The Sticks (2025) Movie Script
1
Yes yes. Apartment 32
Making movies -Making movies
Bye bye
I thought I told you
to swim upstream.
You're going to scare
off all the fish.
Naw they love me.
You love me.
Oh yeah.
Shiny.
Yeah for attracting fish.
And a little mouse
too apparently.
Okay but realistically tanning
tanning is probably a lot
worse for my skin than that.
And it helps me relax.
Where the hell did
I put those matches?
Couldn't you use your
glasses to start a fire?
You know like a magnifying glass
with the sun refracting the rays.
I'm surprised you'd
even need a lighter.
No totally.
I mean if it was me I'd
probably take two rocks.
And just like knock
them together.
But I came prepared so.
Prepared? With your
suntan oil and your radio?
Hey I brought bear mace
All right Miss Prepared.
So you have your
fire source now what?
Burn the largest wood first and
then work my way down to smaller.
And wetter the better.
I'm kidding.
It's kindling.
Kindling?
-Mhmm
Small and dry.
What you got there?
What?
Where?
Well I mean you packed enough stuff for
a month. We're only going for two days.
Well you know what
they say be prepared.
Isn't that what
you're all about?
Kind of.
I'm also about living in the
moment acting on instinct.
Going where the
current takes me.
Where is the current taking us?
I'll show you.
So we're here
and we're going to take
the river up up up.
Stop here for the first night.
Mhmm
And then follow
it all the way up.
Stop here for the second night.
-Okay
Up up up to here where
we parked your car.
What if we just.
Kept going?
-Up the river?
Where would we be?
Home.
Bottle of Kananaskis.
Rough night?
Sorry I'm not judging you.
It's none of my business.
Can you put his drink on my tab?
Seriously I'm an asshole.
I don't know your situation.
I had a great night.
Thanks for your concern.
Despite my appearance I
can afford my own beer.
Thanks.
What?
Your night? You look like shit.
Yeah I'm aware.
I just got back from
a weekend of camping.
It's been a while.
Bathing?
No camping.
You know what? I
will take that beer.
You are an asshole.
I am.
And I'm sorry.
I'm Beth
Matt.
So are you a local Beth?
Yes unfortunately. You?
No. Just for the weekend.
I head home tomorrow.
Do you want another beer?
I don't know.
You embarrassed to
be seen with me?
Nope.
I want to hear about
your camping adventure.
Looks rough.
You backpack it all Beth?
No. Not even a little.
Really?
You're so close to the wilderness.
I find that hard to believe.
Yeah but see that's the thing.
I'm already in the sticks. Why
do I need to venture further?
I can enjoy the
outdoors from my house
where I'm warm dry
and I can shower.
Regularly.
You sound like a chicken.
You're missing out.
Yeah maybe.
I guess I just don't
really see the point.
It seems like a lot of work.
Packing. Unpacking.
That's half the fun.
Preparing for the unknown.
I can survive for two weeks
with what's in this bag.
I couldn't.
I don't think I'd last
a day to be honest.
Sure you could do it.
You could totally do it.
You just don't know
enough that's all.
I mean I...
What?
Nothing. I'm sorry I shouldn't.
I shouldn't be so pushy.
You want to take me camping.
No it's just the beer I think.
Excuse me.
Matt.
I'm in.
Wake up!
Thank God.
I thought you were a dead body.
Here. Sit up.
Let me help you.
What are you doing out here?
Please you have to help me.
You're freezing.
Look at you.
Look at your face.
Here.
Here.
Drink this.
It's hot lemon water.
My husband went for help.
He should be back soon.
Keep drinking.
It'll warm you.
We saw you from up on the ridge
and we didn't know
what to think.
What happened to you?
Are you alone?
Umm
Are you alone?
I think I'm gonna be sick.
You're really out of it.
Here drink.
There isn't any.
Nasty nasty.
-Where's your husband?
-Where's your husband?
Where's your husband? Mouse?
Where is he?
Where is he? Mouse?
Stop it!
Look who's here!
How's your tea?
Oh Honey.
You spill your cup.
Shhh. We must be patient.
Tasty tasty.
Little mouse.
You missed that alumni
thing last week.
I saved your seat.
I was out of town.
What doing?
Camping.
What? Why?
With who? Beth. A guy?
Yes. Okay. I met a guy.
And you went into the
woods with him alone?
It was actually my idea.
You're seeing someone and
haven't mentioned anything.
Well it's new and I
didn't want to jinx it.
How'd you meet?
Local guy I'm assuming.
Do I know him?
No. He's from the city.
Perfect.
Where did you meet?
We met at the grizzly actually.
Oh okay.
I verbally abused him and
then gave him my number.
Jesus Beth.
Then you deserted
yourself with him?
I didn't desert myself.
I'm happy you're
meeting new people.
But I want to be outdoors man
sounds kind of familiar.
And maybe dangerous.
Does he actually camp
camp or city camping?
He camp camps.
He's not a wannabe outdoors man. He's
nothing like Jesse. That was different.
Matt's the real deal.
Matt.
Yes Matt.
He's traditional and
he wants me to learn.
Like what?
Uh like
Where to find clean
drinking water.
And?
And
um some first aid stuff.
Hmm
I'm going to screw this up Susy.
No you won't.
But is this really
what you want?
A guy from the city that wants
to be out here when you don't?
I want out of the town but
Matt's made me look at my
situation in a different-
A different what?
He likes it out here.
I don't want to fuck it up.
I really like him.
Sounds serious.
So how's kicking that
little habit of yours?
Does he know?
Yeah he caught on.
But we talked about
it and I quit.
I'm quitting for him.
You quit?
Yeah.
Well maybe I'm warming up
a bit to the woodsy guy.
Finally a good influence.
It was Jesse that got you started
in the first place wasn't it?
Yeah.
Anyway it's a work in progress.
I'm a work in progress
but Matt seems up to it.
Okay well I'm having
people over next Friday.
Bring Matt.
I mean this nicely Beth but
you need to stop hiding.
Stop being so secretive.
You're not going to fuck
things up by letting him in.
By letting people in.
Don't mold yourself to
fit into a man's life.
Bring him into yours and
bring a salad or something.
It's a potluck.
Starts at five.
Yeah. You're totally right Susy.
But I actually have plans.
Friday
with Matt.
And I can't sleep if I
The way that she breathes me
Her eyes burn for you
Like fire on the mountains
The blood runs red and sweet
Like wine of a flower
If you still believe
This pale lake this pale lake
I'll still hold
I'll still hold
Mouse.
Matt?
You wearing that out?
You're joking right?
I just got home. You've
had all day to get ready.
I've been home for like an hour.
I want to finish the
dishes? Be my guest.
I was just joking. Jesus.
No you weren't. You were
trying to start a fight.
Then don't fight back.
I'm not.
Jesus. Why are you so edgy?
If you're not in the mood to go to
this thing? We don't have to go.
I didn't say I
didn't want to go.
Do you not want to go?
I didn't say that.
I just think that-
You don't really seem like
you're in the party mood.
I can go alone.
Jesus Christ.
Grow up Beth.
Listen just go get dressed.
I'll be ready in a minute.
Beth?
Where are you going?
We're leaving in ten minutes.
I'm going to the
garage to get my shoes.
Beth!
Beth! Let's go!
It's my.
How could you be so stupid Beth?
How could you be so
goddamned stupid?
I thought we talked about this.
Secrets are a poison
in any relationship.
And you still
choose to lie to me.
It's unbelievable.
Trust goes both ways Beth.
How am I supposed
to trust you now?
I just don't think
we can come back from this.
I can never trust you again
when you lie to me.
I thought you were
better than that.
I thought we were
better than that.
Jesus Christ Mouse.
How did things get so
complicated?
How did things get
so complicated Mouse?
I was such an idiot
that night at the bar.
I knew better but.
There you were.
You really caught me
off guard. You know?
The way you teased me.
Pushing my buttons.
Made me really nervous.
But then I got awkward.
And figured
it would end how
it usually does.
But you were waiting.
For me.
You gave me that matchbook and-
Six years.
So good for you.
For six years.
I loved you for six-
For six years.
I loved you.
Did you love me?
Or was it all bullshit?
I don't think we can come
back from this Mouse.
I just don't think we
can come back from this.
Fuck!
Ah!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse?
Mouse.
Stay away from me!
Have you lost your mind?
Don't come near me.
You're sick Matt!
No. But you are.
And we need to get you home.
I saw your shit in the cellar.
The cellar?
In the garage.
The garage.
You go to get high right?
-What?
Don't you dare.
You attacked me in the cellar. When
I found your little treasure chest.
We don't have a cellar Mouse.
I came out there to get you.
You were fucked up.
It took everything I had to get
you in the car and out of there.
You passed out on the drive and when
you woke up you crashed the car.
And then you bolted and
I've been worried sick.
How stupid do you think I am?
How did you find me?
You're still high.
You're seeing shit aren't you?
How can I be high Matt?
I've been out here for a week.
A week?
Mouse it's been a day.
You think you could survive
out here for an entire week.
But... Think about it Beth. How?
I'm so sorry.
I thought things
had gotten better.
I didn't realize it
had gotten this bad.
We need to get you home.
All those women?
Matt?
What do you think I did?
Jesus Christ! What do
you think I'm capable of?
You know me.
Trust me.
Please.
Look at your pupils.
You can't understand anything.
Please just let
me take you home.
I don't do drugs Matt.
What's in the tin Beth?
What?
The tin in your pocket.
Smokes. Smokes.
Okay you got me.
No baby.
What else is in the tin?
Open the tin.
What's in your pocket?
Matt?
God I wish I could believe you.
I wish you could.
Fuck! Ah my eyes!
You fucking bitch!
Jesus fucking Christ!
Ah I fucking can't see!
You fucking stupid bitch.
Beth!
Come on. Come on come on.
Come on!
Where you going to hide Mouse?
I own these woods.
Beth.
Please.
Please what?
Please don't.
You still love me Matty?
Yes of course.
How much?
What?
How much do you love
your little mouse?
Are you scared?
I'm sorry.
We're being so silly aren't we?
You can get up.
But first
I'd like a kiss.
Oh don't it make
you happy anymore?
You nasty-
You're not thinking clearly.
Here let me help you.
Open up.
Got a little girl in Knoxville
A town you all know well
Every Sunday evening
out in her home I'd dwell
We went to take an evening
walk about one mile from town
I drew a stick up from the ground
and knocked that fair girl down
She fell down on her bended
knee for mercy she did cry
Willy dear don't kill me
here I'm not prepared to die
She never spoke another
word I beat her more and more
'Til the ground around
her in her blood did flow
I taken her by her golden
curls I drug her round and round
Thrown her in the river
flows through Knoxville town
Go there go there you Knoxville
girl got dark and rolling eyes
There go there you Knoxville
girl you'll never be my bride
Yes yes. Apartment 32
Making movies -Making movies
Bye bye
I thought I told you
to swim upstream.
You're going to scare
off all the fish.
Naw they love me.
You love me.
Oh yeah.
Shiny.
Yeah for attracting fish.
And a little mouse
too apparently.
Okay but realistically tanning
tanning is probably a lot
worse for my skin than that.
And it helps me relax.
Where the hell did
I put those matches?
Couldn't you use your
glasses to start a fire?
You know like a magnifying glass
with the sun refracting the rays.
I'm surprised you'd
even need a lighter.
No totally.
I mean if it was me I'd
probably take two rocks.
And just like knock
them together.
But I came prepared so.
Prepared? With your
suntan oil and your radio?
Hey I brought bear mace
All right Miss Prepared.
So you have your
fire source now what?
Burn the largest wood first and
then work my way down to smaller.
And wetter the better.
I'm kidding.
It's kindling.
Kindling?
-Mhmm
Small and dry.
What you got there?
What?
Where?
Well I mean you packed enough stuff for
a month. We're only going for two days.
Well you know what
they say be prepared.
Isn't that what
you're all about?
Kind of.
I'm also about living in the
moment acting on instinct.
Going where the
current takes me.
Where is the current taking us?
I'll show you.
So we're here
and we're going to take
the river up up up.
Stop here for the first night.
Mhmm
And then follow
it all the way up.
Stop here for the second night.
-Okay
Up up up to here where
we parked your car.
What if we just.
Kept going?
-Up the river?
Where would we be?
Home.
Bottle of Kananaskis.
Rough night?
Sorry I'm not judging you.
It's none of my business.
Can you put his drink on my tab?
Seriously I'm an asshole.
I don't know your situation.
I had a great night.
Thanks for your concern.
Despite my appearance I
can afford my own beer.
Thanks.
What?
Your night? You look like shit.
Yeah I'm aware.
I just got back from
a weekend of camping.
It's been a while.
Bathing?
No camping.
You know what? I
will take that beer.
You are an asshole.
I am.
And I'm sorry.
I'm Beth
Matt.
So are you a local Beth?
Yes unfortunately. You?
No. Just for the weekend.
I head home tomorrow.
Do you want another beer?
I don't know.
You embarrassed to
be seen with me?
Nope.
I want to hear about
your camping adventure.
Looks rough.
You backpack it all Beth?
No. Not even a little.
Really?
You're so close to the wilderness.
I find that hard to believe.
Yeah but see that's the thing.
I'm already in the sticks. Why
do I need to venture further?
I can enjoy the
outdoors from my house
where I'm warm dry
and I can shower.
Regularly.
You sound like a chicken.
You're missing out.
Yeah maybe.
I guess I just don't
really see the point.
It seems like a lot of work.
Packing. Unpacking.
That's half the fun.
Preparing for the unknown.
I can survive for two weeks
with what's in this bag.
I couldn't.
I don't think I'd last
a day to be honest.
Sure you could do it.
You could totally do it.
You just don't know
enough that's all.
I mean I...
What?
Nothing. I'm sorry I shouldn't.
I shouldn't be so pushy.
You want to take me camping.
No it's just the beer I think.
Excuse me.
Matt.
I'm in.
Wake up!
Thank God.
I thought you were a dead body.
Here. Sit up.
Let me help you.
What are you doing out here?
Please you have to help me.
You're freezing.
Look at you.
Look at your face.
Here.
Here.
Drink this.
It's hot lemon water.
My husband went for help.
He should be back soon.
Keep drinking.
It'll warm you.
We saw you from up on the ridge
and we didn't know
what to think.
What happened to you?
Are you alone?
Umm
Are you alone?
I think I'm gonna be sick.
You're really out of it.
Here drink.
There isn't any.
Nasty nasty.
-Where's your husband?
-Where's your husband?
Where's your husband? Mouse?
Where is he?
Where is he? Mouse?
Stop it!
Look who's here!
How's your tea?
Oh Honey.
You spill your cup.
Shhh. We must be patient.
Tasty tasty.
Little mouse.
You missed that alumni
thing last week.
I saved your seat.
I was out of town.
What doing?
Camping.
What? Why?
With who? Beth. A guy?
Yes. Okay. I met a guy.
And you went into the
woods with him alone?
It was actually my idea.
You're seeing someone and
haven't mentioned anything.
Well it's new and I
didn't want to jinx it.
How'd you meet?
Local guy I'm assuming.
Do I know him?
No. He's from the city.
Perfect.
Where did you meet?
We met at the grizzly actually.
Oh okay.
I verbally abused him and
then gave him my number.
Jesus Beth.
Then you deserted
yourself with him?
I didn't desert myself.
I'm happy you're
meeting new people.
But I want to be outdoors man
sounds kind of familiar.
And maybe dangerous.
Does he actually camp
camp or city camping?
He camp camps.
He's not a wannabe outdoors man. He's
nothing like Jesse. That was different.
Matt's the real deal.
Matt.
Yes Matt.
He's traditional and
he wants me to learn.
Like what?
Uh like
Where to find clean
drinking water.
And?
And
um some first aid stuff.
Hmm
I'm going to screw this up Susy.
No you won't.
But is this really
what you want?
A guy from the city that wants
to be out here when you don't?
I want out of the town but
Matt's made me look at my
situation in a different-
A different what?
He likes it out here.
I don't want to fuck it up.
I really like him.
Sounds serious.
So how's kicking that
little habit of yours?
Does he know?
Yeah he caught on.
But we talked about
it and I quit.
I'm quitting for him.
You quit?
Yeah.
Well maybe I'm warming up
a bit to the woodsy guy.
Finally a good influence.
It was Jesse that got you started
in the first place wasn't it?
Yeah.
Anyway it's a work in progress.
I'm a work in progress
but Matt seems up to it.
Okay well I'm having
people over next Friday.
Bring Matt.
I mean this nicely Beth but
you need to stop hiding.
Stop being so secretive.
You're not going to fuck
things up by letting him in.
By letting people in.
Don't mold yourself to
fit into a man's life.
Bring him into yours and
bring a salad or something.
It's a potluck.
Starts at five.
Yeah. You're totally right Susy.
But I actually have plans.
Friday
with Matt.
And I can't sleep if I
The way that she breathes me
Her eyes burn for you
Like fire on the mountains
The blood runs red and sweet
Like wine of a flower
If you still believe
This pale lake this pale lake
I'll still hold
I'll still hold
Mouse.
Matt?
You wearing that out?
You're joking right?
I just got home. You've
had all day to get ready.
I've been home for like an hour.
I want to finish the
dishes? Be my guest.
I was just joking. Jesus.
No you weren't. You were
trying to start a fight.
Then don't fight back.
I'm not.
Jesus. Why are you so edgy?
If you're not in the mood to go to
this thing? We don't have to go.
I didn't say I
didn't want to go.
Do you not want to go?
I didn't say that.
I just think that-
You don't really seem like
you're in the party mood.
I can go alone.
Jesus Christ.
Grow up Beth.
Listen just go get dressed.
I'll be ready in a minute.
Beth?
Where are you going?
We're leaving in ten minutes.
I'm going to the
garage to get my shoes.
Beth!
Beth! Let's go!
It's my.
How could you be so stupid Beth?
How could you be so
goddamned stupid?
I thought we talked about this.
Secrets are a poison
in any relationship.
And you still
choose to lie to me.
It's unbelievable.
Trust goes both ways Beth.
How am I supposed
to trust you now?
I just don't think
we can come back from this.
I can never trust you again
when you lie to me.
I thought you were
better than that.
I thought we were
better than that.
Jesus Christ Mouse.
How did things get so
complicated?
How did things get
so complicated Mouse?
I was such an idiot
that night at the bar.
I knew better but.
There you were.
You really caught me
off guard. You know?
The way you teased me.
Pushing my buttons.
Made me really nervous.
But then I got awkward.
And figured
it would end how
it usually does.
But you were waiting.
For me.
You gave me that matchbook and-
Six years.
So good for you.
For six years.
I loved you for six-
For six years.
I loved you.
Did you love me?
Or was it all bullshit?
I don't think we can come
back from this Mouse.
I just don't think we
can come back from this.
Fuck!
Ah!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse!
Mouse?
Mouse.
Stay away from me!
Have you lost your mind?
Don't come near me.
You're sick Matt!
No. But you are.
And we need to get you home.
I saw your shit in the cellar.
The cellar?
In the garage.
The garage.
You go to get high right?
-What?
Don't you dare.
You attacked me in the cellar. When
I found your little treasure chest.
We don't have a cellar Mouse.
I came out there to get you.
You were fucked up.
It took everything I had to get
you in the car and out of there.
You passed out on the drive and when
you woke up you crashed the car.
And then you bolted and
I've been worried sick.
How stupid do you think I am?
How did you find me?
You're still high.
You're seeing shit aren't you?
How can I be high Matt?
I've been out here for a week.
A week?
Mouse it's been a day.
You think you could survive
out here for an entire week.
But... Think about it Beth. How?
I'm so sorry.
I thought things
had gotten better.
I didn't realize it
had gotten this bad.
We need to get you home.
All those women?
Matt?
What do you think I did?
Jesus Christ! What do
you think I'm capable of?
You know me.
Trust me.
Please.
Look at your pupils.
You can't understand anything.
Please just let
me take you home.
I don't do drugs Matt.
What's in the tin Beth?
What?
The tin in your pocket.
Smokes. Smokes.
Okay you got me.
No baby.
What else is in the tin?
Open the tin.
What's in your pocket?
Matt?
God I wish I could believe you.
I wish you could.
Fuck! Ah my eyes!
You fucking bitch!
Jesus fucking Christ!
Ah I fucking can't see!
You fucking stupid bitch.
Beth!
Come on. Come on come on.
Come on!
Where you going to hide Mouse?
I own these woods.
Beth.
Please.
Please what?
Please don't.
You still love me Matty?
Yes of course.
How much?
What?
How much do you love
your little mouse?
Are you scared?
I'm sorry.
We're being so silly aren't we?
You can get up.
But first
I'd like a kiss.
Oh don't it make
you happy anymore?
You nasty-
You're not thinking clearly.
Here let me help you.
Open up.
Got a little girl in Knoxville
A town you all know well
Every Sunday evening
out in her home I'd dwell
We went to take an evening
walk about one mile from town
I drew a stick up from the ground
and knocked that fair girl down
She fell down on her bended
knee for mercy she did cry
Willy dear don't kill me
here I'm not prepared to die
She never spoke another
word I beat her more and more
'Til the ground around
her in her blood did flow
I taken her by her golden
curls I drug her round and round
Thrown her in the river
flows through Knoxville town
Go there go there you Knoxville
girl got dark and rolling eyes
There go there you Knoxville
girl you'll never be my bride