Relay (2024)
Director: David Mackenzie
Writer: Justin Piasecki
Stars: Riz Ahmed, Lily James, Sam Worthington
* * *
Relay (2024) | Transcript
[ominous music playing]
[siren wailing]
[indistinct chatter]
I don’t remember you.
Does it matter?
No.
Smart decision, Hoffman.
I look at you, and you seem almost normal.
Arrogant but normal.
I thought I’d get to see what evil really looked like… but you just look like everyone else.
Is that it? Can I go now?
This is everything that I took from you.
My representatives will keep one safety copy.
If your thugs follow me out of here, if anything happens to me, that copy goes to law enforcement…
I know how this works.
I need to take a picture.
Of us.
[McVie] Two old buddies.
[shutter clicks]
Hope you frame it.
Good luck with your new life, Mr. Hoffman.
[suspenseful music playing]
[suspenseful music continues]
Thanks for waiting.
Uptown, please. I’ll tell you where in a minute.
[suspenseful music continues]
[beeping]
[suspenseful music intensifies]
[woman speaking indistinctly over PA]
[bell rings]
[tapping]
[door buzzes]
[music fades out]
[elevator bell dings]
[indistinct chatter nearby]
[soft dramatic music playing]
[line ringing]
[automated voice] Special answering service, inbox 482. One new message.
[McVie on message] We have the report back. You’ve been paid for your services. As long as Hoffman sticks to his side of the deal, we’re done. And by the way, a message from my boss. You’re parasitic scum.
[voice mail beeps]
[squeaking]
[train rumbling]
[beeping]
[digital lock beeps]
[voice mail beeps] Hoffman here. He showed last night. I handed over the documents and took the train to Poughkeepsie as instructed. I hope the safety copy is enough to keep Optimo off my back and yours. I sent the other half of the money to the address you provided. I wasn’t expecting so much myself. I thought that would go for your fee. Thank you.
[train rumbling in distance]
Are they gonna play fair?
[voice mail beeps]
[beeping]
[clicks]
[train horn blares]
[flames crackling]
[somber music playing]
[woman] Ms. Grant?
Hi. I’m Julie.
Hi.
Mr. Morel will see you now.
Thank you.
[clears throat]
I was in a team, uh, developing a new wheat strain resistant to insect predation through precision breeding.
It’s… It’s like genetic modification, only it’s using natural processes, so it’s not subject to the same tight regulation.
Anyway.
We were making progress, but we were noticing possible human foodchain issues.
Um, and then I was CC’ed on an email chain where one of the attachments was a food safety assessment showing significant side effects.
When I raised this issue with senior management, um, they told me that I’d seen the data out of context and not to worry.
But then, um, soon, I was transferred to another department here in Manhattan.
Office work, data assessment.
Um, and then, two months later, I was dismissed on a minor time card violation, and now I’m being subjected to escalating harassment.
Uh…
I’m sorry to hear that, Ms. Grant.
Why do you think this is happening?
I felt, um…
Well, I felt I had a duty to take a copy of the food safety assessment as evidence.
You stole documents from your former employers?
Is that… Is that stealing?
May I ask why you decided to discuss this issue with our firm?
I followed a recommendation.
May I ask from whom?
A friend. It wouldn’t be appropriate to say who.
Ms. Grant, I commend you on your intentions here, but we’re no longer looking for this type of business.
Uh, there are a number of highly regarded whistleblower support organizations much better prepared…
No. It’s not whistle blowing support I need.
It’s the opposite.
I just want to give everything back and promise to keep my mouth shut and get on with my life.
[whimpers softly]
Please. Please.
Is there anyone who can help me?
[somber music playing]
Well, as I said, there are official channels, but, uh…
Look, um…
There are unofficial ones we’ve referred people to in the past.
Just take this number, and maybe they can help you.
[sniffles]
Who is he?
I’ve never met him, or her or they.
That’s kind of the point.
It’s a messaging service.
They call you back… or they don’t.
Just be honest about your situation.
[somber music continues]
[somber music continues]
[alarm beeping]
[music fades out]
[train horn blaring in distance]
[car horn honks]
You are all set.
The lobby’s attended 24 hours a day.
Call if you need anything.
Thanks for doing this on short notice.
That’s what we do.
Enjoy your stay.
[door closes]
[suspenseful music playing]
Hey, I’m Wash, and I’m an alcoholic.
Hi, Wash.
Hi, Wash.
Um…
I’ve been sober nine years, nine months.
And…
It’s been even more of a struggle recently because there’s why I drank in the first place, and then there’s me doing what I do.
‘Cause I’m proud of serving on the force.
And I stay on the up and up.
Pretty much. [chuckles] But, um…
What I see on the daily, amongst my fellow officers…
I… I… I don’t know.
[indistinct chatter and laughter nearby]
[automated voice]
Two new messages.
[on message] Hoffman here. All right.
[voice mail beeps]
[on message] My name is Sarah Grant. Um, I was a scientist working at a bio tech company, Cybo Sementis. I… I’m in possession of materials which are evidence of an unlawful coverup. I was gonna go public, but I changed my mind. I don’t know how this works, but I’ll do whatever is necessary. My number is 6938244011.
[voice mail beeps]
[pensive music playing]
[keyboard keys clacking]
♪ If you felt alive ♪
♪ I couldn’t tell ♪
♪ I couldn’t tell ♪
♪ I couldn’t tell ♪
♪ It’s coming to an end ♪
♪ The world is now ♪
We are delighted to be the recipients of the Lansing Award. This research has the potential to revolutionize grain yields, particularly in developing countries, where they need it, lowering reliance on pesticides. And with this grant, we really hope to make a difference.
♪ Far from this place ♪
♪ A brandnew way… ♪
[cellphone ringing]
[operator] Hello. This is the TriState Relay Service. Yes. Hello.
A person is calling through relay service. Have you received a relay call before? I don’t think so. The person who has called you is likely to be deaf or hard of hearing.
The caller will type their conversation, and I’ll read it to you.
When it’s your turn, I’ll type everything you say.
Speak directly to the caller and say, “Go ahead,” when you’re ready for a response. No calls are recorded, and everything you say is confidential.
One moment for your call to begin.
“You are Sarah Elizabeth Grant. Your Social Security number is 958004493.”
[teletype beeping]
“You were employed by Cybo Sementis Research Institutes, tax ID 990890590, based in St. Louis. Is that correct?”
Yes.
If finished, please respond with “Go ahead.” Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
I’m sorry. Go ahead.
“Please explain your situation.”
I was in a research group developing a new strain of insectresistant wheat.
Um, a foodsafety report came back with disturbing data about side effects.
I told my bosses.
Next thing I knew, I’d been reassigned and later dismissed.
Production of the new strain has gone ahead, but these findings have been suppressed.
Um, but I was able to get a copy of that food safety report out of the building.
Go ahead.
“You mention side effects.”
In a small number of cases, there were extreme allergies, anaphylaxis.
And in longerterm cases, diverticulitis and cancer well above base rate. They project massive worldwide sales.
Thousands of people will be affected.
But without the information I have, it will be impossible to trace it back to the food people have eaten.
[teletype beeping]
“Would you say this document contains clear evidence of malfeasance?” Compared to the fraudulent version of their report, yes.
Go ahead.
“Did they offer you a cash settlement in exchange for your silence?” Um, initially, yes, but I wasn’t interested.
I wanted to do the right thing.
But then the intimidation started.
[teletype beeping]
Last night, they set my car on fire.
Go ahead.
“Are the police involved?”
They towed the car away as evidence, but I haven’t involved them.
Go ahead. “Don’t.
Was this at 200 Chambers Street in Tribeca?”
Yes.
But I’ve moved now because of the threats.
Go ahead.
[keyboard keys clacking]
“Buy a prepaid cellphone, keep it switched off till you get to a public place, then leave a message with your new number, new address, and any further details.” There’s a van parked out front.
I think they’re watching me. Go ahead.
“They may be tapping this call. In the future, only use your new phone.”
[disconnect sound]
Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service.
Have a wonderful night.
[Sarah on recording] There’s a van parked out front. I think they’re watching me. Go ahead. Okay. 339 East Avenue, Yonkers, New York.
[operator on recording]
“Only use your new phone.” Night shift. Who’s coming?
[soft tense music playing]
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 225, prohibits relay operators from disclosing the content of any relayed conversation and from keeping records of the content of any such conversation beyond the duration of the call.
Okay. Okay. I don’t want to go and get a warrant. Do you?
No.
Where’d you say you’re from?
Treasury Department.
Misappropriations.
Okay. Even with a warrant, there’d be nothing to search.
We don’t keep records of our logs, where they’re coming from, or where they’re going to.
Mm.
This is Sarah Grant.
Um, my new number is 7184937071.
1500 Washington Street, apartment 2Q, uh, 10006.
[clears throat] The company is on the verge of being acquired based on an estimated value of $3.2 billion, which will be confirmed at an SEC filing next week.
If the information I had went public, it would break that deal. They are highly incentivized to prevent that, which is why I’m scared.
[dramatic music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[siren whooping]
[car horn honks]
[car horns honking]
[door buzzes]
[cellphone rings]
Hello.
A person is calling you through Relay Service. Have you received a relay call before?
Yes. Go ahead.
“After reviewing your situation, here’s the deal.” We can help you return the documents whilst maintaining leverage to protect you. We require a $50,000 deposit up front. This will be returned to you from money we recover during the negotiation process. “Can you afford this?” Yes. Go ahead.
“Over the next few days,” you will receive some strange requests designed to show us what we’re up against. Please follow all instructions no matter how odd. In the future, we will use a passcode before each conversation. We will say, ‘Credit or debit?’ You will say, ‘Check.’ Understood?”
Understood.
[suspenseful music playing]
[vehicle backup alarm beeping]
[suspenseful music continues]
[buzzing]
Who is it?
[man] Package for you.
[suspenseful music continues]
Thanks.
[cellphone ringing]
Hello.
TriState Relay Service. Have you received a relay call before?
Yes. Go ahead. Credit or debit? Check. Go ahead.
“Tomorrow morning, take the 10:05 flight from Newark to Pittsburgh, then the 11:50 to Atlanta. Do not take this phone with you.
Take the packages with our deposit and the report and the redmarked phone you were sent. “Do not turn it on until you are at your gate in Pittsburgh.” Your caller has hung up.
Operator, I forgot something.
Can I call back? The caller has placed a nocallback request on this line. Sorry, ma’am.
[indistinct chatter]
[plane passing overhead]
[dramatic music playing]
[woman] Next.
[man speaking indistinctly over PA] Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Hello.
[barcode scanner beeps]
[woman over PA] This is a preboarding announcement for Flight 8917 to Atlanta. We are expecting a full flight today, so if you’d like to gatecheck your bag, please see us at the desk.
[dramatic music continues]
[cellphone beeps]
Hello.
I found this bag up by Gate B17.
Let me guess. Near the bathroom?
Yeah. How did you know?
Happens all the time.
It says “Sarah Grant” on it.
Okay. I’ll take it from here.
Okay. Good luck.
[music fades out]
[cellphone ringing]
Hello?
Credit or…
Check.
Go ahead.
“Where are you now?” At the gate.
Um, we’re about to board.
Um, what should I do? Go ahead.
“Do you have the packages?” Yes. Go ahead.
“Good.”
[woman over PA]
Passenger Sarah Grant, please come to the lostproperty counter. Passenger Sarah Grant.
Lostproperty counter. I’m gonna check it out.
[operator] “Ignore everything else and await instructions.”
[woman over PA]
Passenger Sarah Grant, please come to the lostproperty counter.
“Go to the post office in concourse D” and mail both packages. “We will call you back.” Sir, may I help you with something?
[woman over PA]
Passenger Sarah Grant, please report to Gate A29. Passenger Sarah Grant, please report to Gate A29. I’m never flying your airline again.
[dramatic music playing]
Where is she?
Noshow.
They keep calling her name. She didn’t show up.
Wanna do another lap? If they’re following her, they gotta be in here somewhere.
[woman over PA]
Final call for Grant, for Flight 8317 to Atlanta. Passenger Sarah Grant. Final call for Atlanta.
[sighs]
They’re not following her.
What do you mean?
We’re made.
[dramatic music continues]
[sighs]
Where are you?
[Rosetti] You won’t believe it, but she’s at the post office.
Okay.
And this one is Norman, Oklahoma, 73019.
Anything liquid, fragile, hazardous?
No.
So, your tracking numbers are right here.
And if you wanna fill out a survey, it’s right there.
Okay.
Okay?
Thanks.
Thank you.
So, the tracking number is 84059700233803.
[dramatic music continues]
[music fades out]
Okay. So, what can we learn?
Hm? ‘Cause the airport security thing, it was smart, it was tight.
Why send us all the way to Pittsburgh?
Since 2001, the TSA has closed over 113 airport branches of the United States Post Office.
The only one remaining inside security is Pittsburgh.
All right. So, there’s two P.O. Box addresses.
Split us up and keep us running.
Looks like it’s fucking working.
Yep. Yep.
You know what I think?
I think I like this one.
Hoorah.
[all chuckle] [Lee] They’re smarter than we thought.
[chuckles]
Hey, do you have those tracking numbers for me?
There you go.
Let’s see where we’re going.
Check. Go ahead.
“Good job. Please confirm that you’ve sent all the documents and have no further copies.”
I confirm. Were… Were they there today at the airport? Go ahead.
“Yes.” So, you were, too? Go ahead.
[keyboard keys clacking]
“Do not contact them yourself.” Do not respond if they contact you. They may try to scare you, and they may try to make a deal. But this is the only deal.
Once the packages arrive, we will make them an offer. “You’re going to meet them once to make the return yourself.” Do I have to? Go ahead.
“By then, you will have all the leverage you need.” And you’ll be there? Go ahead.
[keyboard keys clacking]
“You will never meet us.
We are not bodyguards.” We are intermediaries. We will broker a deal to return the original documents and retain one safety copy to make sure Cybo Sementis sticks to that deal. Follow our instructions, and you will be protected. But if you don’t, you will put yourself in danger “and we will walk away.” I understand. Go ahead.
“Your old phone will be compromised.” Put it in a pan of salt water. “Use this one now.” Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service.
Have a wonderful night.
[call disconnects]
[ASG’s “Survive Sunrise” playing]
♪ Strike for your eyes ♪
♪ When I’m seeking ♪
♪ A heart in the sky ♪
♪ Worth believing ♪
♪ When I feel ♪
♪ Like suffering some… ♪
[line ringing] [music volume turns down] Hey. Yeah. I got a camera in position.
But I don’t got nothing. What about you? How’s Michigan treating you? [Rosetti] I’m guessing better than Bumfuck, Oklahoma.
[Ryan chuckles] Damn.
[Rosetti] It’s really pretty.
♪ Like those suffering some ♪
Hi.
Hi. I wanna pick up a package for my friend Archie.
He’s got box 521.
I have the tracking number, but I forgot the key.
Would you be able just to grab it for me?
Well, I’m afraid, ma’am, that regulations do not permit me to open mailboxes for our clients.
Oh, no. Really?
Sorry.
It’s my fault. Should’ve remembered the darn key.
Yeah.
[sighs] Just… My dog is really sick.
Oh.
Yeah. My head is a mess.
I… I’m sorry.
Well, that’s a shame, ma’am.
Yeah.
She’s just a… tired old girl.
Aw.
Won’t be too much longer now.
[Rosetti sighs]
I don’t suppose you’d be able to just check to see if the package has arrived?
Oh. Um…
Uh, okay.
Thank you.
You wait here.
[sighs]
I’m sorry, ma’am.
There’s nothing there.
Well, it was sent Priority Mail.
It should have already arrived.
I’m sorry.
Huh. Okay.
Not a good day.
Did your friend recently move, by any chance?
If they did, there would be a forwarding address on file, and if it was rerouted, well, that could explain the delay.
Yes. Mail forwarding.
Oh, my gosh. That makes total sense.
He just moved here, actually.
Can you tell me something?
Will the new destination show up on that old tracking number?
Now, there’s the thing.
Tracking does not always carry over to forwarding because they’re different services.
Huh.
[Bush Tetras’ “Too Many Creeps” playing]
♪ I just don’t wanna go ♪
♪ Out in the streets no more ♪
♪ I just don’t wanna go ♪
♪ Out in the streets no more ♪
♪ Because these
people They give me ♪
♪ They give me the creeps ♪
♪ Anymore ♪
♪ Too many creeps ♪
♪ Too many creeps ♪
♪ Too many creeps ♪
♪ Too many creeps ♪
♪ I don’t wanna ♪
♪ It’s the worst ♪
♪ It’s the worst ♪
♪ It’s the worst ♪
♪ It’s the worst ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪
[operator] “This is a message for Mr. Franklin. We’ve been given a copy of a food safety assessment of Cybo Sementis’s Fertile Crescent wheat program by Sarah Grant, a former employee of yours, who has engaged our services. It is 311 pages long and contains two appendices. In exchange for your unconditional agreement to leave her alone, our client would like to return this document “and agree never to mention it again.”
[dramatic music playing]
[operator] “Our client would like to return this document and agree never to mention it again. All communication with her must come through us. Leave a message on 6461671573. “We will contact you with further instructions.” Callback number is the same.
Goes to the messaging service.
Check out the answer service HQ.
I tried that. Client protection is super tight.
[cellphone ringing nearby]
[cellphone continues ringing]
[cellphone continues ringing]
[cellphone continues ringing]
Hello?
[operator] A person is calling from the TriState Relay Service. Have you received a relay call before? “You’ve been harassing our client, Sarah Grant. Please stop.” She violated her NDA, and she’s holding on to stolen research, so no can do. Go ahead.
“And now she’s given it to us. In case you’re doubting this, page nine starts with:
‘The enhancement of clerodane diterpenes in Fertile Crescent sample 7…'” All right. I understand. Go ahead.
“We’ve left word at the office of Cybo Sementis’s CEO, Mr. Franklin. We await his response.” Mr. Franklin passed on your message. [whispering] Track it.
And he’s authorized us to speak on his behalf. Go ahead.
“Who am I speaking to, and what is your position?”
Well, my name is Steve Dawson.
Don’t look it up. It’s not real.
And my team is tasked with returning the documents.
Go ahead.
“We wish to return them as soon as possible,” but in order to protect our client, we are ready to send them simultaneously to all appropriate lawenforcement agencies as well as every major media outlet if you don’t fully cooperate… [mouthing] …with our requests.” We’ll do our best to cooperate. Go ahead.
“There will be no more threats to our client, no surveillance, including phone taps. Once we are satisfied with our client’s security, we’ll return the original. We will keep a single secure copy as insurance “for our client’s protection.”
How do we know to trust you?
You could be anyone. Go ahead.
“You will be our client, too.” You will be required to pay a fee. We work for both parties to ensure that the job is done with no loose ends. “It is in all our interests for it to run smoothly.” That’s very kind of you.
How much is the fee?
Go ahead.
“Half a million dollars cash.” That’s a lot of money.
How do we trust your client’s intentions? Go ahead.
“You were tapping our client’s first calls. You know as much about their intentions as we do.” I’m gonna have to run it internally. Go ahead.
“You have until end of day tomorrow to confirm your acceptance.” Yeah, understood. Go ahead.
“Now get a new parking spot and stay away from our client.” Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using TriState Relay Service.
Have a wonderful…
[disconnect tone]
[suspenseful music playing]
Let’s go.
[engine starts]
Credit or debit?
[Sarah] Check. The surveillance van is gone. Thank you.
[beeping]
“Good. Now we wait for a few days.” You will need to be patient and stay calm. Once they fulfill their end of the deal, we’ll arrange to return the documents before the SEC deadline next week. After that, you will need to relocate for a while. Ideally, somewhere in this country you can reach by public transportation so they can’t track you. “It is for your protection and shouldn’t be permanent.” I understand.
Go ahead.
Hey, um, the weather is getting better.
Um, is it okay if I spend some time outside? Go ahead.
“They should leave you alone. If you see anything that worries you, let us know.” How?
You’re not that easy to get a hold of. Go ahead.
“After 6 p.m. each day, leave a message” at the number you have. Just one word. If something is wrong, say, ‘Weather.’ “If everything’s okay, say, ‘Alright.'” “All right” is two words, not one. Go ahead.
[teletype beeping]
[keyboard keys clacking]
“Ever listen to The Who?
First album. First track on the B side.”
[keyboard keys clacking]
[teletype disconnecting] Your caller has hung up. Thank you for…
[disconnect tone]
[siren wailing in distance]
I see you at meetings, but I’ve never seen you share.
How long you sober?
Nineteen months.
What step you on?
I’ve been kicking around step four.
Mmhmm.
For a minute, actually.
Moral inventory?
Yeah.
Resentments?
Yeah. I got a lot of those.
[chuckles] You working?
What kind of gig?
Mostly delivery.
Parcels, food, stuff like that.
I got a little something on the side, too.
Legal?
[chuckles]
You don’t wanna tell me?
Dangerous?
We’re addicts, Jon.
We do addicty things.
And we just gotta be aware of them and pull back so we don’t replace one addiction with a new one.
What if what you’re doing is important and somebody has to do it?
Well, you have to decide how important.
Listen, however you’re managing, you just don’t need to do it all on your own.
The fact is…
you can’t.
[beeping]
[beeping]
They’ve agreed to your terms.
How do we transfer the money?
What do you want us to do next?
“Send unmarked cash to P.O. Box 897, Landers, California, 92285, overnight priority. When it has been safely received, we will issue further instructions.
“Any delay and the document goes public.” Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service.
And have a wonderful day. He’s brazen.
Okay. Oh.
[Ryan] How long do the batteries in those things last?
[Lee] Four or five days. Should be enough.
[Ryan] Right?
[Dawson] Fuck you, pal.
Box it up.
Glad I don’t have to pay it.
[Lee] The tracker is activated.
That’s cool.
[The Heliocentrics’ “Made Of The Sun” playing]
♪ Every piece of the puzzle ♪
♪ Falls into one ♪
♪ I’m made of the flesh ♪
♪ I’m made of the sun ♪
♪ Sketchbook falls wide open ♪
♪ Just be like a child ♪
♪ How can we be different ♪
♪ Born to be wild ♪
♪ My seed of insight
Seems so slow to grow ♪
♪ Coming to fruit
now Aware, I know ♪
♪ I felt your ♪
♪ I felt your presence
Right from the start ♪
♪ No more as strangers ♪
♪ Will we ever part ♪
♪ Oh, and last of the hope ♪
♪ Born from despair ♪
♪ End of the road ♪
♪ But I pray, I pray ♪
♪ I pray ♪
♪ Tearyeyed on the floor ♪
♪ I found inspiration ♪
♪ What hurt me the most ♪
♪ Brought incarnation ♪
[automated voice] Special answering service. Inbox 482. One new message.
[Dawson] The package has been sent. Tracking number 473927721. The filing deadline’s less than a week away, so ball’s in your court.
[Hoffman on message] All right.
[voice mail beeps]
[Sarah on message] All… right.
[chuckles]
[Dabrye’s “Fightscene” playing]
♪ Fight scene ♪
♪ Fight scene ♪
♪ Ride on ’em, buckle up
Hands up, knuckle up ♪
♪ Fight scene, fight scene ♪
♪ Ride on ’em, buckle up
Hands up, knuckle up ♪
♪ Fight scene, fight scene ♪
[communicating in sign language]
[song stops]
You know what it is, man. Work, work.
Yeah. Uh, I need an ID.
Minnesota? Yeah. That’s fine.
Getting harder, huh?
Three days? That’s cool, man.
Oh, price… Oh, motherfucker. Okay.
What?
Bro, come on, man. You always bullshitting me, bro.
Yo, you know me.
What is it?
Or what?
You want four?
[Agnes Obel’s “Close Watch” playing]
♪ Never win and never lose ♪
♪ There’s nothing
left To choose ♪
♪ Between right and wrong ♪
♪ Nothing lost And
nothing gained ♪
♪ Still things Ain’t
quite the same ♪
♪ Between you and me ♪
♪ I keep a close watch
On this heart of mine ♪
♪ I keep a close watch on… ♪
[song stops]
[automated voice] …482. One new message.
[voice mail beeps]
[on message] This is Hoffman. Optimo Pharmaceutical’s history of fraud is incredible. They just pay the fines and keep doing the same thing. How many people have died because of their lies? Lies that I was a part of. I missed my niece’s baptism. I wonder what else I’m missing.
[voice mail beeps]
[Sarah on message] All… right. All is right with the world. Joke, right? [chuckles] I wonder what your life is like. [scoffs] I wonder if you even listen this far in.
[liquid pouring]
Are you lonely?
[Sarah sips]
[clicking]
♪ I’m in the phone booth
♪ It’s the one Across the hall ♪
♪ If you don’t answer I’ll
ring it off the wall ♪
♪ I know she’s there
But I just had to call ♪
♪ Don’t leave me hanging
On the telephone ♪
♪ Don’t leave me hanging
On the telephone ♪
[voice mail beeps]
[train rumbling]
[keyboard keys clacking]
[poignant music playing]
[automated voice] Inbox 482. No new messages.
[voice mail beeps]
[poignant music continues]
[engine starts]
[cellphone ringing]
Yes.
[Jon] This is TriState Relay Service. Have you received a relay call before? Yes. Check.
Sorry I didn’t call. Is something wrong? Go ahead.
I just wanted to see if you were okay. Yeah. I’m fine. What about you?
Are you okay? Go ahead.
I’m fine. I listened to your message.
Interesting musical choice.
Oh, God. You listened to the end. Sorry. Go ahead.
How did you know there was an original to that song? Google.
I use modern technology.
Feels like you don’t.
So, what else do you listen to aside from The Who? Go ahead.
Who said I listened to them?
Oh, come on. I’ve got time on my hands. I can listen to anything you can recommend. Go ahead. I recommend we keep communication to a minimum. Well, you stuck around to listen to all of my last message.
So, are you?
Go ahead. Am I what?
Lonely.
Go ahead.
It’s strange talking to someone who knows so much about you when you know so little about them. May I ask you a question? Go ahead.
It depends what it is. Has it ever gone wrong?
Go ahead. Sometimes people run.
Sometimes we have to walk away.
The instructions, not everybody listens.
I’ll try hard to behave myself.
Good night.
[disconnect tone]
That was a new number. Run it.
Nice. It’s already off.
[clerk] Okay, you’re all set.
Thank you.
Hi.
Hi.
I have a mailbox in California.
That’s where I normally live.
But I’m going away to Europe for a month on business.
I know. Poor me.
Um, could I please have all my mail forwarded to my cousin who lives in Poughkeepsie?
Yes. That’s possible.
And she’s actually moving. So, what do I do?
Send it to General Delivery?
Yep. You got it.
She’ll need an ID to pick anything up.
All right. Cool. Let’s do that. Thank you.
So, it’ll be coming from Landers, California.
And the name of the person it’s going to?
Sarah with an “H.” Grant.
Mmhmm.
[indistinct chatter]
[traffic humming]
[siren wailing nearby]
[voice mail beeps] [on message] This is Dawson. According to the USPS, the money’s been delivered. The SEC filing is in three days, so we’re expecting handover arrangements as soon as possible. But we have a problem. You told Mr. Franklin you had a 311page document. But the full report is 327 pages with a 16page third appendix. We need all the pages returned. Otherwise, why did we pay half a million dollars? Ticktock, motherfucker.
[beeping]
[operator] “You told us that you had sent all the relevant documents.” I did.
Go ahead.
“What about Appendix C? It’s missing.” There was no info there. It was all just small print.
Nothing pertaining to the research. Go ahead.
[dramatic music playing]
“Why would you leave it out?”
I just didn’t think.
“Do you still have it?” Yes, I do. Go ahead.
“They need it.” I will send it to you like before. Go ahead.
“Takes too long.
You were warned. You must follow the steps, or we can’t protect you.” Please don’t leave me to do this by myself. [cries softly]
[train horn blaring]
[tense music playing]
“There’s a news stand on the corner of 7th and West 46th.”
Put the envelope in the pages of the bottom copy of The Washington Post, which is the second pile on the left. “Then leave the area.”
[tense music continues]
[siren wailing nearby]
Go.
[tense music continues]
[buzzes]
[tense music continues]
Thank you.
[clerk] Yeah. No problem.
How’s it going?
[clerk] It’s going.
[Jon] Yeah?
[clerk] Just that?
[whistles]
[tense music continues]
[Ryan] Could I get your photo?
Doing this thing on New Yorkers in their natural habitat.
You know what I’m saying?
[tense music continues]
Come on!
I left it in the Post, bottom copy, left pile like you said.
“The Washington Post is second from the left.”
Second from the left.
I’m so sorry.
Everything happened so fast.
Um, I’ll come back for it.
[keyboard keys clacking]
“It’ll be gone by then. Did you know you were being followed?”
[Sarah] No. I thought they stopped that.
I’m so sorry. It’s my fault.
Don’t walk away.
[keyboard keys clacking]
[disconnect tone]
It’s my birthday, bitch!
It’s my birthday, and I’m getting candy!
And give me some goddamn lottery tickets, too.
Put the… Put the candy… Fuck.
[exclaims]
[cackling]
[dramatic music playing]
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
[dramatic music continues]
Did you get it? Did you get it? Thank you.
Hey! Hey, hey! Where is it? Where is it?
What the fuck, man?
Where’d you put it?
[dramatic music continues]
[music fades out]
That’s him right there.
Security guard.
[Ryan] No shit.
It’s this guy right here.
I’m sitting there, I’m watching the guy in the fucking suit.
And this bastard is right there.
Yeah, you remember him?
[cellphone ringing]
Yeah.
[operator] A person is calling through the TriState Relay Service. Have you received a call from us before? Yes, we have. Just give me one second, please.
Hey, yo. Hey, hey. TTY.
[Dawson grunts]
Yeah. I’m here. Go ahead.
“We’ve got 40 copies, including the missing appendix,” ready to go to spread across the mainstream and alternative media.
“You agreed to stop following and harassing her.” She was in Times Square with a document that contains sensitive material.
You wouldn’t know that if you weren’t following her. “Do you want us to go public?” We apologize. We’re sorry. We made a mistake.
And we’ll do exactly as you say from now on. Go ahead.
“The handover will be between our client” and your CEO, Franklin, in person, “in a public place of our choice at 7 p.m. on Thursday.”
[Dawson] Mr. Franklin is out of town. Well, get him back.
“Ask him to return.”
Oh, yeah. I’ll try my best.
Thursday is the day before the SEC filing.
That’s cutting it close. Go ahead.
“You’d better make it work.” Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using…
[disconnect tone]
That’s it. We got our guy.
That’s him.
We’ll get him to our friends at a fusion center.
For facial recognition? I don’t think it’s good enough.
That’s the best frame of his face we have.
[cell phone ringing]
[cell phone continues ringing]
Your call is now connected.
Are you all right? Go ahead.
Uh, are you th…
Are you there?
Hello?
“We have it. We’re setting the exchange for Thursday.” Until then, you’ll call each day once and leave a message. You’ll say, ‘All right, ‘ or you’ll say, ‘Weather.’ Nothing more.
You’ll follow instructions because this time, “we will walk away.
Do you understand?” Yes.
Go ahead.
Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service. Have a wonderful night.
[call disconnects]
[siren wailing in distance]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey. Um, I’d like to book a table, please.
We tracked it as far as Bell.
There’s a national distribution center there.
Then we lost it.
Will the signal come back?
[Lee] There were no backup batteries.
[Dawson] Where’s it gonna go from there?
It could literally be anywhere.
[tense music playing]
All right.
[on message] All right.
[voice mail beeps]
[on message] It’s Hoffman. I’ve been checking the obituaries of the towns that were part of Optimo’s trials. Healthy young people suddenly dying. How many more are there? We all knew the trials were inadequate. They said things were safe way before we knew enough. You know how widely it was distributed. Millions of people will have been affected, but Optimo will deny it. I had a chance to do something, and I blew it. I’ve got blood on my hands. It’s not your fault.
You helped me. Thank you. I won’t bother you again.
[voice mail beeps]
I’m Jon, and I’m an alcoholic.
[all] Hi, Jon.
Growing up Muslim, you’re not supposed to drink at all.
I, uh…
So, I grew up Muslim in New York… post 9/11.
It was crazy.
I figured drinking would help me to fit in and just connect to people more.
And it did, a little.
Didn’t stop me getting my ass kicked all the time.
But when that happened, it would help me go numb.
So, either way, it helped.
And then I got a job on Wall Street.
It was intense.
Drinking was part of fitting in.
And it was a way of dealing with pressure to meet these crazy targets.
There was no way of meeting them.
Not without bending the rules and screwing people over.
Much as I wanted to be a part of something, I didn’t wanna be a part of that.
So, I started gathering information, and I took it to my superiors.
They took a look at it.
And nothing really happened.
The investigation was onesided.
It all blew over.
And when it did, people I had known a long time turned their backs on me, started spreading rumors about me.
You know, questioning my sanity and my integrity.
And I started to become, uh, paranoid and aggressive and drunk.
By the time they came to me with this severance package, it was tied to an NDA.
I was relieved.
So, I, uh…
I took the money.
I kept my mouth shut, poured it all down my throat.
But I still carry a lot of guilt and shame about that time.
And I keep thinking I was a coward.
And I was weak. I was.
I got a call from someone last night, and he just sounded so… lost…
and broken.
And I don’t think he’s gonna make it, honestly.
I don’t wanna end up like that.
Thank you, Wash.
[suspenseful music playing]
[buzzing]
[cellphone ringing]
“The original copy of the report is waiting under your name in General Delivery at the main post office on 8th. A table is booked for Adam Franklin at Gaia & Loki restaurant at 7 p.m. tonight. Take a taxi there and make it wait. Bring the report in the yellow marked phone you were sent. When he arrives, hand him the documents, take a picture of the two of you, get back in the taxi and head uptown. You will receive further instructions then.
“Do you understand?”
Yes, I do. Go ahead.
Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service.
Have a wonderful day. “Mr. Franklin must attend in person, and our client will need to take a photograph with him.
She will return the original copy of the report, and we will keep a single safety copy “to ensure everyone sticks to the deal.” Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service. Have a wonderful…
[dramatic music playing]
[bartender] Can I get you another club soda?
No. I’m good.
Okay.
Thank you.
[dramatic music continues]
[beeping]
[automated voice]
…one new message.
[Sarah on message] Weather.
I know I should have called. You don’t have to worry. I’m okay. They know who you are. They said facial recognition got a positive ID of you in Times Square. They told me your name. James Keaton. You’re in big danger, James. This is my fault. You’ve got to get out of here and stay away. No, no, no, no, no.
I screwed up in Times Square, so I’m gonna do this handover myself. Fuck!
There’s a concert of Schubert’s Piano Trios at town hall. It’s public, like you said it should be. Fuck!
They told me not to tell you, but I needed to. And to thank you for looking after me. Goodbye, James. Be safe.
[car horns honking]
Let me get a ticket.
Here you are.
Keep the change.
Thank you.
[detector beeps]
[classical music playing nearby]
Whoa, what is that?
It’s a hearingassisted device for the deaf.
All right. Well, you gotta check it.
[classical music continues]
[line ringing]
[line ringing]
[alarm blaring]
[music stops]
[alarm continues blaring]
[audience murmuring]
[groans]
[crowd gasps]
It’s me. It’s me.
Credit or debit.
It’s a trap. They’re coming to get you. Come on.
[dramatic music playing]
Excuse me. Excuse me.
[dramatic music continues]
[alarm continues blaring] Move, move, move!
[siren wailing] Put this on.
Put this on. Take this off.
Did you give it to them? The report.
No.
Good.
Our threat to go public has to feel real.
It’s the only leverage you got.
Take the train to Poughkeepsie.
You’re gonna pay in cash.
When you get there, you go to the Grand Hotel.
You book under your own name, but you misspell it, all right?
I gotta go back to the apartment and get my stuff.
No, you don’t. You can’t.
How did they get in touch with you?
They, uh… They rang the intercom.
Did they hurt you?
No.
Okay, good.
When you get there, call me and let me know you’re okay.
I’m gonna call you right ba…
We’re gonna contact you with a P.O. Box number.
All right? You’re gonna have to remember it.
Will you just tell me?
I gotta protect you while you’re traveling.
You go to the main post office, ask for an envelope.
It’s got a P.O. Box key in it and the rest of the instructions.
Yo!
Let’s go.
Here.
Grand Central. Let’s go.
You’re okay.
You got the papers?
Yeah.
From now on, it’s cash only.
Use a card, they’re gonna trace you. ID.
You got a new one waiting for you at the post office.
Stop. Please stop.
Why did you do this for me?
It’s my job.
Was that all?
You know, you’re exactly and not at all what I imagined, James.
That’s not my name.
They lied to you.
What is your name?
It’s Ash.
Ashraf.
[scoffs]
Am I your worst client ever, Ashraf?
[chuckles] Maybe.
Hey.
You’re gonna be all right.
Come with me, Ashraf.
I can’t.
Goodbye.
Keep it.
Don’t look back.
[wistful music playing]
[man speaking indistinctly over PA]
[music fades out]
[tense music playing]
[cellphone ringing]
“What was your plan?”
That I was bluffing? I’ll make sure you never find her. “She’s gone and so am I.”
[teletype disconnects]
Your caller has hung up. Thank you for using the TriState Relay Service. Have a won…
[sighs]
Thank you.
[cellphone buzzes]
Sarah, you can’t use this phone. All right?
You got to get rid of it right away.
[Dawson] Glad to finally hear your voice. We’re getting bored of speaking to this fucking relay service. This little phone has been very useful. Thank you. I’ll get her for you.
[Sarah] Don’t do what they say. They were tracking me. Sarah, listen to me.
You gotta stay calm.
It’s my fault. Listen to me.
We’re gonna figure this out.
Just stay calm for me.
Just walk away.
[Dawson] Give it here. You’re going to do what we say now. You understand?
Listen, let her go.
All right? The documents are going out, all of them.
You hear me?
And then what, huh? The idea of journalists or their readers actually caring, it’s a cute, liberal fantasy.
Most of the media work with us anyway, so they won’t publish in a hurry.
And that leaves the conspiracy theorists on social media.
Good luck with that.
Guess what. Law enforcement is gonna be reading more closely, so don’t fucking push me.
The envelopes are labeled and sealed.
Here’s the deal. We’re gonna come with you to wherever you keep your documents, and you’re gonna give us all the copies of the report, including your safety copy, and we’ll let her go unharmed.
And you, too, if you behave yourself. You gotta be out your fucking mind.
I have other clients to consider.
You really think you have a choice?
♪ It’s just a game ♪
♪ It’s just a game ♪
♪ It’s just a game ♪
♪ It’s just a game ♪
♪ It’s just a game ♪
♪ It’s just a game ♪
♪ It’s just… ♪
[dramatic music playing]
[chuckling]
[line ringing]
[Dawson] Yeah? Yeah, I’ll do it.
I’ll take you to all the records. I’ll do it.
That’s good. That’s very good. Dawn tomorrow, you come to your client’s apartment.
[electricity crackling]
[Ash groans]
[gasps]
[grunts]
Sarah, you okay?
I’m fine.
[groans]
Where’s the documents?
You let her go, I’ll tell you.
[groans]
Stop.
You want the documents, you need us both alive.
So, why don’t you let her go, and we’ll talk.
Don’t really need her.
Hey! Easy.
[wails]
Hey!
Where are the documents?
10001 South Second Street, Newark.
[Lee] Newark. 10001 South Second Street.
He likes you. [chuckles]
[tires screeching]
[grunts]
[groans]
[grunting]
Oh, you motherfucker!
[grunts then yells]
[car horn honking]
[both grunting]
[soft tense music playing]
[groans]
[Ash groaning]
[Dawson] Oh, you motherfucker.
[tense music continues]
Stop.
[Dawson] Good job, boss.
[panting]
[groans]
What do you want?
We want your copy of the Optimo Pharmaceutical report.
Yeah. This is about Hoffman.
Here, here. Here.
[groans]
[Dawson] Unlock it. Okay, come on.
Come on.
This one? Come here.
[Ash groans]
Come on.
Come on.
[Ash grunts]
This? Huh? What?
You got to untie my hands so I can reach it.
Legs, too. I got two more alarms to turn off when I get in.
I’ll cut them. You stabbed me in the motherfucking leg.
I’ll put this in your fucking ribs, trust me.
Come on, get to it.
[keypad beeping]
[error beep] Fuck!
Give me a sec. I just gotta concentrate, okay?
[Dawson] Get to it. Come on.
[keypad beeping]
[error beep]
Nothing’s happening.
I’m gonna fucking shoot him.
[keypad beeping]
What the fuck is that? Hey!
[suspenseful music playing]
[Ash grunts]
[Dawson whistles]
[suspenseful music continues]
[Ryan groans]
[groans]
[dramatic music playing]
I need a gun.
Don’t kill him.
We need the code.
[dramatic music continues]
[gunshots]
[car horn honks] [tires screeching]
[groaning]
[gunshot]
He’s crossing the tracks. Go!
[dramatic music continues]
[music turns suspenseful]
[grunts]
He’s over here!
Stay with him. Hold him!
[music turns dramatic]
[gunshot]
Give me the code, and I’ll let you go.
I’ll do it.
[music stops]
Do it.
[sirens wailing]
No.
[somber music playing]
[officer 1] Put your hands up!
Hands where I can see them.
[indistinct radio chatter]
[somber music continues]
[officer 2] Okay, stay right there.
Stay calm. Stay calm.
[officers shouting indistinctly]
[officer 1] Let me see your hands!
Easy, okay?
Shut up!
Come on. In the car. Come on.
What is this?
I got documents that show Optimo Pharmaceutical’s products have adverse effects, and they knew about it.
They tried to cover up the evidence.
I got the internal memos.
I got the emails.
I got everything.
Why do you have it?
This is what I do. I help people who find things like this.
Who see things maybe they shouldn’t have, who should have looked the other way, but they can’t.
Now I gotta turn it over to somebody I trust.
Yeah.
[somber music continues]
[music fades out]
It’s a little heavy there.
Thank you.
Okay.
[soft dramatic music playing]
[bell ringing]
[blows whistle]
[ominous music playing]
[inaudible dialogue]
[train horn blaring]
[Karen Marks’s “Cold Café” playing]
♪ On the esplanade ♪
♪ My coffee’s gone cold ♪
♪ I won’t forget the sounds ♪
♪ You left me ♪
♪ Love and television ♪
♪ Don’t give it a name ♪
♪ Take it anyway ♪
♪ There’s no
shelter In my life ♪
♪ Your eyes in mine ♪
♪ Smoke in our
mouths Till morning ♪
♪ Your words in my head ♪
♪ I don’t sleep anymore ♪
♪ On the esplanade ♪
♪ My coffee’s gone cold ♪
♪ I won’t forget the sounds ♪
♪ You left me ♪
♪ On the esplanade ♪
♪ My coffee’s gone cold ♪
♪ I won’t forget the sounds ♪
♪ You left me ♪
♪ You left me ♪
♪ You left me ♪
♪ You left me ♪
♪ I don’t sleep ♪
♪ I don’t sleep ♪
♪ I don’t sleep ♪
♪ I don’t sleep anymore ♪
♪ Anymore ♪
♪ Anymore ♪
[song fades out]
[dramatic music playing]
[music ends]
