Sweetland (2023) Movie Script
1
(classical music)
(motor roaring to life)
(distant barking)
(rooster crowing)
(barking)
(birdsong)
(barking)
(rooster crowing)
(barking)
- We going off on the mash?
- Got a few rabbit slips out.
(boy breathing heavily)
Yeah.
(rooster crowing)
(man grunting)
Clara know you're up here?
- Mom's still asleep.
I told Pop.
- Hmm. What'd your pop say?
- He told me
not to be a nuisance.
(man chuckling)
(barking)
(gulls squawking)
- You got it? That's it.
Right.
There it is.
How about that? Good?
- Mm-hmm.
- Nice and tight.
There you go, buddy.
You got him?
Put him up on your shoulder.
That's it.
(gulls squawking)
Nice and heavy, aren't they?
Do you like them?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- You like rabbits?
You like dead rabbits?
Now, then...
Who's got it better than this,
eh?
(knocking)
(country music playing)
(insistent knocking)
(music stopping)
(knocking)
(door opening)
- Mr. Sweetland?
- Just come off the ferry,
did ya?
- Just this second, yes.
(door closing)
- I must be
some fuckin' important.
- You're at the top of my list.
- Mm.
(inhaling)
Tea?
- Uh, you don't have coffee
by any chance?
- I got instant.
- Tea is fine.
- Mm-hmm.
- So... will you be coming
to the meeting this afternoon?
- Wasn't plannin' on it.
- I couldn't talk you into it?
It was 45 in favour,
three against,
by the most recent ballot.
But as of yesterday,
yours is one
of only two households
who have not agreed
to take the package
we're offering.
You and Mr. Loveless. And...
(sighing)
I have to admit... I'm curious.
- About what?
- There's been no work out here
since the cod moratorium.
Most of the younger residents
have already moved away,
and you're turning down
a substantial cash payout.
I guess... I'm just wondering
what your story is.
- Imagine you got everything
you needs to know about me
in that bag of yours.
Hmm?
- "Moses Louis Sweetland,
born November 14, 1948.
Next of kin: None."
- Christ, I'm related to half
the people in Chance Cove.
- No immediate next of kin
I believe is what that means.
Parents deceased.
Brother: Hollis.
And sister: Ruth.
- Both dead.
- Marital status. Single?
Occupation: Lighthouse keeper.
Retired.
- I was let go
when they automated the light
10 years back.
And you were a fisherman
before that?
- Right up until the moratorium
in '92.
- Never lived anywhere else?
- One trip up to Toronto
for work when I was too young
to know better.
(scoffing)
(Moses chuckling)
Not much when you lays it out
like that.
- Not enough to tell me why
you're so set against this move.
- Contrary, I guess.
- You'd rather stay here
with the dead?
- A body could do worse
for company.
- As you know, the government
is offering a package
to the residents of Sweetland
to move anywhere
in the province.
Minimum $100,000 per household.
Up to 150,000,
depending on the size
of the family
and other considerations.
Plus adjustment assistance,
help looking for work
or retraining
or returning to school--
- Jesus, I thought
the government was broke.
- But we will not move a soul
out of here
unless we have a commitment
from everyone to the package.
- Mm-hmm. Same old bullshit.
- You've been made aware
of the September deadline?
- Mm-hmm.
- There are people
hoping to make the move across
as early as this fall.
You can contact me anytime.
(country music playing)
(gulls squawking)
(barking)
(indistinct radio chatter)
(music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
- Traitor! Ah, c'mon,
take the package, ya prick!
(barking)
It's over, boy! It's over!
(indistinct chatter)
(barking)
Take the package, ya prick!
(cattle lowing)
(insistent lowing)
(lowing continues)
(sighing)
(lowing)
(plaintive lowing)
- Here you go, old girl.
Here you go.
Yeah.
Haven't got enough grass here
to keep a rabbit alive.
Never mind a cow about to calve.
Fuckin' Loveless.
There you go, old girl.
Good girl.
Good girl.
Good girl.
- You're not even gonna
say hello?
(saw buzzing)
- Playin' hard to get?
- Oh, you're a natural.
(Moses chuckling)
- See you're putting in
the garden in the week.
- Yes, and don't you trample
all over 'em.
- They'll likely die of the cold
if they comes up anyway, maid.
(woman coughing)
(laughing)
- Have to give these up.
- What's that you're readin'?
- Mm.
One of them books
Sandra sends me
down from the mainland.
- She's still tryin' to wean you
off the Harlequins, is she?
- Yeah.
(man): Who's that there
you're talking to?!
- Hayward,
I'm talking to me boyfriend!
Hayward said he never saw ya
at the town meeting last night.
- I was puttin' in the spuds.
I'll set aside a barrel for you
the fall.
- I won't be here the fall.
- You been saying that 20 year
or more.
- You know that Hayward
took the package.
- Never thought you'd allow it,
just the same.
- Was Sandra talked him into it.
Sure he can't say no
to our girl.
She's putting an apartment
for us in her basement.
She can't wait for us
to get there, she says.
I was born here.
And I had five youngsters
in the same bedroom
I was born in.
The only way I'll be leaving
this house in a box.
- No one's gonna carry you out
in a box, maid.
We'll just lift a few boards
and set you under the floor.
(scoffing)
- Kiss my arse.
- I'll have to take a raincheck.
(chuckling)
- Don't leave it too long.
(Moses laughing)
Don't leave it too long.
(gulls squawking)
- Pop says it's just you
and Loveless wants to stay now.
Will I have to go?
- Not as long as I'm around.
- Pop says they're gonna
drive you out.
- No one's driving me anywhere.
Here you go.
- Mom took me to see a doctor
in St. John's.
- Mm-hmm.
- And how was it?
- Loud.
- And what did the doctor
have to say to ya?
Retarded, is it?
Hmm? Antisocial. Co-dependent.
Mentally unstable. Psychopathic.
Well, what are ya goin'
all the way into St. John's
to see him for, then?
- Don't know. Mom made me.
- Your mother's the one
should be seeing the doctor.
- She sees him, too.
She goes in after me.
- Fat lot of fuckin' good
it's doing her, hey?
Don't mind me.
- I don't.
(chuckling)
- Hollis went into St. John's
to see a doctor one time.
- Where'd you hear
the like of that?
- He told me.
- You were talking to Hollis,
were ya? Is that a fact?
- He was into St. John's
most of the winter one year.
- Finish up now.
We got better things to do
than sit around here jawing.
(humming)
(phone ringing)
You wash up now.
(boy humming)
It's time you got home
to your supper.
(phone ringing)
(boy humming)
(phone ringing)
(ringing)
(ringing)
(Moses sighing)
- We're going out after wood
tomorrow?
- Take one of these
down to your pop.
(phone ringing)
- Can we?
(phone ringing)
- I'll think about it.
Go on home now.
(boy humming)
(ringing)
Evening, Mr. Vatcher.
(chuckling)
(country music playing)
- I'll be done in a minute.
Pilgrim was by earlier.
Said you and Jesse was out
checking slips.
Said Clara wasn't very happy
about it.
- Who've been at this board?
- Would've been seven or eight
had a go
since you was here last.
- You didn't let Loveless touch
anything.
- You're in check there,
if you hadn't noticed.
- Loveless still thinks
it's a goddamn checkerboard.
- He means well.
- So does
the fuckin' government.
- I didn't see you
at the meeting yesterday.
- Taking attendance, was ya?
- There was just Loveless,
yourself and Queenie missing.
It's hard not to notice.
Hayward thinks you and Queenie
must be having
a little something on the side.
- He's not worried
about Loveless?
- Hayward's paranoid,
but he's not an idiot.
- Hmm. Well...
(chuckling)
- You heard that, uh,
he and Queenie signed up
for the package after all?
Check.
(beeping)
(Moses): Jesus. Fuck!
- Hello, the house!
- That'll be herself now.
(door opening)
- You aren't watching porn
over there, are ya?
- Gave it up for Lent.
(beeping)
Fuck.
- He's gotta be bluffing, Moses.
- I'm not taking poker advice
from a blind fucker.
- That's out of season.
- That was meant
for your old man.
- Leave me out of this, Mose.
They're peaked out this year.
They'll be starving in the woods
come the winter.
- I don't want it in the house.
- I only set a dozen slips.
Youngster loves to be out at it.
- Jesse missed a week of school
with me in St. John's.
He don't need to miss no more.
- He asked Pilgrim
if he could go.
- Jesse is saying
he's gonna stay with you here
after everyone else leaves.
- Is that right?
- You haven't said anything
to set the thought in his head,
I hope.
- He knows his own mind.
- He's not good with change,
if that's what you means.
- Have you been telling him
about...
Hollis spending the winter
in the hospital into St. John's?
- Uncle Hollis?
- Jesse said he heard it
straight from Hollis himself.
- What was he in for?
Tuberculosis?
- Jesse was talking like Hollis
was sitting right there with us
in the woods.
- That youngster have
always been a bit touched.
- Dad.
- What? He's talking to Moses's
dead brother, for godssake.
- Got a name for it yet?
- What?
- Ah...
Whatever it is wrong
with the youngster.
- There's a... spectrum.
And he isn't typical
is what they're telling me.
- I could've told ya as much
for free, saved you the trip.
- If I lived in St. John's,
I could get him assessed.
I could get him
into a school program.
- He wants to come over with me
when I goes for a load of wood
tomorrow.
Being outdoors
is what the youngster needs.
(clattering)
- More wood?
- You got a real gift
for observation, Loveless.
- Duke says you got enough split
and stacked to keep hell
in flames for half of eternity.
Your cow ready
to have her calf yet?
- Any day.
- Yeah.
- You got neither bit of hay
to put out for her?
There's not enough grass
left there to feed a rabbit.
- She's after eatin' up
all the hay had set aside
over the winter.
- Can't you get some
from someone else?
- People wants to take
that cow away from me, they do.
- Jesus, Loveless.
Why would anyone want
to take your cow?
Likely they're just trying
to keep the old girl
from starving to death.
- She got plenty there.
- You should have Glad Vatcher
give it a once-over
before the calf comes.
- Sara never had Glad
look at her.
- You're not bloody Sara,
now are ya?
- People's after me
to take the package, Mose.
- Well, let 'em talk.
Don't pay no attention.
- Some people saying
they was gonna burn us out.
- Some who?
Who said
they were gonna burn me out?
- No one direct-like.
There's... there's people
heard it spoke of.
- You haven't been getting
any notes, have ya?
- Notes?
- Ransom notes, like, with...
letters cut out of magazines.
Never mind.
You look out to that cow.
- She's fine.
She'll be alright.
(cow grunting)
(cow moaning)
(cow grunting)
(cow crying out)
(sighing)
(cow moaning)
- Fuckin' Loveless.
(cow lowing)
(bellowing)
(bellowing)
(moaning)
(cow grunting)
(cow groaning)
(cow crying out)
(distant barking)
(cow bellowing)
Loveless!
(cow bellowing)
Got a dead calf out here!
(cow moaning)
Loveless!
(cow moaning)
You're gonna lose that cow
if you don't get your arse
down here!
(cow crying out)
Come on!
The fuck have you got done here
now?
- Goddamn animal.
Nothing but trouble
since Sara died.
- Not the bloody cow's fault!
What were you doing asleep
in bed?
- I was out with her
till almost midnight.
Didn't think
she was gonna go tonight.
(cow moaning)
(crying out)
(plaintive bellowing)
- Get in there.
(bellowing)
(groaning)
(plaintive lowing)
(crying out)
(banging)
- I can't lose Sara's cow.
Will she be alright, you think?
- How did she look to ya?
(soft mooing)
Loveless...
you gotta get in there
and get that calf clear of her,
ya hear me?
(bellowing)
- I don't know
how Sara managed all of this.
I can't do nothing without her.
(cow crying out)
- Go dig a hole out back.
(bellowing)
(Moses): Come on, girl.
(cow moaning)
(Moses): There we go. Alright.
(cow bellowing)
Alright.
- Mose?
(cow moaning)
(bellowing)
Mose?
- What?!
- I'm going to take the package.
- You're just tired is all.
- No.
Got me mind made up on it.
I can't do nothing here
without Sara.
(cow bellowing)
- Go dig a goddamn hole. Go on.
(cow moaning)
(bellowing)
(Moses whispering)
(cow bellowing)
(sighing)
(sighing)
You leave that youngster
alone now, Hollis.
(distant noise)
(electronic beeping)
Shouldn't you be
into the school?
- It's dinnertime.
(Moses groaning)
- You put in a fire.
- It was cold in here.
You looked cold.
I got you some clean clothes
from upstairs.
Tell me the story
about the coat.
- What coat?
- The one you and Hollis wore.
You had to go out
and check the nets.
- Mm. I don't know
if I remembers much about it.
- In the morning, before school.
Hollis says you tell it best.
(muttering)
- Well...
We was up before the light,
just the two of us.
Puttin' a bit of fire
in the stove.
The house cold as stone.
Still dark
when we walked to the stage
and climbed down into the punt.
- You only had one coat.
- Yeah.
It was an hour's haul
out to the herring net,
and we only the one decent coat
between us;
that was father's old jacket.
Neither one of us was big enough
to fill her on our own,
so we'd sit side by side...
...with one arm each
in the sleeves.
- Why'd you have to share
a coat?
- It was hard times
after Father died and...
...just me and Hollis
to look after the fish.
Hollis wouldn't as old as you
back then.
- You was with Hollis
when he drowned.
- That's enough of that now.
- But Hollis says--
- I heard enough
of what your imaginary friend
says about it all.
- He's not imaginary.
- Well, I'm not talking to him
either way.
(beeping)
Well.
(indistinct chatter)
(background chatter)
- How you holdin' up?
- I wasted half my life trying
to get her off the smokes.
(chuckling)
And the other half...
trying to get her out the door
of this fucking house.
(sighing)
You need a drink?
- Nah.
- Mom's last pack.
Thought I'd finish 'em off
for her.
Come out with me.
- Oh...
(sighing)
- You know,
Mom always talked about ya.
When she called. Ahem.
She always had a bit of news
about ya.
(Moses chuckling)
- A body gotta scrounge for news
around here.
(woman chuckling)
- I always thought
Mom was sweet on ya.
(Moses scoffing)
(woman chuckling)
She told me...
...ages ago,
before I went to university.
She said...
she always had it in her head
that you and her
were gonna get married.
- She was having you on.
- No.
No, she wasn't.
(chuckling)
Ahem. She was, um...
...talking about before lights
come to the island.
The crowd of you would all be...
...knocking around together,
looking for trouble.
Grassing out in the meadow
behind the church.
- Ah, we was just youngsters
messing about.
Didn't know the first thing.
- Bustin' for a pee.
- Go on, girl.
I'll wait for ya.
- Can't face that crowd
in there.
Watch out for me, will ya?
Must be hard for you, Moses.
(grunting)
Being in the king's seat on
all this resettlement business.
Can't imagine a lonelier spot.
- I never minded being alone.
- You know what Mom used to say
about ya?
She'd say...
"That... is a good man
goin' to waste, that is."
A sin you never had
youngsters...
...of your own.
'Cause of the accident, is it?
Up in Toronto.
(chuckling)
Plenty of women
would've had you.
Don't think I don't know.
Even if you couldn't.
Or you wouldn't able.
- Sandra.
- You ever been with a woman,
Moses?
- Your poor mother
is just put in the ground.
(Sandra scoffing)
- Don't mind me.
(chuckling)
Sure I'm half-cut.
(laughing)
- You really should go back
inside.
(clinking)
Mm. That was a nice surprise.
(Pilgrim): Yeah.
Fridge is blocked
with leftovers.
We'll never eat it all.
- Yeah.
Hayward and Sandra get off?
- Caught the ferry this morning.
(phone ringing)
Clara says Hayward only had
the one suitcase with him.
(Moses mumbling)
Left the house
and everything in it.
Nailed the door shut
on his way out.
(phone ringing)
(ringing)
You gonna answer that?
- No one I wants to speak to,
I'm guessin'.
(ringing)
- Well, I-I'd say that's Clara
calling us down to our dinner.
- Sure you just ate half a cake.
(ringing)
(beep)
- Hello.
Uh... no, no.
Uh, y-yes, hang on. Um...
Uh, no, sir.
No, no, he's right here.
That's the one
from the government,
the fellow was out here
for the last--
- Tell him I'm not here.
- I just said you was.
- Say you made a mistake.
You're blind, for chrissakes.
- Answer the goddamn phone,
Moses.
(stammering)
- Jesus.
(sighing)
Yes.
- Mr. Sweetland.
- This is he.
- I hope you're keeping well.
(chuckling)
- I imagine
you wishes I was dead,
like everyone else around here.
- Mr. Sweetland,
I've heard the news
about Queenie Coffin.
I just wanted to say
that I'm sorry for your loss.
- Oh,
so this is a sympathy call,
is it?
- I've also been in touch
with Mr. Loveless,
and he has committed to signing
on to the package.
You're aware of this,
I presume.
- News to me.
- I thought I should check in
with you to see
if there have been
any developments since
I checked in with you last.
- Mm.
- Mr. Sweetland--
- I appreciate your concern.
Thank you for calling.
That was Clara, was it,
calling you down to your dinner?
- Now, Moses--
- They sent you up here
to make sure he got through.
Is that it?
Blind leading the blind.
You're a gutless wonder,
you are.
- Jesus Christ, Mose,
you got to stop being
so bullheaded--
- Why?! Tell me why it is
I gotta stop?!
- How much longer
is it you expects to be around,
Moses?
You're an old man.
We're all old men!
What's Jesse gonna have here
once we goes?
Clara's got a chance to go
somewhere with a bit of money
to see the boy looked after.
And you're gonna fuck it up!
(barking)
(grunting)
(barking)
(barking)
(barking)
- Fuck.
(distant shouting)
(people whooping)
(laughter)
(singsong): Moses!
- Moses!
- Moses!
(whooping)
(laughter)
(indistinct chatter)
(woman): Moses! Moses!
(man): What do you know, Moses?!
(woman): Mose, your stage.
- Where's Jesse?
- He's up at the house with Dad.
We got to get a hose on that.
- She's gone.
- No, we might--
- Stop it.
Not a goddamn thing to be done.
She's gone.
(children laughing)
(man chanting): Moses!
Come out and play, Moses!
- I suppose they're all happy
as pigs in shit down there now.
- There's only one thing
gonna make them happy about you.
- Yeah.
Any money on who did it?
- Could've been half a dozen
different people.
- Mm. Wouldn't you, was it?
- Don't think I wasn't tempted.
- Hmm.
- People are always asking me
why you're so set
on screwing 'em over.
I keeps telling 'em
it's 'cause you're pigheaded.
You likes being the one knot
can't be untied.
But truth be told,
I think you're scared.
Scared to let go of the place.
Afraid none of it
meant anything.
Do you remember what you told me
after Mom died?
- It was a long time ago.
- You said as long
as we remembers her,
she's still here with us.
And that might be true.
But my mother is not coming back
in that door.
You cuts the grass
up at the cemetery,
you paints the fence,
keeps the headstones upright.
It's the... prettiest spot
in the cove.
But that isn't life up there,
Moses.
It wouldn't be the end
of the world, would it?
To live somewhere else?
- Why'd you move home here,
Clara,
if you hates the place so much?
- Because I wanted you around
for Jesse.
The way you was for me.
Why do you think I used to
carry him up to see you
at the lighthouse every Sunday
after I moved back?
- I figured you just wanted
to skip out on church.
- Shut up, would ya?
(chuckling)
Ah, just shut up. Jesus.
You remembers how I used to
light your cigarettes for ya
when I was a girl?
- Hmm.
(Clara sighing)
- I used to sit out in the yard
and watch you chop wood
and yammer on about one thing
or other.
- You could talk.
I remember that much
well enough.
- You never treated me
like a nuisance is what I mean.
- Uh-huh.
How is he?
- He said he saw a light on
in Queenie's window
the other day.
- Ah.
- We told him the electricity
had been shut off, but...
it didn't sway him.
I set two chairs outside
and we sat staring at it
till it was time for bed.
But he still insists he saw it.
I found a specialist
that I wanna set him up with
this summer.
She says the more structure
we can give him, the better.
For the life of me, Moses...
...I can't understand
why you wants to deny him that.
- The food fishery opens
the weekend...
I could take Jesse out
after a few cod.
If they don't burn my boat
before then.
- He thinks a lot
of your opinion.
(scoffing)
- Hmm.
(chuckling)
(gulls squawking)
- You gonna bring me back
a fish?
- Yep.
- Maybe two or three?
(laughter)
Make sure he keeps
his lifejacket on.
- Have you got a lifejacket
for Hollis?
- Hollis is staying home
with me.
- Hollis can come if he wants.
But I got neither lifejacket
for him.
Now come on.
- This is where it happened.
- Where what happened?
- Where Hollis died.
- I suppose it was Hollis
told you that, was it?
- Poppy told me.
- And what else
did Poppy tell you?
- He says you was the only one
was there,
so it's only you
can tell the story.
- What about your buddy, Hollis?
He was there, wouldn't he?
- He says you can tell the story
when you're ready.
- It was October month.
We were out trawlin'.
Baited the trawl with squid
and let it fish on the bottom
awhile.
When Hollis started bringing in
the trawl, I was at the motor,
just...
...keeping her steady ahead.
I suppose you never even seen
a trawl like that, have ya?
Hollis was standing up
by the trawl,
and there was one fish,
a big one.
Come off the hook
right at the surface,
so I shoved the engine in
reverse to bring us back a ways
so's Hollis could reach it.
Hollis fell across the hooks
is what happened.
He wouldn't expecting me
to shift into reverse and he...
...lost his balance.
Hooks caught up in his clothes
and dragged him into the water.
And I panicked, I suppose. I...
I cut the trawl line.
Worst thing I could've done.
- He's not mad at you.
- He said that, did he?
- He wanted me to tell you.
- Well, then.
(phone ringing)
(ringing)
- Hello?
- Yes.
It's Sweetland calling.
- Moses Sweetland?
- This is he.
(gulls squawking)
(indistinct chatter)
(laughter)
- You're not coming
to the meeting?
- I signed the papers.
I'm not gonna sit there
and listen
to that government fucker gloat.
- What did Jesse say
when you told him you signed on?
- It was Clara told him.
Can't face him just yet.
(saw buzzing)
(bell clanging)
(woman): Moses!!!
Moses!!!
(people shouting)
- Mose!
Mose!
He gone missing.
We can't find him.
- Who?
- Jesse. He run off somewhere.
There's no one can find him.
(people calling Jesse's name)
Mose! Mose!
- Jesse?
(woman): Jesse!
- Jesse?
Jesse!
Jesse!
Jesse!
- Jesse!
- Jesse!!!
(bell clanging)
- Jesse!
(bell clanging)
Jess!
Jesse!
(Pilgrim): There's no sense
traipsing around out there
in the dark.
Someone's gonna get themselves
killed at that.
- Can't sit around here
with our fingers up our arse.
- We get a bonfire
going up on the mash,
out at the keeper's house,
over on the cliffs.
- Not the cliffs.
He could walk right off trying
to make his way to the fire.
- Alright, we'll get a fire
somewhere on the trail,
half a mile or so shy
of the cliffs.
- We should make sure
all the lights are on here,
help him find his way down
if he's lookings.
- He won't see the lights
in the cove
till he gets to The King's Seat.
If he's on the mash,
won't help a damn.
Does that PA in the steeple work
at all?
- Hasn't been used in 20 years.
- Be worth checking.
You could hear that racket
halfways to Little Sweetland.
Might lead him in.
- Alright.
I'll see what I can do with it.
(music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
(gulls squawking)
(music playing)
- Could be he's home and dry
by now.
(Moses grunting)
- Turned off that friggin' music
for long ago if he was home.
(groaning)
(Duke): Moses! Moses!
- What?!
What is it?!
- Just have a look down here!
Just look. Over there.
- Where?
Where are you lookin'?
What?
- Just there. Look. Have a look.
Over there. What's that?
- Oh, my god. Oh, fuck.
- Might not even be
the youngster, Moses.
- Oh, Jesse. Oh, god.
I got a length of line
in the bag!
- Oh, for fuck sake,
you can't climb down there!
Mose! Moses!
- Oh, god. Oh, god.
Ah, jeez.
Oh, no.
(dramatic music)
(exclaiming)
(dour music)
(music fading)
- Morning, Moses.
- What's this, now?
- I thought you might like
to have something of his.
He'd like to know
it was you had it.
(distant barking)
Haven't seen much of you
the last few weeks.
- I been busy.
- Found a place for Dad...
into St. John's.
- What kind of place?
- Assisted living, it's called.
- Hmm.
What, some stranger comes in
to wipe your ass, is it?
- Don't.
(Moses grunting)
- Ah, just don't.
- Ah, don't mind me.
- I never did thank you.
For bringing...
(sniffling)
For bringing him home.
- I never should've signed on
to the package.
- You can't blame yourself
for this, Moses.
- Why can't I?
- It won't help...
is what I mean.
- Mm.
I'm not looking for help.
(gulls squawking)
(ship's horn blowing)
(music playing)
- You're off, then.
- Yeah. Ferry's due in at 3:00.
- Let's see what you got.
- What are you talking about
now?
- Last chance
at a paying customer.
(Duke chuckling)
- You don't want this hand
at your head with scissors,
Moses.
- Use the clippers.
- For chrissake.
- Come on.
I wants it nice and tight
at the back and sides.
- Have you started packing up
the house yet?
- I'm in no rush.
- Well, last ferry out of here
is leaving next week.
- I knows
the fuckin' ferry schedule.
(music playing)
- Where's it you're heading now?
- Thought I might go poach
a few cod.
- What you got in the bag?
- Mind your own
goddamn business.
- How long you going for?
(motor starting)
(Loveless): Mose.
Mose?
(chuckling)
- Jesus fuck.
(banging)
(grunting)
(sloshing)
(gulls squawking)
(soft music)
(groaning)
Fuckin' Loveless.
(sighing)
Now, then.
Who's got it better than this?
(clicking)
(splashing)
Hey!
Hey!!!
(sighing)
(bell tolling)
(bell tolling)
(sound fading)
(jangling)
(sniffling)
(creaking)
(panting)
Mm...
(thumping)
(grunting)
(engine stalling)
(gulls squawking)
(door slamming open)
(grunting)
Duke Fewer, you lousy fucker!
(grunting)
(thunder)
(thunder)
(thunder rumbling)
(thunder crashing)
(groaning)
(exclaiming)
(groaning)
(crying out)
(panting lightly)
(knocking)
(woman): Hello, the house!
Jesus loves the little children.
(man): I knew it.
I fuckin knew it.
- What have you got done
to yourself?
- Had a little spell
of hard luck.
- Come on,
help me get him onto the chair.
Go on.
Come on. Come on.
What is it?
- You crowd is real, is ya?
- Real as you are.
- Huh.
- I could kill you, you know.
Making everyone think
you was drowned like that.
- What in the name of Jesus
were you doing here, Moses?
You lost your mind altogether,
did ya?
- Did he mean to do it?
(Clara): Who?
- Jesse.
- I don't think
he had it in him.
- Oh...
That youngster was all nerve.
- I don't think the idea
would've occurred to him
is what I mean.
It wouldn't in his nature.
- An accident.
- The fog came in
over the headlands
before he ran up there.
He missed the cairns
on the path, he fell.
More than likely.
- Do you ever...
Do you ever see him, like?
- What do you mean?
You've seen him?
- I don't know.
I don't know.
Might be I have.
Or Hollis.
Maybe. I don't know.
- Mom used to talk to me
about Hollis, you know.
That story where he fell
across the trawl line
and you cut it loose.
She didn't believe a word of it.
She used to say that Hollis
was a bit...
...touched.
Like Jesse.
- Mm-hmm.
- He was acting really strange
that morning, she says.
Before you went out.
He was... happy almost.
Gave her a hug,
told her how much he loved her.
Did the same with Nan.
She thinks
he was saying goodbye.
And that you made up some story
about a fish
to spare them the truth.
You should try to sleep.
- Don't go.
- You haven't turned into a sook
out here, have you?
(laughing)
- Might be.
- You go on up.
(chuckling)
- Moses fuckin' Sweetland.
(chuckling)
- Come on now. Come on.
Let's get you up now. Come on.
(classical music)
(motor roaring to life)
(distant barking)
(rooster crowing)
(barking)
(birdsong)
(barking)
(rooster crowing)
(barking)
- We going off on the mash?
- Got a few rabbit slips out.
(boy breathing heavily)
Yeah.
(rooster crowing)
(man grunting)
Clara know you're up here?
- Mom's still asleep.
I told Pop.
- Hmm. What'd your pop say?
- He told me
not to be a nuisance.
(man chuckling)
(barking)
(gulls squawking)
- You got it? That's it.
Right.
There it is.
How about that? Good?
- Mm-hmm.
- Nice and tight.
There you go, buddy.
You got him?
Put him up on your shoulder.
That's it.
(gulls squawking)
Nice and heavy, aren't they?
Do you like them?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- You like rabbits?
You like dead rabbits?
Now, then...
Who's got it better than this,
eh?
(knocking)
(country music playing)
(insistent knocking)
(music stopping)
(knocking)
(door opening)
- Mr. Sweetland?
- Just come off the ferry,
did ya?
- Just this second, yes.
(door closing)
- I must be
some fuckin' important.
- You're at the top of my list.
- Mm.
(inhaling)
Tea?
- Uh, you don't have coffee
by any chance?
- I got instant.
- Tea is fine.
- Mm-hmm.
- So... will you be coming
to the meeting this afternoon?
- Wasn't plannin' on it.
- I couldn't talk you into it?
It was 45 in favour,
three against,
by the most recent ballot.
But as of yesterday,
yours is one
of only two households
who have not agreed
to take the package
we're offering.
You and Mr. Loveless. And...
(sighing)
I have to admit... I'm curious.
- About what?
- There's been no work out here
since the cod moratorium.
Most of the younger residents
have already moved away,
and you're turning down
a substantial cash payout.
I guess... I'm just wondering
what your story is.
- Imagine you got everything
you needs to know about me
in that bag of yours.
Hmm?
- "Moses Louis Sweetland,
born November 14, 1948.
Next of kin: None."
- Christ, I'm related to half
the people in Chance Cove.
- No immediate next of kin
I believe is what that means.
Parents deceased.
Brother: Hollis.
And sister: Ruth.
- Both dead.
- Marital status. Single?
Occupation: Lighthouse keeper.
Retired.
- I was let go
when they automated the light
10 years back.
And you were a fisherman
before that?
- Right up until the moratorium
in '92.
- Never lived anywhere else?
- One trip up to Toronto
for work when I was too young
to know better.
(scoffing)
(Moses chuckling)
Not much when you lays it out
like that.
- Not enough to tell me why
you're so set against this move.
- Contrary, I guess.
- You'd rather stay here
with the dead?
- A body could do worse
for company.
- As you know, the government
is offering a package
to the residents of Sweetland
to move anywhere
in the province.
Minimum $100,000 per household.
Up to 150,000,
depending on the size
of the family
and other considerations.
Plus adjustment assistance,
help looking for work
or retraining
or returning to school--
- Jesus, I thought
the government was broke.
- But we will not move a soul
out of here
unless we have a commitment
from everyone to the package.
- Mm-hmm. Same old bullshit.
- You've been made aware
of the September deadline?
- Mm-hmm.
- There are people
hoping to make the move across
as early as this fall.
You can contact me anytime.
(country music playing)
(gulls squawking)
(barking)
(indistinct radio chatter)
(music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
- Traitor! Ah, c'mon,
take the package, ya prick!
(barking)
It's over, boy! It's over!
(indistinct chatter)
(barking)
Take the package, ya prick!
(cattle lowing)
(insistent lowing)
(lowing continues)
(sighing)
(lowing)
(plaintive lowing)
- Here you go, old girl.
Here you go.
Yeah.
Haven't got enough grass here
to keep a rabbit alive.
Never mind a cow about to calve.
Fuckin' Loveless.
There you go, old girl.
Good girl.
Good girl.
Good girl.
- You're not even gonna
say hello?
(saw buzzing)
- Playin' hard to get?
- Oh, you're a natural.
(Moses chuckling)
- See you're putting in
the garden in the week.
- Yes, and don't you trample
all over 'em.
- They'll likely die of the cold
if they comes up anyway, maid.
(woman coughing)
(laughing)
- Have to give these up.
- What's that you're readin'?
- Mm.
One of them books
Sandra sends me
down from the mainland.
- She's still tryin' to wean you
off the Harlequins, is she?
- Yeah.
(man): Who's that there
you're talking to?!
- Hayward,
I'm talking to me boyfriend!
Hayward said he never saw ya
at the town meeting last night.
- I was puttin' in the spuds.
I'll set aside a barrel for you
the fall.
- I won't be here the fall.
- You been saying that 20 year
or more.
- You know that Hayward
took the package.
- Never thought you'd allow it,
just the same.
- Was Sandra talked him into it.
Sure he can't say no
to our girl.
She's putting an apartment
for us in her basement.
She can't wait for us
to get there, she says.
I was born here.
And I had five youngsters
in the same bedroom
I was born in.
The only way I'll be leaving
this house in a box.
- No one's gonna carry you out
in a box, maid.
We'll just lift a few boards
and set you under the floor.
(scoffing)
- Kiss my arse.
- I'll have to take a raincheck.
(chuckling)
- Don't leave it too long.
(Moses laughing)
Don't leave it too long.
(gulls squawking)
- Pop says it's just you
and Loveless wants to stay now.
Will I have to go?
- Not as long as I'm around.
- Pop says they're gonna
drive you out.
- No one's driving me anywhere.
Here you go.
- Mom took me to see a doctor
in St. John's.
- Mm-hmm.
- And how was it?
- Loud.
- And what did the doctor
have to say to ya?
Retarded, is it?
Hmm? Antisocial. Co-dependent.
Mentally unstable. Psychopathic.
Well, what are ya goin'
all the way into St. John's
to see him for, then?
- Don't know. Mom made me.
- Your mother's the one
should be seeing the doctor.
- She sees him, too.
She goes in after me.
- Fat lot of fuckin' good
it's doing her, hey?
Don't mind me.
- I don't.
(chuckling)
- Hollis went into St. John's
to see a doctor one time.
- Where'd you hear
the like of that?
- He told me.
- You were talking to Hollis,
were ya? Is that a fact?
- He was into St. John's
most of the winter one year.
- Finish up now.
We got better things to do
than sit around here jawing.
(humming)
(phone ringing)
You wash up now.
(boy humming)
It's time you got home
to your supper.
(phone ringing)
(boy humming)
(phone ringing)
(ringing)
(ringing)
(Moses sighing)
- We're going out after wood
tomorrow?
- Take one of these
down to your pop.
(phone ringing)
- Can we?
(phone ringing)
- I'll think about it.
Go on home now.
(boy humming)
(ringing)
Evening, Mr. Vatcher.
(chuckling)
(country music playing)
- I'll be done in a minute.
Pilgrim was by earlier.
Said you and Jesse was out
checking slips.
Said Clara wasn't very happy
about it.
- Who've been at this board?
- Would've been seven or eight
had a go
since you was here last.
- You didn't let Loveless touch
anything.
- You're in check there,
if you hadn't noticed.
- Loveless still thinks
it's a goddamn checkerboard.
- He means well.
- So does
the fuckin' government.
- I didn't see you
at the meeting yesterday.
- Taking attendance, was ya?
- There was just Loveless,
yourself and Queenie missing.
It's hard not to notice.
Hayward thinks you and Queenie
must be having
a little something on the side.
- He's not worried
about Loveless?
- Hayward's paranoid,
but he's not an idiot.
- Hmm. Well...
(chuckling)
- You heard that, uh,
he and Queenie signed up
for the package after all?
Check.
(beeping)
(Moses): Jesus. Fuck!
- Hello, the house!
- That'll be herself now.
(door opening)
- You aren't watching porn
over there, are ya?
- Gave it up for Lent.
(beeping)
Fuck.
- He's gotta be bluffing, Moses.
- I'm not taking poker advice
from a blind fucker.
- That's out of season.
- That was meant
for your old man.
- Leave me out of this, Mose.
They're peaked out this year.
They'll be starving in the woods
come the winter.
- I don't want it in the house.
- I only set a dozen slips.
Youngster loves to be out at it.
- Jesse missed a week of school
with me in St. John's.
He don't need to miss no more.
- He asked Pilgrim
if he could go.
- Jesse is saying
he's gonna stay with you here
after everyone else leaves.
- Is that right?
- You haven't said anything
to set the thought in his head,
I hope.
- He knows his own mind.
- He's not good with change,
if that's what you means.
- Have you been telling him
about...
Hollis spending the winter
in the hospital into St. John's?
- Uncle Hollis?
- Jesse said he heard it
straight from Hollis himself.
- What was he in for?
Tuberculosis?
- Jesse was talking like Hollis
was sitting right there with us
in the woods.
- That youngster have
always been a bit touched.
- Dad.
- What? He's talking to Moses's
dead brother, for godssake.
- Got a name for it yet?
- What?
- Ah...
Whatever it is wrong
with the youngster.
- There's a... spectrum.
And he isn't typical
is what they're telling me.
- I could've told ya as much
for free, saved you the trip.
- If I lived in St. John's,
I could get him assessed.
I could get him
into a school program.
- He wants to come over with me
when I goes for a load of wood
tomorrow.
Being outdoors
is what the youngster needs.
(clattering)
- More wood?
- You got a real gift
for observation, Loveless.
- Duke says you got enough split
and stacked to keep hell
in flames for half of eternity.
Your cow ready
to have her calf yet?
- Any day.
- Yeah.
- You got neither bit of hay
to put out for her?
There's not enough grass
left there to feed a rabbit.
- She's after eatin' up
all the hay had set aside
over the winter.
- Can't you get some
from someone else?
- People wants to take
that cow away from me, they do.
- Jesus, Loveless.
Why would anyone want
to take your cow?
Likely they're just trying
to keep the old girl
from starving to death.
- She got plenty there.
- You should have Glad Vatcher
give it a once-over
before the calf comes.
- Sara never had Glad
look at her.
- You're not bloody Sara,
now are ya?
- People's after me
to take the package, Mose.
- Well, let 'em talk.
Don't pay no attention.
- Some people saying
they was gonna burn us out.
- Some who?
Who said
they were gonna burn me out?
- No one direct-like.
There's... there's people
heard it spoke of.
- You haven't been getting
any notes, have ya?
- Notes?
- Ransom notes, like, with...
letters cut out of magazines.
Never mind.
You look out to that cow.
- She's fine.
She'll be alright.
(cow grunting)
(cow moaning)
(cow grunting)
(cow crying out)
(sighing)
(cow moaning)
- Fuckin' Loveless.
(cow lowing)
(bellowing)
(bellowing)
(moaning)
(cow grunting)
(cow groaning)
(cow crying out)
(distant barking)
(cow bellowing)
Loveless!
(cow bellowing)
Got a dead calf out here!
(cow moaning)
Loveless!
(cow moaning)
You're gonna lose that cow
if you don't get your arse
down here!
(cow crying out)
Come on!
The fuck have you got done here
now?
- Goddamn animal.
Nothing but trouble
since Sara died.
- Not the bloody cow's fault!
What were you doing asleep
in bed?
- I was out with her
till almost midnight.
Didn't think
she was gonna go tonight.
(cow moaning)
(crying out)
(plaintive bellowing)
- Get in there.
(bellowing)
(groaning)
(plaintive lowing)
(crying out)
(banging)
- I can't lose Sara's cow.
Will she be alright, you think?
- How did she look to ya?
(soft mooing)
Loveless...
you gotta get in there
and get that calf clear of her,
ya hear me?
(bellowing)
- I don't know
how Sara managed all of this.
I can't do nothing without her.
(cow crying out)
- Go dig a hole out back.
(bellowing)
(Moses): Come on, girl.
(cow moaning)
(Moses): There we go. Alright.
(cow bellowing)
Alright.
- Mose?
(cow moaning)
(bellowing)
Mose?
- What?!
- I'm going to take the package.
- You're just tired is all.
- No.
Got me mind made up on it.
I can't do nothing here
without Sara.
(cow bellowing)
- Go dig a goddamn hole. Go on.
(cow moaning)
(bellowing)
(Moses whispering)
(cow bellowing)
(sighing)
(sighing)
You leave that youngster
alone now, Hollis.
(distant noise)
(electronic beeping)
Shouldn't you be
into the school?
- It's dinnertime.
(Moses groaning)
- You put in a fire.
- It was cold in here.
You looked cold.
I got you some clean clothes
from upstairs.
Tell me the story
about the coat.
- What coat?
- The one you and Hollis wore.
You had to go out
and check the nets.
- Mm. I don't know
if I remembers much about it.
- In the morning, before school.
Hollis says you tell it best.
(muttering)
- Well...
We was up before the light,
just the two of us.
Puttin' a bit of fire
in the stove.
The house cold as stone.
Still dark
when we walked to the stage
and climbed down into the punt.
- You only had one coat.
- Yeah.
It was an hour's haul
out to the herring net,
and we only the one decent coat
between us;
that was father's old jacket.
Neither one of us was big enough
to fill her on our own,
so we'd sit side by side...
...with one arm each
in the sleeves.
- Why'd you have to share
a coat?
- It was hard times
after Father died and...
...just me and Hollis
to look after the fish.
Hollis wouldn't as old as you
back then.
- You was with Hollis
when he drowned.
- That's enough of that now.
- But Hollis says--
- I heard enough
of what your imaginary friend
says about it all.
- He's not imaginary.
- Well, I'm not talking to him
either way.
(beeping)
Well.
(indistinct chatter)
(background chatter)
- How you holdin' up?
- I wasted half my life trying
to get her off the smokes.
(chuckling)
And the other half...
trying to get her out the door
of this fucking house.
(sighing)
You need a drink?
- Nah.
- Mom's last pack.
Thought I'd finish 'em off
for her.
Come out with me.
- Oh...
(sighing)
- You know,
Mom always talked about ya.
When she called. Ahem.
She always had a bit of news
about ya.
(Moses chuckling)
- A body gotta scrounge for news
around here.
(woman chuckling)
- I always thought
Mom was sweet on ya.
(Moses scoffing)
(woman chuckling)
She told me...
...ages ago,
before I went to university.
She said...
she always had it in her head
that you and her
were gonna get married.
- She was having you on.
- No.
No, she wasn't.
(chuckling)
Ahem. She was, um...
...talking about before lights
come to the island.
The crowd of you would all be...
...knocking around together,
looking for trouble.
Grassing out in the meadow
behind the church.
- Ah, we was just youngsters
messing about.
Didn't know the first thing.
- Bustin' for a pee.
- Go on, girl.
I'll wait for ya.
- Can't face that crowd
in there.
Watch out for me, will ya?
Must be hard for you, Moses.
(grunting)
Being in the king's seat on
all this resettlement business.
Can't imagine a lonelier spot.
- I never minded being alone.
- You know what Mom used to say
about ya?
She'd say...
"That... is a good man
goin' to waste, that is."
A sin you never had
youngsters...
...of your own.
'Cause of the accident, is it?
Up in Toronto.
(chuckling)
Plenty of women
would've had you.
Don't think I don't know.
Even if you couldn't.
Or you wouldn't able.
- Sandra.
- You ever been with a woman,
Moses?
- Your poor mother
is just put in the ground.
(Sandra scoffing)
- Don't mind me.
(chuckling)
Sure I'm half-cut.
(laughing)
- You really should go back
inside.
(clinking)
Mm. That was a nice surprise.
(Pilgrim): Yeah.
Fridge is blocked
with leftovers.
We'll never eat it all.
- Yeah.
Hayward and Sandra get off?
- Caught the ferry this morning.
(phone ringing)
Clara says Hayward only had
the one suitcase with him.
(Moses mumbling)
Left the house
and everything in it.
Nailed the door shut
on his way out.
(phone ringing)
(ringing)
You gonna answer that?
- No one I wants to speak to,
I'm guessin'.
(ringing)
- Well, I-I'd say that's Clara
calling us down to our dinner.
- Sure you just ate half a cake.
(ringing)
(beep)
- Hello.
Uh... no, no.
Uh, y-yes, hang on. Um...
Uh, no, sir.
No, no, he's right here.
That's the one
from the government,
the fellow was out here
for the last--
- Tell him I'm not here.
- I just said you was.
- Say you made a mistake.
You're blind, for chrissakes.
- Answer the goddamn phone,
Moses.
(stammering)
- Jesus.
(sighing)
Yes.
- Mr. Sweetland.
- This is he.
- I hope you're keeping well.
(chuckling)
- I imagine
you wishes I was dead,
like everyone else around here.
- Mr. Sweetland,
I've heard the news
about Queenie Coffin.
I just wanted to say
that I'm sorry for your loss.
- Oh,
so this is a sympathy call,
is it?
- I've also been in touch
with Mr. Loveless,
and he has committed to signing
on to the package.
You're aware of this,
I presume.
- News to me.
- I thought I should check in
with you to see
if there have been
any developments since
I checked in with you last.
- Mm.
- Mr. Sweetland--
- I appreciate your concern.
Thank you for calling.
That was Clara, was it,
calling you down to your dinner?
- Now, Moses--
- They sent you up here
to make sure he got through.
Is that it?
Blind leading the blind.
You're a gutless wonder,
you are.
- Jesus Christ, Mose,
you got to stop being
so bullheaded--
- Why?! Tell me why it is
I gotta stop?!
- How much longer
is it you expects to be around,
Moses?
You're an old man.
We're all old men!
What's Jesse gonna have here
once we goes?
Clara's got a chance to go
somewhere with a bit of money
to see the boy looked after.
And you're gonna fuck it up!
(barking)
(grunting)
(barking)
(barking)
(barking)
- Fuck.
(distant shouting)
(people whooping)
(laughter)
(singsong): Moses!
- Moses!
- Moses!
(whooping)
(laughter)
(indistinct chatter)
(woman): Moses! Moses!
(man): What do you know, Moses?!
(woman): Mose, your stage.
- Where's Jesse?
- He's up at the house with Dad.
We got to get a hose on that.
- She's gone.
- No, we might--
- Stop it.
Not a goddamn thing to be done.
She's gone.
(children laughing)
(man chanting): Moses!
Come out and play, Moses!
- I suppose they're all happy
as pigs in shit down there now.
- There's only one thing
gonna make them happy about you.
- Yeah.
Any money on who did it?
- Could've been half a dozen
different people.
- Mm. Wouldn't you, was it?
- Don't think I wasn't tempted.
- Hmm.
- People are always asking me
why you're so set
on screwing 'em over.
I keeps telling 'em
it's 'cause you're pigheaded.
You likes being the one knot
can't be untied.
But truth be told,
I think you're scared.
Scared to let go of the place.
Afraid none of it
meant anything.
Do you remember what you told me
after Mom died?
- It was a long time ago.
- You said as long
as we remembers her,
she's still here with us.
And that might be true.
But my mother is not coming back
in that door.
You cuts the grass
up at the cemetery,
you paints the fence,
keeps the headstones upright.
It's the... prettiest spot
in the cove.
But that isn't life up there,
Moses.
It wouldn't be the end
of the world, would it?
To live somewhere else?
- Why'd you move home here,
Clara,
if you hates the place so much?
- Because I wanted you around
for Jesse.
The way you was for me.
Why do you think I used to
carry him up to see you
at the lighthouse every Sunday
after I moved back?
- I figured you just wanted
to skip out on church.
- Shut up, would ya?
(chuckling)
Ah, just shut up. Jesus.
You remembers how I used to
light your cigarettes for ya
when I was a girl?
- Hmm.
(Clara sighing)
- I used to sit out in the yard
and watch you chop wood
and yammer on about one thing
or other.
- You could talk.
I remember that much
well enough.
- You never treated me
like a nuisance is what I mean.
- Uh-huh.
How is he?
- He said he saw a light on
in Queenie's window
the other day.
- Ah.
- We told him the electricity
had been shut off, but...
it didn't sway him.
I set two chairs outside
and we sat staring at it
till it was time for bed.
But he still insists he saw it.
I found a specialist
that I wanna set him up with
this summer.
She says the more structure
we can give him, the better.
For the life of me, Moses...
...I can't understand
why you wants to deny him that.
- The food fishery opens
the weekend...
I could take Jesse out
after a few cod.
If they don't burn my boat
before then.
- He thinks a lot
of your opinion.
(scoffing)
- Hmm.
(chuckling)
(gulls squawking)
- You gonna bring me back
a fish?
- Yep.
- Maybe two or three?
(laughter)
Make sure he keeps
his lifejacket on.
- Have you got a lifejacket
for Hollis?
- Hollis is staying home
with me.
- Hollis can come if he wants.
But I got neither lifejacket
for him.
Now come on.
- This is where it happened.
- Where what happened?
- Where Hollis died.
- I suppose it was Hollis
told you that, was it?
- Poppy told me.
- And what else
did Poppy tell you?
- He says you was the only one
was there,
so it's only you
can tell the story.
- What about your buddy, Hollis?
He was there, wouldn't he?
- He says you can tell the story
when you're ready.
- It was October month.
We were out trawlin'.
Baited the trawl with squid
and let it fish on the bottom
awhile.
When Hollis started bringing in
the trawl, I was at the motor,
just...
...keeping her steady ahead.
I suppose you never even seen
a trawl like that, have ya?
Hollis was standing up
by the trawl,
and there was one fish,
a big one.
Come off the hook
right at the surface,
so I shoved the engine in
reverse to bring us back a ways
so's Hollis could reach it.
Hollis fell across the hooks
is what happened.
He wouldn't expecting me
to shift into reverse and he...
...lost his balance.
Hooks caught up in his clothes
and dragged him into the water.
And I panicked, I suppose. I...
I cut the trawl line.
Worst thing I could've done.
- He's not mad at you.
- He said that, did he?
- He wanted me to tell you.
- Well, then.
(phone ringing)
(ringing)
- Hello?
- Yes.
It's Sweetland calling.
- Moses Sweetland?
- This is he.
(gulls squawking)
(indistinct chatter)
(laughter)
- You're not coming
to the meeting?
- I signed the papers.
I'm not gonna sit there
and listen
to that government fucker gloat.
- What did Jesse say
when you told him you signed on?
- It was Clara told him.
Can't face him just yet.
(saw buzzing)
(bell clanging)
(woman): Moses!!!
Moses!!!
(people shouting)
- Mose!
Mose!
He gone missing.
We can't find him.
- Who?
- Jesse. He run off somewhere.
There's no one can find him.
(people calling Jesse's name)
Mose! Mose!
- Jesse?
(woman): Jesse!
- Jesse?
Jesse!
Jesse!
Jesse!
- Jesse!
- Jesse!!!
(bell clanging)
- Jesse!
(bell clanging)
Jess!
Jesse!
(Pilgrim): There's no sense
traipsing around out there
in the dark.
Someone's gonna get themselves
killed at that.
- Can't sit around here
with our fingers up our arse.
- We get a bonfire
going up on the mash,
out at the keeper's house,
over on the cliffs.
- Not the cliffs.
He could walk right off trying
to make his way to the fire.
- Alright, we'll get a fire
somewhere on the trail,
half a mile or so shy
of the cliffs.
- We should make sure
all the lights are on here,
help him find his way down
if he's lookings.
- He won't see the lights
in the cove
till he gets to The King's Seat.
If he's on the mash,
won't help a damn.
Does that PA in the steeple work
at all?
- Hasn't been used in 20 years.
- Be worth checking.
You could hear that racket
halfways to Little Sweetland.
Might lead him in.
- Alright.
I'll see what I can do with it.
(music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
(gulls squawking)
(music playing)
- Could be he's home and dry
by now.
(Moses grunting)
- Turned off that friggin' music
for long ago if he was home.
(groaning)
(Duke): Moses! Moses!
- What?!
What is it?!
- Just have a look down here!
Just look. Over there.
- Where?
Where are you lookin'?
What?
- Just there. Look. Have a look.
Over there. What's that?
- Oh, my god. Oh, fuck.
- Might not even be
the youngster, Moses.
- Oh, Jesse. Oh, god.
I got a length of line
in the bag!
- Oh, for fuck sake,
you can't climb down there!
Mose! Moses!
- Oh, god. Oh, god.
Ah, jeez.
Oh, no.
(dramatic music)
(exclaiming)
(dour music)
(music fading)
- Morning, Moses.
- What's this, now?
- I thought you might like
to have something of his.
He'd like to know
it was you had it.
(distant barking)
Haven't seen much of you
the last few weeks.
- I been busy.
- Found a place for Dad...
into St. John's.
- What kind of place?
- Assisted living, it's called.
- Hmm.
What, some stranger comes in
to wipe your ass, is it?
- Don't.
(Moses grunting)
- Ah, just don't.
- Ah, don't mind me.
- I never did thank you.
For bringing...
(sniffling)
For bringing him home.
- I never should've signed on
to the package.
- You can't blame yourself
for this, Moses.
- Why can't I?
- It won't help...
is what I mean.
- Mm.
I'm not looking for help.
(gulls squawking)
(ship's horn blowing)
(music playing)
- You're off, then.
- Yeah. Ferry's due in at 3:00.
- Let's see what you got.
- What are you talking about
now?
- Last chance
at a paying customer.
(Duke chuckling)
- You don't want this hand
at your head with scissors,
Moses.
- Use the clippers.
- For chrissake.
- Come on.
I wants it nice and tight
at the back and sides.
- Have you started packing up
the house yet?
- I'm in no rush.
- Well, last ferry out of here
is leaving next week.
- I knows
the fuckin' ferry schedule.
(music playing)
- Where's it you're heading now?
- Thought I might go poach
a few cod.
- What you got in the bag?
- Mind your own
goddamn business.
- How long you going for?
(motor starting)
(Loveless): Mose.
Mose?
(chuckling)
- Jesus fuck.
(banging)
(grunting)
(sloshing)
(gulls squawking)
(soft music)
(groaning)
Fuckin' Loveless.
(sighing)
Now, then.
Who's got it better than this?
(clicking)
(splashing)
Hey!
Hey!!!
(sighing)
(bell tolling)
(bell tolling)
(sound fading)
(jangling)
(sniffling)
(creaking)
(panting)
Mm...
(thumping)
(grunting)
(engine stalling)
(gulls squawking)
(door slamming open)
(grunting)
Duke Fewer, you lousy fucker!
(grunting)
(thunder)
(thunder)
(thunder rumbling)
(thunder crashing)
(groaning)
(exclaiming)
(groaning)
(crying out)
(panting lightly)
(knocking)
(woman): Hello, the house!
Jesus loves the little children.
(man): I knew it.
I fuckin knew it.
- What have you got done
to yourself?
- Had a little spell
of hard luck.
- Come on,
help me get him onto the chair.
Go on.
Come on. Come on.
What is it?
- You crowd is real, is ya?
- Real as you are.
- Huh.
- I could kill you, you know.
Making everyone think
you was drowned like that.
- What in the name of Jesus
were you doing here, Moses?
You lost your mind altogether,
did ya?
- Did he mean to do it?
(Clara): Who?
- Jesse.
- I don't think
he had it in him.
- Oh...
That youngster was all nerve.
- I don't think the idea
would've occurred to him
is what I mean.
It wouldn't in his nature.
- An accident.
- The fog came in
over the headlands
before he ran up there.
He missed the cairns
on the path, he fell.
More than likely.
- Do you ever...
Do you ever see him, like?
- What do you mean?
You've seen him?
- I don't know.
I don't know.
Might be I have.
Or Hollis.
Maybe. I don't know.
- Mom used to talk to me
about Hollis, you know.
That story where he fell
across the trawl line
and you cut it loose.
She didn't believe a word of it.
She used to say that Hollis
was a bit...
...touched.
Like Jesse.
- Mm-hmm.
- He was acting really strange
that morning, she says.
Before you went out.
He was... happy almost.
Gave her a hug,
told her how much he loved her.
Did the same with Nan.
She thinks
he was saying goodbye.
And that you made up some story
about a fish
to spare them the truth.
You should try to sleep.
- Don't go.
- You haven't turned into a sook
out here, have you?
(laughing)
- Might be.
- You go on up.
(chuckling)
- Moses fuckin' Sweetland.
(chuckling)
- Come on now. Come on.
Let's get you up now. Come on.