Topper (2025) Movie Script
1
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(light music)
(light music continues)
Eddie was a good man,
honest and hardworking
Never gave love a try
He was a nightcrawler
working at the corner shop
Just to try and get by
He dreamt of the city,
gettin' out of Mississippi
And finding somewhere
less like home
But his father,
who's a real man
Never said he loved him
Told him wait
till you get older
How will I get out if
I am stuck to my seat
How will I get out if you
have put your chains on me
(light music continues)
- [Bouncer] Got your ticket?
- Thanks.
Hi, can I get a seat
in the back, please?
- Sure, follow me.
(patrons talking
over each other)
(patrons continue
talking over each other)
(patrons continue
talking over each other)
Here you go.
Furthest table from the stage.
Don't wanna become
part of the show, huh?
- I rarely have a choice.
- Yeah, I get it.
They like to pick on me, too.
Can I get you
something to drink?
- [Patron] Ginger ale.
- Sure.
(light music)
- [MC] Ladies and
gentlemen, give it up
for your host for the evening.
(audience clapping)
- Cleveland, Ohio, you all
ready for a show, tonight?
(crowd cheering)
Our first comedian
coming to the stage
is a very funny guy
from Detroit, Michigan.
Let's give it up for Topper.
(crowd cheering)
- Let's hear it for your host.
How you guys doing tonight?
Holy hell, this
guy is shitfaced.
You remind me of my dad.
Quick, punch me in the face
and call me a disappointment.
(crowd laughing)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(Topper coughs)
(Topper groans)
(light dramatic music)
(lighter clicks)
(urine splashing)
- [Reed] Could I have
one morning without
the sound of you peeing?
- [Topper] Guess not.
(Topper groans)
- [Reed] Up before six,
wow. Must be a new record.
- [Topper] I'm always
happy to impress.
- Well, if you really
wanna impress me,
you can pay me the
rent you owe me.
You're like three months behind.
- I gave you money a
couple weeks ago, didn't I?
- No, you didn't.
- [Topper] Huh.
- [Reed] Tony caught
your set last night.
- Oh Jesus, I hate when people
say that, "Caught my set."
Makes it sound like a disease.
- Oh, it's funny you say that
'cause he said he was sick
of hearing your old material.
- Wow, and he thinks
my jokes are old.
- [Reed] Yeah, he said
he wasn't sure if people
were supposed to
laugh at your show
or if it's like a sad
performance art thing.
He was confused.
- Always a pleasure, Reed.
- [Reed] Are you
fucking serious, Topper?
- I remember the first
time my father hit me
with a Tonka truck.
I remember thinking,
"I wish I asked
for a teddy bear for Christmas."
(crowd laughs)
The next Christmas, I
went with micro-machines.
They sting like shit,
but no tetanus shot.
(crowd laughs)
You know, I've been talking a
lot about my, my, my father,
and I'd like to end off here
by saying something
about my mother.
She was a lot like
Julia Roberts,
except one was a whore who
ran off with a rich man
and left her shit life behind
and lived happily ever after,
and the other was Julia Roberts.
(crowd laughs)
Thank you very much.
(crowd claps)
Be sure to tip your comics.
(muffled chattering)
- Very cute, dickhead.
- You walked two of my
fucking tables, Topper.
- Hey, you gotta just walk
that shit off, all right?
We all bomb from time to time.
And that shit about your
neighbor's wife, that's funny.
That's funny. Work on that.
- So if you're seriously
thinking about identifying,
the guy is six foot five.
Thoughts?
- That's a great idea.
Instead of five foot
six, it might help.
- I'm 5'8", bro.
5'8".
- [Patron] On a tall day.
- [Benny] Hey, do you
ever consider therapy?
- Have you ever
considered buying
me some drinks for
advanced payment.
- Pretty sure we get
free drinks here, so...
- Correction: one free drink.
New rule: two drink
minimum for them,
two drink maximum for you.
You forgot three of your
fucking punchlines, kid.
- What is this, a comedy
club or a fucking AA meeting?
My 12 steps are from
this bar to that stage.
- Do you count the stumbles
as two steps or one?
- A stumble is two.
- The micro-machines
thing is new.
- [Benny] Fuck off, Topper.
- Hello, Ken.
(light dramatic music)
- I'm gonna need another drink.
(light dramatic music continues)
Fucking water, Benny?
Gentlemen, meet
Not Julia Roberts.
Fuck off, Eileen.
- [Eileen] Ken, we need to talk.
- Oh, that is not at all true.
- It's about your father.
- You mean Mike?
Yeah, I'm not a fan.
You know, you should
sit closer next time.
There's a great one
about you in there.
- He's dying.
Cancer.
- Well, I guess he's
human after all.
- Do you not wanna
talk about it?
- About what?
The upside of cancer?
- He's leaving
everything to you.
(light dramatic music continues)
- The house?
- [Eileen] Everything.
- Oh, now I get it.
Thanks for the heads up, Eileen.
Have an unsafe flight home.
- Face it, Ken, you're never
coming back to Detroit.
Once he's gone,
the house will rot.
Sign it over to me.
- Jesus fucking Christ.
- Save yourself the trouble.
I'll send you half.
- You are fucking unbelievable.
I thought I was a comedian.
(door thuds)
(door thuds)
(Topper clears throat)
- I bet you didn't expect that.
- I'm just surprised a
broom could fly this far.
- What did she want?
- The house.
- Shit.
What, this old couch or the
apartment you barely live in?
- No, no, no, no, my...
Father's house.
- [Benny] Well,
shouldn't she ask him?
- [Topper] Apparently
he's dying.
- Oh, hell.
I'm sorry kid.
- Why? It's the best
news I heard all day.
- It's your father, Top.
- Yeah, since when?
- Listen, kid, at some point
you have to think about-
- Hey, I appreciate it.
I'm fine.
(light dramatic music)
(paper rustling)
- Follow directions, kid.
Now more so than ever.
(door thuds)
(traffic humming)
(car horns honking)
(Topper groans)
(Topper clears throat)
- Should I just get it myself?
- Oh yes, please.
Because I've been looking
for a reason to shoot you.
- What do you do, raise oil
prices when your cousins
raise gas prices?
- No, I raise liquor prices
on the night you perform
because I know people
will come in here
to drink your jokes away.
- Well, at least when I bomb
I don't take anyone with me.
(clerk chuckles)
- Well played. The usual?
- Yep.
So what's on Al Jazeera
tonight, Habibi.
- We go through this every time.
I am Indian, not Arab,
you fucking troll.
- Then wear a feather,
why don't you?
- Somebody should
buy you a feather
so you can finally
make someone laugh.
- Well played.
Keep the change, Dumbo.
Goodnight, Bin Laden.
- You be good now,
White Devil. Bye bye!
(clerk chuckles)
(bugs chirping)
(liquid sloshing)
(bugs continue chirping)
(Topper sighs)
(keys jingling)
Fuck.
(keys continue jingling)
(paper rustling)
Oh, fuck.
Reedy!
(fist pounds)
Reed!
Reed, come on.
I'll pay, pay you my half of
the rent tomorrow, I promise.
(hand knocks)
Reed!
Reed!
Oh, fuck!
(engine humming)
(light dramatic music)
(engine revving)
(somber music)
(bus engine rumbling)
(sirens wailing)
(somber music continues)
(door thuds)
(somber music continues)
(liquid sloshes)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(knob clicks)
(door squeaks)
(door thuds)
(Topper coughs)
(Topper exhales)
(footsteps tapping)
(light dramatic music)
- Okay.
Okay.
(door clicks)
Topper.
Get your lazy ass up.
Hey, Topper.
Topper, stop jerking
your gerkin in my office.
(Topper groans)
- [Topper] I'd like to request
a late checkout, please.
- You checked out
years ago, numbnuts.
Now put your panties on
and get your ass upstairs.
- Yeah.
(phone clatters)
(light music)
Your voice is the worst thing
I have ever woken up to.
- Somehow I doubt that.
I've seen some of the broads
you've left here with.
- Yeah, that's a good point.
- Coffee's hot,
sandwiches not so much.
- Oh, get that
shit away from me.
I'm gonna throw up.
Breakfast of champions, huh?
- You know any?
(Topper chuckles)
- Benny.
Liquid lunch.
- It's not for me.
So, uh, Reed kicked
you out again, huh?
- Yeah.
She left a note and
everything this time.
(Benny chuckles)
I owe her a lot of money, so
maybe an advance is possible.
- Ah shit, kid.
You're fucking lucky
I pay you at all.
- Will you let me
crash on the couch
just till I get caught up?
- Couple of nights? No problem.
Indefinitely? That's a problem.
- All right, well,
maybe one of the boys
will let me crash or something.
(cigarette sizzles)
- You given your father
situation any thought?
- Not especially.
- what about the house?
- What about it?
- Well, that could
be a game changer.
Sets you up.
- No.
No, I'm just gonna let it rot.
I don't want his
handout, I'm fine.
- Get your head
outta your ass, kid.
You're in no shape to be
turning down free houses.
You're broke, you're homeless,
and you got a drinking problem.
- Be honest with me, Benny.
- I'm fucking serious, Top.
This shit ain't funny.
I'm tired of watching
you kill yourself
night after night drinking,
and then I gotta pretend
I'm not enabling you.
- Enabling you, Jesus Christ.
- Son, you have a gift,
and to watch you waste it-
- No, no, no, no.
- [Benny] Is just making me-
- I can't, I can't handle
the fucking wasted
talent speech, Benny.
I'm hungover and I
just, I can't do it.
- That's the problem.
You don't want to hear it, kid?
The door's over there.
You used to crush the problem.
Nobody wanted to follow you.
The chances you used to take?
You were vulnerable,
you were honest.
You were goddamn fearless, kid.
Now you just hide.
- I still get laughs.
- You used to be
a fucking killer.
Now you're a hack.
- I'm no fucking hack, Benny.
- Then write something new.
I'm tired of hearing about
your mom and your dad
and your fucking sob story.
Spouting off the same shit
that you've been
running on for years.
And you wanna know something?
You don't even
believe in it anymore.
- Don't do that.
Don't, don't tell me
what I believe in.
I love what I do.
- You don't love this.
You don't have anything else.
(light dramatic music)
What's your play, kid?
(light dramatic music continues)
What's your play, kid?
- I don't know!
Okay, Benny? I
don't fucking know.
All I know is that when I'm
on stage is the only time
I feel like I can
fucking breathe.
Like I have any,
any kind of control.
So beyond that, I don't know.
(light dramatic music continues)
(paper rustling)
(Topper coughs)
What's this?
- It's a bus ticket
and 500 bucks.
I knew you wouldn't
make any decisions,
so I made one for you.
That's your play.
Now, before you think
about pocketing that cash
or maybe giving it to Reed,
I just want you
to know one thing.
If you don't use
that bus ticket,
if you don't get
your head straight,
straighten out your
affairs at home,
you are not welcome here.
You will not work
here ever again
or any place else in LA.
- I only travel first class.
- Then sit up front.
Bring it back to me
Begin
Bring it back to me, begin
Bring it back to me, begin
To make envy feels
so incomplete
Feeling like a puppet
controlled by some strings
It's killing me 'cause I
just can't say what I mean
It's everywhere I go is
the wrong place to be
I think I should go home
but I don't know where it is
Bring it back to me, begin
Bring it back to me, begin
Bring it back to me, begin
To make everything
feel so incomplete
(upbeat music continues)
(car engine humming)
- [Driver] 29 bucks.
- [Topper] Here's 30.
(bugs chirping)
(door thuds)
- [Driver] Yo, a buck?
- It's a recession.
- [Driver] Asshole.
(engine revving)
(bag thuds)
(suspenseful music)
(door clicks)
(cigarette sizzles)
- The fuck are you staring
at, you fucking retard?
(suspenseful music continues)
Close the goddamn door,
you're letting the AC out!
(cigarette zaps)
(bugs trilling)
(suspenseful music continues)
(bugs continue trilling)
(traffic humming)
(patrons laughing)
(patrons continue laughing)
- [Bartender] What
are we having?
- I'm fine, thanks.
- [Bartender] No, it's a two
drink minimum, sweetheart.
Gotta order the first
drink when you sit.
- I'm a friend of
Moore's, he won't mind.
- [Bartender] I'm sure he won't.
Moore died four years ago.
His son runs the bar now.
He minds.
So what is it?
Beer or hard liquor?
- I'll order from the bar.
(crowd clapping)
What happened? They finally
figured out you weren't funny?
(patrons talking quietly)
(patrons continues
talking quietly)
(Allie chuckles)
- It's weird.
After you left, the
liquor sales just slipped,
so they had to just go with
full sex appeal at that point.
What the fuck are
you doing here?
- Yeah, I came to see you.
- Fuck you.
You realize it's
been 12 years, right?
I haven't heard from you at all
and you just walk right in
here like nothing happened?
- I like to make an entrance.
- [Allie] Oh, I'm super
fucking impressed.
- I'm surprised you'd
still be here, honestly,
you were always better
than that bunch.
- Well, I still am.
- Aren't you bartending?
Don't tell me you
gave up on standup.
You were great for
a female comic.
- Fuck you very much.
I still go up from
time to time, I just-
- I smell loser.
(Topper chuckles)
Look at you!
- You should try
smelling a salad.
- (groans) I'm fat, okay.
You have to sit down with
the guys, come on.
- All right, all right.
To be continued.
- [Cooper] Oh, you still
trying to hit that?
- [Topper] Shut up.
- Mac!
Look at this piece of shit.
Look at this piece of shit.
- [Mac] What's up?
- What's up, man?
- Well, it's good to see some
things never fucking change.
- Hey, we look for you on TV
but all we saw
was famous people.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, we were going
to visit you in LA
when we thought you
were too busy for us, you know?
Won't have time
for your old pals.
- But I wouldn't want to deal
with all those LA douchebags.
This guy's been here 30 seconds,
I already wanna punch
him in the face.
- Hey, let me ask you something.
Now you were in Los
Angeles, was there any sun?
That's why he hasn't aged.
- What are you talking about?
You're the ghost of
Christmas future,
you're just as white.
- Don't lump me in with him.
If I turn into that, I'm
gonna kill my-fucking-self.
- Well, look at how red he is.
He's always holding his breath.
- [Topper] Yeah.
- His head looks
like a summer squash.
- Yeah.
- My god, no, I'm not
saying it's not attractive,
it's a good look, but I mean,
at the end of the day
when I look at you
and I look at him,
there's just a difference.
- Yeah, you have callous
and your feelings
hanging out with you douchebags.
This guy's been in
town 30 seconds,
I'm an asshole all of a sudden?
- Okay.
(Topper laughs)
(garbled talking)
- Remember that shit?
I can still smell it.
- Why would you eat 20
White Castle burgers
before you get on stage?
- All right, I was not
farting with a lot of
confidence that day.
That's the last time I go
"Pull my finger, dude."
- [Topper] You did it 30
fucking seconds into your set,
you should've done it at
least a little bit later.
- Yeah, that was
not optimal timing.
Two minutes into
a 30-minute set?
I crop-dusted the whole
front row before it happened.
(upbeat music)
(door squeaks)
- Welcome to my
beautiful castle.
So...
Sorry, man, I don't
get much company.
(door thuds)
(Topper grumbles)
(Topper coughs)
Hey, I don't have a pillow,
but I got a blanket.
(Topper sniffles)
Hey, you want a drink?
- No, no, I'm good.
- [Lucas] Tequila?
Nightcap?
- Something you wanna tell me?
- [Lucas] Ah shit, yeah.
That's my daughter's.
- [Topper] No shit,
you got a kid?
- Yeah, Brenna.
- That's crazy. How old?
How old is she?
- [Lucas] Five, six.
I don't know,
something like that.
- You, you don't know how old?
Where is she now?
- With her mom, I
think, I don't know.
Look, I didn't want a kid,
but shit happens, you know?
- Well she get this
back to her, man.
I'm sure she'd love to have it.
- I'd love to talk to you,
my friend, but I'm exhausted.
I'm going to bed.
Me casa es tu castles, so
whatever it is you wanna do,
knock yourself
(hand knocks) crazy.
- Yeah, goodnight.
(emotional music)
(Topper sighs)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(rain pattering)
(somber music continues)
(train horn blows)
- Hey, bud.
Hey.
You can't sleep here.
- Oh, sorry, sorry.
(somber music continues)
(birds chirping)
(somber music continues)
(Topper exhales)
(keys jingling)
(door squeaks)
(birds chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
(music box chiming)
(ceramic clashing)
(pills rattling)
(pill bottle clattering)
(door squeaks)
(light dramatic music)
- I asked you to do one thing,
you couldn't even do that right.
(dark ominous music)
(belt buckle clinking)
(suspenseful music)
(ominous music continues)
(door thuds)
(Topper breathes heavily)
(lock clicks)
(Topper exhales)
(ominous music continues)
(ominous music continues)
(birds chirping)
(footsteps thudding)
(Topper exhales)
- [Nicholas] We're not gonna
get much for any of this shit.
- Correct, okay.
(muffled talking)
This place is still a dump,
but let's start with the couch.
We'll get, we'll get
that out first, okay?
Put the couch down.
Put the couch down.
- [Nicholas] What? Why?
- Put the goddamn couch
down now, Nicholas.
- Eileen, what the fuck
are you doing here?
How'd you get in here?
- Look around, do you think
he ever changed the locks?
I'm just gonna put some
things in storage for you
until you decide
what you wanna do.
Um, I don't want
anyone breaking in.
- Cut the shit, cut the shit.
- [Eileen] Stealing anything.
- You didn't think I was
gonna come, you were wrong.
Get the fuck out.
- Yo, you're not gonna
talk to my mom like that.
- I've got this, go outside.
Outside now.
(light dramatic music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
- Did he just call you mom?
- Yes.
His name is Nicholas, and
he's your half brother.
- My half...
Oh, you're fucking incredible.
You leave a 6-year-old
boy with a drunk,
run off and start a new family.
- Kenny, we don't
need to do this now.
(Topper sighs)
(light dramatic music continues)
- He doesn't know, does he?
- He doesn't need to know.
- Whose shit does he
think is in this house?
- It doesn't matter.
I mean, it's not important.
What is important is
getting this house-
- Just answer the question.
Whose house does
he think this is?
- My ex-husband's.
He knows I was married
before I met his father,
but David and I thought
it would be best if,
if we didn't tell him about you,
we didn't wanna confuse him.
Hey, listen, listen, I will
take care of all of this
and we can split
everything 50/50
and you won't have to
worry about a thing.
- Get the fuck out.
- You're just
gonna fuck this up.
And besides, why should
you get everything?
- Because I was here.
Because I earned it.
Get the fuck out of my house.
Get the fuck.
You know what?
Hey, Nick!
- All right, okay!
Okay, I'm going, I'm going!
Get my number from Mike's lawyer
if it gets to be
too much for you.
- Nice meeting you, bro.
- Get in the van.
- Who the fuck is that guy?
- My nephew.
- Hey, Eileen.
Hey, Eileen!
I'm gonna need that key!
Yeah, I'm gonna need that key.
(key jingling)
Oh wow.
Thank you. Fucking full
of surprises, aren't you?
(door thuds)
You know, your mom's
a fucking whore.
(engine rumbling)
Un-fucking-believable.
(dramatic music)
(cabinets clattering)
(glass shattering)
Fuck!
(Topper exhales)
Oh, it's good to
be back in Detroit.
I live in LA now and it's
a change of pace, you know?
I've been back here two days
and I haven't seen one person
I wanna punch in the face.
Except for maybe
that guy right here.
(crowd laughs)
Jesus.
You got a detestable face.
Your mom ever tell you that?
You look like an
unsuccessful Ted Cruz.
(crowd laughs)
No, it's good to be back.
It's been weird, too.
It's been really
strange, you know?
I'm back because my dad
is dying of a cancer.
Yeah, my mom's
birthday is July 20th.
(crowd laughs)
That one's a thinker.
I just got, I'm fucking thirsty.
You don't mind.
Here we go, don't
tell my sponsor.
(lighter clicks)
(light music)
(crowd cheers)
(light music continues)
My uh...
(vomit splattering)
(cereal rustling)
(birds chirping)
(Topper sighs)
(birds continue chirping)
(lawnmower humming)
(Topper exhales)
(Topper coughs)
(muffled talking)
(birds chirping)
(dog barks)
Morning.
- Morning.
- You must be Matthew.
- Yep.
Did you throw up in my bed?
- I don't think so.
I might have stepped on
some of your toys though.
Thanks for letting
me borrow the rug.
- My mom made me.
She woke me up and made
me sleep on the couch.
- What are you watching?
- [Matthew] "Dragon Ball Z."
- Can I watch?
- Sure.
(Topper exhales)
So are you a friend of my mom's?
- Do we talk with
our mouth full?
- Sorry, Mom.
- Yes, Topper is an
old friend of mine.
He moved away a while ago,
back before you were born.
You know, he lives
in Hollywood now.
- Really? Do you
know anyone famous?
- Uh, I once had a beer
with William Shatner.
- Who's that?
- He used, nevermind, nevermind.
- [Allie] Hey, Matty, you gotta
get ready for school, buddy.
Go get in your room, grab your
backpack, grab your shoes.
You're gonna miss the bus again.
- Nice to meet you.
- Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, nice, nice
meet meeting you.
- [Eddie] Topper.
- Hey, Eddie.
- Matty, you heard your mother.
Go get ready for school.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
You gonna leave your bowl in
the middle of floor or what?
- No, sir.
- Pick it up.
(spoon clatters)
Matty, you spilled...
You know what? Just take
the bowl in the sink first-
- It's okay.
- And then come back.
- It's okay. It's okay, babe.
It's all right, just go
get ready for school, okay?
Shoes and coat, please.
- I got it.
A little milk on my sock
ain't a big deal, right?
The fuck are you
doing here, Top?
I thought you were
Mr. Hollywood.
- [Topper] I just had some
things I had take care of.
(Eddie chuckles)
- Look like you took care of
quite a few drinks last night.
Had to carry your ass sloppy in,
which was not a good
time, by the way.
- Yeah, sorry about that.
Thanks for letting
me crash, man.
- Yeah, just don't be
here when I get back, huh?
No sweat.
Allie, I gotta go.
I'm late for work.
What, no kiss?
(lips smacking)
- See you after.
(Eddie hums)
- Topper.
- [Topper] Eddie.
- You ready?
Lunch, bag, good? Okay.
Hurry, hurry, go, go, go.
Love you, buddy.
I'll see you after!
(door thuds)
- So...
- Think you can hold
down some breakfast?
- Yeah, I can hold
down some breakfast.
Thank you.
Ooh.
- [Allie] So, what's up?
What's going on? Why
are you back here?
- So, you're a mom, huh?
- Yep.
Matty is eight.
He's a really good kid.
- So is Eddie his-
- No, don't, no, no, no.
Matty's dad, he took off
right after Matty was born.
I started dating Eddie
a couple years ago.
And then I got evicted
from my apartment
and Eddie took us in.
- How did that happen?
- What?
- You, (laughs) sorry.
He just...
He was always after
you and you, you,
you used to talk about
what an asshole he was.
- He's still an asshole.
- Do you love him?
- I love my kid.
That's all that matters.
- [Topper] He seems
a little aggressive.
- He's just, he's
got a lot of stress.
Work's been having to do
double shifts and it's...
- Does he ever get
rough with Matty?
- No.
No.
- I never liked his vibe.
- Well, what's up?
Why are you back in Detroit?
- Are you happy?
- What's that?
Come on, what's,
what's up with you?
- Who's William Shatner?
- Topper!
- Who could William Shatner be?
Never heard of him.
What are you teaching this kid?
- Come on, Topper.
(Topper groans)
- My dad is dying.
(Allie chuckles)
- You're not joking.
- And he's leaving me the house,
so I gotta tie it all up.
Clean it so I can sell it.
- [Allie] What's wrong with him?
- Cancer, they say.
- What, you haven't
even gone see him?
- No, why would I?
I don't even know
what hospital he's in.
These eggs taste like my ass.
They're so salty.
- Excuse me.
- So much salt it's like
a fucking silo of salt.
Can I have something to drink?
- I have orange juice, yeah?
- [Topper] Please.
- Is OJ acceptable
for you?
- [Topper] That'd be great
- Okay.
(glass clinking)
- I just didn't wanna
go through your fridge.
You know that they say OJ
will give you diabetes.
(Allie hums)
What do you think
killed more people?
OJ or OJ OJ?
- [Allie] What?
- [Topper] Thank you.
- [Allie] How did you find out?
- [Topper] It was on the news.
White Bronco, gloves didn't fit.
Johnny Cochran.
- [Allie] Topper.
- Eileen told me.
- [Allie] Your mother?
- Yeah.
It was a real treat.
She dropped by one of my sets,
which I was killing by the way,
and she asked me to sign
the house over to her.
- Fucking bitch!
- [Topper] That's what I said.
(light music)
- Top, you, you gotta
go see him, Top.
- [Topper] I have
nothing to say to him.
- Maybe he's got
something to say to you.
- I got nothing
to hear from him.
- [Allie] Topper-
- I just don't.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
All I gotta do, all I gotta
do, all I gotta do is just
get rid of all his shit
and then get the fuck
outta here, okay?
Thank you for your hospitality.
- Yeah, anytime.
- [Realtor] So, uh,
you lived here a while?
- Uh, yeah. No.
My father left me the place.
- [Realtor] Very
sorry for your loss.
- Yeah, yeah, thanks.
- [Realtor] Good news
is with a little TLC
and the right price
we could definitely
get this sold for you.
- As is.
- [Realtor] Totally
understand, but some minor
improvements really
go a long way.
- No, no, we don't
need to do anything.
I'm just gonna clean
it and sweep it.
It's paid for, I just wanna
get rid of it, all right?
Price it to sell.
- [Realtor] Okay.
- Yeah?
- [Realtor] I'll come by
tomorrow with the paperwork.
- Thanks.
- [Realtor] Nice to meet you.
- You too.
(light dramatic music)
(door clatters)
- [Cooper] Did you want me help?
- [Lucas] Could you move a
little faster, do you think?
- [Cooper] Okay, I'm
moving the heavy part.
- [Lucas] Just try to get
that piss stain on your face.
- Oh, okay, come on.
- Take your time please.
- [Cooper] Why am
I doing the heavy?
- Just move, please. I'm
begging you to move faster.
I'm begging you.
- This is the heavy thing.
Wait, hold on, hold on, hold on.
- What the fuck?
- Hey, Top. Can I have this?
- Jesus, Coop, for
the hundredth time
you don't need to ask.
Just take whatever you want.
- All right.
Look at this.
- Ah, is it real gold?
- You think?
- [Lucas] Come on, man.
- [Cooper] I got it, I got it.
- Yeah, come on.
With the trophy, then? Really?
Could you drop it?
It's unbelievable.
- [Cooper] Can we stop pushing?
- [Lucas] I'm not pushing, I'm
moving at a very normal rate.
- [Cooper] Now
there's more stairs,
fucking A.
- It's unbelievable.
That's it, just one step.
When was the last time you did
something physical? The 80s?
- (groans) Fuck off.
- It's unbelievable, man.
- You know what?
- Come on.
- How about you
handle this yourself?
- Oh wow, okay.
And make sure you
keep that trophy safe.
Why do you want somebody
else's bowling trophy?
- Hey man, I'm gonna
put it on my mantle.
Women love an athlete.
- 'Course. That's good,
that'll get you laid.
- (chuckles) You know.
- He didn't keep one
thing from his room.
- So?
- So you don't think
that's strange?
His old man left his
room exactly the way
he left it when he was a kid.
You don't think that's
weird considering
all the things
we've heard about?
You know, like he didn't
keep one thing for memory?
- Some people move on.
- Then again, some people don't.
- [Topper] Is that all of it?
- [Lucas] Yep, everything
in the garage too.
- [Cooper] All right,
nice of you to join us.
- What are you sneaky
bitches talking about?
- Cooper found
bumps on his dick.
- Again?
- Yeah.
- You know what, I don't
wanna make this awkward but,
has your mom been checked?
- My mother's 77-years-old,
you disrespectful bastard.
- So she's too old for crabs,
so it must be dust mites.
- It's your mother's pussy.
- Yeah.
- It's like, it's old.
- It's very old.
- You know what I mean?
- [Lucas] You guys are making
me so hard right now.
- That's just like your mom.
Your mom makes everybody hard.
Two things I love
about your mother.
(muffled talking)
(birds chirping)
(car engine rumbling)
(light dramatic music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
Hey bro, I cannot help
it that I am a product
of superior genetic breeding.
- [Lucas] You're pasty.
Pasty.
- [Cooper] Yeah, well.
- He's rusty.
(all laughing)
It's a good hue to
your skin there.
- [Cooper] Yeah.
- [Lucas] Stepped outta hell.
- Hey, there he is.
What, what are you
upstairs rubbing one out
just for old time's sake?
- No, I was fixing something.
Anyway, thanks for
your help guys,
this would've taken me ages.
- Hey, no sweat, Tops.
Glad we could help.
- Hey, I did it
for the free lunch.
- That's what his
Tinder date said.
- I taken women to nice places.
- She looked like she
had a serious appetite.
- [Cooper] I take
one fat girl out and-
- Not fat, just well-rounded.
- [Friend] Hey,
Tops. Anything else?
- Realtor said as soon
as it's cleaned out
we can start showing it,
so hopefully all this
work pays off for us.
- Well, what about
your dad's stuff?
I saw some pills out there.
Anything good in there?
- You should take a look.
But other than that,
everything was thrown
in the trash or
goes with the house.
- You should go see him.
- Fuck sakes, not you guys too.
- [Lucas] We just don't want
you to regret anything, man.
- Yeah, I, I appreciate
your concern, I really do,
but let's leave it.
- Don't be stubborn, Topper.
- Yeah, I would've
given anything
to see my dad one last time.
- Your dad was a great
guy, that's cool.
Let's fucking drop
it, all right?
- [Lucas] We all need family.
- Lucas.
- I mean, Top, it's
not just about you.
Have some sympathy,
the guy is dying, man.
He's probably lying there
scared out of his mind.
- Fuck him!
- All right, well walk
away. That's gonna help.
- You know what?
Fuck you, too.
Is this a fucking joke?
You are gonna preach to
me about fucking family?
Where's your family, huh?
Where's your fucking
daughter, man?
Where is she?
Yeah, I bet you have no idea.
I guess she doesn't
need family, right?
- Watch your fucking mouth.
Who the fuck are
you to judge me?
At least I got a life, asshole.
You're too busy
blaming your father
for you to have one, right?
- Yeah, well, your
daughter will know
about that soon
enough, won't she?
- Oh, come on, Top.
- Who are you, man?
You think you're like the
shit because you moved
to Hollywood, got
a couple TV gigs?
You're not.
You had your shot, you blew it,
and you're back here with us.
You're a nobody just
like the rest of us.
(door clicks)
(door thuds)
- [Friend] That
wasn't cool, Top.
- He needed to hear it.
- Yeah, well, not like that.
- Topper, not
everybody's the bad guy.
- The fuck you know
about it, Cooper?
- Oh, okay, I'm the bad guy now.
You know, keep burning bridges.
Damn.
Jesus, man.
(somber music)
(bugs trilling)
(muffled talking)
(door clicks)
- You must be Ken.
(Topper gasps)
- Jesus Christ.
Oh.
Holy.
- Easy.
- [Topper] Who the fuck are you?
- Joe.
A friend of your father's.
(Topper exhales)
- How did you get in here?
- Your dad gave
me a key years ago
when he started going to AA.
I'm his sponsor.
Not that I needed it, you
left the door wide open.
- AA, huh?
He must keep you pretty busy.
- Actually, he hasn't
had a drink in years.
But it looks like it hasn't
been that long for you.
- I call bullshit.
- Your father's been
sober for quite a while.
- Right.
Okay.
So, what can I do for you, Joe?
- Nothing.
I just stopped by to
check on the house
and grab your father's mail.
He hadn't told me you
stopped by the hospital.
- Yeah, well, he
wouldn't, and I haven't.
- I see.
Will you be?
- It's nice meeting you, Joe.
Thanks for dropping by.
- I met your dad about
a year after you left.
He stopped by one of
our meetings one night,
he sat in the back.
He didn't introduce
himself or participate,
just sat quietly listening.
When the meeting ended, I
turned around to greet him,
he was already gone.
I just figured he lost
interest. Ditched.
May I?
- Sure.
- He did that for a
while until one night
I stopped noticing he was there.
Then he sat right next
to me and he said,
"My name's Mike and
I'm an alcoholic.
Can you help me?"
- Wow, that's fucking great.
So, what am I
supposed to do, huh?
Believe he turned a new
leaf, became a better man?
- [Joe] Yes, he did.
- Sure. Sure he did.
- Sorry you feel that way.
- Did he tell you
he used to beat me?
(somber music)
- Yes.
(somber music continues)
- So, what's the
point of all this?
- The point is, I know that
man better than anyone else.
I was there when he
faced his demons,
and believe me, he had many.
It's hard for a man
to take responsibility
for those types of things.
It should be.
His guilt is well deserved.
Every man deserves
a second chance.
(somber music continues)
Every man.
(door thuds)
- [Topper] Can I
ask you for a favor?
- [Allie] Yeah, what's up?
- Can I borrow like 30 bucks
just until I get some
cash from the house?
I, I wouldn't ask, but I could
put some food in the fridge.
- All right. All right.
Tell you what.
I got a doctor's
appointment tomorrow
and a bunch of errands to run,
and it would really
be a big help if I had
somebody to look after Matty.
Just a couple hours.
Job pays 30 bucks oddly enough.
- Tomorrow.
I don't know, the agent's
got some potential buyers
coming by the house and-
- He's gonna stay
out of your way.
Promise.
- Okay, okay, I'll
keep an eye on him.
Can you like feed him
before you bring him over?
- He's a kid, Top, not a puppy.
- Can I get an advance?
- Right.
(cash rustling)
Don't spend it all in one place.
(bugs chirping)
(door thuds)
(paper rustling)
(Topper sighs)
(Topper sighs)
(light music)
(light music continues)
(cabinet squeaks)
(cabinet thuds)
(hand knocks)
(Topper clears throat)
- Hey.
- This is Mr. Topper,
the homeowner.
- Oh, it's just Topper,
nice to meet you.
Hi, hello.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Good to see you again, yeah.
- Let's start in the kitchen.
- Great, sure.
- Awesome.
- Yeah.
- Shit, sorry.
It's really bad timing, huh?
- Yeah, sorta, yeah.
- I'm already running late,
I gotta get outta here.
I'm sorry, I hate to
just drop him and run.
Here's extra money for pizza.
- Okay, what's he gonna eat?
- Listen to me.
Just be a good boy, all right?
Just behave, listen to Topper,
and just stay out of the way.
Okay?
- Okay, I'm gonna tell you
a lot of dirty jokes.
Don't tell your mommy, okay?
- [Allie] Shut up and forget it.
- Bye.
- Just be good.
- [Topper] Bye.
- I'll be back, bye.
- [Topper] Bye, bye.
- Bye.
So, right now I got some like
work kinda business stuff.
Do you understand
what I mean by that?
So I gotta deal with that.
And then afterwards, me
and you can, we'll hang out
and we'll have some like
dude time, all right?
So, in the meantime, why don't
you hang in the backyard?
I gotta swing set back there.
It's a little rusty, so you
gotta be careful, all right?
- All right.
- And then when you're done,
you can tell me how
high up you went on it.
Sound good?
- Good.
- Great. Cool, thanks.
So just go around that way,
around the back of the house.
- All right.
- I'll be back in a bit, okay?
- [Matthew] Bye.
- See ya.
(footsteps tapping)
(couch creaks)
- Yeah, it's all new
electrical actually.
Let's head upstairs and
check out the bedrooms.
- [Topper] Do you need
me for anything or?
- We're great, thank you.
- [Topper] Great.
(Topper clears throat)
(light music)
- [Mike Topper] God damn
it, I want a fucking answer!
(ominous music)
- [Eileen] Then do it.
Show me what a big man you are.
- [Mike Topper] You don't
wanna push me, bitch.
- [Eileen] Hit me!
You think that's gonna
make me want to stay?
Do it! Do it!
Maybe then you'll have
some respect for me.
- [Mike Topper]
You want to go? Go.
Take your shit and go.
- [Eileen] You fucking drunk.
- [Mike Topper]
That's right, I drink,
'cause you drive me to it.
(tense music)
You walk outta here,
Eileen, you leave alone.
- [Eileen] Keep him.
He reminds me of you.
- [Mike Topper]
Eileen, don't go. Wait.
Wait, please.
Okay, I'll quit
drinking. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Eileen!
Eileen, I love you!
Come back!
God damn it!
- [Realtor] Thanks so much,
Topper. We're all set.
Caught you in a
little daydream, huh?
- Yeah, sorry, I just
zone out sometimes.
A lot going on.
- Topper?
- Yeah?
- I'm cold.
- Uh, you're cold.
Well, why don't you go play
upstairs for a little bit, okay?
Thanks, buddy.
- [Matthew] Welcome.
- [Realtor] Cute kid.
- Yeah, yeah. He's really cute.
It's my, my nephew.
He, he loves this house a lot
and he just is really sad that
he's gonna miss it, you know?
He always used to go
on that swing outside.
I dunno if you saw
the swing outside.
(toy clattering)
I should go check on him
just to make sure he's good,
so you show yourselves out.
Great.
- For sure, thanks.
- Nice to see you again.
Jesus Christ, Matty, I'm
trying to sell this place,
you're up here breaking shit.
- [Matthew] Don't hit me.
(light music)
- What'd you say?
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
No, no, no. It's okay.
(birds chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
It's okay.
It's okay.
I'm really sorry.
Really sorry that I...
I'm sorry that I yelled at you.
It's not your fault.
I, I put the truck
there, it's my fault.
Um, here.
I'm sorry.
Here, um...
Peace offering.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Buds?
- Sure.
- Then get outta here
and go play with it.
(sentimental music)
(Topper cries)
Fuck.
(sentimental music continues)
(sentimental music continues)
(door thuds)
- You guys save me any?
- We need to talk.
- Okay.
(door squeaks)
(crow caws)
Hey, listen, I gotta say
thank you so much for today.
- You lied to me.
- This is such a big...
What?
- Either you know, and you're
covering for him, or you don't
because you're not paying
enough fucking attention.
- What are you talking about?
- Eddie's abusing
Matty, isn't he?
- What did Matty tell you?
- What did Matty tell me?
- [Allie] Yes.
- That's your response?
What did Matty tell me?
He didn't have to
tell me anything
'cause I saw it in his face.
I could feel it.
- Okay, all right just
listen to me, please, just...
- So you know?
- [Allie] You don't understand-
- You're just fucking
letting it happen?
- I'm not letting
anything happen!
You don't get it!
- What don't I get?
What the fuck don't I get?
Your child is in there and
he's fucking terrified.
He's terrified, I saw it
in his face at the house,
and I saw it in his
face again today.
- Today?
- I lost my temper with him,
he dropped something
on the floor.
- [Allie] And?
- I had people who were
looking at the house
and I just snapped.
And it's not like I hit him-
- [Allie] And you just snapped?
- Fucking care if I did that.
- How fucking dare you?
- How dare I?
You're his fucking mother.
You're supposed to
be there for him.
You're supposed to
fucking protect him.
You, you, you, you're worse
than my piece of shit mother.
(Topper exhales)
- You're drunk and
I'm not doing this.
- I had a couple, Allie,
I just had couple,
I'm sorry.
- Oh, fuck you, Topper.
Fuck you, Topper!
You think you know me?
My kid?
You think you have any fucking
idea what I go through?
You ran away!
You left and now you're
gonna come back here
and you're gonna judge me like
you're some fucking prize.
Are you kidding me?
Look at you.
You're a mess.
- Allie, wait.
Allie.
- You know, for somebody
who hates their father so much,
you act an awful lot like him.
- What's that supposed to mean?
- [Allie] Oh, figure it out.
- I'm not my fucking
father, Allie.
- Well, I don't know who
the fuck you are anymore!
(Allie sniffles)
I know one thing though.
Your excuse for being
miserable is about to die.
Who are you gonna blame then?
Stay the fuck away from me.
(door rattles)
(light dramatic music)
(crow caws)
(light dramatic music continues)
(bottle clacks)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
- You want another
fucking drink?
Here's a fucking
drink, you cocksucker!
You fuck!
(glass shattering)
(suspenseful music continues)
(bugs trilling)
(dog barking)
(Topper exhales)
(sentimental music)
- Let them that
stole steal no more,
but rather let him labor.
Working with his hands,
the thing which is good,
that he may have to give
to him that need us.
Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth.
- [Topper] How's he doing?
- I told you.
You owe me five bucks.
He's been better.
I will give you two some time.
(Topper hums)
He asked me to read to
him about forgiveness.
I think it's something you
could learn more about, too.
It's good you're here.
For the both of you.
(pages rustling)
- Let all bitterness
and wrath and anger
and clamor and evil speaking
be put away from
you with all malice
and be kind to one
another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another
even as God for Christ's
sake hath forgiven you.
That's what you got
him reading, huh?
Well, it's too bad you didn't
find Jesus sooner, Mike.
- Sorry, I didn't realize
anyone was in here.
- No, it's fine.
- What'd I miss?
- Nothing, he's just
not scary anymore.
- Oh, Mike?
Why, he's a big teddy bear.
(footsteps tapping)
(footsteps tapping)
(chair creaking)
- Big teddy bear.
I found the box on
top of the armoire.
I had no idea that you
came to all those shows,
heard me say all that shit.
(sentimental music)
I don't apologize,
it's all true.
(sentimental music continues)
(paper rustling)
(sentimental music continues)
(sentimental music continues)
Joe seems like a nice guy.
Speaks highly of you.
Says you're a changed man.
Found God.
I call bullshit.
I do believe you
quit drinking though.
Imagine my surprise when
I went to the kitchen,
there was nothing to drink.
Bet you didn't pour
down the sink though.
Glad I missed that bender.
It's funny.
The one time that I needed booze
and you couldn't
even give me that.
And now you're sick and dying.
(sentimental music continues)
(Topper exhales)
I should feel some compassion
for you, but I don't.
I almost feel bad about it.
Almost.
Happy trails, Mike.
- [Mike] Ken.
Thank you for coming.
Must have been hard.
- I didn't do it for you.
- I understand.
- [Topper] Good.
- I know I don't deserve
your forgiveness, son.
- It's Topper.
- I've done horrible
things to you.
But it wasn't about you, son.
- It's Topper.
- It was never about you.
- Oh.
Oh, that's what
this is now, huh?
This is where you feed
me a bunch of bullshit
about how it wasn't my fault.
- It wasn't your fault.
- I know that!
Do you think that
I don't know that?
Do you think it makes
it any easier or better
that being innocent
changes what you did?
Do you wanna pretend
that it never happened?
Would that be simpler?
I tried that. Oh, I tried.
I gave it my best shot.
- I understand that
you'll never forget.
I only ask that
you try to forgive.
- Forgiveness.
(chair rattles)
Why?
Because you found God.
Because you quit drinking.
Because you went to a
couple comedy clubs.
You never once said
you were sorry.
So what makes you think
you deserve my forgiveness?
- I am not asking for myself.
- Good.
But you could save your sob
story for people like Joe
who believe all your bullshit.
(Topper sighs)
I didn't come here to
save your soul, all right?
(Topper exhales)
I came here for closure.
- You think this is it?
You think cussing me
out on my death bed's
gonna give you closure?
You think getting your
last final shots in on me
while I'm laying here dying,
it's gonna lead
you to happiness?
No, damn, I'm not asking
you for forgiveness
because I deserve it.
I'm asking your forgiveness
because you need it.
- Fuck this, fuck this.
- [Mike] Please, please.
Please.
- I forgive you.
And I'll forget you.
(muffled talking)
(muffled talking continues)
Look, um, I don't know
that he deserves your help,
but thank you.
- You're welcome.
Keep it.
It's your father's.
- No, bury him with it.
(bugs trilling)
(sentimental music)
I think I found
my home in silence
I found my peace
in empty roads
With empty souls
just looking for
Some peace of mind
they cannot buy
Back in the busy city
where the people are sloths
To the hours that make
up our night and day
And those who break free
Are cursed with the
knowledge of humanity
(paper rustling)
(light music)
- [Topper] Right here?
I let myself go
If it makes it
easy on the soul
- Is that it?
Now I freed my mind
For it means all
those sense of times
And I'll fade away
- There was an accident on 75.
- [Topper] There always is.
- Yep.
- Can I get you anything?
- Coffee, please.
Between construction
and accidents,
it's a wonder anyone
gets anywhere.
I haven't been here in years.
It is exactly the same.
- Yeah, watch your
knees, I think my gum
is still under some
of these tables.
- You're really very funny.
Thank you.
- Thank you for coming.
- Of course.
To be honest, I didn't
think I'd hear from you
after our last conversation.
- Yeah, a lot's
changed since then.
- So, I assume you changed
your mind about the house then?
It's the right thing to do, Ken.
You shouldn't have
to worry about it
with your father
in the hospital.
- He's dead.
- You went to see him?
- [Topper] Yeah.
- Why?
- Closure.
I can't, I can't keep
living this way, this life.
(emotional music)
And all the hate and
resentment that I have
for the both of you.
It's eating me up.
(emotional music continues)
- So, that's why you called me.
So you could feel better.
Let me tell you something, Ken.
I went through
hell in that house.
I sacrificed myself and
my sanity for years.
Now you're just gonna sit here
and tell me that I
should forgive him
because he's died so
I can feel better?
Bullshit.
What do you want from me?
Do you want "I'm sorry."
Do you want me to
beg forgiveness?
Because I deserve better.
I deserve that house.
I deserve to be-
- You deserve exactly
what you got.
A fresh start.
(emotional music continues)
Oh, don't apologize.
I wouldn't forgive
you if you did.
(emotional music continues)
You know the difference
between you and Mike?
He regretted what he did.
He was burdened by it.
But you?
You forgot I even existed.
(emotional music continues)
(Topper sighs)
(emotional music continues)
Coffee's on me.
- [Jay] You looking for Allie?
- [Topper] Yeah, is she here?
- [Jay] She no-showed
for her shift.
- She didn't call?
- No, I called a bunch
of times, no answer.
And tell her Jay's
pissed, I had tickets
to the Wings tonight.
(hand knocks)
(crickets chirping)
- Allie!
- [Allie] What are you
doing here, Topper?
- Allie, I, I, I just
need to talk to you.
- Now is not a good time.
- Look, I, I know
you're pissed at me,
you have every reason
to hate me, but just,
just gimme a minute, okay?
- Just please go away, Topper.
I, I will call you
tomorrow or something.
- No, I'm not leaving, I'm
not leaving until you open
the door, just let me say
what I have to say, okay?
(crickets chirping)
- Make it quick.
- You were right
about everything.
I was afraid to face my father.
I was, I was afraid to
admit that the reason why
I failed at everything
is because of me.
- Is that it?
Cool, you're welcome.
So, I'll see you later.
- He died this morning.
- I'm sorry, Topper.
- Don't be.
I took your advice.
- You went to see him?
- Last night.
- And?
- And I'm moving on.
- Good for you.
I'm, I'm really proud of you.
- I'm sorry.
(Allie sighs)
I'm so sorry for what I said.
- Don't.
- And how I acted.
Please don't.
No, I was an asshole.
(suspenseful music)
- You were right.
Half right, but...
- (sighs) Jesus
Christ, what happened?
- Eddie got up this morning.
He stepped on one of
Matty's cars in the kitchen
and he, he hurt his foot
and he got pissed off
and he fucking lost it.
He has never ever
put a hand on Matty.
He always takes it out on me.
He has never touched him.
I know it's fucked
up, I know it's wrong,
I know Matty is terrified.
I, I know this already, okay?
What the fuck am I gonna do?
Where am I supposed to go?
What am I supposed
to do to fix this?
There's nothing.
- Where's Matty now?
- He's in his room.
- [Topper] And where's Eddie?
- I don't know, he's probably
at work or something,
but he's on his way home so you
should probably not be here.
- Okay, you're gonna pack a bag
and you're both gonna
come stay with me.
- No, I am not gonna pack a bag.
- Yes, you are.
- I'm not going anywhere.
Where the fuck am I gonna go?
If I leave now, that
makes everything worse.
All right?
I don't get to just take off.
I can't do that.
I have a kid to
think about, okay?
I, I, I just need
time, I need time
to figure this out.
- We don't have time
to argue about this.
Pack a bag, you're both
gonna stay with me.
Listen to me.
I'm not gonna let
anything happen to you,
and I promise you that
you are gonna be okay.
(crickets chirping)
- [Matthew] I'll
protect you, Mom.
(light dramatic music)
- Pack a bag.
- I can't.
- [Topper] You can.
Come on.
- Okay, okay.
- Okay.
- [Allie] Okay.
(light dramatic music continues)
Shoes on, buddy. Quick, quick.
All right, come here. Coat.
(light dramatic music continues)
Got it?
All right, go. Go with Topper.
- Let's go.
(light dramatic music continues)
(door thuds)
- Shit, the bag. Fuck.
Seatbelt!
(light dramatic music continues)
(crickets chirping)
Why does it smell
like whiskey in here?
Jesus, what happened?
- Uh, it fell down some stairs.
- Not a good time to joke, stop.
- Who wants pizza?
- [Matthew] Me!
- Okay.
Uh, why don't you
take him upstairs
and I'll order some pizza.
- [Allie] Come on,
buddy, let's go up.
- Topper?
- Yeah, buddy?
- [Matthew] Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- I'll be right up.
- You're gonna gimme
your credit card, right?
I don't have any money.
(crickets chirping)
(door squeaks)
(ominous music)
(door thuds)
(paper rustling)
(keys rattling)
(ominous music continues)
(ominous music continues)
(water splashing)
(ominous music continues)
- Fucking bitch.
(sinister music)
(door thuds)
(engine rumbling)
Hey, where's Allie?
- [Waitress] She
didn't come in today.
- What do you mean she
didn't come in today?
- [Waitress] I don't know,
Topper was in here earlier
looking for her too.
- Fuck!
(chair clatters)
- What was that about?
- He was looking for Allie.
- Why is he so pissed?
- I don't know.
She didn't even come
in for her shift today.
I told him Topper was in here
earlier looking for her too.
- Oh shit. Shit.
(crickets chirping)
- I'm done.
I can't put Matty
through this anymore.
I never should have fucking put
him in it in the first place.
(engine rumbling)
- Motherfucker.
(sinister music)
I fucking knew it.
(sinister music continues)
(door thuds)
Allie!
- Fuck.
What the fuck is he doing here?
- Allie!
(sinister music continues)
- [Allie] Bad news (indistinct).
- Go, go upstairs with Matty.
Call the police
and don't come down
no matter what happens, okay?
- What? Fuck-
- [Topper] Just go.
- Topper, he is fucking crazy.
- [Topper] Just go
upstairs with Matty,
and just don't come down.
- [Allie] He's crazy!
- I don't care!
Just go upstairs with Matty.
No matter what happens,
you don't come down.
- [Allie] Don't go out there-
- Go!
(sinister music continues)
- [Allie] Matty?
- [Matthew] Mom?
- Oh my god, come
here, come here.
It's okay.
- [Eddie] Allie!
(fist banging)
- Eddie.
The police are on their way.
- You think I give a fuck?
You come here, you try to
take my fucking family away,
and you think I'm just
gonna let that slide?
- Is that how you
treat your family?
- How I treat my family is
none of your fucking business.
- It is my business.
You beat on a woman, little
boy, makes you strong.
Big guy, Eddie.
The big truck, you big boy.
Small dick?
(suspenseful music)
- That's cute.
You know one thing
about me, Topper?
I never learned to take a joke.
(dramatic music)
(fists thudding)
(Topper groans)
Keep your fucking mouth shut.
Fucking-
- Stop it! Stop!
(fist thuds)
(Topper groans)
Stop! You're gonna
fucking kill him!
Stop it! Enough!
- What happens to her
next is your fault.
- Allie, lock the door!
- [Allie] Get the
fuck away from me!
(engine rumbling)
(suspenseful music)
- [Cooper] Hey, hey, hey!
- [Eddie] You brought
fucking backup?
Fuck you, man.
- [Lucas] Fuck.
Huh? Huh?
(muffled talking)
- [Cooper] We got
him, we got him.
- [Eddie] Fuck you, man!
- [Cooper] Shut
the fuck up, huh?
(sirens wailing)
- [Eddie] Motherfucker.
(Topper groans)
- Here, here, here.
I got you, I got you.
(light dramatic music)
(crickets chirping)
(liquid sloshing)
- Morning.
- Morning.
Coffee?
- Oh yeah, coffee.
- Here.
- Thanks.
Matty's still sleeping, huh?
- Yeah.
It's the most he's
slept in a long time.
Think he feels pretty safe here.
How you feeling?
- I'm okay.
Just don't touch.
Don't touch it, don't.
It's not my first
fight, you know?
- Yeah?
You should try winning one.
- I did try.
- I heard the phone ring before.
Was it the guys?
How are they doing?
- Uh, no, no, that was,
that was the realtor.
The buyer met the listing price,
cash offer, immediate close.
- That's uh, that's great, Top.
- Yeah, time to go home.
- Yeah, home.
- [Topper] Allie.
- [Allie] No, it must be nice.
- No, no, no.
- God, I'm so fucking stupid.
- Allie.
- Just as soon as I let my
guard down, just as soon
as I start to feel safe, as
soon as my kid feels safe,
and you're gonna
walk away again.
Of course you are.
My life gets flipped upside
down, and there you go.
You owe me more than that.
- You can come with me.
- I can't just come
with you, Topper.
I can't.
I have a life here.
Matty has a life here.
I don't get to just run away.
My life's not as simple as that.
- I know, I thought
you'd say that.
- Then why the fuck would
you even ask me that?
What is this, so that
you get to feel good?
You get to walk away with a
clear conscience this time?
Is that it?
Fucking stupid.
I am so fucking stupid.
What the fuck am I gonna do now?
Where am I gonna go?
- I passed.
- [Allie] Passed what? What?
- I told them the
house wasn't for sale.
- What are you talking about?
- Papers are signed, the
house is yours, Allie.
- Fuck you.
- That's not really
the reaction I expect
when you give somebody a house.
- You can't just give it to me.
You, you have to sell
this house, Topper,
you can't just give it away.
You need that money.
What are you gonna do?
- Dad had an insurance
policy, I'll be fine.
And I'm gonna, I'm gonna give
you some money so you can-
- God, I didn't
ask you to do this!
I didn't ask you
to fucking save me!
I don't want money. I
don't want a fucking house.
I don't need any of it,
I want my fucking friend.
- You have me, hey, hey.
(gentle music)
Look at me.
Look at me.
(gentle music continues)
Look at me.
You're my best friend.
My best friend.
You always have me.
And for the first time,
all that anger is gone.
And I can't quit now,
I can't, I gotta go.
(gentle music continues)
Just make better memories
here than I have.
Promise me that?
- I promise.
(gentle music continues)
I promise.
- Oh!
- You better not
go 10 fucking years
without calling me this time.
- Yeah, I should probably
pay the cell phone.
(gentle music continues)
(upbeat music)
- How do you, how do
you pass the ball?
How does that make any sense
to throw the ball that far?
You didn't see that coming
against that defense?
- Yeah, we didn't see it.
- It's unbelievable.
We're just born losers,
that's what's happening.
- Yeah, okay.
- [Lucas] The Lions will
never win anything.
- Yeah, yeah.
If I left from the
crowds of science
And you stand there
feeling on your own
Turn the moment
into something great
Know that you
never lose the flow
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
So take a second
To recalibrate
Right now
When the water in
the well runs dry
And you're waiting
for the rain to fall
The sky has never
said her last goodbye
Just a quiet over
brewing storms
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
So take a second
to recalibrate
(light music)
(light music continues)
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
So take a second
to recalibrate
Right now
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(light music)
(light music continues)
Eddie was a good man,
honest and hardworking
Never gave love a try
He was a nightcrawler
working at the corner shop
Just to try and get by
He dreamt of the city,
gettin' out of Mississippi
And finding somewhere
less like home
But his father,
who's a real man
Never said he loved him
Told him wait
till you get older
How will I get out if
I am stuck to my seat
How will I get out if you
have put your chains on me
(light music continues)
- [Bouncer] Got your ticket?
- Thanks.
Hi, can I get a seat
in the back, please?
- Sure, follow me.
(patrons talking
over each other)
(patrons continue
talking over each other)
(patrons continue
talking over each other)
Here you go.
Furthest table from the stage.
Don't wanna become
part of the show, huh?
- I rarely have a choice.
- Yeah, I get it.
They like to pick on me, too.
Can I get you
something to drink?
- [Patron] Ginger ale.
- Sure.
(light music)
- [MC] Ladies and
gentlemen, give it up
for your host for the evening.
(audience clapping)
- Cleveland, Ohio, you all
ready for a show, tonight?
(crowd cheering)
Our first comedian
coming to the stage
is a very funny guy
from Detroit, Michigan.
Let's give it up for Topper.
(crowd cheering)
- Let's hear it for your host.
How you guys doing tonight?
Holy hell, this
guy is shitfaced.
You remind me of my dad.
Quick, punch me in the face
and call me a disappointment.
(crowd laughing)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(Topper coughs)
(Topper groans)
(light dramatic music)
(lighter clicks)
(urine splashing)
- [Reed] Could I have
one morning without
the sound of you peeing?
- [Topper] Guess not.
(Topper groans)
- [Reed] Up before six,
wow. Must be a new record.
- [Topper] I'm always
happy to impress.
- Well, if you really
wanna impress me,
you can pay me the
rent you owe me.
You're like three months behind.
- I gave you money a
couple weeks ago, didn't I?
- No, you didn't.
- [Topper] Huh.
- [Reed] Tony caught
your set last night.
- Oh Jesus, I hate when people
say that, "Caught my set."
Makes it sound like a disease.
- Oh, it's funny you say that
'cause he said he was sick
of hearing your old material.
- Wow, and he thinks
my jokes are old.
- [Reed] Yeah, he said
he wasn't sure if people
were supposed to
laugh at your show
or if it's like a sad
performance art thing.
He was confused.
- Always a pleasure, Reed.
- [Reed] Are you
fucking serious, Topper?
- I remember the first
time my father hit me
with a Tonka truck.
I remember thinking,
"I wish I asked
for a teddy bear for Christmas."
(crowd laughs)
The next Christmas, I
went with micro-machines.
They sting like shit,
but no tetanus shot.
(crowd laughs)
You know, I've been talking a
lot about my, my, my father,
and I'd like to end off here
by saying something
about my mother.
She was a lot like
Julia Roberts,
except one was a whore who
ran off with a rich man
and left her shit life behind
and lived happily ever after,
and the other was Julia Roberts.
(crowd laughs)
Thank you very much.
(crowd claps)
Be sure to tip your comics.
(muffled chattering)
- Very cute, dickhead.
- You walked two of my
fucking tables, Topper.
- Hey, you gotta just walk
that shit off, all right?
We all bomb from time to time.
And that shit about your
neighbor's wife, that's funny.
That's funny. Work on that.
- So if you're seriously
thinking about identifying,
the guy is six foot five.
Thoughts?
- That's a great idea.
Instead of five foot
six, it might help.
- I'm 5'8", bro.
5'8".
- [Patron] On a tall day.
- [Benny] Hey, do you
ever consider therapy?
- Have you ever
considered buying
me some drinks for
advanced payment.
- Pretty sure we get
free drinks here, so...
- Correction: one free drink.
New rule: two drink
minimum for them,
two drink maximum for you.
You forgot three of your
fucking punchlines, kid.
- What is this, a comedy
club or a fucking AA meeting?
My 12 steps are from
this bar to that stage.
- Do you count the stumbles
as two steps or one?
- A stumble is two.
- The micro-machines
thing is new.
- [Benny] Fuck off, Topper.
- Hello, Ken.
(light dramatic music)
- I'm gonna need another drink.
(light dramatic music continues)
Fucking water, Benny?
Gentlemen, meet
Not Julia Roberts.
Fuck off, Eileen.
- [Eileen] Ken, we need to talk.
- Oh, that is not at all true.
- It's about your father.
- You mean Mike?
Yeah, I'm not a fan.
You know, you should
sit closer next time.
There's a great one
about you in there.
- He's dying.
Cancer.
- Well, I guess he's
human after all.
- Do you not wanna
talk about it?
- About what?
The upside of cancer?
- He's leaving
everything to you.
(light dramatic music continues)
- The house?
- [Eileen] Everything.
- Oh, now I get it.
Thanks for the heads up, Eileen.
Have an unsafe flight home.
- Face it, Ken, you're never
coming back to Detroit.
Once he's gone,
the house will rot.
Sign it over to me.
- Jesus fucking Christ.
- Save yourself the trouble.
I'll send you half.
- You are fucking unbelievable.
I thought I was a comedian.
(door thuds)
(door thuds)
(Topper clears throat)
- I bet you didn't expect that.
- I'm just surprised a
broom could fly this far.
- What did she want?
- The house.
- Shit.
What, this old couch or the
apartment you barely live in?
- No, no, no, no, my...
Father's house.
- [Benny] Well,
shouldn't she ask him?
- [Topper] Apparently
he's dying.
- Oh, hell.
I'm sorry kid.
- Why? It's the best
news I heard all day.
- It's your father, Top.
- Yeah, since when?
- Listen, kid, at some point
you have to think about-
- Hey, I appreciate it.
I'm fine.
(light dramatic music)
(paper rustling)
- Follow directions, kid.
Now more so than ever.
(door thuds)
(traffic humming)
(car horns honking)
(Topper groans)
(Topper clears throat)
- Should I just get it myself?
- Oh yes, please.
Because I've been looking
for a reason to shoot you.
- What do you do, raise oil
prices when your cousins
raise gas prices?
- No, I raise liquor prices
on the night you perform
because I know people
will come in here
to drink your jokes away.
- Well, at least when I bomb
I don't take anyone with me.
(clerk chuckles)
- Well played. The usual?
- Yep.
So what's on Al Jazeera
tonight, Habibi.
- We go through this every time.
I am Indian, not Arab,
you fucking troll.
- Then wear a feather,
why don't you?
- Somebody should
buy you a feather
so you can finally
make someone laugh.
- Well played.
Keep the change, Dumbo.
Goodnight, Bin Laden.
- You be good now,
White Devil. Bye bye!
(clerk chuckles)
(bugs chirping)
(liquid sloshing)
(bugs continue chirping)
(Topper sighs)
(keys jingling)
Fuck.
(keys continue jingling)
(paper rustling)
Oh, fuck.
Reedy!
(fist pounds)
Reed!
Reed, come on.
I'll pay, pay you my half of
the rent tomorrow, I promise.
(hand knocks)
Reed!
Reed!
Oh, fuck!
(engine humming)
(light dramatic music)
(engine revving)
(somber music)
(bus engine rumbling)
(sirens wailing)
(somber music continues)
(door thuds)
(somber music continues)
(liquid sloshes)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(knob clicks)
(door squeaks)
(door thuds)
(Topper coughs)
(Topper exhales)
(footsteps tapping)
(light dramatic music)
- Okay.
Okay.
(door clicks)
Topper.
Get your lazy ass up.
Hey, Topper.
Topper, stop jerking
your gerkin in my office.
(Topper groans)
- [Topper] I'd like to request
a late checkout, please.
- You checked out
years ago, numbnuts.
Now put your panties on
and get your ass upstairs.
- Yeah.
(phone clatters)
(light music)
Your voice is the worst thing
I have ever woken up to.
- Somehow I doubt that.
I've seen some of the broads
you've left here with.
- Yeah, that's a good point.
- Coffee's hot,
sandwiches not so much.
- Oh, get that
shit away from me.
I'm gonna throw up.
Breakfast of champions, huh?
- You know any?
(Topper chuckles)
- Benny.
Liquid lunch.
- It's not for me.
So, uh, Reed kicked
you out again, huh?
- Yeah.
She left a note and
everything this time.
(Benny chuckles)
I owe her a lot of money, so
maybe an advance is possible.
- Ah shit, kid.
You're fucking lucky
I pay you at all.
- Will you let me
crash on the couch
just till I get caught up?
- Couple of nights? No problem.
Indefinitely? That's a problem.
- All right, well,
maybe one of the boys
will let me crash or something.
(cigarette sizzles)
- You given your father
situation any thought?
- Not especially.
- what about the house?
- What about it?
- Well, that could
be a game changer.
Sets you up.
- No.
No, I'm just gonna let it rot.
I don't want his
handout, I'm fine.
- Get your head
outta your ass, kid.
You're in no shape to be
turning down free houses.
You're broke, you're homeless,
and you got a drinking problem.
- Be honest with me, Benny.
- I'm fucking serious, Top.
This shit ain't funny.
I'm tired of watching
you kill yourself
night after night drinking,
and then I gotta pretend
I'm not enabling you.
- Enabling you, Jesus Christ.
- Son, you have a gift,
and to watch you waste it-
- No, no, no, no.
- [Benny] Is just making me-
- I can't, I can't handle
the fucking wasted
talent speech, Benny.
I'm hungover and I
just, I can't do it.
- That's the problem.
You don't want to hear it, kid?
The door's over there.
You used to crush the problem.
Nobody wanted to follow you.
The chances you used to take?
You were vulnerable,
you were honest.
You were goddamn fearless, kid.
Now you just hide.
- I still get laughs.
- You used to be
a fucking killer.
Now you're a hack.
- I'm no fucking hack, Benny.
- Then write something new.
I'm tired of hearing about
your mom and your dad
and your fucking sob story.
Spouting off the same shit
that you've been
running on for years.
And you wanna know something?
You don't even
believe in it anymore.
- Don't do that.
Don't, don't tell me
what I believe in.
I love what I do.
- You don't love this.
You don't have anything else.
(light dramatic music)
What's your play, kid?
(light dramatic music continues)
What's your play, kid?
- I don't know!
Okay, Benny? I
don't fucking know.
All I know is that when I'm
on stage is the only time
I feel like I can
fucking breathe.
Like I have any,
any kind of control.
So beyond that, I don't know.
(light dramatic music continues)
(paper rustling)
(Topper coughs)
What's this?
- It's a bus ticket
and 500 bucks.
I knew you wouldn't
make any decisions,
so I made one for you.
That's your play.
Now, before you think
about pocketing that cash
or maybe giving it to Reed,
I just want you
to know one thing.
If you don't use
that bus ticket,
if you don't get
your head straight,
straighten out your
affairs at home,
you are not welcome here.
You will not work
here ever again
or any place else in LA.
- I only travel first class.
- Then sit up front.
Bring it back to me
Begin
Bring it back to me, begin
Bring it back to me, begin
To make envy feels
so incomplete
Feeling like a puppet
controlled by some strings
It's killing me 'cause I
just can't say what I mean
It's everywhere I go is
the wrong place to be
I think I should go home
but I don't know where it is
Bring it back to me, begin
Bring it back to me, begin
Bring it back to me, begin
To make everything
feel so incomplete
(upbeat music continues)
(car engine humming)
- [Driver] 29 bucks.
- [Topper] Here's 30.
(bugs chirping)
(door thuds)
- [Driver] Yo, a buck?
- It's a recession.
- [Driver] Asshole.
(engine revving)
(bag thuds)
(suspenseful music)
(door clicks)
(cigarette sizzles)
- The fuck are you staring
at, you fucking retard?
(suspenseful music continues)
Close the goddamn door,
you're letting the AC out!
(cigarette zaps)
(bugs trilling)
(suspenseful music continues)
(bugs continue trilling)
(traffic humming)
(patrons laughing)
(patrons continue laughing)
- [Bartender] What
are we having?
- I'm fine, thanks.
- [Bartender] No, it's a two
drink minimum, sweetheart.
Gotta order the first
drink when you sit.
- I'm a friend of
Moore's, he won't mind.
- [Bartender] I'm sure he won't.
Moore died four years ago.
His son runs the bar now.
He minds.
So what is it?
Beer or hard liquor?
- I'll order from the bar.
(crowd clapping)
What happened? They finally
figured out you weren't funny?
(patrons talking quietly)
(patrons continues
talking quietly)
(Allie chuckles)
- It's weird.
After you left, the
liquor sales just slipped,
so they had to just go with
full sex appeal at that point.
What the fuck are
you doing here?
- Yeah, I came to see you.
- Fuck you.
You realize it's
been 12 years, right?
I haven't heard from you at all
and you just walk right in
here like nothing happened?
- I like to make an entrance.
- [Allie] Oh, I'm super
fucking impressed.
- I'm surprised you'd
still be here, honestly,
you were always better
than that bunch.
- Well, I still am.
- Aren't you bartending?
Don't tell me you
gave up on standup.
You were great for
a female comic.
- Fuck you very much.
I still go up from
time to time, I just-
- I smell loser.
(Topper chuckles)
Look at you!
- You should try
smelling a salad.
- (groans) I'm fat, okay.
You have to sit down with
the guys, come on.
- All right, all right.
To be continued.
- [Cooper] Oh, you still
trying to hit that?
- [Topper] Shut up.
- Mac!
Look at this piece of shit.
Look at this piece of shit.
- [Mac] What's up?
- What's up, man?
- Well, it's good to see some
things never fucking change.
- Hey, we look for you on TV
but all we saw
was famous people.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, we were going
to visit you in LA
when we thought you
were too busy for us, you know?
Won't have time
for your old pals.
- But I wouldn't want to deal
with all those LA douchebags.
This guy's been here 30 seconds,
I already wanna punch
him in the face.
- Hey, let me ask you something.
Now you were in Los
Angeles, was there any sun?
That's why he hasn't aged.
- What are you talking about?
You're the ghost of
Christmas future,
you're just as white.
- Don't lump me in with him.
If I turn into that, I'm
gonna kill my-fucking-self.
- Well, look at how red he is.
He's always holding his breath.
- [Topper] Yeah.
- His head looks
like a summer squash.
- Yeah.
- My god, no, I'm not
saying it's not attractive,
it's a good look, but I mean,
at the end of the day
when I look at you
and I look at him,
there's just a difference.
- Yeah, you have callous
and your feelings
hanging out with you douchebags.
This guy's been in
town 30 seconds,
I'm an asshole all of a sudden?
- Okay.
(Topper laughs)
(garbled talking)
- Remember that shit?
I can still smell it.
- Why would you eat 20
White Castle burgers
before you get on stage?
- All right, I was not
farting with a lot of
confidence that day.
That's the last time I go
"Pull my finger, dude."
- [Topper] You did it 30
fucking seconds into your set,
you should've done it at
least a little bit later.
- Yeah, that was
not optimal timing.
Two minutes into
a 30-minute set?
I crop-dusted the whole
front row before it happened.
(upbeat music)
(door squeaks)
- Welcome to my
beautiful castle.
So...
Sorry, man, I don't
get much company.
(door thuds)
(Topper grumbles)
(Topper coughs)
Hey, I don't have a pillow,
but I got a blanket.
(Topper sniffles)
Hey, you want a drink?
- No, no, I'm good.
- [Lucas] Tequila?
Nightcap?
- Something you wanna tell me?
- [Lucas] Ah shit, yeah.
That's my daughter's.
- [Topper] No shit,
you got a kid?
- Yeah, Brenna.
- That's crazy. How old?
How old is she?
- [Lucas] Five, six.
I don't know,
something like that.
- You, you don't know how old?
Where is she now?
- With her mom, I
think, I don't know.
Look, I didn't want a kid,
but shit happens, you know?
- Well she get this
back to her, man.
I'm sure she'd love to have it.
- I'd love to talk to you,
my friend, but I'm exhausted.
I'm going to bed.
Me casa es tu castles, so
whatever it is you wanna do,
knock yourself
(hand knocks) crazy.
- Yeah, goodnight.
(emotional music)
(Topper sighs)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(rain pattering)
(somber music continues)
(train horn blows)
- Hey, bud.
Hey.
You can't sleep here.
- Oh, sorry, sorry.
(somber music continues)
(birds chirping)
(somber music continues)
(Topper exhales)
(keys jingling)
(door squeaks)
(birds chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
(music box chiming)
(ceramic clashing)
(pills rattling)
(pill bottle clattering)
(door squeaks)
(light dramatic music)
- I asked you to do one thing,
you couldn't even do that right.
(dark ominous music)
(belt buckle clinking)
(suspenseful music)
(ominous music continues)
(door thuds)
(Topper breathes heavily)
(lock clicks)
(Topper exhales)
(ominous music continues)
(ominous music continues)
(birds chirping)
(footsteps thudding)
(Topper exhales)
- [Nicholas] We're not gonna
get much for any of this shit.
- Correct, okay.
(muffled talking)
This place is still a dump,
but let's start with the couch.
We'll get, we'll get
that out first, okay?
Put the couch down.
Put the couch down.
- [Nicholas] What? Why?
- Put the goddamn couch
down now, Nicholas.
- Eileen, what the fuck
are you doing here?
How'd you get in here?
- Look around, do you think
he ever changed the locks?
I'm just gonna put some
things in storage for you
until you decide
what you wanna do.
Um, I don't want
anyone breaking in.
- Cut the shit, cut the shit.
- [Eileen] Stealing anything.
- You didn't think I was
gonna come, you were wrong.
Get the fuck out.
- Yo, you're not gonna
talk to my mom like that.
- I've got this, go outside.
Outside now.
(light dramatic music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
- Did he just call you mom?
- Yes.
His name is Nicholas, and
he's your half brother.
- My half...
Oh, you're fucking incredible.
You leave a 6-year-old
boy with a drunk,
run off and start a new family.
- Kenny, we don't
need to do this now.
(Topper sighs)
(light dramatic music continues)
- He doesn't know, does he?
- He doesn't need to know.
- Whose shit does he
think is in this house?
- It doesn't matter.
I mean, it's not important.
What is important is
getting this house-
- Just answer the question.
Whose house does
he think this is?
- My ex-husband's.
He knows I was married
before I met his father,
but David and I thought
it would be best if,
if we didn't tell him about you,
we didn't wanna confuse him.
Hey, listen, listen, I will
take care of all of this
and we can split
everything 50/50
and you won't have to
worry about a thing.
- Get the fuck out.
- You're just
gonna fuck this up.
And besides, why should
you get everything?
- Because I was here.
Because I earned it.
Get the fuck out of my house.
Get the fuck.
You know what?
Hey, Nick!
- All right, okay!
Okay, I'm going, I'm going!
Get my number from Mike's lawyer
if it gets to be
too much for you.
- Nice meeting you, bro.
- Get in the van.
- Who the fuck is that guy?
- My nephew.
- Hey, Eileen.
Hey, Eileen!
I'm gonna need that key!
Yeah, I'm gonna need that key.
(key jingling)
Oh wow.
Thank you. Fucking full
of surprises, aren't you?
(door thuds)
You know, your mom's
a fucking whore.
(engine rumbling)
Un-fucking-believable.
(dramatic music)
(cabinets clattering)
(glass shattering)
Fuck!
(Topper exhales)
Oh, it's good to
be back in Detroit.
I live in LA now and it's
a change of pace, you know?
I've been back here two days
and I haven't seen one person
I wanna punch in the face.
Except for maybe
that guy right here.
(crowd laughs)
Jesus.
You got a detestable face.
Your mom ever tell you that?
You look like an
unsuccessful Ted Cruz.
(crowd laughs)
No, it's good to be back.
It's been weird, too.
It's been really
strange, you know?
I'm back because my dad
is dying of a cancer.
Yeah, my mom's
birthday is July 20th.
(crowd laughs)
That one's a thinker.
I just got, I'm fucking thirsty.
You don't mind.
Here we go, don't
tell my sponsor.
(lighter clicks)
(light music)
(crowd cheers)
(light music continues)
My uh...
(vomit splattering)
(cereal rustling)
(birds chirping)
(Topper sighs)
(birds continue chirping)
(lawnmower humming)
(Topper exhales)
(Topper coughs)
(muffled talking)
(birds chirping)
(dog barks)
Morning.
- Morning.
- You must be Matthew.
- Yep.
Did you throw up in my bed?
- I don't think so.
I might have stepped on
some of your toys though.
Thanks for letting
me borrow the rug.
- My mom made me.
She woke me up and made
me sleep on the couch.
- What are you watching?
- [Matthew] "Dragon Ball Z."
- Can I watch?
- Sure.
(Topper exhales)
So are you a friend of my mom's?
- Do we talk with
our mouth full?
- Sorry, Mom.
- Yes, Topper is an
old friend of mine.
He moved away a while ago,
back before you were born.
You know, he lives
in Hollywood now.
- Really? Do you
know anyone famous?
- Uh, I once had a beer
with William Shatner.
- Who's that?
- He used, nevermind, nevermind.
- [Allie] Hey, Matty, you gotta
get ready for school, buddy.
Go get in your room, grab your
backpack, grab your shoes.
You're gonna miss the bus again.
- Nice to meet you.
- Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, nice, nice
meet meeting you.
- [Eddie] Topper.
- Hey, Eddie.
- Matty, you heard your mother.
Go get ready for school.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
You gonna leave your bowl in
the middle of floor or what?
- No, sir.
- Pick it up.
(spoon clatters)
Matty, you spilled...
You know what? Just take
the bowl in the sink first-
- It's okay.
- And then come back.
- It's okay. It's okay, babe.
It's all right, just go
get ready for school, okay?
Shoes and coat, please.
- I got it.
A little milk on my sock
ain't a big deal, right?
The fuck are you
doing here, Top?
I thought you were
Mr. Hollywood.
- [Topper] I just had some
things I had take care of.
(Eddie chuckles)
- Look like you took care of
quite a few drinks last night.
Had to carry your ass sloppy in,
which was not a good
time, by the way.
- Yeah, sorry about that.
Thanks for letting
me crash, man.
- Yeah, just don't be
here when I get back, huh?
No sweat.
Allie, I gotta go.
I'm late for work.
What, no kiss?
(lips smacking)
- See you after.
(Eddie hums)
- Topper.
- [Topper] Eddie.
- You ready?
Lunch, bag, good? Okay.
Hurry, hurry, go, go, go.
Love you, buddy.
I'll see you after!
(door thuds)
- So...
- Think you can hold
down some breakfast?
- Yeah, I can hold
down some breakfast.
Thank you.
Ooh.
- [Allie] So, what's up?
What's going on? Why
are you back here?
- So, you're a mom, huh?
- Yep.
Matty is eight.
He's a really good kid.
- So is Eddie his-
- No, don't, no, no, no.
Matty's dad, he took off
right after Matty was born.
I started dating Eddie
a couple years ago.
And then I got evicted
from my apartment
and Eddie took us in.
- How did that happen?
- What?
- You, (laughs) sorry.
He just...
He was always after
you and you, you,
you used to talk about
what an asshole he was.
- He's still an asshole.
- Do you love him?
- I love my kid.
That's all that matters.
- [Topper] He seems
a little aggressive.
- He's just, he's
got a lot of stress.
Work's been having to do
double shifts and it's...
- Does he ever get
rough with Matty?
- No.
No.
- I never liked his vibe.
- Well, what's up?
Why are you back in Detroit?
- Are you happy?
- What's that?
Come on, what's,
what's up with you?
- Who's William Shatner?
- Topper!
- Who could William Shatner be?
Never heard of him.
What are you teaching this kid?
- Come on, Topper.
(Topper groans)
- My dad is dying.
(Allie chuckles)
- You're not joking.
- And he's leaving me the house,
so I gotta tie it all up.
Clean it so I can sell it.
- [Allie] What's wrong with him?
- Cancer, they say.
- What, you haven't
even gone see him?
- No, why would I?
I don't even know
what hospital he's in.
These eggs taste like my ass.
They're so salty.
- Excuse me.
- So much salt it's like
a fucking silo of salt.
Can I have something to drink?
- I have orange juice, yeah?
- [Topper] Please.
- Is OJ acceptable
for you?
- [Topper] That'd be great
- Okay.
(glass clinking)
- I just didn't wanna
go through your fridge.
You know that they say OJ
will give you diabetes.
(Allie hums)
What do you think
killed more people?
OJ or OJ OJ?
- [Allie] What?
- [Topper] Thank you.
- [Allie] How did you find out?
- [Topper] It was on the news.
White Bronco, gloves didn't fit.
Johnny Cochran.
- [Allie] Topper.
- Eileen told me.
- [Allie] Your mother?
- Yeah.
It was a real treat.
She dropped by one of my sets,
which I was killing by the way,
and she asked me to sign
the house over to her.
- Fucking bitch!
- [Topper] That's what I said.
(light music)
- Top, you, you gotta
go see him, Top.
- [Topper] I have
nothing to say to him.
- Maybe he's got
something to say to you.
- I got nothing
to hear from him.
- [Allie] Topper-
- I just don't.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
All I gotta do, all I gotta
do, all I gotta do is just
get rid of all his shit
and then get the fuck
outta here, okay?
Thank you for your hospitality.
- Yeah, anytime.
- [Realtor] So, uh,
you lived here a while?
- Uh, yeah. No.
My father left me the place.
- [Realtor] Very
sorry for your loss.
- Yeah, yeah, thanks.
- [Realtor] Good news
is with a little TLC
and the right price
we could definitely
get this sold for you.
- As is.
- [Realtor] Totally
understand, but some minor
improvements really
go a long way.
- No, no, we don't
need to do anything.
I'm just gonna clean
it and sweep it.
It's paid for, I just wanna
get rid of it, all right?
Price it to sell.
- [Realtor] Okay.
- Yeah?
- [Realtor] I'll come by
tomorrow with the paperwork.
- Thanks.
- [Realtor] Nice to meet you.
- You too.
(light dramatic music)
(door clatters)
- [Cooper] Did you want me help?
- [Lucas] Could you move a
little faster, do you think?
- [Cooper] Okay, I'm
moving the heavy part.
- [Lucas] Just try to get
that piss stain on your face.
- Oh, okay, come on.
- Take your time please.
- [Cooper] Why am
I doing the heavy?
- Just move, please. I'm
begging you to move faster.
I'm begging you.
- This is the heavy thing.
Wait, hold on, hold on, hold on.
- What the fuck?
- Hey, Top. Can I have this?
- Jesus, Coop, for
the hundredth time
you don't need to ask.
Just take whatever you want.
- All right.
Look at this.
- Ah, is it real gold?
- You think?
- [Lucas] Come on, man.
- [Cooper] I got it, I got it.
- Yeah, come on.
With the trophy, then? Really?
Could you drop it?
It's unbelievable.
- [Cooper] Can we stop pushing?
- [Lucas] I'm not pushing, I'm
moving at a very normal rate.
- [Cooper] Now
there's more stairs,
fucking A.
- It's unbelievable.
That's it, just one step.
When was the last time you did
something physical? The 80s?
- (groans) Fuck off.
- It's unbelievable, man.
- You know what?
- Come on.
- How about you
handle this yourself?
- Oh wow, okay.
And make sure you
keep that trophy safe.
Why do you want somebody
else's bowling trophy?
- Hey man, I'm gonna
put it on my mantle.
Women love an athlete.
- 'Course. That's good,
that'll get you laid.
- (chuckles) You know.
- He didn't keep one
thing from his room.
- So?
- So you don't think
that's strange?
His old man left his
room exactly the way
he left it when he was a kid.
You don't think that's
weird considering
all the things
we've heard about?
You know, like he didn't
keep one thing for memory?
- Some people move on.
- Then again, some people don't.
- [Topper] Is that all of it?
- [Lucas] Yep, everything
in the garage too.
- [Cooper] All right,
nice of you to join us.
- What are you sneaky
bitches talking about?
- Cooper found
bumps on his dick.
- Again?
- Yeah.
- You know what, I don't
wanna make this awkward but,
has your mom been checked?
- My mother's 77-years-old,
you disrespectful bastard.
- So she's too old for crabs,
so it must be dust mites.
- It's your mother's pussy.
- Yeah.
- It's like, it's old.
- It's very old.
- You know what I mean?
- [Lucas] You guys are making
me so hard right now.
- That's just like your mom.
Your mom makes everybody hard.
Two things I love
about your mother.
(muffled talking)
(birds chirping)
(car engine rumbling)
(light dramatic music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
Hey bro, I cannot help
it that I am a product
of superior genetic breeding.
- [Lucas] You're pasty.
Pasty.
- [Cooper] Yeah, well.
- He's rusty.
(all laughing)
It's a good hue to
your skin there.
- [Cooper] Yeah.
- [Lucas] Stepped outta hell.
- Hey, there he is.
What, what are you
upstairs rubbing one out
just for old time's sake?
- No, I was fixing something.
Anyway, thanks for
your help guys,
this would've taken me ages.
- Hey, no sweat, Tops.
Glad we could help.
- Hey, I did it
for the free lunch.
- That's what his
Tinder date said.
- I taken women to nice places.
- She looked like she
had a serious appetite.
- [Cooper] I take
one fat girl out and-
- Not fat, just well-rounded.
- [Friend] Hey,
Tops. Anything else?
- Realtor said as soon
as it's cleaned out
we can start showing it,
so hopefully all this
work pays off for us.
- Well, what about
your dad's stuff?
I saw some pills out there.
Anything good in there?
- You should take a look.
But other than that,
everything was thrown
in the trash or
goes with the house.
- You should go see him.
- Fuck sakes, not you guys too.
- [Lucas] We just don't want
you to regret anything, man.
- Yeah, I, I appreciate
your concern, I really do,
but let's leave it.
- Don't be stubborn, Topper.
- Yeah, I would've
given anything
to see my dad one last time.
- Your dad was a great
guy, that's cool.
Let's fucking drop
it, all right?
- [Lucas] We all need family.
- Lucas.
- I mean, Top, it's
not just about you.
Have some sympathy,
the guy is dying, man.
He's probably lying there
scared out of his mind.
- Fuck him!
- All right, well walk
away. That's gonna help.
- You know what?
Fuck you, too.
Is this a fucking joke?
You are gonna preach to
me about fucking family?
Where's your family, huh?
Where's your fucking
daughter, man?
Where is she?
Yeah, I bet you have no idea.
I guess she doesn't
need family, right?
- Watch your fucking mouth.
Who the fuck are
you to judge me?
At least I got a life, asshole.
You're too busy
blaming your father
for you to have one, right?
- Yeah, well, your
daughter will know
about that soon
enough, won't she?
- Oh, come on, Top.
- Who are you, man?
You think you're like the
shit because you moved
to Hollywood, got
a couple TV gigs?
You're not.
You had your shot, you blew it,
and you're back here with us.
You're a nobody just
like the rest of us.
(door clicks)
(door thuds)
- [Friend] That
wasn't cool, Top.
- He needed to hear it.
- Yeah, well, not like that.
- Topper, not
everybody's the bad guy.
- The fuck you know
about it, Cooper?
- Oh, okay, I'm the bad guy now.
You know, keep burning bridges.
Damn.
Jesus, man.
(somber music)
(bugs trilling)
(muffled talking)
(door clicks)
- You must be Ken.
(Topper gasps)
- Jesus Christ.
Oh.
Holy.
- Easy.
- [Topper] Who the fuck are you?
- Joe.
A friend of your father's.
(Topper exhales)
- How did you get in here?
- Your dad gave
me a key years ago
when he started going to AA.
I'm his sponsor.
Not that I needed it, you
left the door wide open.
- AA, huh?
He must keep you pretty busy.
- Actually, he hasn't
had a drink in years.
But it looks like it hasn't
been that long for you.
- I call bullshit.
- Your father's been
sober for quite a while.
- Right.
Okay.
So, what can I do for you, Joe?
- Nothing.
I just stopped by to
check on the house
and grab your father's mail.
He hadn't told me you
stopped by the hospital.
- Yeah, well, he
wouldn't, and I haven't.
- I see.
Will you be?
- It's nice meeting you, Joe.
Thanks for dropping by.
- I met your dad about
a year after you left.
He stopped by one of
our meetings one night,
he sat in the back.
He didn't introduce
himself or participate,
just sat quietly listening.
When the meeting ended, I
turned around to greet him,
he was already gone.
I just figured he lost
interest. Ditched.
May I?
- Sure.
- He did that for a
while until one night
I stopped noticing he was there.
Then he sat right next
to me and he said,
"My name's Mike and
I'm an alcoholic.
Can you help me?"
- Wow, that's fucking great.
So, what am I
supposed to do, huh?
Believe he turned a new
leaf, became a better man?
- [Joe] Yes, he did.
- Sure. Sure he did.
- Sorry you feel that way.
- Did he tell you
he used to beat me?
(somber music)
- Yes.
(somber music continues)
- So, what's the
point of all this?
- The point is, I know that
man better than anyone else.
I was there when he
faced his demons,
and believe me, he had many.
It's hard for a man
to take responsibility
for those types of things.
It should be.
His guilt is well deserved.
Every man deserves
a second chance.
(somber music continues)
Every man.
(door thuds)
- [Topper] Can I
ask you for a favor?
- [Allie] Yeah, what's up?
- Can I borrow like 30 bucks
just until I get some
cash from the house?
I, I wouldn't ask, but I could
put some food in the fridge.
- All right. All right.
Tell you what.
I got a doctor's
appointment tomorrow
and a bunch of errands to run,
and it would really
be a big help if I had
somebody to look after Matty.
Just a couple hours.
Job pays 30 bucks oddly enough.
- Tomorrow.
I don't know, the agent's
got some potential buyers
coming by the house and-
- He's gonna stay
out of your way.
Promise.
- Okay, okay, I'll
keep an eye on him.
Can you like feed him
before you bring him over?
- He's a kid, Top, not a puppy.
- Can I get an advance?
- Right.
(cash rustling)
Don't spend it all in one place.
(bugs chirping)
(door thuds)
(paper rustling)
(Topper sighs)
(Topper sighs)
(light music)
(light music continues)
(cabinet squeaks)
(cabinet thuds)
(hand knocks)
(Topper clears throat)
- Hey.
- This is Mr. Topper,
the homeowner.
- Oh, it's just Topper,
nice to meet you.
Hi, hello.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Good to see you again, yeah.
- Let's start in the kitchen.
- Great, sure.
- Awesome.
- Yeah.
- Shit, sorry.
It's really bad timing, huh?
- Yeah, sorta, yeah.
- I'm already running late,
I gotta get outta here.
I'm sorry, I hate to
just drop him and run.
Here's extra money for pizza.
- Okay, what's he gonna eat?
- Listen to me.
Just be a good boy, all right?
Just behave, listen to Topper,
and just stay out of the way.
Okay?
- Okay, I'm gonna tell you
a lot of dirty jokes.
Don't tell your mommy, okay?
- [Allie] Shut up and forget it.
- Bye.
- Just be good.
- [Topper] Bye.
- I'll be back, bye.
- [Topper] Bye, bye.
- Bye.
So, right now I got some like
work kinda business stuff.
Do you understand
what I mean by that?
So I gotta deal with that.
And then afterwards, me
and you can, we'll hang out
and we'll have some like
dude time, all right?
So, in the meantime, why don't
you hang in the backyard?
I gotta swing set back there.
It's a little rusty, so you
gotta be careful, all right?
- All right.
- And then when you're done,
you can tell me how
high up you went on it.
Sound good?
- Good.
- Great. Cool, thanks.
So just go around that way,
around the back of the house.
- All right.
- I'll be back in a bit, okay?
- [Matthew] Bye.
- See ya.
(footsteps tapping)
(couch creaks)
- Yeah, it's all new
electrical actually.
Let's head upstairs and
check out the bedrooms.
- [Topper] Do you need
me for anything or?
- We're great, thank you.
- [Topper] Great.
(Topper clears throat)
(light music)
- [Mike Topper] God damn
it, I want a fucking answer!
(ominous music)
- [Eileen] Then do it.
Show me what a big man you are.
- [Mike Topper] You don't
wanna push me, bitch.
- [Eileen] Hit me!
You think that's gonna
make me want to stay?
Do it! Do it!
Maybe then you'll have
some respect for me.
- [Mike Topper]
You want to go? Go.
Take your shit and go.
- [Eileen] You fucking drunk.
- [Mike Topper]
That's right, I drink,
'cause you drive me to it.
(tense music)
You walk outta here,
Eileen, you leave alone.
- [Eileen] Keep him.
He reminds me of you.
- [Mike Topper]
Eileen, don't go. Wait.
Wait, please.
Okay, I'll quit
drinking. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Eileen!
Eileen, I love you!
Come back!
God damn it!
- [Realtor] Thanks so much,
Topper. We're all set.
Caught you in a
little daydream, huh?
- Yeah, sorry, I just
zone out sometimes.
A lot going on.
- Topper?
- Yeah?
- I'm cold.
- Uh, you're cold.
Well, why don't you go play
upstairs for a little bit, okay?
Thanks, buddy.
- [Matthew] Welcome.
- [Realtor] Cute kid.
- Yeah, yeah. He's really cute.
It's my, my nephew.
He, he loves this house a lot
and he just is really sad that
he's gonna miss it, you know?
He always used to go
on that swing outside.
I dunno if you saw
the swing outside.
(toy clattering)
I should go check on him
just to make sure he's good,
so you show yourselves out.
Great.
- For sure, thanks.
- Nice to see you again.
Jesus Christ, Matty, I'm
trying to sell this place,
you're up here breaking shit.
- [Matthew] Don't hit me.
(light music)
- What'd you say?
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
No, no, no. It's okay.
(birds chirping)
(birds continue chirping)
It's okay.
It's okay.
I'm really sorry.
Really sorry that I...
I'm sorry that I yelled at you.
It's not your fault.
I, I put the truck
there, it's my fault.
Um, here.
I'm sorry.
Here, um...
Peace offering.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Buds?
- Sure.
- Then get outta here
and go play with it.
(sentimental music)
(Topper cries)
Fuck.
(sentimental music continues)
(sentimental music continues)
(door thuds)
- You guys save me any?
- We need to talk.
- Okay.
(door squeaks)
(crow caws)
Hey, listen, I gotta say
thank you so much for today.
- You lied to me.
- This is such a big...
What?
- Either you know, and you're
covering for him, or you don't
because you're not paying
enough fucking attention.
- What are you talking about?
- Eddie's abusing
Matty, isn't he?
- What did Matty tell you?
- What did Matty tell me?
- [Allie] Yes.
- That's your response?
What did Matty tell me?
He didn't have to
tell me anything
'cause I saw it in his face.
I could feel it.
- Okay, all right just
listen to me, please, just...
- So you know?
- [Allie] You don't understand-
- You're just fucking
letting it happen?
- I'm not letting
anything happen!
You don't get it!
- What don't I get?
What the fuck don't I get?
Your child is in there and
he's fucking terrified.
He's terrified, I saw it
in his face at the house,
and I saw it in his
face again today.
- Today?
- I lost my temper with him,
he dropped something
on the floor.
- [Allie] And?
- I had people who were
looking at the house
and I just snapped.
And it's not like I hit him-
- [Allie] And you just snapped?
- Fucking care if I did that.
- How fucking dare you?
- How dare I?
You're his fucking mother.
You're supposed to
be there for him.
You're supposed to
fucking protect him.
You, you, you, you're worse
than my piece of shit mother.
(Topper exhales)
- You're drunk and
I'm not doing this.
- I had a couple, Allie,
I just had couple,
I'm sorry.
- Oh, fuck you, Topper.
Fuck you, Topper!
You think you know me?
My kid?
You think you have any fucking
idea what I go through?
You ran away!
You left and now you're
gonna come back here
and you're gonna judge me like
you're some fucking prize.
Are you kidding me?
Look at you.
You're a mess.
- Allie, wait.
Allie.
- You know, for somebody
who hates their father so much,
you act an awful lot like him.
- What's that supposed to mean?
- [Allie] Oh, figure it out.
- I'm not my fucking
father, Allie.
- Well, I don't know who
the fuck you are anymore!
(Allie sniffles)
I know one thing though.
Your excuse for being
miserable is about to die.
Who are you gonna blame then?
Stay the fuck away from me.
(door rattles)
(light dramatic music)
(crow caws)
(light dramatic music continues)
(bottle clacks)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
- You want another
fucking drink?
Here's a fucking
drink, you cocksucker!
You fuck!
(glass shattering)
(suspenseful music continues)
(bugs trilling)
(dog barking)
(Topper exhales)
(sentimental music)
- Let them that
stole steal no more,
but rather let him labor.
Working with his hands,
the thing which is good,
that he may have to give
to him that need us.
Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth.
- [Topper] How's he doing?
- I told you.
You owe me five bucks.
He's been better.
I will give you two some time.
(Topper hums)
He asked me to read to
him about forgiveness.
I think it's something you
could learn more about, too.
It's good you're here.
For the both of you.
(pages rustling)
- Let all bitterness
and wrath and anger
and clamor and evil speaking
be put away from
you with all malice
and be kind to one
another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another
even as God for Christ's
sake hath forgiven you.
That's what you got
him reading, huh?
Well, it's too bad you didn't
find Jesus sooner, Mike.
- Sorry, I didn't realize
anyone was in here.
- No, it's fine.
- What'd I miss?
- Nothing, he's just
not scary anymore.
- Oh, Mike?
Why, he's a big teddy bear.
(footsteps tapping)
(footsteps tapping)
(chair creaking)
- Big teddy bear.
I found the box on
top of the armoire.
I had no idea that you
came to all those shows,
heard me say all that shit.
(sentimental music)
I don't apologize,
it's all true.
(sentimental music continues)
(paper rustling)
(sentimental music continues)
(sentimental music continues)
Joe seems like a nice guy.
Speaks highly of you.
Says you're a changed man.
Found God.
I call bullshit.
I do believe you
quit drinking though.
Imagine my surprise when
I went to the kitchen,
there was nothing to drink.
Bet you didn't pour
down the sink though.
Glad I missed that bender.
It's funny.
The one time that I needed booze
and you couldn't
even give me that.
And now you're sick and dying.
(sentimental music continues)
(Topper exhales)
I should feel some compassion
for you, but I don't.
I almost feel bad about it.
Almost.
Happy trails, Mike.
- [Mike] Ken.
Thank you for coming.
Must have been hard.
- I didn't do it for you.
- I understand.
- [Topper] Good.
- I know I don't deserve
your forgiveness, son.
- It's Topper.
- I've done horrible
things to you.
But it wasn't about you, son.
- It's Topper.
- It was never about you.
- Oh.
Oh, that's what
this is now, huh?
This is where you feed
me a bunch of bullshit
about how it wasn't my fault.
- It wasn't your fault.
- I know that!
Do you think that
I don't know that?
Do you think it makes
it any easier or better
that being innocent
changes what you did?
Do you wanna pretend
that it never happened?
Would that be simpler?
I tried that. Oh, I tried.
I gave it my best shot.
- I understand that
you'll never forget.
I only ask that
you try to forgive.
- Forgiveness.
(chair rattles)
Why?
Because you found God.
Because you quit drinking.
Because you went to a
couple comedy clubs.
You never once said
you were sorry.
So what makes you think
you deserve my forgiveness?
- I am not asking for myself.
- Good.
But you could save your sob
story for people like Joe
who believe all your bullshit.
(Topper sighs)
I didn't come here to
save your soul, all right?
(Topper exhales)
I came here for closure.
- You think this is it?
You think cussing me
out on my death bed's
gonna give you closure?
You think getting your
last final shots in on me
while I'm laying here dying,
it's gonna lead
you to happiness?
No, damn, I'm not asking
you for forgiveness
because I deserve it.
I'm asking your forgiveness
because you need it.
- Fuck this, fuck this.
- [Mike] Please, please.
Please.
- I forgive you.
And I'll forget you.
(muffled talking)
(muffled talking continues)
Look, um, I don't know
that he deserves your help,
but thank you.
- You're welcome.
Keep it.
It's your father's.
- No, bury him with it.
(bugs trilling)
(sentimental music)
I think I found
my home in silence
I found my peace
in empty roads
With empty souls
just looking for
Some peace of mind
they cannot buy
Back in the busy city
where the people are sloths
To the hours that make
up our night and day
And those who break free
Are cursed with the
knowledge of humanity
(paper rustling)
(light music)
- [Topper] Right here?
I let myself go
If it makes it
easy on the soul
- Is that it?
Now I freed my mind
For it means all
those sense of times
And I'll fade away
- There was an accident on 75.
- [Topper] There always is.
- Yep.
- Can I get you anything?
- Coffee, please.
Between construction
and accidents,
it's a wonder anyone
gets anywhere.
I haven't been here in years.
It is exactly the same.
- Yeah, watch your
knees, I think my gum
is still under some
of these tables.
- You're really very funny.
Thank you.
- Thank you for coming.
- Of course.
To be honest, I didn't
think I'd hear from you
after our last conversation.
- Yeah, a lot's
changed since then.
- So, I assume you changed
your mind about the house then?
It's the right thing to do, Ken.
You shouldn't have
to worry about it
with your father
in the hospital.
- He's dead.
- You went to see him?
- [Topper] Yeah.
- Why?
- Closure.
I can't, I can't keep
living this way, this life.
(emotional music)
And all the hate and
resentment that I have
for the both of you.
It's eating me up.
(emotional music continues)
- So, that's why you called me.
So you could feel better.
Let me tell you something, Ken.
I went through
hell in that house.
I sacrificed myself and
my sanity for years.
Now you're just gonna sit here
and tell me that I
should forgive him
because he's died so
I can feel better?
Bullshit.
What do you want from me?
Do you want "I'm sorry."
Do you want me to
beg forgiveness?
Because I deserve better.
I deserve that house.
I deserve to be-
- You deserve exactly
what you got.
A fresh start.
(emotional music continues)
Oh, don't apologize.
I wouldn't forgive
you if you did.
(emotional music continues)
You know the difference
between you and Mike?
He regretted what he did.
He was burdened by it.
But you?
You forgot I even existed.
(emotional music continues)
(Topper sighs)
(emotional music continues)
Coffee's on me.
- [Jay] You looking for Allie?
- [Topper] Yeah, is she here?
- [Jay] She no-showed
for her shift.
- She didn't call?
- No, I called a bunch
of times, no answer.
And tell her Jay's
pissed, I had tickets
to the Wings tonight.
(hand knocks)
(crickets chirping)
- Allie!
- [Allie] What are you
doing here, Topper?
- Allie, I, I, I just
need to talk to you.
- Now is not a good time.
- Look, I, I know
you're pissed at me,
you have every reason
to hate me, but just,
just gimme a minute, okay?
- Just please go away, Topper.
I, I will call you
tomorrow or something.
- No, I'm not leaving, I'm
not leaving until you open
the door, just let me say
what I have to say, okay?
(crickets chirping)
- Make it quick.
- You were right
about everything.
I was afraid to face my father.
I was, I was afraid to
admit that the reason why
I failed at everything
is because of me.
- Is that it?
Cool, you're welcome.
So, I'll see you later.
- He died this morning.
- I'm sorry, Topper.
- Don't be.
I took your advice.
- You went to see him?
- Last night.
- And?
- And I'm moving on.
- Good for you.
I'm, I'm really proud of you.
- I'm sorry.
(Allie sighs)
I'm so sorry for what I said.
- Don't.
- And how I acted.
Please don't.
No, I was an asshole.
(suspenseful music)
- You were right.
Half right, but...
- (sighs) Jesus
Christ, what happened?
- Eddie got up this morning.
He stepped on one of
Matty's cars in the kitchen
and he, he hurt his foot
and he got pissed off
and he fucking lost it.
He has never ever
put a hand on Matty.
He always takes it out on me.
He has never touched him.
I know it's fucked
up, I know it's wrong,
I know Matty is terrified.
I, I know this already, okay?
What the fuck am I gonna do?
Where am I supposed to go?
What am I supposed
to do to fix this?
There's nothing.
- Where's Matty now?
- He's in his room.
- [Topper] And where's Eddie?
- I don't know, he's probably
at work or something,
but he's on his way home so you
should probably not be here.
- Okay, you're gonna pack a bag
and you're both gonna
come stay with me.
- No, I am not gonna pack a bag.
- Yes, you are.
- I'm not going anywhere.
Where the fuck am I gonna go?
If I leave now, that
makes everything worse.
All right?
I don't get to just take off.
I can't do that.
I have a kid to
think about, okay?
I, I, I just need
time, I need time
to figure this out.
- We don't have time
to argue about this.
Pack a bag, you're both
gonna stay with me.
Listen to me.
I'm not gonna let
anything happen to you,
and I promise you that
you are gonna be okay.
(crickets chirping)
- [Matthew] I'll
protect you, Mom.
(light dramatic music)
- Pack a bag.
- I can't.
- [Topper] You can.
Come on.
- Okay, okay.
- Okay.
- [Allie] Okay.
(light dramatic music continues)
Shoes on, buddy. Quick, quick.
All right, come here. Coat.
(light dramatic music continues)
Got it?
All right, go. Go with Topper.
- Let's go.
(light dramatic music continues)
(door thuds)
- Shit, the bag. Fuck.
Seatbelt!
(light dramatic music continues)
(crickets chirping)
Why does it smell
like whiskey in here?
Jesus, what happened?
- Uh, it fell down some stairs.
- Not a good time to joke, stop.
- Who wants pizza?
- [Matthew] Me!
- Okay.
Uh, why don't you
take him upstairs
and I'll order some pizza.
- [Allie] Come on,
buddy, let's go up.
- Topper?
- Yeah, buddy?
- [Matthew] Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- I'll be right up.
- You're gonna gimme
your credit card, right?
I don't have any money.
(crickets chirping)
(door squeaks)
(ominous music)
(door thuds)
(paper rustling)
(keys rattling)
(ominous music continues)
(ominous music continues)
(water splashing)
(ominous music continues)
- Fucking bitch.
(sinister music)
(door thuds)
(engine rumbling)
Hey, where's Allie?
- [Waitress] She
didn't come in today.
- What do you mean she
didn't come in today?
- [Waitress] I don't know,
Topper was in here earlier
looking for her too.
- Fuck!
(chair clatters)
- What was that about?
- He was looking for Allie.
- Why is he so pissed?
- I don't know.
She didn't even come
in for her shift today.
I told him Topper was in here
earlier looking for her too.
- Oh shit. Shit.
(crickets chirping)
- I'm done.
I can't put Matty
through this anymore.
I never should have fucking put
him in it in the first place.
(engine rumbling)
- Motherfucker.
(sinister music)
I fucking knew it.
(sinister music continues)
(door thuds)
Allie!
- Fuck.
What the fuck is he doing here?
- Allie!
(sinister music continues)
- [Allie] Bad news (indistinct).
- Go, go upstairs with Matty.
Call the police
and don't come down
no matter what happens, okay?
- What? Fuck-
- [Topper] Just go.
- Topper, he is fucking crazy.
- [Topper] Just go
upstairs with Matty,
and just don't come down.
- [Allie] He's crazy!
- I don't care!
Just go upstairs with Matty.
No matter what happens,
you don't come down.
- [Allie] Don't go out there-
- Go!
(sinister music continues)
- [Allie] Matty?
- [Matthew] Mom?
- Oh my god, come
here, come here.
It's okay.
- [Eddie] Allie!
(fist banging)
- Eddie.
The police are on their way.
- You think I give a fuck?
You come here, you try to
take my fucking family away,
and you think I'm just
gonna let that slide?
- Is that how you
treat your family?
- How I treat my family is
none of your fucking business.
- It is my business.
You beat on a woman, little
boy, makes you strong.
Big guy, Eddie.
The big truck, you big boy.
Small dick?
(suspenseful music)
- That's cute.
You know one thing
about me, Topper?
I never learned to take a joke.
(dramatic music)
(fists thudding)
(Topper groans)
Keep your fucking mouth shut.
Fucking-
- Stop it! Stop!
(fist thuds)
(Topper groans)
Stop! You're gonna
fucking kill him!
Stop it! Enough!
- What happens to her
next is your fault.
- Allie, lock the door!
- [Allie] Get the
fuck away from me!
(engine rumbling)
(suspenseful music)
- [Cooper] Hey, hey, hey!
- [Eddie] You brought
fucking backup?
Fuck you, man.
- [Lucas] Fuck.
Huh? Huh?
(muffled talking)
- [Cooper] We got
him, we got him.
- [Eddie] Fuck you, man!
- [Cooper] Shut
the fuck up, huh?
(sirens wailing)
- [Eddie] Motherfucker.
(Topper groans)
- Here, here, here.
I got you, I got you.
(light dramatic music)
(crickets chirping)
(liquid sloshing)
- Morning.
- Morning.
Coffee?
- Oh yeah, coffee.
- Here.
- Thanks.
Matty's still sleeping, huh?
- Yeah.
It's the most he's
slept in a long time.
Think he feels pretty safe here.
How you feeling?
- I'm okay.
Just don't touch.
Don't touch it, don't.
It's not my first
fight, you know?
- Yeah?
You should try winning one.
- I did try.
- I heard the phone ring before.
Was it the guys?
How are they doing?
- Uh, no, no, that was,
that was the realtor.
The buyer met the listing price,
cash offer, immediate close.
- That's uh, that's great, Top.
- Yeah, time to go home.
- Yeah, home.
- [Topper] Allie.
- [Allie] No, it must be nice.
- No, no, no.
- God, I'm so fucking stupid.
- Allie.
- Just as soon as I let my
guard down, just as soon
as I start to feel safe, as
soon as my kid feels safe,
and you're gonna
walk away again.
Of course you are.
My life gets flipped upside
down, and there you go.
You owe me more than that.
- You can come with me.
- I can't just come
with you, Topper.
I can't.
I have a life here.
Matty has a life here.
I don't get to just run away.
My life's not as simple as that.
- I know, I thought
you'd say that.
- Then why the fuck would
you even ask me that?
What is this, so that
you get to feel good?
You get to walk away with a
clear conscience this time?
Is that it?
Fucking stupid.
I am so fucking stupid.
What the fuck am I gonna do now?
Where am I gonna go?
- I passed.
- [Allie] Passed what? What?
- I told them the
house wasn't for sale.
- What are you talking about?
- Papers are signed, the
house is yours, Allie.
- Fuck you.
- That's not really
the reaction I expect
when you give somebody a house.
- You can't just give it to me.
You, you have to sell
this house, Topper,
you can't just give it away.
You need that money.
What are you gonna do?
- Dad had an insurance
policy, I'll be fine.
And I'm gonna, I'm gonna give
you some money so you can-
- God, I didn't
ask you to do this!
I didn't ask you
to fucking save me!
I don't want money. I
don't want a fucking house.
I don't need any of it,
I want my fucking friend.
- You have me, hey, hey.
(gentle music)
Look at me.
Look at me.
(gentle music continues)
Look at me.
You're my best friend.
My best friend.
You always have me.
And for the first time,
all that anger is gone.
And I can't quit now,
I can't, I gotta go.
(gentle music continues)
Just make better memories
here than I have.
Promise me that?
- I promise.
(gentle music continues)
I promise.
- Oh!
- You better not
go 10 fucking years
without calling me this time.
- Yeah, I should probably
pay the cell phone.
(gentle music continues)
(upbeat music)
- How do you, how do
you pass the ball?
How does that make any sense
to throw the ball that far?
You didn't see that coming
against that defense?
- Yeah, we didn't see it.
- It's unbelievable.
We're just born losers,
that's what's happening.
- Yeah, okay.
- [Lucas] The Lions will
never win anything.
- Yeah, yeah.
If I left from the
crowds of science
And you stand there
feeling on your own
Turn the moment
into something great
Know that you
never lose the flow
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
So take a second
To recalibrate
Right now
When the water in
the well runs dry
And you're waiting
for the rain to fall
The sky has never
said her last goodbye
Just a quiet over
brewing storms
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
So take a second
to recalibrate
(light music)
(light music continues)
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
Still there's no one
who can stop the feeling
Any time
So take a second
to recalibrate
Right now
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
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