Dark Places (2026)

[bunniefuu]

(birds and insects chirp)

(suspenseful music)

(panicked sobs resonate)

(woman gasps)

No.

(woman shrieks)

(woman sobs)

(suspenseful music continues)

What you want from me?

(indistinct), you escaped us quite well.

I'm impressed.

However,

you can run,

but you can't hide.

I don't know you.

I didn't do anything to you.

You will not talk your way out of this.

It is your destiny tonight

to be our gift

to Satan.

What you're worshiping,

it doesn't exist.

Don't you understand?

You're living a lie

You're the lie.

Your whole world is a lie.

They want us to be forgotten,

but we shall make them remember.

(woman screams)

It's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

(indistinct)

It's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I'm losing all feeling

I couldn't breathe when I didn't know

I'm losing sleep

Oh, don't you hate it?

Hate what?

You're out here, you're

trying to be alone.

Some guy just walks over

and sits down next to you.

I mean, there's 20 other benches

and he decides to impose.

Do I know you?

I'm in your theology class.

I sit like three rows behind you.

I don't blame you for

not recognizing me yet.

Rather unremarkable.

Well, you need to work

on your confidence, then.

What's your name?

It's Jason,

and I'm working on that confidence thing.

So Jason,

why are you here?

You conjured me.

Fate.

I'm a creep, I don't know.

Must be a reason why I'm here.

You're a creep?

No, but I always feel

like you have to give

multiple choices.

You don't have to.

- No?

- No.

All right, then remove the creep option.

So what do you think of college?

I could take it or leave it.

What about you?

You enjoying your higher education?

Well, it's kind of my first time

in an environment like this, so.

Like what?

I was homeschooled.

Yeah, Mom and Pop didn't

really trust the system,

so they kept me home.

I can't imagine you have many friends,

being home all that time.

Just the ones I made at church camp.

- Oh, geez, church camp.

- Yeah.

(Jason laughs)

That sounds like a party.

It was more like talking about God

and then sitting by the

campfire and talking about God.

And at the end of the day,

the girls go one way

and the guys go another.

Find out, I feel like I

should walk away from you

before a priest chases me off.

You have nothing to worry about.

Good.

It's decided, then.

I say you and I tackle this

college thing together.

I don't really have any friends,

and you could be my first.

Your first?

My first friend at college,

wasn't a come-on, only

looking for a friend.

Sure.

Misery loves company, right?

[Jason] Right.

You mind if I take a

picture, memory's sake?

[Jason] Go for it.

Smile.

Hi sweetie, what's up?

Not much.

Well, you just admiring

yourself in the mirror?

No, no.

I was hanging up the

picture of a new friend.

Must have fell down somewhere.

Well, this place is a mess.

But I will help you to

move out the dresser

if you decide to clean everything up.

I can just print another

picture, it's fine.

Okay, come here.

Tell me.

Tell you what?

Tell me all about this guy.

Is he just a friend, or more, or?

I mean, you know, we just started.

We haven't really gotten that far yet.

I don't know.

I just, I might friend zone him.

- What?

- I don't know.

I just, I don't wanna go

through the whole thing

where we're friends and we're dating

and we fight and we break up

and then we're just not friends anymore.

So, we might be safer in that friend zone.

Look, no risk, no reward.

I know, I know, you can't

win if you don't play,

blah, blah, blah.

I am not telling you to

not take it slow, okay?

But just don't isolate yourself, you know?

- Okay.

- You gotta enjoy yourself.

Be smart, have a good time, okay?

Okay, I won't rule it out,

but I'm taking it slowly.

Okay, all right, you.

You are gonna clean this mess up,

okay?

- Okay.

- All right.

- I will.

(tense music)

Do you understand, I've

worked 55 hours this week

and it's only Wednesday?

No, I don't want your thanks, Bob.

I want time off.

What's the point of having time off

if I'm glued to the desk?

No, something has to change.

This is a job, it's not ownership.

Hey,

you okay?

Yeah, wonderful.

Are you sure?

Wonderful.

I know that you don't want to hear this,

but it is time to quit that job.

You tell me how.

I don't wanna walk away.

Easy, you just turn in your

laptop and your cell phone.

You don't smash it to bits.

And then you just tell him to shove it.

You know we can't afford that.

My father died at the age of 50

from a heart attack because he was

in the same, stress-filled

BS kind of job as you.

I would rather see you struggle

and live than to watch you

k*ll yourself to death.

I can't quit until

Natalie's outta college.

Well, I mean, maybe she can take out

student loans if needs be.

No, no, no, no.

I don't, I want her to focus

strictly on her studies and not have

some bank loan looming over her head.

Okay, well, maybe we can do both, okay?

Let's talk this weekend and come up

with a game plan, okay?

Okay.

I love you.

You too.

(tense music)

It's beautiful, isn't it?

It is, Dad.

Were you paying attention

to me today in class?

- Yes.

- Are you sure?

Because it looked like

you were falling asleep.

Come here.

There's a battle going on

in this world against faith,

and it's only getting worse.

Every day, I meet someone

who says there is no God.

Every day, I meet someone who doesn't want

a relationship with Jesus.

Gimme your hand.

Devil

has a tight grip on this world now

and you need to be aware of this evil.

Do you understand that?

- Yes, Dad.

- Do you understand, Natalie?

Yes, Dad.

Okay.

I don't know how anyone could deny Him.

Everywhere you look, His grace is

looking you right in the face.

And no matter how much the

devil tries to tempt you, Nat,

God will always protect you.

But you have to fight for Him too.

You are a warrior in His name.

Why are you here?

I mean, shouldn't you

be out with your friends

having the best time in the world?

You know, college parties

and the spring break.

TAs don't usually get

invited to student parties.

And it's the fall.

Okay, fall.

I keep forgetting.

I'm not a student.

You look so damn young.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

Can I say something?

Of course.

I've been a college

professor for many years

and I've seen them come and go,

but none of them have that, um,

it factor like you do.

Let's just get back

to grading the papers,

Professor Warren.

I don't think you've had the

right support in your life.

I bet people have dismissed you.

I'm not in that group.

I think you are wonderful.

Let's just get back

to grading the exams,

Professor Warren.

I know it's scary.

What?

Having feelings for someone like me.

It might be hard for you

to tell me how you feel

'cause technically, I'm your boss.

What's the matter?

You are.

You brought me here to seduce me?

Did you think that would work?

No, you have it all mixed up.

No, I don't.

All this bullshit of

you're all misunderstood.

You're looking for a

little girl to manipulate.

You didn't find one.

You're mistaken, this is

just a misunderstanding.

It's not, and I'm gonna report you.

(student gasps)

You better not f*ck me on this.

I will make your academic

career a short one.

Threat too?

Just made this that much easier.

(slap resounds)

(door slams)

(ominous music)

(ornament smashes)

I've had enough of this.

(objects clatter)

I wanted it.

(knock on door)

Tonight,

we spill this blood

in the name

of Satan.

(Professor Warren screams)

[All] Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Can I top you off?

Yeah, that'd be great.

How are you liking that book so far?

(indistinct)

Excuse me, can I go over to that table?

(cafe patrons chatter indistinctly)

[Waitress] Your book

looks pretty interesting.

[Patron] Bad day.

I have so many I have to

finish because if I didn't,

I'd probably be taking

that recommendation, but.

[Waitress] If you need

anything, just let me know, okay?

What a b*tch.

This place definitely does not

have good customer service.

How'd you know where to find me?

(indistinct), little chilly

if you're not in school

you're in a coffee shop.

Good call.

So are you stalking me or something?

No, stalking is too strong a word.

- Ah.

- Shadowing.

Mm.

Is that always creepy?

Not really, no.

You want a coffee or something?

I don't touch the stuff.

So then why are you here?

To see you.

I just like hanging out with you.

We can hang out way better than this.

Like what?

Well, maybe I'm over selling it.

Next weekend, my family's doing

their big New Year's party thing.

They do it early to get

the whole family thing.

Anyway, say I can bring a friend,

but never really had a friend until now.

Isn't it a little early

to meet your family?

Yes, but hear me out.

My dad's convinced I don't

know any girls at all.

That might help a little bit.

If you get tied up with me though,

you're gonna get your heart broken.

I'm willing to roll the dice.

All right.

I promise to go to your family's party

if you promise not to ditch me.

I'm not really a people person.

I'll be by your side the whole time.

Deal, then.

Hey, how's everything going?

Can I get you anything else?

Nah, see, my friend

here hates coffee, so.

Okay, well, I'll be around

if you do need anything,

just let me know, okay?

- It's 2:00 AM.

- I know.

Are you going to work tomorrow?

Yeah, unless the place burns down.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Come on.

You know I can't stay asleep

unless you are hogging the bed.

Yeah, I'll be to bed soon.

I'll be to bed soon.

(pouring liquor gurgles)

You need to go to bed.

You know, I think that

you're losing yourself.

You don't see yourself

as everyone else does,

as I do.

- I'm okay.

Well, your okay isn't okay, though.

You aren't happy and I hate that

and I wanna help.

I'm here, I'm right here.

No, listen.

I want us back.

I want our lives back

you know?

Look, I'll get a

handle on it, all right?

I promise.

I'm just a little overwhelmed

and I'll figure it out.

Well, look, you don't

need to figure this out

all by yourself, you know?

You can lean on me.

You used to read the Bible all the time

and it's like you don't

even have faith in it.

I don't wanna talk about this.

You know, you used to say

that God will always bail us out.

You know?

You not believe that anymore?

I get it.

I get what you're saying.

I got a lot on my plate.

- Yeah.

And I'm still waiting to be bailed out.

Maybe God skips every other house,

or maybe He's a Scientologist.

See?

You used to be happy.

You know, and I want that.

I want that for you.

Okay.

- Yeah?

- All right.

Yeah. I, yep.

Listen,

I want you to open up, okay?

And I want you to let me help.

Sure.

Yeah?

Okay.

You coming to bed?

- Sure.

- Okay.

(pouring liquor gurgles)

Well, you don't see that every day.

Yeah.

Did you speak to the dean?

Yeah, he said he was a

well-respected educator,

loved by everyone.

Well, somebody didn't.

We need to find out who?

Do you see him?

Guy behind the tree?

Yeah, the guy behind the tree.

Yep, I see him.

Let's go talk to him.

Leave me.

Leave me alone, leave me alone.

Hey, leave me alone.

Leave me alone.

Hey.

Hey.

Leave me alone.

Leave me alone.

Who are you?

I'm the groundskeeper, I'm Rufus.

Listen, tell us what happened.

I didn't do nothing.

Tell us what happened.

Do you know Professor Warren?

He's a prick, I'm glad he's dead.

Did you have something

to do with I with that?

[Rufus] I didn't do anything.

Whoa, whoa, drop it, Rufus, drop it.

(loud bang resonates)

Drop it.

[Rufus] I didn't do anything.

Yeah, I didn't do anything.

[Rufus] I didn't do anything.

Didn't do anything.

Just call my mom.

Call my mother.

- What are those pills?

Call my mom, I didn't do anything.

It's not the m*rder weapon.

You're under arrest

because drug possession

and running from the police are something.

Get him out of here.

- Mom, Mom.

[Detective] Get up, get up, come on.

(girls laugh)

Debbie, what are you doing in my room?

Well, I did knock on the door

but your dad may have had

one too many last night,

but he's alive.

He's still breathing.

So, I let myself in.

Yeah.

He was supposed to be

at work two hours ago.

Do you want me to leave?

I can go if you wanna deal with your Dad.

No, no, no, no.

It's okay, it's fine.

It's okay.

Look, it's the elephant in the room.

Mom and I have talked to him,

but he has no interest in fixing it.

It sucks.

Yeah, grabs a hold of people.

Sure does.

Grabbed a hold of my dad five years ago

when his job started to go haywire.

And now, now when he is not working,

he's usually drinking and

passing out somewhere.

I just wish the dad that I used to know

would come around sometimes.

All right, let's go, I gotta get changed.

Class starts in 40 minutes.

Well, actually that's why I'm here.

Yeah, yeah, I know, let's go.

No, no, they canceled.

Mr. Warren was gutted last night

like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, what?

Yeah, yeah.

They found his body this morning.

Someone k*lled him last night.

Wait, wait, Jennifer was

grading tests with him.

Is she okay?

[Debbie] Jennifer?

Yeah, no, she's the

TA in our stats class.

Oh, oh, well, there you go.

I'm sleeping through that sh*t.

Oh my God, this is terrible.

[Debbie] Yeah, it is.

So, coffees and conversation?

About time you got here, you're late.

Traffic was a b*tch,

what do you want me to say?

You're a b*tch, I'm sick

and tired of covering for you.

You show up late one more

time, you're out on your a*s.

Well what, are you gonna

have Daddy fire me, Billy?

Go complain to Daddy

and watch what happens.

(Billy sighs)

(Debbie and Natalie chatter indistinctly)

Any suspects?

No, not that I've been told.

I just know he has been k*lled.

Had to be some disgruntled student.

Kids take grades way too seriously.

I guess so.

How are you holding up?

Why do you ask?

Well, it's no secret you go

missing in between classes.

You're not in the lunchroom.

You're not in the library.

- I'm at the green.

- The green?

Yeah, I find a nice little

bench and just sit there.

That's antisocial.

You're supposed to be mixing in

and breaking out of that shell.

I like my shell.

Okay, fine, but stop being antisocial.

Okay, it is antisocial.

But you know, I don't

click with most people.

Well, what about me?

Well, that's a stupid question.

Okay, I guess it is.

But I wanna see you mingle.

Greg and I are planning a double

date with his friend Steve,

and I think you would have a good time.

I'm sorry, I can't.

Why?

Well, I met a guy

and we're kind of in the beginning stages

of becoming a thing.

Oh yeah, do I know him?

His name's Jason.

He's in a few of our classes.

Okay, well point him out next time.

- Okay.

- Okay, so you have a guy

and that's good.

I'm worrying about you a lot less now.

Don't worry about me.

I'll always worry about you.

I love you to pieces, knucklehead.

Yeah, yeah, I love you too.

- Please.

- I guess.

Boom, chakalaka.

(Debbie and Natalie laugh)

Tonight,

blood will flow

on the streets

like a river.

[Group] Hail Satan.

They think that they

teach their children?

We will have the final say.

[Group] Hail Satan.

Our way

will become their law.

[Group] Hail Satan.

(leader laughs)

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

You're home late.

I was out with Deb.

What's the matter?

I saw on the news that

they found another body.

I'm getting less and less comfortable

with you going to that damn school.

I have to go, Mom.

Well, what about online?

You said you always wanted to do that.

It's okay, look, I am okay, Mom.

I know all about stranger danger.

This isn't a joke.

(door slams)

What's wrong, Dad?

They fired me.

They just let me go.

- What, why?

I fell asleep at my damn desk

because all the hours they

keep piling on top of me.

They sent me away for a drug test

and said I had too much

alcohol in my blood.

Can you fight it?

Hey, but, Mom, Dad, look.

This is a wake-up call.

You have to do something

about the drinking.

You don't get it, honey.

They'll nail you if you have one beer.

Well, you're having

more than a beer, okay?

No, I'm the father here

and I don't need your mothering.

Sweetie, why don't you

give us a minute, okay?

You have taken on way too much, okay?

This isn't like you.

You are the strongest man that I know.

You must not know any other men.

Come on.

No jokes.

I have looked away for far too long

because you were in so much pain

and I didn't wanna add to it.

But I am not going to look away anymore.

We are going to get you the

help that you need to kick this.

What, what, rehab?

No, no, no, no, no, look,

I'll pray really hard on it tonight,

but I'm not gonna have

some over educated jerk

tell me what I need to do.

If I had a problem, you

would tell me to solve it.

You would force me to address the issue.

Well, I'm gonna force

you to address yours now.

Pack up your sh*t and we're gonna go.

You're not forcing

me to do anything, Liz.

I'm sick and tired of

you and everyone else

imposing sh*t on me.

Well, I'm sick and tired

of picking up the pieces and pretending

that everything is normal

while you are passed out drunk

on the living room floor.

That is what I'm sick of.

I am sick of watching you k*ll yourself.

And I am not gonna do it anymore.

I'm not gonna stand by and

watch you k*ll yourself

one drink at a time.

So if you are not going to go to rehab

then you're getting the hell out.

(door slams)

(pensive music)

(ominous music)

(insects chirp)

Tonight,

we sacrifice this man

in the name of Satan.

Why are you doing this to me?

We spill his blood

in the honor

of our master.

God, help me.

- There is no help.

- God help me.

There is no help for you.

This man wants to know

why we're doing this.

You're weak

and pathetic.

(knife stabs wetly)

Why have You forsaken me?

[Group] Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

What's wrong?

Your dad left me.

He said I was too controlling

and he needed some time away.

He'll be back.

I think that I pushed

him too hard this time.

No, no, he needed to hear it.

Look, I know Dad.

He's sitting in some hotel somewhere

and it's only a matter of

time before he checks himself

into a rehab center.

He knows you're right.

He just needs to step

over his ego and admit it.

(Natalie sobs)

- Hey.

- Hey.

Can I trust you with some information?

Yeah, of course.

My dad used to be a detective.

There have been several murders

all linked one way or another.

So, a serial k*ller then?

No, a Satanic cult.

Those still exist?

Oh yes.

My dad said the leader has

this huge, goat head mask

and doing human sacrifices.

What?

I had a dream like that

just a couple nights ago.

I mean, I saw a cult in my dream.

What do you think that means?

I dunno.

Okay, so I used to think that I had

some sort of psychic

abilities when I was little.

I used to be able to pick

all the numbers on the wheel

at the fair.

At least, that's how I remember it.

Maybe you are psychic.

Maybe you can solve the case.

You might know exactly

who's doing the murders.

Yeah, like I'm not considered

weird enough already.

Just walk into the police station, say,

"Hi everyone, I'm Natalie

Parker, I'm a psychic.

Do you need any help

with your Satanic cult?"

Yeah, they would think you were crazy.

- Yeah.

- So let's keep this stuff

between us for now.

If you have any visions, let me know

and I'll try to tell my father

without actually telling my father.

Driving through our memories

You and me, we were making plans

To be forever, babe

I know you don't need me

But to see you and me,

we can make it happen

Be my forever, babe

Leave the light on for me

Honey, let me me down slowly

I've never been a

dreamer til I met you

I know I don't deserve it

But honey, I need it

I've never been a

dreamer til I met you

(ominous music)

[Cult Member] Hail Satan.

[Group] Hail Satan.

[Cult Member] Hail Satan.

[Group] Hail Satan.

[Cult Member] Hail Satan.

[Group] Hail Satan.

(suspenseful music)

Oh, sweet Natalie.

Fear not.

Your time has not yet come,

though

it will soon.

- [Natalie] Please don't.

- Don't beg.

Begging is for the weak.

You have to be strong,

strong so that you can be

in service to our master.

(suspenseful music continues)

(gentle music)

What are you doing out here?

- They came for me.

- Who?

The cult, they chased

me here last night.

Geez, that's all in your head.

We were talking about it,

you had this nightmare.

No, no, no, no, I

was awake, I was awake.

There's a state where you can be

awake and asleep at

the same time, sort of.

Maybe, I don't know.

Maybe that happened.

I don't know.

I'll catch up with you later.

- Okay.

- In class.

Bye.

- Hey, Nat.

- Hey.

Hey, what are you doing out here?

I guess I sleep walked or something.

People were telling me they seen

a weird girl walking

around in her pajamas.

And for some reason, you came to mind.

An educated guess, for sure.

Any updates on your dad?

No, I still haven't

heard anything from him

and I'm really getting worried.

Well, you should go talk to the police.

I mean, he left a note so

he's not technically missing.

Yeah, well have them

do a wellness check.

Remember, your dad is in

a dark place right now.

At least have the cops check on him

and then we'll have peace of mind.

I'll do that.

But not like that, though.

You should go home and

shower and look presentable.

You show up looking like that,

you look like you're

some homeless whack-job.

Hey (indistinct).

Sorry.

Natalie.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

It's fine, I wasn't

really waiting that long.

Good, what can I do for you?

So my father left my

mother a few nights ago and,

I'm sorry, I feel stupid being here.

No, that's all right, go on.

My father, he has this

problem with drinking

and my mom and I,

we called him out on

it a couple nights ago

and we haven't heard

anything from him since.

I mean, even the messages I

sent him aren't delivering.

I was hoping for a

wellness check, I guess.

I just wanna make sure that he's okay.

That's reasonable.

Do you have any idea where he's staying?

Not really.

I think a hotel somewhere, maybe.

Well, that's easy enough.

I'll make some calls and let

you know what I come up with.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you so much.

And good luck with the

Professor Warren case.

I really hope you find

the people that did it.

You knew Warren?

Yeah, I was one of his students.

- Sit back down.

- Okay.

Tell me about Warren.

What do you know?

What have you heard?

I haven't really heard anything

that hasn't been on the news, so.

Come on, Natalie.

You're in the mix.

You're talking to

students every single day.

There must be rumors.

I mean, I don't really

talk to a lot of people.

I'm usually alone.

You know, you said something

that I find very curious.

What did I say?

You said that you hoped we

found the people that did it.

You didn't say person,

you said people.

I really don't know who actually did it.

I just, I don't know.

I guess this kind of hit a

little close to home for me.

Do you want me to tell you

what I know about Warren?

Sure, yeah, I guess so.

Warren is the sort of slime

that made me wanna look the other way

when he was taken out.

I applaud the person that did it.

He's got some nasty sh*t on his record.

He got his degree in prison

and then the college hired him.

None of the parents were notified.

No child is safe.

And every single female

student I've spoken to

has said the same thing.

They said he was creep.

Was he a creep, Natalie?

Yeah, I suppose he was.

Let me rephrase that.

Was he a creep to you?

Yeah.

You have a world of potential, Natalie,

and you're throwing it all away.

I want to know why.

I swear I turned in those assignments.

If you turned them in,

I'd have them, wouldn't I?

I don't know why you don't have them.

I swear, I swear I turned them in.

You have a D average now.

What are we gonna do about that?

I can redo them.

There isn't enough time.

Then, then what?

Oh,

I'm sure we can think of something.

(Professor Warren laughs)

Same story across the board.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Can I go now?

Sure.

Stop at the front desk.

They'll give you some forms to fill out.

Thank you.

So how's Nat doing?

As okay as can be expected, I guess.

I really appreciate

you being there for her.

You're such a good friend

and she needs that right now.

It's easy to be her friend.

She's a great person.

So tell me about Jason.

Jason?

You know, her friend.

Him.

I mean, I would if I could.

I never get to meet him.

I had a feeling she'd hide him.

You know, she's just always so afraid

of being judged, you know?

She'll be fine, you know Nat.

She's a shy chick.

She'll open up.

- Hey, sweetie.

- Hello.

Look, who is here.

Yes, it's Debbie, but

thank you for telling me.

Well, I didn't want you to miss her.

You girls want me to

order some pizza for you?

- Yeah, sure.

- Sure.

I never turn down pizza.

Smart girl.

All right, you two.

It's been too long

since we've done this,

girls night with pizza.

Yeah, simpler times.

It's funny how we wanna grow up so quickly

and when we do, we wanna run back.

I think you're right.

I mean, I think I could be 15 forever.

Yeah,

they say the world is ahead of us,

but that world is pretty scary, isn't it?

It is.

I mean, I think about my

parents and I ask myself,

do I want that?

And if not, what's the alternative?

When we graduate, do

we just move on to jobs

and marriage and kids and that's that?

Seems that way.

I just hope I find a guy

that isn't so burdened

with demons like my father was.

Yeah, well, at least you recognize it.

You know what you're looking for.

I got no clue.

What the hell are you talking about?

You've got your sh*t together.

I mean, you're always out with somebody.

Yeah, and what does that tell you?

I got no clue, Nat.

I don't know, I just put myself out there

and hope that something clicks.

And so far, nothing.

I think we need to

focus on making our lives

the best ever.

I mean, I don't want a job to

crush me like my dad's did.

I don't wanna just spin my wheels.

I wanna make things count.

Does that include Jason?

I mean, I don't know.

I dunno.

We haven't gotten that far yet.

Well, how far have you gotten?

Not far at all.

We are still in the beginning stages,

just seeing where things go.

When do I get to meet him?

I don't know.

I mean, I'm not hiding him from you.

Let's set up a double date.

You, Jason, me, and

somebody, I'll figure it out.

All right, deal.

Now, how did the police station go?

Did you make a report?

Yeah, but I talked too much.

I brought up Professor Warren,

and now I think the detective

suspected I was involved.

What?

Yeah, no, I think they have no clues

and are just looking for

any clues or suspects.

So you are a suspect?

No, no, no, no, no.

I think they're just grasping at straws.

Ugh, Jesus.

Amanda Lane.

The decomposition, she must

have been k*lled a few days ago.

What's going on in this town, right?

It has a cancer.

The longer we let it go,

the more it will spread.

So we have to cut the

cancer out of this town

and do it right now.

All right, so what's

the story with Lane?

Another professor at the college.

Same college as Professor Warren.'

Yeah, she was a psychology professor.

Two dead professors.

We may have a college student

committing these murders.

[Detective] Yeah, maybe.

What other possibilities

do you have in mind?

I don't know, custodians?

I mean, they're not well vetted, right?

They could have criminal records.

Clean enough shitters in your lifetime,

you're bound to k*ll somebody.

Hey, I ever tell you I used

to work at Burger King?

- No.

- Yeah, I mean,

they blew that sh*t up every hour.

Jesus, they got so bad,

I was ready to pull an

U*i and k*ll everybody.

Instead, you went into law enforcement.

I like helping people.

My parents are so eager to meet you.

I'm not really eager to meet them.

Really?

Why not?

My head's not in a good place, Jason.

I don't know where the hell my dad is.

And your family's gonna

want something from me

and I don't know if I have

what they're looking for.

You have what I'm looking for.

That's all that matters.

That's what they want.

My family always wanted

me to do well in life.

And academically, I did.

Socially, not so much.

Why does that sound so familiar?

This party might be intimidating,

and my family is only scary

because it's easy to fear the unknown.

They're p*ssy cats.

All right, they are

going to love you, okay?

[Natalie] I promise

I won't embarrass you.

You're gonna make me look good.

I got myself into a

world full of trouble

I've been losing my

head, losing the battle

I drag myself downtown

but I'm not there

I got myself into a

world full of trouble

I reach for the stars

but I cannot go higher

I'm on a paper plane

flying into your fire

Did I ever tell you

you remind me of my wife?

I always assumed no woman

would ever put up with you.

Oh, never underestimate

the desperation of women.

If I am anything like your

wife, she must be awesome

but have really bad taste.

Yes.

Yes.

No, really though, you're

tough, you're smart,

you're resourceful, you're pretty,

you're a total b*tch,

you're dedicated and so on.

I heard what you threw in there, Adams.

I was hoping you wouldn't catch that.

Okay, so what's got you

in total b*tch mode?

This case, this whole thing.

And the fact that they're not

canceling school over this.

What else do they need?

Snow.

I am going to sh**t you, I swear to God.

(Detectives laugh)

[Cult Members] Hail Satan

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Do you know anything?

We don't have any suspects just yet,

but we do have some leads.

Do you think is the guy that k*lled

the other professor k*lled my sister?

I have no direct evidence

to support that just yet.

And I don't wanna

speculate or create panic.

Could just be a coincidence.

Okay.

Do you know anyone she's been seeing,

anyone she's been hanging out with?

She's didn't have a boyfriend.

Yeah, teaching was her life.

She even tutored kids on her own dime.

It's just who she was.

I wanna thank you for your time.

You are gonna catch the guy, right?

We're gonna take down

that son of a b*tch.

- Come in.

- Hi.

Oh, see?

What's up, he brought a girl.

Hello.

- Hi, hello.

[Dwight] I'm Dwight.

- I'm Natalie.

- [Dwight] Nice to meet you.

Natalie, come on in.

(tense music)

- Hi.

- Natalie.

Natalie, it's a pleasure to have you.

We've heard so much about you.

The pleasure's all mine.

My family move.

It's my lovely wife, Kristen.

Hello.

This is my niece, Ava, my dad, Bill.

Hello.

- Welcome.

- Thank you.

This sack of sour nuts, right?

Who are you?

What's his name again?

It's my cousin, Alex.

My dad's not really his biggest fan.

[Natalie] I see that.

Jason, I love Alex.

He's just not very impressive.

You know, you and your

insults are getting so old.

You know, I don't know how much longer

I'm gonna keep coming

to these family parties.

Oh, oh no.

You mean I get to have less

aggravation and more food?

You can keep your food

from the Dollar Store.

All families are f*cked up.

I want Natalie Parker

in my office tonight.

Not tomorrow, not next week,

tonight.

Move to a small town, they say.

I like working in a small town.

What could possibly happen?

What could happen?

What could happen?

Hell itself happened.

And I don't think the

devil's got his due yet.

[Natalie] So why do you guys celebrate

New Year's so early?

My grandmother started it,

indirectly, I suppose.

She had stage four cancer

and she wanted to make it to New Year's,

but when it was obvious

she wasn't gonna make it,

we threw this for her.

Now it's a tradition.

I'm sorry for your loss.

So, are you

Jason's mom?

Stepmom, actually.

I married his dad four years ago.

How's that going?

It's great, I love Dwight, love Jason.

It's a good life.

But coming in as a step-parent isn't

really a winnable situation.

You have to earn your way in, like me.

Not like you.

Jason has been a concern for a long time.

Concern, why?

You met his dad, he can't shut up.

Jason is the opposite.

He's shy, he's quiet.

We had to light a fire under

his a*s to go to college.

When he told us he was bringing someone,

we were so happy he was finally mingling.

He's a great guy,

a very gentle soul.

But don't worry, my parents

have the same concerns about me.

It's a new world.

I think my generation

needs to catch up to it.

Things operate differently.

You guys probably have

things in total control

and we just can't see it yet.

I mean, if you say so.

Warren,

Lane,

James Parker.

I'm telling you, she's connected.

Put 'em all together like

that, of course it's convincing.

You don't think she's involved?

She doesn't look like a k*ller.

How does a k*ller look?

Eye patch, tattoos, wielding a knife

or a g*n or screaming,

"I'm gonna k*ll you."

Well, if you see somebody

like that, let me know.

Maybe wearing a mask

made outta skin, hmm?

Ed Gein?

Oh, the "Chainsaw m*ssacre" thing.

That movie.

I don't,

I love that movie.

Okay.

So, what's your major?

Theology.

Bible chick.

No, chick that didn't

know what major to pick.

And my dad has a degree in it.

He's paying for my college,

so I wanted to make him happy.

Well, that makes Daddy happy.

Does that make you happy?

I don't know, I mean, I'm not unhappy.

I'm enjoying the experience

and who knows what the

future has in store for me?

Kind of just going with the flow.

I'll see what the future holds for me.

Hey, you know that saying,

you don't choose your

destiny, it chooses you?

Sure, I think so.

Don't get discouraged

or second guess yourself.

You'll find your path

you're supposed to be on.

I believe it.

So what do you do, Eva?

Actually, I'm in school full-time too.

Doing criminal justice.

You know, the family business.

We have cops, detectives,

lawyers, judges, you name it, we got it.

Alcoholics, drug addicts,

creepy uncles, you name it.

Oh, yeah.

We have skeletons in our

closet, that's for sure.

So considering your chosen fields,

are you following the murders?

Oh yeah.

So,

Jason's going to a school

where people are turning up dead.

How do you feel about that?

Okay, I guess.

I mean, Jason's kept his cool

and it's really helped my anxiety.

But I dunno,

I'm really worried.

My dad, he went missing a few nights ago

and I can't help thinking

that something bad has happened to him,

that it's connected to the m*rder somehow.

Listen, you gotta talk to Uncle Dwight.

He used to be the lead

detective in Springfield.

He'll know what's going on.

I don't wanna do it at the party.

Oh, it's nothing, come on.

Hey Uncle Dwight, we need

you in the living room.

It's important.

- [Debbie] Hello.

- Hi, Debbie.

Please have a seat.

What's going on here?

You're not in any trouble.

I just need a little bit of information

and then I'll cut you loose.

Cut me loose from what?

I'm not getting what the

hell's going on here.

You've heard of the murders?

Yeah, it's all over the news.

Sure is.

Well, we found another victim tonight.

I can't get into too many details,

but it's a piece of the puzzle

I find interesting.

Somebody you know may be connected.

Oh yeah?

Natalie Parker.

Oh Jesus.

And why is her picture up there?

Is this a joke?

I mean, she wouldn't hurt a fly.

You're misunderstanding me.

I'm not saying she's k*lling anyone,

but she might have some

information as to who is.

If she knew anything,

she would've told me.

She may not know what she knows.

She knows nothing.

She has no information

and I have no information.

There are 3,000 students in that school

and you're zeroing in on her, why?

Because she came to report

her dad missing, that's why?

I can't get into too many details.

Okay,

you can't get into any details,

but you want all sorts of details from me.

We are only doing our job, Debbie.

We have bodies with toe tags.

And if we don't find the delivery person

that's filling up the morgue,

we're out on our asses.

Detective,

I don't have any information.

I know her dad went missing

and she's dating a guy named Jason.

Well, tell me about Jason.

Well, I haven't met him yet,

but she says he is a good guy

and I know she wouldn't

accept anyone who isn't.

Can you do me a favor?

Of course.

Can you keep this

meeting between us for now?

I will be meeting with

Natalie and Jason soon.

They aren't in any trouble,

so there's no need to rattle them.

They're in no trouble?

No trouble for now, you mean?

I mean, what I said.

If they've done nothing wrong,

they are in no trouble at all.

Okay.

Okay, great.

Well, thanks for coming in to see us.

You're welcome, I guess.

Would you like me to

walk you to your car?

No thanks, I'll be fine.

You know there used to be a time

when women would k*ll to have

me walk them to their car.

Oh, so what time was that?

You know this job is

turning you into a mean woman.

I'm not gonna lie to you.

Something strange going on in this town.

A plague that's been

going on for a while now.

My hubby has a real talent for drama.

Don't get scared.

- [Natalie] I'm fine.

- So

in 2014,

I took on a case that convinced me

to walk away and never come back.

It started with complaints

of abuse at a daycare center.

But when I got to talking to the kids,

they expressed fear

of something actually going on underneath.

I think I actually heard

something about this.

You heard what you were allowed to hear.

The case was buried.

All the things that the kids expressed

were completely dismissed.

The center itself

carried on to about 2021,

and then it was eventually demolished.

As they began removing the rubble,

they found a hole underneath

that lead underground,

Satanic symbolism,

pentagram on the floor,

dried bloodstains everywhere.

What the kids feared was incredibly true.

As usual, my bosses dismissed it.

They didn't want to hear it then,

and they don't want to hear it now.

Why do you think that is?

Is it not obvious?

They're in on it.

- The cops?

- Yes, Natalie, the cops.

Have you ever actually met a good cop?

The press would have you to believe

that this is a group of drunk teens

running around k*lling animals.

Oh, no, no.

This is a blood cult

comprised of everyday people,

all walks of life.

They're on the hunt for

sacrifices even now.

If the cops are in on

it, then what do we do?

Nothing.

You see a guy in a robe,

run and don't look back.

I've already seen one.

[Dwight] You saw one?

Now, that's interesting.

I don't know, maybe it was just a dream,

but whatever the hell

it was, it felt real.

It was a guy in a goat head mask

and some other guys in black robes.

That's the trouble with cult members.

They hide their faces.

That's how they get away with it.

No, they get away with it

because they're the ones in charge

and they're not gonna arrest themselves.

What gets me is why are they

targeting faculty members,

college professors.

Any ideas, Natalie?

None, no.

We have no idea, Dad.

You're the one with

knowledge on this sh*t.

What's your best guess?

Why the murders and why are

they k*lling our professors?

I don't know.

Maybe it is

a cell of cult members inside the school

made up of faculty or sh*t,

even college kids probably.

I don't know.

One thing's for sure.

This cult leader is demanding sacrifices

and those college professors were

just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Papa, you should tell her your story.

That's a good one.

I don't wanna scare the young girl.

Natalie, this is a party.

You should be laughing, having fun.

[Natalie] No, it's okay.

No, now this is putting

a damper on the party.

Let's do something fun instead.

It's okay, Jason, I'm fine.

I wanna hear it.

All right, well, full warning.

My dad here was injured sometime

in the forest a while ago

and he's been on bed rest

for about four years now.

He watches way too much

(indistinct) channel.

So some recollection might

be a little exaggerated.

What I tell you is true.

It was many years ago.

I was driving on patrol, nighttime.

Car comes past me at high speed

and was swerving all over the road.

So, I pulled them over.

I got their keys and I

was checking the car.

In the trunk was a girl in a white gown.

She was tied up in there.

So of course, I went to

arrest them immediately.

And I was blinded by

some bright headlights.

Whoever I pulled over

wasn't traveling alone.

That car hit me, knocked

me down, knocked me out.

I was groggy, in and outta consciousness.

When I came to my senses, I was in a field

tied up to a cross,

face to face with a damn goat head.

It was a mask.

The cult leader,

they let me go that night,

but I got the message.

And the girl?

Couldn't tell you.

They must have k*lled her that night.

I wish there was something I

could have done to save her.

Uncle Dwight, her dad is missing.

Can you help her?

Well, have you reported it?

Yeah.

And what did they say?

Not much, they basically

treated me like a criminal.

No surprise there, they're useless.

Look, Natalie, you and I are gonna meet.

You are gonna bring me all

the information that you have.

I'm gonna pull together all my resources.

We are gonna find your dad.

Thank you, sir.

Don't call me sir, call me Dwight.

Thanks, Dwight.

Hey, where's your bathroom?

Down the hall on the right.

Jason, you might wanna check in on her.

Yes.

(tense music)

Natalie?

Mrs Parker?

(tense music escalates)

Is this Detective Trent?

(Natalie sniffs)

Hey, I'm sorry, that was too much.

- No.

- I should have set

ground rules, only happy stuff.

No, it's okay.

I'm okay.

I'm sorry for losing it for a second.

Your dad's missing and my family starts

telling horror stories.

It's easy to see why you got upset.

Look, I'm sure your dad's fine.

I hope you're right.

I am.

Okay, I'm good.

How are you doing?

Not good.

I'm not good at all.

My best friend is missing

and a second mother to me is dead

in a house that I nearly grew up in.

I'm so sorry.

I understand, but I need to find Natalie.

I know.

Listen, if you have any

other information about her,

you need to let us know

and we need to know now,

Her boyfriend's last name is Evans.

That's all I know.

And I have her cell phone number too,

but she's not answering.

Okay, I think we have that.

Look, let's track down this Jason Evans.

I'll find out what he's about.

Hey, I need some

information on Jason Evans.

He's a college student at the university.

(voices chatter indistinctly)

(upbeat music)

Slow the motion

Slow the road that you're on

Keep it going

Oh, full disclosure,

I'm not of drinking age.

I see, (indistinct).

Okay.

In the end, we are one

I have the passion

In my soul

Because I know that it's worthy

These affirmations

Let me know that I'm already perfect

(indistinct) yes, I am

100 miles up, say yes I can

Is it all us, say yes, I am

Yes, I am

Yes, I am

(indistinct) say, yes, I am

100 miles up, say yes I can

(indistinct, distorted singing)

(phone rings)

This is Trent.

It's about time you called me back.

Wait, hold on.

Say that again.

And this has been confirmed?

Okay, thank you.

I'm glad you're sitting down.

There is no record

of any Jason Evans taking any

classes at the university.

What?

What do you mean?

What I mean is Jason Evans

isn't who he says he is.

He's a shadow.

And your friend might be in great danger

if we don't find out

who this guy really is.

This isn't real.

This isn't real.

This is just a dream.

No, no, no, no, no.

Oh, no, no, not a dream.

More like

a nightmare.

No, Jason.

Jason, help me.

Help me.

Help her.

Help her, Jason.

(Dwight laughs)

Jason?

No.

I'm sorry, Nat.

I really did like you.

I wish we didn't have to do this.

You do what's commanded of you.

You do what is pleasing to our master.

Please, just let me go.

I can't do that.

You can't or you won't?

Nat, we need a virgin.

And try finding one at that school.

But don't worry, though.

Now your life has a purpose.

Remember, you told me you wanted one?

Now your life has purpose.

No, your religion is a lie.

You're following a f*cking lie.

A lie?

You're gonna learn the truth real soon.

So many people have dismissed us.

But you are gonna learn just like they did

that we are very real.

Did you k*ll my father?

Oh, you're upset enough as it is.

Nat, just relax.

Pain will only last a minute.

Now we offer up our

most precious sacrifice

to our master.

[Group] Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

Hail Satan.

She's not answering.

Can you ping her phone?

I'll try.

Nothing.

sh*t, keep trying.

Any last words?

I actually do.

[Dwight] What's that, sweetheart?

Thank you.

(Dwight screams)

[Cult Member] k*ll that b*tch.

(locked door rattles)

(Natalie yells)

Come on, now, let me in.

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on, Natalie.

Come on, come on.

(Alex yells)

Natalie.

Natalie, where are you?

(Alex yells)

(wet stabbing resounds repeatedly)

(tense music)

(Ava screams)

(tense music continues)

Holy sh*t, her phone pinged.

Hand it to me.

19 Corbus Street.

Adams, grab the car.

[Detective] Got it, anything else?

Yes, hit the noise and cherries.

Tell me how much she suffered.

I wanna hear every detail.

Are you gonna tell me or what?

Ava, you tell me right

now how she suffered.

How did that b*tch die?

With a knife through her throat?

(wet stabbing resounds)

(Kristen gasps and groans)

(tense music continues)

How you doing, Uncle Samuel?

Hello.

You know something, you can just leave.

Go ahead, right off the bat.

I'll hold people back here.

Go ahead.

(tense music continues)

All right,

okay.

All right, that's good.

All right, that's enough, that's enough.

That's it, the stairs.

(Samuel yells)

(wheelchair clatters)

(sirens blare)

What's our ETA?

[Detective] 30 minutes.

Step on it.

I'm doing 90.

If we go any faster, we'll

be traveling through time.

Hello, Jason.

I guess it's just you and me now

since I k*lled your entire family.

Thank God,

you saved me.

[Natalie] I saved you?

I wasn't even their kid.

I was a foster kid.

They only took me in to help them k*ll.

They said if I didn't

help them, they'd k*ll me.

They didn't give a sh*t about me.

Oh, so you would k*ll

me to appease them?

Never.

You and I are meant for each other.

I love you.

I love you.

And

now we can be happy.

I mean, we can travel the

world, say f*ck these assholes.

Be free.

Just forget this.

Forget all the murders.

I never m*rder*d anyone.

I did.

No, that was self-defense.

My scumbag family did it all.

I'll testify to that.

And you and I can live happily ever after.

(wet stabbing resounds)

(Jason gasps)

(wet stabbing resounds)

Debbie, I need you to stay back.

Adams, call it in.

Natalie.

Natalie.

- Oh my God.

They tried to k*ll me.

They did.

You're safe now, you're safe now.

Natalie, what am I

going to find in there?

Hell,

pure hell.

I'm putting you in handcuffs

for your safety and ours.

(Debbie sobs)

They were the ones k*lling people.

And Jason, he was with them too.

They were f*cking Satanists.

Oh my God.

But I k*lled them.

I k*lled them, Deb.

I k*lled them all.

I'm just happy you're safe now.

You can't trust these detectives.

They're probably Satanists too.

That's what Dwight said.

Well, who's Dwight?

Jason's dad.

This is not a home.

It's a butcher shop.

How many bodies?

Five, six, I don't know.

Still got a couple rooms to go.

Jesus Christ, it's a nightmare.

[Detective] Yeah.

Well, thank God the girl survived.

I wouldn't thank God for that.

[Debbie] How's Natalie doing?

Well, she's told a tremendous story

about a Satanic cult,

about a boyfriend named Jason Evans

and so much more.

But there's a catch.

What?

None of What she said is real.

She made up the cult.

She made up the boyfriend.

So Jason, why are you here?

You're a creep.

No, no.

She's created all of it in her mind.

I'm sorry, I'm lost.

Apparently,

she felt that she didn't

have an interesting life.

She didn't have a boyfriend.

She didn't have a social life.

Her father was an alcoholic.

She was very depressed

and began fantasizing about a new life.

She craved something interesting.

(Professor Warren yells)

So, she made up the cult.

She made up the perfect

guy as a boyfriend.

So none of it was real?

Well, what about that

family at that house?

That was Jason's family, wasn't it?

Hi, may I help you?

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

What are you doing?

Hi, I'm Natalie.

The pleasure's all mine.

No, no, no, no, who are you?

Get you need, you need, no.

Jason told me all about you.

No, no, no.

Look, you need to leave

and you need to leave now, young lady.

Well, babe, babe,

babe, call the police,

this girl's on something.

It was just a normal,

middle class family

that

Natalie believed was a cult

that wanted to k*ll her.

So it was just some innocent family?

Did she k*ll her mother too?

It looks that way.

She told me that her

mother was in the cult too.

We're still investigating.

She said everywhere she went,

she saw cult members.

[Debbie] Oh,

this is so unbelievable.

She's waiting for her lawyer.

(window bangs)

It's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I can't help but feel

it's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I'm closing all feeling

I couldn't breathe when I didn't know

I'm losing sleep while

your (indistinct)

I wasn't scared that you (indistinct)

All I wanted was to love

(indistinct)

It's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I can't help but feel

it's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I'm losing all feeling

(indistinct)

I didn't know if I

wanted to be friends

(indistinct)

I didn't know if I

wanted to be friends

It's not you, it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I can't help but feel

it's not you it's me

Thinking of eternity

Tell me what you want

I'm losing all feeling

Thank you for meeting me like this.

I don't really know how all this works,

but with you by my side, think I'm okay.

So do you think I'll

be outta here by 5:00?

I like your chances.

(tense music)