Vicious (2025)
Director: Bryan Bertino
Writer: Bryan Bertino
Stars: Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda
Plot: A woman spends the night fighting for her existence as she slips down a rabbit hole contained inside a gift from a late-night visitor.
Vicious was released simultaneously on Paramount+ and on digital video on demand on October 10, 2025.
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Vicious (2025) | Transcript
(SLOW OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(WOMAN BREATHING SHAKILY)
POLLY: I don’t want to be me. Is that a weird thing to say? It’s true. So tired of feeling like none of it matters.
(FOREBODING MUSIC)
I try so fucking hard.
I bang my head against the fucking wall.
Every minute.
Every second.
But nothing changes.
It doesn’t get better.
I’m still right here.
And it’s all the same.
(EXHALES)
TARA: What do you want?
For it to stop.
(SOBS SOFTLY)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
(MUSIC INTENSIFYING)
(MUSIC STOPS)
(DOOR CREAKS, OPENS)
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(OVER VOICEMAIL)
Hey, Polly, it’s Ryan. Uh, we haven’t seen you in pottery the past couple of weeks. You know, you still have six prepaid classes left. Did you want us to pause your membership? Email back and, uh, let me know. Okay, bye. It’s Lainie. This is a reminder to pick up the cake on Thursday. You said you could, so don’t flake. Anyway, let me know how it goes tomorrow. Hey, kiddo, it’s Bobby. Um, sorry to tell you this, but you’ve gotta work that double tomorrow. Everyone else has got plans. This is Mom. You didn’t return my text. Anyway, did you print out the forms you need to bring? Call me back if you want to practice.
(SLOW, UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(FIRE CRACKLING)
POLLY: I have a lot to offer. I did well in school. People think I’m smart.
Why would anyone say that?
Who would say that?
Definitely not a smart person.
I’m a hard worker.
I just got distracted.
I think I…
Uh, I think that the last few years have been good.
And I think that I just needed to…
Miss Gibbons, what made you want to come back to school?
Because I’m supposed to.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
Can I help you?
Well, I… I don’t…
I don’t know where I…
Ma’am?
(SNIFFLES)
I thought I knew someone that lived here.
I used to know someone that lived here.
I remembered.
Or I thought I remembered.
Mrs. Trott?
She lives next door.
A cab brought me.
I have a number I can call on the fridge.
My son, he left me a card in case I needed it.
When they moved, his office transferred him to New Jersey.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(SNIFFLES)
(BREATHES SHAKILY, SNIFFLES)
Ma’am, do you wanna…
Do you wanna come in for a second?
No.
Get out of the cold?
Come in.
Thank you.
We can have a seat in the living room.
THE WOMAN: Can I…
Can I have a glass of water?
POLLY: Yeah, sure.
I can make you some tea.
THE WOMAN: No, no, I don’t want to be a bother.
Please.
It’s okay.
(SLOW OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(WATER RUNNING)
(DOOR OPENS)
Here. Come. Come, sit.
I’m sorry.
You’re too kind.
It’s so late.
Oh, it’s all right.
Here you go.
Do you… Do you have your phone?
I can… I can call for you.
Oh, no, I… I could never make ’em work.
Even the flip ones.
Tiny buttons.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I have the number.
My son, he gave it to me, that if I was ever in trouble, I… I could call.
Yeah. Yeah, ma’am, you told me already.
You just relax.
We’ll get you sorted out.
It’s so cold outside.
The fire feels nice.
Are you married?
No.
So pretty, though.
Thank you. (CHUCKLES) Do you have children?
A baby?
Mmmmmm. No.
This house, it’s a lot for a young woman…
Well, I’m not that young anymore.
You are to me.
But isn’t that the way it goes?
Yeah, it belongs to my sister.
She and her husband, they rent it to me.
They live across town.
They have a little girl, and wanted a bigger yard and all that.
It’s a nice place to live.
Yeah, I’m very lucky.
I could never afford it.
(CHUCKLES)
I should take little better care of it, but…
How old is your niece?
Aly’s five.
About to turn six.
She’s having a big party next week.
That’s nice.
It’s a good age.
I’m sure it is.
So much more to do.
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
I’m gonna start now.
What?
Ma’am, are you okay?
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYS)
If you wanna give me that card, I can call for you.
I can get my phone and…
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
This will be for you now.
Maybe… Maybe we should wait outside.
You’re going to die.
I’m sorry. But it’s true.
What are you talking about?
You can be sad.
You can be scared.
You can be a lot of things.
It doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t change the truth.
You are going to die.
Tonight.
Unless…
Unless I don’t…
I don’t understand.
You won’t.
I think that you’re a little bit confused and that you need to leave.
I remembered someone who lived here.
That was a long time ago.
It doesn’t matter though.
Not really.
What do you want?
You have to do things.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
You were so kind to me.
Thank you for the water.
I’m gonna call the police now, okay?
You can’t do that.
I will.
I wouldn’t.
Don’t tell anyone.
I wouldn’t tell anyone at all.
Don’t you dare.
Get up.
You need to leave.
This is not okay.
They’re yours now.
No, I don’t want them.
You need them.
No, I want you to get out of my house.
I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but you have three minutes, and then I’m gonna call the police, okay?
You got every right to be upset.
This is the worst thing I’ve ever done.
This is not okay, what you’re doing.
Do you get that?
So you need to leave.
Please, go home.
(SIGHS)
Polly?
How do you know my name?
I thought it was a nightmare.
But I didn’t wake up.
You won’t wake up.
I’m sorry.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
Mom?
Hey, there. Did you get your form you need to bring?
No, wait.
The most fucked-up thing just happened.
What is it? So, there was this woman.
She came to the door.
I let her in.
She said she was looking for somebody.
What? She was like 80 years old.
Hold on a second. You let someone in your house?
Mom, are you listening?
I’m listening.
Okay, so, she came to the door and I let her in, ’cause she needed to call a ride or something.
And then she started…
It-It… It got all weird.
What happened? She told me I was gonna die.
Polly. (SIGHS) I was just trying to be nice.
(SIGHS)
Honey, you’re not making any sense. Mom, I don’t know what to tell you.
It was creepy. She had a box.
A box? What kind of box?
(SIGHS) That’s what you’re gonna ask me?
Well, was it a bomb? No, Mom, it was not a bomb.
That’s the first thing that I would’ve said.
That’s the first thing that people say.
“Oh, my God, it’s a bomb.” No.
It was just an old wooden box.
She left it on the road.
It’s just sitting here.
Well, she was probably just senile.
Maybe.
You said she was old. Maybe she was confused, off her meds?
I don’t know what she was.
But she’s gone now? Yeah.
Yeah.
I’m sure you’re okay, Baby Doll. If not, go over to Mrs. Trott.
Well, she’s still out of town.
I feel like that woman never sits still since her husband died.
I should call the police, don’t you think?
Well, I think you need to focus, but I’m sure it’s fine.
She said I was gonna die.
Oh. It was probably just some weird cult thing.
(CHUCKLES)
Okay. Mom, that doesn’t make it any better.
You’re not making it better with anything that you’re saying.
So, are you ready for tomorrow? Did you figure out what you’re gonna wear?
No.
Polly. You gotta focus. This is a big deal, sweetie. And Lainie called–
Yeah, I know.
That’s why I got off of work early, and I was planning on doing that right now.
And I know what Lainie fuckin’ did.
Okay, okay. Honey, it’s gonna be okay. I’m 32 years old.
I’ve had job interviews before, and I’m just thinking about going back to school.
I don’t even know if that’s what I want.
I know. I know. But we have to start somewhere. I’ve been praying on it, you know?
Yeah, I was being a bitch. Sorry.
No. I just don’t want you distracted, that’s all.
Okay… (SIGHS) let me call you back in a bit.
I’m gonna try on some outfits.
I’ll send you some pictures.
Are you gonna be up for a while?
I’ll be up, Baby Doll.
Okay. Love you. Bye.
(DOOR CLOSES, LOCKS)
(SLOW OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(WATER RUNNING)
♪ Because it’s hard for me,
my baby
♪ And the darkest hour
is just before dawn
♪ Each night before
you go to bed, my baby
♪ Whisper a little prayer
for me, my baby
♪ And tell all the stars above
♪ This is dedicated
to the one I love
♪ Love can never be exactly
like we want it to be
♪ I could be satisfied
knowing you love me
♪ And there’s one thing
I want you to do
♪ Especially for me… ♪
(CAMERA SHUTTER CONTINUES CLICKING)
♪ And it’s something
that everybody needs
♪ While I’m far away
from you, my baby
♪ Whisper a little prayer
for me, my baby
♪ Because it’s hard
for me, my baby
♪ And the darkest hour
is just before dawn
♪ If there’s one thing
I want you to do
♪ Especially for me
♪ Then it’s something
that everybody needs
♪ Each night before
you go to bed, my baby
♪ Whisper a little prayer
for me, my baby
♪ And tell
all the stars above… ♪
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
♪ This is dedicated
to the one I love
♪ To the one I love
♪ To the one I love ♪
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES SHARPLY)
(POLLY BREATHING HEAVILY)
(CELL PHONE VIBRATING)
Mom?
Yes, baby. I’m going crazy.
What now?
(EXHALES)
Don’t “what now” me.
I mean, what happened?
I’m going crazy.
Are you gonna tell me? I could have sworn I thought you were here, just now, upstairs.
I could hear your voice.
I could smell your perfume.
Polly, Baby Doll, you gotta calm down.
Mom.
This is silly. Put it out.
Just give me a second.
You said you were gonna quit.
I know. I know, I know. I know. I will.
I think you’re just nervous. Did you pick an outfit?
I don’t know.
I don’t fucking know.
You should eat something, because when you were here before, I thought you looked skinny.
Hello?
Hello?
(STAIRS CREAK)
Anyone there?
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
Tell me what’s happening. Check the closet. Maybe I’m in there.
(SIGHS) Shut up.
Polly, what do you see?
Nothing.
I feel sick.
Well, I think you’re ready, but I think you should wear a jacket. That one you have, the blue one. I’m proud of you, Polly. This is gonna be a big day. You’ll see.
(DULL RUMBLING)
You know what I was thinking about this morning? Your first day of school. You probably don’t even remember, but Dad took you and Lainie in that green truck of his, and you were so excited. Aw.
(POLLY EXHALES)
You know, it doesn’t have to be so hard, Baby Doll. It really doesn’t.
I’m so tired.
You’re not even listening to me. It’s getting late, I should be in bed.
Mom, what if…
Yes, baby.
(EXHALES)
Nothing. Never mind.
It’s not gonna…
I don’t know.
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
Mom?
What?
It’s sitting right here.
What is?
The box.
Well, maybe you carried it back inside.
I didn’t.
Maybe you weren’t thinking.
Why don’t you believe me?
Honey, I always believe you. Always. Polly… What do you see?
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
The sand’s not falling.
Well, you haven’t started yet.
What?
Did I tell you about the hourglass?
Maybe.
I didn’t though.
Oh, it doesn’t matter, Baby Doll.
Mom, what are you talking about?
Polly… I’m not your mother.
What?
(LAUGHING)
Mom?
(BREATHES SHAKILY)
(CONTINUES LAUGHING)
Mom, stop it.
Are you listening? You’re gonna die. Do you understand? But you were always so slow, weren’t you?
MOTHER: ♪ I know
it’s hard for you, my baby
♪ Because it’s hard
for me, my… ♪
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(DOORBELL RINGING)
(YELLS)
(DOORBELL RINGING INSISTENTLY)
(BANGING ON DOORS)
(PHONE RINGTONE)
♪ Each night before
you go to bed, my baby
♪ Whisper a little prayer
for me, my baby
♪ And tell… ♪
(ACCEPTS CALL, BREATHES SHAKILY)
MOTHER: We know everything about you. Everything you would never tell. Hobbies drop away like flies. You never had a job for more than four months. You can’t make a choice that really matters. So you waste away, hiding. You’re an open book to strangers, but you shut down the second anyone gets close. It’s too hard, too scary, too risky. So you never feel a connection. You never feel love. You barely feel anything anymore. You put $26 in your pocket today. You were counting down the registers. Bobby never checks. Did you feel something then? You are going to die. Unless…
Unless what?
Unless, unless, unless, unless, unless, unless… Look at the box! Look at it! Go see, Polly. See what we gave you. Three things. Three things go inside. One, two, three. Something you hate, something you need, something you love.
I don’t understand.
You’d better learn. Time is watching you, Baby Doll. Ticktock. Ticktock. Do you understand, Polly? What goes inside, only you decide. We and I will know you lie.
(LINE DISCONNECTS)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE THUDS)
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(FIRE CRACKLING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
“Something you hate.
“Something you need.
“Something you love.”
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
Something I hate.
(LOUD RUMBLING)
(RUMBLING STOPS)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
This is insane.
(GASPS, CHOKES)
(CHOKING, COUGHING)
(GASPS)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYS)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Hi.
Um, please, I need to use your phone.
My phone’s not working, and I need to call the police.
Hold on. Wait a second.
I thought you were a delivery.
Uh, babe, hold on.
Someone’s…
What’s going on?
I need to use your phone, please.
What’s the matter?
Can I… Can I just come in? Please.
You live around here?
I live across the street.
You’re the only person that answered.
It’s late.
My phone is not working.
Baby, baby, just give me one second.
My husband’s flying back from Kentucky.
He’s at the airport.
I just really need to talk to someone.
There’s something happening, and I need help.
One second.
I waited all day.
I don’t know.
She says she needs to call the police, but…
Did you talk to Oscar?
He called about the fence.
He can come tomorrow, but I’m gonna have to call to confirm.
I can call. I could do it.
I can be here too.
Yes, that’s fine.
That’s absolutely fine.
No, I can be here all day tomorrow.
It’s fine.
Okay. Well, yeah, I…
I’ll be here.
Hold on. Sweetie, hang on.
Hold on.
Ma’am?
Someone keeps calling.
POLLY: I need help.
NEIGHBOR: Oh, hi!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Yes.
Yes. One second.
The police just called.
What?
She just got here.
What are they saying?
Okay.
Okay.
Absolutely.
Let me get right on that.
Absolutely.
See something, say something.
You can never be too careful.
See something, say something.
(GASPS)
Look what you made me do.
(SHRIEKS)
(SCREAMS)
We are everywhere.
We are nowhere.
(SHRIEKS)
(GASPING)
(THUDS)
(POLLY YELLS)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
No one else can help you.
(SHRIEKS)
No one ever could.
(CHUCKLES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON TV)
(WATER RUNNING)
POLLY: I’m sorry.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
This isn’t happening.
Please, please.
Oh, my God.
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(GLASS BREAKING)
(PHONE RINGTONE PLAYING)
Go away!
♪ …knowing you love me
♪ And there’s one thing
I want you to do
♪ Especially for me
♪ And it’s something
that everybody needs
♪ While I’m far away
from you, my baby… ♪
(ACCEPTS CALL)
FATHER: Hey, Baby Doll. Polly? Polly? You’re dead.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
You having a bad day?
You’re not him.
Hey, there, don’t talk like that.
I did what you said!
I put them in the fucking box!
Something you hate, Baby Doll, not something you’re supposed to.
(POLLY BLOWS)
We and I will know you lie. I remember you used to wake me up. You used to get so scared, didn’t you? Always seeing things. under your bed, in your closet. “Daddy, please come see.” I would look so hard, I would search for you, but I never did find anything, did I?
Please stop.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
Maybe Daddy lied. Maybe we were always there. Maybe. You’re wasting time, Baby Doll. TickTock. TickTock. Tick… You don’t want that sand running out. Why don’t you pull yourself up off that couch? You already know the answer. What do you hate, Polly?
(CLOCK TOLLING)
What did you believe in? What did you lose the day I died? What are you hiding? We and I wonder. You know…
(DOOR CREAKING)
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
(ELECTRICITY CRACKLING)
(DOORKNOB RATTLING)
(GASPS)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPING)
(EXHALES)
(MAN EXHALES)
(BREATH TREMBLES)
(BREATH TREMBLES)
(BOTH SCREAMING)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(BOTH SCREAMING)
(GASPS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(EXHALES)
You let him die.
You let him suffer.
Dad prayed to you every day.
I prayed to you every day.
Is there something I hate?
I hate you.
(RUMBLING)
(RUMBLING STOPS)
(SLOW OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
WOMAN: I see you.
(GASPS)
Polly?
(GASPS)
Do you see me? Bitch. You whore. Polly?
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(MUFFLED)
I see you.
Do you see me?
What do you see?
Tell me. Answer me.
Did you hear what she said?
You’re scared.
She thinks you’re dumb.
You are.
(GLASS CLANGING)
You are dead! You are dead!
You are dead!
You are dead!
(SQUEAKING)
(GASPS)
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God!
(SCREAMING)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
(GASPS)
Hello?
LAINIE:
Jesus, I’ve been calling you for the last 20 minutes. Are you close?
Lainie?
Polly? Are you there? Polly?
How do I know this is you?
What does that even mean? You call me, past 10:00, when I told you not to call the home phone this late. You call me five times and you tell me someone died? You said you were scared. You said something could happen to Aly. What is going to happen to Aly?
I didn’t call you.
You did. Tell me what’s going on.
I cant.
I can’t.
Wait. Are you okay?
No.
Tell me what’s going on.
You won’t believe me.
Hey. What… There you are. I see your car on the street. Why didn’t you say so?
Wait. Wait.
Just park over here.
No, no! Don’t let me in!
No, don’t let me in!
(LINE DISCONNECTS)
Fuck!
(DOOR LOCKING)
(GASPS)
(DOOR LOCKING)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Think. Think.
What do you want?
Tell me.
What do I need?
Tell me.
Please.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
WOMAN: (ON TV) Whee!
(GIRL LAUGHING)
WOMAN:
Time to go to bed now.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
WOMAN:
Where is she? There she is!
(WOMAN LAUGHS)
Peekaboo! Time to go to bed now.
(GIRL GIGGLING)
Where is she? Okay, give me that foot. This little piggy went to market. This little piggy… This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy… This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. This little piggy cried “wee wee wee” all the way home. This little piggy… This little…
(GIRL LAUGHS)
(SCREAMS)
WOMAN: Whee!
(GIRL LAUGHING)
…”wee wee wee” all the way home. This little piggy had none.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
This isn’t happening.
This isn’t happening.
GIRL: …”wee wee wee” all the way home.
This isn’t happening!
This isn’t happening!
This isn’t happening!
No, I won’t!
Not this, please! Please!
Please.
This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef. And this little piggy had none.
WOMAN: This little piggy went…
GIRL: This little piggy… …”wee wee wee” all the way home.
WOMAN: All the way home. This little piggy… Where is she? Where is she? This little piggy went… …”wee wee wee” all the way home. …all the way home.
(GRUNTING)
This is fucking crazy.
GIRL: This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef.
(SCREAMING)
This little piggy had none. …all the way home. …”wee wee wee” all the way home. This little piggy went “wee wee wee”…
WOMAN: Where is she?
GIRL: …all the way home.
(BREATHING DEEPLY)
(POLLY SCREAMING)
(GIRL MUMBLING)
GIRL: This little piggy went “wee wee wee”.
(POLLY GRUNTS, PANTING)
GIRL: This piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef.
Something I need.
(GRUNTING)
Fuck.
Fuck. Fuck.
(GROANING)
MOTHER: Quit your crying!
(SCREAMING)
Humble yourself. Baby Doll. We and I will know!
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(RUMBLING)
(RUMBLING STOPS)
No, no.
No!
Oh, my God!
I cut my fucking toe off!
Take it, please! Please!
♪ And there’s one thing
I want you to do… ♪
What was wrong?
Tell me what was wrong!
(TV SWITCHES ON)
(GIRL LAUGHING)
No.
(GIRL SCREAMS)
(GIRL SCREAMS)
Tell me what you want.
Please! I’ll do anything!
Anything.
Just don’t hurt her.
(GIRL SCREAMS)
(GIRL TALKING INDISTINCTLY)
(GLASS SQUEAKS)
I can’t.
Please.
GIRL: This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. This little piggy…
You tricked me!
(GIRL LAUGHING)
GIRL: This little piggy had roast beef…
(GIRL CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
Wee wee wee…
GIRL: This little piggy went to market…
(GIRL CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(GIRL CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
(LOUD RUMBLING)
(WHIMPERS)
GIRL: This little piggy stayed at home.
(SCREAMING)
GIRL: This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. This little piggy went “wee wee wee…”
(SCREAMING)
…all the way home.
(SNAPS)
(SCREAMS)
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
(GASPING)
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
(GRUNTS)
Something you need.
Something I need.
(LOUD RUMBLING)
(PANTING)
(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)
(GROANING)
Lainie!
Lainie!
(CHRISTMAS SONG PLAYING)
(GIRL GIGGLING)
Lainie!
LAINIE: We’re in here.
Aly!
Lainie!
Lainie! Lainie!
Lainie?
(SONG STOPS)
(POLLY GASPS)
(GASPING)
Please.
Please, please.
Please.
Please wake up.
Please.
Wake up. Please.
(SOBBING)
Please wake up.
Please.
(SOBBING)
Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
Oh, my God!
Oh, my God!
She didn’t do anything!
♪ Each night before
you go to bed, my baby… ♪
No! No, no!
♪ Whisper a little prayer
for me, my baby… ♪
(SONG DISTORTS, STOPS)
(SOBBING)
(SHRIEKS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
Fuck you!
It should have been me!
(RINGING)
Go away!
(ALL PHONES RINGING)
(PHONES CONTINUE RINGING)
GIRL: (GIGGLING) Auntie P! Auntie P! What are you doing? Say something.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Please… Please don’t…
Auntie P. Don’t be silly. You haven’t finished, have you?
(GASPS)
You killed them.
No. You did. Bad girl. Bad. I made a mistake!
There are no mistakes! Only choices. Right and wrong. You saw what you wanted. You gave what you wanted to give. But did you truly need it, Auntie P? Or did you truly need to give something easy?
It wasn’t easy…
You must suffer not to suffer. Are you ready to play more? What do you love? What do you love?
I loved them.
Did you? Think hard. Real hard.
I loved you!
I wanna play. Can we play? Read me a story. Please. This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. And this little piggy went “wee wee wee”…
(POLLY BREATHING SHAKILY)
…all the way home.
You’re dead.
No. I’m right here. With you. I think you should take my nose. Won’t it be funny, Auntie P? Mmm. You should take my eyes. Are you sure? Really? No! No! No! No! What if you’re wrong, Auntie P? What will happen? I bet it’s bad.
You’re wrong.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
Will it be over?
Something you loved.
Will it stop?
I’ll always love you.
(ECHOING)
We will see.
(LINE DISCONNECTS)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(FOOTSTEPS THUMPING)
LAINIE:
What are you doing, babe?
Have you been here long?
‘Cause, um, Mark thought he heard someone.
Lainie.
Are you okay?
I called you earlier.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
Your hand.
(GASPS)
Polly, what’s going on?
Aly?
Polly?
Are you okay?
(ALY YELPS)
Are you okay?
Mama!
You’re okay. You’re okay.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
LAINIE: Everything okay up there?
It’s okay.
We’re fine.
It’s all right. Sorry.
What’s happening, Auntie P?
I’m sorry. It’s okay.
I was being silly.
You are silly.
Baby Doll…
This little piggie…
I wanna play, Auntie P.
(POLLY GASPING)
(ALY LAUGHING)
Come here.
I wanna show you something.
(THUDDING)
You should come see.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
I wanna play, Auntie P!
(SHRIEKS, GASPS)
I love you.
(KNIFE STABS)
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
(SAND POURING)
(UNEASY MUSIC)
No.
You’re a liar.
I did everything.
I did everything.
I gave you everything.
Something I hate, something I need, something I love, I did it.
(SOBBING)
What more do you want?
Where are you?
(LINE BEEPING)
Talk to me.
Just stop. Please.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(SOBBING)
Anything you want…
Take it.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(SOBBING)
(SCREAMING)
(VOICE SCREAMING)
No! No!
No! No!
(SOBBING)
Let me go!
Why won’t you let me go?
What is it? What is left?
(SOBBING)
She…
(PANTING)
She knocked on the door.
She knew what she wanted.
She gave it to me.
She gave it to me.
POLLY: Hello!
Anyone home?
(RINGS DOORBELL)
Hello?
(EXHALES)
Somebody…
Hello?
Hello?
Can somebody help me?
Please.
Somebody.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Thank you.
Thank you.
I’m sorry it’s so late.
Are you okay?
I was just dropping something off.
My sister’s just down the street.
I was supposed to bring her something. Um…
I was supposed to go there, but I…
I forgot my key.
I’m… I’m locked out.
Sorry, I don’t understand.
Do you… Do you need something?
Um, I think I just need…
I just…
I just need to come in.
Just for a second.
Uh, you know, this is actually my parent’s house.
I’m just here visiting for the holidays. So…
They’re… They’re at a work party right now.
I… I can’t…
I just need to call my sister.
She just lives right down the street.
Right there.
My name is Polly.
(RUMBLING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(SNIFFLES)
Are you okay?
No.
No, I’m not.
I’m really sorry.
I’m sorry to bother you.
I just don’t know what else to do.
But if I am freaking you out, you can call the police. I just…
No, I’m just…
You can tell me what happened.
I can’t.
Uh, I’ll be right back.
(CAT MEOWS)
(SCREAMS)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES)
My… My parents will be home in a few minutes.
Here. Drink this. I…
I made some tea tonight.
It might help warm you up.
What is that?
Your name is Tara?
How did you…
How did you know that?
I just do.
Thank you for the tea.
(BREATHING SHAKILY)
That was really, really nice of you.
Look, um, I think…
I think that you should maybe go…
I just knew it.
I can’t explain it.
You’ll understand. You will.
Soon.
What’s going on?
I don’t want to be me.
Is that a weird thing to say?
It’s true.
Tired of feeling like none of it matters.
I want it to… so bad.
I can change everything.
But not me.
I try so fucking hard.
I bang my head against the fucking wall.
Every minute… every second.
But nothing changes.
It doesn’t get better.
I’m still right here.
And it’s all the same.
What do you want?
(UNEASY MUSIC PLAYING)
For it to stop.
I’m going to start now.
Your parents aren’t coming home.
That wasn’t true. Was it?
I think that you…
I know. I know.
But it doesn’t matter.
This belongs to you now.
No, no. Get up.
Get up. Look, I was just trying to be nice.
You really need to leave.
I don’t know what your fucking deal is.
You’re going to die.
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
(DOOR OPENS)
(SLOW SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
I’m sorry.
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
THE WOMAN: It wants me…
(GASPS)
…to kill you.
It won’t let me go.
You have to do things.
It never, never stops.
Get away from me.
(GASPS)
It wants you!
No!
Take it.
(BOTH GRUNT)
No!
(GASPS)
(THE WOMAN GRUNTING)
(CLOCK TOLLING)
(GLASS BREAKING)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(GRUNTS)
(GASPING)
(THE WOMAN GROANING)
(CHOKING)
Stop.
Die.
No! No!
(THE WOMAN GROANS)
(SCREAMING)
Please.
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
(CHOKING, GROANING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Why?
Why? Tell me.
(COUGHS)
Why me?
(BREATHING LABORIOUSLY)
Someone knocked on my door.
And I just opened it.
No one ever knocks.
Not anymore.
Then someone finally…
(GROANS)
They could have knocked anywhere.
I could have knocked anywhere.
But I didn’t.
I think it chooses us… because we are broken.
You were nice. I can tell.
It doesn’t matter.
I tried so hard.
The things we do to ourselves.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
It’s never enough.
Alas, everything I was… everything I could be…
I was so afraid.
The box needs that.
The sand needs it.
Don’t be afraid of dying.
Don’t be afraid.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Thank you.
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATH TREMBLES)
POLLY: Aly’s five. She’s about to turn six.
We’re having a birthday party for her next week.
That’s nice.
It’s a good age.
I’m sure it is.
So much more to do.
I’m gonna start now.
What?
Ma’am, are you okay?
If you wanna give me that card, I can call you a car or…
I can get my phone and call you an Uber.
THE WOMAN: This will be for you now.
(FOREBODING MUSIC PLAYING)
MOTHER: You are going to die. Unless… Unless, unless, unless, unless, unless, unless…
(GIRL SCREAMING)
FATHER: You don’t want that sand running out.
MOTHER: Unless, unless, unless… It’s too hard, too scary.
(SOBBING)
I won’t do it anymore.
GIRL: Come and see.
MOTHER: Did you feel something then? You whore! You said you will not desire. Help me! What do you love?
(GIRL TALKING DISTORTEDLY)
No! No! No!
FATHER: You’re wasting time, Baby Doll.
(ECHOING) MOTHER: You are going to die.
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
POLLY:
I don’t want to be me.
WOMAN IN MIRROR: You are dead!
MOTHER: Unless, unless, unless…
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
WOMAN IN MIRROR: You are dead!
(SCREAMS)
(RUMBLING)
(SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
LAINIE: Polly?
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
POLLY: Aly!
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(ALY LAUGHING)
Oh, I love you.
I love you.
(ALY CHUCKLES)
Mama’s pissed at you.
Mama’s always pissed at me.
(CHUCKLES)
What happened to you?
What did you do?
Tell Mom I’ll be right back, okay?
Okay?
(EXHALES)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
You can’t play, okay?
Give it to me.
What?
Listen to me.
I should never have given it to you.
Give me the box.
What are you talking about?
Do it, now.
Who are you?
What?
I… I think you’re confused.
My parents and I, we just got back.
We were on vacation for Christmas.
You have the wrong house.
Oh…
I thought… I’m sorry.
It’s all right.
I’m sorry.
I’ll be in in a minute.
LAINIE: Come on.
(LAINIE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES)
(CELL PHONE VIBRATING)
(CELL PHONE CONTINUES VIBRATING)
(BREATH TREMBLES)
(CELL PHONE CONTINUES VIBRATING)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(VIBRATING STOPS)
(CLOCK CHIMING)
(CHIMING STOPS)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Something you… want.
(CELL PHONE VIBRATING)
(LOUD RUMBLING)
(CELL PHONE CONTINUES VIBRATING)
(SLOW OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
