Of the Devil (2022) Movie Script
1
[pouring]
[clink]
[futuristic beeps]
[music - system syn, "knives"]
No wonder you're disappointed.
Woo!
You spend your days
expecting us to care.
But the only thing
you're offering
is sharing your despair.
Alive or dead, there's no
mystery to the road ahead.
Still we must play
out our lives.
Reach for connections
in the darkness.
We are blind, yeah.
We still trade our knives.
[music muffled]
[whispering] What
the-- what the--
what's happening?
What's happening?
[panicking] Let me go.
Relax.
Relax.
[crying] Let me go.
Relax.
Sh.
Let me go.
What is this?
Where am I?
What's happening?
[crying]
What's happening?
No.
Please, it's not me.
Why?
Why?
I want to go home.
No!
Let me go.
Please, let me go.
[screaming]
[suspenseful music]
[sizzling]
Mm, it smells incredible.
Hands.
I know.
She's sleeping?
Yep.
I bathed her before
I started on this.
Did you find the recipe?
I think so.
It seems pretty close to how
I remember her making it.
Mm.
Well, it tastes like
you're doing it right.
That's delicious.
What, missed school?
Mm-mm, Columbus Day.
Oh.
I wish June wouldn't let
Ravioli into our yard.
He gets him so riled up.
Yeah, but it's good for him.
He gets so excited, though.
I'm afraid he's going to
overdo it and keel over.
What, Alex?
No, Ravioli.
Have you heard
that dog breathing?
[both snorting]
[chuckles]
What are you doing?
I'm just stirring the pot.
Watch it.
There was no sawdust
in my mom's recipe.
I already cleaned my hands.
But I do need to take a
shower if you want to join me.
I'm making dinner.
I know.
Maybe you should make
that a cold shower.
[suspenseful music]
What is he doing?
He's fine.
He's just [inaudible].
No, he's shaking.
No, honey, he's just--
Alex!
Even with the best
treatments, glioblastoma
is extremely aggressive.
And we're looking at 14
and 1/2 months at best.
Can't you just remove it?
I'm sorry.
But in Alex's case, due to the
size and location of the tumor,
he wouldn't survive surgery.
So what our options here?
Well, one option is to switch
the focus to palliative care.
What does that mean?
Do you want me to hold his
hand and watch him die?
Alex's diagnosis does make
him eligible for the benefits
of hospice care.
Benefits?
You want to give up on him?
I'm absolutely not
giving up on Alex.
There's no magic solution here.
I'm simply asking you, what kind
of life do you want for him?
A long one.
What I'm asking
you to understand
is no matter what
we do medically,
it will not extend his life
beyond just a few months.
My son is not going to die.
Mr. Cortez, are
you a man of faith?
I used to be.
It may help your wife to speak
with a spiritual counselor.
Perhaps a priest can help her
come to terms with her grief.
The last time she went
to a priest for comfort,
she ended up marrying him.
[beeping]
Did it hurt?
A little.
But then the pain goes away.
And now-- now I
don't feel anything.
Is it scary.
I don't remember.
I think it was scary.
What's scary?
I was talking to my friend.
What friend?
Common side effect of this type
of cancer is hallucinations.
They can feel very real
for the patient, especially
a young patient with
an active imagination.
I want to take him home.
Without home care in place,
it would be very difficult
for you to care for his needs.
I don't care.
I don't feel comfortable
with him here.
This is the best place for him.
He has people looking
out for him here.
We are already
caring for Ben's mom.
I want him home right now.
Which is exactly the
reason you need home help.
Caring for a dementia patient
and a child of cancer,
it's too much strain
to put on yourself.
I will do anything
to bring with me.
If I have to put him in a
trunk, I'm going to do it.
I'll speak to Dr. Barringer.
In the meantime, try
to get some rest.
You're no good to Alex
if you're burnt out.
He has someone looking over him.
Please, get some rest.
Benjamin.
Father Bennett, it's
good to see you.
So nice to see that
you're following
in your father's footsteps.
Yeah, I probably should have
paid more attention when he
was trying to teach me things.
But [inaudible].
You know, we all
have that problem.
We feel that our
teachers are mortal.
We forget we only have
them for a limited time.
So were you just driving
through the neighborhood?
No, I was hoping to see you.
I wanted to invite
you back to mass.
Of course, if you'd like to.
I should get back to work.
I hear that your
nephew has fallen ill.
He's my son.
My apologies.
Of course, your son.
And your mother?
Well, she doesn't recognize
me or anyone else.
But we got a nurse to help
out a few days a week just
until she, uh--
Mhm.
The Church still considers you
to be part of its congregation.
If there's anything you need,
anything that we can help with,
please don't hesitate to come.
It's very generous
of you, Father.
I think we'll manage fine.
I understand.
You know, your father
would be very proud of you,
Benjamin, as would your brother.
Doors of this Church
will always be open,
and the doors to
my office, as well.
Need anything, Benjamin,
please don't hesitate.
Thanks.
Come.
Good to see you, Father.
[drill whirring]
[suspenseful music]
[knocking on door]
Someone wants to say hello.
Mhm, I'm not sure
that's such a good idea.
He's really tired.
And his immune system might
not be up for a dog visit.
Oh, nonsense.
I just gave Mr. Ravioli a bath.
All organic shampoos, of course.
All completely natural.
So there's nothing that
can cause a bad reaction.
These things are all natural.
But they still cause reactions.
[chuckles] That, they do.
Well, thank you for coming by.
I'll tell Alex that Mr. Ravioli
came to check in on him.
Oh.
Oh, oh, please.
Please, let Mr.
Ravioli stay a moment.
He's been so sad and worried
since Alex was in the hospital.
He just sits by
the door and cries.
Maybe he just needs to poop.
[laughs]
I'm so happy you're able
to keep your sense of humor
through all of this.
I know things are hard.
But there's always hope.
I know you've been
going through a lot.
But sometimes it's
really helpful
to just sit down with
somebody and have some tea.
[dog snorting]
Come on, Mr. Ravioli.
We wanted to come
in and check on you.
Did you know that
pugs were actually
bred to be these furry,
little heating pads
that you could tuck in
next to an emperor when
they were feeling ill?
We have actual heating
pads we can use now.
Oh.
Looks like you have someone
else looking after you.
It was his Dad's
when he was a kid.
I bet you are a great
and powerful warrior.
Someday, you're going to rise
up and save the whole planet.
I brought something for you.
Oh, God, are those real?
Of course they're real.
Alex told me that he
really loves butterflies,
didn't you, honey?
Ooh, these are so cool.
Most people only see
the bright colors
because they only
display them on one side.
And if you do that, you
miss the whole underworld
that's full of
patterns and surprises
that you would never expect.
I've seen one of those before.
Well, the first time I
encountered a blue morpho,
I was in Mazatln,
dabbling with ayahuasca.
And they say that they are
great symbols for change
and that you need
to embrace that when
all these changes
come into your life
and have faith when they
come for you in the future.
What's ayahuasca?
Uh, come.
I'll put on a kettle.
What kind of tea will you like?
Oh, it's my own brand.
[dog snorting]
Hey, would you look after
Mr. Ravioli for me, please?
What kind of tea
did you say it was?
Oh, it's my own special blend.
It has Central American elements
in it, plus healing properties.
Oh, yeah, it tastes earthy.
It has the taste of the
rainforest in this one.
That is what I'm tasting.
It's like when you're walking
through the woods and you trip
and you get your
mouth full of leaves.
[chuckling]
Take another sip, dear.
The more you drink,
the better it gets.
You know, I think it's just
terrible of those doctors
to let a beautiful little boy
like yours just waste away.
You were right to
bring him home.
Oh, hon, it's OK.
You don't have to pretend
to be strong with me.
I know a surgeon that uses
unconventional methods to heal
people that conventional
methods cannot.
What do you mean?
Well, by combining surgery
with the spiritual plane.
And I think he just
might be able to save
your beautiful little boy.
He knows the power
behind life and death.
Where is he?
He's, uh-- you can
drive there from here.
Drive where, exactly?
Well, to Mazatln.
It's a beautiful city.
Have you ever been there?
[gasps] I have some friends
that you can stay with.
[sighs]
Norma?
Norma?
Hey, Norma?
[whispering] Norma?
[raspy breathing]
Come on, honey.
Honey, sorry.
I didn't mean to wake you.
I must have passed out.
Well, you really needed to rest.
You're so sweet.
Let's go to the kitchen.
Let's let Alex rest.
I'll make you some dinner.
No, sweetheart.
That's OK.
I'll make us dinner.
Thank you.
I saw June leaving
when I got home.
Mm, we had a lovely chat.
She brought over tea.
Tea, really?
It must've been a very
relaxing tea because you
look pretty wiped out.
It was lovely.
She's very sweet.
Uh, yeah, she is very sweet.
In fact, I think she
was hitting on me.
Oh, my God.
I know.
So I should keep you
inside so the cougars
don't try to run away with you.
[chuckling]
I noticed you redecorated
the living room.
Mm.
I thought a little
faith wouldn't hurt.
Does it make you uncomfortable?
No, it's nice.
Actually, it's already working.
I hadn't even finished
putting up the crucifixes,
and June came over and told me
about a surgeon who can help.
Really?
What?
Who?
He deals with rare
cases, the ones
that American
doctors won't treat.
"American doctors"?
Where is he?
Mazatln.
Mazatln?
Mexico?
You want to take--
you want to take him
to Mexico for surgery?
Yes.
If it's going to
save his life, yes.
June said that we can
stay with her friends
while he's getting treatment.
Who's going to take care of Mom?
[sighs] This isn't
about your mom.
This is about Alex.
This is his life.
This is his life.
And Mazatln is in Sinaloa.
Do you know what Sinaloa's like?
I know what losing someone
that I love is like.
I know what watching him
bleed in your arms is like.
I don't give a fuck
what Sinaloa is like.
No, but just take a second.
Listen to what you're saying.
We don't know anything
about this surgeon.
This is what it means
to have faith, Benjamin.
If there is even the
slightest chance that
having faith will
save our son, then I
will do anything to hold onto--
Norma--
--that faith.
--please, please.
Just think about it, please.
We are going.
[shouting] We're
not going to Mexico!
Yes.
They aren't going to let
you back into the States!
I'm going there with Alex.
No, you're not going.
You're not going.
If you get-- Norma, if you
get caught at the border,
they're not letting
you come back.
Our immigration
attorney told you this.
You're not allowed to leave.
I will hide in a
trunk if I have to.
No!
I'm going to be
there for my son!
You're not gonna hide
in a god damned trunk!
I'm going there!
No, listen to yourself.
I'm not going to [inaudible]
No, please.
Norma, you're not--
God!
[suspenseful music]
[sighs]
Why do you use that one?
Hey.
What's up, buddy?
You OK?
Why are you up so early?
I had a bad dream.
I'm sorry, kiddo.
You want me to make
you some breakfast?
Yeah?
I could get you a donut?
Why do you use that old thing?
Uh, well, this used
to be my father's.
So I like to use
it because I think
it makes me feel close to
him now that he's gone.
He's not gone.
I see him.
Other people, too.
Yeah, you're right, buddy.
He's not gone.
He's with Jesus.
He's not with Jesus.
He's with that other guy.
What other guy?
The guy from my dream.
The butterfly man.
[sighs]
[clears throat]
I'll tell you what.
Why don't I go make
us some breakfast?
OK.
[suspenseful music]
[screams]
[shatter]
What happened?
Hey, what happened?
Alex?
Hey, Alex, buddy, can you
tell me what happened?
Why would you leave that out?
I-- I was just making breakfast.
He wants me to take my skin off.
Who does?
Grandpa.
We're going.
No, I'll go.
I'll go.
I'll take him.
You need to stay here
to take care of Mom.
Norma, please.
Let me take him.
I'll keep him safe, I promise.
[soft guitar music]
Welcome.
Thank you.
Long journey.
Yes.
But happy to be here.
You must be Alex.
I've heard so much about you.
Oh, that's OK.
I can take care of him.
Come, we just made a
huge pot of pozole.
Oh, thank you.
The guys can show
you to your room.
Oh, no, it's OK.
Right here.
Thank you.
Uh--
Oh, on.
Yeah.
[suspenseful music]
They don't like that, you know?
Like what?
Angels.
They don't look like us.
They're mostly eyes.
Yeah, like Ezekial's
visions, right?
Not quite.
More like the patterns
in a moth's wings.
Yeah.
Mm.
Mm, mm, mm.
Oh.
Hey, buddy.
Hi.
Sit.
Eat.
Replenish yourself
after your long journey.
Oh, thank you.
Come on.
The AC in our car is broken.
So it was a little
bit of a tough trip.
Ah, yeah, the heat
can be unbearable.
I find it has a cleansing
quality, though.
I feel purified by it.
It's why so many
who come to visit
choose to stay, like
our dear Peter here.
Oh, thank you.
Cricket?
No, thank you.
This is amazing.
I haven't seen him eat
like this in a long time.
He must really
like your cooking.
[laughter]
Is this pork?
It's the traditional recipe.
Dates back to the [inaudible].
They used to live
in this region.
And they would have this
as their ritual feast.
Mm, well it's delicious.
You must have put a
lot of heart into it.
Mm, no, we don't use the heart.
Everything else, though.
May I have some more?
Yes, of course.
It's all for you.
So when do we-- when do we
get to meet the surgeon?
He can do the
procedure tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
That soon?
Mhm.
Well, shouldn't he be fasting?
Well, I'm sure he is.
No, Alex.
Shouldn't Alex be fasting?
No, no, not necessary.
Well, in the US,
the patients are
the ones that fast before
surgery, not the doctors.
But you've come here.
Perhaps their ways
aren't the only ways.
I can see you're nervous.
I'll make you some
tea after dinner.
And some traditional
chocolate for our young hero.
Chocolate!
Yes.
[music playing]
Careful.
What's this?
You OK?
What is this place?
Don't be scared.
What the hell is this place?
Hey.
What the hell is this place?
This is where your son
gets a second chance.
No.
No, this isn't right.
Hey, Alex, come on.
We're going to go home.
You've come so far.
Just a little bit further.
You must have faith if
you want your son to live.
No, this isn't right.
He's not safe here.
Come on, let's go.
It is perfectly safe here.
Nothing will happen to either
one of you unless I let it.
Who are you?
I'm the one you came to see.
I'm the one who
can save this boy.
You're not touching my son.
Your son has already
been touched.
You don't look like a surgeon.
[laughs] You don't
look like a priest.
But we are what we are.
I'm a carpenter, like my father.
Ah, priest, carpenter,
rabbi, so what?
What are you now but merely
a father with a dying son?
Like you, padre, I save
those that hospitals cannot.
The difference is that
those I save still
have a heart beating
in their chest.
Thump, thump,
thump, thump, thump.
[sighs] Yeah, you ever--
you ever do brain surgery?
Many times.
Bullets, not tumors.
You work for the cartels.
Eh, or they work for me.
Who can say?
Sometimes they bring
me people that they
need to be able to speak again.
I can do that as long
as they're not too dead.
There's the money
that we promised you.
We'll pay you for your time.
Just let us go.
Alex, come on.
I can not touch the money.
It's not sanitary.
Please.
This is a very sick little boy.
[blows]
If you leave, if you do not take
what is being offered to you,
you condemn him to death.
You have seen enough
death, haven't you?
All right.
All right.
Let's do it.
Do it.
Save my son.
Drink, priest.
We must all take part.
Hey, just like the
Eucharist, padre.
[buzzing]
[raspy breathing]
It's OK.
[grunting]
[non-english chanting]
[heart beating]
[gasping]
[coughing]
[breathing heavily]
[crying]
[raspy breathing]
[screams]
[sobbing]
[raspy breathing]
[speaking spanish]
[soft guitar music]
Don't.
[crying]
[clank]
[rattling]
God.
Come on.
Come on!
[click]
[click]
[click]
It's jammed.
Oh, hey.
Norma, stop.
Stop.
Stop.
Let me--
[clatter]
Uh, sorry.
We didn't mean to wake you.
We were just trying
to get my luggage.
Where's Alex?
He had to stay because
of the surgery.
So I wanted to come
back and check on Mom.
She's awake.
She, uh-- Mom's awake?
She's awake.
She's talking.
She woke up screaming
about el nio.
Mami?
Mami?
Mami.
Esai.
Esai.
No, it's Benjamin, Mami.
[speaking spanish]
He's OK.
Everything's OK.
[speaking spanish]
Alex, uh-- Alex is OK.
Alex is OK.
[spanish]
It's a miracle.
No.
Yes, a miracle.
God-- Dios.
Dios saved him.
No.
Yes, Dios.
No.
No, [speaking spanish]
No, no.
I am so glad you speak Spanish.
She's been going on and
on since she woke up.
I have no idea what
she's been saying.
I brought her a tamale.
It's from Trader Joe's.
[speaking spanish]
No!
[crying]
[speaking spanish]
[whirring]
[suspenseful music]
Where the fuck is he?
Where is he?
I put--
He was dead, right?
He was dead.
He was dead.
I put--
You saw him dead?
Yeah, I wrapped him in my shirt.
And I put him--
I put him right--
I put him right there.
I put him right here.
Wait.
We did-- we did one
stop- after we--
Sh!
--crossed the border.
[dog snorting]
Look, Ravioli wants
to play with me.
It's OK, Mommy.
I'm all better now.
[dog snorting]
[suspenseful music]
[coughing]
[blows]
[exhales deeply]
[classical music]
[suspenseful music]
[caws]
Pew, pew.
[pecking at window]
Pew, pew.
[pecking at window]
[pecking increasing]
Mom!
[gasps]
[crying]
Let's go.
Get away from the window.
Come on.
[cawing]
[squeals]
[shatter]
[screaming]
What the fuck?
Babe?
Honey!
Hey!
You guys!
You guys!
You OK?
Yeah.
You OK?
Yeah.
What is going on?
Honey, what is happening?
Are you OK?
What happened?
What happened?
There was a bunch of crows.
Yeah?
You OK, though?
Yeah.
Come here.
We need to get some help.
[breathing heavily]
[whimpers]
[gasps]
So many feathers.
Yes, I haven't had a
chance to clean that up.
Sorry.
Oh, I don't mind.
I love birds.
Hm.
So how did it go
with the surgeon?
Yeah, that's what I was
hoping to talk about.
Oh, that's great.
Let's go in and have
some tea, shall we?
[cawing]
[gasps]
Alex!
[gasps]
Why would you do that?
He wanted me to.
Who wanted?
The butterfly man.
Who?
The butterfly man.
He's helping me
create something.
Let's go inside.
You need to change.
I am.
[suspenseful music]
He's never been cruel
with animals before.
I don't know what's
going on with him.
He's been through a lot, Norma.
Maybe the birds just scared him.
They scared me, too.
But I'm not torturing them.
Yeah, but he's a kid.
He's just a kid.
The doctor said that the tumor
could affect his personality,
too.
Maybe this is just a side
effect of the surgery.
Did I mention that your mother
tried to blow up the house?
What?
Yes.
You need to do something.
I can't deal with all
of this by myself.
I can't!
OK, OK.
I'll go talk to her.
[scoffs] And say what?
I-- I don't--
I don't know.
I don't know.
But maybe she just needs
to see that Alex is OK.
I don't know.
Let me just try.
[chanting in spanish]
Mami?
[chanting in spanish]
Mami?
Look, it's Alex.
We're OK.
He's OK.
We-- we saved him.
God-- God saved him.
[whispers] No es Alex.
[grunting]
No es Alex.
No, Alex, stop.
Alex?
Alex!
[grunting]
[slap]
Ah!
Norma?
Norma?
Norma?
Honey, where's Alex?
Outside.
He's pretty upset.
He wanted to be alone.
Let me see.
It's fine.
He didn't mean to.
She scared him.
I know.
I know.
She's--
What the hell was that about?
You know how she is.
And this dementia, it just gets
the better of her sometimes.
She doesn't speak
for over a year.
And the first thing she does
is call my son the devil.
Honey, she can't help it.
We need to find her a facility
that can take care of her.
Facility?
We're not sending-- we're
not sending my mother away.
She's dangerous.
She can hurt Alex.
What are you talking about?
She's-- she would
never hurt Alex.
She thinks he's the devil.
She was confused and scared.
Scared and out of her mind.
Now that she's moving around,
I'm afraid what she might do.
Well, then we just have to
keep a better eye on her then.
I'm begging you.
We need to sleep sometimes.
Please, take your
mom out of my house.
This is her house.
We moved in with her.
[suspenseful music]
[gasps]
You OK?
Yeah, I just had a nightmare.
[gasps] Alex!
[speaking non-english]
What did you-- what
did you just say?
Honey, did you wet the bed?
Oh, my God, it's blood.
Blood.
Ch, ch, choo.
Pchoo.
[mimic screaming]
Oh, my God.
Hey, Norma.
I called the care nurse.
She's on her way
to go check on Mom.
She's not happy about the time.
So she's charging us double.
Good evening.
I'm Dr. Lancer.
How are we all feeling tonight?
He woke up bleeding down there.
Let's see what we have.
Oh, oh, oh, my older brother
used to have that same guy.
Yep, his had the
bazooka, I think.
I used to play with it
when he wasn't looking.
Any time he'd catch me, he'd
give me the worst Indian burns
you've ever seen.
I thought he was going to
peel my skin right off.
He's my Daddy.
My other Daddy.
My other Daddy, he
fought the bad guys.
Mm, well, do you think you'd
mind if we take a look.
He wants to see, OK?
OK.
Come here.
Well, there doesn't seem
to be any more bleeding.
No signs of cuts or injuries.
Alex, I think your body's just
trying to fight something off.
Like a bad guy?
Yes, exactly like a bad guy.
You know, your body's
just trying to fight off
some foreign invaders.
And your kidneys are working
overtime to restore your blood.
So I'm going to give
you some antibiotics.
And I'm going to have
your mom and dad give you
lots of fluids.
And we're going to try to
flush those bad guys right out
of there.
Is it some kind of an infection?
Most likely.
Has he traveled or eaten
anything different lately?
Yeah, we went to Mexico.
Oh, that would do it.
He's not the first
person to come back
from Mexico pissing blood.
I'm gonna give the two
of you some antibiotics
to take as well, just in case.
[clears throat]
It could be a parasite
of some type, too.
Like an insect?
Possibly, or some type of larva,
something looking for a host.
Let's just keep him
here tonight and see how
he's feeling in the morning.
Can't we just bring him home?
I think we'd sleep better if
we knew he was A-OK first.
I'm-- I'm gonna go.
I'm going to go check on Mom.
Isn't the nurse on her way?
Yeah, she is.
OK, well, I'm going
to tell the nurses
he's going to stay tonight.
And we'll get you a room.
[suspenseful music]
(ON TV) What if that cop--
what if he's hurting
people in this house,
like, when it's empty?
I mean, like, what
if he's actually
killing people here and--
and I'm not crazy?
I'm just seeing, I don't
know, ghosts, I guess.
That is a theory.
But your logic is flawed
for two very big reasons.
Why?
One, we already
know you're crazy.
And, two, there's no
such things as ghosts.
Stay with me until
I fall asleep?
I just feel like I haven't
slept in days, and--
[chanting in spanish]
(ON TV) You know, Brian,
I look at you now.
And I just think--
[scratch]
--how the fuck did
I ever fall in love
with such a pathetic,
limp-dick, cocksucker like you?
That's OK, Megan.
Just-- you're not even here.
What the fuck are
you talking about?
[shouting] It's just
me and me and me.
Todd!
Todd!
Oh, Todd's not here either!
Todd!
Todd!
Todd!
Fuck you, Brian!
[slap]
Don't you ever fucking
put your hands on me!
[whisper chanting in spanish]
Mariposa!
[screaming]
(ON TV) You don't get to cry!
Shut up!
Shut--
[chanting in spanish]
[screaming]
Lucy!
Lucy, are you OK?
[screaming]
My condolences on the loss
of your mother, Mr. Cortez.
Thank you.
My understanding, she's been
unresponsive for some time.
Yeah, she had- she had dementia.
Mm, terrible way to live.
Hard on the family, too,
especially financially.
We managed.
Your son's been very
ill, too, I hear.
Yes.
That must be tough.
Sick mom and a sick
son at the same time?
That kind of thing puts a
lot of stress on a marriage.
[sighs] Detective, I'd
really like to find out
what happened to my mother.
The nurse said the two of
you were speaking Spanish.
Said she was very upset.
Kept calling you Esai.
That was your brother's
name, wasn't it?
Yes.
Yeah.
Sometimes parents get
confused, call the kids
by the wrong name, especially
if one was the favorite.
Was Esai the favorite?
Uh, I wouldn't know.
Oh, I think you would.
How could you not?
Is this going somewhere?
Well, I'm just trying to
figure out how you ended up
with your brother's wife.
Well, I promised him that
I would take care of her.
And his son, too, right?
Yes.
Was that before he was
deployed or after he came back?
Before.
And did you?
Did I what?
Take care of his wife while
he was in the Middle East?
Two violent deaths
in the same family.
Tragedy seems to
follow you, Father.
It's Mr. Cortez.
Of course, Mr. Cortez.
And I wasn't there.
I had nothing to do with that.
Strange you wouldn't attend
your brother's welcome home
celebration.
I don't go into bars.
Fight broke out.
Your hero brother
tried to stop it.
Probably never
even saw the knife.
He'd been drinking.
The-- the two of you talked
before he went out that night?
Well, maybe you might have
had an argument, like the one
you have with your mom.
[shouting] What
happened to my mother?
Not unusual for a
person with dementia
to decide they've been
around long enough
and check out early.
Try to hurry the process along.
They just don't usually make
such a mess of the place.
You know, usually if you're
going to try to fake a suicide,
you don't want to
take the gun with you.
What-- what gun?
Well, the splatter
patterns on the ceiling
are consistent with
a shotgun blast.
That, or a bazooka.
Detective, I didn't-- I
didn't kill my mother.
Can I quote you on that?
Where were you last night?
I took my son to the hospital.
But you left the hospital.
Yeah, to come check on my mom.
But you already had
a care nurse here.
Unless that was the point.
Have the care nurse here so
that she could find the body
and say that she was
alone when she found her.
We're done hear unless
I'm being detained.
Oh, we're just having
a pleasant chat.
You take care of that
sick nephew of yours.
We'll be in touch.
You really think he did it?
The guy used to be a
priest for Christ's sake.
Used to.
Why do you think
you left the Church?
You think he did it for her?
I would.
But would you kill your
mother for a piece of ass?
It's a really nice ass.
Just saying.
I've seen men do worse for less.
[knocking on door]
Is Mr. Ravioli in here?
No.
Really?
Really.
Why would you think?
I let him out to play
with Alex hours ago.
Alex is still in bed sleep.
No, he isn't.
He's been up for hours.
He came whispering at my door
for me to let him come out.
I'm sure I should have heard
him snorting if he was here.
Would you come out and
help me look for him?
Uh, yes.
Sure.
Let me first check
on Alex and then tell
Ben what has happened.
But please hurry, OK?
Mr. Ravioli?
[non-english chanting]
Oh, you're up.
There is cereal in the cabinet.
I'll make you some
eggs when I get back.
I just need to help
June to find Ravioli.
[rattling]
[screaming]
I'm almost finished, Mommy.
OK, let's go.
[gasping]
Ben!
Oh, my God.
Clean that up!
Please!
We're going to pray.
We're going to pray for--
for forgiveness.
Oh, my God.
On your knees!
[suspenseful music]
[praying in spanish]
You're too late.
Trash truck's already come.
You're gonna have to
take that yourself
unless you want somebody
going through your stuff.
Did you ever find out what
happened to my mother?
Eh, still working on it.
Came by to see if that
shotgun ever showed up.
You wouldn't happen to have that
lying around now, would you?
I don't keep guns.
Nah, suppose you wouldn't.
Being a man of God
and all, you're
more the crosses
and holy water type.
[praying in spanish]
Talked to some of
your priest buddies.
Turns out you were inquiring
about a burial plot.
Curious thing is that
you were asking about it
before your mother died.
Other interesting
thing I found out
is you can't be buried on church
property if you commit suicide.
I didn't kill my mom.
Yeah, you keep saying that.
Ben!
Ben!
Have you seen Mr.--
Mr. Ravioli.
No, no, no, I haven't.
Norma said she'd
help me look for him.
She must have gotten caught
up taking care of Alex.
Let's go find her.
Can-- can you help
me find him, officer?
Sorry, ma'am.
Lost dogs and "save the
cat" ain't exactly my thing.
[crying]
Come on, he's not as
helpful as he looks.
You and I just have a different
idea about what's helpful.
Let's go get her.
We'll find her.
You should stick
around for a while.
Maybe not, uh, take off
to Mexico for a while
until we get this whole
thing with your mom sorted.
Got it.
Thanks for the advice.
[crying]
[praying in spanish]
[gasps]
[screams]
[praying in spanish]
[thud]
[whimpers]
Norma?
Norma!
[piano music]
Where's Alex?
[breathing heavily]
Alex?
Alex?
Alex!
Alex!
Don't break your shoulder.
[grunting]
Your foot, dumb ass.
Alex?
Norma!
Norma!
[crying] Wait!
Wait!
Norma!
[screaming]
Ravioli?
Mr. Ravioli?
Ravioli, where are you?
[screaming]
[sobbing]
Oh, no!
No!
[sobbing]
Mr. Ravioli!
That is one fucked up family.
Scholars have theorized
that demons and angels
had contact with the original
inhabitants of Mexico.
This entity could
have aligned itself
with an ancient
religion, something
from the early Americas.
Do you think this is some
kind of form of possession?
I don't know.
I don't.
What I do know is that
I want to help you two
to get your son back.
I have enough evidence
to go to the archdiocese
and to ask them to
give me permission
to take the next step.
And in the meantime?
In the meantime, you
two should go home
and do what I'm going to do--
pray.
Thank God she's not
pressing charges.
Yeah, but that
dickhead detective
is doing his best to
get her, too, though.
[chuckles] I never heard
you use that language.
Well, I guess I never really
had a reason to until now.
Is he-- is he asleep?
Oh, yeah.
He's out like a light.
It's tough being a demigod, huh?
[chuckling]
He's going to be OK.
Just try to get some sleep.
By the way, we have a
very solid front door.
[sighs]
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I could fix anything.
[crickets chirping]
[raspy breathing]
[chanting in spanish]
[screaming]
[gasping]
You OK?
Where's Alex?
Yeah, sorry, it was a bad dream.
Oh, I don't know, honey.
I'm sorry.
Let me go check on him.
Oh, God.
[suspenseful music]
[door squeaking]
[gasps]
[fire humming]
[whimpering]
[crackling]
What happened?
Wait!
No, no!
She tried to hurt him.
He killed her!
No!
Honey!
Honey!
Don't!
Don't!
Did she do this to you?
No.
Oh, God, we need to
take him to a doctor.
Norma, no.
No, but I know
where to take him.
Honey, just wrap him up.
Wrap him up.
So I guess we're not going to
wait for the Archbishop's aid?
Father, we're way past that.
Look.
Should we take
him to the chapel?
No, no.
No, this is part of it.
We'll do it here.
Can you get the box?
We need to secure him to
the chair, tie him down.
I'm not going to tie
him like an animal.
It's for his safety,
as well as ours.
No, this is a mistake.
I'm not going to
do this to my son.
Norma, just do it.
Look, whatever's in
him, it's not a child.
It's very old and very powerful.
All of us are in great danger.
Now make sure that he is
tied securely to this chair.
Now, would you
assist me, Benjamin?
Yes, Father, of course.
Good.
I need to go and prepare.
You trust this man?
With my very soul.
Put him in the chair.
I'll do whatever it
takes to save him.
And if we fail?
God save all of us.
Take this.
And wear this.
Shall we begin?
"Oh, Lord, hear my prayer.
And may my cry come on to Thee.
May the Lord be with Thee--
--and with Thy spirit.
God of heaven, God of Earth,
God of angels, God of apostles,
God of martyrs, God of
confessors, God of virgins"--
(DEMONICALLY) You're not a
virgin, are you, Benjamin?
--"God, who has the power to
give life after death and rest
after work"--
(DEMONICALLY) God didn't
give me life after death.
But you know who did?
--"because there is no
other God than Thee.
And there can be
no other, for Thou
art the creator of all things
visible and invisible."
(DEMONICALLY) You lied to
Mommy, didn't you, Benjamin?
--"grant us Thy powerful
protection and to keep us safe
and sound.
We beseech Thee, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord"--
(DEMONICALLY) You just wanted
to put your snake in her.
You will guide my
Daddy down because you
wanted to fuck my mommy.
"Deliver us, oh, Lord--
--from the snares of the devil."
(DEMONICALLY) That's why
you ran away from God.
That's why you broke your vows.
Keep reading, Ben.
--"that Thy-- that Thy church
may serve Thee in peace
and liberty.
We beseech Thee to hear us."
God hates you.
He knows you're a liar.
Say the words, Ben.
Ben, stop!
--"that Thy church may serve
Thee in peace and liberty."
Your lust killed your brother.
Your lust killed my father.
That's why he's waiting
in hell for you.
[demonic laugh]
Don't give in to
the pain, Benjamin.
Keep reading!
--"that Thou may-- may crush
down all enemies of-- of Thy
church."
"Depart, then, transgressor.
Depart, [inaudible].
They're full of
lies and cunning.
[inaudible] of the virtuous,
persecutor of the innocent,
give place, abominable creature.
Give way, you monster.
Give way to Christ, in whom
he found none of your works."
Lord, take me!
[laughs]
Please release this
demon from this body!
Please, save this child, Lord!
Please, [inaudible]
[screaming]
[roars]
Please--
[heart beating]
[music playing]
[pouring]
[clink]
[futuristic beeps]
[music - system syn, "knives"]
No wonder you're disappointed.
Woo!
You spend your days
expecting us to care.
But the only thing
you're offering
is sharing your despair.
Alive or dead, there's no
mystery to the road ahead.
Still we must play
out our lives.
Reach for connections
in the darkness.
We are blind, yeah.
We still trade our knives.
[music muffled]
[whispering] What
the-- what the--
what's happening?
What's happening?
[panicking] Let me go.
Relax.
Relax.
[crying] Let me go.
Relax.
Sh.
Let me go.
What is this?
Where am I?
What's happening?
[crying]
What's happening?
No.
Please, it's not me.
Why?
Why?
I want to go home.
No!
Let me go.
Please, let me go.
[screaming]
[suspenseful music]
[sizzling]
Mm, it smells incredible.
Hands.
I know.
She's sleeping?
Yep.
I bathed her before
I started on this.
Did you find the recipe?
I think so.
It seems pretty close to how
I remember her making it.
Mm.
Well, it tastes like
you're doing it right.
That's delicious.
What, missed school?
Mm-mm, Columbus Day.
Oh.
I wish June wouldn't let
Ravioli into our yard.
He gets him so riled up.
Yeah, but it's good for him.
He gets so excited, though.
I'm afraid he's going to
overdo it and keel over.
What, Alex?
No, Ravioli.
Have you heard
that dog breathing?
[both snorting]
[chuckles]
What are you doing?
I'm just stirring the pot.
Watch it.
There was no sawdust
in my mom's recipe.
I already cleaned my hands.
But I do need to take a
shower if you want to join me.
I'm making dinner.
I know.
Maybe you should make
that a cold shower.
[suspenseful music]
What is he doing?
He's fine.
He's just [inaudible].
No, he's shaking.
No, honey, he's just--
Alex!
Even with the best
treatments, glioblastoma
is extremely aggressive.
And we're looking at 14
and 1/2 months at best.
Can't you just remove it?
I'm sorry.
But in Alex's case, due to the
size and location of the tumor,
he wouldn't survive surgery.
So what our options here?
Well, one option is to switch
the focus to palliative care.
What does that mean?
Do you want me to hold his
hand and watch him die?
Alex's diagnosis does make
him eligible for the benefits
of hospice care.
Benefits?
You want to give up on him?
I'm absolutely not
giving up on Alex.
There's no magic solution here.
I'm simply asking you, what kind
of life do you want for him?
A long one.
What I'm asking
you to understand
is no matter what
we do medically,
it will not extend his life
beyond just a few months.
My son is not going to die.
Mr. Cortez, are
you a man of faith?
I used to be.
It may help your wife to speak
with a spiritual counselor.
Perhaps a priest can help her
come to terms with her grief.
The last time she went
to a priest for comfort,
she ended up marrying him.
[beeping]
Did it hurt?
A little.
But then the pain goes away.
And now-- now I
don't feel anything.
Is it scary.
I don't remember.
I think it was scary.
What's scary?
I was talking to my friend.
What friend?
Common side effect of this type
of cancer is hallucinations.
They can feel very real
for the patient, especially
a young patient with
an active imagination.
I want to take him home.
Without home care in place,
it would be very difficult
for you to care for his needs.
I don't care.
I don't feel comfortable
with him here.
This is the best place for him.
He has people looking
out for him here.
We are already
caring for Ben's mom.
I want him home right now.
Which is exactly the
reason you need home help.
Caring for a dementia patient
and a child of cancer,
it's too much strain
to put on yourself.
I will do anything
to bring with me.
If I have to put him in a
trunk, I'm going to do it.
I'll speak to Dr. Barringer.
In the meantime, try
to get some rest.
You're no good to Alex
if you're burnt out.
He has someone looking over him.
Please, get some rest.
Benjamin.
Father Bennett, it's
good to see you.
So nice to see that
you're following
in your father's footsteps.
Yeah, I probably should have
paid more attention when he
was trying to teach me things.
But [inaudible].
You know, we all
have that problem.
We feel that our
teachers are mortal.
We forget we only have
them for a limited time.
So were you just driving
through the neighborhood?
No, I was hoping to see you.
I wanted to invite
you back to mass.
Of course, if you'd like to.
I should get back to work.
I hear that your
nephew has fallen ill.
He's my son.
My apologies.
Of course, your son.
And your mother?
Well, she doesn't recognize
me or anyone else.
But we got a nurse to help
out a few days a week just
until she, uh--
Mhm.
The Church still considers you
to be part of its congregation.
If there's anything you need,
anything that we can help with,
please don't hesitate to come.
It's very generous
of you, Father.
I think we'll manage fine.
I understand.
You know, your father
would be very proud of you,
Benjamin, as would your brother.
Doors of this Church
will always be open,
and the doors to
my office, as well.
Need anything, Benjamin,
please don't hesitate.
Thanks.
Come.
Good to see you, Father.
[drill whirring]
[suspenseful music]
[knocking on door]
Someone wants to say hello.
Mhm, I'm not sure
that's such a good idea.
He's really tired.
And his immune system might
not be up for a dog visit.
Oh, nonsense.
I just gave Mr. Ravioli a bath.
All organic shampoos, of course.
All completely natural.
So there's nothing that
can cause a bad reaction.
These things are all natural.
But they still cause reactions.
[chuckles] That, they do.
Well, thank you for coming by.
I'll tell Alex that Mr. Ravioli
came to check in on him.
Oh.
Oh, oh, please.
Please, let Mr.
Ravioli stay a moment.
He's been so sad and worried
since Alex was in the hospital.
He just sits by
the door and cries.
Maybe he just needs to poop.
[laughs]
I'm so happy you're able
to keep your sense of humor
through all of this.
I know things are hard.
But there's always hope.
I know you've been
going through a lot.
But sometimes it's
really helpful
to just sit down with
somebody and have some tea.
[dog snorting]
Come on, Mr. Ravioli.
We wanted to come
in and check on you.
Did you know that
pugs were actually
bred to be these furry,
little heating pads
that you could tuck in
next to an emperor when
they were feeling ill?
We have actual heating
pads we can use now.
Oh.
Looks like you have someone
else looking after you.
It was his Dad's
when he was a kid.
I bet you are a great
and powerful warrior.
Someday, you're going to rise
up and save the whole planet.
I brought something for you.
Oh, God, are those real?
Of course they're real.
Alex told me that he
really loves butterflies,
didn't you, honey?
Ooh, these are so cool.
Most people only see
the bright colors
because they only
display them on one side.
And if you do that, you
miss the whole underworld
that's full of
patterns and surprises
that you would never expect.
I've seen one of those before.
Well, the first time I
encountered a blue morpho,
I was in Mazatln,
dabbling with ayahuasca.
And they say that they are
great symbols for change
and that you need
to embrace that when
all these changes
come into your life
and have faith when they
come for you in the future.
What's ayahuasca?
Uh, come.
I'll put on a kettle.
What kind of tea will you like?
Oh, it's my own brand.
[dog snorting]
Hey, would you look after
Mr. Ravioli for me, please?
What kind of tea
did you say it was?
Oh, it's my own special blend.
It has Central American elements
in it, plus healing properties.
Oh, yeah, it tastes earthy.
It has the taste of the
rainforest in this one.
That is what I'm tasting.
It's like when you're walking
through the woods and you trip
and you get your
mouth full of leaves.
[chuckling]
Take another sip, dear.
The more you drink,
the better it gets.
You know, I think it's just
terrible of those doctors
to let a beautiful little boy
like yours just waste away.
You were right to
bring him home.
Oh, hon, it's OK.
You don't have to pretend
to be strong with me.
I know a surgeon that uses
unconventional methods to heal
people that conventional
methods cannot.
What do you mean?
Well, by combining surgery
with the spiritual plane.
And I think he just
might be able to save
your beautiful little boy.
He knows the power
behind life and death.
Where is he?
He's, uh-- you can
drive there from here.
Drive where, exactly?
Well, to Mazatln.
It's a beautiful city.
Have you ever been there?
[gasps] I have some friends
that you can stay with.
[sighs]
Norma?
Norma?
Hey, Norma?
[whispering] Norma?
[raspy breathing]
Come on, honey.
Honey, sorry.
I didn't mean to wake you.
I must have passed out.
Well, you really needed to rest.
You're so sweet.
Let's go to the kitchen.
Let's let Alex rest.
I'll make you some dinner.
No, sweetheart.
That's OK.
I'll make us dinner.
Thank you.
I saw June leaving
when I got home.
Mm, we had a lovely chat.
She brought over tea.
Tea, really?
It must've been a very
relaxing tea because you
look pretty wiped out.
It was lovely.
She's very sweet.
Uh, yeah, she is very sweet.
In fact, I think she
was hitting on me.
Oh, my God.
I know.
So I should keep you
inside so the cougars
don't try to run away with you.
[chuckling]
I noticed you redecorated
the living room.
Mm.
I thought a little
faith wouldn't hurt.
Does it make you uncomfortable?
No, it's nice.
Actually, it's already working.
I hadn't even finished
putting up the crucifixes,
and June came over and told me
about a surgeon who can help.
Really?
What?
Who?
He deals with rare
cases, the ones
that American
doctors won't treat.
"American doctors"?
Where is he?
Mazatln.
Mazatln?
Mexico?
You want to take--
you want to take him
to Mexico for surgery?
Yes.
If it's going to
save his life, yes.
June said that we can
stay with her friends
while he's getting treatment.
Who's going to take care of Mom?
[sighs] This isn't
about your mom.
This is about Alex.
This is his life.
This is his life.
And Mazatln is in Sinaloa.
Do you know what Sinaloa's like?
I know what losing someone
that I love is like.
I know what watching him
bleed in your arms is like.
I don't give a fuck
what Sinaloa is like.
No, but just take a second.
Listen to what you're saying.
We don't know anything
about this surgeon.
This is what it means
to have faith, Benjamin.
If there is even the
slightest chance that
having faith will
save our son, then I
will do anything to hold onto--
Norma--
--that faith.
--please, please.
Just think about it, please.
We are going.
[shouting] We're
not going to Mexico!
Yes.
They aren't going to let
you back into the States!
I'm going there with Alex.
No, you're not going.
You're not going.
If you get-- Norma, if you
get caught at the border,
they're not letting
you come back.
Our immigration
attorney told you this.
You're not allowed to leave.
I will hide in a
trunk if I have to.
No!
I'm going to be
there for my son!
You're not gonna hide
in a god damned trunk!
I'm going there!
No, listen to yourself.
I'm not going to [inaudible]
No, please.
Norma, you're not--
God!
[suspenseful music]
[sighs]
Why do you use that one?
Hey.
What's up, buddy?
You OK?
Why are you up so early?
I had a bad dream.
I'm sorry, kiddo.
You want me to make
you some breakfast?
Yeah?
I could get you a donut?
Why do you use that old thing?
Uh, well, this used
to be my father's.
So I like to use
it because I think
it makes me feel close to
him now that he's gone.
He's not gone.
I see him.
Other people, too.
Yeah, you're right, buddy.
He's not gone.
He's with Jesus.
He's not with Jesus.
He's with that other guy.
What other guy?
The guy from my dream.
The butterfly man.
[sighs]
[clears throat]
I'll tell you what.
Why don't I go make
us some breakfast?
OK.
[suspenseful music]
[screams]
[shatter]
What happened?
Hey, what happened?
Alex?
Hey, Alex, buddy, can you
tell me what happened?
Why would you leave that out?
I-- I was just making breakfast.
He wants me to take my skin off.
Who does?
Grandpa.
We're going.
No, I'll go.
I'll go.
I'll take him.
You need to stay here
to take care of Mom.
Norma, please.
Let me take him.
I'll keep him safe, I promise.
[soft guitar music]
Welcome.
Thank you.
Long journey.
Yes.
But happy to be here.
You must be Alex.
I've heard so much about you.
Oh, that's OK.
I can take care of him.
Come, we just made a
huge pot of pozole.
Oh, thank you.
The guys can show
you to your room.
Oh, no, it's OK.
Right here.
Thank you.
Uh--
Oh, on.
Yeah.
[suspenseful music]
They don't like that, you know?
Like what?
Angels.
They don't look like us.
They're mostly eyes.
Yeah, like Ezekial's
visions, right?
Not quite.
More like the patterns
in a moth's wings.
Yeah.
Mm.
Mm, mm, mm.
Oh.
Hey, buddy.
Hi.
Sit.
Eat.
Replenish yourself
after your long journey.
Oh, thank you.
Come on.
The AC in our car is broken.
So it was a little
bit of a tough trip.
Ah, yeah, the heat
can be unbearable.
I find it has a cleansing
quality, though.
I feel purified by it.
It's why so many
who come to visit
choose to stay, like
our dear Peter here.
Oh, thank you.
Cricket?
No, thank you.
This is amazing.
I haven't seen him eat
like this in a long time.
He must really
like your cooking.
[laughter]
Is this pork?
It's the traditional recipe.
Dates back to the [inaudible].
They used to live
in this region.
And they would have this
as their ritual feast.
Mm, well it's delicious.
You must have put a
lot of heart into it.
Mm, no, we don't use the heart.
Everything else, though.
May I have some more?
Yes, of course.
It's all for you.
So when do we-- when do we
get to meet the surgeon?
He can do the
procedure tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
That soon?
Mhm.
Well, shouldn't he be fasting?
Well, I'm sure he is.
No, Alex.
Shouldn't Alex be fasting?
No, no, not necessary.
Well, in the US,
the patients are
the ones that fast before
surgery, not the doctors.
But you've come here.
Perhaps their ways
aren't the only ways.
I can see you're nervous.
I'll make you some
tea after dinner.
And some traditional
chocolate for our young hero.
Chocolate!
Yes.
[music playing]
Careful.
What's this?
You OK?
What is this place?
Don't be scared.
What the hell is this place?
Hey.
What the hell is this place?
This is where your son
gets a second chance.
No.
No, this isn't right.
Hey, Alex, come on.
We're going to go home.
You've come so far.
Just a little bit further.
You must have faith if
you want your son to live.
No, this isn't right.
He's not safe here.
Come on, let's go.
It is perfectly safe here.
Nothing will happen to either
one of you unless I let it.
Who are you?
I'm the one you came to see.
I'm the one who
can save this boy.
You're not touching my son.
Your son has already
been touched.
You don't look like a surgeon.
[laughs] You don't
look like a priest.
But we are what we are.
I'm a carpenter, like my father.
Ah, priest, carpenter,
rabbi, so what?
What are you now but merely
a father with a dying son?
Like you, padre, I save
those that hospitals cannot.
The difference is that
those I save still
have a heart beating
in their chest.
Thump, thump,
thump, thump, thump.
[sighs] Yeah, you ever--
you ever do brain surgery?
Many times.
Bullets, not tumors.
You work for the cartels.
Eh, or they work for me.
Who can say?
Sometimes they bring
me people that they
need to be able to speak again.
I can do that as long
as they're not too dead.
There's the money
that we promised you.
We'll pay you for your time.
Just let us go.
Alex, come on.
I can not touch the money.
It's not sanitary.
Please.
This is a very sick little boy.
[blows]
If you leave, if you do not take
what is being offered to you,
you condemn him to death.
You have seen enough
death, haven't you?
All right.
All right.
Let's do it.
Do it.
Save my son.
Drink, priest.
We must all take part.
Hey, just like the
Eucharist, padre.
[buzzing]
[raspy breathing]
It's OK.
[grunting]
[non-english chanting]
[heart beating]
[gasping]
[coughing]
[breathing heavily]
[crying]
[raspy breathing]
[screams]
[sobbing]
[raspy breathing]
[speaking spanish]
[soft guitar music]
Don't.
[crying]
[clank]
[rattling]
God.
Come on.
Come on!
[click]
[click]
[click]
It's jammed.
Oh, hey.
Norma, stop.
Stop.
Stop.
Let me--
[clatter]
Uh, sorry.
We didn't mean to wake you.
We were just trying
to get my luggage.
Where's Alex?
He had to stay because
of the surgery.
So I wanted to come
back and check on Mom.
She's awake.
She, uh-- Mom's awake?
She's awake.
She's talking.
She woke up screaming
about el nio.
Mami?
Mami?
Mami.
Esai.
Esai.
No, it's Benjamin, Mami.
[speaking spanish]
He's OK.
Everything's OK.
[speaking spanish]
Alex, uh-- Alex is OK.
Alex is OK.
[spanish]
It's a miracle.
No.
Yes, a miracle.
God-- Dios.
Dios saved him.
No.
Yes, Dios.
No.
No, [speaking spanish]
No, no.
I am so glad you speak Spanish.
She's been going on and
on since she woke up.
I have no idea what
she's been saying.
I brought her a tamale.
It's from Trader Joe's.
[speaking spanish]
No!
[crying]
[speaking spanish]
[whirring]
[suspenseful music]
Where the fuck is he?
Where is he?
I put--
He was dead, right?
He was dead.
He was dead.
I put--
You saw him dead?
Yeah, I wrapped him in my shirt.
And I put him--
I put him right--
I put him right there.
I put him right here.
Wait.
We did-- we did one
stop- after we--
Sh!
--crossed the border.
[dog snorting]
Look, Ravioli wants
to play with me.
It's OK, Mommy.
I'm all better now.
[dog snorting]
[suspenseful music]
[coughing]
[blows]
[exhales deeply]
[classical music]
[suspenseful music]
[caws]
Pew, pew.
[pecking at window]
Pew, pew.
[pecking at window]
[pecking increasing]
Mom!
[gasps]
[crying]
Let's go.
Get away from the window.
Come on.
[cawing]
[squeals]
[shatter]
[screaming]
What the fuck?
Babe?
Honey!
Hey!
You guys!
You guys!
You OK?
Yeah.
You OK?
Yeah.
What is going on?
Honey, what is happening?
Are you OK?
What happened?
What happened?
There was a bunch of crows.
Yeah?
You OK, though?
Yeah.
Come here.
We need to get some help.
[breathing heavily]
[whimpers]
[gasps]
So many feathers.
Yes, I haven't had a
chance to clean that up.
Sorry.
Oh, I don't mind.
I love birds.
Hm.
So how did it go
with the surgeon?
Yeah, that's what I was
hoping to talk about.
Oh, that's great.
Let's go in and have
some tea, shall we?
[cawing]
[gasps]
Alex!
[gasps]
Why would you do that?
He wanted me to.
Who wanted?
The butterfly man.
Who?
The butterfly man.
He's helping me
create something.
Let's go inside.
You need to change.
I am.
[suspenseful music]
He's never been cruel
with animals before.
I don't know what's
going on with him.
He's been through a lot, Norma.
Maybe the birds just scared him.
They scared me, too.
But I'm not torturing them.
Yeah, but he's a kid.
He's just a kid.
The doctor said that the tumor
could affect his personality,
too.
Maybe this is just a side
effect of the surgery.
Did I mention that your mother
tried to blow up the house?
What?
Yes.
You need to do something.
I can't deal with all
of this by myself.
I can't!
OK, OK.
I'll go talk to her.
[scoffs] And say what?
I-- I don't--
I don't know.
I don't know.
But maybe she just needs
to see that Alex is OK.
I don't know.
Let me just try.
[chanting in spanish]
Mami?
[chanting in spanish]
Mami?
Look, it's Alex.
We're OK.
He's OK.
We-- we saved him.
God-- God saved him.
[whispers] No es Alex.
[grunting]
No es Alex.
No, Alex, stop.
Alex?
Alex!
[grunting]
[slap]
Ah!
Norma?
Norma?
Norma?
Honey, where's Alex?
Outside.
He's pretty upset.
He wanted to be alone.
Let me see.
It's fine.
He didn't mean to.
She scared him.
I know.
I know.
She's--
What the hell was that about?
You know how she is.
And this dementia, it just gets
the better of her sometimes.
She doesn't speak
for over a year.
And the first thing she does
is call my son the devil.
Honey, she can't help it.
We need to find her a facility
that can take care of her.
Facility?
We're not sending-- we're
not sending my mother away.
She's dangerous.
She can hurt Alex.
What are you talking about?
She's-- she would
never hurt Alex.
She thinks he's the devil.
She was confused and scared.
Scared and out of her mind.
Now that she's moving around,
I'm afraid what she might do.
Well, then we just have to
keep a better eye on her then.
I'm begging you.
We need to sleep sometimes.
Please, take your
mom out of my house.
This is her house.
We moved in with her.
[suspenseful music]
[gasps]
You OK?
Yeah, I just had a nightmare.
[gasps] Alex!
[speaking non-english]
What did you-- what
did you just say?
Honey, did you wet the bed?
Oh, my God, it's blood.
Blood.
Ch, ch, choo.
Pchoo.
[mimic screaming]
Oh, my God.
Hey, Norma.
I called the care nurse.
She's on her way
to go check on Mom.
She's not happy about the time.
So she's charging us double.
Good evening.
I'm Dr. Lancer.
How are we all feeling tonight?
He woke up bleeding down there.
Let's see what we have.
Oh, oh, oh, my older brother
used to have that same guy.
Yep, his had the
bazooka, I think.
I used to play with it
when he wasn't looking.
Any time he'd catch me, he'd
give me the worst Indian burns
you've ever seen.
I thought he was going to
peel my skin right off.
He's my Daddy.
My other Daddy.
My other Daddy, he
fought the bad guys.
Mm, well, do you think you'd
mind if we take a look.
He wants to see, OK?
OK.
Come here.
Well, there doesn't seem
to be any more bleeding.
No signs of cuts or injuries.
Alex, I think your body's just
trying to fight something off.
Like a bad guy?
Yes, exactly like a bad guy.
You know, your body's
just trying to fight off
some foreign invaders.
And your kidneys are working
overtime to restore your blood.
So I'm going to give
you some antibiotics.
And I'm going to have
your mom and dad give you
lots of fluids.
And we're going to try to
flush those bad guys right out
of there.
Is it some kind of an infection?
Most likely.
Has he traveled or eaten
anything different lately?
Yeah, we went to Mexico.
Oh, that would do it.
He's not the first
person to come back
from Mexico pissing blood.
I'm gonna give the two
of you some antibiotics
to take as well, just in case.
[clears throat]
It could be a parasite
of some type, too.
Like an insect?
Possibly, or some type of larva,
something looking for a host.
Let's just keep him
here tonight and see how
he's feeling in the morning.
Can't we just bring him home?
I think we'd sleep better if
we knew he was A-OK first.
I'm-- I'm gonna go.
I'm going to go check on Mom.
Isn't the nurse on her way?
Yeah, she is.
OK, well, I'm going
to tell the nurses
he's going to stay tonight.
And we'll get you a room.
[suspenseful music]
(ON TV) What if that cop--
what if he's hurting
people in this house,
like, when it's empty?
I mean, like, what
if he's actually
killing people here and--
and I'm not crazy?
I'm just seeing, I don't
know, ghosts, I guess.
That is a theory.
But your logic is flawed
for two very big reasons.
Why?
One, we already
know you're crazy.
And, two, there's no
such things as ghosts.
Stay with me until
I fall asleep?
I just feel like I haven't
slept in days, and--
[chanting in spanish]
(ON TV) You know, Brian,
I look at you now.
And I just think--
[scratch]
--how the fuck did
I ever fall in love
with such a pathetic,
limp-dick, cocksucker like you?
That's OK, Megan.
Just-- you're not even here.
What the fuck are
you talking about?
[shouting] It's just
me and me and me.
Todd!
Todd!
Oh, Todd's not here either!
Todd!
Todd!
Todd!
Fuck you, Brian!
[slap]
Don't you ever fucking
put your hands on me!
[whisper chanting in spanish]
Mariposa!
[screaming]
(ON TV) You don't get to cry!
Shut up!
Shut--
[chanting in spanish]
[screaming]
Lucy!
Lucy, are you OK?
[screaming]
My condolences on the loss
of your mother, Mr. Cortez.
Thank you.
My understanding, she's been
unresponsive for some time.
Yeah, she had- she had dementia.
Mm, terrible way to live.
Hard on the family, too,
especially financially.
We managed.
Your son's been very
ill, too, I hear.
Yes.
That must be tough.
Sick mom and a sick
son at the same time?
That kind of thing puts a
lot of stress on a marriage.
[sighs] Detective, I'd
really like to find out
what happened to my mother.
The nurse said the two of
you were speaking Spanish.
Said she was very upset.
Kept calling you Esai.
That was your brother's
name, wasn't it?
Yes.
Yeah.
Sometimes parents get
confused, call the kids
by the wrong name, especially
if one was the favorite.
Was Esai the favorite?
Uh, I wouldn't know.
Oh, I think you would.
How could you not?
Is this going somewhere?
Well, I'm just trying to
figure out how you ended up
with your brother's wife.
Well, I promised him that
I would take care of her.
And his son, too, right?
Yes.
Was that before he was
deployed or after he came back?
Before.
And did you?
Did I what?
Take care of his wife while
he was in the Middle East?
Two violent deaths
in the same family.
Tragedy seems to
follow you, Father.
It's Mr. Cortez.
Of course, Mr. Cortez.
And I wasn't there.
I had nothing to do with that.
Strange you wouldn't attend
your brother's welcome home
celebration.
I don't go into bars.
Fight broke out.
Your hero brother
tried to stop it.
Probably never
even saw the knife.
He'd been drinking.
The-- the two of you talked
before he went out that night?
Well, maybe you might have
had an argument, like the one
you have with your mom.
[shouting] What
happened to my mother?
Not unusual for a
person with dementia
to decide they've been
around long enough
and check out early.
Try to hurry the process along.
They just don't usually make
such a mess of the place.
You know, usually if you're
going to try to fake a suicide,
you don't want to
take the gun with you.
What-- what gun?
Well, the splatter
patterns on the ceiling
are consistent with
a shotgun blast.
That, or a bazooka.
Detective, I didn't-- I
didn't kill my mother.
Can I quote you on that?
Where were you last night?
I took my son to the hospital.
But you left the hospital.
Yeah, to come check on my mom.
But you already had
a care nurse here.
Unless that was the point.
Have the care nurse here so
that she could find the body
and say that she was
alone when she found her.
We're done hear unless
I'm being detained.
Oh, we're just having
a pleasant chat.
You take care of that
sick nephew of yours.
We'll be in touch.
You really think he did it?
The guy used to be a
priest for Christ's sake.
Used to.
Why do you think
you left the Church?
You think he did it for her?
I would.
But would you kill your
mother for a piece of ass?
It's a really nice ass.
Just saying.
I've seen men do worse for less.
[knocking on door]
Is Mr. Ravioli in here?
No.
Really?
Really.
Why would you think?
I let him out to play
with Alex hours ago.
Alex is still in bed sleep.
No, he isn't.
He's been up for hours.
He came whispering at my door
for me to let him come out.
I'm sure I should have heard
him snorting if he was here.
Would you come out and
help me look for him?
Uh, yes.
Sure.
Let me first check
on Alex and then tell
Ben what has happened.
But please hurry, OK?
Mr. Ravioli?
[non-english chanting]
Oh, you're up.
There is cereal in the cabinet.
I'll make you some
eggs when I get back.
I just need to help
June to find Ravioli.
[rattling]
[screaming]
I'm almost finished, Mommy.
OK, let's go.
[gasping]
Ben!
Oh, my God.
Clean that up!
Please!
We're going to pray.
We're going to pray for--
for forgiveness.
Oh, my God.
On your knees!
[suspenseful music]
[praying in spanish]
You're too late.
Trash truck's already come.
You're gonna have to
take that yourself
unless you want somebody
going through your stuff.
Did you ever find out what
happened to my mother?
Eh, still working on it.
Came by to see if that
shotgun ever showed up.
You wouldn't happen to have that
lying around now, would you?
I don't keep guns.
Nah, suppose you wouldn't.
Being a man of God
and all, you're
more the crosses
and holy water type.
[praying in spanish]
Talked to some of
your priest buddies.
Turns out you were inquiring
about a burial plot.
Curious thing is that
you were asking about it
before your mother died.
Other interesting
thing I found out
is you can't be buried on church
property if you commit suicide.
I didn't kill my mom.
Yeah, you keep saying that.
Ben!
Ben!
Have you seen Mr.--
Mr. Ravioli.
No, no, no, I haven't.
Norma said she'd
help me look for him.
She must have gotten caught
up taking care of Alex.
Let's go find her.
Can-- can you help
me find him, officer?
Sorry, ma'am.
Lost dogs and "save the
cat" ain't exactly my thing.
[crying]
Come on, he's not as
helpful as he looks.
You and I just have a different
idea about what's helpful.
Let's go get her.
We'll find her.
You should stick
around for a while.
Maybe not, uh, take off
to Mexico for a while
until we get this whole
thing with your mom sorted.
Got it.
Thanks for the advice.
[crying]
[praying in spanish]
[gasps]
[screams]
[praying in spanish]
[thud]
[whimpers]
Norma?
Norma!
[piano music]
Where's Alex?
[breathing heavily]
Alex?
Alex?
Alex!
Alex!
Don't break your shoulder.
[grunting]
Your foot, dumb ass.
Alex?
Norma!
Norma!
[crying] Wait!
Wait!
Norma!
[screaming]
Ravioli?
Mr. Ravioli?
Ravioli, where are you?
[screaming]
[sobbing]
Oh, no!
No!
[sobbing]
Mr. Ravioli!
That is one fucked up family.
Scholars have theorized
that demons and angels
had contact with the original
inhabitants of Mexico.
This entity could
have aligned itself
with an ancient
religion, something
from the early Americas.
Do you think this is some
kind of form of possession?
I don't know.
I don't.
What I do know is that
I want to help you two
to get your son back.
I have enough evidence
to go to the archdiocese
and to ask them to
give me permission
to take the next step.
And in the meantime?
In the meantime, you
two should go home
and do what I'm going to do--
pray.
Thank God she's not
pressing charges.
Yeah, but that
dickhead detective
is doing his best to
get her, too, though.
[chuckles] I never heard
you use that language.
Well, I guess I never really
had a reason to until now.
Is he-- is he asleep?
Oh, yeah.
He's out like a light.
It's tough being a demigod, huh?
[chuckling]
He's going to be OK.
Just try to get some sleep.
By the way, we have a
very solid front door.
[sighs]
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I could fix anything.
[crickets chirping]
[raspy breathing]
[chanting in spanish]
[screaming]
[gasping]
You OK?
Where's Alex?
Yeah, sorry, it was a bad dream.
Oh, I don't know, honey.
I'm sorry.
Let me go check on him.
Oh, God.
[suspenseful music]
[door squeaking]
[gasps]
[fire humming]
[whimpering]
[crackling]
What happened?
Wait!
No, no!
She tried to hurt him.
He killed her!
No!
Honey!
Honey!
Don't!
Don't!
Did she do this to you?
No.
Oh, God, we need to
take him to a doctor.
Norma, no.
No, but I know
where to take him.
Honey, just wrap him up.
Wrap him up.
So I guess we're not going to
wait for the Archbishop's aid?
Father, we're way past that.
Look.
Should we take
him to the chapel?
No, no.
No, this is part of it.
We'll do it here.
Can you get the box?
We need to secure him to
the chair, tie him down.
I'm not going to tie
him like an animal.
It's for his safety,
as well as ours.
No, this is a mistake.
I'm not going to
do this to my son.
Norma, just do it.
Look, whatever's in
him, it's not a child.
It's very old and very powerful.
All of us are in great danger.
Now make sure that he is
tied securely to this chair.
Now, would you
assist me, Benjamin?
Yes, Father, of course.
Good.
I need to go and prepare.
You trust this man?
With my very soul.
Put him in the chair.
I'll do whatever it
takes to save him.
And if we fail?
God save all of us.
Take this.
And wear this.
Shall we begin?
"Oh, Lord, hear my prayer.
And may my cry come on to Thee.
May the Lord be with Thee--
--and with Thy spirit.
God of heaven, God of Earth,
God of angels, God of apostles,
God of martyrs, God of
confessors, God of virgins"--
(DEMONICALLY) You're not a
virgin, are you, Benjamin?
--"God, who has the power to
give life after death and rest
after work"--
(DEMONICALLY) God didn't
give me life after death.
But you know who did?
--"because there is no
other God than Thee.
And there can be
no other, for Thou
art the creator of all things
visible and invisible."
(DEMONICALLY) You lied to
Mommy, didn't you, Benjamin?
--"grant us Thy powerful
protection and to keep us safe
and sound.
We beseech Thee, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord"--
(DEMONICALLY) You just wanted
to put your snake in her.
You will guide my
Daddy down because you
wanted to fuck my mommy.
"Deliver us, oh, Lord--
--from the snares of the devil."
(DEMONICALLY) That's why
you ran away from God.
That's why you broke your vows.
Keep reading, Ben.
--"that Thy-- that Thy church
may serve Thee in peace
and liberty.
We beseech Thee to hear us."
God hates you.
He knows you're a liar.
Say the words, Ben.
Ben, stop!
--"that Thy church may serve
Thee in peace and liberty."
Your lust killed your brother.
Your lust killed my father.
That's why he's waiting
in hell for you.
[demonic laugh]
Don't give in to
the pain, Benjamin.
Keep reading!
--"that Thou may-- may crush
down all enemies of-- of Thy
church."
"Depart, then, transgressor.
Depart, [inaudible].
They're full of
lies and cunning.
[inaudible] of the virtuous,
persecutor of the innocent,
give place, abominable creature.
Give way, you monster.
Give way to Christ, in whom
he found none of your works."
Lord, take me!
[laughs]
Please release this
demon from this body!
Please, save this child, Lord!
Please, [inaudible]
[screaming]
[roars]
Please--
[heart beating]
[music playing]