The Beldham (2024) Movie Script
1
(BABY COOING)
WOMAN 1:
There you go.
Shh.
Shh, baby.
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
(BABY COOING)
WOMAN 1:
All right. (CHUCKLES)
(SHUSHING)
WOMAN 1:
It's okay. It's okay.
(BABY COOING)
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
GIRL:
Mama.
WOMAN 1: Just a minute, honey.
Just a minute, okay.
GIRL:
Mommy, please.
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
GIRL: Mama, please.
Be with me.
(BABY CRYING)
WOMAN 1:
Okay, there we go, sweetie.
GIRL:
Be with me, Mommy.
WOMAN 1: Okay.
Okay, my chickadee.
()
(DISTANT FOOTSTEPS)
()
()
(WOMAN SCREAMING)
()
MAN 1: This uh, it means
a lot to-- to Sadie.
Thank you.
WOMAN 1: Oh, no need to
thank me. Happy to do it.
It'll be fun.
I'm proud of her, honestly.
I never thought she'd retire.
MAN 1: She didn't really
have a choice.
WOMAN 1:
No?
Time comes for us all.
WOMAN 1: Hmm.
Tell me about it.
Any day now,
this one is going
to turn me gray.
Aren't you?
(BABY CRYING, COOING)
(DOOR SHUTS)
There you go.
Thank you.
MAN 1:
Careful.
(DOOR SHUTS)
WOMAN 1:
Oh, my-- my things are--
MAN 1: No, it's already handled.
Come on.
Wow!
This is really something.
Well, it certainly
used to be.
(CHUCKLES)
Okay, you got
a couple steps here.
WOMAN 1:
Oh, I'm sorry.
No, no.
Just go easy.
Go easy.
Recovery takes time, okay?
And she's up.
Atta girl.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
WOMAN 1:
Oh, you have a key!
Thank you, Frank.
(DOOR SHUTTING)
Well, good thing mom called
for backup.
Yes.
I'll let her know
that you've arrived.
Okay.
(FOOTSTEPS)
Grandma has a boyfriend.
Good for her.
Good for her.
Oh.
(INDISTINCT)
Oh.
Look at this.
Broo, joo.
Broo, joo. Woo!
Look at this.
Ah.
Well, it looks like you
weren't the first little one
to have lived here.
Well, thanks for keeping
this old bird company.
Look!
Who's that?
Is that grandma?
Look, it's grandma.
Say, hi, grandma.
Hi, grandma.
-Hi.
-SADIE: Hi.
Thanks for letting us stay
for a bit.
Mom, give her a kiss.
Yeah.
-Say, hi.
-(SMOOCHES)
SADIE:
Aw, hi, honey.
(SMOOCHES)
We are gonna make this place
so pretty
and then grandma's
gonna get rich.
Oh, you don't have to do
a darn thing,
but stay healthy and safe.
All right?
How are you doing?
How's the stitches?
Well, I think we've got
our work cut out for us.
Excuse me.
This is one hell
of a flip, Mom.
Yeah.
Well, you should've
seen this place
when I got here.
Oof.
Uh, retirement's supposed
to be a break, you know?
SADIE:
Hmm. Yeah.
I do see why you bought it,
though.
SADIE:
Mm.
10 bucks says that
when we're through,
you won't wanna sell it.
SADIE:
Mm.
-(KISSES)
-Hey, where you going?
I gotta run and grab some paint
before the store closes.
Okay.
I'm gonna leave you two
some space.
Thank you.
Oh, hush.
Hush.
You're living together?
Do I need permission?
No. No.
(CLICKS TONGUE)
Hey, you know what?
Why don't I help you
get settled?
-What?
-Let's just get settled.
-Okay.
-Yeah. Come on.
There we go.
Let's just go up.
()
(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)
Oh, that doesn't open.
It's so pesky.
Another thing to
put on the list.
Come on.
Come on.
You're just ahead here.
(FLOOR CREAKS)
-WOMAN 1: It's lovely.
-SADIE: Hm, mmhmm.
()
WOMAN 1: Whoa.
Let's get you down.
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
Frank is quick.
-SADIE: Yeah.
-And cute.
How long have you tow been--
None of your business.
Okay.
(CHUCKLES)
WOMAN 2:
Harper, hi.
Is it all right
if I call you, "Harper"?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
HARPER: Um, s-- sorry.
Uh, who are you?
I'm Bette.
Just think of me
as a home aid.
We are so glad
that you're home.
Mom, you--
Um, I'm sorry, Bette.
Nice to meet you.
Do you mind if my mom
and I have a minute alone?
BETTE: Oh, of course.
Yeah.
I'll just um,
I'll go start dinner.
Okay.
Nice to meet you.
(DOOR SHUTS)
(SADIE SIGHS)
Mom, what's going on?
What do you mean?
I know you're getting older.
I just, I di-- I didn't realize
that you needed
that kind of help.
Don't worry about it.
Even with Frank
you needed a nurse?
Is that what she is?
SADIE:
Don't worry about it.
Mom, should you be fixing up
a house if you--
Don't worry about it.
Are you good?
I'm good if you're good.
-I'm good.
-Okay.
Settle in
and I will get you for dinner.
And we're so happy
that you're here,
safe and sound.
Mm-hmm.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(FLOOR CREAKS)
(CHUCKLES)
(ITEMS RATTLING)
Ah! Shit.
-(GASPS)
-(CROW CAWS)
HARPER:
Oh my God.
Get, get, get!
Get, get.
Get outta here!
Get, get, get.
Go, go.
Get, get.
Get, get.
Oh, goddamn it.
Get.
(BABY CRYING)
(GRUNTS)
(CROW CAWING)
(BABY CRYING)
(PANTS)
BETTE:
Bon apptit.
(CUTLERY CLANGING)
Okay.
Mm.
That's delicious.
Mm.
Tastes familiar.
Well, it should.
It's from your family's kitchen.
-SADIE: Hm.
-Isn't that right, Sadie?
Mm.
(BABY CRYING)
No, no.
Let her cry.
Let her cry.
Let her cry.
She will soothe herself.
It's important
for healthy attachment
for both of you.
Oh, God.
It just rips my heart out.
I know.
That's motherhood for you.
Oh, okay.
Somebody distract me.
Um, Bette, why are you here?
You are way too pretty
for this line of work.
Well, I have always had
a soft spot for seniors.
Oh.
I just, I needed
a bit of grounding.
Well, that's an understatement.
(BABY COOING)
-You were right.
-Mm-hmm.
And don't ever forget it.
What's wrong?
()
(BABY CRYING)
Oh my God!
Christine!
Christine!
SADIE:
What is going on?
Oh my God.
Oh, thank God.
Mom,
I s-- I saw something.
I saw--
There was someone--
-Oh no, no.
-Something--
-She's fine. She's fine.
-I know, it's okay, it's okay.
SADIE: There you go.
See?
Hi.
SADIE: Yeah, it's okay.
Mm-hmm.
-It's okay.
-(CROW CAWING)
SADIE:
Oh, the damn birds.
(KNOCKS)
SADIE: Knock, knock.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
(CHRISTINE COOING)
Is there maybe
a different room
we could stay in?
Ye--
Well, I could ask Bette
if she wanted to switch.
I mean, her room's smaller.
I'm sure she'll be amenable,
and Frank will be home soon,
so he can help move your--
No. Mom, it's--
It's okay.
I came here to help you,
not make more work for you.
It's--
I'm sure it was, um...
So this place just sat empty?
Why do you ask?
It just--
I mean,
I know it's not very obvious,
but I have made a lot
of progress.
Oh, I'm sure.
I'm sure.
Oh, and I talked to Frank
about the bird thing
-and he's on it.
-It's fine. It's fine.
I'm sure it's all
gonna turn out great.
You've always had
an eye for possibility.
Oh, thank you.
We're gonna go to bed.
SADIE:
Okay.
Oh, and um,
I'm gonna keep an eye
on this just in case you see
any monsters under the bed.
Okay.
()
(CHRISTINE COOING)
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(CHRISTINE COOING)
(CLICKS BUTTON)
HARPER:
Goodnight, baby girl.
(LOUD HAMMERING)
()
(GASPS)
HARPER:
Mom! Mom! Mom!
Please tell me you have her!
Please tell me you have her!
Hey, hey, hey.
Hey, hey, hey.
(SIGHS)
It's okay. Yeah.
Oh, sweet girl.
Bette just grabbed her
a few hours ago.
You were out cold,
and she-- she decided
it was best, you know,
not to wake you.
BETTE: I'm so sorry.
I didn't--
I didn't mean to upset you.
What time is it?
It's uh, it's around noon.
(GRUNTS)
Shit. Jesus.
Sleep, I just can't get enough.
Can't get enough.
See, I'm surprised
he didn't wake you.
He's been doing that since 6:00.
Well, now I just feel like
a sloth.
Okay, Mom, hit me with it.
What can I help you
with today?
Oh, just rest.
Uh, I did, a lot.
I'm not gonna stay here
and not help you.
You could help me with the
garden, it's a mess.
Well, let's start
with something
-Great.
-less strenuous than the garden.
No, I would love to.
I'm just gonna change,
get this girl.
Okay, come on.
Listen, listen,
why don't you go out.
I'll keep an eye on her
and um, if she wakes up,
I'll come and get you.
-Okay.
-Yeah.
You're gonna be with grandma.
Yeah, you're gonna be
with grandma.
Okay.
()
(CLICKS TONGUE)
(SIGHS)
HARPER: So, how long have you
been working with my mom?
BETTE: Uh, just since she
moved in here.
HARPER: Is she--
She's okay.
BETTE:
What do you mean?
She doesn't have like,
cancer or something?
Oh, God.
No, no, no.
No. Okay.
I'm just trying
to understand exactly
why you're here.
No offense.
No, I-- I get it.
It's weird
watching parents age.
She's just always been
so independent and reasonable.
This-- this house thing,
it just feels different.
Call me a bit "woo-woo",
but this place is...
No, there's an energy here,
for sure.
And for what it's worth,
I'm a bit woo-woo, too.
But no, Sadie is fine.
I'm just an extra pair of
hands, I promise.
The garden.
-HARPER: Oh.
-BETTE: Mm-hmm.
-Wanna sit down?
-HARPER: Mm-hmm.
Hey,
how's your bruising doing?
-Hmm?
-Do you mind if I take a look?
It's right here, yeah?
-Can I just--
-Yeah.
Oh, wow,
that is a nasty one.
You're lucky
you didn't break anything.
I have a cream that would be
really good for this.
Okay.
(HARPER CLEARS THROAT)
Let's clear these leaves, yeah?
Let's get it.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH)
(LEAVES RUSTLING)
Bette, thank you
for getting Christine for me.
I'm just really protective.
BETTE:
Yeah, all mothers are.
Do you have kids?
Not yet.
Well, motherhood's
the worst thing you can do
to yourself.
(CHUCKLES)
I hope you do it.
(LEAVES RUSTLE)
Oh, Jesus Christ.
()
(PUKES)
(COUGHING)
Oh, okay.
Sweetie.
(SPITS)
Oh, you okay?
You okay?
()
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
Mom, can you get her?
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
Ah.
Mom?
Mom, can you get the baby,
please?
(SADIE SHUSHING)
(SIGHS)
()
Oh my God.
(GASPS)
Oh, oh God.
Oh my God.
(THUD)
(COUGHS)
(PANTING)
()
-(BANGS)
-(GRUNTS)
(THUDS)
(GROANS)
(RATTLING)
()
I'm sorry.
Mom, I can't stay here.
We're leaving, okay?
This place isn't right.
Have a seat, dear.
I-- I can help you
on the weekends.
I can help with the listings.
I just-- I can't stay here.
We had an agreement,
remember?
You, me, your doctor,
your caseworker.
-We discussed this.
-I-- I-- I don't understand.
SADIE:
It's not your fault.
A lot of people
go through this.
Wait. Wait.
(CAR HONKS)
SADIE: You need supervision.
You need care.
It's not safe
for you to live alone.
No.
Yes.
(CAR HONKS)
I-- I-- I-- I t--
I-- I-- I couldn't sleep.
I-- I needed air.
I got confused for a moment.
You could've died.
It happened once!
Once!
(CAR HONKING)
()
Being a single mother is hard.
It is exhausting.
It-- it-- it takes a toll.
And now you have support.
This place, there is something
wrong with this place.
There...
There's something bad here.
We need to leave.
We're not staying.
We can't stay.
Then you can't keep her.
()
Mm, sorry.
Well, I get it now.
You're not here for her,
you're here for me.
Can't I be here
for both of you?
Am I so bad?
No, but I am apparently.
Hey, it was a scare.
Sadie was scared.
Mm-hmm.
This is just a season, okay?
You'll get through this.
I don't wanna get
through it, Bette.
I love how I love being a mom.
You just lost track
of things for a bit.
We all lose track sometimes.
The brain is a wild beast.
()
What's that for?
Crows.
Shiny things keep them away.
(FOIL RUSTLING)
()
(BANGING)
()
(LIGHT FLICKS OFF)
(HARPER SMOOCHES)
(CHRISTINE COOING)
HARPER:
Don't worry, Christine.
Mama's always gonna
keep you safe.
(CHRISTINE COOING)
(FOIL RUSTLING)
(BIRD CHIRPING IN BACKGROUND)
Frank, I said no,
and I want you to call.
I-- I want to keep
the appointment.
SADIE:
I want to reschedule.
Reschedule what?
(SIGHS)
FRANK: A showing.
Our first one.
Our only one.
It's too much.
HARPER:
Are you kidding?
You have to show it.
The sooner you offload
this place, the better.
Listen to her.
-Keep her in the kitchen.
-I will.
Come here.
(SIGHS)
Come here.
Hey, you know those boxes
in the living room?
Do you happen to know
where those went?
Mm, Frank might've
put them in the basement.
Why do you ask?
(DOORBELL DINGS)
(GRUNTS, MUMBLES)
Sure has character.
SADIE:
Yeah, we like to think so.
FRANK:
Yeah, it's all original.
If you can handle the upkeep,
uh, it's quite an investment.
A real solid piece
of Southern history.
HUSBAND: Uh, the listing,
uh, said about--
Hi there.
Welcome.
Oh, can we--
can we offer you a treat?
I made cookies.
Well, who do we have here?
This is Christine
and she loves this house.
How-- how nice.
Um, ple-- go back
into the kitchen.
And how old is she?
She is 6 months old.
Do you wanna hold her?
It's supposed to be good
for them
to get used to being held
by new people.
No, I, I don't think that I--
-(CHRISTINE COOING)
-Oh, are you--
Well, you're saved
by the tummy.
Are you hungry?
Yeah?
Well, I really hope
you enjoy the tour.
This place is really special.
Oh, are you hungry?
Are you hungry?
Yeah. Okay.
Let's get you fed, baby.
Go into the kitchen, please.
Now. Go. Now.
Come with me.
Uh...
I'm-- I'm-- I'm so sorry.
I-- I should've gotten a--
a blanket.
Actually, we're uh--
We have another appointment,
but...
So...
FRANK: Yeah, well, uh...
(CLEARS THROAT)
Let me show you out.
-Sorry.
-I'm sorry.
-I'm sorry.
-I'm so-- I'm so sorry.
Just down.
Don't worry about it.
Oh my God.
How dare you?
Are you kidding me?
That was
completely inappropriate.
Mom, are you serious?
They are our only lead.
Well, if breastfeeding my child
was enough to scare them off,
they sure as hell
wouldn't have liked
the baby buried in the garden.
What the hell
are you even doing here
if you're just gonna
make my life harder?
I'm sorry, I just--
You were supposed
to keep her out of here.
She is a human being.
I don't--
I knew, I knew
you weren't fit for this.
Just get out of my sight.
Go. Go!
(SIGHS)
HARPER:
Bette.
What is the matter with you?
You can't treat people
like that.
That's disgusting.
You get out of my sight, too.
Look, I don't know
what's going on with you,
but you need to check yourself.
Hey.
Hey.
(SNIFFLES)
Can I get your help
with something?
Yeah.
HARPER: Yep. And from there,
you're gonna--
Yes, bring that down.
-BETTE: Oh.
-HARPER: Look at that.
BETTE:
Look, his feet.
HARPER: Yeah.
You're a natural.
Look at that.
BETTE: Sadie never told me
you were an artist.
Well, that's because
Sadie doesn't value art.
She finds it frivolous.
So what, you're like
a painter or...
Mm, a little bit of everything.
Metal work and pottery.
Wow.
That's so cool.
I actually dropped out
of art school.
My mom also does not value art.
Wants me to be more practical.
Well, now you're putting up
with this shit.
You should quit.
You should go back to school.
I'd be sad to see you go,
but my mom's being a total cunt.
She is, seriously.
That was so inappropriate.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah.
Yeah, it was, but...
I mean, it's not that simple.
I uh, I need her.
The job, you know.
I got myself
into a little bit of a bind.
I don't have
anywhere else to go.
And it's early days,
but I am pregnant.
Oh, Bette, that's--
I'm sorry. I'm--
That's really presumptuous
of me.
Do you--
-No, I'm--
-What do you think you'll--
I'm gonna keep it.
Um, I wanna do it.
I just am...
Scared shitless.
Yeah.
I am scared shitless.
You and me both, girl.
(CUTLERY CLINKING)
Aren't you uncomfortable eating
with her
hanging off your chest
like that?
I'm fine.
Well, you know,
you're too attached.
It's not healthy.
You don't have
to be with her constantly.
Believe it or not,
she actually enjoys my company.
Let me take her.
I'll put her in the crib.
-We're fine.
-Harper, give her to me.
-We're fine!
-Don't be stubborn.
She said she's fine.
(CHAIR THUDS)
(STOMPS OFF)
She's going through a lot.
More than you know.
Could you just,
could you just
cut her some slack?
Hm?
(FLOOR CREAKS)
SADIE:
You should be in bed.
HARPER:
You should be in bed.
SADIE: Sometimes I get jealous
of her, you know?
The apple of your eye.
(SADIE SIGHS)
Christine, Christine, Christine.
Your baby girl.
I could never compete.
You'll never not be perfect.
Goodnight.
()
(CROWS CAWING IN BACKGROUND)
(DOOR CREAKS CLOSE)
(INDISTINCT WHISPERS)
()
(CROWS CAWING IN BACKGROUND)
(INDISTINCT WHISPERS)
()
GIRL:
Be with me.
Be with me.
(GASPS)
()
GIRL:
Be with me.
(ROCKING CHAIR CREAKING)
()
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(GASPING)
HARPER:
I swear it was real.
SADIE: You're confused again.
Take a breath.
It's not safe.
We need to leave now.
If you wanna keep the baby,
you stay here.
Maybe she's right.
Maybe it's time to uh,
we gotta try something.
No.
You stay here with me.
I am not dangerous.
I am being terrorized.
Are you listening to yourself?
I can hear it in the walls.
It is in the earth.
It is-- it is--
It's everywhere.
It is rot.
There is an infestation.
Oh my God.
It's gotten to you, too.
Look at yourself.
You're pale.
You're exhausted.
You're not acting right.
Yeah, I guess, and why do you
think that might be?
It's because there is,
there is--
Because there's a witch
living in the walls?
Is that what you're telling me?
I have seen it.
You don't know
what you're seeing!
BETTE:
Okay.
I think everyone's
just a little tired.
We all need some rest.
Huh?
Hey, why don't you come
and stay in my room with me?
Just for tonight.
(SNIFFLES)
The door stays open.
Come on.
HARPER:
Goodnight, baby.
(HARPER PECKS)
Hey, can I ask you a question?
Of course.
What did it look like,
the thing you saw?
May I?
()
I've seen it, too.
SADIE:
Go to sleep, girls.
()
()
SADIE:
It's happening again.
I can't believe
it's happening again.
(STAIRS CREAK)
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
(PAPER RUSTLING)
HARPER: "Baby girl Pernelli died
the night of October 1st, 1958.
She was 6 months old.
Mother claims
witch responsible."
()
(HARPER GASPS)
(COUGHS)
(GASPS)
GIRL:
Be with me.
()
(SCREAMS)
(SCREAMING)
(BODY THUDS)
(GROANS)
Be with me.
(INDISTINCT SPEECH
IN BACKGROUND)
BETTE: Well, at her age it
just-- it feels cruel.
SADIE:
Don't you tell me what's cruel.
BETTE:
This isn't gonna stick.
(INDISTINCT SPEECH
IN BACKGROUND)
(GROANS)
(WINCES)
(SIGHS)
()
(PANTS)
HARPER: Christine?
Christine?
Christine?
Ah, ah.
(DOOR HANDLE RATTLES)
Mom? Mom!
(BANGS)
Mom!
SADIE: Step back.
Step all the way back.
(PANTS)
Open the goddamn door.
Open the door!
What the hell is going on?
Where is my daughter?
Where the hell is my daughter?
SADIE:
Harper, please.
Where the fuck
is my daughter?
Please, dear.
Try and stay calm.
-Hey, hey!
-Let me--
-Wait, dar--
-Let me out!
Darling, please, please.
I don't know you.
I don't know you.
Harper.
This is sick.
I have rights.
This isn't legal.
I-- I want a lawyer.
Harper,
these are for anxiety.
Uh, wait, uh, I--
I wanna hear you say it.
Say what?
What all this means, that um,
that I'm an unfit mother.
Say it. Say it.
See, you don't--
you don't even believe it.
()
FRANK:
One week.
One week without an episode
and she'll be returned to you.
()
(BANGS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(SIGHS)
(THUMPING, CREAKING)
(CHUCKLES)
BETTE:
Stand back a little.
(CREAKING)
(THUD)
Thank you.
BETTE: I think Harriet
would want you to have it.
Don't tell Sadie.
(FLICKS PAGES)
()
HARPER: "December 8, 1957.
The house is perfect.
Otto loves it, too.
He'll be a father again
very soon.
A happy family of four,
just like I always dreamed."
(LIGHT FLICKERS)
(FLICKING PAGES)
HARPER:
"March 15, 1958.
My darling baby girl is here,
but why do I feel such dread?
Only dread, constant dread,
as if I'm waiting
for something terrible."
()
HARPER:
"Gone, my baby, gone.
The winged witch was hungry,
for the Beldham never sleeps."
(FLICKING PAGES)
(CROW COOING)
HARRIET:
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
()
(CROW COOING)
Hush, little baby,
the blackbird calls
When the sun goes quiet
and the nighttime falls
Mama will hold you
through the dark so deep
For the winged witch
is hungry
And the Beldham
never sleeps.
(BOOK THUDS)
(CROW COOING)
HARPER:
Ready.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
Pills worked wonders.
Thank you.
Any new prospective buyers?
That's really not your concern.
I'll get out of the way
this time
if you wanna show the house.
I know you've put
a lot of work into it
and just want it to go smoothly.
Thank you.
I am surprised
that nobody's called.
Well, why don't you just go
put flyers all over town
if I am that incompetent?
That's not-- it's not--
that's not-- not--
No, nobody's saying...
Your hands are freezing.
What about the basement?
It's a disaster,
and I know I made it worse,
so I-- I'd really like
to fix it up.
Call it my apology.
You go nowhere unsupervised.
BETTE:
Well, I'll help her.
Of course, she will.
(SNIFFLES)
I guess Frank
must've already...
Must've what?
He-- he must've cleaned the...
Oh my God.
She drew this
after it took her baby.
Harriet.
What do you think happened
to her?
To Harriet?
It won.
I think it won.
SADIE:
Girls, upstairs.
Come on.
GIRL: Be with me.
Be with me.
Be with me.
Be...
Be with me.
(GIRL GROANS)
(WATER SPLASHES)
GIRL: Be with me.
Be with me.
Be with me.
Be with me.
(STATIC SOUND)
GIRL:
Be with me.
(STATIC)
()
(FOIL RUSTLING)
()
(SMASHES)
(BANGS)
(FOIL RUSTLES)
(THUD)
HARPER:
Three more days.
Hmm?
That's what you promised.
Did you think
I wouldn't keep track?
-Three more days.
-Three more days.
SADIE: She isn't capable.
She is--
BETTE: She can handle more
than you think.
SADIE: Stop undermining me.
You're making things worse.
Is everything okay?
Oh, God.
Mom?
Are you okay?
Just worry about yourself,
all right?
Oh my God.
Shut your mouth.
You look like a damn trout.
(FLICKING BOOKS)
(BOOKS SLAM)
Okay. I don't--
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I just...
I don't know who I'm becoming.
HARPER: Have you picked
out any names yet?
BETTE:
Oh, no, no.
(HARPER CLICK TONGUE)
HARPER:
Haven't even thought about it?
BETTE:
I mean, it just--
just makes it feel real,
you know?
It is real.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
I know, I just...
Like, how do you--
how do you manage the...
Like, when I think about
who I am,
who I've always been,
who I-- who I dreamed
I would be, mother is just,
it's not in the equation.
It's just tough, too,
you know?
Like I don't-- I don't have
a great relationship
with my mom.
And it's like,
she was a single mother,
and her mom
was a single mother,
and now I'm a single mother,
and I just--
it's just so fucking textbook.
WOMAN 3: Why are you selling,
if you don't mind me asking?
SADIE:
My um, the owner, she's--
WOMAN 3: Oh, I see.
Well, it's beautiful.
SADIE:
Why don't we go back inside?
WOMAN 3:
Oh, who do we have here?
Um, hey,
come on inside now, okay.
Oh, no, it's fine.
You just do your thing.
Let me guess, sisters.
(CHUCKLES)
It does feel
like it sometimes, yeah.
WOMAN 3: Is that a little
garden I spot?
BETTE:
Mm-hmm, it is.
We've been working hard
to fix it up.
Uh, I'll show you.
-Absolutely not.
-Yes, please. Oh, I insist.
I've got a strong green
thumb myself.
I find it to be so relaxing,
don't you?
I've heard
it keeps the mind sharp.
Look at that.
Yeah, we've planted
some strawberries, some ivy,
chives, rosemary.
WOMAN 3: Well, it's just lovely.
What's this?
Oh, I'm s-- I'm sorry.
No, no, no.
I-- I didn't mean
for you to, uh...
WOMAN 3:
Is, is that...
SADIE:
I am so sorry.
It-- it's not-- it's not--
WOMAN 3:
I'll see myself out.
SADIE:
It happened long ago.
I was horrified
when I first saw it too, but...
You know, long ago,
it wasn't uncommon
for families to bury
their loved ones at home.
It was comforting, in fact.
It was a way to stay connected.
I like to think of her
as our guardian angel.
In this way,
she's not really gone.
She-- she's part of the earth,
part of the foundation,
part of who we are.
She's here with us always,
blessing us,
for generations to come.
()
()
WOMAN 3:
I'd love to put in an offer.
SADIE:
Seriously?
WOMAN 3:
Yes.
We're going through
the same thing...
(INDISTINCT SPEECH)
WOMAN 3: Oh my God,
she is such a blessing to you.
(DOOR OPENS, SHUTS)
(FOOTFALL)
()
(DOOR CREAKS)
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Wait, what time
are they bringing
her back tomorrow?
Noon.
(DOOR SHUTS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR SHUTS)
(CREAKING)
(TAPPING IN DISTANCE)
()
(COUGHING)
(CHOKING, COUGHING)
(GAGGING, CHOKING)
(GAGGING, COUGHING)
(SCREAMS)
(PANTS)
(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
()
-(SCREAMS)
-(BETTE GRUNTS)
(GASPS)
(GASPS)
HARPER:
No, no, no.
-BETTE: Sadie?
-HARPER: Mom?
-BETTE: Sadie, help.
-HARPER: Mom.
BETTE:
Please?
HARPER:
Mom?
Is she gonna be okay?
FRANK:
Eventually.
And the baby?
The baby?
FRANK:
Time will tell.
I didn't know.
I didn't know it was her.
I would-- I would never.
I would ne--
I would never.
I would ne--
would never.
WOMAN 4:
Ma'am?
Ma'am?
-Ma'am?
-Yes?
Yes.
I'm sorry. I-- I'm sorry.
Who are you?
It's Lois, remember?
We've been working together
for some time.
I'm your caseworker, sweetie.
What case?
I don't have a case.
LOIS:
I'm here to talk to you
about your most recent episode
and what that means
for you now, dear.
You mean about Christine?
N-- no, I'm...
No, this-- this is--
this is a misunderstanding.
This was an accident.
I've-- I've been good.
I'm good. I-- I'm supposed
to get her back today.
Today-- today's the day
I get her back.
LOIS: Sadie Pernelli
has been named
as your legal guardian, dear.
-Do you understand?
-No.
LOIS: For your safety,
all decisions--
No.
LOIS: Medical, financial,
and so forth will rest
in her care.
No. No.
LOIS: We're hopeful
you can remain here at home,
but if symptoms persist,
we'll need to consider
a more permanent facility
available again.
Uh...
Well...
I-- I...
Uh...
(SNIFFLES)
(PAPERS RUSTLE)
This...
No.
(SNIFFLES)
You should...
This...
You don't understand.
I am in danger.
There is something here.
There is-- there's--
there is something here.
There is a monster.
There is a witch.
You have to get me
out of here.
I'm in danger.
Please, just take me
to my daughter.
Please, take me to Christine.
Please.
Please,
take me to my daughter.
Please,
take me to Christine.
-Ma'am.
-Please, please, help me.
-Ma'am, ma'am.
-Please.
You don't understand.
Let go.
()
()
Goodbye.
SADIE:
What?
Goodnight.
(CLICKS LIGHT)
(DOOR SHUTS, LOCKS)
()
(CLICKS LIGHT)
(TAKES DEEP BREATH)
FRANK: All right,
here we go.
Let's get you in.
BETTE:
Thanks, Frank.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
Please let me see her.
You can be there,
I won't touch her.
I won't even get close,
please.
Please let me make this right.
I need to make this right,
please.
Please.
Hey.
(SOBS)
I'm so sorry.
No, hey, look.
It's a girl.
(SIGHS)
(CHUCKLES)
Christine is closer
than you think.
SADIE: Okay, girls,
time for bed.
(DOOR SHUTS)
()
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
(RATTLES)
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(STAIRS CREAK)
(CROWS CAWING IN BACKGROUND)
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
()
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
GIRL:
Be with me.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
GIRL:
Be with me.
()
GIRL:
Be with me.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(SCRATCHING)
GIRL:
Mama, be with me.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(WOMAN SCREAMING)
(INDISTINCT MURMURS)
GIRL:
Please mama.
Mama?
Mama, please.
Mama.
Mama, please.
Mama?
Be with me, mama.
Be with me, mama.
Mama, please.
Be with me.
HARPER:
Christine.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
HARPER:
Shh. Please.
(HARPER SHUSHING)
GIRL:
Mama.
HARPER: Just a minute, honey.
Just a minute.
GIRL: Mama, please.
Mama.
(HARPER SHUSHING)
GIRL: Mama, please.
Be with me.
HARPER: It's okay, sweetie.
It's okay.
Okay.
Okay, my chickadee.
Let's go.
()
(CROW CAWING)
(GASPS)
(SCREAMING)
()
GIRL:
Mama?
Be with me.
Be with me.
SADIE:
Please.
Please.
Be with me.
Please.
Be with me.
Please.
Please.
Be with me.
Please.
(SIGHS) Please.
()
(INHALES)
(EXHALES)
()
LOIS: As of this morning,
the court has awarded
your daughter
legal guardianship--
No.
But, no.
LOIS: Do you understand
what that means, dear?
HARRIET:
There is something here.
-LOIS: Harriet.
-It's a monster. It's a--
-No, it's--
-LOIS: Harriet.
It's a witch.
Please take me
to my daughter.
SADIE:
Harper?
Harriet?
How?
How long have I been out?
Mom.
Oh, my chickadee.
(CHUCKLES)
Oh.
Oh, no.
I'm sorry, Mom.
I'm-- I'm so--
HARRIET:
No.
Oh, I'm sorry,
my chickadee.
I left you again.
I am so sorry.
It's not your fault, Mom.
It was never your fault.
Oh.
I couldn't see you.
Oh, Mom.
(HARRIET SNIFFLES)
But you see me now.
Yes. Oh, yes.
Yes.
I think it's time
I let her go.
SADIE:
Hmm.
()
(CRYING)
()
BETTE:
Are you ready to see grandma?
Great-grandma?
Oh, wow.
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(WIND RUSTLING)
()
(WIND RUSTLING)
()
(WIND RUSTLING)
YOUNG SADIE:
Be with me.
(BABY COOING)
WOMAN 1:
There you go.
Shh.
Shh, baby.
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
(BABY COOING)
WOMAN 1:
All right. (CHUCKLES)
(SHUSHING)
WOMAN 1:
It's okay. It's okay.
(BABY COOING)
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
GIRL:
Mama.
WOMAN 1: Just a minute, honey.
Just a minute, okay.
GIRL:
Mommy, please.
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
GIRL: Mama, please.
Be with me.
(BABY CRYING)
WOMAN 1:
Okay, there we go, sweetie.
GIRL:
Be with me, Mommy.
WOMAN 1: Okay.
Okay, my chickadee.
()
(DISTANT FOOTSTEPS)
()
()
(WOMAN SCREAMING)
()
MAN 1: This uh, it means
a lot to-- to Sadie.
Thank you.
WOMAN 1: Oh, no need to
thank me. Happy to do it.
It'll be fun.
I'm proud of her, honestly.
I never thought she'd retire.
MAN 1: She didn't really
have a choice.
WOMAN 1:
No?
Time comes for us all.
WOMAN 1: Hmm.
Tell me about it.
Any day now,
this one is going
to turn me gray.
Aren't you?
(BABY CRYING, COOING)
(DOOR SHUTS)
There you go.
Thank you.
MAN 1:
Careful.
(DOOR SHUTS)
WOMAN 1:
Oh, my-- my things are--
MAN 1: No, it's already handled.
Come on.
Wow!
This is really something.
Well, it certainly
used to be.
(CHUCKLES)
Okay, you got
a couple steps here.
WOMAN 1:
Oh, I'm sorry.
No, no.
Just go easy.
Go easy.
Recovery takes time, okay?
And she's up.
Atta girl.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
WOMAN 1:
Oh, you have a key!
Thank you, Frank.
(DOOR SHUTTING)
Well, good thing mom called
for backup.
Yes.
I'll let her know
that you've arrived.
Okay.
(FOOTSTEPS)
Grandma has a boyfriend.
Good for her.
Good for her.
Oh.
(INDISTINCT)
Oh.
Look at this.
Broo, joo.
Broo, joo. Woo!
Look at this.
Ah.
Well, it looks like you
weren't the first little one
to have lived here.
Well, thanks for keeping
this old bird company.
Look!
Who's that?
Is that grandma?
Look, it's grandma.
Say, hi, grandma.
Hi, grandma.
-Hi.
-SADIE: Hi.
Thanks for letting us stay
for a bit.
Mom, give her a kiss.
Yeah.
-Say, hi.
-(SMOOCHES)
SADIE:
Aw, hi, honey.
(SMOOCHES)
We are gonna make this place
so pretty
and then grandma's
gonna get rich.
Oh, you don't have to do
a darn thing,
but stay healthy and safe.
All right?
How are you doing?
How's the stitches?
Well, I think we've got
our work cut out for us.
Excuse me.
This is one hell
of a flip, Mom.
Yeah.
Well, you should've
seen this place
when I got here.
Oof.
Uh, retirement's supposed
to be a break, you know?
SADIE:
Hmm. Yeah.
I do see why you bought it,
though.
SADIE:
Mm.
10 bucks says that
when we're through,
you won't wanna sell it.
SADIE:
Mm.
-(KISSES)
-Hey, where you going?
I gotta run and grab some paint
before the store closes.
Okay.
I'm gonna leave you two
some space.
Thank you.
Oh, hush.
Hush.
You're living together?
Do I need permission?
No. No.
(CLICKS TONGUE)
Hey, you know what?
Why don't I help you
get settled?
-What?
-Let's just get settled.
-Okay.
-Yeah. Come on.
There we go.
Let's just go up.
()
(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)
Oh, that doesn't open.
It's so pesky.
Another thing to
put on the list.
Come on.
Come on.
You're just ahead here.
(FLOOR CREAKS)
-WOMAN 1: It's lovely.
-SADIE: Hm, mmhmm.
()
WOMAN 1: Whoa.
Let's get you down.
(WOMAN SHUSHING)
Frank is quick.
-SADIE: Yeah.
-And cute.
How long have you tow been--
None of your business.
Okay.
(CHUCKLES)
WOMAN 2:
Harper, hi.
Is it all right
if I call you, "Harper"?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
HARPER: Um, s-- sorry.
Uh, who are you?
I'm Bette.
Just think of me
as a home aid.
We are so glad
that you're home.
Mom, you--
Um, I'm sorry, Bette.
Nice to meet you.
Do you mind if my mom
and I have a minute alone?
BETTE: Oh, of course.
Yeah.
I'll just um,
I'll go start dinner.
Okay.
Nice to meet you.
(DOOR SHUTS)
(SADIE SIGHS)
Mom, what's going on?
What do you mean?
I know you're getting older.
I just, I di-- I didn't realize
that you needed
that kind of help.
Don't worry about it.
Even with Frank
you needed a nurse?
Is that what she is?
SADIE:
Don't worry about it.
Mom, should you be fixing up
a house if you--
Don't worry about it.
Are you good?
I'm good if you're good.
-I'm good.
-Okay.
Settle in
and I will get you for dinner.
And we're so happy
that you're here,
safe and sound.
Mm-hmm.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(FLOOR CREAKS)
(CHUCKLES)
(ITEMS RATTLING)
Ah! Shit.
-(GASPS)
-(CROW CAWS)
HARPER:
Oh my God.
Get, get, get!
Get, get.
Get outta here!
Get, get, get.
Go, go.
Get, get.
Get, get.
Oh, goddamn it.
Get.
(BABY CRYING)
(GRUNTS)
(CROW CAWING)
(BABY CRYING)
(PANTS)
BETTE:
Bon apptit.
(CUTLERY CLANGING)
Okay.
Mm.
That's delicious.
Mm.
Tastes familiar.
Well, it should.
It's from your family's kitchen.
-SADIE: Hm.
-Isn't that right, Sadie?
Mm.
(BABY CRYING)
No, no.
Let her cry.
Let her cry.
Let her cry.
She will soothe herself.
It's important
for healthy attachment
for both of you.
Oh, God.
It just rips my heart out.
I know.
That's motherhood for you.
Oh, okay.
Somebody distract me.
Um, Bette, why are you here?
You are way too pretty
for this line of work.
Well, I have always had
a soft spot for seniors.
Oh.
I just, I needed
a bit of grounding.
Well, that's an understatement.
(BABY COOING)
-You were right.
-Mm-hmm.
And don't ever forget it.
What's wrong?
()
(BABY CRYING)
Oh my God!
Christine!
Christine!
SADIE:
What is going on?
Oh my God.
Oh, thank God.
Mom,
I s-- I saw something.
I saw--
There was someone--
-Oh no, no.
-Something--
-She's fine. She's fine.
-I know, it's okay, it's okay.
SADIE: There you go.
See?
Hi.
SADIE: Yeah, it's okay.
Mm-hmm.
-It's okay.
-(CROW CAWING)
SADIE:
Oh, the damn birds.
(KNOCKS)
SADIE: Knock, knock.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
(CHRISTINE COOING)
Is there maybe
a different room
we could stay in?
Ye--
Well, I could ask Bette
if she wanted to switch.
I mean, her room's smaller.
I'm sure she'll be amenable,
and Frank will be home soon,
so he can help move your--
No. Mom, it's--
It's okay.
I came here to help you,
not make more work for you.
It's--
I'm sure it was, um...
So this place just sat empty?
Why do you ask?
It just--
I mean,
I know it's not very obvious,
but I have made a lot
of progress.
Oh, I'm sure.
I'm sure.
Oh, and I talked to Frank
about the bird thing
-and he's on it.
-It's fine. It's fine.
I'm sure it's all
gonna turn out great.
You've always had
an eye for possibility.
Oh, thank you.
We're gonna go to bed.
SADIE:
Okay.
Oh, and um,
I'm gonna keep an eye
on this just in case you see
any monsters under the bed.
Okay.
()
(CHRISTINE COOING)
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(CHRISTINE COOING)
(CLICKS BUTTON)
HARPER:
Goodnight, baby girl.
(LOUD HAMMERING)
()
(GASPS)
HARPER:
Mom! Mom! Mom!
Please tell me you have her!
Please tell me you have her!
Hey, hey, hey.
Hey, hey, hey.
(SIGHS)
It's okay. Yeah.
Oh, sweet girl.
Bette just grabbed her
a few hours ago.
You were out cold,
and she-- she decided
it was best, you know,
not to wake you.
BETTE: I'm so sorry.
I didn't--
I didn't mean to upset you.
What time is it?
It's uh, it's around noon.
(GRUNTS)
Shit. Jesus.
Sleep, I just can't get enough.
Can't get enough.
See, I'm surprised
he didn't wake you.
He's been doing that since 6:00.
Well, now I just feel like
a sloth.
Okay, Mom, hit me with it.
What can I help you
with today?
Oh, just rest.
Uh, I did, a lot.
I'm not gonna stay here
and not help you.
You could help me with the
garden, it's a mess.
Well, let's start
with something
-Great.
-less strenuous than the garden.
No, I would love to.
I'm just gonna change,
get this girl.
Okay, come on.
Listen, listen,
why don't you go out.
I'll keep an eye on her
and um, if she wakes up,
I'll come and get you.
-Okay.
-Yeah.
You're gonna be with grandma.
Yeah, you're gonna be
with grandma.
Okay.
()
(CLICKS TONGUE)
(SIGHS)
HARPER: So, how long have you
been working with my mom?
BETTE: Uh, just since she
moved in here.
HARPER: Is she--
She's okay.
BETTE:
What do you mean?
She doesn't have like,
cancer or something?
Oh, God.
No, no, no.
No. Okay.
I'm just trying
to understand exactly
why you're here.
No offense.
No, I-- I get it.
It's weird
watching parents age.
She's just always been
so independent and reasonable.
This-- this house thing,
it just feels different.
Call me a bit "woo-woo",
but this place is...
No, there's an energy here,
for sure.
And for what it's worth,
I'm a bit woo-woo, too.
But no, Sadie is fine.
I'm just an extra pair of
hands, I promise.
The garden.
-HARPER: Oh.
-BETTE: Mm-hmm.
-Wanna sit down?
-HARPER: Mm-hmm.
Hey,
how's your bruising doing?
-Hmm?
-Do you mind if I take a look?
It's right here, yeah?
-Can I just--
-Yeah.
Oh, wow,
that is a nasty one.
You're lucky
you didn't break anything.
I have a cream that would be
really good for this.
Okay.
(HARPER CLEARS THROAT)
Let's clear these leaves, yeah?
Let's get it.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH)
(LEAVES RUSTLING)
Bette, thank you
for getting Christine for me.
I'm just really protective.
BETTE:
Yeah, all mothers are.
Do you have kids?
Not yet.
Well, motherhood's
the worst thing you can do
to yourself.
(CHUCKLES)
I hope you do it.
(LEAVES RUSTLE)
Oh, Jesus Christ.
()
(PUKES)
(COUGHING)
Oh, okay.
Sweetie.
(SPITS)
Oh, you okay?
You okay?
()
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
Mom, can you get her?
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
Ah.
Mom?
Mom, can you get the baby,
please?
(SADIE SHUSHING)
(SIGHS)
()
Oh my God.
(GASPS)
Oh, oh God.
Oh my God.
(THUD)
(COUGHS)
(PANTING)
()
-(BANGS)
-(GRUNTS)
(THUDS)
(GROANS)
(RATTLING)
()
I'm sorry.
Mom, I can't stay here.
We're leaving, okay?
This place isn't right.
Have a seat, dear.
I-- I can help you
on the weekends.
I can help with the listings.
I just-- I can't stay here.
We had an agreement,
remember?
You, me, your doctor,
your caseworker.
-We discussed this.
-I-- I-- I don't understand.
SADIE:
It's not your fault.
A lot of people
go through this.
Wait. Wait.
(CAR HONKS)
SADIE: You need supervision.
You need care.
It's not safe
for you to live alone.
No.
Yes.
(CAR HONKS)
I-- I-- I-- I t--
I-- I-- I couldn't sleep.
I-- I needed air.
I got confused for a moment.
You could've died.
It happened once!
Once!
(CAR HONKING)
()
Being a single mother is hard.
It is exhausting.
It-- it-- it takes a toll.
And now you have support.
This place, there is something
wrong with this place.
There...
There's something bad here.
We need to leave.
We're not staying.
We can't stay.
Then you can't keep her.
()
Mm, sorry.
Well, I get it now.
You're not here for her,
you're here for me.
Can't I be here
for both of you?
Am I so bad?
No, but I am apparently.
Hey, it was a scare.
Sadie was scared.
Mm-hmm.
This is just a season, okay?
You'll get through this.
I don't wanna get
through it, Bette.
I love how I love being a mom.
You just lost track
of things for a bit.
We all lose track sometimes.
The brain is a wild beast.
()
What's that for?
Crows.
Shiny things keep them away.
(FOIL RUSTLING)
()
(BANGING)
()
(LIGHT FLICKS OFF)
(HARPER SMOOCHES)
(CHRISTINE COOING)
HARPER:
Don't worry, Christine.
Mama's always gonna
keep you safe.
(CHRISTINE COOING)
(FOIL RUSTLING)
(BIRD CHIRPING IN BACKGROUND)
Frank, I said no,
and I want you to call.
I-- I want to keep
the appointment.
SADIE:
I want to reschedule.
Reschedule what?
(SIGHS)
FRANK: A showing.
Our first one.
Our only one.
It's too much.
HARPER:
Are you kidding?
You have to show it.
The sooner you offload
this place, the better.
Listen to her.
-Keep her in the kitchen.
-I will.
Come here.
(SIGHS)
Come here.
Hey, you know those boxes
in the living room?
Do you happen to know
where those went?
Mm, Frank might've
put them in the basement.
Why do you ask?
(DOORBELL DINGS)
(GRUNTS, MUMBLES)
Sure has character.
SADIE:
Yeah, we like to think so.
FRANK:
Yeah, it's all original.
If you can handle the upkeep,
uh, it's quite an investment.
A real solid piece
of Southern history.
HUSBAND: Uh, the listing,
uh, said about--
Hi there.
Welcome.
Oh, can we--
can we offer you a treat?
I made cookies.
Well, who do we have here?
This is Christine
and she loves this house.
How-- how nice.
Um, ple-- go back
into the kitchen.
And how old is she?
She is 6 months old.
Do you wanna hold her?
It's supposed to be good
for them
to get used to being held
by new people.
No, I, I don't think that I--
-(CHRISTINE COOING)
-Oh, are you--
Well, you're saved
by the tummy.
Are you hungry?
Yeah?
Well, I really hope
you enjoy the tour.
This place is really special.
Oh, are you hungry?
Are you hungry?
Yeah. Okay.
Let's get you fed, baby.
Go into the kitchen, please.
Now. Go. Now.
Come with me.
Uh...
I'm-- I'm-- I'm so sorry.
I-- I should've gotten a--
a blanket.
Actually, we're uh--
We have another appointment,
but...
So...
FRANK: Yeah, well, uh...
(CLEARS THROAT)
Let me show you out.
-Sorry.
-I'm sorry.
-I'm sorry.
-I'm so-- I'm so sorry.
Just down.
Don't worry about it.
Oh my God.
How dare you?
Are you kidding me?
That was
completely inappropriate.
Mom, are you serious?
They are our only lead.
Well, if breastfeeding my child
was enough to scare them off,
they sure as hell
wouldn't have liked
the baby buried in the garden.
What the hell
are you even doing here
if you're just gonna
make my life harder?
I'm sorry, I just--
You were supposed
to keep her out of here.
She is a human being.
I don't--
I knew, I knew
you weren't fit for this.
Just get out of my sight.
Go. Go!
(SIGHS)
HARPER:
Bette.
What is the matter with you?
You can't treat people
like that.
That's disgusting.
You get out of my sight, too.
Look, I don't know
what's going on with you,
but you need to check yourself.
Hey.
Hey.
(SNIFFLES)
Can I get your help
with something?
Yeah.
HARPER: Yep. And from there,
you're gonna--
Yes, bring that down.
-BETTE: Oh.
-HARPER: Look at that.
BETTE:
Look, his feet.
HARPER: Yeah.
You're a natural.
Look at that.
BETTE: Sadie never told me
you were an artist.
Well, that's because
Sadie doesn't value art.
She finds it frivolous.
So what, you're like
a painter or...
Mm, a little bit of everything.
Metal work and pottery.
Wow.
That's so cool.
I actually dropped out
of art school.
My mom also does not value art.
Wants me to be more practical.
Well, now you're putting up
with this shit.
You should quit.
You should go back to school.
I'd be sad to see you go,
but my mom's being a total cunt.
She is, seriously.
That was so inappropriate.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah.
Yeah, it was, but...
I mean, it's not that simple.
I uh, I need her.
The job, you know.
I got myself
into a little bit of a bind.
I don't have
anywhere else to go.
And it's early days,
but I am pregnant.
Oh, Bette, that's--
I'm sorry. I'm--
That's really presumptuous
of me.
Do you--
-No, I'm--
-What do you think you'll--
I'm gonna keep it.
Um, I wanna do it.
I just am...
Scared shitless.
Yeah.
I am scared shitless.
You and me both, girl.
(CUTLERY CLINKING)
Aren't you uncomfortable eating
with her
hanging off your chest
like that?
I'm fine.
Well, you know,
you're too attached.
It's not healthy.
You don't have
to be with her constantly.
Believe it or not,
she actually enjoys my company.
Let me take her.
I'll put her in the crib.
-We're fine.
-Harper, give her to me.
-We're fine!
-Don't be stubborn.
She said she's fine.
(CHAIR THUDS)
(STOMPS OFF)
She's going through a lot.
More than you know.
Could you just,
could you just
cut her some slack?
Hm?
(FLOOR CREAKS)
SADIE:
You should be in bed.
HARPER:
You should be in bed.
SADIE: Sometimes I get jealous
of her, you know?
The apple of your eye.
(SADIE SIGHS)
Christine, Christine, Christine.
Your baby girl.
I could never compete.
You'll never not be perfect.
Goodnight.
()
(CROWS CAWING IN BACKGROUND)
(DOOR CREAKS CLOSE)
(INDISTINCT WHISPERS)
()
(CROWS CAWING IN BACKGROUND)
(INDISTINCT WHISPERS)
()
GIRL:
Be with me.
Be with me.
(GASPS)
()
GIRL:
Be with me.
(ROCKING CHAIR CREAKING)
()
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(GASPING)
HARPER:
I swear it was real.
SADIE: You're confused again.
Take a breath.
It's not safe.
We need to leave now.
If you wanna keep the baby,
you stay here.
Maybe she's right.
Maybe it's time to uh,
we gotta try something.
No.
You stay here with me.
I am not dangerous.
I am being terrorized.
Are you listening to yourself?
I can hear it in the walls.
It is in the earth.
It is-- it is--
It's everywhere.
It is rot.
There is an infestation.
Oh my God.
It's gotten to you, too.
Look at yourself.
You're pale.
You're exhausted.
You're not acting right.
Yeah, I guess, and why do you
think that might be?
It's because there is,
there is--
Because there's a witch
living in the walls?
Is that what you're telling me?
I have seen it.
You don't know
what you're seeing!
BETTE:
Okay.
I think everyone's
just a little tired.
We all need some rest.
Huh?
Hey, why don't you come
and stay in my room with me?
Just for tonight.
(SNIFFLES)
The door stays open.
Come on.
HARPER:
Goodnight, baby.
(HARPER PECKS)
Hey, can I ask you a question?
Of course.
What did it look like,
the thing you saw?
May I?
()
I've seen it, too.
SADIE:
Go to sleep, girls.
()
()
SADIE:
It's happening again.
I can't believe
it's happening again.
(STAIRS CREAK)
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
(PAPER RUSTLING)
HARPER: "Baby girl Pernelli died
the night of October 1st, 1958.
She was 6 months old.
Mother claims
witch responsible."
()
(HARPER GASPS)
(COUGHS)
(GASPS)
GIRL:
Be with me.
()
(SCREAMS)
(SCREAMING)
(BODY THUDS)
(GROANS)
Be with me.
(INDISTINCT SPEECH
IN BACKGROUND)
BETTE: Well, at her age it
just-- it feels cruel.
SADIE:
Don't you tell me what's cruel.
BETTE:
This isn't gonna stick.
(INDISTINCT SPEECH
IN BACKGROUND)
(GROANS)
(WINCES)
(SIGHS)
()
(PANTS)
HARPER: Christine?
Christine?
Christine?
Ah, ah.
(DOOR HANDLE RATTLES)
Mom? Mom!
(BANGS)
Mom!
SADIE: Step back.
Step all the way back.
(PANTS)
Open the goddamn door.
Open the door!
What the hell is going on?
Where is my daughter?
Where the hell is my daughter?
SADIE:
Harper, please.
Where the fuck
is my daughter?
Please, dear.
Try and stay calm.
-Hey, hey!
-Let me--
-Wait, dar--
-Let me out!
Darling, please, please.
I don't know you.
I don't know you.
Harper.
This is sick.
I have rights.
This isn't legal.
I-- I want a lawyer.
Harper,
these are for anxiety.
Uh, wait, uh, I--
I wanna hear you say it.
Say what?
What all this means, that um,
that I'm an unfit mother.
Say it. Say it.
See, you don't--
you don't even believe it.
()
FRANK:
One week.
One week without an episode
and she'll be returned to you.
()
(BANGS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(SIGHS)
(THUMPING, CREAKING)
(CHUCKLES)
BETTE:
Stand back a little.
(CREAKING)
(THUD)
Thank you.
BETTE: I think Harriet
would want you to have it.
Don't tell Sadie.
(FLICKS PAGES)
()
HARPER: "December 8, 1957.
The house is perfect.
Otto loves it, too.
He'll be a father again
very soon.
A happy family of four,
just like I always dreamed."
(LIGHT FLICKERS)
(FLICKING PAGES)
HARPER:
"March 15, 1958.
My darling baby girl is here,
but why do I feel such dread?
Only dread, constant dread,
as if I'm waiting
for something terrible."
()
HARPER:
"Gone, my baby, gone.
The winged witch was hungry,
for the Beldham never sleeps."
(FLICKING PAGES)
(CROW COOING)
HARRIET:
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
The Beldham never sleeps.
()
(CROW COOING)
Hush, little baby,
the blackbird calls
When the sun goes quiet
and the nighttime falls
Mama will hold you
through the dark so deep
For the winged witch
is hungry
And the Beldham
never sleeps.
(BOOK THUDS)
(CROW COOING)
HARPER:
Ready.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
Pills worked wonders.
Thank you.
Any new prospective buyers?
That's really not your concern.
I'll get out of the way
this time
if you wanna show the house.
I know you've put
a lot of work into it
and just want it to go smoothly.
Thank you.
I am surprised
that nobody's called.
Well, why don't you just go
put flyers all over town
if I am that incompetent?
That's not-- it's not--
that's not-- not--
No, nobody's saying...
Your hands are freezing.
What about the basement?
It's a disaster,
and I know I made it worse,
so I-- I'd really like
to fix it up.
Call it my apology.
You go nowhere unsupervised.
BETTE:
Well, I'll help her.
Of course, she will.
(SNIFFLES)
I guess Frank
must've already...
Must've what?
He-- he must've cleaned the...
Oh my God.
She drew this
after it took her baby.
Harriet.
What do you think happened
to her?
To Harriet?
It won.
I think it won.
SADIE:
Girls, upstairs.
Come on.
GIRL: Be with me.
Be with me.
Be with me.
Be...
Be with me.
(GIRL GROANS)
(WATER SPLASHES)
GIRL: Be with me.
Be with me.
Be with me.
Be with me.
(STATIC SOUND)
GIRL:
Be with me.
(STATIC)
()
(FOIL RUSTLING)
()
(SMASHES)
(BANGS)
(FOIL RUSTLES)
(THUD)
HARPER:
Three more days.
Hmm?
That's what you promised.
Did you think
I wouldn't keep track?
-Three more days.
-Three more days.
SADIE: She isn't capable.
She is--
BETTE: She can handle more
than you think.
SADIE: Stop undermining me.
You're making things worse.
Is everything okay?
Oh, God.
Mom?
Are you okay?
Just worry about yourself,
all right?
Oh my God.
Shut your mouth.
You look like a damn trout.
(FLICKING BOOKS)
(BOOKS SLAM)
Okay. I don't--
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I just...
I don't know who I'm becoming.
HARPER: Have you picked
out any names yet?
BETTE:
Oh, no, no.
(HARPER CLICK TONGUE)
HARPER:
Haven't even thought about it?
BETTE:
I mean, it just--
just makes it feel real,
you know?
It is real.
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
I know, I just...
Like, how do you--
how do you manage the...
Like, when I think about
who I am,
who I've always been,
who I-- who I dreamed
I would be, mother is just,
it's not in the equation.
It's just tough, too,
you know?
Like I don't-- I don't have
a great relationship
with my mom.
And it's like,
she was a single mother,
and her mom
was a single mother,
and now I'm a single mother,
and I just--
it's just so fucking textbook.
WOMAN 3: Why are you selling,
if you don't mind me asking?
SADIE:
My um, the owner, she's--
WOMAN 3: Oh, I see.
Well, it's beautiful.
SADIE:
Why don't we go back inside?
WOMAN 3:
Oh, who do we have here?
Um, hey,
come on inside now, okay.
Oh, no, it's fine.
You just do your thing.
Let me guess, sisters.
(CHUCKLES)
It does feel
like it sometimes, yeah.
WOMAN 3: Is that a little
garden I spot?
BETTE:
Mm-hmm, it is.
We've been working hard
to fix it up.
Uh, I'll show you.
-Absolutely not.
-Yes, please. Oh, I insist.
I've got a strong green
thumb myself.
I find it to be so relaxing,
don't you?
I've heard
it keeps the mind sharp.
Look at that.
Yeah, we've planted
some strawberries, some ivy,
chives, rosemary.
WOMAN 3: Well, it's just lovely.
What's this?
Oh, I'm s-- I'm sorry.
No, no, no.
I-- I didn't mean
for you to, uh...
WOMAN 3:
Is, is that...
SADIE:
I am so sorry.
It-- it's not-- it's not--
WOMAN 3:
I'll see myself out.
SADIE:
It happened long ago.
I was horrified
when I first saw it too, but...
You know, long ago,
it wasn't uncommon
for families to bury
their loved ones at home.
It was comforting, in fact.
It was a way to stay connected.
I like to think of her
as our guardian angel.
In this way,
she's not really gone.
She-- she's part of the earth,
part of the foundation,
part of who we are.
She's here with us always,
blessing us,
for generations to come.
()
()
WOMAN 3:
I'd love to put in an offer.
SADIE:
Seriously?
WOMAN 3:
Yes.
We're going through
the same thing...
(INDISTINCT SPEECH)
WOMAN 3: Oh my God,
she is such a blessing to you.
(DOOR OPENS, SHUTS)
(FOOTFALL)
()
(DOOR CREAKS)
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Wait, what time
are they bringing
her back tomorrow?
Noon.
(DOOR SHUTS)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR SHUTS)
(CREAKING)
(TAPPING IN DISTANCE)
()
(COUGHING)
(CHOKING, COUGHING)
(GAGGING, CHOKING)
(GAGGING, COUGHING)
(SCREAMS)
(PANTS)
(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
()
-(SCREAMS)
-(BETTE GRUNTS)
(GASPS)
(GASPS)
HARPER:
No, no, no.
-BETTE: Sadie?
-HARPER: Mom?
-BETTE: Sadie, help.
-HARPER: Mom.
BETTE:
Please?
HARPER:
Mom?
Is she gonna be okay?
FRANK:
Eventually.
And the baby?
The baby?
FRANK:
Time will tell.
I didn't know.
I didn't know it was her.
I would-- I would never.
I would ne--
I would never.
I would ne--
would never.
WOMAN 4:
Ma'am?
Ma'am?
-Ma'am?
-Yes?
Yes.
I'm sorry. I-- I'm sorry.
Who are you?
It's Lois, remember?
We've been working together
for some time.
I'm your caseworker, sweetie.
What case?
I don't have a case.
LOIS:
I'm here to talk to you
about your most recent episode
and what that means
for you now, dear.
You mean about Christine?
N-- no, I'm...
No, this-- this is--
this is a misunderstanding.
This was an accident.
I've-- I've been good.
I'm good. I-- I'm supposed
to get her back today.
Today-- today's the day
I get her back.
LOIS: Sadie Pernelli
has been named
as your legal guardian, dear.
-Do you understand?
-No.
LOIS: For your safety,
all decisions--
No.
LOIS: Medical, financial,
and so forth will rest
in her care.
No. No.
LOIS: We're hopeful
you can remain here at home,
but if symptoms persist,
we'll need to consider
a more permanent facility
available again.
Uh...
Well...
I-- I...
Uh...
(SNIFFLES)
(PAPERS RUSTLE)
This...
No.
(SNIFFLES)
You should...
This...
You don't understand.
I am in danger.
There is something here.
There is-- there's--
there is something here.
There is a monster.
There is a witch.
You have to get me
out of here.
I'm in danger.
Please, just take me
to my daughter.
Please, take me to Christine.
Please.
Please,
take me to my daughter.
Please,
take me to Christine.
-Ma'am.
-Please, please, help me.
-Ma'am, ma'am.
-Please.
You don't understand.
Let go.
()
()
Goodbye.
SADIE:
What?
Goodnight.
(CLICKS LIGHT)
(DOOR SHUTS, LOCKS)
()
(CLICKS LIGHT)
(TAKES DEEP BREATH)
FRANK: All right,
here we go.
Let's get you in.
BETTE:
Thanks, Frank.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
Please let me see her.
You can be there,
I won't touch her.
I won't even get close,
please.
Please let me make this right.
I need to make this right,
please.
Please.
Hey.
(SOBS)
I'm so sorry.
No, hey, look.
It's a girl.
(SIGHS)
(CHUCKLES)
Christine is closer
than you think.
SADIE: Okay, girls,
time for bed.
(DOOR SHUTS)
()
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
(RATTLES)
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(STAIRS CREAK)
(CROWS CAWING IN BACKGROUND)
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
()
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
GIRL:
Be with me.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
GIRL:
Be with me.
()
GIRL:
Be with me.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(SCRATCHING)
GIRL:
Mama, be with me.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
(WOMAN SCREAMING)
(INDISTINCT MURMURS)
GIRL:
Please mama.
Mama?
Mama, please.
Mama.
Mama, please.
Mama?
Be with me, mama.
Be with me, mama.
Mama, please.
Be with me.
HARPER:
Christine.
(CHRISTINE CRYING)
HARPER:
Shh. Please.
(HARPER SHUSHING)
GIRL:
Mama.
HARPER: Just a minute, honey.
Just a minute.
GIRL: Mama, please.
Mama.
(HARPER SHUSHING)
GIRL: Mama, please.
Be with me.
HARPER: It's okay, sweetie.
It's okay.
Okay.
Okay, my chickadee.
Let's go.
()
(CROW CAWING)
(GASPS)
(SCREAMING)
()
GIRL:
Mama?
Be with me.
Be with me.
SADIE:
Please.
Please.
Be with me.
Please.
Be with me.
Please.
Please.
Be with me.
Please.
(SIGHS) Please.
()
(INHALES)
(EXHALES)
()
LOIS: As of this morning,
the court has awarded
your daughter
legal guardianship--
No.
But, no.
LOIS: Do you understand
what that means, dear?
HARRIET:
There is something here.
-LOIS: Harriet.
-It's a monster. It's a--
-No, it's--
-LOIS: Harriet.
It's a witch.
Please take me
to my daughter.
SADIE:
Harper?
Harriet?
How?
How long have I been out?
Mom.
Oh, my chickadee.
(CHUCKLES)
Oh.
Oh, no.
I'm sorry, Mom.
I'm-- I'm so--
HARRIET:
No.
Oh, I'm sorry,
my chickadee.
I left you again.
I am so sorry.
It's not your fault, Mom.
It was never your fault.
Oh.
I couldn't see you.
Oh, Mom.
(HARRIET SNIFFLES)
But you see me now.
Yes. Oh, yes.
Yes.
I think it's time
I let her go.
SADIE:
Hmm.
()
(CRYING)
()
BETTE:
Are you ready to see grandma?
Great-grandma?
Oh, wow.
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(CROW CAWING)
()
(WIND RUSTLING)
()
(WIND RUSTLING)
()
(WIND RUSTLING)
YOUNG SADIE:
Be with me.