[distant siren wailing]
[buzzing]
- I'm still here.
[distant barking]
[chatter]
[rattling]
- I'm still here.
And so are you.
[somber music]
[dial tone]
[alarm beeping]
[water bubbling]
- So you're not going
to tell me her name?
- Don't make it
a big thing, mom.
- Well, she invited
you to hang out.
- I know that.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Guess who just might
have a girlfriend.
- I heard he's got two of them.
- I didn't say that.
- Oh.
[laughter]
- Oh my gosh.
You guys are annoying.
- Good nap?
- Yeah.
Weird dreams I still have this
headache that won't go away.
- You think you should call out?
- No.
They're probably short
staffed as it is.
Speaking of which, have
you seen my ID anywhere?
- Yeah.
This is what happens
now that you're only
volunteering twice a year.
- Why don't you give me a
hard time a little bit more,
will you.
Guilt trip me.
Yeah.
[curious music]
What's he doing tonight?
- He said he's hanging out at a
friend's house down the street.
- What about you?
You still going to
do that work thing?
- I decided to ditch it
and go to my sister's.
She's having her annual shindig.
- It's quite a hike, isn't it?
- I know.
I just feel like
I owe her a visit.
Check out the
invitation she sent.
- Julia's New
Year's Eve bonanza.
Well, you-- you can't miss that.
- This came from your brother.
I was thinking of putting
him on the fridge.
- Where are their sweaters?
- I think the sweaters are cute.
- Dad, did you get the
Lakers tickets yet?
- Oh, sh*t.
No, not yet.
I'm still working on it.
- If you give me your
card, I can order them
because they're
going to sell out.
- No, no.
I'm going to do it.
- Oh, I almost forgot.
I had coffee with Matt
Chauvins yesterday.
He asked to read your book.
- It's-- it's really not
that type of thing, you know?
- Well, he was thrilled to give
you notes, so, sent it to him.
Is that a problem?
- No.
I mean, look.
It's-- he's just a big-time
fiction writer, you know?
And you asked him to read
my dumb little memoir.
- Wow.
OK, no more goodwill
gestures from me.
- Appreciate it.
- [radio chatter].
[horns honking]
[radio chatter]
[radio fades out]
[train horn blares]
[line ringing]
- You've reached Andrew.
Please leave a message
and I'll get back to you.
- Hey, big brother.
It's me.
Just calling to
say happy new year.
I got those photos you sent.
Thanks for those.
Anyway, give me a call back.
Let's catch up.
[door clicks shut]
[phone rings]
[elevator dings]
- Because I'm at work right now.
You cannot just drop this
on me last minute, Ty.
It's New Year's Eve.
Fine.
[phone rings]
No.
I just can't argue
about it right now.
You know what?
I'll figure it out.
Steven, hi.
How are you?
- Good.
- So good to see you.
- How are you?
- You know, same old, same old.
- I'm not interrupting, am I?
- No.
That was just my ex-husband
dropping the ball again.
I actually have to
go and get my kids.
He got his dates all
messed up, and now it's
impossible to find a sitter.
Actually, I think
it's just going
to be here most of the night.
Cindy's off at 11:00
- Oh.
Uh, OK.
- I'm so sorry, Steven.
I know it's a lot for
one person, but I just--
- No.
No, no, no.
It's fine.
It's fine.
Go be with your kids.
It's OK.
- You're a lifesaver.
- Come on.
You're the hero.
I'm the one who sold out and
went into private practice.
[laughter]
- Well, at least use my desk.
I do have the nice chair.
- Thank you.
All right.
[phone rings]
- Hello.
- Lifeline.
Hello?
- I don't want to
talk about myself.
- OK.
I understand.
Hello?
[phone rings]
Lifeline.
Hello?
[muffled breathing]
It's-- it's OK if you're
not ready to talk,
but can I get your
name at least?
- Mary.
- Mary?
Hi, Mary.
I'm Steve.
- I don't really
know how this works.
- Well, it's really whatever
you feel like you need.
What made you call
in this evening?
And there's no right
answer to that.
- I don't want to
feel like this.
I want it to be over.
But please, don't
tell the police
where I am because
they'll just--
- No, no, no.
No.
No, no I won't.
I promise.
This call is
anonymous, so you don't
have to worry about that, OK?
OK?
I'd just like to talk a little
bit about how you're feeling.
Did, uh-- did something
happen at home tonight?
Maybe a fight with family, or--
- Yeah.
Yeah.
- Yeah?
Can you tell me a
little bit about that?
[pencil scratching]
- Um, it's just my head.
It's been all over the place.
And no one I know gets
it, so I got these pills.
- You have the
pills with you now?
[somber music]
- Mm-hmm.
They're for sleep
and depression.
But I figured if I take enough--
- Well, I'm really hoping
you don't do that, Mary.
- There's no other way.
I don't have a choice.
- Wait.
Why do you say that?
- What?
- When you say that don't
feel like you have a choice,
what do you mean by that?
- Mary, can you--
can you tell me where
you are right now?
Are you at home?
- No, I'm in Palm Springs.
My husband rented a house
here for the holidays.
- But he knows that you've
been having a hard time?
- What?
- But he knows that
you've been hurting?
Mary?
- I don't trust him.
He's the reason I'm--
- The the-- the
reason that you--
you feel like hurting yourself?
- Yeah.
[ominous music]
He drove us out here because
I was having problems.
There was a medication change
I went through recently.
And I told him I was in
therapy and he got really mad.
- How come?
- I don't think I
can talk much longer.
- Why not?
Mary, is it because
you're worried
about your husband finding out?
- Yeah.
- Has your husband
ever hurt you?
- No.
But I'm afraid of him.
It's hard to explain.
- No, no.
I think I understand.
But I got to say, things, they
sound really tense over there
tonight.
So I'd like to come
up with a safe word,
or-- or phrase in case
your husband comes home
and we're still talking.
- What do you mean?
What is--
- It's just a way
for you to let me
know that you're
feeling unsafe so it
doesn't trigger your husband.
Can we do that?
- OK, fine.
Yeah.
- OK, great.
So the best thing
to do is to pick
a word or a phrase that's
really easy to bring up
in a conversation.
[horn honks in distance]
- Like, "he's so
wonderful," or something?
- Yeah.
Yeah, that's great.
"He's so wonderful" works.
That's great.
And you'll remember that, right?
Just in case?
- Yeah.
- OK.
- I don't know.
It feels really risky.
- Mary-- Mary, listen.
I just want to do
whatever we can to--
- I should hang up.
- No.
No, no, no.
Mary.
Mary.
Wait.
Wait.
Are you still there?
If we can get you someplace safe
tonight away from your husband,
OK, just until your
therapist is available,
do you think that you could hold
off on maybe taking those pills?
[tense music]
- I-- I don't know.
Maybe.
- Maybe?
Well, can you give
me your address?
And I'd just feel better if we
got you out of that situation,
away from him.
578 Flamingo Drive.
- 578 Flamingo Drive.
And you said you're in
Palm Springs, right?
- Honestly, I think it'd
be easier to just end it.
- Mary.
Mary.
- It just keeps happening.
[wailing]
- I know.
Listen, I understand, Mary.
I understand.
Listen.
But that would be--
that would be a really big
mistake and one that you cannot
take back.
Do you understand that?
[tense music]
Mary?
[phone beeps]
sh*t.
[unsettling music]
[horn wailing]
[radio chatter]
- --games are on the schedule.
The Cavaliers came
up with a surprise.
[gentle music]
[phone rings]
- Lifeline.
How can I help you today?
[uneasy music]
[pencil scratching]
[phone rings]
- Lifeline.
[phone rings]
- And give that
hot bath a try, OK?
Thank you.
Yeah, you too.
[phone rings]
Lifeline.
[sneezes]
- Sorry.
I'm sick.
- OK.
Well, that's OK, but
this line is specifically
for mental health purposes, so.
- So, what?
- Well, if you, uh--
if you have a cold,
then you should
talk to a doctor or someone
more qualified than me.
No.
I mean, I also want
to k*ll myself.
- OK.
That is something that
we should talk about.
[coughing]
- Can you-- can you
hold on a second?
- Sure.
[muffled laughter]
Listen, if this is a prank
call, I'm going to hang up, OK?
[laughter]
- Julia, what are you two doing?
[line clicks]
[phone rings]
- Lifeline.
You all right?
[a/c whirrs]
[water splashes]
- You all right?
- Oh, yeah.
It's just a little
coffee burn, thanks.
How's your night going?
- Pretty good.
Feels like it's been nonstop.
- Yeah.
I'm going to make
a little coffee.
You want some?
[phone ringing]
- Lifeline.
[coffee percolating]
[phone rings]
- Lifeline.
- Hi.
Uh, my wife, Mary, called
a little while ago.
My name is Jason.
- OK.
Yeah, hi.
She, you know-- well,
I'll let her explain.
She's right here.
- Hello?
- Hi, Mary.
It's Steven.
[tense music]
- Um, yeah.
I just wanted to call and-- and
say, I was sorry about before.
My meds, they just make
me think crazy thoughts.
And
- Mary, is your husband
there with you right now?
- Uh-huh.
Yeah.
He's so wonderful.
[clock ticking]
- Well, thanks for
letting me know
you're OK, and have a
good rest of your night.
- Yeah.
Happy new year.
- You too.
[dial pad beeping]
[line trilling]
- Palm Springs
Police department.
What's your emergency?
- Hi, my name is Steven Thomas
and I'm a hotline responder
at the Lifeline Call Center.
There's a lady in your
area at 578 Flamingo Drive
and I believe that there's
a possible domestic violence
situation with her husband.
- All right.
Let me put you through
to an officer on patrol.
Hang on.
[tense music]
[phone ringing]
- This is Officer Fredericks
with the Palm Springs PD.
You're reporting a
domestic violence case?
- Yes.
She's at 578 Flamingo Drive.
That's the address
dispatch sent us.
Is there a number
I can reach you at?
- Sure.
My cell is 717-555-6455.
- Great.
I'll give you a call back
once we get eyes on her.
What was the name again?
- Mary.
I didn't get a last name.
- OK.
Well, we're on our way now.
- Great.
I appreciate it.
[eerie music]
[deep rumbling]
[glasses clinking]
[lights buzzing]
[water draining]
[phone rings]
Lifeline.
[light breathing]
- I'm going to k*ll myself.
- OK.
Can you tell me a
little bit about why?
- It wouldn't make sense.
- Well, I'd like to
try and understand.
I'm in no rush.
[ominous music]
Can you tell me a little
bit about yourself?
- Like what?
- You-- you have a job?
You-- are you a student?
- I go to UCLA.
- Oh, yeah?
I went there.
I mean, a while ago, but.
Um, what's your name?
- Steven.
- Steven.
That's my name, too.
Where are you right now, Steven?
- In a motel.
[pencil scratches]
I bought a g*n.
- I got to be honest
with you, Steven.
Um, g*ns make me really nervous
in this kind of situation.
Did you tell anyone
else where you are?
- I-- I tried to
tell my girlfriend,
but-- or ex-girlfriend, but
we just got into a fight, so.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
What's your girlfriend's name?
[tense music]
- It's Vivian, but
everybody calls her Viv.
- And you said your
name is Steven?
- Yeah.
- What's your last name?
- Thomas.
- Thomas.
So you wouldn't happen to have
gone to Woodrow Wilson High
School, did you?
- Yeah.
How did you know that?
[laughter]
- I'm going to put you on hold
for just a second, all right?
[line trilling]
- Hello?
- Hey, it's me.
- Dad?
- Yeah, nice work with
that prank call there.
- What?
- That was good.
You get your Mom
in on that, too?
- Dad, I seriously have no
idea what you're talking about.
[ominous music]
- This is the guy that
called in claiming to be me,
you knew nothing about that?
- No.
[laughter]
And, Dad, it's really
loud here right now, so--
- OK.
All right.
Well, we'll talk
about this later.
- OK, bye.
[droning music]
- Hey.
So-- so listen, buddy.
- You seriously
just put me on hold?
I came here to
blow my brains out
and you're too f*cking busy--
- OK.
- --to stay on
the phone with me?
- Hey, listen.
Listen.
Listen.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that-- you're right.
That was wrong of me.
I apologize.
[sniffles]
- Whatever.
It doesn't matter.
It's happening no
matter what, so.
- When you say it's
happening, you mean--
- I mean, I'm going
to k*ll myself.
I've already decided.
- But you haven't done it
yet and that's a great thing.
- I told myself midnight.
- Is there a reason that
you gave yourself a time?
- I don't know.
It helps when I have
a goal, I guess.
[somber music]
- Well, you seem
pretty determined.
Did you get the g*n
for this purpose?
- Yeah.
- It's either I use
it on myself or on--
- On who?
[droning music]
- Doesn't matter.
I'm too much of a
coward to do that.
He always knew that about me.
I only called because I don't
want to be alone when I do it.
It said this hotline
was anonymous,
so I figured if I told anyone
else, they'd call the cops.
- Well, that's not
going to happen with me.
But I got to be honest
with you, this, uh--
this worries me, Steven.
- But you're not going to
call them though, right?
'Cause if I hear
one f*cking siren--
- No, no.
I'm not going to call the cops.
I just want to keep
talking to you, OK?
That's it.
Can we do that?
- Yeah.
- OK.
- As long as you
know, it won't matter.
[clock ticking]
We can't change
what's happening.
- What specifically do you
feel like you can't change?
- I-- I just mean, generally.
I-- I feel like we all believe
we're in control when we aren't.
- So you feel powerless?
- I don't feel, I am.
I am f*cking powerless.
That's why I know
nothing matters.
I know people say that all
the time, but it's true.
It's, like, the only
thing that's true.
[clock ticking]
- That nothing matters?
- We're all just
talking to ourselves,
telling ourselves the
same things over and over,
putting meaning
into every little--
we're pretending to be
people we aren't, all
of us, acting like everything's
perfect and normal.
[ominous music]
- And what I did.
- What did you do?
- I mean, what I
let that happen.
- Good boy.
- What did you let happen?
- Forget it.
- Steven.
- Once I do this, I'll be free.
I mean, it's all insane.
And if the whole world
is insane, then--
then why is it insane
to want to end my life?
- I think it would be
tragic, but insane?
I don't know.
You see, there's
a part of me that
can understand the feeling
that the whole world is
rigged against us.
And no matter how
hard we try, life just
keeps putting obstacles in
our way, sometimes worse.
Sometimes things
feel like they're
so bad that that it is too
much for one person to take on.
Alone, at least.
[eerie atmospheric music]
But that's why you called
in and I think that's great.
Steven?
You still with me?
[machine beeps]
[chatter]
[phone beeps]
[line trilling]
- Hi, this is Vivian.
Please leave a message.
[beep]
- Hey, it's me.
Just had a call that
threw me for a loop.
Give me a call when you get it.
I love you.
[lights buzzing]
- OK.
I'm so sorry.
I know you're about
to head out, but I
need to run down to the
restroom downstairs.
Can you cover for
me for just a sec?
- Yeah, sure.
- Thank you.
- Uh-huh.
[gentle music]
[ringtone plays]
- Hello?
- Hi.
It's Officer Fredericks.
- Oh, yeah.
- This is my cell.
I just wanted to follow up.
We arrested the victim's husband
you called in about, a Jason.
- Oh, OK.
And-- and how's Mary?
- She was worked up for sure.
And we had an ambulance
take her to the hospital
since her head was
injured pretty bad.
- Oh my goodness.
- But hey.
It's great you called.
Who knows how bad
things could have
gotten if we hadn't showed up?
- Well, thank you.
- I'll give you a call
this week since we'll
need a full statement.
- For sure.
- This is the best
number to reach you at?
- Yes, it is.
- OK.
You have a good rest
of your night, sir.
- You too.
Happy new year.
[elevator whirrs]
[doors grind shut]
[horn honks]
[police radio chatter]
- Hey, there.
I'm just going to use your
restroom really quick,
all right?
- Key's on the desk right there.
- Thank you.
[water splashing]
[muzak playing]
[high-pitched ringing]
- You never listen.
You never listen.
[crying]
Listen now, huh?
[piano plays]
[glasses shatter]
- You're going listen to me.
[woman crying]
- Yeah.
All right.
[door clicks open]
- What was that?
- Damn g*nsh*t victim.
- Those doctors, there's
a hospital nearby?
- Yeah, next door
in the west tower.
I'll tell you, a bunch of
strange happenings going on
in this plot.
Man.
You on eight, right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, you'll probably
see me around here later.
- Graveyard shift for us, huh?
- Man, it gets lonely around
here on New Year's Eve.
I tell you.
- But--
[lights buzzing]
- I don't believe this.
Is this happening upstairs, too?
- Yeah, there's
something similar.
It must've been from
that earthquake earlier.
- We had one?
- Yeah, you didn't feel it?
- I must have missed it.
- Hey.
Thanks again.
- Oh.
No problem.
Happy New Year.
- You too.
[ringtone plays]
- Andrew.
[horn honks]
- Hey, man.
Sorry, I just got your message.
- Yeah, no worries.
- Yeah.
It's crazy.
It's almost midnight here.
The boys somehow have
more energy than me.
- Yeah, they look really
big in the photos you sent.
- Yeah.
Tell me about it.
- Hey, I--
I was meaning to call you
earlier this week, you know?
It's-- it's just--
it's been a little.
- No, no, no.
I get it.
I get it.
It's weird.
I've been thinking about
Mom and Dad recently and--
and I don't know.
It's-- It's like
memories of them.
They're fading, you know?
Like, I can only remember
them in bits and pieces now.
Sorry, I-- I don't know
what I'm trying to say.
- No, I-- I get it.
It's the same for me.
It feels like it's
easier to block things
out most of the time.
You know I've been
thinking about it, too.
I mean, how can we not on a
night like tonight, you know?
Do you remember that time
when dad took Mom on that trip
and left us alone
for the weekend
and didn't tell us where
they were going or anything?
They just left.
- Yeah.
Yeah, I remember that.
[somber music]
[engine rumbles]
- You said something to
me I've never forgotten.
- What if he kills her?
- I know they came
back a few days later.
She was OK, but--
and then with me going
so far away for college.
We've never talked about it,
but I could have done more.
I know that.
Hey, Steve.
Hang on one sec.
Honey!
Boys.
[stammers]
I'm sorry, we're closing
in on midnight here.
- Yeah, no.
I gotta run, too.
I'm at work, so.
- Hey, but let's find a
time to talk more, you know,
when I'm not being
used as a jungle gym.
- Yeah, for sure.
[energetic music]
- Hello?
- Steven?
Hi.
It's Matt Chauvins, a
colleague of your wife's.
- Yeah.
Hi, how are you?
- I'm good.
I'm good, I'm good.
Yourself?
- I'm great.
Um, funny.
I'm actually looking
at your Wikipedia page.
[laughter]
- No kidding?
- Yeah, I-- I heard that
Vivian sent my draft to you.
So sorry.
I just didn't expect to
hear from you so soon.
- Well, good writers seek
out other good writers
whenever they can.
- Hey, you're the professional.
I'm just a wannabe.
- Oh, please don't
sell yourself short.
- Well, I-- I'll--
I'll admit, by the
end of college,
I was dead set on either being a
psychologist or a sci-fi writer,
so you know.
- Oh yeah?
- Yeah, yeah.
It's going to be
one or the other--
[building rumbles]
[lights clicking]
[glass breaking]
- Hello?
- Hi, sorry.
Did you-- did you
feel that earthquake?
- No, no.
It must have not hit
us here in the Valley.
Are you all right?
- Uh, yeah.
Yeah, all good.
- Good.
So I know it's New Year's Eve.
I hope I'm not interrupting
- No, not at the moment.
- Well, I had to call
because honestly, I'm
reading this memoir and
I'm on the edge of my seat.
I couldn't put it down.
- Really?
- That-- that means a lot.
- Yeah no.
It's gripping stuff.
I really can't wait
to read the rest.
- Well, I figured it was more or
less finished, page count-wise.
- Huh.
So I'm just going to give
you my personal opinion.
You can take it, you
can leave it, but--
- No, no.
Please, I-- I'd
love the feedback.
- Well, it feels like
you stopped short right
as things with your
father start heating up.
[ominous music]
- Can I trust you?
- But the way you set
everything up until this point,
the father-son dynamic, yeah.
I just figured there was more to
explore with that relationship.
- With my father?
OK.
Because I don't think I really
got into our relationship
until around
chapter eight or so.
- Huh.
Vivian must have sent me
an earlier manuscript.
This copy ends at chapter five.
- Oh.
I actually have the latest
draft emailed to myself
and I can forward
that to you right now.
- Yeah, that'd be great.
The writing is terrific.
And your teenage years?
I mean--
[exhales]
It's harrowing, honestly.
Yeah I just end up sticking to
sci-fi and political thrillers.
Maybe I'm too afraid
of getting personal.
[phone beeps]
- Man, I'm sorry.
I've got to call you right back.
- Oh, OK.
Let's-- let's talk later.
- Hey, Viv.
- Hey, sorry.
I just got your message.
- It's all right.
It's no problem.
- Have you talked to Jeff?
- Yeah, I talked to
him about an hour ago.
He was still at the party.
Why?
- He hasn't
responded to my text.
- Really?
- I mean, I know he's
just down the street,
but I've been
trying to check in.
Oh.
Hang on.
He just texted.
He's saying he'll be home
by 12:30 at the latest.
- You're great.
And how was your party?
- Ugh, I left early.
I'm actually on the road now.
- That much fun, huh?
- No, it was fine.
It was good to see Julia.
She spent at least an hour
telling embarrassing stories
from when we were young.
How is everything on your end?
Your voicemail sounded--
- No.
I-- I think I just wanted to
hear your voice, you know?
Conversation's tonight
got me thinking.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- About what?
- Us, the past.
- Oh, not the past.
- Yeah, that little old thing.
[gentle music]
I just think there's things
I've forgotten, you know?
Senior year of college
and maybe before.
Tell me what you
remember about us.
- About us?
Wow.
- Yeah.
Yeah, from the beginning.
- Well, I hope you haven't
forgotten that much.
- No, I'm just in a
reflective moment.
And I am writing a memoir,
supposedly, anyway.
- Yeah.
That's true.
So?
- Well, we first
met in psych class,
but I don't think we started
dating until physics I think.
We ended up getting
partnered together
for a final, that
paper we wrote.
God, why do I always
forget the name?
- The many worlds one?
- Yeah.
Yeah, that one.
- Which, by the way, I found
that stashed at home earlier
today.
You kept that?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Probably just sentimental
value, I guess.
- Yeah.
I hadn't thought
about that till today.
- Yeah.
I don't know why I hold onto it.
I just felt like we got through
some tough times that year, so.
But yeah, that--
that paper, it was
way above our heads
when we were trying
to prove that parallel
universes existed,
or-- or something like that.
I remember you had doubts.
- Yeah, that sounds like me.
[laughter]
- You got all philosophical
that first night working
on the take-home, debating
whether life was deterministic.
You had this relentless
belief in free will.
And that, among other things,
is why I fell in love with you.
- What do you mean by we--
we got through tough
times that year?
- Well, you know.
I mean, I don't even want
to think about it now, but--
- No, what?
- No.
It just-- it's hard to
think about how close things
came to ending.
- What do you mean, "ending?"
- Just us.
Everything that day in the car.
It was a few weeks after you
first told me about the scars
on your back, where
they really came from.
- Go get our room.
[tense music]
- You were so afraid to
talk about it back then.
[tempo increasing]
[smacks]
[grunts]
- No crying.
[smacks]
[grunts]
Quiet, Steven.
[unsettling music]
[line trilling]
[tone plays]
- The number you dialed
is not in service.
[unsettling music]
[line trilling]
- Hello?
- Jeff?
- Sorry, man.
You got the wrong number.
- Come on.
I know this is Jeff's number.
I'm his father.
[line trilling]
- Hey.
You've reached Tyler.
Leave a message.
[phone beeps]
[keys clacking]
[unsettling music]
- Just go.
[muffled rainfall]
[door clicks open]
[door slams shut]
[phone ringing]
- Lifeline.
- It's me again.
- Steven?
- Yeah.
- I'm glad you called back.
You're still in the motel?
- Yeah.
Do you believe in the afterlife?
[gentle music]
- Well, um, I'm not religious.
So in that sense, no.
- You know, as a kid, the idea
of the afterlife scared me.
Even reincarnation.
- Why do you think?
- It's like that Greek
myth of Sisyphus.
You know that one?
- Yeah, I do.
The guy that pushes the rock
up the hill over and over.
- Sometimes I think
that's all life
is, these endless cycles of
pain that we all just accept.
I wanted to know that when
we die, that it's just over.
Just blackness No more
consciousness, no--
no more pain.
- And that's something
you find comforting?
- Finality, yeah.
I hate the idea that there
could be two possible outcomes.
Death just feels like it
should be so definitive.
Like, it's the one
thing you can't cheat.
- Well, I told you, I don't
think it's a-- an insane thought
to contemplate death, or even
think about taking your own
life.
But--
[somber music]
I think with what you have
going on, Steven, that this is--
- Stop.
- Stop what?
- Just get it--
get it through your f*cking
head that you're not
going to talk me down.
I'm not-- I'm not calling
you to be f*cking saved.
You should treat this like
it's already happened.
- What's already happened?
- Yeah, because
there's no stopping it.
I'm k*lling myself at
midnight, like I said.
[shrill music]
But I agree, obviously,
that it's not
insane to think about it.
It's insane if you don't
think about k*lling yourself.
Honestly, I think
everyone, every person on--
on Earth is just doing therapy
with themselves constantly.
I mean, one part of our
brain telling another part
not to k*ll ourselves, that
there's some reason to keep--
- That's an interesting
way of looking at life.
Maybe a little cynical,
but I think it makes sense.
- I don't know.
It's so weird that
I'm even doing this.
- What, calling in tonight?
- Yeah.
I've always hated to talk
about myself to other people,
especially when
I'm in a bad place.
- Well, I'm happy that
you did, because I'm
a big believer in
talking things out.
I think it helps.
You know, when I was younger,
I think it was a lot like you,
and I didn't talk
about anything.
Even my first
girlfriend in college,
I never told her anything
personal, was never vulnerable.
[muffled rain pattering]
- If you can't
talk to me, then--
then I can't do this anymore.
- Then go.
- Steven.
- Just go.
- You know, I've taken
a few psych classes,
so you don't have
to bullshit me.
- I'm not.
- Yeah, you're just
trying to bond with me.
I know how it works.
- Well, I'm sorry it
came across that way,
but I do believe I can
relate to what you're saying.
- How do you do it?
- Do what?
- I don't know, stay
optimistic while taking calls
from people like me.
I mean, when you go home, what?
You just shut it off
and forget about it?
- I wish it were that easy.
- So, what?
You get high or something?
- No.
[somber music]
Well, I have--
I have been known to
finish off a bottle of wine
when I get home
from time to time.
But, um, I'm lucky to have
people in my life I can rely on.
- Yeah.
That's the thing about luck.
No one wants to talk about it.
- You really feel like you don't
have anyone you can rely on?
- Not after what
he's done to me.
- Your father?
[sighs]
- What?
You never, ever listen.
- Sorry.
I'll listen.
No!
[bangs]
[sobbing]
- You going to listen now?
- Please.
- Huh?
- Please.
I want to see Thomas, please.
[somber music]
- Your girlfriend.
Tell me more about her.
[eerie music]
Vivian's her name,
you said, right?
- Yeah.
And we've been dating since
we were sophomores, so
a couple of years.
I-- I always thought she
was out of my league.
I was surprised when
she asked me out.
- I know you said that
you guys had a fight.
But she seems like someone
you've confided in before,
or trusted.
- I-- I-- I told you, I--
I can't trust anyone.
[door creaks open]
Not after what he's done to me.
[ominous music]
[clock ticking]
Are you a father?
- I am, yeah.
- You seem like
you'd be a good one.
I feel like that's rare.
- Can we talk about
your dad for a minute?
'Cause he seems like a pretty
hard guy to have for a parent.
- You could say that.
[uneasy music]
[gravel crunching]
- Did he abuse you?
[keys jangle]
- Yeah.
[door slams]
But he always
disguised his love.
He's always with me.
His voice, I hear it even now.
I feel him hovering
over me all the time.
Like, one day, he's telling me
how proud he is of me, and--
[crying gently]
- And then what?
[ominous music]
- f*ck it.
It doesn't matter.
- No, it does.
It does matter.
What were you going to say?
- Nothing.
- Steven.
Steven, can we push back this
deadline that you've set?
Can we do that?
- No.
I can't.
I can't just let him eat
away at me little by little.
- Then let's talk about
that a little bit more.
- No!
I-- I can't f*cking
think straight.
I just-- I just want
you to f*cking talk
about something else, man.
- All right, then.
All-- all right.
I'm sorry.
Then let's talk
about something else.
We can talk about
whatever you want, OK?
But there's one thing that
I need to know, Steven.
[tense music]
Do you have the g*n in
your hand right now?
[eerie horn]
[line trilling]
- This is Officer Fredericks.
- Hey, Steven.
I know that you're
all alone in a motel
and you're sounding
really depressed.
And you told me
that you have a g*n.
I know that you're in
the Red Palm Motel.
- I didn't tell you that.
- Yes, you did.
- How did you--
- You told me that.
You told me where you--
I just forgot the room.
- No, I didn't--
- I just forgot the room.
Just tell me the room.
- I didn't tell you--
I didn't tell you my
room number either.
- Steven, I don't
want you to die.
Can you just tell
me where you are?
Please, just so I know.
[tense music]
- It's room 15, all right?
[door creaks]
[door clicks shut]
But I told you, if
you call the cops--
- I know.
I know.
If you hear any sirens,
you're going to k*ll yourself.
And I don't want that, Steven.
But I was thinking,
what if I came?
Not the cops, just me.
It'll take me a little
bit to drive out there,
but I can be there.
- No.
No.
No.
There's no time.
Just stop, OK?
Just stop.
- OK.
Then-- then-- then just
it's important for me
to know where you are, OK?
And I'm just confirming.
You said the Red Palm
Motel, room 15, correct?
- Why-- why do you keep
asking me what I said
- I'm sorry.
You're right.
I won't ask again, OK?
[shrill music]
[clock ticking rapidly]
- Tell me a story.
- A story?
- One from when you were a kid.
That's the only good
memory I have of my dad.
He'd read to me
when I was little.
He really enjoyed
that for some reason.
- Steven.
Hey, Steven.
- I have to do it.
I'm sorry.
- No, no.
Hold on.
Hold on.
I know it's really
hard right now,
but I need you to stick with me
for just a little longer, OK?
Because I really think that
I fully understand what
you're going through.
- You couldn't.
- No, I do.
- No.
- No, I do.
Your father.
I know.
I know everything.
Your mother, I know her, too.
- What?
[clock ticking]
[unsettling music]
- I know what happened to her.
And now you blame yourself.
- I don't--
How do you--
- I just know, Steven.
- No, you can't.
You can't.
No one does.
He--
- He covered it up, and
he forced you to lie.
[clock ticking]
- Going to have to tell
the police what happened.
[somber music]
Can I trust you?
- And then when she was gone
and your brother went away
to college, he turned to you.
He started hurting you.
He made you powerless.
But you're not, Steven.
- Yes, I am.
I told you, we all are.
- It's not your fault.
You did everything
you could to protect your mom,
especially for being a kid.
And everything your father
did to you, I know the effects
it had on you.
We can protect you from him.
We can fix this without--
you don't have to
do this, Steven.
- How do you know
all this about me?
Is it possible--
- I know it's strange.
I know it's strange, but I'm
here to tell you there's hope.
And no matter how bad
you're feeling right now,
those feelings,
they're survivable.
And I know that because
I've seen it, Steven.
I've seen it.
- I can't--
I can't.
- Yeah, you can.
- I'm sorry.
- No.
Just stay with me.
It's easy.
Just stay.
[somber music]
Steven, are you here?
- I have to.
- No, you don't.
- I'm sorry.
- Because you have a
future, I promise you.
I promise you that there's a
future with people who love you.
I promise you, Steven,
these people are--
[g*n shot]
[rumbling]
[banging]
[creaking]
- Hello?
- Hi, yeah.
- Hey.
Just wanted to stay on
the line to confirm.
You've got a potential
suicide victim at The Red Palm
is what it sounded like.
Room 15, right?
- Yes, room 15.
But hurry.
I think it's--
- I'm already on my way.
I'm only a minute out,
so I'll call you back.
- Thank you.
[phone beeps]
[tense music]
What?
[ringtone playing]
[phone beeps]
Hello?
- Yeah, hi.
So nothing here at The Red Palm.
Actually, the hotel
manager says no one's
checked in at all tonight.
[ominous music]
- What?
- But a sort of a weird thing.
I found a b*llet hole in the
wall of the bathroom in room 15.
- You did?
- Yeah.
I mean, I can't tell if
that's what it is for sure,
or how recent it is, but it
looks old if I had to guess.
- Um, thank you for your help.
I-- I guess I don't--
thank you.
[door clicks shut]
[humming]
[eerie music]
[door clicks shut]
[footsteps descending]
Hey!
[door clicks shut]
Hey!
[droning music]
[door creaks]
Hello?
Hello?
[droning intensifies]
[doorknob clicking]
[banging]
Hello?
- Hey.
You're not authorized to
be on this floor, are you?
- No.
I--
- Come on, man.
I like you.
I don't want to
have to report you.
[droning subsides]
- There's something
going on in that lab.
- Looked pretty dead to me.
[tense music]
[elevator dings]
- Eight, right?
- Yeah.
You said there's a
hospital in the west tower?
- Mm-hmm.
- What's the name of it?
- Not again.
[elevator dings]
[distant sirens wailing]
[phone ringing]
- Hello?
- Hey.
I'm so sorry.
I just realized my
sister and her friend,
they prank called this
number earlier tonight.
And when I realized it was--
[muffled laughter]
- Julia, no.
Come on, you said
you'd apologize.
Julia.
- Wait.
- I--
- Wait, your-- wait your
sister's named Julia?
Your younger sister?
- Yeah, she's-- sorry.
You know, she's a little young.
- And you're Vivian?
[ominous music]
- Yeah.
How did you know that?
- It's January 1, 2009
where you're at, right?
Just past midnight?
- Yeah.
- I need to tell you
something about Steven Thomas.
- You know Steven?
- Yeah, it's a long story.
But listen, right
now, I need you
to go to Saint Jude's
hospital in Palm Springs, OK?
Do you have a car?
- Uh, yeah.
But what's going on?
- Steven tried to
k*ll himself tonight.
And I don't know if
he's going to make it.
- Uh, OK.
- OK?
- OK.
I'm-- I'm-- I'm--
I'm going now.
Wait, are you the person he said
he talked to earlier tonight?
- I don't know.
Did he--
- He said he tried
calling someone,
but that he kept hanging up.
He wasn't really making sense.
But anyway, whoever
you are, thank you.
[gentle music]
[phone beeps]
- He tried to call.
[distant sirens wailing]
[muffled laughter]
[chatter]
[distant siren wailing]
[floor creaking]
[unsettling music]
[faucet clicks]
[water runs]
[buttons beeping]
[phone ringing]
- Lifeline.
[phone clicks]
[water running]
[tense music]
[buttons beeping]
[phone ringing]
- Lifeline.
Can I get your name?
- Steven.
I don't want to
talk about myself.
I just need a distraction.
I don't know.
I-- maybe you can just talk
about yourself or something?
- OK.
I understand.
Sure.
Well, my name is
Steven, too, actually.
Steven Jefferson.
And your last name is?
- Thomas.
- Gotcha.
Well, that's funny.
Both of our names together make
up one whole former president.
Sorry, I only-- I
only tell bad jokes.
[gentle music]
[pencil scratching]
- Do you have a family?
- I do, yeah.
I have a wife and a son.
My-- my son's about to turn
14 next month, actually.
[g*n clicks]
And he's a big Lakers fan.
[pencil scratching]
My wife thinks he
has a girlfriend,
but he's too shy to talk
to me about that stuff.
And so recently, I've
only been volunteering
a few times a year,
uh, ever since I
went into private practice.
And I was told that
writing a memoir
would be a good
therapeutic exercise.
[keyboard clacking]
So I'm about five chapters
deep in right now.
[shrill music]
[distant alarm wailing]
[pencil scratching]
- Tell me a story.
[frantic music]
[g*n shot]
[water draining]
[lights flickering]
[machine beeping]
[machine beeping rhythmically]
[light buzzes]
- I can't take any
more of these seizures.
[muffled conversation]
[electrical whining]
- Let's induce hypothermia again
to reduce the brain swelling.
- Clear!
[rumbling]
[glass breaking]
- Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
[machine beeping rapidly]
[rumbling]
- Do you ever see a
future between us?
[machine beeping rapidly]
- Steven.
- Steven, look at--
- Just go.
[somber piano]
- I'm alive.
I'm alive.
- OK Stay with us, Steven.
[electrical whining]
We're losing him.
Clear!
[rumbling]
[furniture crashing]
[glass breaking]
[machine beeping rapidly]
- Alive.
I'm alive.
I'm alive.
I'm alive.
[beeping fades]
[machine beeping rhythmically]
- You know his odds aren't good.
[machine beeping rhythmically]
[ventilator whirring]
And even if he does make it, I--
I can't stand to
see him like this.
I need to go on a walk.
- Andrew.
- I'm sorry.
Hi,
[beeping continues]
[gentle music]
[baby wails]
- Hi, Mary.
How you doing?
- OK, I guess.
- So your concussion
symptoms were pretty mild,
but we're still going to want
to keep you overnight, OK?
- Also, there's a
detective here that
would like to speak with you.
[baby wails]
[phone ringing]
- Mary, hi.
I'm Detective Fredericks
with the Palm Springs Police.
I'd like to get more background
about your husband, Jason.
[triumphant music]
- Yeah, that's fine.
Thanks.
- Hey, Loretta.
[phone rings]
- Hello?
- Dr. Williams?
- No, I-- I can't.
I can't get a sitter that fast.
- Dr. Williams, I'm sorry.
It's very urgent.
- Come on.
You're just not telling me this?
- I just have to
show you one thing.
- I gotta call you back.
- It's just going
to be really quick.
All right, so the patient
in 204, he was just--
[speech fades]
[baby wails]
[man humming]
[machine beeping]
[ventilator hissing]
- They told me it's not
likely you'll wake up.
I don't believe it.
I know you.
When you do, we're
going to talk more, OK?
We're not going to hide things.
I'm scared though, Steven.
But I'm still here.
And so are you.
[somber music]
[phone buzzes]
[ringtone plays]
[machine beeping]
[beeping stops]
[somber music]
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Lifeline (2025)
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