Big Rage (2024) Movie Script

1
[chiming]
[dramatic music]
-[bell dings]
-[crowd cheering]
[crickets chirping]
[thudding]
[bell dings]
[thudding continues]
[echoing muffled screaming]
-[thudding]
-[bell dings]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer]
And the undisputed winner
in a second-round knockout
is pretty boy Chad!
[man]
Someone call 9-1-1.
[alarm blaring]
[echoing whooshing]
[somber music]
[sighs]
[gasps]
[softly slurping]
[softly groaning]
[indistinct sportscaster on TV]
-...the Nuggets just got
by the Nets...
-[loud knocking on door]
[man] That's it, man!
Pay up by tonight
or your ass is out of here!
You owe me two months, asshole!
[sportscaster continues on TV]
...the Celtics edged
the Bulls 110 to 108,
and the Pacers defeated
the Mavericks...
[music continues]
...the Intercontinental
heavyweight boxing title
is on the line tonight in Vegas.
Sammy "the Hook" Sterling
weighed in...
...he has a two-inch reach
over John "the Barber" Cutter,
who tipped the scales
at an even 210.
It was scheduled for 15 rounds.
And on the link,
Fulmer and Nicholas show
the third-round lead
at the Aries Open,
both carded 566 yesterday
and are 11 under
for the event...
[chatter on TV continues]
[thud]
...he's having problems
with his pitching elbow...
[shaky voice] Not you too.
[music continues]
[water running]
Goodbye, Rocky.
[water running]
[sobbing]
[sportscaster on TV]
...overtime to beat
the Rangers once said--
-[door loudly creaking]
-In the NHL tonight,
the Fliers put their first...
[engines rumbling]
[man indistinctly shouting]
[woman indistinctly shouting]
[gentle piano music playing]
[birds chirping]
[woman shakily]
Mr. Sterling!
Mr. Sterling!
[sniffs]
Mr. Sterling!
Sorry to disturb you,
Mr. Sterling.
-[beep]
-[music stops]
-Mr. Sterling, h-- what--
-Betty? Bet-- Betty, what is it?
Oh. The call.
Uh, th-- s-- someb--
-Who? What?
-I, I, I don't know.
The call came in
on the main line
up at the house.
Talk to them.
Hello?
[sighs]
Yes.
Yes.
Anything.
I'll be there. Wha--
I-- Is it about Chantelle?
[phone beeps]
[softly] I don't know.
Yo, dawg. What's up?
He left 20 minutes ago.
-My client?
-Yeah.
The dude
who's been paying 100 bucks
to feel good about himself
ain't feeling so good right now.
Something came up.
He's gone.
He ain't coming back.
Yeah, well, I get another one.
I just have a lot
on my mind right now, okay?
Chad, I can't have you
keep losing clients, dawg!
Look around, man!
This is a private gym!
Every time you fuck up
and lose a client,
I lose my cut.
You think this is beneath you
because of who you were?
Reality check.
We're here to start
these people dreams.
[thudding]
[shouts]
And relieve stress. That's all.
Maybe that's not enough for me!
Yeah, well, that's
not enough for you, mister.
I used to be champ.
There's the door.
[shouts]
Man, what's gotten into you?
My bird died.
[softly] What?
[engines rumbling]
[engine starts]
["Outlaws on My Trail"
by Unknown River]
Well, I'm sitting here
in a chicken store
Got a tall stack of papers
and so much more
And a man is making me
an offer I can't turn down
I was living last year
by the side of the road
-I was walking
into that great unknown
-[chiming]
And I never really thought
that things would turn around
I've got outlaws on my trail
and a chicken...
-[chiming]
-Where the fuck am I?
They're coming down here
Looking for a fight
I've got scoundrels
on my mind
And I'm just buying time
I've got outlaws
on my trail tonight
Well, I bought some cabbage
to get on my feet
But I just couldn't seem
to make ends meet
It was right about then
those drifters called me up
Said I better meet 'em out
at the edge of town
Or they're gonna
stick me underground
And all I ever wanted
was to make it out alive
I've got outlaws on my trail
and a chicken store to sell
They're coming down here
looking for a fight
I've got scoundrels
on my mind
And I'm just buying time
I've got outlaws
on my trail tonight
[bell chimes]
[door creaks and thuds]
[clears throat] Good morning.
[sharply inhales]
[softly groans and sighs]
[mumbles and sniffs]
Yeah. [clears throat]
Yeah, we'll see about that.
[clicks tongue] You here
to get drunk or wash mugs?
You had
a "Help Wanted" sign outside.
And now you don't.
Yeah. Right.
What's your name?
Chad. What's yours?
[sighing] Clarke.
Lose the cowboy hat.
Sink is in the back
and don't forget to punch in.
I don't pay much,
but then again,
look around at where you're at.
Oh, yeah, we no use the tap
water around here for anything,
like washing, drinks, ice cubes,
that stuff will take you down.
[sniffs]
Are you chewing gum?
Spit it out. You're at work.
Got it.
[softly] So gracious. Welcoming.
[Clarke]
I heard that. [loudly exhales]
I'm not in Kansas anymore.
[bell chimes]
[door creaks and thuds]
[bell chimes]
[light eerie music]
You two together?
He wishes.
I do wish. [giggles]
I thought you got lucky there
for once in your life.
-The usual?
-Ain't nothing usual
about that one.
-[grunts]
-[bell chimes]
[Clarke]
Sit whatever.
[woman]
Mr. Sterling.
[music increases]
Who are you?
I'll ask the questions,
you'll provide the answers.
Do you love your daughter?
Chantelle is my life.
And you want to see
your precious
little princess alive again?
How dare you!
-You think this is
some kind of a ga--
-Again,
I'll ask the questions.
Here's the deal.
You can make that joyful,
tear-filled reunion hug happen.
It'll just cost you,
however, a lot.
[chuckles] But I was told
that's not a problem for you.
Please.
I just want to see--
Spare me the drama, will you?
[music continues]
You know, your Chantelle
is a very given little thing.
-And I'm counting on you
to be the same...
-[bell chimes]
...and give me
a little something too.
How much?
To see your darling
pumpkin again?
Hmm. Let's say...
-[grunting]
-[choking]
[dramatic music]
-[yells]
-[growling]
[screams and groans]
[loudly gasping]
Hey, what the fuck?
-[thud]
-[grunting]
[groaning and thudding]
[shouting]
[groans]
[grunting and panting]
What the fuck?
Hey!
[grunts]
-[thuds]
-[grunting and groaning]
-[shouts]
-[groans]
[grunting and shouting]
-[thuds]
-[groaning]
[shouting and groaning]
[groaning]
[panting]
-[bell chimes]
-[door creaks and thuds]
[deeply exhales and coughs]
Is that what you meant
with punching in?
Where'd all that come from?
That, uh... [sharp whistle]
kick jab thingy thing you did...
...what was that?
I've never seen that before.
Uh, you're in the Salton Sea.
The Shitty, that's
what we call it.
There's a lot you haven't seen.
The what?
Take a whiff
of those fragrant breezes
coming off that
big old pond out there,
you'll see what I mean.
Well, I know
what I've just seen.
Extraordinary.
And I know now what I need
to do more than ever.
I need some help.
You two game?
For what?
This and that.
You mean... the two of us?
How much does little
this and that pay?
How about 2K a day?
Each?
This and that is our specialty.
But the split
with my young associate here
is 3K for me, 1K for him.
[sucks teeth] You... are hired.
[chuckling] Hmm.
Cheers, I think.
[birds chirping]
["Ave Maria" playing]
[rock music playing]
[phone ringing]
What's up?
I'm at the yoga studio.
["Ave Maria" continues playing]
Leeper.
My dear, any word?
[sighs] Well, I want you
to know that I have...
...everything taken care of
with the business. You d--
you take as much time
as you need,
do you hear me, partner?
I'm here for you. A--
[deeply inhales] My goodness,
it must be absolute hell,
but anything...
...anything you need,
I'm here, as always.
-Thank you, Ava. Thank you.
-And you? Who are you?
Oh, Clarke is my new assistant.
To do what?
Uh... this and that.
Ava, um...
...I have decided
that no matter what,
we are not selling
to the Chinese.
No matter how much they try
to strong-arm me
in negotiations,
I'm not doing it.
Oh, so you've got
your own strong arm, huh?
-[Leeper chuckles]
-Yep, that's me.
Uh, Mr. Sterling was involved
in an attack yesterday
in my bar.
[laughing] Oh, really? I--
-By who?
-I--
I, I don't know.
I don't know,
but it helped me
make my decision.
I have absolutely no control
over this kidnapping
or whatever has happened
to my daughter.
Uh, and this incident yesterday,
I don't even know
if it's related,
but there is one thing
that I do have control over...
...and that's my business.
And that's it.
The Chinese may own
all the other
lithium fields in the world,
but they're not gonna get mine.
[stutter] Of course not...
[chuckling] not now
that you have
the strongest arm
in the Salton Sea
to protect you from any more
of these random attacks.
T-- wha-- whe-- when--
was it yesterday? So strange.
There will be
no more random attacks
now that I have security.
Well... I wou--
would like to invite
the security to,
uh, lunch, perhaps,
or a, a tea or coffee,
and-- and then
I could fill you in
on our company policies.
My treat, of course.
It's a wonderful idea, Ava. Uh--
uh, if it works for Clarke?
Uh, I work for you,
Mr. Sterling, so I'll--
I'll go.
Splendid.
Won't we have
a great time. [chuckles]
[Leeper chuckles]
-See you around.
-[Ava] Mm!
[upbeat suspenseful music]
[sharply blowing]
[waves gently lapping]
Hey, man. Are you okay?
Got you, sucker! [shouts]
[groans]
Give this to your new boss.
And I'm not talking
about the himbo.
[grunting and choking]
[crickets chirping]
Mr. Sterling? Mr. Sterling.
Your housekeeper told me
you were up here.
Well, come over here, Chad.
[deeply exhales]
Whoa. This is amazing.
This was Chantelle's
favorite place.
You know, she always told me
she felt like she was
on top of the world up here.
I can't imagine what you're
going through right now.
You ever truly
love someone, Chad?
I hope to.
One day.
It's... [sighs]
...an amazing feeling.
When I first met Keeshay,
Chantelle's mother...
...I felt like my life
suddenly began.
It's... joyous.
Bright.
Uncomplicated, jubilant.
Where did you guys meet?
I owned a small hotel
in the Turks and Caicos
for a while.
She was the concierge there.
A belonger,
as they call themselves.
-Belonger?
-That's what
they call themselves,
the natives of the island.
"Belongers"
because they belong there.
And when our daughter
was born, I...
[shakily] I finally felt
like I belonged somewhere too.
[Chad]
Are you and Keeshay
still together?
Uh, my, uh, my beloved wife
died at childbirth.
So Chantelle
has only known me, and...
...and now she's, uh--
[wind blowing]
Mr. Sterling.
Leeper, please.
Whatever happened to her,
I'll find out.
Yesterday, when I was running,
I got attacked.
He gave me this.
He said, give it to you.
What is it?
[sobs]
[crying]
We'll get her back, Leeper.
[indistinct chatter]
[Ava]
Oh!
Not your usual tea, Ms. Ava?
Oh, not today, I'm afraid.
Two beers. Special occasion
for my new friend, Clarke.
My pleasure.
Oh! [chuckles]
To our new employee
at Sterling Enterprises.
May this be the first
of many occasions in our future.
-[giggles]
-Thank you, Ava. Um,
well, you know, I'd like to make
one thing perfectly clear.
I don't think I work
for Sterling Enterprises.
Mr. Sterling hired me
to be his personal bodyguard.
By the way,
what is Sterling Enterprises?
We are all just one big,
happy family, my dear.
And that, my honeybunch,
is why I am so looking forward
to getting to know you.
So, what's
your background, Clarke?
Are you some sort
of a fitness enthusiast
or hot nude yoga like me
or are you into Pilates,
like all the men
are doing these days?
[chuckle] Uh, no,
not, uh, Pilates or...
...that other thing,
but, uh, something like it.
I'm a, I'm a former
world-class fighter.
That's hot! [chuckles]
Well, that deserves
another toast.
To Mr. Sterling's
new former world-class fighter
bodyguard.
It suit you, but, uh,
not as well as hot nude yoga
with me, though. [laughs]
-Cheers! [chuckles]
-[clinking]
So, what is it that you,
uh, you know,
do at Sterling Enterprises, Ava?
Everything.
No, I mean specifically.
-Everything.
-Wow.
What does that
job description look like?
Oh, wouldn't you like to know.
Yes. Yes, I would.
Well, let's just say
that our mutual friend,
Leeper, has lived
the life of privilege.
Uh, he earned his money
the old-fashioned way.
He inherited it.
And he doesn't like
to get his hands dirty.
-And you do.
-When I have to.
Uh, you still
didn't answer my question.
What does
Sterling Enterprises do?
Well, have you ever heard
of white gold?
Of course. I call the stuff
that comes up from the bottom
of the Salton Sea
and causes the stench.
[laughs] Wel--
well, that is where,
uh, you and I differ of opinion,
my sexy friend.
I'm just saying.
Would 600,000 tons
of lithium carbonate a year
change your opinion?
I'm still smelling shit
in the Shitty.
Well, Leeper, your new friend,
my old friend, owns all of it.
That is to say all of that
underground geothermal brine.
Okay. And where do you fit in?
I manage the mining
of all of that white gold,
which is then converted
to lithium, and given to him.
Which powers every battery
known to mankind.
[laughs] Oh!
There you go, sweetie!
Beauty and brains.
Or is it brawn?
-[giggles]
-Mm-hmm.
Can we, can we order?
But of course.
Let's you and I get
a chow and down together.
[indistinct chatter]
[clinking]
Thanks again for, uh,
lunch, Ava, it was...
-...memorable, to say the least.
-[giggles] Yes.
Yes, it was, darling!
And there's plenty more
where that came from.
Let me make one more itty-bitty
little thing perfectly clear.
If you ever treat me again
like you just did
for the past
nauseating hour and a half,
I will rip you a new one.
Okay, sweetie?
Darling. Honeybunch.
You and I aren't
gonna be friends,
and I sure as hell
am not gonna put up
with your kind of
sexual harassment
as a colleague.
You got that?
I said, you got that?
Great. Oh, and I'm sure
you've probably already guessed
I won't be doing hot nude yoga
with you anytime soon.
Have a wonderful
rest of your day.
[soft clinking]
It's called the Hoosier Hi-Fy.
-What?
-[water splashing]
The move you're asking
about the other day.
Oh.
Clever, I guess.
See, back in the day,
when bands of outlaws
would come through parts
of what is now Indiana,
they'd knock
on the settlers' cabin doors
and the people inside
would ask...
[in French accent]
"Who's there?"
[in normal accent]
'Cause they were, like,
kind of French or something.
So people around those parts
started calling them Hoosiers.
And then, they kick 'em?
Yeah, 'cause the settlers
were about to get robbed
and murdered.
With a perfectly executed
Hoosier Hi-Fy.
[softly laughs]
So you're from Indiana?
Started out there.
Then everywhere else,
a time or two since.
But, uh... [coughs]
now I'm here,
enjoying the ever-present
pungent smell
of the Salton Sea
and it's thirst-quenching water.
The Shitty.
You?
Um, Switzerland.
Well, I guess the,
uh, cowboy hat threw me.
And the accent.
Where'd you learn to fight?
Um...
...all over.
Yeah. All over.
Um, what about you?
Where did you learn
whatever... you do?
Had to.
Um, this, uh, Sterling guy,
he seems to be
like a very nice man.
He looked kind of shattered.
Lost, even.
And then, his,
his partner, she was--
the way you were
telling me about, she's--
There's something there.
I just don't know what.
So, uh, uppity, you know.
After our little,
uh, beer bust today,
she texted me her address
with a note that said,
"Come and see me
anytime, day or..."
and in all caps, "...NIGHT."
If this water
didn't make me sick,
that would.
You up for a little
field trip tomorrow?
Tomorrow is Sunday.
I have a day off. Bar is closed.
Mm.
And you're getting,
uh, how much a day
to help out Mr. Sterling?
Oh, yeah. There's that.
Um...
-...but you are getting more.
-Yeah.
Pick me up at 9:00 a.m., cowboy.
[upbeat music]
[engine rumbling]
What the fuck?
You were giving me shit
for wearing cowboy hat.
And now you are
Raiders of the Lost Ark?
That movie was years ago.
In the Alps,
we didn't have Cineplexes,
so I just streamed it recently.
-But really?
-[sighs]
Well, we're doing surveillance,
asshole.
It works, and I don't want
Ava to finger me.
Exactly.
[chuckles]
All right.
I'm going to wear mine
if you're going to wear yours.
-Fine.
-Fine.
[upbeat music continues]
[Clarke]
Should be somewhere
right around--
Yeah, here! Right here!
This is it.
-[sighs]
-Okay. Now what?
Oh, we sit here
and think about all the money
Sterling's paying us today.
We're not even guarding him.
He's not even here.
He told me he's flying
to Cancn for the weekend.
So good, his pilots
can watch over him.
What's your problem?
I got my spidey sense
going on here.
Hey, give me some credit.
I told you it was probably
her home address, didn't I?
Huh? Now, was I right
or was I right?
Okay. Yeah, I get you that.
You're a man of many talents.
You don't know the half of it.
[snaps fingers]
[whimsical suspenseful music]
And here we go.
What do you mean, "Here we go"?
Are we suddenly vice cops
or something?
I mean, here we go.
Start your fucking car!
She's getting away.
It's showtime, baby. Go!
I didn't even wanna be
in the show business.
I heard that.
Okay. Do I get
to expense on my car gas?
'Cause we're driving for hours.
Will you shut the fuck up?
I'm driving, Ms. Daisy.
Oh, cute. Did you stream
that one recently too?
Skip ahead a couple of decades
to one of the Fast and Furious,
would ya?
And I thought you hated
show business, but holy smokes,
you keep coming up
with all these freaking
old movie titles!
[Chad]
Oh, no.
What do I do?
[Clarke]
Uh, j-- keep going,
keep driving.
Go past, go past.
[music continues]
-[rooster crowing]
-Wh-- [whispers] Hey!
-What are we doing?
-I don't know.
I know you're a desert rat,
but do you have
to make me one too?
Just follow me, will you?
[music continues]
[rooster crows]
Fucking idiot.
You've been playing him so well.
Well, that's because you've
been paying me so well to do so.
But you like
other things too, don't you?
Well, indeed I do.
We mustn't forget
about that, huh?
-Did you bring the stuff?
-Yes, of course, Mr. Chung,
I brought exactly
what you asked for.
Did you throw some things
in there that you like too?
I had us covered, Mr. Chung.
So why don't we forget
about that idiot, mm?
Let us partake.
[music continues]
[softly chuckles]
[whispers]
What is she doing in here?
You see the pretty,
pretty little things
Mr. Chung had me bring for you?
[giggling]
And I brought some stuff
for you and I too!
-Won't we have some fun?
-[giggling]
[Ava]
Ooh.
Now come to daddy.
[giggles]
-Come with me,
you fucking whore!
-[screams]
[Chung groans]
[laughs]
-You are a naughty--
You naughty, naughty, naughty--
-[giggling]
Ooh, ooh, ooh!
[deeply inhales and exhales]
-[moaning]
-You wanna be naughty?
[giggles]
[moaning continues]
What do you wanna play?
[soft clinking]
I wanna play that too.
[softly] Wait, wait, wait!
We don't know what this is yet.
Come with me.
Come.
[birds chirping]
-[horns honking]
-[engines rumbling]
[woman]
Are you two the two C's?
Yeah. Um,
this is Clarke and I'm Chad.
Mr. Sterling will see you now.
[Chad softly]
Okay. Let's go.
[groaning and sighing]
May I offer you some water?
Would you like still?
We have Evian, Fiji, Vellamo,
or perhaps sparkling.
We have Ferrarelle,
Hildon, or Aura.
Uh, yeah, whatever.
Um, I'll have what he's having.
[chuckling] My pleasure.
So sorry for the wait,
but I'm sure you can imagine.
It's been, well, uh...
[sharply inhales]
...huh! But when Nandana
got your text
and let me know
that you wanted to meet,
I wanted to make sure
that we allowed
some time for you.
So, anyway,
good day to you both.
Mr. Sterling,
we're on your payroll.
-It's all your time,
so we don't mind.
-[Chad] Yeah.
It's all my money anyway.
I g-- I-- I, I get it.
Let's just cut
to fucking the chase.
Your daughter--
Um, Mr. Sterling. Mr. Leeper--
I mean, um, last time,
when we spoke about Chantelle,
I didn't get quite a sense
of how much time
you spent with her
before the abduction.
Well, as much time
as any father does
with a 16-year-old teenager.
Last year, she studied abroad
for the entire year.
So I guess, uh,
little to no this past year.
-Where'd she go?
-Beijing. Why?
-Is she fluent in Chinese?
-Well, of course.
What about drug use?
What about drug use?
What he means with that is,
did she ever use any drugs
or have you... seen her?
Excuse me, we are talking
about my daughter.
Chantelle has only been exposed
to the very best in life.
And may I say,
I know I must have spoiled her
along the way, but...
...drug use? No. Not possible.
-Is she sexually active?
-Clarke!
We have to know.
Excuse me again.
This is my daughter.
I-- [sharply exhales]
I don't know.
I hope not.
She's a debutante.
We just had her sweet 16
coming out party last week.
Um, all right, let's, let's move
to your, um, employee, Ava.
Please, let's do.
How long has she been with you?
Ever since my father passed on
and I inherited the company.
I kind of inherited her too.
She was my father's
young assistant at the time.
And you trust her completely?
Absolutely!
She's like the sister
I never had.
She actually knows more
about the company than I do.
And she'll be
the first one to tell you.
Copy that.
And her personal life?
I make it a point
not to get involved
in my employees' personal lives.
[whispers] Good move.
-What was that?
-Uh, he was just saying
that was, uh, a good policy.
[exhales] Well, can we get on
with this? I mean, uh, please?
What's going on here?
We think we've located
your daughter.
[sharply exhales]
[chuckling] Oh, my God!
Is she okay? Is--
[stutters] is she all right?
Yes, she is. Yeah. But--
Then, by all means,
enough of this nonsense.
Go and bring
my little girl back to me!
-Mr. Sterling,
there's something--
-Immediately!
Please.
[chuckling]
I'm sorry. Did you want
your waters room temperature
or chilled, with ice or no ice,
and with
or without lemon or lime?
We're leaving.
Oh, okay. Uh. No problem.
I guess I'll just pour them
down the drain.
Yeah, you do that.
-[Chad] Squeeze me.
-[Nandana grunts]
Um, we'll take care of it.
They found Chantelle.
[sighing] Oh.
[softly sighs]
[softly] Hey.
Shouldn't we tell him?
We do what the man says.
Okay. Got it.
You got the last call
just because you're
making more money, huh?
Got it.
You ever gonna let that one go?
[whimsical upbeat music]
[Chad sighs]
Could he really be so clueless?
[Clarke]
He's a dad.
Even my dad knew things.
Like what?
Like... stuff, you know.
Such as?
That I wanted to fight.
Yeah? And how did that
go for you?
Well, I've been working
for Mr. Sterling
and you at the Salton Sea.
So not so bad.
[chuckles]
Did you ever think
you could make it?
[softly] Yeah.
I did.
I did this circuit for a while.
Got a few accolades.
You know the drill.
[sighs] I got a few good ones.
But...
...nothing was
good enough for me.
My parents, they described me
and my career as...
-...a failure to launch.
-Hmm.
But you, man, you were there.
-I checked you out.
-[softly chuckles]
[Chad]
I would give you my right nut
-to experience that
what you've done.
-[grumbles]
Nah, you wouldn't.
And I bet you enjoy your balls
or someone else does.
Yeah, I mean,
I do like my balls too.
[laughter]
But seriously.
-What was it like?
-Amazing.
[grunts]
It was everything.
And I was so proud to be there
and so... thankful
that I stuck it out
and accomplished all that.
It's like I could do no wrong.
Every punch, every move...
...every competitor
just fell exactly
where I wanted them to.
[softly chuckles]
Until they didn't.
[exhales] Uh,
pull over, you know.
[grunts and sniffs]
[eerie music]
[blows raspberries and grunts]
Hey, Clarke, what's going on?
[sniffs and stutters] I-- uh,
I'm sorry, I couldn't-- I just--
you know, I couldn't, uh--
What you couldn't?
Shit. [chuckles and sniffs]
[deeply exhales]
Uh, I couldn't continue,
you know.
What do you mean?
I grew up
in the foster care system.
And when you do that, and, uh--
and I think of...
12 different places that they...
[grunts] you know,
I can't even call them homes,
that they plopped me into,
or more like it,
forced me into...
places inhabited by these...
...these animals that, um...
...that starved me,
enslaved me...
[music continues]
...raped me...
...and stole my childhood.
I was a kid.
Kid.
I didn't know anything else.
I knew nothing different
and had no way out.
No one to love or to love me.
And that's why I fought.
That's why I wanted to kill
all those years.
I put those faces,
those... monsters
on the face of my opponents.
And guess what?
I'd win. I'd win!
[sniffs]
I'd bash them and I'd hurt them,
but I'd win.
It wasn't right. It wasn't real.
[music continues]
But I'd win.
I'd used that rage.
My rage over and over again.
[grunts]
Hey, um, I'm here with you, man.
You see someone like Chantelle,
you know, it just...
...brings it all up again.
But, but she's--
she's drugged or sick or--
[scoffs] she's playing with it
and God knows what.
The imagery is the same
for me, you know.
You understand that?
Yeah, I, I do, I--
I mean, I'm trying to understand
what you're talking about, man.
What you mean
with bullying and stuff.
Yeah, that's why
I moved out here...
[sniffs] to this...
big mistake of a puddle.
[music continues]
The fish die off here.
The birds die off here.
And I wanted...
...I wanted that part of my life
to die off with them.
Hey, Clarke. There's one thing
my coaches told me
my way all along, it's--
you have to fight
through the pain.
And when you fight
and you come out
on the other side...
...there will be no pain.
But you know that, right?
So fight.
So let's do it, huh? You and me.
[music continues]
Let's expose that evil Ava,
the Chinese guy,
and help that little girl.
The help that you didn't get.
Because we both have
enough anger in us
that we can smash them
and get her back.
Are you with me?
So what makes you so smart...
and such a so-so fighter?
I don't know.
But I feel like
we should be both
on the same pay rate, right?
[laughs] Ugh!
[wind blowing]
Uh... [chuckles]
that's a no on the pay rate,
and a no on, on that--
I thought you needed a hug.
I do, just not now.
You know, too soon.
Still my boss after all,
are you?
Yeah.
From an ecological disaster
to an HR disaster.
-So goes my life
in the Salton Sea.
-[grunts]
Hey! Come on.
Don't bag on the Salton Sea.
This is my home now too.
[chuckles]
Oh. Boy.
[gentle music]
[sharply exhales]
[indistinct mumbles and sniffs]
-[Chad] Uh? Come on.
-[Clarke] Okay.
All right, but let's, uh--
[Chad]
Swing your ass in the car.
[birds chirping]
[thuds]
[footsteps approaching]
[dramatic music]
-[grunting and groaning]
-[thudding]
[coughs]
-[shouting]
-[screams]
I'm so sorry.
[shouting]
[thudding continues]
[groaning]
Hi!
-[choking]
-[grunting]
Hi!
-[thudding]
-[groaning]
[bang]
[music continues]
[panting]
[groaning]
[Chad]
Now get the fuck out of here!
-[Ava] Oh--
-[Chantelle claps and whistles]
[laughs] I am impressed.
Now, who are you?
Oh! Wait, let me guess.
Uh, you work for my daddy.
-[sighing] Who do you work for?
-Oh, I don't work for anyone.
Well, I guess a little bit
for myself, if you can
call it work.
-[chuckles]
-Oh, it's work, all right.
It's the oldest profession
in the world.
But you, at such a young age!
Yeah, I guess you're right.
See, no one wants shriveled up
old meat, now do they?
[softly] No.
But you should know
about that, right?
-You know, I think
I'll step out, get some air.
-[mouths]
Let you guys
get to know each other.
Gee. Thanks.
She's all yours. Go for it.
Wow. That guy needs
to get laid, right? [chuckles]
Yeah. He's, uh,
he's complicated.
And you find that interesting?
I don't know.
Am I complicated?
Well, you are the most
complicated person I know.
How's that?
Well, I don't really k--
know you, but...
...you're just-- well,
I-- I've seen some stuff.
Oh, you've seen some stuff.
Now, that is interesting.
Just what kind
of stuff have you seen?
Well...
...that your dad loves you
and he misses you a lot.
Hmm. [softly chuckles] My daddy.
[clears throat] My daddy,
who's had the whole world
handed to him?
You know, he never made
a dime in his life.
Born with a silver spoon
in his mouth.
Isn't that what they say?
And you are not?
Oh, it's been rough.
Then...
...a little secret about me.
I like it rough.
[loudly exhaling]
[man]
Hey, asshole!
-[thud]
-[groans]
Are you into me?
I mean, watching you
kick ass like that
just really
got me going! [chuckles]
I-- I mean, could you
or would you... fight me?
Or you know what?
Just maybe hit me... [chuckles]
...real hard if-- if I, uh...
...if I attacked you. [chuckles]
No!
Wha-- what's
your deal, Chantelle?
I mean, you have
everything going for you.
Do I?
Yeah! You have a dad
who loves you,
who cares about you, who--
h-- you have money.
Money? [laughing] Money?
[Chad]
Yeah. And you're just--
You're just-- [sighs]
Just, just, ju-- [stutter] What?
-Just--
-[Chad] Just blowing it.
Y-- you're blowing it.
[whispers] Maybe. Yeah.
Yeah, maybe I do wanna blow it.
[chuckles] Would you like that?
Please, Chantelle.
Don't go there with me.
And why not?
Because this is about you...
...and getting you some help.
Yeah, well... [chuckles]
maybe I don't need your help.
Or your friend, Mr. Blue Balls.
Then that's fine.
If that's what you want.
And just tell me
what I should tell your dad.
Because he misses you
and he cares about you deeply.
[Chantelle chuckles]
[laughs]
You can tell Mr. Sterling...
...that there's
some new leadership
in his former organization.
-What is that supposed to mean?
-[Tameko] Chantelle? Chantelle?
-Where is my BFF Chantelle?
-Oh. It's Tameko!
Tameko is here! Oh!
I can't wait to see her!
[laughing] Oh,
I can't wait to see her!
-C-- Hi!
-[screams and laughs]
[Tameko]
I missed you, baby girl!
Hey, Chantelle,
who are these icky poopoos?
And what about that
scruffy guy outside?
What are they doing here?
They work for my daddy.
My real daddy.
-But I don't like them.
-Well, then, I say back off
'cause my honey butter
and I are going to a party.
-Doesn't that sound like fun?
-[laughing] Yeah, yeah!
I wanna get fucked up.
-Me too.
-[Chad] E-- excuse me, Tameko.
Do you remember me
from the other day
at the bar? The night?
The scruffy guy and I,
we fought off the, the attackers
while you slipped away.
You were the ones?
[Chad]
So in, in my book, you owe us,
and we want an invite too.
I'm just gonna step outside,
grab the scruffy guy,
and... come with you.
Party sounds like fun.
Whatever.
Suit yourself, pretty boy.
I'm sure there'll be enough
party favors for all of us.
And what about this one?
Is this the one you like?
-Yes, Mommy.
-[Tameko] Oh, Chantelle,
if I'm your mummy,
then that makes this one
your grandma. [chuckles]
Hi, mummy.
I'm the child you tried
to knock off the other day.
So loving!
I work for Mr. Chung as well.
Well, they should be proud
of your daughter
carving out a piece for herself.
-No one likes a double crosser.
-[gasps]
But I choose L-O-V-E,
Mummy dearest.
Chantelle's love for me
is like money in the bank.
But I think you should
all know that by now,
which makes this party
even more interesting.
'Cause this mummy
is gonna get some!
-Okay, come on, honey--
honeybud, off we go. Let's go.
-[chuckles]
More like money pot.
[Ava chuckles]
Oh!
Would you like to hold hands
with me too, my, uh--
oh, what did she call you?
Pretty boy? [laughs]
We can skip out of here
to that party!
Would you like that?
I pass.
[scoffs] Everyone's a critic.
[light tense music]
Are you okay, Clarke?
Well, well, well!
The gang's all here. [laughs]
We regroup after that
rather unexpected intrusion,
and Tameko, thank you so much
for bringing everyone here
on such short notice.
I'll take care of her,
she fell right
into our trap this time.
That's what you always say,
Ava, but sometimes you don't.
Just like the other time.
Maybe it's time
for a job review.
But it seems like I don't know
some of our new gang.
Who's that young gentleman
over there?
He was visiting Chantelle
when I came and called you.
Chantelle.
A new beau. What?
Ava and I aren't enough for you?
No. [sighs] He's not into me.
He and his friend here.
They both work for my daddy.
Nice to see you've put him
in his place.
-Oh, hey, Mr. Blue Balls!
-[laughs] Oh, baby,
-don't I love when you talk
so tough like that.
-[giggles]
[chuckles] Baby doll!
Enough. I hate you guys.
Now, Tameko. A little bird
flew by and told me
some very interesting fun facts
about what you've been up to
lately with Mr. Sterling,
and in Chantelle's words,
"Me no likey."
You think she loves you?
Oh, come on, guys!
There's enough for all of us.
Besides, love conquers all.
[silently laughing]
What a sweet,
conniving optimist!
There is no "us."
And this cute little anime thing
you got going on
with her, please.
You try to cut yourself
in just like that,
after I'm the one
who brought you in
to work for me.
You have no idea
who you're dealing with.
I do know who I'm dealing with.
I'm dealing with Chantelle,
who loves me very much.
Don't you, Chantelle?
[wind blowing]
Oh! Look what you've done.
You've made our little
baby girl Chantelle cry.
-That's not very nice.
-I swear to you,
-don't you move in on my bitch,
or I'll kill you--
-[mumbles]
[stutter] Wh-- wh-- What?
What, Tameko? What?
Look around you.
Who loves you here?
Pretty boy over there?
Do you? D-- d--
Nah, nah. [laughs]
Ava? Certainly not.
She tried to have
my thugs kill you
on my request, of course.
Mr. Blue Balls,
as Chantelle calls him?
Nah. Too handsome. Probably
doesn't swing that way too.
-And Chantelle? [chuckles]
-We're leaving.
Oh, wai-- wait--
Ta-- Tami, Tami, Tami.
Come back here.
Daddy wants to speak to you.
One last time.
Tami, just one more time
for daddy.
Come on, it's okay.
Good girl, come on.
[softly] It's okay.
Good girl. Come on!
There you go.
You're the bitch, bitch.
-[thud]
-[groans and gasps]
Or is that too many bitches?
I got a raw deal.
Your kind usually does.
-[snapping]
-[gasps]
[echoing screaming]
No, no!
[muffled groaning]
[melancholic music]
[crying and sobbing]
[thud]
[bird chirping]
[wind blowing]
[softly groans]
[softly groans]
[softly spits]
[sharply exhales]
[groans]
[groans]
[grunts]
[panting]
[water softly lapping]
[light ethereal music]
[squawking]
[engine rumbling]
Did you know that financial
institutes around the world
forecast an average
annual increase
in the demand
of lithium... at 28%
throughout
the rest of this decade?
And... prices
for lithium recently rose
to their highest level in years.
And without a family...
[birds chirping]
...it all means...
...nothing.
You don't have
my daughter, do you?
No. I don't.
And your partner?
He's still on the job.
I just don't know
where he is right now.
[deeply sighs]
Well, Chad, I must say
I am massively underwhelmed,
to say the least.
What's wrong with your face?
A little of this and that.
Sir, I--
[crickets chirping]
When we found Chantelle,
we also found out
some stuff about Ava.
She's not your friend.
I never said she was my friend.
She's under my employ,
just like you.
And more importantly,
she's hurting Chantelle.
What are you talking about?
Clarke told me that you told Ava
that you are not going through
with any deal with the Chinese?
Yes. They... [chuckling]
they wanted to buy all this.
My geothermal reservoir
underneath the Salton Sea.
It's this scalding
hot soup of metals,
salt water, minerals that...
...creates
this so-called brine that...
...quite frankly, I--
[sighs] I'm not sure.
And Ava was handling
all of this?
Yes. Everything.
[sighs] Leeper, I think...
...I think Ava is working
with the Chinese.
They're trying
to get you to sell.
And that's what happened
to Chantelle.
She's got captured or enlisted
and everything, just to try
to get you to your knees.
I think we should
really go to the police.
[sighing] I can't do that.
the publicity and the scandal
that it would create
for my daughter would be...
...insurmountable.
It would ruin her life.
There are things...
...I know.
A father knows.
And when my wife died,
I promised her
on her deathbed that I would...
...protect our little girl.
I would surround her with love.
Love from the both of us,
since I knew her mother
wouldn't be around.
I haven't.
I... have failed.
[Chad]
Your daughter needs help.
And you and I,
we should get her that help.
We can do this.
I have a plan.
No police.
Just you and I and Clarke.
Yes, Chad.
Let's save her.
Let's take out the trash.
[wind blowing]
[chiming]
[birds chirping]
[beep]
Get over here. No--
now, do you hear me?
Good morning, Ava. I hope
we're not interrupting anything.
No, of course, not,
Leeper darling!
Welcome to my home. You've never
been here before, have you?
I've never wanted to.
Oh, well,
this is my humble abode.
Mimosas, anyone?
I believe you know Chad.
In fact, recently you wanted
to hold hands with him.
And of course, Nandana.
[chuckling]
Good times, good times.
[grunts]
[dramatic music]
-[grunting and groaning]
-[thuds]
-[grunting]
-[shouting]
[thudding]
[screaming]
[softly]
What the fuck is going on?
[grunts]
Who's in there? Who's in there?
Chantelle! [grunts]
[loudly groaning]
[screams]
-[thuds]
-[screams]
[loud splashing]
-[man 1 coughs]
-[man 2] Let's go!
[loudly exhales] You good?
[panting] Yeah. Are you good?
I'm good. I'm good.
It's nice to get out
and get some air and see you.
It's been a hell of a night.
A night? You've been missing
for 48 hours.
Oh.
-[chuckles] Oh!
-[soft clinking]
It's good to see you.
-Well, that was fun.
-You too.
Couldn't help
but notice you getting
your ass kicked there.
I've always had trouble
with time sequences.
[laughing]
Or dealing with the drugs,
that was one heck
of a date, honeybunch.
You were out of it.
That was no date,
nobody here believes that.
[laughs] Everyone's a critic!
And Leeper, darling,
why is everyone attacking you
everywhere you go?
It must be absolutely maddening.
Let's cut the crap, Ava.
I know a lot more
than you think I know.
Do you?
Do you, now?
[gasps] W-- well, do you know
that I have been saving your ass
all these years, protecting you
from financial ruin?
You don't know anything.
I know what you've been doing
to my daughter,
and that's all I care about.
Oh, good. Good news.
Wh-- what if I told you
that I could help you
get her back?
And how's that, Ava, huh?
Because you've been holding her
like you've held Clarke?
Who are you?
What psycho have you become?
Your worst nightmare.
Oh, you think you are
so upper class
when all of this time
I've been saving your ass!
But now it's my turn.
I'm gonna get some.
Well, from what I've been told,
you've been getting some
from all over. Mr. Chung.
My daughter,
and whoever else you want,
you twisted sick fuck!
Okay! Okay!
Just shut the fuck up,
you sniveling little brat!
You will get your precocious
little whore back,
but you need to be nice to me.
She's a lousy lady anyway.
I-- I can't take anymore,
I can't take anymore!
Give-- give her back to me!
Let her go!
[laughing] All right, all right.
But you know I need
to get something in exchange.
Right?
[sobbing] What?
Wha-- what,
what do you want, Ava?
You know, I think I'll let
my new boss tell you.
M-- my real boss, that is.
Set it up. Do us a solid,
Ava. We are game.
Pretty boy speaks!
And what a big boy he is.
I liked her better at lunch,
and that was bad.
Oh, so you don't like
the real me either?
Oh, well, cry me a river
because you all
need to be nice to me.
You need me.
You know, it's nice
to be needed. I like it.
So I will set it up...
...or not.
You will arrange that.
But the question
you need to ask yourself is,
"Do I fight or do I die?"
Or maybe you wanna
sit back and play rub
your thighs together
because nobody else
will touch those things.
This guy is quite the romantic,
isn't he?
I'm sure Mr. Chung
is paying you handsomely.
Ava, j--
[sobs] For God's sakes, just...
...just let her go
and walk off into the desert.
Oh, I will. I, I will.
Mr. Leeper Sterling,
you will get your way,
just like you always have
your entire privileged life.
But just so you know,
when I walk off
into that desert,
I'm gonna be worth
so much more money
than you could've ever imagined.
[sobbing]
Whatever you want, Ava.
Good for you. Good for you.
Mr. Sterling, we're done here.
But we're not done with you,
my frigid friend.
I always get frigid
around your type...
[laughing] but why wouldn't I?
We keeping this off the books.
So set it the fuck up.
-You catch it, I kill it.
-Copy that.
Oh! Mr. Sterling,
let's get you some water.
I have some back in the van.
Come on.
-[Clarke] No, no, no.
Enough already.
-Mm.
Mm, right. All right.
Well-- [laughs]
Toodle-oo! [laughs]
I'll have my peeps arrange it
with your peeps. [laughs]
[gentle music]
[water lapping]
[horn honking distantly]
[horn honking]
[engine rumbling]
[tires squeal]
[panting] What--
do we-- Is it showtime?
[bird chirping]
Uh, it's lunchtime. [chuckles]
I thought we heard of something.
Nah, just thought
you might need some lunch.
Saw you zoning out out there
and figured you might need
some company
-or a peanut butter sandwich.
-You cook?
[laughs] Like I said,
a peanut butter sandwich.
Don't get carried away.
[deeply sighs] So no word?
Believe me, Ava's not gonna
give up on her big payday.
She'll reach out. No worries.
[Chad]
It's just--
I just hate waiting so much.
I even hate the word "wait."
It's--
like when you're fighting...
...and you hesitate
for one second,
you're dead in the water.
It's kind of
how you looked out there.
No, really. I mean, it--
it's like when you're fighting,
you're always coming up
with the next blow, you know.
This, what we're doing
right here,
waiting for somebody else,
it's fucking bullshit.
Can you imagine
what Sterling's going through
When you're in the fight...
...getting punched
and cut and bloodied...
...what do you tap into?
What keeps you going?
I don't know.
I never really thought about it.
[chuckling]
Give me a fucking break.
We all have something.
Something
that we're working through.
Please, let me just enjoy
my peanut butter sandwich.
Yeah. You can.
And you better, 'cause that's
about as domestic as I get.
I killed somebody in the ring.
[melancholic music]
I mean, he didn't
actually die in the ring,
but that's where I hit him.
Later, uh, when they
took him off life support...
...in the hospital,
that's where he died.
[deeply exhales]
And the hard part is, I...
-[bell dings]
-...I knew him.
He was like me.
A gay guy.
When they told me he was
going to the hospital,
I went there 'cause I knew
he didn't have anyone else
in his life.
'Cause he is from one
of those families that...
...that kicked him out
after they found out about him.
So it was just me, the machines.
[music continues]
It's not like we were
in a relationship
or anything, but...
...I knew him.
It's a sport.
It wasn't your fault.
But I put him there.
I put him there.
And after the doctors told me
it's time to let him go...
...I wanted to make it right
with him.
I lowered the lights,
I... had some music going.
I brought on a priest.
I wanted to make it right,
goddamn it.
So, the priest was
laying on one side.
I was laying on the other.
[music continues]
And I told him over and over
that he was the real champ.
[softly] That he was the winner.
And I think for the first time
in his life,
he actually felt loved.
You're a good man, Chad.
[softly] No.
[shakily]
He was the real fighter.
After they gave him
the last dose of morphine,
they told me it would take
ten minutes and he'd be gone.
He lived another two weeks.
[softly] Fighter.
Come here. Come here.
So this, this rage came from...
...having to prove to... myself,
to everyone around me, that...
...that I'm fine,
that I'm okay, that I'm...
[sighs]
...that gay is good
and that I'm actually
worthy of love.
So that's what kept me
driving the whole time.
I just kept punching
and punching every single time.
[ominous music]
Harder and harder.
With that same rage.
[echoing thudding]
When he died...
...I gave it all up.
Moved, wanting to forget.
And that's how I came here,
when he died.
[melancholic music]
[wind blowing]
The Shitty.
The Shitty.
And then, I met you.
[sighs]
And the good news is,
I'm working through it now.
I'm actually starting
to like myself now.
'Cause, you know,
you have to love yourself first
before you're able
to love somebody else.
There it is.
[sighing] So there it is.
Are you surprised?
No.
Like I said,
we all have something.
But, I mean, to be honest,
I am surprised at how good
a fighter you are,
even after all that. [chuckles]
And how everyone refers
to you as a pretty boy.
[laughs] I mean, that
should pump you up pretty good.
That's a mighty
powerful combination.
Yeah. Pretty boy Chad.
I'd be happy if it doesn't come
from Ava, Chantelle,
and Tameko all the time,
let her rest in peace. But...
thanks for the ego boost.
Uh, yeah, that piece of trash,
I forgot about her.
But trust me, Chad,
there will be others.
People who will
love you for you.
And more importantly...
people that you'll want to love.
[whispers] Let's go.
[engine rumbling]
[tires squeal]
-[sharply blows]
-[Nandana deeply inhales]
Ooh! Whoa... [laughs]
...chill. You guys look
like I'm about to carjack you.
Huh.
What? Too much?
Is it the minivan?
I just love the open road!
-Do you?
-Well, uh, I had
to find you guys.
Uh-- some drunk at this bar said
that the two C's
would be here, so--
That dump is my bar.
And that drunk is Brien,
one of my best customers.
Oh. Uh--
And, uh, what's
with the two C's, huh?
We have names,
Chad, Clarke, we've met.
I know, uh-- I know, I'm sorry,
it's my bad, I just--
I, I just-- I--
What-- what is it?
It's Leeper, he--
he's lost his mind,
he got tired of waiting around,
and now, he's going to meet
with Mr. Chung by himself,
and I-- I've never
seen him like this.
He's so used
to having all the control,
and now he has no control,
and he's lost it--
Please, please, please,
I'm, I'm begging you.
-Just please come with me.
-Nandana, calm down, okay?
We got you. We'll come with you.
We'll help you.
[Clarke]
Where are they meeting up?
-Sunset beach.
-We'll follow.
[exhaling] Okay! Let's ride!
You know, I think our designer
water-loving friend
is a little cray-cray.
You're right. She's got spunk.
Right now, it's showtime.
And now, classic television.
[grunts]
[engines rumbling]
By the way,
where is your shirt, pretty boy?
In the back seat.
-Why? What are you
talking about?
-[chuckles]
You know, I'm maybe
a few years older than you,
but I'm still breathing.
Naked from the waist up,
the cowboy hat,
you got it going on, pretty boy.
Another ego boost.
Mm? Are you feeling okay?
Hey, take where you can get it,
that's what I always say.
Yeah. I've heard that about you.
Hey, hey, hey.
My bad.
Can we stop the sexual
harassment for a second
-or save it for later
and just do our job?
-[chuckles and sniffs]
Yeah. Uh, about that...
...we're gonna need some help.
Any ideas?
Copy that.
Um...
...no. You?
[Clarke]
I mean, we're in the Salton Sea.
Throw a stone and you'll hit...
...well, nobody.
There's not
a lot of fighters out here.
Well, I guess I have
to get my fighting level
to this superior class
that you do.
Don't kid yourself.
You're already there.
-Really?
-Uh,
almost.
-Hey! Did you have to do that?
-[laughs]
Did you have to kill
my ego boost?
We were doing so good.
[laughs]
[tense music]
-What, no driver, Mr. Leeper?
-[insects buzzing]
I'm sorry, may I call you that?
I mean, after all
of our... [deeply inhales]
...legitimate business
negotiations for me
to get this thing,
I would assume that
I could do that, but,
you know... [blows raspberries]
it's a fucked up world. [laughs]
But seriously, I'm impressed.
No driver.
No staff swarming around you.
I mean, have you ever driven
yourself anywhere ever?
I gave my driver
the day off, asshole.
Ooh! That's not
a very good way to start.
Did you just call me asshole?
I meant my driver is an asshole.
But you're one as well.
And a monster.
Oh. You are so business-like.
I really do like that about you.
And you're
in the business of thievery,
murder, and kidnapping.
I know.
Such a great business to be in.
Especially when you have
all these yummy
underage virgins around you.
-And in the case
of your daughter...
-[tires screeching]
...a seasoned whore.
My, my, my!
That's it?
Just kidding.
[laughs] Very impressive.
You ain't seen
nothing yet, asshole.
Asshole?
There's that word again.
Asshole. [growling] Asshole.
[in normal voice] Can we get
more creative with that?
I liked you better
with that gag in your mouth.
Don't you think he looks better
with it in his, in his mouth?
[stutters] Well, I mean, all,
all, all, all macho and studly,
yet tied up. [grunts]
Now, are we waiting
for anyone else?
[Leeper]
Yes. My daughter.
That's right,
let's not forget about that.
Let us see Chantelle!
[heavily breathing]
Daddy. [shouts] Daddy! Help me!
You came! [cries]
[blabbering] Just spare us
the theatrics, all right?
Let's just g-- [stutters]
get on with it, all right?
The stench in this place
is overwhelming me. Ava!
I believe you've prepared
some paperwork for our,
our friend here to sign.
Yes, I have just
what you asked for, Mr. Chung.
Shut your jam.
And you used to be my jam,
didn't you, Ava?
But that was before I got
a taste of the sweeter
things in life,
and I don't just mean
your daughter.
Ava, you were
like a sister to me.
My father and I,
we trusted everything to you,
and you turned out to be
such a sick fuck.
Well, you know the way I see it,
once you sign this contract
giving control of the lithium
to Mr. Chung here,
you know, the lithium that
you so conveniently didn't want
to know anything about,
I can have any family I want,
or anything I want,
for that matter.
Let me guess. You'll continue
being a pedophile.
Well, that's noble.
[spits] Can we,
like, get on with it?
Sign.
[tense music]
Do you have a, a...
[stutters and sighs]
...a, a clipboard or something?
Uh, it's, it's,
it's a little difficult.
I can't quite--
Oh, there he goes again.
Always needing something more!
Always needing help
from somebody else
because you're too much
of a fucking baby
to do it for yourself!
I am sick of everything you are,
and everything
that you represent.
Just bend over.
Excuse me?
I said bend over!
Give him your back to sign on!
-Seriously?
-Now!
Or you could do
a downward-facing dog, Ava.
I mean, that would suffice too.
But for Clarke's sake and,
well, quite frankly,
for all of our sakes, do keep
your clothes on this time.
[music continues]
[Ava yelps]
[dramatic music]
[indistinct mumbling]
Take care of this!
-[grunting]
-[tires screeching]
-[grunting]
-[thudding]
[shouting]
[screams]
[bones cracking]
[thudding and groaning
continues]
[softly] Good night.
[sharply inhales and exhales]
-Everybody okay?
-Yeah.
Look at you.
Caring about others.
You became a real team player,
huh? No more solo bouts for you.
Hey, of course I care
about my partner.
How else would I get
the delicious
peanut butter sandwich?
I don't know about delicious.
It's the effort
that counts, partner.
-Yeah, and I also care
about Nandana. Huh.
-Whoo.
Full of surprises.
What, you didn't think
I was an assistant
who could handle the road
and a little danger?
Hmm, all in one day's work.
It's called a Thursday
when you work
with someone like Leeper.
Oh, and don't forget
your expertise in water.
We have the sparkling,
clean, clear water
called the miracle
of the desert out here.
You wanna try it out,
take a dip?
I mean, come on.
I need a shower. Let's go.
-Yeah, you do.
-[Nandana] Hey!
Nandana,
can you please come in here?
[Nandana]
Yes, Mr. Sterling?
Any word?
No, I'm afraid not.
I don't understand. We give them
exactly what they want,
and I am here waiting for them
to give me my daughter back.
Mr. Sterling, come on, now.
Did you really give them
what they wanted?
Uh--
what are you referring to,
my learned,
trusted assistant?
[Nandana]
You didn't finish signing
your signature, did you?
Uh... [chuckles] maybe.
-Maybe not.
-And even if you had,
you have a board of trustees
that by law must sign off
on that transaction, yes?
[Leeper chuckles]
Uh, maybe.
Maybe not.
How'd I get so lucky to have
someone like you in my life?
[chuckles] I...
...I don't know. [chuckles]
But I'm here now with you.
And after yesterday,
I know that
I can count on you...
...in every way.
I am deeply grateful.
[gentle music]
[Nandana]
I know you are, Leeper.
[bell chimes]
[sighing] Nah.
Come with me. Company retreat.
What's gotten into you?
Let's go.
[light ethereal music]
[water distantly lapping]
Would you please tell me
what's going on?
Look at that.
What?
[chuckles] Over there.
What do you see?
[laughing] I don't know,
another smelly beach?
That is our future.
Come again?
That new plant.
This new industry
is going to put us back on top.
Back on top?
I'm not following.
[chuckles]
See, back in the day, in the,
uh, '50s and early '60s,
the Salton Sea was hip.
Believe it or not,
it was the place
to vacation and be seen.
I mean, they built a yacht club,
a golf course, celebs would come
from Palm Springs to play,
we were it.
And then, how did we get here?
Governmental bullshit and greed
and environmental stuff.
But the point is,
with this lithium thing,
we can be there again.
[music continues]
Unless the Chinese
take the cake.
Exactly!
Listen, I know I diss
this place all the time,
but I figured
I moved here for a reason.
Maybe 'cause I was down
on myself,
or maybe 'cause I hated life.
Or maybe 'cause... like you,
I wanted to forget.
A chance to heal.
[sniffs]
But now, I realize
this could be bigger
than my fighting career
or my bar or,
I don't know,
you and me.
This place... is me now.
And in some weird way,
I have become the Salton Sea.
And damn it, we need to win.
[music continues]
You're right.
[deeply exhales]
You know, the other day, I...
...saw this bird
struggling in...
...that gulch,
trying to stay alive.
And it made it.
Made it out of that shithole.
Flew up in the sky.
Not like my bird
at my apartment.
Rocky...
...who just,
who just died in his cage.
Just 'cause he didn't have
anywhere else to go.
But it kinda dawned on me...
...that this place
could survive too.
Like that bird...
...just living
in the Salton Sea.
But when... Leeper...
...signed over the contract
to the Chinese yesterday,
I was so depleted.
[music continues]
Like after 12 rounds,
spent... no more energy to go.
-But he got out.
-Who?
That bird.
He got up. And so can we.
I mean,
we're talking America here.
We can't just let Sterling
or other folks like him give in.
This is bigger than any fight
in my life, 'cause...
...'cause this is my life.
And your life. And our home.
Chad...
...what you said the other day
about who you really are
got to me.
I don't wanna hide anymore.
And I sure as hell
don't wanna hide here anymore.
[music continues]
You've been so brave, Chad.
I wanna be brave now
and go for what I really want.
What do you suggest
we should do?
We start with Ava,
and we get that little girl
back to her dad.
Yeah.
[sniffs]
Yeah.
Come on.
[laughs]
I knew you'd come around.
[laughs]
You were a tough one.
But at the end of the day,
you are just as freaky as I am.
You get me and I get you.
[chuckles]
Takes one to know one, Ava.
You know, when I got your text,
I thought,
"Who'd have thunk this?"
But then I remembered
that I am stinking rich now
and rent boys
like you like that.
Won't we have some fun?
Yeah. Good times, as you say.
So, um...
...what do you want?
[intense dramatic music]
[crickets chirping]
Yo, look how this guy
fucked up my face.
-Your face was always fucked up.
-Oh, you got jokes?
I do. Knock, knock.
[Chad]
Who's there?
Hello, boys.
Who wants to party with this?
Huh?
-[grunting and shouting]
-[thudding]
[glass shattering]
[clanging]
-[groaning]
-[panting]
[gentle music]
[grunts]
[crickets chirping]
[softly grunts]
There you go.
[engine starts]
The eagle has landed.
[cell phone chimes]
We're on.
God bless America.
[engine rumbling]
Just what you ordered,
with a little Clarke twist.
[softly] Oh!
You know I like a twist.
[chuckles]
So, when does this joint close,
so you and I can have
some real fun?
Oh, the fun's already begun,
sugarlips.
'Cause we're gonna get
a visitor any old minute now,
and the fireworks
will really start.
[mimics explosion]
[laughing] Oh, God, lover,
you know me so well. A third?
Oh, just who
have you got lined up?
Will I do?
[softly] What the fuck?
Come on, Ava, what's
a little fun between friends?
Besides, you should be feeling
pretty good right now
thinking that you're richer
than fuck now.
[laughs]
What do you mean, thinking?
It's over, my friend,
you're done.
I know we gotta get you
your precious little whore back,
but w-- we will come to that.
This is laughable, Ava.
You're laughable.
Did you really believe
for a moment
that some chicken scratch
on the back of a contract
could ever be authenticated
in a court of law?
[laughs] Let alone, I inherited
the company, remember?
Just as I inherited you,
you slag.
I don't have the power
to sign over my company,
my trustees do.
-But Mr. Chung said that--
-And Mr. Chung is Chinese.
They're never gonna own
all of the world's lithium.
We're gonna have
a little bit of our own
right here in the Salton Sea.
So, enjoying that drink,
baby cakes?
[coughing]
Oh, I can't-- I can't breathe.
-You bitch!
-[laughing]
-Yeah. Yeah, I am.
-[Ava gagging]
-Just not your bitch.
-[laughs] Extraordinary.
Extraordinary, Clarke.
You didn't happen
to make her drink
-with the water
from the Shitty, did you?
-Oh, I don't, uh-- Oh!
[laughs] Uh, bravo, my friend.
[loudly] Oh,
that should keep her occupied
in the loo for a while.
[laughs] Well played.
I'll drink to that. [chuckles]
Clarke's the bomb.
Wait. My drink's good,
though, right?
[bell chimes]
[gentle music]
It's over.
Your daughter's in your car.
[sharply exhales]
Thank you.
Thank you both.
You see?
He thanked us both.
You and me...
-[bell chimes]
-...equally. Yeah?
Two thank yous, two people.
Yeah, I get it.
You're my partner.
[deeply exhales] Equally.
[music increases]
Daddy. Daddy!
-[shushing]
-[crying] D-- Daddy.
I'm here. I'm here.
[crying]
Um, so, am I still
gonna be your barback
or has that changed?
Partner, you can be
anything you want.
Really?
Anything?
Pretty much.
What about this?
I thought you'd never ask.
[music continues]
[birds chirping]
Can I be the originator
of the Hoosier Hi-Fy kick?
[laughs]
I don't know about that.
We'll have to see
who does it better first.
Let's go home.
["Shapes" by Sann]
When I was small
I used to wake up
Every morning
to my mother asking
"What did you dream?"
I tried to describe
all those shapes
I didn't recognize
and I asked her
"Do you know
what they mean?"
She said, "Yeah, the truth
Oh
It'll get in your way
In this place
that we're living right now
Lies rule the day"
Got a little bit older
And I saw another shape
forming in the mirror
Someone I did not know
Showers of love coming at me
From all sides
Drowning me slow
Yeah, the truth
Oh
It'll get in your way
Everybody knows
The truth doesn't matter
[vocalizing]
Here I am alone again
With these shapes
I know so well
Open my eyes
And I realized the truth
Is mine to tell
Yeah, the truth
Oh
It's my way
La, la, la, ah, ah, eeh
[vocalizing]