(Thunder crashing)
*
There.
Okay.
That's my mom?
(Laughing)
Liam!
(Lightning crashing)
What is that?
(Woman screaming)
(Electricity crackling)
(Thunder rumbling distantly)
(Woman gasping)
(Dog barking)
(Gasping)
FEMALE REPORTER 1:
County Dispatch was inundated
about a loud boom
shaking houses.
FEMALE REPORTER 2:
And these pictures are
streaming in--
(Audio warbled)
--Chicago, New York,
and Washington, D.C.
Some of these pulls
have been accompanied
by huge, bright flashes.
(Voices garbled)
FEMALE REPORTER 3:
Good morning, everyone.
This what has so many people...
(Indistinct audio)
trees and the power lines,
a virtual minefield
in the streets...
(Thunder crashing)
MALE REPORTER 1:
...Power of the storm.
The winds are pretty strong,
and the Category 1
hurricane with gusts...
FEMALE REPORTER 4:
At least 14 confirmed dead...
(Indistinct radio chattering)
*
I've specified the assumptions
unsupported by evidence.
A revision with
further quantitative data
to support the hypothesis
would put the research
in good standing to be approved.
What assumptions?
Um, three variables
for instance.
Yes, but it would be impractical
to isolate and test each one.
We can proceed
with a Factorial Experiment.
It doesn't look good authorizing
funding on a long sh*t.
What about the risk in not
furthering this research?
Look, Nigel,
I've been collecting data
for over a year now.
Below the 60th parallel south,
hmm?
That region's had low pressure
findings for over four decades.
The possibility
of an atmospheric shift
that would catastrophically
increase storm severity--
Jamie, you don't have
the evidence to support it.
You understand?
I look forward
to your follow-up.
Enjoy your holiday.
Oh, by the way,
you're aware
of the storm system
tracking northwest
from Wisconsin?
Yeah.
There are cottages in Chisholm
40 miles south of its path.
Good. Enjoy yourself.
Hi.
Hey.
I heard.
Sorry.
Yeah.
I'll keep my eye out
for those warning signals
while you're gone.
You mean the sky darkening
due to atmospheric pressure?
You know, I think some time off
would do you some good.
Sometimes distance
offers perspective.
(Chuckling)
You know what?
You are right.
LARA:
Wow.
It looks like you're taking
a real vacation.
Yeah.
First one
since my honeymoon.
Have fun.
(Video game music playing)
Kylie?
Hey, can I come in?
Give me a sec.
I'm almost done.
Well, we're leaving
in 10 minutes,
so pack them or put them away,
okay?
Ten minutes. I'm packed.
LIAM:
Like, why are you mad?
It's just a couple days
with my family.
No, you know
I won't have my phone.
I just-- I'll call you if I can,
but I--
Krista?
Hello?
You all right?
Yeah.
Laundry. We're leaving
in 10, okay?
Thanks.
Yeah.
Hey, don't leave
any food in your room.
I don't want to have to come
back and hunt for the smell.
That's why I eat fast food.
It never goes bad.
Well, neither does the wrapper
it comes in,
so you should eat that too
if you're going to defend it.
So when are you
coming up with Nana?
Probably this afternoon,
maybe tomorrow morning.
Depends how she feels.
Okay, cool.
Hey, buddy,
can you do me a favour?
Take your sister out
while you're up there?
Activities.
Keep her busy.
Okay. You got it, Mom.
Thanks.
(Phone line ringing)
Get it in while you can.
That's the plan.
What are you
doing anyway?
Controlling
the universe.
Great. Care to send
something my way?
KYLIE:
It doesn't work that way.
It only controls through
thr*at of mass destruction.
That's wonderful, honey.
Hey. Perfect timing.
Hi.
Yeah, well it's much easier
to leave on time,
when the kids
can pack for themselves.
Well, not for me.
I have to ask Kylie 10 times
before she listens.
Guess you have the touch.
No, I have the look.
I know you're joking,
and it still terrifies me.
(Both laughing)
You okay to drive?
You-- You got a good sleep
last night?
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
Hey, Kylie,
not in the front, okay?
Why?
Megan is, uh...
(Clearing throat)
She's coming?
Yeah.
Ky, can you just give us
a few seconds, Kylie?
Wow, Jamie.
I called,
left you a message.
When is she coming?
Today.
Today?
Yeah, we're picking her up
right after this.
Is there a problem?
Tomorrow we are
commemorating Dad,
which is the only reason
Mom and I are coming.
It's one day, Jamie.
Have her come on Monday.
I called twice.
I left messages both times.
Did you ask?
What?
When you called, did you ask
if I was okay with it?
Yes, of course.
Well, I'm not.
You didn't return my call,
I assumed it was okay.
(Laughing)
Okay, Jamie.
Look, Charlie I--
I've been with Megan
for almost a year now.
Oh, I'm so glad
you can count to one.
Because, you know I forgot,
after 15 years.
Charlotte--
CHARLOTTE:
This is ridiculous, Jamie!
Do you know how easy
this could be?
JAMIE:
I called.
Communicate!
That's it.
I can't wait
to move out.
All right, time to go, guys.
Wait. Hand me the phones.
Both of you. Both of them.
Your mom and I made a deal.
Let's go.
LIAM:
Shotgun.
Hold on, Liam.
I'm going to have Megan, uh...
Whatever.
Good times.
(Indistinct chattering)
(Engine starting)
*
(Thunder rumbling)
And don't forget my olives
for the spaghetti sauce.
I got it, I got it. Go.
How many days
are we going for?
One. Two tops.
A lot of people coming.
I just wonder if we have
enough food.
Mom, we're never
going to get there
if you don't go upstairs
and pack.
Please, I would like
to leave today.
Don't forget the pickles.
Okay. Thank you.
Hey, Ky.
Why don't you tell Megan
about your science project.
Hmm?
Okay.
I did a science project.
So, our science projects
involve local recycling.
Donations graciously
from the fish factory.
So, to answer your question,
no dissections.
LIAM:
Yes, while that is gross,
when we did the rat
dissections,
some dude cuts off
the tail,
wraps it around his neck,
wears it for like a week.
Hmm, very fashion-forward.
A tie and cologne in one.
He sounds cool.
Yeah, maybe you should
take him to the prom.
I've a cow's eye dissection
coming up.
That could be my corsage.
Kylie, come on,
that is sick.
Liam.
Dad, that is sick.
Do you want me to apologize
for that?
Yes.
Kylie, do you want me
to apologize?
No.
Well, okay, then.
Let's hit the road.
LIAM:
Would it k*ll you
to be a little nicer?
JAMIE:
This is fun!
(Engine starting)
(Thunder crashing)
(Indistinct chattering
over TV)
FEMALE REPORTER:
...Travelled 28 miles
from a storm hub
north of Saginaw,
striking a series
of power lines
and a young man who was walking
nearby with his girlfriend.
Tragically,
he was k*lled instantly.
(Man speaking indistinctly
over TV)
(Thunder rumbling)
(Dialling)
Who are you calling?
Jamie.
There's nothing you can do
about it now.
(Cell phone ringing)
(Vibrating)
Hello?
Hello.
Are you planning on having her
come on our hike?
Let's-- Let's talk
about this later.
No. We're talking about it now.
My mom hasn't even met her yet.
Hello?
I'm driving.
I shouldn't be on the phone.
This is a family tradition,
Jamie.
Let's talk about it tonight.
So you are planning
on bringing her then.
Okay, bye.
Jamie...
(Dial tone buzzing)
(Dialling)
Now you're just
embarrassing yourself.
Yeah, thank you
for your running commentary.
The only thing running
is your temper.
JAMIE, OVER ANSWERING MACHINE:
Hi, you've reached Jamie.
Leave a message.
Damn it, Jamie.
Let it go.
*
(Inaudible chattering)
It's 33 miles, not 28.
You're sure?
Okay, thanks.
That's 3 miles
past the record.
Great.
America loves
breaking records.
(Lara laughing)
(Phone ringing)
Lara speaking.
RANDALL, OVER PHONE:
It's Randall.
There was another bolt
from the blue strike.
Really?
It traveled north 36 miles.
Thirty-six?
My feelings exactly.
I'll keep you posted.
Okay. Thank you.
*
(Lightning crashing)
CHARLOTTE:
Oh! Oh, sh--
Oh, gosh!
Are you okay?
Yeah, are you?
Uh-huh.
Charlotte, get back
in the car.
Charlotte!
(Thunder crashing)
CHARLOTTE: Roll up the window.
MILLY: Why?
Because if we're struck
with a window down
the current
will come inside.
No, we have rubber tires.
No, that's a myth.
We're safe inside a car because
it acts like a Faraday cage.
A what?
A sealed enclosure
with a conductive surface.
The frame is metal,
so as long as there's
no gaping holes
like the window,
the current will pass along the
outside and go to the ground.
Okay.
(Laughing)
Wow, I know way too much
about this from Jamie.
And thank goodness you do.
(Both sighing)
Okay.
(Exhaling)
(Lightning crashing)
(Cell phone ringing)
(Turns ringer off)
Oh, Megan, when we get up
the mountain road here,
we lose cell phone service,
so I'd use it now
if you need to.
Okay. Thanks.
Oh, so, she gets
to use her phone?
Oh, come on, Ky.
Dad, take a joke.
Charlotte and I decided
the kids couldn't use their
cell phones for the weekend.
How old were you guys
when you got one?
I was 11.
Liam was 13.
Yeah.
Wow, 11.
Well, that feels
really young.
And do you like it?
Having a phone?
Yeah, just being in constant
contact with your peers.
You can't get away.
Last year there was an 88%
increase in cyberbullying.
I've never been bullied,
so I like it.
Good.
(Cell phone ringing)
(Turning ringer off)
JAMIE, OVER ANSWERING MACHINE:
Hi, you've reached Jamie.
I can't take you call.
Leave a message-
Hi, Jamie.
Two boys were k*lled
from one bolt in Duluth.
This is very serious.
Please keep the kids inside.
And call me.
RADIO BROADCASTER:
...Struck without warning.
He wasn't discovered
till his roommate came home
and called 911.
By the time the ambulance and
firefighters got to the scene,
he was already
presumed dead.
Today's weather reports
have failed to indicate...
Can you text him
and just say,
"Turn on the news.
It's very serious. Call me."
...Verified sightings,
a bolt from the blue.
All within the last hour.
Officials are unaware
of the total death toll,
and are asking the public
to stay indoors.
If you need
to travel anywhere...
The text won't go through.
*
(Lightning crashing)
It's really hot up here.
JAMIE:
It'll air out soon enough.
Liam.
Yo.
Come up here.
How gross is it
up there?
Not as gross
as down there.
I got it.
You got it?
Okay.
You know, I don't even
like these.
Yes, you do.
Nope.
(Laughing):
You do.
Here, catch.
(Thunder crashing)
I was expecting it to have
burnt to the ground.
Well, not all of life
is a metaphor.
But, yeah, wow,
it took a b*ating.
So all of life
is a metaphor.
So, what do you
want to do?
Nothing.
Staying up here
all week
so Dad gets super worried
and awkward around Megan.
You know, she's really
not that bad.
So, what,
you like her now?
No, she's just...nice and--
I don't know.
"Do you guys like
having phones?"
As if we're some human
subspecies.
Okay, first of all,
no one will ever
call you human.
Second of all,
she could be a lot worse.
Did Dad ask you
to talk to me about her?
No.
Swear?
Yeah, I swear.
Mom wanted me to make sure
we did "activities" together,
but nothing with Dad.
Well, I guess
I can tell you
that Mom asked me
to watch out for you too.
What'd she say?
To make sure you don't get
too big a head.
Okay, uh, one:
not English.
And, what?
"I have never
been bullied."
Yeah, I haven't.
Yeah, but who says that?
That's like me saying,
"I've never gone a day
in my life being hungry."
You haven't
I know, but you wouldn't say
that to someone who's starving.
Oh, okay, so you think
Megan was bullied.
I don't. I also think
Dad wouldn't care,
because he wouldn't realize
if he was being bullied.
And you like
getting bullied.
If you can't join them,
then don't.
Any moment,
is my prediction.
What?
LARA:
Wait till you see this.
Did you check the update on the
Vertical Temperature Profile?
No.
I'm going to go check.
(Thunder rumbling)
KYLIE:
Liam! Liam!
Yeah?
If we can get Dad to drive us
to the bike path, I'll come.
Why? You hate biking.
Yeah, but today I don't,
because then I don't
have to go to the waterfall
with Dad and Gag-an.
Okay, um,
here's the thing.
I'm not going
to the bike path.
I'm going into town
to call Krista.
Oh, your girlfriend.
"Aw, I miss you so much.
It's been three hours!"
Whatever.
Something that you--
You need to know about me.
Oh, yeah?
Yup.
I hate waterfalls,
so the only way that you can
get me to go
is if you carry me...
kicking and screaming.
All right, so what you're saying
is you don't want to go?
Correct.
But I thought you wanted to.
It's not about me.
It's about Kylie.
She's just being a teenager.
It's all a phase,
like you said.
But that was in hindsight.
Of course.
Jamie, I...
I told you
that I was grateful
that my parents
didn't stick around
for the sake
of the kids.
You know, that they got divorced
when they did.
Right, and this is why--
But it's not how it felt
at the time.
It felt terrible.
My parents became
these whimsical,
unreliable creatures.
"Creatures"
is a little strong.
Look, Kylie's learning that--
That anyone can break her trust,
even a mom or a dad.
But this is what
I don't want.
But we all learn that
eventually.
The point is,
for her to move forward,
she needs to learn
how to trust herself.
And you can't
figure that out for her.
Look I'm going to be around
all week,
and I am hoping that she can
forget that for a little while
so she can
enjoy herself.
That is not true.
She likes you.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Hmm.
Please go, the two of you,
to the waterfall.
Listen to her.
Okay?
I will,
raptly, to all 10 words
she'll speak to me.
Okay, I'll try.
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Hmm.
(Chuckling)
(Lightning crashing)
JAMIE:
Kylie. you ready?
Yeah.
Where's Megan?
Is she laggin'?
She's just staying behind.
Why?
She just wants
to read and relax.
(Sighing)
(Laughing):
Come on, let's go.
This'll be fun.
Chop, chop.
*
If the Earth is trying
to neutralize
through positive lightning,
it means the Earth's crust has
increased its negative charge.
So either the Earth's core
has an increased pressure...
Which it isn't.
...or there's a compromised flow
of protons from the sun.
Hmm.
Yeah.
JAMIE, OVER ANSWERING MACHINE:
Hi, you've reached Jamie.
I can't take your call.
Leave a message.
(Lightning crashing)
*
JAMIE:
I love it out here.
Isn't this awesome?
Yup.
Do you want to walk in front?
No, I'm good.
You're just
right behind me.
Just, I want to make sure
that when we get there
we have enough time to eat,
to drink--
Drown.
Kylie.
Well, if you're stressed
about time, just go back now.
Oh, no, no, no.
We are doing this.
I'm taking the lead.
Try and keep up.
LIAM: What the hell was that?
FATHER: What are you doing?
Come inside!
(News reporter speaking
indistinctly over TV)
Uh, hello.
FEMALE REPORTER:
Now it looks like another
network of floods.
Get your umbrellas
if you're going out.
Possible thunderstorms
for the next few hours.
Cloudy tomorrow, with a 50%
chance of precipitation.
NEWS BROADCASTER:
The fire we reported
is still burning
out of control.
A three-block area
has been evacuated.
You might want to avoid
that route on the way home.
And there was another drive-by
sh**ting today downtown.
It appears to be
g*ng-related...
(Phone line ringing)
Do you smell that?
What?
It's a metallic
kind of burnt-like scent.
It's called
the forest, Dad.
So where's everyone
sleeping tonight?
Uh, well, Mom and Nana
are in the bedroom,
and I brought a tent.
Is Mom still coming?
Of course.
She seemed
kind of pissed.
That makes it a guarantee
she'll come.
(Laughing)
So did Megan know
Mom was coming?
Yeah, yeah.
She looked forward to it.
No kidding.
Kylie, that's enough.
What? Tomorrow was
about Grandpa.
For once, a weekend
that's not about her.
Megan is here, okay?
That's the last
I want to hear about it.
(News reporter speaking
indistinctly over TV)
Here.
Thanks.
Sure.
Still no luck
with your folks?
No.
So, what were you doing
out there?
We just didn't know
about the storm.
And they're all
at the cottage?
No.
My sister and my dad,
they went hiking to this stream
that we go to.
Well, they would be back by now,
wouldn't they?
I don't think so.
They were planning
on having dinner there,
and then maybe
hiking back at sunset.
Thousands of residents in the
Twin Cities
and surrounding areas
are without electricity.
It remains unclear
exactly how many people
have been k*lled or hurt.
We do know there are
16 confirmed fatalities,
and close to 30 injured.
Okay, I'm going to go
and get started on some dinner.
LIAM:
No. Thank you for everything.
But I'm going to go.
Go where?
To the stream.
I have to.
MOTHER:
No, you cannot go out there.
Uh, can you just...
hang here
for a second, honey?
I guess. I...
Take a breath.
Have some water, okay?
(Sighing)
*
You sure you don't want
to walk over to the lookout?
Yup.
It's-- It's just over there.
Suit yourself.
I thought we were
leaving soon.
Fifteen minutes.
VIDEO BROADCASTER, OVER TV:
We have Nigel Green
here with us today.
Nigel, what is the difference
between positive
and negative lightning?
Or are they about the same
when it strikes?
NIGEL:
Positive lightning
rarely strikes
due to the increased distance
it must travel to make contact.
I think that guy
works with my dad.
The meteorologist?
Yeah. Yeah, apparently
he's a d-bag.
NIGEL:
Seeking to neutralize
by striking a target
of opposite charge.
A potential increase in the
earth's crust's negative charge
could account for these
new occurrences.
He's totally doing the,
"Don't worry, citizens.
We have this
under control."
Yeah. Totally.
MOTHER:
So we're just going to let him
walk out that door?
FATHER:
If I drive that boy up there
and something happens to him
on the way, that's on us.
*
Charlotte, could you please
be more careful?
We're almost there.
It doesn't matter.
It will matter if you drive us
off the side of the road.
Driving 10 miles slower
won't make a difference.
It might.
(Thunder crashing)
Kylie, you got to come look!
The sky is absolutely gorgeous!
So take a photo!
(Thunder crashing)
I can't stay here
any longer.
I don't see how you going out
there is going to help anything.
I don't know. I'll figure
it out. They could need me.
But then it's the three of you
stuck up there with a bike.
How does that help?
I don't know.
You coming?
Uh, you can drive?
(Tires screeching)
CHARLOTTE:
Oh, thank God.
We made it.
No thanks
to your driving, dear.
(Thunder crashing)
Kylie?
Kylie.
What?
Get-- Get out of the water!
Let me go!
(Groaning)
Dad! Dad!
Dad! Dad! Daddy!
Kylie? Liam?
Charlotte.
Hi.
Where are the children?
Oh, sorry,
everyone went out.
Hi, I'm--
Where did they go?
Uh, Liam,
he's gone mountain biking.
And Kylie and Jamie,
they went for a hike.
Where?
Uh, I think Liam said something
about a biking path.
And Kylie and Jamie, they were
going to go to the waterfall,
but I think they ended up
going to the streams.
Nice to meet you--
Did they take
the walkie-talkies?
You want batteries?
I don't think so.
What's going on?
There's a very big
storm coming.
It's coming here?
Any moment.
I wouldn't go outside
if I were you.
You could get hit
by lightning.
Lightning?
(Thunder rumbling)
KYLIE:
Dad! Dad!
Dad!
Dad! Daddy!
Dad!
(Groaning)
Dad!
(Grunting)
Kylie, you okay?
Yeah. Dad, Oh, my God,
I'm so sorry.
Ah. It's okay.
Dad, your leg.
It's okay. Wait, wait.
I'm okay. We got to go.
No, no, no.
Aah!
Did you see where
that lightning bolt came from?
There was only one thunderstorm
40 miles north of us.
Forty miles.
We got to go to the cabin.
Dad--
We got to go the-- Aah!
Dad.
I need my walking sticks.
Get the walking sticks.
Okay, stay there.
(Groaning)
(Lightning crashing)
(Inaudible)
Any more?
Jamie?
No.
Confidential, I know.
And our duty to protect
public safety?
We identify the areas
high in phosphate or sulfate,
those being most vulnerable
to attract positive lightning,
then we warn the public
to avoid these areas
during a thunderstorm.
And that's it?
Yeah. It's the job.
(Thunder rumbling)
Okay, Megan, you drive
to the stream.
Take this.
The signal in the hill
is brutal,
but at least
it's something.
Can you write her out
directions?
Sure.
What are you
going to do?
I'm going for the bike path.
You should stay here
in case someone comes back.
Okay.
I don't know
what's going on.
No one does.
Do you know how much gas
Jamie had in his car?
MEGAN:
Yeah, we, uh--
We just filled it up on our way.
CHARLOTTE:
Good.
Did he take his backpack?
Yeah.
The keys aren't here,
which means they're probably
in his backpack.
Okay, you keep that on.
Buzz me if something
changes.
I'm going for Liam,
and then to the stream.
I'm coming with you.
No, it's okay.
Charlotte, Megan should
go with you.
Keep this on.
(Jamie grunting)
Aah!
Damn it!
How about I walk in front,
and you lean on me for balance?
No.
I want you--
I want you to go back
to the cabin.
Tell Megan she needs
to call Lara Granger.
Dad, I'm not leaving you.
You have to.
We don't have time
for me to get there.
If you go now--
Dad, I'm not leaving you!
Just grab me the notepad
from my backpack.
You have to get
out of here.
You have to get
to a shelter. Here.
Aah!
Give this to Megan, okay?
Tell her--
Dad, I am not leaving you!
We're going back
together!
You're not listening to me!
You never listen!
Fine. Let's go.
We've got to move.
(Grunting)
(Thunder rumbling)
So how come you didn't go
with your family on the hike?
Just felt like riding.
I didn't know they were going
until I was leaving.
And things were getting
really weird at the cabin.
How come?
Well, my parents split
like two years ago.
We haven't
been back since.
And then my grandpa passed away
last year.
We have this whole
tradition thing we do,
so we're making
a really big deal of it.
Like, my nana and my mom
are coming up.
Then Dad brought his girlfriend,
and things got weird.
So I rode into town
to call my...
call my friend.
(Grunting)
*
I feel like we should've
been there by now.
Yeah, this...
this feels far.
Well, maybe I took a wrong turn.
Should I turn around?
No!
No, let's go
a little further.
(Engine starting)
Liam!
Liam!
Liam!
Liam!
Liam!
Did you see him?
No.
Charlotte, he's not here.
We need to get back--
You don't know.
You don't have kids.
If he is injured,
if he's in the forest--
Charlotte, get in the car!
No!
Liam's not here.
No one is here.
And if he's out there,
he needs you to find him.
Please.
(Walkie-talkie crackling)
Milly, it's Megan.
We're at the bike path.
Liam's not here.
(Jamie clearing throat)
(Thunder rumbling)
Come on.
No, no, no.
We should rest longer.
We don't have time.
Help me up.
Okay.
Let's go.
I don't know if there's going
to be a better place
to turn around.
There has to be somewhere.
But it's only gotten
more narrow, though.
(Sighing)
Liam, I'm so sorry.
No, it's-- It's fine.
It's not your fault.
But you wanted
to get to your family.
I know,
but they'll be okay.
They'll be okay.
(Lightning crashing)
Whoa!
Where is that lightning
coming from?
I have no idea.
Um, look, maybe we should just
wait out the storm here?
LARA:
There's been an increase
in ozone content
in every target area.
By how much?
Two PPM's.
So check atmospheric
pressure.
I made a call
for a sample.
Good.
*
MEGAN:
Is that Liam's bike?
(Lightning crashing)
CHARLOTTE:
Yeah, it's Liam's.
Do you know
whose bike that is?
This is my son's bike.
Well, did you find them?
Find who?
This is my son's bike.
Is he okay?
Your son took my daughter,
stole our truck,
and went back
up the mountain.
Your-- Your daughter?
You have to find them.
You have to help me find them.
(Thunder crashing)
Come in.
ANNOUNCER, OVER RADIO:
Although Duluth and Minnesota
are no longer within bolt
from the storm cloud,
the National Weather Institute
advises all residents
of Northwest Minnesota
to remain inside until
their safety is assured.
Latest figures: 38 fatalities
and over 150 injuries.
This is Alonzo Dennigan with
your weekend weather report.
The lightning storm has slowed,
everybody down this weekend
and is showing no signs
of letting up this week.
Charlotte?
Charlotte are you there?
(Walkie-talkie crackling)
Charlotte if you can hear me,
no one is back here.
...No humidity in the air,
so it feels quite comfortable
here at the moment.
There is no rain
in the forecast
for the next five days.
But we do expect a visual
lightning bolt activity.
There have been reports of...
Nana!
Oh, my gosh!
Jamie!
Aah!
Jamie, what's wrong?
Dad, are you okay?
What happened?
What happened?
There was lightning, and...
Dad, I didn't know
what to do.
I need to sit up.
Get up.
Is Liam back?
Where is everyone?
I-- I don't know.
Well, you tell me.
My husband has been out
searching for them
for the last hour
and he hasn't found...
My son doesn't even drive.
Well, Bailey has never done
anything like this before.
Neither has Mother Nature.
He was going to bike
if we didn't drive him.
CHARLOTTE:
Bike where?
Well, I guess to warn you guys
about the storm.
To the cabin?
No, to the stream.
So that's where they went
in the truck?
Yeah, except my husband has been
to every stream
in the area,
up and down,
and he hasn't found anything.
What does your truck
look like?
It's a black pickup.
Okay.
We're going to bring
your daughter back.
Let's go.
No AP change.
There's been an increase in
ozone, and then the sky colour,
but no connection
with atmospheric pressure.
So, what is it?
A fluke.
Obviously there's a relationship
between increased ozone
and this storm.
But...
we're not going to find out
wasting our time with this.
(Sighing)
I can't believe
I didn't bring my laptop
Careful.
Mom, are you there?
I'm with Dad and Nana.
We're heading to the hospital,
but everyone's okay.
I'm trying.
Okay. Everybody in?
They must have
already gone.
No, no. We would've--
We would've seen them.
Maybe they've already
gone back to the cabin
We would have crossed paths
with them.
Milly, you there?
(Static crackling)
You're right.
Unless they turned up
to go to the cabin.
Just in case
they can hear us.
Megan and Charlotte. We think
Liam's gone back to the cabin,
so we're headed back.
Let's go.
(Engine starting)
(Lightning crashing)
Still no service.
Come on, come on.
Yes.
Dad.
(Phone line ringing)
What?
Are we almost
at the hospital?
Yeah, I've got to make
this call first.
Your legs need
to get looked at.
Don't worry.
We'll be there soon, okay?
You mentioned
your grandpa.
What was that tradition
he started with your family?
Oh, um...
okay, so Grandpa had
this crazy philosophy
that you always need
a climbing rope on you
whenever
you're in nature.
So a couple years back he goes
on this hike with my dad,
and of course my dad
forgets the rope.
So Grandpa,
being a total hard-ass,
makes him go
all the way back to get it.
And then, to make sure
he really learns his lesson,
he cuts off a piece of the rope
and ties it around a tree.
That's it.
Wait, are you the family
that ties the rope to that tree?
Yeah.
Why-- Why do you know that?
(Laughing):
That's hilarious.
I know that tree.
People talk about it in town.
Really?
Yeah, you're like, famous.
Cool.
So then what happened?
Nothing, really.
We just sort of
kept doing it.
You know, every year,
same tree, same yellow rope.
That's cool.
Kind of.
*
Thank you.
Hey!
And what are you doing
out of bed?
I'm fine.
Really?
What's this dripping
into your arm?
It's for hydration.
Okay, let's lie down
and let it hydrate.
Milly--
Jamie, lie down.
(Sighing)
The doctor said
you'll be okay.
Yeah, they-- They said the
weakness was only temporary.
Hey, you okay?
I still can't reach Mom.
Mom, and Liam will be fine.
Now, what I need
from you
is to go up to one of the higher
floors and keep trying, okay?
The reception's much better
up there.
(Zipper rasping)
Okay.
You have to work?
Well, Ky, this time it's much
more than just my job.
You take it easy.
Okay, thanks.
Thanks, Milly.
Damn it, where's my phone?
Okay, here we go.
FEMALE NEWSCASTER:
Burning a hole right through
the apartment building,
instantly k*lling
a family of four.
Eyewitnesses described it as
a burning ball of white fire.
St. Louis County.
Same city that sent that video.
It looks like
ball lightning.
Two accounts in one city
in one day?
Previous recordings of soil
elements cited were what?
Silicone, calcium--
And iron.
Is it possible
that this ball lighting
is the same one
that did that?
Well, it typically travels
at 15 miles per hour,
and can last
up to 15 seconds.
Yeah, but if the house
were here, then it's possible.
Otherwise--
Hi.
LARA: Hi.
Are you okay?
It looks like
you're in a hospital.
Yes, I'm fine.
Tell me what you guys
have so far.
An increase
in ozone concentration
in every area with bolt
from the blue sightings.
There hasn't been any shift
in atmospheric pressure.
Well, how much
did it increase by?
Two parts per million.
Okay. Um...
what altitude did you measure
atmospheric pressure?
Sea level.
I'm going to send you guys
a screenshot.
It was an add-on
to my proposal
but there was only
a few accounts,
so I didn't include it
in my case study.
Decreased air pressure
at 35,000 feet
above sea level when ozone
content is increased
between two to three PPM's.
Did you check pressure
at other altitudes?
No.
Lara, get me barometric
measurements
between 15 and 40,000.
I'm on it.
Okay.
(Lightning crashing)
Do you see that?
Yeah. What--
What is that?
What the heck was that?
I don't know! Let's go!
Liam!
He's not in the car.
Megan...
It's Liam's.
(Lightning crashing)
There.
Okay.
Jamie, there's a decrease in
air pressure above 20,000 feet.
Decrease air pressure:
boom, we got fireworks.
Where's Nigel?
He's reporting it.
Okay, I'm looking at
the ball lightning sights,
and they're too far apart
to be the same one.
I know.
Yeah, well, it might
be a coincidence.
But if it's not,
I bet there's more.
Give me the St. Louis'
damage report.
Forest fires, anything that
could have been caused
by the ball lightning.
So you're thinking, what?
There's a targeted area?
No, it's not a coincidence.
Right.
Hi, can I get a report?
(Both panting)
We need to get inside,
away from whatever that was.
Yeah.
Um, there first, okay?
Just stay as low
to the ground as you can.
Let's go!
Bailey! Bailey, come on!
Come on!
On three, ready?
Ready? One, two...
three!
Run! Go!
Come on, you got it, you got it,
you got it, you got it.
You got it.
Okay, ready?
We're going over there.
Okay.
See it?
Let's go!
(Lightning crashing)
Have you seen the news
and what's been happening?
Jamie, you won't
believe it.
There was a huge fire
at a junkyard.
Which could've been
from ball lightning.
And iron in the scrap metal
could have a negative charge.
And it's an exposed area
of phosphate and sulfate.
Both negative charges.
Positive lightning
is travelling
at a radius of 50 miles,
targeting the most
vulnerable areas.
I got the surveillance video.
Come on,
we're almost there.
(Thunder rumbling)
You okay?
Be careful.
Come on.
Yes! Go! Go!
(Panting)
Maybe they went
in here.
Yeah.
It's a junkyard.
They might be looking
for shelter.
MEGAN:
Yeah.
I don't know
what to do.
Do I keep trying?
Yes.
These things are stupid.
They don't work.
Milly connected
with Megan earlier.
I just keep thinking
that they're not answering...
Hey, hey.
Don't do that.
Your Mom knows more
about lightning
than most of my colleagues.
And maybe she won't hate me
so much for not shutting up.
Come here.
It's okay.
(Computer chiming)
Hey.
The att*ck lasted
for 40 minutes,
with strikes at increasingly
shorter intervals.
The last 15,
seven seconds apart.
Seven seconds?
We located all scrap yards
and alerted evacuation.
Are there any high-risk
facilities near them?
Pantar Chemical.
That's on the northeast coast.
We've sent for priority
barometric measurements
in all areas with forecasted
thunderstorms.
And decreased air pressure?
Above 30,000.
We have three days.
NIGEL:
Jamie...
there's a scrap metal yard
in Chisholm.
(Both breathing heavily)
It's moving closer.
We can't stay here.
You're right.
Okay, ready?
(Lightning crashing)
That's my mom?
(Laughing)
Liam!
(Lightning crashing)
What is that?
(Charlotte screaming)
Liam!
(Gasping)
Liam!
Liam!
Where are you?
(Gasping)
That's Liam. Liam!
LIAM:
Mom.
CHARLOTTE:
Liam.
Mom, we got to go.
That thing's everywhere.
We got to go. We got to go.
We got to go.
Are you okay?
No. My arm's broken, I think.
Yeah, that's-- We're going
to get you out of here, okay?
LIAM:
Hurry. Hurry.
Aah!
BAILEY:
Help me.
LIAM:
Ow!
(All straining)
Stop it, stop it.
It's falling.
Ow.
Okay, okay.
It's all right.
Jamie, think about
what you are doing.
I have to go.
KYLIE:
Dad, the other scrap yard
was completely destroyed.
Listen, there's never been
a recording of ball lightning.
I've got a spectrograph
in the car.
This is perfect timing
for me to do it.
But why you?
You heard what they said.
The only way we can prevent this
is with more information.
Dad...
CHARLOTTE, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE:
We found Liam in a junkyard.
Can you hear me?
(Audio crackling)
Oh, God.
We're at the junkyard.
We need help. Will you please--
(Audio warbling)
Dad, they're at the junkyard.
I love you.
I love you.
Okay, Dad's on his way.
Can you hear me?
Dad's coming.
(Liam groaning)
(Lightning crashing)
(Straining)
Ow.
It's too heavy.
Liam's-- He's pinned
under some stuff.
We need something
to pull him out.
I got Dad's rope
in the in the back.
It's just my arm.
It's pinned.
Okay, we're going to--
It's pinned.
LIAM:
Where is Daddy?
Here. Set my phone
to stopwatch.
When was the last
ball lightning?
I don't know.
Four, maybe five minutes ago.
I don't know.
We got five minutes
before this goes up. Come on.
LIAM:
You got to help. My arm, Dad.
My arm. My arm.
Ow!
JAMIE:
We'll get you out in a minute.
Here.
(Grunting)
JAMIE:
Let's go.
And on three,
let's pull.
Megan, we need you.
One, two, three.
Pull!
(Screaming)
Go! Go!
(All straining)
(Thunder rumbling)
We got to get out of here now.
This is a hot target.
The lightning will begin
striking every few seconds.
Let's go. We got to go.
Move, move!
Wait a second,
wait a second.
What?
I think I have an idea.
Dad, we have to hurry.
There's so much metal here.
Basically this place
is one giant conductor.
Look, technically, if I can
contain the lightning
to this specific area,
it just might buy us some time
to get out of here.
CHARLOTTE:
How?
JAMIE:
Well, if my theory's correct,
this VDG ion generator
will project a beam skyward,
which will attract
the lightning to it.
What does that mean?
This is just an experiment
I was working on.
But if I'm right,
this generator will attract
lightning directly to it.
All right,
what can we do?
Here.
Grab the ferrofluid.
Open up the tabs,
and dump it out
about 10 feet from the truck.
(Lightning crashing)
Charlie, start the van.
Make sure everybody
gets in there.
Let's go. You got to get
out of here.
CHARLOTTE:
Let's go.
What about you?
We're not leaving you.
I'll meet you guys
at the entrance, okay?
*
Okay...
Whew, everything set.
(Electricity crackling)
All right.
Red, red.
(Thunder crashing)
(Crackling)
*
CHARLOTTE, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE:
Kylie? You there?
Mom? Mom?
Kylie, honey, we're all here.
Everyone's okay.
Oh!
We're just arriving
at emergency.
Liam broke his...
(Audio crackling)
LIAM:
Hey.
Hi.
CHARLOTTE:
Are you okay?
Ow, ow. Arm.
Hey, Megan.
Uh...
I, uh...
I, uh, ahem...
Thank you.
Science guy.
Charlie.
Toughest girl I know.
Never change.
You're a great father.
Let's get inside.
Come on.
Thank you.
When the Sky Falls (2000)
Moderator: Maskath3