How do you think I'm doing?
I don't know.
I'm so, so, sorry.
Sorry about what you
did or sorry for telling me?
I wish I could take it back.
It was a stupid mistake.
Please, can we meet and talk?
I could, I could come to
your place or, you know,
we can meet for dinner.
I'm not at home right now.
I needed to clear my head.
Look, we'll talk when I'm back, okay?
I've gotta go.
Fuck!
Boyfriend trouble?
Ex-boyfriend.
Thank you.
You're welcome, enjoy.
(suspenseful music)
Hello?
(door shuts softly)
(luggage wheels clatter)
Auntie Marie?
Hello?
(suspenseful music)
Ah!
(Clara gasps)
(laughs) I'm sorry, I had to.
I saw you pull up as I
was putting these away.
Oh, look at you.
I am so glad you could come.
Gosh, oh.
Me too, I was so happy when you called.
[Marie] Yes, of course.
(Danford clears throat)
(laughs) Danford.
Miss Clara, welcome!
Ah, how long has it been?
I don't know, too long.
[Danford] And how is
life for the famous author?
I'm not famous.
You should be.
I've read those books, quite good.
And quite naughty.
Danford.
I'm just giving my opinion, Ma'am.
Well, why don't you
offer to take her belongings
up to her room?
[Danford] Yes, Ma'am.
- And Danford?
- Yes, Ma'am?
You can drop the Ma'am shit.
- We're all family here.
- Hmm.
We do that for the tourists,
they love having a butler.
Yeah, I can't believe you
turned this place into a B & B.
[Marie] Yeah, don't worry though.
It's just family for Christmas.
(gasps) Danford, I will take that box.
As you wish.
Thank you.
Okay, I prefer Danford the
caretaker to Danford the butler.
Melissa loves it.
Is Mousey coming?
You know she hates that
nickname, but you know what?
She wasn't gonna come, but
she found out you were coming,
so she changed her plans.
I think she misses you.
I doubt that.
Well, let's get you settled, come on.
(soft chiming music)
(fire crackling softly)
I had that put up once I
found out you were coming.
It's, um, creepy. (Chuckles)
Well, that's not exactly
the reaction I was hoping for.
- Clara?
- Yeah, sorry.
[Marie] No, that's okay, I
asked if you remember it.
No.
Oh, I was kind of hoping you might.
You know, I found that in the attic.
It was with your parents' belongings.
I mean, there's something
familiar about it, but yeah.
I don't know.
I just wonder how my
parents got something so tall.
Well, that I know.
I gave it to 'em as a gift
for your first Christmas.
The tree looks fantastic, by the way.
You know, when we were kids,
decorating the tree was your Mom
and I's favorite thing to do for Christmas.
I miss her.
I miss her too.
But when you're around,
makes it feel like a part of her
is still here with me.
You know, that's why I always insisted
that you and Melissa put
up decorations together,
make it a sister type thing.
Did you and Mom argue
about who put what on the tree?
[Marie] Only the tree topper.
I was happy you and Melissa
never argued over that.
Yeah, she always wanted
to put it on so I let her.
You know, you could
have done it if you wanted to.
No.
Felt like something that
your daughter should do.
I may not have given birth to you,
but I always looked at you as my daughter.
Anyway, what is new with you?
Tell me.
Well, I'm afraid
there's not a lot to share.
Life here is, it's uncomplicated.
No.
What about, do you have a man in your life?
What about that, um, what was his name?
Dmitri from the shop.
Dmitri, no.
Danford is all I need.
You and Danford?
I mean, he's been by my
side for years and I do love him,
but not like that.
We're best friends, you know?
Speaking of couples, is Paul coming?
No.
No, he had to work in the end.
[Marie] Mm, I'm sorry to hear that.
I can tell you're disappointed.
It's okay.
I am just glad that I get to
spend Christmas with you.
What a lovely time we're gonna have.
[Clara] Yeah.
(Dmitri sings softly)
(magnifying glass taps)
(hands rubbing)
(Dmitri sings softly)
So what's in the box?
Oh, I bought you a present.
Oh, wonderful.
Should I put it under the tree?
No, it's pointless now.
A gift from you could never be pointless.
I appreciate that, but you'll see.
Go ahead.
- You sure?
- Yeah, open it.
It's beautiful.
Love the wrapping.
(wrapping paper rustling)
Oh, I love it, it's beautiful.
Do you think it's gonna
look weird next to the big one?
No, of course not.
He's supposed to watch
over and protect her.
Her?
[Marie] It's the Sugar Plum Fairy.
(soft classical music)
(Dmitri sings softly)
(suspenseful music)
(Dmitri sings softly)
(fingers tapping softly)
(door creaking softly)
- Hey.
- Hi.
Do you have everything you need?
Yeah, thank you, everything is great.
Okay, I'm gonna head to bed now.
Okay, thank you for everything.
I'm just, I'm so happy to be home.
It's my pleasure.
I'll see you in the morning, okay?
Thank you.
- Good night.
- Good night.
(Clara sighs)
Who was it?
(somber music)
(mobile phone buzzing)
(soft chiming music)
(mysterious whirring)
(decorations rustling) (suspenseful music)
(eerie music)
(car engine humming)
Yeah, trust me, I thought
about waiting to deliver it,
but it's Christmas.
Bad karma.
(door clicking) (door whooshing)
(suspenseful music)
Nice costume.
I left a parcel for you around the corner.
I didn't wanna ring the bell
just in case everyone was sleeping.
No harm meant.
(suspenseful music)
(fingers snapping)
You don't have to be an asshole.
Fuck this.
Did you a favor coming out this late,
and this is the thanks I get?
(fingers cracking)
(nutcracker squelching)
(delivery man gagging) (suspenseful music)
(dramatic music)
(delivery man gagging)
(nutcracker squelching)
(body thudding)
(suspenseful music)
(birds chirping)
(crow cawing)
(car engine humming)
I should have known.
Mom, I'm home.
Welcome home, Melissa.
Have you seen my mom?
Oh, she's around somewhere.
Well, I told her I was gonna
get here for about 10 so.
She was gonna wait for me out front.
I'm sure she's just lost track of time.
But she waited up for
Clara though, didn't she?
Would you like me to find her?
No, I want you to go get my suitcases.
Take them up to my room, please.
As you wish.
(Melissa clears throat)
As you wish, Ma'am.
I swear he gets more and
more useless like every year.
He seemed nice.
You didn't introduce us.
Yeah, what's the point?
It doesn't matter.
Who doesn't matter?
- Hi, Mom!
- Hi, Melissa.
Well, who's your friend?
Oh, it's just my boyfriend.
- Um, James.
- Oh.
Yeah, it's really nice to meet ya.
Oh.
Yeah, you have an amazing home.
Well, thank you.
Well, you guys had a long trip.
Is there anything I can help with?
I'm good.
No, yeah, good, yeah.
Thank you, yeah.
- Was that for me?
- No, it's mine.
I had it delivered here.
I thought we've not been
together in such a long time.
Such a special occasion.
So I bought me and James
something really special.
(Melissa laughs)
- [Marie] Crowns.
- Yeah.
[Marie] Oh, how wonderful.
Nice.
Hi, Mousey.
Melissa.
How are you doing?
Yeah, I'm fine actually.
You still working at that clothing shop?
Yeah, I'm gonna be a
manager there soon, I think.
- Cool.
- Yep.
Where's your boyfriend?
He's upstairs, just
putting our stuff away.
- He seems cool.
- Yeah, he is cool.
Cooler than Paul.
Why do you always have to
make everything a competition?
Do you know what?
I don't need this shit,
not from you, so bye.
Oh, hi, sweetheart.
Well, what's wrong?
It's just Clara.
- What's she done?
- She's just...
Wow.
That is one ugly son of a bitch.
It's almost as big as the tree.
They ought to chop it
up and use it for firewood.
Someone's put a lot of effort into this.
Who cares?
I should tell my Mom to get
rid of it before Christmas Eve.
But she's put it up.
So?
- So she must like it.
- Yeah, it's hideous.
I'm gonna go.
Right, I need a foot rub, come on.
(neck creaking)
(suspenseful music)
[Paul] I told you not to come out here.
You gave me no choice.
You've been ignoring my texts.
Come on, Paul.
You deserve better than her.
Listen, Bai.
I'm gonna make this short and to the point.
Don't call or visit me again, ever.
I'm gonna do whatever I
can to make it work with Clara.
Because I love her.
Then why did you fuck me?
That was once.
Go home, I'm blocking you.
And I'm gonna tell Clara to do the same.
She already did.
Stay out of our lives.
Mother fucker.
(door creaking)
(dramatic music)
(footsteps tapping softly)
(doll creaking softly)
(crickets chirping) (suspenseful music)
(heavy breathing)
(footsteps thudding)
(grass crunching)
(dramatic music)
(heavy breathing)
(Bai gasps)
(heavy breathing)
It's a weird time to go skating.
(heavy breathing)
(Bai whimpers softly)
This isn't funny.
(dramatic music)
(Bai gasping)
(Bai choking)
(suspenseful music) (Bai whimpering)
(heavy breathing)
(suspenseful music continues)
(body thudding)
(wine splashing)
That was an awesome meal, thank you.
Yes, delicious.
Yeah, well, you should know.
You ate enough.
Thank you, James.
I'm sorry we're eating so late.
I got sidetracked a bit.
Hey, where I'm from eating at 10 at night
is perfectly normal.
[Marie] And you,
Melissa, did you enjoy it?
Yeah, it's no Chez La La.
[Marie] What's Chez La La?
It's this French-inspired restaurant
that does these amazing amuse-bouches.
Amuse-bouches?
It means small bites.
Yeah, it's got two Michelin stars.
[Marie] I see.
Well, I think the meal was fantastic.
A home cooked meal was just what I needed.
(knocking)
And speaking of what you need.
(footsteps tapping softly)
Paul.
Hey, Clara.
I couldn't let you spend Christmas apart.
Hi.
I sense tension in the air.
No, I'm just surprised, that's all.
Hey, I'm James.
Paul.
Hi, again.
Hey.
Hey, Mousey.
There's plenty of food left
over, I can get you a plate.
You probably wanna put
your stuff upstairs, right?
Yeah.
Yeah, I stopped on the
way and grabbed a burger.
So I'm not hungry right now anyway.
Thank you though.
I hate to eat and run, but we
have some catching up to do.
I bet you do.
See you in the morning.
Would anybody like dessert before bed?
Yeah, please.
No.
Yes, please.
- No.
- No.
(door creaking)
Close the door.
(door banging)
What are you doing here?
Marie invited me.
Okay, you didn't need to say yes.
I tried saying no, but she
was adamant that I make it.
Why didn't you tell her we broke up?
Because she likes you.
She always has.
And I like her.
She always treats me like family.
Yeah, that's why I didn't tell her.
I don't wanna ruin her
Christmas, like you ruined mine.
(muffled voices speaking)
Hey, are you coming to bed?
Shh, go back in there!
Shut up!
(muffled voices speaking)
I thought everything was fine between us.
So did I.
I can't explain it.
You know how many hours
I've been putting in at the office.
I went out with the guys after
work, to blow off some steam.
I had too much to drink.
I'm sorry, Clara.
Say something.
You can stay the night,
but I want you gone in the morning.
What are you doing?
(tense music)
Trouble in paradise?
I don't wanna talk about it.
Little Miss Perfect has a booboo?
Why are you always so mean to me?
Because I don't like you.
I never have and I never will. (Chuckles)
I haven't done anything to you.
But, yeah, you have.
[Clara] What?
Been born.
(floor creaking softly)
(tense music continues)
(creaking)
Hello?
(tense music continues)
(door creaking)
What are you doing?
(Clara gasps)
Nothing.
(door bangs)
(tense music continues)
(pills rattling)
Hey, hey, take it easy.
Don't start.
They help me relax, all right?
Yeah, but you're only
supposed to take one.
Can we talk about this?
I don't wanna talk right now.
(pillow thumps)
(lamp switch clicks)
(belt rattling)
(distant banging)
(door closes softly)
(refrigerator door closes softly)
(plate clanks)
(handle rattles)
(bowl clanks)
(nut taps)
(drawer slides)
(utensils rattle)
(nut cracks)
(pieces clatter)
(pieces clatter)
(James moans)
(suspenseful music)
What the hell?
(heavy breathing)
(suspenseful music continues)
(heavy breathing)
You scared me.
(suspenseful classical music)
(heavy breathing)
Oh.
Nice one, mate.
(suspenseful music continues)
(James chokes)
(dramatic music)
(James chokes)
(nutcracker clanging)
(heavy breathing)
(James whimpering)
(cracking) (blood squirting)
(James choking) (cracking)
(suspenseful music continues)
(nutcracker rattles)
(James choking)
(soft classical music) (heavy breathing)
(ominous music) (heavy breathing)
(footsteps tapping)
Look who finally decided to get up.
Yeah, sorry, I overslept.
What's going on?
James is missing.
What?
He's gone, and he's
not answering his phone.
Okay.
Have you checked out the front
to see if his car is still there?
(chuckles) No, we didn't think of that.
That's not all.
The Nutcracker is missing.
(tense music)
Okay.
Okay, look, we can,
we can go into town and
see if we can find him.
That's a great idea.
Do you wanna come with me if I drive?
No, I'm okay.
I'll go with you.
Yeah.
What?
There's something
weird about that nutcracker.
What?
I don't know, but I'm gonna find out.
(car engine revving)
(doorbell chiming)
Hello?
Hello.
[Clara] I was in here the other day.
I remember you.
You're Marie's kin.
Yeah.
I bought a nutcracker from you.
Yes, a very good choice.
You, you gave me a sugar plum fairy.
Oh, an honest mistake.
I will, I will exchange it for you.
Oh no, no, no.
That's not necessary.
I just, I need some information
from you about the Nutcracker.
Anything I can do to help?
Where do you get them from?
Right here.
- You make them?
- Yes.
I've always had an
attachment to the Nutcracker.
There's something very special about them.
Their curiosity, a power,
something you cannot get from something
that is mass produced.
What do you mean?
Take a Ouija board, for example.
You could find one now in any toy store.
They've made a children's game of it.
And it is if you use
one of those cardboard,
mass-produced things that they give you.
But if you find one that is
made from good material,
that some time has gone
into, that's a different story.
We're not buying a Ouija board.
That's good 'cause I won't sell you one.
Okay.
Have you, have you ever
made any larger Nutcrackers?
How big are you suggesting?
Six feet.
No, the cost will be too great.
This is a waste of time, let's go.
My Aunt Marie, she has a
Nutcracker that's six feet tall.
Marie has one that is six feet tall?
Amazing, I'd love to see it.
Well, that's the thing.
It's disappeared.
It just up and vanished.
Well, as I said, something
that big would be very valuable
depending on the wood
and the craftsmanship.
Someone may have stolen it.
My cousin's boyfriend,
he's also disappeared.
(chuckles) You lost a Nutcracker
and your cousin's boyfriend?
Not a great day.
How, how trustworthy was the boyfriend?
I mean, we don't really know him.
No, no, he's a nice guy.
He wouldn't have stolen it.
Have you ever heard of
anything weird happening
involving a Nutcracker?
Do you know the
history of the Nutcracker?
It's a ballet.
That's right, but it
was a book before that.
Let me guess, based on a true story.
No, it was very much a work of fiction,
but there is a true
story based on the book.
Legend has it that the Nutcracker
represents strength and power.
And it will guide you and protect you
from evil spirits and
your family from danger.
Yeah, but well, it's not, it's not real.
It was to one person.
(footsteps tapping)
(door creaking)
(footsteps tapping) (tense music)
(bottles rattling)
(Danford gasps)
Who's there?
James?
Everyone is looking for you.
(tense music continues)
If that's you, Melissa, this isn't funny.
(light switch clicks)
He was a soldier in
Germany in the late 1800s.
The world was suffering
a great plague pandemic.
Nowadays, we call it tuberculosis.
In those days it was known as consumption.
It was a vile and horrible disease.
And those afflicted suffered greatly.
The world,
it was full of sadness,
and people needed relief, some escape.
And they found it in a play.
The Nutcracker.
Yes.
The soldier, he saw it on
his way through Russia.
St. Petersburg to be exact.
And it wasn't very famous then.
It took nearly 50 years
for it to find its audience.
But art as like that can take a long time
to be appreciated.
The play struck a chord with the soldier.
It's easy to see why.
The go-to blame for plagues
when it wasn't God was rodents.
They lived in squalor, and
vermin were always associated
with sickness and disease.
In this case, they were innocent,
but that did not stop the
soldier from the association.
For him, the Mouse King was to blame.
That's crazy.
Insane even.
But you've got to remember
that the soldier was completely insane.
(footsteps tapping) (tense music continues)
(heavy breathing) (arms creaking)
(suspenseful music) (heavy breathing)
(dramatic music)
He wasn't always insane though.
People who knew him who said he was
a kind and gentle person.
He became a soldier just to see the world.
Traveling the world,
discovering all it had to offer
in many countries.
Along the way, he found evil.
More precisely, evil found him.
(dramatic music)
(leaves crunching)
(mysterious chiming music)
[Dmitri] Locals would
tell a tale about jewels
that came from hell itself.
(mysterious chiming)
They are harvesters of evil and insanity.
Merely holding one can drive a man insane.
Imagine what it would
do if it was consumed.
(soldier swallows)
(mysterious chiming music continues)
He swallowed it?
Yes.
And from that moment he believed that he
was the Nutcracker.
He was convinced that
to end the plague he had
to find the Mouse King and destroy him.
But remember, he was insane,
and he wanted to find someone else first.
I remember seeing the play.
What was her name?
Clara.
Yes.
Clara, that was the name in
both the play and the book.
But he had to find
someone else more powerful.
The Sugar Plum Fairy.
He searched far and wide
and found two women, sisters.
He took them both in the night.
He had to be fast because
he wanted to discover who
was to be his princess
and who had been corrupted
by the Mouse King.
How, how did he do that?
(dramatic music)
(knife slicing) (blood gurgling)
He killed her?
Yes.
What happened to the other girl?
(girl whimpers)
You're pure.
I found my princess.
[Dmitri] He fed the remaining
sister one of the jewels
to be a partner in his insanity.
(girl whimpers)
She passed the test.
And what happened to them?
Oh, they died.
He died with his princess.
[Dmitri] The jewel had
completely absorbed the man.
(policeman shouting in German)
(girl gasps)
(gunshot blasting)
The woman died leaving
only an imprint in the jewel.
(soldier gasps)
Taste of a bloodline, one
you know quite well, Clara.
Do you actually believe any of this?
Yes, I do.
I like to think that their souls went off
to Sweet heaven and
lived happily ever after.
But I know they didn't.
Autopsies were performed.
No jewels were found.
(clock chiming)
It's time for me to go.
I have things to do before I go home.
Okay.
Well, thank you for telling us the story.
You're very welcome, I
hope it will serve some help.
Thank you.
That's all I know.
That's all I know.
(tense music)
I think I know what's going on.
What?
The Nutcracker, it's alive.
You've got to be kidding me.
Somehow the soldier has possessed it.
Are you listening to what you're saying?
I'm listening to what he was saying.
So you think a Nutcracker
possessed by a German soldier
from the 1800s came to
life and, what, killed James?
And what else could it be?
He took a rideshare somewhere
to get away from your bitch
of a cousin and is currently
three sheets to the wind.
You're right, it's a killer doll thing.
Totally makes sense.
(eerie music)
Have you seen Danford?
Why would I care where he is?
Don't be rude.
He's a really good man.
He's done a lot for us.
Oh, he puts the, um, but in butler.
That's not funny.
(Melissa laughs)
Just social media things. He puts...
- Can we just talk?
- We've been talking.
No, I've been talking.
You've been occasionally taking
a break from your cell phone
to spit out some random responses.
Fine.
What do you want to talk about?
James.
What about him?
Has he ever disappeared like this before?
No.
Did you guys get in a fight or anything?
No.
Actually you should ask Clara about that.
Do you know why she came here alone?
'Cause they broke up,
and she got cheated on.
I don't believe that.
I actually heard them
talking about it last night.
She was really upset.
Why do you hate her so much?
Why do you love her so much?
I love you both equally.
Yeah, that's not fair.
I'm your daughter, I'm your real daughter.
She's just your dead sister's trophy.
You know what?
I wished she died in that crash.
(hand slaps)
You hit me.
It was long overdue.
God, you're a selfish, spoiled brat.
I'm going to bed.
(footsteps thudding)
Oh, hey, any luck?
[Paul] No.
But I have something to tell you.
I've heard this story
already and once is enough.
Why didn't you tell me
you and Paul broke up?
That doesn't matter right now.
Look, I'm gonna tell you something,
and it's gonna seem unbelievable,
but I need you to believe me.
What is it?
(door creaking)
(door banging)
(door banging)
Did you find him then?
No.
I guess we're both single now.
I'll get it.
You go get Paul and Mousey,
and we'll meet back down here.
(Melissa sighs)
You know, I'm so sorry about Clara.
You don't know what you're talking about.
I know exactly what I'm talking about,
I grew up with her.
She's obsessed with herself.
Like everyone else comes second.
You know, I could treat you much better.
Your boyfriend's missing.
So, he's not here.
You are though.
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
that's not gonna happen.
I learn from my mistakes.
You two deserve each other.
[Clara] Paul?
It's not what it looks like.
Oh, you evil bitch.
Clara.
Oh God, calm down.
It's not like she was gonna
take you back anyway. (Chuckles)
Clara.
- Clara, stop.
- Don't touch me!
Look, just let me explain.
What is the point?
First, I find you with my friend,
and then I walk in
with all of this going on,
and you're in there with my cousin!
No, it's not like that.
She hit on me.
So you blame the booze
and now you blame her?
When are you gonna
take responsibility, Paul?
(floor creaking)
It's too late now, you've
missed your chance. (Chuckles)
(Melissa gasping) (suspenseful music)
[Paul] Think about it, please.
I came all this way here for you,
and I'm just gonna throw
all of that away off Mousey?
Come on, you know me.
I thought I did.
I made a mistake,
and I'm gonna regret
it for the rest of my life.
But I just wanna spend the rest
of my life making it up to you.
Please, just give me a chance.
What about Mousey?
She heard you coming
and then she jumped on me.
She set that up.
Where are you going?
To tell that bitch how I really feel.
Mousey, you little...
(door creaking)
Where is she?
(heavy breathing)
Doesn't make any sense,
she didn't pass us in the hall.
(muffled whimpering)
[Clara] Maybe she
went out the other door.
(muffled whimpering)
Maybe we should just leave.
I can't leave, he's here somewhere.
Who's here?
The Nutcracker.
[Paul] Oh my God, there's no such thing.
(muffled whimpering)
Right, you want me to trust you,
then you need to trust me.
Okay, what can I do to help?
(heavy breathing) (muffled whimpering)
Come with me.
(dramatic music)
(Melissa screaming) (decoration rustling)
Help me!
(Melissa choking)
(dramatic music continues)
(switch clicks)
(heavy breathing)
(body thudding)
(heavy breathing)
Look, maybe we
should just call the police.
Yeah, and say what?
That a giant Nutcracker has come to life
and is kidnapping people?
If you didn't believe me, why would they?
So what should we do?
I...
Wait.
I don't remember seeing that before.
That's because it wasn't there.
(suspenseful music)
(floor creaking)
(decorations rattling)
(wrapper rustling)
(Clara gasps)
Shit, shit.
Calm down, calm down, Clara.
(Clara whimpering)
It's okay.
(suspenseful music)
The shopkeeper, he said the soldier,
he took two girls, sisters.
He killed one and the other one tricked him
into thinking she was the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Do you think he killed Mousey?
But we're not sisters.
I remember.
(tense music)
The Nutcracker.
(heavy breathing) (soft classical music)
He doesn't want me.
He wants Marie.
Okay, he wants a sister.
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps tapping)
Danford?
Danford?
(footsteps tapping)
(suspenseful music)
(Marie gasps)
(heavy breathing)
No, no please.
(suspenseful music continues)
Oh no, no.
(Marie screams)
(heavy breathing)
(door banging)
Auntie Marie!
Auntie Marie?
- I brought this.
- Okay, let's go.
(heavy breathing)
(dramatic music)
(heavy breathing)
Oh shit.
Clara, run!
(hammer thudding)
Paul!
Wait!
I know it's Marie that you want.
(suspenseful music) (footsteps thudding)
(Clara whimpering) (heavy breathing)
(footsteps thudding)
(heavy breathing)
(Clara whimpering)
(suspenseful music) (footsteps thudding)
Oh my God, Paul.
You're alive.
You're okay.
Oh my God, you're alive.
Oh my God, I thought you were dead.
(footsteps thudding)
(heavy breathing)
No!
(Clara choking) (suspenseful music)
(heavy breathing)
(Clara choking) (suspenseful music)
(Clara gasping)
(heavy breathing)
Get out of here now!
(Clara panting)
(dramatic music) (head thudding loudly)
(body thudding)
(door banging)
(Clara panting)
Oh shit.
(Clara panting)
(closet doors creaking)
(door creaking)
(suspenseful music) (heavy breathing)
(dramatic music)
(Clara gasps softly)
(Clara whimpers softly)
(body creaking) (heavy breathing)
(floor creaking) (heavy breathing)
(closet door creaking)
(heavy breathing)
(body creaking) (heavy breathing)
(Clara whimpers)
(distant footsteps tapping)
(door creaking)
Clara.
Hey, hey, hey.
Hey, it's okay, it's okay.
Look at me, look at me.
Let me see the gash.
Do you know where he is?
No.
I um...
I need to stop the bleeding, okay?
Look at me, look at me.
You're okay, okay, you're okay.
(Clara panting)
(fabric tearing)
Okay, okay, okay.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Okay, it's okay, sorry, it's okay.
I'm so sorry.
You're gonna be all right.
There we go.
(Clara panting)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I have an idea.
(dramatic music)
(Marie gasps)
(soft classical music)
You don't have to hurt anyone else.
You have me.
Please let it be enough.
Take me to my family.
Take me to the land of the Sweets.
Hey, Nutfucker!
You wanted the Mouse King and Queen?
You've got them.
(heavy breathing)
(body creaking)
(Marie whimpers)
(suspenseful music)
(gun cocks)
(gunshot popping)
(suspenseful music continues)
(gunshot popping)
(tense music)
[Marie] Is it over?
(soft classical music)
I don't know.
(body creaking)
That was easier.
(fingers creaking)
(dramatic music)
- No, no!
- Clara!
Clara!
[Clara] No, no!
(Clara whimpers)
[Marie] Clara!
(Clara groans)
Clara!
[Marie] Clara!
(suspenseful music)
Hey, dipshit!
(hammer thumps)
(mysterious chiming)
The jewel, Paul, the jewel!
(mysterious chiming)
Paul, the jewel!
(hammer banging)
(Clara panting) (heavy breathing)
(suspenseful music)
(Marie panting)
This is for fucking with my family!
(gunshot popping)
[Clara] The star, Paul, hand me the star!
(mysterious chiming)
[Marie] Go for it, sugar.
Hand me the star.
No encore for you.
(dramatic music)
(hissing)
(soft classical music)
(Clara panting)
(Marie panting)
(somber music)
[Marie] So does this mean
you guys are back together?
(Clara chuckles)
Merry fucking Christmas.
(somber music continues)
(soft classical music)
(lips smacking)
Behave, Dmitri.
Behave.
(lips smacking)
(tense music)
(blowing)
(tense music continues)
(suspenseful music)
(intense music)