Spoonful of Sugar (2022) Movie Script
1
Oh, my darling
Oh, my darling
Oh, my darling Clementine
You were lost
and gone forever
Dreadful sorrow, Clementine
Just a baby and a daddy
Little mommy so entwined
Is she a whore
Maybe more
Family sorrow...
Clementine
How old are you?
What?
Tell me again how old you are.
Twenty-one.
You look young for your age.
People aren't always
as they seem, Mrs. Michaels.
I like his, uh,
astronaut costume.
It was, uh, the only way
we could get him to wear
his protective gear
outside the house.
Not that we
take him out very often.
And you're a student?
Yes, um, but I am taking
the semester off
to focus on my thesis.
And I'm assuming
your work at the university
is why you answered our ad.
Yes, ma'am.
I'm working on children
with severe allergies.
Um, you know,
some new studies
say that allergies are
more mental than physical.
Some researchers have been
trying something more radical.
- Lysergic acid...
- Do you own a car?
No.
Um, but I can
take the bus or walk.
I'm not far.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Oh, um...
No.
Wow.
I like this.
It's really good.
Did you see?
Yeah.
And what about your family?
Do you live with them
while you're at school?
I... don't have
a family actually.
Um, but I think that's
what makes me better.
Because I can be Johnny's.
And I won't be distracted.
His previous sitter
was like you.
But unlike you, she had much
more babysitting experience.
Well, um...
I just know I'm great with kids.
Kids and animals.
Do you like animals, Johnny?
He doesn't speak.
I guess...
I guess he likes you.
Good, because I like him too.
Are you wearing jewelry?
- No.
- He's allergic to nickel.
Who's she?
He's also allergic
to all animals,
sugar, gluten,
seeds of any kind,
strawberries, smoke,
artificial fabrics,
so please only organic
stuffed animals.
There's a whole list
in my office.
I'll have to show you
his prescription routine.
You'll want
to write it all down.
He takes a nap every afternoon.
He's in bed, typically,
seven till seven.
And, of course,
there's quiet playtime
for when he's overstimulated.
His new medication
knocks him out.
It's better than the stuff
they put him on
when we all thought
it was autism.
If he fights you
when it's time for nap,
just tell him he doesn't
actually have to sleep.
Just treat it like a meditation.
Could you close the door?
Along with babysitting,
you're expected to do
light housework.
That includes dishes,
cleaning out the fridge,
cleaning off the countertops,
keeping Johnny's playroom
clean and put away.
And, of course, making the beds.
Oh, sorry! Um...
Sorry, I'm just nervous.
Sorry.
I'm getting busy
with my book release.
- Which is why we need...
- Me.
The Pleasure of Pain.
A Guide to Love, Sex,
and Self-discovery.
Cool.
If you were looking
for a husband
or a sense of self,
but I think
you're still too young
to appreciate
something like this.
Yes, ma'am.
I need you to understand
that Johnny's allergies
are severe.
That means that if you don't
follow my explicit instructions,
he could die.
And under no circumstances
are you to let Johnny
leave the property.
Not with the full weight
of what I just said.
Do you understand
the level of responsibility
you would be taking on?
I need to hear you say it.
I understand.
Excuse me.
If you're here to rob me,
I keep all my valuables
buried in the backyard.
Chocolate in the fridge
if you want one.
Uh, no. Hi.
I'm Millicent.
I know who you are.
So, my wife hired you.
Cat got your tongue?
Sorry, uh...
You just frightened me.
Mmm. Frightened of me?
There's no hope for you.
Chocolate?
So, you do a lot of babysitting?
Sometimes.
So, you're, uh...
a carpenter?
- Mm-hmm.
- What are you building?
Something that will
never get finished.
You're not dressed.
Hmm. You are.
- Not now.
- Shit.
Stop.
Please go change. We're gonna
miss our reservation.
Please do the dishes.
And I'll have you take
my dry cleaning,
so you can drop it
in the morning.
Crazy bitch.
All this time
you've been coming here,
I've been so proud of you
and your progress
these last couple of months.
Your microdose treatment
with delysergic acid
has proven beneficial
to your mental health.
So, we can begin
lowering your dose.
What?
A larger dose would lead
to hallucinations.
No, that won't happen.
You don't have to pander to me.
I'm just here to listen
and help you.
I... I know.
I'm not trying to be difficult.
What about your other problem?
What other problems?
You don't have
to lie to me in here.
I'm not lying.
I don't have any problems.
You've been in the foster care
system for most of your life.
You haven't quite
found the right fit yet.
They were all very nice.
But... the fathers
were all the same.
Maybe it's my fault.
No.
You are not in control
of how anyone responds to you.
The only thing
that you can control,
is how you respond
to a situation.
What do you want?
Get good grades
and go to college...
Tell me what you want.
Don't tell me
what you think I want for you.
Well, I...
see these mothers
in the park,
pushing their strollers,
talking to each other,
and they don't even,
not even once,
look at their kids.
Mom! Mom!
Mom!
Did your mom lose you?
How does that make you feel?
Disappointed.
Mom! Mom.
Any of you lose one?
Weren't you worried?
You weren't lost.
Now, go play.
Mommy's talking.
Lost.
Lost in the park.
They have this lucky life
and they can't even see it.
I'm so sorry, but I'm confused.
- Do you want to be them?
- No.
I want to be better than them.
Come on with me.
Let's get you out of here.
What is she
doing with her? Look.
Hey!
Where are you going... Hey!
What are you doing?
No!
You stay here.
- Dr. Welsh?
- Hmm?
What if I...
think about violent things?
Like doing them?
Women aren't violent,
and you just said
you want to be a mother.
This is all good.
It means that you're empathetic.
You know what that means,
"empathetic"?
No.
Your natural disposition
is to feel
how others feel and help them.
He doesn't write
anything for a month,
and some stranger gets a "hi"?
Hey, just be happy he's
able to communicate with her.
I take it she's very, um...
innocent?
She's a virgin, if that's
what you're asking.
I mean, she freaked out when
I used the word "boyfriend".
It's not what I'm asking.
That's inappropriate.
I mean, she's not like Samantha.
Is that your last beer
or the last beer?
Both.
Wow.
Choke me.
- Right now?
- Choke me.
I... can't anymore.
Why?
I just...
I don't want to.
I mean, you're a mother.
Just... just try.
Yes...
It's okay.
I got the EpiPen.
Okay. Okay.
Help us!
Hey, hey, bud.
It's okay. It's okay.
What? I didn't give it to him.
He must've got into my stash.
I was there with him every time.
Jacob, you need to be
- more goddamned careful.
- It's not a competition.
- Of course, it's not.
- You told me you loved him
- more than me.
- Fuck you.
That quack doctor is just
using him to experiment on
and it's costing us our safety.
Come on.
Be on my side with this.
What side?
What side?
You know he doesn't
have any allergies.
You just saw it!
Stupid fucking excuses
you've convinced yourself of
so you don't have to face
the goddamned truth!
What truth?
What truth?
That our son...
is sick.
And caring for him
means sending him somewhere
they can actually do that.
I found a place.
Okay?
It's just 20 minutes away.
I called them
and they seem like
they'd be a really good fit.
You mean abandon him.
To strangers.
You know.
You know firsthand
what he's capable of.
We don't abandon family.
Chicken Little's
sky is falling
Humpty Dumpty's
bass is balling
Mother Goose
is on the loose
She's in a dream
Goldilocks has lost
her mirror
Red Riding Hood
is shifting gears
Mother Goose
is on the loose
She's very clean
Alice in Wonderland
Walking on the golden side
Clouds of white
She's so very right
She's queen
Simple Simon's
flying through
Jack and Jill
are paying doctor bills
Mother Goose is...
Emily!
Millie?
Emily, breakfast!
Aren't you going to have any?
Yes.
How's school?
Mmm. Good.
I still haven't seen
your report card.
Do you like the new job?
The dad is nice, I guess.
Haven't I always
taken good care of you?
It's not about that.
You promised we would
go away together after.
This boy... needs me.
I need you.
I want you here at home with me.
You told me that
every one of them hurt you.
That none of them
treated you as well as I do.
And that's why I agreed
to take you in.
Are you saying...
that I don't
make you happy anymore?
I'm happy.
Don't make fun.
I'm... I'm not making fun.
Honest, I'm not.
You told me I'm special.
What else do you want me
to do for you?!
Tell me you're mine.
No one belongs to anyone.
Not really.
Don't get bored of me.
You said if you got bored,
you'd leave.
You need a haircut.
Look.
Hey.
- Hey, bud.
- Look, it's an apple bud.
It's what an apple looks like
before it finds the sunshine.
He's smart.
You don't have to
talk down to him.
Oh, I... I wasn't.
I didn't mean to.
Just treat him
like any other kid.
In fact, why don't you take him
on a walk around the property?
Rebecca doesn't really
let him out much.
This looks like a meteorite
from space.
What is it?
Do your parents know about this?
What about your allergies?
Here. Hang on.
Here.
We'll take it home and
we'll make it into a keychain.
That way,
you can keep it forever.
Okay? Do you want
to try and learn
how to?
Do you have another one?
You always want to cut
away from yourself.
Never towards you.
Now you are near
But soon you'll be far
You must go to fight
the cruel war
But even though
We are not together
I will love you
my dear forever
I will love you dear
forever
Good morning, Lucky.
I need to know
that you understand.
I understand.
Ruby lips above the water
Blowing bubbles
soft and fine
But alas I was no swimmer
So I lost my...
Not on the dress!
Stick 'em up, Officer Johnny!
You'd better go
change those clothes.
Hey, I'm sorry. I was
only just able to pull away.
You're not gonna make it.
They kept me late at designing
and they made me miss
my flight. I'm really sorry.
If nobody buys this book,
we can't afford
Johnny's birthday presents
- or medical expenses.
- That's not the point.
Just... Okay,
then have the sitter stay.
You said you couldn't
take care of Johnny yourself.
That's what we have her for.
I'll be on the next flight home.
Here.
For your collection.
It's supposed to
bring you good luck.
[Millicent hums
"Oh My Darling Clementine"
Hopefully,
this pays for this job.
Didn't even eat his cake.
Really? So strange.
Not that it was much of one
without any real sugar.
Well, the fire thing is new.
We're not doing
something wrong, are we?
Well, you should've been here.
Wow. So pouty.
How about I make it up to you?
You should want to
make it up to him, not me.
Okay.
But, um...
how?
Well... first,
I'd get down on my knees,
and open my mouth.
Then...
- you could unzip your pants.
- Mm-hmm.
- Uh-huh.
- But slowly,
because you want me
to keep begging for it.
- And...
- Mm-hmm.
You can take
the back of my head
and yank my mouth open.
So I can wrap it
around your co...
You're good with him.
Well, I think your son
is really special.
I'm glad you're here.
Millie.
Before you came,
it was just the three of us.
You know...
You know that dream
when you're trying
to breathe but you can't?
And then, every time
you try to suck in air,
you open your mouth,
and nothing comes.
And then, in your dream,
you die trying.
You like air?
Oh, Johnny.
You wet yourself.
It's okay. Come on.
Let's... let's go get you changed.
I wish we weren't afraid of you.
Happy birthday.
Aww, cute costume!
Sometimes, I don't feel
like smiling either.
Oh, it's not that.
He responds to the world
not in the same way you would.
I see.
Well, seems like
he really loves his mom.
- That's not the point.
- Then tell me what it is.
- I'm so mad right now.
- Give me a break.
It's okay. It's okay.
Hey, it's okay.
Okay, um, look at me, Johnny.
Look at me.
Cover your ears.
Okay?
Then it's not as loud, right?
Let's breathe, okay?
In, together.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
When I'm with you,
nothing bad can happen.
Okay?
Okay.
Come on, let's go.
Come on.
When I was your age...
Here.
I used to pretend
that I was an alien.
Ready?
And I really,
really wanted it to be true.
It was...
It was just easier
going from home to home.
I pretended that was the truth.
Goose!
Instead of what it actually was.
So, I decided
it was my purpose on Earth
to study humans.
To better understand them,
but...
I wasn't allowed
to be a part of them.
That was my mission.
And...
And I was good with that.
That's...
I didn't feel like anyone has
the same feelings as me anyways.
Or, at least,
they didn't admit it.
Most people, Johnny,
they're liars.
Not you.
It's like...
It's like I can see
all of you at once.
And nothing's hidden.
Don't be scared.
I'm not scared.
See?
It's all okay.
You know, I'd just
about die for you.
Here we go.
I know he needs a haircut.
Oh, no. I...
He just won't sit still.
I mean, most kids
don't like haircuts.
Do most kids start screaming
whenever the scissors come out?
Um, maybe we could
do it together.
I used to cut my dad's hair,
like, all the time.
Thought you said
you didn't have a family.
I don't, um...
I just meant
I used to cut it before.
Shall I try?
Sure.
Just, um...
Just encourage him
to be himself.
This, um, this truck seems cool.
I love the shape of it.
That's amazing.
He's never let us do this.
We usually have to wait
until he's asleep.
Zoom, zoom.
I like it.
So, uh, you can remember.
Thanks.
Can you just clean this up?
I gotta go lay down.
All he thinks is
I keep helping him.
Do you think that I'll be able
to have a family one day?
Marybeth,
you know how I feel about you.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Do you... do you have a tissue?
Of course, sweet child.
It's okay.
It's okay to cry.
Oh. Oh! Oh.
Okay. It's okay.
It's alright.
It's okay.
Don't...
Oh, I'm sorry!
- It's... it's okay, um...
- I'm so sorry!
Uh, just wait right there.
I'm sorry, Dr. Welsh.
It's fine.
Well... before we
wrap up for today,
just know that you can
manifest the life that you want,
you just have to be
dedicated to it.
You have to be a good girl,
Marybeth.
I can do that.
We'll be back by nine.
The number for
the restaurant's on the fridge.
Ten.
- Alright, come on.
- Stop.
Bye, kiddo.
I have a new,
special medicine for you.
A drop for every pill.
This has helped me
see the truth.
And now, you can too.
It'll be our secret,
okay, Johnny?
Like your pet, your rabbit?
Sharing a secret,
a big, important one,
just means we love each other
even more.
Come on. There's still time.
Let's play house.
Look, Johnny!
Look at the carolers!
Is that blood?
No.
It's a new one, isn't it?
It is. Goddamn it, Rebecca!
It doesn't have
anything to do with you.
Yeah, well, it does.
I just don't understand it.
I don't get it. We... we
planned this whole dinner,
we got all fancy,
you look beautiful...
Let's go home.
- Why? Why?
- Just go home.
You're different.
I'm not.
You're different to me.
- I'm not.
- You know, maybe you're right.
- We should just go home.
- I'm not different.
This is what we always do.
- Stop!
- Oh!
Oh!
Oh, no! Oh!
It's okay!
I didn't see him!
I didn't see him!
Get the fuck away!
You okay?
Are you throwing up?
Why were you in the street?
- What did you do?
- I gave him candy.
I'm so sorry.
- Oh!
- Come here.
Get away!
Johnny.
Mommy!
He's never spoken
his entire life.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy. Mommy.
- Mommy, Mommy, mommy.
- I got you.
You're okay. You're okay.
- You're okay.
- Mommy.
You're okay now.
It's all gonna be okay.
- Go on. Give him to me!
- Johnny!
Get the fuck away
from my family!
Mommy!
It's okay, Johnny.
Just go home.
- Mommy!
- You're okay.
- You're alright. Come on.
- Mommy!
Speak.
Speak.
Speak.
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
Who's your mommy?
Who is your mother?!
Who?
Please say it.
Please say it.
Just say it.
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
What you have to understand
is Rebecca...
I heard.
I fucked up.
It's my fault.
Millie, Millie, Millie, Millie.
What you did...
was a wonderful thing.
Please don't cry.
No, hey. Please don't cry.
I can't handle you crying.
He spoke.
That's because of you, Millie.
Hey.
Millie.
Look at me.
Look.
You're good.
It's gonna be okay.
Alright?
I need you.
You smell.
Every day
it gets harder and harder to be
what I need to be for him.
Hey.
It'll all be okay.
If you would just
be with me on this.
We need to keep
this family together.
Where were you?
I'm sorry I'm a little bit late.
We made a deal
when you turned 18, Emily.
Look what I've already
done for you.
You didn't even like your wife.
I know. Okay.
I'm sorry.
You're right.
That's it.
You have been
so patient with me.
It's time for your reward.
So, take off your belt, Daddy.
Mm-hmm.
I know how to make you happy.
What are you do...!
You...
are a dirty,
dirty man!
Jake.
Simon.
Andrew.
Roger.
So sorry about your hand.
He's been so unsettled lately.
I wouldn't worry about it
too much, Mrs. Michaels.
That's what Jacob says.
He spoke,
that's what's important.
And... and why
do you think he spoke?
- Why now?
- Uh...
the only variables that I can
think of are his medication,
and his new babysitter
you told me about.
His new babysitter.
It's important
not to rule anything out.
Right now.
In fact,
let's increase his medication
and see if we can
get the same results.
I don't want her back here.
I'd worry about the violence.
Who do you think
he learned that from?
Whether or not you like her
is not what matters.
What matters is that
Johnny likes her,
and besides, you said that
he vomited candy.
- Yes.
- Sugar exacerbates
his allergies, we know this.
No more sugar.
I'm really hopeful
about this, Mrs. Michaels.
I think you should be too.
Eat.
Hey, bud.
Getting the royal treatment,
I see.
He almost said something
and just now, I swear.
You came in.
I guess you scared him.
Me?
Scary?
Whatcha got there?
Mm-mmm.
That's delicious.
- What is this?
- I made apple jam.
Figured it was
a good second choice
since he's not allowed
to have strawberry seeds.
I picked them from the yard
and I used honey.
No sugar.
You made this?
Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
No! Johnny!
Johnny, no!
No! No!
No!
Johnny! God.
You... you can't do that
to your father.
You just can't.
'Cause you love him.
And... and I love him too.
And... and you love me, right?
And you remember
what I said about
important secrets, don't you?
If there was something that was
really, really important to me
you would understand, right?
Because if you want me
to be part of your family,
I'm gonna have to ask you
to do something for me.
The next time
you're alone with her...
But it's gotta be a big secret.
Even bigger than your rabbits.
And if I'm your mommy,
your real, true mommy,
then you won't have to hide
your rabbits anymore.
I'll dig them up for you.
Oh...
Hi.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I like it.
I like you like that.
Do more.
I can eat you.
I like it.
Do you like her?
Johnny, do you like her?
Do you like her more
than the other babysitters?
Do you like her
more than them?!
Do you like her more than Mommy?
Do you?!
Don't blame the wrong thing.
It's never the knife
that cuts the apple.
It's the person.
I don't need this anymore.
You healed me and Johnny.
And everything I do now,
is just purely me.
It is going to be so great.
It's like when God
created love and sex,
he had us in mind.
And I know you'd say
I'm too young,
but I wasn't too young for them.
I've heard about
some of them since,
in the news.
They call them
"strange suicides".
But they'll never mention Emily
or Marybeth,
and they'll never mention
Millicent either.
Do you still think
I'm not violent?
It's like licking a lollipop.
At first, so colorful and new.
But after a while,
it doesn't taste the same.
And all the colors...
they just bleed together
into this ugly, ugly gray.
Gray is the worst color of all.
Be happy for me.
I know you think
he'll disappoint me
like all the others,
but he won't.
Because I'm not doing it for me,
and I'm not doing it for him,
I'm doing it for Johnny.
And family
is the most important thing.
I'm sorry.
In the beginning,
I thought you were different.
But it turns out, you're just
like all the rest of them.
But it's okay because I finally
found the one.
My one.
At least, I really hope so.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Michaels.
We'll no longer be needing you,
Millicent.
No.
This is what's good for Johnny.
I am what's best for Johnny.
Johnny!
You! You don't even know!
You are a bad mother!
You don't know!
You don't even like him!
Johnny! Johnny!
I'm the one
who got him to speak!
John... Johnny!
Ow!
I'm his mother!
Johnny!
Johnny!
We don't have to worry
about her anymore.
Mommy's taken care of it.
I wanted to show you
how much I really love you.
Even when you're not your best.
Even when
you're your truest self.
I'll stick by you.
No matter what.
Jesus Christ, Millie!
I almost cut you.
You can't do that.
Do you love me?
What?
Do you love me?
Millie, I...
I care very much about you.
That's not the same.
What do you want?
I want more from you.
I never said I could be more.
Love is weak
when it goes untested.
Without tests we might
always be surrounded
by the not-good-enough.
And the crazy cunt
who tries to steal your family
can only make you stronger.
Did she give this to you?!
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Mom!
Mom! Mom!
You don't have to pretend
with me, Jacob.
I know you.
Stay in there!
You believe me, don't you?
If you love me,
you'll give me what I want.
Do you want
to feel this way forever?
If you want me
to be part of your family,
you'll get rid of her.
Rebecca!
- Yes...
- Rebecca! Rebecca!
No, no, no!
Get back!
Johnny. Johnny.
Johnny!
Mom... Mommy.
- Wait, Johnny, no...
- Johnny, no!
- Johnny, stop!
- No!
Johnny!
If Johnny keeps this up,
we're gonna run out of room.
I'll have to buy
the lot behind us.
Yeah, sure.
Next time, we can do citrus.
And I'll have to write
another book to pay for it.
I'm gonna go make an apple pie.
Sounds delicious.
It's not for you.
It's for Johnny.
You're not worried
about sugar anymore?
He is who he is.
I don't think a little pie
will make a difference.
Do you?
Finish this.
I have to go find a new sitter.
I know it's a little early
for your bedtime.
It's been an unusual day.
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
That's my boy.
Oh, my darling
Oh, my darling
Oh, my darling Clementine
You were lost
and gone forever
Dreadful sorrow, Clementine
Just a baby and a daddy
Little mommy so entwined
Is she a whore
Maybe more
Family sorrow...
Clementine
How old are you?
What?
Tell me again how old you are.
Twenty-one.
You look young for your age.
People aren't always
as they seem, Mrs. Michaels.
I like his, uh,
astronaut costume.
It was, uh, the only way
we could get him to wear
his protective gear
outside the house.
Not that we
take him out very often.
And you're a student?
Yes, um, but I am taking
the semester off
to focus on my thesis.
And I'm assuming
your work at the university
is why you answered our ad.
Yes, ma'am.
I'm working on children
with severe allergies.
Um, you know,
some new studies
say that allergies are
more mental than physical.
Some researchers have been
trying something more radical.
- Lysergic acid...
- Do you own a car?
No.
Um, but I can
take the bus or walk.
I'm not far.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Oh, um...
No.
Wow.
I like this.
It's really good.
Did you see?
Yeah.
And what about your family?
Do you live with them
while you're at school?
I... don't have
a family actually.
Um, but I think that's
what makes me better.
Because I can be Johnny's.
And I won't be distracted.
His previous sitter
was like you.
But unlike you, she had much
more babysitting experience.
Well, um...
I just know I'm great with kids.
Kids and animals.
Do you like animals, Johnny?
He doesn't speak.
I guess...
I guess he likes you.
Good, because I like him too.
Are you wearing jewelry?
- No.
- He's allergic to nickel.
Who's she?
He's also allergic
to all animals,
sugar, gluten,
seeds of any kind,
strawberries, smoke,
artificial fabrics,
so please only organic
stuffed animals.
There's a whole list
in my office.
I'll have to show you
his prescription routine.
You'll want
to write it all down.
He takes a nap every afternoon.
He's in bed, typically,
seven till seven.
And, of course,
there's quiet playtime
for when he's overstimulated.
His new medication
knocks him out.
It's better than the stuff
they put him on
when we all thought
it was autism.
If he fights you
when it's time for nap,
just tell him he doesn't
actually have to sleep.
Just treat it like a meditation.
Could you close the door?
Along with babysitting,
you're expected to do
light housework.
That includes dishes,
cleaning out the fridge,
cleaning off the countertops,
keeping Johnny's playroom
clean and put away.
And, of course, making the beds.
Oh, sorry! Um...
Sorry, I'm just nervous.
Sorry.
I'm getting busy
with my book release.
- Which is why we need...
- Me.
The Pleasure of Pain.
A Guide to Love, Sex,
and Self-discovery.
Cool.
If you were looking
for a husband
or a sense of self,
but I think
you're still too young
to appreciate
something like this.
Yes, ma'am.
I need you to understand
that Johnny's allergies
are severe.
That means that if you don't
follow my explicit instructions,
he could die.
And under no circumstances
are you to let Johnny
leave the property.
Not with the full weight
of what I just said.
Do you understand
the level of responsibility
you would be taking on?
I need to hear you say it.
I understand.
Excuse me.
If you're here to rob me,
I keep all my valuables
buried in the backyard.
Chocolate in the fridge
if you want one.
Uh, no. Hi.
I'm Millicent.
I know who you are.
So, my wife hired you.
Cat got your tongue?
Sorry, uh...
You just frightened me.
Mmm. Frightened of me?
There's no hope for you.
Chocolate?
So, you do a lot of babysitting?
Sometimes.
So, you're, uh...
a carpenter?
- Mm-hmm.
- What are you building?
Something that will
never get finished.
You're not dressed.
Hmm. You are.
- Not now.
- Shit.
Stop.
Please go change. We're gonna
miss our reservation.
Please do the dishes.
And I'll have you take
my dry cleaning,
so you can drop it
in the morning.
Crazy bitch.
All this time
you've been coming here,
I've been so proud of you
and your progress
these last couple of months.
Your microdose treatment
with delysergic acid
has proven beneficial
to your mental health.
So, we can begin
lowering your dose.
What?
A larger dose would lead
to hallucinations.
No, that won't happen.
You don't have to pander to me.
I'm just here to listen
and help you.
I... I know.
I'm not trying to be difficult.
What about your other problem?
What other problems?
You don't have
to lie to me in here.
I'm not lying.
I don't have any problems.
You've been in the foster care
system for most of your life.
You haven't quite
found the right fit yet.
They were all very nice.
But... the fathers
were all the same.
Maybe it's my fault.
No.
You are not in control
of how anyone responds to you.
The only thing
that you can control,
is how you respond
to a situation.
What do you want?
Get good grades
and go to college...
Tell me what you want.
Don't tell me
what you think I want for you.
Well, I...
see these mothers
in the park,
pushing their strollers,
talking to each other,
and they don't even,
not even once,
look at their kids.
Mom! Mom!
Mom!
Did your mom lose you?
How does that make you feel?
Disappointed.
Mom! Mom.
Any of you lose one?
Weren't you worried?
You weren't lost.
Now, go play.
Mommy's talking.
Lost.
Lost in the park.
They have this lucky life
and they can't even see it.
I'm so sorry, but I'm confused.
- Do you want to be them?
- No.
I want to be better than them.
Come on with me.
Let's get you out of here.
What is she
doing with her? Look.
Hey!
Where are you going... Hey!
What are you doing?
No!
You stay here.
- Dr. Welsh?
- Hmm?
What if I...
think about violent things?
Like doing them?
Women aren't violent,
and you just said
you want to be a mother.
This is all good.
It means that you're empathetic.
You know what that means,
"empathetic"?
No.
Your natural disposition
is to feel
how others feel and help them.
He doesn't write
anything for a month,
and some stranger gets a "hi"?
Hey, just be happy he's
able to communicate with her.
I take it she's very, um...
innocent?
She's a virgin, if that's
what you're asking.
I mean, she freaked out when
I used the word "boyfriend".
It's not what I'm asking.
That's inappropriate.
I mean, she's not like Samantha.
Is that your last beer
or the last beer?
Both.
Wow.
Choke me.
- Right now?
- Choke me.
I... can't anymore.
Why?
I just...
I don't want to.
I mean, you're a mother.
Just... just try.
Yes...
It's okay.
I got the EpiPen.
Okay. Okay.
Help us!
Hey, hey, bud.
It's okay. It's okay.
What? I didn't give it to him.
He must've got into my stash.
I was there with him every time.
Jacob, you need to be
- more goddamned careful.
- It's not a competition.
- Of course, it's not.
- You told me you loved him
- more than me.
- Fuck you.
That quack doctor is just
using him to experiment on
and it's costing us our safety.
Come on.
Be on my side with this.
What side?
What side?
You know he doesn't
have any allergies.
You just saw it!
Stupid fucking excuses
you've convinced yourself of
so you don't have to face
the goddamned truth!
What truth?
What truth?
That our son...
is sick.
And caring for him
means sending him somewhere
they can actually do that.
I found a place.
Okay?
It's just 20 minutes away.
I called them
and they seem like
they'd be a really good fit.
You mean abandon him.
To strangers.
You know.
You know firsthand
what he's capable of.
We don't abandon family.
Chicken Little's
sky is falling
Humpty Dumpty's
bass is balling
Mother Goose
is on the loose
She's in a dream
Goldilocks has lost
her mirror
Red Riding Hood
is shifting gears
Mother Goose
is on the loose
She's very clean
Alice in Wonderland
Walking on the golden side
Clouds of white
She's so very right
She's queen
Simple Simon's
flying through
Jack and Jill
are paying doctor bills
Mother Goose is...
Emily!
Millie?
Emily, breakfast!
Aren't you going to have any?
Yes.
How's school?
Mmm. Good.
I still haven't seen
your report card.
Do you like the new job?
The dad is nice, I guess.
Haven't I always
taken good care of you?
It's not about that.
You promised we would
go away together after.
This boy... needs me.
I need you.
I want you here at home with me.
You told me that
every one of them hurt you.
That none of them
treated you as well as I do.
And that's why I agreed
to take you in.
Are you saying...
that I don't
make you happy anymore?
I'm happy.
Don't make fun.
I'm... I'm not making fun.
Honest, I'm not.
You told me I'm special.
What else do you want me
to do for you?!
Tell me you're mine.
No one belongs to anyone.
Not really.
Don't get bored of me.
You said if you got bored,
you'd leave.
You need a haircut.
Look.
Hey.
- Hey, bud.
- Look, it's an apple bud.
It's what an apple looks like
before it finds the sunshine.
He's smart.
You don't have to
talk down to him.
Oh, I... I wasn't.
I didn't mean to.
Just treat him
like any other kid.
In fact, why don't you take him
on a walk around the property?
Rebecca doesn't really
let him out much.
This looks like a meteorite
from space.
What is it?
Do your parents know about this?
What about your allergies?
Here. Hang on.
Here.
We'll take it home and
we'll make it into a keychain.
That way,
you can keep it forever.
Okay? Do you want
to try and learn
how to?
Do you have another one?
You always want to cut
away from yourself.
Never towards you.
Now you are near
But soon you'll be far
You must go to fight
the cruel war
But even though
We are not together
I will love you
my dear forever
I will love you dear
forever
Good morning, Lucky.
I need to know
that you understand.
I understand.
Ruby lips above the water
Blowing bubbles
soft and fine
But alas I was no swimmer
So I lost my...
Not on the dress!
Stick 'em up, Officer Johnny!
You'd better go
change those clothes.
Hey, I'm sorry. I was
only just able to pull away.
You're not gonna make it.
They kept me late at designing
and they made me miss
my flight. I'm really sorry.
If nobody buys this book,
we can't afford
Johnny's birthday presents
- or medical expenses.
- That's not the point.
Just... Okay,
then have the sitter stay.
You said you couldn't
take care of Johnny yourself.
That's what we have her for.
I'll be on the next flight home.
Here.
For your collection.
It's supposed to
bring you good luck.
[Millicent hums
"Oh My Darling Clementine"
Hopefully,
this pays for this job.
Didn't even eat his cake.
Really? So strange.
Not that it was much of one
without any real sugar.
Well, the fire thing is new.
We're not doing
something wrong, are we?
Well, you should've been here.
Wow. So pouty.
How about I make it up to you?
You should want to
make it up to him, not me.
Okay.
But, um...
how?
Well... first,
I'd get down on my knees,
and open my mouth.
Then...
- you could unzip your pants.
- Mm-hmm.
- Uh-huh.
- But slowly,
because you want me
to keep begging for it.
- And...
- Mm-hmm.
You can take
the back of my head
and yank my mouth open.
So I can wrap it
around your co...
You're good with him.
Well, I think your son
is really special.
I'm glad you're here.
Millie.
Before you came,
it was just the three of us.
You know...
You know that dream
when you're trying
to breathe but you can't?
And then, every time
you try to suck in air,
you open your mouth,
and nothing comes.
And then, in your dream,
you die trying.
You like air?
Oh, Johnny.
You wet yourself.
It's okay. Come on.
Let's... let's go get you changed.
I wish we weren't afraid of you.
Happy birthday.
Aww, cute costume!
Sometimes, I don't feel
like smiling either.
Oh, it's not that.
He responds to the world
not in the same way you would.
I see.
Well, seems like
he really loves his mom.
- That's not the point.
- Then tell me what it is.
- I'm so mad right now.
- Give me a break.
It's okay. It's okay.
Hey, it's okay.
Okay, um, look at me, Johnny.
Look at me.
Cover your ears.
Okay?
Then it's not as loud, right?
Let's breathe, okay?
In, together.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
When I'm with you,
nothing bad can happen.
Okay?
Okay.
Come on, let's go.
Come on.
When I was your age...
Here.
I used to pretend
that I was an alien.
Ready?
And I really,
really wanted it to be true.
It was...
It was just easier
going from home to home.
I pretended that was the truth.
Goose!
Instead of what it actually was.
So, I decided
it was my purpose on Earth
to study humans.
To better understand them,
but...
I wasn't allowed
to be a part of them.
That was my mission.
And...
And I was good with that.
That's...
I didn't feel like anyone has
the same feelings as me anyways.
Or, at least,
they didn't admit it.
Most people, Johnny,
they're liars.
Not you.
It's like...
It's like I can see
all of you at once.
And nothing's hidden.
Don't be scared.
I'm not scared.
See?
It's all okay.
You know, I'd just
about die for you.
Here we go.
I know he needs a haircut.
Oh, no. I...
He just won't sit still.
I mean, most kids
don't like haircuts.
Do most kids start screaming
whenever the scissors come out?
Um, maybe we could
do it together.
I used to cut my dad's hair,
like, all the time.
Thought you said
you didn't have a family.
I don't, um...
I just meant
I used to cut it before.
Shall I try?
Sure.
Just, um...
Just encourage him
to be himself.
This, um, this truck seems cool.
I love the shape of it.
That's amazing.
He's never let us do this.
We usually have to wait
until he's asleep.
Zoom, zoom.
I like it.
So, uh, you can remember.
Thanks.
Can you just clean this up?
I gotta go lay down.
All he thinks is
I keep helping him.
Do you think that I'll be able
to have a family one day?
Marybeth,
you know how I feel about you.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Do you... do you have a tissue?
Of course, sweet child.
It's okay.
It's okay to cry.
Oh. Oh! Oh.
Okay. It's okay.
It's alright.
It's okay.
Don't...
Oh, I'm sorry!
- It's... it's okay, um...
- I'm so sorry!
Uh, just wait right there.
I'm sorry, Dr. Welsh.
It's fine.
Well... before we
wrap up for today,
just know that you can
manifest the life that you want,
you just have to be
dedicated to it.
You have to be a good girl,
Marybeth.
I can do that.
We'll be back by nine.
The number for
the restaurant's on the fridge.
Ten.
- Alright, come on.
- Stop.
Bye, kiddo.
I have a new,
special medicine for you.
A drop for every pill.
This has helped me
see the truth.
And now, you can too.
It'll be our secret,
okay, Johnny?
Like your pet, your rabbit?
Sharing a secret,
a big, important one,
just means we love each other
even more.
Come on. There's still time.
Let's play house.
Look, Johnny!
Look at the carolers!
Is that blood?
No.
It's a new one, isn't it?
It is. Goddamn it, Rebecca!
It doesn't have
anything to do with you.
Yeah, well, it does.
I just don't understand it.
I don't get it. We... we
planned this whole dinner,
we got all fancy,
you look beautiful...
Let's go home.
- Why? Why?
- Just go home.
You're different.
I'm not.
You're different to me.
- I'm not.
- You know, maybe you're right.
- We should just go home.
- I'm not different.
This is what we always do.
- Stop!
- Oh!
Oh!
Oh, no! Oh!
It's okay!
I didn't see him!
I didn't see him!
Get the fuck away!
You okay?
Are you throwing up?
Why were you in the street?
- What did you do?
- I gave him candy.
I'm so sorry.
- Oh!
- Come here.
Get away!
Johnny.
Mommy!
He's never spoken
his entire life.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy. Mommy.
- Mommy, Mommy, mommy.
- I got you.
You're okay. You're okay.
- You're okay.
- Mommy.
You're okay now.
It's all gonna be okay.
- Go on. Give him to me!
- Johnny!
Get the fuck away
from my family!
Mommy!
It's okay, Johnny.
Just go home.
- Mommy!
- You're okay.
- You're alright. Come on.
- Mommy!
Speak.
Speak.
Speak.
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
Who's your mommy?
Who is your mother?!
Who?
Please say it.
Please say it.
Just say it.
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
What you have to understand
is Rebecca...
I heard.
I fucked up.
It's my fault.
Millie, Millie, Millie, Millie.
What you did...
was a wonderful thing.
Please don't cry.
No, hey. Please don't cry.
I can't handle you crying.
He spoke.
That's because of you, Millie.
Hey.
Millie.
Look at me.
Look.
You're good.
It's gonna be okay.
Alright?
I need you.
You smell.
Every day
it gets harder and harder to be
what I need to be for him.
Hey.
It'll all be okay.
If you would just
be with me on this.
We need to keep
this family together.
Where were you?
I'm sorry I'm a little bit late.
We made a deal
when you turned 18, Emily.
Look what I've already
done for you.
You didn't even like your wife.
I know. Okay.
I'm sorry.
You're right.
That's it.
You have been
so patient with me.
It's time for your reward.
So, take off your belt, Daddy.
Mm-hmm.
I know how to make you happy.
What are you do...!
You...
are a dirty,
dirty man!
Jake.
Simon.
Andrew.
Roger.
So sorry about your hand.
He's been so unsettled lately.
I wouldn't worry about it
too much, Mrs. Michaels.
That's what Jacob says.
He spoke,
that's what's important.
And... and why
do you think he spoke?
- Why now?
- Uh...
the only variables that I can
think of are his medication,
and his new babysitter
you told me about.
His new babysitter.
It's important
not to rule anything out.
Right now.
In fact,
let's increase his medication
and see if we can
get the same results.
I don't want her back here.
I'd worry about the violence.
Who do you think
he learned that from?
Whether or not you like her
is not what matters.
What matters is that
Johnny likes her,
and besides, you said that
he vomited candy.
- Yes.
- Sugar exacerbates
his allergies, we know this.
No more sugar.
I'm really hopeful
about this, Mrs. Michaels.
I think you should be too.
Eat.
Hey, bud.
Getting the royal treatment,
I see.
He almost said something
and just now, I swear.
You came in.
I guess you scared him.
Me?
Scary?
Whatcha got there?
Mm-mmm.
That's delicious.
- What is this?
- I made apple jam.
Figured it was
a good second choice
since he's not allowed
to have strawberry seeds.
I picked them from the yard
and I used honey.
No sugar.
You made this?
Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
No! Johnny!
Johnny, no!
No! No!
No!
Johnny! God.
You... you can't do that
to your father.
You just can't.
'Cause you love him.
And... and I love him too.
And... and you love me, right?
And you remember
what I said about
important secrets, don't you?
If there was something that was
really, really important to me
you would understand, right?
Because if you want me
to be part of your family,
I'm gonna have to ask you
to do something for me.
The next time
you're alone with her...
But it's gotta be a big secret.
Even bigger than your rabbits.
And if I'm your mommy,
your real, true mommy,
then you won't have to hide
your rabbits anymore.
I'll dig them up for you.
Oh...
Hi.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I like it.
I like you like that.
Do more.
I can eat you.
I like it.
Do you like her?
Johnny, do you like her?
Do you like her more
than the other babysitters?
Do you like her
more than them?!
Do you like her more than Mommy?
Do you?!
Don't blame the wrong thing.
It's never the knife
that cuts the apple.
It's the person.
I don't need this anymore.
You healed me and Johnny.
And everything I do now,
is just purely me.
It is going to be so great.
It's like when God
created love and sex,
he had us in mind.
And I know you'd say
I'm too young,
but I wasn't too young for them.
I've heard about
some of them since,
in the news.
They call them
"strange suicides".
But they'll never mention Emily
or Marybeth,
and they'll never mention
Millicent either.
Do you still think
I'm not violent?
It's like licking a lollipop.
At first, so colorful and new.
But after a while,
it doesn't taste the same.
And all the colors...
they just bleed together
into this ugly, ugly gray.
Gray is the worst color of all.
Be happy for me.
I know you think
he'll disappoint me
like all the others,
but he won't.
Because I'm not doing it for me,
and I'm not doing it for him,
I'm doing it for Johnny.
And family
is the most important thing.
I'm sorry.
In the beginning,
I thought you were different.
But it turns out, you're just
like all the rest of them.
But it's okay because I finally
found the one.
My one.
At least, I really hope so.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Michaels.
We'll no longer be needing you,
Millicent.
No.
This is what's good for Johnny.
I am what's best for Johnny.
Johnny!
You! You don't even know!
You are a bad mother!
You don't know!
You don't even like him!
Johnny! Johnny!
I'm the one
who got him to speak!
John... Johnny!
Ow!
I'm his mother!
Johnny!
Johnny!
We don't have to worry
about her anymore.
Mommy's taken care of it.
I wanted to show you
how much I really love you.
Even when you're not your best.
Even when
you're your truest self.
I'll stick by you.
No matter what.
Jesus Christ, Millie!
I almost cut you.
You can't do that.
Do you love me?
What?
Do you love me?
Millie, I...
I care very much about you.
That's not the same.
What do you want?
I want more from you.
I never said I could be more.
Love is weak
when it goes untested.
Without tests we might
always be surrounded
by the not-good-enough.
And the crazy cunt
who tries to steal your family
can only make you stronger.
Did she give this to you?!
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Mom!
Mom! Mom!
You don't have to pretend
with me, Jacob.
I know you.
Stay in there!
You believe me, don't you?
If you love me,
you'll give me what I want.
Do you want
to feel this way forever?
If you want me
to be part of your family,
you'll get rid of her.
Rebecca!
- Yes...
- Rebecca! Rebecca!
No, no, no!
Get back!
Johnny. Johnny.
Johnny!
Mom... Mommy.
- Wait, Johnny, no...
- Johnny, no!
- Johnny, stop!
- No!
Johnny!
If Johnny keeps this up,
we're gonna run out of room.
I'll have to buy
the lot behind us.
Yeah, sure.
Next time, we can do citrus.
And I'll have to write
another book to pay for it.
I'm gonna go make an apple pie.
Sounds delicious.
It's not for you.
It's for Johnny.
You're not worried
about sugar anymore?
He is who he is.
I don't think a little pie
will make a difference.
Do you?
Finish this.
I have to go find a new sitter.
I know it's a little early
for your bedtime.
It's been an unusual day.
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
Who's your mommy, Johnny?
That's my boy.