Children of the Pines (2023)

[bunniefuu]

[John, shouting] Riley!

Riley!

Where are you?

This what it's come to, Kathy?

Keeping our daughter

from her hard-working father?

[young Riley] Mommy,

tell Daddy to stop.

[Kathy sobs] He will, baby.

Just be quiet.

[distant thumping]

[young Riley]

Why is Daddy being scary?

[hushed] Daddy gets scary

sometimes when I'm not quiet.

So it's important

that we don't make a peep.

Do you know what a peep is?

A peep is when you talk.

It's when you talk really soft.

Can we talk at a peep?

[John] I can't be the only one

who feels this house shrinking

as the days drag on.

You must be burnt up, Kathy.

Constantly in disposition for a

light at the end of the tunnel.

[glass shatters]

Or is it... validity?

Or recognition?

What about me, Kathy?

Woe is John, asking to be

thrown a bone every blue moon.

[glass shatters]

Who made up the rule

that love had to be a luxury?

Did your mom

teach you that, Riley?

Forgive me. Maybe I was being

passive when I gave up my life

for you to eat my food,

breathe my air,

drain my pockets.

-[nearby door opens]

-Drain me of my freedom, huh?

-[footsteps approaching]

-Do you think you can

deprive me of my life?

You both demand

and drain and demand

-and f*cking drain me!

-[door opens]

[Kathy]

"Sadness will only ground you

in ways that happiness

could only dream of doing."

That's what a relative told me

on my grandma's funeral.

I didn't always

see eye-to-eye with her,

but she loved me

and I loved her.

That seemed to be enough.

After she died,

it was like a b*mb had gone off

in our family.

Food tasted differently.

The places she used to take me

started to rust.

I began noticing the crow's

feet on my parents' face come in

as their hair turned icy gray.

The air became more dense.

Day by day, you pick yourself

up

and settle into the wasteland

that remains.

Day by day,

you forget about last week,

last month, last decade.

The wrinkles have

always been there,

the hair was always gray,

and the buildings always

weathered down.

The air was always this dense.

You were always this happy.

People tend to keep

their terror in the past.

And while today might not be

as unpolished and gritty

as it once was,

real terror will always

find its way through the

cracks.

[ominous music]

[man]

Leon, put the matches down!

You are not the man

you were yesterday.

You are a new man.

You are a new,

strong individual.

Strong.

Powerful.

Guide those who come to you

with love and acceptance.

Let them remind you

of your love and acceptance.

[Lorelei] Katherine Newman!

Lorelei Duncan.

Oh, my gosh.

You are so cold, honey!

It's a little chilly out today,

but I have been told

I have cold hands.

I just didn't expect

to get frostbite in June!

[chuckling]

Has somebody taken

your husband back?

Uh, yes. Uh, didn't catch

his name. A nice gentleman.

But they went over to

one of the other buildings.

Hmm. Okay. Well, great.

Well, would you follow me,

Katherine?

[Lorelei chuckles]

Oh, um, my husband and I

wanted to know what insurance

you accept, you know, if any?

Oh, your insurance is

no good here, Mrs. Newman.

After you.

Rob.

[grandfather clock chimes]

[clock ticking steadily]

I-- I didn't know

this was being recorded.

[Lorelei] Oh, it's just for you.

We have some people who

like to look back on it...

later.

Is that okay?

Yeah, yeah, I suppose it's fine.

[Lorelei] Thank you.

Now, how was the drive up?

Smooth sailing. Yeah.

What's her name?

Riley.

[Lorelei] Well, she's adorable.

[Kathy] Oh, God. That one

was from, like, 13 years ago.

Oh, the other ones I had to

get off her social media.

Was this your husband John?

[Kathy] Yes.

Interesting choice. [chuckles]

[Kathy] It's the one

he wanted to submit.

Excellent.

Katherine--

Uh, Kathy or Katherine?

Oh, Kathy's fine.

[pen clicks, scribbling]

It's faster to say.

Kathy, are you nervous?

No.

Should I be?

No, just curious.

My husband, Leon-- you'll be

meeting him at your ceremony,

if you choose to stay--

um, he and I have been running

this for the last 35 years.

I love what we do here,

but I have a feeling our time

here is coming to a close.

Leon, I guess, well, he's

waiting for some kind of omen

to tell us that it's time

for us to leave this behind.

But, uh...

well... you start to

get a little worn out.

To get a little sick of him too.

[laughing]

Um, he and I have built this up

much-- much too much to just

walk away.

You know, unless something

really special comes along.

Until then, I'll work.

Is this your first time

seeking guidance?

No. No, absolutely not.

Well, we are wonderfully

versed in healing couples.

I'm here for my daughter.

And for John.

Well,

bold of you and your husband to

jump down the rabbit hole, hey?

It was John's decision

to come here.

He's been trying

his best to grow.

I'd like to think that

Riley's noticed, but...

But John has stopped drinking.

And... we've started

going out again.

He's looking to hire

some extra help so he can

cut back on his workload.

A lot of really great things.

Well, he must be thrilled.

She hasn't really been

home in a long time.

She's been away at school.

Every break and holiday,

you know, she spends it there

with her friends.

Her new friends.

She's coming home soon.

One of the things that

we had been advised to do is to

pass over the main lines

of communication over to John.

So he's been the one

primarily reaching out to her.

What?

I wanna hear what a conversation

between these two characters

sounds like.

They must be doing

a lot of unpacking.

I-- [chuckles] No.

There's not a lot to unpack?

No, I just-- I-- I don't--

-I-- I--

-You don't know

what it sounds like.

-What?

-You're clueless as to what

these two would have to say

to each other, even in

a simple, mundane conversation.

"Hello, Riley.

How was your day?

How was your day?"

"Hey, Dad."

"How was your day, Riley?"

[ticking continues]

[inhales shakily]

Do you think...

she'll-- do you think

she'll come back?

Come back to where?

[sobs] To me.

Do you think your husband

deserves to see

a reflection of the pain

he's caused Riley?

That's really not

a fair question--

Would you say that Riley

holds more of your qualities

or John's?

Look, Lorelei,

I understand what you're

trying to do, but can we just--

Your daughter holds just as much

of you as she does of John.

She holds a million

other beautiful, complex

thoughts and feelings

that you may never understand.

Most people,

at some point in their lives,

try to break the cycle

of their parents.

If not them,

the child bears the burden.

People tend to keep their pain,

their woes, in the past,

but they always manifest

themselves again.

Just in different ways.

More subtle.

Quietly.

We had a woman, Marie--

she worked privately with Leon--

complete our program.

She and her siblings

went through, oh,

much the same types

of situations and issues

as Riley and John.

We healed her, Kathy.

Now, that case was

much more challenging,

but I know how important it is

for you to get to

the root of these issues.

We have the tools.

If at any time you feel

unsure or uncomfortable,

that door is open.

We don't force this on anyone.

But that option is only open

until we tell you

how we operate

to fix these issues.

I promise you, Kathy...

you, John, and Riley?

[electricity buzzes]

It all starts

with a leap of faith.

[pensive music]

[Riley] The air feels dense.

During summertime

in the mountains,

you would get a week straight

of pure, dry heat

followed by a week of

back-to-back afternoon showers.

The only constant

was the humidity,

lingering around as if

it thought it was wanted.

The kids didn't care, though.

Not one bit.

We just kept on playing.

After all,

we were on a break

with a reality check

attached to our next year's

report card.

During the winter months,

there was even more

weightlessness to reality.

We would be outside, just as

we were in the summer months,

breathing in the same air,

although now

it's sharp and cold.

None of us kids didn't care,

though. We just kept on

playing.

Christmas is less

than a month away,

but I can still feel

some of that warm summer air

clinging to my skin.

And for the first time,

it's pissing me off.

[]

Years ago, people couldn't

drive more than three blocks

without kids running in front

of your car,

chasing after one another

over some made-up game.

The grownups didn't care,

though.

They just smiled

and told the kids they should

try and be home by dark.

That's just the way it was.

The way it was

feels so different.

I'm on the same ground,

seeing the same buildings.

Maybe even some of

the same people stuck around.

[soft music playing

over speakers]

[Exhales]

[Gordon] Y'all good with this?

[]

[Phone dings]

Riley?

Hey.

[Gordon] Hey.

I got a job.

You look surprised.

Uh...

No, you just caught-- caught me

off-guard. Um, not in a bad way.

I just, uh-- But this is-- Nope.

Yep. This is great. Great news.

[Gordon] Well, I was stoked

to hear you'd come back.

[cell phone vibrates]

Uh, hey...

How you, uh-- how you been?

Great, actually.

Yeah, college is

a lot more of my cup of tea

than high school ever was.

Uh,

the environment's better, or...

Yeah. I mean,

just less toxic, I would say,

'cause, I mean, everyone who's

there chose to be there, so it's

just a more mature environment.

Are-- um, are you up there

for English still?

Oh, no, no. I changed

to humanitarian studies.

Oh, I thought you liked writing.

But, yeah, yeah, man.

You know, um, that's awesome.

Good for you.

Thank you.

Hmmm

Um...

I applied too.

Just thought you should now.

-Applied?

-College.

Community or university?

Uh, community.

For now.

No,

there's nothing wrong with that.

-Um, when did you apply?

-Uh, recently.

Yeah, I've been looking into

some marketing programs,

which you don't necessarily

need a degree for,

but, you know,

knocking it off as something

to have in my back pocket,

and if I'm lucky enough

to get the extra education,

it'd be smart

to take advantage of it.

-Right?

-Right.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's fantastic news.

[chuckles]

I-- I never really

got a chance to, um...

thank you. For...

inspiring me.

Yeah, it turns out

I really needed your help.

Look, I mean, you made

that call all on your own.

I think you should

be very proud.

Hey, uh, Gordon?

-I'll take care of her, Marc.

-[Marc] Right. Uh...

Chelsi told me

to tell you that--

On it. Cool. Got it.

[clears throat]

Actually...

BLT...

hold tomato.

Side of gravy fries,

and, uh, Dr Pepper.

Sound like fantastic news?

I suppose so. [chuckles]

Coming right up.

-Whoops.

-Oh!

[cell phone vibrates]

-Here you go.

-[Riley] Thank you.

So...

this is kind of awkward. Um...

I guess my mom

saw you the other day

or knows that you work here

or something,

but I just got a text,

and she says hi.

Did your dad not tell you

that I work for him?

What?

I-- I mean,

that's how I knew you were

coming back for winter break.

Wait, you work for my dad?

I've been interning at his firm.

It's been pretty dope, actually.

The other day, I got to

sit in on a consultation

with this guy who, like,

robbed a liquor store with

a f*ck' hammer. [chuckles]

Um, but, yeah, no,

I've also been helping

in your family garden

since... early June?

It's funny

we're talking about this.

After my shift, I was gonna

make my way over there,

and he and I were gonna go over

how to lay the new foundation.

[forced chuckle]

Why?

"Why" to the internship,

the gardening, or the hammer?

Why are you working for my dad?

Because he asked me.

How?

-How did he ask me?

-Yeah.

Um... [sighs]

Well, he came in on his day off

during my shift,

and right before he left,

he said, "Gordon, I could really

use some help around the firm,"

which was followed by

me saying, "Sure."

But I don't know. What do you

want?

What?

Are you--

Don't you think that's weird?

I mean, come on. Imagine this.

You need help around your firm,

and your first pick

is your daughter's

high school ex-boyfriend

with no qualifications

for the job?

And-- Okay, I'm not saying

that you're not qualified.

I just mean

what's in writing-wise, okay?

And the whole-- the whole

freaking garden thing, like,

that's only gonna last a couple

months 'cause of the snow.

-He likes me. I don't know.

-Oh, you guys are buddies now?

Okay.

-[scoffs] Okay.

-What? I'm not crucifying you.

I'm just trying to understand.

No, you're judging me.

I can feel it.

[Riley] How?

Your eyes. And your tone.

[scoffs] Okay.

[Gordon] Hey,

if it makes you feel any better,

he never said

I was his first choice.

[Gordon scoffs]

I don't know, man. He's the one

that pushed you to fight

a little longer for us, so.

-Oh, okay! Which justifies it?

-No, I'm just assuming that

Mom and Dad have

always thought highly of me

-for whatever reason.

-Mom and-- Jesus Christ, Gordon,

-they're not your family!

-Can you just let me

f*cking talk? Holy sh*t.

I like to think that

they've always appreciated me.

What? [forced laugh]

Back when we were together,

your parents have always thought

of me as one of the family.

So why do you need justification

for something that

they might feel that you have

absolutely no control over?

I mean, it-- it pays well.

The hours are good.

It's a genuinely enjoyable time.

Growing up, I would've k*lled

to have a dad like yours.

You know that.

He does, too.

Okay. Should I pay in cash?

[scoffs]

Uh,

Marc can check you out up front.

Were you still

planning on dropping by later?

[Gordon] Is it okay

if I come over later?

It is not my house anymore, so.

-[Gordon] Yes.

-Yes, what?

-[Gordon] I'll drop by.

-Okay.

Thank you.

[exhales]

[melancholy music]

For 16 years of my life,

I would be driven

up and down the street

with my parents

and my parents only.

Looking back,

I realize we just had no clue

how to speak to each other.

There was once a point

where every overgrown tree,

bush, and bump

became as recognizable

as the back of my hand.

And before you know it,

Gordon is driving me

everywhere.

I couldn't be any happier.

His car felt more like

the back of my hands

than these roads ever did.

[]

It's difficult to feel

comfortable here again.

It's not even worth debating

if it's all in my head.

I know it's not in my head.

Why was I being so divisive?

I know I'm not the cause

of my own discomfort.

This was a terrible idea.

I had my shot to run.

But no. Here's Riley, running

right back into the fire,

drenched in gasoline,

like she always does,

begging to let

the past burn her,

-all for her mom to say...

-[Kathy] Hi, Riley!

-Let's go in.

-Yeah, yeah.

Okay. [chuckles]

[soft piano music playing]

[]

[knocking at door]

Um...

Come in.

It's like stepping into

a time capsule in here, huh?

[Riley] Yeah.

I forgot how cute this room was.

[sighs] Well, you were

always very precise about

exactly how and where

you wanted everything to be.

Oh, I can't tell you

how many times your dad

or I bought something,

just hoping that it would

make it into your masterpiece

of interior design in here.

[chuckles]

So...

Gordon works for you guys?

[laughs] Well,

according to your dad,

uh, if Gordon keeps it up

at the firm,

"Just watch out.

Watch that kid

climb the ladder."

Did you run into him

at the diner?

He's helping you guys

build a garden?

Well, they talk about

building this and building that.

[chuckles] Honestly,

I think they just hang out.

And the last time I checked?

We don't have a garden.

[chuckles]

Yeah, I don't even know

how that would survive.

My thoughts exactly, right?

Okay, did you tell Dad?

[Kathy] No.

Oh, you know your dad.

The older he gets,

the more stubborn.

And Gordon says

working for you guys is a

"genuinely enjoyable time."

That's sweet.

Your dad's really happy

that you're here.

We're really happy

that you came back to see us.

You know, your dad and I were...

going through some

old VHS the other day.

-Do you remember VHS?

-Yeah, we had a VHS player.

We still have a VHS player.

Wasn't sure if we'd be able

to get the damn thing to work,

but sure as sh*t,

it still had a heartbeat.

Anyway.

We're watching this tape, and...

gosh, you couldn't have been

more than, like, seven?

You had the role

in some school play.

It was the most adorable thing.

You and your friend...

Oh, my God. What's her name?

Rosie? Rosie.

No, no, no, Rosalyn. Rosalyn.

Oh, how is she?

[laughs] Well, I don't know.

I haven't talked to her

in years.

Okay, well...

you and Rosalyn had this little

tap duet number.

And you guys were

almost finished...

[Kathy laughing]

When you just--

[laughing]

-You just stop... [laughing]

-Oh, my--

Wait. No, I know exactly

what you're gonna say!

-Oh!

-You peed!

[both laughing]

-This is all on video?

-Oh, yeah.

What was I gonna do

right then, right? [laughing]

I felt so bad.

I remember...

your dad being

the first parent backstage--

I mean,

before the show had even ended--

with a towel in hand

for his little girl.

Do you remember that?

Mmm, I mean, yeah, but...

didn't he make

a whole thing after the show

that he missed work

-just for me

to perform one song?

-Oh, no.

No!

Yeah, he was absolutely

livid on the way home. Yeah.

[Kathy sighs]

[Riley exhales]

He, um...

Honey, your father loves you.

He loves you very much.

What's not to love, right?

Honey, this-- this will

always be your home.

No matter how old you get,

no matter what rivers

this family has to swim across.

We keep on keeping on.

As we should.

Yeah. Um...

I think I'm gonna

hit the shower,

'cause I'm just feelin' blah.

[Kathy] Okay. Yeah. Yeah.

Oh, and your-- your dad

just ran into town with the kids

to get some groceries.

He'll be back in

about 20 minutes.

I just didn't want you

to think he ran off.

Mom? What kids?

Um, the kids.

Your dad told you

about the kids.

No, he never mentioned any kids.

Are you guys, like,

foster parents now or something?

He didn't text or call you?

He promised me he would.

Do you want me to check?

Well,

maybe your voicemail's full?

Mom, I can pull it up

right now if you'd like.

Oh, no, no.

I believe you, sweetheart.

Um, I'm sorry.

I just thought that he would

have vaguely said something.

Um...

Let's just, uh...

leave it at "what kids?"

-Okay?

-All right.

All right. Well...

I'll leave you to it.

Uh--

I love you, Riley.

I love you.

[door closes]

[plaintive music]

Why did you do that?

Use your words.

[girl] I miss you.

I miss you too.

[girl] Can I come over here?

I'm right here.

[girl] I wanna play outside.

Your Aunt Zoey is

coming over soon.

[girl] I want to play outside!

Look, Marie, we sit on a throne

in a problem-free zone--

[Marie shouting] I don't care!

Where are you?

[crashing, banging]

I'm gonna find you!

[slamming, rattling]

[crashing]

Where are you?

I wanna play--

-What is this?

-How are you?

What is this tape?

That's the tape for the day.

Excuse me?

Who gave you this?

I found it on my desk.

It was from, uh...

uh, Zoey and Marie O'Neil.

This is it, right?

I thought it was from you.

Marie O'Neil's ceremony was

hosted by the couple that filled

in for myself and Lorelei.

-So what does that mean?

-It's--

They're nowhere to be found.

Marie and her siblings

possessed violent tendencies

from a young age.

They k*lled their parents

with a hammer.

We-- we did heal her.

This tape couldn't have

been delivered to us

with good intentions.

I wouldn't be surprised

if Marie abused her contract

and Zoey sent us this tape.

You think Marie

k*lled her own child?

So what are we gonna do?

Smile.

Just stay in your lane.

-Look up the Hartfords, okay?

-[Rob] Okay.

[Leon] Hello, everyone.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to play the tape--

[Leon clears throat]

And good morning to you all.

Um, it seems to be that

there are some crazies out there

who only wish to do us harm.

I do humbly apologize

for the mishap.

It is another day

that the sun shines down

and grants me the privilege

of seeing you all

healing your wounds here

in our garden of redemption,

just as so many

other brave couples

in past years have done.

After your 30 days,

we will redecorate this room

in preparation for

your final private,

intimate ceremonies here.

It-- I'm so sorry.

Lorelei tells me

I just ramble on so much,

and sometimes I get so excited

about seeing your faces

and what's gonna happen to you

and knowing your future.

So. But... [clears throat]

I'm getting way ahead of myself.

At the end of your month,

you will be given a certificate,

suitable for framing

that you can take home,

put it above your fireplace,

hang it on your wall.

sh**t, you can put it in

your bathroom. It's your call.

[chuckles]

But I need to make this brief.

Because we have an outstanding

video presentation put together

featuring a young couple that

I hope you all will find useful.

But thank you all

so much for coming.

[pleasant music playing]

[door opens, closes]

[groceries rustling]

Hey.

Hey.

Is your car running okay?

Uh, yeah. Mm-hmm.

Oh. [chuckles]

-[laughs] C'mon

Uh...

how was the drive from school?

Oh, smooth sailing.

Yeah. I saw in the news

there was a backup.

-Was there?

-That's what they said.

I mean, if anything,

I just got a late start.

Oh. Well, trust me, I get it.

This time of year,

it's hard enough to

get out of bed. [chuckles]

Um, so do you need

any help with the groceries?

Well, actually,

there is not anything left

for you to help with.

Oh, right, that's-- that's fine.

Sorry. Just figured I would ask.

Well, thank you,

and that's a lovely thought,

if there were, in fact,

groceries left for you to

help with. But there are not.

[chuckles]

It's the thought that counts.

Right indeed.

[eerie music]

Has this always been here?

[John]

Since the beginning of summer.

Looks goofy at first, I know.

[Scoffs]

-Why do you guys have this?

-Two options.

You want the short answer

or the long answer?

I mean, whichever one's

gonna convince a jury.

Well...

sooner or later, you realize

that life is too poetic

for there not to be any rhythm

in how the universe flows.

And I know I-- I haven't

always had the best rhythm,

which is another conversation

for another time.

However--

a very strange "however,"

you're probably

thinking right now--

when I decided to change

the beat of my drum,

the universe became

so much more alive,

and I wanted to bring that into

our little corner of the world,

to bring the prospect

of changing reality for good.

For me. For your mom. For us.

Gotcha.

Gordon here?

Well, you would know

before I did.

Why's that?

You guys are friends now.

You probably talk all the time.

Well, I've always liked Gordon.

I mean, what's wrong with that?

I mean, he's become

a good friend of mine.

Uh, he called you "Dad" today.

[scoffs]

Well, look, I'm not

gonna stop him,

if that's what you're asking.

I mean, Riley,

you know his past.

You know how wrong it would be

for me to tell him to stop.

You've been letting him

call you Dad?

Well, if it rubs you

the wrong way,

you can go ahead

and tell him to stop.

I'm not sure

what you're asking of me.

I'll ask.

Well, great, I mean, as long

as you feel like you're acting

like an adult, and you don't

see any errors in it,

I mean, you...

you do what feels right.

[echoing whoosh of air]

[ominous music plays]

Mom said you have kids

living with you?

She did?

Well, I got a new phone

last month, so--

Do you not have kids

living with you?

Look, I just think it would be

better if we waited until later.

-Why?

-I just feel it would be easier

if we waited until Gordon came.

Okay, what is going on?

I would just prefer that--

[sighs]

You know what, it--

that's fine, I suppose.

[sighs softly]

[John] Let me introduce you.

[tense music plays]

Kids?

This is our daughter, Riley.

Nice to meet you.

-So, you guys live here, now?

-Is that a problem?

[John] Buddy.

Well, she sounded like

it was a problem, did she not?

[John] What do we strive for?

To sit on a throne,

with a problem-free zone.

[quietly]

Which was why I said that.

What was that?

[sighs heavily]

Do we bring problems

into the zone?

-No!

-No.

See? No problems here.

Honey, don't you think

you should ask their names?

-My name--

-[John] Uh--

Let Riley ask you.

Just ask their names, Riley.

What are your names?

-Kathy.

-John?

Hi. Outstanding to meet you.

My name is John.

[Older John sighs]

[chuckles]

Who are these kids?

Did we do something wrong?

That's just her.

Kids, stay here, okay?

-[Kathy] Riley.

-I-- I don't--

[Kathy] Just come with me.

[John] Do you know where

the book is?

That's what I'm doing!

Riley, have a seat.

[suspenseful music plays]

You know, if you just

give me a moment,

we'll drop this little curtain

that we have hung up here.

You're gonna want to see this.

[]

[knocking on door]

[Riley sighs]

[Riley] Oh.

-Hey.

-Hi, um... okay.

Dad, Gordon's here.

-Um...

-[Gordon] Are you okay?

I'm home.

[Gordon chuckles]

Hey, do you, um...

Do you want to go for a--

a drive or something?

Maybe get some fresh air?

-Uh...

-[Gordon] Yeah?

I thought it would be kinda--

kinda funny, I don't know,

like, uh-- [laughs]

Like we're some old couple,

and we had squat to do,

so we make dinner plans at four

in the village or something,

you know?

"I miss my grandkids,

they should call us."

"Oh, I'm getting dementia,

what time is it?"

[laughs]

"It's four, Gordon."

Who's getting dementia?

[John and Gordon laugh]

Hopefully not any of us.

Who are you people again?

Come here.

-Was the drive up okay?

-[Gordon] Just fine.

Riley just met John and Kathy.

Wait, did you know about this?

Um, Kathy is grabbing

the book for Riley.

Hey, how's your day

going, sweetheart?

Anxious.

[Kathy] I would imagine.

Riley, come sit with me.

Uh, Gordon, why don't we go

work on the garden?

Okay.

Riley, please, have a seat.

So, uh, I overheard

you and your dad

talking about the certificate.

Did he explain what that's for?

I mean, he didn't say

anything that would

explain why you have kid--

Well, when I explain, just...

please don't push

back against me,

-it just makes it a hundred

times more complicated--

-Okay, Mom.

Your dad has-- has come

a very, very long way.

As a husband,

as a friend,

as a man.

He understands that throughout

your childhood,

and most of our marriage,

he was responsible for a lot

of the family burden.

And I, um...

I just stood by,

and rolled with the punches,

when I should have defended

yours and my integrity.

So...

during our time

at the temple, we--

Wait, the temple?

[sighs]

Yeah.

A friend of a friend

told us about it.

And I see the look

on your face,

I know, it's--

it's ludicrous, right?

I felt the same way

when I first found out.

But your dad didn't.

He, for whatever reason being,

felt a pull.

So, in early June, we...

we went to check it out.

How long were you gone?

I don't know, like, a month.

Anyway, our temple

focused heavily on...

tapping into a higher energy,

ways to help us feel youthful,

A big part of being

able to change

is to be able to reflect,

and observe oneself.

What does this have

to do with the kids?

[suspenseful music plays]

John and Katherine Newman.

Today is your special day.

Your gift waits

just upon the horizon.

You both have worked in tandem,

proving your devotion

to each other,

and to our community.

Your unwavering curiosity

to find salvation has been

the top of your intentions.

It's beautiful

how driven the soul,

no matter how good or bad,

can be when it wants

what it needs.

Unrelenting.

I am so proud of you both.

[Kathy] We thank you.

You do not speak

until spoken to!

You do not break

the flow of this event.

[dramatic music plays]

Thank you, Lorelei.

We are gathered here

in humility,

as we summon the essence

of your soul,

an embodiment

of the very thing

that is responsible for why

you lead the life you do today,

into existence.

Kathy, and John...

A gorgeous couple,

now joining a long line

of traditions.

May the children be honest

in their actions,

and the couple...

open to change.

Tonight, you must understand,

that if you do not care

for this gift,

the consequences will go

far beyond you,

and extend to every member

currently in this room.

-[crashing thud]

-[Zoey cries out]

[Zoey sobs]

[ominous music plays]

[Zoey sobbing]

Where's my sister?

-[Lorelei] Pick her up.

-Ah!

[pained moans]

What is your name?

[Zoey] You people need

to get out of here.

You bombarded into

a sacred ceremony,

and you tell these people

what to do?

My sister is gone

because of you!

Who is your sister?

[Zoey sobs]

Ah!

I'm not going to ask you again.

Marie O'Neil.

[Leon] Would you two mind

stepping outside, please?

[Zoey sobs]

[Leon] Zoey.

Zoey O'Neil.

It was you that sent us

the tape, wasn't it?

You thought you could hurt us.

Marie had no idea

what she was getting into.

She knew exactly what

she was getting into!

You could have really

benefited from us.

But here you are,

letting your past control you,

just like your sister did.

Felt poor Mommy and Daddy

had to pay the price with blood

for a few regrettable nights

of parenting?

[Zoey] Marie would never

hurt the kid!

She wasn't safe taking

care of it!

She wasn't safe around parents

who were terrible pieces

of sh*t,

who got what they deserved.

Marie might not

have hurt the child,

but she would hurt herself,

and she did.

She left the child.

She gave up on it!

And everyone involved

paid the price.

Did they get what they deserved?

Did they deserve to pay

for her actions?

[sobbing]

How can I get her back?

It doesn't matter how!

Marie committed

an incredibly selfish act

against all of our traditions.

She rejected that child,

and... and her new family.

I have absolutely

no sympathy for her, Zoey!

You have made

a monumental mistake

coming in here, and ruining

this beautiful ceremony!

[sobbing]

I just want my sister back.

[whispering softly]

Why now?

I can't recall a more

righteous time than now.

[Zoey] What?

Uh...

I don't think this

is the moment to end it.

A moment like this

is the reason to end it.

And it could be...

your final symphony for us.

For the temple.

Please.

Please!

Why don't we--

Please!

I'll do anything!

I'll do anything!

-I'll give you my arm--

-All right!

It's our time, Leon.

[Lorelei] Believe me, Kathy.

We are so embarrassed.

You can complete

your program, shortly.

It's just, it's really difficult

for John to, you know,

reschedule clients.

You mentioned bringing

a third party to observe.

I believe they weren't

available today.

The boyfriend.

[Kathy] Gordon.

[Lorelei] Maybe next time,

Gordon can attend.

I'm gonna have to talk to John.

I-- I'm not sure how much

he's shared with him

about all of this.

Well, there's no rush, Kathy.

Oh, this is a beautiful thing.

It just needs to happen

in the appropriate environment.

Uh, ideally without any

erratic behaviors.

[laughs heartily]

Anything else?

What's gonna happen

to that girl?

Well, this should not

concern you.

We have some things

we need to sort out, right?

I mean, the last thing

I want your mind festering on

is what happened here, tonight.

What you should

be thinking about

is how you get

back on track.

These children

will be an absolute blessing.

[door clicks shut]

[Leon] You still think it's...

time for our sacrifice?

I am sure.

Zoey was our omen.

It's time to tie

a ribbon on this thing.

We waited for our

special moment,

and it came.

It's just nice knowing that...

whether you're right or wrong

about our timing to leave

this behind,

I have the privilege

of never calling you

my past lover.

I mean, never pretending

you never existed.

Forgetting all about you,

like, only to--

you to become my ghost.

I mean, you're just

my one, and only.

In my soul,

I will be visiting you

at your rich kid's university.

[Lorelei laughs]

Sitting next to you

on that old cement staircase

late at night,

just watching the cars go by,

and trying to keep us warm,

and realizing...

I need to spend the rest

of my life with you.

Every fiber of my soul

is made up of that moment.

Lorelei...

You, you are my eternity,

Lorelei.

[suspenseful music plays]

-[Zoey whimpers]

-[chair thuds]

[Zoey grunts with effort]

[panting]

[whimpers]

[Zoey groans]

[ominous music plays]

[Zoey sobs]

[Zoey breathes shallowly]

[heartbeat thuds echo distantly]

[Zoey hyperventilating]

[Zoey whimpers]

[Zoey] Ah!

[]

[young Zoey] Who is that?

[Echoing] Who hurt you the most?

[Leon laughs maniacally]

I think you know who it is.

[young Zoey] Which one?

[laughs maniacally]

Does it matter?

[Zoey breathes shallowly]

[Zoey whimpers]

[Zoey sobs]

[Zoey hyperventilates]

[Zoey] Oh my God, oh my God.

[dark, suspenseful music plays]

[Zoey whimpers]

[Zoey hyperventilates]

[screams shrilly]

[repeated thuds]

[grunts of effort]

[squelching sounds]

[laughs]

[repeated splattering sounds]

Ohhh! I-- [laughs]

[Kathy] The kids do not

have a...

a human mother.

[wet squelching sounds]

[Kathy] They come from

a special place

deep inside our soul.

Riley.

The kids are us.

But we have been handed down

sacred knowledge,

and found a way

to bring to life

an exact copy of ourselves,

but-- but in our youth.

So, we-- we can finally see

our flaws.

We can study our roots.

It gives your dad and I

a second chance

at doing it right.

[laughs]

And one thing we've realized

is that...

it really does help us

feel young.

[sighs]

It gives us a better

understanding of our limits.

Because through these children,

the-- the only time

in our lives

that the core is really visible.

The core being our--

our center of gravity,

like, the thing

that makes you, you.

Oh! It's really

fascinating stuff.

Is this serious?

Are you being serious?

Absolutely, I swear.

[Riley] Something's wrong

with my parents.

Those kids have them

sedated, so--

I was planning on showing you.

What?

[Kathy] Just--

[sliding door rattles]

[Kathy] Tell him to come

back inside.

We're gonna do it now.

Do what now?

We're going to give you

your gift.

[ominous music plays]

-[Riley] Come on.

-[Kathy] No, don't.

Mom, you don't have

to do this, okay?

You don't have to.

This is just Dad.

He's trying to control you.

Okay, he always does this,

but this is too far.

-[Kathy] It's okay.

-This-- this isn't right.

You're not right,

but we can get you right.

You can come with me, okay?

[tense music plays]

Mom. [sighs]

Mom!

Mom, what are you doing?

[electricity crackles]

[tense music builds]

-Gordon, this isn't funny.

-[Gordon] Hey, hey, hey.

-It's not funny.

-[Gordon] It's okay. It's okay.

-[Gordon] Hold on a minute.

-[Riley sobbing]

[Gordon] I'm really happy

you're home, Riley.

If they're conjuring,

you don't go in there!

[young Kathy]

He's been drinking, Gordon!

He stole vodka

from the liquor store!

John.

Apologize.

She should listen next time.

[Gordon sighs]

John, what did we say to you

last night?

I should use my strategies

to release my anger

in a more healthy way.

-He hasn't!

-Shut up!

Hey! Time out. Go.

[door latch clicks]

Hey, hey, you're okay.

You're okay.

-He's learning.

-Thank you, Gordon.

-Mm-hmm.

-[loud scream from upstairs]

[furniture rattles]

[Kathy screaming]

[high, shrill scream]

[loud thump]

[heavy thump]

[electricity crackles]

[Kathy screams]

[high, shrill scream]

[heavy thump]

[Kathy screaming]

[eerie music plays]

You are gonna be two

very lucky parents.

[sighs]

[]

[heavy thump]

[]

[laughs]

Hi, there.

She's just nervous.

[laughs]

I want both of you to know,

you two are gonna get

all of the love in the world.

[laughs]

Okay?

Let's go meet Mommy.

[]

Hi, Mommy.

You have the greatest gift,

right before your eyes,

sweetheart.

You have a loving husband,

and two beautiful children

that know you,

inside and out.

No, these aren't my kids.

No, they're our kids.

You're not alone.

Where are their families?

Look into their faces, Riley,

how could the resemblance

be so uncanny?

We are a family.

-Oh, my God.

-Riley?

-[Gordon] Riley?

-No, Riley!

[Gordon] Riley, please!

This is what we dreamed of!

God, we were kids, Gordon!

[Gordon] We can be kids again.

[groans] You're insane!

This is so f*cked up.

[Gordon] I know this sounds

crazy, I thought it was crazy,

but it really

is a beautiful thing.

[John] Riley, if you

don't accept these kids,

there are gonna be consequences.

Not just for you,

but for all of us.

These children come from

the deepest part of our soul.

And we're all responsible

for bringing them

into the outside world.

If we don't protect them,

we get drawn back to the same

place where they came from.

Life is a trade between

energy and reality.

If you take an inside energy

into an outside reality

without protecting it,

that internal energy

takes us back in exchange!

How about we exchange

these kids back

with their real parents!

You are their real parent!

It's the truth.

I wouldn't lie to you anymore.

I feel sorry for you,

if you thought that I expected

anything less

than just more lies,

and these half-muddled apologies

that aren't even

really apologies,

but just-- just a compromise

to keep waving your white flags.

You know, I have to live

with myself

that I ever gave you some hope

of some normalcy,

but I can't save you!

No one can.

You had one last shot

with me, all right?

You knew that, Mom.

I came back for you.

And you had one shot.

I love you,

but I can't do this anymore.

-You don't mean that, Riley.

-But I do, Mom.

And don't, for one minute,

act like we've been

a Brady Bunch, either.

We haven't just had our

fair share of problems.

This family is the problem.

I mean, the icing on the cake

is the g*dd*mn children

you're holding hostage.

Let's take a breath, okay?

What you need to realize is,

Gordon is a phenomenal man,

who loves you--

-John--

-Can I speak, Kathy?

[ominous music plays]

No.

Uh, this is all just

white noise at this point.

[sighs]

Gordon, there is a difference

between love,

and memories of love.

And we don't have love anymore,

because if we did,

you wouldn't have done this.

This is manipulative

to an extent

I never even imagined

you could be.

I just wanted a fresh start.

You know, we all did.

[laughs humorlessly]

Why can't you just

open your heart,

and accept that?

Okay, well, maybe I don't want

a fresh start.

Because these fresh starts

just keep tearing me down.

You know, maybe I want

to fall for myself,

the way you say

you fell for me.

And I'm tired of that not

being a good enough reason

to leave anyone out of my life.

So, if you all love

and care about me

as much as you say you do,

you would let me go!

Why did you come back?

If you had asked me that

a day ago,

it would have been

in hopes of redemption.

Do you not think

any of us want that?

No, I think you're sick, John.

But this, I don't even

know where to begin

with how f*cked up this is.

It would be wrong

if it wasn't real.

-Oh!

-This is real!

I know you feel pinned down

by your past, Riley,

but you are clearly

unwilling to grow,

and move on.

You've closed yourself off

from joy,

and chosen not to be

anything like us,

so now you're this

shell of a girl

who doesn't know

how to move forward!

You are stagnant,

and you're blinded

by memories that are clouding

what is right here

in front of you!

Look at them, Riley.

These kids,

our kids,

will help you find

your light again.

This is redemption.

I know I haven't been

as perfect to you

as I could have been.

But I made sacrifices

to make you happy,

like putting you

through college,

when you wanted to get out.

Deep down,

you still love Gordon.

I know it.

He knows it!

I mean, Riley, do you think

that me creating a safe space

so you could heal with someone

who-- who is so obviously

your soul mate,

puts me in the wrong?

I mean, if I didn't love you,

I would have just said,

"Ah, forget it."

But I didn't.

Whether you choose to believe us

or not,

you have two wonderful children

that you and Gordon

both know inside and out.

[young John] p*ssy!

Um what did you just call me?

I called you p*ssy.

She's been walking

all over you, John,

all day long.

Let her leave if she wants to.

No, no, he's walked all over us.

What?

So, you're an exact copy

of my dad?

Yeah.

And this is all real?

Have you not been listening?

Okay.

Well, then, buckle up,

because you're in for

a long, and miserable life.

Do you know why?

Because you'll never love.

You'll never be able to cry,

and I don't mean, like,

whine or b*tch,

I mean, you'll never be able

to get on your hands and knees

and genuinely pour your heart

out onto the floor.

You will never be able

to smile without an ego.

Because if this is real,

then... half of me is you.

And that's the half of me

that's angry,

and deceiving, and confused,

and just this beat-up adult.

But the other half of me

is the starry-eyed woman

sitting next to me,

who would tear herself apart

for her family.

So, me, I can change.

I've become my own person.

But you,

you're an exact

copy of something

that will never change.

And that's a p*ssy, John.

Oh!

[John] Let's be strong,

and not rash, okay?

Listen to us.

Everything up until this moment

has revolved around me

not stepping on anyone's toes,

and look where it got me!

The strongest,

and most rash thing

I will ever do in my life is

walk the f*ck out of this house,

on my terms, okay?

So don't you f*cking lecture me

about "strong" or "rash,"

you f*cking man-child.

Don't you f*cking touch me!

[John] Oh! Oh, hell, no!

No!

[dramatic music plays]

[]

[soft whoosh of air]

[Gordon laughs]

[Riley] What?

Why do you look like Santa Claus

in this picture?

Because I f*ck' am

Santa Claus.

[mocking] "Because I f*ck'

am Santa Claus."

[laughs] Shut up.

-I like your hair, though.

-Yeah?

And uh, oh.

And this one.

It's very... Dolly Parton.

It was for a fashion show.

A fashion show?

Did you congratulate

the first-place winner

after they beat you?

Uh, no, they actually

congratulated me.

-No way.

-Yes way.

Why-- why is that so hard

to believe?

I'm just-- I'm surprised

that you won.

-[Gordon snickers]

-[Riley gasps]

Are you-- Are you--

[Gordon] "Are you-- Are you--"

"Are you" what?

"Are you" what?

Stop smiling!

I thought you were mad.

"Are you" what?

[sighs dramatically]

Are you calling me gross?

[sighs]

Do you think you're gross?

Well, I do now.

[both laugh]

[Riley grunts]

[clears throat]

What'd you say?

[both grunt]

Can I tell you a secret?

Okay, fine, fine.

-No, wait, no!

-Fine, no, fine, fine.

-Ow!

-I don't-- no.

-What's your secret?

-No, no. I swear to f*ck' God.

-What's your secret?

-Could you please stop?

I'm f*ck' sad,

you gremlin, can you stop?

But I'm not sad.

[groans]

Are you sad?

-Promise?

-Pinky promise.

Okay, we've gotta touch thumbs,

and make that b*tch official.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

[Riley laughs]

My secret is that I think...

you are absolutely beautiful.

But you just called me gross.

Okay, one,

I never said that.

Two, uh, your hair wasn't doing

any wonders for you.

-But, you as a whole.

-Me.

The entire item.

If we were at a grocery store,

you would be, like, the

equivalent to one of those--

those, like, sculptures

made out of Coke boxes.

-You know when they do that?

-Oh my God.

[sighs]

I have a secret for you.

What's that?

Can I tell you outside?

Tell me what?

No! [laughs]

I wanna go outside.

I mean, it's freezing.

Can you just tell me in here?

No.

Why?

Because if I say it

in this house,

then it won't be as special.

-Are you--

-[groans]

Don't be playing.

You really mean it?

I want to hear you say it.

Okay. [laughs]

[gentle music plays]

[music builds, becomes ominous]

[gasps]

[rain patters]

[somber music plays]

Mom?

[door latch clicks]

[young Riley]

We had no direction,

but we had each other, for now.

That's all that matters

in this world.

Mommy, Daddy, John, and Kathy

physically had each other,

but that wasn't a recipe

for happiness.

Maybe it depends

on the person.

I could tell Gordon

was nervous,

even though he wasn't

saying it.

Kathy was, too.

They both are kind souls,

I can feel it.

I didn't feel that way about

the adults, though.

Being a kind soul

isn't the formula

for us being happy,

but then again,

your soul is all you have

that's true,

honest, and special.

I've spent enough time

in Mommy's soul to know that.

Maybe we will all be happy,

since this is our beginning.

We might grow to hate

and despise each other,

but at this moment in time,

I don't dislike

the people I'm with.

It's important to remember

the beginning.

Because this is ours.

[tense, melodic music plays]