Tethered (2022) Movie Script
1
I hope you
never have to hear this tape
as that means
we've left the farm.
We moved here to this land to keep you
safe and to help your mother get well.
She isn't getting better.
I fear she's getting worse.
Come on,
let's check the traps.
I've got your coat.
Right here.
Shhh.
I'm going to let you find
the first trap, okay, Solomon?
Hold on.
Drop it in.
Go on.
Be careful!
I'm sorry, Mother!
What did I do?
Nothing.
Never mind.
Okay, cut her in half.
Good job, Solomon.
You've learned well.
Okay, now take one.
Mm-hm.
Excellent.
Okay.
Where?
Good, go ahead.
He's not jumping anymore.
How long have you had
him in there?
Mm... Mm?
Oh, Solomon.
Creatures can't survive like that. They need
to be able to breathe and eat and drink.
You know what today is?
What?
It's
your father's birthday.
Oh.
I thought maybe
we could go fishing.
He loved to take you fishing,
remember?
We could bake a cake.
How's that sound?
Really? Okay!
Well, then come on.
What happened?
Nothing. Why?
Where did the animals go?
You're very observant,
aren't you?
I guess they went
to find their own food.
Maybe they thought
we were hunting them.
Or maybe they're as observing as you
are and they went to warn the fish!
Mama...
What happens when we... die?
Why are you thinking
about dying?
I don't know.
Is that just like...
the end?
Oh, no, it's not... It's not really
the end. It's more like a change.
What kind of change?
Well.
You know, when a caterpillar
turns into a butterfly?
It's sort of like that.
Life goes on
but in a different way.
Listen, you don't have to worry
about that right now, okay?
You're young
and you're strong
and you're going to be
around for a long time.
You know, I think we might
have better luck catching fish
if we had real worms instead
of these plastic bobbers.
I'll find some!
Here! Hold this for me.
Don't go too far!
Solomon?
- Solomon!
- Ah...!
Not to go too far!
What are you doing?
I... I was trying to find
big ones.
Here. I'm sorry.
All right, sweetie,
those are big worms
but we are done fishing
for today.
We need to leave now.
- I got one.
- Oh, sweetheart.
Good job. Keep going.
Millie.
How did you get loose again?
Millie needs milking.
I'll be right back.
Come on, Millie.
Shall we sing
"Happy Birthday"?
Happy Birthday to...
Do we have to?
No, I just thought
it might be nice.
I don't feel like it.
Okay, well...
maybe you just want to make
a wish and blow out a candle.
It's right in front of you.
Yay, Solomon.
What'd you wish for?
I can't tell you.
Hey! Cut it out!
I love you so much!
Once upon a time,
near a tiny village
beside a tiny bay,
there lived a baby goat
in a tiny woodland, far away.
Mama goat and
Papa goat loved their baby so.
They nurtured him
and kept him safe
and watched him
bloom and grow.
Then Mama would sing a lullaby
to help him fall asleep
while Papa rocked him in his
arms and Baby counted sheep.
On and on, it went this way
as baby goat grew old.
He never wandered
far from home
always doing as he's told.
Until one day
he ventured off
roaming far and wide.
Climbing up and over hills
and down the other side.
Past the stream,
into the woods
where the canopy turns black.
Further,
deeper and darker he went
until it was time to go back.
"But which way to go?"
he wondered aloud,
unsure of how to get home.
"What have I done?
Where have I come?
And just how far
have I roamed?"
Frightened and
crying and turned all around,
that's when he heard it,
a terrible sound.
A trumpet of.
Or is it teeth?
Slouched and crouched
and hungry for meat.
Baby goat ran
with furious speed.
Out of the woods,
over the stream.
Over
the hills and down the path,
closer and closer to home
at last!
Where Mama
and Papa held him tight,
loving him and hugging him
with all their might.
"You scared us!"
They yelled,
"You can't run away!
We love you and need you
and want you to stay!"
Baby goat cried,
hugging them back
and promised
to always be good.
And always he was
and never he did return
to the darkened wood.
I'm glad
baby goat made it home, okay.
Me too.
He knew to get away
from that terrible noise!
He sure did.
Solomon?
Yes?
You asked me earlier,
what happens when we die.
You said we change
but I don't understand
about the butterfly.
That's okay.
No one does, not really.
That's what faith is all about.
Faith?
You remember
when Millie got really sick
and I said
she might not make it?
You said,
"She might die,"
but I said, "No way!"
And you were right.
She got better.
That's what faith is about.
It's when you believe in
something that you can't prove.
You believe in it anyway
even though you can't see it.
I think that's your gift,
Solomon.
I have faith in a lot of things
because I can't see anything.
You are a good boy.
Good night.
I love you.
Mama?
Hmm?
I have faith in you.
I have faith in you too,
Solomon.
Solomon.
Solomon, I am so sorry.
I have to leave you now,
sweetheart.
I cannot stay here.
You will have to be strong
on your own
like I know that you can.
All you need to do
is follow our three rules
and they will keep you safe
as they have always done.
You remember our rules,
don't you, Solomon?
The first rule.
We must always give back
to the forest
which provides for us.
So when you hunt or scavenge,
do it for two:
one for the forest
and one for you.
The second rule.
When your will
is almost gone
and you feel like giving up,
find comfort in singing
our song.
The third and final rule,
now, this is
the most important of all.
Solomon, you must never,
ever let go of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep you
safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto it
and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
I love you.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
Millie,
what happened, girl?
Millie!
Millie!
Millie!
Hey, boy, that's my deer.
Stop. Easy, kid.
I'm not gonna hurt you.
- No.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey. Calm down. You're bleeding.
Now, I'm just trying
to help you, kid.
How are we here?
Your rope.
I figured you must have
something important attached.
Wasn't expecting a house.
Didn't want to lose it?
Where are your parents, kid?
Anyone else around here?
I'm fine.
I'm not... I'm not kid.
'Course you're not.
I apologize.
You don't seem like a kid.
My name's Hank.
Where's my rope?
Rope's right here.
I'll pass it to ya.
Is your name Lucas?
How do you know Lucas?
I don't. I just saw
his name on that knife.
Is it Lucas's knife?
It's mine now.
Well, what's your name, then?
Solomon.
Hello, Solomon.
It's nice to meet you.
Please don't stab me.
Here's your rope.
No one answered
your door earlier.
Is anyone else
coming back here tonight?
I'd be more than happy to
finish helping you
clean up that cut.
Give you a couple aspirin, in
exchange for
a place to stay 'til mornin'.
Aspirin?
Yeah, aspirin.
You don't know what aspirin is?
No.
It's a medicine
to make the aches
and pains go away.
Trust me,
you'll thank me for it.
I don't need your help.
I can see that...
but I need your help, Solomon.
I'll be blind in them woods
when that sun go down.
And I don't
have a rope like you.
But I have a deer.
I could make us both dinner.
Uh...
I'll take that as a yes, then.
Solomon.
Solomon, I am so sorry.
I have to leave you now,
sweetheart.
I cannot stay here.
You will have to be strong
on your own
like I know that you can.
All you need to do
is follow our three rules
and they will keep you safe
as they have always done.
You remember our rules,
don't you, Solomon?
The first rule.
We must always
give back to the forest
which provides for us.
So when you hunt or
scavenge, do it for two:
one for the forest
and one for you.
The second rule.
When your will is
almost gone and you feel
like giving up, find
comfort in singing our song.
The third and final rule,
now, this is the
most important of all.
Solomon, you must never,
ever let go of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep
you safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto
it and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
I love you.
I think it's ready!
Thank you.
Ya like it?
Mind if I sleep in here
by the fire tonight?
Okay.
Hey, Solomon.
If you want to go with me
in the morning,
I could get you
somewhere safe.
I just mean,
I noticed you were running low
- on canned food and I could...
- No.
Okay, fine.
I just wanted to offer
some help.
I don't need help.
I love your home, too.
And I wouldn't want
to leave it either.
Hey, uh, I noticed the picture
of your mom and dad.
You know,
you look so much like your mom.
I mean, just like
your dad, too, but...
so much like your mom.
- I loved her.
- Mm.
I'm tired.
Sure, of course.
I'm beat too.
It's been a long day.
I'll clean up.
The hell was that?
Do you know what that was?
No.
Have you ever
heard that before?
I don't think so.
You don't think so?
Well, it didn't sound good.
Let me get a flashlight.
Where are you going?
To see what that was.
It stopped.
Stopped what though?
I don't want it startin' again.
What are you gonna do?
Depends on what it is, I guess.
You just stay here.
I'll be right back.
A'right?
Solomon?
Do you know what kind
of animal is out there?
Do ya?
I thought somethin'
was gon' kill me.
Tell me if you know what it is.
Whatever it is,
it was big enough
to kill a bear.
I mean, it wasn't a huge bear,
but it was a bear and bears...
It's okay, Solomon.
We're safe now.
I think.
How the hell
am I gon' get you outta here
with that thing in them woods?
It's nice.
That song.
Hey! Good morning!
Thanks for letting me
stay here last night.
Do you know anything about
what was out there last night?
You know...
there's a...
lot of deer left over.
I was just thinking I could
show you how to preserve it.
Have a little deer jerky
around in the winter.
Looks like you got
a old smoker right here.
That was my dad's.
What happened to him?
He left.
I'm sorry, Solomon.
Well, I see a...
lot of materials around here.
We could build a new one.
And grate,
some metal stakes.
Yeah.
I think...
I can work with this.
Now, do you happen
to have a chain?
Uh, I found one before.
In the woods.
But it's stuck.
Stuck to what?
I don't know.
Well, you have some
bolt cutters here.
Can you take me so I can see?
Yeah. I can...
I can check my traps.
Clever.
Ah, there's nothing
in your trap.
It's pretty amazing to me
how you move around so well
with your rope.
Mm. Rope is my guide.
It's around here.
Well, there's a whole heck
of a lot of
around here, Solomon.
You gon' have to throw me
a bone here, kid.
Oh, it's right here!
You were right, Solomon.
It's right here.
Does look like it's attached
to something, doesn't it?
Let's see what it is.
I guess you're not coming?
No.
A'right, you stay right there.
I'll be right back.
Oh, shit!
I don't know,
it goes into some kind of den.
I couldn't pull it out.
A den?
Some kind of hole
in the ground.
It don't really matter,
though, I guess.
We got what we need.
Hey, uh...
Will the deer fit?
No, no,
we will have more than enough
left over to cook regular.
Yeah.
Can I have a piece?
Yeah. I just said
we have plenty.
A'right, now.
Solomon!
What are you doing?
Hunt and scavenge
do it for two,
one for the forest
and one for you.
What the hell is that?
Witchcraft?
You always throw
dead animals out here?
Uh, yes.
Well, that explains
why some animal
was prowling around last night.
What say you and I go find out
what kind of beast that was
while it's light out.
I can't.
You won't... I'll be right here
to help you, Solomon...
No, Hank!
So you do remember my name?
Why? Can't lose the rope?
I can help you with that, too.
You just have
to trust me a little.
Whatever is out there
ain't gon' go away
if you keep feeding it.
We can set a trap for it.
I mean,
unless you just feel safe
all alone out here,
that's cool.
You probably right.
You got this under control,
all on your own.
How?
How you got it under control?
How can you help me?
You can stay tied up
just as safe with this.
It will just give you
a little more freedom is all.
And you don't have
to worry about my knots.
I spent the first half
of my life on a boat.
You hear that?
Strong like bull!
Now feel it.
Yeah! America-made!
Strong like bull.
Okay.
'Kay. Okay.
All right, let me get
one more thing.
Come on. Let's go get
this sumbitch.
I got you, kid.
Hold on. Let's go.
Uh, is this
where you seen it?
Yeah, well, somewhere
around here.
I don't think
it's around here now.
I hope not.
But between you and me,
I think we've reached
the end of our hope.
Huh?
It's a joke.
Never mind.
Old man, knuckle sandwich joke.
Hank!
Solomon!
Hank!
Solomon!
Come on,
let me get you outta here.
Let me get you home.
It's not safe out here.
Come on, I got you. I got you.
Come on, come on.
Follow me. I got you.
I got you, kid.
We safe now. Don't worry.
Whatever that was
can't get in here.
That trap will get it quick.
You okay.
Hold on.
I saw somethin' last night.
Was your mother's name
Nye-dia by any chance?
Nydia.
Did you know
she wrote a journal?
What?
I found her journal.
"To the joy of my life,
Solomon."
And she signed it, "Nydia."
What does it say?
I don't know.
You want me to read it?
She had beautiful handwritin'.
"Sunday.
Happy birthday, Solomon.
I cannot believe
you are four years old today.
How have four years
come and gone so quickly?
I broke down in tears
last week when I realized
you were not going to be
three anymore.
I told your father
that I was heartbroken
because I could barely
remember you as an infant now."
"He got this journal
so I could
write down all of the things
we'd do together
and not forget.
He meant it as a gift for you.
But I think it's more for me."
"I doubt you will care
as much about how cute
your little fingers
are in the grass..."
"As you...
try to catch a grasshopper
or how your laugh
can pull me from sorrow
and transform me
back to paradise.
Your father and I
love you so much, Solomon.
Tuesday.
I couldn't understand it.
I was heartbroken.
I don't know why.
I just wanted
to keep you safe.
I think that's all
any mother really wants.
I told Lucas
that you belong here.
The ache for home
lives in all of us,
the safe place
where we can go as we are
and not be questioned.
I don't think he agreed
with me, though.
He can seem so different
from me sometimes.
All I have to do
is hold you close, Solomon.
You console my heart.
It dances in delight
when we sing together."
Just thinking of our lullaby
can sooth my soul.
I love you.
Good night, Solomon."
Hmm.
Here we go.
"Wednesday.
I cannot believe
he tried to take...
What?
What is it?
Why'd you stop reading?
Um, it's getting really late.
Uh, that's enough for tonight.
No, please, Hank,
just some more...
How 'bout we get some shut eye?
- Not tonight.
- Okay.
Never, ever let go
of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep
you safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto it
and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
I love you.
Hank?
Hank!
Hank!
Hank?
I cannot stay here.
You will have to be
strong on your own
like I know that you can.
All you need to do is
follow our three rules
and they will keep you safe
as they have always...
You remember our rules,
don't you, Solomon?
The first rule:
we must always give back
to the forest
which provides for us.
So when you hunt or scavenge,
do it for two:
one for the forest
and one for you.
The second rule:
when your will is almost gone
and you feel like giving up,
find comfort
in singing our song...
The third and final rule,
now, this is the most
important rule of all:
Solomon, you must never,
ever let go of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep
you safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto it
and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
Hank!
- Hank!
- I love you.
Hank!
Hank!
Hank!
Mother.
I hope you
never have to hear this tape
as that means
we've left the farm.
We moved here to this land to keep you
safe and to help your mother get well.
She isn't getting better.
I fear she's getting worse.
Come on,
let's check the traps.
I've got your coat.
Right here.
Shhh.
I'm going to let you find
the first trap, okay, Solomon?
Hold on.
Drop it in.
Go on.
Be careful!
I'm sorry, Mother!
What did I do?
Nothing.
Never mind.
Okay, cut her in half.
Good job, Solomon.
You've learned well.
Okay, now take one.
Mm-hm.
Excellent.
Okay.
Where?
Good, go ahead.
He's not jumping anymore.
How long have you had
him in there?
Mm... Mm?
Oh, Solomon.
Creatures can't survive like that. They need
to be able to breathe and eat and drink.
You know what today is?
What?
It's
your father's birthday.
Oh.
I thought maybe
we could go fishing.
He loved to take you fishing,
remember?
We could bake a cake.
How's that sound?
Really? Okay!
Well, then come on.
What happened?
Nothing. Why?
Where did the animals go?
You're very observant,
aren't you?
I guess they went
to find their own food.
Maybe they thought
we were hunting them.
Or maybe they're as observing as you
are and they went to warn the fish!
Mama...
What happens when we... die?
Why are you thinking
about dying?
I don't know.
Is that just like...
the end?
Oh, no, it's not... It's not really
the end. It's more like a change.
What kind of change?
Well.
You know, when a caterpillar
turns into a butterfly?
It's sort of like that.
Life goes on
but in a different way.
Listen, you don't have to worry
about that right now, okay?
You're young
and you're strong
and you're going to be
around for a long time.
You know, I think we might
have better luck catching fish
if we had real worms instead
of these plastic bobbers.
I'll find some!
Here! Hold this for me.
Don't go too far!
Solomon?
- Solomon!
- Ah...!
Not to go too far!
What are you doing?
I... I was trying to find
big ones.
Here. I'm sorry.
All right, sweetie,
those are big worms
but we are done fishing
for today.
We need to leave now.
- I got one.
- Oh, sweetheart.
Good job. Keep going.
Millie.
How did you get loose again?
Millie needs milking.
I'll be right back.
Come on, Millie.
Shall we sing
"Happy Birthday"?
Happy Birthday to...
Do we have to?
No, I just thought
it might be nice.
I don't feel like it.
Okay, well...
maybe you just want to make
a wish and blow out a candle.
It's right in front of you.
Yay, Solomon.
What'd you wish for?
I can't tell you.
Hey! Cut it out!
I love you so much!
Once upon a time,
near a tiny village
beside a tiny bay,
there lived a baby goat
in a tiny woodland, far away.
Mama goat and
Papa goat loved their baby so.
They nurtured him
and kept him safe
and watched him
bloom and grow.
Then Mama would sing a lullaby
to help him fall asleep
while Papa rocked him in his
arms and Baby counted sheep.
On and on, it went this way
as baby goat grew old.
He never wandered
far from home
always doing as he's told.
Until one day
he ventured off
roaming far and wide.
Climbing up and over hills
and down the other side.
Past the stream,
into the woods
where the canopy turns black.
Further,
deeper and darker he went
until it was time to go back.
"But which way to go?"
he wondered aloud,
unsure of how to get home.
"What have I done?
Where have I come?
And just how far
have I roamed?"
Frightened and
crying and turned all around,
that's when he heard it,
a terrible sound.
A trumpet of.
Or is it teeth?
Slouched and crouched
and hungry for meat.
Baby goat ran
with furious speed.
Out of the woods,
over the stream.
Over
the hills and down the path,
closer and closer to home
at last!
Where Mama
and Papa held him tight,
loving him and hugging him
with all their might.
"You scared us!"
They yelled,
"You can't run away!
We love you and need you
and want you to stay!"
Baby goat cried,
hugging them back
and promised
to always be good.
And always he was
and never he did return
to the darkened wood.
I'm glad
baby goat made it home, okay.
Me too.
He knew to get away
from that terrible noise!
He sure did.
Solomon?
Yes?
You asked me earlier,
what happens when we die.
You said we change
but I don't understand
about the butterfly.
That's okay.
No one does, not really.
That's what faith is all about.
Faith?
You remember
when Millie got really sick
and I said
she might not make it?
You said,
"She might die,"
but I said, "No way!"
And you were right.
She got better.
That's what faith is about.
It's when you believe in
something that you can't prove.
You believe in it anyway
even though you can't see it.
I think that's your gift,
Solomon.
I have faith in a lot of things
because I can't see anything.
You are a good boy.
Good night.
I love you.
Mama?
Hmm?
I have faith in you.
I have faith in you too,
Solomon.
Solomon.
Solomon, I am so sorry.
I have to leave you now,
sweetheart.
I cannot stay here.
You will have to be strong
on your own
like I know that you can.
All you need to do
is follow our three rules
and they will keep you safe
as they have always done.
You remember our rules,
don't you, Solomon?
The first rule.
We must always give back
to the forest
which provides for us.
So when you hunt or scavenge,
do it for two:
one for the forest
and one for you.
The second rule.
When your will
is almost gone
and you feel like giving up,
find comfort in singing
our song.
The third and final rule,
now, this is
the most important of all.
Solomon, you must never,
ever let go of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep you
safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto it
and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
I love you.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
Millie,
what happened, girl?
Millie!
Millie!
Millie!
Hey, boy, that's my deer.
Stop. Easy, kid.
I'm not gonna hurt you.
- No.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey. Calm down. You're bleeding.
Now, I'm just trying
to help you, kid.
How are we here?
Your rope.
I figured you must have
something important attached.
Wasn't expecting a house.
Didn't want to lose it?
Where are your parents, kid?
Anyone else around here?
I'm fine.
I'm not... I'm not kid.
'Course you're not.
I apologize.
You don't seem like a kid.
My name's Hank.
Where's my rope?
Rope's right here.
I'll pass it to ya.
Is your name Lucas?
How do you know Lucas?
I don't. I just saw
his name on that knife.
Is it Lucas's knife?
It's mine now.
Well, what's your name, then?
Solomon.
Hello, Solomon.
It's nice to meet you.
Please don't stab me.
Here's your rope.
No one answered
your door earlier.
Is anyone else
coming back here tonight?
I'd be more than happy to
finish helping you
clean up that cut.
Give you a couple aspirin, in
exchange for
a place to stay 'til mornin'.
Aspirin?
Yeah, aspirin.
You don't know what aspirin is?
No.
It's a medicine
to make the aches
and pains go away.
Trust me,
you'll thank me for it.
I don't need your help.
I can see that...
but I need your help, Solomon.
I'll be blind in them woods
when that sun go down.
And I don't
have a rope like you.
But I have a deer.
I could make us both dinner.
Uh...
I'll take that as a yes, then.
Solomon.
Solomon, I am so sorry.
I have to leave you now,
sweetheart.
I cannot stay here.
You will have to be strong
on your own
like I know that you can.
All you need to do
is follow our three rules
and they will keep you safe
as they have always done.
You remember our rules,
don't you, Solomon?
The first rule.
We must always
give back to the forest
which provides for us.
So when you hunt or
scavenge, do it for two:
one for the forest
and one for you.
The second rule.
When your will is
almost gone and you feel
like giving up, find
comfort in singing our song.
The third and final rule,
now, this is the
most important of all.
Solomon, you must never,
ever let go of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep
you safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto
it and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
I love you.
I think it's ready!
Thank you.
Ya like it?
Mind if I sleep in here
by the fire tonight?
Okay.
Hey, Solomon.
If you want to go with me
in the morning,
I could get you
somewhere safe.
I just mean,
I noticed you were running low
- on canned food and I could...
- No.
Okay, fine.
I just wanted to offer
some help.
I don't need help.
I love your home, too.
And I wouldn't want
to leave it either.
Hey, uh, I noticed the picture
of your mom and dad.
You know,
you look so much like your mom.
I mean, just like
your dad, too, but...
so much like your mom.
- I loved her.
- Mm.
I'm tired.
Sure, of course.
I'm beat too.
It's been a long day.
I'll clean up.
The hell was that?
Do you know what that was?
No.
Have you ever
heard that before?
I don't think so.
You don't think so?
Well, it didn't sound good.
Let me get a flashlight.
Where are you going?
To see what that was.
It stopped.
Stopped what though?
I don't want it startin' again.
What are you gonna do?
Depends on what it is, I guess.
You just stay here.
I'll be right back.
A'right?
Solomon?
Do you know what kind
of animal is out there?
Do ya?
I thought somethin'
was gon' kill me.
Tell me if you know what it is.
Whatever it is,
it was big enough
to kill a bear.
I mean, it wasn't a huge bear,
but it was a bear and bears...
It's okay, Solomon.
We're safe now.
I think.
How the hell
am I gon' get you outta here
with that thing in them woods?
It's nice.
That song.
Hey! Good morning!
Thanks for letting me
stay here last night.
Do you know anything about
what was out there last night?
You know...
there's a...
lot of deer left over.
I was just thinking I could
show you how to preserve it.
Have a little deer jerky
around in the winter.
Looks like you got
a old smoker right here.
That was my dad's.
What happened to him?
He left.
I'm sorry, Solomon.
Well, I see a...
lot of materials around here.
We could build a new one.
And grate,
some metal stakes.
Yeah.
I think...
I can work with this.
Now, do you happen
to have a chain?
Uh, I found one before.
In the woods.
But it's stuck.
Stuck to what?
I don't know.
Well, you have some
bolt cutters here.
Can you take me so I can see?
Yeah. I can...
I can check my traps.
Clever.
Ah, there's nothing
in your trap.
It's pretty amazing to me
how you move around so well
with your rope.
Mm. Rope is my guide.
It's around here.
Well, there's a whole heck
of a lot of
around here, Solomon.
You gon' have to throw me
a bone here, kid.
Oh, it's right here!
You were right, Solomon.
It's right here.
Does look like it's attached
to something, doesn't it?
Let's see what it is.
I guess you're not coming?
No.
A'right, you stay right there.
I'll be right back.
Oh, shit!
I don't know,
it goes into some kind of den.
I couldn't pull it out.
A den?
Some kind of hole
in the ground.
It don't really matter,
though, I guess.
We got what we need.
Hey, uh...
Will the deer fit?
No, no,
we will have more than enough
left over to cook regular.
Yeah.
Can I have a piece?
Yeah. I just said
we have plenty.
A'right, now.
Solomon!
What are you doing?
Hunt and scavenge
do it for two,
one for the forest
and one for you.
What the hell is that?
Witchcraft?
You always throw
dead animals out here?
Uh, yes.
Well, that explains
why some animal
was prowling around last night.
What say you and I go find out
what kind of beast that was
while it's light out.
I can't.
You won't... I'll be right here
to help you, Solomon...
No, Hank!
So you do remember my name?
Why? Can't lose the rope?
I can help you with that, too.
You just have
to trust me a little.
Whatever is out there
ain't gon' go away
if you keep feeding it.
We can set a trap for it.
I mean,
unless you just feel safe
all alone out here,
that's cool.
You probably right.
You got this under control,
all on your own.
How?
How you got it under control?
How can you help me?
You can stay tied up
just as safe with this.
It will just give you
a little more freedom is all.
And you don't have
to worry about my knots.
I spent the first half
of my life on a boat.
You hear that?
Strong like bull!
Now feel it.
Yeah! America-made!
Strong like bull.
Okay.
'Kay. Okay.
All right, let me get
one more thing.
Come on. Let's go get
this sumbitch.
I got you, kid.
Hold on. Let's go.
Uh, is this
where you seen it?
Yeah, well, somewhere
around here.
I don't think
it's around here now.
I hope not.
But between you and me,
I think we've reached
the end of our hope.
Huh?
It's a joke.
Never mind.
Old man, knuckle sandwich joke.
Hank!
Solomon!
Hank!
Solomon!
Come on,
let me get you outta here.
Let me get you home.
It's not safe out here.
Come on, I got you. I got you.
Come on, come on.
Follow me. I got you.
I got you, kid.
We safe now. Don't worry.
Whatever that was
can't get in here.
That trap will get it quick.
You okay.
Hold on.
I saw somethin' last night.
Was your mother's name
Nye-dia by any chance?
Nydia.
Did you know
she wrote a journal?
What?
I found her journal.
"To the joy of my life,
Solomon."
And she signed it, "Nydia."
What does it say?
I don't know.
You want me to read it?
She had beautiful handwritin'.
"Sunday.
Happy birthday, Solomon.
I cannot believe
you are four years old today.
How have four years
come and gone so quickly?
I broke down in tears
last week when I realized
you were not going to be
three anymore.
I told your father
that I was heartbroken
because I could barely
remember you as an infant now."
"He got this journal
so I could
write down all of the things
we'd do together
and not forget.
He meant it as a gift for you.
But I think it's more for me."
"I doubt you will care
as much about how cute
your little fingers
are in the grass..."
"As you...
try to catch a grasshopper
or how your laugh
can pull me from sorrow
and transform me
back to paradise.
Your father and I
love you so much, Solomon.
Tuesday.
I couldn't understand it.
I was heartbroken.
I don't know why.
I just wanted
to keep you safe.
I think that's all
any mother really wants.
I told Lucas
that you belong here.
The ache for home
lives in all of us,
the safe place
where we can go as we are
and not be questioned.
I don't think he agreed
with me, though.
He can seem so different
from me sometimes.
All I have to do
is hold you close, Solomon.
You console my heart.
It dances in delight
when we sing together."
Just thinking of our lullaby
can sooth my soul.
I love you.
Good night, Solomon."
Hmm.
Here we go.
"Wednesday.
I cannot believe
he tried to take...
What?
What is it?
Why'd you stop reading?
Um, it's getting really late.
Uh, that's enough for tonight.
No, please, Hank,
just some more...
How 'bout we get some shut eye?
- Not tonight.
- Okay.
Never, ever let go
of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep
you safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto it
and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
I love you.
Hank?
Hank!
Hank!
Hank?
I cannot stay here.
You will have to be
strong on your own
like I know that you can.
All you need to do is
follow our three rules
and they will keep you safe
as they have always...
You remember our rules,
don't you, Solomon?
The first rule:
we must always give back
to the forest
which provides for us.
So when you hunt or scavenge,
do it for two:
one for the forest
and one for you.
The second rule:
when your will is almost gone
and you feel like giving up,
find comfort
in singing our song...
The third and final rule,
now, this is the most
important rule of all:
Solomon, you must never,
ever let go of the rope.
This rope is your guide.
This land is your home.
And the rope will keep
you safe from harm within it.
So always hold onto it
and you will have hope.
Whatever you do,
don't lose the rope.
Hank!
- Hank!
- I love you.
Hank!
Hank!
Hank!
Mother.