Role Model (2021) Movie Script
1
- You're fired.
Did you hear me,
O'Donnell? You're fired.
Get out.
- No. No I've done
so much for you.
- (laughs) I don't
remember hiring a jester.
Should we go
through your botched
or downright neglected
projects alphabetically
or chronologically?
That's what I thought.
You're not good enough,
you never will be.
Now get your degenerate
self out of my office
before I have you thrown out.
- You can't do this.
- What are you, insane?
I own all of this and up
until five seconds ago,
I owned you.
Sherry, call security.
- Yes sir.
Tell them there's a bug in
my office that won't leave.
- What am I supposed to do?
- (laughs) Does it
look like I care? Out!
Out!
(gentle music)
- Keys.
- Yeah, they are.
- This is no longer
your car. Keys.
Keys now!
Time to go.
- Yeah, right after you.
- Time for you to go.
(Matt crashes)
Beat it.
(dramatic music)
- Hey! Can I help you?
- Yeah, can I just get a soda?
- Yeah, sure thing.
Sit anywhere you'd like.
(somber music)
- [Man] Order up!
- [Cheryl] Is everything okay?
Matt!
- Huh?
Sorry, let me get this.
- Are you ever gonna tell me
what actually happened to you?
- Like I said, nothing,
I just had a rough day.
- Yeah, but I tried calling you.
Where were you?
- I just stopped somewhere
on my way home from work.
I just didn't feel like talking.
- I called to tell
you something.
Matt, where were you?
- I just stopped to get a drink.
- You stopped to get a drink?
- Yeah. I had a lot on my mind.
- Then tell me.
Honestly, why is it
so difficult with you?
- I'm being difficult?
- Yeah.
Talking to you is
like pulling words
out of your mouth, Matt.
- You want a word?
- I want a word.
- Fired!
I was fired.
Are you happy now?
- Again?
- Oh, here we go.
- What was it this time?
- Why is it always my fault?
- I mean, four jobs
in two years, Matt.
And what about the
replacement wedding ring?
Did you forget about that too?
Don't you think this is
all a little unstable?
- You calling me unstable now?
- That's not what I said, Matt.
- You're saying I should
go and see a shrink?
- That's not what I said.
- Look, I work really hard to
make sure that we have a life.
I go out there and bust my butt
everyday and get absolutely
no respect from everyone.
I just thought that maybe
at the end of the day
I'd get a little
respect from you.
- Matt, I-
- I'm not even hungry.
- We're in this
together you know.
- Cheryl, I-
- And how am I
supposed to help you
if you won't let me.
- Why would you need to help me?
I don't need...
- You'll need my help someday.
- Cheryl I..
- No.
(Matt sighs)
(water running)
(plate shatters)
(gentle music)
(tap running)
(gentle music)
- [Matt] When were
you going to tell me?
- [Cheryl] I tried.
- You didn't try very hard.
How long have you known?
- I found out this morning.
I tried calling you.
- Why you didn't tell
me when I got home?
- I wanted it to be special.
I thought maybe-
- You thought what?
You thought I
wouldn't get fired?
- [Cheryl] This has
nothing to do with that.
- This has everything
to do with that!
If I can't even hold down a job,
how am I supposed
to be a good father?
- Matt!
We talked about this, remember?
You're gonna be a great dad.
- What if I don't wanna be?
I didn't ask for this.
- It's kind of
implied, isn't it?
- We discussed this.
- So it's a surprise?
I mean, honestly I
thought you'd be happy.
I thought-
- Happy? I just got fired.
How am I supposed to raise
a child with no income?
- I'm sure you'll
find another job.
- Yeah, for how long, huh?
See? Even you don't
believe in me.
- Of course I do.
- Why? Why would you?
How could you?
You're the one who said it,
I need help, I'm unstable.
- [Cheryl] That's
not what I said.
- Yeah, but you meant it.
How could you do this to me?
- To you?
You do know how this
works, don't you?
- I can't do this! I
can't raise a family!
- You can argue all you want,
but like it or not,
this is your life
and one you agreed to
when you married me.
- And what if I don't
want it anymore?
- What?
- No. Nothing.
- You don't want this anymore?
You don't want us?
- I don't know what
I want anymore.
- Goodnight, Matt.
- That's not what I-
- I said goodnight.
(Matt sighs)
(somber music)
- [Woman] I'll be
right with you.
- Here?
Of all places you chose here?
- What's going on?
Dad?
- You could have
picked Venice, Paris,
or even Sydney for
goodness sake, no.
Gee, what kind of
food did you order us?
- No, no, no, this
can't be happening.
This can't be real.
- Wait, wait!
Is it a medium-rare porterhouse,
smothered in mushrooms and bacon
with a side of green beans?
No!
It's a half-charred, previously
frozen slab of pork feces!
- Dad, I'm serious.
- I'm not getting
any deader, son.
The least you could have done
is given me a decent meal.
- But to be clear, you are dead?
It can't be real?
- That'll do, pig, that'll do.
- I cannot believe
you're still like this.
- What did you expect?
It's not like I
could have changed.
- But it's all in my
head. You're in my head.
I don't understand how-
(hand hitting)
Keep it up, I'll do it again.
- Okay. But how
did you if you're.
Okay. All right Stop!
- Told you.
- No, this has to
be like a bad dream.
Yeah. It's just stress.
I just need to wake up.
- Need some help?
- No. Not from you.
- You know, this ain't half bad.
Would've preferred
some caviar and wine,
but this ain't bad.
- Wake up! Come on!
(face hitting)
- Here, let me help.
- No.
This is like a psychotic break.
I'm having a nervous breakdown.
My whole life comes crashing
down and then you show up,
that can't be a coincidence.
- Tell me about that.
- About what?
- Your life. How are the kids?
How's the wife?
Why did you get fired?
- I don't have any kids.
- Not yet.
- Are you kidding me right now?
Look, everyone, the
figment of my imagination
wants to know all
the nitty-gritty
details about my life!
Why do I need to
explain anything to you
if you are already in my head?
- Am I?
- How should I know?
I don't know what's happening.
Just yesterday, I was
getting fired from my job
for absolutely no reason,
and then I find out
my wife is pregnant,
and then you transport
me out of reality.
- That is some of the best
nutshelling I've ever heard,
though the part about no reason,
that's a little
bit of a stretch.
- So you do know
what's going on?
Why are you pretending?
- The real question
is why are you?
Look, don't you ever
think that maybe
there's another reason
why you're here?
- Like what?
- Maybe it's time you faced
some cold, hard reality.
- So, have you decided
what you want yet?
Would you like me to come back?
I'll come back.
(somber music)
- I can't go home.
(somber music)
- Thank you.
(Matt sighs)
(phone crashes)
(phone buzzing)
- I don't know,
I haven't seen him all day.
He couldn't have
just left, could he?
Yeah, I mean we kind of
got into it last night.
I was kind of harsh, I guess,
but like, he was just
being so stubborn,
You should've heard the
things he was saying.
Yeah, well.
If you hear anything
just let me know, okay?
Haven't heard from him, I'm
getting kind of worried.
Yeah. Okay.
Thanks.
(somber music)
- Hey, back so soon?
- Small coffee, please black.
- Hey, Matt.
- This again?
Are you going to tell
me what is going on?
Wipe the grin off your
face and answer me!
- Why are you so angry?
- I'm not angry.
- (laughs) I've seen less anger
out of a grounded teenager.
- What's that supposed to mean?
What would you even know
about grounding a teenager?
You weren't around then!
Don't you remember anything?
- I'm here to help you.
(Matt laughs)
- Help me?
You think after all these
years I would want your help,
if there was even
a way you could?
I don't need your help or
anyone else's, for that matter.
- Clearly.
- Look, I don't need
you, and quite frankly,
I don't want you here.
So if you don't mind, I'm
just gonna go back to reality.
I just need to find
the off switch in here.
- Reality. Funny you
should mention that.
What reality are
you living in, Matt?
The one in here or
the one out there?
- The real one, you idiot.
The one that contains
my actual real life.
- [Rick] Are you
sure about that?
- Why do I even bother
arguing with a ghost,
let alone your ghost?
This isn't real life! Life is
out there in the real world!
- Exactly.
- You're insane!
- Me or you?
- This isn't real.
You're not real! You're dead.
- Yes. I am.
And you need to face that.
- What are you talking
about? I have faced that!
I went to your funeral!
Held mom as she cried,
though God knows why.
- [Rick] But you didn't?
- You would have liked
that, wouldn't you?
Would you have even cared?
Have you ever cared about me?
- Always.
- (sighs) Of course.
So leaving is caring.
- [Rick] In a way.
- You know what? I was glad.
I was glad to see you go.
Glad to see that you got
what was coming to you.
Mom may have been crying,
but I could not have
been more satisfied.
You happy now?
- I wouldn't go that far.
- You were the reason
my life was hell,
and I'm supposed to think
it was because you cared?
Screw you.
- Matt.
- No, that's it,
I'm done with you.
How do I get out
of this nightmare?
- You'll never be free
unless you free yourself.
- Thank you both for coming.
- Anything for you.
- Have a seat.
- I'm so sorry, it
was just cleaned up.
I swear!
- Don't apologize.
- It's just been a
crazy couple of hours.
- Let me hep you.
- Martin, have a seat.
- You hear anything
from him yet?
- [Cheryl] No, not yet.
- He better call soon.
- [Cheryl] What was that?
- Do you think he'll call soon?
- Honestly, I don't know.
The things he said to me,
I know he didn't mean them,
but still.
- If I find out where he went...
- Martin, no.
- No, please don't.
As crazy as it sounds,
I still don't want anything
bad happening to him.
I just want him home.
- As you should.
Where's your restroom?
- It's down the
hall, to the left.
- You know as well as I do
that if he truly valued you,
he wouldn't have put
you in this position.
- I guess.
- Don't just guess.
Look, I've had enough
of this deadbeat.
- Regardless of what you
say, he is still my husband.
Maybe he's going through
a rough patch, sure,
I'm not just gonna walk out.
- Like he's doing right now?
- Don't start. You
don't understand.
I need him home.
We need him home.
- We? I don't need him.
- Not you.
We.
- You're pregnant?
- You're what?
Oh my God!
I'm so happy for you.
- Excuse me.
- Yeah.
- Is anyone sitting here?
- No, but-
- Perfect, thank you.
- I don't mean to be rude, but-
- I'm sorry, I'm Julia.
- Right. Why are
you sitting here?
- The seat was available.
- Okay, yes, I get that, but-
- I saw you and I are
staying at the same motel.
Are you gonna tell me your name?
- I stayed there
just for the night.
- Excellent, me too.
- No, last night.
- Yeah, me too,
that's what I said.
- What do you want?
- What do I want? What
do any of us want?
I just got fired by my jerk boss
after 10 years of
working for him.
And all over a meeting 20
minutes late, 20 minutes.
And this only two weeks
after my fiancee left me
for a hooker.
Oh, and to top it off,
my phone died, just broke
and I can't make a single call.
So, what do I want?
I want someone to talk to.
So, what's your name?
- Look, I'd really rather
just be left alone.
- Nonsense. No one truly
wants to be left alone.
- Well I do.
- I like a man who
knows what he wants.
So what's your story?
- I came here for a
cup of coffee, okay?
- Clearly.
How many cups have you had?
- Too much.
- One of those days, huh?
I've had too many
of those to count.
- What do you say you do?
- I didn't, but I'm a
travel photographer.
Well, I was.
- Matt.
My name's Matt.
- Hi, Matt, it's a
pleasure to meet you.
They sent me out to
Utah for a stint,
and the scenery there
is absolutely gorgeous.
I can't believe you let
me talk your ear off
that entire time.
You must think I'm a
crazy person or something.
- Well, maybe at first.
I should be going, okay?
- Matt, if you decide
to stay another night,
I'm in room 112 if
you want to talk.
Maybe you'll get around
to telling me your story.
(dramatic music)
(tap running)
(somber music)
(towel thuds)
(Matt crying)
- [Rick] You look like crap.
- Why are you here?
- I could ask you
the same thing.
- What could you
possibly want from me?
- Don't you ever get
tired of asking questions?
See, that's funny
because it's a question.
Ah ha! I caught that.
Always did love the eye roll.
- Always? Since when?
When have you been
around long enough
to even crack a joke, huh?
Was it the graduation
dinner that you missed?
Or maybe the wedding reception
that you weren't there for?
- Look, this is not about me.
- Of course not. Why
would we talk about you?
It was just you
who ruined my life.
- Looks like you don't
need my help in that area.
- This, all of this
is because of you.
- I fail to see how.
- What? Everything has always
been about you since day one.
- You want to point fingers?
Let's point fingers.
When has this not
been about you?
What about when you
left your family,
do you want to talk about that?
Or what about pretty women,
making goo-goo
eyes with all day.
Let's talk about that.
- I can't do this with you.
- You didn't care
about what Cheryl
or your new child thought?
- I did what I had to do.
- What you thought was right.
- [Matt] Exactly.
- You're beginning
to understand.
- I'm not you. I'm never
going to hurt my kid.
- This won't?
- You're not real!
God, you're dead!
I don't need you!
- You're right.
You don't need
me, you need them.
- Just leave me alone!
- Don't be like me.
- [Matt] Leave me alone!
(somber music)
- I don't know.
I really thought he
would have called by now.
Doesn't he care?
Can I ask you a question?
- Sure.
- Why didn't we ever...?
- Don't do that.
- We had a good
thing going once.
- Is that why you
invited me over here?
What are you
looking for, Cheryl?
- What do you mean?
- Your husband left. It sucks.
But have you dealt
with that yet?
- He'll come back.
- And if he doesn't? What
are you gonna do then?
You can't rely on him anymore.
You've got to rely on yourself.
- And I'm trying to.
Was just asking a
simple question.
- It wasn't, though,
and you know that.
You can't ask me
that question the day
after your husband
walks out on you.
What kind of man would I be
if I entertained
that thought, huh?
I know we've been friends
since we were kids,
but I'm married
now, and I'm happy.
Matt leaving sucks, it does,
but you're relying on
someone to give you something
you may not have yourself.
- And what's that?
- Do you love yourself, Cheryl?
Even if he told you he
loved you every single day,
if you never fully
loved yourself,
how can you ever truly be happy?
- What do you know about that?
You and Amaya, you're
this perfect couple
and to be honest with you,
I kind of envy it myself.
So how could you possibly
know what I'm going through?
- I don't.
I'm only telling you what I see.
- Well, maybe you
can't see everything.
- Cheryl.
- You know, maybe you should go.
- Cheryl! Cheryl!
- Amaya's probably
waiting for you.
What do you expect me to do?
- What you've always done.
Best you can to survive.
(somber music)
(door bangs)
- Rise and shine!
(Rick laughing)
- What was that for?
(Rick laughing)
I'm so glad, someone
is having a good time.
- You should have
seen your face.
- I told you to leave me alone.
- Oh, come on, lighten up.
You used to love
that kind of thing.
Whatever ever happened
to the little boy
that used to love pranks?
- You want to know what
happened? You happened.
You left and I had to grow
up, because you wouldn't.
- You don't remember, do you?
- [Matt] Remember what?
- [Rick] Have a seat, Matt.
- I prefer to stand, thanks.
- I know you remember
your mother and I fighting
almost every day.
- Yeah, how could I forget?
- [Rick] It wasn't
an easy choice.
- It never is.
- (sighs) I know you
don't believe me,
but everything I
did was for you.
- Oh? Enlighten me.
How is you leaving good?
How's that good for us?
- Not for both of you. Just you.
- How?
- Come on.
Fighting all the time,
the daily scream sessions,
that was no way for
a kid to grow up.
- So you left?
- Again, this is
not about me. Okay?
What's done is done.
My regrets are mine alone.
I only want you to see.
- Oh, I see.
I see, thank you very much.
I see a man desperate
to explain away
everything that he did.
To explain all the hurt
that he caused his family.
And you expect me to just
believe that you leaving
was the best for me?
- And what would you have
done if I had stayed, hmm?
You think if I was there things
would have been different?
You think things would
have gone so swimmingly?
We'd have played catch every
day or something, right?
Look, that stuff was
not my responsibility.
My responsibility-
- Not your responsibility?
Your own flesh and blood
wasn't your responsibility?
If I wasn't, then what was?
You're pathetic!
No! You're worse than I thought!
How can you leave your family
and say they're not
your responsibility?
Oh no, no, no.
I see where this is
going and I am not you.
I am nothing like
you old man, nothing.
- Are you sure?
- I haven't left yet, I can
go back whenever I want!
- Then do it.
If you can go back, do it.
Put an end to this
charade, go back
and be the responsible father
and husband I never was.
- So, I'm just supposed
to do whatever you didn't,
simply because you didn't?
- Well yes.
- You had your chance
and you blew it.
- So don't blow yours.
- I don't need you
telling me what to do!
You're not my father,
you never were!
I was your son, staying at home,
wishing and hoping you
would come home every day,
I always imagined
you were on a trip.
Out exploring somewhere.
You were like
climbing Mount Everest
or trekking through the
jungles of the Amazon
just trying to discover
something that no one ever had.
I was so wrong.
"Did I make him leave?
Did I do something?
Was it my fault?
Do he not love me anymore?"
It didn't matter
that I still had mom,
I was just so alone.
And then everything changed.
I had to grow up without
a father, I knew that.
And I hated you for it.
You asked where your son went.
You killed him.
And I never forgave you for it.
Just leave.
(somber music)
(Matt crying)
(somber music)
- [Cheryl] It's not
very impressive, is it?
- It's a start.
- I hate this.
- For what it's worth,
I'm proud of you.
- Thanks, I just don't
think that a hiring manager
will be proud of
me like you would.
- No, but you care
that I am, don't you?
- It helps.
- And confidence is key
when you go to interview.
It's what will set you apart
from the rest, trust me.
Most managers can
smell confidence
before you even
walk into the room.
- I don't want to do this.
- You can, trust me.
All it takes is a belief
that you're more capable
than anyone else.
- Is that all?
- Of course.
They don't care if
you haven't done
much of the work, just that
you believe wholeheartedly
you can and will
work hard to do it.
Hey, honey!
Hey honey!
- How are you?
- Good, how are you?
- [Martin] How are
you holding up?
- Difficult to say.
What's in the bags?
- As soon as I heard
about our little godbaby-
- Your godbaby?
- I had to make sure the peanut
was taken care of!
There's everything in there.
Clothes, wipes, gift
cards for diapers,
formula, everything you
need to get started.
- I don't know what to say.
- Don't say anything,
just had to make sure our little
godbaby was taken care of,
didn't we?
- Thank you both.
- It was all her idea.
- Pssh. Of course it was,
you think he would
have done all this?
Now, come on, let me
show you what you got!
Yeah, this one first.
- [Cheryl] You really
didn't have to do this.
- Matt.
Matt!
- Hey.
- Good morning.
Where are you headed?
Another cup of coffee, I assume?
Mind if I join you?
- You wouldn't take no
for an answer, would you?
- You know me so well.
Have a good night?
- Look Julia, I can't-
We're both adults here, you
don't have to say anything.
I know you're married,
but like I said,
I'm just looking for
someone to talk to.
- I can do that.
- Good!
Anyways, you'll never guess
what happened to me last night.
And this is all after I tell
him to stuff it, mind you.
He keeps going on
about how I owe him
for all of the
chances he gave me.
- Clearly.
- Clearly.
- Do you guys know
what you want?
- Just coffee for me. Thanks.
- I'll take some pancakes.
Anyways, he fires me and
then he threatens to sue me
if I don't give
him what he wants.
I mean, the nerve.
- Yeah. Yeah.
- So, when are
you gonna tell me?
- Hmm?
- Why you're here.
- I'm here 'cause I
wanted some coffee.
- You just don't quit, do you?
Or do you? What did you quit?
- Look, I'd rather
not talk about it.
- I don't get you, Matt.
- Didn't know there
was something to get.
- You left your
wife, didn't you?
I knew something was up.
What happened? Did she beat you?
- I said I'd rather
not talk about it.
- Did she spend all
your, thank you.
Did she spend all your
hard-earned dough?
- Julia!
- Did she have an affair?
- [Matt] Julia!
- Did you?
- I said, let it go.
Look, I'm sorry.
Julia, I'm sorry.
- Enjoy the pancakes.
- Julia.
- For the record, I don't
care about your past,
I just don't
tolerate dishonesty.
But for whatever reason,
I just can't seem to
get away from you.
Offer still stands if you
decide to be honest with me.
(head kissing)
- No, no, no.
No, no, no.
- Miss me?
- [Matt] Go away.
- I still say this
place is rather nice.
- Shut up, dad.
- "Dad," huh? Moving
up in the world.
- What do you want?
- Who's the girl?
- I thought you were
omniscient or something.
- Nope, just annoying.
- You can say that again.
- You want me to?
- No.
What is this?
Why do we keep doing this?
- Don't you know?
Why is there a
runaround with you?
Just answer the question!
- I know what you're thinking.
- Of course you do.
- Don't do it.
- Don't do what?
- You know exactly
what I'm talking about.
She's not worth it.
- Who?
- Who? He asks who?
The girl you were
making goo-goo eyes at!
The girl who just took your crap
and still gave you a kiss.
- I was not making
goo-goo eyes at anyone.
Would you just leave me alone?
- I thought I did.
- [Matt] I meant permanently.
- Oh, well, if I
thought you meant that!
- Please leave.
- A please?
And they said you'd
never amount to anything.
- What! Would you stop?
I don't want you
here! Leave me alone!
I mean it this time.
- You're gonna make a mistake
if you go through with it.
It's not worth it.
- What would you know?
- A lot more than
you. You'll see.
You're gonna need me soon,
and I won't be there.
- What are you talking about?
- If you want to find me,
I'll be at home, resting.
- What?
- Hi.
I've had an interview,
seems promising.
If I get it that means we
won't have to worry about...
Are you coming home?
Looks like it's just you and me.
Won't be so bad if
it was. Would it?
After all, we did well
enough before I met him.
I just feel so alone.
But I wouldn't be
alone, would I?
As long as we have each other,
we'll never be alone.
Just you and me.
(gentle music)
(tap running)
- Come on, Matt!
(dramatic music)
(door knocking)
What am I doing?
- Matt?
- I don't even know
what I'm doing here.
- I think I know.
- I think I...I don't know.
- Do you want to talk about it?
Okay, let me get
some clothes on.
(somber music)
(phone buzzing)
Did someone call?
I thought I heard a phone buzz.
- No.
This is a mistake.
- [Julia] Are you leaving?
But we just got started.
Matt!
- Goodbye, Julia.
- Where are you going?
Matt, are you alright?
- No! No.
No! No.
I got to get in there.
I got to talk to him.
- Who?
(door hitting)
(dramatic music)
- There's just no one here.
All right! All right!
Where are you?
- I'm right here.
- Not you.
- Matt?
- I know you're here somewhere!
Why aren't you here? I need you!
I need.
Leave me alone.
Get away from me.
(Matt crying)
Figured that you'd be
there all the other times,
but not when I
actually need you.
There, I said it.
Are you happy now? I said it!
Doesn't that make you
want to come talk,
you twisted excuse of a father?
I'm here, where are you?
You'll be at home? My home?
I can't go back there. I'm not.
I'll find you at home.
I'll find you at home.
(dramatic music)
- Hi again, um...
I'm headed to the doctor for
my first ultrasound today.
And still would love
for you to be there.
I sent you the
address yesterday.
So if you can make it,
please let me know.
Listen, I don't want to
do this over voicemail,
but if I don't see you I
don't think this can continue.
Don't expect a call
back if I don't see you.
Goodbye Matt!
I love you.
(dramatic music)
- Thank you, thank
you, thank you.
I just. Julia?
- Matt?
- I just need to-
(tires screeching)
Hey Julia, wait! Julia?
- What? What could you possibly
want from me right now?
I cannot believe what
you did to me last night.
- Look, I'm sorry.
- After everything
I shared with you.
I have never been treated
so horribly in my life.
Maybe it's not your wife's
fault in all this, is it?
What do you have to
say for yourself?
- I need your help.
Okay, I need your help.
- Should have thought
of that last night.
- No, I need your
help finding my dad.
- Need to yell at him, too?
- Something like
that. I don't know.
- Get in.
But don't expect
me to like this.
- Okay. Thank you.
(car revving)
(upbeat music)
- [Matt] About yesterday.
- What about it?
- For what it's
worth, I'm sorry.
- Fine!
Maybe you can make it up to me?
- I don't think so.
(upbeat music)
- Is this the place?
(somber music)
- Yeah, this is the place.
(door knocking)
Thanks.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa,
what do you think you're doing?
Can I help you with something?
- I'm sorry. I apologize.
I shouldn't try to
barge in like that.
My name is Matt O'Donnell,
I used to live here
when I was a kid.
- Okay. And?
- This is gonna sound weird,
but do you mind letting me in
just for a second?
I'm looking for someone.
- I'm the only one in here.
- I'm looking for something.
Something I lost
when I was a kid.
Please.
- All right, but
just for one minute.
- Okay. I'm here.
Where are you?
Come on out.
I'm here. Where are you?
Come on. I'm here.
- All right, it's time to go.
Come on.
- I just need-
- No, no.
- Come on dad, please.
- It is time for you to go.
- I'm here. I came.
- Get out.
(door bangs)
- I don't understand.
You're at home, resting.
Resting.
(dramatic music)
- Did you find him?
- No, but I think
I know where to go.
- Hi.
- Yes.
- I have an appointment.
Cheryl O'Donnell.
- Okay, just have
a seat over there,
he'll be with you shortly.
- [Cheryl] Thanks.
(dramatic music)
- [Julia] Are you sure
this is the place?
- No, but it's the
best chance I've got.
- I don't see anyone.
- Yeah, I doubt you will.
- Are you going to tell
me what's going on?
- No.
(dramatic music)
(Matt crying)
(somber music)
Boy, if you could see me now.
- Oh, the things I could say.
Took you long enough.
- For the record, I'm
still angry with you.
- Wouldn't expect any less.
Have you started to see?
- See what? That I'm like you?
- Similar, yes.
- No.
- I think that's the most
pathetic lie I've ever heard.
- I can't believe you.
I come all this way, and
you're still on my case.
- You can't deny what
you know to be true.
- And what if it is?
What does that change?
- Everything.
I knew a man once, good guy,
strong sense of purpose.
He was a musician,
very talented.
He could play music that
would melt your heart.
They always used he could
make one piano sound like 20.
Such a gift.
- What does this have
to do with anything?
- One day, his father comes
to one of his concerts,
having never gone before.
After the show, his
father came up to him,
see he taught at a conservatory,
and told him he was no good,
that he had no future in music.
Devastated the poor man. He
never played music after that.
Such a waste of
God-given talent.
He never overcame
that fundamental flaw.
He never measured up, he
was always lesser than,
not good enough, a failure.
It defined him,
controlled his life
up until the point where
he left his own family
because of it.
He took his flaws to the grave.
But years later, when his
son seemed to be going
in those same footsteps,
he was given a chance.
A chance to make things right.
- So you're-
- I'm here, Matt. Right here.
- But that's-
- Seemingly impossible?
I've learned not to question it.
My chances have come and gone,
and I alone have
to own up to that.
But you still have a chance.
It's not over for you.
- If you believe that,
why did you leave?
- You've focused so
hard on not becoming me,
that's exactly what you became.
I know the feeling so well,
I'm the spitting
image of my father.
I hated myself for
it, hated who I was.
I took a long look at myself
and realized I did
not want that for you.
So I left.
I just wanted you to be better.
- But I wasn't.
I just wanted you to come home.
I just waited for you
to walk through the door
and tell me you loved me.
That you wanted me.
I needed you.
- And I messed up.
In doing what I
believed to be right,
I made the biggest
mistake of my life.
Don't you do the same thing.
- I'm not you.
- No. You're much better.
So be better.
Look, I don't have
much more time.
- You're leaving? Again?
- For now.
I think you know
what you need to do,
there's not much more I
can do to get you there.
Do what I never could.
Be there for them.
You need each other.
Nothing else matters.
- Where are you going? No.
- I'll be seeing you, Matt.
- Please don't go anywhere.
(somber music)
- [Cheryl] Hi.
I've had an interview,
seems promising.
If I get it that means we
won't have to worry about.
I'm headed to the doctor for
my first ultrasound today.
So will love for
you to be there.
If I don't see you, I don't
think this can continue.
(dramatic music)
- We need to go to
the doctor's office.
- Is everything alright?
- Hurry.
- No, I'm about to miss my
wife's first ultrasound.
Let's go. Now!
(car revving)
(upbeat music)
No, I know, yes, I know, I
know, I know, just listen.
Look, I'm at the
doctor's office,
and I think I just missed
them at the ultrasound.
I don't have a car, can
you please pick me up?
No I know, I understand I have
no right to ask this of you.
I just, please help
me to get home?
You can call me
names later, okay?
Just help me get
back to my wife.
Thank you. Thank you.
(gentle music)
- You are beautiful.
I wish your daddy can see you.
But I can't wait to meet you.
- You got some explaining to do.
(door knocking)
- Hi.
I was really, really scared,
I just didn't know
if I could do it.
Become a father that is.
Not after everything
that happened with mine.
And this week has been a lot
and I don't even know how
to explain it, honestly.
But I think I finally
learned how to let go.
And that just because
he made mistake
that doesn't mean that I will.
So I may not be a great father,
but I really,
really want to try.
If you'll let me.
- I thought I'd
never see you again.
- I know.
I know. And I'm so sorry.
But I'm here now and I
promise to be better.
And I'm so sorry that I
missed your ultrasound,
but is everything okay?
- See for yourself.
- She's beautiful.
- She?
- I mean I can dream, can't I?
(gentle music)
- You're fired.
Did you hear me,
O'Donnell? You're fired.
Get out.
- No. No I've done
so much for you.
- (laughs) I don't
remember hiring a jester.
Should we go
through your botched
or downright neglected
projects alphabetically
or chronologically?
That's what I thought.
You're not good enough,
you never will be.
Now get your degenerate
self out of my office
before I have you thrown out.
- You can't do this.
- What are you, insane?
I own all of this and up
until five seconds ago,
I owned you.
Sherry, call security.
- Yes sir.
Tell them there's a bug in
my office that won't leave.
- What am I supposed to do?
- (laughs) Does it
look like I care? Out!
Out!
(gentle music)
- Keys.
- Yeah, they are.
- This is no longer
your car. Keys.
Keys now!
Time to go.
- Yeah, right after you.
- Time for you to go.
(Matt crashes)
Beat it.
(dramatic music)
- Hey! Can I help you?
- Yeah, can I just get a soda?
- Yeah, sure thing.
Sit anywhere you'd like.
(somber music)
- [Man] Order up!
- [Cheryl] Is everything okay?
Matt!
- Huh?
Sorry, let me get this.
- Are you ever gonna tell me
what actually happened to you?
- Like I said, nothing,
I just had a rough day.
- Yeah, but I tried calling you.
Where were you?
- I just stopped somewhere
on my way home from work.
I just didn't feel like talking.
- I called to tell
you something.
Matt, where were you?
- I just stopped to get a drink.
- You stopped to get a drink?
- Yeah. I had a lot on my mind.
- Then tell me.
Honestly, why is it
so difficult with you?
- I'm being difficult?
- Yeah.
Talking to you is
like pulling words
out of your mouth, Matt.
- You want a word?
- I want a word.
- Fired!
I was fired.
Are you happy now?
- Again?
- Oh, here we go.
- What was it this time?
- Why is it always my fault?
- I mean, four jobs
in two years, Matt.
And what about the
replacement wedding ring?
Did you forget about that too?
Don't you think this is
all a little unstable?
- You calling me unstable now?
- That's not what I said, Matt.
- You're saying I should
go and see a shrink?
- That's not what I said.
- Look, I work really hard to
make sure that we have a life.
I go out there and bust my butt
everyday and get absolutely
no respect from everyone.
I just thought that maybe
at the end of the day
I'd get a little
respect from you.
- Matt, I-
- I'm not even hungry.
- We're in this
together you know.
- Cheryl, I-
- And how am I
supposed to help you
if you won't let me.
- Why would you need to help me?
I don't need...
- You'll need my help someday.
- Cheryl I..
- No.
(Matt sighs)
(water running)
(plate shatters)
(gentle music)
(tap running)
(gentle music)
- [Matt] When were
you going to tell me?
- [Cheryl] I tried.
- You didn't try very hard.
How long have you known?
- I found out this morning.
I tried calling you.
- Why you didn't tell
me when I got home?
- I wanted it to be special.
I thought maybe-
- You thought what?
You thought I
wouldn't get fired?
- [Cheryl] This has
nothing to do with that.
- This has everything
to do with that!
If I can't even hold down a job,
how am I supposed
to be a good father?
- Matt!
We talked about this, remember?
You're gonna be a great dad.
- What if I don't wanna be?
I didn't ask for this.
- It's kind of
implied, isn't it?
- We discussed this.
- So it's a surprise?
I mean, honestly I
thought you'd be happy.
I thought-
- Happy? I just got fired.
How am I supposed to raise
a child with no income?
- I'm sure you'll
find another job.
- Yeah, for how long, huh?
See? Even you don't
believe in me.
- Of course I do.
- Why? Why would you?
How could you?
You're the one who said it,
I need help, I'm unstable.
- [Cheryl] That's
not what I said.
- Yeah, but you meant it.
How could you do this to me?
- To you?
You do know how this
works, don't you?
- I can't do this! I
can't raise a family!
- You can argue all you want,
but like it or not,
this is your life
and one you agreed to
when you married me.
- And what if I don't
want it anymore?
- What?
- No. Nothing.
- You don't want this anymore?
You don't want us?
- I don't know what
I want anymore.
- Goodnight, Matt.
- That's not what I-
- I said goodnight.
(Matt sighs)
(somber music)
- [Woman] I'll be
right with you.
- Here?
Of all places you chose here?
- What's going on?
Dad?
- You could have
picked Venice, Paris,
or even Sydney for
goodness sake, no.
Gee, what kind of
food did you order us?
- No, no, no, this
can't be happening.
This can't be real.
- Wait, wait!
Is it a medium-rare porterhouse,
smothered in mushrooms and bacon
with a side of green beans?
No!
It's a half-charred, previously
frozen slab of pork feces!
- Dad, I'm serious.
- I'm not getting
any deader, son.
The least you could have done
is given me a decent meal.
- But to be clear, you are dead?
It can't be real?
- That'll do, pig, that'll do.
- I cannot believe
you're still like this.
- What did you expect?
It's not like I
could have changed.
- But it's all in my
head. You're in my head.
I don't understand how-
(hand hitting)
Keep it up, I'll do it again.
- Okay. But how
did you if you're.
Okay. All right Stop!
- Told you.
- No, this has to
be like a bad dream.
Yeah. It's just stress.
I just need to wake up.
- Need some help?
- No. Not from you.
- You know, this ain't half bad.
Would've preferred
some caviar and wine,
but this ain't bad.
- Wake up! Come on!
(face hitting)
- Here, let me help.
- No.
This is like a psychotic break.
I'm having a nervous breakdown.
My whole life comes crashing
down and then you show up,
that can't be a coincidence.
- Tell me about that.
- About what?
- Your life. How are the kids?
How's the wife?
Why did you get fired?
- I don't have any kids.
- Not yet.
- Are you kidding me right now?
Look, everyone, the
figment of my imagination
wants to know all
the nitty-gritty
details about my life!
Why do I need to
explain anything to you
if you are already in my head?
- Am I?
- How should I know?
I don't know what's happening.
Just yesterday, I was
getting fired from my job
for absolutely no reason,
and then I find out
my wife is pregnant,
and then you transport
me out of reality.
- That is some of the best
nutshelling I've ever heard,
though the part about no reason,
that's a little
bit of a stretch.
- So you do know
what's going on?
Why are you pretending?
- The real question
is why are you?
Look, don't you ever
think that maybe
there's another reason
why you're here?
- Like what?
- Maybe it's time you faced
some cold, hard reality.
- So, have you decided
what you want yet?
Would you like me to come back?
I'll come back.
(somber music)
- I can't go home.
(somber music)
- Thank you.
(Matt sighs)
(phone crashes)
(phone buzzing)
- I don't know,
I haven't seen him all day.
He couldn't have
just left, could he?
Yeah, I mean we kind of
got into it last night.
I was kind of harsh, I guess,
but like, he was just
being so stubborn,
You should've heard the
things he was saying.
Yeah, well.
If you hear anything
just let me know, okay?
Haven't heard from him, I'm
getting kind of worried.
Yeah. Okay.
Thanks.
(somber music)
- Hey, back so soon?
- Small coffee, please black.
- Hey, Matt.
- This again?
Are you going to tell
me what is going on?
Wipe the grin off your
face and answer me!
- Why are you so angry?
- I'm not angry.
- (laughs) I've seen less anger
out of a grounded teenager.
- What's that supposed to mean?
What would you even know
about grounding a teenager?
You weren't around then!
Don't you remember anything?
- I'm here to help you.
(Matt laughs)
- Help me?
You think after all these
years I would want your help,
if there was even
a way you could?
I don't need your help or
anyone else's, for that matter.
- Clearly.
- Look, I don't need
you, and quite frankly,
I don't want you here.
So if you don't mind, I'm
just gonna go back to reality.
I just need to find
the off switch in here.
- Reality. Funny you
should mention that.
What reality are
you living in, Matt?
The one in here or
the one out there?
- The real one, you idiot.
The one that contains
my actual real life.
- [Rick] Are you
sure about that?
- Why do I even bother
arguing with a ghost,
let alone your ghost?
This isn't real life! Life is
out there in the real world!
- Exactly.
- You're insane!
- Me or you?
- This isn't real.
You're not real! You're dead.
- Yes. I am.
And you need to face that.
- What are you talking
about? I have faced that!
I went to your funeral!
Held mom as she cried,
though God knows why.
- [Rick] But you didn't?
- You would have liked
that, wouldn't you?
Would you have even cared?
Have you ever cared about me?
- Always.
- (sighs) Of course.
So leaving is caring.
- [Rick] In a way.
- You know what? I was glad.
I was glad to see you go.
Glad to see that you got
what was coming to you.
Mom may have been crying,
but I could not have
been more satisfied.
You happy now?
- I wouldn't go that far.
- You were the reason
my life was hell,
and I'm supposed to think
it was because you cared?
Screw you.
- Matt.
- No, that's it,
I'm done with you.
How do I get out
of this nightmare?
- You'll never be free
unless you free yourself.
- Thank you both for coming.
- Anything for you.
- Have a seat.
- I'm so sorry, it
was just cleaned up.
I swear!
- Don't apologize.
- It's just been a
crazy couple of hours.
- Let me hep you.
- Martin, have a seat.
- You hear anything
from him yet?
- [Cheryl] No, not yet.
- He better call soon.
- [Cheryl] What was that?
- Do you think he'll call soon?
- Honestly, I don't know.
The things he said to me,
I know he didn't mean them,
but still.
- If I find out where he went...
- Martin, no.
- No, please don't.
As crazy as it sounds,
I still don't want anything
bad happening to him.
I just want him home.
- As you should.
Where's your restroom?
- It's down the
hall, to the left.
- You know as well as I do
that if he truly valued you,
he wouldn't have put
you in this position.
- I guess.
- Don't just guess.
Look, I've had enough
of this deadbeat.
- Regardless of what you
say, he is still my husband.
Maybe he's going through
a rough patch, sure,
I'm not just gonna walk out.
- Like he's doing right now?
- Don't start. You
don't understand.
I need him home.
We need him home.
- We? I don't need him.
- Not you.
We.
- You're pregnant?
- You're what?
Oh my God!
I'm so happy for you.
- Excuse me.
- Yeah.
- Is anyone sitting here?
- No, but-
- Perfect, thank you.
- I don't mean to be rude, but-
- I'm sorry, I'm Julia.
- Right. Why are
you sitting here?
- The seat was available.
- Okay, yes, I get that, but-
- I saw you and I are
staying at the same motel.
Are you gonna tell me your name?
- I stayed there
just for the night.
- Excellent, me too.
- No, last night.
- Yeah, me too,
that's what I said.
- What do you want?
- What do I want? What
do any of us want?
I just got fired by my jerk boss
after 10 years of
working for him.
And all over a meeting 20
minutes late, 20 minutes.
And this only two weeks
after my fiancee left me
for a hooker.
Oh, and to top it off,
my phone died, just broke
and I can't make a single call.
So, what do I want?
I want someone to talk to.
So, what's your name?
- Look, I'd really rather
just be left alone.
- Nonsense. No one truly
wants to be left alone.
- Well I do.
- I like a man who
knows what he wants.
So what's your story?
- I came here for a
cup of coffee, okay?
- Clearly.
How many cups have you had?
- Too much.
- One of those days, huh?
I've had too many
of those to count.
- What do you say you do?
- I didn't, but I'm a
travel photographer.
Well, I was.
- Matt.
My name's Matt.
- Hi, Matt, it's a
pleasure to meet you.
They sent me out to
Utah for a stint,
and the scenery there
is absolutely gorgeous.
I can't believe you let
me talk your ear off
that entire time.
You must think I'm a
crazy person or something.
- Well, maybe at first.
I should be going, okay?
- Matt, if you decide
to stay another night,
I'm in room 112 if
you want to talk.
Maybe you'll get around
to telling me your story.
(dramatic music)
(tap running)
(somber music)
(towel thuds)
(Matt crying)
- [Rick] You look like crap.
- Why are you here?
- I could ask you
the same thing.
- What could you
possibly want from me?
- Don't you ever get
tired of asking questions?
See, that's funny
because it's a question.
Ah ha! I caught that.
Always did love the eye roll.
- Always? Since when?
When have you been
around long enough
to even crack a joke, huh?
Was it the graduation
dinner that you missed?
Or maybe the wedding reception
that you weren't there for?
- Look, this is not about me.
- Of course not. Why
would we talk about you?
It was just you
who ruined my life.
- Looks like you don't
need my help in that area.
- This, all of this
is because of you.
- I fail to see how.
- What? Everything has always
been about you since day one.
- You want to point fingers?
Let's point fingers.
When has this not
been about you?
What about when you
left your family,
do you want to talk about that?
Or what about pretty women,
making goo-goo
eyes with all day.
Let's talk about that.
- I can't do this with you.
- You didn't care
about what Cheryl
or your new child thought?
- I did what I had to do.
- What you thought was right.
- [Matt] Exactly.
- You're beginning
to understand.
- I'm not you. I'm never
going to hurt my kid.
- This won't?
- You're not real!
God, you're dead!
I don't need you!
- You're right.
You don't need
me, you need them.
- Just leave me alone!
- Don't be like me.
- [Matt] Leave me alone!
(somber music)
- I don't know.
I really thought he
would have called by now.
Doesn't he care?
Can I ask you a question?
- Sure.
- Why didn't we ever...?
- Don't do that.
- We had a good
thing going once.
- Is that why you
invited me over here?
What are you
looking for, Cheryl?
- What do you mean?
- Your husband left. It sucks.
But have you dealt
with that yet?
- He'll come back.
- And if he doesn't? What
are you gonna do then?
You can't rely on him anymore.
You've got to rely on yourself.
- And I'm trying to.
Was just asking a
simple question.
- It wasn't, though,
and you know that.
You can't ask me
that question the day
after your husband
walks out on you.
What kind of man would I be
if I entertained
that thought, huh?
I know we've been friends
since we were kids,
but I'm married
now, and I'm happy.
Matt leaving sucks, it does,
but you're relying on
someone to give you something
you may not have yourself.
- And what's that?
- Do you love yourself, Cheryl?
Even if he told you he
loved you every single day,
if you never fully
loved yourself,
how can you ever truly be happy?
- What do you know about that?
You and Amaya, you're
this perfect couple
and to be honest with you,
I kind of envy it myself.
So how could you possibly
know what I'm going through?
- I don't.
I'm only telling you what I see.
- Well, maybe you
can't see everything.
- Cheryl.
- You know, maybe you should go.
- Cheryl! Cheryl!
- Amaya's probably
waiting for you.
What do you expect me to do?
- What you've always done.
Best you can to survive.
(somber music)
(door bangs)
- Rise and shine!
(Rick laughing)
- What was that for?
(Rick laughing)
I'm so glad, someone
is having a good time.
- You should have
seen your face.
- I told you to leave me alone.
- Oh, come on, lighten up.
You used to love
that kind of thing.
Whatever ever happened
to the little boy
that used to love pranks?
- You want to know what
happened? You happened.
You left and I had to grow
up, because you wouldn't.
- You don't remember, do you?
- [Matt] Remember what?
- [Rick] Have a seat, Matt.
- I prefer to stand, thanks.
- I know you remember
your mother and I fighting
almost every day.
- Yeah, how could I forget?
- [Rick] It wasn't
an easy choice.
- It never is.
- (sighs) I know you
don't believe me,
but everything I
did was for you.
- Oh? Enlighten me.
How is you leaving good?
How's that good for us?
- Not for both of you. Just you.
- How?
- Come on.
Fighting all the time,
the daily scream sessions,
that was no way for
a kid to grow up.
- So you left?
- Again, this is
not about me. Okay?
What's done is done.
My regrets are mine alone.
I only want you to see.
- Oh, I see.
I see, thank you very much.
I see a man desperate
to explain away
everything that he did.
To explain all the hurt
that he caused his family.
And you expect me to just
believe that you leaving
was the best for me?
- And what would you have
done if I had stayed, hmm?
You think if I was there things
would have been different?
You think things would
have gone so swimmingly?
We'd have played catch every
day or something, right?
Look, that stuff was
not my responsibility.
My responsibility-
- Not your responsibility?
Your own flesh and blood
wasn't your responsibility?
If I wasn't, then what was?
You're pathetic!
No! You're worse than I thought!
How can you leave your family
and say they're not
your responsibility?
Oh no, no, no.
I see where this is
going and I am not you.
I am nothing like
you old man, nothing.
- Are you sure?
- I haven't left yet, I can
go back whenever I want!
- Then do it.
If you can go back, do it.
Put an end to this
charade, go back
and be the responsible father
and husband I never was.
- So, I'm just supposed
to do whatever you didn't,
simply because you didn't?
- Well yes.
- You had your chance
and you blew it.
- So don't blow yours.
- I don't need you
telling me what to do!
You're not my father,
you never were!
I was your son, staying at home,
wishing and hoping you
would come home every day,
I always imagined
you were on a trip.
Out exploring somewhere.
You were like
climbing Mount Everest
or trekking through the
jungles of the Amazon
just trying to discover
something that no one ever had.
I was so wrong.
"Did I make him leave?
Did I do something?
Was it my fault?
Do he not love me anymore?"
It didn't matter
that I still had mom,
I was just so alone.
And then everything changed.
I had to grow up without
a father, I knew that.
And I hated you for it.
You asked where your son went.
You killed him.
And I never forgave you for it.
Just leave.
(somber music)
(Matt crying)
(somber music)
- [Cheryl] It's not
very impressive, is it?
- It's a start.
- I hate this.
- For what it's worth,
I'm proud of you.
- Thanks, I just don't
think that a hiring manager
will be proud of
me like you would.
- No, but you care
that I am, don't you?
- It helps.
- And confidence is key
when you go to interview.
It's what will set you apart
from the rest, trust me.
Most managers can
smell confidence
before you even
walk into the room.
- I don't want to do this.
- You can, trust me.
All it takes is a belief
that you're more capable
than anyone else.
- Is that all?
- Of course.
They don't care if
you haven't done
much of the work, just that
you believe wholeheartedly
you can and will
work hard to do it.
Hey, honey!
Hey honey!
- How are you?
- Good, how are you?
- [Martin] How are
you holding up?
- Difficult to say.
What's in the bags?
- As soon as I heard
about our little godbaby-
- Your godbaby?
- I had to make sure the peanut
was taken care of!
There's everything in there.
Clothes, wipes, gift
cards for diapers,
formula, everything you
need to get started.
- I don't know what to say.
- Don't say anything,
just had to make sure our little
godbaby was taken care of,
didn't we?
- Thank you both.
- It was all her idea.
- Pssh. Of course it was,
you think he would
have done all this?
Now, come on, let me
show you what you got!
Yeah, this one first.
- [Cheryl] You really
didn't have to do this.
- Matt.
Matt!
- Hey.
- Good morning.
Where are you headed?
Another cup of coffee, I assume?
Mind if I join you?
- You wouldn't take no
for an answer, would you?
- You know me so well.
Have a good night?
- Look Julia, I can't-
We're both adults here, you
don't have to say anything.
I know you're married,
but like I said,
I'm just looking for
someone to talk to.
- I can do that.
- Good!
Anyways, you'll never guess
what happened to me last night.
And this is all after I tell
him to stuff it, mind you.
He keeps going on
about how I owe him
for all of the
chances he gave me.
- Clearly.
- Clearly.
- Do you guys know
what you want?
- Just coffee for me. Thanks.
- I'll take some pancakes.
Anyways, he fires me and
then he threatens to sue me
if I don't give
him what he wants.
I mean, the nerve.
- Yeah. Yeah.
- So, when are
you gonna tell me?
- Hmm?
- Why you're here.
- I'm here 'cause I
wanted some coffee.
- You just don't quit, do you?
Or do you? What did you quit?
- Look, I'd rather
not talk about it.
- I don't get you, Matt.
- Didn't know there
was something to get.
- You left your
wife, didn't you?
I knew something was up.
What happened? Did she beat you?
- I said I'd rather
not talk about it.
- Did she spend all
your, thank you.
Did she spend all your
hard-earned dough?
- Julia!
- Did she have an affair?
- [Matt] Julia!
- Did you?
- I said, let it go.
Look, I'm sorry.
Julia, I'm sorry.
- Enjoy the pancakes.
- Julia.
- For the record, I don't
care about your past,
I just don't
tolerate dishonesty.
But for whatever reason,
I just can't seem to
get away from you.
Offer still stands if you
decide to be honest with me.
(head kissing)
- No, no, no.
No, no, no.
- Miss me?
- [Matt] Go away.
- I still say this
place is rather nice.
- Shut up, dad.
- "Dad," huh? Moving
up in the world.
- What do you want?
- Who's the girl?
- I thought you were
omniscient or something.
- Nope, just annoying.
- You can say that again.
- You want me to?
- No.
What is this?
Why do we keep doing this?
- Don't you know?
Why is there a
runaround with you?
Just answer the question!
- I know what you're thinking.
- Of course you do.
- Don't do it.
- Don't do what?
- You know exactly
what I'm talking about.
She's not worth it.
- Who?
- Who? He asks who?
The girl you were
making goo-goo eyes at!
The girl who just took your crap
and still gave you a kiss.
- I was not making
goo-goo eyes at anyone.
Would you just leave me alone?
- I thought I did.
- [Matt] I meant permanently.
- Oh, well, if I
thought you meant that!
- Please leave.
- A please?
And they said you'd
never amount to anything.
- What! Would you stop?
I don't want you
here! Leave me alone!
I mean it this time.
- You're gonna make a mistake
if you go through with it.
It's not worth it.
- What would you know?
- A lot more than
you. You'll see.
You're gonna need me soon,
and I won't be there.
- What are you talking about?
- If you want to find me,
I'll be at home, resting.
- What?
- Hi.
I've had an interview,
seems promising.
If I get it that means we
won't have to worry about...
Are you coming home?
Looks like it's just you and me.
Won't be so bad if
it was. Would it?
After all, we did well
enough before I met him.
I just feel so alone.
But I wouldn't be
alone, would I?
As long as we have each other,
we'll never be alone.
Just you and me.
(gentle music)
(tap running)
- Come on, Matt!
(dramatic music)
(door knocking)
What am I doing?
- Matt?
- I don't even know
what I'm doing here.
- I think I know.
- I think I...I don't know.
- Do you want to talk about it?
Okay, let me get
some clothes on.
(somber music)
(phone buzzing)
Did someone call?
I thought I heard a phone buzz.
- No.
This is a mistake.
- [Julia] Are you leaving?
But we just got started.
Matt!
- Goodbye, Julia.
- Where are you going?
Matt, are you alright?
- No! No.
No! No.
I got to get in there.
I got to talk to him.
- Who?
(door hitting)
(dramatic music)
- There's just no one here.
All right! All right!
Where are you?
- I'm right here.
- Not you.
- Matt?
- I know you're here somewhere!
Why aren't you here? I need you!
I need.
Leave me alone.
Get away from me.
(Matt crying)
Figured that you'd be
there all the other times,
but not when I
actually need you.
There, I said it.
Are you happy now? I said it!
Doesn't that make you
want to come talk,
you twisted excuse of a father?
I'm here, where are you?
You'll be at home? My home?
I can't go back there. I'm not.
I'll find you at home.
I'll find you at home.
(dramatic music)
- Hi again, um...
I'm headed to the doctor for
my first ultrasound today.
And still would love
for you to be there.
I sent you the
address yesterday.
So if you can make it,
please let me know.
Listen, I don't want to
do this over voicemail,
but if I don't see you I
don't think this can continue.
Don't expect a call
back if I don't see you.
Goodbye Matt!
I love you.
(dramatic music)
- Thank you, thank
you, thank you.
I just. Julia?
- Matt?
- I just need to-
(tires screeching)
Hey Julia, wait! Julia?
- What? What could you possibly
want from me right now?
I cannot believe what
you did to me last night.
- Look, I'm sorry.
- After everything
I shared with you.
I have never been treated
so horribly in my life.
Maybe it's not your wife's
fault in all this, is it?
What do you have to
say for yourself?
- I need your help.
Okay, I need your help.
- Should have thought
of that last night.
- No, I need your
help finding my dad.
- Need to yell at him, too?
- Something like
that. I don't know.
- Get in.
But don't expect
me to like this.
- Okay. Thank you.
(car revving)
(upbeat music)
- [Matt] About yesterday.
- What about it?
- For what it's
worth, I'm sorry.
- Fine!
Maybe you can make it up to me?
- I don't think so.
(upbeat music)
- Is this the place?
(somber music)
- Yeah, this is the place.
(door knocking)
Thanks.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa,
what do you think you're doing?
Can I help you with something?
- I'm sorry. I apologize.
I shouldn't try to
barge in like that.
My name is Matt O'Donnell,
I used to live here
when I was a kid.
- Okay. And?
- This is gonna sound weird,
but do you mind letting me in
just for a second?
I'm looking for someone.
- I'm the only one in here.
- I'm looking for something.
Something I lost
when I was a kid.
Please.
- All right, but
just for one minute.
- Okay. I'm here.
Where are you?
Come on out.
I'm here. Where are you?
Come on. I'm here.
- All right, it's time to go.
Come on.
- I just need-
- No, no.
- Come on dad, please.
- It is time for you to go.
- I'm here. I came.
- Get out.
(door bangs)
- I don't understand.
You're at home, resting.
Resting.
(dramatic music)
- Did you find him?
- No, but I think
I know where to go.
- Hi.
- Yes.
- I have an appointment.
Cheryl O'Donnell.
- Okay, just have
a seat over there,
he'll be with you shortly.
- [Cheryl] Thanks.
(dramatic music)
- [Julia] Are you sure
this is the place?
- No, but it's the
best chance I've got.
- I don't see anyone.
- Yeah, I doubt you will.
- Are you going to tell
me what's going on?
- No.
(dramatic music)
(Matt crying)
(somber music)
Boy, if you could see me now.
- Oh, the things I could say.
Took you long enough.
- For the record, I'm
still angry with you.
- Wouldn't expect any less.
Have you started to see?
- See what? That I'm like you?
- Similar, yes.
- No.
- I think that's the most
pathetic lie I've ever heard.
- I can't believe you.
I come all this way, and
you're still on my case.
- You can't deny what
you know to be true.
- And what if it is?
What does that change?
- Everything.
I knew a man once, good guy,
strong sense of purpose.
He was a musician,
very talented.
He could play music that
would melt your heart.
They always used he could
make one piano sound like 20.
Such a gift.
- What does this have
to do with anything?
- One day, his father comes
to one of his concerts,
having never gone before.
After the show, his
father came up to him,
see he taught at a conservatory,
and told him he was no good,
that he had no future in music.
Devastated the poor man. He
never played music after that.
Such a waste of
God-given talent.
He never overcame
that fundamental flaw.
He never measured up, he
was always lesser than,
not good enough, a failure.
It defined him,
controlled his life
up until the point where
he left his own family
because of it.
He took his flaws to the grave.
But years later, when his
son seemed to be going
in those same footsteps,
he was given a chance.
A chance to make things right.
- So you're-
- I'm here, Matt. Right here.
- But that's-
- Seemingly impossible?
I've learned not to question it.
My chances have come and gone,
and I alone have
to own up to that.
But you still have a chance.
It's not over for you.
- If you believe that,
why did you leave?
- You've focused so
hard on not becoming me,
that's exactly what you became.
I know the feeling so well,
I'm the spitting
image of my father.
I hated myself for
it, hated who I was.
I took a long look at myself
and realized I did
not want that for you.
So I left.
I just wanted you to be better.
- But I wasn't.
I just wanted you to come home.
I just waited for you
to walk through the door
and tell me you loved me.
That you wanted me.
I needed you.
- And I messed up.
In doing what I
believed to be right,
I made the biggest
mistake of my life.
Don't you do the same thing.
- I'm not you.
- No. You're much better.
So be better.
Look, I don't have
much more time.
- You're leaving? Again?
- For now.
I think you know
what you need to do,
there's not much more I
can do to get you there.
Do what I never could.
Be there for them.
You need each other.
Nothing else matters.
- Where are you going? No.
- I'll be seeing you, Matt.
- Please don't go anywhere.
(somber music)
- [Cheryl] Hi.
I've had an interview,
seems promising.
If I get it that means we
won't have to worry about.
I'm headed to the doctor for
my first ultrasound today.
So will love for
you to be there.
If I don't see you, I don't
think this can continue.
(dramatic music)
- We need to go to
the doctor's office.
- Is everything alright?
- Hurry.
- No, I'm about to miss my
wife's first ultrasound.
Let's go. Now!
(car revving)
(upbeat music)
No, I know, yes, I know, I
know, I know, just listen.
Look, I'm at the
doctor's office,
and I think I just missed
them at the ultrasound.
I don't have a car, can
you please pick me up?
No I know, I understand I have
no right to ask this of you.
I just, please help
me to get home?
You can call me
names later, okay?
Just help me get
back to my wife.
Thank you. Thank you.
(gentle music)
- You are beautiful.
I wish your daddy can see you.
But I can't wait to meet you.
- You got some explaining to do.
(door knocking)
- Hi.
I was really, really scared,
I just didn't know
if I could do it.
Become a father that is.
Not after everything
that happened with mine.
And this week has been a lot
and I don't even know how
to explain it, honestly.
But I think I finally
learned how to let go.
And that just because
he made mistake
that doesn't mean that I will.
So I may not be a great father,
but I really,
really want to try.
If you'll let me.
- I thought I'd
never see you again.
- I know.
I know. And I'm so sorry.
But I'm here now and I
promise to be better.
And I'm so sorry that I
missed your ultrasound,
but is everything okay?
- See for yourself.
- She's beautiful.
- She?
- I mean I can dream, can't I?
(gentle music)