The Highest Stakes (2026) Movie Script
1
[thunder rumbling]
[gasps]
Celeste.
Sweetie, wake up. Come on.
Come on, sweetie.
Stay quiet. Okay?
Mom, what's the matter?
I want you to stay in here.
Be very quiet, sweetie. Okay?
[object shatters]
Do not come out no matter what.
[thunder continues rumbling]
[gasps]
[beeping]
What the hell?
No freaking signal.
[gasping, shouting]
[hammer clicking]
[whimpering, groans]
[grunting]
[grunts]
[exclaims]
[screams]
[body thuds]
[groaning]
Don't worry.
He's going to get
what he deserves.
Trust me.
[thunder rumbling]
[grunting, choking]
Bet you wish you looked
like me and could
pull the trigger yourself.
Come on.
Mom?
Mom?
Mom, wake up.
Mom, wake up.
Mom.
I'm sorry
I couldn't save Mom.
Wake up.
[exhales]
[thunder continues
rumbling]
[chattering]
[horns honking]
[chattering continues]
[thunder rumbling]
[clerk]
He's so slow.
I heard you
the first time.
Hey. Tom Cartright.
I'm here for
the Flamme O' Frites game.
Ah, yes. Mr. Cartright,
we've been expecting you.
Congratulations.
You know,
we bought 50 bags
of those potato chips,
called the number on the bag
and got the same
stupid message.
"You are not
a winner this time,
but keep playing."
I only bought one bag.
Just got lucky, I guess.
Sure sounds like it.
We have you
in suite 1316,
Congressman.
Perfect.
Hey, how late
is the pool open?
It's 24 hours, sir.
That's wonderful.
Hundred laps a day
keeps the doctor away.
I'm seeing double.
Billy Gray.
Contest winner.
Checking in.
And your best room,
yeah, chief?
Of course, Mr. Gray.
Nothing but the best
for you.
[laughing]
[woman] Celeste,
do you have my purse?
Yeah, I have it.
How do you think the rich
get richer, sweetie?
We gotta invest
and start young.
I trust you on this.
Cheers.
[chuckles]
Are we having fun?
We've upgraded you
to suite 1323, Mr. Gray.
Great.
Elevator this way?
Correct, Mr. Gray.
Welcome, Dr. Stevens.
Thank you.
Hey, quick question
if you don't mind.
I have had
a dull pain in my right side
for, like, two weeks.
Any thoughts
of what that could be?
Well, off the top of my head,
as long as it's not
a stabbing or a burning pain,
it's probably a pulled muscle,
so try a heating patch.
No, no, thank you.
You must be excited about
the game though, Doctor.
I mean,
an unreal grand prize
of $20 million.
I mean, I have to admit
I've made money in my life,
but this is
a whole different level.
I bet you would love that.
Yeah. [chuckles]
I said, no, thank you.
What part of "no, thank you"
do you not understand?
Dante.
I'm really sorry.
I'm really sorry.
Yeah.
We'll be
rooting for you,
Dr. Stevens.
We have you
in suite 1303.
1303. Thank you.
Elevator is this way?
Straight down
to your right.
Hey.
Good evening,
Detective Quinn,
and welcome to
the Le Deux Sirenes.
It's good to be here
and happy for the damn break.
May we ask
what kind of detective
you are?
Robbery-Homicide.
Sounds exciting.
It has its moments.
Suite 1312.
And good luck,
Detective.
Thank you.
Hi.
Miss Deveraux,
welcome.
And we have you
in suite 1309,
Miss Deveraux.
Mmm! Lucky number 13.
I like it.
Well, we're secretly
hoping you win.
So am I.
And it's not a secret.
And God knows
you deserve it.
There's a welcome reception
starting in five minutes
in the lobby bar.
Twins. Fun.
Thank you, boys.
[clears throat]
[chuckles]
[kisses]
[exhales] I love my job.
[Billy]
I am a financial planner.
What I love
is to see people get rich.
Says a lot about a man,
don't you think?
I take great pride in it. I do.
[chuckles]
Thank you.
Fabulous.
That guy is everywhere.
Anyway, what I love to do
is find the right investment
vehicle for nice folks
and watch their portfolio
grow and grow.
It's very satisfying.
Basically,
I make dreams come true.
Really? Me too.
Is that right?
What do you do, Aurora?
I'm a high-end escort,
Billy.
You sell for a living.
I fuck for one.
Well, if one of us wins
this thing, maybe we can
do some business together.
[laughs]
My services
are very, very expensive.
So are mine.
I heard it all.
That's about right.
Crazy scandal.
Ah!
There they are.
The other two
lucky warriors
joining us in this battle
of winner takes all.
Hey.
Detective Michael Quinn.
This here is Dr...
Uh, Surgeon.
Dr. Scott Stevens.
Excuse me. Surgeon.
And of course
the senator from Alabama.
Congressman Tom Cartright.
And you two are?
Billy Gray,
salesman extraordinaire.
Aurora Deveraux,
escort extraordinaire.
[all chattering]
Welcome one and all.
[chuckles]
Love the suit.
Thank you very much.
Gather around, good people.
I don't bite.
On behalf of Flamme O' Frites
and our newest spicy chip,
the Jalapeo Hell Popper,
which will light up your mouth
like a sweet bolt of lightning,
I want to congratulate you
on buying
the lucky numbered bags
which gave you this chance
to play poker
and walk out of the fabulous
Le Deux Sirenes
with five years' worth
of Hell Poppers
and $20 million.
Uh, great speech,
but, uh, question, Mr...
Oh! [chuckles]
Damn it. Jesus.
I was so worried about
promoting our sponsor
that I forgot
to introduce myself.
Samuel Nicholas,
your host and dealer.
Samuel,
you look familiar.
Have I arrested you before?
[chuckles]
I don't know.
Acting is my first love.
I usually play the guy
that gets killed off
in episode two.
And I've done my share
of deodorant
and Ozempic commercials.
I've shilled everything
from hemorrhoid cream
to fruit juices.
You might recognize this.
Seasonal herpes got you down?
Try this new one-pill fixer.
[laughs]
A C-list character actor
is how Variety summed me up.
That's one hell
of a summary.
Well, some of us get to be
Brad Pitt and some of us
host poker tournaments.
You know?
I'm not complaining.
Happy to have a job.
[chuckles]
You were saying, Mr...
Dr. Stevens.
Yes. We're gonna be playing
Texas Hold 'Em poker.
Is that right?
Yes. Very good, Doctor.
Let me go over the rules.
There will be three rounds
followed by one hour
of food service.
Nice spread of Poppers,
I'm sure.
Ooh, yes!
Like an exquisite
explosion of pain
inside your taste buds!
I'm sorry, Mr. Gray.
They make me say this shit.
You understand.
Too bad we couldn't
bring any guests.
Just wondering.
Our sponsor actually thought
it would be a distraction.
You have the opportunity
to win a prize
that could change your life
in more ways than one.
And it's the game
that's most exciting,
so although it's televised,
there's no live audience
and no guests allowed.
Well, I, for one, wanna wish
each and every one of you
bonne chance.
Thanks.
Whatever that means.
Listen, I gotta run.
I've got a Zoom audition
for Red Bloods.
It's not a great show
and I don't love the star,
but it's a network gig
and I'm so close to
getting my health insurance
through the union.
Gotta go for it.
I have to admit,
I love that show.
Really?
You worry me, Doctor.
[laughs]
Anyhoo, your golden key cards
will give you elevator access
to the Cordova Room,
our exclusive gaming suite.
First game begins promptly
at 8:00 p.m.
Don't be late.
Did you guys know
it was televised?
[sighs]
[phone buzzing]
[buzzing continues]
[buzzing]
[sighs]
Hey.
What?
What are you saying?
My wife is...
[screams]
No, no.
What about my stepdaughter?
Is she okay?
Thank God. Thank God.
I'm tough on crime
'cause I lost my wife
to a violent criminal.
A vote for Tom Cartright
is a vote for justice.
[applause]
Get me some dirt
on any of them.
I need an edge,
something I can slip in
while we're playing.
Maybe spin 'em
off balance.
Call me back.
[police siren wailing]
There's the scumbag.
Let's take him.
Freeze! Chicago PD!
Hold on, asshole.
Drop the bag.
All right, open it up.
Open the fucking bag!
[groaning]
[exhales]
Oh, God.
[monitor beeping]
Oh, God.
You're the best, Billy.
And they are a bunch
of fucking amateurs.
[Billy]
Hello. Hello.
I'm so glad
you could make it
and I truly hope
you are ready to start
making the big bucks.
The deal we talked about
is still available, but
I can't hold it for long.
I've got clients begging me
to get in on this one.
Oh, Christ, I'm hot.
This is gonna be fun.
[bell dings]
[elevator bell chimes]
[beeps]
[beeps]
[elevator bell chimes]
Okay.
Oh, yeah.
[exhales]
Nice.
[elevator bell dings]
Game on, boys.
Hello, boys.
[chattering]
That's what I think.
[gasps] Oh!
There we go.
Try not to sweat so much.
Bad for camera.
I'm feeling
a little exposed here.
There are so many more
cameras than I thought.
I know we all signed up
for this, but isn't this
all getting a little weird?
I think it's good
to get
a little exposure.
Your breath smells.
Thanks, little guy.
What if we have to
pick our nose or something?
Try not to. Use these.
Welcome to my world.
But, hey,
if you're that nervous,
might be best to drop out.
Yeah, hey, Doc,
you could quit
anytime you want.
Okay, it's not gonna happen.
Okay?
Nice try, boys,
but I'm here
to fucking win too.
Can I say "fucking"?
I'm going to.
I fucking love this.
[theme music playing]
Wow.
[audience applauding]
Whoa.
All right.
That's cool.
[applause continues]
[Dante]
Ladies and gentlemen,
allow me to introduce to you
a man that needs
no introduction.
Originally hailing
from the great North
and now residing
in the deep, hot South,
our host,
Samuel Nicholas!
Welcome to the
Flamme O' Frites Jalapeo
Hell Poppers Poker Challenge!
We are streaming live
on popperspoker.com
where you can follow along
and comment in real time
and root
for your favorite player.
And speaking of the players,
let's meet 'em, shall we?
[audience cheering]
Some of you may already
be familiar with
the three-term congressman
from the great state
of Alabama,
Tom Cartright.
I'm playing for all
my constituents back home.
That's so sweet.
Next is esteemed surgeon
Dr. Scott Stevens,
a confirmed bachelor.
But who wouldn't want to marry
a man who's taken an oath
to do God's work?
You don't want
to have kids?
No. Never.
Hey, drop a comment
in the chat if you'd like
a shot from the good doctor.
Oh, no. Please don't.
Right out of central casting,
we have
Detective Michael Quinn.
A 15-year veteran
of the Chicago, Illinois
Police Department,
he's been named
Detective of the Year
three years in a row.
Four. Four, actually.
Why, if I am ever
brutally assaulted
by some sick psychopath,
I pray it is Michael Quinn
assigned to my case.
Just give me a call.
Oh, I will.
Mesdames et messieurs,
it is my distinct pleasure
to introduce to you
this handsome gentleman,
Mr. Billy Gray,
salesman extraordinaire.
The best financial planner
in these United States.
Couldn't have said it
better myself, Samuel.
So modest, so humble,
and with such great hair.
[audience laughing,
applauding]
And last but not least,
our sole female contestant,
Ms. Aurora Deveraux.
Hi.
An extraordinary woman
whose passion is
to help fellow females
less fortunate than herself
and bring justice to those
who have unjustly escaped.
Who the hell
wrote that?
It's pretty good,
isn't it?
I love it. It's fabulous.
Each contestant will start
with $10,000 in chips
with our winner taking home
the grand prize
of $20 million
in cold, hard cash.
[audience applauding]
Wow.
[Samuel]
Kept on constant refrigeration,
it will be icy
when you place it
in your very large suitcase.
Hey, how about a hand
for our Flamme O' Frites
Flamette Dancers?
Yes.
[Billy]
Bravo, bravo.
[Aurora]
Gorgeous girls.
Thank you, ladies.
You're doing the Lord's work.
Well, let's get things
started, shall we?
Let's play poker!
Eight of diamonds.
Queen of hearts.
Ten of clubs.
I like that action, baby.
I'm in.
[Samuel]
Final bets. Final bets.
I'm in.
[Samuel]
Care to raise, Congressman?
Yes, I'm in.
Two hundred from
the future president.
I like the sound of that.
Match again.
I'll call.
Two hundred
from the angel of Singapore.
I was born in Oak Brook.
Singapore sounds
more exotic.
You shouldn't eat so much.
It makes you look fatter.
Dante, shoo, shoo.
Shoo, shoo, shoo,
shoo, shoo, shoo.
He likes you.
Next round, next round,
next round.
[scoffs] Fuck.
We can curse, right?
We would prefer
if you didn't.
Big thanks to our sponsor,
the Flamme O' Frites
Jalapeno Hell Popper.
These Flamme O' Frites
ain't too shabby.
Call 500,
raise another thousand.
Billy Boy coming in hot.
Let's see what you got.
Full house. Queens over tens.
And the congressman takes it.
[laughs] There we go.
Got full prescription strength
on the doctor.
Fuck.
I think the temperature's
gone up a full ten degrees
in here.
I call and I raise.
If I hadn't already chewed
my nails down to the quick,
I'd be biting them
right now.
I'm all in.
Call.
[sighs] I fold.
Fold.
Sorry, sweetie pie.
That's four nines.
[audience cheering]
Wow, it would appear that
our angel from Casablanca is...
Read 'em and weep, boys.
[Samuel]
A straight flush.
Whoo-hoo!
Shit. I don't believe it.
How does that happen?
I can barely believe it.
But believe it. [laughs]
Well, Aurora Deveraux
leaves us on a high note
as we conclude
round one.
All the contestants
will be back for round two,
which begins
in exactly one hour.
[elevator bell chimes]
Really thought
you were toast, Aurora.
You and me both.
I was praying for that ten
on the river.
Yeah. What are
the odds of that?
Miraculous.
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Calm my nerves.
Same. How about I meet you boys
in the lobby bar in five?
I could use a stiff one.
Mmm.
[Aurora]
You have really big hands.
Has anyone ever told you that?
I also love that shirt, Billy.
[Billy]
It's not always complicated.
[Quinn] Yeah, my wife
passed about 12 years ago.
Hit and run.
Yeah, one day she's there,
the next she's gone.
I know
just how you feel.
You don't have to answer,
but I was just curious
how you, uh...
Became a prostitute?
Bad childhood?
Check.
Home invasion robbery.
He killed my wife, Anna.
Did they catch the psycho?
Left our house with $300
and a fake Rolex
worth a hundred bucks.
Oh, man.
They executed him
a couple years ago.
Good.
Yeah.
But then you blossomed
into this stunning teenager.
You saw what that did
to the gullible, horny men.
Check.
Dropped out of high school?
Check.
And then I went to prison.
Oh. The story
grows more complex.
Doesn't it just?
Must feel incredible
when you solve a case,
bring in the bad guy.
Imagine how you felt
when they caught
your wife's killer.
To be able to bring that
kind of justice to a family...
that's what keeps me going.
And is your real name
Aurora Deveraux?
What do you think?
I think she's the invention
of a very smart young lady...
who's had a lot of bad luck.
And check.
On a happier note,
seems like you've stayed
the forever bachelor.
If you must know,
I was married in my 20s,
but my wife left me.
Hmm.
For an ugly, obese,
elderly woman.
Ouch.
If you win, I can double
that money for you.
[gasps] Really?
Just between us,
I'm working this crypto deal
out of Michigan
that Elon Musk
wants to be a part of.
It's big. We're talking
50% returns, maybe more.
You're a surgeon, right?
What kind, exactly?
The fake tits kind, right?
No.
The saving lives kind.
Of course.
I was kidding, bro.
I was kidding.
Whatever.
[chuckles]
I take the first leap
so my clients know
I've got skin in the game.
That's what separates me
from my competition.
We all win together or...
We all lose together.
Exactly.
And you never lose.
I have an 87% success rate
and the documentation
to back that up.
And have I
been fucked in the ass
once or twice?
You bet. But I'm
not ashamed to admit it.
Neither am I.
The only difference is when
I get fucked in the ass,
I make money.
[laughs]
Cheers.
What are you kids
talking about?
Getting fucked
in the ass, Tommy.
In more ways than one.
Isn't that right, Billy?
[Quinn] I should have sat
at this table.
Wish you had.
I think I'm gonna go ahead
up to my room.
I'm gonna draw a long, hot bath
and, you know...
masturbate.
Just find it really
takes the edge off.
Do you, uh...
Do you need any help?
It's actually the one thing
I like to do alone, Mr. Gray.
Good luck, boys. Gonna need it.
See you in round two.
[chuckling]
[exhales]
[chuckles]
[voice whispers] Quinn.
Quinn.
When in Rome...
[sighs]
Oh, wow.
[chuckles]
[moans]
Oh, fuck, that's good.
[voice whispers] Quinn.
What have you done?
[sighing]
Oh, Christ.
[moans]
[moaning]
[moaning]
Excuse me, sir.
Sir, can we help you?
You shouldn't
be down here, sir.
Oh, yeah.
I got lost. Just trying to
get back to my room.
What the fuck
is going on in here?
Yes, there was a gas leak
from the dryers a few days ago.
A gas leak?
A few of the guests
complained of headaches.
Dizziness.
Seeing things.
Yes, best not to be
in this area for now.
I guess I did
smell something.
Ah, we'll have maintenance
come right down
and take a look.
Yes, we should go
back upstairs, sir.
[elevator bell dings]
Tom?
Celeste.
I can't believe it's you.
I saw your picture
on the thing.
Wow.
Oh!
I'm so happy to see you.
What are you doing here?
You won't believe it,
but I'm in a poker tournament.
I won a contest--
Flamme O' Frites
Spicy Jalapeo...
Hell Poppers!
I love those.
They're like an explosion
of exquisite pain
in your mouth.
That's it.
Yeah.
Oh, you look...
You just look wonderful.
I haven't seen you in...
Well, been a long time.
Yeah, I was seven
when you...
I'm so sorry.
After your mother's murder,
I was so lost.
I shouldn't have
sent you away.
I thought
it was for the best,
but I didn't know
how to raise a child alone.
Let's not
rehash the past.
I mean, you were my stepfather
and we barely knew each other.
At least we got the bastard.
Yeah. I didn't wanna
go to the execution.
I just couldn't... I just
couldn't relive that again.
But I read that you went.
Yeah.
I wasn't going to, but...
it was closure for me.
I wanted to see him suffer.
Hey, I got married.
I can see that.
[laughs]
Celeste,
I'm so happy for you.
I'm so glad
we bumped into each other.
What are the odds?
I know.
Yeah. Fate's a funny thing.
Mmm.
Well, my reception's
going late.
So maybe you could come
when the tournament's over?
Yes.
Yeah?
I would love to.
Wow. Okay.
Celeste, your husband
is looking for you.
Well, look, I have to go.
But good luck
with the tournament,
and I'll see you tonight.
Just great seeing you again.
Same here.
Bye.
I'm coming.
[elevator bell dings]
[Celeste]
Somebody get a doctor!
I'm a doctor.
Oh, thank God.
What happened?
He fainted.
Okay. All right.
Support his head.
Okay. Okay.
All right.
Temperature's good.
Nice, strong pulse.
I think he's just gonna need
some cold... water.
[groans]
Doctor, are you okay?
I don't feel so good.
[groans]
You're bleeding.
What?
Oh, my God.
[Celeste gasps]
[groaning continues]
[gasps] Oh, God.
[groaning continues]
[screams]
[screams]
[screaming]
[all screaming]
[alarm buzzing]
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
[sighs]
[buzzing stops]
[theme music playing]
[grunts]
[exhales]
Here we go.
Meine Damen und Herren,
willkommen round deux!
Aurora was nearly eliminated
in the first round,
but she got a straight flush
in the final
heart-stopping turn
to keep her hopes alive.
She's currently
in last place.
[audience groans]
Congressman Cartright
is in the lead,
followed by gritty
Detective Michael Quinn.
Dashing boy Billy's in third
and the good Dr. Stevens
is in fourth.
Our streaming audience
has grown by millions,
so let's get
straight to it, shall we,
and let's play poker.
[audience applauding]
You seem pleased,
Congressman.
I am, Samuel.
My stepdaughter
got married today.
She's staying
right here in this hotel.
Can you believe it?
Incredible.
I can't tell you
how much it meant to me,
reconnecting with her.
Wonderful.
Even if I lose,
which I doubt,
I feel like
I'm a winner already
just coming here.
Yes. Yes. Very good.
Keep sucking.
Comments are coming in
from popperspoker.com,
and our poll
of favorite players
has Aurora in the lead.
"Love your hair," says Jenny
from Los Angeles, California.
And Conrad aka The Creep
from Chicago asks,
"Do you remember me?"
Oh, of course.
Miss you, Connie. Call me.
Let's go on another date.
Joann from Phoenix declares,
"Dr. Stevens wields a scalpel
the way Leatherface
wields a chain saw."
[chuckles]
But Paul
from San Francisco says,
"You're a lifesaver."
[Quinn] In.
Here, have some more
'cause I'm not coming back.
The comments about you,
Detective, are a little
rough around the edges.
Possibly
the "Defund the Police"
crowd.
Nobody likes cops anymore.
See what the world's like
without us.
You are my favorite.
Billy, some rather nasty
comments coming at you from
the good people of Illinois.
What did you do
to that state?
[Samuel]
What a round!
Aurora,
our angel from Zanzibar,
is in the lead with 17,000.
Right behind
is Congressman Cartright
with 15,000.
Detective Quinn and Dr. Stevens
are dead even at 7,000.
And BDE investment broker Billy
is nearly broke,
trailing the pack
at just 4,000.
Folks, keep those
comments coming
and don't forget to vote
for your favorite player
on popperspoker.com.
We'll take an hour break
and then the final round.
The round which determines
who will walk out of here
a winner and who won't
begins at midnight.
[beeps]
Be nice once this is over.
I'm sweating
like a pig in there.
I'm having a blast.
Yeah, because
you're winning.
True.
God, my right side
is killing me
for some reason.
Maybe your appendix?
No. It's probably just stress.
I'm gonna go find
my stepdaughter.
There's something
so phony about Samuel.
Creeps me out.
He's just a struggling
bush-league actor.
What about that Dante guy
always touching me?
It's a bit much.
And the girls
dancing in cages?
I like that part.
They're sexy as hell.
Agreed.
Something's off
about this whole thing,
the game.
You should
definitely quit.
You'd like that,
wouldn't you?
[chattering, laughing]
[elevator bell dings]
[chattering continues]
Excuse me.
Oh, congratulations.
That's the guy
who ripped me off.
Yeah.
Hey, Billy.
Billy, right?
I think you got me confused
with someone else.
No, you're Billy Gray.
You remember my wife,
asshole?
You remember
what you did to her?
Seems like maybe you've
had a little too much
to drink, pal.
And I don't want any trouble.
[Brian]
You ripped her off.
Face me like a man.
Fuck.
Celeste.
How do I know this girl?
Celeste.
What the fuck
is her last name?
Shit.
Okay.
Just think, Billy.
Celeste.
What city is she from?
Fuck.
This is all too weird.
I don't need this shit.
I'm out of here.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[elevator bell dings]
Sir.
Excuse me, Mr. Gray.
Mr. Gray,
you can't leave.
[chattering]
[horns honking]
Taxi.
[exhales]
Airport, please.
[exhales]
Sir, why aren't we moving?
[screams]
Fuck.
[sighs]
Okay. Popperspoker.com.
What the fuck?
Samuel Nicholas.
What the hell?
None of this
makes any sense.
Quinn.
Quinn, open up.
Hey.
Listen to me.
Whoa. You don't look
so good there, Billy boy.
Just listen. I checked
the Internet. There is
nothing about this contest.
No website, no live stream.
There's no Samuel Nicholas.
Nothing.
If you're trying to scare me
into leaving, you're gonna
be very disappointed.
It ain't happening.
This is not
what we think it is.
I just tried to leave.
The hotel? So you quit.
There is nothing to quit.
I'm in the back of a taxi.
I closed my eyes for a second.
Bam. I'm right back here
in my room, like I never left.
There's some very bad shit
going on here.
Sounds like maybe
you had a nightmare.
Look for yourself.
All right.
Hmm.
All right.
Hold on, hold on.
See? You see?
See what I mean?
What the fuck?
You're the cop.
What do we do?
All right. Hold on, hold on.
I don't even know
how to say this,
but I...
I went down to the spa earlier.
I walked into this door
and there was a bunch
of freaks there
watching a couple fucking.
One of 'em had a shotgun.
They were all wearing masks.
Then suddenly
the place was empty. Just...
What?
And the fucking twins
from reception
were right there behind me.
They said something
about there being a gas leak,
but I know
what the fuck I saw.
I know what the fuck I saw.
Okay.
So what do we do?
There's a police station
four blocks from here.
Go back to your room.
I'm gonna get to
the bottom of this.
[door opens, closes]
Detective Quinn.
Not now. Not now.
Detective Quinn.
What?
What the fuck?
Where is everyone?
Hello!
Hello!
What the fuck
is going on here?
[voice whispers] Repent.
Repent.
What the hell?
I'm back where I started.
No.
No, no.
How do I get out of here?
[voice whispers] Repent.
No, no, no, no.
It's impossible.
No! No!
No.
No!
This doesn't make
any fucking sense!
No!
What the fuck?
No service. What the...
Hello!
Billy?
[keyboard clicking]
Oh, God.
Uh, try again.
Google the hotel.
Okay.
[Stevens] Holy shit.
[Aurora]
Well, for God's sake,
try and send an email.
[computer chimes]
Nothing. Oh, God.
Maybe this is some kind
of prank TV show.
That could send me
through space and time?
I don't think so.
What if it's like
Squid Game?
That was fiction. A movie.
It was a series, lover boy.
Same fucking thing.
It's really not the same.
I think
we should confront Samuel,
ask him what's going on.
Yeah, let's do it.
Come on.
[elevator bell dings]
There he is.
[Samuel]
Welcome, one and all.
We need to know
what the hell's going on
around here, Samuel.
The game. The contest.
Flamme O' Frites
Jalapeo Hell Poppers.
Cut the bullshit.
What is this place?
[nervous chuckle]
[whispers] Cameras.
[clearing throat]
Not here.
Meet me in the lobby bar
in five minutes.
I went online just like
all of you and everything
about me has been wiped.
Like my life, my name,
my credits...
My IMDb page, it's gone.
I'm trying to put on
a brave face,
but I'm genuinely freaked out.
Is there anyone in charge,
like from the tournament
or the company?
Not here.
I got hired remotely,
and when I showed up yesterday
the room was already set up.
Those women and that
Dante character were already
here, but nobody else.
Have you guys
been smelling gas?
I saw some weird shit
coming back from the spa.
The twins were there
and they said something
about there being a gas leak.
So you're both hallucinating
all of this from a gas leak?
That would suggest
carbon monoxide poisoning,
and that's an odorless gas.
I tried to leave
and couldn't.
Respectfully,
I was not hallucinating.
What do you mean
you couldn't leave?
I got into a taxi and...
right back in my room.
You realize
that's impossible.
No, no, no.
Same thing happened to me, man.
I tried to make it
to the police station.
I could only get so far.
I ran into that fucking
"Repent" poster and then
right back here at the hotel.
Oh, come on.
[Samuel]
I don't understand.
And I'm supposed to shoot
a national soap commercial
on Friday.
Like, I need that money.
I'm not gonna get stuck here.
Okay, all right.
Look, why don't we all
leave together?
We'll check it out
and then you'll all
feel better.
Yeah, if there's
no host then--
No contestants.
No game. Let's do it.
All right. Yeah.
Okay.
What... Where is everybody?
I told you.
[chattering]
[horns honking]
We're outside.
Just keep walking.
Did you get this far
last time?
Don't stop. Let's go. Let's go.
Let's cross here.
Come on, let's cross here.
[bell jingles]
Jesus, kid.
Asshole!
[truck horn blaring]
[all screaming]
What the hell?
The fuck.
What the...
[Aurora]
This is a dream.
This has got to be a dream.
This is a nightmare.
Why did I even take this job?
I'm an actor.
I should be doing
things like movies and plays
and comedy specials.
I was a comedian
for two years
and I was good.
I was Ellen DeGeneres
good.
Maybe this is
some kind of AI
beta test.
You know, like an experiment
and we're the guinea pigs.
I think we're fucking dead.
I saw my stepdaughter.
She was real.
We're not dead.
This isn't some
virtual reality program.
We're alive and we're
gonna get the hell out of here.
How?
We must be here
for a reason, right?
Otherwise, why us?
Maybe they want us
to do something?
Who? Who is "they"?
I don't know.
Look, has anybody done anything
that you regret in your life?
Did you hurt someone?
Have you...
Have you done
any terrible things?
Okay.
If this gets us out of here,
then yes.
I will confess.
I killed a man.
Yeah.
At least I think I did.
[moaning]
[Aurora]
Well, technically
I didn't kill him.
[all gasp]
Oh!
[moaning continues]
Okay, he put the collar on
and he wanted to be choked.
Choke me.
Like this?
So I gave the man
what he asked for.
[gasping]
Yeah, obviously
I was aware
he couldn't breathe.
His choke chain worked
a little too well.
So then I left him there
asphyxiating.
So yeah, he probably...
died.
In my defense, he did
want to know how one woman
could be so fucking sexy
and so very nasty
all at the same time.
Now the asshole knows.
Doesn't he?
Don't judge me.
Uh, I-I guess it's...
All right,
it's my turn to confess.
[Stevens sighs]
Um...
Well, after my wife
left me...
I was in bad...
really bad shape.
I convinced myself
that if I made enough money,
I could win her back.
I started gambling,
and I always lost.
I was in so much debt.
And I met a guy.
He offered me
20 grand a pop
to harvest kidneys.
[monitor beeping]
People live
with only one kidney
all the time.
I paid off my anesthesiologist
as well as my nurse.
And then I did it.
And take it quickly.
Took a perfectly healthy
kidney
out of a 30-year-old man.
Then I did it again,
and I did it again.
I rationalized that those
kidneys were going to people
who really needed them.
My wife never came back.
But year after year
I took that money.
Scary how easy it was.
I, uh...
didn't murder anyone...
choke some client
or harvest people's
organs, but...
I am a grifter.
Confidence man.
I steal people's money.
There was this one guy.
Mr. and Mrs. Kovalenko,
I lost money too.
I've told you over and over
these things happen.
We gave you
our retirement savings.
Our daughter is telling us
to call the police.
What are the police gonna do?
You made an investment
and it went bad.
Don't you think
I'm sick about all of this?
No, I don't.
You're an evil
son of a bitch
who pissed away
our life savings.
Mr. Kovalenko, if you want to
call the police, call them.
But I'm not
having this conversation.
Understood?
Aleksander!
Yes, we will not have
this conversation again.
Calm down.
You don't need to do this.
[Mrs. Kovalenko]
Oh, my God!
[gasps]
[Mrs. Kovalenko]
No!
I didn't kill him.
He shot himself.
I wanted
to be a good cop,
a good detective.
But after my wife died,
I lost my way. I...
I took bribes. I stole.
Put innocent people
in jail.
[exhales]
And I killed.
I killed.
Open the fucking bag!
Drop the gun.
What?
Drop the fucking gun!
Sir, I don't...
Come on. Let's go.
[Aurora]
You're up, Congressman.
It's gonna make you
feel so good.
Took a while to figure out
who killed my wife Anna.
There was a violent break-in
from the front door.
Anna and my stepdaughter
were upstairs.
My wife Anna
was the rich one
in the family.
Sweetie, wake up. Come on.
Come on, sweetie.
If she divorced me...
I'd be ruined.
The place was ransacked.
Jewelry and my Rolex stolen.
Do not come out no matter what.
Okay? Okay.
[gasps]
We kept a gun
in the closet.
Although it did her no good.
There were no bullets in it.
[gasping, shouting]
[hammer clicking]
[whimpering, groans]
I convinced myself...
[screams]
[body thuds]
...I'd be better off
staying with her.
[grunting]
[gasping, choking]
A year later, I ran
for my congressional seat.
I'm tough on crime
'cause I lost my wife
to a violent criminal.
Using her murder and her money
as a launching pad.
A vote for Tom Cartright
is a vote for justice.
A homeless man
was convicted 11 years later.
I watched them execute him.
[grunting]
The only thing I really regret
was murdering her
in front of Celeste.
[thunder rumbling]
I planned it for months
and not once did I
even think of turning back.
Everything I took,
Rolex, jewelry,
I left with a homeless man.
I convinced myself
that I hated her.
I wanted a new life.
I left my cell phone
in the hotel
back in Mississippi.
I bought a cell phone jammer,
and I cut the landline.
I hate myself for it.
[Celeste]
Mom?
Mom? Mom.
Mom, wake up.
Please wake up.
Stop staring at me
like that.
[gasps]
[grunts]
[sighs]
[elevator bell dings]
[Billy] I don't know what
to think about all this.
It was insane.
Insane.
You all saw
what I saw, right?
Yeah.
What's happening to us?
Maybe it's part
of the game.
What if we're being watched
just to see how we react?
Like a Truman Show
kind of thing?
Hey, maybe there is a gas leak,
but I saw what you all did.
And that ain't possible.
We don't know
what's possible
or impossible anymore.
Because clearly
this is happening.
To all of us except Samuel.
We saw everyone's sins
except his.
Fuck. Let's get him.
[whirring]
[elevator bell dings]
Where is he?
Where's Samuel?
Where is he?
Where the fuck is he?
He's changing
for the final act.
It's his most
important moment,
he told me.
Then why don't you tell us
what the fuck is going on here?
Who, me? Compadre,
I'm just a bit player.
Samuel's the one
with all the good lines
in the script.
I just got cast as the midget.
I want fucking answers,
and I want 'em now.
Whoa, so angry.
You have no idea.
How do we get out
of this hellhole?
Guys, just let him talk.
Christ!
Hellhole? This isn't hell.
A five-star hotel?
No, no, no.
If this was hell, Congressman,
the churches would be empty.
Now he doesn't even
have an accent.
Are we dead?
No. Not that
I could tell, Billy.
I'm going home.
I don't belong here.
With all due respect, Doctor,
you're all here for a reason.
Speak English.
I'm just saying
what I was told to say.
You're not just playing
for money anymore,
you're playing
for your very survival.
And in this final round,
only one of you will survive.
What are you
talking about?
Only one of you will
leave here with a chance
to redeem themselves.
This is insane.
Maybe so.
But I'm just a hired hand.
In case you haven't noticed,
I do fucking everything
around here.
Bartending, makeup,
cameras, cleaning.
I even have to
hydrate the dancers
so they don't die on my clock.
If this place was unionized,
I'd file a complaint.
What if I don't
want to play anymore?
No one's forcing anyone
to play.
If you don't show up,
it's just a better chance
for the others to win.
If I may, I would suggest
that you all go back
to your rooms,
take a shower,
maybe a little dip
in the hotel pool, use the spa.
Do whatever you need
to prepare yourself for
the final round at midnight.
It's gonna be
the most important game
of your lives.
I can't wait
to see the outcome.
My balls are tingling.
I need to win.
I need to leave
this fucking place.
You gotta win.
If you don't show up,
it's just a better chance
for the others to win.
Gotta do what you gotta do.
[voice whispers] Quinn.
[door opens]
[voice whispers]
The doctor
is waiting for you.
Don't let me stop you.
No! [groaning]
[choking, gasping]
One down.
[voice whispers]
I'm coming for you.
[knocking]
Aurora!
[knocking continues]
Aurora.
Aurora! Hey!
Stevens is dead.
He committed suicide.
[gasps]
Ah, such a waste.
[grunting]
[groaning, choking]
Oh, you cunt.
[screaming]
[gasping, choking]
[groans]
That's two down.
[voice whispers]
Your turn, Billy Boy.
[knocking]
Billy!
Billy, we got a problem.
What's up?
Okay. Okay.
[groaning]
It's nothing personal, bro.
[tank clangs]
Three down.
[voice whispers]
Senator Cartright.
Hey.
I didn't see you there.
They're dead.
You all right?
They're all dead.
[exclaims]
[grunting, gasping]
[inhales]
[exclaims]
[grunts]
That's four.
They never recovered
any of the bodies...
Samuel.
...is the problem.
So it's less fun
than it sounds.
Samuel.
Oh, if it isn't
good Detective Quinn.
Or should I say
bad Detective Quinn?
It's fucking hot.
You're early.
All of a sudden you don't
look like that scared,
unemployed actor anymore.
Oh, yeah,
I'm sorry for the theatrics,
but I do as I'm employed to.
Whatever.
I'm done playing your games.
The fucking midget said
if no one else shows, I win.
Um, they prefer
"little people."
And his name is Dante.
Dante.
[Samuel laughs]
But I have to tell you,
you are one of my favorites.
I've never seen anyone
like you. Right?
So vicious. Cruel. Selfish.
Mm-hmm.
Dare I say it, evil.
Very evil.
All right,
they're dead, all right?
I killed them all.
I'm the last one.
Those are the rules.
The last one
gets a second chance.
The last one gets to go home.
I want to go home!
I want to go home.
[Samuel] Aw.
[snickers]
Yeah, that's...
that's not
what's gonna happen.
[laughing]
Yeah, Dante,
I guess you did
say that, but...
Mm-hmm.
...I'm afraid you've
misconstrued the meaning.
How can I explain this
in a more visually
exciting way?
Oh, I know.
You can get up now,
Detective Quinn.
[fingers snap]
[screams]
[gasps]
[screaming]
[gasps]
[screaming continues]
[gasps]
[screaming continues]
[gasps]
[screams] Fuck!
[gasping, exhaling]
Hey, look, I wish
I could explain it all,
but this is just the game
and we're gonna have to
play by its rules.
And no one can die here
until the final cards
are dealt.
So it's futile to try.
Um, to be clear,
the others are gonna be
really pissed at you.
They had to experience
your violence the same way
you experienced getting shot.
But don't worry.
They are alive and well
and getting ready
for the final round.
I'm going to fucking hell,
aren't I?
No. You have
just as much chance
to win as anyone else.
The luck of the cards
will determine your fate.
Isn't that fun?
No. It fucking sucks.
[elevator bell chimes]
Oh, shit.
Hey, guys,
sorry about the whole
killing you thing. My bad.
You beat me to death
with the butt
of a fire extinguisher.
Samuel shot me in the chest
five times just to show me
what it felt like.
I get it. Okay?
[Cartright]
Good for him.
You drowned me.
You slit my throat.
You choked me to death.
Yeah.
[clears throat]
Gather 'round, good people.
I don't bite.
When you first said that,
I believed it.
I don't now.
Who are you?
I think
I'm the greatest actor
that ever lived.
Better than Brando.
Hell, maybe even better
than Leo.
You look like the devil.
That's pretty clich.
That's so clich.
What did you guys think
of the collective confessions?
That was really fun, huh?
Could we get on
with it?
Okay, Detective.
Here are the rules
for the final round,
the grand finale.
Each of you was destined
to spend an eternity in hell.
But now one of you
will have the chance
to escape that fate.
Oh, my God.
No, no, no. Let's keep him
out of this, shall we?
I should never
have come here.
Doctor.
Doctor.
Did you really think
you had a choice?
Well, I shouldn't
be here.
I'm no saint, but...
Billy, believe me.
Every one of you is here
because you deserve to be.
That's what I told them.
Now, my sponsor,
who shall remain
nameless,
loves the idea
of salvation,
and so this game was created.
You won't believe it, but we
get to do another one tomorrow.
You should see that group
though.
There are two child molesters
and only one of them
is a priest.
It's gonna be fun.
Is there any questions so far?
So you're saying there's
a chance we can go home.
Leave this place.
Very good, Billy.
So we're gonna play
a whole other round.
Yeah, that does seem
a bit much, doesn't it?
So, how about this?
We'll just play one hand,
and everybody's all in.
One hand to determine
who leaves and who doesn't.
Actually, each of you
will be leaving here.
One going out
and four going down.
Down?
Down.
What about the money?
The $20 million.
[laughs]
I love this guy. Billy.
No.
There's no money.
Mmm.
[blows kiss]
The prize
is now your freedom.
Isn't that worth
more than paper?
Now please, sit.
[scoffs]
[chuckling]
Aw, such sad faces.
Let's turn those frowns
upside down.
You look nervous.
I get it.
I would be too.
Can you just deal
so we can get this over with?
I almost forgot, there is
a very important piece
of business to attend to
before the final hand.
This is...
Well, let's call it
the "Come to Jesus" moment.
[chuckles]
You don't know it,
but there is one person
that connects you all.
And they are the reason
you sit at this very table.
You look confused.
Let me explain.
[thunder rumbling]
[glass shatters]
And once again,
our story begins
with you, Congressman.
Christ, not again.
You know what I did
and why I'm here.
I do know what you did
to your wife Anna.
But it's what you did
to this little girl
that I want to talk about.
Celeste.
Yeah, Celeste. That's right.
Do you realize the horror
you forced this little girl
to witness?
[Samuel]
Children are the true innocents
of the world,
and any evil
committed upon them
is the most heinous of all.
And she never knew it was you
that murdered her mother.
What you did next
began her journey into despair.
I don't want to go away.
I don't like him.
He's your father.
And I-- I can't
take care of you,
at least not right now.
Please don't send me away.
You gotta be brave
for your mama.
Yeah?
And I'm gonna come see you.
I promise you.
I promise.
[Samuel]
How could you?
You simply couldn't
take care of her.
So you sent her back
to her alcoholic birth father,
where she lasted
about a month
before she was taken into
Child Protective Services.
And then she was shuttled,
again and again,
through six different
foster homes.
She bounced around from one
to the next, never feeling
like she belonged anywhere,
simply neglected
or uncared-for by most,
brutalized and molested
by others.
And if that weren't enough,
at age 16 Celeste developed
an acute case of appendicitis.
And that's where
you enter stage left,
Dr. Stevens.
A routine appendectomy
until you stole the kidney
of a healthy
16-year-old girl.
How much did you get
for that?
I... I don't know.
I'm sorry.
[Samuel]
I believe you.
Oh, God.
But your little procedure
left Celeste in constant agony,
and as often happens
pain medications ran out.
She needed
to find relief somewhere.
But there's a cost
to that lifestyle,
and Celeste paid the price.
That's dark.
And you left her susceptible
to all kinds of predators.
Predators like
Detective Michael Quinn.
On her 18th birthday
poor, unfortunate Celeste
was released from
the foster care system
and dumped on the streets.
[chuckles]
Do you remember this part?
This is a good part.
I had nothing to do
with the robbery.
So why'd you try
to run from me? Hmm?
I was scared.
I met this guy once
at a shelter,
but I swear, I never...
I know, I know.
You know?
Well, I'm sure you're innocent.
Probably just
at the wrong place
at the wrong time.
Unfortunately,
you have no way to prove it,
and we found this on you.
I don't care
if you're guilty
or innocent.
To be honest with you,
I just want to get
this case off my desk.
I can easily
just put you in jail...
or...
[Quinn grunting]
[sirens wailing]
Do you remember this part?
Yeah, I remember.
Hey.
Where's Quinn?
He's out of town
for a few weeks.
I'll be working with you.
Choke me.
[grunting]
[groans]
You promised we'd only
have to do this once.
Yeah.
Sorry.
I don't want to do this
anymore.
Really?
Are you sure?
Are you positive?
I'm positive.
[Samuel]
And when she wouldn't
let you rape her anymore,
you threw her in jail
anyway.
She spent three years in prison
for a crime she didn't commit.
But our bad detective
just moved on
to the next contestant.
[chuckles]
But all was not lost.
Because
on her 21st birthday,
Celeste was released
and inherited $200,000
from her mother's will
that had been left
in trust.
And that's when
salesman extraordinaire
Billy Boy Gray
got his talons into her.
I know $200,000 sounds
like a lot, Celeste.
But you need to
turn that into 400
and then 600 and so on.
How do you think the rich
get richer?
Is there any chance
I could lose it?
Slim to none.
I've got almost a million
in on this one myself,
but the window
is closing fast
and I need to know tonight
if you want to do this.
If you're not feeling it,
if you're scared, walk away.
Like I said, I got people
chomping at the bit
for this one,
but I'd rather see
someone like you start
making that real money
rather than
these rich assholes.
It seems like
this isn't for you,
and I get it.
It's totally cool.
No harm, no foul.
I wish you nothing
but the best, Celeste.
Wait.
[Samuel]
You really are
a confidence man.
And in just a year
you turned that 200K
into absolute zero.
I'm actually curious,
how many people
did you do that to?
I don't know.
[Samuel]
You don't know? I do.
It was exactly 56 poor souls
who had the misfortune
of meeting you.
Two weeks later,
Celeste Janice Atkinson,
in an attempt to dull the pain
of her once-promising life,
self-medicated...
[sighs] ...as she had
always been taught.
Not realizing this
would be the last time.
Her brief life over at 22,
her pain finally gone.
[sighs]
All the terrible things
that human beings
inflict on one another.
The incremental evils
can be as bad as the big ones.
[projector clicks,
shuts off]
Each of you is responsible
for that death.
A slow-moving murder.
An innocent person destroyed
by the people she trusted.
People who should have
cared for her,
but instead did nothing
but take advantage of her.
What about her?
Oh, we'll get to her.
[chuckles]
So here we are.
The final hand.
And everyone is all in.
The winner gets a reprieve
as promised.
And the losers,
well, we know their fate.
So...
let's play poker!
Here we go.
Why don't we
just turn 'em over?
Where's the drama in that?
[Samuel chuckles]
How are we feeling, players?
Bad Boy Billy.
You are a son of a bitch.
I've been meaning
to tell you that.
Congressman Cartright from
the great state of Alabama.
Let's go, Sam.
Aurora,
the angel from Oak Brook.
Finally got it right.
Thank you.
The always nervous Dr. Stevens
must have a good hand.
Thank you, thank you,
thank you.
[Samuel chuckles,
clears throat]
Bad cop. Detective Quinn.
Fucking hot in here.
This is nothing.
Let's see that river card,
Sam.
My, my, my.
Has there ever been
a game of poker with
higher stakes than this?
I don't think so.
All right, ladies and germs,
the moment of truth.
I'm gonna point to you
and you turn over
your cards. Ready?
Michael.
I got a full house, Sam.
Queens over jacks.
Yeah!
[laughing]
Yeah!
[Samuel chuckles]
[Samuel]
Impressive.
William.
Tens, baby.
Four of them.
What?
[Samuel]
Oh, boy.
That's bullshit.
Dr. Scott.
Four jacks.
Fuck!
That's bullshit!
What are the odds?
It's 4,164-to-one,
to be precise.
I'm going home.
I'm going home!
Not yet. Not quite yet.
Tom.
Will he be
our future president
or just another lost soul
in hell?
Looks like a possible
presidential run, Samuel.
Straight flush.
What? No.
Come on.
[Cartright laughs]
Aurora.
I don't suppose you could
beat a straight flush.
Royal flush.
What?
This is fucking rigged.
You wanted her to win.
[shouting, arguing]
You wanted her to win
the whole time.
This is bullshit, man.
I wanna see the deck.
It's a fake deck.
Let me see those cards.
It's fucking bullshit.
[Samuel]
Gentlemen,
I promised one of you
would be redeemed
and I am a man of my word.
Aurora was like
my guardian angel.
Sweetie, wake up.
Wake up, sweetie.
Come on. Come on, sweetie.
Don't worry.
He's going to get
what he deserves.
Trust me.
[Celeste]
My imaginary friend
who always looked after me.
[thunder rumbling]
Bet you wish you
looked like me and could
pull the trigger yourself.
Mom.
Mom, wake up.
Wake up. Wake up, Mom.
Mom.
Wake up.
I'm sorry
I couldn't save Mom.
[Celeste]
And she was the woman
I always wished I could be.
And now I got the chance
to be her.
And here we are.
Celeste, I'm so sorry.
I know that's meaningless now,
but I wanted to say it before.
Yeah, me too.
I'm sorry
for what I did to you.
And I deserve
whatever's coming to me.
[Stevens]
Yeah.
Celeste, I sinned against you
and I'm gonna pay
for those sins.
I'm sorry
to every single person
I did that to.
Nothing I say
will change anything,
but I regret what I did.
I really do.
Celeste, is there anything
you want to say?
I forgive you.
All of you.
I need to... so badly
to remove this burden
from my soul.
[Samuel, Celeste laughing]
Dante.
Gentlemen, please sit.
Please sit.
Wow.
What a way to end the show.
[laughs]
[exhales]
You boys were absolved
of your sins.
Your apologies were true
and from the heart.
And this beautiful angel
from heaven--
from heaven--
forgave you.
What a beautiful ending.
Reminds me of church.
I now regret strangling
so many cats and priests.
You know,
it is like church.
You go,
you atone for your sins,
you beg God for forgiveness,
and God,
in his benevolent mercy,
forgives.
But alas,
it's not church...
and I'm not God.
[all screaming]
[both laughing]
Wow!
Wasn't that great?
Yeah.
I thought you'd just take them
down in the elevator with you.
Oh, no. I wanted
something cinematic
to be memorable for you.
I mean, it was,
it just...
kind of scared me
a little bit when the lights
went up for a second.
Yeah, I just didn't want you
to see their souls
actually being extracted
from their bodies.
It can be really gruesome.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's very funny though.
[both laughing]
You did it.
Can I walk you home?
Yes. Yes, please.
[elevator bell dings]
[doors slide open]
[both laughing]
It was a pleasure
working with you,
ma'am.
We will certainly
miss you.
Milton, Lomax.
The pleasure was all mine.
Thank you, Dante.
Adios, my beautiful angel.
All right, gentlemen,
let's reset.
I'll see you shortly.
[exhales]
Do you ever get a break?
Oh, no.
No rest for the wicked.
You know, when God offered me
this chance for justice
and redemption,
I thought he was kidding.
I mean,
I almost didn't take it.
Like, he seems to play
these kind of games.
[chuckles]
Well, I'm very glad you did.
It was so fun
getting to play Aurora.
She's my imaginary friend,
and she's just like
this superhero
I always wanted to be.
You played it perfectly.
Are you doing this
again?
Well, we agreed to 500 games,
but I'm having a lot of fun.
I hope we get to do more.
You're so good at it.
Thank you.
Can I ask you something?
Yeah.
Does he like me?
God?
Yeah.
He's very passive-aggressive
and he can be truly insulting,
and I don't like to show it,
but it can hurt my feelings.
No, no,
he really respects you.
Really?
Did he say that?
'Cause you don't
have to say that
to make me feel better.
No, no. I really mean it.
He really sees you
as a true partner.
You know, he said to me
that sometimes
he thinks you do your job
better than he does his.
No.
Yeah.
[chuckles]
Really?
Because I quite like him,
you know.
That's so sweet.
He really likes you, too.
Seriously.
Wonderful.
[both laughing]
Thank you so much!
I just... Oh, I feel like
a weight has been lifted.
I feel lighter than air.
My angel from Oak Brook.
I won't soon forget you.
[chuckles]
I gotta get back downstairs.
Keep the home fires
burning hot, you know.
Hotter than
a Spicy Jalapeo
Hell Popper?
Oh, no.
Not even close, my dear.
[giggles]
[bell dings]
[chimes]
[thunder rumbling]
[gasps]
Celeste.
Sweetie, wake up. Come on.
Come on, sweetie.
Stay quiet. Okay?
Mom, what's the matter?
I want you to stay in here.
Be very quiet, sweetie. Okay?
[object shatters]
Do not come out no matter what.
[thunder continues rumbling]
[gasps]
[beeping]
What the hell?
No freaking signal.
[gasping, shouting]
[hammer clicking]
[whimpering, groans]
[grunting]
[grunts]
[exclaims]
[screams]
[body thuds]
[groaning]
Don't worry.
He's going to get
what he deserves.
Trust me.
[thunder rumbling]
[grunting, choking]
Bet you wish you looked
like me and could
pull the trigger yourself.
Come on.
Mom?
Mom?
Mom, wake up.
Mom, wake up.
Mom.
I'm sorry
I couldn't save Mom.
Wake up.
[exhales]
[thunder continues
rumbling]
[chattering]
[horns honking]
[chattering continues]
[thunder rumbling]
[clerk]
He's so slow.
I heard you
the first time.
Hey. Tom Cartright.
I'm here for
the Flamme O' Frites game.
Ah, yes. Mr. Cartright,
we've been expecting you.
Congratulations.
You know,
we bought 50 bags
of those potato chips,
called the number on the bag
and got the same
stupid message.
"You are not
a winner this time,
but keep playing."
I only bought one bag.
Just got lucky, I guess.
Sure sounds like it.
We have you
in suite 1316,
Congressman.
Perfect.
Hey, how late
is the pool open?
It's 24 hours, sir.
That's wonderful.
Hundred laps a day
keeps the doctor away.
I'm seeing double.
Billy Gray.
Contest winner.
Checking in.
And your best room,
yeah, chief?
Of course, Mr. Gray.
Nothing but the best
for you.
[laughing]
[woman] Celeste,
do you have my purse?
Yeah, I have it.
How do you think the rich
get richer, sweetie?
We gotta invest
and start young.
I trust you on this.
Cheers.
[chuckles]
Are we having fun?
We've upgraded you
to suite 1323, Mr. Gray.
Great.
Elevator this way?
Correct, Mr. Gray.
Welcome, Dr. Stevens.
Thank you.
Hey, quick question
if you don't mind.
I have had
a dull pain in my right side
for, like, two weeks.
Any thoughts
of what that could be?
Well, off the top of my head,
as long as it's not
a stabbing or a burning pain,
it's probably a pulled muscle,
so try a heating patch.
No, no, thank you.
You must be excited about
the game though, Doctor.
I mean,
an unreal grand prize
of $20 million.
I mean, I have to admit
I've made money in my life,
but this is
a whole different level.
I bet you would love that.
Yeah. [chuckles]
I said, no, thank you.
What part of "no, thank you"
do you not understand?
Dante.
I'm really sorry.
I'm really sorry.
Yeah.
We'll be
rooting for you,
Dr. Stevens.
We have you
in suite 1303.
1303. Thank you.
Elevator is this way?
Straight down
to your right.
Hey.
Good evening,
Detective Quinn,
and welcome to
the Le Deux Sirenes.
It's good to be here
and happy for the damn break.
May we ask
what kind of detective
you are?
Robbery-Homicide.
Sounds exciting.
It has its moments.
Suite 1312.
And good luck,
Detective.
Thank you.
Hi.
Miss Deveraux,
welcome.
And we have you
in suite 1309,
Miss Deveraux.
Mmm! Lucky number 13.
I like it.
Well, we're secretly
hoping you win.
So am I.
And it's not a secret.
And God knows
you deserve it.
There's a welcome reception
starting in five minutes
in the lobby bar.
Twins. Fun.
Thank you, boys.
[clears throat]
[chuckles]
[kisses]
[exhales] I love my job.
[Billy]
I am a financial planner.
What I love
is to see people get rich.
Says a lot about a man,
don't you think?
I take great pride in it. I do.
[chuckles]
Thank you.
Fabulous.
That guy is everywhere.
Anyway, what I love to do
is find the right investment
vehicle for nice folks
and watch their portfolio
grow and grow.
It's very satisfying.
Basically,
I make dreams come true.
Really? Me too.
Is that right?
What do you do, Aurora?
I'm a high-end escort,
Billy.
You sell for a living.
I fuck for one.
Well, if one of us wins
this thing, maybe we can
do some business together.
[laughs]
My services
are very, very expensive.
So are mine.
I heard it all.
That's about right.
Crazy scandal.
Ah!
There they are.
The other two
lucky warriors
joining us in this battle
of winner takes all.
Hey.
Detective Michael Quinn.
This here is Dr...
Uh, Surgeon.
Dr. Scott Stevens.
Excuse me. Surgeon.
And of course
the senator from Alabama.
Congressman Tom Cartright.
And you two are?
Billy Gray,
salesman extraordinaire.
Aurora Deveraux,
escort extraordinaire.
[all chattering]
Welcome one and all.
[chuckles]
Love the suit.
Thank you very much.
Gather around, good people.
I don't bite.
On behalf of Flamme O' Frites
and our newest spicy chip,
the Jalapeo Hell Popper,
which will light up your mouth
like a sweet bolt of lightning,
I want to congratulate you
on buying
the lucky numbered bags
which gave you this chance
to play poker
and walk out of the fabulous
Le Deux Sirenes
with five years' worth
of Hell Poppers
and $20 million.
Uh, great speech,
but, uh, question, Mr...
Oh! [chuckles]
Damn it. Jesus.
I was so worried about
promoting our sponsor
that I forgot
to introduce myself.
Samuel Nicholas,
your host and dealer.
Samuel,
you look familiar.
Have I arrested you before?
[chuckles]
I don't know.
Acting is my first love.
I usually play the guy
that gets killed off
in episode two.
And I've done my share
of deodorant
and Ozempic commercials.
I've shilled everything
from hemorrhoid cream
to fruit juices.
You might recognize this.
Seasonal herpes got you down?
Try this new one-pill fixer.
[laughs]
A C-list character actor
is how Variety summed me up.
That's one hell
of a summary.
Well, some of us get to be
Brad Pitt and some of us
host poker tournaments.
You know?
I'm not complaining.
Happy to have a job.
[chuckles]
You were saying, Mr...
Dr. Stevens.
Yes. We're gonna be playing
Texas Hold 'Em poker.
Is that right?
Yes. Very good, Doctor.
Let me go over the rules.
There will be three rounds
followed by one hour
of food service.
Nice spread of Poppers,
I'm sure.
Ooh, yes!
Like an exquisite
explosion of pain
inside your taste buds!
I'm sorry, Mr. Gray.
They make me say this shit.
You understand.
Too bad we couldn't
bring any guests.
Just wondering.
Our sponsor actually thought
it would be a distraction.
You have the opportunity
to win a prize
that could change your life
in more ways than one.
And it's the game
that's most exciting,
so although it's televised,
there's no live audience
and no guests allowed.
Well, I, for one, wanna wish
each and every one of you
bonne chance.
Thanks.
Whatever that means.
Listen, I gotta run.
I've got a Zoom audition
for Red Bloods.
It's not a great show
and I don't love the star,
but it's a network gig
and I'm so close to
getting my health insurance
through the union.
Gotta go for it.
I have to admit,
I love that show.
Really?
You worry me, Doctor.
[laughs]
Anyhoo, your golden key cards
will give you elevator access
to the Cordova Room,
our exclusive gaming suite.
First game begins promptly
at 8:00 p.m.
Don't be late.
Did you guys know
it was televised?
[sighs]
[phone buzzing]
[buzzing continues]
[buzzing]
[sighs]
Hey.
What?
What are you saying?
My wife is...
[screams]
No, no.
What about my stepdaughter?
Is she okay?
Thank God. Thank God.
I'm tough on crime
'cause I lost my wife
to a violent criminal.
A vote for Tom Cartright
is a vote for justice.
[applause]
Get me some dirt
on any of them.
I need an edge,
something I can slip in
while we're playing.
Maybe spin 'em
off balance.
Call me back.
[police siren wailing]
There's the scumbag.
Let's take him.
Freeze! Chicago PD!
Hold on, asshole.
Drop the bag.
All right, open it up.
Open the fucking bag!
[groaning]
[exhales]
Oh, God.
[monitor beeping]
Oh, God.
You're the best, Billy.
And they are a bunch
of fucking amateurs.
[Billy]
Hello. Hello.
I'm so glad
you could make it
and I truly hope
you are ready to start
making the big bucks.
The deal we talked about
is still available, but
I can't hold it for long.
I've got clients begging me
to get in on this one.
Oh, Christ, I'm hot.
This is gonna be fun.
[bell dings]
[elevator bell chimes]
[beeps]
[beeps]
[elevator bell chimes]
Okay.
Oh, yeah.
[exhales]
Nice.
[elevator bell dings]
Game on, boys.
Hello, boys.
[chattering]
That's what I think.
[gasps] Oh!
There we go.
Try not to sweat so much.
Bad for camera.
I'm feeling
a little exposed here.
There are so many more
cameras than I thought.
I know we all signed up
for this, but isn't this
all getting a little weird?
I think it's good
to get
a little exposure.
Your breath smells.
Thanks, little guy.
What if we have to
pick our nose or something?
Try not to. Use these.
Welcome to my world.
But, hey,
if you're that nervous,
might be best to drop out.
Yeah, hey, Doc,
you could quit
anytime you want.
Okay, it's not gonna happen.
Okay?
Nice try, boys,
but I'm here
to fucking win too.
Can I say "fucking"?
I'm going to.
I fucking love this.
[theme music playing]
Wow.
[audience applauding]
Whoa.
All right.
That's cool.
[applause continues]
[Dante]
Ladies and gentlemen,
allow me to introduce to you
a man that needs
no introduction.
Originally hailing
from the great North
and now residing
in the deep, hot South,
our host,
Samuel Nicholas!
Welcome to the
Flamme O' Frites Jalapeo
Hell Poppers Poker Challenge!
We are streaming live
on popperspoker.com
where you can follow along
and comment in real time
and root
for your favorite player.
And speaking of the players,
let's meet 'em, shall we?
[audience cheering]
Some of you may already
be familiar with
the three-term congressman
from the great state
of Alabama,
Tom Cartright.
I'm playing for all
my constituents back home.
That's so sweet.
Next is esteemed surgeon
Dr. Scott Stevens,
a confirmed bachelor.
But who wouldn't want to marry
a man who's taken an oath
to do God's work?
You don't want
to have kids?
No. Never.
Hey, drop a comment
in the chat if you'd like
a shot from the good doctor.
Oh, no. Please don't.
Right out of central casting,
we have
Detective Michael Quinn.
A 15-year veteran
of the Chicago, Illinois
Police Department,
he's been named
Detective of the Year
three years in a row.
Four. Four, actually.
Why, if I am ever
brutally assaulted
by some sick psychopath,
I pray it is Michael Quinn
assigned to my case.
Just give me a call.
Oh, I will.
Mesdames et messieurs,
it is my distinct pleasure
to introduce to you
this handsome gentleman,
Mr. Billy Gray,
salesman extraordinaire.
The best financial planner
in these United States.
Couldn't have said it
better myself, Samuel.
So modest, so humble,
and with such great hair.
[audience laughing,
applauding]
And last but not least,
our sole female contestant,
Ms. Aurora Deveraux.
Hi.
An extraordinary woman
whose passion is
to help fellow females
less fortunate than herself
and bring justice to those
who have unjustly escaped.
Who the hell
wrote that?
It's pretty good,
isn't it?
I love it. It's fabulous.
Each contestant will start
with $10,000 in chips
with our winner taking home
the grand prize
of $20 million
in cold, hard cash.
[audience applauding]
Wow.
[Samuel]
Kept on constant refrigeration,
it will be icy
when you place it
in your very large suitcase.
Hey, how about a hand
for our Flamme O' Frites
Flamette Dancers?
Yes.
[Billy]
Bravo, bravo.
[Aurora]
Gorgeous girls.
Thank you, ladies.
You're doing the Lord's work.
Well, let's get things
started, shall we?
Let's play poker!
Eight of diamonds.
Queen of hearts.
Ten of clubs.
I like that action, baby.
I'm in.
[Samuel]
Final bets. Final bets.
I'm in.
[Samuel]
Care to raise, Congressman?
Yes, I'm in.
Two hundred from
the future president.
I like the sound of that.
Match again.
I'll call.
Two hundred
from the angel of Singapore.
I was born in Oak Brook.
Singapore sounds
more exotic.
You shouldn't eat so much.
It makes you look fatter.
Dante, shoo, shoo.
Shoo, shoo, shoo,
shoo, shoo, shoo.
He likes you.
Next round, next round,
next round.
[scoffs] Fuck.
We can curse, right?
We would prefer
if you didn't.
Big thanks to our sponsor,
the Flamme O' Frites
Jalapeno Hell Popper.
These Flamme O' Frites
ain't too shabby.
Call 500,
raise another thousand.
Billy Boy coming in hot.
Let's see what you got.
Full house. Queens over tens.
And the congressman takes it.
[laughs] There we go.
Got full prescription strength
on the doctor.
Fuck.
I think the temperature's
gone up a full ten degrees
in here.
I call and I raise.
If I hadn't already chewed
my nails down to the quick,
I'd be biting them
right now.
I'm all in.
Call.
[sighs] I fold.
Fold.
Sorry, sweetie pie.
That's four nines.
[audience cheering]
Wow, it would appear that
our angel from Casablanca is...
Read 'em and weep, boys.
[Samuel]
A straight flush.
Whoo-hoo!
Shit. I don't believe it.
How does that happen?
I can barely believe it.
But believe it. [laughs]
Well, Aurora Deveraux
leaves us on a high note
as we conclude
round one.
All the contestants
will be back for round two,
which begins
in exactly one hour.
[elevator bell chimes]
Really thought
you were toast, Aurora.
You and me both.
I was praying for that ten
on the river.
Yeah. What are
the odds of that?
Miraculous.
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Calm my nerves.
Same. How about I meet you boys
in the lobby bar in five?
I could use a stiff one.
Mmm.
[Aurora]
You have really big hands.
Has anyone ever told you that?
I also love that shirt, Billy.
[Billy]
It's not always complicated.
[Quinn] Yeah, my wife
passed about 12 years ago.
Hit and run.
Yeah, one day she's there,
the next she's gone.
I know
just how you feel.
You don't have to answer,
but I was just curious
how you, uh...
Became a prostitute?
Bad childhood?
Check.
Home invasion robbery.
He killed my wife, Anna.
Did they catch the psycho?
Left our house with $300
and a fake Rolex
worth a hundred bucks.
Oh, man.
They executed him
a couple years ago.
Good.
Yeah.
But then you blossomed
into this stunning teenager.
You saw what that did
to the gullible, horny men.
Check.
Dropped out of high school?
Check.
And then I went to prison.
Oh. The story
grows more complex.
Doesn't it just?
Must feel incredible
when you solve a case,
bring in the bad guy.
Imagine how you felt
when they caught
your wife's killer.
To be able to bring that
kind of justice to a family...
that's what keeps me going.
And is your real name
Aurora Deveraux?
What do you think?
I think she's the invention
of a very smart young lady...
who's had a lot of bad luck.
And check.
On a happier note,
seems like you've stayed
the forever bachelor.
If you must know,
I was married in my 20s,
but my wife left me.
Hmm.
For an ugly, obese,
elderly woman.
Ouch.
If you win, I can double
that money for you.
[gasps] Really?
Just between us,
I'm working this crypto deal
out of Michigan
that Elon Musk
wants to be a part of.
It's big. We're talking
50% returns, maybe more.
You're a surgeon, right?
What kind, exactly?
The fake tits kind, right?
No.
The saving lives kind.
Of course.
I was kidding, bro.
I was kidding.
Whatever.
[chuckles]
I take the first leap
so my clients know
I've got skin in the game.
That's what separates me
from my competition.
We all win together or...
We all lose together.
Exactly.
And you never lose.
I have an 87% success rate
and the documentation
to back that up.
And have I
been fucked in the ass
once or twice?
You bet. But I'm
not ashamed to admit it.
Neither am I.
The only difference is when
I get fucked in the ass,
I make money.
[laughs]
Cheers.
What are you kids
talking about?
Getting fucked
in the ass, Tommy.
In more ways than one.
Isn't that right, Billy?
[Quinn] I should have sat
at this table.
Wish you had.
I think I'm gonna go ahead
up to my room.
I'm gonna draw a long, hot bath
and, you know...
masturbate.
Just find it really
takes the edge off.
Do you, uh...
Do you need any help?
It's actually the one thing
I like to do alone, Mr. Gray.
Good luck, boys. Gonna need it.
See you in round two.
[chuckling]
[exhales]
[chuckles]
[voice whispers] Quinn.
Quinn.
When in Rome...
[sighs]
Oh, wow.
[chuckles]
[moans]
Oh, fuck, that's good.
[voice whispers] Quinn.
What have you done?
[sighing]
Oh, Christ.
[moans]
[moaning]
[moaning]
Excuse me, sir.
Sir, can we help you?
You shouldn't
be down here, sir.
Oh, yeah.
I got lost. Just trying to
get back to my room.
What the fuck
is going on in here?
Yes, there was a gas leak
from the dryers a few days ago.
A gas leak?
A few of the guests
complained of headaches.
Dizziness.
Seeing things.
Yes, best not to be
in this area for now.
I guess I did
smell something.
Ah, we'll have maintenance
come right down
and take a look.
Yes, we should go
back upstairs, sir.
[elevator bell dings]
Tom?
Celeste.
I can't believe it's you.
I saw your picture
on the thing.
Wow.
Oh!
I'm so happy to see you.
What are you doing here?
You won't believe it,
but I'm in a poker tournament.
I won a contest--
Flamme O' Frites
Spicy Jalapeo...
Hell Poppers!
I love those.
They're like an explosion
of exquisite pain
in your mouth.
That's it.
Yeah.
Oh, you look...
You just look wonderful.
I haven't seen you in...
Well, been a long time.
Yeah, I was seven
when you...
I'm so sorry.
After your mother's murder,
I was so lost.
I shouldn't have
sent you away.
I thought
it was for the best,
but I didn't know
how to raise a child alone.
Let's not
rehash the past.
I mean, you were my stepfather
and we barely knew each other.
At least we got the bastard.
Yeah. I didn't wanna
go to the execution.
I just couldn't... I just
couldn't relive that again.
But I read that you went.
Yeah.
I wasn't going to, but...
it was closure for me.
I wanted to see him suffer.
Hey, I got married.
I can see that.
[laughs]
Celeste,
I'm so happy for you.
I'm so glad
we bumped into each other.
What are the odds?
I know.
Yeah. Fate's a funny thing.
Mmm.
Well, my reception's
going late.
So maybe you could come
when the tournament's over?
Yes.
Yeah?
I would love to.
Wow. Okay.
Celeste, your husband
is looking for you.
Well, look, I have to go.
But good luck
with the tournament,
and I'll see you tonight.
Just great seeing you again.
Same here.
Bye.
I'm coming.
[elevator bell dings]
[Celeste]
Somebody get a doctor!
I'm a doctor.
Oh, thank God.
What happened?
He fainted.
Okay. All right.
Support his head.
Okay. Okay.
All right.
Temperature's good.
Nice, strong pulse.
I think he's just gonna need
some cold... water.
[groans]
Doctor, are you okay?
I don't feel so good.
[groans]
You're bleeding.
What?
Oh, my God.
[Celeste gasps]
[groaning continues]
[gasps] Oh, God.
[groaning continues]
[screams]
[screams]
[screaming]
[all screaming]
[alarm buzzing]
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
[sighs]
[buzzing stops]
[theme music playing]
[grunts]
[exhales]
Here we go.
Meine Damen und Herren,
willkommen round deux!
Aurora was nearly eliminated
in the first round,
but she got a straight flush
in the final
heart-stopping turn
to keep her hopes alive.
She's currently
in last place.
[audience groans]
Congressman Cartright
is in the lead,
followed by gritty
Detective Michael Quinn.
Dashing boy Billy's in third
and the good Dr. Stevens
is in fourth.
Our streaming audience
has grown by millions,
so let's get
straight to it, shall we,
and let's play poker.
[audience applauding]
You seem pleased,
Congressman.
I am, Samuel.
My stepdaughter
got married today.
She's staying
right here in this hotel.
Can you believe it?
Incredible.
I can't tell you
how much it meant to me,
reconnecting with her.
Wonderful.
Even if I lose,
which I doubt,
I feel like
I'm a winner already
just coming here.
Yes. Yes. Very good.
Keep sucking.
Comments are coming in
from popperspoker.com,
and our poll
of favorite players
has Aurora in the lead.
"Love your hair," says Jenny
from Los Angeles, California.
And Conrad aka The Creep
from Chicago asks,
"Do you remember me?"
Oh, of course.
Miss you, Connie. Call me.
Let's go on another date.
Joann from Phoenix declares,
"Dr. Stevens wields a scalpel
the way Leatherface
wields a chain saw."
[chuckles]
But Paul
from San Francisco says,
"You're a lifesaver."
[Quinn] In.
Here, have some more
'cause I'm not coming back.
The comments about you,
Detective, are a little
rough around the edges.
Possibly
the "Defund the Police"
crowd.
Nobody likes cops anymore.
See what the world's like
without us.
You are my favorite.
Billy, some rather nasty
comments coming at you from
the good people of Illinois.
What did you do
to that state?
[Samuel]
What a round!
Aurora,
our angel from Zanzibar,
is in the lead with 17,000.
Right behind
is Congressman Cartright
with 15,000.
Detective Quinn and Dr. Stevens
are dead even at 7,000.
And BDE investment broker Billy
is nearly broke,
trailing the pack
at just 4,000.
Folks, keep those
comments coming
and don't forget to vote
for your favorite player
on popperspoker.com.
We'll take an hour break
and then the final round.
The round which determines
who will walk out of here
a winner and who won't
begins at midnight.
[beeps]
Be nice once this is over.
I'm sweating
like a pig in there.
I'm having a blast.
Yeah, because
you're winning.
True.
God, my right side
is killing me
for some reason.
Maybe your appendix?
No. It's probably just stress.
I'm gonna go find
my stepdaughter.
There's something
so phony about Samuel.
Creeps me out.
He's just a struggling
bush-league actor.
What about that Dante guy
always touching me?
It's a bit much.
And the girls
dancing in cages?
I like that part.
They're sexy as hell.
Agreed.
Something's off
about this whole thing,
the game.
You should
definitely quit.
You'd like that,
wouldn't you?
[chattering, laughing]
[elevator bell dings]
[chattering continues]
Excuse me.
Oh, congratulations.
That's the guy
who ripped me off.
Yeah.
Hey, Billy.
Billy, right?
I think you got me confused
with someone else.
No, you're Billy Gray.
You remember my wife,
asshole?
You remember
what you did to her?
Seems like maybe you've
had a little too much
to drink, pal.
And I don't want any trouble.
[Brian]
You ripped her off.
Face me like a man.
Fuck.
Celeste.
How do I know this girl?
Celeste.
What the fuck
is her last name?
Shit.
Okay.
Just think, Billy.
Celeste.
What city is she from?
Fuck.
This is all too weird.
I don't need this shit.
I'm out of here.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[elevator bell dings]
Sir.
Excuse me, Mr. Gray.
Mr. Gray,
you can't leave.
[chattering]
[horns honking]
Taxi.
[exhales]
Airport, please.
[exhales]
Sir, why aren't we moving?
[screams]
Fuck.
[sighs]
Okay. Popperspoker.com.
What the fuck?
Samuel Nicholas.
What the hell?
None of this
makes any sense.
Quinn.
Quinn, open up.
Hey.
Listen to me.
Whoa. You don't look
so good there, Billy boy.
Just listen. I checked
the Internet. There is
nothing about this contest.
No website, no live stream.
There's no Samuel Nicholas.
Nothing.
If you're trying to scare me
into leaving, you're gonna
be very disappointed.
It ain't happening.
This is not
what we think it is.
I just tried to leave.
The hotel? So you quit.
There is nothing to quit.
I'm in the back of a taxi.
I closed my eyes for a second.
Bam. I'm right back here
in my room, like I never left.
There's some very bad shit
going on here.
Sounds like maybe
you had a nightmare.
Look for yourself.
All right.
Hmm.
All right.
Hold on, hold on.
See? You see?
See what I mean?
What the fuck?
You're the cop.
What do we do?
All right. Hold on, hold on.
I don't even know
how to say this,
but I...
I went down to the spa earlier.
I walked into this door
and there was a bunch
of freaks there
watching a couple fucking.
One of 'em had a shotgun.
They were all wearing masks.
Then suddenly
the place was empty. Just...
What?
And the fucking twins
from reception
were right there behind me.
They said something
about there being a gas leak,
but I know
what the fuck I saw.
I know what the fuck I saw.
Okay.
So what do we do?
There's a police station
four blocks from here.
Go back to your room.
I'm gonna get to
the bottom of this.
[door opens, closes]
Detective Quinn.
Not now. Not now.
Detective Quinn.
What?
What the fuck?
Where is everyone?
Hello!
Hello!
What the fuck
is going on here?
[voice whispers] Repent.
Repent.
What the hell?
I'm back where I started.
No.
No, no.
How do I get out of here?
[voice whispers] Repent.
No, no, no, no.
It's impossible.
No! No!
No.
No!
This doesn't make
any fucking sense!
No!
What the fuck?
No service. What the...
Hello!
Billy?
[keyboard clicking]
Oh, God.
Uh, try again.
Google the hotel.
Okay.
[Stevens] Holy shit.
[Aurora]
Well, for God's sake,
try and send an email.
[computer chimes]
Nothing. Oh, God.
Maybe this is some kind
of prank TV show.
That could send me
through space and time?
I don't think so.
What if it's like
Squid Game?
That was fiction. A movie.
It was a series, lover boy.
Same fucking thing.
It's really not the same.
I think
we should confront Samuel,
ask him what's going on.
Yeah, let's do it.
Come on.
[elevator bell dings]
There he is.
[Samuel]
Welcome, one and all.
We need to know
what the hell's going on
around here, Samuel.
The game. The contest.
Flamme O' Frites
Jalapeo Hell Poppers.
Cut the bullshit.
What is this place?
[nervous chuckle]
[whispers] Cameras.
[clearing throat]
Not here.
Meet me in the lobby bar
in five minutes.
I went online just like
all of you and everything
about me has been wiped.
Like my life, my name,
my credits...
My IMDb page, it's gone.
I'm trying to put on
a brave face,
but I'm genuinely freaked out.
Is there anyone in charge,
like from the tournament
or the company?
Not here.
I got hired remotely,
and when I showed up yesterday
the room was already set up.
Those women and that
Dante character were already
here, but nobody else.
Have you guys
been smelling gas?
I saw some weird shit
coming back from the spa.
The twins were there
and they said something
about there being a gas leak.
So you're both hallucinating
all of this from a gas leak?
That would suggest
carbon monoxide poisoning,
and that's an odorless gas.
I tried to leave
and couldn't.
Respectfully,
I was not hallucinating.
What do you mean
you couldn't leave?
I got into a taxi and...
right back in my room.
You realize
that's impossible.
No, no, no.
Same thing happened to me, man.
I tried to make it
to the police station.
I could only get so far.
I ran into that fucking
"Repent" poster and then
right back here at the hotel.
Oh, come on.
[Samuel]
I don't understand.
And I'm supposed to shoot
a national soap commercial
on Friday.
Like, I need that money.
I'm not gonna get stuck here.
Okay, all right.
Look, why don't we all
leave together?
We'll check it out
and then you'll all
feel better.
Yeah, if there's
no host then--
No contestants.
No game. Let's do it.
All right. Yeah.
Okay.
What... Where is everybody?
I told you.
[chattering]
[horns honking]
We're outside.
Just keep walking.
Did you get this far
last time?
Don't stop. Let's go. Let's go.
Let's cross here.
Come on, let's cross here.
[bell jingles]
Jesus, kid.
Asshole!
[truck horn blaring]
[all screaming]
What the hell?
The fuck.
What the...
[Aurora]
This is a dream.
This has got to be a dream.
This is a nightmare.
Why did I even take this job?
I'm an actor.
I should be doing
things like movies and plays
and comedy specials.
I was a comedian
for two years
and I was good.
I was Ellen DeGeneres
good.
Maybe this is
some kind of AI
beta test.
You know, like an experiment
and we're the guinea pigs.
I think we're fucking dead.
I saw my stepdaughter.
She was real.
We're not dead.
This isn't some
virtual reality program.
We're alive and we're
gonna get the hell out of here.
How?
We must be here
for a reason, right?
Otherwise, why us?
Maybe they want us
to do something?
Who? Who is "they"?
I don't know.
Look, has anybody done anything
that you regret in your life?
Did you hurt someone?
Have you...
Have you done
any terrible things?
Okay.
If this gets us out of here,
then yes.
I will confess.
I killed a man.
Yeah.
At least I think I did.
[moaning]
[Aurora]
Well, technically
I didn't kill him.
[all gasp]
Oh!
[moaning continues]
Okay, he put the collar on
and he wanted to be choked.
Choke me.
Like this?
So I gave the man
what he asked for.
[gasping]
Yeah, obviously
I was aware
he couldn't breathe.
His choke chain worked
a little too well.
So then I left him there
asphyxiating.
So yeah, he probably...
died.
In my defense, he did
want to know how one woman
could be so fucking sexy
and so very nasty
all at the same time.
Now the asshole knows.
Doesn't he?
Don't judge me.
Uh, I-I guess it's...
All right,
it's my turn to confess.
[Stevens sighs]
Um...
Well, after my wife
left me...
I was in bad...
really bad shape.
I convinced myself
that if I made enough money,
I could win her back.
I started gambling,
and I always lost.
I was in so much debt.
And I met a guy.
He offered me
20 grand a pop
to harvest kidneys.
[monitor beeping]
People live
with only one kidney
all the time.
I paid off my anesthesiologist
as well as my nurse.
And then I did it.
And take it quickly.
Took a perfectly healthy
kidney
out of a 30-year-old man.
Then I did it again,
and I did it again.
I rationalized that those
kidneys were going to people
who really needed them.
My wife never came back.
But year after year
I took that money.
Scary how easy it was.
I, uh...
didn't murder anyone...
choke some client
or harvest people's
organs, but...
I am a grifter.
Confidence man.
I steal people's money.
There was this one guy.
Mr. and Mrs. Kovalenko,
I lost money too.
I've told you over and over
these things happen.
We gave you
our retirement savings.
Our daughter is telling us
to call the police.
What are the police gonna do?
You made an investment
and it went bad.
Don't you think
I'm sick about all of this?
No, I don't.
You're an evil
son of a bitch
who pissed away
our life savings.
Mr. Kovalenko, if you want to
call the police, call them.
But I'm not
having this conversation.
Understood?
Aleksander!
Yes, we will not have
this conversation again.
Calm down.
You don't need to do this.
[Mrs. Kovalenko]
Oh, my God!
[gasps]
[Mrs. Kovalenko]
No!
I didn't kill him.
He shot himself.
I wanted
to be a good cop,
a good detective.
But after my wife died,
I lost my way. I...
I took bribes. I stole.
Put innocent people
in jail.
[exhales]
And I killed.
I killed.
Open the fucking bag!
Drop the gun.
What?
Drop the fucking gun!
Sir, I don't...
Come on. Let's go.
[Aurora]
You're up, Congressman.
It's gonna make you
feel so good.
Took a while to figure out
who killed my wife Anna.
There was a violent break-in
from the front door.
Anna and my stepdaughter
were upstairs.
My wife Anna
was the rich one
in the family.
Sweetie, wake up. Come on.
Come on, sweetie.
If she divorced me...
I'd be ruined.
The place was ransacked.
Jewelry and my Rolex stolen.
Do not come out no matter what.
Okay? Okay.
[gasps]
We kept a gun
in the closet.
Although it did her no good.
There were no bullets in it.
[gasping, shouting]
[hammer clicking]
[whimpering, groans]
I convinced myself...
[screams]
[body thuds]
...I'd be better off
staying with her.
[grunting]
[gasping, choking]
A year later, I ran
for my congressional seat.
I'm tough on crime
'cause I lost my wife
to a violent criminal.
Using her murder and her money
as a launching pad.
A vote for Tom Cartright
is a vote for justice.
A homeless man
was convicted 11 years later.
I watched them execute him.
[grunting]
The only thing I really regret
was murdering her
in front of Celeste.
[thunder rumbling]
I planned it for months
and not once did I
even think of turning back.
Everything I took,
Rolex, jewelry,
I left with a homeless man.
I convinced myself
that I hated her.
I wanted a new life.
I left my cell phone
in the hotel
back in Mississippi.
I bought a cell phone jammer,
and I cut the landline.
I hate myself for it.
[Celeste]
Mom?
Mom? Mom.
Mom, wake up.
Please wake up.
Stop staring at me
like that.
[gasps]
[grunts]
[sighs]
[elevator bell dings]
[Billy] I don't know what
to think about all this.
It was insane.
Insane.
You all saw
what I saw, right?
Yeah.
What's happening to us?
Maybe it's part
of the game.
What if we're being watched
just to see how we react?
Like a Truman Show
kind of thing?
Hey, maybe there is a gas leak,
but I saw what you all did.
And that ain't possible.
We don't know
what's possible
or impossible anymore.
Because clearly
this is happening.
To all of us except Samuel.
We saw everyone's sins
except his.
Fuck. Let's get him.
[whirring]
[elevator bell dings]
Where is he?
Where's Samuel?
Where is he?
Where the fuck is he?
He's changing
for the final act.
It's his most
important moment,
he told me.
Then why don't you tell us
what the fuck is going on here?
Who, me? Compadre,
I'm just a bit player.
Samuel's the one
with all the good lines
in the script.
I just got cast as the midget.
I want fucking answers,
and I want 'em now.
Whoa, so angry.
You have no idea.
How do we get out
of this hellhole?
Guys, just let him talk.
Christ!
Hellhole? This isn't hell.
A five-star hotel?
No, no, no.
If this was hell, Congressman,
the churches would be empty.
Now he doesn't even
have an accent.
Are we dead?
No. Not that
I could tell, Billy.
I'm going home.
I don't belong here.
With all due respect, Doctor,
you're all here for a reason.
Speak English.
I'm just saying
what I was told to say.
You're not just playing
for money anymore,
you're playing
for your very survival.
And in this final round,
only one of you will survive.
What are you
talking about?
Only one of you will
leave here with a chance
to redeem themselves.
This is insane.
Maybe so.
But I'm just a hired hand.
In case you haven't noticed,
I do fucking everything
around here.
Bartending, makeup,
cameras, cleaning.
I even have to
hydrate the dancers
so they don't die on my clock.
If this place was unionized,
I'd file a complaint.
What if I don't
want to play anymore?
No one's forcing anyone
to play.
If you don't show up,
it's just a better chance
for the others to win.
If I may, I would suggest
that you all go back
to your rooms,
take a shower,
maybe a little dip
in the hotel pool, use the spa.
Do whatever you need
to prepare yourself for
the final round at midnight.
It's gonna be
the most important game
of your lives.
I can't wait
to see the outcome.
My balls are tingling.
I need to win.
I need to leave
this fucking place.
You gotta win.
If you don't show up,
it's just a better chance
for the others to win.
Gotta do what you gotta do.
[voice whispers] Quinn.
[door opens]
[voice whispers]
The doctor
is waiting for you.
Don't let me stop you.
No! [groaning]
[choking, gasping]
One down.
[voice whispers]
I'm coming for you.
[knocking]
Aurora!
[knocking continues]
Aurora.
Aurora! Hey!
Stevens is dead.
He committed suicide.
[gasps]
Ah, such a waste.
[grunting]
[groaning, choking]
Oh, you cunt.
[screaming]
[gasping, choking]
[groans]
That's two down.
[voice whispers]
Your turn, Billy Boy.
[knocking]
Billy!
Billy, we got a problem.
What's up?
Okay. Okay.
[groaning]
It's nothing personal, bro.
[tank clangs]
Three down.
[voice whispers]
Senator Cartright.
Hey.
I didn't see you there.
They're dead.
You all right?
They're all dead.
[exclaims]
[grunting, gasping]
[inhales]
[exclaims]
[grunts]
That's four.
They never recovered
any of the bodies...
Samuel.
...is the problem.
So it's less fun
than it sounds.
Samuel.
Oh, if it isn't
good Detective Quinn.
Or should I say
bad Detective Quinn?
It's fucking hot.
You're early.
All of a sudden you don't
look like that scared,
unemployed actor anymore.
Oh, yeah,
I'm sorry for the theatrics,
but I do as I'm employed to.
Whatever.
I'm done playing your games.
The fucking midget said
if no one else shows, I win.
Um, they prefer
"little people."
And his name is Dante.
Dante.
[Samuel laughs]
But I have to tell you,
you are one of my favorites.
I've never seen anyone
like you. Right?
So vicious. Cruel. Selfish.
Mm-hmm.
Dare I say it, evil.
Very evil.
All right,
they're dead, all right?
I killed them all.
I'm the last one.
Those are the rules.
The last one
gets a second chance.
The last one gets to go home.
I want to go home!
I want to go home.
[Samuel] Aw.
[snickers]
Yeah, that's...
that's not
what's gonna happen.
[laughing]
Yeah, Dante,
I guess you did
say that, but...
Mm-hmm.
...I'm afraid you've
misconstrued the meaning.
How can I explain this
in a more visually
exciting way?
Oh, I know.
You can get up now,
Detective Quinn.
[fingers snap]
[screams]
[gasps]
[screaming]
[gasps]
[screaming continues]
[gasps]
[screaming continues]
[gasps]
[screams] Fuck!
[gasping, exhaling]
Hey, look, I wish
I could explain it all,
but this is just the game
and we're gonna have to
play by its rules.
And no one can die here
until the final cards
are dealt.
So it's futile to try.
Um, to be clear,
the others are gonna be
really pissed at you.
They had to experience
your violence the same way
you experienced getting shot.
But don't worry.
They are alive and well
and getting ready
for the final round.
I'm going to fucking hell,
aren't I?
No. You have
just as much chance
to win as anyone else.
The luck of the cards
will determine your fate.
Isn't that fun?
No. It fucking sucks.
[elevator bell chimes]
Oh, shit.
Hey, guys,
sorry about the whole
killing you thing. My bad.
You beat me to death
with the butt
of a fire extinguisher.
Samuel shot me in the chest
five times just to show me
what it felt like.
I get it. Okay?
[Cartright]
Good for him.
You drowned me.
You slit my throat.
You choked me to death.
Yeah.
[clears throat]
Gather 'round, good people.
I don't bite.
When you first said that,
I believed it.
I don't now.
Who are you?
I think
I'm the greatest actor
that ever lived.
Better than Brando.
Hell, maybe even better
than Leo.
You look like the devil.
That's pretty clich.
That's so clich.
What did you guys think
of the collective confessions?
That was really fun, huh?
Could we get on
with it?
Okay, Detective.
Here are the rules
for the final round,
the grand finale.
Each of you was destined
to spend an eternity in hell.
But now one of you
will have the chance
to escape that fate.
Oh, my God.
No, no, no. Let's keep him
out of this, shall we?
I should never
have come here.
Doctor.
Doctor.
Did you really think
you had a choice?
Well, I shouldn't
be here.
I'm no saint, but...
Billy, believe me.
Every one of you is here
because you deserve to be.
That's what I told them.
Now, my sponsor,
who shall remain
nameless,
loves the idea
of salvation,
and so this game was created.
You won't believe it, but we
get to do another one tomorrow.
You should see that group
though.
There are two child molesters
and only one of them
is a priest.
It's gonna be fun.
Is there any questions so far?
So you're saying there's
a chance we can go home.
Leave this place.
Very good, Billy.
So we're gonna play
a whole other round.
Yeah, that does seem
a bit much, doesn't it?
So, how about this?
We'll just play one hand,
and everybody's all in.
One hand to determine
who leaves and who doesn't.
Actually, each of you
will be leaving here.
One going out
and four going down.
Down?
Down.
What about the money?
The $20 million.
[laughs]
I love this guy. Billy.
No.
There's no money.
Mmm.
[blows kiss]
The prize
is now your freedom.
Isn't that worth
more than paper?
Now please, sit.
[scoffs]
[chuckling]
Aw, such sad faces.
Let's turn those frowns
upside down.
You look nervous.
I get it.
I would be too.
Can you just deal
so we can get this over with?
I almost forgot, there is
a very important piece
of business to attend to
before the final hand.
This is...
Well, let's call it
the "Come to Jesus" moment.
[chuckles]
You don't know it,
but there is one person
that connects you all.
And they are the reason
you sit at this very table.
You look confused.
Let me explain.
[thunder rumbling]
[glass shatters]
And once again,
our story begins
with you, Congressman.
Christ, not again.
You know what I did
and why I'm here.
I do know what you did
to your wife Anna.
But it's what you did
to this little girl
that I want to talk about.
Celeste.
Yeah, Celeste. That's right.
Do you realize the horror
you forced this little girl
to witness?
[Samuel]
Children are the true innocents
of the world,
and any evil
committed upon them
is the most heinous of all.
And she never knew it was you
that murdered her mother.
What you did next
began her journey into despair.
I don't want to go away.
I don't like him.
He's your father.
And I-- I can't
take care of you,
at least not right now.
Please don't send me away.
You gotta be brave
for your mama.
Yeah?
And I'm gonna come see you.
I promise you.
I promise.
[Samuel]
How could you?
You simply couldn't
take care of her.
So you sent her back
to her alcoholic birth father,
where she lasted
about a month
before she was taken into
Child Protective Services.
And then she was shuttled,
again and again,
through six different
foster homes.
She bounced around from one
to the next, never feeling
like she belonged anywhere,
simply neglected
or uncared-for by most,
brutalized and molested
by others.
And if that weren't enough,
at age 16 Celeste developed
an acute case of appendicitis.
And that's where
you enter stage left,
Dr. Stevens.
A routine appendectomy
until you stole the kidney
of a healthy
16-year-old girl.
How much did you get
for that?
I... I don't know.
I'm sorry.
[Samuel]
I believe you.
Oh, God.
But your little procedure
left Celeste in constant agony,
and as often happens
pain medications ran out.
She needed
to find relief somewhere.
But there's a cost
to that lifestyle,
and Celeste paid the price.
That's dark.
And you left her susceptible
to all kinds of predators.
Predators like
Detective Michael Quinn.
On her 18th birthday
poor, unfortunate Celeste
was released from
the foster care system
and dumped on the streets.
[chuckles]
Do you remember this part?
This is a good part.
I had nothing to do
with the robbery.
So why'd you try
to run from me? Hmm?
I was scared.
I met this guy once
at a shelter,
but I swear, I never...
I know, I know.
You know?
Well, I'm sure you're innocent.
Probably just
at the wrong place
at the wrong time.
Unfortunately,
you have no way to prove it,
and we found this on you.
I don't care
if you're guilty
or innocent.
To be honest with you,
I just want to get
this case off my desk.
I can easily
just put you in jail...
or...
[Quinn grunting]
[sirens wailing]
Do you remember this part?
Yeah, I remember.
Hey.
Where's Quinn?
He's out of town
for a few weeks.
I'll be working with you.
Choke me.
[grunting]
[groans]
You promised we'd only
have to do this once.
Yeah.
Sorry.
I don't want to do this
anymore.
Really?
Are you sure?
Are you positive?
I'm positive.
[Samuel]
And when she wouldn't
let you rape her anymore,
you threw her in jail
anyway.
She spent three years in prison
for a crime she didn't commit.
But our bad detective
just moved on
to the next contestant.
[chuckles]
But all was not lost.
Because
on her 21st birthday,
Celeste was released
and inherited $200,000
from her mother's will
that had been left
in trust.
And that's when
salesman extraordinaire
Billy Boy Gray
got his talons into her.
I know $200,000 sounds
like a lot, Celeste.
But you need to
turn that into 400
and then 600 and so on.
How do you think the rich
get richer?
Is there any chance
I could lose it?
Slim to none.
I've got almost a million
in on this one myself,
but the window
is closing fast
and I need to know tonight
if you want to do this.
If you're not feeling it,
if you're scared, walk away.
Like I said, I got people
chomping at the bit
for this one,
but I'd rather see
someone like you start
making that real money
rather than
these rich assholes.
It seems like
this isn't for you,
and I get it.
It's totally cool.
No harm, no foul.
I wish you nothing
but the best, Celeste.
Wait.
[Samuel]
You really are
a confidence man.
And in just a year
you turned that 200K
into absolute zero.
I'm actually curious,
how many people
did you do that to?
I don't know.
[Samuel]
You don't know? I do.
It was exactly 56 poor souls
who had the misfortune
of meeting you.
Two weeks later,
Celeste Janice Atkinson,
in an attempt to dull the pain
of her once-promising life,
self-medicated...
[sighs] ...as she had
always been taught.
Not realizing this
would be the last time.
Her brief life over at 22,
her pain finally gone.
[sighs]
All the terrible things
that human beings
inflict on one another.
The incremental evils
can be as bad as the big ones.
[projector clicks,
shuts off]
Each of you is responsible
for that death.
A slow-moving murder.
An innocent person destroyed
by the people she trusted.
People who should have
cared for her,
but instead did nothing
but take advantage of her.
What about her?
Oh, we'll get to her.
[chuckles]
So here we are.
The final hand.
And everyone is all in.
The winner gets a reprieve
as promised.
And the losers,
well, we know their fate.
So...
let's play poker!
Here we go.
Why don't we
just turn 'em over?
Where's the drama in that?
[Samuel chuckles]
How are we feeling, players?
Bad Boy Billy.
You are a son of a bitch.
I've been meaning
to tell you that.
Congressman Cartright from
the great state of Alabama.
Let's go, Sam.
Aurora,
the angel from Oak Brook.
Finally got it right.
Thank you.
The always nervous Dr. Stevens
must have a good hand.
Thank you, thank you,
thank you.
[Samuel chuckles,
clears throat]
Bad cop. Detective Quinn.
Fucking hot in here.
This is nothing.
Let's see that river card,
Sam.
My, my, my.
Has there ever been
a game of poker with
higher stakes than this?
I don't think so.
All right, ladies and germs,
the moment of truth.
I'm gonna point to you
and you turn over
your cards. Ready?
Michael.
I got a full house, Sam.
Queens over jacks.
Yeah!
[laughing]
Yeah!
[Samuel chuckles]
[Samuel]
Impressive.
William.
Tens, baby.
Four of them.
What?
[Samuel]
Oh, boy.
That's bullshit.
Dr. Scott.
Four jacks.
Fuck!
That's bullshit!
What are the odds?
It's 4,164-to-one,
to be precise.
I'm going home.
I'm going home!
Not yet. Not quite yet.
Tom.
Will he be
our future president
or just another lost soul
in hell?
Looks like a possible
presidential run, Samuel.
Straight flush.
What? No.
Come on.
[Cartright laughs]
Aurora.
I don't suppose you could
beat a straight flush.
Royal flush.
What?
This is fucking rigged.
You wanted her to win.
[shouting, arguing]
You wanted her to win
the whole time.
This is bullshit, man.
I wanna see the deck.
It's a fake deck.
Let me see those cards.
It's fucking bullshit.
[Samuel]
Gentlemen,
I promised one of you
would be redeemed
and I am a man of my word.
Aurora was like
my guardian angel.
Sweetie, wake up.
Wake up, sweetie.
Come on. Come on, sweetie.
Don't worry.
He's going to get
what he deserves.
Trust me.
[Celeste]
My imaginary friend
who always looked after me.
[thunder rumbling]
Bet you wish you
looked like me and could
pull the trigger yourself.
Mom.
Mom, wake up.
Wake up. Wake up, Mom.
Mom.
Wake up.
I'm sorry
I couldn't save Mom.
[Celeste]
And she was the woman
I always wished I could be.
And now I got the chance
to be her.
And here we are.
Celeste, I'm so sorry.
I know that's meaningless now,
but I wanted to say it before.
Yeah, me too.
I'm sorry
for what I did to you.
And I deserve
whatever's coming to me.
[Stevens]
Yeah.
Celeste, I sinned against you
and I'm gonna pay
for those sins.
I'm sorry
to every single person
I did that to.
Nothing I say
will change anything,
but I regret what I did.
I really do.
Celeste, is there anything
you want to say?
I forgive you.
All of you.
I need to... so badly
to remove this burden
from my soul.
[Samuel, Celeste laughing]
Dante.
Gentlemen, please sit.
Please sit.
Wow.
What a way to end the show.
[laughs]
[exhales]
You boys were absolved
of your sins.
Your apologies were true
and from the heart.
And this beautiful angel
from heaven--
from heaven--
forgave you.
What a beautiful ending.
Reminds me of church.
I now regret strangling
so many cats and priests.
You know,
it is like church.
You go,
you atone for your sins,
you beg God for forgiveness,
and God,
in his benevolent mercy,
forgives.
But alas,
it's not church...
and I'm not God.
[all screaming]
[both laughing]
Wow!
Wasn't that great?
Yeah.
I thought you'd just take them
down in the elevator with you.
Oh, no. I wanted
something cinematic
to be memorable for you.
I mean, it was,
it just...
kind of scared me
a little bit when the lights
went up for a second.
Yeah, I just didn't want you
to see their souls
actually being extracted
from their bodies.
It can be really gruesome.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's very funny though.
[both laughing]
You did it.
Can I walk you home?
Yes. Yes, please.
[elevator bell dings]
[doors slide open]
[both laughing]
It was a pleasure
working with you,
ma'am.
We will certainly
miss you.
Milton, Lomax.
The pleasure was all mine.
Thank you, Dante.
Adios, my beautiful angel.
All right, gentlemen,
let's reset.
I'll see you shortly.
[exhales]
Do you ever get a break?
Oh, no.
No rest for the wicked.
You know, when God offered me
this chance for justice
and redemption,
I thought he was kidding.
I mean,
I almost didn't take it.
Like, he seems to play
these kind of games.
[chuckles]
Well, I'm very glad you did.
It was so fun
getting to play Aurora.
She's my imaginary friend,
and she's just like
this superhero
I always wanted to be.
You played it perfectly.
Are you doing this
again?
Well, we agreed to 500 games,
but I'm having a lot of fun.
I hope we get to do more.
You're so good at it.
Thank you.
Can I ask you something?
Yeah.
Does he like me?
God?
Yeah.
He's very passive-aggressive
and he can be truly insulting,
and I don't like to show it,
but it can hurt my feelings.
No, no,
he really respects you.
Really?
Did he say that?
'Cause you don't
have to say that
to make me feel better.
No, no. I really mean it.
He really sees you
as a true partner.
You know, he said to me
that sometimes
he thinks you do your job
better than he does his.
No.
Yeah.
[chuckles]
Really?
Because I quite like him,
you know.
That's so sweet.
He really likes you, too.
Seriously.
Wonderful.
[both laughing]
Thank you so much!
I just... Oh, I feel like
a weight has been lifted.
I feel lighter than air.
My angel from Oak Brook.
I won't soon forget you.
[chuckles]
I gotta get back downstairs.
Keep the home fires
burning hot, you know.
Hotter than
a Spicy Jalapeo
Hell Popper?
Oh, no.
Not even close, my dear.
[giggles]
[bell dings]
[chimes]