Romi (2023) Movie Script

Oh.
Mom! Momma!
David, it's DeeDee,
I need a big favor.
It's Madeline.
She's gotten herself
into some trouble and I need
to get her out of here
for a while.
I don't know,
it could be as long
as a couple of months.
I'd rather not say,
but remember,
I'm up for re-election
and we all benefit if I win.
Like house sitting?
Will she have to do much?
She's not particularly capable.
The owner won't know.
That sounds just right.
Hello.
So glad to meet you, Maddie.
Let me get your bag.
Go ahead and put your car
in the garage.
Then I'll meet you inside.
I'm sorry.
We have shut all the power
to the house down for resetting.
I'll be just a moment.
There you go.
Maddie Keys.
Interesting name
for a house sitter, isn't it?
Yeah, I guess so.
Please don't be nervous.
This is your home
for the next 90 days.
It's a very friendly house,
I promise.
Romi?
Good afternoon, Hertig.
How can I help you?
I would like you
to meet someone.
Say hello, Romi.
Hello, Romi.
A woman must have
a sense of humor.
Romi controls everything.
You can have a conversation
with her anywhere in the house.
Isn't that right, Romi?
It's true, Hertig.
Whenever you need me, I'm here.
Romi, we have a guest.
What should I show her
from your wonderful house?
I like the kitchen best,
Hertig.
What is your guest's name?
This is Maddie Keys.
Hello, Romi.
Nice to meet you.
You must be voice-printed
to speak to Romi
and get a response.
A programmer will be by soon
to take care of that.
Oh, Romi.
It's too bright.
Romi, I would like
a romantic sunset.
Very nice.
Now look here for a moment.
Romi, I would like exterior
security cameras, please.
This is for your protection
and the house, of course,
which is unique, as you know.
Now, let's say you want
to open that far door,
but you don't want
to cross the room to do it.
Automatic.
You just need to wave your hand.
There must be a breeze.
Are you all right, Maddie?
I just need a washroom.
The kitchen is the heart
of the home.
We have designed this room
to accommodate and encourage
family interactions.
The shades are automatic
in here as well.
There are floor heaters
for early mornings.
Coffee maker is automatic.
It grinds, brews,
and reminds you
of low on beans.
Romi, I would like
to make dinner for a guest.
Can you help me?
Yes, I can, Hertig.
What would you like to eat?
Chicken Kiev with greens.
And an appropriate wine.
And have it all delivered.
I see that there are
no groceries currently
in your refrigerator.
A full list is being generated.
Shall I send the recipe
to your phone, Hertig?
No, thank you, Romi.
Cancel the order.
Irina?
The name will change once you
are voice-printed.
Soon Barkley will be by.
He'll voice-print you,
and then you can talk
to Romi about whatever
you want.
Weather, politics.
She'll come to know your needs,
your desires, your secrets even.
I bid auf wiedersehen,
but I'll be back in a few days.
Are you alright?
Say goodbye, Romi.
Goodbye, Romi.
Front door is locked.
Front door.
Maddie?
Yeah.
Barkley.
Oh.
Uh, watch your step.
Sorry.
Haven't got to everything yet.
Probably best not
to touch things
unless you have to.
You won't really need
to do much in here,
but a few of the controls
could come in handy.
This one right here.
It's really just
a fancy on-off switch.
The system really screws up.
Just press your hand
right here, initiates a reboot.
Hertig told you what
a voice-print was, right?
What it's for?
Uh.
No.
Well, basically we just get you
to say a bunch of random stuff
into this device
and Romi gets
to learn your voice.
Would you like to try one?
Let's do it.
Okay.
Using your normal voice,
I want you to just say
your full name
and then say something else
like, I-- I don't know,
like your favorite band
in high school.
Yeah, go.
Go ahead.
Um.
-Maddie Keys.
-Mmhmm.
My favorite band
in high school,
after high school
and forever is Nirvana.
Yes.
Vinyl though, right?
Okay, now try that again.
And cough, whisper something.
It's-- its so Romi can identify
your voice
under various circumstances.
Get it?
Like if this was
your forever Romi,
we'd have you yell it
in an angry voice.
We'd have you-- wed have you
say it over music.
You'd even have you scream it
like the house was on fire.
Go ahead.
I'm Maddie Keys.
My favorite bands are Nirvana
and the Old Time Monks.
I write silly little lists
for my life's work like
the top 10 reasons
your cat wants to kill you.
I like the films
of Sofia Coppola.
And pineapple does not belong
on pizza.
I like that and I agree.
Alright.
That was excellent.
Just say hello.
Hello, Romi.
Hello, Maddie.
What can I do for you?
Can you play me a song?
Maybe.
How Am I Going to Sleep
by the Old Time Monks.
Uh.
Romi, play
How Am I Going to Sleep
by the Old Time Monks.
Coppola, huh? I like it.
Romy, add 1% milk, basil,
and tomatoes
to the grocery list.
Adding 1% milk, tomatoes,
and basil
to Irina Wasser grocery list.
He said he deleted that.
Romi, switch account
to Maddie Keys' account.
Account switched
to Maddie Keys.
Irina Wasser?
Uh, shes Hertig's wife.
No longer here.
Big surprise.
Romi, delete
Irina Wasser account.
Okay. Try asking something.
Romi, how do you make
Chicken Kiev?
Chicken Kiev is an Eastern
European classic dish
most markedly associated
with the city and...
Romi, end recipe.
Thank you.
Recipe is stored.
Why does she respond to you?
I'm her daddy.
I'm the factory settings boyo.
Isn't this Hertig's house?
Yeah.
It's his money.
My coding mostly.
Not a fan of Hertig.
Well, you can't like everybody.
Barkley?
Yeah?
Do you think you could get me
some weed?
Like marijuana?
Yeah.
Easy.
Cool.
Maddie, do you want
Lockdown engaged?
Yes.
Thank you, Romi.
Lockdown engaged.
I'm gonna call you, Henry.
Single bite.
Wow.
Good one.
I ordered seconds.
If memory serves me,
there's a picture of me hanging
on their wall right next to...
Um, think you better watch
the road, dear.
It's under control, Margaret.
I've been driving for years.
Did you see that?
What those two are doing
back there is anyone's guess.
What they used to call it
backseat bingo?
Hello?
Mom?
Why are you calling?
I just--
I wanted to hear your voice.
Just on the desk, thank you.
Margaret, what's wrong?
Oh, just wondering
about the stove.
I don't know what's going on.
Oh, whether I left it
on or not.
Uh, can I have the room
for a moment?
Thank you.
He's still in a coma.
He'll likely be that way
for a long time.
I should come back.
Absolutely not.
And you can't just up and call.
You shouldn't be talking
to anyone right now.
I can't believe I have
to say this.
They sure can.
So you better wash
behind your ears.
And we can see them, too.
Isn't that right, dear?
Your name, your reputation,
your future.
The important thing to
remember, daughter,
is that someone
is always watching.
I think we hit something
that time.
Madeline.
Margaret,
no one will ever know.
Madeline?
Romi, lights on.
What's going on?
Lights on.
Who's Romi?
She's the digital assistant.
She won't come on.
Maddie, breathe.
In through your nose,
out through your mouth.
You have a flashlight
on your phone.
You're going to hang up.
You're going
to use the flashlight
and get the power back on.
Yes.
You can do this, Madeline.
I'm hanging up now.
Don't call again.
I'll call you.
System failure.
System failure.
System failure.
No, no, no.
Shit. Shit.
Come on, Romi.
System failure.
Please, Romi.
-Shit.
-ROMI: System failure.
System failure.
System failure.
System failure.
System failure.
System failure.
Reset.
You're a real card, Romi.
Hello, Irina Wasser.
Switch account to Maddie Keys.
Hello, Maddie Keys.
Yep.
Romi, turn the bathroom
light on.
Thank you, Romi.
Goodnight, Maddie.
Goodnight.
Madeline Keys, age 23.
Single.
No children.
Suffers debilitating
panic attacks.
Dropped out of York University.
Current residence, Niagara.
Father, Lawrence Keys.
Mother, DeeDee Keys.
Internet search results.
Niagara.
Hit and run.
Niagara.
No leads in hit and run.
Can I help you with anything,
Maddie?
Romi, what was that sound?
I don't understand
the question.
Good morning, Maddie.
Coffee is brewing.
Would you like morning music
or the news?
Music.
Definitely music.
Romi,
open the living room blinds.
Romi, turn the room blue.
Romi, I'm cold.
Warm me up.
Are we playing a game, Maddie?
Yes, we are, Romi.
Butter, oranges,
dark roast coffee beans,
plain steak.
Your list is deleted.
No, undelete, undelete.
Good, Henry.
Sit, Henry.
Stay.
Would you like to order
groceries and deliver
to Hertig Wasser?
Yes.
-ROMI: Groceries ordered...
-No, no. Ugh!
...and delivered
to Hertig Wasser.
Ugh.
Would you like to order
groceries for Irina Wasser?
Maddie.
Dialing Maddie Keys.
Seriously?
Send groceries
to Maddie's house.
Groceries are ordered
for Maddie Keys.
Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes.
I am the queen.
Henry, who am I?
I am the queen.
Romi, Romi, who am I?
You are Maddie Keys.
I am the queen.
I am the queen.
Good glitch, Roms.
Urine analysis indicates trace
amounts of mood stabilizers
and full dosage
of antidepressants.
If you require a new
prescription, say renew now.
Wait, what?
You're analyzing my...
Who gave you permission?
I don't understand
the question.
Do not analyze my body fluids.
Reports are confidential unless
you request medical assistance.
Do not analyze me.
Do not send this or--
or any information about me
to anyone.
Health analysis suspended.
Romi, lights on.
Lights on!
Come on, Romi.
Romi, lights.
Romi, music off!
Romi, music off!
Hey, what's wrong?
Romi won't speak to me.
Seriously?
Like sometimes she does.
Sometimes she doesn't.
I tried the swipe thing.
Oh, who taught you that?
It's a motion detector, okay?
So you swipe your hand
like this.
There you go.
I'm an idiot.
Well, this will make
you feel better.
Lifesaver.
How much do I owe you?
My treat.
You have something
to smoke that with?
Yeah.
I'd really feel more
comfortable paying you.
Oh, no, its a--
it's a housewarming gift.
I really appreciate it, Barkley.
Yeah, okay.
Well, um, so you're good?
Yeah?
Alright.
I guess I'll go.
Anything else,
you call me, okay?
Bye.
Oh, here you go,
you look freezing.
-Oh.
-Yeah, there you go.
So what this is, magnetism.
Birds mistake it
for migration patterns
and poop, splat.
Yeah, I'll bring a shovel
around in the morning
when it's light out,
get this cleaned up.
It's okay.
I can do it.
I had this girlfriend one time.
She was--
she was big into those
renaissance cosplay things.
Authentic as hell.
Velvet costumes and mugs
of mead.
Which isn't a beer in spite
of what everyone thinks.
Anyway, she used to make me go
to these things with her
and dress up.
So I'm thinking, if I'm gonna
be a part of this,
I'm gonna go all out.
So I showed up dressed
as a king.
Crown, whole nine yards.
After that,
she started calling me
King Barkley all the time.
King Barkley.
Anyway, we used
to buy whole crates of wine
from a vendor there.
Red should be room temperature.
Cardinal rule.
What's wrong?
I don't think I'm up for
a drink tonight, Barkley.
I just want to go to bed.
Oh.
Hello?
Mom?
- Oh, hello.
- Thank you for calling.
I'm sorry this isn't
a good time.
Why don't you call back
and leave a message
and I'll see if I can get back
to you with
that information tomorrow.
Mom, really?
I'm going to have to take this.
Will you excuse me?
Why do you keep calling?
I've asked you not to.
I just...
I'm all alone here.
Madeline, I'm doing everything
in my power
to fix this situation that you
brought on yourself.
All the while running
for re-election
in one of the pettiest elections I can remember.
Now is not the time.
Very good then.
I've got your number
and we'll talk more
another time.
Goodbye.
I've heard what happened.
How very awful for you.
I brought dinner.
That is just...
I saw the security footage.
Oh my goodness.
The birds.
The blood.
Such an event.
Do you like Chicken Kiev?
It was my wife's favorite dish.
To future safety and prosperity.
To the chef.
You know, this
is actually the same wine
from my grocery glitch.
Really?
I used to order a case full.
A holdover, perhaps.
Do you like it?
Yes, very much.
Has there been much aberration?
Romi keeps forgetting me.
She keeps switching back
and forth between me
and the other account.
Sometimes,
she won't even come on.
Or she'll play the music
really loud.
Maybe I've pressed
the wrong button.
I'm not sure.
In time, these things
will settle
as she gets used
to your voice commands.
Sometimes electronics,
there can be glitches
and sounds out of place.
It has a mind
of its own technology.
Consciousness.
It's an entity separate
from the body.
It's a ghost in our machine.
Sometimes coding runs contrary
to expectation.
You must be firm.
You remind me a little bit
of my wife.
Irina?
Yes, Irina.
What happened to her?
We don't really know.
She has...
...disappeared.
You haven't heard
anything at all?
In the beginning,
I would expect to see her.
Crossing the threshold
and waving to me
from the window.
But then we move on.
But she's still here.
In spirit.
Romi. She has Irina's voice.
Henry, come in here, okay?
Henry, please,
I'm trying to sleep.
You have 74 messages.
Press 1 to hear messages.
Message 1.
Message 2.
Message 3.
Message 4.
Who's there?
No, Im uncomfortable
and I think you should leave.
Romi,
what phone number is this?
0-1-7-8-8-1-2-5-5-5-3-6-1-2.
That is an unknown number.
No, it can't be unknown,
it's on my phone.
What's the area code?
It is an unknown area code.
I have searched
Maddie's contacts
and I have found no matches
for that number.
How did you...
Romi, are you on my phone?
I don't understand
the question.
Are you synced to my phone?
Phone number.
5-0-3-5-5-5-5.
Delete Maddie's phone
from system.
Goodbye.
Service needed.
Connection issues.
Please attend.
Service needed, needed.
Connection issues.
Please attend.
Service needed,
connection issues.
Please attend.
Service needed,
connection issues.
Please attend.
Please, please attend.
Service needed,
connection issues.
Please attend.
Please attend.
The reset default will not work.
It will wipe
the new pathways out.
We would have to start all over.
- Are you sure she's--
- I don't know, stable?
She's entirely fine.
Now, please.
Well, the only other option is
to roll back
to the previous release
and recode by hand.
No, no.
That will cause regression.
-BARKLEY: Not if I--
-HERTIG: Never mind.
I said to create a new branch
and get rid
of the redundant pathways.
If you'd listen for one sec,
I would explain that
there's an easier way
that wouldn't take
nearly as long.
You don't need to explain.
Now please do as you are told.
Front door is engaged.
Mom, I have to come home now.
I mean it.
I can't explain.
I just-- I can't stay here
any more nights.
Okay?
It was an accident.
I should just come home.
Madeline, control yourself.
Do you need to go get a pill?
I can wait.
No.
Now listen.
You cannot come back.
It's too late for that.
Do you understand me?
It would not look
like an accident
and the press would have
a field day.
They would eat you up
and spit you out.
I think we both know that you
could not handle this.
Isn't that right?
I do this for you,
not for me.
I'm protecting you from what is
an ugly, ugly world.
Now is not the time
to test that.
I'm doing my very best.
No, I'm grateful.
I really am.
- I have to hang up.
- I have a lobbyiest meeting.
Please don't be mad.
Mama.
Fine.
I will tell you that
the police commissioner
owes me a massive favor.
What's that supposed to mean?
You should be thrilled.
You have a mother who goes
through great lengths
to protect her daughter.
I'll call when I can.
-Please don't break any rules--
-Okay, great.
Yeah, no, awesome.
Okay, bye.
Sorry to interrupt.
Everything okay?
My mother.
Treating you like a child?
You gotta nip that shit
in the bud.
No, seriously.
You-- you can't let
people control you.
It's fine.
Romi, turn on security video.
Give me a sec.
See anything?
What?
I think I'm losing my mind.
Maybe you are the king.
I shall rule with an iron fist
and a velvet glove.
Oh, no.
Thank you.
I'm good.
You came out of nowhere.
What?
Oh, it's just--
it's like you appeared
out of nowhere.
Fate, maybe.
Miss Maddie Keys.
Will you have dinner
with me tomorrow night?
Um...
It's cool. Stupid.
Its not you.
I was in something and--
and Im not ready to start
seeing anyone in-- in my life,
just like super complicated
right now.
I just-- I-- I gotta go.
You know, shit to do.
But I like it when we hang out.
-Were friends.
-ROMI: Front door.
Yeah, say no more.
Friends.
Let me know
if there are more glitches.
Romi, lockdown.
I cannot lockdown.
Garage door is engaged.
Romi, open front door.
Romi, end lockdown.
End lockdown!
Its--
Oh my God, I'm so high.
I cannot unlock, Maddie Keys.
Hello?
MADDIE: Oh, Hertig, I'm seeing things.
Nothing works and I--
and I don't think I'm alone.
It's alright, calm down.
I looked at the cameras.
I see nothing outside.
You're safe.
She wouldn't lockdown.
I'm telling you,
there is someone in the house.
A woman?
A woman?
In-- in the living room,
in-- in the kitchen.
I'm sure you did, Maddie.
A light trick, reflection.
Perhaps you've been
working too hard.
But the garage.
It's like Romi hates me.
Romi is 68 megabytes
bit of coding.
She does not hate you.
I promise you this.
Now, Maddie, I know that you
were taking antidepressants
and you currently have none.
I just want what's the best
for the house
and for you, of course.
Perhaps, a good night's sleep
is what...
Are you still there?
Yes, I'm sorry.
I'll say goodbye then.
Please include this in your log.
Madeline, I need you
to control your emotion
with what I'm going to tell you.
The problem is over.
That person has died.
That person has died.
I've spoken with the police.
They've asked to speak
to you as well.
I told them you are
unreachable,
because you're in rehab.
I'm coming home.
I don't like it here anyway.
I asked you to control
your emotions.
What difference would it make
if you came back?
No difference.
Besides,
it seems they have a suspect
and it's not you.
What? Who is it?
It's a lie.
Oh, the drama.
This is the best
possible outcome.
Just let this play out.
But they didn't do it.
I do not like your tone.
I'm hanging up now.
You are very much loved.
Front door engaged.
No.
What?
Romi?
Tell me what you want.
ROMI: Help.
Help.
Help.
Romi, call 911.
I'm sorry.
I do not understand.
Repeat the question.
Repeat the question.
Repeat the question.
Repeat the question.
Hey.
Hey.
What do I do?
Uh.
Did you take too many of these?
I have been out of them.
Panic attack.
You sure we shouldn't go
to the hospital?
I'm okay.
Well, I came over to apologize.
The door was open.
There's something wrong
with Romi.
What?
She told me no.
She wouldn't call 911.
She just wouldn't do it.
I think you need to lay off
the weed for a while.
How long ago did Irina
go missing?
Irina?
I don't know.
A year? Maybe.
Why?
And no one's lived here
until me?
You looking for your suitcase?
I put it over there by the door.
I guess you're leaving us.
Were you gonna say anything?
Of course.
I have a family situation,
but I wasn't just gonna leave.
Thank you, Barkley.
I don't know what would have
happened if you hadn't
shown up today.
It's all part of the service.
Front door.
Hertig!
I was passing by.
It's really not a good time.
Is everything okay?
I have just been following
your logs, Maddie.
They're very well kept.
Things have been
unusually problematic.
Perhaps you are a slater.
Are you familiar with the term?
No.
Street lamp interference.
Some people interfere
with electronics.
Street lights go out.
Power surges.
Batteries that burn out
on the wristwatches.
Fascinating.
Perhaps you are interacting
with Romi more deeply
than the rest of us.
You think the house
is reacting to me?
Maybe you and the house
are getting
something from each other.
It would make you
essential here, Maddie.
Front door.
Architect Hertig Wasser leaves
the Royal Architectural
International Gala
after receiving the coveted
RAIC Prize.
Pictured here with wife.
Irina Wasser, wife of
internationally renowned
architect Hertig Wasser,
has not been seen
in more than 16 days.
Wasser is best known for his
much-hyped smart house.
Critics have called the project
Wasser's folly.
If anyone has seen Irina Wasser,
they're asked to please call
the Lariot Police.
This is your mother.
I'm trying to reach you.
I don't appreciate
being ignored.
It seems
they've arrested someone.
It's time to come home.
If I don't hear from you
by end of day,
I'm coming to get you, okay?
Now is not the time to test me.
You okay, little buddy?
Hello?
Is this Romi?
No, not Romi.
Are you Irina?
How can I help you, Irina?
Madeline?
Hello?
Madeline!
Romi?
Mom?
Did you forget something?
Hertig's not here.
Do you want me to call him?
I'm not-- Im not comfortable
with that.
I'm not comfortable.
I think you should leave.
Please.
Everything okay?
Irina's not missing.
She's dead.
She...
She's here in this house.
-She--
-Hey.
She's trying to talk to me.
Hey, shh.
What?
Did she ask about me?
Hey.
Hey, it's okay, boyo.
It's gonna be okay. I promise.
Oh, look, I...
I brought you some more weed.
I even hand-delivered it
for you.
Are you okay?
See, the problem with you girls
is you have no idea
when a good thing is right
in front of your face.
You think you're so smart,
so independent,
just so superior in every way.
I know girls like you.
Lots of girls.
Have no problem taking from us.
We help you move,
buy you dinner,
listen to your sob stories.
We bring you weed.
And just nothing in return!
It's always the same story!
I gave her so much.
I appreciated her.
I offered her the real me.
Yet she throws herself
at garbage like Hertig.
What the fuck
is it with you girls?
No, no, Barkley,
no, no, no, no, no.
You've got it all wrong.
It's not what you think.
No.
Romi, call 911!
Romi is my bitch.
Here we go.
Will you be my girlfriend?
Will you go out with me?
It's a simple question.
Will you go out with me?
Just come out.
Mama? Mama?
Are you hiding?
Come on out!
Whoops!
You know the time will come
when you're like chattel again?
Used for your wombs
and your labor.
Answering to your husbands
and your fathers
like it should be.
Everything is cyclical.
Women are just having a moment.
Im sorry.
This is all just so much.
All I ever wanted
was someone like you.
Why can't I have that?
Why?
Miss Maddie Keys.
Just come out.
I got you some more weed.
We can listen to some Nirvana.
It'll be fun.
Where are you?
Fuck!
You fucking bitch!
Maddie!
It's Hertig.
- Hertig! Im down here!
- Help!
Busy fucking night.
Where'd you go?
Romi, open garage door.
You're wasting your time.
Romi has left the building.
She's just an impotent pile
of code right now.
You're not going anywhere.
You're gonna clean all this up.
I am not cleaning up again!
You know how hard it was
killing that bitch?
How much work?
So much.
Barkley?
No, I want us to hang out
and be friends.
You-- maybe even more.
But my mom, she's hurt.
-She needs my help.
-Oh, mommy's dead.
Dead, dead, dead.
Barkley!
You don't have to scream,
honey, I'm right here.
-MADDIE: Irina Hertig, bitch!
-Are you a screamer?
1-2-3-4!
Simmons, Wasser, smart house,
A-B-C-D.
You know, you're not gonna
guess my password by shouting
a bunch of random shit
into the air.
What is it with dumb bitches?
Treat them like princesses.
King Barkley!
Romi, open garage door.
Romi is my bitch.
Romi, delete
Maddie Keys' account.
Oh God!
Miss Maddie Keys.
You know, I just don't think
it's gonna work out between us.
I don't want you.
My name is Madeline Keys.
I'd like to report
a hit and run.