Title: Memory (2023)
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 99 min
Director: Michel Franco
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, Brooke Timber, Elsie Fisher…
Plot: Sylvia is a single mother and social worker who attends her high school reunion with her sister Olivia. There, she encounters Saul, a man who later follows her home. It’s revealed that Saul suffers from early-onset dementia, leading to misunderstandings between them. Despite initial tensions, Sylvia begins caring for Saul during the day and forms a bond with him. However, their relationship faces challenges as Sylvia’s past traumas, including sexual assault and family betrayal, resurface. Through confronting her past and navigating complex family dynamics, Sylvia finds solace and support in unexpected places.
* * *
I remember… like yourself, Sylvia, I too came in.
I was broken, I was lost.
And I was hopeless.
Uh, with no direction, uh… of where I was going to go in my life.
So II understood when you shared that day where you were coming from.
And it brought me back to the beginning of how it was for me.
I remember I passed you and you were riding your bicycle up a hill.
And 90 days sober.
I remember thinking…
“We all got our struggles. But we don’t need to get loaded over it”.
I’m here.
I came.
I made it, I got here.
And, I didn’t even know what was gonna be going on.
[woman gasps]
But I’m happy to see…
Anna.
[chuckles]
You’re what I wish I could have been.
I don’t know how to explain that except that I wish my mom… would have been as strong as you, Sylvia.
My dear Sylvia, being your sponsor has been a gift.
I know you don’t want to hear this, but my wish for you is that you find someone so you don’t be alone like me.
[inhales sharply]
Anna is going to grow up she’s going to go away to make it on her own.
And she will.
[Sylvia] Yeah.
She will.
[breathes shakily]
You and I, we’ve been together for 13 years.
That’s longer than most marriages out there.
[applause]
Um, I just wanted to thank everyone.
I’m very grateful for this space and for all of you and… definitely nothing would be possible with-without this group here.
And I’m very grateful for my daughter.
[chuckles]
How do you feel being here?
Good.
[Sylvia] Good?
Is it just what you thought?
I mean, yeah.
[Sylvia] Yeah?
Yeah.
I’m so proud of you.
[Sylvia] Thanks, honey.
[woman 1] Happy anniversary!
I’m so happy for you!
All right, I’m glad you came.
You guys, congratulations, have a good night.
Dinner later? Dinner later?
Yeah.
[Sylvia] You’re the only man that stayed.
[laughs]
[engine rumbling]
[indistinct chatter]
[footsteps]
[sighs]
The fridge broke again.
I’ll call someone to fix it.
[traffic bustling]
[horn blaring in distance]
[bell rings]
I’ll see you later, mom.
Yeah, have a good day.
Thank you, bye.
Bye.
[bell rings]
Morning, Karen.
Uh, just so you know, Mario is having a rough morning.
Oh, great! Okay.
Hey, good morning, everybody.
Good morning.
[Anthony] Good morning.
Anthony, good morning.
Come on in.
[woman 2] Morning, Anthony.
Good morning.
Good morning, Anthony.
Good morning.
[phone ringing]
What’s up?
I like eating…
[stammers]
baloney sandwich.
Mmhmm, take your time, all right.
And I like eating aapple sauce.
And I like eating chips.
[muffled groans]
If you’re gonna go outside, you need a jacket.
[muffled groans]
I know you have two things, but it’s very cold, Mario.
Let’s put your jacket on.
Let me help… Do you want to do it yourself?
[muffled groans]
Okay. I’ll carry it down.
All right… come on.
Let’s go downstairs, you’re gonna miss your bus.
[man 1] Yeah, please.
Anyone want more?
[instrumental music on speakers]
All fit, all done?
Mmhmm.
Okay.
Sorry, I’ll take this one.
This one’s better.
No more.
All right.
Hey, do you mind if I go on my break?
Of course, take a break.
Okay.
[traffic bustling]
[children chattering]
[indistinct shouting]
[birds chirping]
[Karen] Lucy, wash your hands.
I already did.
You were playing with Rocca.
She probably did.
Tom wants a picture, can we send him one?
Sure.
Mark.
Mark.
What?
Not now.
It’s a picture.
Let’s have a nice time.
[whispering] All right, just wait.
[sizzling]
That’s enough.
Mark.
Okay.
Are you staying for dinner?
No.
Thank you, we’re gonna eat at home.
Here, take my seat.
Are you going to the, um, the party for Woodbury on Friday?
Mm.
Robert’s not going.
I could be your date.
If you want.
Thank you, sweetie.
I think it would be good for you to go and spend time with other people.
Who aren’t in A.A.
How did the anniversary meeting go?
It was nice.
Yeah, you… Did you have a good time?
Mmhmm.
What anniversary?
I’ll tell you about it later.
Yeah.
What anniversary?
Lucy.
Just eat.
[indistinct TV chatter]
I mean, you don’t have to pay me back right away.
It’s not Robert’s money.
You’ve become a drug dealer?
[sighs] No, the students pay me in cash.
Count it, but it should all be there.
No, no, thank you.
I’ve been meaning to tell you.
Mm.
Mom keeps asking about you and Anna.
How long is she gonna stay?
What would she go back for?
She wasn’t doing well without dad.
Huh, Anna, we gotta leave.
Sorry, do you have an aspirin?
Mmhmm.
[bell rings]
[footsteps]
[bell rings]
[sirens wail in distance]
Yeah?
[man on intercom] Hi, ma’am, I, um…
You got a situation with your fridge?
I asked for a repairwoman.
[man on intercom] Yeah, uh, she wasn’t available today.
So you want me to leave?
No, come up.
[buzzing]
[footsteps approaching]
Kitchen’s in there.
[door shuts]
[keys rattling]
It’s leaking.
I see that, all right.
[indistinct chatter]
Oh, no! Rebecca!
[laughter]
Oh, my goodness!
Oh, wow!
Has it been 15 years?
Mmore, I was pregnant.
You were, and you look amazing.
I know, thank you.
Sylvia.
Hi.
I haven’t seen you in so long.
Nice to see you.
Um, is your sister here?
Oh, she… No!
She canceled last minute.
She told me she was…
[indistinct chatter]
Gonna be… I was looking forward to seeing her.
I’m sorry.
We’re gonna have to get her number.
Yes, yes.
I can’t wait to see everybody.
It looks amazing. I’m so happy to be here.
Thank you.
Thank you.
You look amazing.
Thank you.
Oh, my goodness!
[indistinct chatter]
[laughter]
[upbeat music on speakers]
[indistinct chatter]
[gasps]
Oh, my God!
I’m so glad you’re here!
You look amazing!
Oh, no, no!
I didn’t tell, I didn’t know how to dress.
You look beautiful!
It’s so good to see you.
Is Bill here?
Oh, I’m so glad!
He’s right over there.
Oh.
[indistinct chatter]
[music continues]
What can I get you? We have red, white.
Uh, I’ll have a still water. That’s it, thanks.
♪ Oh oh ♪
♪ Oh oh ♪
♪ Oh oh ♪
He did both, he taught both, dance and paint.
Did you have him?
Well, dance was an elective. But it was worth it…
Hello, hello, I hope you can all hear me.
I just wanted to say
a very brief, very sincere thank you so much
for coming out tonight.
It really goes to show how supportive you all are.
So thank you for that.
And, after all these years, it is so great
to see so many familiar faces.
And I’m sure I’m not the only one
who can say that I’ve missed this, right?
I have missed Woodbury High.
And what’s crazy is that
it really feels like no time has passed at all.
Okay, I could ramble on, so let’s go ahead, raise a glass
and toast to all of you beautiful people.
And thank you for being here and thank you for making
high school the special period that it was.
Cheers, everyone!
[all] Cheers!
[cheering]
♪ Something is missing in my life ♪
♪ I’m that thing that came your way ♪
♪ I tried my best to keep my distance ♪
♪ And I had to get in the way ♪
[cheering]
♪ I never meant to take it serious ♪
♪ ‘Cause only most men have love in their veins ♪
♪ My heart’s been broken to pieces ♪
♪ And I don’t want to feel this way ♪
♪ Your love is better by the minute ♪
♪ And I’m happy when I feel this way ♪
♪ I have never been to the limit ♪
♪ You and I go all the way ♪
♪ I’ll never take this down ♪
[indistinct chatter]
[indistinct chatter]
[horn blaring in distance]
[train wheels rattling]
[train wheels screeching]
[bell dings]
[hissing]
[train chugging]
[brakes screeching]
[indistinct chatter]
[keys jangle]
[dog barks in distance]
[door lock clicks]
[door creaks]
[door shuts]
[clicks]
[beeping]
[automated message] Home armed.
[clattering]
[Anna] Mom, I’ll be in my room.
[door shuts]
[clattering]
[footsteps]
What are you doing? Get away from the window.
Go to bed, honey.
Go to bed.
[traffic bustling]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[metal clinks]
[rain pattering]
[thunder rumbling]
Hey, Karen, um, I feel like I’m having a nervous breakdown.
And, um…
I can’t really explain it over voicemail, but, um…
I tried calling you to see
if you’d pick up ’cause I know you can’t…
sleep so much either, so…
call me when you get this, bye.
[rain pattering]
[thunder rumbling]
[sighing]
[deep breaths]
[traffic bustling]
[keys jangling]
What do you want?
Do you have a phone?
Put your hands in your pockets.
Do you have a phone or a wallet? Or anything?
What do you have?
[exhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
Hi, there’s a guy on my street, he’s been here all night.
You know him?
Mom…
My address… Honey…
Who is that?
Everything’s fine.
Get me a blanket. He’s fine!
Just, uh, my address is 264, 39th Street.
Yeah, my name’s Sylvia, this is my cellphone.
All right, see you soon, bye.
[man breathes shakily]
[phone dings]
[man exhales sharply]
[vehicle horn honks]
Are you all right, pal? Come on, let’s go.
[door opens]
[water dripping]
[sighs]
[deep breaths]
♪ And so it was ♪
♪ That later ♪
♪ As the Miller told his tale ♪
♪ That her face at first just ghostly ♪
♪ Turned a whiter ♪
[indistinct chatter]
[footsteps]
Hhey.
[chuckles]
Hi.
[indistinct chatter]
You really, really scared us.
Come here, you.
Hi.
[kisses]
You want coffee?
No, I’m all right.
Have a seat.
Sure.
You came all the way out here just to see me?
Yeah.
Really?
Yeah, I mean…
I mean, you were gone for a whole night, so…
[birds chirping]
It’s amazing you didn’t catch pneumonia.
Well, I haven’t been sick in years.
You just got lost and made it
No, I didn’t get lost, I went to the bathroom.
Yeah, and you couldn’t find your way back.
Hey, enough! Enough! Hey! Enough!
[birds squawking]
I’m going to get a coffee.
I had to yell.
You know you cried on the phone?
Did you leave the party alone?
Did you leave the party alone?
No.
II don’t know, I don’t know.
Do you remember leaving the party?
No.
♪ The one with the most at the end of the day ♪
♪ He was said to be king ♪
That one kind of looks like you.
Really?
Just a little bit.
♪ Someone to help you with your coat ♪
♪ Tripping nobles on their robes ♪
Thank you.
Yeah.
♪ All those things ♪
♪ All those little things ♪
There’s something else for you, too.
Okay.
This one’s smaller, so…
♪ You stay with me you’ll wear silk ♪
Oh!
♪ That was something that ♪
Oh, I see.
♪ I said I couldn’t see ♪
Okay.
“Saul Shapiro, I have dementia.”
♪ Stables and moats ♪
“Emergency contact.”
II don’t know if you should put Isaac down
for emergency contact.
[chuckles]
[clears throat]
♪ All those things ♪
Okay.
♪ All those little things ♪
I tried to make it cool.
♪ All those things ♪
Can I wear it inside at least?
All right, all right.
I mean you can still see the beads.
Yeah, now, I mean, the beads are the main… point.
[kisses]
Thank you.
Hmm.
[deep breath]
[clears throat]
[door opens]
[footsteps]
[inhales sharply]
[groans]
I’m fine.
Anna said there was a man outside.
Hmm.
He followed me home from the Woodbury event.
He’s one of Ben’s friends.
Are you sure?
Why else would he follow me home?
What’s his name?
Saul Shapiro.
Do you want to spend the night at Olivia’s tonight?
Sure.
Okay.
[footsteps departing]
[water running]
[sighs]
[horn honking in distance]
[dog barking in distance]
Hi, Isaac, this is Sylvia from…
the other morning I found… Yeah.
I’d like to come by today. Can you, um…
Would that be all right?
Great! Send me your address.
Okay, thanks.
[traffic bustling]
[birds chirp]
[dog barks]
[doorbell rings]
[Isaac] I’ll get it!
[dog barks]
Hello.
[Sylvia] Hi.
Hi, please come in.
[door closes]
This is my daughter, Sara.
Sylvia found Saul.
Well, I just looked outside my window one morning.
Saw him on the street.
How did he end up there?
Thank God Sylvia found him.
Um, I’ll go get him.
Can I get you something to drink?
Mmmm, no, thank you.
I need to go to work soon.
Oh, what do you do?
I work at an adult daycare center.
[Saul] Hi.
[footsteps]
What’s wrong with you? Invite her in.
Please, sit down.
Sure.
Listen, I apologize
if I made you feel uncomfortable the other night.
Mmmm, it’s fine.
It’sit’s not fine.
Have a seat, I’ll get you a glass of water.
Okay.
He has dementia.
[Sara] He remembers stuff from years ago.
But more immediate events, he tends to…
Childhood, our parents, he’s…
[Sara] The more recent, the less he remembers.
He just remembered me.
Sometimes he remembers things for weeks.
Then something like the other night happens
and we’re not sure why that is.
[birds chirp]
It’s changed a lot, right?
Mmhmm.
[birds chirp]
I used to play here when I was little.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
But it was nicer then.
Nobody takes care of it.
Do you remember things that happened a long time ago?
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
I think about my wife.
My parents.
Things from my childhood, my cousins.
Holidays and all that stuff.
What about school?
I remember school.
Where did you go to school?
Woodbury.
So did I.
Really?
Yeah.
Don’t you remember me?
No.
[sighs]
Well, I guess people…
change after many years.
But we didn’t go to school together.
Oh, I remember.
[crow caws]
[chuckles]
You really don’t remember me?
No.
Do you remember Ben Goldberg?
Yeah, we went to high school together.
Yeah.
He used to get me drunk after school.
Hmm.
I was 12, he was 17.
He liked raping me.
He liked forcing me to give him blow jobs.
Ben Goldberg?
Yes, sometimes he was alone.
Sometimes he wasn’t.
You remember?
I remember Ben.
And you remember being with him and…
making me suck your dick?
No!
Don’t you remember school?
I don’t know, I don’t know.
[crow caws]
Why did you follow me home from the party?
[sighs]
You remember the Woodbury party last week.
You were following me home.
I don’t know… [stammering]
I remember the party because Isaac showed me pictures.
And you followed me home.
From where?
From the Wo
From the Woodbury party.
You were at the Woodbury party?
You followed me home from the Woodbury party.
And you sexually abused me when I was 12, and you were 17 or 18.
Okay.
Mmhmm.
You like thinking about what you used to make me do?
Or do you only remember when it’s convenient?
I don’t remember.
[crow caws]
[sighs]
[deep breaths]
[chuckles]
You know what?
You deserve being the way you are.
[traffic bustling]
[train chugging]
[brakes screeching]
[woman on PA] This is the Crosstown G train.
The next stop is Green Point Avenue.
[bell dings]
[bell dings]
[whirring]
[train chugging]
Saul!
[dog barks in distance]
[Sylvia sobbing]
[Sylvia sniffles]
Isaac, it’s Sylvia.
Can you please call me when you get a chance?
Please, thank you, bye.
[phone rings]
[horn honks]
[phone rings]
[traffic bustling]
Hey, Isaac, how are you doing?
[paper rustling]
[doorbell rings]
[footsteps]
[doorbell rings]
Yes?
[Sara on intercom] Hi, it’s, um, Sara, Saul’s niece.
Um, can I come in?
Yeah, come up.
[buzzing]
[footsteps approaching]
[Sara] Hey.
Hey.
Thank you. Thank you.
[door closes]
I hope II’m not disturbing you or anything.
No.
Cool.
Um, so I know this is kind of random.
Uh, but I leave today.
I go to school in Boston.
Um…
And since you and Saul get along
my dad and I were maybe thinking
you could care for him during the day.
I’m not a nurse.
He doesn’t want a nurse.
All you’d have to do is be there.
Go on walks and stuff.
No, I don’t think so.
He talks about you a lot.
Here, um…
I’llI’ll think about it and I’ll call your dad.
We’re going to pay you in advance.
In cash.
[scoffs]
Even if you say no, we’d really like you to have it just, um…
as a gesture of thanks for helping my uncle already.
Try it for a few afternoons.
[water running]
[dishes clinking]
[indistinct chatter]
[paper rustling]
[Karen] Hey.
Hey.
[beeping]
[Karen] Hi.
I made the most of it and… cleaned the house.
[Anna] You went through my stuff?
Yeah, I organized.
[Anna] You were spying on me!
I found a joint in your pencil case.
And I need to see what’s on your computer.
You change your password?
You don’t need to see what’s on my computer
Yeah, don’t talk back to me.
You don’t need to see what’s on my computer
Anna! I’ll take your computer away.
I’m not staying here tonight.
I’m going to Olivia’s.
[door slams]
[groans]
[woman 3] A month ago, I…
I didn’t think it was possible toto get sober.
[siren wails in distance]
And…
And this has been the hardest month of my entire life.
And a part of me still doesn’t want to be sober.
[sniffles]
But I have heard some of you guys say,
you know, “I wouldn’t trade…
[woman sighs]
my worst sober day for my best…
days out abusing… partying.”
[woman inhales sharply]
[whirring]
[beeping]
[door opens]
[footsteps]
What?
You never met Saul at school.
Yes, I did.
His family are from Reading.
And they moved here in ’86.
And that’s the year that you stopped going to Woodbury.
How do you know that?
Phone calls, yearbooks.
[traffic bustling]
[engine starts]
So how do you think she’s doing? Is she doing better?
Yes?
Mmhmm.
That’s good.
I don’t love this neighborhood they live in.
I mean, is it even safe around here for Anna to grow up?
I’d be happy to give them some money
so they could get a better place to live.
And
We’ve offered.
You offered, yeah.
You did offer?
Oh, you’re a good sister.
Thank you, it’s nice of you.
It’s nice on the inside.
It is?
It’s very sweet.
[footsteps]
Saul.
Hi.
Isaac?
It’s her.
Do you want to come in?
Okay.
[Saul] Wanna sit down?
Hi.
[Saul] I thought you couldn’t come.
I could stay now if you want me to.
Oh, great, let me just get my stuff for jogging.
[Saul] Can I get you something?
No.
I’m okay.
[Issac] Change of plans.
You can just ask them to push it about 15 minutes.
I would really love the opportunity
to meet with them in person.
Yes.
Uhhuh.
Great, well, just…
Well, offer them whatever they want.
Yes, whatever we have to just
Yes, I’ll be right there, okay?
[Sylvia clears throat]
What I said to you in the park…
I made a mistake.
It wasn’t you.
You and I hadn’t even…
seen each other until…
a few nights ago.
Really?
Mmhmm.
Yeah, you didn’t register until ’86, and that was the year
that my parents forced me to change schools, so…
My mom didn’t believe me about Ben.
So she just thought it’d be…
easier if I was at a different school.
[sighs]
[clears throat]
Hmm.
Sorry.
[nervous chuckle]
Why didn’t your mom believe you?
[birds chirp]
You feel like talking about it?
Why did you follow me home the other night?
I don’t know.
Hmm.
Can I write down what you just told me so I can remember?
It’s…
Okay.
Okay.
[traffic bustling]
[indistinct chatter]
I don’t want to buy it.
Which one was it?
[doorbell rings]
Park Place.
For 3.5 million.
Too rich for your blood, huh?
Um, what’s that? Atlantic?
Uhhuh.
Okay, I’ll buy it.
[door closes]
[instrumental music on radio]
Now prove to me you know how this…
You’re kidding! God! Your turn.
Hello, Sylvia.
[clears throat]
Hi.
[beeping]
You did it.
Just did it.
Little genius.
You wanna buy the other one?
Yeah, I think I do, but I might need Ashley’s help.
[sighs]
I’ll go while you deal with that.
[paper rustling]
You forgive me?
Yeah.
[music continues]
Do you like it?
Yeah.
[chuckles]
[overlapping chatter]
Hey, who’s up?
A case, too.
Yeah.
[paper rustling]
I just went.
There you go.
Uh, how can you afford it?
Oh, I got a second job.
Doing what?
[dice clatters]
I’m, uh…
working for the guy from Woodbury.
Let me see that.
Two.
I’ll buy it.
That’s really pretty.
[chuckles]
So, I was wondering if maybe
Anna could come to a party on Friday?
[music continues]
Are there gonna be other kids your age there?
Yeah.
Then no.
Told you.
Is it because you’re afraid people might be drinking there?
What?
Um…
There’s not gonna be drinks.
Do you want a beer, Aunt Sylvia?
No, thank you.
Why don’t you ever drink beer?
Well, because I’m alcoholic, Lucy.
Sylvia!
What, she asked me a question, Robert.
But, what if you just had one?
I…
haven’t had a drink in 13 years.
Since Anna was born.
Hmm.
Okay, this conversation’s over.
Did you take drugs too?
Or just drinks?
That’s enough! That’s enough!
Why? I’m asking her an important question.
Let’s play the game.
Did you?
What did I say?
[music continues]
Hmm.
[chuckles] I’ll go ahead and grab that.
[sizzling]
Is there anything you want to do after breakfast?
Whatever you want.
[indistinct chatter on TV]
I’m gonna go use the restroom.
Is it down the hall?
Yeah.
Okay.
Right at the end.
I’ll pause the film?
No, no, no.
I’ll be right back, don’t move.
[door closes]
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[exhales sharply]
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[footsteps]
[door opens]
[Sylvia] What happened?
[indistinct chatter on TV]
Did he get her number?
I can’t rewind it.
Yeah?
It’s okay.
[indistinct chatter on TV]
Are enjoying the movie?
Yeah.
I really don’t understand anything, I can’t watch films.
[chuckles]
Why didn’t you tell me? I’m so sorry.
So you could watch.
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[chuckles]
Is it good?
Yeah.
[chuckles]
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[chuckles]
You got it.
Wow! Look at you!
[laughs]
You’re good at this. [laughs]
Hi, sweetheart. Hi, Ashley. Hi, honey.
I brought you guys some presents.
Thank you!
You’re welcome.
Oh, Anna…
Hi, II was…
I would have brought something for you too.
I’m sorry, I just…
You want to get Sylvia even more upset?
Yeah, well, um…
Should I, should I leave, do you think?
I don’t, I don’t want to, you know…
[chuckles]
No.
I don’t want to make things worse.
Do you want some coffee?
Yes. I would actually like some.
That would be great.
That’s fine.
Thank you.
Um, Anna?
A Coke.
Oh, Anna, II…
II’ve seen pictures of you, of course.
Olivia shows them to me, and so, but it’s like…
Well, it’s just so nice…
to… you know, to see you in person.
Yyou look a little like your mother.
[laughs]
We all look alike.
Yeah.
Well, thank goodness nobody took after your grandpa.
[laughs] May he rest in peace.
I’m gonna…
Yeah. Let’s get some coffee.
Sure. [sighs]
How do I get it back?
Okay, that’s…
You like it.
Okay, so we got one eel bowl,
marinated tuna roll, one edamame and two miso soups?
Yeah.
All right.
How’s your new job?
Oh. It’s great.
Does that mean you’re gonna stop working
at the residence now?
No, I’m gonna still work there.
But I’ll also work at Saul’s on the weekends.
Would you like some water?
Yes, please.
With or without ice?
Without.
Actually, with.
How old are you?
Fifteen.
What are you doing working at night?
It’s my dad’s restaurant.
With or with…
No, no. I’m good.
I wanna go on a date.
Oh, my God.
No.
I’m the only girl in my class who doesn’t have a boyfriend.
What would you do with a boyfriend?
Forget it.
What?
You are gonna drive me insane!
[laughs]
Me?
[laughing]
Sure.
I see it. [grunts]
Okay. I’m going to open the door.
I’m in. Thanks. Bye.
[sighs] Hey, Saul. I’m here.
I’m here!
[Saul] Oh.
Saul?
[knocking on door]
[Saul] Okay.
Are you okay? I’m going to come in.
All right. I’m opening the door.
All right? Come…
Okay. Did you fall down? Are you hurt?
[Saul] No.
No?
Can you…
Did you hit your head? Are you all right?
Okay. I’m gonna call Isaac.
No, no.
Okay, let me help you.
Can you sit up?
[grunts]
Come on. Let’s stand up. Let’s try standing up.
How long have you been lying there?
I don’t know. I don’t know.
Come on. One, two, three, go.
Let’s… You know what? Let me get dressed.
Okay. Stand up, Saul. Come on.
Don’t worry. Don’t worry.
Okay.
You’re all right.
Hey, hey…
I’m gonna help you up.
No.
That’s my job.
I’m gonna help you up.
All right.
Here.
♪ I’ll dream ♪
[water running]
That part. Whoa! [chuckles]
That’s a, uh, type of organ
that they use in, uh, you know,
in the South, where people…
uh, in churches in the South.
My wife loved them.
And she wanted one, like, right over there.
[chuckles]
But they’re huge.
I didn’t know you were married.
I was ma… Um…
[instrumental music on speaker]
Yeah, she passed away a long time ago.
Sorry.
I want to do the same thing here.
And I’ve already reached out to a few organizations,
so we’ll see.
[Anna] You pay for the wheelchairs?
No, I find the donors.
Yeah. Look at those kids.
Oh! It makes them so happy.
Does that mean you can stay here now?
[sighs] Well…
Well, I don’t know why I’d go back to Miami
when you’re here.
[chuckles] What would I go back for?
Why did you and mom stop talking?
Oh, oh.
[sighs] Well…
When your mother was, uh…
was your age, she was,
uh, she was going out with boys
and drinking and…
I… She was out of control.
Um, and I…
I just couldn’t… I couldn’t handle her.
And she started lying.
Lying?
Um…
Yeah. She was making these things up.
Similar to what’s been happening recently
with the man that she’s working with now.
Uh, she has accused him of…
doing things that, uh…
he’s just not guilty of.
And then, she’s always been…
She’s always been hard to deal with it, I guess.
It’s…
Not with me.
Oh, no, no, no.
She’s a wonderful mother. That’s, that’s different.
Is this your favorite?
I like it.
[instrumental music]
Me too.
[door opens]
There he is.
All right.
[Isaac] Sorry, I’m late.
Bye.
It’s okay, uh…
There’s some leftover pasta on the counter if you’re hungry.
Oh, great.
I thought it would be better if you had your own.
Thanks. My kid’s waiting on me.
So, really, I have to go.
Yeah, can you come tomorrow?
Tomorrow? Uh… Can I bring my daughter?
Of course.
Okay, yeah. Bye, Saul.
Bye.
[door closes]
Freeman asked about you.
Remember the Freemans?
[music continues]
I thought that was a good question,
but obviously not.
Okay.
Does she have gray hair?
[phone rings]
I have to take my pills. Hang on a second.
Oh, wait, wait. No, no, no.
You stay and play. II’ll go get them.
Okay.
Okay.
Whose turn is it?
My turn.
Okay.
Okay. Does she have gray hair?
No.
[clicks]
[engine rumbling]
Bye, honey.
Thanks.
Have you decided if you’re quitting yet?
Uh, yeah. I talked to Karen about it.
I never liked it there.
I know.
Lots of weird people, right?
Oh.
Hi, you must be Saul. I’m Olivia, Sylvia’s sister.
[Saul] Hi.
Thank you for taking Anna tonight.
Really.
Hurry up. It’s raining.
Mmhmm.
[rain pattering]
[car engine starts]
[Sylvia sniffles]
[Sylvia crying]
[crying]
[coughing]
Oh.
[sniffles]
[man moaning]
[sighs]
[crying]
[car horn honking]
[man on TV] Honk one again, please.
[honking continues]
[rock music on TV]
[man on TV] What?
[heavy breathing]
[Sylvia sniffles]
[birds chirping]
[door opens]
[knocking on door]
Hello?
[door opens]
Mom?
[door creaks]
I…
We were watching a movie.
He started crying. I was just trying to help him.
No, it’s…
[keys beeping]
[automated message] Home armed.
[sniffles]
[indistinct chatter]
[children laughing]
Hey.
[Anna] Hi.
How was school?
It was good.
Are we going to Olivia’s?
Mnhmnh.
No. She’s not answering her phone.
Probably with Samantha.
Uh, why aren’t you with Saul?
Does she ever mention her when you’re around?
No, mom.
[traffic bustling]
[Saul] Can we talk?
Yeah.
Come with me.
Here, the keys.
Okay.
Uh…
Why did you… Why did you leave?
Well, I got my old…
I’m getting my old job back, I…
It’s better that I just stick to a routine.
And…
Things were…
were getting complicated and I don’t…
What do you mean?
[keys beeping]
[automated message] Home armed.
They’re not coming in?
No.
They didn’t want to or you wouldn’t let them?
Are you mad at Saul?
What did he do?
Nothing.
You never tell me what’s going on.
Anna.
Right. Okay. Well, let me know if anything changes,
’cause I’m gonna cancel my afternoon appointments
Okay. All right. Thank you, Sylvia.
Why isn’t she coming?
She said she couldn’t, I didn’t ask why.
All right, I’m gonna cancel my date with Rachel.
Mmhmm.
Unless you want to go.
No, I don’t want to see Rachel.
And you really don’t have to cancel your appointments.
What are you gonna do? Stay around here locked up all day?
Yeah, I’d rather stay here
than be taken on your date like a pet.
[instrumental music on stereo]
[burbling]
I couldn’t find any help today,
so you’re gonna have to stay alone.
Okay.
Unless you want to go to the neighbors’.
Hm?
Unless you want to go to the neighbors’.
No.
All right, call me if you need anything.
[birds chirping]
[engine rumbling]
Hello, can I help you?
Hi.
Yeah, I’m looking for Feinstein House.
This is the Feinstein House.
Is Sylvia here?
Yes, she’s here. And your name is?
Saul.
Just wait right here. I’ll get her for you.
[door creaks]
Hi.
[Sylvia] Ooh. Hey.
Uh, what are you doing here?
Uh, I just needed to talk.
Can we go outside?
Yeah.
Yeah? Okay.
Is this okay?
[Saul] Yeah.
[sighs]
Hm.
[children laughing]
[bell ringing]
[indistinct chatter]
Saul came by, so he’s going to join us for dinner.
Mmhmm.
Can we get pizza?
No, I was going to make something
with what we have at home.
[indistinct chatter]
I told you I wanted pizza.
I’ll go get pizza.
No.
Uh, we can call and get pizza.
No.
We’re not giving in to this behavior.
What behavior? I just wanted pizza.
It is spicy.
Yeah, exactly. You know I don’t like spicy…
Now both of you guys are…
He finished it.
Belittling me as a chef.
No. I think it’s really good. Spicy good.
Spicy bad.
[chuckles]
[phone rings]
[indistinct TV chatter]
[Sylvia] Yes?
[Isaac on intercom] Hi, Sylvia, it’s Isaac…
[Sylvia] Yeah, come on up.
Oh.
[indistinct TV chatter]
[indistinct TV chatter]
[sniffles] What are you doing here?
Why are you here?
What are you doing here?
No, what are you doing here?
You specifically do what I ask you not to do.
[indistinct TV chatter]
I forgot, sorry.
Hey, you forgot? Fuck off, man!
Hey! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Please, don’t.
I don’t know what you’re doing.
I don’t want to know. No, I’m talking! Okay?
I don’t want to know.
What are you talking about?
Sara told me what she saw.
Okay?
Saul, let’s go.
Saul, get your stuff and let’s go.
Can I stay here tonight?
Just for the night.
Yeah, of course, yeah.
There you go.
Okay.
That’s just…
I’m really sorry.
Uhuh.
[door closes]
Good night.
Thank you for letting me borrow your room. Okay?
Do you need anything?
I’m fine.
All right. See you in the morning.
[grunts]
Honey, we’re leaving in five minutes.
Okay.
[knocking on door]
[Saul] Yeah, come in.
It’s me.
Is it okay if I stay with Ashley
if Saul’s staying tonight?
Uh…
He doesn’t have to stay here if you don’t want him here.
You like him. He should stay.
Okay, yeah.
[knocking on door]
Saul?
Hey, good morning.
Uh, I’m taking Anna to school.
Are you, are you all right?
Am I all right? Yeah.
Oh. Okay, good.
Uh, is there anything you need or…
No? All right. I’ll be right back after I drop her off.
Okay.
Hey, have a nice day at school.
Yeah.
Ready?
Yeah.
[door closes]
[rock music]
Hi, welcome back.
Can I get you anything to drink?
I’ll have some water, please.
Okay. The usual for you?
Hm?
The usual?
Oh, yeah.
Oh.
What’s the usual?
[chuckles] I don’t know.
[chuckles] No?
No.
Do you remember her?
No.
[laughs]
Okay.
I don’t think I know her.
But you do remember that the food is good?
Oh, yeah.
[laughs]
It’s memorable.
[laughs]
[indistinct chatter]
Um, the card isn’t going through.
Wanna try it again?
It’s okay.
Oh, man, it’s not going through.
My brother.
Do you think Isaac blocked your cards?
Yeah.
Yeah. I tried it a couple times.
It’s not working.
Use mine.
Sorry.
I was, I was literally on Argyle Street,
two blocks away…
I mean, how nice would it be, to be that close.
…so great to be close to you guys.
Hey, Anna. Come here and sit with your grandmother.
Yeah, I’d love that. I also want to look at Park Slope.
Yeah, that’s what Olivia was saying.
Right, yeah.
Hello, darling.
How are you?
Good.
Good.
Hey, you know, I wanted to ask you something, um…
You don’t drink with your friends, do you?
Uh, no.
My mom hardly lets me go out.
Yeah.
But I don’t like drinking anyways.
Right. Oh.
I think Mark does.
Mark, he likes a beer now and then, doesn’t he?
Does he smoke too or does he just drink alcohol?
III think he stopped smoking.
Oh, well, that’s good.
You are such a good girl.
[laughs]
Why, why, why did you let mom drink, though?
Oh, well, you think she asked me for permission?
I’ll take this one.
Thank you.
Oh, your mom, she was…
She was such a sweet child, just like you.
She was so sweet,
and Olivia was even jealous of her,
you know, because I think she might have known
that your mom was my favorite.
[door closes]
[keys beeping]
[automated message] Home armed.
[chuckles]
[chuckles]
[chuckles]
[both chuckle]
[laughs]
[grunts]
Listen, listen to me…
[chuckles]
[indistinct whispering]
[sighs]
Okay.
[chuckles]
[moaning]
[shuddered breathing]
[both moan]
[sighs]
[grunts]
Think I’ll just wait outside.
No, no.
Yeah, yeah.
Really?
It’s nice.
Okay.
You don’t know what you’re doing.
You’re not able to make rational decisions right now.
Hey, you better unblock my account
or I swear I’ll kick you out of my house!
Uh, I thought the three of us
were gonna have dinner together.
Okay. That’s fine.
I love you, see you tomorrow. Okay, bye.
Anna’s gonna stay at Olivia’s again.
Oh, okay.
And…
I have just made myself
your new emergency contact.
Hm.
Nice.
[chuckles]
[knocking on door]
Where’s Anna?
[Samantha] Would you like to come and sit down?
Anna!
Hello. You must be Saul.
Where did you get that dress?
Grandma gave it to her.
You’ll take it off at home.
Let’s go!
Anna. Anna.
Uh, tell your mother you want to spend some time with me.
Don’t, don’t talk to her.
Oh, so you’d have her live with a man who’s mentally ill?
Well, you protected a pedophile.
That’s not the king of language you use in this house.
I so hoped you’d stopped making these things
up after all these years.
And you… Just stop lying. Stop.
Are you finally going to remember or you just gonna
keep saying that nothing happened?
Hm?
You saw me in his room.
Many times!
I was eight years old.
What happened?
Mom!
Tell her.
Anna, would you rather live here with Olivia?
[sighs]
I hate you.
Oh. I hate you so much.
I loved you so much.
I always loved you and cared for you.
And this is what I get in return?
[gasps]
I mean, this…
My God, tell them. [shuddered breathing]
Tell them that…
dad abused me when I was a kid.
Enough!
Oh, my God!
You’ve been lying ever since you learned to talk.
Your sister never gave us any, any trouble,
but you gave us nothing but grief.
Olivia wasn’t raped since she was eight!
That’s enough! Get out!
Is it my fault you’re a failure?
Is that what we’re…
Saul, do you, do you know that she’s a sick woman?
[sobs]
Do you know that?
[crying]
Dad used to take her into his room
and shut the door.
And he’d say that they were watching a film together.
But then he never let me in.
[Sylvia sobbing]
Soso you, so you remember them watching movies together? So?
You knew what was going on in that room.
[scoffs]
[stammers] So…
Really? Why didn’t you say anything then if…
I was confused.
I thought that he was loving Sylvia more that he loved me.
And I told you…
what I saw once.
And you slapped me.
You slapped me every time I said
I didn’t want to be with dad. [sniffles]
[sobbing]
I, um…
Get the fuck away from me!
He never touched you!
[gasps]
[crying]
[footsteps]
[cup clanking]
[intercom ringing]
[Saul] Hello?
[Olivia on intercom] It’s Olivia.
[Saul] How can I help you?
[sighs]
[sniffles]
[man on intercom] Uh…
We were just hoping to talk to Sylvia.
[crying]
[Saul] She’s not available right now.
[man on intercom] Oh, fine. Yeah, okay.
Uh, please tell her
that we’re thinking about her and that we’ll come back.
[crying]
I just watched… I just washed this one!
Yeah. Would you drink out of that, though?
It doesn’t smell like fish, though.
[water running]
[Sylvia crying]
[gasping]
Okay, okay.
Okay. I’m coming in. Okay.
[squeals]
Okay.
[both laughing]
I don’t think…
[laughing]
Oh.
[laughing]
I miss this stuff.
[laughing]
You okay?
[Saul chuckles]
[Sylvia chuckles]
[knocking on door]
[door creaking]
[knocking on door]
[door creaking]
She’s sleeping.
That’s why I knocked.
Why did you keep talking to grandma?
It’s not my fault.
You knew all along and never said anything.
I was a child.
That’s not an excuse.
If I had a sister, I would never do that to her.
[toilet flushing]
[man 2] Hey, Sylvia.
[man 3] Hi, Sylvia!
Hi, guys!
You going to the movies?
Yes.
Okay! Have a good time.
Thank you.
Have a good time.
See you later, Rick.
Thank you.
Well, these two, different.
Mmhmm. They’re different.
That’s right.
This one is warmer…
Yeah.
For winter.
It’s more for winter.
And it’s warming up outside, now, so maybe…
What about this dress?
‘Cause, look, if you get too warm inside,
you can take off…
What do you think?
With no sleeves.
Exactly.
Mmhmm.
So this one?
The other one too.
You like that one?
I would wear for my birthday.
[man on PA] Sylvia, please come to the office.
Ah, well, I’ll be right back.
And then we’ll try.
Are we decided yet?
[laughs] I’ll be back.
[woman laughs]
Woodhall Hospital called.
Saul is there. You need to go.
Saul is in the hospital?
Keep me posted.
[bell rings]
Hi. I’m looking for Saul Shapiro.
One second.
Your name?
Sylvia.
Yes. Sylvia’s here.
Yeah.
Someone will come get you.
Thank you.
[footsteps]
How is he doing?
You shouldn’t be here.
What?
Yeah.
Why? I don’t…
You care for my brother, right? Yeah?
Then you should stay away from him… okay?
Will you just tell me what happened?
Please, just tell me what…
They found him lying unconscious
in the street outside your house.
Hey, Saul. It’s Sylvia.
You’re not, um…
not answering your phone, and I’m…
worried about you, so…
Give me a call if you get this.
Bye.
[utensils clanking]
Hi!
Hi.
Any word on Saul?
Okay.
Hey!
[man 4] How you doing?
How are you?
[man 4] God.
[all] God.
Grant us the strength
to accept the things that we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
[man 4] And I’ve asked a friend to read
what is the AA Program?
“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people
who share their experience…”
[instrumental music]
♪ But I wandered through my playing cards ♪
♪ Would not let her be ♪
You should eat.
No.
♪ Who were leaving for the coast ♪
[train chugging]
[man 5] Saul!
Coming down?
[Saul] Yeah.
[footsteps]
[laughing]
Hi.
You’re all right.
This is my friend.
Um, you wanna sit down?
Uh, yeah.
Give us a little privacy.
Yeah, sure.
[sniffles] Ah.
[sighs]
Can you go upstairs
or are you just going to stand right there?
[man 5] Okay.
Okay.
You okay? How are you doing?
I’m okay…
Yeah?
Why haven’t you answered my mom’s calls?
Well, because they took my phone.
I’m having a really hard time.
[crying]
They don’t let me go outside.
Hm.
They won’t let me go in the kitchen.
They won’t let me…
[stammers]
[sighs] Okay.
[sniffles] You sure you don’t want something?
Really?
How are you?
I’m fine.
Yeah.
Let’s leave.
Please.
Where do you want to go?
Just trust me.
Okay. [laughs]
Let’s go. All right.
[train chugging]
[vacuum cleaner whirring]
Mom!
Mom!
What?
[powering down]
Hi.
Hi.
How did you get here?
I don’t know. [chuckles]
I think she helped me.
[sniffles]
[instrumental music]
♪ We skipped the light fandango ♪
♪ Turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor♪
♪ I was feeling kinda seasick ♪
♪ The crowd called out for more ♪
♪ The room was humming harder ♪
♪ As the ceiling flew away ♪
♪ When we called out for another drink ♪
♪ The waiter brought a tray ♪
♪ And so it was that later ♪
♪ As the Miller told his tale ♪
♪ That her face at first just ghostly ♪
♪ Turned a whiter shade of pale ♪
♪ She said “there is no reason” ♪
♪ And the truth is plain to see ♪
♪ But I wandered through my playing cards ♪
♪ Would not let her be ♪
♪ One of sixteen vestal virgins ♪
♪ Who were leaving for the coast ♪
♪ And although my eyes were open ♪
♪ They might have just as well’ve been closed ♪
♪ And so it was that later ♪
♪ As the Miller told his tale ♪
♪ That her face at first just ghostly ♪
♪ Turned a whiter shade of pale ♪
♪ And so it was that later ♪
