Anniversary (2025)
Director: Jan Komasa
Screenplay: Lori Rosene-Gambino
Story by: Jan Komasa, Lori Rosene-Gambino
Stars: Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Madeline Brewer, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, Mckenna Grace, Daryl McCormack, Sky Yang, Dylan O’Brien
Release Date: October 29, 2025
* * *
The Intimate Apocalypse
Jan Komasa’s Anniversary announces itself with disarming domesticity—a garden party, champagne flutes catching afternoon light, a family gathering to celebrate twenty-five years of marriage. The camera lingers on Diane Lane’s Ellen, a Georgetown professor whose smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes when her son Josh arrives with his new girlfriend, Liz Nettles. That flicker of recognition, of old academic grievance meeting present-day politeness, sets the film’s engine running. What follows is something rarer and more unsettling than the political thriller the premise suggests: a horror movie about how ideology devours the personal, staged almost entirely within the confines of one family’s increasingly hostile territory.
Komasa, who earned his Oscar nomination for the morally complex Corpus Christi, understands that the most effective political cinema often works by indirection. Anniversary refuses the clarity its audience might crave. We learn that Liz was once Ellen’s student, that her thesis was deemed dangerous enough to warrant expulsion, that Ellen stood as the institutional gatekeeper between this young woman and her academic future. The specifics of that thesis—which will eventually metastasize into a bestselling manifesto called The Change—remain tantalizingly, perhaps frustratingly, vague throughout. We catch phrases, observe symbols, watch as a movement spreads like kudzu across the American landscape, but Komasa denies us the satisfaction of a clear ideological taxonomy.
This vagueness will strike some viewers as evasive, a failure of nerve in an era demanding partisan clarity. But it may be the film’s shrewdest gambit. By refusing to plant his flag firmly on recognizable political terrain, Komasa creates something more archetypal: a study of how any totalizing ideology—left, right, or orthogonal to conventional politics—functions at the cellular level of human relationships. The film’s intelligence lies in recognizing that fascism’s real horror isn’t in its philosophical particulars but in its mechanics: how it recruits, how it flatters, how it gives the wounded and dispossessed a narrative of power.
Lane’s performance anchors this slow-motion catastrophe with a specificity that makes the abstract concrete. Her Ellen is that particular species of liberal academic—brilliant, principled, and just secure enough in her worldview to have stopped examining it critically. When she watches Liz’s book climb the bestseller lists, when she sees her son transformed by proximity to this new certainty, Lane’s face registers something more complex than mere disapproval. There’s a flicker of professional jealousy (wasn’t Ellen supposed to be the public intellectual in the family?), maternal terror, and the dawning recognition that her classroom authority means nothing outside those walls. It’s a performance of accumulating dread, each anniversary party marking another station on a via dolorosa Ellen cannot escape because it’s destroying her family from within.
Kyle Chandler, as Ellen’s restaurateur husband Paul, provides the film’s moral compass—which is to say, he’s the one character genuinely confused by how quickly the world has shifted beneath his feet. His best scene comes late, when he sits across from Josh, now fully transformed into a true believer, and tries to understand how his son became someone he no longer recognizes. “We are the keepers of our own souls,” Paul insists, a line that would sound trite in another context but here carries the weight of a man watching everything he believed about autonomy and family dissolve. Chandler plays Paul’s bewilderment without condescension; this isn’t a man who didn’t pay attention but one who believed that decency and avoidance of confrontation would be enough. The film is merciless about how insufficient that proves.
But the film’s most chilling creation is Phoebe Dynevor’s Liz, a performance that works precisely because it never fully resolves into clarity. Is Liz a true believer who stumbled into her revenge, or a brilliant sociopath who engineered everything from the first dinner? Dynevor plays both possibilities simultaneously, her smile at that final anniversary party suggesting depths of calculation or perhaps just the blank satisfaction of someone who got what they wanted and discovered it was exactly as hollow as promised. The revenge narrative—spurned student infiltrates and destroys teacher’s family—should feel melodramatic, but Dynevor and Komasa understand that personal grievance and political ideology aren’t separate engines but the same mechanism. History is littered with movements born from someone’s humiliation.
The film’s formal strategy matches its thematic concerns. By confining most of the action to anniversary parties separated by years, Komasa creates a time-lapse effect that’s both economical and terrifying. Between gatherings, the world changes in ways we only glimpse through news reports, overheard conversations, the presence of census workers whose questions carry an implied threat. This elliptical approach will frustrate viewers who want a more conventional dystopian narrative, complete with world-building and resistance movements and clear causality. But Anniversary isn’t interested in the mechanics of how democracies fall; it’s about what it feels like to watch it happen to people you love.
The closest cinematic analogue might be Russell T Davies’s Years and Years, which similarly tracked societal collapse through one family’s gatherings, though that miniseries had the luxury of episodic television to develop its world in greater detail. Anniversary feels compressed, almost breathlessly so, and that compression is both its strength and limitation. The time jumps can feel jarring, the transformation of American society perhaps too rapid to fully credit. Yet there’s something appropriate about that speed—the sense that while we’re watching a garden party, history is happening just offscreen, too fast to track, too total to resist.
The film’s ending crystallizes its themes with brutal efficiency. Violence erupts not as catharsis but as the inevitable endpoint of systems that divide people into categories of acceptable and expendable. The immediate shock gives way to something more disturbing: the recognition of how carefully Komasa has been engineering this outcome from the opening frame, how the personal and political have been revealed as always indivisible, always the same terrible thing.
Anniversary arrives at a moment when American political discourse has fractured into mutual incomprehension, when family dinners are minefields and formerly neutral spaces have been colonized by ideology. The film’s refusal to offer easy answers or partisan comfort may read as cowardice to some, wisdom to others. What’s undeniable is Komasa’s understanding that the rise of authoritarianism isn’t an external invasion but an interior rot, beginning with personal wounds and ending with the state. The question the film leaves hanging, as uncomfortable as that final image, is how many of us would resist when the ideology being imposed happens to salve our own disappointments and resentments. The Taylors discover they don’t have an answer. Neither, the film suggests, do we.
* * *
Plot Summary
The affluent Taylor clan gathers for the 25th wedding anniversary of progressive/libertarian Georgetown professor Ellen and restaurateur Paul. Attending are their four children: Cynthia, an environmental lawyer like her husband Rob; Anna, a lesbian comic with a caustic wit; the teenage Birdie, a bohemian would-be wildlife scientist; and Josh, an unsuccessful novelist — and his poised fiancée Liz Nettles, who practices greetings in a mirror before meeting the family.
Liz is polite, but Ellen realizes she was a student who left Georgetown after Ellen challenged her totalitarian ideas in a paper advocating a one-party state. Liz shocks Ellen by gifting her new book, written with Josh’s help, The Change: The New Social Contract, the cover showing an American flag with the stars placed at the center, supposedly to represent Americans uniting in the political center. Leaving, Liz tells Ellen privately that she is not afraid of Ellen anymore.
Two years later, The Change has become hugely influential; at the Taylors’ Thanksgiving gathering, Anna’s assistant/lover says it helped her reconnect to her parents. Liz is now pregnant with twins, and Josh, now with a makeover, has grown more confident, even arrogant. However, the four Taylor women are not enthusiastic about Liz or the book, which is sponsored by the Cumberland Corporation. In the confrontational atmosphere, Liz first feels sick, then appears to break water and go to the hospital, though it is later revealed that she only urinated from stress.
Liz gives Birdie a password to a noted virology database. Shortly after, a video of Ellen vandalizing a neighbor’s “Change” American flag goes viral.
The following year, Ellen has lost her Georgetown job. A totalitarian “Change” society is in place. Anna, beaten up when making fun of the “Change” movement at a show, is in hiding. Liz offers Birdie a job at Cumberland studying virology, which disgusts Ellen, who threatens to kill Liz. Rob joyfully announces that Cynthia is pregnant; however, when they leave, she reveals she had an abortion, fearful of bringing a child into the world with its current political discord. In a fit of rage and grief, Rob drives off and leaves her behind. Josh offers to support Paul’s failing restaurant, but Paul suspects he is doing it to find Anna.
A year later, Rob has joined the “Change”. Cynthia, addicted to sleeping pills, lives with her parents. Birdie’s journalist-student boyfriend Moses drops by, but feels threatened by Josh mentioning a journalist who was dismembered, and leaves. Census-takers (“Enumerators”) arrive and ask Ellen and Paul, whose restaurant has closed, questions designed to find Anna, enraging them. The Enumerators show photos of Birdie at a protest, threatening jail; Ellen capitulates and endorses the “Change”, angering Birdie who implies her mother has sold out.
The next year at the Taylors’ 30th anniversary party, Liz, dressed in red as Ellen was at the first anniversary, speaks privately to Ellen, asking her to help with Josh’s unspecified strange behavior; Ellen slaps her. Liz and Josh then invite Ellen and Paul to dance to one of their favorite songs. While they dance, a clown unexpectedly arrives and plays music while dancing and waving to the couple. The clown enters the house and turns out to be Anna, who speaks to the confused, despondent Cynthia.
Josh suspects it is Anna and enters the house. On television, the news announces there was a horrific bio-weapon attack at the Washington, D.C. Cumberland headquarters, where Birdie works; Birdie appears on camera and performs a suicide bombing. Ellen and Paul are devastated, sobbing; Anna joins them.
Cynthia stabs Josh, though not fatally. She then exits the house with the bloody knife, and police officers open fire. The police also shoot at Anna, who runs from the house and dives into the sea.
The police enter the house and put bags over Ellen’s and Paul’s heads, though Paul says it reminds him of when he first met Ellen, in front of René Magritte’s The Lovers painting, which shows lovers with cloth-covered heads. Josh asks a policeman to keep his parents together, but the police ignore him and wrestle him to the ground. A policeman asks Liz what to do with him; she says that he is with his parents. The police remove the Taylors.
Liz, having destroyed the Taylor family, looks at a picture of them in happier days; she looks distraught, but her reverie is interrupted by a small smile.
* * *
Anniversary (2025) | Transcript
(LIGHT GIGGLE)
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, it’s lovely to meet you.
What a wonderful party.
(INAUDIBLE)
I almost forgot.
I almost forgot!
I almost forgot.
Happy anniversary.
Wow, 25 years.
It’s quite an accomplishment.
(OLDER WOMAN)
“I am neither liberal nor conservative.
I prefer to be a free artist, and nothing more.
Free from violence and lies.”
Chekhov wrote about the human condition, the absurdity of it.
The pain that arises when people who have… clung to their habits and their delusions… are forced to confront a reality that contradicts their world view.
Does that sound familiar to anyone in here?
(WOMAN) Yeah, I think it does.
(MAN) Of course.
America today, perhaps?
(CLASS LAUGHS)
(MAN) Table for four.
(HOSTESS) Welcome, gentlemen.
Afternoon, Senators Coyle, Hunt.
Paul, you studied in Lyon under Bocuse, so this should be good.
We’re deadlocked. Settle this.
Old school pizza joints.
Chicago vs New York.
Malnati’s or Patsy’s?
But choose wisely, a floor vote hangs in the balance.
(RESTAURANT CHATTER)
Malnati’s for the sauce.
Bring on the filibuster.
Patsy’s for the crust.
Food is the great equalizer.
(MAN) Yeah, I got you.
This one’s going in the kitchen.
(WOMAN)
Two more and that’s it, yeah.
(TRUNK CLOSES)
Babe, why can’t we sit with your parents?
I told you, babe, it’s literally one long table.
(SIGHS)
(PAUL) Hey, guys, come on in.
Hi!
Ellen, a minute?
Oh, hi. Walk with me.
I want to get out before L Street’s a clog.
Listen, um, Dean Scanlin wants to address this hysteria… about Ivy Leagues being bastions for radicalized liberalism.
We’re not Ivy League.
This is why he feels our university is best positioned to comment.
(CHUCKLES)
I feel a trap coming on.
The Sunday morning news shows.
I know it’s a big weekend and the kids are all coming, but the shows can do it remotely.
Just don’t hand me talking points, Jim, okay?
I’ll speak in my own words, okay?
How are we doing with the catering, Rana?
Everything is on schedule.
(PEOPLE LAUGHING)
So, how’s the speech coming?
Turns out menu writing is where my talent ends.
(MAN VOICE ON COMPUTER)
Ladies and gentlemen,
Anna Taylor!
(CROWD CHEERING)
(ANNA) Oh, my God!
Hello!
(CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
Hi, everybody. How you doing?
You sexy motherfuckers, look at you.
Hello! Sit the fuck down.
(SHUTTER CLICKS)
Okay, got it?
Thank you.
Okay.
(SIGHS) Oh, my God.
(GROUP CHUCKLING)
Oh, hey, come here.
(QUIETLY)
Come on. Come on, don’t be shy.
(GRUNTS)
Thank you. How you doing?
(LOUD KISS)
You okay? You sure?
Yeah. Yeah. How you feeling?
Yeah.
Ready?
Do I look okay?
Yeah, you look beautiful.
You’re not nervous, are you?
No. You?
No. No, it’s gonna be fun.
Yeah.
(COMPACT CLICKS)
You all right?
(HUSHED) I’m glad we went with the jacket.
Yeah, me, too.
(SIGHS) You excited?
Kind of. You seem nervous.
No, I’m okay.
I’m gonna get us some drinks.
Okay.
I’ll be right back.
(SCATTERED LAUGHING)
(LIGHT MUSIC PLAYS)
(KNOCKING)
(ANNA)
Bird girl, are you here?
(LAUGHING)
Hey!
Oh, my bird girl! Hi!
I missed you!
I missed you, too.
You look great.
I got you something.
Here, check it out.
(MURMURS)
(GIGGLES) Mmm.
Okay, so this… is one of the most subversive satires ever written.
It is a “fuck you” to the system, if you couldn’t tell.
The reason I do comedy.
It’s so sick.
You like it?
I love it.
(CHUCKLES)
I think you need something else on your walls besides like anime and…
You have so many leaves, Birdie.
Got some pictures.
So, what’s happening?
What’s going on?
Tell me everything.
Josh brought the new girlfriend.
And, um, Aunt Paula is not here, but she just got out of the hospital, so…
Was she sick?
Eh, I mean, kind of.
She had a nervous breakdown after Uncle Tommy watched an octopus documentary and moved to a kelp forest in Tasmania.
Wait. What?
(WHISPERS) That’s her.
I gotta write this shit down.
(CHATTERING)
(QUIETLY) Hey.
Ready to go?
Yeah.
(CLEARS THROAT)
(OLDER WOMAN) Hello!
Mama! Hi!
Oh, I missed you.
Look at you! Wow!
Mom, you look fabulous.
Come here.
Hi, Dad. Oh.
How are you guys?
See your sister?
(MOM) Did you see the sign?
Happy anniversary!
Love it.
Love the sign, Bird.
I gotta get one of those.
Hey, hey, hey!
See ya! (LAUGHS)
Hi! How are you?
Hi!
Hi! Hey.
Hi.
It’s an interesting… weapon you’re wearing.
Weaponry.
(ANNA)
Have you met the girlfriend?
(CYNTHIA) Yosh’s new girl?
He’s making a move.
She doesn’t blink.
(ANNA) That’s unsettling.
Hi.
Honey…
I didn’t see you come in!
Mmm. Hey, Mom.
How was the commute?
It was fine.
Hey, Dad. Good to see you.
How are you? Good to see you.
Guys, this is Liz.
Ha.
It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor.
Uh, very nice to meet you, Liz.
Uh, Paul and Ellen, please.
Oh.
It’s a wonderful party.
Yeah, you guys killed it again.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Happy anniversary.
(PAUL) Thank you.
25 years is quite an accomplishment.
(GROANS)
She tolerates me on most days.
(ALL CHUCKLE)
Well, you have a beautiful family.
Only child here, by way of a nasty Midwest divorce.
Mmm.
Mmm.
It’s fine.
The rage fuels the writing.
(LIGHT CHUCKLE)
So, you’re a writer.
Yes, that’s-that’s how we met.
Yeah, we have the same agent.
(SIGHS) Christmas party.
She seems nice… if you get past the Seventh Day Adventist vibe.
Just think, seems like only yesterday he was so mad at us he ran away to the International Spy Museum.
Nobody told me that.
I forgot about that.
Yeah. Remember that?
What sort of writing do you do, Liz?
Oh, well, I’ve been working on a self-organizing guide.
Our new world through a fresh prism.
That sounds important.
She’s being modest, too.
It’s brilliant.
It is.
I’m, uh
I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’d be honored, Ellen.
But I can’t take all the credit, Josh brought so much to the project.
Not really.
Mostly editorial stuff.
Not true. Not true.
It’s more editorial stuff.
He’s, really, he’s an inspiration.
No, it’s all her.
(POLITE CHUCKLE)
What happened to the scifi trilogy?
Ellen.
Uh, I haven’t been working on that for a while.
I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I enjoyed your short story.
Your short story.
It’s a character study.
I haven’t worked on it in a while. Never finished it.
Well, it was beautifully written, Josh.
Not really.
It’s old stuff, anyway.
Old stuff?
Oh.
I’m gonna top this one off.
You wanna go make the rounds a little bit?
Yeah.
Yeah?
We’re gonna-I’m gonna go check on the catering.
Yeah.
(LIGHT MUSIC PLAYS)
(PEOPLE LAUGHING)
(CHATTERING)
(MAN) I am the most easygoing person you’ll ever meet.
Mind you, this neighbor comes onto my property with a chainsaw and cuts down the tree.
Invasive roots, he says.
Wow.
We’re at a party. We’re not talking about the tree thing.
Yeah, but we got a case, right?
Um…
That’s, um, small claims.
Yeah.
Rob and I do environmental law.
(ELLEN)
The moment has arrived, honey.
Speech time!
(ELLEN) How are we gonna do this?
(PAUL) I don’t
Hello. Hello, hello.
I’m not gonna use this thing.
I don’t think so.
(TAPPING GLASS)
Thank you all for being here for our very special day.
And thank you, family and friends, for coming out.
And the usual suspects for coming out.
(CHUCKLING)
But most of all we’re so grateful, Paul… to have our kids here with us.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) Cynthia, Anna, Josh, Birdie… love you guys.
We love you, Mom.
Paul?
Hmm?
Me?
Yeah, you.
My greatest happiness in life… is being your wife.
(WOMAN) Aww.
I love you.
I love you.
I love you, too.
(APPLAUSE)
(ANNA) Another round!
(APPLAUSE)
Cheers, Mom.
Um, uh…
I’d-I’d like to
Oh!
Wow.
Yeah.
(SCATTERED CHUCKLES)
(MAN) Go for it, Paul.
You got it, Dad.
Uh…
I started out working as a… broke Sous Chef on the lower east side.
And, uh, I knew a guy… who could sneak me into the Museum of Modern Art.
(LAUGHING)
So I took him up on it.
And one day, I came upon this… this… this beautiful girl… in the gallery… in front of Rene Magritte’s “The Lovers”.
Hmm.
And this girl, she was breathing in this painting like it was part of her.
And I thought, if I can get this girl to look at me like that… that would be a good life.
And she did.
And it’s a great life.
Aww.
Ellen, you…
(SCATTERED CHUCKLES)
…you are my love, you are my history… and I am so in love with you.
(CHUCKLES, SNIFFLES)
I love you, darling.
(LAUGHING)
(APPLAUSE, CHEERING)
So cheers to 25 years.
(GLASS CLINKING)
(PAUL) And cheers to us.
Cheers to all of us!
Yeah!
(APPLAUSE)
(JOSH) Cheers.
Cheers.
(PEOPLE WHISTLE)
(ELLEN) Birdie.
Cheers.
(ANNA) Birdie.
(ELLEN) Everybody! Cheers!
(UPBEAT MUSIC STARTS)
(“NESSUNO” BY MINA PLAYING)
(ELLEN LAUGHING)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me, Professor Taylor.
I didn’t want to presume.
I didn’t at first, but I remember you now.
Josh has been anxious about this.
We’ve been trying to find the right time to tell you.
At my anniversary party?
That was
That was his idea.
Oh.
I’m sorry, I didn’t come here to upset you.
Well, then I won’t be upset.
I understand how it must look, but I came here with the best intentions.
What do you want, Elizabeth?
Your son and I have a close attachment.
Right, it’s all coming back.
The skillful way you evade questions.
He loves me.
(CYNTHIA) You’re good!
(“NESSUNO” CONTINUES)
(SISTERS GIGGLE) You’re very persuasive, aren’t you?
Regardless of what you think of me, I don’t want to be the reason things change in this family.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
I think you underestimate my family.
This isn’t going the way that I’d hoped.
We’d hoped, I’m sorry.
Excuse me.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC FADES)
(“DONT DREAM IT’S OVER” BY CROWDED HOUSE PLAYS)
Paul! I love this one.
I know that.
(ELLEN LAUGHS)
(CHATTERING)
It’s kind of nice out, the temperature.
Come on, let’s go.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
You guys need a light? Ooh!
Yo, shhh!
(CYNTHIA SQUEALS)
(ELLEN CHUCKLES)
♪ Hey now, hey now,
Don’t dream it’s over ♪
Honey, I am exhausted.
I’m going upstairs.
You’re gonna miss the best part.
I know.
♪ They come, they come ♪
(MUSIC CONTINUES MUFFLED)
(PHONE TICKING)
(BIRDIE CHUCKLES)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
(CYNTHIA) Anna, you don’t have any boots. Who has boots?
(JOSH) Yeah, I got.
(ANNA) What do you have?
(ANNA) Let me see it.
(JOSH) I got.
(ANNA) You have something?
What do you have? Let me see it.
(ROB) Cynthia, would you let me have a kit in the house?
(JOSH) You’re so annoying!
Why would you say fucking
Okay. Hey.
Mmm.
(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)
I’ve wanted to play drums, but Cynthia won’t let me have a kit in the house.
Rob, I can hear you.
(LAUGHS)
Um… Rob and I are representing the city of Baltimore in a case against the fossil fuel industry.
Sounds like rewarding work.
It is.
Except, the ocean is littered with paperwork and bureaucracy and it all feels so… transgressive, you know?
Mmm.
You want some?
Oh, no. I’m good.
You sure?
Yeah.
Really?
Yosh.
Sorry?
You just seem a little uptight, Liz.
Did I say something to–
Just…
Come on, we don’t bite.
Sure, you do.
Would you chill out?
You’re such a dick since you got famous.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, that’s fucking…
That is fucking priceless coming from you, depression beard.
(CHUCKLES) Moping around ever since you got turned down… by every single publisher.
Right?
So you just–
You’ll be a ghostwriter… and you’ll keep taking Mommy and Daddy’s money… for your 400 square foot sublet in Yorkville?
(WHISPERS) She’s kind of right.
(LAUGHS)
Better? Can I stay?
We’re glad you’re here, Liz.
(WAVES LAPPING)
I’m fucking with you, Josh.
Come on. I’m sorry. I’m kidding.
Thanks.
Okay!
What the fuck are you doing?
I’m gonna get my tits out.
You out of your fucking mind?
I’m jumping in.
No, no, no, no, Rob.
We going in?
No.
(ANNA SHOUTING, SHRIEKS)
(SPLASHING)
(PEOPLE SCREAMING, LAUGHING)
(ROB) Jesus!
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
The kids found our weed stash.
(ELLEN) I need to tell you about our son’s new girlfriend.
Liz.
Mmm.
Elizabeth Nettles.
Mmm.
She’s a former student.
(GROANS)
Wait, what? Josh’s Liz?
(LAUGHS) Yeah.
It’s been eight years.
I didn’t recognize her.
She’s different now. I don’t know, more poised or something.
Is this where you tell me that you had an affair with our son’s hot girlfriend?
Jesus, Paul, I’m being serious.
(LAUGHING)
She was a gifted student.
She was just… radical in her ideology.
Radical?
Yes.
Supportive of acts to subordinate… to the point of denigrating the Constitution.
I-Is it possible that you’re more distressed about her having sex with our son in the guest bedroom?
(SCOFFS) Paul, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that she’s attached herself to Josh.
They were introduced.
Mmm.
By their agent?
Wait, wait, wait.
Wait, you think that she did this on purpose?
Why
Why would she do that?
Because. I don’t know.
Honey, she’s probably as uncomfortable
as you are right now. Hell.
(SCOFFS) You don’t know her, okay?
And what did she say? They’re writing some book together now?
How did she describe it?
“Our world through a new prism.”
Very important.
(SCOFFS)
(PAUL CACKLES) Christ.
It’s all rushing back now.
All her draconian assertions in my classroom.
(PAUL LAUGHS)
I dug up her thesis paper.
I found it to be dangerous and inflammatory for its antidemocratic sentiments.
(PAUL GROANS)
“The Change: Birth of a New Nation.”
It advocates for a single-party system for national unity.
What? Why are you smiling?
You called her out.
It was a debate!
Oh, so you called her out in front of the whole class.
(SCOFFS)
It’s Academia.
She’s free to present any view.
I pushed back, and she accused me of being “bullying and belittling,” so I reached out to my colleagues, including the Dean.
I wasn’t going to let her just highjack my class.
Why are you minimizing this?
You basically described every college student ever.
They’re all a bunch of little Mussolinis. They don’t
(EXHALES)
(VOICES OUTSIDE)
(CYNTHIA) Let me out!
(LAUGHING)
(ITEMS CLATTER)
(PLAYFUL SHOUTNG) Eight years. People change.
No, Paul, they don’t.
I was registered “no party preference” when we met.
That is so not the same thing.
I’m just saying that I don’t think that you have anything to worry about, because it’s not gonna last.
Why are you trying to spoil our night?
Don’t do that!
Oh! Oh!
(CHUCKLES) There she is, the naughty coed.
Guess how much the Harris’s home’s worth?
I don’t know.
It’s in Forrest Hill.
(CYNTHIA) 2.5.
(ROB) Four million.
Why do you do this to yourself?
It’s what all Americans do in their spare time: seethe in anger.
That’s because you don’t have faith in anything.
What?
(CYNTHIA) Hmm?
What did you say?
Nothing.
That tree is definitely obstructing the neighbor’s property.
See?
(GIGGLES)
How could anyone mistake you for somebody who cares about the environment?
Well, what do you want me to do?
Sit here while your sister bangs the drummer upstairs?
I can’t hear anything.
Here, take your vitamins.
(SIGHS)
Ironically, they sound like the snare and high-hat.
What are you talking about?
Listen.
(THUMPING UPSTAIRS)
(IMITATES DRUMS)
(WHISPERS) Listen.
Shh.
What?
(MUFFLED GIGGLING)
Wait, I think that’s your parents.
(EXHALES)
(WHISPERS) Hey.
Can we do quiet time? Shh.
What? I’m quiet.
Shh. It’s your breathing.
It’s like… yeah.
Okay.
(THUD)
(PAUL)
Taylors, 10 minutes to go!
(ELLEN) Birdie, let’s go!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
“Speak the speech, I pray you… as I pronounce it to you.”
(GULLS SQUAWK)
(CYNTHIA) Can we go back now?
(ROB) Yeah, I think we’re–
Look at the birds.
(CYNTHIA)
My God, what are you doing?
(LAUGHING)
(CYNTHIA)
Why did you just do that?
Stop being stupid.
(ROB) I’m not doing anything.
(CHATTERING)
Josh, can I talk to you for a sec?
We gotta make the 12:45.
Yeah, I know.
(CYNTHIA) I’m scared! I don’t–
(ROB) Just look at it.
Just look at it.
(OVERLAPPING DIALOGUE)
(BIRDS TWEETING) Look, I know what you’re gonna say.
Did she tell you everything?
Yeah, she did. She did.
Not at first, ’cause she figured I’d freak out.
But once we got serious, she was honest with me.
(ELLEN SIGHS)
I probably could have handled this better, but, you know, if you give her a chance, I really think you might like her.
She’s really brilliant, Mom.
And she really looks up to you.
Honey, I don’t think you’re grasping the gravity of it.
The gravity of it?
For who? She was the one who had to leave Georgetown.
No, that was her choice.
Well, because she was ostracized.
She felt like a pariah.
She was protected as a student.
Okay.
You know, I read it, the thesis?
And?
It was provocative, sure.
(GASPS) But antidemocratic?
Absolutely not. No.
Yes!
Hostile to the theories and policies of democracy.
Okay.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(SIGHS) I think that’s your generation talking.
The one that failed its obligations?
The world’s changed, Mom. Okay?
Someone’s gotta bridge the gap.
Fuck, I promised I wouldn’t talk about this.
What are you talking about?
Promised who?
Can you just stop for one second, please, and be my mother?
What?
When did you ever need my approval?
Is this about the novel?
Stop it with the goddamn novel.
It’s a piece of shit.
Okay?
It’s derivative sci-fi bullshit.
Nobody cared for a reason.
You are a talented writer!
No, I’m not, Mom!
I’m really fucking not!
I’m your son.
So, can you just treat me like your son?
Instead of like one of your fucking students, please?
(SIGHS)
I’m sorry I’m not like my sisters, you know, who fucking excel at everything.
Why do you do that?
Drives you insane, doesn’t it?
When have I ever made you feel like a student?
(WHISPERS) You’re doing it right now! Right now!
What do you even know about this girl?
Okay.
What do you know about this girl?
(JOSH) You know what drives you fucking crazy?
It’s that you couldn’t bend her your way, right?
‘Cause she thinks for her fucking self. That’s it!
Either that or that your son’s a failure. I don’t know.
It’s one of the fucking two.
I gotta go.
What?
Catch your train, Josh.
Yeah.
(ANNA) Obviously. You’re coming to my show in September, right?
Honey, we would not miss the opportunity to have our family excoriated before a paying audience.
Use everything, right?
You taught me that, right?
Be good.
No. (LAUGHS)
You all right?
Mmhmm.
Fine. Don’t worry about me.
(INHALES)
Promise me you’ll check in from the road more often.
Yes, Scout’s honor, Mom.
(CYNTHIA) Mama, I love you.
Oh, baby girl. (KISSES)
Drive safe.
I love you, too.
You text me everything these fucking freaks do.
Are you for surreal?
(ELLEN) Love you, Rob.
Text when you get there.
(PAUL) Josh!
Bye!
All right, car’s here. Love you.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(JOSH) Sorry, sorry.
(PAUL) Yup, yup.
(PAUL GRUNTS)
(JOSH SIGHS)
(ENGINES START, DEPART)
(SIGHS)
(CLOCK TICKING)
Anniversary gift.
From the both of us.
Oh, no, that’s unnecessary.
We said no gifts.
That’s very thoughtful of you.
Thank you, Liz.
I’m so glad you could join us this weekend.
Look forward to seeing you again.
Thank you.
Let’s go, Bird is the word.
You know, I used to be afraid of you.
But I don’t think I am anymore.
We all know that the university is a nest–
John, offer all the platitudes you like… about the pervasiveness of liberalism in the university, but the campus is no monolith.
I think you’re being naive, Ellen.
(ELLEN) Do you?
We all know–
I don’t know where you went to school, John, but the professors I know tend to encourage their students to look at the evidence and adjust their thinking to that.
(HOST) And that, I’m afraid, is all the time we have left.
Thank you, professors.
We will see you all.
(SIGHS)
(GASPS)
(UNDER BREATH)
Oh, my God!
What? No, no, no, no, no.
(SCOFFS, CHUCKLES)
Look at you.
(SCOFFS, LAUGHS)
Oh, yeah.
Since the colonization of America, the Cumberland Company has envisioned the ideals… of a singular, national harmony.
Today, we are proud to partner with visionary author Elizabeth Nettles, whose latest work The Change … details the path back to American solidarity.
(MUFFLED APPLAUSE)
Join the nationwide movement that aspires to put United back in these States of America.
We are the Cumberland Company.
U.S.A.!
(MAN) Your book The Change is a cultural phenomenon.
Why is that?
(LIZ) Look, Americans feel betrayed by the current system.
They’re tired of fighting.
(MAN) Hmm.
(LIZ) The Change puts people over politics.
(MAN) Yeah, but how?
(LIZ) Imagine a world without political parties that divided us into those on the left or the right or ultimately those above and below.
(MAN) But that sounds like one-party system.
(LIZ) No, no, absolutely the opposite.
The essence of democracy, no party system… people who are in the center of things.
I mean, look at the flag, you know?
People united in togetherness, gentleness.
Listening to others, caring for others. The change …
(CYNTHIA) Hi!
(PAUL) Thanks, sweetie.
Hi, sweetie.
Darling, I thought you couldn’t get the earlier flight!
Mom! (CHUCKLES) Hi.
Gemma worked it out.
She’s my new assistant.
You know, she used to be a recruiter for a religious cult in Montana,
so she can be very persuasive.
(CHUCKLES) Can never tell when you’re joking.
It smells amazing in here.
Dad’s making his famous stuffing.
(ELLEN SIGHS)
Sage from the garden.
Well, it’s a good thing I got the run in. (CHUCKLES) Well…
Yeah, I’ll just go upstairs and take a shower, and then I’ll be back down and in everybody’s way. (LAUGHS)
(AWKWARD CHUCKLE CONTINUES)
(WHISPERS) That was weird.
Dad?
Yeah?
She okay?
Your mother? She’s fine.
(CYNTHIA) She doesn’t seem fine.
Well, she’s taking on a lot at the university, so–
Come on, Dad, you know what we’re talking about.
What
What the hell was that?
We’re not gonna do this today, okay?
Let’s just try to enjoy the day.
Please.
Mom’s been smoking in her office.
Birdie, she’s not.
(ENGINES REV OUTSIDE)
(ROB) Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a second.
Are you kidding?
This is
Wait, what?
Good to see you.
Check it out.
(ROB) Hey, this is the sickest car I’ve ever seen.
(LOW CHATTER)
(ROB) Holy…
(DOOR CLOSES)
(ANNA) I’m in peacock pose, and this gym bro next to me, he says “You know, I think I really need to talk to you about your set on a woman’s right to choose.”
And I was like, “Yeah, sure, buddy, of course.
As soon as the government fucking castrates you, then we can start having a conversation about” That’s enough.
No politics at the table, remember? That’s the rule.
Since when?
How about a preview of the upcoming show?
That would be nice.
Well, sorry, Dad.
It’s all political.
Nice try.
Thank you.
The acceleration’s insane.
It fucking flies.
Mind if I ask how much it set you back?
(QUIETLY) They gave it to us.
Shit you not. That’s what 10 million copies sold gets you.
I have an announcement.
(ANNA) Huh?
We booked the Beacon Theatre.
(ANNA SCOFFS) Hey! Congratulations.
(ANNA) Hey, thank you.
Hey, that one’s a keeper.
Very diplomatic, Father.
Now she will want equal pay.
Congrats.
Thank you.
(PAUL) Hey. We’re very proud of you, both your mother and I.
(ANNA) Thank you.
Yes, we are.
(ANNA) Thank you, Mom.
The theater is fucking great.
I love it. I love the Beacon.
(QUIETLY) You and Cynthia should really consider what’s going on, you know?
Yeah, no, we’ve, um, definitely been discussing it.
Okay, good.
Mmhmm.
‘Cause it’s a movement now.
Because it’s beyond just the book at this point, you know?
(WHISPERS) We’re working with the Cumberland Company.
The Cumberland Company?
Mmhmm.
(WHISPERS) Are you fucking her?
Cynthia she’s my assistant.
Of course I’m fucking her.
You never learn.
(GEMMA) When are you due?
Oh, end of next month.
My obgyn thinks they’re identical.
Really?
Mmm.
Do twins run in your family?
No, not at all.
Crazy.
That’s why we could hardly believe it when they told us.
(JOSH CHUCKLES)
(BIRDIE) It’s 0.45%.
What?
Uh, the odds of having identical twins.
(CHUCKLE)
Mmm.
(ANNA) That’s our Birdie.
It’s an anomalous event.
(ANNA) She’s like an Encyclopedia Britannica.
Lucky us.
(ANNA) Where the hell did she come from?
(CYNTHIA) Who knows?
(GEMMA) Good luck to you.
(LIZ) This stuffing is delicious, Paul.
I can’t stop eating it.
I’d love to give the recipe to our chef.
Mmm. That’s a great idea.
(PAUL) Thank you very much.
(ANNA) Chef?
I’ll email it to you.
Thank you.
(JOSH) Thanks, Dad.
(CHUCKLES)
Thanksgiving.
Wow. Right?
I mean, our heritage is so important.
(QUIET PIANO MUSIC PLAYS)
I just can’t wait for the babies to celebrate with us.
Me, too.
Mmhmm.
The colonizers were actually wolves in sheep’s clothing who brought smallpox blankets and a deadly plague that ravaged the Indigenous people.
Hell yeah, Birdie! Yes. Up top.
(CYNTHIA LAUGHS)
Right on. Up top, Baby Bird.
Not to mention racist as fuck, but, you know, tradition.
(PAUL) Anna, all right, come on.
That’s enough. Behave.
Okay, that’s enough.
Come on, please.
(ANNA) No, come on, tradition, Dad.
Turkey and genocide.
That’s enough.
I didn’t mean it like that.
(ANNA) No, I’ll just fucking censor myself. No big deal.
No, Bird!
Bird, where are you going?
Birdie!
(PAUL) Birdie, come back. She’s not laughing at you, honey.
Bird, she wasn’t talking about you.
Honey, we agree with you.
Mom, should I go get her?
No. It’s something else.
If I could just interrupt for a sec. Um…
Sorry, I’m cheersing with water ’cause we’re drinking water.
Uh, we’ve got some exciting news.
Oh, my God, you’re pregnant!
Anyway, moving on.
That’s hilarious.
That’s very funny.
No, um… (CLEARS THROAT) My brilliant wife has been invited to be a guest lecturer at Georgetown.
(LIGHT GASP)
Liz, Josh, we’re all very proud of your success.
It’s great for you.
And Ellen and I are delighted that we’re about to become grandparents.
(DEEP EXHALE)
Ellen, I’d be honored if you would do the introduction for me.
(LIGHT EXHALE)
(QUIETLY) Is this a joke?
Oh, no, Mom. Autocracy hates a sense of humor.
I’m sorry, what’s your problem?
What’s your problem?
(JOSH) My problem?
Yeah.
(STAMMERS) I’m sharing news that I thought was positive.
You’ve just been gloating ever since you got–
Why can’t you let him make a toast?
Why are you being such a dickhead, Rob?
(PAUL) That’s enough, all right?
(CYNTHIA) I can have a conversation with my brother.
I’m not gonna sit here and watch my family rip each other apart
Paul.
No, Ellen, it’s too much.
We’re gonna act civilized.
We’re here together.
Let’s try to enjoy it, please.
Shut up, Paul.
(ANNA LAUGHS)
Wow. Holy shit.
I find it…
(ANNA GIGGLING) ironic… that you expect us to celebrate your Frankenstein creation today.
Published by a think tank in the book business?
What better way to peddle the Wonder-Breadification of the policies that they promote.
As palatable as a chef’s version of a baloney sandwich.
(JOSH) Right, well…
Liz, you wrote a book?
Yes.
(ANNA) Oh, boy, did she.
Yeah, a nice big one, made ’em lots of money.
What is it, The Change?
Yes.
You wrote The Change?
Every word.
I didn’t speak to my parents for 12 years, and then I read your book.
Saved my life.
Thank you, Gemma.
You’re the reason I wrote The Change.
(SCOFFS)
(QUIETLY) I wasn’t joking about the cult in Montana, by the way.
See, Mom, just a… perspective outside your own, that’s all.
I teach perspectives.
You teach your perspective.
Oh.
If you can’t be openminded, can you at least pretend to be happy for us?
For a second?
Josh, I love you.
And you and your wife are doing very well for yourselves with your new occupation, but you’re nothing more than bagmen for the Cumberland Company.
Bagmen?
(CHUCKLES)
Wow.
I just find it fascinating how exhausting just how much strain it takes for you to diminish–
No, going out of your way to diminish…
Josh.
Josh, don’t…success that anyone has outside of yourself.
Can’t you see that the book is a weapon?
Yahoos on the Hill are already fundraising off of it.
You know that they’re hanging flags and normalizing it?
It’s the people who are making the change.
That’s democracy.
(QUIETLY) Oh, fuck’s sake.
No.
You’re engineering it.
(JOSH) Well, I’m not sure when my own family became a fascist regime, but in case you forgot, my wife’s about to give birth to your grandchildren.
Oh, my God, Josh.
Aplus for Liz.
(SCOFFS)
Well executed.
Do you hear yourself right now?
Please tell me what reciprocal debt I owe that will stop you from poisoning my son.
Holy shit, Mom!
Jesus, Ellen, she’s eight months pregnant.
You should’ve read the book, Paul.
No, I’m not gonna read the book.
I’m never gonna read the book, because if I did, I’d have to discuss it with you.
(CYNTHIA) Whose side are you on, Dad?
There are no sides!
There are sides. Clearly.
(PAUL) There are no sides.
(VOICES OVERLAPPING)
(GRUNTING, GASPS) There are no sides.
They’re like some united literary jihad.
Literally.
Gemma, that’s funny.
Write that down.
That goes in the show.
(GROANS)
Is she in labor?
No, she’s not in labor.
It’s the stress.
(EXHALES)
(SIGHS)
(JOSH) You want to get some air?
We’re gonna get some air.
(LOW CHATTER)
She knew exactly what she was doing when she said that.
Acting
(LOUD) Hi, Mom.
(ANNA) It was fucking crazy.
Hi, Mama.
Josh said that they’re gonna leave tonight.
Going for a swim.
What?
In November, Mom?
Fucking global warming.
(CYNTHIA) What the hell? What happened to family Scrabble?
(JOSH) It’s changed lives.
It changed mine.
(SIGHS)
They got Rob. Watch out.
I’m gonna need a new assistant.
Yeah, no shit.
(SIGHS)
(EXHALES)
Rob really wants to start a family.
Really?
Yeah, really.
Really, really badly.
That’s all he talks about.
What do you want?
Funny, I don’t really have an urge to reproduce.
You know?
(ANNA) Yeah. I know that.
You think that makes me selfish?
Uh, fuck no, that does not make you selfish.
I do think you might be a little depressed, though.
Roast him a chicken, give him a blow job. He’ll be fine.
(KNOCKING)
Hey.
Hey.
I just want to make sure you’re okay before we go.
You guys are leaving?
Wow.
Huh.
You’re very committed.
It’s like a real laboratory in here.
You know, I wanted to be a scientist before I changed majors.
Why did you change?
I realized I wanted to make a difference.
Science makes a difference.
Sure.
It’s growing in the Potomac.
Toils until it can find a new host to attach itself to.
That’s how it blossoms and infects the entire ecosystem.
I could probably hook you up with a password for the archives from GVN.
You have access to the Global Virus Network?
Sure. Here. Give me your phone.
Now we can talk whenever we want.
(BIRDS SQUAWKING)
(BIRDIE) Dad!
(CYNTHIA) Birdie, you okay?
Where’s Dad? Dad!
Birdie, what’s going on?
Where’s Dad?
Dad! Where’s Mom?
She’s having a swim.
You’re scaring everybody.
What’s going on?
Just tell us what’s happening.
Look!
(PAUL) Oh.
Jesus, is that your mother?
Oh, shit.
(NERVOUS CHUCKLE)
Shut it off.
Whoever sent that to you, tell ’em to take it down right now.
(BIRDIE) I can’t.
What do you mean you can’t?
It’s online. It’s everywhere.
(JOSH) Fuck.
What’s wrong with you people?
Oh. Thanks, Gemma.
Real great input.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Hey, Ma.
(RAGGED BREATH)
(GROANS)
(LIQUID GUSHES)
(JOSH) Oh, baby, baby, baby.
Oh, fuck!
(CYNTHIA) It’s pee, isn’t it?
(JOSH) You okay, baby?
(PAUL) Mount Vernon Hospital.
(SCREAMING) Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
Okay, we got to go to the hospital.
Mount Vernon Hospital.
I’ll drive.
No, I got it. I got it.
Cynthia, I’m gonna follow them, okay?
Go, Rob!
(JOSH) I got it, I got it.
I can drive you. I’ll drive.
(PAUL) Don’t worry about it.
(DOOR SLAMS)
I’m sorry. (GASPS)
(EXHALES)
(KNOCKING)
Uh…
Hi, Birdie.
Hi.
My house has gone insane.
(SCOFFS)
Oh, my parents invited you for dinner Saturday night.
Oh, yeah.
Sure, that sounds great.
Yeah, you shouldn’t come.
Why?
Full disclosure?
They’d never say it to your face, but they don’t like it when we hang out.
My mom’s been having terrible nightmares ’cause you don’t figure into her life plan for me.
Plus your, uh–
Your sister-in-law wrote that book, which stirs up all kinds of trauma for them.
Oh.
Uh, what’s this for?
Wha–
Oh.
You never know when and where violence is gonna escalate.
I’ve taken 1,800 volleys of tear gas and 900 rubber bullets.
(GRUNTS)
Yeah, that’s cool.
Yeah, I know.
(GRUNTS)
(CLATTERING)
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
(GLASS SHATTERS)
(LAUGHS)
(DOG BARKING)
(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
(MAN) Hey!
Hey, what’s going on?
Oh, shit!
Go! Go! (GIGGLES)
(PAUL) Okay, thanks.
Bye, honey.
Well… that was Cynthia.
Liz is not in labor.
The ER doctor said that it was a, uh, it was a hysterical bladder.
(SIGHS)
Oh, come
(LAUGHS)
(SNIFFS)
You have every right to be upset.
It was a long, ugly day.
I barely remember his childhood.
I mean, I was building my career, and… he was needy.
(EXHALES) I mean, he was… he was never interested in the restaurant.
He was always with you.
Your little pet project.
There was a synthesis between you. We all felt it.
Synthesis?
Ellen, your daughter-in-law is giving a lecture at Georgetown, your campus.
Why is it that you can’t swallow your pride
and just introduce her?
The message… is very convincing.
It terrifies me.
You don’t do well with uncertainty, and guess what, that’s all there is right now.
I’m tired. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.
How bad is it?
Would you like me to be honest?
Yes.
CNN is running it on a loop.
Christ!
Oh, my God, it’s so humiliating.
It’s a flag.
What were you thinking?
Please don’t call it that.
And it was involuntary.
I don’t know what came over me.
Flag bad. Oh, God!
Maybe we get out of here a few days, just the two of us.
(CHUCKLES, GROANS)
Drive up to that place we love in Kennebunkport.
Eat some lobster rolls, drink too much sauvignon blanc.
Oh.
Come here, you.
Mmm.
We have to call the attorney.
Ellen.
What?
(QUIETLY)
Everything is going to be okay.
(EXHALES)
(MAN)
The old order is finally gone.
On behalf of America, we wanted to thank you for choosing The Change.
You joined the greatest movement in the history of our nation.
There’s nothing more sacred than freedom.
By becoming The Change, you decided to regain your freedom restore your dignity, and recapture your destiny.
We are one united movement.
(WOMAN)
We are one united people.
(MAN) We are one United States of America.
(WOMAN) We are The Change.
(MAN) We are The Change.
This is our moment.
The future belongs to us.
(CHEERING)
How do you like that one?
Thank you. Yeah.
You know what they’re calling it?
They’re calling it a restoration for America.
“Join us! Become a card-carrying club member.”
Critical thoughts, um, no longer on the menu.
(SPLASHING)
(GASPING) ‘Cause thinking has been subbed out with nausea-inducing pabulum that could choke a cloned cow.
(MAN) Fuck you!
Oh, fuck you, too.
What, did I strike a chord with my little joke?
(SPLASHING)
(GASPING) Don’t blame me.
It was that book.
You all fucking bought it!
(ANGRY SHOUTING) Selling your own country out for $32.99 on Amazon.
(GASPING)
They will come for the outspoken and the intellectuals first.
That is what history books teach us.
And you know what?
You’re good. You are all safe.
(WOMAN) You’re a piece of shit!
Don’t come to my show and expect not to get insulted.
Oh, you want your 15 seconds and join me?
(CROWD SHOUTING)
You’re the problem! You!
(WOMAN) Get off me!
You’re the problem!
(SHOUTS)
(BIRDIE) That was my sister’s last performance.
(SOBBING)
(BIRDIE) She suffered 35 stitches, a concussion and five days in the ICU.
That was six months ago.
She walked out of Lenox Hill Hospital and hasn’t been seen since.
(GASPS)
(BIRDIE)
We didn’t hear from Anna again.
Everything around us is changing.
Acts of violence have erupted all over the country.
(SPEAKING GERMAN)
Fear went mainstream.
The Internet is monitored, and they rationed the bandwidth.
The Tattleware app is installed on millions of phones.
Neighbor turning in neighbor with the flick of a slider.
Disinformation is everywhere.
Please help us find Anna.
And make this message viral via secure portal.
(CYNTHIA) Happy birthday, Dad.
Is that the new babysitter?
(ELLEN) Au pair.
“Au pair.”
Coconspirator.
Eva Braun.
She speaks perfect German, which the boys obey like Nazi youth.
Hey, Mom.
Hi, Rob.
(BIRDIE) My family will freak out if they find out we’re looking for Anna on the dark web.
They’re gonna kill us.
Resist or die, right?
(EXHALES) You sound like you’re in a splendid mood.
Don’t worry, I promised I would play nice.
(EXHALES)
It’s his birthday wish.
(DOG BARKING)
(BOYS GIGGLING)
(SIGHS)
Any word from the private investigator?
Well, Anna still hasn’t accessed her credit card or phone, which isn’t good.
But there are a few new leads which he is following, so… that’s
that’s hopeful.
Hmm.
Hopeful.
Can I talk to you?
I was just wondering, maybe you could go back to work.
At a new college, obviously, parttime.
Just something to get your mind off things.
Honey, I’m on a watch list.
Are we sure about that?
It was clear from the appeal.
(BABIES CRYING)
(JOSH) It’s okay.
(LIZ) Oh, honey, I know.
(JOSH) Gerda!
Can you please get in here?
(BABY WAILING)
You okay? It’s okay.
I know.
I know. It’s okay. It’s okay.
(JOSH) Hey, Gerda, can you come in here, please?
We need a tissue.
Honey.
(LIZ) Gerda?
I know. I know, honey.
(JOSH) Gerda?
Are you sure that’s a good idea?
(WAILING CONTINUES)
It’s okay. Hey.
(WAILING)
Cynthia?
Yeah?
I-I can’t take this.
You want me to take it out of the box?
(WAILS)
I know.
(JOSH) Gerda, can you get the–
All right, thank you.
(SCREAMING)
(BABY WAILING)
Somewhere where I can’t hear them screaming, Gerda, please.
Jesus Christ.
(GERDA MURMURS)
I’m gonna check on the cake.
Yeah, okay.
Sorry about that.
She seems, uh, good with the kids.
Yeah, she came highly recommended.
She’s teaching the boys German, French and Mandarin.
It’s critical children be multilingual.
Honestly, we’re lucky to have her.
(CYNTHIA) Mmhmm.
I’ll go get the lighter.
(LIZ) Okay.
I’m glad we’re doing this.
(CLEARS THROAT) The boys need to know their grandparents.
(HUFFS)
Come on, stay outside.
(BARKS)
Birdie?
(EXHALES)
You’re looking good, Dad.
You working out?
That dog’s keeping me fit.
Oh, yeah, I bet.
What’s the dog’s name, by the way?
Oh, we don’t know.
We found him in Anna’s apartment.
We didn’t even know she had a dog.
So, what have you been calling him?
Bird is the word.
(WHISPERS) Hey.
Hi.
It’s good to see you.
You, too. How you doing?
(LIZ, CYNTHIA)
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
(ALL)
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Dad ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
(CYNTHIA)
Wait, I’m gonna do a picture.
Come on.
(CHUCKLES)
Ah… Today is… bittersweet.
We all miss Anna terribly.
(LIZ) For Anna.
(INHALES, EXHALES)
Do you want to cut the cake, Mom?
Sure.
That was nice, hon.
(FORKS CLATTERING)
Birdie, I don’t think we’ve met your friend.
You want to introduce us?
Uh, yeah, this is Moses.
Moses?
(MOSES) Yeah.
I’m Josh. This is my wife Liz.
Hi.
I’m Birdie’s older brother.
Yeah, I know. (EXHALES) Moses just won a scholarship to university.
Really? That’s great.
What university?
Uh, Northwestern.
Get the hell out of here!
Josh went to Northwestern.
Oh, no kidding?
(JOSH) Yeah, I did.
It’s a great school.
Congratulations.
You know what you’re studying?
Uh, Journalism.
Journalism?
Yeah.
Wow.
Well, we certainly need more qualified journalists.
Hear, hear.
Hear, hear.
Why journalism?
Josh.
Honey.
I’m asking him a question.
Why journalism?
I don’t know, I…
(NERVOUS LAUGH)
I started writing in the school paper–
He wrote an exposé about the dangers of censorship.
I mean, you can’t even shoot a zombie in a video game anymore without being labeled subversive.
Protecting the freedom of expression, human rights.
It’s fantastic.
Good for you.
It’s an admirable pursuit, journalism.
Especially with the way the world is now.
It’s dangerous on the front lines. It’s no joke.
What happened to that journalist a few years ago?
Got chopped up?
Right? What was it?
(ROB) The one who went into the embassy for a marriage license?
Yes.
Came out in little bags.
Jesus.
(JOSH) Chopped up.
Awful. Scary stuff.
Terrible thing.
I, uh, I should go.
I should get going.
Where are you going?
Uh, my mom’s expecting me back for dinner, so…
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.
No, y-you didn’t.
If I did, sorry.
No, not at all. I-I ju–
My mom’s just
She gets ratty.
(JOSH)
If you want, I can drive you.
It’s really no problem.
I don’t mind.
We can finish our conversation.
The dangers of censorship in video games.
Um…
(ELLEN) Moses, tell your mom we said hi.
Happy birthday.
Nice to meet you.
(FOOTSTEPS DEPART)
(EXHALES)
(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
The third degree was unnecessary.
What’s that?
I said the third degree was unnecessary.
The third degree?
I thought we weren’t gonna do this anymore.
I was curious about journalism.
That was the agreement, right?
Right.
Kid wants to be a journalist.
(EXHALES)
Just trying to have a conversation.
Josh. (SIGHS) What
What am I missing?
I don’t know.
Was it a mistake coming here?
Josh!
Yeah?
(THUMPS TABLE)
We got it.
Okay.
(MOUTHING) Sorry.
Rob, what about you?
What’s going on with the case?
The case… is still a shit show.
It’s a disaster.
(JOSH) I’m sorry to hear that.
Um, but…
Cynthia and I are pregnant.
(JOSH) Seriously?
(GASPS) Oh, my God!
That’s wonderful news!
(ROB) Seriously. Yeah.
Congratulations!
(PAUL) Best birthday gift ever.
Our kids are gonna be cousins.
What are you doing?
It is early to announce it, but we had some good news, and I thought we could all do with some good news.
Champagne, huh? Champagne.
No, I’m good. It’s just… we should’ve waited ’cause it’s early.
I know.
(CYNTHIA)
We were planning on waiting…
Birdie.
…a little longer.
Did you get a chance to look at the stuff I sent you?
What stuff?
Birdie?
(STAMMERS)
There is an internship at the Cumberland Company.
Birdie would be able to get into any of the top university virology programs in the country.
It’s highly competitive, but I talked to the board, and they’re
(UNDER BREATH)
Goddamn it!
(SIGHS) Birdie, go to your room.
I think I can make my own decisions.
I’m sorry, Ellen.
I thought you’d be happy.
It’s an excellent opportunity for her.
(QUIETLY) Oh, shit.
Besides, what were you always telling us as kids?
What was it?
“Follow the music we hear”?
(EXHALES)
If you try to groom another one of my children, I will kill you.
(RAGGED BREATH)
(KNIFE THUDS)
(FOOTSTEPS DEPART)
(THUNDER RUMBLES)
Oh.
(SNIFFLES)
I miss her.
Mmm.
(WHISPERS) I miss her, too.
Cynthia, I said that I was sorry, didn’t I?
I think that we should go home.
You want to go home?
I’d like to go home.
Yeah. Sure.
Great.
(ROB WHISPERS) Great.
Great.
You know, maybe you should lay off the sleeping pills, because I think…
I just think they’re messing with your head.
I fucking hate you.
(LIGHT CLATTERING)
(EXHALES) Hey.
(JOSH EXHALES)
Liz is packing up the car, so we’ll be out of your hair in a minute.
Mind if I join you for a sec?
Yeah.
Yeah?
(EXHALES)
Turn this off.
I need a breather.
Lot going on, huh?
Yeah.
Yeah.
It’s fucking constant.
(LIGHT CHUCKLE)
But I don’t got to tell you about that.
Is everything okay?
Yeah. How you holding up?
I’m getting there.
Mmm. Yeah.
You know.
Yeah, I know.
That’s why I want to check.
Yeah.
I did want to mention to you, actually, the boys… seem to be running a little temperature.
You didn’t let ’em outside earlier, did you?
Well, they had sweaters.
Just ’cause they kind of get this ear thing–
Yeah, no, well, children are a cause for concern, aren’t they?
Yeah. I’m learning that.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah.
(CHUCKLES)
Got a lot to learn.
(SIGHS, CHUCKLES)
How’s everything else?
How’s the restaurant going?
Restaurant?
Hmm.
Well, you know, palate’s a fickle thing.
You got that right.
Tough business.
60% fold in the first year, 80 by year five. Right?
I wouldn’t go near that business model.
Yeah.
Well, you know, that business model, though, it put three kids through college, didn’t it?
(QUIETLY) You know, I know about the foreclosure that you had to… stave off with the second mortgage on the house, the one Mom doesn’t know about.
Hmm.
(WHISPER) How your meat supplier is squeezing you. You know?
Barely making payroll.
Your pastry chef’s papering the town with her résumé.
And that’s your right hand.
Everyone knows that.
It’s got to be tough.
A man must not be burdened by the secrets he carries.
Hey.
You remember when you were a kid?
How you loved canned macaroni and cheese?
Yeah, of course.
Yeah, Franco-American.
It was the best.
That’s right.
I tried to get you to eat better, but you wouldn’t.
You know why?
I don’t know, I loved the way it tasted.
You loved the way it made you feel.
Food tells a story that imprints memory.
That’s why I do it.
(JOSH EXHALES)
That’s why it’s worth the risk.
I’m happy it makes you happy.
Listen, I want to come on as a silent investor.
What do you think?
Totally hands-off.
You’ll run the show.
Keep you afloat. You could even do that remodel you wanted to.
Hey, what better way to cultivate Beltway politicos, huh?
I thought it was the coolest birthday present I could offer.
(CHUCKLES)
(EXHALES)
We’re the keeper of our own souls.
(JOSH) Hmm.
Be careful.
You want to sleep on it?
(PAUL) Hmm.
You don’t have to decide now.
You know what bothers me?
Anna.
Your sister.
You remember her?
She kind of bothers me, too.
(EXHALES)
She’s a wandering libertine, though. She did it to herself.
The embarrassment that she must cause your new friends over on K Street, huh?
Yeah, she’s a bit of a headache.
Yeah.
And
And so, is that why you stopped by here today?
To, uh, offer me this little bribe here?
(GIGGLES)
Bribe?
Or did you think that I’d give up my daughter?
Wait, so does that mean you know where she is?
Hey, Josh, you should leave this house now.
(INHALES)
I think you know what’s coming.
And a smart businessman would listen.
Think about that.
(THUNDER RUMBLES)
Oh…
When I tell you to not let my sons go outside, I fucking mean it.
(RAIN PATTERING)
(BIRDIE) Whoo! It’s really coming down! Come on!
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(YELPS) Oh, that’s okay, Gerda.
I got it. Oh!
Oh. (EXHALES) Hey, Mom. It’s me.
I don’t understand.
I’m sorry I haven’t been able to contact you before now, but those fuckers are trying to charge me with crimes and brand me an enemy of the state.
I just can’t tell you where I am. I’m sorry.
But, you know, fucking Gerda’s with us.
Isn’t that some crazy spy shit?
I miss you, and I love you.
Give Bird a hug for me.
Tell Dad I miss his cassoulet.
Bye for now.
(GASPS, CHUCKLES)
(SOBS)
(BABIES SHRIEKING)
Where the hell have you been?
I’m sorry, I was helping your mom.
Just get in the car, please.
The kids are losing their fucking minds.
(ENGINE STARTS)
(ROB) What podcast do you want to listen to?
I know you think that it’s a miracle.
And I really thought that I could, but I can’t.
What are you talking about?
I terminated it last week.
I was gonna tell you.
I just needed some time.
And…
(ROB SCOFFS)
No, no, you…
I told you how I felt over and over and over again.
Rob, I know that you’re hurt, but I’m not wrong.
It’s not fair to bring a child into this fucking situation.
No, Cynthia, that’s your depression talking.
It’s your depression talking.
No, Rob.
It’s why you need the pills.
It’s why you need therapy.
It’s God knows what the fuck else.
Look… around us.
You shouldn’t be having children when the world doesn’t make any sense.
A kid doesn’t make it any better.
That was my life, too.
It–
It’s gone.
(VOICE BREAKING)
I don’t know who I am.
Can’t you fucking see that?
That I’m just dead inside?
I’m a shell of a human being, a shell of… (GASPS) …someone I think I’m supposed to be.
I don’t live!
That was my child.
Your child?
That was our child.
How dare you?
Our child. I was gonna be a fucking father.
Get out of the car.
Are you fucking–
Get out of the fucking car!
Get out of the car, Cynthia!
Don’t fucking touch me!
Are you fucking crazy?
Don’t yell at me!
Get the fuck out of this car!
Don’t you dare fucking
Are you fucking crazy?
Don’t touch me!
You know what? Fuck this!
What the fuck is wrong with you?
Rob, slow the fuck down!
(ENGINE REVS)
(ALARM BEEPING)
(THUD)
(SUSTAINED BEEP)
Oh, fuck this. Fuck this.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
Fuck! You little fuck!
(SHOUTS)
Fuck you! You fucking ruined my fucking life!
Oh, fuck you! Oh, fuck!
What the fuck are you doing?
(SOBS)
Jesus! Please stop it!
That was my fucking baby!
(SOBS)
That was my fucking child, Cynthia!
Please, please, baby!
(ROB) Why did you?
Fuck you!
That was my fucking baby!
Baby?
Baby?
(ENGINE REVS)
(CYNTHIA SCREAMS) Where are you going?
Can you please
(ENGINE ROARS)
Come back to me!
(SOBS)
(GASPS) Ro
(PANTING)
Dog.
(PANTING)
You need a name, dog.
We both know you couldn’t afford to keep me.
Right.
I’m at Old Ebbitt Grill in Lafayette Square.
You should come by sometime.
(VOICE CRACKS)
I’ll make you a soufflé.
(RANA WHISPERS) Be careful.
They’re targeting the non–
Changers in your area.
(DOG BARKS)
(ROCK MUSIC BLARES)
(“RIP IT OUT” BY HOTWAX PLAYING)
(MUSIC BLARES FROM BELOW)
(GRUNTS)
(ELLEN) Paul?
(DOG YELPS)
We should give the dog a name.
She’s coming back for him.
(INHALES)
Don’t you understand?
Nothing is the same.
We can’t stop living.
Attention must be paid.
Otherwise, what is there?
I’m begging you, please, Ellen, name the dog.
No.
Buster? Charlie? Freckles?
Just
Just name the dog.
Just give the dog a name, please.
Ellen, name the dog.
Name the dog.
Ellen, name the fucking dog.
Name the dog! Name the dog!
Name the fucking dog!
Name the dog!
Name the fuck
Geez.
Name the dog!
(SOBS)
Please, Ellen.
(GASPS) Just name the dog!
(BIRDIE) There were no birthdays, holidays, anniversaries or celebrations the following year.
There’s a new census to track Americans.
Moses Ho and his parents fled, just like hundreds of thousands of journalists, scientists, academics, intellectuals, artists and free thinkers.
(BULBS CLICKING)
(TYPING) My mom’s found a purpose again, using words to fight back.
(TAPPING)
(QUIETLY) Shit.
Paul. Paul.
That thing keeps happening.
With the electricity.
The computer’s–
What?
The gate’s open.
(KNOCKING)
(WOMAN) Mr. and Mrs. Taylor.
We’ve made numerous attempts to contact you.
We’re from the census.
(SHUTTER CLICKS)
(WHISPERS) Stick to the script.
We’ll be fine.
You have a lovely home.
Thank you.
Mmm.
That’s lovely.
Indonesian.
You know your beans.
(CHUCKLES)
Well, you’d be surprised by what coffee reveals about people.
How so?
Well, for starters, this coffee is refined, like the two of you.
You drink it black
efficient, purist, resistant to change.
Your wife takes a dollop of soy milk-perfectionist, stickler for rules and order.
(CHUCKLES)
Cream and sugar
what does it say about the both of you?
I suppose that makes us people pleasers.
(CHUCKLES)
I have some things to attend to, so if we could move this along.
How long have you been married?
Twentynine years.
How long have you lived at this residence?
(PAUL) Twenty-eight years.
We moved here when our oldest child was born.
How is she? Anna?
We haven’t seen our daughter since she went missing two years ago.
(WOMAN 1) How many people currently live in the home?
(PAUL) Four.
Who currently lives in the home?
Myself, my wife and our two daughters.
The bureau database shows you, your wife and three daughters.
Incorrect.
Cynthia Taylor, Birdie Taylor, and Anna Taylor.
Please don’t make this infuriating.
Anna hasn’t lived here since she left for college.
Your database needs updating.
That’s why we’re here, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor.
(CHUCKLES)
Do you have a current address for your daughter?
No.
(WOMAN 1) Have you been in contact with her?
No.
(WOMAN 1) Why not?
We already told you.
(WOMAN 2 LAUGHS)
Just that, you know, your daughter is such a scream.
I mean, some people took offense, her being in the spotlight, but I loved it.
(CHUCKLES) Before everything got so political.
What is your political affiliation?
Decline to answer.
Under what dispensation?
The Bill of Rights.
Both currently unemployed.
Is that correct?
Correct.
Your mortgage remains current.
May I ask how you manage the payments?
Are we done with this interrogation?
We’re not here to… attack you.
I was terminated by the university.
My husband sold his restaurant for us to survive.
Is there anything else?
Let me be frank, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor.
Anna has not responded or filled out her census.
If you are harboring her or refusing to disclose her whereabouts, there will be no distinction between yourselves and her seditious actions.
So… you need to decide if you’re with us or against us.
You recite old Bush Doctrine, which makes you both liars and plagiarists.
Your daughter can’t run around like Joan of Arc.
Joan of Arc’s only crime was standing up when others refused.
A real saint.
A witness.
Anna Agnes Taylor, born May 3rd, George Washington Hospital.
She came into the world hard, an umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice.
A fighter. Current status?
Lovesick, hilarious, beautiful, decent, unimpeachable.
Whereabouts? Go fuck yourselves!
We’ve already filled out our census.
Now, please leave us alone!
Don’t you understand we’ve had enough?
There was a goddamn pipe bomb in our mailbox.
(WOMAN 2)
Your youngest daughter.
It’s not real.
We don’t always know what our children are capable of.
Seems Anna isn’t the only rebel in the family.
She’s a child.
She’s a science geek who stays all day in her room.
(WOMAN 2)
Under the new security law, she will be prosecuted as an adult.
Twenty-year minimum for conspiracy to commit seditious acts.
All you have to do is sign here.
Become a Change Home.
If not, you leave us no choice.
We’ll never sign that.
(TABLET THUDS)
(FOOTSTEPS RETREAT)
You are not to leave this house!
Do you hear me?
You are not to sneak out anymore!
(SOBBING) I can’t believe you!
Let me explain.
Just let me talk to you, okay?
(SCREAMING) Fuck you!
(SOBBING)
With your fucking tail between your legs!
Please.
(CRIES)
(BIRDIE) I don’t know you.
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE BUZZES)
(ELLEN WHISPERS)
You shouldn’t be outside after curfew.
Say something, please.
What choice did we have?
(SNIFFS)
We can leave.
We can
We can take the girls and
and find Anna.
And go somewhere safe.
I’m sorry, Paul.
Let’s leave.
(PHONE BEEPS)
(DRONE WHIRS)
(WOMAN VOICE) Attention.
To avoid violations, please respect the curfew hours.
If you have any questions, please contact the district supervisor’s office.
This is your second warning.
(CHATTERING)
I need to talk to you.
I have nothing to say to you.
You need to talk to Josh.
You have obliterated us.
What more do you want?
(GASPS) You have to help me.
Please.
(RAGGED BREATHING) I don’t know who he is anymore.
What did you think was going to happen?
(SNIFFLING)
I’m coming to you as a mother.
Please. Please.
Your husband, not my son.
(GASPS)
(SNIFFS)
(EERIE VOCALIZING)
(EERIE VOCALIZING CONTINUES)
(BRIGHT PARTY CHATTER)
Hi, everybody. Hi.
(WOMAN) Hi, Elizabeth.
(WOMAN 3) Hi, Liz.
(WOMAN 4) Good to see you.
Hi.
Hello, Elizabeth.
Hi, baby.
You’re a little late.
Hi.
(TAPPING MICROPHONE)
(JOSH) Hello, everyone.
Thank you all for joining us for this very special occasion.
My parents’ 30th anniversary.
Round of applause, please.
(APPLAUSE)
(WOMAN) Lovely.
(JOSH) Thank you.
Now, I stand before you this evening, not only as a proud son, but…
Liz? Can you come up here, honey, please?
Liz, honey?
Will you join me up here, please?
Think I can safely speak for the both of us when I say that we could not have two better role models, not just for our marriage, but as parents to our children.
And as it has not always been easy-certainly not-we love you guys.
Happy anniversary.
Now, if I can go off script here a little bit, I have a little surprise.
Can we cue the song?
(“DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER” BY CROWDED HOUSE PLAYS)
And if I may ask my parents to please step forward and share a dance to their song as a celebration of their love.
Ladies and gentlemen, Paul and Ellen Taylor!
(APPLAUSE)
(CHEERING)
Come on.
♪ There’s a battle ahead ♪
♪ Many battles are lost ♪
♪ But you’ll never see
The end of the road ♪
♪ While you’re traveling
With me ♪
♪ Hey now, hey now,
Don’t dream it’s over ♪
♪ Hey now, hey now ♪
♪ When the world comes in ♪
♪ They come, they come ♪
♪ To build a wall between us ♪
♪ We know they won’t win ♪
(HONKS HORN)
♪ There’s a hole in the roof ♪
♪ My possessions
Are causing… ♪
(MUSIC STOPS)
(JOSH) Who do we have here?
(GUEST) Look at that.
(JOSH) Okay.
This is fun.
Uh, I
This is a total surprise to me. I didn’t do it.
I’m sure I’m paying for it.
Hello.
(HORN TOOTS)
(MUSIC STARTS)
♪ Happy anniversary
Happy anniversary ♪
♪ Happy anniversary
Happy anniversary ♪
♪ Happy she and happy he ♪
♪ They’re both as happy
As can be ♪
♪ Celebrating merrily
Their happy anniversary ♪
♪ Happy anniversary
Happy anniversary ♪
♪ Happy anniversary
Happy anniversary ♪
(JOSH) Okay. Everyone give it up for the clown. That’s fantastic.
I really didn’t know that one was coming. Moving forward.
I’m gonna pass the mic here to the love of my life, Elizabeth Nettles Taylor.
She has a few words to say about the Cumberland Company.
Thank you, Josh, for your…
(PANTING)
(MUFFLED SPEECH CONTINUES)
(DOG YELPS)
Carlin.
Carlin.
I missed you, buddy.
Come on, we got to go.
Let’s go.
Come on.
(KNOCKS)
Birdie?
Cyn?
(WHISPERS) Anna.
Hey. Hey.
(CYNTHIA GASPS)
Hey!
Hey, where-where’s Birdie?
(WHISPERS) Where’s Birdie?
(HORNS HONKING)
(EXHALES)
Hey, are you okay?
What are you doing here?
(GRUNTS) Surprising Mom and Dad for their anniversary.
It’s their anniversary?
(LIZ) In a time that has tested our resolve and revealed our true nature, we are correcting the course for this country.
Hear, hear!
(APPLAUSE, CHEERS) We are creating futures for our families…
(MESSAGE BEEPS)
…and new educational opportunities for our children.
(DISTANT APPLAUSE)
Where’s Rob?
(WHISPERS) He’s one of them now.
Oh.
They take everyone.
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
You shouldn’t be here. Go. Go.
(CHATTERING)
(EXHALES)
And I’m excited to share that because of our research here at the Cumberland Company, we are confident that our child reeducation bill will pass.
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
(CHATTER)
(MAN REPORTING) … can confirm there has been an attack at the Cumberland Company at approximately 5:00 p.m.
(CUP CLINKS ON TABLE)
(EXCITED CHATTER)
Stay inside.
(MAN REPORTING)
Law enforcement tells us that a biological agent was released inside the building, just a mile from the White House.
As a proud mother myself, I’m happy that my sons will have a better community…
(PHONES BEEPING)
…that will provide them with love–
Excuse me, Elizabeth?
(EXCITED CHATTER)
(MAN) It’s online, too.
(WOMAN) It’s for real.
Okay, we need to go.
We need to go right now.
Stand by.
We found a live stream from the mobile phone of the suspect who may be an employee with the company.
(LIGHT GASPS)
(SCREAMS)
(SOBS)
(SCREAMS)
(SCATTERED CHATTERING)
(SOBBING)
(CHATTERING)
(SNIFFLING) Hey, hey.
(SOBBING CONTINUES)
(GASPS)
(SOBBING)
(BREATHING DEEPLY)
She’s here.
(CRYING) (RAGGED BREATH) I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry.
(RAGGED BREATHING)
Okay.
Josh.
(BLOW LANDS)
(CHUCKLES)
(SCOFFS)
(SIRENS WAIL IN DISTANCE)
(GROANS)
(SIREN WAILS)
Drop the weapon!
Put your arms up!
Hey, drop it or I’ll shoot!
Repeat, drop the weapon!
(GUNSHOTS FIRE)
(GASPING)
(ANNA) Dad.
Dad!
(QUIETLY) Run.
Run! Run!
(ELLEN) Run!
(ANNA) Dad! Dad!
Dad! Mom!
Run!
Run! Run!
(OFFICER) Get down now!
Stop!
Don’t move!
Go!
(GASPING)
She’s here, she’s here!
Freeze!
(GASPING)
(GASPING)
(MACHINE GUN FIRE)
(PAUL STRAINING)
(GASPING)
(ELLEN) I’m so scared. Paul.
Listen to my voice.
Check the house.
Clear!
(JOSH) Officer.
You in charge of this unit?
Back door is clear!
Are you leading this unit?
(PAUL) I can see you.
Beautiful girl standing in front of that painting.
Can you see her?
(ELLEN) I don’t know.
(PAUL) Try.
(GASPS) Look hard. Try.
I see us.
Just, uh, they’re my parents in there, so I don’t want them separated.
I want to keep them together.
You understand me?
I hope there’s not a problem, sir.
(QUIETLY) There’s not a problem.
(WHISPERING) I’m your superior, and you need to listen to what I’m telling you.
You understand?
Why don’t you back up?
Do you know who the fuck I am?
Don’t fucking touch me!
You know who I fucking am? Huh?
You know who I fucking am?
(SHOUTS)
Fuck you! (GROANS) Wait, that’s my family.
That’s my family! (VOICE BREAKS) That’s my family!
That’s my family! Please!
Ma’am.
(JOSH STRUGGLING)
Take him, too.
(RAGGED BREATHING)
He’s with them.
Yes, ma’am.
(GROANS, WHIMPERS)
(EXHALES)
(RAGGED BREATHING)
