Dying for Fame (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

Hi, my beautiful fans

and followers, it's your girl,

Juliet. I'm here at the gym

again, putting in the work.

You wanna stay lean,

you gotta get mean. Am I right?

Anyway, it'll all be worth it,

so I can fit into my dress

for my newest theme party next

week. It's gonna be so lit.

You def don't wanna miss it.

All right. All for now.

[instrumental music]

[camera clicking]

[camera clicking]

[cell phone keys clacking]

[beeping]

[intense music]

[camera clicking]

[door opens, shuts]

Hi. I'm still in here.

Don't lock me in, please.

[camera clicking]

[rattling]

Hello?

Ryan, is that you?

[intense music]

[Holden] Do you like it?

I hope you do.

I did it all for you.

Well... for us.

What?

What are you doing here?

How'd you get in?

I'll always find my way to you.

Always.

You never have to question that.

I told you to stay away.

You didn't mean it.

I know it's a test,

to prove how much I love you,

to earn it.

-I promise, I'll never fail you.

-No! No, let go!

Don't be scared.

Meant to be together--

-No!

-[groaning]

-Juliet!

-[dramatic music]

Juliet, wait!

You can't run from us.

[whimpers]

-Ah!

-Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Hey, Juliet, what's wrong?

He was there, in the gym,

that Romeo creep.

He's there, he's there.

[eerie music]

[pop song playing]

Hey, sexy.

Yeah, no.

Let me buy you a drink.

Thanks, but sorry. Boyfriend.

So? I can be him tonight.

It's your lucky day.

-Fine. Girlfriend, then.

-Even better.

[indistinct song playing]

Look, you're pretty,

which clearly you know.

So I'm flattered.

And you'd probably be fun

for the 15 seconds you'd last.

But, honestly,

I couldn't be less interested.

So this right here

is me doing you a favor

so you don't have to waste

20 bucks

buying me a drink

that I won't finish

because I'm afraid

it's been roofied.

And you can actually

hone in on someone

who'll go for all of this.

[indistinct song playing]

But again, very pretty.

Nice work.

Trust me,

you'll thank me at 3 a.m.

[music continues]

Hey, sexy.

[woman retching]

Oh, my God, are you okay?

-I'm fine.

-Here. Let me help.

Oh, God. Thank you.

No, thank you.

-[coughing]

-[camera clicking]

Wait. What are you doing?

Never mix, princess.

-You know me?

-Everyone knows you.

Including the owners who let

an underage TV star in to drink.

-It's not what it looks like.

-Really?

'Cause it looks like

Cristal, Smirnoff

and the $300 worth of sushi

that you had for dinner.

[eerie music]

Are you serio...

[coughing, retching]

[instrumental music]

Have you been here all night?

Guess so.

Take a look.

[Artie] Whoa, is that...

America's favorite

teen sweetheart

taking the porcelain bus

for a spin.

That's... up-close and personal.

I was helping. Oh, stop.

I got the picture.

That's what matters.

Besides, it's not like

I tainted her drink.

I didn't. This time.

I didn't have to.

She was putting them away

just fine all by herself.

Couldn't this, like,

screw up her TV deal?

And that's our problem why?

This is the attitude

that's keeping you

from making front page.

Why work here if you're

not gonna embrace what we do?

I'd have to take more showers.

Hm. Guess we'll see

what Lex has to say.

Okay, people, let's see what

we've brought for posting today.

A celebrity couple

names their baby

something barely pronounceable.

With no photos.

A wardrobe malfunction

on the red carpet

from an actress

known for her nude scenes.

Hm, an NFL player

caught cheating, with a woman.

And this...

Huh, America's TV sweetheart

takes her first steps

towards a lifetime of AA

and rehab.

Complete with photos.

And there's our headline.

Nice job, Anna, again.

Seriously, people,

step up your game.

If you've learned anything

from me,

and, clearly,

some of you have not,

our readers want sex,

they want scandal.

Even better

if there's both. Huh?

And photos would help.

Yes, we'll worry about

the legal ramifications later.

With that being said, meet

the latest flavor of the month,

Juliet Jay,

up-and-coming influencer,

suddenly famous

for the theme parties

she hosts at her downtown loft.

[Lex] Anna, it's yours.

Play nice,

get her to drop her guard,

then get an invite.

Find the scandal.

Where there's smoke,

there's dirt. Find it.

But first, you might wanna

go home and shower

'cause you smell

a little like a dispensary.

[instrumental music]

Hello, my beautiful people,

it's another gorgeous day

today. Look at this.

So before you head out into

the world, set your intention.

Ugh! Yuck!

Oh, come on,

no one is that happy.

What are you hiding?

That's more like it.

Hey, Artie, I need your help

with this Juliet Jay situation.

Oh, come on,

I know you're not busy.

You have less of a life

than I do.

I'll order Lo Pan's.

That's my Artie.

[Artie]

Juliet's parties are epic.

At one she had live birds

fly out of her dress.

Like, she was wearing a nest.

That sounds sanitary.

I've been trying to get access

for months.

[Artie sighs]

That was my not-subtle hint.

If I get an invite,

you're my plus-one. Promise.

-Hm.

-She's with muscle boy a lot.

That's Ryan Tate.

He's a fitness influencer.

Has his own

workout video channel.

I guess I can count you

as one of his followers.

I might have watched

a video or two.

The ones where he's shirtless.

Hm. Can't blame you for that.

He's had some anger issues in

the past. He got caught juicing.

It cost him a lot of followers.

Don't do dr*gs, kids.

Juliet helped him get clean,

and he got most of them back.

They've been an item ever since.

It doesn't ever bother you

what we do?

Trying to catch people

at their weakest moment?

-Are you feeling all right?

-Seriously.

Never makes you feel... icky?

No. And you know why?

Because they deserve it.

Most of these people,

what have they ever done

or accomplished?

Aside from winning the genetic

lottery and being beautiful.

Wow, tough life.

-You sound kind of jealous.

-Why?

Because I'm trying to show that

these magical carefree lives

that they claim to live

are a lie?

They've bestowed themselves

with this self-significance

that we should care about

what they wear or what they eat.

And we wonder

why narcissism is rampant.

Because we created the perfect

breeding ground for it.

Well, maybe some people need

that to get through their day.

Maybe it makes their lives

better.

-Is that so wrong?

-Your life's amazing.

-You have me in it.

-[scoffs]

[sighs]

You're right about one thing.

A lot of these followers are

only connected to each other.

And they have the same social

media photos on every app.

Same friends, same photos.

Which means they're probably--

-Fake profiles.

-Hm.

Bots, most likely,

to boost her following.

Which means she's lying.

She's not nearly as famous

or popular an influencer

as she claims.

Okay.

-And?

-And... I should ask her.

Guess I can kiss

that plus-one goodbye.

[footsteps approaching]

[ominous music]

[drill whirring]

Oh, and the door off the back

room needs a new lock as well.

[footsteps approaching]

Ah. Is it 10:00 already? Wow.

You must be Anna.

Yeah, hi. Uh, for the interview

with Juliet.

Yeah, I'm Meg, Juliet's sister

and her coordinator

and secretary-slash-assistant

and whatever else

she needs done.

[chuckling]

Ah, come on in.

-Wow! This is...

-I know, right?

One of the perks

of Juliet's fandom.

Every morning I wake up and I

still can't believe I live here.

We still have to pay,

but the discount we get

for the publicity we,

Juliet brings

was just too good to turn down.

Hm.

Thank you for arranging this.

Well, my pleasure.

Sorry for the chaos.

We are getting

some new security installed.

I didn't think that crime

would be a problem this high up.

You can never be too careful.

-Right?

-Hm.

Now if you'll excuse me,

Juliet will be down any second.

Hey, how's it going?

Mm-hmm.

[Ryan] Why do you always

sh**t down every idea I have?

[Juliet] I don't! But I already

told you the first time.

And the answer's still no!

Sorry, I didn't see you.

It's all right.

I'm Ryan.

[Juliet] You must be Anna.

[Anna] Yeah.

Hi.

Nice to meet you, Anna.

Come on up.

[instrumental music]

I was really flattered

when you reached out.

The Hot Goss

is making a name for itself.

We're small, but we're scrappy.

You absolutely need to

come to my party this weekend.

I'll make sure

Meg puts you on the list.

-It's gonna be so lit.

-I'm sure it is.

When I was researching you

for this,

I noticed

how quickly you became popular.

It's impressive.

It's crazy, right?

I guess my early posts

just connected with people.

So I've tried to keep

that authenticity

in all my posts and stories.

Really help inspire, you know?

Sure.

I also noticed

how many of your fans,

particularly the early ones,

all joined

within the same time frame,

but they all have a limited

social-media presence.

Which is weird, for followers.

You'd have to ask them, I guess.

I tried. None of them responded.

But I'm pretty sure

that's because we both know

they aren't real.

Care to comment?

It doesn't seem like I need to.

Seems like you have it

all figured out.

So you're confirming you bought

a large number of your fans

in the beginning

to jumpstart your following?

Would you like one?

[sighs]

[liquid sloshing]

You were unpopular

in high school, weren't you?

So was I, believe it or not.

So I get it,

the need to feel better about

yourself, no matter what.

I'm just reporting on a story.

You want a story?

Here's one.

I have a stalker.

They call themselves Romeos,

they are these weird incel-types

who lurk on message boards

and become obsessed

with a particular influencer.

Lucky me, right?

Seems like a small price to pay

for all the perks

you're getting.

He's been following me

for months.

It started harmless, likes

and comments on all my posts.

Then flattering DMs.

Then it became incessant.

He'd send flowers,

show up to all my events.

Now he won't leave me alone.

Be a pretty bad stalker

if he did.

I'm being serious.

You're changing the subject.

He keeps getting in,

and we don't know how.

That's why

we've upped the security.

Is that where

the bruises are from?

Just come to my next party.

He'll be there. He always is.

He has a tattoo, a star,

right here.

And you're telling me this

because?

I'm scared.

This guy,

I think he's dangerous.

I don't know

what he's capable of.

You had to know there would be

a downside to all this,

a price to pay.

It wasn't all gonna be

endorsements and sycophants.

We can help each other.

It's a better story

than you lying about my fans.

You could do some real reporting

for a change,

about a story that matters,

one that makes a difference.

Or maybe you're just trying

to do damage-control

because you don't want the truth

to come out.

Um, forget it.

Publish what you want.

I don't care anymore.

I'll just say

you had no comment.

I'll see myself out.

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

[laptop keys clacking]

[footsteps approaching]

[dramatic music]

[footsteps approaching]

[gasps]

Oh, my God!

Oh. Someone needs to cut back

on their caffeine.

I didn't know anyone else

was still here.

That makes two of us.

You almost done?

Close. Maybe another hour.

Hm. You went with the fake-fan

story over the stalker.

Honestly,

I didn't even look into it.

I mean, who doesn't have

a stalker nowadays?

And she didn't deny

she faked the accounts.

It just felt like

she was trying to distract me,

do damage-control.

She probably was.

Okay, then, well,

she made her bed,

so time to pay the piper.

-That's not--

-It's a mixed metaphor.

I'm aware.

But we'll run this tomorrow.

Nice job.

And don't feel too badly.

Some other wannabe will rise up

and take her place.

They always do.

Social media whack-a-mole.

Good thing, too. Otherwise

we'd have to find real jobs.

You spend the whole night here

again, I'm gonna have to start

charging you rent.

[instrumental music]

Girl, you're trending!

-What?

-Your story, it's gone viral.

-Did you not check?

-[sighs] Just woke up.

-Less talk, more coffee.

-[chuckles]

Juliet is hemorrhaging

followers.

This keeps up,

the only ones she'll have left

are the bots she paid for.

[dramatic music]

I gave her a chance

to set things straight.

Serves her right for lying.

FYI, you've gained, like,

6000 followers.

-Last I checked.

-Really?

-Mm-hmm.

-Whoa!

Closer to 7000.

You might be the most popular

friend I have.

Can I sit by your table

at lunch?

Mm, sure. But you're buying.

Oh.

[upbeat music]

[indistinct song playing]

[indistinct song playing]

Hey, uh,

check out the photo booth.

You can post directly

to your story.

[song continues]

[cell phone chimes]

Nobody does it

nobody does it like we do

Nobody does it

uh like we do

Nobody does it

nobody does it like we do

Nobody does it like we do

Hey, it'll be fine.

-It's one party.

-No.

It won't be fine.

Juliet?

[instrumental music]

Hello, all my followers.

Well, those of you

who are still watching.

So now you know.

Yes, I bought some of my fans.

Not all, obviously.

Just the ones at the start,

to gain momentum.

I'm sorry for lying. I hope

you don't feel too betrayed.

But I want you to know I've

always shown you the real me.

Everything I posted

was what I believed.

Life can be beautiful.

We just have to choose

to see it that way.

Until next time...

[dramatic music]

[intense music]

[cell phone chiming]

Come on!

[gasps]

[eerie music]

[intense music]

Oh, my God.

[music continues]

[cell phone chiming]

[cell phone chiming]

Stop!

[man on radio] So, sure,

the girl lied about her fans,

but did she deserve this?

I don't think so.

Caller, you're on.

[woman on radio]

Juliet was a sweetheart.

And to see her life end like

this, it's, i-it's just awful.

And this so-called reporter

might as well have pushed her.

[instrumental music]

-Artie. Hey.

-Hey.

We didn't know if you'd come in.

Why wouldn't I?

That came for you

not too long ago.

New boyfriend? Secret admirer?

I guess so.

[ominous music]

-Ah!

-Whoa!

-Who dropped that off?

-Some delivery guy.

Looks like you made an enemy.

Congratulations, superstar.

[Lex] Drink.

It'll calm your nerves.

Shake it off.

You know, it's just

some obsessed fanboy or girl

lashing out

from their parents' basement.

Do you think

we did the right thing,

running with the bot story?

Don't do that. Don't go there.

All they've confirmed so far

is that

she fell off

the roof of her building.

-Right, but--

-And, yes.

We printed something that

people have a right to know.

We had no idea

this would happen.

You know what?

Go home, just take the day off.

By tomorrow some starlet

will have her nudes released

or drunk-crashed her car, all

this will be in the rear view.

And don't let me catch you

drinking on the job again.

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

[footsteps approaching]

[Meg sniffles]

Wow. You got balls

showing your face here.

I wanted to come by and see if

there was anything I could do.

-[Anna] To help...

-So, seriously?

How could you possibly help?

I think you've done

more than enough.

You know,

Juliet could be a lot sometimes,

but she was a light

in the world.

Bright, cheerful, full of hope.

And you snuffed that out.

-I'm sorry. I never thought--

-No, you didn't!

You didn't think about anything

but yourself

and how many clicks you'd get.

You did it without considering

how it would impact

anybody else.

You're doing it

for the likes, too.

How does that make you

any better?

You know, it might seem

frivolous to you,

but at least she brought

something to people's lives.

What exactly do you bring?

No, I'll tell you. Nothing.

You just tear them down.

This wasn't

what I wanted to happen.

Are you sure about that?

'Cause it seems to me,

it was only a matter of time

before someone like you

did something like this.

The ultimate tear-down.

And now my sister is dead.

[sobbing]

Congratulations.

[instrumental music]

Juliet offered you a real story.

She asked for your help.

And look where that got her.

-I'm so sorry--

-Just save it.

And for the record,

I convinced her to buy the bots.

To use what little our family

left us to get an initial boost,

get her noticed.

Happy now?

Publish that.

I don't know how she got in

here, but can you make sure

she exits through the front?

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

You! Hey!

That's her. That's the tabloid

witch who ratted on Juliet.

You think you can just run away?

She's dead because of you.

-No. That's not--

-Not what? Not true?

You think you even know

what that word means?

You think I wanted this

to happen?

Actually,

I think you don't care.

Of course, I do.

It should have been you,

not her.

Who knows,

maybe next time it will be.

[ominous music]

[breathing heavily]

[keys jingling]

[car engine starts]

[rain pattering]

[car lock beeps]

[gate clanking]

[ominous music]

Hello?

[bottle rattling]

Who's there?

[door opens]

[sighs]

[cell phone chimes]

Anna, you probably think

this is going to be a rant,

raging at you for what you did,

for costing me

so many followers.

But it's not.

I actually want to thank you.

And, no, I'm not playing you.

What you did, I now see

the good I can take from it,

how you've helped me,

freed me from this charade.

I've never told anyone this,

but I've wanted out

for a while.

The endless posting

and snapping and...

[Juliet sighs]

Now I can escape it, all of it.

And, who knows, maybe now that

I'll be nobody again,

that Romeo creep will find

someone else to obsess over.

Let's hope, right?

So, thank you, honestly.

This has been a blessing

in disguise,

and I owe it all to you.

Hit me up sometime,

if you want.

-Oh, my God.

-[number pad clacking]

Artie, hey, can you swing by?

There's something

I have to show you.

No, it doesn't matter how late.

Any time is fine.

Thanks.

-[dramatic music]

-[laptop keys clacking]

[ominous music]

[clicking]

[cell phone chimes]

[ominous music]

Look, loser,

I don't have time for...

[music continues]

Okay, creep, you wanna play?

Let's go.

Just FYI,

prefer flowers next time.

Love that. We should meet.

-[dramatic music]

-[rattling]

[ominous music]

-[knocking on door]

-[gasps]

[music continues]

Artie.

What's wrong?

Did you see anyone

outside my apartment?

Outside? What? No.

[instrumental music]

What's going on?

I got these weird texts.

They said they sent that box

to the office.

They said they were outside.

-You didn't see anyone?

-No.

How long have you been here?

Just got here. Why?

You invited me, remember?

[sighs]

Sorry.

It's been a weird day.

I've been looking into Juliet's

stalker. She wasn't kidding.

They actually call themselves

Romeos.

They're this subculture

of incel-types

who lurk

on private message boards.

Reddit, 4Chan, Discord.

Creepy much?

It all stemmed from this one fan

who was obsessed

with an influencer so much so

that he tattooed a star

on his wrist

as a sign of his devotion.

And it worked. They're actually

a couple now, still.

But it inspired all these other

creeps to do the same thing,

thinking that they could

win over their obsessions, too.

They all started tattooing

themselves the same way.

Nothing says romance

like self-mutilation.

Juliet said her stalker had

the same tattoo on his wrist.

-Look familiar?

-[dramatic music]

[Artie] That was on the package

that you got at work today.

You think he sent it?

'Cause he's mad at what

you wrote about Juliet

and what she did.

Yes. But I don't think

Juliet k*lled herself.

Anna...

I got a video DM from Juliet.

She must have sent it

last night.

And you just saw it now?

I turned my phone off this

morning. It was blowing up.

I was just trying to avoid it

after all the hate

that I was getting.

But her message...

Juliet thanked me

for what I caused.

Said she was happy

to finally be out

of that influencer lifestyle.

She said she was hoping that

her stalker would lose interest.

Does that sound like someone

who would end things?

Not really. Yeah.

-But the timing, it's--

-I know.

But these Romeos, they've caused

other incidents before

with the people

that they're obsessed with.

One of them chased an influencer

in her car

and caused her to crash, another

accidentally b*rned down a house

with candles.

What if this Romeo lashed out

and Juliet was scared?

She said he was becoming

more obsessed.

What if he was chasing her

and she fell?

Or he pushed her

when she rejected him?

And then he covered it up

to look like a su1c1de.

Maybe?

Look, I know you're probably

just thinking that

I'm trying to find another

reason for what happened.

And maybe I am.

Can you blame me?

And if that's the truth, then

fine, I'll have to live with it.

But I need to look into this

to be sure.

Juliet deserves that.

Right?

Look at you, digging for proof.

Almost like a real reporter.

Let's see if people will listen.

[Juliet on video]

So thank you, honestly.

This has been a blessing

in disguise,

and I owe it all to you.

Hit me up sometime.

We were thinking there was

some foul play involved.

But this confirms

she jumped of her own volition.

What? No.

Does that sound like someone who

is about to take her own life?

Actually, it does.

I mean, you heard it yourself.

She wanted to escape

from all of it.

That's not what she meant.

And you know this because

you were such good friends?

She was looking forward

to being out of that lifestyle.

And "Hit me up sometime,"

does that sound like someone

who wants to take her own life?

Honestly, it sounded like

she was goading you.

That's what the kids today

call it. Goading.

That's not what this is.

Juliet was scared.

She had a stalker.

He was one of those

Internet Romeos.

She said he was dangerous.

Uh, the first day I met her,

she was having

her locks changed

and new security put in.

Okay. Well, if she did all that,

how did he get to her?

I don't know.

She just kept saying

that he was finding a way in.

And last night

I got texts from someone

saying that they were

outside my apartment.

Were they?

I didn't see anyone.

But yesterday at work,

that same someone

had a dead rat delivered to me.

[chuckles] I'm gonna go

out on a limb

and guess that that wasn't

the first time that's happened.

-You're not listening.

-Oh, I am. I am.

But we have means

and we have motive.

And those around Ms. Jay

confirmed that

the hours before she,

her demise,

they said

she was very despondent.

You mean, because of me.

Correct me if that's wrong.

I was just doing my job.

And now a girl is dead.

Look, I don't know

if you're trying

to find something

to pin this on, you know,

rather than accept your part

in it.

As for your, your stalker,

he was just

one of Juliet's followers.

Found out what happened,

blamed you for it.

They lashed out. It'll pass.

Forget it. Thanks for nothing.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[door slides]

[knocking on door]

Seriously? Wait,

how did you find this entrance?

The door

of the back bedroom, right?

Look, I know you said

not to come back,

but I wanted to ask you

about Juliet's stalker.

Now you're interested?

-Too late.

-Meg, please.

Leave before I call the police.

[Anna] I don't think

Juliet k*lled herself.

Five minutes. That's it.

[Juliet on video] This has been

a blessing in disguise,

and I owe it all to you.

Hit me up sometime.

Thank you

for letting me see that.

I mean, you knew her

better than anyone.

Does that sound like someone

who's gonna k*ll themselves?

[Anna] I mean, you heard her.

I'm sorry. You're wrong.

Wha... But the message...

She was playing you.

Sending you chasing your tail,

like you're doing right now.

Her way of getting

the last laugh.

That night

the party was a huge flop.

No one showed.

And all the hate messages

were coming in.

Juliet was in a bad place.

Then she and Ryan got into it.

-She caught him juicing again.

-No, he quit.

Juliet helped him.

They've posted about it.

He lied. He was using again.

[sighs]

She didn't know.

But you did.

[intense music]

[scoffs] I'd caught him

about a month ago.

He begged me not to tell her.

And when she found out I knew

and had kept it from her...

And I should've told her.

I am, I am her sister.

I just...

I was trying to protect her.

Juliet was crushed.

Felt betrayed by both of us.

And they got into it.

It was bad.

His temper, when he's using,

makes him short-fused.

Her bruises,

the first day that I was here,

she tried to hide them.

Their relationship

was hot and heavy. Passionate.

But that cuts both ways.

That same day they were arguing.

Oh, Ryan was pitching, uh, ways

to get them more followers.

OnlyFans. The two of them.

Juliet didn't want to.

A-anyway, Juliet

broke up with him for lying.

Threw him out.

And she told me that

she just wanted to get some air,

clear her head.

But all that,

on, on top of your article

and losing her followers...

Oh, God, I guess she felt like

she had nothing left.

But her Romeo,

she said he kept getting in.

Uh, what if he followed her

up there?

He wasn't at the party.

Even that bothered her.

She joked that

even he'd lost interest.

But her stalker,

outside my apartment,

the texts...

Him, most likely. Angry.

We all deal with grief

differently.

I'm sorry. I know that isn't

what you wanted to hear.

[elevator bell dings]

[ominous music]

[elevator door shutting]

[beeping]

You're new here.

Right?

No, just visiting a friend.

[beeping]

You sure we've never met?

You look so familiar.

Just one of those faces.

Hm.

I guess.

It's uncanny.

I know I've seen you somewhere.

That's right.

When I was standing

outside of your apartment.

[elevator bell dings]

[intense music]

[breathing heavily]

Don't run, Anna!

I just wanna talk.

[music continues]

-[dramatic music]

-You're the reason she's gone!

You took her from me!

[tires screeching]

You took her!

[birds chirping]

I'm with the cop on this one.

I don't see it.

She warned me about a stalker,

and now she's dead.

Probably by her own doing,

according to the police

and her sister.

Then why did he chase me?

Juliet was scared.

And after what happened last

night, she had a right to be.

What if he did something to her?

-Anna...

-It can't be a coincidence.

I agree.

Maybe if we had taken it

more seriously--

Stop. Don't do that to yourself.

We published a story

about a lie she got caught in,

one that she didn't deny.

[Lex] What she did after that,

none of us could have predicted.

That doesn't mean

it's not worth looking into.

Okay.

First ask yourself,

are you doing this

because you really think

there's a story there?

Or for absolution?

[sighs]

I can't shake this feeling,

this hunch that, that

something's not right here.

That's all it is,

hunches and rumors.

And when has that stopped us

before?

A girl is dead.

Yes. And it's awful.

And I'm very sorry for her.

But it also means

she's not doing anything

that's gonna get us clicks,

which is what

our gossip, troll-readers want.

And it's how

we keep the lights on.

If you wanna make yourself

feel better,

then write her

a glowing obituary.

We'll front-page it.

Below the fold,

as we used to say.

But until you have

something real,

Juliet Jay is yesterday's news.

Hey, Artie.

Do you happen to know

where Ryan Tate works out?

I might.

[footsteps approaching]

Ryan, hi.

[ominous music]

-You're that reporter.

-Anna Faulkner.

Look, I don't know

why you're here,

but let me put this

as politely as I can,

in terms you'll understand.

No comment.

Please, I just wanna ask you

some questions about Juliet

and that night.

I think something happened

to her.

It did. You!

-Look, I'm sorry--

-Are you? Really?

That's why I'm hoping you can

give me some information,

about her stalker, the Romeo.

She asked you for help.

And instead,

you wrote a hit piece.

I know. Ryan, listen.

Juliet thought he was dangerous,

and I think maybe she was right.

Except she's not in any danger

anymore now. Is she?

Thanks to you.

Looks like we're done.

Screw it.

[shower running]

[footsteps approaching]

Seriously? You can read, right?

I wasn't finished. And it's

nothing I haven't seen before.

Suit yourself.

I'm trying to do

the right thing here.

[Anna] So what can you tell me

about these Romeo creeps?

Juliet said she kept...

He kept getting access

to her building,

her parties. How?

I don't know.

We never figured it out.

So he could have gotten in

that night.

What's your point?

What if he was involved

in Juliet's death?

Juliet jumped,

as hard as that is to accept...

for both of us.

-It's the truth.

-What if she didn't?

I was doing some research and...

Do you mind?

These Romeos,

they've been involved

in other incidents before.

Tragedies around people

that they're obsessed with.

Car accidents, a fire.

What if something similar

happened to Juliet?

That night she sent me

a video message.

She was optimistic

about the future.

Happy to finally be out

of that influencer lifestyle.

She couldn't wait to quit.

What if he followed her?

And when she refused him,

he pushed her off?

Or backed her off of it.

Last night I was at Juliet's,

and her Romeo was there.

He chased me.

-Hey. You all right?

-Yeah, I'm fine.

It just freaked me out.

Now you know how Juliet felt

all the time.

[Anna] Which is why

I need to dig further.

I mean, if I'm right,

if I can help

just one woman protect herself

from creeps like this,

it'll all be worth it.

And if something did happen

to Juliet...

she deserves justice, right?

His name's Holden.

That's all we knew.

[traffic bustling]

[ominous music]

[car engine starts]

[music continues]

Hey, can I help you?

[engine revving]

[tires screeching]

[intense music]

[groans]

[ominous music]

Dark car, possibly black,

silhouetted driver?

Yeah. It was black.

-[indistinct radio chatter]

-I think.

It all happened really fast.

Well, can you think of anyone

who might

wanna run you down,

someone with a grudge?

Or maybe it'll be easier

if you list anyone who doesn't.

-How's that?

-This has to do with Juliet.

I agree. This has to be

one of her followers.

-Angry over what happened.

-Not a follower.

Her stalker, the Romeo

who wouldn't leave her alone.

The same one

who was outside my apartment

and who chased me at Juliet's

and who k*lled her.

We don't have,

we still don't have anything

to support that.

Nothing concrete.

How about the fact that

I start asking questions,

and then somebody tries

to run me down?

[Anna] Is that concrete enough?

Juliet didn't k*ll herself.

Okay? She was m*rder*d.

Okay, I'll look

into this mystery car

and I'll look into this

Holden character who chased you.

In the meantime,

if you're gonna keep acting

like a real journalist,

be careful.

[ominous music]

[sighs]

[ominous music]

-[screams]

-[intense music]

I'm not gonna hurt you.

Holden, how did you...

Get out, now.

Please, I need your help.

My help? You just tried

to run me down!

What? No.

I've been in here for hours,

waiting, hiding.

[breathing heavily]

Someone was in my apartment.

In your apartment?

-Who?

-I don't know.

I saw them through the window,

just a shape.

You need to leave right now

before I call the police.

You're not listening!

[Holden] Looking for this?

[ominous music]

I'm not gonna hurt you.

But you have to promise

to listen.

Please?

Go ahead, take it.

Juliet was m*rder*d.

What makes you say that?

It's just not who she was.

Her posts,

the way she saw the world,

she was such a light.

Well, who do you think did it?

The same person

that paid me to stalk her.

Paid you?

I had no idea

who Juliet Jay was.

I mean, no one did.

Your article proved that.

-Who paid you?

-Okay, I told you, I don't know!

[panting] It was an anonymous DM

on the message board,

all done online.

They even paid for this.

Hurt like hell.

But after a while,

I fell for her.

She was easy to love.

She responded to my posts

and she listened, she heard me.

I started looking forward to

her stories to boost my mood.

That was part of her magic.

I would have done anything

for her.

Except leave her alone.

Why would somebody pay you

to stalk her?

You have any idea how hard it is

to be an influencer?

To keep drawing clicks.

Clicks! Clicks! Clicks!

You always have to post

something new,

something interesting.

A stalker, now, that's the gift

that keeps on giving.

Maybe that night

Juliet caught on.

Maybe she figured out who hired

me, and things got heated.

Who?

Why don't you ask her boyfriend?

Ryan?

-No, he wouldn't--

-Oh, really?

The roid-head

with anger-management issues

wouldn't create a drama

where he got to play protector?

[panting] Sounds like

a pretty simple way

to clean up your reputation,

don't you think?

Especially after his trouble

with the cops, the arrests.

-What arrests?

-[scoffing]

Are you kidding me?

Did you even do your job?

I guess not.

I guess you just believed him

because of his good looks.

-Do you have any proof?

-Wire transfers to my account.

And this.

Keycard to her building.

They sent it to me.

That's how you kept getting in.

You can have it.

There's no reason

to ever go back there now.

[Holden panting]

You're afraid

of the wrong person.

Hopefully, you won't realize

that too late like Juliet did.

Watch yourself.

If they're willing to k*ll

Juliet for this...

what else

are they willing to do?

[ominous music]

[door opens]

[door shuts]

[music continues]

[suspenseful music]

[door shuts]

[music continues]

[cell phone ringing]

-Hello?

-[Ryan] It's Ryan.

[Anna] Hey. Everything okay?

Yeah, um...

[chuckles]

Where are you right now?

A-are you busy?

Just out. Following a lead.

Why? Where are you?

[Ryan] Oh, really?

A, a lead about Juliet?

-Yeah.

-Did you find anything or...

[Anna] Nothing tangible yet.

But that's okay.

Uh, just gotta keep digging.

Where are you?

I'm, uh...

just leavin' the gym.

Really?

Headed home?

I was actually gonna go grab

a drink. I, uh...

I wondered

if you wanted to join me.

-Yeah, sure.

-Great.

Um, I'll text you the address.

See you soon.

Yeah. Great.

[intense music]

[indistinct chatter]

Infatuation

Hey.

You in my head

Thanks for meeting me.

Sure. Thanks for the invite.

Uh, vodka cranberry.

'Cause I've been thinking

So, you find anything out?

Maybe. I'm not sure yet.

Nothing cuts as deep

To new friends.

To Juliet.

Right. To Juliet.

[indistinct song playing]

So I've been following up

with some things.

Juliet said her Romeo, Holden,

kept getting in.

But the building's

pretty secure.

Yeah, we never figured it out.

We thought he might have gotten

a keycard.

A keycard?

How would he have gotten

a keycard?

I don't know.

Bribe someone and...

They open most doors

in the building, depending.

Have you ever

interacted with him?

No.

He always seemed to know

when Juliet would be alone.

The night she d*ed...

where'd you go?

I thought this was a date,

not an interview.

[song continues]

Sorry. Old habits.

It's okay.

I left.

We got into a fight.

She was pretty upset.

Because she caught you

juicing again?

You know, that's funny.

It sounds like a question,

but I think you know the answer.

And you're wrong. I wasn't.

Juliet found an old vial

of the stuff in my bag.

I have no idea

how long it had been there,

but... she didn't believe me.

So...

She dropped me.

Came here, had a few drinks,

met someone...

went home with her.

Not my finest moment.

But she called it quits, not me.

So while I might not be the best

boyfriend in the world...

I'm not a m*rder*r.

That is what you're asking,

right?

But it helped you regain fans.

These aren't fans.

Oh, fans support you,

cheer you on.

These are just gawkers.

But you're right,

it has gained me, a lot.

Guessing it did the same

for you.

Looks like we're more similar

than you'd like to admit.

Which, when you think about it,

gives you as much motive as me.

[man] Don't I know you?

[Anna] No, I don't think so.

I know you. You're that

fitness guy from the news.

The one whose girlfriend

just ate it.

And you, you're the one

who wrote the story

that made her do it.

How's that feel, knowing that

something that you wrote

caused that?

That's enough, buddy.

And you're with her boyfriend?

Wow, that's a slick move.

It's a little obvious, though,

don't you think?

And why don't you just go

back to your seat, huh?

Shouldn't be surprised, though.

Takes trash to write trash.

-I said back off! Back off!

-Ryan!

Ryan! Ryan!

Is this what you want,

another arrest?

Let's go.

[Anna] Ryan! Hey!

-It's fine.

-I'm sorry.

Guys like that, I don't,

I don't know what happens.

It's okay. We're okay.

-I lose it.

-Hey, it's fine.

[instrumental music]

Thank you for doing that.

No guy has ever...

[music continues]

[camera clicking]

[intense music]

[cell phone ringing]

-Hello?

-Hey, Anna, Detective Nguyen.

-Sorry to wake you.

-Oh, no, it's-it's fine.

I was, I was up.

Hey, we got a lead on that car

that tried to run you down

last night.

-You did?

-[Nguyen] Yeah.

Belongs to Ryan Tate.

[intense music]

[Anna] What?

[Nguyen] One-hundred percent.

Thing is, he reported it stolen

late last night.

Stolen?

-Was it?

-Apparently.

The thing is, I don't know

whether to believe him or not.

You might wanna watch yourself.

You might wanna

keep your distance.

Yeah, I'll...

I'll definitely do that.

Well, we'll clear

the story later

and I'll keep you updated.

Yeah, um, yes, please. Thanks.

Ms. Faulkner,

are you sure you're okay?

I'm good. You just...

You caught me off-guard.

Okay. Well, just watch yourself.

And don't do anything stupid.

I definitely won't do that.

Thanks.

[eerie music]

[intense music]

What the hell are you doing?

Why are you

going through my stuff?

So much for quitting.

It's not what it looks like.

You're a liar.

I quit.

I am...

-You don't understand!

-I do understand.

It was you yesterday,

trying to run me down.

-Run you down? What?

-It was your car!

My car was stolen yesterday!

I reported it!

-How convenient.

-No, actually, it's not.

Why do you think

I was on foot last night?

I-I used Juliet's gym in her

building. It's walking distance.

Get out.

Now!

Happy to.

[eerie music]

I should've known.

-You played me!

-Played you?

For a story.

Just like you did Juliet.

Not that you'll care,

but if you print this,

I'm ruined.

For good this time.

It's all about the clicks

and the sponsors.

I need this.

Juliet had money, I don't.

Is that why you paid Holden

to stalk her?

"Paid him?" What are you talking

about? I barely make rent!

Somebody paid him

to stalk Juliet,

for the attention

that it would get her.

Even paid for his tattoo.

-And you believe him?

-More than I believe you!

[intense music]

Go ahead, ruin me.

Just like you did her.

Just don't expect me

to k*ll myself over it.

[door shuts]

[cell phone chimes]

What now?

Oh, my God.

[intense music]

[Anna] Why would you

publish that?

Oh, stop acting so offended.

You know what we do here.

You're good at it.

[Lex] We print what gets clicks.

Today that was you.

But it's not

what it looks like.

And how many times

have you heard that before?

Look, it wasn't like that, okay?

It just happened.

-So you didn't hook up with him?

-No, I...

I mean, yeah.

But that's not how

people are gonna see it.

It looks like I tore her down

just to get to him.

-You're right, it does.

-But that's not true.

And when has that

ever stopped us before?

Face it, you made the biggest

mistake in journalism.

You made yourself the story.

Don't kid yourself.

This isn't journalism.

That's the difference

between us, Anna.

I never pretended it was.

You're right.

I quit.

Anna.

Sorry.

Wow.

You know what?

No, don't apologize.

Your first front page. Congrats.

Whatever it takes, right?

Right.

You'd have done the same.

You're right. I would have.

Thanks for reminding me.

Good job, Artie.

Can't wait to see the next one.

[ominous music]

[sighs]

[cell phone vibrating]

Meg, this isn't a great time.

[Meg on phone] You were right

about Juliet.

I have proof.

Please come by ASAP.

[keys jingling]

[car engine starts]

[seat-belt alert beeping]

[beeps]

[instrumental music]

Meg?

[Holden]

What are you talkin' about?

-Meg?

-[glass shatters]

[Meg] Anna!

[panting]

-[Meg sobbing] Anna!

-[door shuts]

Holden, wait! Stop!

Holden, wait! Stop!

Holden, what happened?

[ominous music]

It wasn't me.

-I swear.

-What?

She said she had something

for me, from Juliet.

-[door opens]

-Anna, look out!

-Let go!

-I'm not gonna hurt you.

[Holden grunts]

[intense music]

[Meg grunts]

-[Holden screaming]

-Ah...

[thudding]

Oh, my God.

Are you all right?

[ominous music]

[Meg] He pushed his way inside.

Said he needed to apologize

for what he did.

For pushing Juliet that night.

That the only way to make up

for it was to be with her,

so they could be together again.

So Shakespearean.

[Meg] I told him to get out,

that Juliet never wanted

to be with him.

Then he shoved me

into the mirror.

I'm just glad

Anna got here when she did.

If it hadn't been for her...

-Uh, no, I didn't--

-Well, we found this on him.

This explains how he kept

getting into the building,

how he got up to the rooftop

that night.

Any idea how he got it?

Maybe he bribed someone.

-[Meg] Doorman or service guy.

-[cell phone ringing]

I'm sorry. Excuse me a second.

You were right the whole time.

Well, that was the unit I just

sent over to his apartment.

They found

a bunch of medications.

Anti-depressants, antimanics.

And they found a su1c1de note.

-In his apartment?

-Yeah.

He admitted to pushing Juliet,

apologized for it,

now he can no longer live

without her.

[Nguyen] Star-crossed lovers.

Typical obsessive BS.

Well, I think we've covered

everything here.

We'll see you guys tomorrow

down at the station?

Verify your statements.

Whatever you need, detective.

[Meg] I'm just glad

we can put this all behind us.

[Nguyen] I'm sure

both of you are.

You guys try

and have a good night.

-Uh, detective?

-Yeah?

The su1c1de note,

did they match his handwriting?

Um, no. They said

it was typed on his laptop.

Why? Something wrong?

No. It's fine.

Hey, you should be proud

of yourself.

You helped catch a k*ller. Hm?

-Just don't make a habit of it.

-[chuckles]

[suspenseful music]

[dramatic music]

[Holden] What are you

talking about?

-[Meg grunts]

-[mirror shatters]

How about a drink?

-[intense music]

-What?

A drink,

to put all this awfulness

finally behind us.

Uh, sure. Yeah.

I just, I have to grab something

from my car.

Great.

Hurry back.

[ominous music]

[door handle rattling]

[music continues]

[buzzes]

You didn't have access.

[Anna] So who do you think

did it?

The same person that paid me

to stalk her.

And secretary-slash-assistant

and whatever else

she needs done.

-[gasps]

-You get lost?

Yeah, I just, uh...

I just needed some air.

That sounds good. I'll join you.

[ominous music]

[beeping]

[music continues]

[Meg] It's beautiful, isn't it?

I see why Juliet came up here

all the time.

Come. You gotta see this view.

I can.

It's something.

You gotta see it from here.

Don't worry, you won't slip.

[intense music]

A toast.

To Juliet.

To a beautiful soul

sent back way too soon.

It's over, Anna.

-You should be happy.

-I am.

So why are you making a mess

out of this?

What?

I'm not...

Okay, then give me the keycard

Holden gave you.

-I don't...

-Anna, please.

Don't.

We're both smarter than that.

[Meg] He said he didn't have it.

I didn't think

he'd give it to you.

Last night,

when he broke into my apartment,

while you were breaking into

his, planting the su1c1de note,

right after you tried

to run me down with Ryan's car.

[laughs]

Oh, wow, wow!

That is quite a story.

Have you ever considered writing

fiction instead of journalism?

Not that what you do at that rag

is journalism.

Yeah, I actually

don't work there anymore.

[Meg] Hm.

That's a shame.

Anna, think about this.

He confessed. It's over.

Take the win.

Use it to propel your career.

I'll even give you

exclusive rights.

You'll make a name for yourself

and be able to choose

any job you want.

But it's not the truth.

[scoffs] Suddenly the tabloid

reporter has a moral compass.

What can I say? My timing sucks.

Your words.

But you can't say I didn't try.

Mm. Mm, that's good.

-[Meg grunts]

-[Anna groans]

[intense music]

-[Meg grunts]

-[Anna groans]

[panting]

For the record, you're a much

better reporter than I expected.

-[grunts]

-[Anna groans]

[dramatic music]

The bruises, they were from you,

because she didn't wanna

play along.

She was always complaining,

having to be on all the time.

[scoffs] Do you know

how much work it is for me?

Growing a following

from nothing, maintaining one?

Keeping the social-media losers

with no lives engaged?

You hired Holden to stalk her!

I did what I had to,

to keep her trending.

But you, your story

gave her the perfect reason

to quit.

[Meg] What are you doin'?

Just enjoying the view

while I still can.

This'll blow over.

One week, maybe two.

[Meg] We'll wait a month,

then throw a bash

that everyone will talk about.

I don't want it to pass.

This is a good thing.

She wanted to stop,

take a break!

[Juliet]

Just for a little while.

We can restart again later.

Restart it?

Do you know how hard I work

to keep you relevant?

To keep people following you?

It's exhausting!

I know! So let's just stop.

Go back to the way

things used to be. Just us.

We'll take a vacation.

After everything we did

to get all this.

None of this matters.

We'll have each other.

That reporter did us a favor.

This is a good thing.

-No.

-Meg.

It's too much.

I mean, all of it.

-I'm just so tired.

-[Meg] You're tired?

Do you know what I do

to keep this going?

To keep the fans engaged,

so they keep clicking?

Whatever it takes!

I'm sorry, Meg, I can't anymore.

It's over.

[instrumental music]

She didn't get it.

I was never gonna have all this

on my own.

Not without Juliet.

[Meg] She's the one

who won the genetic lottery.

My whole life,

she always had the cutest guys,

the most attention.

And I just had

to live with it. So...

No. I deserved this.

Juliet, I didn't work this hard

so you could just quit!

[intense music]

You are so clueless!

You would've stopped trending

a long time ago

if it weren't for me.

The parties, the sponsors.

Even your little Romeo

wouldn't know you existed.

-What?

-[scoffs]

You can say whatever you want

'cause you're the pretty one.

Hey.

[sniffles]

Meg, I'm sorry.

And I forgive you.

But I just need some time

to rest.

[eerie music]

Fine.

You can rest.

-[grunts]

-[dramatic music]

[gasps]

[whispers] Oh, God.

J-Juliet...

I never meant to.

I'd take it all back,

I swear. I just...

I-I-I lost my temper.

I didn't, I didn't even realize

when it happened, I-I...

It-it didn't seem real!

But you used my story

to cover it up.

So something good

could come from it.

To stop people like you from

tearing souls like Juliet down.

All she did was bring light to

people. That was her commodity.

Unlike you.

Poor Anna, got caught

with someone else's boyfriend,

lost her job.

A life crisis like that can

make people do rash things.

J-just ask poor Holden.

-Stop! Stop!

-[both panting]

Don't worry,

you'll get tons of clicks now.

[chuckles] For about a week.

That's the average

Insta-lifespan

if you don't hone it.

You think it'll be longer

than yours?

[siren wailing]

Those are for you.

[panting]

[cell phone chiming]

[Anna] Guess it doesn't

totally suck

to have a following.

[Meg] No, no, no, no, no, no...

[cell phone chiming]

-No.

-[siren wailing]

No, no, no, no...

It's over, Meg.

The whole world knows

you snuffed out Juliet's light.

-Not me.

-Thank you, Anna.

[ominous music]

You've made me a star.

A star?

No! No! Meg!

You're about to trend

more than anyone ever has.

We both are. The first ever

live-streamed m*rder.

-[Anna] Meg, don't!

-Don't fight it, Anna.

This has to happen!

It can't all be for nothing!

-[panting]

-[siren wailing]

And I'll be bigger

than Juliet ever was.

[Meg] Let's see them top this.

[Anna] No!

[grunts]

[instrumental music]

[siren wailing]

[panting]

[man] Our staff here

is very supportive.

And I'm sure you'll fit in

just great.

Now, that was our ad department.

Most of it's done

on the net nowadays.

-Careful.

-Thanks.

And here we have

our shipping department.

Oh. I almost forgot.

Your press pass.

Oh. That's a interesting tattoo.

It looks new.

Yeah, it's sort of

a reminder to me.

so I would never forget to do

what's right.

[chuckles] Better than

those nose piercings.

How you kids keep those clean

when you have a cold,

I'll never know.

You sure you want this job?

We're nowhere near as sexy

as your last one.

I'm sure,

I just wanna tell stories

that are gonna make

a difference.

That we can do.

Let me show you

our art department.

Located right over here.

[vocalization]

[instrumental music]

Infatuation

Girl I got you in my head

no hesitation

[indistinct lyrics]

...won't you step in?

'Cause I've been thinkin'

about you nonstop

No I won't stop

no I won't stop dreamin'

Nothin' cuts as deep

as our love

As our love as our love

whoa

Whoa it's a lot for me

just to love ya

But I can't let go

Oh there's so much more

to discover

I just gotta know

I never felt a love

like this

I never met a guy

like you before

A little bit of your love

brings the sun down

A little bit of your love

brings the sun down

Ooh

But I can't let go

You're just

so irresistible oh

Ooh

But I can't let go

You're just

so irresistible oh

Ooh

I just gotta know

Yeah I just gotta know

Oh oh oh

You're just so irresistible

Yeah

Only one I won't let go

You're just

so irresistible oh

You're the one

no I can't let go oh

Whoa it's a lot for me

just to love ya

But I can't let go

Oh

There's so much more

to discover

I just gotta know

I never felt

a love like this

I never met

a girl like you before

A little bit of your love

brings the sun down