A Rose in Concrete (2024) Movie Script
(dramatic music)
(crickets chirping)
[Kid] You suck at Call of Duty.
Well, you suck at Madden
and you always wanna play that.
So where did your parents go tonight?
The ballet.
Ew, gross.
I don't know.
They took me to the last one.
It wasn't so bad.
Don't get too wrapped
up in that game, boys.
Dinner's gonna be ready in 10 minutes.
(doorbell dinging)
Hello, I'm Detective Davis.
This is Detective Reynolds.
Is a Fletcher Thompson here?
We have some unfortunate news.
[Detective Reynolds]
There's been an accident.
(pensive music)
(pensive music continues)
(pensive music continues)
(pensive music continues)
(pensive music continues)
Bags all in the trunk and everything?
Yes.
[Grandpa] How was your flight?
[Fletcher] Okay.
[Grandpa] You never
were much of a talker.
There's a lot of homeless people here.
Welcome to South Los Angeles, son.
(pensive music continues)
(baby crying)
(traffic humming)
I know it ain't fancy like
your big house in Connecticut,
but we'll make do.
You'll get used to it.
(trunk door clunking)
Is that my grand baby? (laughing)
I want you to know this is your home too,
the same home your mama grew up in.
You a Thompson, but you're a Parker too.
Don't forget that.
Don't just stand there.
Give your cousin a hug.
You ain't seen him in forever.
I saw him at the funeral, Grandma.
Good. Now y'all get washed up.
Thank you for allowing me to live here.
Oh, you're so proper and mannerly.
I bet it was all those
private schools in Connecticut.
Your mom used to brag
about you all the time.
Honor roll, all those advanced classes.
Hey, maybe you can
even help your cousin Jay
out with school.
Lord knows he needs
all the help he can get.
Sure, if he wants.
The only thing you can do
for me is stay out of my way.
It's because of you that my grandpa
had to put another bed in here.
Now my room is smaller.
You know, it's not like I
wanted to come live here.
It's not my fault my parents died.
I mean, that shit is messed up.
Yeah, you're allowed to curse?
Man, I do whatever the hell I want.
And also, I fart in my sleep.
Get used to it.
(soft music)
(pensive music)
(ball clunking)
Jay, where do you think you're going?
[Jay] I'm just going
to the community center
with Tyrone and them.
Not without your cousin, you're not.
You're taking him with you.
But Grandpa, he won't fit in.
Are you gonna stand
there and argue with me?
I really don't have to go, Grandpa.
You're going.
Fine. Come on, then.
(tennis shoes squeaking)
(basketball bouncing)
(pensive music)
(Fletcher thudding)
Man, what's wrong with you?
I told you I don't play
basketball that much.
Man, that's (indistinct).
Stop tripping all over the damn court.
(pensive music continues)
You know what?
You can't play no more.
Let's play one on one.
(basketball bouncing)
(pensive music continues)
You weren't that bad.
Jay's just mean.
I was kind of bad.
I'm not very coordinated.
I suck at sports.
Why do you think Jay's mean?
Is he mean to you too?
Yeah, owes me a dollar
and he won't give it back.
[Fletcher] I'm sorry to hear that.
No, you're not.
You could care less.
No, you, never mind.
Hey, what's your name, anyways?
Fletcher?
I'm Jay's cousin.
Well, I'm Alexis.
(pensive music continues)
Well, I'm going inside
to watch the dance class.
Wanna come? There's snacks inside.
Me?
I don't dance.
I'm just gonna watch and not join in.
Plus it's way more fun
than sitting on those stairs,
and you look like you need a friend.
Okay.
Hi, Mr. Isaiah.
What have I told you
about going up to the rooftop?
It's not safe.
That's right, it's not safe
and you could get hurt.
I told him he needs to fix that lock.
I was just showing my
friend Fletcher around.
Yeah?
Does Fletcher wanna dance too?
I'm not sure.
Hmm.
I know you wanna dance because I see you
every week in my class.
Look, I'm starting a new
class for kids your age
and I think you should take it.
My mama can't.
I know.
I think I might be able
to make an exception.
You think about it?
- Yeah.
- Yeah? Okay.
Don't let me catch you
at that roof anymore.
All right.
Man, where you been?
I've been looking all over for you.
We gotta get home.
We were just... Getting snacks.
Who is this, your
girlfriend or something?
How'd you two meet each other?
You were being mean so
I decided to be nice to him.
By the way, where's my
dollar from the other day?
Girl, I don't owe you no dollar.
You gave that to me.
No I didn't.
Hey, why don't you
just give her her dollar?
Why don't you just
shut the hell up, square.
You need to take you and
your poor girlfriend outta here.
Y'all belong together, a square and a bum.
Her mama's so poor she go to KFC
and lick other people's fingers.
Her daddy's so white, he's
Casper, and look at her clothes.
She can't even afford to
shop at the dollar store.
Don't you got a rich
white daddy in the valley?
Go ask him for some clothes.
Girl, you crazy or something?
Ooh, you lucky you're a girl.
Hey, just stop.
Why you keep dissing her?
We're poor too, you know.
Look at where we live.
[Jay] Bro, what is wrong with our hood?
The houses are small
and there are homeless people everywhere,
so if you're gonna make fun of her,
you're making fun of yourself too.
Yo, I'm so sick of you.
[Kids] Fight, fight, fight, fight.
Mama!
Mama!
(baby crying)
Your mama is tired right now.
Every time you come
around, she's always tired.
Get outta my face and shut that baby up.
(door slamming)
(baby crying)
Don't worry, Alyssa.
Some day you're gonna get outta here.
Everything's gonna be okay.
You'll see.
[Grandpa] I can't believe this.
The boy has only been here two days, Jay.
It's not just my fault.
You hit me first.
He called us poor.
I wouldn't say that we're poor.
We do our best.
We get by.
All this is just beside the point.
You two are gonna have
to live in this house together
for a long time and you're
gonna have to learn to get along.
Listen deep.
You two are gonna go in that room
and you are not gonna come
out until you can get along.
And I mean really get along.
None of this fake stuff.
We can see through that.
Now get.
Go on, get.
[Grandma] He thinks we're poor, Winston.
So what if he thinks he's poor?
But he's not used to living like us.
Well, it'll do him a good deal
to get brought back down to earth.
Money isn't everything.
Besides, I'm more worried about Jay.
That boy gets more and more outta hand
every year that passes
and we're getting too old
to be fighting with that boy to do good.
Well, he's rebellious
just like his mother was.
All we can do is pray
and do the best we can.
(sirens blaring)
(light beat music)
(lighter clicking)
[Alexis] Hey, Mama.
Hey baby.
How you feel? Still tired?
Fine.
Mama, Mr. Isaiah at the
community center said I
could join his dance class, can I?
I really want to.
Sure, baby.
You've always been so good at dancing.
Thanks, mama.
No problem.
This is boring.
I wish you never came here.
Look, I did not come
here to ruin your life.
My parents died and now
I'm stuck here with you.
In this poor house, huh?
I know it's what you
wanna say, so just say it
so I can punch you in the face again.
Go ahead, punch me in the face.
If you're gonna do it, just do it then.
Stop talking, asshole.
What?
You just cursed.
You said asshole.
It was kind of funny
coming from a nerd like you.
[Fletcher] I guess
you're rubbing off on me.
That's not such a bad thing.
I wouldn't really know.
You know I always wanted a brother.
I thought it was gonna
be like that when I got here.
You're a little too
square to be my brother.
We gotta work on your name though.
Fletcher is kinda-
[Fletcher] I know, I know. It's lame.
Yeah, we got a nickname.
Let me think.
I got it!
Trip, because you're
always falling on the court.
[Fletcher] Yeah, but
that's kind of messed up.
[Jay] It's better than Fletcher.
I guess.
But one day that name
isn't gonna fit me anymore
because I'm not gonna be so clumsy, watch.
Alexis.
Class is not out here, it's inside.
- Oh.
- Come on.
- I like your blue tutu.
- Thanks.
(light piano music)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
Don't be late.
I know you didn't see that.
See what? See you mess up on that turn?
First time.
You give yourself a hard time.
I figured I outta go home.
- It's closer to home.
- Don't, please.
Supposed to play ball.
What ball? You should be dancing.
We can go, come get you.
Okay. Hurry back.
(Isaiah clapping)
I was dancing.
You're good, Trip.
You just try so hard to hide it.
I don't know, I mean, dancing is cool.
Like Chris Brown type stuff, you know.
You know kind of stuff,
but not that contemporary stuff?
I don't know, I'd just be
messing around, you know?
Nothing serious.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
Hey, girl.
You scared me.
Aren't you be happy to see me?
Yeah.
I think when you come and watch class,
it's not just only about
who's in the class.
Think about that.
(hand slapping)
Where you ass been, man?
I've been looking for your ass.
What, you taking dances classes now?
Nah, man.
Ball is life.
See you, Isaiah.
You know what I'm
saying, girl, stop being extra.
Trip kinda cute too.
Yeah, he is.
Why, you want me to set y'all up?
Girl, no.
Ain't he gay?
He's not gay.
I've never seen him
with any other girl but you.
Heard he could dance though.
Yeah, he's my best friend.
He's just different from
other guys around here.
I like my guys with that bad boy sign,
if you know what I'm saying?
How would you know? (all laughing)
But no, Jay definitely has that.
(tennis shoes squeaking)
(basketball bouncing)
(ringtone jingling)
Yo, what up, Midnight?
Right now, right now?
All right, see ya later.
Jay.
Jay.
Midnight? That's Midnight Jacobs.
What are you saying?
What you doing talking to Midnight?
Mind your business, bro.
Tell Alexis I'll be back.
You always know how to cheer me up.
Is it working?
Almost.
Well, I know you like to
have a good bag of Hot Cheetos
after a workout, so.
You know me well.
Stuff will kill you.
So, all that sweet stuff you've eaten.
Honey and peanut butter
and banana sandwiches.
You don't know what you're missing.
Whatever.
Damn, this blanket smells
like a homeless person.
You need to wash it sometime.
I knew I might find you over here.
I know.
I just can't believe Jay sometimes, man.
It's like Midnight this and Midnight that.
It's like he forgets he has a girlfriend.
It's impossible for anyone
to forget you with Alexis Clemons.
Why don't you date other girls, Trip?
You know Denise likes you.
Couldn't hurt.
Don't be an asshole.
She's not my type.
You know, I would've never thought
that you and Jay were in up together.
I would've never thought so either,
but I guess opposites attract.
You know, I used to hate
when he would make fun of me
for being poor and weird.
Yeah, you guys went
from hating each other
to dating each other.
I know. (laughing)
We're as opposite of night and day,
but Jay puts up such a front.
But to know him, to really
know him, just to love him,
you of all people should know that.
I just don't like him getting
involved with Midnight.
Especially since my mom.
Yeah, you've been through a lot.
I mean, she's good now.
Practice with me.
Come on.
Come on, Trip, you're so good.
You know you want to.
You just had a two-hour rehearsal.
(mellow music)
(mellow music continues)
These days
It's so hard to fall in love
But every day
You're the one I'm thinking of
You're my world
You picked me up when I was down
And when I'm low
Baby, you adjust my crown
You said that you're into me
Don't you wait for me to think
It's about the things you do
That's what keeps me next to you
Trip, that was so good.
You need to stop playing
and take Isaiah's dance class.
I already have a good teacher.
I appreciate the
compliment, but stop playing.
You got talent
You shouldn't waste it.
I should probably walk you
home before it gets too dark.
- Hey, Mama.
- Hey.
Hey, munchkin.
Keep your head straight.
Hey, your man come through
here looking for you today.
He dropped off some money.
Yeah, well, I'm mad at him.
Well, get over it girl.
He's a good man.
He takes care of you.
And what did I tell you about
taking money from him, ma?
Doesn't he take you
to get your hair done,
nails done, and get new outfits?
- But that's different.
- How?
It just is.
Those are gifts.
He shouldn't be dropping off lots of money
like he's some baller.
Wake up, girl.
He is a baller.
That man got money, girl.
You just ain't trying to see it.
I wish I had a man coming around here
dropping off money for me.
You're young, you don't get it.
When you get my age,
you'll see how valuable it is
to have a man with some paper.
Even if he's making money the wrong way?
All money is good money.
Okay, Mama, I gotta study.
(soft music)
(door knocking)
(soft music continues)
What are you doing here, Jay?
You mad at me?
I came by earlier but you weren't here.
I was out with Trip
practicing dance moves.
My cousin straight
weirdo doing ballet and shit.
It's not ballet.
Not really, it's
contemporary, you know that.
He should just come
out the closet already.
He'll still be my
cousin, he'll still be cool.
He's not gay.
Yeah, whatever, but I ain't
come here to talk about him.
I missed you.
What you really mad about?
You, getting deeper and
deeper with selling drugs.
What about school?
I'm dropping out.
Come on, Jay.
School ain't for me.
I ain't no scholar, Alexis.
- But I know one thing.
- What?
I love you.
I've never been more certain
about anything in my life.
Just because I ain't a scholar
and just because I'm hustling
doesn't mean I ain't smart in some ways.
I know to keep a girl like you,
I gotta be doing something.
I got dreams too.
This thing with Midnight is not forever.
I'm in too far with Midnight.
Couldn't get out even if I wanted to.
Not yet.
But I promise I will.
I don't ever wanna lose you.
(soft music continues)
I don't wanna lose you either.
(soft music continues)
(energetic beat music)
Why you don't sell
like Cinderella teams
You should see the things I
fit inside these denim jeans
I can't associate with
y'all the shit I kinda mean
Been on one, been on
two, been on everything
Been shoveling my game
(Tyrone laughing)
I'm trying to figure out
how this nigger ain't fall
and bust his ass yet.
How he can dance, we
can't even walk straight.
Hey yo, shut up, Tyrone,
I can still whip your
ass on the court though.
Man, you told me he was
doing this pretty shit, but damn.
Yo, chill out with all that.
We came to get the ball.
Hey, y'all need another man?
No, we good.
We're shot 'em coming through.
You look busy anyway.
Six, seven, up.
Awesome, ladies, that's right.
(all clapping)
All right, listen up, listen up.
There's a showcase coming downtown.
The Bancroft Showcase.
It's held every year and
there are gonna be scouts
and colleges all over the USA there.
You know we have been invited to perform!
(dancers cheering)
Yes, yes, yes.
All right, listen, now getting invited,
now that's a first for us, all right,
so we need to be
perfection, you understand?
- Yeah.
- Cool.
This is big, not just for
us, but for our community.
And I know y'all understand this, ah.
All right, I'll see guys
next week, all right?
Alexis, can you hold for a second?
Look, there's gonna be a
lot of bigwigs there, okay?
People with connections
and there are a couple
open dance slots tonight.
Believe you should show up.
You should go for it.
It's a chance for you
to show off your skills.
And there's gonna be a scout from Julliard.
Yeah, but we don't have any male dancers,
so who would I partner with?
Hmm, I think you know
the answer to that one.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.
(people chatting in background)
Hey, - Hey. What's up?
What?
Why you looking at me like that?
I need your help.
That's good. I got you.
I need you to dance with
me in the Bancroft Showcase.
What? Why me?
I'm not in your dance class.
You may not be in my dance class,
but you're a dancer, Trip.
Nah, I'm good.
Trip, this is a big deal.
There'll be colleges from all over,
even New York, even Julliard.
And you know I've
always wanted to go there.
Why can't you find someone else?
Who, Trip?
There aren't any other guy
dancers in my dance class.
You want me to dance in public?
I'm not about to do all that.
I get it, you're scared,
but it's time to stop hiding your talent.
Look, people already think I'm gay
because I dance in the
privacy of my own room.
I'm just trying to get through high school
and get out the hood.
Well, this could be it.
This could be our ticket out,
our ticket to see New York
and the rest of the world.
Dance is your thing.
No, it's our thing and you know that.
Like I said, Alexis, I'm good.
You're not gonna get me to dance in public.
Fine.
Hey, what you doing here?
I just got here.
I needed Trip's help for something,
but it doesn't matter now.
I missed you.
Come on, you can shower at my place.
Hey, you good, cuz?
Yeah, I'm good.
[Jay] All right then.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You still mad about that Bancroft thing?
I ain't mad, I'm good
Look, Alexis.
Trip, it's cool.
I'll get over it.
I just have to find another dance partner,
which is next to impossible.
You trying to guilt trip me now?
I'm not trying to do anything.
I got bio and you got Spanish
on the other side of campus.
(Tyrone laughing)
Bro, did you see that?
Whoa, hold on up.
What's up, twinkle toes?
Screw you, Tyrone.
What'd you say to me?
- Huh?
- You heard me.
Oh, I heard you, huh?
I told you to stop calling me that.
Yeah, I called you twinkle
toes, what you gonna do?
Huh? Huh? Oh, you taking
your bag off like you ready?
Mr. Thompson.
Mr. Thompson, I need
to see you in my office
to discuss your college plans.
Don't worry, I'll write you a pass.
The bell already rang, Mr. Smith.
Come on, bro.
- Teacher's pet.
- Screw you, bro.
You wanna tell me
what that was out there?
I'm just tired of people trying me.
So what? You brought
me in here to stop a fight
that's bound to happen.
I hope it's not bound to happen, but yes.
I really needed to talk to
you about your college plans.
Listen, you've missed a
lot of application deadlines
and I don't have it on
file that you've applied
to any colleges.
- I haven't.
- Why?
I don't know what I wanna do.
What do you like to do?
What makes you feel alive inside?
(energetic music)
You're running out of time.
If there's something that you want to do,
you should pursue it.
You have to start
thinking about the future.
Grade's pretty decent,
but you gotta start making some decisions.
Here are some pamphlets.
These are for some local colleges.
Actually, I wanna get as
far away from here as I can.
You better get to work.
Take this, it's for universities
that are out of state.
All right?
- What up, cuz?
- Hey.
How long you been here?
A while.
[Trip] You left school early?
Yeah, man, I was tired.
Grandpa said he don't
like you drinking his beer,
skipping school.
Ain't like he gotta know.
It's your funeral.
My cousin the boy scout.
Heard you weren't that much
of a boy scout earlier today.
Heard you and Tyrone
was about to throw down.
He keeps trying me.
It's all good, I got it.
Nah, I'm straight.
You can't keep fighting my battles for me.
Look man, you can't be
doing no stupid shit, all right?
You got a future.
[Trip] You got a future too.
Not like you.
My path's a little different.
I ain't even gonna be
doing this school shit
too much longer anyway.
I'm gonna drop out.
You sure you wanna do that, bro?
I can help you.
I can tutor you.
- Bro, you don't get it.
- Get grades up.
School ain't for everybody.
It's too late for me with this school shit.
Trip, just forget it, all right.
So what's next?
Working for Midnight full time?
Maybe.
It's good money.
Jay, you ever think about your mom
and how selling-
Yo, fuck crack heads, all right?
They wanna take that shit,
maybe they deserve what they get.
(door knocking)
- Hey.
- What's up?
Hey, there.
What's wrong?
Nothing. I missed you.
Well, you shouldn't have
missed fifth and sixth period.
I know, I'm a bad boy.
You about to punish me?
(door knocking)
Come in.
Hey.
[Trip] Hey.
It's hard being mad at you.
I thought you weren't mad at me.
You know how women are.
I'm sorry, I miss my best friend.
Wish I could say the same, big head.
Shut up.
You remember in middle
school when I had to present
that poem in front of class
for Black History Month?
Yeah, you were great, eventually.
(both chuckling)
You said something
really smart for a 12-year-old.
Yeah?
Barely remember
You said it was up to me
to carry on my parents'
courage and strength.
I did?
Damn, that was deep.
Yeah, well, you've always
been deep, Alexis Marie Clemons.
And I think you're more brave
than you give yourself credit
for, Fletcher Trip Thompson.
I guess I'm gonna have to be
if I'm gonna dance in front of an audience.
(Alexis laughing)
So you'll do it?
Oh my God.
Now we have a real chance to win this.
Chill out.
There are some conditions.
Okay.
Nobody can find out
and the only place that
we practice is on the roof
and in the studio.
I don't want anyone to see us rehearse.
What happened to being brave?
I'm not there yet.
Baby steps.
Oh God, whatever, you big baby.
(pillows thudding)
What y'all doing?
Having a pillow fight. What it look like?
Y'all weird.
(pillows thudding)
(gentle beat music)
What you like, what, what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
Tell me what you like
(gentle beat music continues)
(gentle beat music continues)
(gentle beat music continues)
What you like, what, what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
Tell me what you like
(gentle beat music continues)
(gentle beat music continues)
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
(basketball bouncing)
Tell me what you like
Yo, bro, this stuff's on you.
Yo, hold on, hold on,
we can sell this on eBay.
That's what I'm saying.
Hey.
What you want, homeboy?
Nothing, man, that's just my board.
This is your board?
It's a nice board, man.
Only it's yours no more.
- Yo, Anton.
- What?
What's up, Jay?
Look, I aint got beef with you, man.
I trying to get this... Yeah, you don't.
This is my cousin.
- You're cousin?
- Yeah.
It's true.
He with Midnight too.
- Let's bounce.
- Yeah, bounce, bro.
Jay, you didn't have to do all that.
Man, that's life.
Plus, ain't nobody gonna be
mess with my cousin, all right?
- You hungry?
- Yeah.
When I play the drums
I can't take no loss
Man, I'm starving.
I think John makes me hungry.
And there's so much goodness here,
but it's so much hate too.
It's like we hate on each other.
This community could be
so much better if we fought
for each other instead
of fighting each other.
Well, I didn't wanna fight Anton,
but I would've for this dude right here.
He like a brother to me.
Not like, you are my brother.
Ain't nobody gonna try you.
I got your back.
Appreciate it.
(beat music playing in background)
Look, y'all.
Actual rose in concrete.
- I don't get it.
- Yeah, me either.
Just a flower.
I remember Tupac, one of his poems.
I only know his rap songs.
Yeah, me too.
Well, rap is poetry, you know?
Yeah, I know that.
I just mean I never like went
to him for traditional poetry.
Man, I never went to nobody
for no damn traditional poetry.
Y'all getting too deep.
That's who we are.
Roses in concrete.
Hey, Mama.
Hey, baby.
Where's Alyssa?
[Alexis] She's in bed, how was work?
Girl, work was work,
but it pays the bill though.
It pays enough to get
you a little something.
Mama!
I love it.
I'm sorry I can't make
it to your performance.
I couldn't get the time off,
but I wanted to make sure
I got you a little something.
Thank you, Mama.
You were born to dance, baby.
You're gonna be amazing.
(upbeat Latin music)
They're were really good, Trip.
Yeah, but we're better.
And even if we aren't,
all we can do is try.
[Jay] Yo, yo, yo, what up?
My God, Jay, what are you doing here?
I told you not to come.
I'm not trying to hear none of that.
Of course I'm gonna come to my baby dance.
It's gonna make us more nervous.
Us?
Yo, bro, you dancing too?
Yeah, I'm dancing.
So you mean all them times
you've been coming home late.
[Trip] Been in practice.
Yo, man, do your
thing. I'm rooting for you.
And look, if anybody got a problem with it,
you gotta deal with me straight up.
Gonna do great, man.
(audience applauding)
Got this?
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
(upbeat music continues)
Every time you look at me
I feel it in my toes
And I want you so badly
Everybody knows
Conversation and
the last go on for days
We come from different worlds
But we're playing the same game
(upbeat music continues)
(upbeat music continues)
Round and round and back and forth
Is the game that we've been playing
Now it's time to stamp it out
So I can change, I may
You know you've thought about it
(audience applauding) (audience cheering)
(clapping) Oh my God,
you guys were amazing.
Wow, I can't believe it.
I mean, I can believe it,
but you, the lift, the
turns, everything, wow.
- Thank you.
- I knew you guys could do it.
You're all anybody out
there could talk about.
- You guys were amazing.
- Thank you, thank you.
Oh my God.
Trip, Alexis, this is an old
friend of mine, James Rancher.
He is a recruiter for Julliard.
Nice to meet you.
Hey, when Isaiah told me to
come by when I was in town,
I was surprised.
He doesn't usually have a chance
to show me his protegees,
but I'm glad he did.
You two were amazing.
Check it out, Julliard
applications are due in December.
You should apply.
There'd be live
additions, different cities.
Yo.
I enjoyed that, stay at the spot.
All right, bet.
Hey, I gotta run.
Already? I wanted to celebrate.
We'll do it some other time.
I'm really proud of you.
You did great.
As I was saying, the dance program,
it could really open up some doors for you.
And based on what I saw, I
could put a word in for you.
Are you ready for that?
- I'm ready.
- Are you ready ready?
I'm ready.
(both laughing)
You're gonna make some
girl really happy one day, Trip.
You're the best.
These days
It's so hard to fall in love
But every day
You're the one I'm thinking of
You're my world
You picked me up when I was down
And when I'm low
Baby, you adjust my crown
You said that you're into me
But your words don't mean a thing
It's about the things you do
That's what keeps me wanting you
You said that you're into me
Grand boy!
Where you been?
Isn't it obvious?
My boy was getting lucky last night.
Lucky?
With a girl?
I was with a girl last night.
That's all I'm saying.
Sorry I was out so late.
I lost track of time and fell asleep.
You know, it's okay if
you were out with a guy.
I'm not gay.
I'm just saying if you were,
we'd be cool with it, right?
God is love.
He'll still love you
and we'll still love you.
Yo, just because I don't
parade a bunch of girls
in and outta here doesn't make me gay.
And if I was gay, I'd tell you, it's 2015.
I'm not Jay.
I don't have to act like him
to be straight or be a man.
Whoa, bro, slow down.
Jay, I'm sorry.
It's cool, man, no pressure.
Look, I'm not that hungry.
I'm about to go take a shower.
I thought getting some
would be stress relieving.
Look to me like that
boy got more stress now
than before he left.
Hush up now.
- Alexis.
- Trip.
We have to talk.
I can't.
- You can't.
- We need to.
You may as well get it over with.
Okay.
Not here though.
I'll just come by later after rehearsal.
Okay.
Hey yo, did you see the
that Sheila was wearing?
Because I was like, yo, man.
I don't see how, man.
Okay, I know this, but can I get a taste?
That's all I'm saying.
You know that's Ricardo's girl, nigger,
and he'll whoop that ass.
All right, whatever.
Besides, he and Felix is set, man.
I swear I'm done with y'all, man.
All y'all do is talk shit
about other nigger's girls.
True. (laughing)
At least we don't talk
shit about your girl.
Man, back in middle school,
she used to be weird as hell.
Now she fine though.
Yo, keep talking, man, I swear to God,
they'll never find your body.
That's my future wife, man.
Hey Eric, can I get a little
something to hold me over?
If you ain't got no
money, get outta my face.
I have some money, see?
So you've been back around here.
(intense music)
Yo, look at me.
(music drowns out speakers)
(intense music continues)
You good?
Damn.
Hey, what the fuck you
doing over here, man?
You know it's our territory.
Hey man.
You concerned about the bitch.
(fists punching)
I don't wanna hurt Jay,
but how do you know he's the
one you're supposed to be with?
We're friends, though.
I don't wanna mess that up.
I don't either.
So we'll stop.
Okay.
Okay.
I want you to know something though.
What happened between us, it
wasn't just some random hookup.
Alexis, I'm in love with you.
I always have been.
I didn't mean to make things harder,
but I had to tell you.
Does make things harder.
(somber music)
I think we have to tell him.
My God, Jay, what happened?
[Jay] Nothing, just let down on the job.
[Trip] You need to quit your job then.
Look like hell.
Good, I'm fine.
No, you're not.
Get some ice for your head.
Yo, what happened?
Something that was bound to happen.
I'm sorry.
So.
Justine Parker.
She was out there in the
streets begging for crack.
The worst part was,
most fucked up part,
she didn't even know who I was.
She didn't even know her own kid.
She looked right through me.
(somber music continues)
You'll be okay, Jay.
We're here for you.
(chalk clicking)
Mr. Thompson, how can I help you?
I know what school I wanna go to.
- Where?
- I wanna go to Julliard.
I figure New York is as far
away from here as I can get.
That's a tough school to get into.
Well, let's get started.
Okay. Come on.
Hey.
Hey.
What you doing here?
Shouldn't you be in school?
Yeah, but I didn't see you in school,
so I figured I check in on ya.
Your grandma let me in.
Yeah, yesterday was kind of weird.
I was tripping.
You weren't tripping, you
were feeling, that's okay.
Anybody will react the way you did
if they saw a parent that
didn't recognize them.
I was eight when she disappeared.
Said she was going to buy
cigarettes, never came back.
Heard she went to Arizona, then Vegas.
Then I guess we lost track.
My grandparents tried the warn me,
but I didn't wanna listen.
Wanted to remember her the
way she was when I was eight.
You know?
You're the only person
who understands me, Alexis.
I mean, you're mom,
she went through all that,
but she still got clean.
I mean, but you still get it.
See, that's why I love you
'cause you understand me.
You're the best thing
I got going in my life.
You could have more good things.
You could stop selling.
Especially knowing your mom is out there.
I will, I promise.
I just can't right now.
Even knowing she could be
out there smoking your product?
I know.
But she's making her own decisions in life.
She doesn't care what I do,
why should I care what she does?
Jay.
I will stop when his
time is right, I promise.
Gonna put this life behind me,
I promise, but I need to know
that you will be there when I do, okay?
Things are gonna turn around for us.
We'll have a beautiful life, you'll see.
(beat music)
She said we'll be best friends
Yeah, best friends
Yeah, you know my best friend
(beat music continues)
Best friends, best friends
(pensive music)
It is okay, I know.
Just know that I'm willing to wait.
Long time.
You're worth it.
Can't lose you, Trip.
You won't, I just need some time.
(pensive music continues)
(bag bangs)
Mr. Fletcher Thompson.
To what do I owe the honor of you standing
in my dance studio?
I need your help.
With what?
I need you to teach me how to dance.
Why?
If you're gonna learn,
you gotta stop caring
about what other people think of you,
this whole image thing.
Are you ready to step outside of yourself?
Because this,
well, it may not help
you get all the girls.
So why now?
When I danced in the competition,
I did it for someone else.
Now, now is for me.
Will you help me?
Of course.
I always knew this day would come.
They told me this way or be nothing
Maybe I should take their advice
Go get a life or maybe
get a job or something
Pack it up and head back home
Tell everybody I was bluffing
Maybe I'll just get outta my head
And focus on what I know's coming
'Cause I can't fall asleep at night
When I'll see in my dreams
Delusion and reality
I'm somewhere in between
These voices in my head get loud
And they keep telling me
That I'm a fool for
trusting in these wings
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe all my exes just
drinking themselves crazy tonight
Maybe I should call
and say told you I be right
Wondering how long it
was before you realized
The biggest mistake of your life
And now you're paying the price
Oh, is it confidence or confusion
Either way, I feel
like I ain't never losing
Your opinion you notice what I'm chosen
I gotta do this
'Cause I can't fall asleep at night
When I see in my dreams
Delusion and reality
I'm somewhere in between
These voices in my head get loud
And they keep telling me
Live auditions are around the corner.
You think you're ready?
[Trip] Do you think I'm ready?
Mm.
I do. (laughing)
[Trip] That means a lot coming from you
because these rehearsals today.
Aha. (laughing)
Yeah, and then I've been
feeling the same way.
I can't thank you enough
for doing this for me.
Taking time out, teaching me.
Staying later than you normally would.
I don't know how I could ever repay you.
Well, I've only been giving
you these private lessons
'cause I know that's the only
way you can take it seriously.
And what you can do to repay me is
just be successful, man, that's it.
I hope it happens.
Hope it happens? It will happen.
But this thing about being
the ashamed of being a dancer,
there's so many black male dancers.
Yeah, but where we come
from, hip hop's cool, you know,
but anything else, everyone thinks I'm gay.
Stop with that, man.
Who you are as someone
trying to find them self
and being hell a awkward at it.
You're a fish out of water
trying to make yourself into something
that people will accept.
You may not be gay,
but you are someone
gay people can relate to.
And I see myself when I look at you.
- Really?
- Yeah, really.
Stop trying to put yourself
into a box of black masculinity
and just do you.
Look, Trip, if you gonna dance,
I mean really dance,
you're gonna have to let go of this fear
you have inside you.
Okay?
(intense music)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
And they made me
do this like weird dance.
And I don't know what, I
didn't know what I was doing.
The music was off and I don't know,
I was just standing
there on the stage thinking
I did not get it, you know?
But then I guess I did.
I'm sure you'll be fine, you'll get it.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Okay, I'll see later.
See you later.
Are going out with Renee the leg?
She asked and couldn't see why not.
You couldn't see why not?
They don't call her Renee
the leg for no reason, Trip.
She seemed nice.
Then I know what it's like for people
who can know me if they want me.
Oh my gosh, and now you
have some kindred spirits?
Why you tripping?
Because, because.
I'm out, Alexis.
What happened to you will wait forever?
Was that all a lie?
I gotta live my life, Alexis.
You're in love with Jay, I know this.
You guys are lucky
that you have each other.
Don't I deserve to be loved too?
These last few days
have made me realize that
I can't be without you.
(pensive music)
I think I'm falling for you, Trip.
(pensive music continues)
I applied to Julliard.
You did?
I wanted to, but... Do it.
Wait, do you even still
wanna go to Julliard?
Of course.
I've always wanted to, but I'm just scared.
If I don't get in.
You're the best dancer I
know and you are my teacher.
You're a brilliant dancer.
I am who I am 'cause of you.
You inspire me.
As hard as it is for me to say,
I think we should stay friends for now.
What do you mean?
Outta respect for Jay.
I think we should cool it for a while.
It's gonna be hard, but it makes sense.
You know, they gonna make guys like you.
Yeah, I am a sucker.
No, you're special.
So, friends for now?
Friends, for now.
(bright music)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
What are you doing her?
Me and your mama are getting reacquaint.
Hey.
Only bad things happen
when you come around.
Girl, what are you doing?
I'm a grown ass woman.
I work hard and if I wanna
have me some company,
I'm gonna have me some company.
Mama, not him.
Girl, stop, what is wrong with you?
Gonna have me some grown folks.
Mm-hmm.
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
Did you get the email?
Yeah.
Got it right here.
I literally feel like I can't breathe.
And here goes nothing.
- You got in too?
- Yeah.
I'm sorry, I know we shouldn't,
but I can't hold it anymore.
I think we should tell Jay.
I think we should too, but tomorrow.
Let's let tonight be about
our acceptance to Julliard.
- We did it.
- We did it.
- We did it.
- We did it.
Hey, munchkin.
Where's Mama?
I think she's sick again.
Again?
Is that supposed to be dinner?
Mama's been sick since I came home.
Damn.
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(water splashing)
What are doing to me?
What are you doing to your mother?
What are you doing?
What did you do?
Oh! (laughing)
I can't believe my
grandbaby got into college.
Always knew it. (laughing)
Boy, don't you forget
about us when you get
to that fancy college up there.
I won't.
I can never forget about you too.
You believed in me.
And we'll always
believe in you. (laughing)
I know you not gonna
get up with no alcohol.
Tess, it's just Champagne.
I'm gonna have a taste.
Look at your drunk behind.
Tess.
(Grandma laughing)
[Jay] Hey, what's going on here?
You ain't here.
Your cousin got into Julliard.
What? (Grandpa laughing)
That's what I like to see to.
To success.
In spite the odds.
(glasses clinking)
Here, here.
I'm proud of you, man.
I remember when you first came here,
all scrawny and outta shape and shit.
You was such a nerd.
[Trip] Come on, man.
But in this day and age,
being a nerd is a great thing.
Really great thing.
You smart enough to find your way out.
You were never cut out for this hood life.
Alexis, either.
I'm really proud of you, man.
And if Alexis gets in, I
need you to take care of her.
(ring tone jingling)
Jay, I need to tell you something.
Hey, hold up.
Yo, what up? He where?
All right, I'll be right there.
Hey yo, I gotta go, we'll talk later.
Yo, I just thought about something.
I gave you nickname Trip,
but that ain't accurate no more.
You going to school for dance,
you all graceful and shit now.
You're not clumsy no more.
I love you, cuz, and I'm not proud of you.
I'll see you later, Fletcher.
(intense beat music)
(intense beat music continues)
(gunfire banging)
[Police] Are you related
to a Jerome Thompson?
[Grandma] Yes, that's my grandson, Jay.
[Police] There's been a shooting.
I'm afraid he didn't make it.
(somber music)
- Oh, hey.
- Hey.
I haven't seen you since the funeral.
I wanted to check on you.
Okay, I guess.
Trip, things will never
be like they were before.
- What we did.
- I know.
Do you?
We're horrible people, Trip.
I know.
Don't you think it eats at me?
What we had, what we did was wrong.
I think the way we
went about it was wrong,
but I'll never condemn
myself for loving you.
But I do condemn myself.
I cheated on him.
Jay may have done his dirt,
but deep down he was a good person.
And I'm not just saying that because he...
Jay was just misunderstood.
I know.
What about Julliard?
Have you sent in your acceptance?
You're joking, right?
I'm not going.
[Trip] What do you mean you're not going?
That dream is over, Trip.
This is my reality.
You're gonna throw everything away
because some fool
decided to shoot my cousin?
Jay would've wanted you to go to Julliard.
He was proud of you.
Even if we don't end up together,
you cannot throw away your future.
It is not just that.
Mama's using again.
What?
I can't just leave my sister.
Not with my mom like this.
Who's gonna take care of her?
Exactly.
Alexis.
You don't get it.
This is how the hood works,
okay, you get stuck here.
You don't know this life.
You never even belonged here.
You're just some uppity
kid from Connecticut.
This ain't your world, just go.
If that's how you
feel, then you're right.
Maybe it's time for me to go.
Yes, you should.
What we had, what we felt it
was wrong and now it's over.
Okay.
Bye, Alexis.
(door slamming)
(somber music)
(upbeat music)
Whoo whoo, I guess I
Whoo, I guess I
Whoo whoo, I guess I
Whoo, I guess I
Whoo whoo, I guess I
Whoo
Whoo, whoo, I guess I
Whoo, I guess I
Whoo, whoo, I guess I
Whoo
Bye, Tina.
It's Trina.
Whatever.
Oh.
What's up man?
Hey, what up, bro?
What's happening?
See things went good
with those girl last night.
[Trip] Gentleman never tell.
All right, man.
Bad June slayer slays again.
And we only share guys on tour.
We got another city.
Yeah, LA.
Man, I can't believe I
just seen my grandparents.
You gonna kick it with that chick
you used to kick it with?
[Trip] Nah, I ain't seen her in years.
Man, when we got to New York,
you wouldn't shut up about her.
Things change and time heals all wounds.
Nah, man, ass heals all wounds.
I'll see you downstairs, man.
- All right.
- Yeah.
Hey, how can I take a class?
(laughing) Hey.
I should be asking you that, big timer.
- Big timer, man.
- Oh, come on, bullshit.
You're headlining a dance company tour.
That's a big deal, and
you dancing on Broadway.
You heard about that?
Of course I heard about that.
I keep up with all my students
who are gonna be big one day.
That way I know who to
ask for money. (laughing)
Seriously, I'm proud of you.
How are your grandparents?
They're good. I just
came from over there.
Got some of Grandma's good home cooking.
Yeah, I run into them time to time.
I got the strangest feeling
that they would love to see you more often.
They miss you.
I know.
Just with Jay.
[Isaiah] I know.
Loss is hard.
But they're still alive and they miss you
and you gotta make some time
for them while they're still here.
- You're right.
- Hmm.
I mean, I planning on
spending more time here
before my next tour, so.
So, you seen Alexis?
Alexis.
Not really.
I mean, she doesn't have a reason
to come around here anymore, does she?
What about you?
A couple years ago, last
time I came home to visit,
we didn't talk much.
You guys were great together.
Anyway, the dance company's having
auditions downtown tomorrow.
You gonna be there?
Of course I'm gonna be there.
They have the auditions every year.
I know the choreographer.
Cool.
It's really great seeing you, man.
You too.
I wouldn't be a dancer without you.
You wouldn't be a dancer without me,
of course you would.
You wouldn't be a dancer without Alexis.
You know, I might have
coached you along the way,
but she let that fire under your ass.
All right.
- See you tomorrow.
- See you.
[Fan] Excuse me. Excuse me.
Can you take our picture, please?
(fan laughing)
(people chatting)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
You can't go back there.
[Trip] Hi.
Hi.
You got my message.
I'm not even sure why I came up here.
It's been years since we.
Since you broke my heart?
I'm sorry.
My heart broke that day too.
Mine broke last night.
I don't need this, Trip.
Alexis, stop.
Why are you doing this?
It's not you.
How would you know?
You don't know me, Trip.
It's been four years.
That's bullshit.
Yeah?
Well, you went off to college.
And you look different, you seem different.
Yeah, a little older,
a little more grown.
I may have changed, but you,
you out here stripping,
you out here taking your clothes off.
I don't need you to judge me, Trip.
[Trip] It's not that,
it's just I hate to see you
not living out your dreams.
Dreams change.
I don't believe that, not for you.
What's up?
My mom.
She died of an overdose a couple years ago.
[Trip] I'm sorry, I didn't know that.
How would you have?
Are you okay?
Yeah, well, as you know,
losing a parent is never easy,
but I had to support Alyssa
and I didn't want her to go to foster care,
so I busted my ass.
So for now we get by.
[Trip] Feel like shit for saying that.
It's okay.
I pushed you away.
Look at you now, though, you're touring.
Wow.
[Trip] You knew about that?
You might not have kept up on me,
but I kept up on you.
Is that why you pushed me away?
That was part of it.
The other reason was Jay, right?
It all worked out.
[Trip] Not for you.
I'm alive in South
Central LA, I got my sister.
That's all that really matters.
I don't believe that,
Alexis, look at you.
You're out here stripping
and that's not you for
being a stripper, it's a job.
Please.
- You're a real dancer.
- Trip, please.
That ship has sailed.
I was in high school.
[Trip] Yo, Alexis,
quit acting like dancing
isn't your passion.
What is this, Trip?
You come back from an upscale school
on a feature tour to do what?
Save the little poor black girl.
I don't need a savior.
And what about you?
Befriending the little nerdy boy.
The kid that would never fit in.
The kid that would rather
dance than play sports.
I needed a savior back then.
I sure as hell got one.
You're just not gonna
let this go, are you?
See, you may think you don't know me,
but the fact that you said
that means that you still do.
So my dance company, we're
holding auditions downtown.
We're looking for a couple more dancers
and I would love for you to try.
I know the choreographer.
I'll speak to him for you.
I don't know, Trip.
Alexis, it'll open up so
many opportunities for you.
We can work out the details later,
but you're the best dancer I know.
All I can say is I'll think about it.
When are the auditions?
Tomorrow.
I can text you the details.
Wow.
I'll think about it.
(pensive music)
Trip.
Yeah.
Can we dance with someone tomorrow?
I think so.
Would you dance with me?
I don't even know the moves.
Yeah, you would.
You'll feel it.
That's if I go.
I would love to dance with you.
My pleasure.
Bye, Alexis.
Your girl's late.
I don't think she gonna show.
She is.
[Choreographer] Oh,
I'm leaving in 15 minutes.
The only reason I'm still
here is because of you, Trip.
I know.
Alexis, thank God you're here.
I thought you weren't gonna show.
Everything was last minute.
I had to make arrangements for Alyssa.
Let's go over here.
Hi. I apologize for being-
- Are you ready to dance?
- Yeah.
I told you she'd be worth the wait.
(upbeat music)
Oh, I wanna dance
Come share this dance with me
Take my hand
Oh, I wanna dance
Come share this dance with me
Take my hand, yeah
Tell me what's your name
Just tell me what you are
Is this some type of connection
Although we most stand the apart
See where how far we
drive through galaxies
Cruising on star
We make connection to
see just how big your heart
So put your hands up
Move your body
Astronomy, we are stars
It's no worries
But I got you
We can go, we can do it
I wanna dance
I wanna dance
Share this dance with me
Take my hand
Ooh, I wanna dance
Share this dance with me
Take my hand
Ooh, I wanna dance
I wanna fuss and fight
But I wanna dance
Hey, I like my style
I like to sin
But when you got this shit
So you can let the pigs roam
I can never tell you baby we won't quit
Put your hands up
Put your body
Astronomy, we are stars now
It's now worries
I got you
We can go, we can do it
Baby, I wanna dance
I wanna dance
Wanna share this dance
Wanna share this dance
Put your hand
Move
I wanna dance I wanna dance
Share this dance
Share this dance, baby, oh
I wanna dance
I wanna dance
I wanna dance
Dance
Dance
You were right, she's really good,
but together, they're magic.
Hmm, my sentiments exactly.
Alexis, you would need
to start from the bottom.
It's okay, I can work my way up.
Your moves are not
as sharp as they could be,
but you definitely have potential.
We don't normally do
this, but, welcome aboard.
Really?
Thank you so much.
Trip will fill you in on all the details.
Thank you, thank you again.
Oh my God, you two, you
two are two of my best students.
And what you have, I mean,
what you've always had is magic.
Isaiah, we couldn't have-
Ah, stop that.
I teach people how to dance,
but I don't teach 'em what you have.
Don't lose it.
I hope you didn't mind the kiss.
I was gonna say the same thing.
It's old habits die hard.
I guess so.
Maybe we could grab
some food and catch up.
I still love you.
I know it's probably weird
for me to say this to you now,
especially after all these years, but
no one has been able to
occupy my heart the way you do.
It's silly, you probably have
a girlfriend or something or.
It's cool, I'll...
We don't have to talk about it.
I won't make things weird
in the dance company or...
Can you say something, please?
I've danced with many girls.
None of them can match me beat for beat.
None of them can anticipate my every move.
None of them are as in sync as you and me.
None of them can feel me the way you do.
Is it all about dancing for you?
Alexis, it's never just
been about dancing for us.
(bright piano music)
(bright piano music continues)
I miss you, bro.
Look, sorry, man.
I hope up there you
can forgive me for Alexis,
but we're happy, man, really happy.
I just love her so much.
And little JJ, man, he
reminds me a lot of you.
Really feisty.
Really feisty.
We just finished up another tour.
When we're off tour, Alexis,
well, she's doing something
else she always wanted to do.
She's a dance teacher too.
We never wanted to hurt you,
but this love is real and
we have to follow our hearts.
(bright music continues)
I hope someday you'll see how
happy we are and forgive us.
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
These days
It's so hard to fall in love
But every day
You're the one I'm think of
You're my world
You picked me up when I was down
And when I'm low
Baby, you
(crickets chirping)
[Kid] You suck at Call of Duty.
Well, you suck at Madden
and you always wanna play that.
So where did your parents go tonight?
The ballet.
Ew, gross.
I don't know.
They took me to the last one.
It wasn't so bad.
Don't get too wrapped
up in that game, boys.
Dinner's gonna be ready in 10 minutes.
(doorbell dinging)
Hello, I'm Detective Davis.
This is Detective Reynolds.
Is a Fletcher Thompson here?
We have some unfortunate news.
[Detective Reynolds]
There's been an accident.
(pensive music)
(pensive music continues)
(pensive music continues)
(pensive music continues)
(pensive music continues)
Bags all in the trunk and everything?
Yes.
[Grandpa] How was your flight?
[Fletcher] Okay.
[Grandpa] You never
were much of a talker.
There's a lot of homeless people here.
Welcome to South Los Angeles, son.
(pensive music continues)
(baby crying)
(traffic humming)
I know it ain't fancy like
your big house in Connecticut,
but we'll make do.
You'll get used to it.
(trunk door clunking)
Is that my grand baby? (laughing)
I want you to know this is your home too,
the same home your mama grew up in.
You a Thompson, but you're a Parker too.
Don't forget that.
Don't just stand there.
Give your cousin a hug.
You ain't seen him in forever.
I saw him at the funeral, Grandma.
Good. Now y'all get washed up.
Thank you for allowing me to live here.
Oh, you're so proper and mannerly.
I bet it was all those
private schools in Connecticut.
Your mom used to brag
about you all the time.
Honor roll, all those advanced classes.
Hey, maybe you can
even help your cousin Jay
out with school.
Lord knows he needs
all the help he can get.
Sure, if he wants.
The only thing you can do
for me is stay out of my way.
It's because of you that my grandpa
had to put another bed in here.
Now my room is smaller.
You know, it's not like I
wanted to come live here.
It's not my fault my parents died.
I mean, that shit is messed up.
Yeah, you're allowed to curse?
Man, I do whatever the hell I want.
And also, I fart in my sleep.
Get used to it.
(soft music)
(pensive music)
(ball clunking)
Jay, where do you think you're going?
[Jay] I'm just going
to the community center
with Tyrone and them.
Not without your cousin, you're not.
You're taking him with you.
But Grandpa, he won't fit in.
Are you gonna stand
there and argue with me?
I really don't have to go, Grandpa.
You're going.
Fine. Come on, then.
(tennis shoes squeaking)
(basketball bouncing)
(pensive music)
(Fletcher thudding)
Man, what's wrong with you?
I told you I don't play
basketball that much.
Man, that's (indistinct).
Stop tripping all over the damn court.
(pensive music continues)
You know what?
You can't play no more.
Let's play one on one.
(basketball bouncing)
(pensive music continues)
You weren't that bad.
Jay's just mean.
I was kind of bad.
I'm not very coordinated.
I suck at sports.
Why do you think Jay's mean?
Is he mean to you too?
Yeah, owes me a dollar
and he won't give it back.
[Fletcher] I'm sorry to hear that.
No, you're not.
You could care less.
No, you, never mind.
Hey, what's your name, anyways?
Fletcher?
I'm Jay's cousin.
Well, I'm Alexis.
(pensive music continues)
Well, I'm going inside
to watch the dance class.
Wanna come? There's snacks inside.
Me?
I don't dance.
I'm just gonna watch and not join in.
Plus it's way more fun
than sitting on those stairs,
and you look like you need a friend.
Okay.
Hi, Mr. Isaiah.
What have I told you
about going up to the rooftop?
It's not safe.
That's right, it's not safe
and you could get hurt.
I told him he needs to fix that lock.
I was just showing my
friend Fletcher around.
Yeah?
Does Fletcher wanna dance too?
I'm not sure.
Hmm.
I know you wanna dance because I see you
every week in my class.
Look, I'm starting a new
class for kids your age
and I think you should take it.
My mama can't.
I know.
I think I might be able
to make an exception.
You think about it?
- Yeah.
- Yeah? Okay.
Don't let me catch you
at that roof anymore.
All right.
Man, where you been?
I've been looking all over for you.
We gotta get home.
We were just... Getting snacks.
Who is this, your
girlfriend or something?
How'd you two meet each other?
You were being mean so
I decided to be nice to him.
By the way, where's my
dollar from the other day?
Girl, I don't owe you no dollar.
You gave that to me.
No I didn't.
Hey, why don't you
just give her her dollar?
Why don't you just
shut the hell up, square.
You need to take you and
your poor girlfriend outta here.
Y'all belong together, a square and a bum.
Her mama's so poor she go to KFC
and lick other people's fingers.
Her daddy's so white, he's
Casper, and look at her clothes.
She can't even afford to
shop at the dollar store.
Don't you got a rich
white daddy in the valley?
Go ask him for some clothes.
Girl, you crazy or something?
Ooh, you lucky you're a girl.
Hey, just stop.
Why you keep dissing her?
We're poor too, you know.
Look at where we live.
[Jay] Bro, what is wrong with our hood?
The houses are small
and there are homeless people everywhere,
so if you're gonna make fun of her,
you're making fun of yourself too.
Yo, I'm so sick of you.
[Kids] Fight, fight, fight, fight.
Mama!
Mama!
(baby crying)
Your mama is tired right now.
Every time you come
around, she's always tired.
Get outta my face and shut that baby up.
(door slamming)
(baby crying)
Don't worry, Alyssa.
Some day you're gonna get outta here.
Everything's gonna be okay.
You'll see.
[Grandpa] I can't believe this.
The boy has only been here two days, Jay.
It's not just my fault.
You hit me first.
He called us poor.
I wouldn't say that we're poor.
We do our best.
We get by.
All this is just beside the point.
You two are gonna have
to live in this house together
for a long time and you're
gonna have to learn to get along.
Listen deep.
You two are gonna go in that room
and you are not gonna come
out until you can get along.
And I mean really get along.
None of this fake stuff.
We can see through that.
Now get.
Go on, get.
[Grandma] He thinks we're poor, Winston.
So what if he thinks he's poor?
But he's not used to living like us.
Well, it'll do him a good deal
to get brought back down to earth.
Money isn't everything.
Besides, I'm more worried about Jay.
That boy gets more and more outta hand
every year that passes
and we're getting too old
to be fighting with that boy to do good.
Well, he's rebellious
just like his mother was.
All we can do is pray
and do the best we can.
(sirens blaring)
(light beat music)
(lighter clicking)
[Alexis] Hey, Mama.
Hey baby.
How you feel? Still tired?
Fine.
Mama, Mr. Isaiah at the
community center said I
could join his dance class, can I?
I really want to.
Sure, baby.
You've always been so good at dancing.
Thanks, mama.
No problem.
This is boring.
I wish you never came here.
Look, I did not come
here to ruin your life.
My parents died and now
I'm stuck here with you.
In this poor house, huh?
I know it's what you
wanna say, so just say it
so I can punch you in the face again.
Go ahead, punch me in the face.
If you're gonna do it, just do it then.
Stop talking, asshole.
What?
You just cursed.
You said asshole.
It was kind of funny
coming from a nerd like you.
[Fletcher] I guess
you're rubbing off on me.
That's not such a bad thing.
I wouldn't really know.
You know I always wanted a brother.
I thought it was gonna
be like that when I got here.
You're a little too
square to be my brother.
We gotta work on your name though.
Fletcher is kinda-
[Fletcher] I know, I know. It's lame.
Yeah, we got a nickname.
Let me think.
I got it!
Trip, because you're
always falling on the court.
[Fletcher] Yeah, but
that's kind of messed up.
[Jay] It's better than Fletcher.
I guess.
But one day that name
isn't gonna fit me anymore
because I'm not gonna be so clumsy, watch.
Alexis.
Class is not out here, it's inside.
- Oh.
- Come on.
- I like your blue tutu.
- Thanks.
(light piano music)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
(light piano music continues)
Don't be late.
I know you didn't see that.
See what? See you mess up on that turn?
First time.
You give yourself a hard time.
I figured I outta go home.
- It's closer to home.
- Don't, please.
Supposed to play ball.
What ball? You should be dancing.
We can go, come get you.
Okay. Hurry back.
(Isaiah clapping)
I was dancing.
You're good, Trip.
You just try so hard to hide it.
I don't know, I mean, dancing is cool.
Like Chris Brown type stuff, you know.
You know kind of stuff,
but not that contemporary stuff?
I don't know, I'd just be
messing around, you know?
Nothing serious.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
Hey, girl.
You scared me.
Aren't you be happy to see me?
Yeah.
I think when you come and watch class,
it's not just only about
who's in the class.
Think about that.
(hand slapping)
Where you ass been, man?
I've been looking for your ass.
What, you taking dances classes now?
Nah, man.
Ball is life.
See you, Isaiah.
You know what I'm
saying, girl, stop being extra.
Trip kinda cute too.
Yeah, he is.
Why, you want me to set y'all up?
Girl, no.
Ain't he gay?
He's not gay.
I've never seen him
with any other girl but you.
Heard he could dance though.
Yeah, he's my best friend.
He's just different from
other guys around here.
I like my guys with that bad boy sign,
if you know what I'm saying?
How would you know? (all laughing)
But no, Jay definitely has that.
(tennis shoes squeaking)
(basketball bouncing)
(ringtone jingling)
Yo, what up, Midnight?
Right now, right now?
All right, see ya later.
Jay.
Jay.
Midnight? That's Midnight Jacobs.
What are you saying?
What you doing talking to Midnight?
Mind your business, bro.
Tell Alexis I'll be back.
You always know how to cheer me up.
Is it working?
Almost.
Well, I know you like to
have a good bag of Hot Cheetos
after a workout, so.
You know me well.
Stuff will kill you.
So, all that sweet stuff you've eaten.
Honey and peanut butter
and banana sandwiches.
You don't know what you're missing.
Whatever.
Damn, this blanket smells
like a homeless person.
You need to wash it sometime.
I knew I might find you over here.
I know.
I just can't believe Jay sometimes, man.
It's like Midnight this and Midnight that.
It's like he forgets he has a girlfriend.
It's impossible for anyone
to forget you with Alexis Clemons.
Why don't you date other girls, Trip?
You know Denise likes you.
Couldn't hurt.
Don't be an asshole.
She's not my type.
You know, I would've never thought
that you and Jay were in up together.
I would've never thought so either,
but I guess opposites attract.
You know, I used to hate
when he would make fun of me
for being poor and weird.
Yeah, you guys went
from hating each other
to dating each other.
I know. (laughing)
We're as opposite of night and day,
but Jay puts up such a front.
But to know him, to really
know him, just to love him,
you of all people should know that.
I just don't like him getting
involved with Midnight.
Especially since my mom.
Yeah, you've been through a lot.
I mean, she's good now.
Practice with me.
Come on.
Come on, Trip, you're so good.
You know you want to.
You just had a two-hour rehearsal.
(mellow music)
(mellow music continues)
These days
It's so hard to fall in love
But every day
You're the one I'm thinking of
You're my world
You picked me up when I was down
And when I'm low
Baby, you adjust my crown
You said that you're into me
Don't you wait for me to think
It's about the things you do
That's what keeps me next to you
Trip, that was so good.
You need to stop playing
and take Isaiah's dance class.
I already have a good teacher.
I appreciate the
compliment, but stop playing.
You got talent
You shouldn't waste it.
I should probably walk you
home before it gets too dark.
- Hey, Mama.
- Hey.
Hey, munchkin.
Keep your head straight.
Hey, your man come through
here looking for you today.
He dropped off some money.
Yeah, well, I'm mad at him.
Well, get over it girl.
He's a good man.
He takes care of you.
And what did I tell you about
taking money from him, ma?
Doesn't he take you
to get your hair done,
nails done, and get new outfits?
- But that's different.
- How?
It just is.
Those are gifts.
He shouldn't be dropping off lots of money
like he's some baller.
Wake up, girl.
He is a baller.
That man got money, girl.
You just ain't trying to see it.
I wish I had a man coming around here
dropping off money for me.
You're young, you don't get it.
When you get my age,
you'll see how valuable it is
to have a man with some paper.
Even if he's making money the wrong way?
All money is good money.
Okay, Mama, I gotta study.
(soft music)
(door knocking)
(soft music continues)
What are you doing here, Jay?
You mad at me?
I came by earlier but you weren't here.
I was out with Trip
practicing dance moves.
My cousin straight
weirdo doing ballet and shit.
It's not ballet.
Not really, it's
contemporary, you know that.
He should just come
out the closet already.
He'll still be my
cousin, he'll still be cool.
He's not gay.
Yeah, whatever, but I ain't
come here to talk about him.
I missed you.
What you really mad about?
You, getting deeper and
deeper with selling drugs.
What about school?
I'm dropping out.
Come on, Jay.
School ain't for me.
I ain't no scholar, Alexis.
- But I know one thing.
- What?
I love you.
I've never been more certain
about anything in my life.
Just because I ain't a scholar
and just because I'm hustling
doesn't mean I ain't smart in some ways.
I know to keep a girl like you,
I gotta be doing something.
I got dreams too.
This thing with Midnight is not forever.
I'm in too far with Midnight.
Couldn't get out even if I wanted to.
Not yet.
But I promise I will.
I don't ever wanna lose you.
(soft music continues)
I don't wanna lose you either.
(soft music continues)
(energetic beat music)
Why you don't sell
like Cinderella teams
You should see the things I
fit inside these denim jeans
I can't associate with
y'all the shit I kinda mean
Been on one, been on
two, been on everything
Been shoveling my game
(Tyrone laughing)
I'm trying to figure out
how this nigger ain't fall
and bust his ass yet.
How he can dance, we
can't even walk straight.
Hey yo, shut up, Tyrone,
I can still whip your
ass on the court though.
Man, you told me he was
doing this pretty shit, but damn.
Yo, chill out with all that.
We came to get the ball.
Hey, y'all need another man?
No, we good.
We're shot 'em coming through.
You look busy anyway.
Six, seven, up.
Awesome, ladies, that's right.
(all clapping)
All right, listen up, listen up.
There's a showcase coming downtown.
The Bancroft Showcase.
It's held every year and
there are gonna be scouts
and colleges all over the USA there.
You know we have been invited to perform!
(dancers cheering)
Yes, yes, yes.
All right, listen, now getting invited,
now that's a first for us, all right,
so we need to be
perfection, you understand?
- Yeah.
- Cool.
This is big, not just for
us, but for our community.
And I know y'all understand this, ah.
All right, I'll see guys
next week, all right?
Alexis, can you hold for a second?
Look, there's gonna be a
lot of bigwigs there, okay?
People with connections
and there are a couple
open dance slots tonight.
Believe you should show up.
You should go for it.
It's a chance for you
to show off your skills.
And there's gonna be a scout from Julliard.
Yeah, but we don't have any male dancers,
so who would I partner with?
Hmm, I think you know
the answer to that one.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.
(people chatting in background)
Hey, - Hey. What's up?
What?
Why you looking at me like that?
I need your help.
That's good. I got you.
I need you to dance with
me in the Bancroft Showcase.
What? Why me?
I'm not in your dance class.
You may not be in my dance class,
but you're a dancer, Trip.
Nah, I'm good.
Trip, this is a big deal.
There'll be colleges from all over,
even New York, even Julliard.
And you know I've
always wanted to go there.
Why can't you find someone else?
Who, Trip?
There aren't any other guy
dancers in my dance class.
You want me to dance in public?
I'm not about to do all that.
I get it, you're scared,
but it's time to stop hiding your talent.
Look, people already think I'm gay
because I dance in the
privacy of my own room.
I'm just trying to get through high school
and get out the hood.
Well, this could be it.
This could be our ticket out,
our ticket to see New York
and the rest of the world.
Dance is your thing.
No, it's our thing and you know that.
Like I said, Alexis, I'm good.
You're not gonna get me to dance in public.
Fine.
Hey, what you doing here?
I just got here.
I needed Trip's help for something,
but it doesn't matter now.
I missed you.
Come on, you can shower at my place.
Hey, you good, cuz?
Yeah, I'm good.
[Jay] All right then.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You still mad about that Bancroft thing?
I ain't mad, I'm good
Look, Alexis.
Trip, it's cool.
I'll get over it.
I just have to find another dance partner,
which is next to impossible.
You trying to guilt trip me now?
I'm not trying to do anything.
I got bio and you got Spanish
on the other side of campus.
(Tyrone laughing)
Bro, did you see that?
Whoa, hold on up.
What's up, twinkle toes?
Screw you, Tyrone.
What'd you say to me?
- Huh?
- You heard me.
Oh, I heard you, huh?
I told you to stop calling me that.
Yeah, I called you twinkle
toes, what you gonna do?
Huh? Huh? Oh, you taking
your bag off like you ready?
Mr. Thompson.
Mr. Thompson, I need
to see you in my office
to discuss your college plans.
Don't worry, I'll write you a pass.
The bell already rang, Mr. Smith.
Come on, bro.
- Teacher's pet.
- Screw you, bro.
You wanna tell me
what that was out there?
I'm just tired of people trying me.
So what? You brought
me in here to stop a fight
that's bound to happen.
I hope it's not bound to happen, but yes.
I really needed to talk to
you about your college plans.
Listen, you've missed a
lot of application deadlines
and I don't have it on
file that you've applied
to any colleges.
- I haven't.
- Why?
I don't know what I wanna do.
What do you like to do?
What makes you feel alive inside?
(energetic music)
You're running out of time.
If there's something that you want to do,
you should pursue it.
You have to start
thinking about the future.
Grade's pretty decent,
but you gotta start making some decisions.
Here are some pamphlets.
These are for some local colleges.
Actually, I wanna get as
far away from here as I can.
You better get to work.
Take this, it's for universities
that are out of state.
All right?
- What up, cuz?
- Hey.
How long you been here?
A while.
[Trip] You left school early?
Yeah, man, I was tired.
Grandpa said he don't
like you drinking his beer,
skipping school.
Ain't like he gotta know.
It's your funeral.
My cousin the boy scout.
Heard you weren't that much
of a boy scout earlier today.
Heard you and Tyrone
was about to throw down.
He keeps trying me.
It's all good, I got it.
Nah, I'm straight.
You can't keep fighting my battles for me.
Look man, you can't be
doing no stupid shit, all right?
You got a future.
[Trip] You got a future too.
Not like you.
My path's a little different.
I ain't even gonna be
doing this school shit
too much longer anyway.
I'm gonna drop out.
You sure you wanna do that, bro?
I can help you.
I can tutor you.
- Bro, you don't get it.
- Get grades up.
School ain't for everybody.
It's too late for me with this school shit.
Trip, just forget it, all right.
So what's next?
Working for Midnight full time?
Maybe.
It's good money.
Jay, you ever think about your mom
and how selling-
Yo, fuck crack heads, all right?
They wanna take that shit,
maybe they deserve what they get.
(door knocking)
- Hey.
- What's up?
Hey, there.
What's wrong?
Nothing. I missed you.
Well, you shouldn't have
missed fifth and sixth period.
I know, I'm a bad boy.
You about to punish me?
(door knocking)
Come in.
Hey.
[Trip] Hey.
It's hard being mad at you.
I thought you weren't mad at me.
You know how women are.
I'm sorry, I miss my best friend.
Wish I could say the same, big head.
Shut up.
You remember in middle
school when I had to present
that poem in front of class
for Black History Month?
Yeah, you were great, eventually.
(both chuckling)
You said something
really smart for a 12-year-old.
Yeah?
Barely remember
You said it was up to me
to carry on my parents'
courage and strength.
I did?
Damn, that was deep.
Yeah, well, you've always
been deep, Alexis Marie Clemons.
And I think you're more brave
than you give yourself credit
for, Fletcher Trip Thompson.
I guess I'm gonna have to be
if I'm gonna dance in front of an audience.
(Alexis laughing)
So you'll do it?
Oh my God.
Now we have a real chance to win this.
Chill out.
There are some conditions.
Okay.
Nobody can find out
and the only place that
we practice is on the roof
and in the studio.
I don't want anyone to see us rehearse.
What happened to being brave?
I'm not there yet.
Baby steps.
Oh God, whatever, you big baby.
(pillows thudding)
What y'all doing?
Having a pillow fight. What it look like?
Y'all weird.
(pillows thudding)
(gentle beat music)
What you like, what, what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
Tell me what you like
(gentle beat music continues)
(gentle beat music continues)
(gentle beat music continues)
What you like, what, what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
Tell me what you like
(gentle beat music continues)
(gentle beat music continues)
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
What you like, what, what you like
Tell me what you like
(basketball bouncing)
Tell me what you like
Yo, bro, this stuff's on you.
Yo, hold on, hold on,
we can sell this on eBay.
That's what I'm saying.
Hey.
What you want, homeboy?
Nothing, man, that's just my board.
This is your board?
It's a nice board, man.
Only it's yours no more.
- Yo, Anton.
- What?
What's up, Jay?
Look, I aint got beef with you, man.
I trying to get this... Yeah, you don't.
This is my cousin.
- You're cousin?
- Yeah.
It's true.
He with Midnight too.
- Let's bounce.
- Yeah, bounce, bro.
Jay, you didn't have to do all that.
Man, that's life.
Plus, ain't nobody gonna be
mess with my cousin, all right?
- You hungry?
- Yeah.
When I play the drums
I can't take no loss
Man, I'm starving.
I think John makes me hungry.
And there's so much goodness here,
but it's so much hate too.
It's like we hate on each other.
This community could be
so much better if we fought
for each other instead
of fighting each other.
Well, I didn't wanna fight Anton,
but I would've for this dude right here.
He like a brother to me.
Not like, you are my brother.
Ain't nobody gonna try you.
I got your back.
Appreciate it.
(beat music playing in background)
Look, y'all.
Actual rose in concrete.
- I don't get it.
- Yeah, me either.
Just a flower.
I remember Tupac, one of his poems.
I only know his rap songs.
Yeah, me too.
Well, rap is poetry, you know?
Yeah, I know that.
I just mean I never like went
to him for traditional poetry.
Man, I never went to nobody
for no damn traditional poetry.
Y'all getting too deep.
That's who we are.
Roses in concrete.
Hey, Mama.
Hey, baby.
Where's Alyssa?
[Alexis] She's in bed, how was work?
Girl, work was work,
but it pays the bill though.
It pays enough to get
you a little something.
Mama!
I love it.
I'm sorry I can't make
it to your performance.
I couldn't get the time off,
but I wanted to make sure
I got you a little something.
Thank you, Mama.
You were born to dance, baby.
You're gonna be amazing.
(upbeat Latin music)
They're were really good, Trip.
Yeah, but we're better.
And even if we aren't,
all we can do is try.
[Jay] Yo, yo, yo, what up?
My God, Jay, what are you doing here?
I told you not to come.
I'm not trying to hear none of that.
Of course I'm gonna come to my baby dance.
It's gonna make us more nervous.
Us?
Yo, bro, you dancing too?
Yeah, I'm dancing.
So you mean all them times
you've been coming home late.
[Trip] Been in practice.
Yo, man, do your
thing. I'm rooting for you.
And look, if anybody got a problem with it,
you gotta deal with me straight up.
Gonna do great, man.
(audience applauding)
Got this?
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
(upbeat music continues)
Every time you look at me
I feel it in my toes
And I want you so badly
Everybody knows
Conversation and
the last go on for days
We come from different worlds
But we're playing the same game
(upbeat music continues)
(upbeat music continues)
Round and round and back and forth
Is the game that we've been playing
Now it's time to stamp it out
So I can change, I may
You know you've thought about it
(audience applauding) (audience cheering)
(clapping) Oh my God,
you guys were amazing.
Wow, I can't believe it.
I mean, I can believe it,
but you, the lift, the
turns, everything, wow.
- Thank you.
- I knew you guys could do it.
You're all anybody out
there could talk about.
- You guys were amazing.
- Thank you, thank you.
Oh my God.
Trip, Alexis, this is an old
friend of mine, James Rancher.
He is a recruiter for Julliard.
Nice to meet you.
Hey, when Isaiah told me to
come by when I was in town,
I was surprised.
He doesn't usually have a chance
to show me his protegees,
but I'm glad he did.
You two were amazing.
Check it out, Julliard
applications are due in December.
You should apply.
There'd be live
additions, different cities.
Yo.
I enjoyed that, stay at the spot.
All right, bet.
Hey, I gotta run.
Already? I wanted to celebrate.
We'll do it some other time.
I'm really proud of you.
You did great.
As I was saying, the dance program,
it could really open up some doors for you.
And based on what I saw, I
could put a word in for you.
Are you ready for that?
- I'm ready.
- Are you ready ready?
I'm ready.
(both laughing)
You're gonna make some
girl really happy one day, Trip.
You're the best.
These days
It's so hard to fall in love
But every day
You're the one I'm thinking of
You're my world
You picked me up when I was down
And when I'm low
Baby, you adjust my crown
You said that you're into me
But your words don't mean a thing
It's about the things you do
That's what keeps me wanting you
You said that you're into me
Grand boy!
Where you been?
Isn't it obvious?
My boy was getting lucky last night.
Lucky?
With a girl?
I was with a girl last night.
That's all I'm saying.
Sorry I was out so late.
I lost track of time and fell asleep.
You know, it's okay if
you were out with a guy.
I'm not gay.
I'm just saying if you were,
we'd be cool with it, right?
God is love.
He'll still love you
and we'll still love you.
Yo, just because I don't
parade a bunch of girls
in and outta here doesn't make me gay.
And if I was gay, I'd tell you, it's 2015.
I'm not Jay.
I don't have to act like him
to be straight or be a man.
Whoa, bro, slow down.
Jay, I'm sorry.
It's cool, man, no pressure.
Look, I'm not that hungry.
I'm about to go take a shower.
I thought getting some
would be stress relieving.
Look to me like that
boy got more stress now
than before he left.
Hush up now.
- Alexis.
- Trip.
We have to talk.
I can't.
- You can't.
- We need to.
You may as well get it over with.
Okay.
Not here though.
I'll just come by later after rehearsal.
Okay.
Hey yo, did you see the
that Sheila was wearing?
Because I was like, yo, man.
I don't see how, man.
Okay, I know this, but can I get a taste?
That's all I'm saying.
You know that's Ricardo's girl, nigger,
and he'll whoop that ass.
All right, whatever.
Besides, he and Felix is set, man.
I swear I'm done with y'all, man.
All y'all do is talk shit
about other nigger's girls.
True. (laughing)
At least we don't talk
shit about your girl.
Man, back in middle school,
she used to be weird as hell.
Now she fine though.
Yo, keep talking, man, I swear to God,
they'll never find your body.
That's my future wife, man.
Hey Eric, can I get a little
something to hold me over?
If you ain't got no
money, get outta my face.
I have some money, see?
So you've been back around here.
(intense music)
Yo, look at me.
(music drowns out speakers)
(intense music continues)
You good?
Damn.
Hey, what the fuck you
doing over here, man?
You know it's our territory.
Hey man.
You concerned about the bitch.
(fists punching)
I don't wanna hurt Jay,
but how do you know he's the
one you're supposed to be with?
We're friends, though.
I don't wanna mess that up.
I don't either.
So we'll stop.
Okay.
Okay.
I want you to know something though.
What happened between us, it
wasn't just some random hookup.
Alexis, I'm in love with you.
I always have been.
I didn't mean to make things harder,
but I had to tell you.
Does make things harder.
(somber music)
I think we have to tell him.
My God, Jay, what happened?
[Jay] Nothing, just let down on the job.
[Trip] You need to quit your job then.
Look like hell.
Good, I'm fine.
No, you're not.
Get some ice for your head.
Yo, what happened?
Something that was bound to happen.
I'm sorry.
So.
Justine Parker.
She was out there in the
streets begging for crack.
The worst part was,
most fucked up part,
she didn't even know who I was.
She didn't even know her own kid.
She looked right through me.
(somber music continues)
You'll be okay, Jay.
We're here for you.
(chalk clicking)
Mr. Thompson, how can I help you?
I know what school I wanna go to.
- Where?
- I wanna go to Julliard.
I figure New York is as far
away from here as I can get.
That's a tough school to get into.
Well, let's get started.
Okay. Come on.
Hey.
Hey.
What you doing here?
Shouldn't you be in school?
Yeah, but I didn't see you in school,
so I figured I check in on ya.
Your grandma let me in.
Yeah, yesterday was kind of weird.
I was tripping.
You weren't tripping, you
were feeling, that's okay.
Anybody will react the way you did
if they saw a parent that
didn't recognize them.
I was eight when she disappeared.
Said she was going to buy
cigarettes, never came back.
Heard she went to Arizona, then Vegas.
Then I guess we lost track.
My grandparents tried the warn me,
but I didn't wanna listen.
Wanted to remember her the
way she was when I was eight.
You know?
You're the only person
who understands me, Alexis.
I mean, you're mom,
she went through all that,
but she still got clean.
I mean, but you still get it.
See, that's why I love you
'cause you understand me.
You're the best thing
I got going in my life.
You could have more good things.
You could stop selling.
Especially knowing your mom is out there.
I will, I promise.
I just can't right now.
Even knowing she could be
out there smoking your product?
I know.
But she's making her own decisions in life.
She doesn't care what I do,
why should I care what she does?
Jay.
I will stop when his
time is right, I promise.
Gonna put this life behind me,
I promise, but I need to know
that you will be there when I do, okay?
Things are gonna turn around for us.
We'll have a beautiful life, you'll see.
(beat music)
She said we'll be best friends
Yeah, best friends
Yeah, you know my best friend
(beat music continues)
Best friends, best friends
(pensive music)
It is okay, I know.
Just know that I'm willing to wait.
Long time.
You're worth it.
Can't lose you, Trip.
You won't, I just need some time.
(pensive music continues)
(bag bangs)
Mr. Fletcher Thompson.
To what do I owe the honor of you standing
in my dance studio?
I need your help.
With what?
I need you to teach me how to dance.
Why?
If you're gonna learn,
you gotta stop caring
about what other people think of you,
this whole image thing.
Are you ready to step outside of yourself?
Because this,
well, it may not help
you get all the girls.
So why now?
When I danced in the competition,
I did it for someone else.
Now, now is for me.
Will you help me?
Of course.
I always knew this day would come.
They told me this way or be nothing
Maybe I should take their advice
Go get a life or maybe
get a job or something
Pack it up and head back home
Tell everybody I was bluffing
Maybe I'll just get outta my head
And focus on what I know's coming
'Cause I can't fall asleep at night
When I'll see in my dreams
Delusion and reality
I'm somewhere in between
These voices in my head get loud
And they keep telling me
That I'm a fool for
trusting in these wings
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe, baby, this
what flying feels like
Maybe all my exes just
drinking themselves crazy tonight
Maybe I should call
and say told you I be right
Wondering how long it
was before you realized
The biggest mistake of your life
And now you're paying the price
Oh, is it confidence or confusion
Either way, I feel
like I ain't never losing
Your opinion you notice what I'm chosen
I gotta do this
'Cause I can't fall asleep at night
When I see in my dreams
Delusion and reality
I'm somewhere in between
These voices in my head get loud
And they keep telling me
Live auditions are around the corner.
You think you're ready?
[Trip] Do you think I'm ready?
Mm.
I do. (laughing)
[Trip] That means a lot coming from you
because these rehearsals today.
Aha. (laughing)
Yeah, and then I've been
feeling the same way.
I can't thank you enough
for doing this for me.
Taking time out, teaching me.
Staying later than you normally would.
I don't know how I could ever repay you.
Well, I've only been giving
you these private lessons
'cause I know that's the only
way you can take it seriously.
And what you can do to repay me is
just be successful, man, that's it.
I hope it happens.
Hope it happens? It will happen.
But this thing about being
the ashamed of being a dancer,
there's so many black male dancers.
Yeah, but where we come
from, hip hop's cool, you know,
but anything else, everyone thinks I'm gay.
Stop with that, man.
Who you are as someone
trying to find them self
and being hell a awkward at it.
You're a fish out of water
trying to make yourself into something
that people will accept.
You may not be gay,
but you are someone
gay people can relate to.
And I see myself when I look at you.
- Really?
- Yeah, really.
Stop trying to put yourself
into a box of black masculinity
and just do you.
Look, Trip, if you gonna dance,
I mean really dance,
you're gonna have to let go of this fear
you have inside you.
Okay?
(intense music)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
And they made me
do this like weird dance.
And I don't know what, I
didn't know what I was doing.
The music was off and I don't know,
I was just standing
there on the stage thinking
I did not get it, you know?
But then I guess I did.
I'm sure you'll be fine, you'll get it.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Okay, I'll see later.
See you later.
Are going out with Renee the leg?
She asked and couldn't see why not.
You couldn't see why not?
They don't call her Renee
the leg for no reason, Trip.
She seemed nice.
Then I know what it's like for people
who can know me if they want me.
Oh my gosh, and now you
have some kindred spirits?
Why you tripping?
Because, because.
I'm out, Alexis.
What happened to you will wait forever?
Was that all a lie?
I gotta live my life, Alexis.
You're in love with Jay, I know this.
You guys are lucky
that you have each other.
Don't I deserve to be loved too?
These last few days
have made me realize that
I can't be without you.
(pensive music)
I think I'm falling for you, Trip.
(pensive music continues)
I applied to Julliard.
You did?
I wanted to, but... Do it.
Wait, do you even still
wanna go to Julliard?
Of course.
I've always wanted to, but I'm just scared.
If I don't get in.
You're the best dancer I
know and you are my teacher.
You're a brilliant dancer.
I am who I am 'cause of you.
You inspire me.
As hard as it is for me to say,
I think we should stay friends for now.
What do you mean?
Outta respect for Jay.
I think we should cool it for a while.
It's gonna be hard, but it makes sense.
You know, they gonna make guys like you.
Yeah, I am a sucker.
No, you're special.
So, friends for now?
Friends, for now.
(bright music)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
What are you doing her?
Me and your mama are getting reacquaint.
Hey.
Only bad things happen
when you come around.
Girl, what are you doing?
I'm a grown ass woman.
I work hard and if I wanna
have me some company,
I'm gonna have me some company.
Mama, not him.
Girl, stop, what is wrong with you?
Gonna have me some grown folks.
Mm-hmm.
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
Did you get the email?
Yeah.
Got it right here.
I literally feel like I can't breathe.
And here goes nothing.
- You got in too?
- Yeah.
I'm sorry, I know we shouldn't,
but I can't hold it anymore.
I think we should tell Jay.
I think we should too, but tomorrow.
Let's let tonight be about
our acceptance to Julliard.
- We did it.
- We did it.
- We did it.
- We did it.
Hey, munchkin.
Where's Mama?
I think she's sick again.
Again?
Is that supposed to be dinner?
Mama's been sick since I came home.
Damn.
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(water splashing)
What are doing to me?
What are you doing to your mother?
What are you doing?
What did you do?
Oh! (laughing)
I can't believe my
grandbaby got into college.
Always knew it. (laughing)
Boy, don't you forget
about us when you get
to that fancy college up there.
I won't.
I can never forget about you too.
You believed in me.
And we'll always
believe in you. (laughing)
I know you not gonna
get up with no alcohol.
Tess, it's just Champagne.
I'm gonna have a taste.
Look at your drunk behind.
Tess.
(Grandma laughing)
[Jay] Hey, what's going on here?
You ain't here.
Your cousin got into Julliard.
What? (Grandpa laughing)
That's what I like to see to.
To success.
In spite the odds.
(glasses clinking)
Here, here.
I'm proud of you, man.
I remember when you first came here,
all scrawny and outta shape and shit.
You was such a nerd.
[Trip] Come on, man.
But in this day and age,
being a nerd is a great thing.
Really great thing.
You smart enough to find your way out.
You were never cut out for this hood life.
Alexis, either.
I'm really proud of you, man.
And if Alexis gets in, I
need you to take care of her.
(ring tone jingling)
Jay, I need to tell you something.
Hey, hold up.
Yo, what up? He where?
All right, I'll be right there.
Hey yo, I gotta go, we'll talk later.
Yo, I just thought about something.
I gave you nickname Trip,
but that ain't accurate no more.
You going to school for dance,
you all graceful and shit now.
You're not clumsy no more.
I love you, cuz, and I'm not proud of you.
I'll see you later, Fletcher.
(intense beat music)
(intense beat music continues)
(gunfire banging)
[Police] Are you related
to a Jerome Thompson?
[Grandma] Yes, that's my grandson, Jay.
[Police] There's been a shooting.
I'm afraid he didn't make it.
(somber music)
- Oh, hey.
- Hey.
I haven't seen you since the funeral.
I wanted to check on you.
Okay, I guess.
Trip, things will never
be like they were before.
- What we did.
- I know.
Do you?
We're horrible people, Trip.
I know.
Don't you think it eats at me?
What we had, what we did was wrong.
I think the way we
went about it was wrong,
but I'll never condemn
myself for loving you.
But I do condemn myself.
I cheated on him.
Jay may have done his dirt,
but deep down he was a good person.
And I'm not just saying that because he...
Jay was just misunderstood.
I know.
What about Julliard?
Have you sent in your acceptance?
You're joking, right?
I'm not going.
[Trip] What do you mean you're not going?
That dream is over, Trip.
This is my reality.
You're gonna throw everything away
because some fool
decided to shoot my cousin?
Jay would've wanted you to go to Julliard.
He was proud of you.
Even if we don't end up together,
you cannot throw away your future.
It is not just that.
Mama's using again.
What?
I can't just leave my sister.
Not with my mom like this.
Who's gonna take care of her?
Exactly.
Alexis.
You don't get it.
This is how the hood works,
okay, you get stuck here.
You don't know this life.
You never even belonged here.
You're just some uppity
kid from Connecticut.
This ain't your world, just go.
If that's how you
feel, then you're right.
Maybe it's time for me to go.
Yes, you should.
What we had, what we felt it
was wrong and now it's over.
Okay.
Bye, Alexis.
(door slamming)
(somber music)
(upbeat music)
Whoo whoo, I guess I
Whoo, I guess I
Whoo whoo, I guess I
Whoo, I guess I
Whoo whoo, I guess I
Whoo
Whoo, whoo, I guess I
Whoo, I guess I
Whoo, whoo, I guess I
Whoo
Bye, Tina.
It's Trina.
Whatever.
Oh.
What's up man?
Hey, what up, bro?
What's happening?
See things went good
with those girl last night.
[Trip] Gentleman never tell.
All right, man.
Bad June slayer slays again.
And we only share guys on tour.
We got another city.
Yeah, LA.
Man, I can't believe I
just seen my grandparents.
You gonna kick it with that chick
you used to kick it with?
[Trip] Nah, I ain't seen her in years.
Man, when we got to New York,
you wouldn't shut up about her.
Things change and time heals all wounds.
Nah, man, ass heals all wounds.
I'll see you downstairs, man.
- All right.
- Yeah.
Hey, how can I take a class?
(laughing) Hey.
I should be asking you that, big timer.
- Big timer, man.
- Oh, come on, bullshit.
You're headlining a dance company tour.
That's a big deal, and
you dancing on Broadway.
You heard about that?
Of course I heard about that.
I keep up with all my students
who are gonna be big one day.
That way I know who to
ask for money. (laughing)
Seriously, I'm proud of you.
How are your grandparents?
They're good. I just
came from over there.
Got some of Grandma's good home cooking.
Yeah, I run into them time to time.
I got the strangest feeling
that they would love to see you more often.
They miss you.
I know.
Just with Jay.
[Isaiah] I know.
Loss is hard.
But they're still alive and they miss you
and you gotta make some time
for them while they're still here.
- You're right.
- Hmm.
I mean, I planning on
spending more time here
before my next tour, so.
So, you seen Alexis?
Alexis.
Not really.
I mean, she doesn't have a reason
to come around here anymore, does she?
What about you?
A couple years ago, last
time I came home to visit,
we didn't talk much.
You guys were great together.
Anyway, the dance company's having
auditions downtown tomorrow.
You gonna be there?
Of course I'm gonna be there.
They have the auditions every year.
I know the choreographer.
Cool.
It's really great seeing you, man.
You too.
I wouldn't be a dancer without you.
You wouldn't be a dancer without me,
of course you would.
You wouldn't be a dancer without Alexis.
You know, I might have
coached you along the way,
but she let that fire under your ass.
All right.
- See you tomorrow.
- See you.
[Fan] Excuse me. Excuse me.
Can you take our picture, please?
(fan laughing)
(people chatting)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
(beat music playing in background)
You can't go back there.
[Trip] Hi.
Hi.
You got my message.
I'm not even sure why I came up here.
It's been years since we.
Since you broke my heart?
I'm sorry.
My heart broke that day too.
Mine broke last night.
I don't need this, Trip.
Alexis, stop.
Why are you doing this?
It's not you.
How would you know?
You don't know me, Trip.
It's been four years.
That's bullshit.
Yeah?
Well, you went off to college.
And you look different, you seem different.
Yeah, a little older,
a little more grown.
I may have changed, but you,
you out here stripping,
you out here taking your clothes off.
I don't need you to judge me, Trip.
[Trip] It's not that,
it's just I hate to see you
not living out your dreams.
Dreams change.
I don't believe that, not for you.
What's up?
My mom.
She died of an overdose a couple years ago.
[Trip] I'm sorry, I didn't know that.
How would you have?
Are you okay?
Yeah, well, as you know,
losing a parent is never easy,
but I had to support Alyssa
and I didn't want her to go to foster care,
so I busted my ass.
So for now we get by.
[Trip] Feel like shit for saying that.
It's okay.
I pushed you away.
Look at you now, though, you're touring.
Wow.
[Trip] You knew about that?
You might not have kept up on me,
but I kept up on you.
Is that why you pushed me away?
That was part of it.
The other reason was Jay, right?
It all worked out.
[Trip] Not for you.
I'm alive in South
Central LA, I got my sister.
That's all that really matters.
I don't believe that,
Alexis, look at you.
You're out here stripping
and that's not you for
being a stripper, it's a job.
Please.
- You're a real dancer.
- Trip, please.
That ship has sailed.
I was in high school.
[Trip] Yo, Alexis,
quit acting like dancing
isn't your passion.
What is this, Trip?
You come back from an upscale school
on a feature tour to do what?
Save the little poor black girl.
I don't need a savior.
And what about you?
Befriending the little nerdy boy.
The kid that would never fit in.
The kid that would rather
dance than play sports.
I needed a savior back then.
I sure as hell got one.
You're just not gonna
let this go, are you?
See, you may think you don't know me,
but the fact that you said
that means that you still do.
So my dance company, we're
holding auditions downtown.
We're looking for a couple more dancers
and I would love for you to try.
I know the choreographer.
I'll speak to him for you.
I don't know, Trip.
Alexis, it'll open up so
many opportunities for you.
We can work out the details later,
but you're the best dancer I know.
All I can say is I'll think about it.
When are the auditions?
Tomorrow.
I can text you the details.
Wow.
I'll think about it.
(pensive music)
Trip.
Yeah.
Can we dance with someone tomorrow?
I think so.
Would you dance with me?
I don't even know the moves.
Yeah, you would.
You'll feel it.
That's if I go.
I would love to dance with you.
My pleasure.
Bye, Alexis.
Your girl's late.
I don't think she gonna show.
She is.
[Choreographer] Oh,
I'm leaving in 15 minutes.
The only reason I'm still
here is because of you, Trip.
I know.
Alexis, thank God you're here.
I thought you weren't gonna show.
Everything was last minute.
I had to make arrangements for Alyssa.
Let's go over here.
Hi. I apologize for being-
- Are you ready to dance?
- Yeah.
I told you she'd be worth the wait.
(upbeat music)
Oh, I wanna dance
Come share this dance with me
Take my hand
Oh, I wanna dance
Come share this dance with me
Take my hand, yeah
Tell me what's your name
Just tell me what you are
Is this some type of connection
Although we most stand the apart
See where how far we
drive through galaxies
Cruising on star
We make connection to
see just how big your heart
So put your hands up
Move your body
Astronomy, we are stars
It's no worries
But I got you
We can go, we can do it
I wanna dance
I wanna dance
Share this dance with me
Take my hand
Ooh, I wanna dance
Share this dance with me
Take my hand
Ooh, I wanna dance
I wanna fuss and fight
But I wanna dance
Hey, I like my style
I like to sin
But when you got this shit
So you can let the pigs roam
I can never tell you baby we won't quit
Put your hands up
Put your body
Astronomy, we are stars now
It's now worries
I got you
We can go, we can do it
Baby, I wanna dance
I wanna dance
Wanna share this dance
Wanna share this dance
Put your hand
Move
I wanna dance I wanna dance
Share this dance
Share this dance, baby, oh
I wanna dance
I wanna dance
I wanna dance
Dance
Dance
You were right, she's really good,
but together, they're magic.
Hmm, my sentiments exactly.
Alexis, you would need
to start from the bottom.
It's okay, I can work my way up.
Your moves are not
as sharp as they could be,
but you definitely have potential.
We don't normally do
this, but, welcome aboard.
Really?
Thank you so much.
Trip will fill you in on all the details.
Thank you, thank you again.
Oh my God, you two, you
two are two of my best students.
And what you have, I mean,
what you've always had is magic.
Isaiah, we couldn't have-
Ah, stop that.
I teach people how to dance,
but I don't teach 'em what you have.
Don't lose it.
I hope you didn't mind the kiss.
I was gonna say the same thing.
It's old habits die hard.
I guess so.
Maybe we could grab
some food and catch up.
I still love you.
I know it's probably weird
for me to say this to you now,
especially after all these years, but
no one has been able to
occupy my heart the way you do.
It's silly, you probably have
a girlfriend or something or.
It's cool, I'll...
We don't have to talk about it.
I won't make things weird
in the dance company or...
Can you say something, please?
I've danced with many girls.
None of them can match me beat for beat.
None of them can anticipate my every move.
None of them are as in sync as you and me.
None of them can feel me the way you do.
Is it all about dancing for you?
Alexis, it's never just
been about dancing for us.
(bright piano music)
(bright piano music continues)
I miss you, bro.
Look, sorry, man.
I hope up there you
can forgive me for Alexis,
but we're happy, man, really happy.
I just love her so much.
And little JJ, man, he
reminds me a lot of you.
Really feisty.
Really feisty.
We just finished up another tour.
When we're off tour, Alexis,
well, she's doing something
else she always wanted to do.
She's a dance teacher too.
We never wanted to hurt you,
but this love is real and
we have to follow our hearts.
(bright music continues)
I hope someday you'll see how
happy we are and forgive us.
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(bright music continues)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
These days
It's so hard to fall in love
But every day
You're the one I'm think of
You're my world
You picked me up when I was down
And when I'm low
Baby, you