This Bloody Country (2025) Movie Script
1
[whooshing]
JOSIAH BALLARD:
Heavenly Father, we thank you
for guiding this family.
We know we can
never truly know
the fullness of your plan.
We trust you will
lead us through
whatever is to come.
[flintstone clacking]
We ask for your continued
guidance and protection...
...as we pass through
our valley of darkness.
We ask that you bless this
family and our journey.
"And he spake many things
unto them in parables,
saying, 'Behold, a sower
went forth to sow...'"
JOSIAH: That we may continue
to serve you,
and spread your word.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
[rifle clicks]
- Amen.
- [gunshot]
We ask you,
Heavenly Father,
as we commit his body
to the earth,
that you take our son,
Joshua, to your bosom,
and hold and keep
him there forever.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[crying softly]
[birds and insects chirping]
[thunder crashing]
[crickets chirping,
fire crackling]
[muttering]
[gunshot]
JOSIAH: Heavenly Father,
we thank you for this bounty.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
[softly]
Beans, beans, beans.
I must apologize, Mr. Campbell,
for the vittles.
I'm afraid my Lilith
isn't much of a cook.
Why the good Lord saw fit
to bless me with her,
I know not.
But I suppose He has a plan
for each one of us.
Fine by me.
JOSIAH: Well, just the same,
you could do with some meat,
undoubtedly.
As could I.
I suppose I could shoot
some game.
Maybe a--
a hare or sage hen.
I don't expect to find
much more out here.
Grab the rifle.
- Me?
- Yeah, second set of eyes.
Well, that might be
a bit imprudent.
Nathaniel doesn't have
much know-how
when it
comes to firearms.
Well, time to learn.
Can't expect me
to do all that.
Oh, you may have to.
He won't be much help.
Nathaniel is like
his mother was.
Foolish and a bit soft.
I'm not trying
to be difficult,
but that's
not what I'm paid for.
I'm happy to help.
Other people need to pull
their weight.
You're saying we aren't?
Not at all.
Just saying Nathaniel here
seems capable enough.
Shouldn't take long
to bring him up to speed.
And this can be pretty
dangerous country.
Wouldn't hurt to have
a second hand on a rifle.
Mr. Campbell.
A word.
Mr. Campbell,
I'd thank you not to mention
such things in front of...
- In front of the children.
- Oh.
Well, all the same,
be good to have
another shooter in case.
And in the future,
I would like you
to run such ideas
by me, first.
But if you're itching
for a headache,
who am I to intervene?
Go on, then.
You'll clean that rifle
when you get back.
Okay now, you don't
have all night.
Eat your dinner,
get these dishes cleaned up.
The children need to get
to their Bible studies.
NATHANIEL:
Think we'll get anything?
NED CAMPBELL:
I reckon we'll see.
So is it Nathaniel or Nat?
Oh, I like to be called Nat,
but he never does.
It's always Nathaniel.
Hard man, your father.
Oh, he ain't my father.
People always assume that
on account of the
age difference.
He's my brother.
I suppose he is
a hard man, Josiah.
But he's a good man.
The Lord
is strong with him.
He knew the prophet,
and was with him
at the beginning,
and the end.
At any rate,
I owe him my gratitude.
Our father wouldn't
recognize me.
My mother was a...
My mother couldn't keep me.
But Josiah took me in,
and raised me.
I suppose
he's the closest thing
to a real father I had.
Mr. Campbell?
Ned.
Ned, okay, um...
How come is it
you're guiding us?
You're English,
ain't you?
Australian.
It's like a...
British colony of sorts.
Far, far away, other side
of the world.
Still, how is it
you're guiding us?
How come you know the way?
Well, I've been
in this country
for a long time.
Used to do security
for Wells Fargo stage.
Been all over this
bloody country.
Heard of the Pinks?
Well, yeah, of course.
Are you a Pinkerton?
For a while.
How come you ain't
no more?
Got too old is the
easy answer, I suppose.
Look here.
I'm taking you, so it's going
that way anyway, all right?
And I know
how to get you there,
but mostly because your church
paid me very, very well.
I'm handy with
one of these in a pinch,
and that's about
all you need to know.
Listen, we're not gonna
catch anything
if we keep flapping like this,
all right?
Okay?
All right.
You're not gonna shoot
a bloody thing
with a barrel pointed
at the ground, are you?
You've really
never been hunting?
[nervously]
No.
Show me your position.
Line your shoulders up
with the barrel.
Elbow in, hold.
Stock into your shoulder.
Relax your body.
Breathe.
Finger only on the trigger
if you mean
to kill something.
NAT: Now what?
You wait for some
poor critter to come along,
and you shoot it.
That's it?
Yep.
[kids laughing]
ABRAHAM:
You can't catch me!
HOPE: Watch this.
JOSIAH: Children.
It's time for your studies,
put down your game.
Get your Bibles.
Sarah, do not make me
ask you again.
Your obstinance
is becoming vexing to me,
to say the least,
young lady.
Well, I think this is
an opportune time
to revisit the story of Lot,
which teaches us
the very important lesson
to always follow Christ
and never turn away from Him.
Abraham, would you
direct everyone
to the story of Lot?
Genesis Chapter 18.
JOSIAH: Thank you.
"The Lord appeared to Abraham
"near the great trees
of Mamre.
"Abraham looked up, he said,
'If I have found favor
in your eyes, my Lord,
do not pass
your servant by.'"
NED:
That child we buried,
which one was the mother?
I haven't spoken to Josiah
about it because,
you know, a man's family
is his own business,
even if I don't... get...
I suppose you think
our family's strange.
Family's everything to us.
The way we see it,
they're all his mother.
No one seemed terribly upset
about the boy.
We believe that
when a person dies,
even if it's a child,
they're reunited
with the Lord.
There's no reason to cry,
we-- we rejoice.
Of course, we're sad
to lose him and we miss him.
But he's in
the Lord's embrace now.
Yeah?
So, why'd you leave
Salt Lake?
Why Arizona territory?
Well, it's necessary to expand
the reach of the church.
There's already a few families
down there in Grace
and Josiah's
being sent to form
a real congregation
in the town.
Doesn't sound like
much of a town.
They're... big families.
And why are you going?
Oh, um...
find myself a wife,
start my own family.
You ever been married?
No.
[softly]
It's yours.
[gun clicks]
[gunshot]
Natural, this one.
First time.
One shot.
It's impressive.
I reckon we should be
about halfway.
It's gonna be more than
six, seven days
till we get to Grace.
Let's go on,
get to bed now.
Go on now.
Get this cleaned up.
[crickets chirping]
MARTHA: [softly]
Josiah.
Go on, Abigail,
he's waiting for you.
We can finish up.
I was hoping
he would fall asleep.
[coyotes howling]
What's the matter, dear?
She's scared of the wolves.
They're coyotes,
sweetheart.
They won't come near.
Are they big?
No, they're small,
and scaredy.
Don't you worry.
Now get some sleep.
Good night.
Good night.
It's not true what mother
said about the coyotes.
Papa's right,
you're willful.
How come you always
have to make trouble?
I ain't trying
to make trouble.
Papa ain't always right.
I just think you should know
the truth of things, is all.
Charity don't need
to know your truth.
Yes, she does.
Coyotes are pack hunters.
On their lonesome,
they're small and scaredy,
but get a bunch together and
they ain't afraid of nothing.
No. No, no...
Shh.
Don't listen to her.
She don't know nothing.
I know more
than you do, Hope.
What difference does it make?
Even if it's true,
you're just scaring Charity.
I ain't trying to scare her.
She ain't got nothing
to be scared of, anyways.
I wouldn't
let them hurt either of you.
I'd never let that happen.
[fire crackling,
crickets chirping]
[owl hooting]
You sure had an adventuresome
life, Mr. Campbell.
Coming from, uh, Aus--
Australia.
I bet you've had your
fair share of exploits.
Had a few.
NAT: Sorry.
It's just that my life
seems so small in comparison.
We don't have many books
other than the good book.
I don't even get to hear
any stories.
Want a story?
I'll give you one.
I was in Sacramento,
playing cards.
There was this big fella,
not much older than you.
He didn't like
the way the game was going,
so he accuses me
of cheating.
Now I was very clear
that this was not the case,
but he's making all sorts
of ruckus
and starts attracting
the attention of some folk.
Now they're waiting
for me to respond.
So I look at him and say,
"Well, you made
a lot of noise.
What do you wanna do
about it?"
And he was stuck.
Couldn't very well back down
after all that.
So he then calls me out.
Well, I don't know,
maybe he thought
he was gonna scare me
or something.
I look back at him and say,
"All right,"
and walked outside.
You know, I don't even think
he'd thought about it, but,
I could see he was having
second thoughts.
But there's nothing
he could do.
He was stuck.
I actually
felt sorry for him.
What did you do?
What did I do?
I put a hole, right here.
Now, I never said
a single word to this fella,
so I was not looking
for trouble.
That really happen?
Go to sleep, Nat.
[kids laughing]
- CHARITY: I'm gonna get you.
- HOPE: Hey!
ABRAHAM:
Charity, come get me!
HOPE: Hey! Hey!
ABRAHAM:
I'm gonna get you.
NED: Go on ahead.
ABRAHAM:
You can't catch me!
- No way around?
- NED: No way around.
Pull the carts
up through here.
[struggling]
Yep.
JOSIAH: Nathaniel.
Get the rope.
JOSIAH: Everybody.
Let's go.
Watch it, watch it.
Stay back,
stay back, stay back.
NED: You got a hand
on that box?
Pull on the front of that.
JOSIAH: Got it? Go.
Lilith, Lilith, go.
Help them, help them.
[coughing softly]
[coughing]
[birds chirping]
[bird screeching]
JOSIAH: We're going to have
some supper.
Let's get the fire started.
Get on it, Lilith.
Honestly, Josiah, hush now.
Everyone's tired.
You'll get your supper.
NED: Mr. Ballard, I don't know
how you manage.
I couldn't imagine living
with three women.
It can be trying.
Course, I can see it would
come with some benefits.
Our ways may seem unnatural
to you, Mr. Campbell,
but I accept what
the good Lord hath given me,
with honor and humility.
If you must smoke
that tobacco,
I insist that you do it
well away from the children.
Thank you.
- [pot clatters on ground]
- Whoa.
Easy now.
Whoa.
We ain't armed.
We don't mean you no harm.
We need some help, you see.
A group of Injuns
done set on us,
made off with our horses
and most of our gear.
See, folks,
we really could
just use some water.
If'n you can spare it.
Yes.
Yes, of course.
Thank you, kindly.
My name's Mitch.
Over there's Gary.
Right here's Earl.
Where you folks heading?
A little settlement
called Grace.
Don't expect you'd
have heard of it.
Is this all of ya?
Where's all your menfolk?
Just what you see.
Thank you again, sir.
Of course,
if'n you can
spare a speck of food,
we'd be most appreciative.
I think we can spare
a little.
We got no spare food.
Well, now.
I am sorry
to hear that, stranger.
We was just looking for
a little Christian charity,
is all.
We don't turn away
folks in need.
You got your water.
You'll be on your way.
- Ned.
- NED: [softly] Don't...
[gunshots]
[screaming]
No, Ned!
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
Goddamn fool,
you let him get away!
- You-- you murdered them!
- NED: You didn't see.
JOSIAH: See? See?
I saw you gun down
those men without provocation.
We abide by God's laws.
We engaged you
to escort us,
not kill indiscriminately.
Unarmed.
Unarmed.
And they would've killed every
last one of us, or worse.
JOSIAH: I didn't...
How did I?
And you let
one of them get away.
- You know what that means?
- JOSIAH: He's gone, he's gone.
Men like that, these men,
they come back with more.
You don't know that.
You can't be sure
that they will come back.
Well, you can't be sure
they won't.
And I'm not waiting
around either way.
Pack up!
We need to put some space
between us and them.
LILITH: Get your things,
hurry.
JOSIAH:
You want to travel by night?
We have no choice.
Everyone get all this stuff
into the carts,
Nathaniel, get the pistols
and cartridges.
Go on, now!
No, wait!
This, this is madness.
We can't get
very far by night.
We haven't even eaten
after a hard day's travel.
I need you to hear me.
These men
want what's yours,
and I'm not talking
food and water.
You understand?
I just don't know
if they have
the gumption
to go much further.
Then we'll go
as far as we can,
and we'll set up camp,
but we need to get going.
- Yes.
- Okay.
All right, let's go.
JOSIAH: [clapping hands]
Quickly.
Quickly, quickly, quickly.
NAT: Abraham,
help me with this chest.
JOSIAH: Quickly, quickly.
NED: We need to move faster,
all right?
Everyone needs to
hurry it up.
[birds chirping]
NED: I'm sorry, but you both
need to move faster.
Faster.
Get-- right.
We don't need this!
[grunts]
Faster.
Faster, faster.
We need to be--
We don't need this.
Can you get your family
to move faster?
- JOSIAH: Hold on, hold on.
- We need to hurry up.
JOSIAH: Nathaniel, Abigail,
hold on, hold on, hold on.
[Ned panting]
Take a rest.
Get some shade.
What are you doing?
- We need to keep moving.
- We've got to rest.
- We don't have time for this.
- We've got to rest.
We can't keep going
like this.
We need to make sure there's
some distance between us.
I think,
I think we have it.
Look, those men are coming.
They're most likely
on horseback.
We don't have time for this.
JOSIAH:
That's "if" they're coming,
and that all depends
on if they can find us.
This is wide open
territory out here.
You don't have the brains
God gave a goat, do you?
- [softly] Mr. Campbell--
- Mr. Ballard--
Mr. Campbell!
I lead this expedition.
I will not be undermined
at every turn.
Now, if you want
the other half of your pay,
- you will come--
- The children need to rest.
They scarcely slept
last night.
It's blazing hot.
The children
can't go any faster.
We can't go any faster.
They can rest when we reach
our destination,
if we reach
our destination.
We'll reach it, Mr. Campbell.
God willing, we'll reach it.
God's not going
to get them there.
Oh, yes, we are in
God's hands, Mr. Campbell.
And if you don't believe that,
what do you believe in?
I believe in survival.
Well, we're not going
to survive.
If we keep going
in this heat,
it won't matter
if those men show up.
The children need a rest.
[coughing]
We need a rest.
Take a minute.
JOSIAH: Right, then.
We'll rest a bit.
We're moving out.
Please, everybody up,
we're moving on.
Everybody up.
Thank you.
In positions.
Everybody,
we're moving forward.
Thank you.
Up!
And push.
Thank you,
thank you, thank you.
Let's move on.
Good.
Thank you.
Kids, I'm sorry,
please keep pace,
please keep pace.
[crickets chirping,
coyote howling]
[tense music]
NED: [softly] Mr. Ballard.
Mr. Ballard.
It's time to get up.
Gotta get your family moving.
We're wasting daylight.
I'm coming.
NED:
We'll settle here.
There's a water hole
just over there.
We'll be able
to replenish ourselves.
We'll get a fire
started up
while it's still daylight.
And we'll make
a hot meal, all right?
Obviously, we need it.
JOSIAH: Mr. Campbell.
Enough.
Just...
just give them a minute.
NED: All right.
Take a minute.
But then,
get that fire started up.
[gentle music]
Mr. Campbell,
may I speak with you?
This won't do.
Mr. Ballard, I don't...
We can't keep going
like this.
We are wearing ourselves out.
You have got
my children terrified.
NED: I know.
And it's no use,
it's not working anyway.
If we're lucky,
we got a day's head start.
They're not gonna have
any trouble tracking us.
Now, you have a rifle.
Can you use it?
The rifle is for bears,
Mr. Campbell.
I am a man of God.
I'm not a fighting man.
Would you kill
for your children?
Kill for your wives?
Or is your plan to have
the hand of God
smite your enemies?
If it comes to it,
I'll fight.
Well, it may well yet
come to it.
Now, between you,
Nat, and me,
maybe we can buy
the others some time.
Nathaniel?
It sounded like
he got one lucky shot off.
Are you actually
counting on him to fight?
I trust that kid
with a rifle
more than anyone else
in this group.
How many men
would you expect?
Oh, they'll bring enough
to have the three of us
outnumbered.
Half a dozen, maybe more.
Let me get this straight.
An old preacher who hasn't
fired a weapon in years,
a soft kid
who just fired one
for the first time
the other day, and you,
are going to fight off
half a dozen bandits?
I don't see any other choice.
Maybe you are a man of faith
after all, Mr. Campbell.
Thank you, ma'am.
You're welcome, Mr. Campbell.
Ma'am?
I'd like to apologize...
for pushing
the kids so hard.
I know you're scared, but...
For my family, yes.
For myself?
No.
It's okay to be scared.
I know that.
Maybe you should
tell yourself that.
It don't really matter
if I'm scared,
or anyone else here,
for that matter.
What matters is your fear,
because it'll burn through
this group like a brush fire
if you're not careful.
Well, you're right.
And I'll be more circumspect
in that regard.
Good.
Because the truth is,
we need you, Mr. Campbell.
Ned.
MARTHA:
Children, off to bed.
Quickly now.
You all go on
and get some rest.
I'll keep watch.
I can take a shift, Ned.
You can use some sleep.
JOSIAH:
No need for that.
I'll take a shift.
I'm fine. Get rest.
Surely you can't
sit up all night.
At my age,
I'm a light sleeper.
Go on, get some sleep.
[thunder rumbling]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[owl hooting]
SARAH: It's okay.
I'm keeping watch.
Well, I'm awake now.
I'll take that, honey.
Seriously, I'm awake now.
I'm not a baby,
Mr. Campbell.
I know which end
the hurt comes outta.
[birds chirping]
Josiah, need to get
the family moving.
Thanks.
What's on your mind, Nat?
I don't know.
It's nothing.
Hey, I figured this thing out.
Your brother
and his family,
simple division of labor.
One wife
takes care of the kids,
one wife does the cooking,
cleaning, servant, I guess.
And of course,
the third wife,
meet the other needs.
I want in, mate.
I want to join.
Of course, I do have one
handicap in that department.
I don't believe any of it.
Nat.
Out with it.
I could have taken a shift.
You know that,
right, Ned?
I know.
I need you rested.
Spry.
I just got a bit more
seasoning with this stuff.
I guess you've been in
some scrapes.
A few.
I'm not sure
if I could do it.
Do what?
I don't know
if I can kill...
kill a man.
- The Bible says that...
- The Bible says you should
let a bunch of bandits shoot you
and kill your family?
- I guess not.
- No.
But that's a big step
from killing a rabbit for food
to killing a man.
This your family, right?
- Yeah.
- Would you be angry
if someone meant them harm?
I guess so.
Use that anger.
Were you angry
at those men?
I believe
they meant us harm.
How could you be sure?
I wasn't gonna
wait around to be sure.
But you've killed men before.
Because you had to, right?
Mostly.
Must've been bad men,
like the one
in Sacramento.
So how were you able
to do it?
How did you
find the courage?
It's not courage, Nat.
You just pull the trigger.
Or you don't.
And if that's the case,
you got nothing
to worry about, do you?
LILITH: Is this okay?
Of course.
[softly] I don't think
I could sleep.
You sure
I won't bother you?
Don't see how.
[crickets chirping]
Where were you heading,
after you got us to Grace?
Well, after I head down
to Tucson,
then I'll double back,
up north,
along the Columbia.
There's...
this little place
past The Dalles.
I wandered through it
a long time ago.
Been trying
to get back there a while.
What's it like there?
Beautiful.
It's like rolling hills
and Mount Hood's off here
to the south.
And then there's the river.
Must be a mile wide.
Full of more fish than
you could ever hope to catch.
That sounds nice.
Yeah, I was hoping
to see it again.
Do you really think
those men will come after us?
I'm afraid so.
What a shame.
I've been working
on this for so long.
I really had hoped
to finish it.
[laughing]
Hey, can I ask you
something?
Mm-hmm.
Is this really
the life you want?
I don't understand.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
MARTHA: Lilith?
Lilith, dear.
It's time.
I won't.
I can't. I won't.
MARTHA: You must.
Everyone's waiting for you.
He already has a wife--
you.
It isn't right.
MARTHA: Lilith, dear.
Be happy.
God has a plan for you.
Rejoice that you've been
given this purpose.
[crickets chirping]
Mr. Campbell?
Ned.
Why don't you pray with us?
I guess
I'd just be pretending.
It doesn't seem decent.
What's the harm?
What?
Hedging my bets,
in case I'm wrong?
It just seems cowardly to
believe in religion
at the end.
Besides,
I'm beyond redemption.
You know, there are whole
other worlds up there?
Read that
when I was a youngster.
Whole other worlds just
moving around the sun.
Got people on 'em,
for all we know.
- [Lilith chuckles]
- Imagine that.
People up there,
looking down on us right now.
Do you reckon they believe
in the same God?
What if they
never heard of Him?
So, are they damned,
because they're not
praying to a God
they never even heard of?
What do you think?
No one ever asks me
what I think.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't be
bugging you
with such things.
No, you should
go to bed, get some sleep.
No, it's okay.
I'll sit up a while.
You go on and sleep.
I'll stop talking
your ear off.
You're not bothering me.
I mean, I gotta sit up,
keep an eye out.
You can sleep.
I'll wake you,
when I decide to turn it.
And Ned?
Yeah.
No one is beyond
redemption.
[Ned groans]
I must've fallen asleep.
You've been there all night?
You said we needed
to keep watch.
You know how to use this?
No. No, not in the least.
But I figured I might affect
a frightening demeanor.
I've not
slept like that in...
I don't know.
Well.
Lilith.
You gonna
sit there all morning,
or you gonna make us
some breakfast?
Get to it.
Yes, sir.
ABRAHAM: You're it!
[laughing]
[murmuring]
- HOPE: Hey!
- ABRAHAM: Watch this!
I've been turning it over
in my head.
What we can do
to fight those bandits
when they come.
If they come.
- If they come.
- This is becoming tedious.
We have been moving
for days.
We haven't seen a soul.
Your disposition is becoming
increasingly cagey.
They are coming.
Now, as I see it,
we have one advantage.
Can we please stop
this foolishness?
This pace is only serving
to wear everyone down.
Mr. Ballard, I agree.
We'll move at
a more regulated pace,
but please hear me out.
- Go on.
- Thank you.
Our advantage is,
they think they've got
the advantage.
I don't follow.
They think, well,
they know we've got
three fighters.
That's easy.
How about
we don't make it so easy?
How, though?
NED:
Three more fighters.
I can teach them to shoot
in half an hour.
That's your idea?
- Yes. I--
- Women, that's your idea?
Women? You aim to teach
the women to shoot?
To fight?
That, good sir,
is the most cockamamie idea.
No, no, no.
Why stop there?
Why not teach the children?
Oh, Abraham, Sarah,
Charity's 12.
Why don't we have her
fight those men?
Are you out of your mind?
Women?
Out of the question!
NED:
They're not children.
I've been watching them,
they're capable,
they're strong.
Stronger than you,
most likely,
and I bet they would fight
for their children.
JOSIAH: Hogwash.
Do you even hear
yourself?
You've finally
gone too far.
I'll do it.
I'll do it.
I won't see another child
dead while I'm alive.
You?
You worthless whelp?
God help us if it falls to you
for our protection.
You can't even cook
a decent meal,
but you're going
to handle the bandits.
That's enough, Josiah!
Why are we here, Josiah?
What brought us to this?
You think we don't know?
People talk.
Wives talk.
They wanted you gone.
Why?
Because you're
an impossible man.
So they sent you
on this mission,
and now here we are.
Maybe this is
our only choice.
The way I see it,
this is our only choice.
I'm good for two,
maybe three.
You're good for...
one, if we're lucky.
We took all the guns
off those two bandits.
Two rifles, a shotgun,
and I've got a pistol.
We would be fools
not to use everything we have,
and they are not
going to expect it.
You honestly think
that this is a good idea?
Abigail?
Yes.
I ain't letting nobody
hurt my sisters.
I'll use my bare hands
if I have to, but...
I'd rather learn to shoot.
All right, answer me this.
How do you aim
to teach them to shoot, hmm?
You go firing off
a bunch of shots,
and if they
really are after us,
you're going to draw them
right to us.
And you can't teach them
to shoot without shooting.
We've got four kids
and two carts.
They were never gonna have
a problem finding us.
Oh, let's just
speed things along.
Get them here sooner, then.
And if it comes to that,
at least you'll all have
guns on you.
JOSIAH: Oh, my God.
My God.
NED: First thing we need
is a target.
We need that target
to be about the size of a man.
Fortunately for us,
Nat has donated a pair
of his britches.
What?
Those are mine?
- They're yours.
[women chuckle]
Now, hand these weapons out
to the ladies.
Which one to who?
Smallest weapon
with the smallest hand.
Figure it out.
All I want you to do
is hold it.
Just feel it.
It's heavy.
Okay, okay, okay.
Abigail has demonstrated
a very important first lesson.
You only point these things
at people
if you intend to shoot them.
Otherwise,
keep them facing down.
- I'm sorry.
- That's okay.
Thank you
for not shooting me.
Now, not until I say...
Breathe. Aim. Target.
Squeeze.
- NAT: [softly] Breathe.
- Breathing.
[inhaling deeply]
[exhaling]
Aim.
You're going to line up
the sights.
Aim it.
That and that.
Okay.
Not until I say,
once the sights are lined up,
you raise your barrel
to your target.
In this case,
Nat's britches.
Okay?
And then, squeeze.
Don't pull, don't jerk.
That's enough to make
the gun go up, go to the side.
That's enough
to make you miss.
Nat, grab the rifle,
you're up first.
You know what you're doing.
Breathe.
Then just squeeze.
- [gunshot]
- [women gasp]
What'd I say?
You're a natural.
Okay, ladies.
Pistols a little closer.
Come on up.
Abigail, why don't you
give it a bit of a try?
- Me?
- Yeah, yeah, come on.
There's nothing to it.
Nothing magical about it.
Just do exactly
as I told you,
I'm gonna
walk you through it.
Okay, breathing.
I'm breathing.
Yep, exhale too.
Find your sight
and your aim.
Line up your target.
And squeeze.
- [gunshot]
- Oh! Goodness.
Okay, good, good, good,
just take that down.
Yeah, okay, good.
We'll work on that.
Yeah.
Sarah.
Right, get your...
[gunshots]
Okay.
Very good.
Martha.
Okay. Breathe.
- Mr. Campbell.
- Yes?
If you put your hands
all over me,
I will shoot you
in the britches.
Yes, ma'am.
Okay, breathe.
Aim.
Got it.
Target. Squeeze.
[gunshot]
[laughing]
That is loud!
Did I hit anything?
NED: Yeah, we're gonna--
we're gonna work on that.
Yep... yeah.
All right, Lilith.
Like everyone else.
Breathe.
Relax.
Find your aim.
And your target, which is
the red Nat's britches.
And squeeze.
[gunshot]
Not bad.
[breathes gently]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
JOSIAH: You almost done?
Lilith.
I need you
to fetch some water.
Lilith.
Do you hear me
talking to you, woman?
Yes, I hear you.
Go fetch it yourself.
What did you say?
This is important.
More important than fetching
some damn water, Josiah.
You're not doing anything,
if you want water,
go get it.
[coughing]
Lilith.
MAN: Looks like your lady
has consumption.
Whoa, now.
Don't want no trouble.
Last person said that
tried to kill us.
What do you want?
MAN: I'm just trying
to warn you.
Are you, now?
MAN: They know
where you're headed.
- You need to understand.
- SARAH: Understand what?
We ain't exactly toothless,
you know.
I can see that.
State your business
and be done.
MAN: Listen now.
Do yourself a favor
and come with me.
[scoffs]
No one's going with you.
MAN: Y'all wanna think
about that.
See now?
You-- You're making
a big mistake.
- [gunshot, woman screams]
- Sarah! No!
- [gunshot]
- [man winces]
NED: Hey!
Is he...
Is he really dead?
NED: Yeah.
[softly] He...
He, he was...
[somber music]
JOSIAH: Heavenly Father,
we ask that you bless
this family and our journey.
That we may
continue in safety.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
- Amen.
- ALL: Amen.
JOSIAH: All right.
NED: We can try and cover
some ground today,
but we need to find
a good spot for an ambush.
JOSIAH: Ambush?
I don't like
the sound of that.
NED: You want a fair fight?
We lose a fair fight.
JOSIAH: No, I don't like
the idea of just
gunning men down.
Some men need killing.
If I could, I'd kill
some of them twice.
Like the man yesterday?
He didn't
even look like the others.
NED: We have no way
of discerning his motives.
I mean, for all we know is he's
gonna take us straight back--
All I know is that you
have turned my brother
into a killer.
I'll speak to him
when we settle.
Please don't, Mr. Campbell.
Your faith
has already perverted
the sanctity of my family.
[dramatic music]
[insects buzzing]
We're moving out.
[fire crackling,
crickets chirping]
All right, I'll take watch.
You go get to your spots.
You're going to keep watch
all night again?
Yeah.
JOSIAH:
You're just going to...
[birds chirping]
LILITH:
Disappointed?
I don't want this fight.
I'm not some
bloodthirsty animal.
I was just joshing you,
is all.
I know that.
How long have you...
The consumption?
A-A few years now.
It's hard to keep track.
You're a pretty cunning human
to keep that
from your family
this whole time.
I wasn't trying
to be deceitful.
I just wanted to make sure
that my family
was taken care of before...
It doesn't matter.
I'm sorry.
Well, I wouldn't
wish that on anyone.
Anyways, I wanted to thank you
for keeping my secret.
You must have...
thought me quite foolish.
Not at all, ma'am.
You may be
the most brilliant creature
I've ever laid eyes on.
Lilith.
The child we buried.
You were about the only one
who shed a tear.
It was yours.
Joshua.
For a long while,
I thought I couldn't bear.
He was my little miracle.
I'm so sorry.
Let's go.
JOSIAH: Nothing.
Not a single disturbance.
Well, they'll come.
This, uh, "bit" gets
less credible each day.
You've got us jumping
at our shadows.
Fearing killers, but...
we've only seen
one true killer.
[distant bird screeching]
Come on, girl.
Get up now.
I can't.
JOSIAH: What's the matter
with her?
It's this heat.
Get this child some water.
Quickly.
We're gonna have to
put her in the cart.
Help me carry her.
I wanna ride too.
NED:
Never mind that, boy.
Josiah?
Ned?
NED: Guns.
Wait.
What is he doing?
I'm not sure.
JOSIAH:
Is he gonna attack?
NED:
Do you see any others?
See what?
I don't know.
But if he didn't
want us to see him,
we wouldn't be seeing him.
He's alone.
Maybe we can run him off.
No.
Look at him.
He's not afraid of us.
What do we do?
[softly]
Damn.
Guess I'm going in
to figure out what he wants.
[dramatic music]
Well...
What did he say?
You understand?
Best I can make out,
he's Paiute,
and we are wandering
straight into Paiute territory.
And his chief
does not want any white men
- crossing his land.
- [sighs]
And I did get the idea that
we run the risk of attack
if we stay
the path we're on.
I also did get
a sense that if...
if we swing west,
we should be okay.
How much longer
will that take us?
A few days.
Oh, Hellfire!
This is Arizona territory.
There are treaties.
NED: Yeah, well, maybe you can
explain that to him
- and his chief.
- JOSIAH: Enough.
You've got us running from men
who never come,
and now you want us
to listen to this savage?
Where did he go?
NED:
Well, he's gone.
And if we're lucky,
we don't see him again.
Of course, that depends
on what we do,
because we have been warned.
I will not be told
where I can and cannot go
by some filthy,
heathen savage.
Can't even be sure
what he said.
You know, maybe that's what
the other fellow
was trying to warn us about.
I say we're not risking it.
You're not in charge here,
Mr. Campbell.
You're gonna play it
like that, huh?
I hired you.
You work for me.
The church hired me
to help you arrive safely,
which is what I aim to do.
Then lead us.
No more running away,
no more backing up.
No more... fatuity.
You're an absolute imbecile,
aren't you?
You go that way,
you go without me.
So be it.
The Lord has shown me a path,
and it is not yours.
Ah, yeah,
you say death awaits us.
I say it's been with us
the whole time.
You're no better than
Lilith's consumption,
rotting away my family
from the inside out.
It's not enough
to protect their lives.
I have to protect
their souls.
- No, no, no.
- You're a fool.
Maybe we will be better off
without you.
All right.
[dramatic music]
Let's go on, then.
You're going to let him go?
- What is wrong with you?
- Sarah.
No! You never listen.
That's quite enough.
It's true.
Just like Mama said.
That's why
they made us leave,
because you never listen
to anybody!
We should go with Ned.
- You heard him.
- I said let's go!
Move it.
[muttering]
You threw me over...
[indistinct]
[continues muttering]
[frustrated grunt]
I can't... oh.
Oh, no.
JOSIAH:
What are you doing?
Seven men on horseback,
on our path exactly.
JOSIAH: You're taking
this much too far.
And they will be here
within the hour, maybe sooner.
- We need to get ready.
- Mr. Campbell!
We need to end
this foolishness.
You self-righteous jackass!
I'm not going to let
these women and children die
- because you can't be wrong.
- WOMAN: They're coming!
Okay.
We need to find somewhere
to lure them in
if we're gonna have a chance.
There!
Get the carts up here!
Come on, let's go.
Quickly, come, come.
LILITH: Looks ready.
NED: The guns,
make sure they're loaded.
Ladies, get the pistols.
Josiah, you got the shotgun?
How will we know
they're the ones?
What if we ambush them
and we're wrong?
Well, the one that got away,
if he's with them,
we'll know we're right.
You wait till I shoot--
that's your signal.
And when you hear that shot,
you unload on them.
You remember, they're here
to kill your family
and that ain't
gonna happen.
Martha, get the kids
back to the safe spot now,
then you get in your space.
Okay.
Go on.
- I'm staying to fight.
- JOSIAH: Sarah.
I'm not a child anymore.
[softly]
Take that pistol
to protect those children.
Now you know
where you need to be.
Go there now.
Now, listen... just breathe.
[dramatic music]
Stay with them horses.
Let's go.
Stay low,
keep your heads down.
[coughing]
[softly]
No, no, no.
Don't. Go.
- Where the hell are they?
- [breathes deeply]
[gunshots]
[breathing heavily]
We did this.
[gunshot]
[Josiah shouting]
Oh.
Nathaniel?
He's breathing.
How'd I do, Ned?
You did great, kid.
You're gonna be all right.
Let's get him up.
Easy, easy,
there you go, buddy.
[distant thunder rumbling]
SARAH:
It's temporary, Nat.
All the pain,
it's just temporary.
This'll make for a good story,
won't it, Ned?
Yeah.
I need to write it down.
I just need some,
some parchment and...
[sobbing]
No!
See?
Just temporary.
[sobbing softly]
Why?
[softly]
No.
No, no, no.
- Why? Why? Why?
- [sobbing]
- JOSIAH: Why? Why?
- [sobbing]
JOSIAH: We ask you,
Heavenly Father,
as we commit
his body to the Earth...
...that you take our brother
Nathaniel's body to your bosom,
that you hold him,
that you keep him there forever.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[solemn music]
[birds chirping]
I've never seen someone
eat so heartily, Mr. Campbell.
It might be the finest meal
I've ever had.
[door opening]
I expect you'll wanna
get going, Mr. Campbell.
You might stay on.
We'll be a proper town soon,
we could use
capable hands.
No.
I'll be moving on.
There's nothing for me here.
I want to... thank you.
...for staying
with my family,
and for getting us
through this trail.
We are forever in your debt.
Well, the rest of the payments
you tried to square.
Good-bye, Mr. Campbell.
Good-bye.
Goodbye, Charity.
Thank you, Ned.
[gentle music]
[gentle music continues]
[horse snorting]
[music fades]
[whooshing]
JOSIAH BALLARD:
Heavenly Father, we thank you
for guiding this family.
We know we can
never truly know
the fullness of your plan.
We trust you will
lead us through
whatever is to come.
[flintstone clacking]
We ask for your continued
guidance and protection...
...as we pass through
our valley of darkness.
We ask that you bless this
family and our journey.
"And he spake many things
unto them in parables,
saying, 'Behold, a sower
went forth to sow...'"
JOSIAH: That we may continue
to serve you,
and spread your word.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
[rifle clicks]
- Amen.
- [gunshot]
We ask you,
Heavenly Father,
as we commit his body
to the earth,
that you take our son,
Joshua, to your bosom,
and hold and keep
him there forever.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[crying softly]
[birds and insects chirping]
[thunder crashing]
[crickets chirping,
fire crackling]
[muttering]
[gunshot]
JOSIAH: Heavenly Father,
we thank you for this bounty.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
[softly]
Beans, beans, beans.
I must apologize, Mr. Campbell,
for the vittles.
I'm afraid my Lilith
isn't much of a cook.
Why the good Lord saw fit
to bless me with her,
I know not.
But I suppose He has a plan
for each one of us.
Fine by me.
JOSIAH: Well, just the same,
you could do with some meat,
undoubtedly.
As could I.
I suppose I could shoot
some game.
Maybe a--
a hare or sage hen.
I don't expect to find
much more out here.
Grab the rifle.
- Me?
- Yeah, second set of eyes.
Well, that might be
a bit imprudent.
Nathaniel doesn't have
much know-how
when it
comes to firearms.
Well, time to learn.
Can't expect me
to do all that.
Oh, you may have to.
He won't be much help.
Nathaniel is like
his mother was.
Foolish and a bit soft.
I'm not trying
to be difficult,
but that's
not what I'm paid for.
I'm happy to help.
Other people need to pull
their weight.
You're saying we aren't?
Not at all.
Just saying Nathaniel here
seems capable enough.
Shouldn't take long
to bring him up to speed.
And this can be pretty
dangerous country.
Wouldn't hurt to have
a second hand on a rifle.
Mr. Campbell.
A word.
Mr. Campbell,
I'd thank you not to mention
such things in front of...
- In front of the children.
- Oh.
Well, all the same,
be good to have
another shooter in case.
And in the future,
I would like you
to run such ideas
by me, first.
But if you're itching
for a headache,
who am I to intervene?
Go on, then.
You'll clean that rifle
when you get back.
Okay now, you don't
have all night.
Eat your dinner,
get these dishes cleaned up.
The children need to get
to their Bible studies.
NATHANIEL:
Think we'll get anything?
NED CAMPBELL:
I reckon we'll see.
So is it Nathaniel or Nat?
Oh, I like to be called Nat,
but he never does.
It's always Nathaniel.
Hard man, your father.
Oh, he ain't my father.
People always assume that
on account of the
age difference.
He's my brother.
I suppose he is
a hard man, Josiah.
But he's a good man.
The Lord
is strong with him.
He knew the prophet,
and was with him
at the beginning,
and the end.
At any rate,
I owe him my gratitude.
Our father wouldn't
recognize me.
My mother was a...
My mother couldn't keep me.
But Josiah took me in,
and raised me.
I suppose
he's the closest thing
to a real father I had.
Mr. Campbell?
Ned.
Ned, okay, um...
How come is it
you're guiding us?
You're English,
ain't you?
Australian.
It's like a...
British colony of sorts.
Far, far away, other side
of the world.
Still, how is it
you're guiding us?
How come you know the way?
Well, I've been
in this country
for a long time.
Used to do security
for Wells Fargo stage.
Been all over this
bloody country.
Heard of the Pinks?
Well, yeah, of course.
Are you a Pinkerton?
For a while.
How come you ain't
no more?
Got too old is the
easy answer, I suppose.
Look here.
I'm taking you, so it's going
that way anyway, all right?
And I know
how to get you there,
but mostly because your church
paid me very, very well.
I'm handy with
one of these in a pinch,
and that's about
all you need to know.
Listen, we're not gonna
catch anything
if we keep flapping like this,
all right?
Okay?
All right.
You're not gonna shoot
a bloody thing
with a barrel pointed
at the ground, are you?
You've really
never been hunting?
[nervously]
No.
Show me your position.
Line your shoulders up
with the barrel.
Elbow in, hold.
Stock into your shoulder.
Relax your body.
Breathe.
Finger only on the trigger
if you mean
to kill something.
NAT: Now what?
You wait for some
poor critter to come along,
and you shoot it.
That's it?
Yep.
[kids laughing]
ABRAHAM:
You can't catch me!
HOPE: Watch this.
JOSIAH: Children.
It's time for your studies,
put down your game.
Get your Bibles.
Sarah, do not make me
ask you again.
Your obstinance
is becoming vexing to me,
to say the least,
young lady.
Well, I think this is
an opportune time
to revisit the story of Lot,
which teaches us
the very important lesson
to always follow Christ
and never turn away from Him.
Abraham, would you
direct everyone
to the story of Lot?
Genesis Chapter 18.
JOSIAH: Thank you.
"The Lord appeared to Abraham
"near the great trees
of Mamre.
"Abraham looked up, he said,
'If I have found favor
in your eyes, my Lord,
do not pass
your servant by.'"
NED:
That child we buried,
which one was the mother?
I haven't spoken to Josiah
about it because,
you know, a man's family
is his own business,
even if I don't... get...
I suppose you think
our family's strange.
Family's everything to us.
The way we see it,
they're all his mother.
No one seemed terribly upset
about the boy.
We believe that
when a person dies,
even if it's a child,
they're reunited
with the Lord.
There's no reason to cry,
we-- we rejoice.
Of course, we're sad
to lose him and we miss him.
But he's in
the Lord's embrace now.
Yeah?
So, why'd you leave
Salt Lake?
Why Arizona territory?
Well, it's necessary to expand
the reach of the church.
There's already a few families
down there in Grace
and Josiah's
being sent to form
a real congregation
in the town.
Doesn't sound like
much of a town.
They're... big families.
And why are you going?
Oh, um...
find myself a wife,
start my own family.
You ever been married?
No.
[softly]
It's yours.
[gun clicks]
[gunshot]
Natural, this one.
First time.
One shot.
It's impressive.
I reckon we should be
about halfway.
It's gonna be more than
six, seven days
till we get to Grace.
Let's go on,
get to bed now.
Go on now.
Get this cleaned up.
[crickets chirping]
MARTHA: [softly]
Josiah.
Go on, Abigail,
he's waiting for you.
We can finish up.
I was hoping
he would fall asleep.
[coyotes howling]
What's the matter, dear?
She's scared of the wolves.
They're coyotes,
sweetheart.
They won't come near.
Are they big?
No, they're small,
and scaredy.
Don't you worry.
Now get some sleep.
Good night.
Good night.
It's not true what mother
said about the coyotes.
Papa's right,
you're willful.
How come you always
have to make trouble?
I ain't trying
to make trouble.
Papa ain't always right.
I just think you should know
the truth of things, is all.
Charity don't need
to know your truth.
Yes, she does.
Coyotes are pack hunters.
On their lonesome,
they're small and scaredy,
but get a bunch together and
they ain't afraid of nothing.
No. No, no...
Shh.
Don't listen to her.
She don't know nothing.
I know more
than you do, Hope.
What difference does it make?
Even if it's true,
you're just scaring Charity.
I ain't trying to scare her.
She ain't got nothing
to be scared of, anyways.
I wouldn't
let them hurt either of you.
I'd never let that happen.
[fire crackling,
crickets chirping]
[owl hooting]
You sure had an adventuresome
life, Mr. Campbell.
Coming from, uh, Aus--
Australia.
I bet you've had your
fair share of exploits.
Had a few.
NAT: Sorry.
It's just that my life
seems so small in comparison.
We don't have many books
other than the good book.
I don't even get to hear
any stories.
Want a story?
I'll give you one.
I was in Sacramento,
playing cards.
There was this big fella,
not much older than you.
He didn't like
the way the game was going,
so he accuses me
of cheating.
Now I was very clear
that this was not the case,
but he's making all sorts
of ruckus
and starts attracting
the attention of some folk.
Now they're waiting
for me to respond.
So I look at him and say,
"Well, you made
a lot of noise.
What do you wanna do
about it?"
And he was stuck.
Couldn't very well back down
after all that.
So he then calls me out.
Well, I don't know,
maybe he thought
he was gonna scare me
or something.
I look back at him and say,
"All right,"
and walked outside.
You know, I don't even think
he'd thought about it, but,
I could see he was having
second thoughts.
But there's nothing
he could do.
He was stuck.
I actually
felt sorry for him.
What did you do?
What did I do?
I put a hole, right here.
Now, I never said
a single word to this fella,
so I was not looking
for trouble.
That really happen?
Go to sleep, Nat.
[kids laughing]
- CHARITY: I'm gonna get you.
- HOPE: Hey!
ABRAHAM:
Charity, come get me!
HOPE: Hey! Hey!
ABRAHAM:
I'm gonna get you.
NED: Go on ahead.
ABRAHAM:
You can't catch me!
- No way around?
- NED: No way around.
Pull the carts
up through here.
[struggling]
Yep.
JOSIAH: Nathaniel.
Get the rope.
JOSIAH: Everybody.
Let's go.
Watch it, watch it.
Stay back,
stay back, stay back.
NED: You got a hand
on that box?
Pull on the front of that.
JOSIAH: Got it? Go.
Lilith, Lilith, go.
Help them, help them.
[coughing softly]
[coughing]
[birds chirping]
[bird screeching]
JOSIAH: We're going to have
some supper.
Let's get the fire started.
Get on it, Lilith.
Honestly, Josiah, hush now.
Everyone's tired.
You'll get your supper.
NED: Mr. Ballard, I don't know
how you manage.
I couldn't imagine living
with three women.
It can be trying.
Course, I can see it would
come with some benefits.
Our ways may seem unnatural
to you, Mr. Campbell,
but I accept what
the good Lord hath given me,
with honor and humility.
If you must smoke
that tobacco,
I insist that you do it
well away from the children.
Thank you.
- [pot clatters on ground]
- Whoa.
Easy now.
Whoa.
We ain't armed.
We don't mean you no harm.
We need some help, you see.
A group of Injuns
done set on us,
made off with our horses
and most of our gear.
See, folks,
we really could
just use some water.
If'n you can spare it.
Yes.
Yes, of course.
Thank you, kindly.
My name's Mitch.
Over there's Gary.
Right here's Earl.
Where you folks heading?
A little settlement
called Grace.
Don't expect you'd
have heard of it.
Is this all of ya?
Where's all your menfolk?
Just what you see.
Thank you again, sir.
Of course,
if'n you can
spare a speck of food,
we'd be most appreciative.
I think we can spare
a little.
We got no spare food.
Well, now.
I am sorry
to hear that, stranger.
We was just looking for
a little Christian charity,
is all.
We don't turn away
folks in need.
You got your water.
You'll be on your way.
- Ned.
- NED: [softly] Don't...
[gunshots]
[screaming]
No, Ned!
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
Goddamn fool,
you let him get away!
- You-- you murdered them!
- NED: You didn't see.
JOSIAH: See? See?
I saw you gun down
those men without provocation.
We abide by God's laws.
We engaged you
to escort us,
not kill indiscriminately.
Unarmed.
Unarmed.
And they would've killed every
last one of us, or worse.
JOSIAH: I didn't...
How did I?
And you let
one of them get away.
- You know what that means?
- JOSIAH: He's gone, he's gone.
Men like that, these men,
they come back with more.
You don't know that.
You can't be sure
that they will come back.
Well, you can't be sure
they won't.
And I'm not waiting
around either way.
Pack up!
We need to put some space
between us and them.
LILITH: Get your things,
hurry.
JOSIAH:
You want to travel by night?
We have no choice.
Everyone get all this stuff
into the carts,
Nathaniel, get the pistols
and cartridges.
Go on, now!
No, wait!
This, this is madness.
We can't get
very far by night.
We haven't even eaten
after a hard day's travel.
I need you to hear me.
These men
want what's yours,
and I'm not talking
food and water.
You understand?
I just don't know
if they have
the gumption
to go much further.
Then we'll go
as far as we can,
and we'll set up camp,
but we need to get going.
- Yes.
- Okay.
All right, let's go.
JOSIAH: [clapping hands]
Quickly.
Quickly, quickly, quickly.
NAT: Abraham,
help me with this chest.
JOSIAH: Quickly, quickly.
NED: We need to move faster,
all right?
Everyone needs to
hurry it up.
[birds chirping]
NED: I'm sorry, but you both
need to move faster.
Faster.
Get-- right.
We don't need this!
[grunts]
Faster.
Faster, faster.
We need to be--
We don't need this.
Can you get your family
to move faster?
- JOSIAH: Hold on, hold on.
- We need to hurry up.
JOSIAH: Nathaniel, Abigail,
hold on, hold on, hold on.
[Ned panting]
Take a rest.
Get some shade.
What are you doing?
- We need to keep moving.
- We've got to rest.
- We don't have time for this.
- We've got to rest.
We can't keep going
like this.
We need to make sure there's
some distance between us.
I think,
I think we have it.
Look, those men are coming.
They're most likely
on horseback.
We don't have time for this.
JOSIAH:
That's "if" they're coming,
and that all depends
on if they can find us.
This is wide open
territory out here.
You don't have the brains
God gave a goat, do you?
- [softly] Mr. Campbell--
- Mr. Ballard--
Mr. Campbell!
I lead this expedition.
I will not be undermined
at every turn.
Now, if you want
the other half of your pay,
- you will come--
- The children need to rest.
They scarcely slept
last night.
It's blazing hot.
The children
can't go any faster.
We can't go any faster.
They can rest when we reach
our destination,
if we reach
our destination.
We'll reach it, Mr. Campbell.
God willing, we'll reach it.
God's not going
to get them there.
Oh, yes, we are in
God's hands, Mr. Campbell.
And if you don't believe that,
what do you believe in?
I believe in survival.
Well, we're not going
to survive.
If we keep going
in this heat,
it won't matter
if those men show up.
The children need a rest.
[coughing]
We need a rest.
Take a minute.
JOSIAH: Right, then.
We'll rest a bit.
We're moving out.
Please, everybody up,
we're moving on.
Everybody up.
Thank you.
In positions.
Everybody,
we're moving forward.
Thank you.
Up!
And push.
Thank you,
thank you, thank you.
Let's move on.
Good.
Thank you.
Kids, I'm sorry,
please keep pace,
please keep pace.
[crickets chirping,
coyote howling]
[tense music]
NED: [softly] Mr. Ballard.
Mr. Ballard.
It's time to get up.
Gotta get your family moving.
We're wasting daylight.
I'm coming.
NED:
We'll settle here.
There's a water hole
just over there.
We'll be able
to replenish ourselves.
We'll get a fire
started up
while it's still daylight.
And we'll make
a hot meal, all right?
Obviously, we need it.
JOSIAH: Mr. Campbell.
Enough.
Just...
just give them a minute.
NED: All right.
Take a minute.
But then,
get that fire started up.
[gentle music]
Mr. Campbell,
may I speak with you?
This won't do.
Mr. Ballard, I don't...
We can't keep going
like this.
We are wearing ourselves out.
You have got
my children terrified.
NED: I know.
And it's no use,
it's not working anyway.
If we're lucky,
we got a day's head start.
They're not gonna have
any trouble tracking us.
Now, you have a rifle.
Can you use it?
The rifle is for bears,
Mr. Campbell.
I am a man of God.
I'm not a fighting man.
Would you kill
for your children?
Kill for your wives?
Or is your plan to have
the hand of God
smite your enemies?
If it comes to it,
I'll fight.
Well, it may well yet
come to it.
Now, between you,
Nat, and me,
maybe we can buy
the others some time.
Nathaniel?
It sounded like
he got one lucky shot off.
Are you actually
counting on him to fight?
I trust that kid
with a rifle
more than anyone else
in this group.
How many men
would you expect?
Oh, they'll bring enough
to have the three of us
outnumbered.
Half a dozen, maybe more.
Let me get this straight.
An old preacher who hasn't
fired a weapon in years,
a soft kid
who just fired one
for the first time
the other day, and you,
are going to fight off
half a dozen bandits?
I don't see any other choice.
Maybe you are a man of faith
after all, Mr. Campbell.
Thank you, ma'am.
You're welcome, Mr. Campbell.
Ma'am?
I'd like to apologize...
for pushing
the kids so hard.
I know you're scared, but...
For my family, yes.
For myself?
No.
It's okay to be scared.
I know that.
Maybe you should
tell yourself that.
It don't really matter
if I'm scared,
or anyone else here,
for that matter.
What matters is your fear,
because it'll burn through
this group like a brush fire
if you're not careful.
Well, you're right.
And I'll be more circumspect
in that regard.
Good.
Because the truth is,
we need you, Mr. Campbell.
Ned.
MARTHA:
Children, off to bed.
Quickly now.
You all go on
and get some rest.
I'll keep watch.
I can take a shift, Ned.
You can use some sleep.
JOSIAH:
No need for that.
I'll take a shift.
I'm fine. Get rest.
Surely you can't
sit up all night.
At my age,
I'm a light sleeper.
Go on, get some sleep.
[thunder rumbling]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[owl hooting]
SARAH: It's okay.
I'm keeping watch.
Well, I'm awake now.
I'll take that, honey.
Seriously, I'm awake now.
I'm not a baby,
Mr. Campbell.
I know which end
the hurt comes outta.
[birds chirping]
Josiah, need to get
the family moving.
Thanks.
What's on your mind, Nat?
I don't know.
It's nothing.
Hey, I figured this thing out.
Your brother
and his family,
simple division of labor.
One wife
takes care of the kids,
one wife does the cooking,
cleaning, servant, I guess.
And of course,
the third wife,
meet the other needs.
I want in, mate.
I want to join.
Of course, I do have one
handicap in that department.
I don't believe any of it.
Nat.
Out with it.
I could have taken a shift.
You know that,
right, Ned?
I know.
I need you rested.
Spry.
I just got a bit more
seasoning with this stuff.
I guess you've been in
some scrapes.
A few.
I'm not sure
if I could do it.
Do what?
I don't know
if I can kill...
kill a man.
- The Bible says that...
- The Bible says you should
let a bunch of bandits shoot you
and kill your family?
- I guess not.
- No.
But that's a big step
from killing a rabbit for food
to killing a man.
This your family, right?
- Yeah.
- Would you be angry
if someone meant them harm?
I guess so.
Use that anger.
Were you angry
at those men?
I believe
they meant us harm.
How could you be sure?
I wasn't gonna
wait around to be sure.
But you've killed men before.
Because you had to, right?
Mostly.
Must've been bad men,
like the one
in Sacramento.
So how were you able
to do it?
How did you
find the courage?
It's not courage, Nat.
You just pull the trigger.
Or you don't.
And if that's the case,
you got nothing
to worry about, do you?
LILITH: Is this okay?
Of course.
[softly] I don't think
I could sleep.
You sure
I won't bother you?
Don't see how.
[crickets chirping]
Where were you heading,
after you got us to Grace?
Well, after I head down
to Tucson,
then I'll double back,
up north,
along the Columbia.
There's...
this little place
past The Dalles.
I wandered through it
a long time ago.
Been trying
to get back there a while.
What's it like there?
Beautiful.
It's like rolling hills
and Mount Hood's off here
to the south.
And then there's the river.
Must be a mile wide.
Full of more fish than
you could ever hope to catch.
That sounds nice.
Yeah, I was hoping
to see it again.
Do you really think
those men will come after us?
I'm afraid so.
What a shame.
I've been working
on this for so long.
I really had hoped
to finish it.
[laughing]
Hey, can I ask you
something?
Mm-hmm.
Is this really
the life you want?
I don't understand.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
MARTHA: Lilith?
Lilith, dear.
It's time.
I won't.
I can't. I won't.
MARTHA: You must.
Everyone's waiting for you.
He already has a wife--
you.
It isn't right.
MARTHA: Lilith, dear.
Be happy.
God has a plan for you.
Rejoice that you've been
given this purpose.
[crickets chirping]
Mr. Campbell?
Ned.
Why don't you pray with us?
I guess
I'd just be pretending.
It doesn't seem decent.
What's the harm?
What?
Hedging my bets,
in case I'm wrong?
It just seems cowardly to
believe in religion
at the end.
Besides,
I'm beyond redemption.
You know, there are whole
other worlds up there?
Read that
when I was a youngster.
Whole other worlds just
moving around the sun.
Got people on 'em,
for all we know.
- [Lilith chuckles]
- Imagine that.
People up there,
looking down on us right now.
Do you reckon they believe
in the same God?
What if they
never heard of Him?
So, are they damned,
because they're not
praying to a God
they never even heard of?
What do you think?
No one ever asks me
what I think.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't be
bugging you
with such things.
No, you should
go to bed, get some sleep.
No, it's okay.
I'll sit up a while.
You go on and sleep.
I'll stop talking
your ear off.
You're not bothering me.
I mean, I gotta sit up,
keep an eye out.
You can sleep.
I'll wake you,
when I decide to turn it.
And Ned?
Yeah.
No one is beyond
redemption.
[Ned groans]
I must've fallen asleep.
You've been there all night?
You said we needed
to keep watch.
You know how to use this?
No. No, not in the least.
But I figured I might affect
a frightening demeanor.
I've not
slept like that in...
I don't know.
Well.
Lilith.
You gonna
sit there all morning,
or you gonna make us
some breakfast?
Get to it.
Yes, sir.
ABRAHAM: You're it!
[laughing]
[murmuring]
- HOPE: Hey!
- ABRAHAM: Watch this!
I've been turning it over
in my head.
What we can do
to fight those bandits
when they come.
If they come.
- If they come.
- This is becoming tedious.
We have been moving
for days.
We haven't seen a soul.
Your disposition is becoming
increasingly cagey.
They are coming.
Now, as I see it,
we have one advantage.
Can we please stop
this foolishness?
This pace is only serving
to wear everyone down.
Mr. Ballard, I agree.
We'll move at
a more regulated pace,
but please hear me out.
- Go on.
- Thank you.
Our advantage is,
they think they've got
the advantage.
I don't follow.
They think, well,
they know we've got
three fighters.
That's easy.
How about
we don't make it so easy?
How, though?
NED:
Three more fighters.
I can teach them to shoot
in half an hour.
That's your idea?
- Yes. I--
- Women, that's your idea?
Women? You aim to teach
the women to shoot?
To fight?
That, good sir,
is the most cockamamie idea.
No, no, no.
Why stop there?
Why not teach the children?
Oh, Abraham, Sarah,
Charity's 12.
Why don't we have her
fight those men?
Are you out of your mind?
Women?
Out of the question!
NED:
They're not children.
I've been watching them,
they're capable,
they're strong.
Stronger than you,
most likely,
and I bet they would fight
for their children.
JOSIAH: Hogwash.
Do you even hear
yourself?
You've finally
gone too far.
I'll do it.
I'll do it.
I won't see another child
dead while I'm alive.
You?
You worthless whelp?
God help us if it falls to you
for our protection.
You can't even cook
a decent meal,
but you're going
to handle the bandits.
That's enough, Josiah!
Why are we here, Josiah?
What brought us to this?
You think we don't know?
People talk.
Wives talk.
They wanted you gone.
Why?
Because you're
an impossible man.
So they sent you
on this mission,
and now here we are.
Maybe this is
our only choice.
The way I see it,
this is our only choice.
I'm good for two,
maybe three.
You're good for...
one, if we're lucky.
We took all the guns
off those two bandits.
Two rifles, a shotgun,
and I've got a pistol.
We would be fools
not to use everything we have,
and they are not
going to expect it.
You honestly think
that this is a good idea?
Abigail?
Yes.
I ain't letting nobody
hurt my sisters.
I'll use my bare hands
if I have to, but...
I'd rather learn to shoot.
All right, answer me this.
How do you aim
to teach them to shoot, hmm?
You go firing off
a bunch of shots,
and if they
really are after us,
you're going to draw them
right to us.
And you can't teach them
to shoot without shooting.
We've got four kids
and two carts.
They were never gonna have
a problem finding us.
Oh, let's just
speed things along.
Get them here sooner, then.
And if it comes to that,
at least you'll all have
guns on you.
JOSIAH: Oh, my God.
My God.
NED: First thing we need
is a target.
We need that target
to be about the size of a man.
Fortunately for us,
Nat has donated a pair
of his britches.
What?
Those are mine?
- They're yours.
[women chuckle]
Now, hand these weapons out
to the ladies.
Which one to who?
Smallest weapon
with the smallest hand.
Figure it out.
All I want you to do
is hold it.
Just feel it.
It's heavy.
Okay, okay, okay.
Abigail has demonstrated
a very important first lesson.
You only point these things
at people
if you intend to shoot them.
Otherwise,
keep them facing down.
- I'm sorry.
- That's okay.
Thank you
for not shooting me.
Now, not until I say...
Breathe. Aim. Target.
Squeeze.
- NAT: [softly] Breathe.
- Breathing.
[inhaling deeply]
[exhaling]
Aim.
You're going to line up
the sights.
Aim it.
That and that.
Okay.
Not until I say,
once the sights are lined up,
you raise your barrel
to your target.
In this case,
Nat's britches.
Okay?
And then, squeeze.
Don't pull, don't jerk.
That's enough to make
the gun go up, go to the side.
That's enough
to make you miss.
Nat, grab the rifle,
you're up first.
You know what you're doing.
Breathe.
Then just squeeze.
- [gunshot]
- [women gasp]
What'd I say?
You're a natural.
Okay, ladies.
Pistols a little closer.
Come on up.
Abigail, why don't you
give it a bit of a try?
- Me?
- Yeah, yeah, come on.
There's nothing to it.
Nothing magical about it.
Just do exactly
as I told you,
I'm gonna
walk you through it.
Okay, breathing.
I'm breathing.
Yep, exhale too.
Find your sight
and your aim.
Line up your target.
And squeeze.
- [gunshot]
- Oh! Goodness.
Okay, good, good, good,
just take that down.
Yeah, okay, good.
We'll work on that.
Yeah.
Sarah.
Right, get your...
[gunshots]
Okay.
Very good.
Martha.
Okay. Breathe.
- Mr. Campbell.
- Yes?
If you put your hands
all over me,
I will shoot you
in the britches.
Yes, ma'am.
Okay, breathe.
Aim.
Got it.
Target. Squeeze.
[gunshot]
[laughing]
That is loud!
Did I hit anything?
NED: Yeah, we're gonna--
we're gonna work on that.
Yep... yeah.
All right, Lilith.
Like everyone else.
Breathe.
Relax.
Find your aim.
And your target, which is
the red Nat's britches.
And squeeze.
[gunshot]
Not bad.
[breathes gently]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
JOSIAH: You almost done?
Lilith.
I need you
to fetch some water.
Lilith.
Do you hear me
talking to you, woman?
Yes, I hear you.
Go fetch it yourself.
What did you say?
This is important.
More important than fetching
some damn water, Josiah.
You're not doing anything,
if you want water,
go get it.
[coughing]
Lilith.
MAN: Looks like your lady
has consumption.
Whoa, now.
Don't want no trouble.
Last person said that
tried to kill us.
What do you want?
MAN: I'm just trying
to warn you.
Are you, now?
MAN: They know
where you're headed.
- You need to understand.
- SARAH: Understand what?
We ain't exactly toothless,
you know.
I can see that.
State your business
and be done.
MAN: Listen now.
Do yourself a favor
and come with me.
[scoffs]
No one's going with you.
MAN: Y'all wanna think
about that.
See now?
You-- You're making
a big mistake.
- [gunshot, woman screams]
- Sarah! No!
- [gunshot]
- [man winces]
NED: Hey!
Is he...
Is he really dead?
NED: Yeah.
[softly] He...
He, he was...
[somber music]
JOSIAH: Heavenly Father,
we ask that you bless
this family and our journey.
That we may
continue in safety.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
- Amen.
- ALL: Amen.
JOSIAH: All right.
NED: We can try and cover
some ground today,
but we need to find
a good spot for an ambush.
JOSIAH: Ambush?
I don't like
the sound of that.
NED: You want a fair fight?
We lose a fair fight.
JOSIAH: No, I don't like
the idea of just
gunning men down.
Some men need killing.
If I could, I'd kill
some of them twice.
Like the man yesterday?
He didn't
even look like the others.
NED: We have no way
of discerning his motives.
I mean, for all we know is he's
gonna take us straight back--
All I know is that you
have turned my brother
into a killer.
I'll speak to him
when we settle.
Please don't, Mr. Campbell.
Your faith
has already perverted
the sanctity of my family.
[dramatic music]
[insects buzzing]
We're moving out.
[fire crackling,
crickets chirping]
All right, I'll take watch.
You go get to your spots.
You're going to keep watch
all night again?
Yeah.
JOSIAH:
You're just going to...
[birds chirping]
LILITH:
Disappointed?
I don't want this fight.
I'm not some
bloodthirsty animal.
I was just joshing you,
is all.
I know that.
How long have you...
The consumption?
A-A few years now.
It's hard to keep track.
You're a pretty cunning human
to keep that
from your family
this whole time.
I wasn't trying
to be deceitful.
I just wanted to make sure
that my family
was taken care of before...
It doesn't matter.
I'm sorry.
Well, I wouldn't
wish that on anyone.
Anyways, I wanted to thank you
for keeping my secret.
You must have...
thought me quite foolish.
Not at all, ma'am.
You may be
the most brilliant creature
I've ever laid eyes on.
Lilith.
The child we buried.
You were about the only one
who shed a tear.
It was yours.
Joshua.
For a long while,
I thought I couldn't bear.
He was my little miracle.
I'm so sorry.
Let's go.
JOSIAH: Nothing.
Not a single disturbance.
Well, they'll come.
This, uh, "bit" gets
less credible each day.
You've got us jumping
at our shadows.
Fearing killers, but...
we've only seen
one true killer.
[distant bird screeching]
Come on, girl.
Get up now.
I can't.
JOSIAH: What's the matter
with her?
It's this heat.
Get this child some water.
Quickly.
We're gonna have to
put her in the cart.
Help me carry her.
I wanna ride too.
NED:
Never mind that, boy.
Josiah?
Ned?
NED: Guns.
Wait.
What is he doing?
I'm not sure.
JOSIAH:
Is he gonna attack?
NED:
Do you see any others?
See what?
I don't know.
But if he didn't
want us to see him,
we wouldn't be seeing him.
He's alone.
Maybe we can run him off.
No.
Look at him.
He's not afraid of us.
What do we do?
[softly]
Damn.
Guess I'm going in
to figure out what he wants.
[dramatic music]
Well...
What did he say?
You understand?
Best I can make out,
he's Paiute,
and we are wandering
straight into Paiute territory.
And his chief
does not want any white men
- crossing his land.
- [sighs]
And I did get the idea that
we run the risk of attack
if we stay
the path we're on.
I also did get
a sense that if...
if we swing west,
we should be okay.
How much longer
will that take us?
A few days.
Oh, Hellfire!
This is Arizona territory.
There are treaties.
NED: Yeah, well, maybe you can
explain that to him
- and his chief.
- JOSIAH: Enough.
You've got us running from men
who never come,
and now you want us
to listen to this savage?
Where did he go?
NED:
Well, he's gone.
And if we're lucky,
we don't see him again.
Of course, that depends
on what we do,
because we have been warned.
I will not be told
where I can and cannot go
by some filthy,
heathen savage.
Can't even be sure
what he said.
You know, maybe that's what
the other fellow
was trying to warn us about.
I say we're not risking it.
You're not in charge here,
Mr. Campbell.
You're gonna play it
like that, huh?
I hired you.
You work for me.
The church hired me
to help you arrive safely,
which is what I aim to do.
Then lead us.
No more running away,
no more backing up.
No more... fatuity.
You're an absolute imbecile,
aren't you?
You go that way,
you go without me.
So be it.
The Lord has shown me a path,
and it is not yours.
Ah, yeah,
you say death awaits us.
I say it's been with us
the whole time.
You're no better than
Lilith's consumption,
rotting away my family
from the inside out.
It's not enough
to protect their lives.
I have to protect
their souls.
- No, no, no.
- You're a fool.
Maybe we will be better off
without you.
All right.
[dramatic music]
Let's go on, then.
You're going to let him go?
- What is wrong with you?
- Sarah.
No! You never listen.
That's quite enough.
It's true.
Just like Mama said.
That's why
they made us leave,
because you never listen
to anybody!
We should go with Ned.
- You heard him.
- I said let's go!
Move it.
[muttering]
You threw me over...
[indistinct]
[continues muttering]
[frustrated grunt]
I can't... oh.
Oh, no.
JOSIAH:
What are you doing?
Seven men on horseback,
on our path exactly.
JOSIAH: You're taking
this much too far.
And they will be here
within the hour, maybe sooner.
- We need to get ready.
- Mr. Campbell!
We need to end
this foolishness.
You self-righteous jackass!
I'm not going to let
these women and children die
- because you can't be wrong.
- WOMAN: They're coming!
Okay.
We need to find somewhere
to lure them in
if we're gonna have a chance.
There!
Get the carts up here!
Come on, let's go.
Quickly, come, come.
LILITH: Looks ready.
NED: The guns,
make sure they're loaded.
Ladies, get the pistols.
Josiah, you got the shotgun?
How will we know
they're the ones?
What if we ambush them
and we're wrong?
Well, the one that got away,
if he's with them,
we'll know we're right.
You wait till I shoot--
that's your signal.
And when you hear that shot,
you unload on them.
You remember, they're here
to kill your family
and that ain't
gonna happen.
Martha, get the kids
back to the safe spot now,
then you get in your space.
Okay.
Go on.
- I'm staying to fight.
- JOSIAH: Sarah.
I'm not a child anymore.
[softly]
Take that pistol
to protect those children.
Now you know
where you need to be.
Go there now.
Now, listen... just breathe.
[dramatic music]
Stay with them horses.
Let's go.
Stay low,
keep your heads down.
[coughing]
[softly]
No, no, no.
Don't. Go.
- Where the hell are they?
- [breathes deeply]
[gunshots]
[breathing heavily]
We did this.
[gunshot]
[Josiah shouting]
Oh.
Nathaniel?
He's breathing.
How'd I do, Ned?
You did great, kid.
You're gonna be all right.
Let's get him up.
Easy, easy,
there you go, buddy.
[distant thunder rumbling]
SARAH:
It's temporary, Nat.
All the pain,
it's just temporary.
This'll make for a good story,
won't it, Ned?
Yeah.
I need to write it down.
I just need some,
some parchment and...
[sobbing]
No!
See?
Just temporary.
[sobbing softly]
Why?
[softly]
No.
No, no, no.
- Why? Why? Why?
- [sobbing]
- JOSIAH: Why? Why?
- [sobbing]
JOSIAH: We ask you,
Heavenly Father,
as we commit
his body to the Earth...
...that you take our brother
Nathaniel's body to your bosom,
that you hold him,
that you keep him there forever.
In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[solemn music]
[birds chirping]
I've never seen someone
eat so heartily, Mr. Campbell.
It might be the finest meal
I've ever had.
[door opening]
I expect you'll wanna
get going, Mr. Campbell.
You might stay on.
We'll be a proper town soon,
we could use
capable hands.
No.
I'll be moving on.
There's nothing for me here.
I want to... thank you.
...for staying
with my family,
and for getting us
through this trail.
We are forever in your debt.
Well, the rest of the payments
you tried to square.
Good-bye, Mr. Campbell.
Good-bye.
Goodbye, Charity.
Thank you, Ned.
[gentle music]
[gentle music continues]
[horse snorting]
[music fades]