As They Made Us (2022) Movie Script
You ready?
Oh Barb, give
it a fucking rest, please.
I swear to God
if I didn't have these kids,
I would jump out of
this car right now.
Go ahead, don't
let me stop you, woman.
Stop
the fucking car.
Just once, just once.
How does it do it, Nathan?
What do you mean?
How does the moon
stay in the same place
while we're moving?
It's so big, sis.
It's just that big.
Oh, there it was.
- I'm in, I lost.
- He's doing it again.
God, you're such
a selfish you know what.
Starts with a C.
You guys,
that's not where that goes.
And up and
over and side to side.
Can I get some more
helping hands, please?
Abby, this is a
very important achievement.
- Of course.
- What are we gonna do?
You know what else is doable?
We're gonna feed the chicken.
- Feed the chicken.
- Okay,
final hugs for dad.
Hugs, hugs.
Great.
All right, outside to play.
I don't want to.
Excuse me?
There's nothing to do.
Are you kidding me?
When I was your age,
I didn't have any of those
jungle gym, fancy things.
I mean-
- You want us to have the
same crappy childhood you had?
Really?.
- Don't encourage it.
- Abigail, it's fine.
Relax.
"Abigail, it's fine, relax."
All right guys outside,
I will call you later.
You know,
can you grab that bookcase
at the top of the stairs
that you've been
meaning to grab?
Because Davis really
wants it at your house
and it's heavy and
taking up space,
and also uniforms,
softball uniforms.
If you got a pair,
then I wouldn't have to be
washing them all the time.
I will do
the bookcase next time.
Oh, can't talk to Mom.
Ab, I will do the
bookcase next time.
I'm kind of in a rush.
You just did 25 minutes
of handshakes with the boys,
you can't take,
Abigail.
Okay, fine.
Oh, look at that,
it's your mom.
Nope.
I take it you still
haven't spoken to her
about not calling me as
if we aren't divorced.
I forgot.
I'll get to it.
- Please do.
- Mm hm.
God, relentless.
Hey, bye, good luck with that.
Mom.
I have to
tell you about the pillow.
No, no, Ma.
I can't talk about
pillows right now.
I just got the boys back and
we're getting settled in.
Okay, okay, okay.
But we should talk because,
interesting, Dad fell again.
Again?
Is he okay?
Yes, he's okay.
Why do you sound so
annoyed, Abigail?
Oh, also interesting,
he almost drowned during
his pool therapy session,
so that might've made
him out of sorts.
Mom, what do you
mean almost drowned?
Yeah.
- Yeah?
- What?
I said almost.
He's on the floor
and can't get up.
Interesting.
- What?
- Well, he's comfortable.
Do you think I would leave
him there if he wasn't?
Ma, how long has he
been on the floor for?
A few hours, maybe more.
What do you think,
I'm a monster?
Ma.
Boys, get inside the house.
- Hi, JD.
- Hi, JD.
Hey, boys,
I've got ice cream.
Mom, they don't
need ice cream.
Abigail, I raised
two children.
Do you think I don't know
how to feed children?
It'd just be nice if
you asked me
before you pumped
my kids with sugar.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi.
What's going on here?
Well, I was trying to
sit down and I missed it.
I see that.
Let me help you.
Hold on, hold on, hold on.
Careful, Abigail,
you'll get another hernia.
I'm fine, Mom.
I'm okay.
Here, you could-
- Okay.
- Okay, okay.
Okay.
- Yup.
- Yeah.
How's that?
Feel balanced?
Will you sit on
the couch with me?
- Of course.
- Thanks.
Sometimes I,
I can't,
I can't get my balance.
I don't know what's going on.
That's what we're
trying to figure out
with the doctors, okay?
Get everything moving
the way you want it to.
Okay.
How was pool therapy?
Oh, well I...
Abby, I couldn't feel my feet.
Never happened to me before.
I felt like
I was falling backwards
and then I tried to right myself
and I just kind of
tumbled in the pool.
Okay.
Ma really shouldn't
be leaving you.
Oh no, no, no.
Don't, don't, don't
be hard on her.
She's doing a
terrific job, Abby.
Abby, she is the best
wife anyone could have.
Okay.
Have you told your
brother about me?
Euge, he doesn't give a shit.
Ma.
- You can tell me.
- I know.
I just, I haven't
really said much to him
in the last couple of years.
He's a son of a bitch.
Ma.
I'll be right back, hold on.
You are not helping.
Well, when you've had your
son cut you out of their life
for 20 years, then you can
tell me how to do this.
- Hey, Hey.
- Yeah,
- what, honey?
- No, no,
I want Abby.
Ah.
Okay then.
Knock yourself out.
- This isn't me.
- I know.
I love you.
Thank you.
- Ow.
- I'm sorry.
Eugene, I'm home.
Yoohoo, where are you?
Be right there, Barb.
- Who do I love?
- Us.
Who tastes like sugar?
We are.
All right.
Perfect.
Good night.
I love you.
- Love you.
- Good night.
Good night, Mama.
Good night, Grape.
Say good night to Matthew.
Good night Matthew.
All right.
- Night.
- Night, mama.
See you in the morning.
Sweet dreams.
Boys, breakfast.
- Ew.
- Here you go.
What's that smell?
Is something burning, Mom?
Oh, shit.
It's the sausage.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
God dammit.
Language, Mama.
I mean, you don't need that.
You don't need that.
You have beautiful
pancakes and strawberries
with lots of anti-oxidants,
great for you.
- Eat.
- Mama,
what's that beep, beep, beeping?
Shit, shit, shit, shit.
Banana bread.
- Banana bread.
- Remember last week
when you burnt it?
Burned it, not burnt it.
Daddy never burns breakfast.
Well, can
Dada make banana bread
that's beautiful like this?
Yes.
- Hi.
- Morning.
Come on in.
Banana bread?
Fresh out of the oven.
- Oh no, I'm good.
- Hey, that's for us.
Shut it.
No, I'm good, thank you.
I need the garage clicker.
Oh yeah, of course.
Of course, where is it?
One of those things
that, you know,
you should really put in
a safe place every time,
'cause that is
where you find it.
But um,
- ow.
- Careful.
That's sharp.
I'm fine, really.
Right here.
Here you go.
Thanks.
- Great.
- I'll be working
on the fountain if you need me.
Of course.
What?
Hey, Daddy's here.
Oh.
You're early.
Dada.
- Traffic was light.
- Mmm.
Did you boys do your homework?
- Course it was.
- Did you practice
- your violin, Dave?
- No, and no.
And I tried.
I really tried, so
that's on you now.
It's all good, buddy.
Grab your hoodies,
boys, it's zoo day.
They really ate none
of their breakfast.
What's up with your mom?
She's been texting me a ton.
It's been kind of weird.
Didn't they make
her start some meds?
Yeah, well she feels
that she doesn't need them.
It's everybody
else that's crazy.
Well, you told her
to stop calling me.
- Thank you.
- Uh huh.
But now she needs
to stop texting me.
We've been divorced for a year.
All right, yeah.
I get it.
Hey, boychiks, kisses for Mama.
I'm gonna miss you.
- Bye, Mama.
- Bye.
Have so much fun at the zoo.
- See ya.
- Snacks for them?
Yes.
Okay.
- Bye, mama.
- Of course you have snacks.
Jesus Christ.
Ma, what?
Call the
caregiver agency.
I gotta fire another one.
No, no, no, no,
no, Mom, not Shawn.
What's going on?
Oh, wait till
you hear this one.
Shawn, you were brought into
this house to protect him,
not to bring him poison.
Mrs. Frey, it's not poison.
- Medicinal marijuana.
- Oh please.
Has been proven to help-
- Who do you think
you're talking to?
I went through the '60s.
Barely.
I was taking mescaline before
you were even in diapers.
So give me a break.
He asked me for it.
It is a drug and I
don't want it in my house.
Mrs. Frey, I care
about your family.
Very deeply.
Spare me the pain.
Just get out, Shawn.
In fact, get out and
take your bears with you.
Whoa, whoa, Mom, stop.
- I want you out.
- Shawn, what's happening?
Mom, stop with the bears.
I can't do this.
- We can talk.
- I'm sorry.
Remember the last time?
Hey, stop it.
I'll call you.
This turnover is killing me.
What did he do?
Well,
he was giving your
father marijuana
in the form of
cute little bears.
Oh my God, mom.
He was one of the good ones.
Call the service,
get another one.
I'm very happy we have
this appointment today
because he's getting worse.
Ma, this is how this works.
It gets worse.
And this morning
he fell again,
and I could barely pick him up.
He was like a dead weight.
Shawn?
I need Shawn.
Hey, honey.
Hi, Dad.
Hi.
Hi.
I need to pee.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Abby.
Your dad needs your help.
But I'm in a hurry.
I'll be in the car.
Whoopsy
daisy, too late.
Huh.
Cut it out.
Dad said not to make noise.
Shut up.
I'm serious, Nathan.
Cut it out.
Cut it out.
- He's gonna be mad.
- "He's gonna be mad."
Hey!
Abby, what did I tell ya?
So, I can't seem
to get my balance.
Everything seems to be-
- Follow my finger, please.
- Everything
is failing on me.
I feel a little weak.
Just with the eyes.
- Huh?
- How's work?
It's fine.
When are they going to tell
you about that cover story?
I just don't think they
think I'm quite ready yet.
Well, that's ridiculous.
I mean, you didn't get an MFA
to be writing staff pieces
this long.
Veronica's
daughter-in-law has an MSA
and she says you absolutely
should have a cover now.
Great, well I am not
Veronica's daughter-in-law.
You have to say what
you want, Abigail.
It's not quite like that, Ma.
This point, there's really
nothing else to do, I'm afraid.
Nothing else to do?
Abigail, help me out here.
I don't think Dr.
Ashkenazi understands.
It's Ashkenazi, Mom.
It's fine.
We need another set of tests.
We need, we need a specialist.
- He is a specialist.
- I am a specialist.
Dr. Ashkenazi.
Your next patient's ready.
Excuse me?
- Ma.
- She serious?
I'll be right there.
Doctor, I've been
trying to tell my parents
that it's not safe for them
to be living on their own
without full-time care.
We don't need it.
You call me every
time he falls.
Not true.
I called 911 twice this week.
Mrs. Frey,
you need to consider hiring
a full-time caregiver.
You're going to end
up hurting yourself.
We need a fourth opinion.
The thing about life is that
there are no second chances
to be the you that
you're meant to be.
What's holding you back?
Now is the time for you to
break through those limits.
Whoa.
Shit.
You're good.
You're good.
You have to be
willing to take a risk
and take that step.
'Cause no one else is
going to do it for you.
You have to work.
Now is the time.
It's all about you
taking that next step.
Visualize yourself and
who you wanna become.
You have to take control.
You've reached the
voicemail of Hannah White,
Editor-in-Chief of Modern Jew.
Leave a message, I'll
return your call.
Hey, boss lady.
Hannah Banana.
I'm sorry, but you
know, just little busy.
This is Abigail
Frey, by the way.
So listen, so many
things to say,
my dad's dying.
I mean, everybody is dying,
but some quicker than others.
And my mom is not,
I mean,
can I petition for a
new mom?
There's some fun
stuff to talk about.
There's this guy, a man,
gardening my garden
and he is delightful.
So we can talk about that.
About haircuts.
I need one.
Bangs,
no bangs?
I mean...
So, give me a call
whenever.
I'm here.
Dance clubs just
giving it their all today.
Whoa, look at those kicks.
These girls
worked so hard all year
just to get a chance to walk.
Ma.
Ma.
Ma?
What?
- What, I'm fine.
- We're almost ready.
I needed
to take a little nap.
Where's your father?
He's not up yet.
Eugene, what are you doing?
Your brother said he
would call with Karen.
I told him, you know,
come have a meal with us,
but she's sure has her
claws in him, doesn't she?
Mom, can we just go one day
without you tearing into Karen?
Excuse me.
Look, who's a saint.
What do you think?
Why are you
wearing those shoes?
I'm in a good mood.
Can't I be in a good mood?
It's a new year.
- Oh man.
- What?
All right, here's why
I'm in a good mood.
It's New Year's, it's vacation,
I don't have to work tomorrow,
and I just got stoned.
Happy New Year, Barbara.
What?
- What?
- No.
What?
I've been denying
this for 20 years.
I am so sick and tired.
I ain't going to
deny it anymore.
I smoke weed.
Come on, let's eat.
Abby, sit down.
Abigail, do
not touch that chair.
Abby,
sit down, let's eat.
- Right.
- Ooh.
Ooh.
Ooh, look what
you've made for me.
It's my favorite.
It's pasta primavera.
Oh, oh.
- Thank you.
- I know that.
What?
- Aw, shit.
- Now you can
make your own dinner for the
rest of your fucking life.
Oh, Barbie,
give it a fucking break.
You drink, you drink, you
drink, I smoke a joint.
What?
Peter, this stupid
fucking bookcase.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi.
- How are you?
- Okay.
What are you doing out here?
Where's Darrin?
Darrin?
Meeting, I think,
us at the doctor.
Okay.
Your mother said
that I should stay here
'cause I was too
much in the way.
I hate being such a burden.
Abigail, you're here already.
- Here I am.
- Do you know
I have just made the most
incredible flatbread?
I used those dry chickpeas
from the Armenian market.
The one the seamstress at the
dry cleaner told us about,
the dry cleaner who's having
an affair with her hairdresser,
but who still reads your column.
That is so kind.
All right, let's get
Dad to this appointment.
We're gonna do
it in the walker.
Why?
Well, he's got to try it.
- I can try it.
- Yeah.
Let me take this.
Dad, I think you should
use the wheelchair.
- He can try the walker.
- I could try it.
Ma, he's very weak.
Honey, it's okay.
I'm okay.
I know what I'm doing.
Okay, let's try the walker.
- Okay.
- All right.
Not too fast.
Yeah, that's it.
Uh oh.
- Uh oh.
- How you feel?
Not too good.
Come on, we'll go back down.
Okay.
- There.
- Okay, Abigail.
Whoa, hey.
I will take care of this.
This stupid thing.
All right.
Want me to do this?
No, I can do it.
Yeah, but I don't
have my feet ready.
Oh.
Oh, shoot.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Oh God.
I don't like you to bend.
I know, I'm sorry.
Okay, great.
Don't let her bend.
Okay, Dad.
You sure you don't want-
- No, I'm good.
- Okay.
You know, Darrin's girlfriend
is 20 and she's pregnant.
How are we going to
stop this endless cycle?
- Watch out.
- Whoopsy daisy.
I'm fine, Abigail.
I'm fine.
Everybody's fine.
Did you get a chance to
look at that dating app?
'Cause it's time.
Peter's already seeing people.
How on earth do
you know that, Ma?
Well, you told me
I couldn't call him
and I couldn't text him,
but you didn't say I couldn't
follow him on Facebook.
Can we
just pay attention
to what the doctor is saying?
Sorry.
Okay. Mr. Frey,
let's see how you
can walk on your own.
Walking is hard for me.
Dad, it's okay,
we're all here for you.
Let me get you started Mr. F.
- Whoa.
- Whoa.
He's like the
Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Ma.
Okay, Mr. Frey,
let's try that again.
You're all right.
I got you, Mr. F.
Now.
How are you, Mrs. Frey?
How should I be, Dr. Pastel?
It's Dr. Patel, Mom.
It's fine.
Abigail. I would like
you to tell Dr. Patel
about your father.
She has training in medicine.
I took a couple of
courses in college,
just basic stuff.
Now she's writing.
She's writing a column
for the Modern Jew.
It's very popular,
but because she doesn't
ask for what she wants,
she hasn't been given
a cover story yet.
- Ma.
- Right.
He's not been eating.
He wets the bed most nights.
He's really not very lucid.
And he is getting
worse day by day.
His chiropractor thinks
maybe meditation would help.
Mm-hmm.
Mrs. Frey,
I'm going to be blunt.
I know you're continuing to
make appointments weekly,
but your husband is not
going to get better.
So, do you mean we
brought him to a doctor,
to a hospital, where
they can't fix him?
Mom.
He's gonna continue to decline
at a more rapid rate now.
And we need to
talk about hospice.
Hospice.
What is that?
Hospice means we
don't think he can live
longer than six months.
He's gotta eat more.
Maybe if you gave him an enema,
it would make room
for more food.
No, Mrs. Frey.
You have to stop trying
to force him to eat.
If he doesn't
eat, he's gonna die.
Yes, Ma, he's going to die.
Oh my God.
We just figured out his Lipitor.
Ma, what?
We finally figured
out the dosage
and now he's going to die.
Ma, now is not
the time to be thinking
about his Lipitor, okay?
Nathan used to work
in that building.
Remember?
We visited him once,
and I think we took a very
nice walk in the garden there.
- Remember?
- Yeah.
I remember.
Get back here.
Cut it out.
Do you wanna tap out?
No, I do
not wanna tap out.
Guys, take this
in another room.
If you really love
him, then you'll save him.
She does love me.
And she will save me.
Guys, other room, please.
- Get back here, you troll.
- Don't call me a troll,
- you troll.
- I'm not done with you.
Hey, Abbs.
Sorry I haven't
answered your calls.
Here's the thing.
I don't know if I
want Mom and Dad
at my birthday party next week.
No matter what I do,
I can't get space from them.
- Get what?
- What, space?
What does that mean?
You know what it means.
Remember when we sent the thing.
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
Such disrespect
when he did that.
If I would have told my father-
- Oh, Eugene, stop
with the father.
It's not always
about your father.
Okay, hey, do you want
me to finish or not?
Yeah, go.
Okay.
Karen's parents
so generously offered
to throw me this party.
Oh, I know what's comin'.
- You do?
- Oh yeah.
Just listen, go ahead.
I think you all coming
to my party without mom
apologizing to Karen
- for what happened.
- What?
Is not gonna work.
There it is, I knew it.
Are you kidding?
- That's it.
- Ma,
what happened with Karen?
Oh please.
Her grandmother turned 100.
I didn't go to the celebration
because I can't be all things
to all people, Abigail.
You're absolutely right.
Thank you.
Okay, Ma, can you
just apologize to Karen?
Apologize?
Wh, why?
We're not apologizing.
It was a busy week.
Sue me.
Over my dead fuckin' body.
Over my dead fuckin' body
is anyone in this family
fucking apologizing to
go to that fucking party?
I think we should say hello.
- Now?
- Yeah.
I talked to them.
- I told them.
- And?
They had to be polite.
Okay.
- Hello, family.
- Happy birthday.
- Okay, thank you.
- Hi, Karen.
Mom, Dad.
Nathan, happy birthday.
Thanks.
Dad?
Have you put on
a little weight?
You're still a troll.
I swear if you ask
me one more time,
I am going to throw
you into a wall.
Just cut it out.
You're so annoying.
Can you bring
us a snack please, Mom?
Yes, I'll be right there.
I'll be right there.
Okay.
God, I-
Hello?
Hey, what's up?
I just, uh,
I wanted to talk
to you about Dad.
He has a degenerative condition
and we've had to
put him on hospice.
Oh, okay.
Yeah.
I don't really know
what else to say.
Well,
I'm glad you told me.
If you wanted to
start thinking about,
you know um,
if you,
I don't know.
It might be the last.
Yeah, no, I get it.
I get it.
I am sorry.
I know you're probably at work
and so you probably need
time to think about this.
No, no, it's fine.
I mean, I kind of have a
good amount of distance
from all of this.
It's been so long, so
I'll be down there
in a couple of weeks.
- What?
- Yeah.
I'm the distinguished lecturer
at the College of
Art and Design,
the horticulture
of the Meiji era.
Being a specialist
matters, I guess.
Yeah, I'm sure.
So, I mean, I don't want
to commit to anything, but-
- But there's a
chance you might come see him?
Well, I don't know, Abigail.
I'm just saying
I'll be down there.
It's a long drive.
So it depends on timing and-
- Yeah, okay.
- Bunch of stuff I have to do.
Should I come?
What?
You know, to your lecture?
Should I come?
What?
No, nevermind.
No, yeah.
Come.
That's cool.
Yeah?
Yeah, I'll
send you the information.
Okay.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
Mom?
Yes, I'm coming.
Yeah, we have
had conversation.
This is what, my job is
an hour away from here.
It makes no sense for me
to live at home anymore.
Come on.
Oh, don't
come on with me, kid.
I worked my ass off so you
can live here rent-free.
- Dad.
- What?
Calm down.
Don't tell me to calm down.
I'm fuckin' calm, Abby.
- This is calm.
- You want things to be
like they were when
you were my age.
And it's just not
like that anymore.
Well, when I was your age,
if I would've told my father
I want to live on my own, but
he should keep paying my rent,
he would have smacked me so hard
I'd have lost all
the teeth in my head
and I woulda deserved it, kid.
Karen and I are
getting serious.
- Karen!
- Karen, who?
Who is?
- My girlfriend.
- Is she behind
the whole moving thing?
- What?
- You think that we don't
get what's going on, Nate?
We do.
We know you want to live
in some bachelor pleasure den.
Oh, Ma, stop.
Shut up, Abby.
You think I want to
move out so I can have sex
- with Karen?
- Yeah.
Well, news flash,
we already have.
- What?
- Oh Jesus.
Oh God.
Everyone has sex.
You're the only people who
refuse to acknowledge that
because you're so out
of touch with reality.
It's like you're living
in the Dark Ages.
Do not
yell at your mother.
I'm so Sick of your
authoritarian bullshit, Dad!
I'm warning you.
Nathan, your father is
- busting his ass-
- Stop, stop,
stop defending him.
You gave up your life
to be his servant.
And I am tired of
shutting up about the fact
that you love him
more than you love us.
Stop, stop, Dad, please.
Where are you goin'?
Where are you goin'?
Get out of here!
Talking to your
mother like that.
Get out.
Get out of here,
get out of here.
- You're not so smart, Nathan.
- Get outta here.
- Fuckin' dicks, man.
- You don't know anything.
- You're flinchin', huh?
- Get out of,
get the hell out.
Where you goin'?
- I just-
- No,
you're not goin' anywhere,
we're gonna have dinner.
Okay.
So, what should we talk about?
Abby?
Have a nice day today?
Ah.
Hello.
Hi.
You're early.
Hello, Miss Abigail.
You could call me
Abby at this point.
Abby.
- Short for Abigail.
- Yeah, no, I got it.
Of course you do.
I mean, I'm pretty sure
I said it'd be around noon.
And look at that.
It is noon.
- It is.
- Thought it was not,
but it is.
Can I take this out for you?
Trade you my empty water
bottle for the trash?
Sure, but I can fill
this with water for you.
That is the thing
that could happen.
- Mm-hm.
- Mm-hm.
- Yup.
- Yup.
Well, I will be right back.
Okay.
All right.
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- No problem.
So, cupcakes.
Uh huh.
Yup, that is what I am doing.
Uh, Mom, I can't
really talk right now
- because I have people over.
- Oh my God,
did you know if you sleep
with your mouth open
and don't swallow enough,
you get sores in your mouth?
Mom.
Your father
has so many sores.
Mom, Mom.
- Mom.
- Because his swallow reflex
is so messed up.
Ma I can't talk right now.
I have somebody over here.
- Okay?
- Oh.
Since, when do you
have people there?
- Ma, I was just.
- Hey.
Hello
there, muscles.
Hello yourself.
I'm Jay, the landscaper.
You really don't
have to do this.
Oh, I don't mind.
I see where Abigail
gets her good looks.
- Oh wow.
- Jay,
flattery will get
you everywhere.
I've got some landscaping
I could use some help with.
Oh my God, I want to die.
- Just a sec.
- Okay, okay.
Abigail, your father
needs that stuff
that makes water
easier to swallow.
He's gagging and drooling.
Ma, I'm gonna
call you back later.
Okay?
Mm.
Moms, right?
Yeah, that's
one way to put it.
Ma, are our
cupcakes done yet?
Yeah. I'm working on it.
- Sorry.
- Don't be.
I'll get outta here.
- Get to work.
- Okay.
Jay?
- Yeah?
- I,
huh, you might not
want to do this,
but I have some extra
tickets to this lecture
on magical Japanese gardens.
You know, you are a landscaper.
Meiji era is what this is about.
And you know, maybe you might-
- Wow, that is a
very specific topic.
I know.
Yeah, sure, sounds good.
When is it?
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
What, you think I
had no other plans?
Yeah, I'm sure you do.
No, I don't
have any other plans.
Okay.
Okay.
I should also tell you that
the lecturer is my brother.
He's a professor and
this is his specialty.
So it is going to be him there.
I haven't seen him
in a long time,
so it's kind of a big deal.
Wow, so first I
flirt with your mom,
now you want me to
meet your brother?
Yeah, I'd like you
to forget about that.
But this might be a
terrible idea as well.
So just don't worry about it.
You know what?
Let's add in sushi
before and it's a deal.
Okay.
Okay.
- Great.
- Cool.
- Okay.
- Okay.
The forest
was caps.
You're talking silly talk.
I worked
so goddamn hard,
for every day of
my fuckin' life,
and this is the thanks I get?
Abby.
Abby, Abby, honey.
Sweetie, sweetie pie, wake up.
Wake up, wake up.
Come on, we gotta get up.
- What's goin' on?
- We gotta go.
We gotta go, put your shoes on.
Why?
Come on.
'Cause we have to.
Hurry up.
I'm gonna get Nathan.
Come on, sweetie, come on.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Barbara, you
are such a selfish cunt.
I don't need any of this shit.
Oh, you're taking them away.
Go ahead.
Go ahead, see if I fuckin' care.
Daddy just needs to cool off.
You know how he gets.
He's under a lot
of stress at work.
Okay, you guys,
I'll see you in the
morning, sweetie.
- No.
- I love you.
No.
Don't go.
Love you.
- Nate?
- What?
- Where's the moon?
- What?
Where is it?
It's not in the sky.
Oh.
It's called a new moon.
Go to sleep.
Are Mom and Dad gonna be okay?
I don't know, sis.
I don't know.
Go to sleep.
Hey, there you are.
Hi.
I am so sorry that I am late.
I'd like to tell you that
I'm not typically late,
but I am always late and it
is not because I value my time
more than yours.
It's just, I put things places,
and then I can't find them,
things that are
important like the keys.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I'm gonna get started here.
Please take your seats.
Well, feel like
I'm back in college.
Thought you didn't
go to college.
Wow, not used to
dates who listen.
Here today.
You can you can hear me, right?
- This is on-
- God.
I'm Nathaniel Frey.
I mean, he looks
exactly like my dad.
The College of Art and Design
is very close to my heart.
So let's just jump in.
If we can get the lights.
The Meiji Period
is one which has.
Okay,
so what do we do?
This is who they are.
Nathan, you should have heard
what she was saying in there.
Abby, you have to get
yourself out of there.
- Nate.
- One sec.
Abbs, I gotta go.
Get out of there.
What am I suppose to do?
How am I supposed to?
- Nathan.
- Do what you need to,
do what you need to.
- I gotta go.
- Nathan.
Is best left to the gods
and not the gardeners.
I'll
meet you at the car?
Okay.
Good luck.
- Okay.
- So thank you guys.
Hey.
Do we hug?
Okay.
That was so cool to
see you in action.
You're so passionate.
Thank you, thank you.
You're just really
well versed and all.
Yeah, they asked me to do
this lecture and I was like,
I just did this at the
University of Tokyo.
So I wasn't even sure
I wanted to come.
But there's not many of us
with this level of expertise.
Of course.
So,
is now a good time
to talk about Dad?
Sure.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
So just so we're clear here,
I'm not generally curious
about our parents.
If I was, I wouldn't have chosen
to stay out of their lives
for the past 20 years.
But, um,
do you want to
tell me how he is?
Like for you?
So much has happened
since you left.
Dad was hospitalized
a few years ago,
mental breakdown,
diagnosis bipolar.
And Mom,
I mean, she's never
been formally diagnosed,
but you know it's very
borderline personality disorder.
Okay, so now these
things have names.
He's like bad, Nathan.
I mean, he can't
stand up on his own.
He's refusing to eat.
This really is it.
So if there's any part of
you that wants to see him,
now would be the time.
I don't think
I can go see him.
Yeah.
- I'm sorry.
- Okay.
No.
Thanks for coming.
Yeah.
It's because of her.
- What?
- I don't want to see her.
I don't, I really
don't want to see her.
Okay.
Can I ask you why?
Yeah.
His wreckage was
tangible.
Hers was so insidious
and disturbing.
I just can't go there.
Okay.
What if she wasn't there?
What?
What if she wasn't there?
- Wow.
- Yeah.
That's a good start for you.
So your life is just always
kind of like this
emotion, this intensity?
You havin' to fix everything?
Yeah.
Yeah, it's all I know.
But this, I mean, how am I
supposed to tell my mother
that she can't be
there when her son,
who she hasn't
seen for 20 years,
visits her husband who is dying.
I just,
I don't know how to
tackle that one yet.
But I've got to fix it.
I said I'd fix it.
Well, I kind of
fix for a living.
And I can tell you this,
things will keep breaking.
So what are you gonna do?
I'm so sorry.
- It's okay.
- I really wanna do this.
It's okay.
Just in case something.
Oh, say hi for me.
- Who's that?
- Nobody.
It's me, the landscaper.
Oh, Jed.
Jay.
What are
you crazy kids up to?
I'm not,
Ma, let me call you tomorrow.
- Okay?
- Okay.
And Jeff, make sure to come
to Eugene's birthday party
next week.
It's likely the last
one he'll ever have.
- Mom.
- I would love to,
but my parents are going
to be in town from Oakland.
So he has plans.
- Plans.
- Great.
Bring them too.
- The more, the merrier.
- Oh, God in heaven.
No, Ma.
It's a party, Abigail.
Don't you want to celebrate
your father's last birthday
and let him see you
finally got a date?
Okay, Ma, I'm
calling you tomorrow.
- Bye, love you.
- Goodbye.
Bye.
What are you doing?
Securing the weirdest
second date ever.
- Truly.
- Truly.
Like being around you.
This isn't too much?
It's so messy.
That's not how I see it.
My mom gets weird at parties.
Her behavior is not
a reflection on me.
Today is about my dad.
I can do for an hour, what I
couldn't do for a lifetime.
I am not her.
She is not me.
Okay, party people.
Let's do this.
Where is the...
birthday boy?
Hi.
Hello.
- How are you?
- Good.
Darrin, Dad, this is Jay.
Hello, Mr. Frey.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Sup.
All high fives
and handshakes and.
This is Billy and Marge,
sorry, Marge and Billy.
These are Jay's parents and
they're celebrating with us
because they are in town.
- How are you, Mr. Frey?
- Happy birthday.
Where's the dad?
- Hi, Ma.
- Hi.
Hello.
Hello, welcome.
Can I get you a drink?
We have mimosas.
Come on, Jed.
Jay, Mom.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Okay.
- The father didn't come?
- Dad.
So how is your day?
Oh.
It's been up and down.
We took a nice walk in
the park, right Mr. F?
Okay.
Just okay?
Come on, we saw a
three legged dog.
We checked out the ladies.
We saw the little kid
who fell on his face
when he tripped
on that sprinkler.
We
laughed a little bit.
What?
- It was funny.
- Oh my God.
Laughing at little
kids falling down.
- Speaking of little kids.
- Hi, Mom.
Hello.
Oh, are you having a good day?
Missed you.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hiding in the back room?
Your mom was having
a moment or three.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Along with her
mimosa or three.
I'm sorry.
You're supposed to talk
to her about drinking
- in front of the boys.
- I know.
I just.
It needs to happen.
I will do it.
Hi, Jay.
Hey, Peter.
Good to see ya.
Hey fellas.
When is cake time?
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Eugene
Happy birthday to you
- Happy birthday, dad.
- Blow 'em out, Mr. F.
I'd say it went pretty well.
I wish Nathan was here.
All right.
Let's get this cake served.
Nice piece for you, Eugene.
- I don't want it.
- Yes, you do.
- You love this cake.
- No, I don't want it.
- You do.
- I don't.
I don't want it.
- Yes you do, Eugene.
- No, I don't.
Yes, you do.
Come on, Eugene.
God dammit.
I don't, please.
- Ma.
- Mommy,
maybe he's not hungry.
No, that is not an option.
It's his birthday.
He has to eat his cake.
Okay, you know what, Mrs. F?
Maybe you should back off.
Let's just take a walk.
It's his favorite cake.
He loves it.
We're all going to enjoy
it together, God dammit.
You know what, Mrs. F?
I'm just asking you to stop.
Darrin, I don't recall
asking your opinion.
Just know your place.
- Okay, know your place.
- Oh, hell no.
Darrin, I'll handle this.
- Abigail?
- Yes?
I think we're just
gonna grab a ride,
but I'll call you.
All right, I'll call you.
That's just, okay.
- Thank you.
- Honey, hush.
Let's just get out of here.
We can talk about this later.
Why are you sending them away?
Because, Ma.
You know what, Dad?
Let's get you down
to take a nap.
You've had a big day.
Let's get you down okay.
You just broke up the party.
Hey Darrin, can I
borrow you for a second?
Yeah, of course.
- Can you help?
- Yeah.
Thanks,
I got the chair.
- I got ya, Mr. F.
- Hey, hey, hey.
No one naps until they
eat their cake, Darrin.
We're gonna go.
Come on, Dad.
If it were my last
birthday on Earth,
I would eat this cake.
Daddy.
Sit down, sit down.
I need to talk to you.
Dad, I really don't-
- You know your mom and
I had a big fight, right?
She doesn't like me smoking pot.
You know, it's not like
I'm hurting anybody.
It's not like something I don't
have complete control over.
I'm thinking of moving
back to the city.
What?
No, but I came out here
because your mom wanted to,
I wanted to stay there because
that's where the energy is.
I'm an artist, Abby.
I'm a writer, I want to write
the great American novel.
- Dad.
- But there's no energy here.
Dad, just-
- My psychiatrist says
that if he were me,
he would blow his
fuckin' brains out
if he had a wife
who was this frigid
and a son who
wouldn't talk to him.
There's no love
for me here, Abby.
How could you say that to me?
I'm here.
I love you.
Have you spoken
to your brother?
No.
My Abby,
my Abby, my Abby.
You know me better than anybody.
You always have.
You know me better
than your mother.
That's for sure.
Thank you.
I gotta go to the bathroom.
Hey.
Hey.
He's asleep.
He's asleep?
He is, yeah.
Okay.
I didn't know my cake
would become such a big
part of the evening.
The cake was delicious, Ma.
I know it was.
I spoke to Nathan.
You called him?
I did.
He wants to see Dad.
Wow.
Wow, wow, wow, wow,
wow, wow, wow, wow.
Yeah.
When, wh, when
does he want to come?
He can come tomorrow.
Oh God.
Oh, well, huh, soon.
But, uh,
here's the thing.
He is not ready to see you yet.
Huh.
Hah.
And, and why would that be?
I don't know.
'Cause he just wants to
keep things really simple.
Yeah, sure.
I know
this is hard for you.
Hah.
Yeah.
This is something
that you would do for Dad.
Yeah.
Are you good?
Oh, good, I'm feeling good.
Fine, fine.
And you're
gonna let him see-
- Oh yeah.
I wouldn't stand in his way.
Sure.
Hey
Abby, Hannah White.
Listen, I got your message.
You don't really sound like
you're stable right now.
Hey Abby, it's Jay.
So, I know you're in
a really rough place.
Time off.
I think you should take that
sabbatical we talked about.
After the
whole party cake thing,
you just gotta-
- Let me know
when you're ready to talk
from a more centered
perspective.
Hit pause for a minute.
The garden's at a
good stopping place,
so let's touch base
in a bit, okay?
- Take care of yourself.
- Take care.
Abbs, I gotta go.
Get out of there!
You have to get
yourself out of there!
- Nathan.
- Do what you need to,
do what you need to.
- I have to go.
- Nathan.
You ready?
Mm-hm.
All right, Mr. F?
It's the moment you've
been waiting for.
Thanks for the shower.
I got you.
Your little man's all grown
up and he comin' to see you.
Nathan.
Yeah, we got you
looking pretty fly
if I do say so myself.
Give me some.
There you go.
That was good enough.
Don't you look handsome?
You're welcome.
- Hi.
- Hey, Dad.
How are you feeling?
Nervous.
Good though.
- Nerve is good.
- You ready?
Oh.
Hello, Nathan.
Hello.
I never thought
I'd live to see
the two of you together again.
I'll leave you
two to catch up.
No.
- Stay.
- Stay.
- Stay.
- Okay.
So Nate,
how is,
how are you?
And how is,
it's, I know, don't tell me.
- Karen.
- Karen.
How's Karen?
Good.
Everything is really good.
Good.
I came down to give a lecture
on the Meiji Restoration
at the College of
Art and Design.
- Oh.
- He was wonderful.
We actually just got
back from a road trip
to all the national
parks of Utah.
Utah?
Yeah.
Bryce, Zion, Arches.
I had great memories from
those trips you took us on,
like Yosemite.
You got me the T-shirt
with the space,
it looked like
yo-semite.
- Dad?
- Yeah?
Everything good about
me is because of you.
You encouraged me to love art
and to make a living
surrounded by art.
Thank you.
Nate.
You got to live a
life I never could.
I,
I tried to give you
the best life I could.
I tried.
You tried.
Yes.
- Dad.
- What?
What else do you
want to say to Nathan?
When do I get
to see him again?
I don't know, Dad.
What?
I'd love a
photo of the three of us.
Darrin, can you help
us for a second?
Wouldn't that be great?
How long do you think
he's going to sleep for?
That was a lot for him.
I know.
He'll be out for a while.
He's sleeping more and more.
Hey.
You know, I'm gonna go
ahead and sit with Mr. F.
Hey.
How'd it go?
It went well.
Took a picture.
Do you want to see?
Sure.
There you go.
Wow, ooh.
Whew.
That
is totally weird.
What's weird?
Your brother,
he's all bloated.
Why did he get so bloated?
What?
Oh God, and his
eyes are puffy.
That's not what
I see in it, Ma.
Well, no, but I see him here,
he looks like somebody
who's on that medication
for the inflamed kishkas,
what is that thing called?
- The kishkas.
- Colitis.
Yeah, colitis is what,
exactly, he looks like
someone with colitis.
He probably has colitis.
Okay, well that
is our photo and,
yeah it went well.
Good.
Glad to hear it.
What have you been up to?
Oh, well,
I have been on a toilet
seat at a coffee shop.
Fun.
Okay.
Okay.
Did he mention me?
It didn't really come up.
Ah.
Let me see that picture again.
Let me see it.
Okay.
Hmm.
Well, you look beautiful,
but he does not look
like your brother.
I mean, really.
It's like a interloper.
Okay.
Okay.
Abbs?
Yeah, Dad?
Sometimes when I close
my eyes, I see things.
What do you see?
I see your boys.
I see
Davis running the
bases in softball.
I never got to see
him play one game.
That's okay.
I see him running the bases
and Finn is running
right behind him.
Sometimes I see
your mother.
Yeah?
She looks the way she
did when we first met.
How's that?
When she was 16.
She looks beautiful,
she's so beautiful.
I worry about her.
Why is that?
That she won't be okay, that
she'll miss me.
I never meant that I could
do anything without her.
And now I'm gonna
die without her.
All I want is to be with her
forever.
Do you ever tell her that?
Oh, I couldn't tell her that.
You just did.
Is that you?
You're my world.
You know?
Do you know?
Hey.
How's he doing today?
Has he eaten?
Ice chips.
He's startin' his transition
to a place where you
won't need any food,
he won't feel any pain.
It's a place of the spirit.
Come here.
You've been so good to him.
No, it's okay.
Thank you.
You're such a good daughter.
He's so loved.
It's okay.
To begin with, no.
Let me call
attention to the fact
that the ones hunting us
are young male adults.
- I'm thirsty.
- Thirsty?
Of his culture.
You caught me.
Do you get it?
No.
How's that?
Little more.
- Okay.
- Little more.
Okay.
Okay.
Abbs.
Abbs.
Athan.
Nathan?
No.
- No?
- No.
Hi, this is Nathan,
leave a message after the beep.
Wait for the beep.
Wait for the beep.
Hold on, here it comes.
Beep, that wasn't it.
I can go get it.
I'll get it.
No, honey, you shouldn't
be getting his morphine.
- I'll be right back, Ma.
- That's his job.
Ma, I'd like Darrin to be here
in case anything happens, okay?
Okay.
Can I have a minute?
Hey, Dad.
I'm gonna go.
I'm gonna be right back.
I know how much pain you're in.
If you wanna go while I'm gone,
that's okay.
That's okay.
I promise it's okay.
I love you the most.
I know you know that.
Hey.
It's good you called.
I'm happy to help.
Hey, what's going on?
Abigail,
he isn't breathing.
Abigail, he
was breathing a minute ago.
Should we call 911?
No.
No, that's not how this works.
We don't call 911.
That's not how this works.
We do nothing.
Ma, can you hear me?
Okay.
Have you recited the Shema?
No.
Repeat three times,
Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai
Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Sh'ma Yisrael
Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai
Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai
Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Baruch shem kevod
malchuto le'olam va'ed.
Baruch shem
kevod malchuto le'olam va'ed.
Baruch dayan ha-emet.
Baruch
dayan ha-emet.
All right, I'll see you soon.
Turn around.
What do you mean
they have to take him away?
Can't he sleep here?
Ma, they have to take him.
Our wedding color was green.
Abby, what was that?
The power, Ma.
For the hairdryer.
I don't think so.
It's never happened before.
I think it was him.
Ma, it's not him.
That's not how this works, okay?
What else could it have been?
Is Nathan coming today?
Ma,
I'm gonna the fix fucking power
for your fucking hairdryer,
okay?
No Nathan.
Abigail,
I was just asking.
And watch your mouth.
I'm sorry. I just,
I haven't heard from him
and I'm dealing with a lot
of things and I just don't,
sorry.
It's okay, Eugene.
Oh my God.
Is that what
you're going to wear?
What?
Do you want to
borrow something?
Or are you good like this?
Yes.
Do you want me to help
you blow dry your hair?
- No.
- Okay, just asking.
Thank you.
You want me to look nice.
It's time for Keriah.
We are going to
tear a cloth ribbon.
Did you want to tear
your ribbon instead?
No.
Okay.
Okay.
I would like to tear a ribbon.
Of course.
It goes over here.
Not over the heart?
Only for the child.
Spouses tear over
the right side.
Well, I'm in as
much grief as she is.
Eugene said when he saw this
dress, "That is so depressing.
It looks like something you're
gonna wear to my service."
And here I am.
Hyman, thank you for coming.
- Oh dear.
- Does Nathan know?
Oh, I think so.
But he did not come.
That's horrible.
You're
really committing
to those chin pubes, huh?
I am all testosterone.
Disgusting.
Talking 'bout you?
I agree.
- Hi, guys.
- Hi, Mom.
Oh.
You look so pretty.
- Thank you.
- You think so?
Nate.
You want more eye shadow?
You think I need it?
No.
I think you look perfect.
- Thanks, Ma.
- Oh, there you are.
Barb, I was looking for you.
Hi, guys.
- Good morning.
- What's going on?
This isn't a party.
- Ah!
- Oh, Eug!
Don't say anything,
I'll take the blame.
Oh, come on.
That was so violent.
Get out of here.
- Dad!
- On the double.
And how about Suzy Lifla?
Could you believe the
weight she put on?
She's become a beluga,
and she doesn't even
dress to help herself.
And Albert Gold
with the goiter on his neck.
- Oh.
- Ma.
- What?
- Could you stop?
We just buried Dad.
And you're gossiping
about all the people
who came here to support you.
How dare you speak to a
mourner like that, Abigail.
I'm mourning too.
Yes, but you are not his wife.
There's a difference.
You hardly acted like one.
What?
I hardly acted like a wife?
You don't know the
half of what went on.
Stay out of other people's
business, Abigail.
You are constantly dragging
me into your business.
And I am happy to fix
everything that you break.
I have no time for myself ever
to do anything.
Oh, but you had time
to ruin your marriage.
Look at you, Abigail.
You are a wreck.
Yeah, Ma.
How else do you expect me to be?
Hmm?
How do you expect me
to take care of myself
when you never give
me any room to do it?
Oh, room?
You want room?
Oh, well go learn
from your brother.
Nathan.
What?
She's mad at me.
Abby, go away.
Nathan.
Please.
I made her mad and
she won't feed me.
Please.
I'm hungry and my hair's a mess.
I need your help.
Why
can't Dad help you?
I don't know where he is.
Come here.
Nathan.
Abby.
What are you doing here?
I had to bury
our father today.
I know.
I shouldn't have
had to do that alone.
Abby, I couldn't do it.
I shouldn't have had to
deal with all of the things
that I've had to
deal with alone.
Yeah, but the
question is not why.
I didn't stick around
to deal with that shit.
- Why did you?
- Because I had to.
Somebody had to, Nathan.
You know that
somebody had to stay.
- Shhh.
- And I,
I have slept with all
the responsibility.
I had to make all
the big decisions,
I had to fix, solve, mend every
fucking thing that they did.
- I needed you.
- Going to some
ancient ritual with a bunch
of bullshit in Aramaic
- does not matter.
- That's not it.
- That's not it.
- Dad wasn't even religious.
You lost the plot.
You're a martyr.
You're a fucking punching bag.
That's what you fucking are.
You're a fucking doormat.
And you want me to
be that too, huh?
I freed myself.
Oh.
Oh, you know what?
I know what you carry.
What I carry?
You're as sick as I am.
You're as sick as they made us.
I see it all over you.
I just-
- Hey.
I need
those days, Abigail.
Yeah, but that was
gonna be my weekend.
I know, but we pride
ourselves on being flexible
with our schedule, and
I'm asking this year.
I'll think about it.
What's to think about?
It's no big deal.
I'm asking for your help here.
Peter, I have plans.
I'm not gonna change my plans.
Hey guys, come on.
- Mom.
- Show her the flowers.
We got flowers.
Oh, you did such a good job.
Thank you.
My little garden gnomes.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, Dad.
Hey guys, let's
wash your hands,
because I see the food's ready.
And if you guys would like
any help in washing up,
I'm here.
- Ma.
- Yeah.
I can't with you.
- Shut it.
- Listen.
I know.
I can't with her.
She's just...
- Oh wow.
- What?
Is your mom texting
you from the bathroom?
It's Nathan.
He sent me an invitation.
Some very creative combing.
Whoa.
Finn, ew!
You are disgusting.
God.
Oh my God.
Did I ever tell you
what Zaide likes to say?
Don't say anything,
I'll take the blame.
He used to think
it was the most hilarious thing.
He never told you that?
- No.
- I don't think so.
You're missing out.
It was a good one.
Come on, let's go.
Don't want to be late.
Who are those people?
That's my brother, Nathan.
Remember I showed you his photo?
His wife, Karen, son Dylan,
and his daughter, Amelia,
whose party it is,
and they are coming over.
- Hi.
- Hi.
This is Dylan.
Dylan, this is my sister.
Hi Dylan, it's
nice to meet you.
These are my sons,
Finn and Davis.
Say hi, boys.
- Handshakes.
- Hi.
It's okay.
Hi.
I'm Nathan.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- Hi, Abigail.
- Hi, Karen.
Karen, Amelia.
Amelia, congratulations.
Come on, boys.
Let me show you around.
- Come on in.
- Go ahead.
It's okay.
Nice party.
Yeah.
What, is this awkward?
Nathan.
No, it's awkward.
You'll get there.
Oh Barb, give
it a fucking rest, please.
I swear to God
if I didn't have these kids,
I would jump out of
this car right now.
Go ahead, don't
let me stop you, woman.
Stop
the fucking car.
Just once, just once.
How does it do it, Nathan?
What do you mean?
How does the moon
stay in the same place
while we're moving?
It's so big, sis.
It's just that big.
Oh, there it was.
- I'm in, I lost.
- He's doing it again.
God, you're such
a selfish you know what.
Starts with a C.
You guys,
that's not where that goes.
And up and
over and side to side.
Can I get some more
helping hands, please?
Abby, this is a
very important achievement.
- Of course.
- What are we gonna do?
You know what else is doable?
We're gonna feed the chicken.
- Feed the chicken.
- Okay,
final hugs for dad.
Hugs, hugs.
Great.
All right, outside to play.
I don't want to.
Excuse me?
There's nothing to do.
Are you kidding me?
When I was your age,
I didn't have any of those
jungle gym, fancy things.
I mean-
- You want us to have the
same crappy childhood you had?
Really?.
- Don't encourage it.
- Abigail, it's fine.
Relax.
"Abigail, it's fine, relax."
All right guys outside,
I will call you later.
You know,
can you grab that bookcase
at the top of the stairs
that you've been
meaning to grab?
Because Davis really
wants it at your house
and it's heavy and
taking up space,
and also uniforms,
softball uniforms.
If you got a pair,
then I wouldn't have to be
washing them all the time.
I will do
the bookcase next time.
Oh, can't talk to Mom.
Ab, I will do the
bookcase next time.
I'm kind of in a rush.
You just did 25 minutes
of handshakes with the boys,
you can't take,
Abigail.
Okay, fine.
Oh, look at that,
it's your mom.
Nope.
I take it you still
haven't spoken to her
about not calling me as
if we aren't divorced.
I forgot.
I'll get to it.
- Please do.
- Mm hm.
God, relentless.
Hey, bye, good luck with that.
Mom.
I have to
tell you about the pillow.
No, no, Ma.
I can't talk about
pillows right now.
I just got the boys back and
we're getting settled in.
Okay, okay, okay.
But we should talk because,
interesting, Dad fell again.
Again?
Is he okay?
Yes, he's okay.
Why do you sound so
annoyed, Abigail?
Oh, also interesting,
he almost drowned during
his pool therapy session,
so that might've made
him out of sorts.
Mom, what do you
mean almost drowned?
Yeah.
- Yeah?
- What?
I said almost.
He's on the floor
and can't get up.
Interesting.
- What?
- Well, he's comfortable.
Do you think I would leave
him there if he wasn't?
Ma, how long has he
been on the floor for?
A few hours, maybe more.
What do you think,
I'm a monster?
Ma.
Boys, get inside the house.
- Hi, JD.
- Hi, JD.
Hey, boys,
I've got ice cream.
Mom, they don't
need ice cream.
Abigail, I raised
two children.
Do you think I don't know
how to feed children?
It'd just be nice if
you asked me
before you pumped
my kids with sugar.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi.
What's going on here?
Well, I was trying to
sit down and I missed it.
I see that.
Let me help you.
Hold on, hold on, hold on.
Careful, Abigail,
you'll get another hernia.
I'm fine, Mom.
I'm okay.
Here, you could-
- Okay.
- Okay, okay.
Okay.
- Yup.
- Yeah.
How's that?
Feel balanced?
Will you sit on
the couch with me?
- Of course.
- Thanks.
Sometimes I,
I can't,
I can't get my balance.
I don't know what's going on.
That's what we're
trying to figure out
with the doctors, okay?
Get everything moving
the way you want it to.
Okay.
How was pool therapy?
Oh, well I...
Abby, I couldn't feel my feet.
Never happened to me before.
I felt like
I was falling backwards
and then I tried to right myself
and I just kind of
tumbled in the pool.
Okay.
Ma really shouldn't
be leaving you.
Oh no, no, no.
Don't, don't, don't
be hard on her.
She's doing a
terrific job, Abby.
Abby, she is the best
wife anyone could have.
Okay.
Have you told your
brother about me?
Euge, he doesn't give a shit.
Ma.
- You can tell me.
- I know.
I just, I haven't
really said much to him
in the last couple of years.
He's a son of a bitch.
Ma.
I'll be right back, hold on.
You are not helping.
Well, when you've had your
son cut you out of their life
for 20 years, then you can
tell me how to do this.
- Hey, Hey.
- Yeah,
- what, honey?
- No, no,
I want Abby.
Ah.
Okay then.
Knock yourself out.
- This isn't me.
- I know.
I love you.
Thank you.
- Ow.
- I'm sorry.
Eugene, I'm home.
Yoohoo, where are you?
Be right there, Barb.
- Who do I love?
- Us.
Who tastes like sugar?
We are.
All right.
Perfect.
Good night.
I love you.
- Love you.
- Good night.
Good night, Mama.
Good night, Grape.
Say good night to Matthew.
Good night Matthew.
All right.
- Night.
- Night, mama.
See you in the morning.
Sweet dreams.
Boys, breakfast.
- Ew.
- Here you go.
What's that smell?
Is something burning, Mom?
Oh, shit.
It's the sausage.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
God dammit.
Language, Mama.
I mean, you don't need that.
You don't need that.
You have beautiful
pancakes and strawberries
with lots of anti-oxidants,
great for you.
- Eat.
- Mama,
what's that beep, beep, beeping?
Shit, shit, shit, shit.
Banana bread.
- Banana bread.
- Remember last week
when you burnt it?
Burned it, not burnt it.
Daddy never burns breakfast.
Well, can
Dada make banana bread
that's beautiful like this?
Yes.
- Hi.
- Morning.
Come on in.
Banana bread?
Fresh out of the oven.
- Oh no, I'm good.
- Hey, that's for us.
Shut it.
No, I'm good, thank you.
I need the garage clicker.
Oh yeah, of course.
Of course, where is it?
One of those things
that, you know,
you should really put in
a safe place every time,
'cause that is
where you find it.
But um,
- ow.
- Careful.
That's sharp.
I'm fine, really.
Right here.
Here you go.
Thanks.
- Great.
- I'll be working
on the fountain if you need me.
Of course.
What?
Hey, Daddy's here.
Oh.
You're early.
Dada.
- Traffic was light.
- Mmm.
Did you boys do your homework?
- Course it was.
- Did you practice
- your violin, Dave?
- No, and no.
And I tried.
I really tried, so
that's on you now.
It's all good, buddy.
Grab your hoodies,
boys, it's zoo day.
They really ate none
of their breakfast.
What's up with your mom?
She's been texting me a ton.
It's been kind of weird.
Didn't they make
her start some meds?
Yeah, well she feels
that she doesn't need them.
It's everybody
else that's crazy.
Well, you told her
to stop calling me.
- Thank you.
- Uh huh.
But now she needs
to stop texting me.
We've been divorced for a year.
All right, yeah.
I get it.
Hey, boychiks, kisses for Mama.
I'm gonna miss you.
- Bye, Mama.
- Bye.
Have so much fun at the zoo.
- See ya.
- Snacks for them?
Yes.
Okay.
- Bye, mama.
- Of course you have snacks.
Jesus Christ.
Ma, what?
Call the
caregiver agency.
I gotta fire another one.
No, no, no, no,
no, Mom, not Shawn.
What's going on?
Oh, wait till
you hear this one.
Shawn, you were brought into
this house to protect him,
not to bring him poison.
Mrs. Frey, it's not poison.
- Medicinal marijuana.
- Oh please.
Has been proven to help-
- Who do you think
you're talking to?
I went through the '60s.
Barely.
I was taking mescaline before
you were even in diapers.
So give me a break.
He asked me for it.
It is a drug and I
don't want it in my house.
Mrs. Frey, I care
about your family.
Very deeply.
Spare me the pain.
Just get out, Shawn.
In fact, get out and
take your bears with you.
Whoa, whoa, Mom, stop.
- I want you out.
- Shawn, what's happening?
Mom, stop with the bears.
I can't do this.
- We can talk.
- I'm sorry.
Remember the last time?
Hey, stop it.
I'll call you.
This turnover is killing me.
What did he do?
Well,
he was giving your
father marijuana
in the form of
cute little bears.
Oh my God, mom.
He was one of the good ones.
Call the service,
get another one.
I'm very happy we have
this appointment today
because he's getting worse.
Ma, this is how this works.
It gets worse.
And this morning
he fell again,
and I could barely pick him up.
He was like a dead weight.
Shawn?
I need Shawn.
Hey, honey.
Hi, Dad.
Hi.
Hi.
I need to pee.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Abby.
Your dad needs your help.
But I'm in a hurry.
I'll be in the car.
Whoopsy
daisy, too late.
Huh.
Cut it out.
Dad said not to make noise.
Shut up.
I'm serious, Nathan.
Cut it out.
Cut it out.
- He's gonna be mad.
- "He's gonna be mad."
Hey!
Abby, what did I tell ya?
So, I can't seem
to get my balance.
Everything seems to be-
- Follow my finger, please.
- Everything
is failing on me.
I feel a little weak.
Just with the eyes.
- Huh?
- How's work?
It's fine.
When are they going to tell
you about that cover story?
I just don't think they
think I'm quite ready yet.
Well, that's ridiculous.
I mean, you didn't get an MFA
to be writing staff pieces
this long.
Veronica's
daughter-in-law has an MSA
and she says you absolutely
should have a cover now.
Great, well I am not
Veronica's daughter-in-law.
You have to say what
you want, Abigail.
It's not quite like that, Ma.
This point, there's really
nothing else to do, I'm afraid.
Nothing else to do?
Abigail, help me out here.
I don't think Dr.
Ashkenazi understands.
It's Ashkenazi, Mom.
It's fine.
We need another set of tests.
We need, we need a specialist.
- He is a specialist.
- I am a specialist.
Dr. Ashkenazi.
Your next patient's ready.
Excuse me?
- Ma.
- She serious?
I'll be right there.
Doctor, I've been
trying to tell my parents
that it's not safe for them
to be living on their own
without full-time care.
We don't need it.
You call me every
time he falls.
Not true.
I called 911 twice this week.
Mrs. Frey,
you need to consider hiring
a full-time caregiver.
You're going to end
up hurting yourself.
We need a fourth opinion.
The thing about life is that
there are no second chances
to be the you that
you're meant to be.
What's holding you back?
Now is the time for you to
break through those limits.
Whoa.
Shit.
You're good.
You're good.
You have to be
willing to take a risk
and take that step.
'Cause no one else is
going to do it for you.
You have to work.
Now is the time.
It's all about you
taking that next step.
Visualize yourself and
who you wanna become.
You have to take control.
You've reached the
voicemail of Hannah White,
Editor-in-Chief of Modern Jew.
Leave a message, I'll
return your call.
Hey, boss lady.
Hannah Banana.
I'm sorry, but you
know, just little busy.
This is Abigail
Frey, by the way.
So listen, so many
things to say,
my dad's dying.
I mean, everybody is dying,
but some quicker than others.
And my mom is not,
I mean,
can I petition for a
new mom?
There's some fun
stuff to talk about.
There's this guy, a man,
gardening my garden
and he is delightful.
So we can talk about that.
About haircuts.
I need one.
Bangs,
no bangs?
I mean...
So, give me a call
whenever.
I'm here.
Dance clubs just
giving it their all today.
Whoa, look at those kicks.
These girls
worked so hard all year
just to get a chance to walk.
Ma.
Ma.
Ma?
What?
- What, I'm fine.
- We're almost ready.
I needed
to take a little nap.
Where's your father?
He's not up yet.
Eugene, what are you doing?
Your brother said he
would call with Karen.
I told him, you know,
come have a meal with us,
but she's sure has her
claws in him, doesn't she?
Mom, can we just go one day
without you tearing into Karen?
Excuse me.
Look, who's a saint.
What do you think?
Why are you
wearing those shoes?
I'm in a good mood.
Can't I be in a good mood?
It's a new year.
- Oh man.
- What?
All right, here's why
I'm in a good mood.
It's New Year's, it's vacation,
I don't have to work tomorrow,
and I just got stoned.
Happy New Year, Barbara.
What?
- What?
- No.
What?
I've been denying
this for 20 years.
I am so sick and tired.
I ain't going to
deny it anymore.
I smoke weed.
Come on, let's eat.
Abby, sit down.
Abigail, do
not touch that chair.
Abby,
sit down, let's eat.
- Right.
- Ooh.
Ooh.
Ooh, look what
you've made for me.
It's my favorite.
It's pasta primavera.
Oh, oh.
- Thank you.
- I know that.
What?
- Aw, shit.
- Now you can
make your own dinner for the
rest of your fucking life.
Oh, Barbie,
give it a fucking break.
You drink, you drink, you
drink, I smoke a joint.
What?
Peter, this stupid
fucking bookcase.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi.
- How are you?
- Okay.
What are you doing out here?
Where's Darrin?
Darrin?
Meeting, I think,
us at the doctor.
Okay.
Your mother said
that I should stay here
'cause I was too
much in the way.
I hate being such a burden.
Abigail, you're here already.
- Here I am.
- Do you know
I have just made the most
incredible flatbread?
I used those dry chickpeas
from the Armenian market.
The one the seamstress at the
dry cleaner told us about,
the dry cleaner who's having
an affair with her hairdresser,
but who still reads your column.
That is so kind.
All right, let's get
Dad to this appointment.
We're gonna do
it in the walker.
Why?
Well, he's got to try it.
- I can try it.
- Yeah.
Let me take this.
Dad, I think you should
use the wheelchair.
- He can try the walker.
- I could try it.
Ma, he's very weak.
Honey, it's okay.
I'm okay.
I know what I'm doing.
Okay, let's try the walker.
- Okay.
- All right.
Not too fast.
Yeah, that's it.
Uh oh.
- Uh oh.
- How you feel?
Not too good.
Come on, we'll go back down.
Okay.
- There.
- Okay, Abigail.
Whoa, hey.
I will take care of this.
This stupid thing.
All right.
Want me to do this?
No, I can do it.
Yeah, but I don't
have my feet ready.
Oh.
Oh, shoot.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Oh God.
I don't like you to bend.
I know, I'm sorry.
Okay, great.
Don't let her bend.
Okay, Dad.
You sure you don't want-
- No, I'm good.
- Okay.
You know, Darrin's girlfriend
is 20 and she's pregnant.
How are we going to
stop this endless cycle?
- Watch out.
- Whoopsy daisy.
I'm fine, Abigail.
I'm fine.
Everybody's fine.
Did you get a chance to
look at that dating app?
'Cause it's time.
Peter's already seeing people.
How on earth do
you know that, Ma?
Well, you told me
I couldn't call him
and I couldn't text him,
but you didn't say I couldn't
follow him on Facebook.
Can we
just pay attention
to what the doctor is saying?
Sorry.
Okay. Mr. Frey,
let's see how you
can walk on your own.
Walking is hard for me.
Dad, it's okay,
we're all here for you.
Let me get you started Mr. F.
- Whoa.
- Whoa.
He's like the
Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Ma.
Okay, Mr. Frey,
let's try that again.
You're all right.
I got you, Mr. F.
Now.
How are you, Mrs. Frey?
How should I be, Dr. Pastel?
It's Dr. Patel, Mom.
It's fine.
Abigail. I would like
you to tell Dr. Patel
about your father.
She has training in medicine.
I took a couple of
courses in college,
just basic stuff.
Now she's writing.
She's writing a column
for the Modern Jew.
It's very popular,
but because she doesn't
ask for what she wants,
she hasn't been given
a cover story yet.
- Ma.
- Right.
He's not been eating.
He wets the bed most nights.
He's really not very lucid.
And he is getting
worse day by day.
His chiropractor thinks
maybe meditation would help.
Mm-hmm.
Mrs. Frey,
I'm going to be blunt.
I know you're continuing to
make appointments weekly,
but your husband is not
going to get better.
So, do you mean we
brought him to a doctor,
to a hospital, where
they can't fix him?
Mom.
He's gonna continue to decline
at a more rapid rate now.
And we need to
talk about hospice.
Hospice.
What is that?
Hospice means we
don't think he can live
longer than six months.
He's gotta eat more.
Maybe if you gave him an enema,
it would make room
for more food.
No, Mrs. Frey.
You have to stop trying
to force him to eat.
If he doesn't
eat, he's gonna die.
Yes, Ma, he's going to die.
Oh my God.
We just figured out his Lipitor.
Ma, what?
We finally figured
out the dosage
and now he's going to die.
Ma, now is not
the time to be thinking
about his Lipitor, okay?
Nathan used to work
in that building.
Remember?
We visited him once,
and I think we took a very
nice walk in the garden there.
- Remember?
- Yeah.
I remember.
Get back here.
Cut it out.
Do you wanna tap out?
No, I do
not wanna tap out.
Guys, take this
in another room.
If you really love
him, then you'll save him.
She does love me.
And she will save me.
Guys, other room, please.
- Get back here, you troll.
- Don't call me a troll,
- you troll.
- I'm not done with you.
Hey, Abbs.
Sorry I haven't
answered your calls.
Here's the thing.
I don't know if I
want Mom and Dad
at my birthday party next week.
No matter what I do,
I can't get space from them.
- Get what?
- What, space?
What does that mean?
You know what it means.
Remember when we sent the thing.
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
Such disrespect
when he did that.
If I would have told my father-
- Oh, Eugene, stop
with the father.
It's not always
about your father.
Okay, hey, do you want
me to finish or not?
Yeah, go.
Okay.
Karen's parents
so generously offered
to throw me this party.
Oh, I know what's comin'.
- You do?
- Oh yeah.
Just listen, go ahead.
I think you all coming
to my party without mom
apologizing to Karen
- for what happened.
- What?
Is not gonna work.
There it is, I knew it.
Are you kidding?
- That's it.
- Ma,
what happened with Karen?
Oh please.
Her grandmother turned 100.
I didn't go to the celebration
because I can't be all things
to all people, Abigail.
You're absolutely right.
Thank you.
Okay, Ma, can you
just apologize to Karen?
Apologize?
Wh, why?
We're not apologizing.
It was a busy week.
Sue me.
Over my dead fuckin' body.
Over my dead fuckin' body
is anyone in this family
fucking apologizing to
go to that fucking party?
I think we should say hello.
- Now?
- Yeah.
I talked to them.
- I told them.
- And?
They had to be polite.
Okay.
- Hello, family.
- Happy birthday.
- Okay, thank you.
- Hi, Karen.
Mom, Dad.
Nathan, happy birthday.
Thanks.
Dad?
Have you put on
a little weight?
You're still a troll.
I swear if you ask
me one more time,
I am going to throw
you into a wall.
Just cut it out.
You're so annoying.
Can you bring
us a snack please, Mom?
Yes, I'll be right there.
I'll be right there.
Okay.
God, I-
Hello?
Hey, what's up?
I just, uh,
I wanted to talk
to you about Dad.
He has a degenerative condition
and we've had to
put him on hospice.
Oh, okay.
Yeah.
I don't really know
what else to say.
Well,
I'm glad you told me.
If you wanted to
start thinking about,
you know um,
if you,
I don't know.
It might be the last.
Yeah, no, I get it.
I get it.
I am sorry.
I know you're probably at work
and so you probably need
time to think about this.
No, no, it's fine.
I mean, I kind of have a
good amount of distance
from all of this.
It's been so long, so
I'll be down there
in a couple of weeks.
- What?
- Yeah.
I'm the distinguished lecturer
at the College of
Art and Design,
the horticulture
of the Meiji era.
Being a specialist
matters, I guess.
Yeah, I'm sure.
So, I mean, I don't want
to commit to anything, but-
- But there's a
chance you might come see him?
Well, I don't know, Abigail.
I'm just saying
I'll be down there.
It's a long drive.
So it depends on timing and-
- Yeah, okay.
- Bunch of stuff I have to do.
Should I come?
What?
You know, to your lecture?
Should I come?
What?
No, nevermind.
No, yeah.
Come.
That's cool.
Yeah?
Yeah, I'll
send you the information.
Okay.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
Mom?
Yes, I'm coming.
Yeah, we have
had conversation.
This is what, my job is
an hour away from here.
It makes no sense for me
to live at home anymore.
Come on.
Oh, don't
come on with me, kid.
I worked my ass off so you
can live here rent-free.
- Dad.
- What?
Calm down.
Don't tell me to calm down.
I'm fuckin' calm, Abby.
- This is calm.
- You want things to be
like they were when
you were my age.
And it's just not
like that anymore.
Well, when I was your age,
if I would've told my father
I want to live on my own, but
he should keep paying my rent,
he would have smacked me so hard
I'd have lost all
the teeth in my head
and I woulda deserved it, kid.
Karen and I are
getting serious.
- Karen!
- Karen, who?
Who is?
- My girlfriend.
- Is she behind
the whole moving thing?
- What?
- You think that we don't
get what's going on, Nate?
We do.
We know you want to live
in some bachelor pleasure den.
Oh, Ma, stop.
Shut up, Abby.
You think I want to
move out so I can have sex
- with Karen?
- Yeah.
Well, news flash,
we already have.
- What?
- Oh Jesus.
Oh God.
Everyone has sex.
You're the only people who
refuse to acknowledge that
because you're so out
of touch with reality.
It's like you're living
in the Dark Ages.
Do not
yell at your mother.
I'm so Sick of your
authoritarian bullshit, Dad!
I'm warning you.
Nathan, your father is
- busting his ass-
- Stop, stop,
stop defending him.
You gave up your life
to be his servant.
And I am tired of
shutting up about the fact
that you love him
more than you love us.
Stop, stop, Dad, please.
Where are you goin'?
Where are you goin'?
Get out of here!
Talking to your
mother like that.
Get out.
Get out of here,
get out of here.
- You're not so smart, Nathan.
- Get outta here.
- Fuckin' dicks, man.
- You don't know anything.
- You're flinchin', huh?
- Get out of,
get the hell out.
Where you goin'?
- I just-
- No,
you're not goin' anywhere,
we're gonna have dinner.
Okay.
So, what should we talk about?
Abby?
Have a nice day today?
Ah.
Hello.
Hi.
You're early.
Hello, Miss Abigail.
You could call me
Abby at this point.
Abby.
- Short for Abigail.
- Yeah, no, I got it.
Of course you do.
I mean, I'm pretty sure
I said it'd be around noon.
And look at that.
It is noon.
- It is.
- Thought it was not,
but it is.
Can I take this out for you?
Trade you my empty water
bottle for the trash?
Sure, but I can fill
this with water for you.
That is the thing
that could happen.
- Mm-hm.
- Mm-hm.
- Yup.
- Yup.
Well, I will be right back.
Okay.
All right.
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- No problem.
So, cupcakes.
Uh huh.
Yup, that is what I am doing.
Uh, Mom, I can't
really talk right now
- because I have people over.
- Oh my God,
did you know if you sleep
with your mouth open
and don't swallow enough,
you get sores in your mouth?
Mom.
Your father
has so many sores.
Mom, Mom.
- Mom.
- Because his swallow reflex
is so messed up.
Ma I can't talk right now.
I have somebody over here.
- Okay?
- Oh.
Since, when do you
have people there?
- Ma, I was just.
- Hey.
Hello
there, muscles.
Hello yourself.
I'm Jay, the landscaper.
You really don't
have to do this.
Oh, I don't mind.
I see where Abigail
gets her good looks.
- Oh wow.
- Jay,
flattery will get
you everywhere.
I've got some landscaping
I could use some help with.
Oh my God, I want to die.
- Just a sec.
- Okay, okay.
Abigail, your father
needs that stuff
that makes water
easier to swallow.
He's gagging and drooling.
Ma, I'm gonna
call you back later.
Okay?
Mm.
Moms, right?
Yeah, that's
one way to put it.
Ma, are our
cupcakes done yet?
Yeah. I'm working on it.
- Sorry.
- Don't be.
I'll get outta here.
- Get to work.
- Okay.
Jay?
- Yeah?
- I,
huh, you might not
want to do this,
but I have some extra
tickets to this lecture
on magical Japanese gardens.
You know, you are a landscaper.
Meiji era is what this is about.
And you know, maybe you might-
- Wow, that is a
very specific topic.
I know.
Yeah, sure, sounds good.
When is it?
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
What, you think I
had no other plans?
Yeah, I'm sure you do.
No, I don't
have any other plans.
Okay.
Okay.
I should also tell you that
the lecturer is my brother.
He's a professor and
this is his specialty.
So it is going to be him there.
I haven't seen him
in a long time,
so it's kind of a big deal.
Wow, so first I
flirt with your mom,
now you want me to
meet your brother?
Yeah, I'd like you
to forget about that.
But this might be a
terrible idea as well.
So just don't worry about it.
You know what?
Let's add in sushi
before and it's a deal.
Okay.
Okay.
- Great.
- Cool.
- Okay.
- Okay.
The forest
was caps.
You're talking silly talk.
I worked
so goddamn hard,
for every day of
my fuckin' life,
and this is the thanks I get?
Abby.
Abby, Abby, honey.
Sweetie, sweetie pie, wake up.
Wake up, wake up.
Come on, we gotta get up.
- What's goin' on?
- We gotta go.
We gotta go, put your shoes on.
Why?
Come on.
'Cause we have to.
Hurry up.
I'm gonna get Nathan.
Come on, sweetie, come on.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Barbara, you
are such a selfish cunt.
I don't need any of this shit.
Oh, you're taking them away.
Go ahead.
Go ahead, see if I fuckin' care.
Daddy just needs to cool off.
You know how he gets.
He's under a lot
of stress at work.
Okay, you guys,
I'll see you in the
morning, sweetie.
- No.
- I love you.
No.
Don't go.
Love you.
- Nate?
- What?
- Where's the moon?
- What?
Where is it?
It's not in the sky.
Oh.
It's called a new moon.
Go to sleep.
Are Mom and Dad gonna be okay?
I don't know, sis.
I don't know.
Go to sleep.
Hey, there you are.
Hi.
I am so sorry that I am late.
I'd like to tell you that
I'm not typically late,
but I am always late and it
is not because I value my time
more than yours.
It's just, I put things places,
and then I can't find them,
things that are
important like the keys.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I'm gonna get started here.
Please take your seats.
Well, feel like
I'm back in college.
Thought you didn't
go to college.
Wow, not used to
dates who listen.
Here today.
You can you can hear me, right?
- This is on-
- God.
I'm Nathaniel Frey.
I mean, he looks
exactly like my dad.
The College of Art and Design
is very close to my heart.
So let's just jump in.
If we can get the lights.
The Meiji Period
is one which has.
Okay,
so what do we do?
This is who they are.
Nathan, you should have heard
what she was saying in there.
Abby, you have to get
yourself out of there.
- Nate.
- One sec.
Abbs, I gotta go.
Get out of there.
What am I suppose to do?
How am I supposed to?
- Nathan.
- Do what you need to,
do what you need to.
- I gotta go.
- Nathan.
Is best left to the gods
and not the gardeners.
I'll
meet you at the car?
Okay.
Good luck.
- Okay.
- So thank you guys.
Hey.
Do we hug?
Okay.
That was so cool to
see you in action.
You're so passionate.
Thank you, thank you.
You're just really
well versed and all.
Yeah, they asked me to do
this lecture and I was like,
I just did this at the
University of Tokyo.
So I wasn't even sure
I wanted to come.
But there's not many of us
with this level of expertise.
Of course.
So,
is now a good time
to talk about Dad?
Sure.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
So just so we're clear here,
I'm not generally curious
about our parents.
If I was, I wouldn't have chosen
to stay out of their lives
for the past 20 years.
But, um,
do you want to
tell me how he is?
Like for you?
So much has happened
since you left.
Dad was hospitalized
a few years ago,
mental breakdown,
diagnosis bipolar.
And Mom,
I mean, she's never
been formally diagnosed,
but you know it's very
borderline personality disorder.
Okay, so now these
things have names.
He's like bad, Nathan.
I mean, he can't
stand up on his own.
He's refusing to eat.
This really is it.
So if there's any part of
you that wants to see him,
now would be the time.
I don't think
I can go see him.
Yeah.
- I'm sorry.
- Okay.
No.
Thanks for coming.
Yeah.
It's because of her.
- What?
- I don't want to see her.
I don't, I really
don't want to see her.
Okay.
Can I ask you why?
Yeah.
His wreckage was
tangible.
Hers was so insidious
and disturbing.
I just can't go there.
Okay.
What if she wasn't there?
What?
What if she wasn't there?
- Wow.
- Yeah.
That's a good start for you.
So your life is just always
kind of like this
emotion, this intensity?
You havin' to fix everything?
Yeah.
Yeah, it's all I know.
But this, I mean, how am I
supposed to tell my mother
that she can't be
there when her son,
who she hasn't
seen for 20 years,
visits her husband who is dying.
I just,
I don't know how to
tackle that one yet.
But I've got to fix it.
I said I'd fix it.
Well, I kind of
fix for a living.
And I can tell you this,
things will keep breaking.
So what are you gonna do?
I'm so sorry.
- It's okay.
- I really wanna do this.
It's okay.
Just in case something.
Oh, say hi for me.
- Who's that?
- Nobody.
It's me, the landscaper.
Oh, Jed.
Jay.
What are
you crazy kids up to?
I'm not,
Ma, let me call you tomorrow.
- Okay?
- Okay.
And Jeff, make sure to come
to Eugene's birthday party
next week.
It's likely the last
one he'll ever have.
- Mom.
- I would love to,
but my parents are going
to be in town from Oakland.
So he has plans.
- Plans.
- Great.
Bring them too.
- The more, the merrier.
- Oh, God in heaven.
No, Ma.
It's a party, Abigail.
Don't you want to celebrate
your father's last birthday
and let him see you
finally got a date?
Okay, Ma, I'm
calling you tomorrow.
- Bye, love you.
- Goodbye.
Bye.
What are you doing?
Securing the weirdest
second date ever.
- Truly.
- Truly.
Like being around you.
This isn't too much?
It's so messy.
That's not how I see it.
My mom gets weird at parties.
Her behavior is not
a reflection on me.
Today is about my dad.
I can do for an hour, what I
couldn't do for a lifetime.
I am not her.
She is not me.
Okay, party people.
Let's do this.
Where is the...
birthday boy?
Hi.
Hello.
- How are you?
- Good.
Darrin, Dad, this is Jay.
Hello, Mr. Frey.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Sup.
All high fives
and handshakes and.
This is Billy and Marge,
sorry, Marge and Billy.
These are Jay's parents and
they're celebrating with us
because they are in town.
- How are you, Mr. Frey?
- Happy birthday.
Where's the dad?
- Hi, Ma.
- Hi.
Hello.
Hello, welcome.
Can I get you a drink?
We have mimosas.
Come on, Jed.
Jay, Mom.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Okay.
- The father didn't come?
- Dad.
So how is your day?
Oh.
It's been up and down.
We took a nice walk in
the park, right Mr. F?
Okay.
Just okay?
Come on, we saw a
three legged dog.
We checked out the ladies.
We saw the little kid
who fell on his face
when he tripped
on that sprinkler.
We
laughed a little bit.
What?
- It was funny.
- Oh my God.
Laughing at little
kids falling down.
- Speaking of little kids.
- Hi, Mom.
Hello.
Oh, are you having a good day?
Missed you.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hiding in the back room?
Your mom was having
a moment or three.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Along with her
mimosa or three.
I'm sorry.
You're supposed to talk
to her about drinking
- in front of the boys.
- I know.
I just.
It needs to happen.
I will do it.
Hi, Jay.
Hey, Peter.
Good to see ya.
Hey fellas.
When is cake time?
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Eugene
Happy birthday to you
- Happy birthday, dad.
- Blow 'em out, Mr. F.
I'd say it went pretty well.
I wish Nathan was here.
All right.
Let's get this cake served.
Nice piece for you, Eugene.
- I don't want it.
- Yes, you do.
- You love this cake.
- No, I don't want it.
- You do.
- I don't.
I don't want it.
- Yes you do, Eugene.
- No, I don't.
Yes, you do.
Come on, Eugene.
God dammit.
I don't, please.
- Ma.
- Mommy,
maybe he's not hungry.
No, that is not an option.
It's his birthday.
He has to eat his cake.
Okay, you know what, Mrs. F?
Maybe you should back off.
Let's just take a walk.
It's his favorite cake.
He loves it.
We're all going to enjoy
it together, God dammit.
You know what, Mrs. F?
I'm just asking you to stop.
Darrin, I don't recall
asking your opinion.
Just know your place.
- Okay, know your place.
- Oh, hell no.
Darrin, I'll handle this.
- Abigail?
- Yes?
I think we're just
gonna grab a ride,
but I'll call you.
All right, I'll call you.
That's just, okay.
- Thank you.
- Honey, hush.
Let's just get out of here.
We can talk about this later.
Why are you sending them away?
Because, Ma.
You know what, Dad?
Let's get you down
to take a nap.
You've had a big day.
Let's get you down okay.
You just broke up the party.
Hey Darrin, can I
borrow you for a second?
Yeah, of course.
- Can you help?
- Yeah.
Thanks,
I got the chair.
- I got ya, Mr. F.
- Hey, hey, hey.
No one naps until they
eat their cake, Darrin.
We're gonna go.
Come on, Dad.
If it were my last
birthday on Earth,
I would eat this cake.
Daddy.
Sit down, sit down.
I need to talk to you.
Dad, I really don't-
- You know your mom and
I had a big fight, right?
She doesn't like me smoking pot.
You know, it's not like
I'm hurting anybody.
It's not like something I don't
have complete control over.
I'm thinking of moving
back to the city.
What?
No, but I came out here
because your mom wanted to,
I wanted to stay there because
that's where the energy is.
I'm an artist, Abby.
I'm a writer, I want to write
the great American novel.
- Dad.
- But there's no energy here.
Dad, just-
- My psychiatrist says
that if he were me,
he would blow his
fuckin' brains out
if he had a wife
who was this frigid
and a son who
wouldn't talk to him.
There's no love
for me here, Abby.
How could you say that to me?
I'm here.
I love you.
Have you spoken
to your brother?
No.
My Abby,
my Abby, my Abby.
You know me better than anybody.
You always have.
You know me better
than your mother.
That's for sure.
Thank you.
I gotta go to the bathroom.
Hey.
Hey.
He's asleep.
He's asleep?
He is, yeah.
Okay.
I didn't know my cake
would become such a big
part of the evening.
The cake was delicious, Ma.
I know it was.
I spoke to Nathan.
You called him?
I did.
He wants to see Dad.
Wow.
Wow, wow, wow, wow,
wow, wow, wow, wow.
Yeah.
When, wh, when
does he want to come?
He can come tomorrow.
Oh God.
Oh, well, huh, soon.
But, uh,
here's the thing.
He is not ready to see you yet.
Huh.
Hah.
And, and why would that be?
I don't know.
'Cause he just wants to
keep things really simple.
Yeah, sure.
I know
this is hard for you.
Hah.
Yeah.
This is something
that you would do for Dad.
Yeah.
Are you good?
Oh, good, I'm feeling good.
Fine, fine.
And you're
gonna let him see-
- Oh yeah.
I wouldn't stand in his way.
Sure.
Hey
Abby, Hannah White.
Listen, I got your message.
You don't really sound like
you're stable right now.
Hey Abby, it's Jay.
So, I know you're in
a really rough place.
Time off.
I think you should take that
sabbatical we talked about.
After the
whole party cake thing,
you just gotta-
- Let me know
when you're ready to talk
from a more centered
perspective.
Hit pause for a minute.
The garden's at a
good stopping place,
so let's touch base
in a bit, okay?
- Take care of yourself.
- Take care.
Abbs, I gotta go.
Get out of there!
You have to get
yourself out of there!
- Nathan.
- Do what you need to,
do what you need to.
- I have to go.
- Nathan.
You ready?
Mm-hm.
All right, Mr. F?
It's the moment you've
been waiting for.
Thanks for the shower.
I got you.
Your little man's all grown
up and he comin' to see you.
Nathan.
Yeah, we got you
looking pretty fly
if I do say so myself.
Give me some.
There you go.
That was good enough.
Don't you look handsome?
You're welcome.
- Hi.
- Hey, Dad.
How are you feeling?
Nervous.
Good though.
- Nerve is good.
- You ready?
Oh.
Hello, Nathan.
Hello.
I never thought
I'd live to see
the two of you together again.
I'll leave you
two to catch up.
No.
- Stay.
- Stay.
- Stay.
- Okay.
So Nate,
how is,
how are you?
And how is,
it's, I know, don't tell me.
- Karen.
- Karen.
How's Karen?
Good.
Everything is really good.
Good.
I came down to give a lecture
on the Meiji Restoration
at the College of
Art and Design.
- Oh.
- He was wonderful.
We actually just got
back from a road trip
to all the national
parks of Utah.
Utah?
Yeah.
Bryce, Zion, Arches.
I had great memories from
those trips you took us on,
like Yosemite.
You got me the T-shirt
with the space,
it looked like
yo-semite.
- Dad?
- Yeah?
Everything good about
me is because of you.
You encouraged me to love art
and to make a living
surrounded by art.
Thank you.
Nate.
You got to live a
life I never could.
I,
I tried to give you
the best life I could.
I tried.
You tried.
Yes.
- Dad.
- What?
What else do you
want to say to Nathan?
When do I get
to see him again?
I don't know, Dad.
What?
I'd love a
photo of the three of us.
Darrin, can you help
us for a second?
Wouldn't that be great?
How long do you think
he's going to sleep for?
That was a lot for him.
I know.
He'll be out for a while.
He's sleeping more and more.
Hey.
You know, I'm gonna go
ahead and sit with Mr. F.
Hey.
How'd it go?
It went well.
Took a picture.
Do you want to see?
Sure.
There you go.
Wow, ooh.
Whew.
That
is totally weird.
What's weird?
Your brother,
he's all bloated.
Why did he get so bloated?
What?
Oh God, and his
eyes are puffy.
That's not what
I see in it, Ma.
Well, no, but I see him here,
he looks like somebody
who's on that medication
for the inflamed kishkas,
what is that thing called?
- The kishkas.
- Colitis.
Yeah, colitis is what,
exactly, he looks like
someone with colitis.
He probably has colitis.
Okay, well that
is our photo and,
yeah it went well.
Good.
Glad to hear it.
What have you been up to?
Oh, well,
I have been on a toilet
seat at a coffee shop.
Fun.
Okay.
Okay.
Did he mention me?
It didn't really come up.
Ah.
Let me see that picture again.
Let me see it.
Okay.
Hmm.
Well, you look beautiful,
but he does not look
like your brother.
I mean, really.
It's like a interloper.
Okay.
Okay.
Abbs?
Yeah, Dad?
Sometimes when I close
my eyes, I see things.
What do you see?
I see your boys.
I see
Davis running the
bases in softball.
I never got to see
him play one game.
That's okay.
I see him running the bases
and Finn is running
right behind him.
Sometimes I see
your mother.
Yeah?
She looks the way she
did when we first met.
How's that?
When she was 16.
She looks beautiful,
she's so beautiful.
I worry about her.
Why is that?
That she won't be okay, that
she'll miss me.
I never meant that I could
do anything without her.
And now I'm gonna
die without her.
All I want is to be with her
forever.
Do you ever tell her that?
Oh, I couldn't tell her that.
You just did.
Is that you?
You're my world.
You know?
Do you know?
Hey.
How's he doing today?
Has he eaten?
Ice chips.
He's startin' his transition
to a place where you
won't need any food,
he won't feel any pain.
It's a place of the spirit.
Come here.
You've been so good to him.
No, it's okay.
Thank you.
You're such a good daughter.
He's so loved.
It's okay.
To begin with, no.
Let me call
attention to the fact
that the ones hunting us
are young male adults.
- I'm thirsty.
- Thirsty?
Of his culture.
You caught me.
Do you get it?
No.
How's that?
Little more.
- Okay.
- Little more.
Okay.
Okay.
Abbs.
Abbs.
Athan.
Nathan?
No.
- No?
- No.
Hi, this is Nathan,
leave a message after the beep.
Wait for the beep.
Wait for the beep.
Hold on, here it comes.
Beep, that wasn't it.
I can go get it.
I'll get it.
No, honey, you shouldn't
be getting his morphine.
- I'll be right back, Ma.
- That's his job.
Ma, I'd like Darrin to be here
in case anything happens, okay?
Okay.
Can I have a minute?
Hey, Dad.
I'm gonna go.
I'm gonna be right back.
I know how much pain you're in.
If you wanna go while I'm gone,
that's okay.
That's okay.
I promise it's okay.
I love you the most.
I know you know that.
Hey.
It's good you called.
I'm happy to help.
Hey, what's going on?
Abigail,
he isn't breathing.
Abigail, he
was breathing a minute ago.
Should we call 911?
No.
No, that's not how this works.
We don't call 911.
That's not how this works.
We do nothing.
Ma, can you hear me?
Okay.
Have you recited the Shema?
No.
Repeat three times,
Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai
Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Sh'ma Yisrael
Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai
Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai
Eloheinu Adonai Echad.
Baruch shem kevod
malchuto le'olam va'ed.
Baruch shem
kevod malchuto le'olam va'ed.
Baruch dayan ha-emet.
Baruch
dayan ha-emet.
All right, I'll see you soon.
Turn around.
What do you mean
they have to take him away?
Can't he sleep here?
Ma, they have to take him.
Our wedding color was green.
Abby, what was that?
The power, Ma.
For the hairdryer.
I don't think so.
It's never happened before.
I think it was him.
Ma, it's not him.
That's not how this works, okay?
What else could it have been?
Is Nathan coming today?
Ma,
I'm gonna the fix fucking power
for your fucking hairdryer,
okay?
No Nathan.
Abigail,
I was just asking.
And watch your mouth.
I'm sorry. I just,
I haven't heard from him
and I'm dealing with a lot
of things and I just don't,
sorry.
It's okay, Eugene.
Oh my God.
Is that what
you're going to wear?
What?
Do you want to
borrow something?
Or are you good like this?
Yes.
Do you want me to help
you blow dry your hair?
- No.
- Okay, just asking.
Thank you.
You want me to look nice.
It's time for Keriah.
We are going to
tear a cloth ribbon.
Did you want to tear
your ribbon instead?
No.
Okay.
Okay.
I would like to tear a ribbon.
Of course.
It goes over here.
Not over the heart?
Only for the child.
Spouses tear over
the right side.
Well, I'm in as
much grief as she is.
Eugene said when he saw this
dress, "That is so depressing.
It looks like something you're
gonna wear to my service."
And here I am.
Hyman, thank you for coming.
- Oh dear.
- Does Nathan know?
Oh, I think so.
But he did not come.
That's horrible.
You're
really committing
to those chin pubes, huh?
I am all testosterone.
Disgusting.
Talking 'bout you?
I agree.
- Hi, guys.
- Hi, Mom.
Oh.
You look so pretty.
- Thank you.
- You think so?
Nate.
You want more eye shadow?
You think I need it?
No.
I think you look perfect.
- Thanks, Ma.
- Oh, there you are.
Barb, I was looking for you.
Hi, guys.
- Good morning.
- What's going on?
This isn't a party.
- Ah!
- Oh, Eug!
Don't say anything,
I'll take the blame.
Oh, come on.
That was so violent.
Get out of here.
- Dad!
- On the double.
And how about Suzy Lifla?
Could you believe the
weight she put on?
She's become a beluga,
and she doesn't even
dress to help herself.
And Albert Gold
with the goiter on his neck.
- Oh.
- Ma.
- What?
- Could you stop?
We just buried Dad.
And you're gossiping
about all the people
who came here to support you.
How dare you speak to a
mourner like that, Abigail.
I'm mourning too.
Yes, but you are not his wife.
There's a difference.
You hardly acted like one.
What?
I hardly acted like a wife?
You don't know the
half of what went on.
Stay out of other people's
business, Abigail.
You are constantly dragging
me into your business.
And I am happy to fix
everything that you break.
I have no time for myself ever
to do anything.
Oh, but you had time
to ruin your marriage.
Look at you, Abigail.
You are a wreck.
Yeah, Ma.
How else do you expect me to be?
Hmm?
How do you expect me
to take care of myself
when you never give
me any room to do it?
Oh, room?
You want room?
Oh, well go learn
from your brother.
Nathan.
What?
She's mad at me.
Abby, go away.
Nathan.
Please.
I made her mad and
she won't feed me.
Please.
I'm hungry and my hair's a mess.
I need your help.
Why
can't Dad help you?
I don't know where he is.
Come here.
Nathan.
Abby.
What are you doing here?
I had to bury
our father today.
I know.
I shouldn't have
had to do that alone.
Abby, I couldn't do it.
I shouldn't have had to
deal with all of the things
that I've had to
deal with alone.
Yeah, but the
question is not why.
I didn't stick around
to deal with that shit.
- Why did you?
- Because I had to.
Somebody had to, Nathan.
You know that
somebody had to stay.
- Shhh.
- And I,
I have slept with all
the responsibility.
I had to make all
the big decisions,
I had to fix, solve, mend every
fucking thing that they did.
- I needed you.
- Going to some
ancient ritual with a bunch
of bullshit in Aramaic
- does not matter.
- That's not it.
- That's not it.
- Dad wasn't even religious.
You lost the plot.
You're a martyr.
You're a fucking punching bag.
That's what you fucking are.
You're a fucking doormat.
And you want me to
be that too, huh?
I freed myself.
Oh.
Oh, you know what?
I know what you carry.
What I carry?
You're as sick as I am.
You're as sick as they made us.
I see it all over you.
I just-
- Hey.
I need
those days, Abigail.
Yeah, but that was
gonna be my weekend.
I know, but we pride
ourselves on being flexible
with our schedule, and
I'm asking this year.
I'll think about it.
What's to think about?
It's no big deal.
I'm asking for your help here.
Peter, I have plans.
I'm not gonna change my plans.
Hey guys, come on.
- Mom.
- Show her the flowers.
We got flowers.
Oh, you did such a good job.
Thank you.
My little garden gnomes.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, Dad.
Hey guys, let's
wash your hands,
because I see the food's ready.
And if you guys would like
any help in washing up,
I'm here.
- Ma.
- Yeah.
I can't with you.
- Shut it.
- Listen.
I know.
I can't with her.
She's just...
- Oh wow.
- What?
Is your mom texting
you from the bathroom?
It's Nathan.
He sent me an invitation.
Some very creative combing.
Whoa.
Finn, ew!
You are disgusting.
God.
Oh my God.
Did I ever tell you
what Zaide likes to say?
Don't say anything,
I'll take the blame.
He used to think
it was the most hilarious thing.
He never told you that?
- No.
- I don't think so.
You're missing out.
It was a good one.
Come on, let's go.
Don't want to be late.
Who are those people?
That's my brother, Nathan.
Remember I showed you his photo?
His wife, Karen, son Dylan,
and his daughter, Amelia,
whose party it is,
and they are coming over.
- Hi.
- Hi.
This is Dylan.
Dylan, this is my sister.
Hi Dylan, it's
nice to meet you.
These are my sons,
Finn and Davis.
Say hi, boys.
- Handshakes.
- Hi.
It's okay.
Hi.
I'm Nathan.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- Hi, Abigail.
- Hi, Karen.
Karen, Amelia.
Amelia, congratulations.
Come on, boys.
Let me show you around.
- Come on in.
- Go ahead.
It's okay.
Nice party.
Yeah.
What, is this awkward?
Nathan.
No, it's awkward.
You'll get there.