Weapons (2025)
Director: Zach Cregger
Writer: Zach Cregger
Stars: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich
* * *
[children shouting]
[shouting stops]
[girl] This is a true story.
It happened right here in my town two years ago.
A lot of people die in a lot of really weird ways in this story, but you’re not gonna find it in the news or anywhere like that because the police and the top people in this town were, like, so embarrassed that they weren’t able to solve it that they covered everything all up.
But if you come here and ask anyone, they’ll all tell you the same thing that I’m gonna tell you now.
This story starts in my school.
Maybrook Elementary is kindergarten through fifth grade.
So this one Wednesday is like a normal day for the whole school.
And they had this teacher who was new.
Her name was Justine Gandy.
And on this day, she was going to her classroom just like every morning.
But today was different.
Today, none of her kids were there.
Every other class at that school had all their kids.
Even the other third grade Mrs. Belt taught was full.
But Mrs. Gandy’s room was totally empty.
Well, not totally.
There was one boy there.
And his name was Alex Lilly.
And he was the only kid in the class of 18 that came to school that day.
And do you know why?
He was the only one there because the night before at 2:17 in the morning, every other kid woke up, got out of bed, walked downstairs, opened the front door, walked across the front yard and into the dark.
And they never came back.
[“Beware of Darkness” playing]
♪ Watch out now
♪ Take care Beware of falling swingers ♪
♪ Dropping all around you
♪ The pain That often mingles ♪
♪ In your fingertips
♪ Beware of darkness
♪ Watch out now
♪ Take care Beware of greedy leaders ♪
♪ They take you Where you should not go ♪
♪ While weeping Atlas cedars
♪ They just want to grow
♪ Grow and grow ♪
♪ Beware of darkness ♪
♪ Beware of darkness… ♪
[girl] All the parents and people at the school were really sad and upset.
The police could tell that the kids left at 2:17 because, like, half the houses had alarms that got tripped when they walked outside.
Some of the kids even got videoed by the houses that had cameras.
But the cameras only showed the kids walking out into the darkness.
They didn’t show where they went after that.
The police talked to Alex a lot.
They asked him why his classmates did what they did, but he told them he didn’t know.
They asked him if there was a plan, but he said if there was, he never heard it.
They asked him if there was a TV show where someone ran away like that, but he said if there was, he never saw it.
They also talked to Mrs. Gandy a whole bunch, but she also didn’t know anything and couldn’t help them.
For almost a whole month, they kept the school closed for their big investigation.
But after a while, they had to open everything back up, so that the kids that didn’t disappear could learn again.
One night before they did, they had a big meeting at the school.
There was a bunch of counselors and people like that to help everybody figure out how to feel and be sad together, I guess.
This is where the story really starts.
[person coughs]
[shuffling of feet]
[man] What’s important is that we don’t judge our grief.
We might experience emotions we don’t like.
Emotions besides sadness.
We need to make sure that we allow ourselves to feel emotions like anger.
Anger is a very healthy part of the grief cycle.
It can be especially powerful in instances of abandonment.
Now, there are often times that we…
[parent 1] What does that mean?
“Especially powerful in instances of abandonment”?
Are you saying that we should be upset with Matthew?
I’m saying it wouldn’t be abnormal…
[parent 1] I’ll tell you right now that you may call what happened “abandonment,” but I don’t. I don’t see it like that.
I see something that doesn’t make any sense at all.
We’re talking about 17 kids in one classroom.
What happened in that classroom?
Why just her classroom? Why only hers?
[parent 2] Yeah!
[others shout]
[counselor] Look, I’m picking up a lot of emotion, and that’s fine.
[parent 1] So you’ll forgive me if I’m not particularly interested in hearing any more out of you.
I wanna hear from Justine Gandy.
[parent 2] Yeah.
[others shout]
[parent 1] She’s here. I wanna know exactly what she was doing in there.
[overlapping shouting]
[clears throat] Uh… I’ve… First… I just wanna say how very sorry I am for… all of what’s happened.
I know there’s nothing I can say to make this better.
The truth is, is that I want an answer just as bad as all of you.
[parents shouting]
[parent 3] Finally. Liar!
[parent 4] That bitch.
I love those kids.
[parents muttering] And…
[parents shouting out] I… I know…
[parent 5] We know you know exactly what’s going on.
I know… I know it’s… it’s not…
She should be locked up until she tells us what happened!
[parents shouting] Okay, now that kind of thing is really not called for.
I’m serious.
Mrs. Gandy is here as an affected member of this community, and she is hurting just like all of us.
[parent 6] You’re either negligent or complicit!
[parents shouting]
[parent 7] Where are our children, Mrs. Gandy?
That’s enough. Everybody needs to give us some space.
Please. Please. It’s been a long, long night.
We need to get some sleep, wake up tomorrow with clearer heads.
[shouting continuing] Do you have anyone you can stay with tonight?
Mmmmm.
Then I recommend you going straight home and laying low.
This feels like it could turn in…
[person laughing nearby]
[people chatting] Excuse me, ma’am, I’m saving up for a bus ticket to see my brother. Do you have any change on you at all?
No, I’m sorry. Sorry.
[music playing through PA system]
[phone buzzing] Hello?
[heavy breathing on line] Hello?
[heavy breathing continues] Who is this?
[caller] You better watch your back because tonight’s the night that I…
Excuse me, miss, I’m saving up for a bus ticket to see my brother. Do you have any change?
No, sorry.
Okay, thank you.
[people chatting, shouting]
[crickets chirping]
[bottles clinking]
[bag thuds]
[Justine exhales]
[people chatting]
[Justine sighs] Anything the user does, ZipString follows.
The string flies at around 35 miles per hour, and yet is safe to the touch.
[Austin Hillam] All right, Sharks, watch this trick. It’s called the swirl.
[Stephen Fazio] This one’s the corkscrew.
[Hillam] This one’s the stepthrough.
[doorbell rings]
[Hillam] And pop!
[Fazio] Presenting the portal!
[Hillam] ZipString glides…
Hello?
Hello?
Yes?
[dog barking]
[dog barking]
[Justine panting]
[sighs]
[pounding on door] Jesus! Fucking what?
[pounding stops] Who’s there?
Hello?
Fuck!
[dog barking]
[children playing]
[principal] You’re gonna keep your health insurance, and if you don’t mind me saying, there’s a lot of mental health specialists on the plan.
Some of them are…
I, uh… I just need to work, you know?
I just need to fill my days with, uh…
Yeah, I… I need to work. So… [chuckles] Justine, the scene last night was just proof that we have a lot of emotional parents here.
For now, I think it’s best if you keep some distance from this place until folks find time to sort themselves out.
[child screeching] How’s Alex? Is he…
Alex is doing well.
He’s in Mrs. Belt’s class, and we’ve been advised that the best thing that we can do for him is keep him on a routine. [inhales] Keep his life as normal as possible.
I would like to speak with him.
We’ve had this conversation before.
That’s out of the question.
Well, I would… I would feel so much better if I could just speak with him.
Right there.
What?
That’s the problem. You’d feel so much better.
He’s been scrutinized by the press.
He’s had investigators ransack his house.
He’s been traumatized.
Let’s try and put Alex first, yes?
If you’re implying that I don’t care about Alex, or the students…
The issue isn’t you caring or not caring.
The issue here is, you have a pattern in which you overstep professional lines with the students.
Oh, my God. Here we go.
You know, I do not overstep.
You know it’s not appropriate to hug students.
Oh, I hugged a crying little boy. Lock me up.
You know driving students home is not professional.
What? She missed the bus. She lived close to me.
It’s not appropriate.
What…
[sighs] I know all of this comes from the fact that you care.
I know that you aren’t a threat to these kids, but you have to realize, you aren’t a parent, you’re a teacher.
There’s a difference.
And for that reason, no, you cannot talk to Alex Lilly.
It’s just…
We’re the only ones left.
[people muttering] No way.
Look, look, look.
[sniffles]
[whimpers] Yeah, it’s really on there, huh?
Yeah, I’ve been receiving phone calls as well.
Threatening ones.
Oh, yeah?
Think the caller might be responsible for this?
II don’t know. Maybe, maybe not.
Yeah, well…
Whoever it was, the best we can do is file a report.
Probably kids did this, if you ask me.
I mean… [chuckles] …hell, I used to do stuff like this when I was in school.
You know, TP houses, dingdong ditch.
I never wrote “witch” on a car before, but a buddy of mine smeared some of his own…
[“The Dark End of the Street” playing] Hey!
[both laugh] Can we hug?
Yeah, of course we can hug. Jesus.
What happened to your hand there?
Oh, it was just a stupid work accident thing.
Nothing.
Drink?
Sure.
Uh, Tony?
Tony?
Yeah, he’ll… he’ll be here in a sec.
That’s fine.
So…
Yeah.
I’m not in a rush.
[chuckles] Um…
Wow. So I… I didn’t expect you to come.
I’m glad you texted. I…
You know, I’ve been thinking about you a lot, and, uh… I wanted to call, but I didn’t know if that would make things worse or…
I don’t know what’s…
Yeah, well, I’m not some little delicate flower that would wilt if I saw your name pop up on my phone.
I know. I’m not saying…
So, yeah.
Uh, Tony. Uh, my friend wants a drink.
Hi. Hi.
Uh, yeah. Go ahead.
[Tony] How we doing?
Hi. Um, I’ll get a Coke.
A Coke?
Yep.
Okay, fine. Whatever. [chuckles] So, what’s going on? How are you?
Well, everybody thinks I’m a witch.
I don’t think that’s true.
Go look at my car.
Pfft. I hope you didn’t drive here.
Why do you hope that I didn’t…
I hope you didn’t drive here because…
Wait…
Don’t be an asshole, Paul.
I’m not being an asshole.
Come on.
I’m not being an asshole.
I’m concerned about you, and…
You know what? I don’t need… I don’t need your fucking concern.
Okay? I’m not drunk.
Okay. Got it. I’m sorry.
So what, somebody vandalized your car?
They wrote “witch” across it. So, yes.
For your information, everybody thinks you’re…
I’m a witch.
So, yes.
One Coke.
Thank you.
Can I give you a little, uh…
Tough love?
No.
Just some thoughts from somebody who knows you very well.
Is that okay?
Yep.
Try to get out of your own head.
People are not all thinking about you right now, okay?
The whole town isn’t aimed at you.
Hmm. I think you might actually be wrong about that.
You have a tendency to get a little “woe is me”…
Wow. Wow. Okay.
…and a little paranoid.
And one thing I know has never helped is this.
What is “this”? What?
A lonely drinking pity party.
I’m not lonely.
You’re here.
You know what I mean, okay? And I can’t stay.
Does Donna know you’re here?
No.
Really?
Really.
We’re not… You know, we’re not happening right now.
Wow.
It’s not a big deal.
Mmhmm.
You’re ridiculous.
Look at you. You’re beaming.
Come on. Have one real drink with me.
Justine, no. Justine.
Come on. Please.
Please?
No.
[“Gotta Get Up” playing]
♪ Gotta get up Gotta get out ♪
♪ Gotta get home Before the mornin’ comes ♪
♪ What if I’m late…
Stop, please.
[song continuing] You haven’t changed a bit.
What do you got going on today?
Work.
Working. All day. Till late.
Okay. I believe you. Jesus.
What?
Uh, don’tdon’t worry.
I’m not gonna be, like, spam texting you all day and night. I learned my lesson.
Justine, I’m just saying I’m working. That’s it.
How’s work?
It’s fine. It’s whatever.
Wow. I hope that’s not the general vibe over there.
What does that mean?
Well, there’s 17 missing children out there, and I like to think the people in charge of finding them aren’t like, “Oh, whatever,” about their jobs.
First of all, I’m not a detective.
I don’t know if you know that.
Second of all, I’m hungover as shit.
I didn’t realize I was getting grilled on the investigation.
[Justine] No, no, no. I’m not… I’m not trying to grill.
I’m just wondering if I need to solve this thing myself.
[Paul] We’re on it.
You’re on it?
Yep.
Okay, well, what a load off.
You’re on it.
Right now, you really need to take it easy.
No one’s slacking.
Don’t let yourself get all…
Get all Justine about it?
Just leave the investigating to the investigators.
It was great to see you.
You too.
[door handle clicking] Suck my dick.
[chiming]
[Justine patting her body] Hello?
[crickets chirping]
[flies buzzing]
[gasps]
[clanging]
[principal] I explicitly told you not to interact with Alex.
Well, technically, I didn’t interact with him.
[principal] You followed him home.
You rang his doorbell repeatedly then spied through a window.
Well, can… can we just focus on the fact that that house is bizarre?
[principal] Justine, if I wasn’t clear with you before, let me do so now.
I want you to leave him alone.
Okay, why were his windows taped up?
Doesn’t that seem strange to you?
[principal] Probably because nosy people take it upon themselves to walk up and peek through them.
But, Marcus…
Are you kidding?
I’m gonna do you the courtesy of forgetting that this phone call ever took place.
[door beeps]
[music playing through PA system]
[Justine shrieks]
[grunts] What the fuck?
You fucked him?
Donna?
You fucked him?
Donna, no. I… I-I didn’t fuck him.
Yes, you did. I know you did.
No, no, no. No, he…
He said you weren’t together.
Liar!
No, no, no!
You got him drunk!
Donna, stop. Stop!
He was trying to be nice to you, and you got him drunk!
Hey! Hey! Don’t!
Stop!
[Donna] Look at what you did!
Look at what you did!
[woman on TV] Luciano, I know we got off to a rocky start with everything that happened in the Jacuzzi, but still you have made me…
[clock ticking]
[ticking continues]
[gasps]
[panting]
[clock ticking]
[muffled thudding]
[screaming]
[panting] Oh, my God.
Alex, hi. How are you?
II just wanted to say hi ’cause I’ve been thinking about you a lot, and… I wanted to make sure you’re okay.
I’m okay.
Yeah?
‘Cause I know it’s been a really hard time for me, and I can’t even imagine how it’s been like…
I have to go.
Hey, hang on, please.
I just… I just want to make sure that everything’s all right.
Don’t follow me!
Hello? It’s Ms. Gandy. I’d like to talk to you.
Hello?
I know you’re home.
[crickets chirping]
[door opening]
[snipping]
[heavy breathing] I’m going to work.
[keyboard clacks]
[clears throat]
[hammering] Been calling you all morning, boss.
Yeah, I hit a snag on the way over.
[machinery whirring] How things looking?
[chuckles] Little bit of a chaotic morning.
Yeah?
Yeah.
Marc went to go pick up the sodding, but they didn’t have it in ’cause the order never got placed.
Shit. Goddamn it. That…
All right, I’m sorry about that.
Yeah, we got the owner coming Friday for a walkthrough, and we’re still gonna have the open frame in.
It’s on me. It’s my bad.
And then I showed up, and I see that Alvin painted the door with the paint that you ordered, and…
Yeah?
They wanted forest green and that’s red.
What?
Look.
Goddamn it. Wait a minute. Did they send the wrong…
I checked the order, and we ordered it.
They sent what we asked for, but what we asked for was…
All right. I fucked up.
I’ll take it back, get the right one.
[low chatter] Mr. Graff.
Yeah.
We follow up on every one of these calls.
So I can assure you that as we speak, we have officers aggressively pursuing every lead that comes through this station.
So, what about the feds? They got nothing new?
There continues to be a very healthy information exchange.
So I can tell you with full confidence that they are also pursuing every lead aggressively.
What’s happening with the K9 units?
I haven’t heard about any K9 reports in a long time.
That’s because they don’t report to you.
Mr. Graff, I can understand your passion.
And I don’t mind having these conversations with you because, God forbid, if it was my child, I’d be demanding answers too.
But I need you to trust that what we’re doing here…
She’s still not talking, huh?
She knows.
I disagree with that.
You’re aggressively following up on every lead, and yet she’s just out there walking around free as a bird.
Have you done any looking into her whatsoever?
Extensively. Yes, we have.
So you know about her past, huh?
‘Cause I’ve done some digging.
And I’ve found out a lot.
She had a DUI two years ago. Did you not see that?
She was let go from her last school that she taught at for inappropriate behavior.
Did you not see that one either?
With a member of the faculty.
She’s a troubled person, is she not?
What is it you think that she knows?
What do you think it is that she’s not telling us?
Because those kids walked out of those homes.
No one pulled them out.
No one forced them.
I don’t see anything whatsoever that points to that woman.
What do you see that I don’t?
I see something that I don’t understand at all.
[parent 1] Yeah!
We’re talking about 17 kids in one classroom.
And none of them talked about it?
[parent 2] Exactly.
And we got how many parents in here, and none of us saw it coming?
[parents shouting] I want to know what happened in that classroom.
Why just her classroom? Why only hers?
[overlapping voices]
[parent 3] Where are our children?
[parent 4] You’re just gonna leave?
[Marcus] That’s enough.
Everybody needs to give us some space.
Please. Please.
[shouting continuing] Let’s all get a good night’s sleep.
Wake up with clearer heads. Please.
[parent 5] She has answers!
[parents shouting] Excuse me, miss, I’m saving up for a bus ticket to see my brother. Do you have any change on you at all?
[Justine] Sorry.
[gasps] Matthew?
Matthew.
[hinge squeaks]
[panting] Matthew!
Stop!
Wait.
[thunder rumbles]
[footsteps running up stairs] Matthew?
Matthew?
[gasps] Matthew, where are you?
Where did you go?
Talk to me.
Talk to me!
[sniffs, groans] I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to sa…
That I wasn’t able…
I wanted to say it so many times.
I really do want to say it all the time because I feel it all the time.
I love you so much.
[shouts]
[grunting, panting] What the fuck?
Where’s our house?
There.
Where’s the tower? Tower, tower, tower, tower, tower.
Ah.
Show me.
Come on.
[bell chiming] Hi.
Hello.
How are you?
I’m Archer Graff. I’m Matthew’s…
Yeah, I know who you are. Hi.
Oh, good. I know we haven’t spoken before directly.
We’ve seen each other at a lot of the same…
How are you, Archer?
I’m good. I’m real good.
I… You know.
All things considered, just… soldiering on.
We have to, don’t we?
We do.
Listen, I’m sorry to surprise you at home like this in the… in the middle of the day.
But, um, I don’t know if you know, but we got some footage of Matthew leaving the house on our Ring cam thing here, and I think you folks had the same…
same situation with Bailey?
Yeah, that’s right.
All right. Well, I’m sure you showed yours to the police just like I did, but I-I… I wondered if you would mind letting me take a look at it.
I don’t need a copy or anything.
I’m not comfortable with that.
Okay. I understand.
Gary?
Archer Graff. How you doing?
Fine.
Matthew’s dad.
Yeah. [sighs] Of course.
How’s it going?
Um, I have a strange question I need to ask you.
It’s kinda hard to watch this.
Okay, wait. Go back to where she steps on the sidewalk.
Okay.
Uh…
Okay. Right there.
[Gary] What do you see?
One, two, three, four…
…five, six, seven.
Sorry.
Come on. What am I looking at?
Hey.
I want to talk to you.
Well, I… I don’t think we have anything to say to each other.
I think you have a lot to say.
You and every other person in this city.
Believe me, the message is loud and clear.
I’m the problem. Got it.
You know what? I think that’s the first honest thing I’ve heard you say.
You are the problem.
You wanna get in my face?
You wanna threaten me?
I’m not…
Nobody’s threatening you.
You’re barking up the wrong tree. Okay?
This whole victim persona that you’re taking on, it might have the police fooled, it might have the school fooled…
[speech fades] Stop thinking of yourself!
Marcus?
You and I are gonna have a conversation right…
[Marcus grunting]
[Justine straining]
[Justine gasping] Hey!
[Marcus babbling incoherently]
[Marcus snarling]
[Justine shrieking] Just stay down.
[panting, growling] Hey!
[growling]
[snarling]
[shouts, growls]
[shrieking]
[Paul] Hotel’s good, though?
[Donna] It’s fine.
Yeah.
[Donna] Not the Ritz, but I’m not expecting them to go nuts.
Yeah. Well, it’s only for six nights. Right?
[Donna] Three, actually.
Apparently, I don’t have to be here for the big wrapup shindig, so I get to leave on Thursday.
Isn’t that great?
Yeah. It’s good.
‘Cause I’m supposed to ovulate Friday, so we can hit the target this month.
Nice. Okay. Yeah. Good.
[Donna] I thought you’d like that.
Oh, will you tell my dad when you see him today that since I’ll be back for the weekend, we can make their anniversary lunch thing?
[sighs] Yeah, I’ll let him know.
[Donna] He’ll be happy.
You about to start your shift?
Yep.
You gonna hit a meeting afterward?
Um, I wasn’t planning on it.
Don’t you think you should?
[sighs] Uh, if I have time, I’ll hit one.
Paul, especially when you’re going to be spending stretches alone, I think it’s important that you go to regular meetings.
I’m not gonna drink, Donna. I feel fine.
If I don’t feel fine, then I’ll hit a meeting. Okay?
Okay, sweetie.
Okay. I gotta get going now.
Okay. Don’t forget to tell my dad about this weekend.
Yep.
Love you.
Love you.
Jesus Christ.
Hey, Ed.
Hey, buddy.
Uh, Donna’s back Friday, so we’re good to have lunch with you guys on Sunday.
Why’s she coming back early?
I guess they’re cutting her loose, so… she wanted me to let you know that we’re in.
Okay. Sounds good.
Anniversary lunch?
Yep.
That’s nice. Well, congratulations and…
Well, thanks.
A lot of years.
You calling me old?
No. No, sir. No, no, no.
Why would you call me old?
No, sir. I wasn’t saying that.
I’m giving you shit.
Well, just starting my shift here.
Roger that.
[man talking nearby]
[“Don’t Be Scared” playing on radio]
[newsreader] Next Monday will mark 30 days since 17 gradeschool children have disappeared from McCarren County.
Community members have issued a $50,000 reward for any information leading to their recovery.
Any suspicious individual or activity should be reported to your…
[radio off]
[singletone siren] Stop right there. Police.
Shit.
[siren wailing]
[truck horn blares] Stop or you’re gonna get the Taser!
[groaning] Dude, please. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.
Shut up.
Please. I work there, man.
I just lost my keys. Please.
I lost my keys. Please.
[man groaning] You okay?
Yes, Officer, I’m okay.
All right. We went down pretty hard there. You good?
Officer, I’m okay. Just please call my warehouse.
You can look the number up online.
My phone isn’t working right now.
Cuffs too tight? Hands okay?
Yes, they’re okay, Officer.
Let’s walk back to the car.
No, no, no.
Come on. Let’s go. One, two, three.
Please, Officer. Officer.
Hey, what’s your name, sir?
James.
James, okay. Stand right here for me, James.
You got any weapons on you?
No.
No? How about drugs? Are you holding?
No, sir.
Anything in your pockets gonna stick me when I put my hands in there, James?
No, sir. I do not.
Are you sure? I don’t wanna get poked by anything.
I have nothing, sir.
Okay, James. Hold still for me there.
Shouldn’t run from the police, sir.
Ah! Fuck!
[panting] Please. Please be okay.
Shit.
Okay. Up. Up. Get up.
[James groans] Hey. Can you hear me?
James? You with me?
Ow. What the fuck?
Fucking hit me, bro.
Okay. Here’s what’s gonna happen now.
I’m gonna take these cuffs off you, okay?
I’m gonna get in my car in a second.
I’m gonna drive away, but…
Are you listening to me?
I don’t want to see you here again, okay?
The way I see it, I did you wrong, you did me wrong.
Let’s just call it a day.
But if I see you out here again, it’s gonna be a different story. Yes?
Yes?
I mean it.
Okay, consider yourself warned. Now, let’s get up.
I’m gonna take these cuffs off you. One, two…
Because right now, this is a… this is a whole other matter.
Somebody needs to just tell this guy his kid is not the only kid missing.
There’s 17 kids. All…
[sighs] Okay, listen.
As long as this isn’t reported, that footage is gonna sit on a drive somewhere, and it’s gonna get recorded over in about a month.
And if that fucking citizen doesn’t come back here in a month and file a complaint, this could all go away.
But if they do…
Paul, you’re gonna be in some serious hot water.
Did you get that hand checked out?
Fuck!
[phone pings]
[“The Dark End of the Street” playing] Hey!
Can we hug?
Yeah, of course we can hug. Jesus.
[song continues]
[both grunting]
[sighs]
[Donna] Hello?
Paul?
Hey.
Where have you been?
You’re home.
I am.
Someone got sick, and they sent everyone on my team, on Morris’s…
Where have you been?
I was, uh… I was out.
Where?
Paul.
You piece of shit.
[officer 1] You wanna switch up lunch today or same place?
[officer 2] Yeah, pizza?
Yeah. Lunch on you today?
[low chattering] I have seen this issue…
Son of a bitch.
Hey!
What did I tell you? Huh?
What did I tell you?
What did I fuck… Oh, you fucker.
[tires screech] Fucker!
[rain pattering]
[James] This is fucking bullshit. Look at this shit.
Please, please, please, please.
Right here, right here, right here. Yep.
[grunts] Goddamn it. What the fuck!
Fuck.
Piece of shit. Yes. Goddamn it.
Please, please, please.
Fuck! Fuck! Come on. Goddamn it. Fucking go.
Yes. Goddamn it.
Argh! Fucking shit!
Fuck!
Yo, new phone.
[coughs] It’s me, dude.
Um, dude, I got a job yesterday.
Yeah, thank you, man.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Yeah, um, so just, like, a little teenytiny problem ’cause I just… I can’t start till I have, like, new shoes.
And, you know, a whole outfit.
‘Cause, you know, like I said, it’s fancy.
And, um…
Wait, wait, wait. No, no, no. Wait, wait.
This is a good thing. I got… I got a job, and I’mI’mI’m freaking… I’m doing the thing.
So, you know, we can start chilling again.
[groans] Of course I’m gonna pay Mom back, but I can’t do that until I get the, you know, money to get the clothes, so that I can do the job, so that I can pay Mom back.
Hello?
Argh! You fucking bitch.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Hey, man, I feel like I wasn’t communicating very well how important it is that I get just, like, a little bit of money, so that I can get the clothes for the job, so that I can get the job, obviously.
So please call me back so I can communicate that better.
Thanks, buddy. Love you.
Hell, yeah!
No.
No?
I don’t want.
What do you mean? Why you no want? This is good.
These are good. These are good.
Look, this is worth, like, 50 bucks.
No.
Twenty.
Ten.
Five.
Please, dude. Please.
Fuck.
[singletone siren]
[Paul] Stop right there. Police.
[siren wailing] Fuck!
[groans]
[Paul] Way I see it, I did you wrong, you did me wrong.
We’re gonna call it a day.
But if I see you out here again… it’s gonna be a different story. Yeah?
Okay. Consider yourself warned.
Get the fuck up.
[thunder rumbling] Fuck!
The fuck off me, man.
What the fuck?
[straining]
[clattering] Shit.
Oh, shit.
Oh, fuck, Willow.
Jesus! Fuck!
I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Um…
Hello?
You good?
[finger snaps]
[thud] What the fuck?
[rattling]
[clattering]
[faint whispering]
[gurgling] Sorry! Fuck! Sorry!
Sorry!
Fuck! [grunts] What the fuck? What the fuck?
[grunting]
[panting] Fuck.
Goddamn it. Piece of shit.
[cutlery clinking] What the fuck? Jesus! Fuck!
Fuck! Goddamn it.
Fuck! Argh! Please, please, please.
Fuck!
[pawnbroker] 20, 40, 60, 80, 100.
Hey.
I’m calling about the $50,000 reward for information about the missing kids ’cause I know where they are.
I’m pretty sure all of ’em. Looked like a bunch of ’em.
They’re all standing in the basement of this house, just, like, standing there. And, um… I don’t know. They’re in the basement standing all still and shit.
And there’s, like, fucking two wackos over there.
And it’s just, like, fuckedup. [laughs] Um, but So how’s this… how’s this gonna work, though?
How do I get the money?
No, I’m not… I’m… I’m completely serious.
I mean, I can show you. Like, I’ll show you.
Um, but I just… I, uh… I really don’t wanna come in, ’cause, like, someone…
Could someone come meet me somewhere with the cash?
‘Cause like… I just… I really don’t like police stations, you know?
They just kind of freak me out. I’m, uh… I’m phobic.
[Paul] Hey!
What did I tell you? What did I fucking…
[James whoops] “What’d I tell you, huh? What’d I tell you?
What’d I tell you? I’m a big cop, and I…”
[gasps]
[crickets chirping]
[panting] You’re okay. You’re okay.
That wasn’t real. That wasn’t real. That wasn’t real.
It’s okay. You’re okay.
[twig snaps]
[James panting]
[James panting]
[Paul screams]
[James] Fuck.
Fucker! You stabbed me!
No, no, no. I’m sorry. Sorry. It was an accident.
It was an accident. I’m sorry.
Wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait. Wait, wait.
I know where those kids are.
That’s why I was coming to the station.
You’re fucking lying!
No, no, no, I’m not. I’m not.
I promise. I promise. I know where they are. I promise.
Where?
[stammering] They’re atatat a house, not far, in the basement.
What the fuck are you t… What house?
I… I can show you, man.
It’sit’s really, really, really close.
Oh, fuck me.
Do you have AIDS?
Huh?
AIDS, asshole. Do you have AIDS?
Uh… Uh, I don’t think so.
Hepatitis? Shit like that?
I mean, shit, not that I know of.
That one, the dark one.
Right there at the end of the block.
Um, excuse me, sir.
Um, I don’t want to be rude, but, like, how do I know you aren’t gonna try and, like, take that reward for yourself?
Sir?
Sir?
Officer?
Oh, man.
[no audible dialogue]
[mouthing words] What the fuck?
What the fuck?
[crickets chirping] What the fuck? [groans] Let me the fuck out of here. Goddamn it.
Oh. Thank you.
[whispering] What the fuck?
Jesus Christ. What the fuck? Hey, yo, you good?
[Paul snarling] Jesus Christ, bro!
Hey! Get off me, bro!
[Paul growls] Get the fuck off me! Get the fuck off me!
Hey! Fuck!
Help me! Help me! Someone, please help me!
[muzak playing]
[Justine] I’m telling you, Marcus. I’ve seen it myself.
There’s something very, very wrong going on inside of that house.
If you don’t believe me, go there yourself.
[Marcus] Justine, stop.
Here’s the bottom line.
Alex has been traumatized enough by the events of the last two months, as I’m sure you have.
Marcus…
Which is why I’m gonna do you the courtesy of forgetting that this phone call ever took place.
[Donna] If a child’s welfare is questioned, by law…
Justine.
…you have to refer it to CPS.
By law.
Are you really gonna take it there?
Is this the corner you’re gonna put me in?
[Justine] Just go make the house call, Marcus. Just do that.
I’m not authorized to just make house calls.
Well, you’re a mandatory reporter. You have to.
Okay, here’s what I’ll do.
I’ll invite his parents to come in, have a talk with me.
We’ll have a facetoface at the school.
Is that acceptable to you?
Yes, thank you. I would really appreciate that.
Okay, then. You’re welcome. Goodbye.
[knocking at door] Yeah.
Your two o’clock is here.
That’s fine.
Well, send them in, please, Marge.
This way, ma’am.
Principal Miller, I’m Gladys.
Yes. HHi. Hi.
Come on in.
Have a seat, please.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you, Marge.
Thank you for coming in. I… I know you guys have had a lot of attention lately.
Not all of it could possibly be wanted.
I’m happy to come by. It’s fine.
Okay. Forgive me…
We have not met. Is that right?
No, I don’t think so.
Okay… Phew.
[Gladys laughs] Because I was relatively certain I’d remember.
I know I’ve met Alex’s father before.
I’m Alex’s aunt, and his mom’s my baby sister.
Okay. So you’re not his legal guardian.
Well, no. That would be his parents, of course.
Okay. Well, uh…
Forgive me, Gladys, but unfortunately, I need to speak with his parents.
[sighs] Well, I hate to say it, but his parents have been feeling unwell as of late, and I’m staying with them to help take care of Alex.
Oh. SSounds serious.
Oh, no. No, it’s not serious. Nothing terminal.
It’s just a touch of consumption.
“A touch of consumption”?
Yeah.
You know what?
I’m embarrassed to say I guess I don’t really know what that means.
I thought it was something settlers got on the Oregon Trail.
[both laughing] What is it? Tuberculosis?
You know what?
They are doing just fine, but they need to stay home.
I had hoped to speak to them in person because… [inhales] …this is awkward, but a concerned individual has lodged a welfare complaint.
And unfortunately, I need to make contact with the child’s legal guardian.
It’s something that’s not really negotiable.
I need to speak with their parents in person.
Oh, dear.
I could come over to the house if that would make it easier.
I’m just trying to avoid involving CPS.
But frankly…
CPS?
…I’m not convinced that anything is wrong.
Who made the complaint?
I’m not at liberty to say.
Well, this is very upsetting.
[TV] It is now that all free will has been lost.
The ant moves under the direction of a mind separate from its own.
Here, the ant initiates its death grip.
Yum, yum, yum.
There we go.
[TV] As the parasitic Cordyceps continue to feed off its body.
That’s disgusting.
[TV] Fungal fruiting occurs next.
Large blooms…
[doorbell rings] …that serve to spread more spores…
Who could that be?
…that will find more ants.
[man] Ew.
[panting] Thank God you’re home.
[man] Who is it?
I’m so sorry to disturb you on a Saturday.
Oh, will you please, please forgive me?
We’re just sitting down.
The bus didn’t pick me up where it was scheduled to.
And I had realized far too late…
[inhales] …that I was standing on the wrong corner.
And by the time I put that together, oh, I’d missed it entirely.
So I had to walk all the way across town to get here.
Well, I’m so sorry to hear that…
I am sorry to tell you this, sweetie, but I am on the verge of collapse.
Oh.
Could I please have some water?
I’m afraid that’s re…
Of course you can have some water.
Oh, thank you so much.
I’m afraid it’s really not a…
My name’s Gladys, it’s so nice to meet you.
Hi.
Oh! I absolutely love this house.
Look, a giraffe and a green Chinese la…
That’s original in there. I bet it is.
[clapping] Oh, I just love this kitchen.
Clean, white cabinets. How I’m envious of that.
[laughs] Now, listen. I know that it’s inconvenient, but I really needed to speak to you about our conversation yesterday.
[coughs] Oh.
[coughs] Marcus, get her a glass.
A bowl, please.
A bowl?
Yes, a bowl. It’s a peculiarity of mine.
I don’t even try to rationalize it anymore.
A bowl of water. Okay.
Thank you.
II wanted you to know that I talked to Alex’s father, who’s very ill, as I said.
But the good news is, he’s more than happy to come in Monday, sit down with you and clear everything up.
I appreciate that, but it really is unnecessary.
So there’s no need to contact the authorities, right?
That’s, uh…
Sure, I guess not.
I mean, you haven’t contacted them yet, right?
Gladys, I’m really gonna have to insist that you, uh…
Is… Is that my ribbon?
You haven’t contacted them, right?
No, I haven’t. What is this?
[man] Oh, my God!
Whoops! Look what I did. Oh, my goodness.
Why did you do that?
Well, it was an accident, of course.
Wow. That’s really bleeding.
Terry, go get the alcohol and the first aid kit.
Okay.
Oh, no, no, no. That’s nonsense.
Could you get me a rag, sweetie?
[stammering]
[shrieks] I think she cut my hair!
I’m calling 911.
Marcus, I think she cut my hair!
Marcus, what did she do?
[dings]
[choking, panting] Marcus?
Marcus?
[gasps]
[gurgling] Well…
[thudding]
[groaning]
[Gladys humming]
[thudding continues]
[Marcus groaning and panting]
[sighs]
[Marcus panting]
[dog barking]
[person on street] Look!
[car tires screech, horn honks]
[person in park] Yo, what the fuck, man?
[people in park shouting]
[person at table] Oh, my God.
[panting continuing]
[Archer] Come out with it. Just think of the kids.
Stop thinking of yourself!
[Justine] Marcus?
You and I are gonna have a…
[Marcus snarling]
[Justine shrieking]
[Marcus grunting]
[Archer yells]
[snarling]
[Archer yells]
[Archer] Stay down.
Hey! Stop! No!
Oh, my God. [whimpering] Help me, please. Please.
Oh, God. No! [screams]
[whimpering]
[door chimes]
[shrieking] Oh, my God.
[screaming]
[shrieking]
[Archer] Hey!
Oh, my…
[gasping]
[whimpers, babbles] Get out of my store!
Fucking help me!
[shrieking]
[Marcus growling]
[screaming]
[Marcus babbling]
[snarling]
[Justine screaming] What the fuck?
[groaning] Motherfucker.
Come on, you piece of shit.
[muffled screaming]
[screaming continuing]
[woman screaming]
[sound becomes clearer]
[woman continues screaming]
[low chattering]
[no audible dialogue] Are you okay?
Yeah, I think so.
I’m just, uh… scraped up.
You?
The same.
II wanna thank you.
Ah…
No, I do. So, thank you.
Sure.
I mean, what else could I do?
Guy was out of control.
The last time I talked to him, he was fine.
I mean, he really was.
[stammers] I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.
I have.
What are you talking about?
The way he was running, I’ve seen that before.
Can I show you something?
Their little girl ran the same way Matthew did.
Same posture, same exact way.
Just like Marcus ran after you today.
He was weaponized.
Like a heatseeking missile just locked onto you.
So, here. Look at this. This is my house.
This is Bailey Kramer’s house.
Now, if you assume they were heading in a straight line at just some target of theirs, and you assume they both had the same target, those lines intersect somewhere around here.
Oh, my God.
There must be something about this area.
Alex.
Some What?
Alex Lilly lives in this house.
Who else can think of an example of a parasite?
Anyone?
Lisa?
A tapeworm.
A tapeworm! Very good!
That’s a gross one, right?
It lives in your intestines and it eats your food.
[children chattering] Stop it.
“Stop it.”
“Stop it.”
[other children laughing] “Stop it.”
“Stop it.”
[children chatter, shout]
[man] What’s up, Axe Man?
Talk to me, Axe Man. How was school today?
Good.
Good? Kiss any supermodels?
[chuckles] No.
No? All right.
Well, tonight’s the night, pal.
Your mom’s aunt Gladys is coming, remember?
[sighs] Why do we have to have her live at our house?
‘Cause it’s like we talked about.
She’s sick, and she doesn’t have anywhere else to go.
But I don’t even know her, though.
Pfft. I hear you, bud. I don’t know her either.
To be honest, I’m not sure your mom knows her that well.
But she’s family. Family’s important.
We gotta help each other out.
Hey, found a kid.
Hey. My men have returned.
Hi.
Hi.
Whoa. Hey. Good day at school?
Yeah.
Okay, good.
Uh, I would really like to get this house cleaned up before your aunt Gladys gets here.
So do me a favor, get your room cleaned up before you start your homework.
She’s not coming in my room, is she?
I’d really like a clean house.
That includes your room, so let’s go.
I know. It’s horrible cleaning up after yourself.
[car doors shutting]
[dad] All right?
[mom] Hi! Come in!
[dad] Got the door?
[mom] I got it.
[dad] One more step.
[dad] I’m just saying she looks really bad.
I don’t know if this is the place for…
Yeah, well, It’s either here or out on the street, Stephen.
Well, you know, this ain’t a hospice place, hon.
I know that. I know.
We’re not equipped for this kind of thing. All right?
We hadn’t seen this woman in 15 years.
She didn’t even show up to our wedding…
Look, my mom would do this for her, so I’m gonna do this for her, okay?
I could really use your support.
If at any point you feel like…
Alex, honey, what are you doing?
I’m hungry.
Oh, you’re hungry. Okay. All right.
Well, go downstairs, eat up and then go brush your teeth, okay? It’s almost 7:30.
And be quiet back there. Your aunt Gladys is sleeping.
[door creaks]
[door creaking]
[gasps] How long is she gonna stay with us?
Hard to say, pal.
Doesn’t look like she’s getting much better.
So she’s gonna stay with us forever?
No.
I… I don’t think she’ll be here longer than a month.
[children chattering] All righty, man.
All righty.
I’ll pick you up at 2:00, okay?
See ya.
See ya.
I love you.
Love ya.
[Justine] That’s time. Pencils down.
Matthew!
What? You said, “Pencils down.”
Matthew, outside now.
Alex, are you okay?
I’m fine.
Matthew, let’s go. Get your bag.
It was a joke. Oh, my God!
[bell ringing]
[students chattering] You miss your ride, son?
I’m okay.
You sure?
Mom, Dad, where were you?
Hey, Axe Man. How was school?
What’s wrong?
Alex?
Oh, welcome home.
[chuckles] How are you, sweetie?
Let me take a look at you.
Oh, you know, I haven’t seen you since you were a little teeny baby.
What’s wrong with my parents?
Oh, nothing, sweetheart. They’re just fine.
Mom.
Hey. How was school?
You see? I told you, she’s just fine. Don’t worry.
Alex.
Now, don’t be rude.
Why don’t you sit down at the table?
‘Cause I’m making dinner. I should have asked you, but you weren’t here, so I thought mac and cheese would…
Dad!
Alex, that’s it.
I want you to go upstairs, wash your face, brush your teeth, and then it is bedtime.
No dinner for you.
I’m not kidding, young man. Go.
Come. Sit.
Alex.
Sit.
Don’t worry about your parents.
They’re just resting.
Now, before you go to school today, I want you to promise that you will not tell a living soul that I am here or that your parents are resting like they are.
Do you hear me, Alex?
Watch.
Ooh.
Are you watching?
Stop!
Stop, Dad!
Alex.
Sit down.
Now, when I tell you that you are not to speak about me or your parents to anyone… you understand what can happen if you break your promise.
I can make your parents hurt themselves.
I can make them hurt each other.
I can make them eat each other if I want to.
Do I want to, Alex?
Do you believe me?
Promise you will not talk about me to another human being. Say it.
I promise.
‘Cause I’ll know, Alex.
Go to school. Take the bus.
No talking today.
Good boy.
You’ll need to feed your parents.
There’s soup in the cabinet.
Tomorrow, you’ll get some more.
[students shouting, chattering]
[Gladys, distant] Alex.
Alex?
Come here, sweetie.
[labored breathing] Oh.
I’m very sick, Alex.
Would you like some water?
Well, water won’t help me.
I’m too sick for water.
I have been for a very long time.
What will make you better?
Well, I was hoping your mom and dad would make me feel better, but it doesn’t seem to be turning out so good.
Would you like to go to a hospital?
Hospital won’t fix me.
But maybe you could, though.
You could help.
How?
Well, at school, bring an object from each of your classmates home to me.
That might work.
How will that make you better?
It might be just what I need.
And if you got better, you’d go back home?
If I got better…
I’d go back home.
[laughs] Alex.
What are you doing in here?
Um, I didn’t feel like playing, and I forgot something.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey, hey, hey.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah?
You’ve been awful quiet lately.
Quieter than usual.
How are you doing?
I’m okay. I just forgot something.
It’s okay.
Alex, you know, if… you ever want to talk to someone, you can always talk to me.
Do you know that?
Yeah.
You can talk to me about anything you want.
I wanna go back now.
Okay. Go play.
[clanking]
[scraping, muffled speech]
[noise continuing] What are you doing?
[rings]
[Justine laughing] No…
[Gladys] Stephen here suffered a stroke a little while back, so he’s unable to speak.
And I’m taking care of the family for the time being.
I’m glad you both are here.
Alex, how are you doing, pal?
I’m okay.
Now, we’re gonna ask you some questions about what happened at school, okay?
Tomorrow, people will come here.
And they will search this house… and we have to be ready.
[doorbell rings] Detective, come in!
Good morning, Ms. Lilly.
How are you today?
Fine.
Good to see you again.
Nice to see you too.
Remember Detective Colbert?
Oh, yes.
We just wanted to come by the house for a few minutes today and look around, uh, see the environment that Alex has been living in.
And just get an idea of what the family dynamic is like.
Okay!
Oh. Thank you.
And… Oh.
Hey, Alex. How are you doing today?
He’s a little quiet today, right?
Mmhmm. Yes, he is.
Okay.
Hello?
Pack your things, Alex, we’re leaving tomorrow.
Don’t step over the salt.
The cops are here. What do you think that means?
I don’t know.
Do we knock? Do we come back?
Maybe we knock.
And say what? What… What are we gonna explain?
Yeah, I don’t know.
Let’s just…
Here we go.
Hey, what is this?
Is that the cop?
That’s Paul.
You know him?
Yeah.
[creaking] Hello?
Paul?
[voice trembling] Paul, what are you doing back there?
[Archer] Wait.
[James screeching]
[Paul screeching]
[Justine screams]
[muffled shouting]
[Justine screaming]
[Archer shouting]
[thudding]
[Justine screaming]
[sounds of struggle continuing]
[James snarling]
[Archer yells]
[Justine screaming]
[yells]
[shrieking] Fuck! Fuck! [grunts]
[snarling]
[Justine screams] Stay fucking back!
[bell dings]
[mom and dad screeching] Paul.
Paul, stop.
Stop!
[Justine straining]
[Paul growling]
[panting, growling]
[James snarling]
[Archer grunts] God.
Goddamn it.
[James yells]
[panting]
[James yells]
[James yells]
[crashing, glass breaking] You goddamn freaky little
[James yells]
[screeching] Paul. Please.
Please.
[gurgling]
[panting]
[banging]
[growling]
[mom and dad screeching]
[James snarling]
[Archer grunting]
[Justine panting]
[pounding on door]
[mom snarling] Matthew?
Matthew!
No.
Matthew.
No.
[mom screeching]
[dad growling]
[pounding, screeching continue] Matthew?
Come on.
Matthew?
Who
[Archer screams]
[pounding]
[mom and dad shouting]
[sobbing]
[footsteps running up stairs]
[Justine gasps]
[screaming]
[Gladys] That’s good. Just like that.
[mom and dad screeching] That’s the way.
Oh, no.
[running footsteps]
[children screeching]
[shrieking]
[Gladys whimpering]
[children screaming]
[wailing] Oh, God!
[Gladys wailing]
[lawn mower engine stops]
[screeching]
[child snarling]
[Gladys whimpering]
[children screeching]
[Gladys screaming] Get off of me! Get off of me!
[gasping]
[screeching]
[screaming]
[children screeching]
[bell dings]
[Justine gasps]
[Archer panting] Matthew?
[panting]
[whimpering]
[homeowner] Honey, look outside.
Look what they did to the yard.
Jeremy, there’s glass everywhere.
Find her shoe! My god!
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
Now there’s a man in the kitchen!
[Justine panting] Alex?
Matthew?
Oh, I found you.
[child narrator] Alex’s parents are still being fed soup somewhere.
But not by him.
He moved to another town and lives with a different aunt.
I heard that one is a nice lady.
All of the kids from his class got reunited with their parents.
Some of them even started talking again this year.
[“Under the Porch” playing]
[song fades out]
