223 Wick (2022) Movie Script

1
[ominous music]
[Arthur] Death speaks
volumes if you truly listen.
All of the answers
hit you like--
-[fingers snap]
-That.
If my notions
of the afterlife been correct,
I wouldn't be here
with them.
With him.
After the lights went
out for me, another clicked on,
so to speak.
An ancient deal had been struck
long before John and I arrived.
Eternal life in exchange
for the soul of the vessel.
I was just a bonus.
Wrong place
at the wrong time, perhaps.
God knows.
But, here I stay
in the dark cool halls
of this forsaken building.
I haven't seen the others,
but I sense they are here.
A heavy darkness still
surrounds this temple.
Just as it did the night
I arrived at 223 Wick.
The night I died.

[Oracle moaning]
[Oracle] Forever.
2-2... 3...
Wick.
[child] Wake up, John.
[people speaking indistinctly]
[thump]
[sighing]
[grunts]
[groaning]
[breathing heavily]
[ominous music]
[man] Two, two, three.

[John] Most merciful father.
I trust you in all things.
I trust you and
your perfect plan for my life.
I trust you when I cannot
comprehend your divine will.
I trust you when all feels lost.

Father, I trust you
more than I trust myself.
Amen.

[birds chirping]
[knocking at the door]
One moment, please.
[coughing]
[slurps]
Father Murphy.
Good morning, Jonathan.
-Sleep well?
-Mm.
You look terrible.
Another headache?
Getting better. I don't let
them interfere with my duties.
[Father Murphy] Good, good.
Well, of course
you've been in our prayers.
These notions of yours
have raised a few questions.
Some of them upsetting.
So, I'm sure you can
understand our concern.
Thank you, Father.
You and the parish
have always been supportive.
You got my letter then, yes?
About Saint Andrew Abbey?
Came a few days ago.
We appreciate the work that
you're doin' here as a teacher.
But, your lack of sleep
is takin' a toll on your health
and your ability to keep up
with your duties
as a teacher.
Pushing yourself too hard and
we all agree you need a break.
Saint Andrews
is a coveted assignment.
They have agreed to host
you during your sabbatical.
I don't think leaving
right now is responsible.
We're in the middle of exams.
My students,
they-- they need me.
Think of it
as a period of reflection.
And your classes
will be covered.
Also,
Saint Andrews can use
the extra set of hands.
This will be good for everyone.
We only want
what's best for you, John.
You needed
a letter to say all that?
Well, in
these delicate situations,
formalities
must be must be observed.
Well then, formally, I should
be allowed to plead my case.
These visions I'm having--
Murphy.
These have been
written about for centuries.
Don't start this again, John.
I will not hear anymore of it.
Your delusions are
almost in direct conflict
with the teachings
of the church.
Well, I'm sorry your faith
can't handle the challenge.
I thought, as a man
whose entire career was based
on inciting fear, you would
be interested in my theories.
You cab will be here
5 p.m. sharp.
There should
be enough time for you
to pack after your classes.
Father, please rest well.
I will be the one
writing the recommendation
for your return.
And I pray for news of swift
mental healing, so I may do so.
[dramatic music]

[Arthur] Oh, Father Murphy.
Arthur.
What are you reading?
Um, just a verse from Proverbs.
It was on my mind last night,
so I thought
I'd check it over again.
That's good.
That's good. You all right?
Yes, of course.
I'm fine Father.
Listen. Father John
is going away for a while.
What do you mean, Father?
I mean, it's good for everyone.
Is he okay?
Is it his head?
He's fine.
Well, he-- he was my teacher.
I know.
I'm your teacher now.
God bless you, my son.
Thank you, Father.
[ominous clock chiming]
[birds chirping]
[dramatic music]

[bell ringing]
[ominous music]
[car door closing]
The church
is yours, Father Murphy.
Peace be with you, my son.
I'm sure.
Please go.
[car engine starting]

[voice] Two. Two.
Three.
Wait. Can we go
a different direction?
Sure, Father.
Doesn't matter to me.
I'm just a driver.
Long as I get the fare.
223 Wick Avenue.
All right.
I got you.


223 Wick?
What does that mean, John?

[low humming]
[girls voice] Father.
[Driver] Father.
Hey, Father.
We're almost here, man.

[car door closing]

[music swelling eerily]
[whoosh]
[glass breaking]
[yelling]
Who are you?
What are you doing here?
I'm sorry.
I-- I just
need to use your telephone.
You seem to be injured, Father.
Here, let me get you in.
-Thank you.
-Come on.
[suitcase clanging]
[John] What is this place?
[suitcase slamming on ground]
[ominous sting]
[Paul] I didn't catch your name.
I'm Paul.
John.
Father John.
I'm certain the Madam
will be pleased to meet you.
[John] Madam?
The owner. It would
please her immensely.
I just need to use the phone.
No-- no need
to wake up the whole house.
[clanging]
Doesn't seem to be working.
Dammit, those damn contractors
have been a waste of time.
Half the electric doesn't work.
And that was
supposed to be fixed last week.
You're welcome
to stay the night.
We do have a few
livable rooms upstairs.
Very kind of you.
But I really should get going.
Oh, please, Father.
I can't have you leaving
us with, possibly, a concussion.
[stammering]
It's really fine.
Its-- it's really fine.
The bleeding is slowing.
There must be a bus.

[buzzing and whirring]
[tray slamming down]
[breathing heavily]
Paul.
Please eat
and rest here tonight.
That's very kind of you.
Thank you, Paul.
Our pleasure.
If you need
anything else, I'll be just...
Thank you.
Goodnight, Paul.
[Paul] Goodnight.
[exhales]
[birds tweeting]
[ominous music]
-[indistinct whispering]
-[growling]
[girl] Wake up, John.

[demonic laughter]
[girl] Wake up, John.
[John shouting] Stop!
[breathing heavily]
[light clanging]



[church bell ringing]
[birds tweeting]
Well, it appears as though
our favorite
priest is at it again.
What did
St. Andrew's say on the call?
He never showed.
Does anyone know where he is?
No.
That bastard has done
this before. He'll surface.
Father Murphy, are your
fears beginning to come to pass?
Excuse me.
It seems that every
time we rid ourselves
of this guy, he comes back
with stronger ideas,
new draft manuscripts,
new theories.
And the diocese
is beginning to notice.
And I believe they're
liking what they're hearing.
[laughing]
You think
I'm fearful for my own position?
I didn't say that.
I didn't think so.
Look, all I'm saying
is that we better track
him down before
he has too much time to himself.
I wonder--
who watched him leave?
Just myself and the driver
who picked him up.
I got his card on my desk.
I suggest you call it.
[Father Murphy]
I will.
That would be a good idea.
Oh, by the way,
we're dangerously low
on our operating costs.
No new donations.
And it appears
as though you've lost a priest.
So you might
not give them any choice.

Good morning, Father.
[John] Good morning, Ms...
Brixton. Katerina.
I'm sorry for intruding.
I was just looking for Paul
to tell him I was leaving.
Leaving? Oh, no, Father.
I don't believe in coincidence.
You're here for a reason.
Perhaps you heard my prayers.
Prayers?
Yes, Father.
My prayers for help.
Though this building
may look a mess now,
I have big plans for it.
Did you find
your accommodation suitable?
Yes.
Thank you.
Wonderful.
If anything needs
alteration, please ask Paul.
Paul told me about your fall.
And I'm so sorry.
I told those contractors we need
to fix the stairs immediately.
They're a liability.
It's fine Miss Brixton, really.
Just a little scrape.
Kat.
Shall we walk?

[Paul groaning in pain]
[demonic laughter]

[objects clanging]

[grunts]
My grandfather
was the highest ranked leader
in an all
male fraternal order.
They built this place
over a hundred years ago.
What happened to them?
Sadly, they grew old.
They died.
Memberships were down.
And eventually
they ran out of money.
Now, no one has time for secret
societies and club fees.
My grandfather
bought this place for next
to nothing and left it to me.
My siblings
were a little upset
when they read the will, though.
My little sister, especially.
But, I was
his favorite, after all.
These family matters can
be very difficult. I understand.
Sounds like
he loved you very much.
So what are you planning
on doing with the place?
Oh, Paul didn't tell you?
Mm mm.
I plan on making
this a gathering place
for those seeking
a greater sense of community.
As a man of the cloth, I'm sure
you can appreciate that, Father.
Oh, absolutely.
What community
are you seeking to assist?
I see this as
a living art space for children.
But, before they can come,
this building needs some help.
Will you help us, Father?
M-- me?
I don't think renovation
is within my skillset.
This building has ghosts.
Many of them, I suspect.
What do you mean?
You may think I'm crazy,
but far too many things
have happened to ignore.
No. You can tell me.
[Kat] Well, first
I thought it was my grandfather.
But if it's him,
he's not alone.
What makes
you think he's not alone?
[Kat] Father,
I don't mean to frighten you,
but at the risk
of sounding desperate,
I hear voices, whispers.
I can't really
ever make out the words.
Father, I don't mean
to be so forthcoming,
but I am at my wit's end.
I love this building,
but it is not clean.
God protects us
from the powers of darkness.
I truly believe that.
I can certainly
go room to room and give
a blessing before I leave.
Oh, would you?
[John] Yes, absolutely.

Here. Let me
help you with that.
No, no, it-- it's fine.
Thank you. It's not
as bad as it looks, really.
If I need anything,
I'll call for Paul.
Paul had a bit
of an accident this morning.
He's resting.
Two accidents in as many days.
That's enough for me.
Please, you rest.
I will see you later.
Thank you very much for the tea.
It was a pleasure.
Thank you, Father.

[music buzzing]
[John grunting]
Get out, get out!
[demonic voice]
I am the first living God.
I am-- I am--
I am the ruler of the sky.
[ominous sting]
Who's there?
Who's there?

[church bell ringing]
-[hip hop music playing]
-[phone vibrating]
Talk to me.
Good day to you.
It's Father Murphy
from St. Vincent's seminary.
You picked up a priest
from here a few days ago.
Oh, yeah the pope with the coat.
What do you guys need,
like, another car or somethin'?
No, I was just
wondering if you could
recall where you drove him to?
I'm sorry, sir. I can't
give out that information.
Look, this may be an emergency.
I must share this with you.
The priest you drove,
may be mentally ill.
HIs family is very concerned.
Please, sir.
Hold on, man.
Let me just check my records.
I took him to 223 Wick Avenue.
in [indistinct].
You've been most helpful.
God bless you, son.
Did we find him?
Got an address.
That son of a bitch.
What?
He went to the Brixtons.
Brixtons?
Yeah, their family's
one of our biggest contributors.
It's been about five years
since we heard from them.
But the last one was sizable,
to say the least.
Look.
It appears as though
our Little Saint John
has a bit of an agenda.
You better go find him.
I will.

Sorry to bother you Father.
The Madam says
to show you the rooms.
Yes, of course.
I'm-- I'm sure
I can find them on my own.
Anything Madam wants....
[moaning lightly]

[demonic laughter]
[Paul] Library's
through this way.

Sorry. You'll
have to pardon the mess.
When you're finished here,
go through those double
doors to the children's area.
Madam needs your help there.
She would like
to convert the playrooms
into interactive
stations for the children.
Alrighty.
I'll leave you to it.
[John]
Thank you, Paul.
[water swishing gently]

[children laughing]
What is this place, God?
Where have you
brought me and why?
I trust in you.
I always trust in you fully.
Even when I do not
comprehend your divine will,
but where have you
brought me, Lord?
Father, are you here?
[indistinct whispering]


Paul? Paul,
is that you?
[tense eerie instrumental]
[grunting]
[hinge clanging]




[music crescendoing]
[music ends]
Hello?
Hello?
-[ghostly voice] You are here.
-[voice 2] You are chosen.
[ghostly voices whispering]
[voices laughing]
[female voice]
Those words mean nothing.
[laughing]
Who's there?
[screaming]
Father. Sorry to startle you.
It's like a labyrinth down here.
I got turned around.
Well, Father, I came to find you
because your presence
is requested.
Tell Miss Brixton I--
It's not the Madam.
[ghostly voices whispering]
[Paul]
He's come from the seminary.
[John] Arthur.
Thank you.
Arthur,
what are you doing, here?
Father John, forgive me.
Could you excuse us
for a moment?
Certainly.
I overheard what happened
between you and the Dean.
It's not right.
You're the only one
trying to change the church
for the better.
I-- I appreciate that.
Really, I do,
but this isn't the place.
You need to leave.
I, uh, I can't. I didn't
tell them I was leaving.
They'll forgive you, Arthur.
Please. Just--
[grimacing in pain]
He's been like
this since he got here.
I didn't know
what to make of it.
He gets headaches.
I've never seen one this bad.
I'll take you to his room.
It's-- it's just upstairs.
Go.
In here.
[John grunting and sighing]
[John panting]
Pills. I have pills...
We're in here.
[John wincing]
I'll let you tend to him.
I'll call the doctor.
Thank you.
[eerie music]

Horus. Master. Are you with me?
[Horus] Always.
Everything is just about
in place.
[Horus]
Do not fail me again!
You're falling apart, Katarina,
and you do not have
much time left.
Secure the priest.
The night is near.
Arthur. What are you doin' here?
You have to go to St. Andrews.
What?
The Abbey. Murphy wants you
completely thrown out
if you don't go back.
Murphy's the least of
my problems right now, Arthur.
If you go back now,
you can plead your case, maybe--
maybe even get a reassignment.
[John sighing]
I never intended on going back.
What are you even doing here?
Working on
a personal assignment.
Murphy can still be talked to.
McAndrews has him sweating.
I-- I overheard that they--
You've been doing
a lot of eavesdropping lately,
haven't you, hm?
But last year, you hired me
on as your assistant.
We've spent hours studying
and working with students.
John, you know I'm with you,
but you can't do anything
to help anyone
if you're barred
from the church.
Arthur, this is beyond
the church.
I want to leave,
but physically I-- I-- I can't.
I-- I can't leave.
The headaches?
It's more complicated
than that. I--
I-- I wish
I could explain to you
without sounding like a lunatic.
Arthur. Just go.
Please, do as I ask of you.
Go back to the seminary.
Hey, you're Murphy's
number one. Stay that way.
If it means that much to you,
I'll go.
But you have to promise
to at least call the Abbey.
Fine. I'll call in the morning.
[Arthur]
And you need to see a doctor.
I'll do that
in the morning too.
Go.
[Arthur sighing]
[gentle eerie music]
[girl's voice]
Arthur.
Arthur.
Are you awake, darling?
[whimpering]
Oh, hush now.
[Oracle]
He's not here to speak.
I'm not here for him.
[Oracle] You are looking
a bit rundown tonight.
Feeling rested,
since the last time?
-[flesh tearing]
-[girl moaning painfully]
Have you been whispering
to someone you shouldn't?
He's here now.
Though, I'm sure you knew that.
Your meddling never worked out.
Even when we were children.
[Oracle] It's not only
my whispers he hears.
Don't worry, dear sister.
You're healing up wholly.

Two priests
for the price of one.
Pleased?
John's blood is all we need.
But, I won't look
a gift horse in the mouth.
No thanks to me, then.
For what? Answering the door.
We're close.
Are you sure
the priest is going to be ready?
He's fine. If he doesn't
agree on his own accord, then--
Yeah. He won't.
If he doesn't agree
on his own accord,
then we have some leverage now,
don't we?
Have you spoken to our leader?
He's never out of touch. Why?
You know the deal.
He brought me to you.
What a wonderful relationship
this has been.
Go.

[Oracle]
[echoing] Arthur.
[tense music]
[echoing] Arthur!

[John breathing heavily]
[tense ethereal music]

[chair scrapping and thudding]

[ghostly voices whispering]
[chair scraping]
[ghostly voices whispering]

[ghostly whispering continues]
[tense eerie music]
[Oracle] Arthur.
Feel my energy, Arthur. Use it.

[ghostly rattling]
[Arthur breathing heavily]
Lord Almighty. I trust in you.
I know I'll never understand
your holy will.
But I'm afraid.
[echoing] Hello?

I don't know
why you brought me here.
I don't know
if you're testing me, but...
[voice]
Who are you?
[Arthur]
My name's Arthur, I'm a priest.
[indistinct]
I've come to help you.
Even though I'm afraid,
I trust you.
[Oracle] Arthur!
[thud]

[Arthur]
[echoing] Hello?
Hello?
[Horus] Arthur.
Arthur.
This is not a dream, Arthur.
[Arthur]
Who are you?
[Horus]
You can not escape.
There's no way out.
[laughing]

What's going on? Where am I?
Get off me. Get off me!

[John gasping]
[John panting]
[John grunting]
[John breathing heavily]
[John sighing]
[eerie music]

Father John.
What a pleasant surprise.
I need to leave now.
I need to go back
to the seminary.
Father, are you all right?
No, Miss Brixton,
I'm not all right.
This poor man has had a migraine
the entire time he's been here.
Oh, still havin' those,
are you John?
Father, please sit.
Have some tea.
I will go fetch Paul
and have him find Arthur.
I believe he was giving
the blessings in your absence.
You snake.
I don't know, nor do I care,
what you're talking about.
We need to leave now. All of us.
Don't yank me around, John.
I know you came here
to bring in a new donation.
Trying to save yourself
from a permanent
leave of absence, are you?
Money? You think
I came here for-- for money?
I don't give a rat's ass
about money.
There are bigger things
at play right now
than divine capitalism.
Capitalism?
Haven't you learned, yet?
Money makes
the world go round, John.
Faith has a price.
If you were trying to impress
the superiors
by making a fool of me,
you should have
done it with a check.
What the hell
are you talking about?
You think you're
so fucking clever.
Pulling the wool
over everyone's eyes
with your half cocked theories.
It's funny,
even I was starting to think
there was something to them.
Go.
Get out of my sight.
Mrs. Brixton. Wow. You look...
Busy, busy, busy.
[Father Murphy choking]
Murphy. Murphy.
Murphy!
[Father Murphy choking]
[John] Murphy!
[Kat] Father Murphy.
[John] Murphy. Murphy.
[Kat] Seems your God has
led you down a dangerous path.
-However, my God--
-[John] Murphy. Murphy.
[Kat] Has spared
your pathetic existence.
Get away from him.
He needs help.
Murphy. Father Murphy.
Father Murphy.
[Kat]
It's time.
[laughing]
[dramatic synth music]

[Oracle]
Wake up, John.
Wake up, John.
[Oracle]
Wake up, John.
[Kat]
Your Holiness.
Thank you so much
for coming to my rescue.
Handsome priests
kind of do it for me.
[Kat laughing]
Who would have guessed?
Too bad for your friend, though.
He was more my type.
Where? Where am I?
Why am I here?
[Kat]
Oh, John. You flatterer.
I wish I could take credit
for your gifts.
But that's between you
and the universe, my dear.
Your gift, however,
is the reason you are here.
But you knew that, didn't you?
You know what I've always found
so interesting
about this building?
The way the men
who built this place
appropriated
the Egyptian symbolism.
I always loved
reading about the ancient Gods.
But grandfather...
grandfather thought
I spent too much time
reading about myths.
Myths. Oh, but a secret society
for men only.
That's serious business.
[Kat laughing]
How truly Western.
John?
I've been meaning
to introduce you to my sister.
I had Paul clean her up
for tonight's festivities.
Doesn't she look beautiful?
[Oracle]
You've already failed.
I'm so glad this is
our last adventure, dear sister.
Your presence is
completely insufferable.
Put him over there.
You don't have to do this.
-[Kat] Poor baby.
-[John] Arthur.
Has she been whispering to you?
Arthur. Wake up.
Arthur. Arthur, wake up.
Katarina, stop this.
Whatever this is, stop this.
You do not have to do this.
Stop. In all that is holy, stop.
[John grunting]
Ow!
Enough, John.
Enough of your
self-righteousness.
I know what you see, John.
You see a universe much bigger
than what the church
wants you to believe.
You came here
because of your dreams, John.
Easy...
You were thrown out
of your own seminary.
[Kat chuckling]
Hell, you are mere steps
from a heretic to them.
I'm no heretic
and I'm no follower.
This collar?
This collar is how I do my part
to help
in this chaotic world.
No matter.
You may have opened doors
to knowledge greater than man,
but I'm opening
a much bigger door than that.
It's time to give humanity
back to the ancient ones.
No.
[dramatic rumbling music]
Take pure of heart and body.
You'll do just fine.
-Paul!
-Ah!
[Arthur grunting]
[Kat laughing]

[grunting]
[Kat]
Kill him, Paul. Kill him.
[Horus]
Katarina, I want the priest.
A priest is a priest.
[Horus]
He's not the one.
War is not clean, darling.
You taught me that eons ago.
[Horus laughing]
Sacrifices must be made.
[Horus] I'm done with you.
Your time is up.
I only wanted the Father.
It's your turn, Father.

Father.
Join me, Father.
Be a pharaoh in my kingdom.

[indistinct]
It's already open.
Your visions.
They've shown you
the connection of the universe.
Everything that man
has ever believed in, John.
[Horus]
Be my vessel. Rule with me.
I'm the one true God.
I didn't want any of this.
I didn't want anyone
to get hurt because of me.
People will get hurt, John.
It's inevitable.
But you can help them.
[John sniffling]
Make the sacrifice.
Be reborn.
You can help them.

[Horus]
She cannot save you.
You're mine.
Why not have
eternal life with me?
You have failed.
[Horus laughing]
-[Oracle] Make the sacrifice.
-[Horus] No!
-[Oracle] Be reborn.
-[Horus] Don't listen to her.
Follow me.
Come with me. Rule like a God.

[Horus groaning in pain]
[Horus] You're ruining
everything, Father!
[John exhaling]
[ethereal orchestral music]

[John] So here I am
in this place, my afterlife.
A prison with
nothing to hope for,
but for another vessel
to try and win this battle.
This place will always call out
to the energy it needs to feed.
Now, I'm here.
[melancholic piano music]

Good afternoon.
I'm trying to reach Sarah.
Is this Mahoney Realty?
Fantastic. I was actually
calling about 223 Wick,
I believe is the address.
Yes. Yes. In fact, that is
what has inspired me to call.
After all, it was my priests
who were involved
in this terrible incident.
I believe it's my obligation
to honor them.
No, cost will be no issue.
I'll be handling
the renovations as needed.
The church has very big plans
for the building.
Thank you. Goodbye.
[eerie music]

It's so cold where she is
Where she is,
the frost will bite
'Cause she's trapped
under the ice

It's so cold
where she is
Where she is,
the frost will bite
'Cause she's trapped
under the ice