The Cunning (2025) Movie Script
We do this in remembrance
of my father and mother,
and all those who were
chosen to strengthen the fold
and destroy the weak.
We offer you a great and living sacrifice.
Great King, please accept our offering,
grant us power and wealth,
and knowledge of those things
past, present, and future.
(unsettling music)
(foreboding music)
(foreboding music continues)
They just left her at my front door.
Name's Eva.
Someone from another
foster home left a teenager
at your front door unannounced?
According to the girl, yes.
I've called foster homes
all over the state.
No record of her.
So we have no information
on who this little girl might be.
I'm afraid not.
Well, you know perfectly well why.
African American children
are practically $0
at every adoption agency in the country.
On the bright side, you called us.
I (coughing and gagging).
The doctors don't have the slightest clue.
It just came on so suddenly.
We appreciate everything
you've done for our community.
Your hard work and sacrifice
will not be forgotten.
Oh, my sweet Kate.
There is no success without sacrifice.
You're both so lucky
you landed at Margaret's.
We've been working with her for years.
Our house was just too big
and we had the extra room,
so we decided to foster.
Anyway, I can't wait 'til
you meet our son, Jackson.
It takes him a minute to warm up.
Welcome home.
Eva, Malachi, I'd like
you to meet Jackson.
Jackson is our biological son.
Will you show Eva and Malachi around?
I have a phone call with the
university club in a few.
Sure, the kitchen's that way.
Upstairs is that way.
The front is that way, and
the backyard is that way.
Jackson.
I'm in the middle of something.
In the middle of what?
The Tale of the Chameleons.
The what?
Don't mind Jackson.
He could be a bit...
- Are You Afraid of the Dark?
No, I'm not.
Why do you ask?
No, it's a TV show.
Oh, okay.
Well, that leaves.
Don't look over here.
I have to take an important
call right about now.
I hate to do this,
but as soon as I finish my call,
I'll give you a proper tour.
Your rooms are just up the stairs
and off in either direction.
Feel free to look around.
(footfalls echoing)
This must be my room.
This is the best thing that
could ever happen to us, Eva.
These clothes don't have the tags on them.
Brand new clothes, nice
car, and a nice house.
It's hard for a kid my age
to find us a permanent home.
You're overthinking it.
I'd do anything to stay here.
Anything.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(footfalls echoing)
(console buttons clacking)
Don't do it, don't you do it.
Son of a b
I wouldn't do that.
Wouldn't do what?
Jackson,
wouldn't do what?
(footfalls echoing)
Jackson.
Jackson.
Jim, these campaigns
don't pay for themselves.
We're doing our part, you just do yours.
Oh.
Who are they?
Kate's family.
Over here, we have Kate's
great, great, great grandfather.
Next to him is his wife, Katie.
Katie?
Like Kate.
- Just like Kate.
There you are, Eva.
How do you like your new room?
It's really nice.
I was just showing
her some of your family.
My family.
It's funny because my parents
thought I was spoiled rotten.
A result of their own doing, no less.
But that all changed
when I met another little
girl who had nothing.
Kate's a true humanitarian.
I'm sorry, I just,
I always wanted a girl.
Kate, Kate (sighs).
I'll grab you when it's
time for dinner, okay?
[Eva] Sure.
(discordant music)
(foreboding music)
(gentle music)
I vowed never to cut my hair
again and so I grew it out.
But it was so puffy that when I looked
in my shadow on the wall,
I couldn't see the outline of my head.
And so when I was in third
grade, my mom bobbed my hair,
but I was in an awkward phase,
and so I was promptly named the baboon.
But if you think that's bad,
he wanted big, curly hair like
all those guys in New York.
(family members laughing)
It was the '80s, everyone was doing it.
You practically begged me for a perm.
A perm?
Mm, a perm.
Kids, these allegations are false.
I simply asked, I never begged.
You practically forced me.
Look at me, don't listen to her.
Wait 'til I tell them
about your flowing
golden locks in the '70s.
All right, that is enough wine for you.
Hmm.
Jackson, have you had a chance
to talk to Eva and Malachi yet?
No, not yet.
What?
You know-
I'm fine mom.
Well, you're missing out.
Eva is a talented painter.
And Malachi, I caught you running
around out back with a football.
You could go to the league
with that speed, Malachi.
- You think so?
- I know so.
(gentle music)
You see, Jackson, there is
more to life than video games.
You should get out, run around,
play football, right?
- I said not yet.
They'll be around long enough, right?
Well, everything came
out just delicious.
Thank you, Eva, for all your help.
You're welcome.
Now, who wants to help with the dishes?
(gentle music)
Hmm, I can't blame him.
He reminds me of me at his age,
but you can't just wake up one day
and decide to have no part of this.
He barely comes up for a breath of air.
He's a kid.
Kids play games.
Someone has to continue when we're gone.
It's our legacy.
I just wish.
You wish What?
I wish we didn't stop trying.
It can still happen.
(gentle music)
- Mm.
I don't know, Joe.
Let's just focus on your campaign.
(gentle music continues)
Kate,
it can still happen.
(gentle music continues)
(ominous music)
(upbeat music playing on device)
What?
Wanna get out of here?
And go where?
- Cemetery.
- Cemetery?
How do you know?
Jackson told me.
Fine, come on.
[Malachi] I lived with
Margaret for almost a year.
No one wanted me.
Starting to think I deserved it.
[Eva] That's not true.
You know you're good luck, right?
Good luck, how?
[Malachi] You showed up to Margaret's.
Now look at us.
I wouldn't call that luck.
[Malachi] Sometimes,
life just isn't fair.
(birds chirping)
[Eva] Yeah, it's a
little weird living here.
- Yeah.
- Oh, did you get a chance
to play football with Jackson?
[Malachi] (scoffs) No,
I don't think he likes me.
[Eva] I don't think he likes anybody.
That boy's such an introvert.
(tense music)
Who are these people?
[Malachi] Slaves.
Slaves?
How do you know?
[Malachi] Jackson.
[Eva] Why would he say that?
Yeah, that kid is definitely strange.
(ominous music)
[Eva] Esther.
(static garbles)
- Esther.
- My children stay with me.
[Malachi] It's creepy over here.
Margaret was right.
No record of Geneva or Eva anywhere,
if that's even her name.
Do we really need to
know anything about her?
Yeah, you're right.
It's just I was able to
get Malachi's records.
What if her birth parents
realize they made a mistake
and they want her back?
- Kate.
- What if they're searching
for her and it leads them here?
Kate.
Yeah, you're right.
It's just those poor kids,
in and out of foster
care their entire lives.
Luckily, they landed with Margaret.
The horror stories of
some of those facilities.
It's no secret that the foster care system
in this country is broken.
When you're in office,
I want you to fix it.
(gentle music)
(line ringing)
(operator chattering)
It's just important to me
to keep a tidy record on
every child that I foster.
(operator continues chattering)
Hmm, if you do find
anything else on Eva,
would you please let me
know as soon as possible?
(gentle music)
(operator chattering)
Thank you, bye for now.
(phone clatters)
(gentle music continues)
I double majored in art.
I used to dream of being
a world renowned painter,
then being a mother, and
the wife of a politician
sort of consumed all my time.
You are a natural talent.
You know your painting looks kind
of how this place used to look?
Used to look?
Yeah, if you think
this place is something,
you should have seen it back in the day.
Giant live oak trees, horses, cabins,
and beautiful landscaping that stretched
as far as the eye could see.
My family was the epitome of opulence.
And then one day, just
like that, it was gone.
We lost so much.
Our property, land, and wealth.
At least we still have this house, huh?
There's nothing greater than you, me,
and the hope we all share.
How's that sound?
You want the truth?
Of course.
Like all your other speeches (laughs).
You know, I called Margaret.
Oh yeah?
What'd she say?
No answer.
(eerie music)
You don't think she?
(strained eerie music)
(Margaret coughing)
(tense orchestral music)
Oh, Margaret.
[Joseph] I'll try her again tomorrow.
Yes, so come together as a family, yes.
Okay, yes, yes, yes.
Okay, okay.
Come here, come here, come here, yes.
(camera shutter clicking and beeping)
Jackson, smile.
My best smile is no smile at all.
Young lady, can you gimme
more passion in the eyes?
Give me.
(camera shutter clicking and beeping)
I seem to be having an
issue with the lighting.
Is everything okay?
Oh, yeah, it's fine.
Just checking something.
So tell me, Michael,
how long have you and
Peter worked together?
He's a brilliant
photographer and colleague.
Everything I know, he taught me.
Trust me, you're in good hands.
(eerie music)
Okay, just gonna take
a few more shots, okay?
(camera shutter clicking and beeping)
All right, all done.
Thank you, Michael.
That was quick and painless.
Peter's rate, right?
Yep, same rate.
Thank you.
(strained eerie music)
You want help with anything?
I think I have everything.
All right.
You guys stay safe.
(bright groovy music playing on device)
(soft eerie music)
(eerie music continues)
(reverent music)
(whispers echoing)
(suspenseful music)
Over the course of my life at Yale,
during my studies abroad,
and my money travels around the world,
I have made every effort possible.
Possible.
To make the change that I wish to see.
That's why Joseph and I
work so well together.
(strained string music)
(Eva gasps)
(eerie music)
(eerie music continues)
Malachi, what are you doing?
Malachi, stop!
Joseph, Kate!
Help him, please.
- Malachi,
what are you doing?
(Kate gasping)
Be careful.
Malachi!
[Joseph] Come on.
Eva, go back up to your room.
(Eva whimpering)
(tense discordant music)
(gentle music)
Malachi.
You feel better?
[Malachi] Yeah.
Why did you cut yourself?
I blacked out.
I don't even remember doing it.
You scared me.
Is everything okay?
(ominous music)
Malachi, what's wrong?
(whispers echoing)
Malachi.
(soft haunting music)
Busy?
You know, Kate made a good point.
You're self-absorbed and antisocial.
You don't know me.
You don't even have a second controller.
(strained music)
One,
two,
three,
four,
five,
six,
seven,
eight,
nine, 10.
[Kate] Eva, Jackson,
do not run in this house.
(gentle music)
(Jackson laughing)
(gentle music continues)
(Eva panting)
Okay, okay, I'm done.
This isn't fun anymore.
(tense music)
Eva.
Eva, what are you doing?
There's nothing over there.
Eva, you interrupted
something very important
to stare off into space?
(tense music intensifies)
Stupid cunt.
(whispers echoing)
(body thuds)
(haunting music)
Jackson!
(gentle music)
(tense music)
Morning, sunshine.
Jackson?
Jackson?
(Kate screams)
Joseph!
(Kate whimpering)
No, Jackson.
Jackson, wake up, please.
Mommy's here.
Jackson, wake up, please.
(somber music)
(tense dramatic music)
(kettle whistling)
(dissonant music)
[Joseph] Make it easier.
Kate.
Kate.
Did you hear me?
No.
[Joseph] We need to talk.
Well, thank you for
that last bit of detail.
Everything's all set.
I'm really sorry this happened.
Jackson was a lovely boy.
Thank you.
Are you sure you wanna
cremate the remains?
[Joseph] Yeah.
Understood.
Today is Friday, how's one week from now?
Yeah.
May I make one suggestion?
I know there's a small
cemetery here on the property.
It might be comforting
to keep Jackson close
and bury him there.
No.
[Joseph] Kate, it's
something to think about.
I've helped plenty of families go
through this decision before.
Most aren't as fortunate
to have a small cemetery
on their property.
I said no.
- Kate, would you just-
- I said no!
I don't want my son buried
next to the fslaves.
Kate, wait up.
He was just-
Don't touch me.
Do you wanna go for a ride?
(Joseph sighs)
(haunting music)
(door creaking)
(haunting music continues)
What's wrong, Esther?
I just came to talk to Mr. Ashley.
Talk.
Is that all?
Esther, what can I help
you with at this hour?
Well, we was just wondering
when you was going to get
those cabins you promised us.
I already told you.
We'll get to it when we can.
Yes, sir.
But you say you get to
it for six years now.
You have a place to rest
your head in the quarters,
do you not?
It's too many of us in
that one room shack, and.
Well, George and I,
we's expecting another.
If you don't like it
here, then you, George,
and your growing family can leave.
No one's keeping you anymore.
Sir, we don't make enough,
even with all our earnings.
Not enough to stay, sure not enough to go.
Well, that settles it.
Need I remind you that
one of my children is yours?
Geneva's welcome to stay with me.
My children stay with me.
Esther, it's late.
My patience is wearing thin.
- Henry.
- Mr. Ashley!
Mr. Ashley.
We just need the logs
that you promised us.
George and the others can do the rest.
Henry.
No.
(gentle music)
Katie has suggested that
I fix our little problem.
(tense music)
Who are you?
What do you want from me?
Do you want me to find
something in this book?
Are you in this book?
(paper rustling)
(quiet tense music)
(paper rustling)
To return a runaway
teaches what the earth is,
discovers hidden things, a sacred ritual
to strengthen the fold
and destroy the weak.
(tense music)
(footfalls echoing)
(rain pattering)
(thunder crackles)
(Eva laughs)
I like that one, too.
(Eva laughs)
Don't worry, she won't find out.
[Kate] Eva?
Yes, Kate?
- Who are you talking to?
- No one.
Why aren't you asleep?
Couldn't sleep.
Okay, well, it's time for bed.
Not tired.
I didn't ask if you were.
I said go to bed.
I don't want to.
Eva.
(thunder crackling)
Put the paintbrush down and go to bed now.
You know she doesn't like this place?
Who is she?
She said bad people brought
her here and did things,
and now she's gonna get even.
Eva, stop it right now.
There is no she.
I am going to count to three.
And if you don't put that brush down,
I'm going to do it for you.
One,
two,
three.
(thunder crackles)
(Kate gasps)
(Kate panting)
Calm down, Kate, breathe.
What's wrong?
[Kate] Eva she, she attacked me.
Eva attacked you?
What?
Where, how?
She was painting, and then, (whimpering)
She turned and she.
Kate, stop!
You're not yourself,
and you've been getting
progressively worse since.
I have every right to grieve.
- You're not.
- I lost my son!
(Kate sobbing)
You're not the only one grieving.
I think that we should
make this the last one.
After this, we walk away for good.
Election's coming up.
I have a really good
feeling about this one.
(thunder crackles)
We both know what that means next.
President of the United States.
Oh, all I'm saying is I
think we've done enough.
We?
Yeah, we.
My family sacrificed everything.
What we do to preserve their
sacrifice commemorates that.
How do you even think
you're where you are today?
Because of my family.
How dare you question their hard work.
You small minded liberal piece of shit.
That's it.
I'm not doing this anymore.
We're done with your
little family tradition.
[Kate] No.
We have to.
No, you have to.
I don't have to do s.
[Kate] You don't understand.
I'm pretty fbright, Kate.
Enlighten me.
(thunder crackles)
I lied to you
about my mother and father.
I begged them to stop.
They tried.
It wouldn't let them.
You have to give them what they want.
Once you start, you can't stop.
If we don't continue this tradition,
they'll come for us and
they'll take everything,
including our lives.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
(thunder crackling)
(footfalls echoing)
It's getting late.
We need to prepare Malachi
and Eva for the ceremony.
Make sure they're dressed,
so we can start promptly at sunset.
(tense music)
(footfalls echoing)
Eva, where are you?
Come out now.
(eerie music)
Where's Eva?
[Malachi] I don't know.
Go back to your room.
Eva, I know you're in here.
Malachi, I am gonna ask you one more time.
Where is Eva?
I said, I don't know.
[Kate] I said, go to your room.
What?
I'm not a little kid.
(tense music)
(Eva screams)
(reverent music)
We do this in remembrance
of my father and mother,
and their fathers and their mothers,
and all those who were
chosen to strengthen the fold
and destroy the weak.
We offer you a great and living sacrifice.
Great King, please accept our offering.
Grant us power and wealth
and knowledge of those things
past, present, and future.
(tense dramatic music)
[Katie] Henry.
Think of something and
go talk to that boy.
[Henry] I don't owe him an explanation.
[Katie] You're not thinking.
If he runs off and alerts the
others, they'll leave here,
and who will till the grounds then, huh?
Evening, George.
We've had a little accident.
Esther took a pretty bad fall.
She broke her neck.
She didn't survive the fall, George.
I can't believe our dear Esther is gone.
I was always fond of Esther.
You know that.
Why don't you go on home now, George.
I'll see to it that
Esther gets a nice burial
out back tomorrow.
Oh, and George, send Geneva.
(tense music)
(Kate gasps)
Kate, get it together.
I have no idea what came over me.
Let's continue then.
(reverent vocalizing)
(ax thuds)
(flesh squelching)
(reverent music continues)
(singer vocalizing)
Geneva, where have you been?
Mr. Ashley said I could stay here,
but I went to Mama's grave
and I did what she taught me.
She's coming back, Papa.
Child, what did I tell you?
Quit messing with that evil.
It's not evil.
It's protection.
Mama told me what to do
if any harm come to her.
I did exactly what she said.
She's coming back to kill Mr.
Henry and ol evil Katie, too.
Well we ain't gonna be here to see it.
Now let's go.
Please, no.
We have to stay.
Mama said it could only happen through us.
Geneva, as God is my witness,
if you don't move your
feet, get now, let's go.
(tense music)
Good is two o'clock,
four o'clock, five o'clock,
six o'clock, seven o'clock, nine o'clock,
11 o'clock, 12 o'clock.
Evil is one o'clock, eight
o'clock, three o'clock.
To my neighbors, to make
sick or punishing enemy,
Hoodoo is important to us, baby?
It was taught to me by my mama
and her mama taught it to her.
It can be used for good or evil.
Remember what I tell you?
If something happens to
me, you know what to do.
Kill Kate.
(whispers echoing)
(suspenseful music)
I understand now.
You needed me to come back to this house.
(eerie music)
(water sloshing)
(toothbrush scraping)
I don't care how many times we do this,
I'll never get used to the taste.
(tense dramatic music)
- Oh, my God.
- Impossible.
Ashley.
(Kate panting)
What did you do?
Joseph, Joseph.
(Kate screaming)
No.
No, no, no, no, no.
What did you do?
Who are you?
Esther.
Esther Ashley.
What do you want?
You will pay for what
your family did to mine.
You can't blame my family.
They owned you.
It was the law.
They had every right to
do whatever they wanted to
with their property.
Eva is blood of my blood.
(dramatic music)
(Kate grunts)
(haunting music)
[Malachi] Eva, where are we going
and what are we gonna
do when we get there?
Be free.
(haunting music)
(haunting music continues)
[Esther] A house can
wreck a weary spirit
trapped by injustice, wanting to be freed.
You see it lingers, festers, preys.
Till the spirit exacts revenge.
(engine humming)
(wheels crunching)
(tense music)
[Eva] I was promised a home.
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(gentle reverent music)
(gentle reverent music continues)
(gentle reverent music continues)
of my father and mother,
and all those who were
chosen to strengthen the fold
and destroy the weak.
We offer you a great and living sacrifice.
Great King, please accept our offering,
grant us power and wealth,
and knowledge of those things
past, present, and future.
(unsettling music)
(foreboding music)
(foreboding music continues)
They just left her at my front door.
Name's Eva.
Someone from another
foster home left a teenager
at your front door unannounced?
According to the girl, yes.
I've called foster homes
all over the state.
No record of her.
So we have no information
on who this little girl might be.
I'm afraid not.
Well, you know perfectly well why.
African American children
are practically $0
at every adoption agency in the country.
On the bright side, you called us.
I (coughing and gagging).
The doctors don't have the slightest clue.
It just came on so suddenly.
We appreciate everything
you've done for our community.
Your hard work and sacrifice
will not be forgotten.
Oh, my sweet Kate.
There is no success without sacrifice.
You're both so lucky
you landed at Margaret's.
We've been working with her for years.
Our house was just too big
and we had the extra room,
so we decided to foster.
Anyway, I can't wait 'til
you meet our son, Jackson.
It takes him a minute to warm up.
Welcome home.
Eva, Malachi, I'd like
you to meet Jackson.
Jackson is our biological son.
Will you show Eva and Malachi around?
I have a phone call with the
university club in a few.
Sure, the kitchen's that way.
Upstairs is that way.
The front is that way, and
the backyard is that way.
Jackson.
I'm in the middle of something.
In the middle of what?
The Tale of the Chameleons.
The what?
Don't mind Jackson.
He could be a bit...
- Are You Afraid of the Dark?
No, I'm not.
Why do you ask?
No, it's a TV show.
Oh, okay.
Well, that leaves.
Don't look over here.
I have to take an important
call right about now.
I hate to do this,
but as soon as I finish my call,
I'll give you a proper tour.
Your rooms are just up the stairs
and off in either direction.
Feel free to look around.
(footfalls echoing)
This must be my room.
This is the best thing that
could ever happen to us, Eva.
These clothes don't have the tags on them.
Brand new clothes, nice
car, and a nice house.
It's hard for a kid my age
to find us a permanent home.
You're overthinking it.
I'd do anything to stay here.
Anything.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(footfalls echoing)
(console buttons clacking)
Don't do it, don't you do it.
Son of a b
I wouldn't do that.
Wouldn't do what?
Jackson,
wouldn't do what?
(footfalls echoing)
Jackson.
Jackson.
Jim, these campaigns
don't pay for themselves.
We're doing our part, you just do yours.
Oh.
Who are they?
Kate's family.
Over here, we have Kate's
great, great, great grandfather.
Next to him is his wife, Katie.
Katie?
Like Kate.
- Just like Kate.
There you are, Eva.
How do you like your new room?
It's really nice.
I was just showing
her some of your family.
My family.
It's funny because my parents
thought I was spoiled rotten.
A result of their own doing, no less.
But that all changed
when I met another little
girl who had nothing.
Kate's a true humanitarian.
I'm sorry, I just,
I always wanted a girl.
Kate, Kate (sighs).
I'll grab you when it's
time for dinner, okay?
[Eva] Sure.
(discordant music)
(foreboding music)
(gentle music)
I vowed never to cut my hair
again and so I grew it out.
But it was so puffy that when I looked
in my shadow on the wall,
I couldn't see the outline of my head.
And so when I was in third
grade, my mom bobbed my hair,
but I was in an awkward phase,
and so I was promptly named the baboon.
But if you think that's bad,
he wanted big, curly hair like
all those guys in New York.
(family members laughing)
It was the '80s, everyone was doing it.
You practically begged me for a perm.
A perm?
Mm, a perm.
Kids, these allegations are false.
I simply asked, I never begged.
You practically forced me.
Look at me, don't listen to her.
Wait 'til I tell them
about your flowing
golden locks in the '70s.
All right, that is enough wine for you.
Hmm.
Jackson, have you had a chance
to talk to Eva and Malachi yet?
No, not yet.
What?
You know-
I'm fine mom.
Well, you're missing out.
Eva is a talented painter.
And Malachi, I caught you running
around out back with a football.
You could go to the league
with that speed, Malachi.
- You think so?
- I know so.
(gentle music)
You see, Jackson, there is
more to life than video games.
You should get out, run around,
play football, right?
- I said not yet.
They'll be around long enough, right?
Well, everything came
out just delicious.
Thank you, Eva, for all your help.
You're welcome.
Now, who wants to help with the dishes?
(gentle music)
Hmm, I can't blame him.
He reminds me of me at his age,
but you can't just wake up one day
and decide to have no part of this.
He barely comes up for a breath of air.
He's a kid.
Kids play games.
Someone has to continue when we're gone.
It's our legacy.
I just wish.
You wish What?
I wish we didn't stop trying.
It can still happen.
(gentle music)
- Mm.
I don't know, Joe.
Let's just focus on your campaign.
(gentle music continues)
Kate,
it can still happen.
(gentle music continues)
(ominous music)
(upbeat music playing on device)
What?
Wanna get out of here?
And go where?
- Cemetery.
- Cemetery?
How do you know?
Jackson told me.
Fine, come on.
[Malachi] I lived with
Margaret for almost a year.
No one wanted me.
Starting to think I deserved it.
[Eva] That's not true.
You know you're good luck, right?
Good luck, how?
[Malachi] You showed up to Margaret's.
Now look at us.
I wouldn't call that luck.
[Malachi] Sometimes,
life just isn't fair.
(birds chirping)
[Eva] Yeah, it's a
little weird living here.
- Yeah.
- Oh, did you get a chance
to play football with Jackson?
[Malachi] (scoffs) No,
I don't think he likes me.
[Eva] I don't think he likes anybody.
That boy's such an introvert.
(tense music)
Who are these people?
[Malachi] Slaves.
Slaves?
How do you know?
[Malachi] Jackson.
[Eva] Why would he say that?
Yeah, that kid is definitely strange.
(ominous music)
[Eva] Esther.
(static garbles)
- Esther.
- My children stay with me.
[Malachi] It's creepy over here.
Margaret was right.
No record of Geneva or Eva anywhere,
if that's even her name.
Do we really need to
know anything about her?
Yeah, you're right.
It's just I was able to
get Malachi's records.
What if her birth parents
realize they made a mistake
and they want her back?
- Kate.
- What if they're searching
for her and it leads them here?
Kate.
Yeah, you're right.
It's just those poor kids,
in and out of foster
care their entire lives.
Luckily, they landed with Margaret.
The horror stories of
some of those facilities.
It's no secret that the foster care system
in this country is broken.
When you're in office,
I want you to fix it.
(gentle music)
(line ringing)
(operator chattering)
It's just important to me
to keep a tidy record on
every child that I foster.
(operator continues chattering)
Hmm, if you do find
anything else on Eva,
would you please let me
know as soon as possible?
(gentle music)
(operator chattering)
Thank you, bye for now.
(phone clatters)
(gentle music continues)
I double majored in art.
I used to dream of being
a world renowned painter,
then being a mother, and
the wife of a politician
sort of consumed all my time.
You are a natural talent.
You know your painting looks kind
of how this place used to look?
Used to look?
Yeah, if you think
this place is something,
you should have seen it back in the day.
Giant live oak trees, horses, cabins,
and beautiful landscaping that stretched
as far as the eye could see.
My family was the epitome of opulence.
And then one day, just
like that, it was gone.
We lost so much.
Our property, land, and wealth.
At least we still have this house, huh?
There's nothing greater than you, me,
and the hope we all share.
How's that sound?
You want the truth?
Of course.
Like all your other speeches (laughs).
You know, I called Margaret.
Oh yeah?
What'd she say?
No answer.
(eerie music)
You don't think she?
(strained eerie music)
(Margaret coughing)
(tense orchestral music)
Oh, Margaret.
[Joseph] I'll try her again tomorrow.
Yes, so come together as a family, yes.
Okay, yes, yes, yes.
Okay, okay.
Come here, come here, come here, yes.
(camera shutter clicking and beeping)
Jackson, smile.
My best smile is no smile at all.
Young lady, can you gimme
more passion in the eyes?
Give me.
(camera shutter clicking and beeping)
I seem to be having an
issue with the lighting.
Is everything okay?
Oh, yeah, it's fine.
Just checking something.
So tell me, Michael,
how long have you and
Peter worked together?
He's a brilliant
photographer and colleague.
Everything I know, he taught me.
Trust me, you're in good hands.
(eerie music)
Okay, just gonna take
a few more shots, okay?
(camera shutter clicking and beeping)
All right, all done.
Thank you, Michael.
That was quick and painless.
Peter's rate, right?
Yep, same rate.
Thank you.
(strained eerie music)
You want help with anything?
I think I have everything.
All right.
You guys stay safe.
(bright groovy music playing on device)
(soft eerie music)
(eerie music continues)
(reverent music)
(whispers echoing)
(suspenseful music)
Over the course of my life at Yale,
during my studies abroad,
and my money travels around the world,
I have made every effort possible.
Possible.
To make the change that I wish to see.
That's why Joseph and I
work so well together.
(strained string music)
(Eva gasps)
(eerie music)
(eerie music continues)
Malachi, what are you doing?
Malachi, stop!
Joseph, Kate!
Help him, please.
- Malachi,
what are you doing?
(Kate gasping)
Be careful.
Malachi!
[Joseph] Come on.
Eva, go back up to your room.
(Eva whimpering)
(tense discordant music)
(gentle music)
Malachi.
You feel better?
[Malachi] Yeah.
Why did you cut yourself?
I blacked out.
I don't even remember doing it.
You scared me.
Is everything okay?
(ominous music)
Malachi, what's wrong?
(whispers echoing)
Malachi.
(soft haunting music)
Busy?
You know, Kate made a good point.
You're self-absorbed and antisocial.
You don't know me.
You don't even have a second controller.
(strained music)
One,
two,
three,
four,
five,
six,
seven,
eight,
nine, 10.
[Kate] Eva, Jackson,
do not run in this house.
(gentle music)
(Jackson laughing)
(gentle music continues)
(Eva panting)
Okay, okay, I'm done.
This isn't fun anymore.
(tense music)
Eva.
Eva, what are you doing?
There's nothing over there.
Eva, you interrupted
something very important
to stare off into space?
(tense music intensifies)
Stupid cunt.
(whispers echoing)
(body thuds)
(haunting music)
Jackson!
(gentle music)
(tense music)
Morning, sunshine.
Jackson?
Jackson?
(Kate screams)
Joseph!
(Kate whimpering)
No, Jackson.
Jackson, wake up, please.
Mommy's here.
Jackson, wake up, please.
(somber music)
(tense dramatic music)
(kettle whistling)
(dissonant music)
[Joseph] Make it easier.
Kate.
Kate.
Did you hear me?
No.
[Joseph] We need to talk.
Well, thank you for
that last bit of detail.
Everything's all set.
I'm really sorry this happened.
Jackson was a lovely boy.
Thank you.
Are you sure you wanna
cremate the remains?
[Joseph] Yeah.
Understood.
Today is Friday, how's one week from now?
Yeah.
May I make one suggestion?
I know there's a small
cemetery here on the property.
It might be comforting
to keep Jackson close
and bury him there.
No.
[Joseph] Kate, it's
something to think about.
I've helped plenty of families go
through this decision before.
Most aren't as fortunate
to have a small cemetery
on their property.
I said no.
- Kate, would you just-
- I said no!
I don't want my son buried
next to the fslaves.
Kate, wait up.
He was just-
Don't touch me.
Do you wanna go for a ride?
(Joseph sighs)
(haunting music)
(door creaking)
(haunting music continues)
What's wrong, Esther?
I just came to talk to Mr. Ashley.
Talk.
Is that all?
Esther, what can I help
you with at this hour?
Well, we was just wondering
when you was going to get
those cabins you promised us.
I already told you.
We'll get to it when we can.
Yes, sir.
But you say you get to
it for six years now.
You have a place to rest
your head in the quarters,
do you not?
It's too many of us in
that one room shack, and.
Well, George and I,
we's expecting another.
If you don't like it
here, then you, George,
and your growing family can leave.
No one's keeping you anymore.
Sir, we don't make enough,
even with all our earnings.
Not enough to stay, sure not enough to go.
Well, that settles it.
Need I remind you that
one of my children is yours?
Geneva's welcome to stay with me.
My children stay with me.
Esther, it's late.
My patience is wearing thin.
- Henry.
- Mr. Ashley!
Mr. Ashley.
We just need the logs
that you promised us.
George and the others can do the rest.
Henry.
No.
(gentle music)
Katie has suggested that
I fix our little problem.
(tense music)
Who are you?
What do you want from me?
Do you want me to find
something in this book?
Are you in this book?
(paper rustling)
(quiet tense music)
(paper rustling)
To return a runaway
teaches what the earth is,
discovers hidden things, a sacred ritual
to strengthen the fold
and destroy the weak.
(tense music)
(footfalls echoing)
(rain pattering)
(thunder crackles)
(Eva laughs)
I like that one, too.
(Eva laughs)
Don't worry, she won't find out.
[Kate] Eva?
Yes, Kate?
- Who are you talking to?
- No one.
Why aren't you asleep?
Couldn't sleep.
Okay, well, it's time for bed.
Not tired.
I didn't ask if you were.
I said go to bed.
I don't want to.
Eva.
(thunder crackling)
Put the paintbrush down and go to bed now.
You know she doesn't like this place?
Who is she?
She said bad people brought
her here and did things,
and now she's gonna get even.
Eva, stop it right now.
There is no she.
I am going to count to three.
And if you don't put that brush down,
I'm going to do it for you.
One,
two,
three.
(thunder crackles)
(Kate gasps)
(Kate panting)
Calm down, Kate, breathe.
What's wrong?
[Kate] Eva she, she attacked me.
Eva attacked you?
What?
Where, how?
She was painting, and then, (whimpering)
She turned and she.
Kate, stop!
You're not yourself,
and you've been getting
progressively worse since.
I have every right to grieve.
- You're not.
- I lost my son!
(Kate sobbing)
You're not the only one grieving.
I think that we should
make this the last one.
After this, we walk away for good.
Election's coming up.
I have a really good
feeling about this one.
(thunder crackles)
We both know what that means next.
President of the United States.
Oh, all I'm saying is I
think we've done enough.
We?
Yeah, we.
My family sacrificed everything.
What we do to preserve their
sacrifice commemorates that.
How do you even think
you're where you are today?
Because of my family.
How dare you question their hard work.
You small minded liberal piece of shit.
That's it.
I'm not doing this anymore.
We're done with your
little family tradition.
[Kate] No.
We have to.
No, you have to.
I don't have to do s.
[Kate] You don't understand.
I'm pretty fbright, Kate.
Enlighten me.
(thunder crackles)
I lied to you
about my mother and father.
I begged them to stop.
They tried.
It wouldn't let them.
You have to give them what they want.
Once you start, you can't stop.
If we don't continue this tradition,
they'll come for us and
they'll take everything,
including our lives.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
(thunder crackling)
(footfalls echoing)
It's getting late.
We need to prepare Malachi
and Eva for the ceremony.
Make sure they're dressed,
so we can start promptly at sunset.
(tense music)
(footfalls echoing)
Eva, where are you?
Come out now.
(eerie music)
Where's Eva?
[Malachi] I don't know.
Go back to your room.
Eva, I know you're in here.
Malachi, I am gonna ask you one more time.
Where is Eva?
I said, I don't know.
[Kate] I said, go to your room.
What?
I'm not a little kid.
(tense music)
(Eva screams)
(reverent music)
We do this in remembrance
of my father and mother,
and their fathers and their mothers,
and all those who were
chosen to strengthen the fold
and destroy the weak.
We offer you a great and living sacrifice.
Great King, please accept our offering.
Grant us power and wealth
and knowledge of those things
past, present, and future.
(tense dramatic music)
[Katie] Henry.
Think of something and
go talk to that boy.
[Henry] I don't owe him an explanation.
[Katie] You're not thinking.
If he runs off and alerts the
others, they'll leave here,
and who will till the grounds then, huh?
Evening, George.
We've had a little accident.
Esther took a pretty bad fall.
She broke her neck.
She didn't survive the fall, George.
I can't believe our dear Esther is gone.
I was always fond of Esther.
You know that.
Why don't you go on home now, George.
I'll see to it that
Esther gets a nice burial
out back tomorrow.
Oh, and George, send Geneva.
(tense music)
(Kate gasps)
Kate, get it together.
I have no idea what came over me.
Let's continue then.
(reverent vocalizing)
(ax thuds)
(flesh squelching)
(reverent music continues)
(singer vocalizing)
Geneva, where have you been?
Mr. Ashley said I could stay here,
but I went to Mama's grave
and I did what she taught me.
She's coming back, Papa.
Child, what did I tell you?
Quit messing with that evil.
It's not evil.
It's protection.
Mama told me what to do
if any harm come to her.
I did exactly what she said.
She's coming back to kill Mr.
Henry and ol evil Katie, too.
Well we ain't gonna be here to see it.
Now let's go.
Please, no.
We have to stay.
Mama said it could only happen through us.
Geneva, as God is my witness,
if you don't move your
feet, get now, let's go.
(tense music)
Good is two o'clock,
four o'clock, five o'clock,
six o'clock, seven o'clock, nine o'clock,
11 o'clock, 12 o'clock.
Evil is one o'clock, eight
o'clock, three o'clock.
To my neighbors, to make
sick or punishing enemy,
Hoodoo is important to us, baby?
It was taught to me by my mama
and her mama taught it to her.
It can be used for good or evil.
Remember what I tell you?
If something happens to
me, you know what to do.
Kill Kate.
(whispers echoing)
(suspenseful music)
I understand now.
You needed me to come back to this house.
(eerie music)
(water sloshing)
(toothbrush scraping)
I don't care how many times we do this,
I'll never get used to the taste.
(tense dramatic music)
- Oh, my God.
- Impossible.
Ashley.
(Kate panting)
What did you do?
Joseph, Joseph.
(Kate screaming)
No.
No, no, no, no, no.
What did you do?
Who are you?
Esther.
Esther Ashley.
What do you want?
You will pay for what
your family did to mine.
You can't blame my family.
They owned you.
It was the law.
They had every right to
do whatever they wanted to
with their property.
Eva is blood of my blood.
(dramatic music)
(Kate grunts)
(haunting music)
[Malachi] Eva, where are we going
and what are we gonna
do when we get there?
Be free.
(haunting music)
(haunting music continues)
[Esther] A house can
wreck a weary spirit
trapped by injustice, wanting to be freed.
You see it lingers, festers, preys.
Till the spirit exacts revenge.
(engine humming)
(wheels crunching)
(tense music)
[Eva] I was promised a home.
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(gentle reverent music)
(gentle reverent music continues)
(gentle reverent music continues)