The Justice of Bunny King (2021) Movie Script
(TRAFFIC NOISE)
(PEDESTRIAN WAIT SIGNAL PIPS)
(GENTLE ACOUSTIC GUITAR INTRO)
(TRUCK HORN BLARES)
Hey.
Hey, babe!
(FOUR NON BLONDES' 'WHAT'S UP?')
(CROSSING SIGNAL CHIRPS)
25 years and my life is still
trying to get up that
great big hill of hope
for a destination.
I realised quickly
when I knew I should...
Give you one on the house, huh?
...brotherhood of man,
for whatever that means.
And I try.
Oh my God do I try.
I try all the time.
Go on!
In this institution.
Oi! Sem!
You need to do long strokes.
Long strokes.
Oh my God do I pray.
I pray every single day...
Sorry, man. He's just
trying to raise some money
to buy a couple of
blue pens and a 1B5.
...for revolution.
And so I cry sometimes
when I'm lying in bed...
- (SIREN CHIRPS)
- Pigs!
Run, Jah, run!
- Hurry up. Move!
- Fuck!
I am feeling
a little peculiar.
(SIREN CHIRPS)
- Yeah?
- Sweet as.
Thanks.
Jah? Jah. Hey. Got you one.
- Hey! What?
- For you.
Really? Oh, man.
25 years and my life is still
trying to get up that
great big hill of hope
for a destination.
No, sorry, I can't see
your name here.
I was told that I could just
get an appointment today.
No, there's nothing left today.
I just spent my last 10 bucks
trying to get us here.
Fill in a form, and I'll pop
your name for 10.15 tomorrow.
(BABY FUSSES)
(BABY CRIES)
Here.
Ask for a review form.
Write a complaint.
Thank you.
(DOOR OPENS)
I'm just gonna put you
on to your knees, all right?
There you go.
The other hand.
Up you go. You got this.
There we go. Oh!
- Look.
- So cool.
You're stronger than most
people. You know that?
Hey, baby.
Mumma!
Mummy!
You're so heavy!
Oh!
Do some more colouring
on the fire.
Make the fire fiery.
Shannon?
SLOWLY: Do you want
to use another colour?
You can use another
colour if you want.
Why are you talking
to her like that?
She knows what she wants.
I like this colour.
We could do a drawing
on Reuben's cast, eh?
You draw Pegasus,
and I will draw...
Hey.
Why do pens go to prison?
Hm?
To do long...
sentences!
You've ruined it.
Can you give us
some privacy, please?
Oh, it's very important
that I take notes.
I wanna do some yellow!
Just...
It's getting a bit stuffy
in here, isn't it?
How about
we continue this meeting
in the playhouse?
Yes, yes!
- No, Bunny.
- Yes!
Bunny, please.
Yeah!
- Oh, look!
- Ow.
Look at this beautiful house.
- SHANNON: Dingle dangle!
- (BUNNY LAUGHS)
- Oh, I can't move!
- I got the dingle dangle!
Yeah!
Nice indoor-outdoor flow.
Oh! Oh!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Oh!
Made it. Phew!
Look at this beautiful house.
I want Kura to bring me here
for my birthday.
Is Kura who looks after you?
Mum, can you come to my party?
I made an invitation.
Did you?
Did you do this drawing?
Yeah.
- Oh!
- Mum's not allowed to come.
It's against the rules.
I'm gonna have you both with me
by your birthday, though.
Don't tell her that.
It's bullshit,
and you're confusing her.
Well, I'm gonna get a house
for us all real soon.
OK! That's enough, Bunny.
Are we really gonna
have my birthday
at our new house?
Yes, baby.
And we can go to the hot pools!
Bunny. Sorry. I'm going to
have to end the visit today.
- OK? I'll let you say goodbye.
- What?
No, because... No, because
I've got another 15 minutes.
Come on, Shan. We have to go.
- No, you don't have to.
- No!
- Please don't do this.
- We've discussed this.
OK? You know the rules.
Please don't ignore me.
(SIGHS)
Can we really go to the pools
on my birthday?
- Yes, baby.
- Promise?
I promise.
I promise.
Yeah.
We can't approve a visit
for Shannon's birthday
until your case is reviewed,
and we can't review your case
until you have a house.
You were supposed to help me
find a place to live.
There's a... very long wait
list with Housing New Zealand,
so you are better off
looking yourself.
There's no houses in a
housing shortage, Ai Ling.
Have you been to another
Positive Parenting session?
- Mm.
- OK.
Good.
I've also booked you in
with, um,
Dress to Impress next week.
It's really important
that you don't miss it.
OK? They can give you
some tidy clothes
for any job interviews
you might have.
Just... get your bond sorted.
Just small steps.
OK?
Yep.
Auntie Bunny!
Hold my bag for a sec?
Yep.
- Tag.
- Oh!
You wait for me
up at the corner!
I'm gonna beat you!
I'm gonna beat you to the top.
Hi, Granny.
Hi, Cynthia.
Hey. You want me to shuffle?
Did you hide biscuits,
Auntie Bunny?
Yep, and you will
never find them!
Aw!
Eat some fruit.
I'm doing a terrible shuffle.
Should've sent me to the casino.
There you go, Cynthia.
(CAR APPROACHES)
Hey, Tonyah. How are you?
Oh!
'Hi, Auntie. I'm real good,
thanks. How are you?'
'Oh, yeah,
I'm real good, thanks.'
Sorry.
I'm sorry! You're just the worst
person I know at roundabouts.
(DOOR SLAMS)
Oh. Hey, Mum.
Ooh! Thank you.
- Hombres.
- Hey, Dad.
Hey. Oh my goodness.
Are you grumpy?
Are you grumpy?
Oh no, no grumpy!
Looked at another house today.
Hm. Oh, yeah?
It was pretty cramped.
I really need to find a place
that's big enough
for me and the kids, you know.
Yeah.
Well, you can stay here
as long as you like.
As long as you do the dinners
and look after
the kids and that.
Grace never wants you to leave.
Cool.
- Thanks.
- All right.
Hey, do you reckon you could,
um, wash my car later?
You're just the best person
I know at washing cars, so...
Sure.
No problem.
Choice.
(SIGHS)
What are we watching?
- Tonyah!
- Don't!
- It's my turn!
- Piss off! It's my turn!
- You've had it for ages!
- Get off! Get off!
- Auntie Bunny?
- Tonya won't give me my turn.
- Narking little shit.
- Give him a go, please, Ton.
- But he sucks!
- Oh. Go on, then, have it.
- Ow!
- Ow!
- I didn't even touch him!
- In the kitchen.
- Oh...
- Now.
- Oh!
I didn't even touch him.
Give it.
(TURNS OFF TV)
Read a book.
(BROODING GUITAR MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
- Come on!
- Go, go, go! Come on!
Hey! Hey! Tackle him!
Yee-hee-hee!
(GLASSES CLINK)
Oh, sorry.
- Did you... Did you want some?
- No.
Ha. You just have to ask.
- Mm!
- Sorry.
You worked late.
Yeah, I did a double shift.
- Kids OK?
- Kids are good.
There's some dinner
in the microwave.
Thanks.
- God, it's freezing.
- Hop in.
- I needed a hot-water bottle.
- (LAUGHS)
Aw.
You're working too hard.
Just trying to save.
You saw the kids today, eh?
Yeah.
I should go see them.
Well, you can see them
any time you like.
Tell 'em I think
about them heaps.
'Hey, Reuben.
'Hey, Shannon.
'Your auntie has thought
about you heaps.'
Don't start.
- You know we can't take them.
- I didn't.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I just need you to take
your shoes off, thanks.
Oh.
- Is this carpet new?
- There are a lot of people
- interested, just so you know.
- Oh. No, I'm gonna take it.
Uh, no. I mean...
Look, have you got
any references?
It's just pointless
if you don't leave one.
Oh, yeah, my sister's
my landlord.
I'll give you her number.
Uh, and I'll need
proof of income.
A payslip or letter
from your employer.
I'm self-employed.
How much is your benefit?
$230, plus accommodation
supplement.
Thanks for coming.
One sec.
I just didn't see the bathroom.
(DOOR CLOSES)
It's lovely!
(SIGHS)
(STAMPS FEET)
(SNIFFLES)
Uh, you'll need to go.
I have to lock up.
(TAP RATTLES, WATER RUNS)
- Shit water pressure.
- Um, can you please leave now?
(TOILET FLUSHES)
You didn't take your
shoes off.
Tag. You're it.
No, you are.
- I'm gonna get you!
- Bet you can't!
(TV PLAYS QUIETLY)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
- Hi.
- Hi.
- How was work?
- I'm glad it's over.
- You hungry?
- Yeah.
Oh.
Made you your favourite.
I hope it's warm enough.
You've gone weird.
What do you want?
I wanna ask if I can have
your garage as a place.
Get some beds and
some rugs and...
have the kids come to stay.
It's Shannon's birthday
in a couple of weeks.
I told you it's not up to me.
Well, can you ask Bevan?
He's already letting you stay.
You gotta stand on
your own two feet.
I'm not asking you
to be their guardian.
This is Bevan's house.
It's his rules.
You talking about me? (CHUCKLES)
You know what?
It's real cold and shitty down
there in the garage, Bunny.
I will get blankets.
I'll get a heater.
I'll still look after the kids.
I'll look after Cynthia.
I'll do the meals. I'll even
clean your car once a week.
It'd be nice for the kids to
spend time with their cousins.
Of course.
You could pay some more rent.
That'd be cool.
Thanks, babe.
You didn't have to do that.
Family's family, love.
I'm off to bed.
- Night.
- Night.
(LIGHT-HEARTED MUSIC)
(HORN HONKS)
(COIN CLINKS)
(HORN HONKS)
Aw. Shame.
Get that off for you.
(CHUCKLES)
There you go, lady.
Oh! Piss off!
- Are you sure?
- I want to.
Oh.
Thanks, lady!
You're helping me set up
my new house!
Oh!
True, Bunny? Found you a place?
Yeah. It's mean!
My sister and brother-in-law
have given me their garage
to live in. Kids'll love it.
- I'm gonna do it up hard.
- Yeah.
(TRAIN HORN BLARES)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Fuck. (BREATHES HEAVILY)
(KICKS DOOR)
What's wrong?
Aw, fuck!
What're you doing? Jesus!
Stop it! What are you doing?
Aw! Just-We came back
from a driving lesson!
Fucking pervert!
She...
Oh, fuck you.
You believe that, do you?
I let you in my fuckin' house,
and you went and fuckin'
thought that, did you?
You get the fuck
outta my house, eh!
Get the fuck out of my house!
And you don't come back!
Eh? You come in here and
you accuse me of bullshit!
Fuck off! Eh?
Get the fuck out!
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
BEVAN: Ton?
Ton? Sweetie?
I'm just gonna go down
the school and get the kids.
(SIGHS)
(SNIFFLES)
(ENGINE REVS)
(TYRES SQUEAL)
(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)
Oh, f...
You don't know what
you're talking about.
He's basically my dad.
That's fucking gross.
Just lock it.
OK?
Grace! Gracie.
Gracie.
Open the door.
I need to speak with you.
What is it?
- Are you OK? Is it the kids?
- No. Nah.
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
BEVAN: She made up
some bullshit lie
that I've done something
to my step-daughter.
You'd believe her over me?
That's what you
think of me, is it?
GRACE: Why-? Why would she-?
- Why would she say that?
- Why would she say it?
Why would she say it? Because
she wants what we've got.
OK? She wants a house.
I don't know why she'd lie.
Why would she lie?
I wasn't doing anything but
giving her a driving lesson.
Go and ask Tonyah.
- I don't know what to believe.
- Why would I lie about that?
I don't know.
If you don't believe me,
you go and ask Ton.
No, I do, honey.
I'm... I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
GRACE YELLS: Get out!
Where's my money?
Where's my fuckin' money?
(GRACE SOBS)
BEVAN: You know
what the problem is?
She fucking killed her husband,
and she went to prison.
That's why she can't
get her kids back.
We should never have let
her stay in the first place.
(BROODING MUSIC)
(COINS CLINK)
(DIALS PHONE)
(RINGING TONE)
Hi, it's Tonyah.
I won't listen to your message,
but you can send me a text.
I can buy you some togs
for your birthday.
SHANNON: Are we going
to do the slides?
Oh, yeah.
But Reuben says I'm not
big enough for them.
Oh, they're pretty fast, but...
I'll hold on to you real tight,
OK?
Hey, baby, is your brother
there, real quick?
Reuben!
REUBEN: You're not
supposed to call.
They won't let us see you
if you don't start
doing things properly.
I know. I just...
It's just taking me a bit
longer to get a house,
that's all.
We can still go to
the hot pools, though.
(CALL DISCONNECTS)
You going away, Bunny?
I got kicked out of home.
You can come and crash
at mine's if you want.
- Sure?
- Serious.
(SIGHS)
Hey, what's up, lady?
Every car's got automatic
windscreen wipers.
- What you're doing is begging.
- OK. Chill out, lady.
Next you'll be offering to
sit on the front of my car,
shining a torch
when it gets dark.
- OK, yeah.
- Fuckin' moll!
- (GASPS) You stupid bitch!
- Oi! Wipe that off!
How dare you?
Look at my windscreen!
- Fuck her.
- Look, I'll clean it up-
Why don't you get proper jobs
instead of begging?
Well, what would
you like us to do?
Would you like us to clean
windows or smash them?
Don't you threaten me!
Stupid bitch.
(HORN BLARES)
- (CHUCKLES)
- (HORN BLARES)
(ENGINE REVS)
That was mean, Bunny!
Did you see her face?
Thanks, Semu.
- Sefa?
- Yeah, Mum?
Aumai se nofoa, darling.
Uh, Bunny, make sure you get
yourself a plate, please.
Oh, your chair's coming.
Thank you.
Is there enough rice?
Have a look.
- Here you go. Mum.
- Yeah?
Uh, o lea o su ese mea
e moe ai Bunny?
Ese a?
O fea o le a momoe ai Bunny?
Joseph's gonna crash
on the couch.
- Aw!
- Shh!
- Se uma.
- Is it OK?
- Yeah, don't worry.
Fa'afetai Iesu
foa'i mai mea ai
tausi ai matou le fanau.
- Amene.
- Amene.
Make sure Bunny's
got some rice.
Here. Go for it.
There's some beans and beef
here as well, Bunny. Please...
Yep. Please help yourself.
Eat up.
- Joseph!
- What's this?
That one is, um, fly eggs.
- (LAUGHS) I'm just kidding.
- I know what that is.
- That is rice.
- I know. I know it's rice.
- I've seen rice before.
- I know it's rice.
I've even eaten rice before.
So, how do you know Semu, Bunny?
Oh, just from work.
Yeah, she's my boss
from Wash and Wax.
- Ah.
- He's my star employee.
- Eh?
- Oh.
- It's hard work, though.
- Yeah.
Do you want some of this?
WHISPERS: Ni-night, baby.
Goodnight.
WHISPERS: Hang in there, Bunny.
Things will get better.
Goodnight.
WHISPERS: Tonyah.
Tonyah, can you hear me?
Tonyah!
Shut up! Are you trying to wake
Mum up or something?
Did you talk to her?
She said you must
be fuckin' sick
to make something like that up.
Did I make it up?
- I wanna go with you.
- Why?
What's happened?
What is it? What's he done?
Bunny, can I live with you?
I haven't got a house yet, Ton.
(DOOR THUDS)
Mum's awake. I gotta go.
You just keep that door locked.
(SPRAY CAN RATTLES)
(PAINT HISSES)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
(URINE TRICKLES)
(FENCE RATTLES)
(ENGINE ROARS)
Come to my fuckin' house again
and the cops will know about it.
Paedophiles don't call the cops.
(SCOFFS)
I was actually just on the
phone to someone called Ai Ling.
Yeah. We were talking
about how Grace and I
would love to take in
Reuben and Shannon.
Be nice for them,
having a family
a real good home,
normal fuckin' home.
What d'you reckon about that?
You...
stay the fuck away from them!
Fuck off!
Fuck you!
Fuck.
WOMAN: Run, Bunny! Run!
Come back here!
Don't fuckin' do that to my car!
MAN: Oi!
Fuck, no, man.
- Come here!
- (HORNS BLARE)
Fuck you!
You're not gonna fuckin'
see your kids again!
Aw, shut up! (LAUGHS)
- You're fuckin' mental!
- WOMAN: Fuck you, dickhead!
She smashed my window!
She pissed in my fucking car!
Fuck me!
I'll come and shit in your car.
How's that?
- Pissed in his car! (LAUGHS)
- Eh, bro?
MAN: Let's go. Good girl.
Ah!
SHANNON: Oh!
Go straight for
that stuff there.
- Yeah! Oh!
- Oh!
That's all right.
Here we go. All right.
- Kia ora.
- Oh!
You all right?
Yeah. Hi.
Yeah, I'm, uh...
They're my kids.
I'm Bunny.
Hey, I don't actually think
you're supposed to be here.
- Nah.
- I don't think it's allowed.
Nah, yep.
SHANNON: Oh!
It's OK!
It's OK. Just...
Just give me a minute, OK?
Wait here.
Yep.
Reuben, look!
Has Bevan been round?
No. Why?
Nothing.
Is it OK here? Are they nice?
Yep.
You would tell me, eh?
Just promise me you would.
- Just promise?
- Mum.
Reuben's gotta come in
for dinner now.
- What's for dinner, Mum?
- Ooh!
I'm not Mum.
Look. That's Mum there.
- Hi, baby.
- Mummy!
Hey, baby.
Oh, you're big!
- Hey. Baby.
- Mum.
Mummy.
My babe.
Kura told me how to do
butterfly kisses.
Did she?
- Yeah.
- Can I have one?
KURA: It's time for dinner.
Come on.
Let's go wash our hands.
- You too, Reuben.
- Mummy.
Gotta wash my hands, Mummy.
OK, baby.
- I love you.
- Come on, buddy,
Come and wash your hands too,
please, Reuben.
This isn't where they should be.
We're doing our best, Bunny.
Well, how long till
you get sick of them?
- Mum.
- You shouldn't be here, Bunny.
- Don't talk to her like that.
- They're my kids!
Come inside, mate.
They're meant to live with me.
I need you to leave now, OK?
Reuben.
Look, Reuben doesn't need
to see you like this.
- Please.
- I'll just say goodbye.
- No, no. Mum's going to go.
- I need to say goodbye.
- Oh...
- I need you to leave now.
He just wants to say
goodbye to me!
Hey! We didn't get to say
goodbye properly!
- REUBEN: Let me say goodbye.
- Excuse me!
- Excuse me!
- She hasn't done anything.
I'm just trying to say
goodbye to my son!
(BROODING MUSIC)
Have you got any
kids' swimsuits?
I don't, sorry.
What would you say your look is?
Homeless squeegee bandit,
but sexy.
You've got beautiful eyes.
I think if we add some colour...
Yeah, just pants is good,
thanks.
You know, I'd say you get
about five seconds
to make an impression
on a potential employer.
Oh, it's not really
a job interview.
It's just, uh,
I need to get a house
before I can get my kids back.
Same applies.
Would you wear this?
(SCOFFS)
I wouldn't normally wear
any of this stuff.
Just feels like lying.
It's beautiful lying.
You know, it's not just
about passing.
It's about being.
Yeah.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
The look sells it.
But you need to believe it too.
See?
You need to believe that
you deserve to get a place.
For you
and for your kids.
There.
Would you give that lady
a place to live?
Yep.
So would I.
In a heartbeat.
(CHUCKLES)
Have you, uh, been looking long?
Yes, actually.
Investment property
or a little lock-up-and-leave?
- Oh, it's for my family.
- Oh, nice.
How many children do you have?
- Oh, two.
- Yeah?
Oh, three, actually,
cos my niece might come
and live with us.
Sure, sure. Cool.
And, um, what kind of budget
are we looking at?
Well...
Oh,
500?
- 550?
- Oh, OK.
Well, yeah, we've got
a few two-beddies for sale
at that kind of asking price.
Would you be open to living
in the central city?
Oh, well,...
yes, I would.
- That's me, Neil.
- Ah.
Well, Neil,
- I'm Lizzie.
- OK.
So, this is us.
It's actually a very respectful,
professional community here,
you'll find, Lizzie,
so, re the kids,
safe as houses.
And the great thing is,
keyless entry.
- If you lose your card.
- Mm.
Oh.
Wow.
And north-facing sun
all day long.
Mm.
The others have already been
snapped up.
Hm.
So it's my last one.
It's so close.
So close.
Would you rent this?
Oh, no. I don't do rentals.
Hm.
You're not buying, are you?
No, Neil. I'm not buying.
And that's not north.
North's that way, Neil.
I know which way north is.
(BOTH LAUGH)
Can I buy you a drink sometime?
Well,
I might just take you up
on that, Neil.
I've got your number,
so my PA will be in touch.
Bye.
(DOOR CLOSES)
You coming to church tomorrow,
Bunny?
What, you trying to convert me?
(CHUCKLES)
Nah.
Nah.
I gotta see someone
about a house.
Oh, true?
Well, I hope you get it.
I'll be sure to say talofa
to God from Bunny, eh?
- Goodnight.
- Night.
(DOORBELL CHIMES)
- Hi.
- Hello.
- Come on in.
- Thank you.
- I'll show you round.
- Sure.
Reuben's room's just up here.
In there.
This is really great for you,
Bunny.
Pulled it off just in time.
Good on you, girl.
Here's the bathroom.
Bunny!
Bunny!
Hey, Bunny.
Esther forgot the cake.
Oh. Hi, there.
Hello.
This is my landlord.
This is Ai Ling from GFS.
You have a very lovely home.
- Thank you.
- It's taken a long time
to find a place suitable
for your children,
hasn't it, Bunny?
I think it was worth the wait.
Thanks to you, though.
Uh, well,
it's been...
lovely having Bunny here,
and, um,...
look, there's plenty of room
for her kids too. Yeah.
Yeah, and cool that it's just in
time for Shannon's birthday too.
Oh! Actually, um,
can I get you to sign this?
Just here.
Thanks.
Great.
And I'll arrange access with
the foster parents for the day.
Look, lovely to meet you,
Ai Ling.
I'll leave you guys to it.
I'm late for church.
Thank you.
AI LING: I'll be in touch. Bye.
Oh.
(CHOIR SING SAMOAN HYMN)
(HYMN CONTINUES)
(CHILDREN CHATTER HAPPILY)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC)
(ROLLER DOOR SQUEAKS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(ROLLER DOOR SQUEAKS)
(GROANS)
Ugh.
(ENGINE STARTS)
(ENGINE ROARS)
Fuck!
(ENGINE REVS)
(DOG BARKS)
Ton! Ton!
Ton, it's me.
What are you doing
in Bevan's car?
- He'll smash you.
- Had to borrow it for a bit.
I've got us a place,
but we gotta go now.
You wanna come with me?
Jump in.
- What are you wearing?
- This is my new look.
Sort of professional corporate
entrepreneur, but sexy.
Shame.
(SNIFFS)
What's that smell?
Oh, it smells like piss in here!
Yeah.
Put your seatbelt on.
(ENGINE ROARS)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Shut up. You do not live here!
Posh, eh?
Pool!
(DOOR CLOSES)
(PEACEFUL MUSIC)
Everything looks so small
from up here.
Nothing can touch us.
Can we stay here forever?
Yeah.
(SIGHS)
(BOTH LAUGH)
(SHOWER RUNS)
Night, Ton.
Ton?
Ton?
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
Ton!
Ton! Hey!
Hey! Ton!
Hey! Hey.
I was just floating.
My baby went blue because
she couldn't breathe!
(SOBS)
Sorry.
I didn't know if
she was coming back.
One night he shook her so hard.
And then he just slammed
her into a wall.
I remember looking at him
and thinking,...
'I wanna do to you
what you did to her.'
I got this animal rage.
(BROODING MUSIC)
(CELL PHONE BUZZES)
Mm.
It's Shannon's birthday today.
Hm.
I gotta go and get her prezzies.
Just let me sleep a bit longer,
but you can go to the shop.
Nah, nah. Nup, nup, nup
I'm not gonna leave you here.
I am taking Shannon
to the hot pools.
And you're coming.
I like it here, though.
All right.
I'll be back before 9.
But you gotta get ready.
While I buy the prezzies, you
get ready. Ready for 9 sharp.
OK.
Fuckin' no! Fuckin' no!
(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)
Hmm.
(TAPE SQUEAKS)
(GRUNTS)
(SCANNER BEEPS)
That's $9.99, thanks.
D'you want a receipt?
Nah, it's all good.
Excuse me! Hi.
It's, um, my little girl's
birthday today,
and I'm having a party for her.
We can't have the party at my
house any more, so we, uh...
I'm just wondering...
Ai Ling's organised
for us to have a visit,
and I'm just wondering
if I'm going to meet them
at the hot pools
or if I can pick them up
from the foster carer.
Um, what... what
Ai Ling's organised.
If you could just
put in your details.
Oh, no, Ai Ling
knows my details.
You can just look it up.
She's organised my kids
birthday visit for today.
If you could just take a seat
and fill in the form.
What time does Ai Ling
start work?
9 o'clock.
Hi, Bunny. I'm Lisa.
Where's Ai Ling?
I'm waiting for Ai Ling.
Ai Ling's on training
in Hamilton.
No. Look,
I just need to speak
with Ai Ling.
She's approved my house,
and she's arranged
my kid's birthday visit.
- It's today.
- All right, Bunny.
I need to just check
the paperwork, OK?
Oh.
That's a shame.
What?
You trespassed
at the foster home.
The carers have appealed
against the transfer,
but under the circumstances
it's extremely unlikely
- that they will-
- Transfer?
What...? What transfer?
- All right. Bunny,...
- Oh, oh, oh, no.
- I need to speak to Ai Ling.
- The children's file
has gone on to a new office,
and they will be appointed
a new caseworker.
- Where have you sent them?
- So the best thing you can do
is send an email,
and then I can send that on.
How shall I send you an email?
A fucking email?!
- On my smartphone?
- All right, sorry.
Where the fuck have you sent
my kids?
I can't tell you where
the kids are, Bunny.
It's my job to keep them safe.
From me?
All right.
Yep.
- Shit!
- Sorry!
- Oh God!
- Sorry!
- No, it's fine.
- Sorry.
- Here, let me help you.
- Just don't...
It's fine. Don't worry.
Don't worry. Just leave it.
Just leave it.
Sorry.
So sorry.
Fuck.
Thames.
Fuck!
(CAR ALARM CHIRPS)
Ton! We gotta go!
...north-facing all day...
- Tonyah?
- Uh, sorry.
Excuse me, who are you?
I'd think about changing
that code, if I were you, Neil.
2468 - it's like a child's
PIN number.
I am so sorry about this.
This is, uh, very unusual.
- Ton, where are you?
- Just, um, one second.
Ton, where are you?
Ton? We gotta go!
What the fuck?
- Who's he?!
- Who the hell is she?
This is my niece, Tonyah.
Tonyah, say hello to Neil.
Still wanna get that drink,
Neil? Nah, didn't think so.
Come on.
You're a fucking
bullshit artist.
I've been waiting
in that cupboard
- for the past fucking hour!
- It's lucky they had
great built-in storage,
then, isn't it?
Well, now where are we going?
We're going to Shannon's
birthday party.
- In Thames.
You're gonna get caught,
and then what's gonna happen?
You were supposed
to look after me.
I am looking after you.
I'm doing the best I can.
- Well, your best is shit.
- (CAR ALARM CHIRPS)
(CAR DOOR SLAMS)
(ENGINE STARTS)
Shit!
(ENGINE ROARS)
(CELL PHONE BUZZES)
Can you turn that off?
(WIPERS SQUEAK)
(CELL PHONE CHIMES)
- Just turn the thing off.
- It's my phone!
Sorry.
It's OK, babe.
(TENSE MUSIC)
She never even asked me
if it was true.
Why didn't she ask me?
I wish we could just drive away
into a new life.
And never stop.
Me too.
(RADIO TUNES THROUGH STATIONS)
When the neon's pressed up
against your flesh
and nobody's sayin' a thing.
Then I wake from night
in the broad daylight
sent the whole world
into a spin.
I'm runnin' in a field,
runnin' in a field,
runnin' in a field of ice.
There are ways...
to keep walkin'.
Don't get in the way.
Just keep walkin'.
Just keep...
(COWBELL TOCKS)
I got nothin' but the taste,
nothin' but the smell
of piss stains.
(BOTH LAUGH)
A rider only comes
when he comes
with the setting sun.
Just keep walkin'.
Just keep...
(MUSIC FADES)
(ENGINE RUMBLES)
What are you doing?!
I'm putting on my magic suit.
Ohh.
Come on, Ton.
Hey, Bunny,
what are you gonna say?
Just follow my lead.
Hi there.
We've just arrived
from up Auckland
to deliver some birthday
presents for my niece,
and I can't find the address.
- I had it on a piece of paper.
- OK.
They're my sister's kids.
- Reuben and Shannon.
- All right,
if you could just fill this in
and then take a seat,
and someone will be
with you shortly.
Thank you so much.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
(TYPES RAPIDLY)
Mrs Kakariki? Just follow me.
Wait here, Ton.
I'll be back in a tick.
- I'll just take that, thanks.
- Excuse me.
- It's all right.
- Excuse me!
- Hi.
- Sorry, Trish.
Thanks, Alistair.
Thanks for seeing me,
Trish. I'm on a bit
of a tight schedule.
Gotta pick up the kids before 6.
Grace King.
Yep, that's me.
Oh, it's your niece's birthday.
You've lost the address.
Yeah, so stupid.
On the back of
a supermarket receipt.
We've organised
the hot pools for 6.
(TAPS KEYS)
Heaps of prezzies
and a cake too.
Hmm. Grace King, right?
Yeah, Grace. Yeah.
The... The children are
Reuben and Shannon King.
Shannon King, 5 years old.
- Reuben, 14 years old.
- Yeah.
Mother, Bunny King.
Oh, yeah.
What did I say?
Sorry. I'm Grace Murray.
I was King. Sorry.
It's been a very long day.
Oh, look.
Here she is.
Bunny King.
Look,...
it's my little girl's birthday,
and I promised her.
If I can just
drop off the prezzies
and the cake,...
no worries. Be gone. You know.
No one needs to know.
Who's the young girl with you,
Bunny?
That's my niece, Tonyah.
Does her mother, Grace,
know she's here?
Yes.
We're all family. I mean,
I... I live with them.
(COMPUTER BEEPS)
Big house?
Uh...
I see here you
have accommodation.
(DIALS PHONE)
BUNNY: Yes.
Police?
- Been approved?
- Yes.
Is Tonyah on a day off
from school, is she?
Yes.
Just hold on for a minute,
would you?
I just need to check
something, Bunny.
Hello. You must be Tonyah.
Hi there. My name's Trish, and
this is my colleague Alistair.
Now, your Auntie Bunny's just
asked if you'd like to join us
for afternoon tea
in the other room.
Would you like to come through?
Alistair'll take you.
TONYAH: Hey. They're mine.
Would that be all right,
Tonyah? That
would be just lovely.
Yeah, we're just gonna go and
have afternoon tea down here.
- TONYAH: Get off! Bunny? Bunny!
- Bunny!
- Hey!
- Get off me! Get off! Bunny!
- Let me outta here!
- Bunny!
- It's OK, Tonyah.
- Fucking let me out!
- Hey!
- Get off me. Get off me!
Fucking get your hands off her!
Get off!
Hey! Bunny!
(GLASS SMASHES)
MAN: Jesus!
You get away from her!
(BABY CRIES)
Don.
You fuckin' get away!
TRISH: Clear everyone out.
- Fuck off!
- Bunny.
Let Tonyah go back
to her parents,
and I promise I'll get the
presents to your children.
But I need you to calm down.
Oh, don't you tell me
to fuckin' calm down!
I've done my time.
I've done counselling.
I've done that parenting course.
I've done so much fuckin' stuff.
Whatever you've asked me to do,
I've done it.
You have done nothing for me!
Nothing!
My children have been
taken away to another place.
Nobody fuckin' told me!
Well, I'm sorry
that you feel like that.
But think about it.
You've trespassed
on the carers' property,
stolen a vehicle,
abducted your niece.
My children are expecting me.
I promised them.
We have a responsibility
to them first.
Then you're supposed to
give them back to their mum,
you fuck!
OK.
Their address.
Print it.
Hurry up!
You OK, Ton?
Yep.
(PRINTER WHIRRS SLOWLY)
Hurry up.
Hurry up!
OK.
Now fuck off outside. Go on.
Ton, get the presents.
Oh, this isn't the way
to see your kids.
No shit.
I've tried all the other ways.
I am out of ideas.
Leave her, Tonyah. Stay with me!
Piss off.
(TYRES SCREECH)
No. No, in. In.
Go back. Ton, quick!
Get a chair, get a chair,
get a chair.
(TONYAH PANTS)
In! In!
Move!
Shit, Ton.
Sit.
You're doing it wrong!
What's your plan now, Bunny?
Oh, shut the fuck up
and let me think.
Why don't you let her go,
keep me instead?
I never said you could leave.
In.
(DOOR SLAMS)
RT: Suspect is a 40-year-old
female, believed to be armed.
History of manslaughter.
Currently wanted for abduction,
assault and auto theft.
She's... She's held
a knife to her throat
and she started screaming.
- It's probably meth.
- What sort of knife?
Can you get me a line in?
(PHONE RINGS)
(RINGING CONTINUES)
Hello?
Yes.
9 to 4, but we're not open
today. Come in tomorrow.
To be honest, we're probably
just gonna tell you
you're a bad mother,
because you're poor.
(SLAMS DOWN RECEIVER)
(PHONE RINGS)
- What?
- Is that Bunny?
Am I speaking with Bunny King?
Bunny, this is
Detective Goodman.
Listen, I'm here so we can
work things out together, OK?
Why don't you come to the door?
This is what's gonna happen.
You're gonna bring
my children here
for my daughter's birthday.
Bunny, I just wanna
have a little bit of a chat.
Shut the fuck up.
Just you bring me my kids.
You gonna help me celebrate
my little girl's birthday,
then, Trish?
Fine.
You're not invited.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(PHONE RINGS)
GOODMAN: Is that Bunny?
(BANG!)
Bunny, what was that? (SNAPS
FINGERS) She's got a gun.
Bunny, is everyone
safe in there?
Bunny?
Don't call me
till my kids are outside.
(TENSE MUSIC)
TRISH: I can hold that
if you like.
You've done this before,
haven't you?
For your little sister
and brother?
How old are they?
What's it to you?
Just wondering if they miss you.
- And your mum and dad.
- He's not my fucking dad.
You don't know me. OK?
You're right.
I don't.
Tonyah,
I know this.
Your mum will be
really worried about you.
And I bet she loves you
very much.
She doesn't love me.
No, all she cares about is him.
And I'm-I'm not going
back to that house. Ever.
He's... He's a fucking creep.
Why's he a creep?
Ton?
Here.
I'm sorry.
Wasn't meant to be like this.
Let's just do the streamers.
(LIGHT-HEARTED MUSIC)
(LAUGHS)
Oh!
(BUNNY LAUGHS)
(PHONE RINGS)
Hello?
Are they coming?
I want a straight answer.
Are my children coming?
GOODMAN: Yeah.
Yeah, they're on their way.
We'll bring them in,
and you can have your party.
And after that,
we'll have a little chat.
But promise me you will not
hurt Trish and Tonyah.
Bunny?
And why should I believe you?
You have my word.
You have my word, Bunny.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Call me when they get here.
They coming?
They are never gonna
bring your kids here.
He gave me his word.
(CAR APPROACHES)
I can see them!
(LAUGHS)
They're here!
Told you.
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
Arsehole.
Fuckin' arsehole.
Oh, shit.
Oh, shit, shit, shit.
Shit, shit.
Oh, he lied.
Shit. Shit.
(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)
(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)
(PHONE RINGS)
(RINGING CONTINUES)
GOODMAN: Bunny?
Tonyah's parents are here.
They're very worried.
All they want is their
little girl home safe.
Please, can you give us a sign
that Tonyah is safe?
I'll go and have
a word with them.
I'll do it.
Ton.
It's OK, Bunny.
I'll speak to them.
Suspect still has
one hostage inside.
Do not approach the girl.
GRACE: Ton.
Baby, we've been
so worried about you.
Ton?
Darling?
You never even asked me
if it was true.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
TRISH: Come and eat something.
Come on, Bunny.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
GOODMAN ON MEGAPHONE: Bunny?
Bunny, I know how important
Reuben and Shannon are to you.
But it's our job
to keep them safe.
Now, I want you to listen
very carefully.
There are only two ways
that this can end.
Either you come out peacefully,
or we are coming in.
You have 15 minutes.
(DIALS PHONE)
(RINGING TONE)
Oh, kia ora.
It's Trish Reihana from GFS.
I need to speak to the
King children, please.
TRISH: We don't have very long.
- Hello?
- Reubs.
Mum?
I found you.
They moved us again.
Probably me, eh?
Fights at school.
I'm so stupid.
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
I'm sorry.
It's my fault they moved you.
I stuffed up.
I tried real hard to do
the birthday for Shan,...
but I kinda fucked up.
Shame.
REUBEN: Nah.
No shame.
Maybe next year?
Yeah.
Next year, eh?
Next year, eh, Reubs?
REUBEN: Yeah.
We had a really nice day.
I made Shan a cake.
I love you, Mum.
Oh, Reubs.
(PHONE CLICKS)
Reuben?
SHANNON: Mum, Mum,
it's my birthday!
Happy birthday to you.
(SHANNON GIGGLES)
- Happy birthday to you.
- Happy birthday to me.
- Happy birthday,...
- Happy birthday...
...dear Shannon.
...to me.
(SHANNON LAUGHS)
VOICE BREAKS: Happy birthday
to you.
Hip, hip, hooray!
Hip, hip, hooray!
Hip, hip, hooray!
SHANNON: Hip, hip, hooray!
(LAUGHS)
Happy birthday, my beautiful...
pegasus lion
unicorn girl.
I love you so much.
I have got so many presents
for you!
(SHANNON LAUGHS)
It's bedtime, Mummy.
I'm gonna go now.
I love you.
TEARFULLY: Happy birthday.
I'll speak to you real soon,
OK, baby?
Bye, baby. Bye.
- Bye!
- Bye, Mummy. Bye.
(CALL DISCONNECTS)
(HANGS UP PHONE)
(BUNNY SOBS QUIETLY)
It's time, Bunny.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
This is a shit place
for a birthday party.
RT: Movement at the front door.
Three persons, all female.
- Positive ID on Trish Reihana.
- Affirmative.
TRISH: Stay behind me.
I'll go first.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
I have a partial clear.
I'll see you real soon.
I wish I could drive
into a new life.
(KEYS JINGLE)
RT: Suspect reaching
for a weapon.
(GUNSHOT)
(BUNNY GROANS)
- (DOORS BANG)
- Don't move! Don't move!
(POLICE SHOUT)
- Show me your fucking hands!
- Bunny!
- Move!
- Bunny!
- Coming through!
- Bunny! Bunny!
- Clear!
- (BUNNY GASPS)
- Clear! Clear!
- Stay down, Bunny. Stay down.
- Hi, Bunny.
- Fuck!
I'm not the police.
I'm here to help you out.
- OK?
- Oh...
You have a single gunshot wound
to your left shoulder.
He missed my heart. (LAUGHS)
He did.
Oh, fuck. (LAUGHS)
They fucking shot me.
(GENTLE SYNTHPOP MUSIC)
WILLA AMAI: 25 years
and my life is still
trying to get up that
great big hill of hope
for a destination.
I realised quickly
when I knew I should
that the world was made
of this brotherhood of man,
for whatever that means.
So I cry sometimes
when I'm lying in bed,
to get it all out,
what's in my head.
I am feeling
a little peculiar.
Girl, your back window's filthy.
Shame.
Just going to cut through your
clothing to get to this wound.
Aw, man, that's my good bra.
(CHUCKLES) You're hilarious.
I... I...
I think I might just have a...
a little sleep.
O2.
See if you can stay awake
for me, Bunny.
Mm.
I need you to
keep fighting, hon.
OK?
Yeah.
That's the one.
You're a fighter.
I can tell you are.
Oh, yeah.
And so I wake in the morning
and I step outside
and I take a deep breath,
get real high,
and I scream,
'What's goin' on?'
And I said,
hey, hey, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
And I said,
hey, yeah, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
And I said,
hey, yeah, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
And I said,
hey, yeah, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
(PEDESTRIAN WAIT SIGNAL PIPS)
(GENTLE ACOUSTIC GUITAR INTRO)
(TRUCK HORN BLARES)
Hey.
Hey, babe!
(FOUR NON BLONDES' 'WHAT'S UP?')
(CROSSING SIGNAL CHIRPS)
25 years and my life is still
trying to get up that
great big hill of hope
for a destination.
I realised quickly
when I knew I should...
Give you one on the house, huh?
...brotherhood of man,
for whatever that means.
And I try.
Oh my God do I try.
I try all the time.
Go on!
In this institution.
Oi! Sem!
You need to do long strokes.
Long strokes.
Oh my God do I pray.
I pray every single day...
Sorry, man. He's just
trying to raise some money
to buy a couple of
blue pens and a 1B5.
...for revolution.
And so I cry sometimes
when I'm lying in bed...
- (SIREN CHIRPS)
- Pigs!
Run, Jah, run!
- Hurry up. Move!
- Fuck!
I am feeling
a little peculiar.
(SIREN CHIRPS)
- Yeah?
- Sweet as.
Thanks.
Jah? Jah. Hey. Got you one.
- Hey! What?
- For you.
Really? Oh, man.
25 years and my life is still
trying to get up that
great big hill of hope
for a destination.
No, sorry, I can't see
your name here.
I was told that I could just
get an appointment today.
No, there's nothing left today.
I just spent my last 10 bucks
trying to get us here.
Fill in a form, and I'll pop
your name for 10.15 tomorrow.
(BABY FUSSES)
(BABY CRIES)
Here.
Ask for a review form.
Write a complaint.
Thank you.
(DOOR OPENS)
I'm just gonna put you
on to your knees, all right?
There you go.
The other hand.
Up you go. You got this.
There we go. Oh!
- Look.
- So cool.
You're stronger than most
people. You know that?
Hey, baby.
Mumma!
Mummy!
You're so heavy!
Oh!
Do some more colouring
on the fire.
Make the fire fiery.
Shannon?
SLOWLY: Do you want
to use another colour?
You can use another
colour if you want.
Why are you talking
to her like that?
She knows what she wants.
I like this colour.
We could do a drawing
on Reuben's cast, eh?
You draw Pegasus,
and I will draw...
Hey.
Why do pens go to prison?
Hm?
To do long...
sentences!
You've ruined it.
Can you give us
some privacy, please?
Oh, it's very important
that I take notes.
I wanna do some yellow!
Just...
It's getting a bit stuffy
in here, isn't it?
How about
we continue this meeting
in the playhouse?
Yes, yes!
- No, Bunny.
- Yes!
Bunny, please.
Yeah!
- Oh, look!
- Ow.
Look at this beautiful house.
- SHANNON: Dingle dangle!
- (BUNNY LAUGHS)
- Oh, I can't move!
- I got the dingle dangle!
Yeah!
Nice indoor-outdoor flow.
Oh! Oh!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Oh!
Made it. Phew!
Look at this beautiful house.
I want Kura to bring me here
for my birthday.
Is Kura who looks after you?
Mum, can you come to my party?
I made an invitation.
Did you?
Did you do this drawing?
Yeah.
- Oh!
- Mum's not allowed to come.
It's against the rules.
I'm gonna have you both with me
by your birthday, though.
Don't tell her that.
It's bullshit,
and you're confusing her.
Well, I'm gonna get a house
for us all real soon.
OK! That's enough, Bunny.
Are we really gonna
have my birthday
at our new house?
Yes, baby.
And we can go to the hot pools!
Bunny. Sorry. I'm going to
have to end the visit today.
- OK? I'll let you say goodbye.
- What?
No, because... No, because
I've got another 15 minutes.
Come on, Shan. We have to go.
- No, you don't have to.
- No!
- Please don't do this.
- We've discussed this.
OK? You know the rules.
Please don't ignore me.
(SIGHS)
Can we really go to the pools
on my birthday?
- Yes, baby.
- Promise?
I promise.
I promise.
Yeah.
We can't approve a visit
for Shannon's birthday
until your case is reviewed,
and we can't review your case
until you have a house.
You were supposed to help me
find a place to live.
There's a... very long wait
list with Housing New Zealand,
so you are better off
looking yourself.
There's no houses in a
housing shortage, Ai Ling.
Have you been to another
Positive Parenting session?
- Mm.
- OK.
Good.
I've also booked you in
with, um,
Dress to Impress next week.
It's really important
that you don't miss it.
OK? They can give you
some tidy clothes
for any job interviews
you might have.
Just... get your bond sorted.
Just small steps.
OK?
Yep.
Auntie Bunny!
Hold my bag for a sec?
Yep.
- Tag.
- Oh!
You wait for me
up at the corner!
I'm gonna beat you!
I'm gonna beat you to the top.
Hi, Granny.
Hi, Cynthia.
Hey. You want me to shuffle?
Did you hide biscuits,
Auntie Bunny?
Yep, and you will
never find them!
Aw!
Eat some fruit.
I'm doing a terrible shuffle.
Should've sent me to the casino.
There you go, Cynthia.
(CAR APPROACHES)
Hey, Tonyah. How are you?
Oh!
'Hi, Auntie. I'm real good,
thanks. How are you?'
'Oh, yeah,
I'm real good, thanks.'
Sorry.
I'm sorry! You're just the worst
person I know at roundabouts.
(DOOR SLAMS)
Oh. Hey, Mum.
Ooh! Thank you.
- Hombres.
- Hey, Dad.
Hey. Oh my goodness.
Are you grumpy?
Are you grumpy?
Oh no, no grumpy!
Looked at another house today.
Hm. Oh, yeah?
It was pretty cramped.
I really need to find a place
that's big enough
for me and the kids, you know.
Yeah.
Well, you can stay here
as long as you like.
As long as you do the dinners
and look after
the kids and that.
Grace never wants you to leave.
Cool.
- Thanks.
- All right.
Hey, do you reckon you could,
um, wash my car later?
You're just the best person
I know at washing cars, so...
Sure.
No problem.
Choice.
(SIGHS)
What are we watching?
- Tonyah!
- Don't!
- It's my turn!
- Piss off! It's my turn!
- You've had it for ages!
- Get off! Get off!
- Auntie Bunny?
- Tonya won't give me my turn.
- Narking little shit.
- Give him a go, please, Ton.
- But he sucks!
- Oh. Go on, then, have it.
- Ow!
- Ow!
- I didn't even touch him!
- In the kitchen.
- Oh...
- Now.
- Oh!
I didn't even touch him.
Give it.
(TURNS OFF TV)
Read a book.
(BROODING GUITAR MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
- Come on!
- Go, go, go! Come on!
Hey! Hey! Tackle him!
Yee-hee-hee!
(GLASSES CLINK)
Oh, sorry.
- Did you... Did you want some?
- No.
Ha. You just have to ask.
- Mm!
- Sorry.
You worked late.
Yeah, I did a double shift.
- Kids OK?
- Kids are good.
There's some dinner
in the microwave.
Thanks.
- God, it's freezing.
- Hop in.
- I needed a hot-water bottle.
- (LAUGHS)
Aw.
You're working too hard.
Just trying to save.
You saw the kids today, eh?
Yeah.
I should go see them.
Well, you can see them
any time you like.
Tell 'em I think
about them heaps.
'Hey, Reuben.
'Hey, Shannon.
'Your auntie has thought
about you heaps.'
Don't start.
- You know we can't take them.
- I didn't.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I just need you to take
your shoes off, thanks.
Oh.
- Is this carpet new?
- There are a lot of people
- interested, just so you know.
- Oh. No, I'm gonna take it.
Uh, no. I mean...
Look, have you got
any references?
It's just pointless
if you don't leave one.
Oh, yeah, my sister's
my landlord.
I'll give you her number.
Uh, and I'll need
proof of income.
A payslip or letter
from your employer.
I'm self-employed.
How much is your benefit?
$230, plus accommodation
supplement.
Thanks for coming.
One sec.
I just didn't see the bathroom.
(DOOR CLOSES)
It's lovely!
(SIGHS)
(STAMPS FEET)
(SNIFFLES)
Uh, you'll need to go.
I have to lock up.
(TAP RATTLES, WATER RUNS)
- Shit water pressure.
- Um, can you please leave now?
(TOILET FLUSHES)
You didn't take your
shoes off.
Tag. You're it.
No, you are.
- I'm gonna get you!
- Bet you can't!
(TV PLAYS QUIETLY)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
- Hi.
- Hi.
- How was work?
- I'm glad it's over.
- You hungry?
- Yeah.
Oh.
Made you your favourite.
I hope it's warm enough.
You've gone weird.
What do you want?
I wanna ask if I can have
your garage as a place.
Get some beds and
some rugs and...
have the kids come to stay.
It's Shannon's birthday
in a couple of weeks.
I told you it's not up to me.
Well, can you ask Bevan?
He's already letting you stay.
You gotta stand on
your own two feet.
I'm not asking you
to be their guardian.
This is Bevan's house.
It's his rules.
You talking about me? (CHUCKLES)
You know what?
It's real cold and shitty down
there in the garage, Bunny.
I will get blankets.
I'll get a heater.
I'll still look after the kids.
I'll look after Cynthia.
I'll do the meals. I'll even
clean your car once a week.
It'd be nice for the kids to
spend time with their cousins.
Of course.
You could pay some more rent.
That'd be cool.
Thanks, babe.
You didn't have to do that.
Family's family, love.
I'm off to bed.
- Night.
- Night.
(LIGHT-HEARTED MUSIC)
(HORN HONKS)
(COIN CLINKS)
(HORN HONKS)
Aw. Shame.
Get that off for you.
(CHUCKLES)
There you go, lady.
Oh! Piss off!
- Are you sure?
- I want to.
Oh.
Thanks, lady!
You're helping me set up
my new house!
Oh!
True, Bunny? Found you a place?
Yeah. It's mean!
My sister and brother-in-law
have given me their garage
to live in. Kids'll love it.
- I'm gonna do it up hard.
- Yeah.
(TRAIN HORN BLARES)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Fuck. (BREATHES HEAVILY)
(KICKS DOOR)
What's wrong?
Aw, fuck!
What're you doing? Jesus!
Stop it! What are you doing?
Aw! Just-We came back
from a driving lesson!
Fucking pervert!
She...
Oh, fuck you.
You believe that, do you?
I let you in my fuckin' house,
and you went and fuckin'
thought that, did you?
You get the fuck
outta my house, eh!
Get the fuck out of my house!
And you don't come back!
Eh? You come in here and
you accuse me of bullshit!
Fuck off! Eh?
Get the fuck out!
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
BEVAN: Ton?
Ton? Sweetie?
I'm just gonna go down
the school and get the kids.
(SIGHS)
(SNIFFLES)
(ENGINE REVS)
(TYRES SQUEAL)
(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)
Oh, f...
You don't know what
you're talking about.
He's basically my dad.
That's fucking gross.
Just lock it.
OK?
Grace! Gracie.
Gracie.
Open the door.
I need to speak with you.
What is it?
- Are you OK? Is it the kids?
- No. Nah.
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
BEVAN: She made up
some bullshit lie
that I've done something
to my step-daughter.
You'd believe her over me?
That's what you
think of me, is it?
GRACE: Why-? Why would she-?
- Why would she say that?
- Why would she say it?
Why would she say it? Because
she wants what we've got.
OK? She wants a house.
I don't know why she'd lie.
Why would she lie?
I wasn't doing anything but
giving her a driving lesson.
Go and ask Tonyah.
- I don't know what to believe.
- Why would I lie about that?
I don't know.
If you don't believe me,
you go and ask Ton.
No, I do, honey.
I'm... I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
GRACE YELLS: Get out!
Where's my money?
Where's my fuckin' money?
(GRACE SOBS)
BEVAN: You know
what the problem is?
She fucking killed her husband,
and she went to prison.
That's why she can't
get her kids back.
We should never have let
her stay in the first place.
(BROODING MUSIC)
(COINS CLINK)
(DIALS PHONE)
(RINGING TONE)
Hi, it's Tonyah.
I won't listen to your message,
but you can send me a text.
I can buy you some togs
for your birthday.
SHANNON: Are we going
to do the slides?
Oh, yeah.
But Reuben says I'm not
big enough for them.
Oh, they're pretty fast, but...
I'll hold on to you real tight,
OK?
Hey, baby, is your brother
there, real quick?
Reuben!
REUBEN: You're not
supposed to call.
They won't let us see you
if you don't start
doing things properly.
I know. I just...
It's just taking me a bit
longer to get a house,
that's all.
We can still go to
the hot pools, though.
(CALL DISCONNECTS)
You going away, Bunny?
I got kicked out of home.
You can come and crash
at mine's if you want.
- Sure?
- Serious.
(SIGHS)
Hey, what's up, lady?
Every car's got automatic
windscreen wipers.
- What you're doing is begging.
- OK. Chill out, lady.
Next you'll be offering to
sit on the front of my car,
shining a torch
when it gets dark.
- OK, yeah.
- Fuckin' moll!
- (GASPS) You stupid bitch!
- Oi! Wipe that off!
How dare you?
Look at my windscreen!
- Fuck her.
- Look, I'll clean it up-
Why don't you get proper jobs
instead of begging?
Well, what would
you like us to do?
Would you like us to clean
windows or smash them?
Don't you threaten me!
Stupid bitch.
(HORN BLARES)
- (CHUCKLES)
- (HORN BLARES)
(ENGINE REVS)
That was mean, Bunny!
Did you see her face?
Thanks, Semu.
- Sefa?
- Yeah, Mum?
Aumai se nofoa, darling.
Uh, Bunny, make sure you get
yourself a plate, please.
Oh, your chair's coming.
Thank you.
Is there enough rice?
Have a look.
- Here you go. Mum.
- Yeah?
Uh, o lea o su ese mea
e moe ai Bunny?
Ese a?
O fea o le a momoe ai Bunny?
Joseph's gonna crash
on the couch.
- Aw!
- Shh!
- Se uma.
- Is it OK?
- Yeah, don't worry.
Fa'afetai Iesu
foa'i mai mea ai
tausi ai matou le fanau.
- Amene.
- Amene.
Make sure Bunny's
got some rice.
Here. Go for it.
There's some beans and beef
here as well, Bunny. Please...
Yep. Please help yourself.
Eat up.
- Joseph!
- What's this?
That one is, um, fly eggs.
- (LAUGHS) I'm just kidding.
- I know what that is.
- That is rice.
- I know. I know it's rice.
- I've seen rice before.
- I know it's rice.
I've even eaten rice before.
So, how do you know Semu, Bunny?
Oh, just from work.
Yeah, she's my boss
from Wash and Wax.
- Ah.
- He's my star employee.
- Eh?
- Oh.
- It's hard work, though.
- Yeah.
Do you want some of this?
WHISPERS: Ni-night, baby.
Goodnight.
WHISPERS: Hang in there, Bunny.
Things will get better.
Goodnight.
WHISPERS: Tonyah.
Tonyah, can you hear me?
Tonyah!
Shut up! Are you trying to wake
Mum up or something?
Did you talk to her?
She said you must
be fuckin' sick
to make something like that up.
Did I make it up?
- I wanna go with you.
- Why?
What's happened?
What is it? What's he done?
Bunny, can I live with you?
I haven't got a house yet, Ton.
(DOOR THUDS)
Mum's awake. I gotta go.
You just keep that door locked.
(SPRAY CAN RATTLES)
(PAINT HISSES)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
(URINE TRICKLES)
(FENCE RATTLES)
(ENGINE ROARS)
Come to my fuckin' house again
and the cops will know about it.
Paedophiles don't call the cops.
(SCOFFS)
I was actually just on the
phone to someone called Ai Ling.
Yeah. We were talking
about how Grace and I
would love to take in
Reuben and Shannon.
Be nice for them,
having a family
a real good home,
normal fuckin' home.
What d'you reckon about that?
You...
stay the fuck away from them!
Fuck off!
Fuck you!
Fuck.
WOMAN: Run, Bunny! Run!
Come back here!
Don't fuckin' do that to my car!
MAN: Oi!
Fuck, no, man.
- Come here!
- (HORNS BLARE)
Fuck you!
You're not gonna fuckin'
see your kids again!
Aw, shut up! (LAUGHS)
- You're fuckin' mental!
- WOMAN: Fuck you, dickhead!
She smashed my window!
She pissed in my fucking car!
Fuck me!
I'll come and shit in your car.
How's that?
- Pissed in his car! (LAUGHS)
- Eh, bro?
MAN: Let's go. Good girl.
Ah!
SHANNON: Oh!
Go straight for
that stuff there.
- Yeah! Oh!
- Oh!
That's all right.
Here we go. All right.
- Kia ora.
- Oh!
You all right?
Yeah. Hi.
Yeah, I'm, uh...
They're my kids.
I'm Bunny.
Hey, I don't actually think
you're supposed to be here.
- Nah.
- I don't think it's allowed.
Nah, yep.
SHANNON: Oh!
It's OK!
It's OK. Just...
Just give me a minute, OK?
Wait here.
Yep.
Reuben, look!
Has Bevan been round?
No. Why?
Nothing.
Is it OK here? Are they nice?
Yep.
You would tell me, eh?
Just promise me you would.
- Just promise?
- Mum.
Reuben's gotta come in
for dinner now.
- What's for dinner, Mum?
- Ooh!
I'm not Mum.
Look. That's Mum there.
- Hi, baby.
- Mummy!
Hey, baby.
Oh, you're big!
- Hey. Baby.
- Mum.
Mummy.
My babe.
Kura told me how to do
butterfly kisses.
Did she?
- Yeah.
- Can I have one?
KURA: It's time for dinner.
Come on.
Let's go wash our hands.
- You too, Reuben.
- Mummy.
Gotta wash my hands, Mummy.
OK, baby.
- I love you.
- Come on, buddy,
Come and wash your hands too,
please, Reuben.
This isn't where they should be.
We're doing our best, Bunny.
Well, how long till
you get sick of them?
- Mum.
- You shouldn't be here, Bunny.
- Don't talk to her like that.
- They're my kids!
Come inside, mate.
They're meant to live with me.
I need you to leave now, OK?
Reuben.
Look, Reuben doesn't need
to see you like this.
- Please.
- I'll just say goodbye.
- No, no. Mum's going to go.
- I need to say goodbye.
- Oh...
- I need you to leave now.
He just wants to say
goodbye to me!
Hey! We didn't get to say
goodbye properly!
- REUBEN: Let me say goodbye.
- Excuse me!
- Excuse me!
- She hasn't done anything.
I'm just trying to say
goodbye to my son!
(BROODING MUSIC)
Have you got any
kids' swimsuits?
I don't, sorry.
What would you say your look is?
Homeless squeegee bandit,
but sexy.
You've got beautiful eyes.
I think if we add some colour...
Yeah, just pants is good,
thanks.
You know, I'd say you get
about five seconds
to make an impression
on a potential employer.
Oh, it's not really
a job interview.
It's just, uh,
I need to get a house
before I can get my kids back.
Same applies.
Would you wear this?
(SCOFFS)
I wouldn't normally wear
any of this stuff.
Just feels like lying.
It's beautiful lying.
You know, it's not just
about passing.
It's about being.
Yeah.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
The look sells it.
But you need to believe it too.
See?
You need to believe that
you deserve to get a place.
For you
and for your kids.
There.
Would you give that lady
a place to live?
Yep.
So would I.
In a heartbeat.
(CHUCKLES)
Have you, uh, been looking long?
Yes, actually.
Investment property
or a little lock-up-and-leave?
- Oh, it's for my family.
- Oh, nice.
How many children do you have?
- Oh, two.
- Yeah?
Oh, three, actually,
cos my niece might come
and live with us.
Sure, sure. Cool.
And, um, what kind of budget
are we looking at?
Well...
Oh,
500?
- 550?
- Oh, OK.
Well, yeah, we've got
a few two-beddies for sale
at that kind of asking price.
Would you be open to living
in the central city?
Oh, well,...
yes, I would.
- That's me, Neil.
- Ah.
Well, Neil,
- I'm Lizzie.
- OK.
So, this is us.
It's actually a very respectful,
professional community here,
you'll find, Lizzie,
so, re the kids,
safe as houses.
And the great thing is,
keyless entry.
- If you lose your card.
- Mm.
Oh.
Wow.
And north-facing sun
all day long.
Mm.
The others have already been
snapped up.
Hm.
So it's my last one.
It's so close.
So close.
Would you rent this?
Oh, no. I don't do rentals.
Hm.
You're not buying, are you?
No, Neil. I'm not buying.
And that's not north.
North's that way, Neil.
I know which way north is.
(BOTH LAUGH)
Can I buy you a drink sometime?
Well,
I might just take you up
on that, Neil.
I've got your number,
so my PA will be in touch.
Bye.
(DOOR CLOSES)
You coming to church tomorrow,
Bunny?
What, you trying to convert me?
(CHUCKLES)
Nah.
Nah.
I gotta see someone
about a house.
Oh, true?
Well, I hope you get it.
I'll be sure to say talofa
to God from Bunny, eh?
- Goodnight.
- Night.
(DOORBELL CHIMES)
- Hi.
- Hello.
- Come on in.
- Thank you.
- I'll show you round.
- Sure.
Reuben's room's just up here.
In there.
This is really great for you,
Bunny.
Pulled it off just in time.
Good on you, girl.
Here's the bathroom.
Bunny!
Bunny!
Hey, Bunny.
Esther forgot the cake.
Oh. Hi, there.
Hello.
This is my landlord.
This is Ai Ling from GFS.
You have a very lovely home.
- Thank you.
- It's taken a long time
to find a place suitable
for your children,
hasn't it, Bunny?
I think it was worth the wait.
Thanks to you, though.
Uh, well,
it's been...
lovely having Bunny here,
and, um,...
look, there's plenty of room
for her kids too. Yeah.
Yeah, and cool that it's just in
time for Shannon's birthday too.
Oh! Actually, um,
can I get you to sign this?
Just here.
Thanks.
Great.
And I'll arrange access with
the foster parents for the day.
Look, lovely to meet you,
Ai Ling.
I'll leave you guys to it.
I'm late for church.
Thank you.
AI LING: I'll be in touch. Bye.
Oh.
(CHOIR SING SAMOAN HYMN)
(HYMN CONTINUES)
(CHILDREN CHATTER HAPPILY)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC)
(ROLLER DOOR SQUEAKS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(ROLLER DOOR SQUEAKS)
(GROANS)
Ugh.
(ENGINE STARTS)
(ENGINE ROARS)
Fuck!
(ENGINE REVS)
(DOG BARKS)
Ton! Ton!
Ton, it's me.
What are you doing
in Bevan's car?
- He'll smash you.
- Had to borrow it for a bit.
I've got us a place,
but we gotta go now.
You wanna come with me?
Jump in.
- What are you wearing?
- This is my new look.
Sort of professional corporate
entrepreneur, but sexy.
Shame.
(SNIFFS)
What's that smell?
Oh, it smells like piss in here!
Yeah.
Put your seatbelt on.
(ENGINE ROARS)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Shut up. You do not live here!
Posh, eh?
Pool!
(DOOR CLOSES)
(PEACEFUL MUSIC)
Everything looks so small
from up here.
Nothing can touch us.
Can we stay here forever?
Yeah.
(SIGHS)
(BOTH LAUGH)
(SHOWER RUNS)
Night, Ton.
Ton?
Ton?
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
Ton!
Ton! Hey!
Hey! Ton!
Hey! Hey.
I was just floating.
My baby went blue because
she couldn't breathe!
(SOBS)
Sorry.
I didn't know if
she was coming back.
One night he shook her so hard.
And then he just slammed
her into a wall.
I remember looking at him
and thinking,...
'I wanna do to you
what you did to her.'
I got this animal rage.
(BROODING MUSIC)
(CELL PHONE BUZZES)
Mm.
It's Shannon's birthday today.
Hm.
I gotta go and get her prezzies.
Just let me sleep a bit longer,
but you can go to the shop.
Nah, nah. Nup, nup, nup
I'm not gonna leave you here.
I am taking Shannon
to the hot pools.
And you're coming.
I like it here, though.
All right.
I'll be back before 9.
But you gotta get ready.
While I buy the prezzies, you
get ready. Ready for 9 sharp.
OK.
Fuckin' no! Fuckin' no!
(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)
Hmm.
(TAPE SQUEAKS)
(GRUNTS)
(SCANNER BEEPS)
That's $9.99, thanks.
D'you want a receipt?
Nah, it's all good.
Excuse me! Hi.
It's, um, my little girl's
birthday today,
and I'm having a party for her.
We can't have the party at my
house any more, so we, uh...
I'm just wondering...
Ai Ling's organised
for us to have a visit,
and I'm just wondering
if I'm going to meet them
at the hot pools
or if I can pick them up
from the foster carer.
Um, what... what
Ai Ling's organised.
If you could just
put in your details.
Oh, no, Ai Ling
knows my details.
You can just look it up.
She's organised my kids
birthday visit for today.
If you could just take a seat
and fill in the form.
What time does Ai Ling
start work?
9 o'clock.
Hi, Bunny. I'm Lisa.
Where's Ai Ling?
I'm waiting for Ai Ling.
Ai Ling's on training
in Hamilton.
No. Look,
I just need to speak
with Ai Ling.
She's approved my house,
and she's arranged
my kid's birthday visit.
- It's today.
- All right, Bunny.
I need to just check
the paperwork, OK?
Oh.
That's a shame.
What?
You trespassed
at the foster home.
The carers have appealed
against the transfer,
but under the circumstances
it's extremely unlikely
- that they will-
- Transfer?
What...? What transfer?
- All right. Bunny,...
- Oh, oh, oh, no.
- I need to speak to Ai Ling.
- The children's file
has gone on to a new office,
and they will be appointed
a new caseworker.
- Where have you sent them?
- So the best thing you can do
is send an email,
and then I can send that on.
How shall I send you an email?
A fucking email?!
- On my smartphone?
- All right, sorry.
Where the fuck have you sent
my kids?
I can't tell you where
the kids are, Bunny.
It's my job to keep them safe.
From me?
All right.
Yep.
- Shit!
- Sorry!
- Oh God!
- Sorry!
- No, it's fine.
- Sorry.
- Here, let me help you.
- Just don't...
It's fine. Don't worry.
Don't worry. Just leave it.
Just leave it.
Sorry.
So sorry.
Fuck.
Thames.
Fuck!
(CAR ALARM CHIRPS)
Ton! We gotta go!
...north-facing all day...
- Tonyah?
- Uh, sorry.
Excuse me, who are you?
I'd think about changing
that code, if I were you, Neil.
2468 - it's like a child's
PIN number.
I am so sorry about this.
This is, uh, very unusual.
- Ton, where are you?
- Just, um, one second.
Ton, where are you?
Ton? We gotta go!
What the fuck?
- Who's he?!
- Who the hell is she?
This is my niece, Tonyah.
Tonyah, say hello to Neil.
Still wanna get that drink,
Neil? Nah, didn't think so.
Come on.
You're a fucking
bullshit artist.
I've been waiting
in that cupboard
- for the past fucking hour!
- It's lucky they had
great built-in storage,
then, isn't it?
Well, now where are we going?
We're going to Shannon's
birthday party.
- In Thames.
You're gonna get caught,
and then what's gonna happen?
You were supposed
to look after me.
I am looking after you.
I'm doing the best I can.
- Well, your best is shit.
- (CAR ALARM CHIRPS)
(CAR DOOR SLAMS)
(ENGINE STARTS)
Shit!
(ENGINE ROARS)
(CELL PHONE BUZZES)
Can you turn that off?
(WIPERS SQUEAK)
(CELL PHONE CHIMES)
- Just turn the thing off.
- It's my phone!
Sorry.
It's OK, babe.
(TENSE MUSIC)
She never even asked me
if it was true.
Why didn't she ask me?
I wish we could just drive away
into a new life.
And never stop.
Me too.
(RADIO TUNES THROUGH STATIONS)
When the neon's pressed up
against your flesh
and nobody's sayin' a thing.
Then I wake from night
in the broad daylight
sent the whole world
into a spin.
I'm runnin' in a field,
runnin' in a field,
runnin' in a field of ice.
There are ways...
to keep walkin'.
Don't get in the way.
Just keep walkin'.
Just keep...
(COWBELL TOCKS)
I got nothin' but the taste,
nothin' but the smell
of piss stains.
(BOTH LAUGH)
A rider only comes
when he comes
with the setting sun.
Just keep walkin'.
Just keep...
(MUSIC FADES)
(ENGINE RUMBLES)
What are you doing?!
I'm putting on my magic suit.
Ohh.
Come on, Ton.
Hey, Bunny,
what are you gonna say?
Just follow my lead.
Hi there.
We've just arrived
from up Auckland
to deliver some birthday
presents for my niece,
and I can't find the address.
- I had it on a piece of paper.
- OK.
They're my sister's kids.
- Reuben and Shannon.
- All right,
if you could just fill this in
and then take a seat,
and someone will be
with you shortly.
Thank you so much.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
(TYPES RAPIDLY)
Mrs Kakariki? Just follow me.
Wait here, Ton.
I'll be back in a tick.
- I'll just take that, thanks.
- Excuse me.
- It's all right.
- Excuse me!
- Hi.
- Sorry, Trish.
Thanks, Alistair.
Thanks for seeing me,
Trish. I'm on a bit
of a tight schedule.
Gotta pick up the kids before 6.
Grace King.
Yep, that's me.
Oh, it's your niece's birthday.
You've lost the address.
Yeah, so stupid.
On the back of
a supermarket receipt.
We've organised
the hot pools for 6.
(TAPS KEYS)
Heaps of prezzies
and a cake too.
Hmm. Grace King, right?
Yeah, Grace. Yeah.
The... The children are
Reuben and Shannon King.
Shannon King, 5 years old.
- Reuben, 14 years old.
- Yeah.
Mother, Bunny King.
Oh, yeah.
What did I say?
Sorry. I'm Grace Murray.
I was King. Sorry.
It's been a very long day.
Oh, look.
Here she is.
Bunny King.
Look,...
it's my little girl's birthday,
and I promised her.
If I can just
drop off the prezzies
and the cake,...
no worries. Be gone. You know.
No one needs to know.
Who's the young girl with you,
Bunny?
That's my niece, Tonyah.
Does her mother, Grace,
know she's here?
Yes.
We're all family. I mean,
I... I live with them.
(COMPUTER BEEPS)
Big house?
Uh...
I see here you
have accommodation.
(DIALS PHONE)
BUNNY: Yes.
Police?
- Been approved?
- Yes.
Is Tonyah on a day off
from school, is she?
Yes.
Just hold on for a minute,
would you?
I just need to check
something, Bunny.
Hello. You must be Tonyah.
Hi there. My name's Trish, and
this is my colleague Alistair.
Now, your Auntie Bunny's just
asked if you'd like to join us
for afternoon tea
in the other room.
Would you like to come through?
Alistair'll take you.
TONYAH: Hey. They're mine.
Would that be all right,
Tonyah? That
would be just lovely.
Yeah, we're just gonna go and
have afternoon tea down here.
- TONYAH: Get off! Bunny? Bunny!
- Bunny!
- Hey!
- Get off me! Get off! Bunny!
- Let me outta here!
- Bunny!
- It's OK, Tonyah.
- Fucking let me out!
- Hey!
- Get off me. Get off me!
Fucking get your hands off her!
Get off!
Hey! Bunny!
(GLASS SMASHES)
MAN: Jesus!
You get away from her!
(BABY CRIES)
Don.
You fuckin' get away!
TRISH: Clear everyone out.
- Fuck off!
- Bunny.
Let Tonyah go back
to her parents,
and I promise I'll get the
presents to your children.
But I need you to calm down.
Oh, don't you tell me
to fuckin' calm down!
I've done my time.
I've done counselling.
I've done that parenting course.
I've done so much fuckin' stuff.
Whatever you've asked me to do,
I've done it.
You have done nothing for me!
Nothing!
My children have been
taken away to another place.
Nobody fuckin' told me!
Well, I'm sorry
that you feel like that.
But think about it.
You've trespassed
on the carers' property,
stolen a vehicle,
abducted your niece.
My children are expecting me.
I promised them.
We have a responsibility
to them first.
Then you're supposed to
give them back to their mum,
you fuck!
OK.
Their address.
Print it.
Hurry up!
You OK, Ton?
Yep.
(PRINTER WHIRRS SLOWLY)
Hurry up.
Hurry up!
OK.
Now fuck off outside. Go on.
Ton, get the presents.
Oh, this isn't the way
to see your kids.
No shit.
I've tried all the other ways.
I am out of ideas.
Leave her, Tonyah. Stay with me!
Piss off.
(TYRES SCREECH)
No. No, in. In.
Go back. Ton, quick!
Get a chair, get a chair,
get a chair.
(TONYAH PANTS)
In! In!
Move!
Shit, Ton.
Sit.
You're doing it wrong!
What's your plan now, Bunny?
Oh, shut the fuck up
and let me think.
Why don't you let her go,
keep me instead?
I never said you could leave.
In.
(DOOR SLAMS)
RT: Suspect is a 40-year-old
female, believed to be armed.
History of manslaughter.
Currently wanted for abduction,
assault and auto theft.
She's... She's held
a knife to her throat
and she started screaming.
- It's probably meth.
- What sort of knife?
Can you get me a line in?
(PHONE RINGS)
(RINGING CONTINUES)
Hello?
Yes.
9 to 4, but we're not open
today. Come in tomorrow.
To be honest, we're probably
just gonna tell you
you're a bad mother,
because you're poor.
(SLAMS DOWN RECEIVER)
(PHONE RINGS)
- What?
- Is that Bunny?
Am I speaking with Bunny King?
Bunny, this is
Detective Goodman.
Listen, I'm here so we can
work things out together, OK?
Why don't you come to the door?
This is what's gonna happen.
You're gonna bring
my children here
for my daughter's birthday.
Bunny, I just wanna
have a little bit of a chat.
Shut the fuck up.
Just you bring me my kids.
You gonna help me celebrate
my little girl's birthday,
then, Trish?
Fine.
You're not invited.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(PHONE RINGS)
GOODMAN: Is that Bunny?
(BANG!)
Bunny, what was that? (SNAPS
FINGERS) She's got a gun.
Bunny, is everyone
safe in there?
Bunny?
Don't call me
till my kids are outside.
(TENSE MUSIC)
TRISH: I can hold that
if you like.
You've done this before,
haven't you?
For your little sister
and brother?
How old are they?
What's it to you?
Just wondering if they miss you.
- And your mum and dad.
- He's not my fucking dad.
You don't know me. OK?
You're right.
I don't.
Tonyah,
I know this.
Your mum will be
really worried about you.
And I bet she loves you
very much.
She doesn't love me.
No, all she cares about is him.
And I'm-I'm not going
back to that house. Ever.
He's... He's a fucking creep.
Why's he a creep?
Ton?
Here.
I'm sorry.
Wasn't meant to be like this.
Let's just do the streamers.
(LIGHT-HEARTED MUSIC)
(LAUGHS)
Oh!
(BUNNY LAUGHS)
(PHONE RINGS)
Hello?
Are they coming?
I want a straight answer.
Are my children coming?
GOODMAN: Yeah.
Yeah, they're on their way.
We'll bring them in,
and you can have your party.
And after that,
we'll have a little chat.
But promise me you will not
hurt Trish and Tonyah.
Bunny?
And why should I believe you?
You have my word.
You have my word, Bunny.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Call me when they get here.
They coming?
They are never gonna
bring your kids here.
He gave me his word.
(CAR APPROACHES)
I can see them!
(LAUGHS)
They're here!
Told you.
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
Arsehole.
Fuckin' arsehole.
Oh, shit.
Oh, shit, shit, shit.
Shit, shit.
Oh, he lied.
Shit. Shit.
(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)
(BREATHES RAGGEDLY)
(PHONE RINGS)
(RINGING CONTINUES)
GOODMAN: Bunny?
Tonyah's parents are here.
They're very worried.
All they want is their
little girl home safe.
Please, can you give us a sign
that Tonyah is safe?
I'll go and have
a word with them.
I'll do it.
Ton.
It's OK, Bunny.
I'll speak to them.
Suspect still has
one hostage inside.
Do not approach the girl.
GRACE: Ton.
Baby, we've been
so worried about you.
Ton?
Darling?
You never even asked me
if it was true.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
TRISH: Come and eat something.
Come on, Bunny.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
GOODMAN ON MEGAPHONE: Bunny?
Bunny, I know how important
Reuben and Shannon are to you.
But it's our job
to keep them safe.
Now, I want you to listen
very carefully.
There are only two ways
that this can end.
Either you come out peacefully,
or we are coming in.
You have 15 minutes.
(DIALS PHONE)
(RINGING TONE)
Oh, kia ora.
It's Trish Reihana from GFS.
I need to speak to the
King children, please.
TRISH: We don't have very long.
- Hello?
- Reubs.
Mum?
I found you.
They moved us again.
Probably me, eh?
Fights at school.
I'm so stupid.
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
I'm sorry.
It's my fault they moved you.
I stuffed up.
I tried real hard to do
the birthday for Shan,...
but I kinda fucked up.
Shame.
REUBEN: Nah.
No shame.
Maybe next year?
Yeah.
Next year, eh?
Next year, eh, Reubs?
REUBEN: Yeah.
We had a really nice day.
I made Shan a cake.
I love you, Mum.
Oh, Reubs.
(PHONE CLICKS)
Reuben?
SHANNON: Mum, Mum,
it's my birthday!
Happy birthday to you.
(SHANNON GIGGLES)
- Happy birthday to you.
- Happy birthday to me.
- Happy birthday,...
- Happy birthday...
...dear Shannon.
...to me.
(SHANNON LAUGHS)
VOICE BREAKS: Happy birthday
to you.
Hip, hip, hooray!
Hip, hip, hooray!
Hip, hip, hooray!
SHANNON: Hip, hip, hooray!
(LAUGHS)
Happy birthday, my beautiful...
pegasus lion
unicorn girl.
I love you so much.
I have got so many presents
for you!
(SHANNON LAUGHS)
It's bedtime, Mummy.
I'm gonna go now.
I love you.
TEARFULLY: Happy birthday.
I'll speak to you real soon,
OK, baby?
Bye, baby. Bye.
- Bye!
- Bye, Mummy. Bye.
(CALL DISCONNECTS)
(HANGS UP PHONE)
(BUNNY SOBS QUIETLY)
It's time, Bunny.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
This is a shit place
for a birthday party.
RT: Movement at the front door.
Three persons, all female.
- Positive ID on Trish Reihana.
- Affirmative.
TRISH: Stay behind me.
I'll go first.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
I have a partial clear.
I'll see you real soon.
I wish I could drive
into a new life.
(KEYS JINGLE)
RT: Suspect reaching
for a weapon.
(GUNSHOT)
(BUNNY GROANS)
- (DOORS BANG)
- Don't move! Don't move!
(POLICE SHOUT)
- Show me your fucking hands!
- Bunny!
- Move!
- Bunny!
- Coming through!
- Bunny! Bunny!
- Clear!
- (BUNNY GASPS)
- Clear! Clear!
- Stay down, Bunny. Stay down.
- Hi, Bunny.
- Fuck!
I'm not the police.
I'm here to help you out.
- OK?
- Oh...
You have a single gunshot wound
to your left shoulder.
He missed my heart. (LAUGHS)
He did.
Oh, fuck. (LAUGHS)
They fucking shot me.
(GENTLE SYNTHPOP MUSIC)
WILLA AMAI: 25 years
and my life is still
trying to get up that
great big hill of hope
for a destination.
I realised quickly
when I knew I should
that the world was made
of this brotherhood of man,
for whatever that means.
So I cry sometimes
when I'm lying in bed,
to get it all out,
what's in my head.
I am feeling
a little peculiar.
Girl, your back window's filthy.
Shame.
Just going to cut through your
clothing to get to this wound.
Aw, man, that's my good bra.
(CHUCKLES) You're hilarious.
I... I...
I think I might just have a...
a little sleep.
O2.
See if you can stay awake
for me, Bunny.
Mm.
I need you to
keep fighting, hon.
OK?
Yeah.
That's the one.
You're a fighter.
I can tell you are.
Oh, yeah.
And so I wake in the morning
and I step outside
and I take a deep breath,
get real high,
and I scream,
'What's goin' on?'
And I said,
hey, hey, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
And I said,
hey, yeah, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
And I said,
hey, yeah, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?
And I said,
hey, yeah, ye-e-eah,
hey, yeah, yeah.
Said, hey,
what's goin' on?