Stockade (2023) Movie Script
1
[ceiling fan whirring softly]
[phone vibrating]
[phone keeps vibrating]
Mom.
-Hi, Mom.
-[mom over phone] Hi.
It's okay.
Bye.
[somber music playing]
[]
[woman speaking in Arabic]
So, please, no candy. Okay?
Bye.
-Hello.
-Noor!
[laughs]
[birds chirping]
[phone vibrating]
-Wow, what a surprise!
-[man] [indistinct]
[man over phone] [indistinct]
Do you like the show?
[man over phone] [indistinct]
Someday you'll come
to my solo show, I hope.
[man] [indistinct] always fun.
I know, a group show is good.
[man] [indistinct]
What's that?
[man] [indistinct]
Well, yeah,
I'm always looking for ways
to make extra money.
[man] [indistinct]
[]
[muttering]
Hmm. Okay.
Hey, Judy. How are you?
Uh, thanks again
for willing to help out
with all the visa stuff.
So I'm wondering
how long do you think
my recommendation letter
is going to take?
Uh, my lawyer is asking
to submit them ASAP.
Uh, so yeah, please let me know.
And thank you.
Bye.
[muttering indistinctly]
[sighs]
[plucking chords]
[plucking stops]
[emotional piano instrumental]
[]
[doorbell ringing]
[door buzzing]
-Oh, hi. Come in.
-Hey. Thanks.
-Can I take off my mask?
-Sure.
Thanks.
-Sorry about the mess.
-Oh, it's not messy at all.
So what happened to your foot?
Oh, God, I fell down the stairs.
Almost broke my back.
But thankfully
it's just a sprained ankle
-and a ripped tendon.
-That must hurt.
Usually when I see those
it's a high heel accident.
Well, I don't remember
wearing high heels lately,
but you never know.
They wanted me
to go on opioids at first.
I said no, but then
a few days in I relented.
And now I seriously hope
I get hooked.
No, you don't.
-Would you like some tea?
-Uh...
-I can make it.
-Yeah, no, don't, you sit.
I'll make it.
So what's this favor
that you want from me?
Ah, yes.
All right, well...
As you can see,
I'm not very mobile at present.
So I'd like you to take
package up for me to Kingston.
Kingston? Where is that?
Upstate, Hudson Valley.
It's about two hours
from the city,
not far from Woodstock.
And what is it
that you want me to take?
Well, I can't really tell you.
That sounds sketchy.
I'm not being a drug courier.
No, no, no, no.
Nothing like that.
Hm. So what is it?
Well, I can't honestly tell you.
And that's why I thought of you,
because I always thought of you
as a very discreet person.
Well, I'm not
going to be discreet
if it's something illegal.
-You know my status.
-Absolutely.
I'm in the middle
of my artist visa application,
and I'm not risking
getting deported for this.
Yes, I'm aware of that.
But it's nothing like drugs.
It's urgent, and it's valuable.
You'll go up to Kingston.
A colleague of mine
will come round
and pick up
the package from you.
He'll bring it back
the next day,
and all you need to do
is come back to the city
and return it to me.
So I'm spending
the night up there.
Yes, I have a place there.
You can stay there.
It's not much there,
but it's very comfortable.
-Is it safe?
-Very safe.
There's an old lady
who lives upstairs.
I don't think
she'll be there all week.
It's very quiet.
Hm.
Great. So how much money
are you offering me for this?
Well, let's just say
I'll make it worth your while.
How much?
I don't really want to get into
the financials of it,
but I'll make sure
it makes a huge dent
in whatever you pay for rent.
And that's another reason
I thought of you.
I know you're
tight on funds these days.
But you'll have to travel.
By bus.
You are vaccinated, right?
-Yeah, sure.
-Excellent.
[knocking]
[sighs]
-Who is it?
-Marta.
Marta, you could have called.
-I'm busy.
-Oh, I've called many times.
Texted, too.
You're ghosting me.
Thought that was
a teenage thing.
But I guess with you,
teenage behavior
is what you're good at.
How's your foot?
Still there.
And who are you?
Marta, Ahlam. Ahlam, Marta.
Please don't make yourself
too comfortable.
All right.
Um, Ahlam was
one of Dwight's students.
Dwight Malakian.
You remember him?
The bad painter. I remember him.
Oh, the good painter, actually.
That's not what you used to say.
[chuckling]
What do you think, Ahlam?
Dwight was a-- I mean,
he was a very good teacher.
We have different styles.
But yeah, he taught me a lot.
You're very diplomatic.
Oh, I forgot. I was making tea.
-Do you want some?
-No.
I'm here
to pick up a check, Paul.
Are you his new girlfriend?
[Ahlam grunts]
-What for?
-What for?
I've been calling
and texting you
about this for weeks.
-Are you senile?
-I'm not his girlfriend. Uh-uh.
Uh, how do you know, Paul?
I used to be married to him.
Well, I don't know.
Maybe I am losing it slightly.
But how much, and what's it for?
Dillon's tuition
installment is due,
and it can't be late this time.
Yes, but the last time
I called the person,
I got an extension.
That's how you handle
everything, don't you?
-Yeah.
-You're still an adjunct.
What is up with that?
You can't get an extension
on incompetence, Paul.
It's not exactly my fault.
It happens to be an epidemic
in academia in this country.
But you can publish.
How are you
ever going to get tenure
anywhere if you don't publish?
Well, the short stories I wrote
seem to be well received.
God, that was like
over 20 years ago.
-[Paul] Oh, 20.
-You can't rest on your laurels.
Where's your
great American novel?
Do people still write those?
Do they even read them?
And why would I write
something like that?
-I'm not really even American.
-[Marta] Oh, please.
You've been in this country
for over 30 years.
You know what?
Why don't you go back
to South Africa?
I really think
you'll be happier there.
[Paul]
Yeah, happy, happy.
Well, happiness
is like the weather.
It's not something
you live in pursuit of.
-[Marta's phone ringing]
-That is a stick or a bone.
-Whatever.
-[Paul] Whatever.
When can I expect
the next payment?
Uh, next week
or if things go well,
-the week after that.
-Oh, the week after that
and the week after that
and the week after that.
You know what?
You're hopeless.
-Thank you. Thank you very much.
-I gotta go.
That'll do nicely.
How do you like your tea?
[door shuts close]
I'll do without it.
Okay, but you'll come back
tomorrow morning
and pick up the package,
will you?
-Yeah.
-Great.
Cat position.
Okay.
[inhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
-[woman coughs]
-[Ahlam laughs]
[moody music playing]
[]
Ahlam?
-Hi.
-Zora.
Hi, what are you doing here?
I live here. You?
Yeah, me too.
In Greenpoint.
-Nice.
-Yeah, it's a tiny place.
Well, that's New York.
It's so funny how we never
run into each other.
-I know.
-Where are you going?
-Upstate. You?
-Bizarre. So am I.
-Hm. Where?
-New Paltz.
Oh, wow.
-What are you doing there?
-Wow.
You're curious all of a sudden.
[Ahlam scoffs]
What do you mean?
Well, we were in school
for like, what, three years?
-You barely even asked my name.
-I knew your name.
And we just never took
classes together.
Still, I felt really avoided.
I didn't know
you wanted my attention.
So, are you going to tell me
what's going on upstate or what?
I'm part of a crew
painting a mural in New Paltz.
In Paltz. Hm, uh.
-Is that next to Kingston?
-Yeah.
-Is that where you're going?
-Yeah, just one night.
Uh, I don't know
anybody up there.
Maybe we should hang.
-What, today?
-Yeah.
There's this cool Japanese
restaurant in Rosendale.
Maybe we can,
later on, meet there.
Rosendale.
Is it close to Kingston?
-Yeah, pretty close.
-How do I get there?
You came all the way
from Lebanon,
-and I'm pretty sure
you can figure it out.
-Okay.
-Get a car.
-Yes, ma'am.
There's somebody
picking me up in a few blocks.
-I need to go.
-Oh, lucky you.
-I'm taking the bus.
-Oh, good luck with that.
-Oh, wear your mask.
-Okay.
Oh. What's your number?
-[indistinct]
-[indistinct] Perfect.
-I'll text you.
-Yeah. Take care.
-Bye.
-See you later.
[]
[]
[]
Oh, sorry.
-Hello.
-Hi.
[suitcase wheels rattling]
[birds chirping]
[door latch rattling]
[door creaks]
[door latch rattling]
[quiet music building]
[drawer clattering]
[bubble wrap rustling]
[suspenseful music playing]
[doorbell rings]
-Richard?
-Where's Paul?
He didn't tell you?
He had an accident.
-An accident?
-Uh-huh.
Nice meeting you.
But he sent me instead.
-Do you have it?
-Yes.
I have your package.
He didn't tell me
somebody else would be here.
I'm here.
I'm sorry that he didn't.
-I'll go get it for you.
-Hold it.
You can't give it to me here.
Would you let me in, please?
I'd really rather
I just hand it to you.
No, I need to go inside.
-Okay, you have a mask?
-I can't put one on.
Hope you're not
one of those anti-vaxxers.
Well, I thought
I was in my own space.
Well, it's Paul's space,
isn't it?
-I'm vaccinated anyway.
-Me too, but...
I need to use your restroom.
Down the hall to the left.
So I'll come back
tomorrow around noon.
-Great.
-What's your name again?
-Ahlam.
-Ahlam?
That's "dreams."
Nice name.
-You speak Arabic?
-[Richard speaks Arabic]
Where are you from originally?
-Lebanon.
-Beirut?
-Yes.
-I spent some time there.
Great city.
It is great. It's home.
There's a lot
going on there right now.
They've seen worse.
I have to go now.
Great meeting you.
[clock chiming]
[prudent music playing]
[music stops abruptly]
[Zora]
How's your portfolio?
[Ahlam] Not so great, I mean,
I just got out of art school.
-Do you have any shows lined up?
-Nope.
Is this an interrogation?
How many shows have you been in?
A bunch.
Some from back in Lebanon
and a couple here.
-The ones that we did
in art school.
-Mm-hmm.
I'm really happy
that the final group show
got reviewed.
That was really cool.
They said
very nice things about you.
Oh, thanks.
I mean, it's not like
they're gushing you, girl.
Oh. Whatever.
What about
that honorable mention
you got on that
thing on Staten Island?
Oh, yeah.
I put it down on my resume.
What type of visa do you have?
I'm a citizen.
I came here with my family
when I was in high school.
Hm.
Is that why you were
ignoring me?
What?
Is it because I'm Iranian?
I know a lot of Lebanese
don't like Iranians.
I mean, I'm really
not like that, you know.
I try to separate
the people from politics.
I just don't understand
why we weren't friends.
I mean, you just created
very different arts.
You're sort of a minimalist.
I mean, every time
I walked by your studio,
it was very organized.
Yours was always a mess.
No, it was not.
I knew where everything was.
Hey, listen, so the visa people
are looking for
some kind of fancy internship?
So, do you know of anything?
I can ask my boss
at the Children's Museum.
I'm pretty sure
we can use a lot of help
with the kids in the workshop.
Really? That would be great.
Because, you know, it has to be
something in my field.
So, that's perfect.
It qualifies.
How are you supposed to survive
on only an art job?
I guess
you got to be a rich kid.
-Hm.
-[Zora chuckles]
Well, working at the museum
is not going to pay you well,
but it's way less sketchy than
whatever you're doing right now.
I don't know,
being a courier or something.
Whatever I'm doing right now
pays a month's rent
in just two days,
and I don't have to sleep
with anyone or deal drugs.
Is that how you decide
if a job is decent?
Just kidding.
How's your family back home?
I heard a lot of things.
I'm so sorry.
How are you paying
for your lawyer?
I mean...
it's part of the problem.
I owe her money.
How else do you think
I'm up here
doing this stupid, strange job
waiting for a weird guy
to return a package?
You know where that stuff
is from, right?
-What?
-The stuff you're transporting.
No. Iraq, maybe?
-Syria?
-Yeah, that's right.
My cousin was over there.
-Where?
-Uh, Iraq. Doha, too.
He was in the Air Force.
-U.S. Air Force?
-Yeah.
There's a whole black market
of these antiquities.
He knew people who were dealing.
Oh, like who?
Americans, Europeans,
local people,
probably even Lebanese.
People have been looting
and selling
these antiquities for years.
I mean, most of the shit
in the Western museums
have been looted.
Yeah, but, you know,
if you do it now,
it's considered illegal.
That's why that Richard dude
was very cryptic.
I think
he's some kind of an expert.
Expert? Like an archaeologist?
Why else would he be returning
the package the next day?
Like, he's getting it
appraised or something?
Exactly, like, Sabine
gets some carbon dating test.
Do they get the results
within 24 hours
-for that kind of thing?
-I don't know.
Do you want to get out of here?
Let's get the check.
Oh, it's on me.
-I've got a car, too.
-Wow.
[Ahlam chuckles]
[suspenseful music playing]
[Zora] I'm not going
to stay long, but...
[Ahlam] Okay.
As long as you like, darling.
[car honks]
-So, uh...
-So you're staying here?
-Yeah.
-A new house.
[Ahlam whispering indistinctly]
Wow, Paul.
Look what I found. Arak.
-Arak Saggi?
-Yes, exactly.
-Would you like some?
-Oh, sure.
Yes, ma'am.
[both speaking in Arabic]
How do you say "cheers"
in Farsi again?
[both speaking Farsi]
So how'd you get that mural
[indistinct]?
You should have taken
that class with Larry.
Larry got you that job?
Mr. Go-Deeper?
How are you
supposed to go deeper
when he gives you two days
to create a painting?
I'm sure that he created
his masterpieces in two days.
He's not that bad.
-Do you like it?
-Really strong.
Here's a Richard.
Department
of Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
Oh, my God.
That's him. Good finding.
I'm going to get some ice.
He's an Assyriologist.
Do you know anything
about Assyriology?
Zora?
Zora?
[tense music]
Hello?
Hello?
[Ahlam gasps]
You scared me! [Ahlam chuckling]
[both giggling]
Wow. Where'd you find this?
[seductive music playing]
[]
[music fades]
[footsteps rustling]
Hey. Good morning.
-[indistinct]
-I gotta go work on the mural.
I'll come by
later this afternoon, okay?
Okay.
I need to get back to the city.
Well, maybe I can
give you a ride
at least part of the way.
-[Ahlam grunts]
-I'll call you.
Have a good day.
[door creaks open]
[door shuts close]
[insects chirping]
[clock chiming in the distance]
[Paul over phone]
Hi, I'm sorry I can't take
your call right now.
Leave a message
and I'll get back to you.
Paul, it's Ahlam again.
Have you been
receiving my texts?
Richard hasn't arrived yet
and I really need
to get back to the city.
I can't stay here another night.
Please call me back
or give me Richard's number
so that I can call him.
Yeah, thanks.
[muffled thud]
Richard?
Richard!
Excuse me. Excuse me.
Hello. Have you seen
a tall man with a hat?
No, I saw no one.
[intriguing music building]
Hey, you've reached Zora.
I'm not available.
You know what you gotta do.
[]
[music fades]
[knocking]
[ominous music building]
[music fades]
Hey, you've reached Zora.
I'm not available.
You know what you gotta do.
Zora, can't you pick up
the phone, please?
Richard hasn't arrived yet.
You're picking me up
after work, right?
Just, I thought
you'd be done by now.
Please let me know. Thanks.
[doorbell chimes]
[knocking]
[doorbell rings]
Hi, is Paul home?
Uh, no, and who should I say
is looking for him?
-Didn't you just say
he isn't at home?
-That's what I said.
Well, then how can you tell him
that someone's looking for him?
I'll just tell him
when I see him.
-Later.
-Oh, so he'll be here soon?
I didn't say that.
I just might see him later.
Can I take a message?
What are you,
an answering service?
Excuse me?
I'm really busy right now,
so if you're
not going to tell me
what you want or who you are,
I'm afraid
you're just going to have to go.
Maybe I can wait
for Paul inside.
Uh, no, you can't wait
inside his house.
Paul won't mind.
We're very good friends.
-He won't mind.
-Well, I mind.
I don't even know you,
so how about you
just leave him a note?
How do I know
he's going to get it?
Well, you're just
going to have to trust me.
I don't know if I can do that.
Okay, well then, goodbye.
That is so rude to close
the door on my beautiful wife.
What are you doing here?
You can't be here.
[man] The door was open.
What are you doing
inside Paul's house?
He's not here?
Oh, wait. Are you a squatter?
No, no, I'm friends with Paul.
He asked me to come up here.
[laughs] That's really funny.
Paul is our friend, too.
And we're supposed to
meet him here.
Now, you say
you're a friend of his,
and yet you have no idea
where he is.
I didn't say that.
Where the fuck is he?
Get out of this house!
What are you going to do?
Call the police?
Listen,
Paul has something of ours,
and we're here to get it back.
And I think you know exactly
what I'm talking about.
That's why you're not
going to call the cops.
Oh, come on.
Let's just toss this place.
Hey, you can't do that.
-[man] Closet.
-Please, don't.
Are you going to just start
wrecking Paul's place now?
Man, you talk too much.
You know what we're looking for.
So, it'll be
much easier for you
-if you just hand it to us.
-Yeah, I mean,
Paul's got to have a stashing
place around here somewhere.
-Will you stop interrupting me?
-I'm not interrupting you.
-Jesus.
-Yes, you are.
Actually, I know of a place.
See?
A little cooperation
goes a long way.
Yeah, it sure does.
-[woman] [indistinct]
-Yeah, of course you do.
-You always make it happen.
-I know. Kudos to me.
[man] Yeah, kudos to you. Fine.
Uh, great!
Hi.
[Ahlam grunting in effort]
Help!
Does he have anything to drink
in this dump?
[phone buzzing]
[woman] So, tell me again
about this Richard guy.
Like I told you,
I delivered the package,
he picked it up,
and he was supposed to
bring it back today.
And we're supposed to believe
that you don't know anything
about the contents
of the package.
It's the truth.
This is ridiculous.
She knows a lot more
than she's telling us.
You thirsty?
Keith, can you
bring me some water?
Can you cut those things
off her wrists?
[indistinct]
[woman] Here.
-Paul's not showing up.
-Or Richard.
[eerie music building]
[door creaks open]
[music continues]
[voice distorted]
It'd be so much easier for us
if you would drop the bullshit
and tell us where it is.
I don't know where it is.
[]
Open the door.
I got this.
And watch the [indistinct].
There we go.
[Ahlam grunts]
[music fades]
[ominous music building]
-[woman] Hi.
-[Ahlam grunts softly]
What did you do to me?
Oh, you passed out.
Do you have a condition?
No. You put something
in my water.
Where am I?
Well, you'll be safe here.
Safe?
How long will I be here?
Well, that depends
on whether you tell us
what we need to know.
And if you do,
you can leave tomorrow.
I already told you everything.
Okay.
You hungry?
[Ahlam whimpering]
[door shuts close]
[door lock rattles]
[tense music playing]
[music fades]
[muffled conversation
in the distance]
[Ahlam panting]
[grunts in effort]
[panting]
[grunts quietly]
[grunting in effort]
Yes.
[exhales sharply]
[grunting in effort]
[distant clattering]
[footsteps thudding]
[panting]
[Ahlam panting]
[tense orchestral music playing]
[]
[music fades]
[insects and birds chirping]
[traffic din]
[phone buzzing]
[phone keeps buzzing]
-Hello?
-[man] Hi, is this [indistinct]?
Oh, hi.
[man] I know I'm early,
but I'm downstairs.
Judy told me I could
swing by, right?
I thought it was tomorrow.
-Can you see me now?
-Sure, I'll be right down.
Wonderful.
-Hi. Linton Ulmer.
-Hey.
Ahlam. Judy said
you were coming tomorrow.
I told Judy
I was dropping by today.
Can't wait to see
what you're up to.
Please, come in.
-Nah.
-Okay.
Uh, my studio's
at the top of the stairs.
[ominous music playing]
[stairs creaking]
Excuse me.
-It's this way.
-Okay.
Sorry,
I'm not ready for visitors.
Looks like you're busy.
-You also live here?
-Kind of.
No, I just rent
the studio space here.
Uh, it's just
in the middle of...
that one.
Burning the candle
at both ends, huh?
Working against the clock
to meet the deadline.
-Show's next week, right?
-That's right.
I'll have everything.
I hope I'll be ready.
I'll have a lot of
new work for the show.
Wasn't Basquiat
famous for doing that?
-What?
-You know, Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Wasn't he known
for his drug-fueled binges?
Frantically painting
just before a show?
I don't know.
Probably an urban myth.
Judy said you insisted
on a studio visit
to get first dibs
on a painting or two.
I'm not a pessimist
or anything,
but I'm sure you can get
whatever painting you want
at the opening.
From what I've seen
of your work online, I--
I like it a lot already.
Can I see another piece?
Sure.
I know someone
who's a big fan of your work.
Yeah? Who's that?
Paul Tanning.
How do you know Paul?
We're both collectors.
Paul's a collector now?
He's more into antiquities.
[Ahlam chuckles]
[Ahlam clears her throat]
What's so funny?
Have you been in touch
with Paul?
I talked to him a few weeks ago.
He mentioned you,
your work, your upcoming show.
And I contacted Judy
to set up a studio visit.
But I haven't been able to get
in touch with him since then.
Do you know where he might be?
I thought
you were in touch with him.
I was.
You know, he's...
he's been away, abroad.
But he's back in town now.
And we have some outstanding
business to attend to.
Have you tried his apartment
in the East Village?
He doesn't appear
to live there anymore.
Well, would you like to see
another painting?
Sure.
I do need to find Paul.
You're not the only one.
Why do you need to reach Paul?
What do you think?
[tense music playing]
[bar din]
Hello. Do you mind if I steal
her for a second?
I will.
[indistinct]
[]
[indistinct conversation]
Very nice to meet you.
[indistinct] Thank you.
-Thank you.
-[indistinct]
Actually,
I haven't eaten all day.
-Oh, shit!
-No, I'm good.
Excuse me.
Ahlam.
Zora.
What are you doing here?
Judy's a friend.
I'm having a show
at her gallery.
Oh. Well, that's great.
Do you work here?
Well, you know,
it's just a catering job.
I'm going to get some more.
Why'd you disappear on me?
What happened?
I disappeared?
I tried calling you many times.
Someone stole my phone.
The same people you were with
in that pickup truck?
Pickup truck?
The last time I saw you,
you were driving up
in a pickup truck.
I don't remember that.
Were you drunk?
You know,
Richard never showed up.
What happened to you?
I found myself
stuck in a basement.
I managed to run away.
[man] Are the bathrooms in here?
Uh, they're actually down there.
What? You were in a basement?
Why didn't you get back to me?
I tried to call you many times.
-I wrote you.
-I left the next day.
-Something came up.
-Yeah?
Yeah, I got a residency.
It was a last-minute
cancellation.
-That sounds convenient.
-No, it's true.
I left a mural job and I just
flew out the next day.
-Where to?
-Korea.
-Wow.
-Yeah, the residency
was in South Korea
and it was actually very nice.
I wish you'd return my calls.
I missed you.
I thought you ditched me.
I didn't ditch you.
[]
Zora, we need canopies.
Yeah, yeah.
I gotta go, sorry.
-Okay. Uh--
-Ahlam.
I need to show you this.
I'm working this event
tomorrow night.
He's the guest speaker.
I have to go to this.
Are you sure?
-[waiter] Zora.
-I really have to go.
[]
[music fades]
There's a lot of people inside,
but he hasn't shown up yet.
-He has to show up, right?
-Right.
I mean, he has to come
through here, I'm sure.
So, when are you going to
tell me about Korea?
What? Kingston
wasn't important for you?
No, you're wrong.
Of course it was.
I wouldn't have told you about
Richard being here if it wasn't.
So, what's going on?
I wasn't alone in Korea.
-I'm getting married.
-Married?
Yeah. It happened fast.
-Maybe too fast.
-Wow.
Congrats.
I'm actually
leaving New York next week.
And your art?
You're just going to
give everything up?
Why would I give up my art
if I'm getting married?
You don't know me after all.
I would never do that.
Good luck.
[indistinct conversation]
Richard!
We met in Kingston, remember?
I remember. Ahlam.
Dreams.
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Uh, sure.
Why don't you guys go ahead
and I'll-- I'll--
-catch up to you
in a minute, okay?
-Okay.
You never showed up.
Do you mind if we go inside?
I did show up,
but you weren't there.
I waited for you,
but these people came
and took me away.
They took you away?
They said
they were friends with Paul,
that the package
belonged to them.
-But who were they?
-Short guy with mustache.
Your age.
-With his wife.
-I don't know these people.
Why didn't you show up?
I didn't have your number
and I couldn't reach Paul.
-Have you reported this
to anybody?
-No.
I know what's in that box.
I'm not going to get mixed up
with a sketchy relic.
-No, that's not the case.
-Oh, yeah?
Paul was in the hospital
that day.
With a kidney stone.
-Oh.
-Yeah,
they had to go
zap it with a laser.
You can understand
why I wasn't going to
just return the package to you
without checking with Paul.
I think I saw you that day.
In the afternoon.
I didn't come back
to the house until the evening.
You know,
I tried to reach Paul all day.
-Did he get it back?
-He did.
I took it into the city myself.
I kept my end of the bargain.
-He got the authentication.
-He owes me.
-Do you know where he is?
-No.
-So how are you
going to find him?
-I don't know.
Do you know Linton Ulmer?
Linton Ulmer?
He came by my studio,
looking for Paul.
Paul owes Linton money,
just like he owes you and me.
I've got a speech to give.
[woman speaking indistinctly
in the distance]
[tense music playing]
-Hi.
-I remember you.
-Is Paul here?
-He doesn't live here anymore.
Where does he live?
To tell you the truth,
I don't know.
He was in London for a while.
-I'm not sure he's still there.
-Can I come in?
So, you're here now?
I thought you were divorced.
Yeah, well,
things evolve, don't they?
In what direction?
Well, the place looks the same.
I haven't been able
to make it my own yet.
Do you know when Paul
will be back?
No idea.
You live here now?
For now.
Do you know
how I can reach Paul?
No, I don't.
You live in his apartment,
but you can't get a hold of him.
Maybe I don't want
to get a hold of him.
I have the lease now.
I'm going to have to put
all of his crap in storage.
Maybe I should
just throw it out.
Someone told me
Paul is already back in town.
As far as I know,
Paul is not in New York City.
Anything else I can do for you?
If I may ask,
when was the last time
you talked to Paul?
When he left town
after he got sick.
-Sick?
-Yeah, he was in the hospital.
He had a kidney stone
right after I met you.
He had those
torn ligaments in his ankle
and a kidney stone.
I'm aware.
You're aware?
What else are you aware of?
-All sorts of things.
-All sorts of things.
You should stop protecting Paul.
I think you should
get out of my house.
[street din]
[Paul] Hi, I'm sorry, I can't
take your call right now.
Leave a message
and I'll get back to you.
[somber music playing]
[music fades]
[Marta arguing indistinctly]
[indistinct]
[indistinct]
[indistinct]
-[Marta] It's never
[indistinct], Paul.
-[Paul] [indistinct]
[footsteps receding]
Marta?
Marta?
Who the fuck are you?
You don't have to be so violent.
Do you have any idea
what happened to me?
-What do you mean?
-I could have been killed.
Who knows what those people
could have done to me.
-Those people? Which people?
-Your friends in Kingston.
You owe me something.
You heard about my kidney stone,
or so I've been told.
Oh, that explains
why you vanished into thin air.
Well, I couldn't exactly
answer inquiries
while I was in hospital,
now could I?
There's always
something wrong with you.
I'm making some tea,
would you like some?
I don't want your fucking tea!
The Assyrian came down
like the wolf on the fold.
His coats were gleaming
in purple and gold.
Can you stop with that bullshit?
Your friends drugged me,
kidnapped me,
and then held me in a basement.
I am very sorry about that.
Are you sure you won't take any?
Why were those people
at your house?
They weren't
supposed to be there.
And I was not
supposed to meet them.
That's not what they said.
It's true,
I was supposed to go up there
and take the relic to Richard.
Instead,
you got me to go for you.
Well, you recall
what condition I was in.
With my ankle,
I couldn't really go up there.
And if I'd known Keith
was going to show up,
I would've organized
things differently.
Organized?
Keith and relics,
those two don't fit together.
Keith worked in Iraq.
He picked up the relic
over there
and sat on it for a while,
and then he came to me
asking me to sell it,
and I decided to help him.
How nice of you.
You know
Richard's looking for you.
He'll get his money.
Everyone will get their money.
I want my money now.
That's the least you can do
to make things right.
I don't have it.
I know you went abroad
to sell the relief.
I haven't sold it yet.
The provenance
has to be established,
the licensing set up.
You clearly have no
idea how this works, do you?
Just because
you turn people into mules
doesn't mean
they think like them.
I have a very interesting
lawyer who'll track you down.
Now why would you do
something like that?
You're involved
as much as any of us,
and with your visa situation,
you could end up
deported or worse.
I got my visa. I have rights.
And you...
are probably guilty
of extortion, conspiracy,
false imprisonment, assault,
trafficking of non-citizens.
Not to mention
mental and physical abuse.
That's quite a charge sheet.
But I have
nothing to do with that.
Let's see what my lawyer
has to say about that.
Come on, Paul.
You're involved
in all sorts of illegal stuff.
They'd love to take your money
and put you away.
I mean, you're all
just tomb raiders,
ripping off the cultures
of other countries.
Yes, but without those
relocated treasures,
the world wouldn't see
such beautiful artifacts.
Those beautiful artifacts
aren't going to make it
to the museum.
They're just going to be
hung on the wall
of a rich guy's mansion.
I don't have the money.
You're full of shit.
I know you gave up your job.
Maybe even this apartment.
I don't know about your ex-wife.
Who are you?
Two can play at this game.
[Ahlam clears her throat]
I have a solo show,
and you're going to buy my art.
You're going to buy it.
Maybe then we'll be even.
When is the show?
[pleasant piano instrumental]
-Bye.
-Bye.
[beeps]
[piano music continues]
[music fades]
Those two are already sold.
-Who bought them?
-A guy named Paul Tanning.
You know him?
No.
Well, he bought your paintings,
but he couldn't make it
to the opening tonight,
unfortunately.
Are you ready?
I was born ready.
That's what I like to hear.
[both chuckling]
Thank you for everything.
You're welcome.
[Ahlan] Mmm.
Are you happy
with how everything is hanging?
-Beautiful.
-Good.
People are going to be
here soon,
but there's one buyer
who's already here.
Camille.
Come meet the artist.
Hi.
Do you remember me
from Kingston?
-Of course.
-[Judy] You two know each other?
We met briefly.
Last summer.
[Judy scoffs]
What a coincidence.
Well, my friend Paul
told me about you.
I saw your work
and I really like it.
Thank you.
Which one did you buy?
I bought this one over here.
[intriguing music playing]
It's a small world, isn't it?
[]
[]
[music fades]
[ceiling fan whirring softly]
[phone vibrating]
[phone keeps vibrating]
Mom.
-Hi, Mom.
-[mom over phone] Hi.
It's okay.
Bye.
[somber music playing]
[]
[woman speaking in Arabic]
So, please, no candy. Okay?
Bye.
-Hello.
-Noor!
[laughs]
[birds chirping]
[phone vibrating]
-Wow, what a surprise!
-[man] [indistinct]
[man over phone] [indistinct]
Do you like the show?
[man over phone] [indistinct]
Someday you'll come
to my solo show, I hope.
[man] [indistinct] always fun.
I know, a group show is good.
[man] [indistinct]
What's that?
[man] [indistinct]
Well, yeah,
I'm always looking for ways
to make extra money.
[man] [indistinct]
[]
[muttering]
Hmm. Okay.
Hey, Judy. How are you?
Uh, thanks again
for willing to help out
with all the visa stuff.
So I'm wondering
how long do you think
my recommendation letter
is going to take?
Uh, my lawyer is asking
to submit them ASAP.
Uh, so yeah, please let me know.
And thank you.
Bye.
[muttering indistinctly]
[sighs]
[plucking chords]
[plucking stops]
[emotional piano instrumental]
[]
[doorbell ringing]
[door buzzing]
-Oh, hi. Come in.
-Hey. Thanks.
-Can I take off my mask?
-Sure.
Thanks.
-Sorry about the mess.
-Oh, it's not messy at all.
So what happened to your foot?
Oh, God, I fell down the stairs.
Almost broke my back.
But thankfully
it's just a sprained ankle
-and a ripped tendon.
-That must hurt.
Usually when I see those
it's a high heel accident.
Well, I don't remember
wearing high heels lately,
but you never know.
They wanted me
to go on opioids at first.
I said no, but then
a few days in I relented.
And now I seriously hope
I get hooked.
No, you don't.
-Would you like some tea?
-Uh...
-I can make it.
-Yeah, no, don't, you sit.
I'll make it.
So what's this favor
that you want from me?
Ah, yes.
All right, well...
As you can see,
I'm not very mobile at present.
So I'd like you to take
package up for me to Kingston.
Kingston? Where is that?
Upstate, Hudson Valley.
It's about two hours
from the city,
not far from Woodstock.
And what is it
that you want me to take?
Well, I can't really tell you.
That sounds sketchy.
I'm not being a drug courier.
No, no, no, no.
Nothing like that.
Hm. So what is it?
Well, I can't honestly tell you.
And that's why I thought of you,
because I always thought of you
as a very discreet person.
Well, I'm not
going to be discreet
if it's something illegal.
-You know my status.
-Absolutely.
I'm in the middle
of my artist visa application,
and I'm not risking
getting deported for this.
Yes, I'm aware of that.
But it's nothing like drugs.
It's urgent, and it's valuable.
You'll go up to Kingston.
A colleague of mine
will come round
and pick up
the package from you.
He'll bring it back
the next day,
and all you need to do
is come back to the city
and return it to me.
So I'm spending
the night up there.
Yes, I have a place there.
You can stay there.
It's not much there,
but it's very comfortable.
-Is it safe?
-Very safe.
There's an old lady
who lives upstairs.
I don't think
she'll be there all week.
It's very quiet.
Hm.
Great. So how much money
are you offering me for this?
Well, let's just say
I'll make it worth your while.
How much?
I don't really want to get into
the financials of it,
but I'll make sure
it makes a huge dent
in whatever you pay for rent.
And that's another reason
I thought of you.
I know you're
tight on funds these days.
But you'll have to travel.
By bus.
You are vaccinated, right?
-Yeah, sure.
-Excellent.
[knocking]
[sighs]
-Who is it?
-Marta.
Marta, you could have called.
-I'm busy.
-Oh, I've called many times.
Texted, too.
You're ghosting me.
Thought that was
a teenage thing.
But I guess with you,
teenage behavior
is what you're good at.
How's your foot?
Still there.
And who are you?
Marta, Ahlam. Ahlam, Marta.
Please don't make yourself
too comfortable.
All right.
Um, Ahlam was
one of Dwight's students.
Dwight Malakian.
You remember him?
The bad painter. I remember him.
Oh, the good painter, actually.
That's not what you used to say.
[chuckling]
What do you think, Ahlam?
Dwight was a-- I mean,
he was a very good teacher.
We have different styles.
But yeah, he taught me a lot.
You're very diplomatic.
Oh, I forgot. I was making tea.
-Do you want some?
-No.
I'm here
to pick up a check, Paul.
Are you his new girlfriend?
[Ahlam grunts]
-What for?
-What for?
I've been calling
and texting you
about this for weeks.
-Are you senile?
-I'm not his girlfriend. Uh-uh.
Uh, how do you know, Paul?
I used to be married to him.
Well, I don't know.
Maybe I am losing it slightly.
But how much, and what's it for?
Dillon's tuition
installment is due,
and it can't be late this time.
Yes, but the last time
I called the person,
I got an extension.
That's how you handle
everything, don't you?
-Yeah.
-You're still an adjunct.
What is up with that?
You can't get an extension
on incompetence, Paul.
It's not exactly my fault.
It happens to be an epidemic
in academia in this country.
But you can publish.
How are you
ever going to get tenure
anywhere if you don't publish?
Well, the short stories I wrote
seem to be well received.
God, that was like
over 20 years ago.
-[Paul] Oh, 20.
-You can't rest on your laurels.
Where's your
great American novel?
Do people still write those?
Do they even read them?
And why would I write
something like that?
-I'm not really even American.
-[Marta] Oh, please.
You've been in this country
for over 30 years.
You know what?
Why don't you go back
to South Africa?
I really think
you'll be happier there.
[Paul]
Yeah, happy, happy.
Well, happiness
is like the weather.
It's not something
you live in pursuit of.
-[Marta's phone ringing]
-That is a stick or a bone.
-Whatever.
-[Paul] Whatever.
When can I expect
the next payment?
Uh, next week
or if things go well,
-the week after that.
-Oh, the week after that
and the week after that
and the week after that.
You know what?
You're hopeless.
-Thank you. Thank you very much.
-I gotta go.
That'll do nicely.
How do you like your tea?
[door shuts close]
I'll do without it.
Okay, but you'll come back
tomorrow morning
and pick up the package,
will you?
-Yeah.
-Great.
Cat position.
Okay.
[inhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
-[woman coughs]
-[Ahlam laughs]
[moody music playing]
[]
Ahlam?
-Hi.
-Zora.
Hi, what are you doing here?
I live here. You?
Yeah, me too.
In Greenpoint.
-Nice.
-Yeah, it's a tiny place.
Well, that's New York.
It's so funny how we never
run into each other.
-I know.
-Where are you going?
-Upstate. You?
-Bizarre. So am I.
-Hm. Where?
-New Paltz.
Oh, wow.
-What are you doing there?
-Wow.
You're curious all of a sudden.
[Ahlam scoffs]
What do you mean?
Well, we were in school
for like, what, three years?
-You barely even asked my name.
-I knew your name.
And we just never took
classes together.
Still, I felt really avoided.
I didn't know
you wanted my attention.
So, are you going to tell me
what's going on upstate or what?
I'm part of a crew
painting a mural in New Paltz.
In Paltz. Hm, uh.
-Is that next to Kingston?
-Yeah.
-Is that where you're going?
-Yeah, just one night.
Uh, I don't know
anybody up there.
Maybe we should hang.
-What, today?
-Yeah.
There's this cool Japanese
restaurant in Rosendale.
Maybe we can,
later on, meet there.
Rosendale.
Is it close to Kingston?
-Yeah, pretty close.
-How do I get there?
You came all the way
from Lebanon,
-and I'm pretty sure
you can figure it out.
-Okay.
-Get a car.
-Yes, ma'am.
There's somebody
picking me up in a few blocks.
-I need to go.
-Oh, lucky you.
-I'm taking the bus.
-Oh, good luck with that.
-Oh, wear your mask.
-Okay.
Oh. What's your number?
-[indistinct]
-[indistinct] Perfect.
-I'll text you.
-Yeah. Take care.
-Bye.
-See you later.
[]
[]
[]
Oh, sorry.
-Hello.
-Hi.
[suitcase wheels rattling]
[birds chirping]
[door latch rattling]
[door creaks]
[door latch rattling]
[quiet music building]
[drawer clattering]
[bubble wrap rustling]
[suspenseful music playing]
[doorbell rings]
-Richard?
-Where's Paul?
He didn't tell you?
He had an accident.
-An accident?
-Uh-huh.
Nice meeting you.
But he sent me instead.
-Do you have it?
-Yes.
I have your package.
He didn't tell me
somebody else would be here.
I'm here.
I'm sorry that he didn't.
-I'll go get it for you.
-Hold it.
You can't give it to me here.
Would you let me in, please?
I'd really rather
I just hand it to you.
No, I need to go inside.
-Okay, you have a mask?
-I can't put one on.
Hope you're not
one of those anti-vaxxers.
Well, I thought
I was in my own space.
Well, it's Paul's space,
isn't it?
-I'm vaccinated anyway.
-Me too, but...
I need to use your restroom.
Down the hall to the left.
So I'll come back
tomorrow around noon.
-Great.
-What's your name again?
-Ahlam.
-Ahlam?
That's "dreams."
Nice name.
-You speak Arabic?
-[Richard speaks Arabic]
Where are you from originally?
-Lebanon.
-Beirut?
-Yes.
-I spent some time there.
Great city.
It is great. It's home.
There's a lot
going on there right now.
They've seen worse.
I have to go now.
Great meeting you.
[clock chiming]
[prudent music playing]
[music stops abruptly]
[Zora]
How's your portfolio?
[Ahlam] Not so great, I mean,
I just got out of art school.
-Do you have any shows lined up?
-Nope.
Is this an interrogation?
How many shows have you been in?
A bunch.
Some from back in Lebanon
and a couple here.
-The ones that we did
in art school.
-Mm-hmm.
I'm really happy
that the final group show
got reviewed.
That was really cool.
They said
very nice things about you.
Oh, thanks.
I mean, it's not like
they're gushing you, girl.
Oh. Whatever.
What about
that honorable mention
you got on that
thing on Staten Island?
Oh, yeah.
I put it down on my resume.
What type of visa do you have?
I'm a citizen.
I came here with my family
when I was in high school.
Hm.
Is that why you were
ignoring me?
What?
Is it because I'm Iranian?
I know a lot of Lebanese
don't like Iranians.
I mean, I'm really
not like that, you know.
I try to separate
the people from politics.
I just don't understand
why we weren't friends.
I mean, you just created
very different arts.
You're sort of a minimalist.
I mean, every time
I walked by your studio,
it was very organized.
Yours was always a mess.
No, it was not.
I knew where everything was.
Hey, listen, so the visa people
are looking for
some kind of fancy internship?
So, do you know of anything?
I can ask my boss
at the Children's Museum.
I'm pretty sure
we can use a lot of help
with the kids in the workshop.
Really? That would be great.
Because, you know, it has to be
something in my field.
So, that's perfect.
It qualifies.
How are you supposed to survive
on only an art job?
I guess
you got to be a rich kid.
-Hm.
-[Zora chuckles]
Well, working at the museum
is not going to pay you well,
but it's way less sketchy than
whatever you're doing right now.
I don't know,
being a courier or something.
Whatever I'm doing right now
pays a month's rent
in just two days,
and I don't have to sleep
with anyone or deal drugs.
Is that how you decide
if a job is decent?
Just kidding.
How's your family back home?
I heard a lot of things.
I'm so sorry.
How are you paying
for your lawyer?
I mean...
it's part of the problem.
I owe her money.
How else do you think
I'm up here
doing this stupid, strange job
waiting for a weird guy
to return a package?
You know where that stuff
is from, right?
-What?
-The stuff you're transporting.
No. Iraq, maybe?
-Syria?
-Yeah, that's right.
My cousin was over there.
-Where?
-Uh, Iraq. Doha, too.
He was in the Air Force.
-U.S. Air Force?
-Yeah.
There's a whole black market
of these antiquities.
He knew people who were dealing.
Oh, like who?
Americans, Europeans,
local people,
probably even Lebanese.
People have been looting
and selling
these antiquities for years.
I mean, most of the shit
in the Western museums
have been looted.
Yeah, but, you know,
if you do it now,
it's considered illegal.
That's why that Richard dude
was very cryptic.
I think
he's some kind of an expert.
Expert? Like an archaeologist?
Why else would he be returning
the package the next day?
Like, he's getting it
appraised or something?
Exactly, like, Sabine
gets some carbon dating test.
Do they get the results
within 24 hours
-for that kind of thing?
-I don't know.
Do you want to get out of here?
Let's get the check.
Oh, it's on me.
-I've got a car, too.
-Wow.
[Ahlam chuckles]
[suspenseful music playing]
[Zora] I'm not going
to stay long, but...
[Ahlam] Okay.
As long as you like, darling.
[car honks]
-So, uh...
-So you're staying here?
-Yeah.
-A new house.
[Ahlam whispering indistinctly]
Wow, Paul.
Look what I found. Arak.
-Arak Saggi?
-Yes, exactly.
-Would you like some?
-Oh, sure.
Yes, ma'am.
[both speaking in Arabic]
How do you say "cheers"
in Farsi again?
[both speaking Farsi]
So how'd you get that mural
[indistinct]?
You should have taken
that class with Larry.
Larry got you that job?
Mr. Go-Deeper?
How are you
supposed to go deeper
when he gives you two days
to create a painting?
I'm sure that he created
his masterpieces in two days.
He's not that bad.
-Do you like it?
-Really strong.
Here's a Richard.
Department
of Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
Oh, my God.
That's him. Good finding.
I'm going to get some ice.
He's an Assyriologist.
Do you know anything
about Assyriology?
Zora?
Zora?
[tense music]
Hello?
Hello?
[Ahlam gasps]
You scared me! [Ahlam chuckling]
[both giggling]
Wow. Where'd you find this?
[seductive music playing]
[]
[music fades]
[footsteps rustling]
Hey. Good morning.
-[indistinct]
-I gotta go work on the mural.
I'll come by
later this afternoon, okay?
Okay.
I need to get back to the city.
Well, maybe I can
give you a ride
at least part of the way.
-[Ahlam grunts]
-I'll call you.
Have a good day.
[door creaks open]
[door shuts close]
[insects chirping]
[clock chiming in the distance]
[Paul over phone]
Hi, I'm sorry I can't take
your call right now.
Leave a message
and I'll get back to you.
Paul, it's Ahlam again.
Have you been
receiving my texts?
Richard hasn't arrived yet
and I really need
to get back to the city.
I can't stay here another night.
Please call me back
or give me Richard's number
so that I can call him.
Yeah, thanks.
[muffled thud]
Richard?
Richard!
Excuse me. Excuse me.
Hello. Have you seen
a tall man with a hat?
No, I saw no one.
[intriguing music building]
Hey, you've reached Zora.
I'm not available.
You know what you gotta do.
[]
[music fades]
[knocking]
[ominous music building]
[music fades]
Hey, you've reached Zora.
I'm not available.
You know what you gotta do.
Zora, can't you pick up
the phone, please?
Richard hasn't arrived yet.
You're picking me up
after work, right?
Just, I thought
you'd be done by now.
Please let me know. Thanks.
[doorbell chimes]
[knocking]
[doorbell rings]
Hi, is Paul home?
Uh, no, and who should I say
is looking for him?
-Didn't you just say
he isn't at home?
-That's what I said.
Well, then how can you tell him
that someone's looking for him?
I'll just tell him
when I see him.
-Later.
-Oh, so he'll be here soon?
I didn't say that.
I just might see him later.
Can I take a message?
What are you,
an answering service?
Excuse me?
I'm really busy right now,
so if you're
not going to tell me
what you want or who you are,
I'm afraid
you're just going to have to go.
Maybe I can wait
for Paul inside.
Uh, no, you can't wait
inside his house.
Paul won't mind.
We're very good friends.
-He won't mind.
-Well, I mind.
I don't even know you,
so how about you
just leave him a note?
How do I know
he's going to get it?
Well, you're just
going to have to trust me.
I don't know if I can do that.
Okay, well then, goodbye.
That is so rude to close
the door on my beautiful wife.
What are you doing here?
You can't be here.
[man] The door was open.
What are you doing
inside Paul's house?
He's not here?
Oh, wait. Are you a squatter?
No, no, I'm friends with Paul.
He asked me to come up here.
[laughs] That's really funny.
Paul is our friend, too.
And we're supposed to
meet him here.
Now, you say
you're a friend of his,
and yet you have no idea
where he is.
I didn't say that.
Where the fuck is he?
Get out of this house!
What are you going to do?
Call the police?
Listen,
Paul has something of ours,
and we're here to get it back.
And I think you know exactly
what I'm talking about.
That's why you're not
going to call the cops.
Oh, come on.
Let's just toss this place.
Hey, you can't do that.
-[man] Closet.
-Please, don't.
Are you going to just start
wrecking Paul's place now?
Man, you talk too much.
You know what we're looking for.
So, it'll be
much easier for you
-if you just hand it to us.
-Yeah, I mean,
Paul's got to have a stashing
place around here somewhere.
-Will you stop interrupting me?
-I'm not interrupting you.
-Jesus.
-Yes, you are.
Actually, I know of a place.
See?
A little cooperation
goes a long way.
Yeah, it sure does.
-[woman] [indistinct]
-Yeah, of course you do.
-You always make it happen.
-I know. Kudos to me.
[man] Yeah, kudos to you. Fine.
Uh, great!
Hi.
[Ahlam grunting in effort]
Help!
Does he have anything to drink
in this dump?
[phone buzzing]
[woman] So, tell me again
about this Richard guy.
Like I told you,
I delivered the package,
he picked it up,
and he was supposed to
bring it back today.
And we're supposed to believe
that you don't know anything
about the contents
of the package.
It's the truth.
This is ridiculous.
She knows a lot more
than she's telling us.
You thirsty?
Keith, can you
bring me some water?
Can you cut those things
off her wrists?
[indistinct]
[woman] Here.
-Paul's not showing up.
-Or Richard.
[eerie music building]
[door creaks open]
[music continues]
[voice distorted]
It'd be so much easier for us
if you would drop the bullshit
and tell us where it is.
I don't know where it is.
[]
Open the door.
I got this.
And watch the [indistinct].
There we go.
[Ahlam grunts]
[music fades]
[ominous music building]
-[woman] Hi.
-[Ahlam grunts softly]
What did you do to me?
Oh, you passed out.
Do you have a condition?
No. You put something
in my water.
Where am I?
Well, you'll be safe here.
Safe?
How long will I be here?
Well, that depends
on whether you tell us
what we need to know.
And if you do,
you can leave tomorrow.
I already told you everything.
Okay.
You hungry?
[Ahlam whimpering]
[door shuts close]
[door lock rattles]
[tense music playing]
[music fades]
[muffled conversation
in the distance]
[Ahlam panting]
[grunts in effort]
[panting]
[grunts quietly]
[grunting in effort]
Yes.
[exhales sharply]
[grunting in effort]
[distant clattering]
[footsteps thudding]
[panting]
[Ahlam panting]
[tense orchestral music playing]
[]
[music fades]
[insects and birds chirping]
[traffic din]
[phone buzzing]
[phone keeps buzzing]
-Hello?
-[man] Hi, is this [indistinct]?
Oh, hi.
[man] I know I'm early,
but I'm downstairs.
Judy told me I could
swing by, right?
I thought it was tomorrow.
-Can you see me now?
-Sure, I'll be right down.
Wonderful.
-Hi. Linton Ulmer.
-Hey.
Ahlam. Judy said
you were coming tomorrow.
I told Judy
I was dropping by today.
Can't wait to see
what you're up to.
Please, come in.
-Nah.
-Okay.
Uh, my studio's
at the top of the stairs.
[ominous music playing]
[stairs creaking]
Excuse me.
-It's this way.
-Okay.
Sorry,
I'm not ready for visitors.
Looks like you're busy.
-You also live here?
-Kind of.
No, I just rent
the studio space here.
Uh, it's just
in the middle of...
that one.
Burning the candle
at both ends, huh?
Working against the clock
to meet the deadline.
-Show's next week, right?
-That's right.
I'll have everything.
I hope I'll be ready.
I'll have a lot of
new work for the show.
Wasn't Basquiat
famous for doing that?
-What?
-You know, Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Wasn't he known
for his drug-fueled binges?
Frantically painting
just before a show?
I don't know.
Probably an urban myth.
Judy said you insisted
on a studio visit
to get first dibs
on a painting or two.
I'm not a pessimist
or anything,
but I'm sure you can get
whatever painting you want
at the opening.
From what I've seen
of your work online, I--
I like it a lot already.
Can I see another piece?
Sure.
I know someone
who's a big fan of your work.
Yeah? Who's that?
Paul Tanning.
How do you know Paul?
We're both collectors.
Paul's a collector now?
He's more into antiquities.
[Ahlam chuckles]
[Ahlam clears her throat]
What's so funny?
Have you been in touch
with Paul?
I talked to him a few weeks ago.
He mentioned you,
your work, your upcoming show.
And I contacted Judy
to set up a studio visit.
But I haven't been able to get
in touch with him since then.
Do you know where he might be?
I thought
you were in touch with him.
I was.
You know, he's...
he's been away, abroad.
But he's back in town now.
And we have some outstanding
business to attend to.
Have you tried his apartment
in the East Village?
He doesn't appear
to live there anymore.
Well, would you like to see
another painting?
Sure.
I do need to find Paul.
You're not the only one.
Why do you need to reach Paul?
What do you think?
[tense music playing]
[bar din]
Hello. Do you mind if I steal
her for a second?
I will.
[indistinct]
[]
[indistinct conversation]
Very nice to meet you.
[indistinct] Thank you.
-Thank you.
-[indistinct]
Actually,
I haven't eaten all day.
-Oh, shit!
-No, I'm good.
Excuse me.
Ahlam.
Zora.
What are you doing here?
Judy's a friend.
I'm having a show
at her gallery.
Oh. Well, that's great.
Do you work here?
Well, you know,
it's just a catering job.
I'm going to get some more.
Why'd you disappear on me?
What happened?
I disappeared?
I tried calling you many times.
Someone stole my phone.
The same people you were with
in that pickup truck?
Pickup truck?
The last time I saw you,
you were driving up
in a pickup truck.
I don't remember that.
Were you drunk?
You know,
Richard never showed up.
What happened to you?
I found myself
stuck in a basement.
I managed to run away.
[man] Are the bathrooms in here?
Uh, they're actually down there.
What? You were in a basement?
Why didn't you get back to me?
I tried to call you many times.
-I wrote you.
-I left the next day.
-Something came up.
-Yeah?
Yeah, I got a residency.
It was a last-minute
cancellation.
-That sounds convenient.
-No, it's true.
I left a mural job and I just
flew out the next day.
-Where to?
-Korea.
-Wow.
-Yeah, the residency
was in South Korea
and it was actually very nice.
I wish you'd return my calls.
I missed you.
I thought you ditched me.
I didn't ditch you.
[]
Zora, we need canopies.
Yeah, yeah.
I gotta go, sorry.
-Okay. Uh--
-Ahlam.
I need to show you this.
I'm working this event
tomorrow night.
He's the guest speaker.
I have to go to this.
Are you sure?
-[waiter] Zora.
-I really have to go.
[]
[music fades]
There's a lot of people inside,
but he hasn't shown up yet.
-He has to show up, right?
-Right.
I mean, he has to come
through here, I'm sure.
So, when are you going to
tell me about Korea?
What? Kingston
wasn't important for you?
No, you're wrong.
Of course it was.
I wouldn't have told you about
Richard being here if it wasn't.
So, what's going on?
I wasn't alone in Korea.
-I'm getting married.
-Married?
Yeah. It happened fast.
-Maybe too fast.
-Wow.
Congrats.
I'm actually
leaving New York next week.
And your art?
You're just going to
give everything up?
Why would I give up my art
if I'm getting married?
You don't know me after all.
I would never do that.
Good luck.
[indistinct conversation]
Richard!
We met in Kingston, remember?
I remember. Ahlam.
Dreams.
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Uh, sure.
Why don't you guys go ahead
and I'll-- I'll--
-catch up to you
in a minute, okay?
-Okay.
You never showed up.
Do you mind if we go inside?
I did show up,
but you weren't there.
I waited for you,
but these people came
and took me away.
They took you away?
They said
they were friends with Paul,
that the package
belonged to them.
-But who were they?
-Short guy with mustache.
Your age.
-With his wife.
-I don't know these people.
Why didn't you show up?
I didn't have your number
and I couldn't reach Paul.
-Have you reported this
to anybody?
-No.
I know what's in that box.
I'm not going to get mixed up
with a sketchy relic.
-No, that's not the case.
-Oh, yeah?
Paul was in the hospital
that day.
With a kidney stone.
-Oh.
-Yeah,
they had to go
zap it with a laser.
You can understand
why I wasn't going to
just return the package to you
without checking with Paul.
I think I saw you that day.
In the afternoon.
I didn't come back
to the house until the evening.
You know,
I tried to reach Paul all day.
-Did he get it back?
-He did.
I took it into the city myself.
I kept my end of the bargain.
-He got the authentication.
-He owes me.
-Do you know where he is?
-No.
-So how are you
going to find him?
-I don't know.
Do you know Linton Ulmer?
Linton Ulmer?
He came by my studio,
looking for Paul.
Paul owes Linton money,
just like he owes you and me.
I've got a speech to give.
[woman speaking indistinctly
in the distance]
[tense music playing]
-Hi.
-I remember you.
-Is Paul here?
-He doesn't live here anymore.
Where does he live?
To tell you the truth,
I don't know.
He was in London for a while.
-I'm not sure he's still there.
-Can I come in?
So, you're here now?
I thought you were divorced.
Yeah, well,
things evolve, don't they?
In what direction?
Well, the place looks the same.
I haven't been able
to make it my own yet.
Do you know when Paul
will be back?
No idea.
You live here now?
For now.
Do you know
how I can reach Paul?
No, I don't.
You live in his apartment,
but you can't get a hold of him.
Maybe I don't want
to get a hold of him.
I have the lease now.
I'm going to have to put
all of his crap in storage.
Maybe I should
just throw it out.
Someone told me
Paul is already back in town.
As far as I know,
Paul is not in New York City.
Anything else I can do for you?
If I may ask,
when was the last time
you talked to Paul?
When he left town
after he got sick.
-Sick?
-Yeah, he was in the hospital.
He had a kidney stone
right after I met you.
He had those
torn ligaments in his ankle
and a kidney stone.
I'm aware.
You're aware?
What else are you aware of?
-All sorts of things.
-All sorts of things.
You should stop protecting Paul.
I think you should
get out of my house.
[street din]
[Paul] Hi, I'm sorry, I can't
take your call right now.
Leave a message
and I'll get back to you.
[somber music playing]
[music fades]
[Marta arguing indistinctly]
[indistinct]
[indistinct]
[indistinct]
-[Marta] It's never
[indistinct], Paul.
-[Paul] [indistinct]
[footsteps receding]
Marta?
Marta?
Who the fuck are you?
You don't have to be so violent.
Do you have any idea
what happened to me?
-What do you mean?
-I could have been killed.
Who knows what those people
could have done to me.
-Those people? Which people?
-Your friends in Kingston.
You owe me something.
You heard about my kidney stone,
or so I've been told.
Oh, that explains
why you vanished into thin air.
Well, I couldn't exactly
answer inquiries
while I was in hospital,
now could I?
There's always
something wrong with you.
I'm making some tea,
would you like some?
I don't want your fucking tea!
The Assyrian came down
like the wolf on the fold.
His coats were gleaming
in purple and gold.
Can you stop with that bullshit?
Your friends drugged me,
kidnapped me,
and then held me in a basement.
I am very sorry about that.
Are you sure you won't take any?
Why were those people
at your house?
They weren't
supposed to be there.
And I was not
supposed to meet them.
That's not what they said.
It's true,
I was supposed to go up there
and take the relic to Richard.
Instead,
you got me to go for you.
Well, you recall
what condition I was in.
With my ankle,
I couldn't really go up there.
And if I'd known Keith
was going to show up,
I would've organized
things differently.
Organized?
Keith and relics,
those two don't fit together.
Keith worked in Iraq.
He picked up the relic
over there
and sat on it for a while,
and then he came to me
asking me to sell it,
and I decided to help him.
How nice of you.
You know
Richard's looking for you.
He'll get his money.
Everyone will get their money.
I want my money now.
That's the least you can do
to make things right.
I don't have it.
I know you went abroad
to sell the relief.
I haven't sold it yet.
The provenance
has to be established,
the licensing set up.
You clearly have no
idea how this works, do you?
Just because
you turn people into mules
doesn't mean
they think like them.
I have a very interesting
lawyer who'll track you down.
Now why would you do
something like that?
You're involved
as much as any of us,
and with your visa situation,
you could end up
deported or worse.
I got my visa. I have rights.
And you...
are probably guilty
of extortion, conspiracy,
false imprisonment, assault,
trafficking of non-citizens.
Not to mention
mental and physical abuse.
That's quite a charge sheet.
But I have
nothing to do with that.
Let's see what my lawyer
has to say about that.
Come on, Paul.
You're involved
in all sorts of illegal stuff.
They'd love to take your money
and put you away.
I mean, you're all
just tomb raiders,
ripping off the cultures
of other countries.
Yes, but without those
relocated treasures,
the world wouldn't see
such beautiful artifacts.
Those beautiful artifacts
aren't going to make it
to the museum.
They're just going to be
hung on the wall
of a rich guy's mansion.
I don't have the money.
You're full of shit.
I know you gave up your job.
Maybe even this apartment.
I don't know about your ex-wife.
Who are you?
Two can play at this game.
[Ahlam clears her throat]
I have a solo show,
and you're going to buy my art.
You're going to buy it.
Maybe then we'll be even.
When is the show?
[pleasant piano instrumental]
-Bye.
-Bye.
[beeps]
[piano music continues]
[music fades]
Those two are already sold.
-Who bought them?
-A guy named Paul Tanning.
You know him?
No.
Well, he bought your paintings,
but he couldn't make it
to the opening tonight,
unfortunately.
Are you ready?
I was born ready.
That's what I like to hear.
[both chuckling]
Thank you for everything.
You're welcome.
[Ahlan] Mmm.
Are you happy
with how everything is hanging?
-Beautiful.
-Good.
People are going to be
here soon,
but there's one buyer
who's already here.
Camille.
Come meet the artist.
Hi.
Do you remember me
from Kingston?
-Of course.
-[Judy] You two know each other?
We met briefly.
Last summer.
[Judy scoffs]
What a coincidence.
Well, my friend Paul
told me about you.
I saw your work
and I really like it.
Thank you.
Which one did you buy?
I bought this one over here.
[intriguing music playing]
It's a small world, isn't it?
[]
[]
[music fades]