The Monster She Married (2026) Movie Script

1
[Walkman playing music loudly]
[Shelley] Ew! Mom!
Ew, Roger's boxers are in the laundry!
So gross!
Why is he always here?
It's, like, our house.
[Jacqueline] Yeah, nice try.
It's my house.
Oh, you could, uh, start paying rent,
groceries, utilities.
Michael could help you,
seeing as he's always here.
Yeah, we broke up,
but don't worry, I'm not sad.
He was stupid.
[Jacqueline] Oh, I thought he was nice.
I kinda like this guy Matt now.
[Jacqueline] Another one?
We're all not lucky enough
to find someone like Roger...
Okay, yeah, don't say it.
Yeah, all right.
I'm sorry that your mother
is trying to find a partner.
I'm 40-something.
Geez, give me a break.
Well, I'm 15.
I'm allowed to have crushes.
Focus on school. Boys are overrated.
Speaking of, go, you're gonna be late.
I'll pick you up at 2:00
for your appointment.
Don't forget, okay?
Get that wheezing sorted.
That's what moms are for.
Thanks, Mom.
[Jacqueline] And turn down the music.
You're gonna go deaf!
Yeah, yeah...
Love you!
[Jacqueline] Always.
[]
Once around the sun
[Dr. Joseph Charalambous] Deep breath in.
[Shelley inhales]
- Hold it...
Now out.
[exhaling]
Good, yeah, lungs sound clear.
What exactly were you doing
when you were having
these breathing issues?
Running laps in gym class.
Let me guess, talking the whole time?
Actually, yeah.
Yeah, that explains it.
See, running and talking don't mix.
[Laughing]
Here, open up.
Say "Ahh."
[Shelley] Ahh...
Good. No swelling.
How about here, any tenderness?
No, feels fine.
Any more headaches?
Actually, no. Not anymore.
Good.
That could be the pill.
Some women find that
their headaches improve
while they're on it.
Still dating?
Nope.
Michael and I broke up.
Saw that coming.
Too immature, huh?
[scoffing] That's an understatement.
[chuckling]
Um, just gonna check your eyes real fast.
Wow, I've never noticed before,
you have very striking eyes.
[clicking pen light off]
Hey, how did it go?
[Shelley] Good.
Well, her asthma and allergies
are definitely the culprit again.
Just make sure you use your inhaler
on those gym days.
Ten minutes before activity,
not after you're already wheezing.
Okay.
Thank you, Doctor.
- Yeah.
Um...
I'm actually hosting a
little appreciation night
at my house tomorrow.
Just a casual get-together for
a few of my favorite patients,
and you're both welcome to come.
Sounds fun! We should go.
Yeah, it-it's nothing formal.
Just, uh, food, uh, fun,
great music, good company.
Well, that's really kind of you.
Uh, I think we're free?
Wonderful.
I look forward to it.
Starting to think loving you is crazy
Excuse me.
Hey!
Welcome!
Hi, Dr. Charalambous.
Oh, please, call me Joe.
Welcome, this is my house.
That's a really nice pool.
Oh, yeah, when my karate students,
when we have little parties for them,
they ask me to heat the pool
up to match the hot tub.
It costs a fortune,
but they love it. [Laughing]
[]
[Joseph laughs flirtatiously]
Uh, thank you so much for having us.
And showing us around.
Uh, it-it's late.
We need to get going.
Of course.
Here, let me... Let me show you out.
[Shelley laughs] Oh!
[Joseph] Oh, well, before you go, hop in.
[Shelley laughs]
Wow...
Look at you,
a driver,
with the heated seats.
It's a beauty.
It's like the cockpit of a plane.
[laughing]
I can't wait till I'm 16.
I wanna drive so bad.
[laughing] Well,
you should come for rides with me.
I'll teach you.
Uh... we need to go.
Oh, yeah, okay.
Here...
Call me when you're ready.
[Shelley giggles]
All right, you two take care.
[Jacqueline] Good night.
Good night.
Shelley, I need to tell you something.
What?
I am not comfortable
with the way he's talking to you.
Mom, he's just being friendly.
No, he isn't. You're 15.
He's being way too friendly.
We need to find another doctor.
[engine starting]
[Shelley] I don't know,
she just gets mad at everything lately.
[Joseph] Shelley, you're not difficult.
You're growing up.
Some parents can't handle that.
[Shelley] She just... she doesn't listen.
She thinks she knows everything about me.
[Joseph] Well,
she doesn't know the real you.
You're thoughtful, you're sensitive.
You...
You feel things deeply.
You deserve someone who actually listens.
Someone who wants to help
you figure things out.
Why don't we talk in person?
I can be there in ten minutes.
Now?
[Joseph] Only if you want to.
Just, you sound upset,
and I don't like the idea of
you being alone with all that.
I'll wait across the street.
Take your time.
Okay.
[Jacqueline] Shelley?
I'm home!
Shell?
[call ringing]
[Joseph] Hello?
Hi, whose number is this?
This is Joseph Charalambous.
Joseph?
[Joseph] Sorry, who is this?
This is Shelley's mother.
Why is she calling you?
[Joseph] Jacqueline.
Is she there?
[Joseph] It-It's not a good time.
She's upset.
You know, she'll talk
to you when she's ready.
What?
Ready? W-What the hell are you...?
[dial tone buzzing]
What?
[Joseph] I got it.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
I told you she's upset.
You both need to cool off.
Shelley?
Come on, we're leaving.
Shelley, now!
[Joseph] See?
This is why she's here. Look at you.
How long, Joseph?
How long has this been going on?
A couple months.
Shelley's decided
she wants to stay here for a
while, with me.
[Jacqueline] She is a minor!
[Joseph] She wants her independence,
and she's welcome here
as long as she wants.
Are you sleeping with her?
No,
but I am dating her,
and I'm introducing her
to some new friends.
I'm-I'm helping her with her education,
her self-respect.
What could you possibly
have in common with her?
She's 15!
She's very mature.
You're her doctor!
Shelley...
Shelley, look...
Can we...
Just, let's go home, okay?
Please?
Shelley, come on, let's go home, okay?
Come on!
[crying] Shelley!
Let's go home, please?
Okay, look, I-I'm gonna wait
in the car for you, okay?
I'm gonna wait in the car!
[Joseph] It's gonna be a long wait.
You drove her to me, Jacqueline,
by not being a proper mother!
I will make sure you lose
your license over this!
[front door closing]
Look at her.
She wants you to feel guilty.
That's all she ever does.
You need someone who believes in you.
Mm...
I'm exhausted.
Maybe because you came in at 2:00 a.m.
last night.
I didn't think you were awake.
Poker game went late.
Mm...
[sighing]
[toaster popping]
Danny, come on, let's go.
Eat up.
[Joseph] Good morning, good morning.
[growling affectionately]
Hey.
- Mm.
Hey!
Hey, doctor tax, you got it.
Hey, one more thing.
Call a babysitter for this afternoon.
I need you to fill in for Rachel,
say, um... 1:00 p.m. sharp?
Again?
You're so good at it.
The patients love you.
[Shelley] It's park day.
And we've got swimming lessons.
Go tomorrow.
This is important, okay?
She has some family emergency.
What if I can't find someone that quick?
What about Beth?
It's short notice.
Okay, well, she's retired,
and she spends her day gardening,
and feeding her cats, right? [Chuckling]
I'll try and give her a call.
Good.
[kissing]
Sunglasses?
Thank you.
Love you guys, bye.
[kids repeating playfully]
Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye...
Boys, please!
Eat up.
[repeating playfully] Bye,
bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
bye, bye, bye, bye...
[increasing volume] Bye!
[Joseph] So, how's school?
[Sian] It's finishing up.
Still doing Track?
Yeah.
[Joseph chuckles]
That explains the muscle tone.
[Shelley] It shouldn't be too long.
About ten minutes.
Shelley?
Hey!
- Hi.
I didn't know you were working today.
Yeah, last-minute emergency.
Must be hard with the kid struggle.
Well, a mother's work is never done.
Well, I say that too,
but the girls are gonna
be flying the coop soon.
[Shelley] Well,
you can always work reception.
[laughing]
Hey, there you are, sweetheart.
Are you okay?
Oh, yeah, Sian checked out just fine.
Shelley, send in who's next.
Come on, sweetheart, let's go home.
[quietly] You okay?
[]
[]
[starting engine]
There she is! Ha!
We survived, didn't we? Hey?
[boys] Yeah!
Oh, boy...
Looks like you did a
lot more than survive.
[kissing] M'wah! M'wah!
Okay, behold, behold, modern art.
Yes, we did a whole series.
[Shelley laughing]
I'm thinking of submitting
them to the Louvre.
What's a Louvre?
A really big fridge
where fancy people put their drawings.
You didn't spoil them too much, did you?
Me? Oh, never, no.
Unless you count the cookies,
and the glitter,
and the fact that they now
think I am way cooler than you.
Traitor. [Chuckling]
So, Joseph's still working?
Uh, he's got a meeting,
and then he's got his classes.
[Beth] He's busy.
Oh, yeah, he's busy, all right.
Yeah, well, you know what?
If you ever need a hand, seriously,
you just call me anytime.
You're a good friend, Beth.
[Beth] So are you.
Okay, you little rascals,
I'll see ya again, okay?
[boys] Bye.
Bye!
- Thank you!
[Beth] You're welcome.
Karate is not just about defense.
It's about clarity.
Precision.
It's about knowing what you want.
You want respect?
Take it.
You want freedom?
Fight for it.
You want peace?
Earn it.
Kata formation.
[students exhaling]
Show me who you are.
Hajime!
Go!
[counting out moves]
Go!
[shouting]
[students all shout together]
Yame.
[door opening] Hey, um,
I'm having a little fashion emergency.
I'm just gonna steal this black top again.
You alive?
Sian?
What's going on?
Nothing, I'm just
tired.
I'm your sister. I know when you're lying.
Okay.
Talk to me.
Something
happened with Dr. Charalambous.
What do you mean?
At my last check-up,
he said how much I'd grown up,
and then
he leaned in and
kissed me.
And now that I think about it,
there were other times too.
Stuff I guess I just...
I didn't understand back then.
[whispering] Sian...
And I didn't know how to tell anyone.
I thought
maybe I imagined it,
or maybe... maybe I did something wrong.
No, no, hey,
no way.
You didn't do anything wrong, okay?
He did something to me too.
What?
When?
Uh, after New Year's.
I, um...
I told him I quit smoking,
and... he smiled,
and he said he was proud of me,
and then he
he leaned in, and he kissed me.
A-a real kiss.
Katie...
Hey...
M-Mom, Dad, we need to talk.
It's serious.
Okay...
How serious?
It's about Dr. Charalambous.
[telephone ringing]
[Joseph] Hello?
It's Jacqueline.
Jacqueline,
you should know better than to call here.
Joseph, let me speak to her.
It's about her grandfather.
Okay.
Go ahead.
Shelley, please
don't hang up, okay?
It's about your grandfather.
He had a quadruple bypass,
and they don't know
if he's gonna make it through the week.
I'm not sure what you want me to do.
Just come and visit him.
He keeps asking for you.
Just come for a few minutes, please?
I can't.
Not right now.
Shelley, please.
He loves you.
He's scared.
Shelley, we all are.
Please?
Mom, I wish I could be there, but I can't.
Please stop calling.
No! Please?
Please...
Shelley, no... [crying]
[disconnecting call]
You okay?
[hanging up telephone]
It's my grandfather...
Yeah, and your mother's
using that to pull you back.
She knows exactly which buttons to push.
Hey, hey...
She tried to take everything away from me,
including you,
you know that.
[sighing] Well, I have karate tonight.
Uh, can you have some
dinner ready when I'm back?
Hey, bud.
Hey!
- Mommy?
Why aren't you getting ready for bed?
I heard you and Daddy
talking about Grannie.
Yeah, we were.
How come we never get to see her?
She's just...
She's-she's busy.
Hey, how about a bedtime story?
Yeah!
Okay, let's go.
[Joseph] Don't be the victim.
Don't say, "Poor me,
I didn't see it coming."
You never know what's going to happen.
Someone grabs your hand,
you take them down!
You know what to do!
[Jacqueline] Please bring her back to me.
Keep Shelley and the children safe.
Help her see through all of his lies.
Keep them safe from that monster
who keeps her locked away from us.
That's it.
Your statements are complete.
What happens now?
We gather your records and logs,
then file your complaints
with the College of Physicians
of British Columbia.
Do the hearings have to be separate?
Yes.
It avoids cross-contamination
of testimony.
Just so you know,
this is a
disciplinary process,
not criminal court.
If anything crosses the line,
we notify police.
You're doing the right thing.
Your parents have a lot to be proud of.
You sure we can nail this guy?
Very.
It's only been a few years
since he finished serving
a six-month suspension.
What do you mean, suspension?
I thought he was on some
sort of extended vacation.
[sighing]
Dr. Charalambous crossed a line
with a teenage patient.
It should have destroyed his career,
but somehow he survived it.
What happened to the patient?
[investigator] That
patient became his wife.
So, the College sent the letter.
Complaint's in.
[Shelley] What did they say?
[Joseph] It's baseless. Frivolous.
I didn't fondle or kiss anyone.
[Shelley] Are they gonna drop it?
[he sighs] Long before it
ever reaches a hearing.
We've been through this before.
Just the College dragging its feet.
It'll be fine.
Just bureaucrats with
nothing better to do.
Can you grab those?
[squealing excitedly]
[laughing]
You got it?
Yup.
Okay.
[clinking glasses]
Mm!
Dude, we should have, uh,
Joanna and Heather over.
Do, like, a...
a celebration of our freedom.
[Susan] Freedom?
You're never truly free,
not with me as your mother.
Oh, look at my new
tenants getting creative,
but before you get too comfortable,
remember the family discount
only applies to rent.
It does not cover noise complaints,
emotional support,
or me having to hear you two argue
over whatever sisters argue about.
[Sian] We don't argue... that much.
[Katie] Thank you, Aunt Jill.
Seriously, we never could have afforded
a place this nice without you.
Just remember,
you're my extra set of eyes down here.
No parties.
But... boys are okay?
Oh, don't you worry.
If they so much as think about a party,
I will be down those stairs
faster than you can
say "security deposit."
[whispering] Security deposit.
Security deposit...
[all laughing]
[keypad beeping]
[call ringing]
[telephone ringing]
Hello?
Hello. Hi, Katie.
It's Dr. Charalambous.
Listen, um,
uh, I got this letter
from the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, and...
I'm guessing you know about that, huh?
Uh-huh.
I called because...
I was your doctor for a long time, right?
[Katie] Uh-huh.
[Joseph] And I never hugged you
or kissed you on the mouth, right?
I really don't think
I'm supposed to be talking to you.
I-I know, but this
this whole thing is...
is gonna get out of control.
There'll be a hearing,
we'll subpoena your parents.
It's...
It's gonna get big, and...
I-I didn't do anything.
You came in upset
about your boyfriend,
your parents, and...
And I was there for you.
I... I looked after you.
If you don't like me, fine,
it's a free country,
but [scoffing]
saying I did something I didn't,
that-that's not right.
You did kiss us both,
and you shouldn't be calling
here, it's unfair.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I...
I-I-I'm not angry.
I'm-I'm just trying to understand.
I... I didn't do that.
Yes, you did.
What you did... was wrong.
[sighing]
See, y-y-you're not remembering correctly.
I-I treated you with-with respect.
I looked after your parents.
Please don't call here again.
Okay.
All right, um...
Bye.
[turning off tape recorder]
[hanging up phone]
I can't believe he did that.
This isn't right.
We're reporting this.
Yeah.
[Joseph sighs]
They're committed.
There's gotta be some way to
stop them from testifying.
You do understand
I never kissed them. I never touched them.
They're lying.
I believe you.
Of course you do.
Put a date and time on that,
and then, um, put it in their file,
just in case.
[sighing]
This is a strongly worded letter, Joe.
You can't contact witnesses.
It was just one phone call.
I know, but from their position,
it looks like pressure.
You can't let these girls
get under your skin,
and under no circumstances
should you talk to them again.
How serious is this?
It's serious.
I want to be honest with you both.
I can't guarantee an acquittal.
But it's a possibility.
Basically, it's their word against yours.
What are my chances?
Now, even if the ruling goes against you,
you know, historically
the Canadian College of Physicians
does not permanently terminate doctors.
Worst case,
you're looking at six months to a year.
[]
[Joseph] I need a second opinion
on how to deal with these sisters.
I'm gonna track down Brian West.
Who's Brian?
What can he do?
He's just an old friend
who has a knack for
making problems disappear.
[]
[]
He's close.
Is he gonna find us?
[Shelley] Only if we move.
Got ya!
- [squealing]
[laughing]
Okay, now you guys go hide.
Come on!
I'll find you.
[Joseph] Shelley!
I need to head into the office,
finish up some paperwork.
On a Sunday?
Everything okay?
Everything's fine.
I won't be long.
[]
[car engine starting]
[wincing]
We need to talk.
About what?
Um...
I was...
I was careless.
I was with someone else,
a prostitute,
and now I'm in pain.
I don't understand. Why-why would you...?
No, no, no, you just...
You just need to listen, okay?
I lost control.
I-I gave into my urges, and I'm-I'm sorry.
Have you done this before?
No, never.
You have to understand,
sometimes these things just happen.
These things do not just happen...
[blow landing]
[whimpering]
[Joseph sighs]
God, look at me.
You drove me to do this.
You pull away.
Don't make this harder
than it has to be, okay?
Now
are you gonna do what you're told?
Good.
[opening paper bag]
One syringe each,
and then we can move on,
and leave this behind us
like nothing ever happened.
Turn around.
Breathe.
It's just medicine.
[wincing]
Good girl.
Okay.
Steady hand...
Just do it.
Don't hesitate.
Damn it!
God, that hurt!
[Shelley] Sorry, I didn't mean to.
[telephone ringing]
[Joseph sighs]
[telephone ringing]
[Joseph] Brian, hey!
Been trying to get a hold of you.
What've you been up to?
[Shelley cries softly]
[Joseph] Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's great.
Okay, I'll see you soon.
Hey, we got Brian coming over in an hour.
Put on something nice.
Yeah.
Thanks, Shelley.
I've got someone we can trust.
He's a customer, owes me a lot of money.
[Joseph] Has he
delivered before?
[Brian] He's handled jobs, yeah.
Kept his mouth shut.
No loose ends.
[Joseph] You think he'll
understand the urgency?
[Brian] He'll get it, yeah.
I'll stop by, feel him out.
[Joseph] Good.
Yeah, see what he thinks,
and then we can discuss payment.
I owe you.
[Brian] Hell yeah, you do.
I always got your back.
[clinking bottles]
[sighing]
[banging]
[Brian] David.
Oh, hey, Brian.
What's up?
We need to talk.
[door opening]
[gasping]
[Sian] Oh, my... Katie!
[exhaling] Oh,
I don't have class until later.
[Katie] Sorry, didn't mean to wake you.
Just borrowing your shoes.
[Sian] They're too small on you.
Yeah, they're so cute, though.
Style is pain, so...
[groaning]
[Katie] Um, don't forget the cake.
Safeway. Party tonight.
[Sian] Yeah, I haven't forgotten.
Have a good day at work.
[Katie] Love ya!
[Sian groans sleepily]
[]
[boy] Mom, come on,
we're going to be late for school!
[children playing]
First week jitters?
He's excited.
I'm the wreck.
I get it.
Mine cried for three days straight.
I joined her.
I'm, uh, I'm James, by the way.
Shelley.
Don't, uh, think I've seen you around.
You live nearby?
A few blocks.
You?
Richmond.
I'm a police officer down there.
[school bell ringing]
Well, um, maybe I'll see you around.
Maybe.
[scraping key along car]
Yeah, Saturday works.
I'll bring the wine if
you bring the music.
[knocking on door]
Oh, hang on, someone's at the door.
Hi. Hey.
Uh, sorry,
I accidentally scratched your Jeep.
What? I...
[David] Yeah.
Kim, I'll call you back.
[Sian sighs]
Oh, no.
What... what the hell...?
How did you... how did you do this?
I'm sorry. I was just driving by...
You better pay for this!
Yeah, absolutely, um...
Hey.
I have my insurance papers here,
and then we can just fill them out?
[Sian mutters] I can't believe this.
Um, do you think I can use your bathroom?
[Sian] Right now?
Just, uh... it'll-it'll be quick.
[Sian] I'm kind of in
the middle of something.
I get it, yeah.
Um, it's just it's... it's urgent.
Yeah, fine, um, just
down the hall to your right.
[David] Thanks.
[gun rattling]
[gasping]
[shooting, Sian screams]
[shooting repeatedly]
- No! No!
[call ringing]
Hi, you've reached Sian,
and Katie!
- [Sian] Leave a message.
[together] Beep!
Just seeing if you two are in.
I can drop off your party snacks.
Sian?
Oh, my God! Sian!
[sobbing] Sian!
[news] Breaking tonight in
Surrey, British Columbia,
where a 19-year-old woman
identified as Sian Simmonds
has been found dead in her home.
Authorities say her body was discovered
around noon today by her aunt.
Oh, my God. Sian...
Investigators have been
canvassing the area
and speaking with witnesses...
[turning off television]
I'm going out.
Don't answer the phone till I'm back.
What?
W-Why would someone
break in and shoot Sian?
We don't know.
- Oh, my god.
Listen, all I can tell you at this time
is what you already know.
Was she...?
[officer] We don't think so,
but there will be an autopsy,
and then we'll have some more answers.
I'll call you with any updates later,
all right?
- [Katie] Thank you.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thank you. [Sobbing]
Listen, um...
I don't know if this is relevant,
but, uh, Sian and Katie
accused their doctor
of, uh, molesting them.
Uh, they were supposed
to testify next month.
What's the doctor's name?
Uh, Dr. uh, Charalambous.
Uh, Joseph Charalambous.
That's definitely motive.
I'll run him and his associates
and anyone who benefits.
I'll keep you posted.
You're home late.
[Joseph sighs]
Where were you?
[birds singing]
Hey, you have to leave
the house when I leave.
Don't come back until you phone
and find me home first.
So I guess I won't take the kids, then?
No! Don't do anything different.
Just drop them off.
Just don't come home until
you call and I'm home.
Why can't I come back...?
Don't... question me!
Hey, hey, hey, hey. Shh...
Just call before you come home.
[knocking firmly]
Police!
Freeze!
[grunting]
Aah!
I didn't do nothing!
You're under arrest
for the first-degree
murder of Sian Simmonds.
You have the right to
retain and instruct counsel.
You are not obliged to say anything,
but anything you do say
may be used against you in court.
Do you understand the rights
that I've just read you?
Five Delta 14.
Suspect under arrest.
They got the guy that
killed Sian Simmonds.
[Shelley] How did they get him so fast?
[Joseph] I dunno, DNA, maybe?
God, I don't understand.
He had the tools, he had a plan...
Oh, here it is, here it is.
What?
They're gonna cremate her.
Okay, just, um...
Here, put it in the Simmonds file,
just in case.
[]
[Joseph] Your opponents
don't care about your form,
your stance, your skill.
They simply want to hurt you.
You end it before they get the chance.
That is control.
You hesitate, you lose.
You flinch
you bleed.
[student grunting with effort]
[Joseph shouts] H'yah!
Strike fast!
That's how you end a threat.
[news report] For her family and friends,
it's almost impossible to believe
that just days ago she was alive,
young, vibrant, and full of promise.
Today, the overwhelming sentiment
among those here is disbelief,
a sense that none of them
should be attending a funeral so soon.
[Joseph] She looks
depressed.
[Shelley] She lost her daughter.
People don't realize how
quickly things spiral.
One accusation, one rumor
lives get ruined.
[Shelley] You mean theirs?
I mean anyone's.
[turning TV off]
Is this really the best you can do?
[food clattering]
I'm gonna step out for a bit.
[Shelley] Where?
[Joseph] Don't answer
the phone until I'm back.
[door closing]
[turning TV back on]
[news report] While a
suspect is in custody,
investigators caution
that several questions remain unanswered.
RCMP are urging anyone with information
related to the murder of Sian Simmonds
to come forward.
[knocking on bedroom door]
The, uh, detectives came by again.
They're not saying much,
but what they're saying about him...
[sighing]
Katie
they think that Dr. Charalambous
is connected to what happened to Sian.
So... what happens now?
Well, they're gonna keep somebody close,
keep an eye out.
Listen, the, uh,
the hearing with the College
is in two days.
We can postpone it if you want.
No one would blame you...
No.
- Are you sure?
No!
People need to know he's dangerous.
If I
if I back out now, it's like
what was the point of any of this?
[footsteps approaching]
[Shelley] Beth's here.
It's ridiculous we even need a babysitter.
This whole hearing is
just a waste of time.
If it's such a waste,
maybe I could stay home with the kids?
Let you focus.
No, absolutely not.
You're coming, okay?
I need you there.
I need you to support me.
Well, it's almost over, right?
[Joseph] There's no way in
hell that they're gonna show.
[slamming dresser]
[seething]
You said you didn't do anything wrong,
so you have nothing to worry about.
[footsteps retreating]
[sighing]
[Chris] We don't have to go.
Not today.
Thank you.
Unfortunately,
due to a recent death in the family,
Katie Simmonds isn't coming.
The hearing is canceled.
I told you.
I told you she wouldn't come.
Come on.
[]
[over intercom] Joseph,
there's two officers here to see you.
Yeah, send them in.
[clearing throat]
Gentlemen, how can I help you?
Corporal Reid, RCMP Major Crimes.
This is Officer Collins.
Hi.
We're investigating the
death of Sian Simmonds.
She was one of your patients?
[Joseph] Yeah, she was.
I'm sorry,
what does this have to do with me?
Oh, well, uh, we've charged a man,
a David Schlender,
with her murder, but
the thing we can't figure out
is why would he target her.
Have you heard that name before?
No, no, I'm-I'm...
No, I'm pretty sure I haven't.
No, well, of course, we also know
that she filed a complaint against you.
[Joseph] Yeah, well,
I-I haven't actually seen her
since then, um,
but if it helps,
you can get the complaint
from the College.
Uh, it was nothing serious.
Um, yeah, I'm-I'm sorry I
couldn't be more useful,
but if anything comes to mind,
I'll be sure to reach out.
[Reid] All right, we'll be in touch.
All right.
Have a good day, sir.
- Yeah, you too.
[quietly] Let's have the court
authorize audio surveillance
and phone intercepts for his
home, car, and office.
I'm on it.
I was thinking of taking
the kids to the fairground?
[Joseph] No.
We're gonna go for a drive
around Stanley Park.
Okay.
We can do that.
[van door sliding shut]
[Ben] So, where should we go?
Can we go to the trampoline?
And the amusement park?
[Shelley] And the amusement park?
Maybe we just pick one for the day?
[Ben] Oh, fun!
[Danny] Can we please go...
No, trampoline park!
Please, Mom, trampoline park?
[Shelley] Trampoline?
[grunting playfully]
Mom, Ben kicked me!
No, I didn't! He's lying!
Hey, hey!
You two sit still, okay?
Anything?
There
there might be a car following
us, I don't know.
[Joseph] Might be that same car
that was outside of
our place this morning.
Here, right up here.
Turn down this alleyway right here,
and let me out.
[Danny] Daddy, where are we going?
Just... just for a drive.
Uh, Daddy's gotta do something.
[Shelley] Where should we meet you?
That alleyway off of Denman,
that old building?
Meet me there in an hour.
Okay, right here's good.
Okay. Right.
See you.
What about this one?
What are you gonna name him?
- Yummy!
Hey! Were you followed?
[Shelley] No. What-what's happening?
Okay, I need you to drive.
Go. Come on, kids, let's go!
Get in there, Ben.
Buckle up.
We're going on a little
adventure here. Okay.
[engine starting]
[Joseph] Okay.
- [Shelley] You okay, sweetie?
[Joseph] Let's go, let's go, let's go.
I met Brian in the park,
gave him more money.
[sighing]
Oh...
He looks different.
He's got... he's got red hair now.
He cut it off, too.
[Shelley] He's hiding?
[Joseph] No, he's...
he's moving to Amsterdam.
He's got someone there he can live with.
We gotta get out of Canada.
I think I need to go to Greece.
There's too much heat here for me.
[Shelley] You
you want me to stay?
[Joseph] No.
No, we have to emigrate together.
Otherwise
the cops will just use you
as a pawn to get to me.
Mom, come on, we gotta go!
Okay, buddy. Get your shoes on.
I'll be right there.
[kids laughing]
[van door sliding shut]
[Ben] Mom, is this gonna be a long drive?
[]
Shelley?
Hey!
Hey, we meet again.
Looks like we're on the same schedule.
I'm not complaining.
Hey, uh, you got time for a coffee?
Yeah. I'd love one.
So, is it just the, uh, the one kid?
Actually, it's two little monsters.
Ah...
Between daycare, school,
and helping at the office,
it's... a lot.
I get it.
Between my police work and my daughter,
I am running on fumes half the time.
How old are you?
I'm 24.
Got married young.
Yeah, young enough.
This is nice,
talking to someone who gets the kid chaos.
Been a while since I've had that.
Me too.
[knocking on door]
Mrs. Charalambous?
Yes?
Corporal Reid.
This is Officer Collins.
We're local RCMP out here in Surrey.
We need to ask you
about the murder of Sian Simmonds.
It was horribly tragic,
but I don't have any information.
[Reid] Look,
we don't think you were involved,
but we need to know from you,
did you or your husband
have any contact with Miss Simmonds
before her murder?
N-No.
No contact.
We're also aware of the allegations
the Simmonds sisters made
against your husband.
Do you care to comment on that?
No, I-I don't have anything to say.
You sure?
Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure.
- [children's voices]
Listen, I've got my hands full today.
I'm just about to head out the door.
I have two kids.
[Reid] Oh, I get it,
I've got two of my own.
Listen, if you do change your mind
and you have something to say,
give us a call.
Thanks for your time.
What?
We need to talk.
The police came.
What is it?
It was two officers.
They asked about Sian,
and they gave me a card.
Reid.
He-he was at my office five days ago.
Police headquarters, Heather Street...
What exactly did you tell them?
[Shelley] The truth.
I told them that you weren't home,
and that I didn't know anything.
[exhaling]
Okay, I-I'm gonna drive over there.
See if I recognize any of the cars
that have been following us.
Joseph, maybe we should just...
No, I-I-I need to know what they know.
Just...
[]
[hammer tapping]
[Joseph] Shelley!
Shelley!
Hey!
Where were you? I was calling for you.
Schlender pled guilty.
Second degree.
Oh, really?
- [Joseph sighs]
[Shelley] That was fast.
[Joseph[ He mishandled things,
and now he's gonna cut a deal.
[sighing]
People talk.
People panic,
and when they do,
we have to be careful.
But you
you never crack under pressure.
I've always admired that.
I'm trying.
It's been a lot lately.
[Shelley gasps]
[whispering] Please...
[quietly] Shelley...
Do you remember where
you were when I met you?
What your life looked like?
I gave you stability.
I gave you a family, a home.
You didn't have that before.
I know.
[gasping]
Good.
[whispering] Don't forget that.
Hey... [chuckling]
Why don't you wear that
lipstick that I love?
It makes you look so much better.
[gasping]
[dishes stacking]
[tap water running]
Please, no.
[pot clanging]
You smell good.
Not here.
Not-not in the kitchen.
Hey... why not?
Kids are asleep.
Joseph!
Hey, you don't have to pretend with me.
[Shelley whimpering]
You're my wife. [Heavy breathing]
Joseph, stop!
[Shelley crying]
Joseph, please, I-I-I said no! No!
[shattering]
[breathing shakily]
[Joseph] Okay.
[breathing deeper]
[screaming in terror]
[Joseph] You think I don't see it?
The way you look at me?
Like I'm the enemy?
[crying] No, no, I don't...
No, I don't! Please!
[glass shattering] Don't lie to me.
Everyone's lying to me!
[dishes smashing, Shelley screaming]
Joseph, no!
[smashing dishes]
[sobbing] Please, please, please...
[Joseph] You're making me do this!
[Shelley] No! Please, Joseph...
Do you have any idea what it's like?
[sobbing] Please...
Everyone watching me,
waiting for me to slip!
Even you!
You're pulling away.
[dishes smashing, Joseph shouting]
We gotta stop this. He could kill her.
[Joseph groans]
[Shelley sobbing] No...
Wait, wait, wait.
If we're gonna blow our cover,
we need to be absolutely sure.
Then we call it in.
We can blame it on neighbors
hearing a domestic dispute.
Lookit, honey, I'm here, okay?
I'm here, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here.
I'm with you. I'm with you.
Come with me.
Let's go talk in the bedroom.
Wait.
[Shelley] Look... I'm here.
Oh...
You know what scares me?
Not the College.
Not the cops.
You.
Because if you ever turn on me,
if you ever talk, I...
Everything I've built disappears.
[Danny knocks] Mommy? Are you okay?
I'm fine, sweetheart.
Go back to bed.
I-I'll be there soon.
If you ever go to the cops,
I will find you.
Doesn't matter where I am.
Doesn't matter how much it cost.
I won't let you destroy me.
[crying]
Clean yourself up.
The kids need you.
[sobbing]
[]
Drink?
[Joseph] Ice cold.
We should get married.
[Shelley] What?
[Joseph] It solves everything.
The College can't accuse me
of living with someone I'm married to.
It makes their case look foolish.
But... my mom, she...
Shelley, your mother has
never understood you.
She's always putting doubts in your head.
Lying about us to anyone who listens.
[Chuckling]
I know.
Hey, Shelley... look at me.
You and I both know
that you wouldn't have any of this
if it weren't for me.
Everything here, this-this-this house,
this life,
I made that happen,
and now it's your turn to steady the ship,
to protect what we've built.
We will, um
we'll fix up your birth certificate.
Say you're 19.
No one will question that,
and then we'll get married in Vegas.
Ah!
[laughing]
Quick, quiet, fun!
[laughing]
You want all this to go away, don't you?
The whispers, the lies...?
You... you want me safe.
And this is how.
You make us untouchable,
and I'll take care of the rest.
[Joseph sighs happily]
[telephone ringing]
[telephone ringing]
[call ringing]
[whispering] Come on, Mom, please...
[call ringing]
I need you.
[answering machine] Hi,
you've reached Jacqueline.
Please leave a message.
[breathing hard]
[dialing]
[call ringing]
[crying] Beth, it's me.
[Beth] Shelley?
Are you okay? What happened?
I can't do this anymore.
[over intercom] Joseph,
you've got a long lunch.
Your 2:30 just canceled.
[chuckling]
Perfect, thank you.
You know, I'm actually gonna head home
and surprise Shelley.
Mom!
Mom, where are we going?
- What's happening?
Come on, a little trip. Just us, okay?
Okay.
In you go.
[door sliding shut]
Where are we going?
[Joseph calling] Shelley?
Hey, I got something for you.
Shelley?
Hey, Shelley!
Come on...
Shelley?
Damn it.
Shelley!
[Shelley crying]
I don't know why I let
it go on for so long.
[Beth] Shelley,
women don't stay because they're weak.
They stay because
someone made them doubt their own reality.
[Shelley] He made me believe
that staying silent was safer.
Yeah, I know, that's what they...
these men do.
He used fear. He-he isolated you.
He cut you off from everyone.
None of this...
none of this was your fault.
I can't go back.
Not after last night. Not ever.
[Beth] No, and you don't have to.
Now, I have a friend
who works at the women's shelter,
and you and the boys,
you can stay there a few days,
and then we'll figure
out the next steps, okay?
I need to talk to the police.
[Beth] Do you know someone?
[Shelley] There's an officer
I met at Ben's school.
James.
He'll believe me.
[James] I'll check us in.
[James] Can I speak to Corporal
Reid, please?
Thank you.
Hi, I'm James Howard.
I'm RCMP, currently off duty.
I'm calling on behalf of my friend,
Shelley Charalambous.
She'd like to meet with
you, off the record.
No, she'd like for you to come alone.
We're at the Richmond Women's Shelter.
Great. Okay, thank you.
We'll, uh, we'll see you then.
He's coming straight here.
Should be about 20 minutes.
So, what is he gonna do?
What if he thinks I'm involved?
Shelley,
he's gonna listen,
and he's gonna understand.
You made the right decision.
[dialing phone]
[call ringing]
Pick up, pick up...
Beth! It's Dr. Charalambous.
Where's Shelley?
Stop lying! I know you know!
[phone clattering]
[Reid] How are you holding up?
[Shelley] Scared.
I don't know if you'll believe me,
and I don't know if you
can protect my kids.
Look, I take every word seriously.
I'm not here to judge you.
I'm here to keep you all protected.
Do you want to lay charges?
No.
[Reid] Okay.
You should really think about that.
Shelley
how much do you know about your husband?
Not as much I thought.
We've had dealings with him in the past.
He's connected to sex workers,
he's got a prior assault conviction,
and he associates with known criminals,
including an alleged drug dealer
named Brian West.
Now, we believe Mr. West
is the one who hired the hitman
to kill Sian Simmonds.
How long have you been investigating him?
Two months,
and we're close,
but he's careful,
so we don't have all the pieces yet.
I think I can help with that.
You'll stay here a couple weeks.
We'll reassess after the trial starts.
Here's your weekly cash for groceries.
You need to fill out these forms, um,
emergency contacts,
movement logs.
There's a list of restrictions,
um, nothing complicated,
and this stays on you always.
It's three numbers,
me, the unit supervisor,
and emergency dispatch.
What about school?
We'll arrange temporary daycare
and enrollment under your maiden name.
No photos, no public records.
Boys!
I know it's a lot,
but you're a three-hour drive from Joseph,
and you're all safe.
That's what matters.
I'll check in tomorrow.
Mom
is Daddy gonna live here too?
A doctor is someone to be trusted.
We bring our children up to believe that,
so for me to realize now
that I may have made a
a terrible mistake,
a life-altering mistake...
I'll have to live with that
for the rest of my life.
[Katie] I feel like I've lost half myself,
because I... I loved her so much.
I'm so sorry, Katie.
[clicking off television]
[siren chirping]
Hands on the dash! Now!
Do not move until I open the door!
[Joseph groaning] Mm...
[Reid] Step out of the car.
[Joseph] Yes, sir.
This is ridiculous.
What the...? [Sighing] Come on!
You are under arrest...
- [laughing] This is,
for the first-degree
murder of Sian Simmonds.
You have the right to
retain and instruct counsel
without delay.
[Joseph] Uh-huh. What else?
You are not obliged to say anything,
but anything you do say
may be given in evidence...
[sirens wailing]
[groaning]
[Corporal Reid] Shelley?
Okay.
It's done.
He's in custody.
[hanging up telephone]
[exhaling]
I've never been in a courtroom before.
Well, uh, you'll be sworn in.
Answer only what's asked.
If you don't understand, say so,
and if you don't remember,
say you don't remember.
The last time I saw him, he beat me,
and now I have to sit there
with him staring at me.
He will be there,
and he may try to intimidate you.
That's why we prepare.
I'll only testify if I
know my kids are safe.
We'll provide protection,
but only you can decide
if telling the truth is worth it.
[Judge] Mr. Charalambous, please stand.
Listen carefully to the
charges against you.
Count one,
that you, on or about January 27, 1993,
at or near Surrey, British Columbia,
together with Brian Gerald West
and David Walter Schlender,
did commit first-degree murder
on the person of Sian Simmonds.
How do you plead?
Not guilty, My Lord.
[]
[exhaling]
[]
[clamoring]
[protesters shouting]
[clerk] Place your left hand on the Bible
and raise your right.
Do you swear that the
evidence you shall give
shall be the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth?
I do.
Ms. Charalambous,
did your husband ever discuss with you
harming the Simmonds sisters?
[Shelley] Yes.
He said it was the only way
to stop them from testifying.
Did your husband ever describe
how Sian Simmonds was killed?
He said Schlender scratched her vehicle...
[key scraping]
He went to her house to apologize.
[David] Sorry,
I accidentally scratched your Jeep.
She was furious.
He-he shot her.
[gunshot]
[panting]
Where did your husband
get this information?
[Shelley] Schlender told Brian West.
West told Joseph.
Ms. Charalambous, why testify now?
Because this is the first time in my life
I get to speak without him
deciding what happens next.
He doesn't get to own me anymore.
[protesters shouting]
It's the seventh day of trial,
and the second day of testimony
for Shelley Charalambous,
wife of accused Surrey
doctor Joseph Charalambous.
Protesters here say
this case represents a betrayal of trust,
a doctor accused of
killing his own patient.
Today, Shelley's words on
the stand will be pivotal
in determining whether the
Crown can prove its case.
Ms. Charalambous
what prompted you to go to the police
after you left your husband?
[Shelley] I knew he'd done it.
I knew he murdered Sian Simmonds,
and I couldn't let him get away with it.
[defense attorney] Mm.
Most people would have
gone to their friends
or their family.
You didn't do that. Why not?
[Shelley] I was isolated.
I'd barely spoken to my
mother in nine years.
Joseph forbade it.
He told me she was evil,
that she got him suspended
and ruined his life,
and after hearing that
every day for years,
I started to believe it.
I started to believe
I didn't want to talk to my own mother,
but that wasn't me.
That was him.
It sounds to me like you could've left
any time you wanted.
I mean, you weren't
exactly being held captive.
Objection, sir.
[Judge] Sustained.
Counsel? Stick to facts.
You were your husband's office manager,
is that correct?
[Shelley] Yes, but in name, mostly.
I ran it under his instructions.
It was a tax thing.
I knew some of the finances.
I knew what he made,
but not what he owed or spent.
Just like I didn't know
that he was kissing patients
or seeing sex workers on his lunch break.
Now, you threw that in
simply to make him look bad,
isn't that right?
Maybe, sir.
Maybe?
It's not that hard.
When he beat me, it wasn't just slaps...
[sobbing]
[plate smashing]
Sometimes it was punches
kicks
from a man who's trained in
martial arts for 20 years.
I'm sure you can imagine
what that felt like.
[Judge] The trial will conclude for today.
We will reconvene tomorrow morning.
[Shelley] I felt like I was
shaking the entire time.
Well, we couldn't tell.
You told the truth. That's what matters.
Everything okay?
Would it be possible for me to
speak to the Simmonds family?
I'd like to offer my
condolences about Sian.
I'll-I'll ask them.
[exhaling]
[sighing heavily]
Mr. Simmonds, thank you for coming.
I'm so sorry,
for Sian,
for not speaking up sooner.
I was scared.
[Chris chuckles ruefully]
Yeah, we didn't know,
not until you took the stand,
but after hearing you,
we know you weren't a part of this.
[gasping]
[whispering] Thank you.
You don't know what that means.
[clerk] Do you swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth?
I do.
Dr. Charalambous,
were you concerned
that the complaint against
you by Sian Simmonds
could cost you your medical license?
No, my view was
that the outcome would be very positive.
I-I thought we would win.
And if that wasn't the outcome?
[Joseph] Maybe a six-month suspension?
Nothing more.
Tell me, Dr. Charalambous,
did you ever intend any
harm to Sian Simmonds?
No, absolutely not.
Did you ever, at any time,
give any money to Brian West?
Never.
Dr. Charalambous,
is there anything else
that you wish to say
in response to these allegations?
Yes, um...
Hmm...
I am not a killer.
I'm a husband,
a father,
a doctor.
My-my whole life has been
about helping people,
saving lives, not taking them,
and these
these accusations,
they're just twisted stories
made up by two kids.
I never wished harm on Sian Simmonds.
Never.
I-I-I only wanted fairness,
and...
[sighing]
if others acted egregiously,
that is not on me, okay?
And I will not let lies
destroy everything that
I've worked so hard for.
[voice breaking] I...
I can't.
[protesters shouting]
[Judge] This case ultimately rests
on the testimony of Shelley Charalambous.
The defense challenged her account,
but her fears, based on years of abuse,
are neither unfounded nor exaggerated,
and I find the suggestion
that she acted out of spite
completely unbelievable.
The testimony of the
accused, on the other hand,
was both inconsistent and self-serving.
Quite frankly,
his explanations cannot be believed.
I'm satisfied that the Crown has proved
beyond a reasonable doubt
that Joseph Charalambous
was both a party to first-degree murder
and a member of a
conspiracy to commit murder.
I find the accused guilty on both counts.
[crowd murmuring]
- Order.
Order!
There will be no disturbance
in this courtroom!
Joseph Charalambous...
I sentence you to life in prison
without possibility of
parole for 25 years.
On the conspiracy charge,
a concurrent life sentence.
Court is adjourned.
[]
[crying]
[]
[]
[car engine starting]
[Reid knocks on glass]
[]
[]
[children laughing]
Whoa!
There's a bubble inside a bubble!
Bubbles in your hair.
Okay...
[]
[Jacqueline] Shelley?
[whispering] Hi.
[laughing happily]
[]
I didn't think you were gonna come.
Of course I came!
Boys? Come meet your grandma.
Hi!
[laughing happily] Wow!
Can I have a hug?
Oh, yes!
Oh, my goodness, that's a wet hug.
All those years, gone.
Hey, it's over.
I married a predator, Mom.
That doesn't just go away.
Well, we know that marriage wasn't legal.
Just talk to your lawyer,
have it annulled, right?
Yeah,
I'll add that to the top of the list.
[chuckling] Okay.
I just want to make up for lost time.
[Shelley] I was so hard on you.
I thought that if I cut everything off,
I could survive.
It's okay. You're here,
and they're here,
and this is what I prayed for.
And I'm so proud of you.
I missed you.
I missed you too.
[]