Bliss (2021) Movie Script
I have a picture
in my head of a place.
Home.
A woman.
I dont know
if any of its real,
but it has a feeling,
and the feelings real.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-
Yeah. You know what?
Im gonna transfer you.
-Hold on.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-What seems to be the problem?
-
-
-Seriously, what the "F"?
Wittles not picking up
his phone again.
-Hi, my love.
- Hi.
Im so happy you called me back.
-Hows your shoulder?
-My shoulders good.
My leg is a little bit achy,
but Im taking the meds, so...
Enough about me. How are you?
Im good. Im good.
Um, I wanted to talk to you
about my graduation.
I cant believe
youre graduating.
Cant believe?
-Really? -Oh, its hard
to keep track of the time,
but Im...
Im really proud of you.
Uh, so, um, Mom is,
uh, shes getting a reservation
at Cliffs Edge.
-Okay.
-Um...
Mm-hmm. Thatll be nice.
Well, I want you to come.
D-Does she want me to come?
I want you to come, Dad.
Well, I wonder if maybe,
if I take you and your brother
out the next day and...
Are-are you not coming
to the ceremony?
Of course Im coming.
Im gonna be there
in the bleachers.
Im gonna see you in your...
cap and gown,
walking across there,
and be cheering.
I-I just... I-I dont want to...
I dont want to complicate
things with your mom and...
I know that I messed up,
and I just want this to be...
-the focus to be on... Yeah.
-Dad.
I have so many thoughts
I wish you could see.
-
Are-are you, are you sure
youre okay, Daddy?
Im...
Yes, Im better than okay.
Im great. I just...
Let me... let me...
How about I call you back?
-Okay. All right.
-Okay. I love you.
-Okay. Love you, too.
-I love you. Bye.
Okay. Bye.
Greg Wittle.
Bjorn wants to see you.
-Okay, Ill be right there.
-
-
-
Hey, Wittle.
-Hey.
-
Taking the day off in here?
No.
I was just getting off a call.
Heard the boss wants to see you.
Yeah, Im headed down there
right now.
I just was speaking with...
What you got there?
Nothing, nothing.
No, its just kind of private,
sort of a...
-Oh, oh.
-Oh, shit.
-Thats okay. Thats all right.
-Im sorry, man.
Thats okay. Yeah.
Just let me get this phone call.
Sorry.
Now, Mr. Wittle.
-Im... Okay.
Im... Be there momentarily.
Could you get that door
for me, please?
-What seems to be the problem?
-Im sorry youre having...
To refill
your prescription, press eight.
For the...
Please enter
the prescription number
plus the five numbers
after the dash.
You entered prescription number
eight, nine, seven,
nine, seven, eight, four, four,
five, five, nine, zero,
one, one, two.
If this is correct, press one.
We have no record of
-prescription number eight,
nine... -
...seven, nine, seven, eight,
-four, four, five...
- Sorry.
Yeah, hes on a tight schedule.
I understand,
and Im coming down right now.
Im just wrapping up a call.
Thank you.
...number, press eight.
For the pharmacy department,
press one.
Pharmacy.
-Hi.
Its Greg Wittle, and theres...
Im having a little problem
refilling this prescription.
You can only refill five times.
-You need a new script
from your doctor. -Uh...
I understand. Ive only
refilled it four times.
You have to count the first one
in the five, sir.
But why... But that wasnt
a refill, the first one.
Can you hold on just one second?
-Im just... Hold on.
-
Mr. Wittle.
-Racing out the door.
Understood. Sorry.
Goodbye. Thank you.
-
Would it be poss... Hello?
-Hel...
-
-
-
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
What seems to be the problem?
Hi, Doris. Sorry.
Follow me.
He must have stepped out.
You can sit there.
-
Greg Wittle. How are you, buddy?
Good. Good, Bjorn.
Thank you.
Look, uh, Im gonna
cut to the chase.
Our Indian counterparts
are crushing us,
autobots are screwing us,
-and a lot of this is
because of you, man. -What?
Wheres your head been?
Have you been drawing pictures
of your dream house
instead of answering the phone?
-Is that what that note...
-What time is it?
Im sorry?
Thats how
you shouldve led this.
You buried the lede, buddy.
We always start with "sorry"
here at Technical Difficulties.
Look, uh, theres, uh,
no easy way
to tell you this, but...
...youre fired.
Greg, youre fired.
Greg?
The inside of your head
must be amazing.
This is the beginning
of your new life.
Bjorn?
Yo, Ill be done in a moment!
Is he not here?
Not yet.
-
Toilets all you.
Well, Im gonna get some lunch,
and he can give me a call
when he gets back.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre
having technical difficulties.
-Im sorry youre having...
-Im sorry youre having...
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre
having technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
What seems to be the problem?
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
What seems to be the problem?
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre
having technical difficulties.
-Im sorry youre having...
-Im sorry youre having...
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-What seems to be the problem?
-Im sorry youre having...
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-
-
Can I get a whiskey?
Double.
-No ice.
-You got it, Greggo.
Be right back.
-Ill start you a tab.
-Great.
-
Youre real.
Sorry?
You know youre real, right?
I was just waiting for...
Im sorry, do I know you?
You deflected my powers.
Im sorry?
Stop apologizing.
Im not apologizing.
I dont hear you.
I cant understand
what youre saying.
I dont recognize you.
I-I-I dont know you.
Its always blurry at first.
Im Isabel.
Come sit with me.
Im-Im fine.
Im just gonna have my drink.
Thank you.
You need an alibi, dont you?
What?
Interesting view.
Your next step is
extremely important.
You do not want to spend
this life in prison.
That would be very, very bad.
Look at me.
I am going to help you because,
personally, I feel a little bit
responsible for your situation.
Why do you feel responsible?
Lets just say its kind of
my fault this world exists.
Dont worry about it.
Its gonna be okay.
Im gonna fix it.
But first, you need to do
something for me.
I have a boyfriend-- an ex.
Hes a real asshole,
and hes in the bathroom.
Okay.
He has something
that belongs to me.
Are you even listening to me?
Yes.
-About your boyfriend.
-Ex.
He has my amulet necklace,
and I need it back.
Why cant you use your powers
on your boyfriend?
Because hes real,
like you and I.
You keep saying "real."
What do you mean by "real"?
You see all these people
outside?
Theyre not real.
The bartender-- not real.
Nothing, nothing,
nothing of this is real.
Theres very few of us.
I think you need help.
No, you need help.
Get me my necklace,
and I will fix
the problem for you, Greg.
How do you know my name?
I took it from your mind.
Im just kidding.
The bartender just said it
like a minute ago.
Come on, Greg.
What have you got to lose?
Why is this necklace
so important?
It contains
special yellow crystals
with the power
to manipulate this fake world.
Well done. That was fast.
Did he give you any trouble?
No, he was just passed out.
Really? Great.
Get back in there
and get the wallet.
Drinks on him.
No, I can... I got money.
He owes me.
Okay, guapo.
Time to solve your problem.
You deserve a clean break.
Okay.
Im gonna fix it.
Hey.
You see this?
The world is simply light
bouncing around your neurons.
Its manufactured and malleable.
Youre free.
-
He jumped!
-He jumped! He jumped!
-No.
He jumped out of the window!
Right there.
He just fucking
committed suicide
-in the middle of the day!
-What?
What were you doing in the bar?
Nothing.
I was just getting a snack.
-I was just...
-Lets go.
-Did you do that?
-Did what?
A dozen witnesses saw him
jump out of the window,
and then saw you walk out
of the bar across the street.
-Convinced yet?
I forgot my wallet.
-
-Forget about it.
-No, no, I can go back.
-Im innocent, right?
-You cant go back.
You have to lay low for a while
till the case closes.
But you said yourself that
they saw me at the bar--
the witnesses.
-Exactly.
-
Let them do the talking.
Last thing you need is
to be in a dark room,
bright light on your face,
with the Five-O tripping you up,
because you will
for sure fuck it up.
Just lay low.
You have a phone?
Yeah. Why?
...inequality
of income and wealth
has surged in recent years.
Protestors are...
Well use science
to shape policy.
Not everyone is convinced.
It doesnt make any sense.
Bjorn was happy.
He wasnt depressed.
Its not possible.
The most likely cause of death
is suicide,
although police have not
ruled out foul play.
Yo. Phone.
Hi. Im Dad, and this is...
Emily.
And whos the one on your shirt?
This is... Turtleistic.
Thats perfect.
-Thats great.
- Turtleistic.
-Cute.
- Turtleistic.
-How much for this?
-Ill give you 60 bucks.
-Done.
ID.
I dont have a wallet.
I... Can you use yours?
Can she use hers?
Ten.
I mean, better than
tossing it on the trash can.
Oh, for sure,
but they just grind you
on that no-ID thing.
-Did you know that?
-No.
I dont have a phone.
Im not that stupid.
-Wh-Where are we going?
-Were going here,
where youll be safe
until the case closes.
Welcome to my home
away from home.
And this is my Ophelia.
Its okay, baby.
I cant stay here.
Are you homeless?
Is this legal or...
You know, I really
appreciate your help.
Im sorry, I think Im gonna go.
And where are you going?
Im gonna go home.
Well, Im staying in a motel,
so Ill go back
to the motel room,
but I dont have the key
cause thats in my wallet,
but Ill just... Well, no,
cause my IDs there also
and my money.
So I dont have my ID
or the money,
but maybe theyll remember me.
Hopefully,
theyll remember me and...
Dude, youre homeless.
The reason why
Im not going home
is because
Im recently divorced.
Okay, then just stick around
until things cool off,
and then you can go get
your wallet,
get yourself a house
or a new wife,
whatever it is
that you want to do.
I do have a television.
You can watch the news there
on mute.
-You have electricity?
-Yeah, and water.
See, Im not homeless,
just off the grid.
I am offering you
a safe place to hide out.
Take it or leave it.
Okay? Im not gonna be begging.
Its not like I enjoy
your company or anything.
"No foul play"?
Do you see what that says?
-Yeah.
-Huh?
You are officially free.
Well, I...
Thank you. Thank you. I will...
I will get out of your hair now.
Thats it?
So eager to walk out the door.
No, no, Im not. I...
Are you cooking something?
Just stir-fry. Nothing.
Well, I like...
Do you have any extra?
To your innocence.
Innocence.
I do feel bad about Bjorn.
Of course you feel bad.
Well, cause he was... you know,
he was not a horrible guy.
He could be a... actually,
a pretty nice guy sometimes.
He let us wear shorts
sometimes to work.
You know, in-in the summertime.
No, I understand. I mean...
I understand how you must feel.
You killed a nice guy
that let you wear the shorts.
And you think its real.
But you know what?
You just have to observe
the feeling and then let it go.
I want to show you something
really cool.
Take this lighter.
And you see those candles
over there?
Wave it at the candles.
Well done.
Oh, it wasnt that hard.
Now try to do it
without the lighter.
You like that?
Are you kidding me?
Mm.
Beautiful.
Well, bravo.
Now that youve created
such a fantastic atmosphere,
shall we dine?
Do tell me about
this dream home.
Its just this persistent
fantasy that I cant shake
where Im always drawing this...
little abode
thats on a peninsula,
and I completely get lost in it.
Show it to me.
You have the drawings?
Lets see.
Im impressed.
Its very precise.
Well, thats the thing.
Its easy for me
to do the detail,
cause I see it
so clearly in my mind.
Right theres the path
that leads out to just
sort of like a little room
that just has a great view
of these mountains here.
You love the pool.
Yeah, thats part
of an old ruin.
And can you see
the hotel right there?
It has an observatory.
The Hotel Pleiades.
Pleiades.
Yeah, thats a cluster of stars.
In my mind, it feels real.
I can see it.
Greg, where do you think
this is?
Where is it?
Well, its right in
the brain-powered mind
of Greg Wittle.
- What?
And whos this?
Kind of forgot
that one was in there.
That is me.
Look at her face.
You drew me.
Greg, this is not a fantasy.
This is our real life,
outside of here.
No, come on.
How can that be...
But you know that...
-Shh.
-How... Did you...
Let it be bigger
than your comprehension.
Youre my guy.
Im your guy?
Youre my guy.
Kiss me.
So, what, your phone
doesnt work anymore?
Well, I knew
youd try to avoid me.
We need to talk about Dad.
I-I need your help.
I-I want to find him.
I want him to come
to my graduation.
Just let it go, Emmy, okay?
Follow Moms lead.
No.
I think itd be good for him.
Think itd be good
for all of us.
Did he not bring your ass to,
like, every baseball practice?
I hated baseball.
-
Who taught you
how to skateboard?
He did.
I remember.
I remember how many times
he busted his ass
trying to teach me shit
-and trying to impress me.
-
I mean, I busted my ass, too,
but he ate shit
way more than a few times.
So, can you just, like...
hold on to that?
Help me find him.
I cant.
Sorry.
I just cant trust him anymore.
"Hey, Dad, hows your back?"
"Its okay. Its actually
my knee thats bothering me."
"Really? Cause I thought
you fixed that already."
-"Oh, no. You must be thinking
about my shoulder." -Stop that.
"Okay, your shoulder. Is it the
left one or the right one, Dad?
-"What about next week? Is your
ankle gonna go?" -Stop it.
-"Well, its always something
with you, Dad." -Stop it!
Mm-mm.
through these eyes
morning light
-
Douchebag!
-
-
-Hey! Creep.
-Nice.
Down!
Judgmental bitch. Take her down.
What?
Do it.
-No.
-Shes not real.
Get her.
-
-Go!
-
Yeah!
Whoa. Whoa! Whoa, whoa!
through these eyes...
I dont have to feel guilty
about Bjorn!
Cut through those illusions!
-
Oh. Stop!
-
There you go.
Isabel. Hey.
Ask me if I gave them my name.
-Mm.
-Ask me.
-Did you give them your name?
-No!
-No way! Come on!
-No!
I didnt give them
your name, either.
They cant fuck with you
-if you have no name, right?
-They dont need it.
You okay?
Im good.
How do I seem?
Good, right?
Yeah.
Im a little disoriented,
but in a good way.
Dont worry about that.
Hey, are you hungry?
Lets go eat!
Hi.
- Hi.
Have you seen my dad?
Thats what he looks like.
Havent seen him.
I think he might have been
staying here a few weeks ago.
No. Sorry.
Its your turn. Come on.
- Wait up. Yo.
-Hey, yo, D.
-Yo.
-Thank you.
-
No, I dont think so.
Well, if you do see him,
-will you please call me?
-Yeah.
-Thank you so much.
-Yeah.
Were organizing a march.
Situations gotten out of hand.
Come if you can.
Yeah, Ill be there.
Get me a chicken sandwich
and some fries, okay?
Ill see you in there.
You go ahead.
-And a soda?
-Yeah, and a soda.
You got it.
Yo, what can I get for you?
Can I get two
artisanal chicken sandwiches,
two large fries
and two sodas, please?
Thatll be 12.76.
Uh, okay,
my friends got my money.
Let me just...
I think Im just gonna
go ahead and order later.
Uh, all right.
Cause I want to get
everything together.
Yeah, no problem.
-Its just easier.
-Yeah. No problem.
Ill just get it later.
You want to go out, honey?
I need money.
-Come here, cutie.
-Hey, come here.
-Did you hear what I said?
-
Its expired,
but that dont mean much.
We have to toss food after
two hours on the shelf, so...
-Okay, thanks.
-Yeah.
Its a little cold,
but its good.
I dont mind cold food.
Lets go find Kendo
and get the amulet refilled.
Well, thats
the funny thing about accents is
sometimes they can sound strong,
depending on the region
that youre in.
But if youre not from
that region, then it just...
This is where you wait.
Ill be back.
-Here?
-Yeah.
Dont move.
Hi, honey.
Whos the new guy?
Dont want to talk about it.
Hes cute.
Im here for some yellows.
Fill it up.
You really broke my heart.
You know that.
Get to work.
I have real feelings.
Hey, you want some mud? Junk?
Skag?
-Oh, no. No, no, Im good.
-Black pearl?
-Gato? Caballo?
-Im all right.
Hey, man, whatever. Your loss.
-
...instead of waiting around
to collect
government handouts...
You sure he went
west on San Fernando?
I-I-- No, Im not sure.
I never said I was sure.
I see him. Sir, can you just
pull over right here?
And can you just wait
for one minute?
-Dad?
-
Dad.
Emily?
Hi.
- Oh, my gosh.
How are you?
What are you doing here?
-I, um...
-Is everything okay?
Um...
Im sorry, it has been...
its been a crazy few days.
I need you to come
with me right now.
-Okay?
-Yes, of course.
-Okay.
-Gosh, yes. Yeah, sure.
-Okay, come on.
-No, but...
Can we wait just a moment?
I just...
Im just waiting for...
Im waiting for someone,
for a friend.
And then were gonna go.
Dad.
Please.
Hurry the fuck up, Kendo.
I have to do this correctly.
And I have places to be.
Graduation.
Oh, my God.
I did not forget,
and Im definitely
gonna be there.
And I want to take you
and Arthur to Cliffs Edge
with your mother,
if shell allow it.
I already graduated, Dad.
What?
Like two weeks ago.
Its okay.
Its okay.
Here, I-Im gonna...
I have so many...
...thoughts
I wish you could see.
Im gonna leave you with...
Um, Im gonna leave you
with this.
Its my phone number, okay?
-Okay.
-Just call me when youre ready.
Is he real?
Wouldnt you like to know.
Who was that?
Hey. Who was that?
Thats my daughter.
Ignore her. Shes not real.
-Why would you say that?
-Because its the truth.
What do you want me to say?
Im not making this shit up.
Lets just get off the street
and have some of this.
Actually,
I dont think I want any.
I dont think I want to have
any special powers right now.
Fine, dont.
Its not like anybodys
twisting your arm or anything.
No, Im not saying
that you are...
You think you can just walk
through my neighborhood
tax-free?
Oh.
Dont worry about me, huh?
Im fine.
I dont know about you, though.
Dont walk away from me.
Isabel, come on.
-Here, give me one of those.
-I thought you didnt want any.
Yeah, people make mistakes.
I made a mistake.
Dont make me beg.
Isabel, please, come on.
Hey, hey, thats...
Thats all we have.
Give me that.
Oh, dude!
Look at you.
Youre like
the telekinetic warrior!
Okay, Greg.
Okay, its okay, its okay.
Isabel!
Isabel.
Isabel!
Think fast, Greggo.
Oh, yeah.
Good on you, bud.
Hello. Youve reached Emily.
Leave me a message.
Hey, its Dad, and, um,
I am, um, just trying
to reach you.
Um, you might not
recognize this number.
Im calling from a pay phone.
But I will try you back.
I dont have my cell phone,
so Ill try you back.
All right, thank you.
-Where the fuck were you?
-Hey!
I thought you left me! I...
No, you werent here
when I woke up!
I didnt know where you were!
I-I left you a note!
No, I didnt see any note.
-What is this?
-No, I didnt...
-I didnt see that.
-What is this?
I-I did not see it.
-"Be right back."
-Yes, I didnt see it.
"Kisses, hug, kisses, hug,
Isabel. Love."
Im sorry.
-
I went to...
I went to get fertilizer
for Ophelia.
Okay. I...
Yeah, when I woke up,
I was yelling, "Isabel..."
Where are the yellows?
-Uh, they...
-
Somebodys been
in our place, Greg.
The-the-the yellows are missing.
And-and they... they took
the-the drawings of our house.
No, no, I took those.
I got em. Theyre right here.
Look, I got em.
Theyre right here.
Why?
Why did you...
Why did you take them away?
No, I...
Its our memory of our house.
-I just wanted to look at them.
-Are you trying to forget?
No, Im not trying to forget.
I just wanted to look at them.
Did you take them
because youre leaving?
No!
I didnt. I-I felt...
I felt self-conscious
having them there,
cause its like a...
Did you see her?
No.
Tell me the truth.
-I didnt see her.
-Why you have that in there?
-I-I did not...
-Did you call her?
No. I-I thought about it,
but I didnt.
I didnt... I...
I didnt see her.
I tried, but-but I-I...
Why is it such a terrible thing?
Its not supposed
to be happening.
-Isabel...
-I didnt see her.
-I dont understand.
I didnt see her.
Im really worried
about you, Greg.
-Im really worried about you.
-Okay.
-Youre...
-Im okay.
Youre getting sucked
into the illusion,
and youre dragging me
in with you.
I know this is not real,
and I can barely breathe,
and-and my stomach is turning,
and my skin hurts,
-and I feel like Im drowning.
-Isabel, its okay, just...
And I know this is not real.
You are getting seduced
by the simulation,
and Im losing you.
I-I think maybe we should
just stop hanging out.
Youre my soul mate.
You cant just walk away
and think that
you can disconnect from me.
If you could see the difference
between whats real
and whats illusion,
youd know that.
And youre supposed
to know that by now.
How am I supposed to know?
Y-Youre the one telling me
hes real and shes not real,
and then I have to take
your word for it, right?
Thats really your trick,
is it forces me
-to depend on you.
-No.
No, no, no. It makes me...
Its very clever.
It makes me believe in you.
But guess what,
I dont believe in you.
Ive never believed in you.
How could someone believe you?
Tell me something
that makes me believe in you.
-Show me something.
-Okay.
Okay, I get it.
You... you have to see it
for yourself.
See what?
We have to take
a special kind of crystal,
different from the yellows.
They are very rare.
I got them from Kendo.
Theyre blue crystals.
Its an exit mechanism.
They will eject us
from this simulation.
We have to take ten each.
Two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
One, two, three,
four, five, six.
Shit.
Is-is that enough?
Fuck it. Well take the chance.
Where-where did you get
the measurement from?
Its theoretical.
I think well be fine.
It has to be taken
through the nose.
Come.
Come on, baby.
We have to exit
this stupid simulation.
Is it safe?
Kind of.
Dr. Clemens, you okay?
Yes, were okay, Liang.
Dont panic.
We ejected the brainbox
on purpose.
Dr. Wittle formed an unhealthy
attachment to an FGP again,
and he was dragging me with him.
Oh. And your exit mechanism?
Blue algorithm, as expected.
But this time, it was
no easy task to get crystals.
Thank God that Kendo
has developed
such a talent for finding them.
Well, if you dont
mind me asking,
what did this one feel like?
It wasnt war
or extreme poverty,
but, hell, it was icky.
Im so glad to...
be able to breathe
this fresh air.
-Please disconnect Dr. Wittle.
-Okay.
Hello, Dr. Wittle.
You feeling okay?
I feel okay.
Well... this...
should get your electrolytes up.
Thank you.
What is it?
Lime Gatorade.
Yeah.
Easy does it. There we go.
Theres my guy.
Welcome home.
Whats a FGP?
Note the memory gap.
You said "FGP." You were...
Yes, its short for
"fake generated person."
Only these volunteers are real.
Did you save our incarnations?
Mm, theyre automatically
in the cloud.
Uh, shall I get it going now?
Give us a couple of hours.
Im taking Dr. Wittle to lunch.
Sounds good. Ill be here.
Some FGPs are
more convincing than others.
What do you think?
I think this place
is overwhelming.
Good overwhelming
or bad overwhelming?
Great overwhelming.
-Whats with all the...
What is with the-the hologram
or the-the ghost people?
Oh. Telepresence.
Its all the rage these days.
Hello, Dr. Clemens.
Dr. Wittle.
Hows the research coming?
Its getting there.
Any problems
we should be aware of?
No.
-Mm. Mm.
-Lovely to see you.
-That was quite a look
she was giving you. -
-Any problems I should
be aware of? -
Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah, Im good, Im good.
Would you like to take
the scenic route?
Yes.
Now, why am I not
remembering any of this?
Dont worry about it.
Sometimes it happens
to the volunteers.
To some of them, anyway.
Itll wear off.
Think fast, Greggo.
-Hi. Oh.
Good on you, bud. Mm!
Oh, put that brain boner away.
We got to get some olive oil.
-Oh, no, Greg.
-Yes.
-No, we have gallons
of it at home. -Yes.
Home?
I cant believe it.
I told you.
Hotel Pleiades.
Yeah.
What a fantastic name
for a hotel
that has its own observatory.
"Play at ease."
How did this whole world
come to be?
Your memorys not back.
No.
Is that bad?
I was so scared to lose you.
I made an irresponsible
and stupid decision.
We shouldnt have exited
like that,
without the appropriate
dosage and...
Maybe it might...
it might not come back.
Who cares?
I love not remembering
this place,
because I get to
discover it all again.
Im walking around
just like a newborn,
experiencing all of this beauty
for the first time.
I just want to know, is it...
where did it come from?
Has it always been like this?
This place was actually
much worse
than the one we just exited.
It got so bad.
I mean,
pollution was to a degree
that people would just
drop dead on the street,
and the level of poverty
was insufferable. It...
I cant...
Looking at this,
I cant picture that.
I mean, what happened?
Three things.
Just three things?
-Mm. Yeah.
-Okay.
-Can you guess?
-No.
-Oh, come on.
-I dont know.
Automation,
synthetic biology
and asteroid mining.
I wasnt gonna guess that.
Oh, I have... Oh, wait.
Im gonna get your memory back.
Im gonna get your mem...
Im gonna trigger that memory.
-Youre coming back. Watch this.
-
Im scared.
Yes!
Ta-da!
The Thought Visualizer.
You dont remember your baby?
This is your invention.
I invented that?
Oh, its, like, super popular
in very small circles.
Give it a try.
What is it?
A Thought... Visualizer.
Okay, but I dont know
what that is.
Okay, introduce yourself.
Hello.
Im Greg Wittle.
Strawberries.
A dinosaur...
swimming in the ocean.
A cheetah chasing a gazelle.
-A volcano.
-
Oh, my favorite one.
Do my favorite one. Say...
"Were in a pickle."
Were in a pickle.
-
I love it.
But you know what?
This is not just a toy.
Its amazing
for illustrating things.
Sit up straight
and pay attention, Dr. Wittle.
Science saved the world.
Synthetic biology fixed
all the environmental problems.
And asteroid mining
brought mountains of new money.
And the guy that had the company
for the asteroid mining...
-That guy.
-Yeah.
He just started giving
all this free money away.
I mean, every single person here
gets a base of 500,000K a year.
And, of course, then the robots,
they started doing
all the boring
and tedious tasks.
We had the freedom and the time
to explore our passions:
science, art, whatever,
whatever you wanted.
We went from a broken world
to a beautiful, sustainable,
safe, peaceful Earth.
You have to admit,
this is spectacular.
Yes.
-But you know what?
-What?
The thing is that...
its amazing how easy
humans can get used to
even something spectacular.
Most people say,
"Ignorance is bliss,"
but I say...
you have to experience the good
to appreciate the bad.
No, the other way around.
Exactly.
So thats where
the brainbox comes from.
It works.
You really mean that?
-Yes.
-You really think it works?
Im sitting here.
I couldnt be more...
I couldnt be more grateful.
Greg.
Lets go for a swim.
-Oh, we cant.
-Yes, we can.
-No, we have to go back.
-No.
No, we have to go
back to the lab.
We will, in a little bit.
Come on.
No, I have to take this
very seriously.
I know.
Im taking it seriously, too.
But you cant just give me
a bite of an apple
-and then show it and then take
it away. -I already messed up.
Give me another...
give me another couple bites.
-I already exited before it was
over because of you. -I know.
Listen, listen, listen,
listen, listen, listen, listen.
We are gonna go back.
Were just gonna
just crunch into this apple
-for a few more days, and then
were going back. -
But first, were gonna swim.
Come on.
Im scared.
-Shut up.
-
Just shut the fuck up.
Just one day.
One more day.
Thats it.
Whoo!
Careful.
-
Is there a little bit
of a shindig going on?
-A what?
-Soiree.
A fiesta.
Oh, yes!
The mixer!
Artists and scientists
get together twice a month,
and I forgot it was today.
Oh, whos having
the memory problem now, honey?
Now, dont worry, it happens
to some of the volunteers.
-It should come back, hopefully.
-Cllate.
So, is this how you imagined it?
Hmm? The Hotel Pleiades?
Mm!
Thanks.
Its so nice, huh?
Hi.
-Dr. Clemens.
-
-Oh, Dr. Nye.
-Its so good to see you.
-Thanks for taking the time.
-Yes.
Hope youre having a good time.
Were having a great time.
You remember Greg?
Dr. Wittle?
-Yes, Greg.
-Yes, we ordered one of
your Thought Visualizers.
Its a lot of fun.
-Have you ever said to it,
"Im in a pickle"? -Yeah.
-Have you ever done that?
-We...
Its so good.
No, listen, "Im in a pickle."
-Next time, you try it.
-Okay.
Its amazing.
-Well, you two look so good.
- Thank you.
-So do you. -Uh, thank you
for taking the time.
Oh, this?
- Yes.
I throw it on
when I dont care how I look.
-Now, carry on, you crazy kids.
-Okay.
-Thank you.
-Enjoy.
-Thanks.
He got your Thought Visualizer.
Wow. Oh, wow.
Now Im impressed.
Maybe, just maybe, hell...
is not such a horrible place.
Whenever I hear about,
"Oh, my God,
boiling oil in hell,"
my first expectation is
wild partying, barbecue,
-sexual orgies, alcohol,
and so on and so on. -
What if this is
the real life in hell?
And what if, in hell,
from time to time,
some devils representative
comes to the people having a
good time there and tells them,
"Listen, guys, now we will be
for a quarter of an hour
observed by heaven, so please
pretend that you suffer."
-Hey, Im glad
I caught you alone. -Yeah.
Theres something
I want to tell you.
Word on the street is
thereve been problems
with Isabels research.
You heard anything?
You know anything about that?
No, I...
Ive gotten a good feeling.
Okay.
We all want her to succeed,
but this is her reputation
on the line.
-What did he say?
-
What did he want?
What did he say to you?
He said that everybody
really wants you to succeed.
-Really? -I dont think
thats a bad thing
that everybody wants you
to succeed.
Ah, then why didnt you
tell me what he was saying?
This is bullshit.
You think I believe that?
-You think Im stupid?
-Isabel, he came up to me...
You think I dont know that
these people are laughing at me?
What the fuck
are you looking at?
Isabel. Isabel.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Nobody here believes in me.
-They want you to succeed.
-Yeah, right.
Dont say "nobody here."
Im here.
-Youre taking their side!
-Listen.
Im here, and I believe in you.
Right?
I believe in everything
that youre doing.
Your patience with me
is a thing of beauty.
Lets get out of here.
My grandmother used to say,
"The universe is sitting
on the back of a tortoise."
And I would ask Granny,
"What is that tortoise
standing on?"
She replied
with quite confidence,
"Another tortoise.
"And that one stands
on another tortoise.
And that one, another tortoise."
It turns out
its turtles all the way down.
I wouldnt go near him, maam.
He could be unpredictable.
Whew.
Its a little cold.
Was not expecting that.
Complaining already.
Im fine. Its just chilly.
I get one shot at this.
One shot.
Im gonna show these arrogant,
patronizing son of a bitches
that access to the brainbox--
its a human right.
Publish now. Stop being afraid.
Just get it out there
and let people decide then.
We have to go back
into the brainbox, Greg.
I need complete data.
We need to finish the cycle.
You have enough data, Isabel.
Not to mention the fact
that Im not going back in.
Just stop doubting yourself.
Why do you care so much
what they think?
Put it out there.
Theyre gonna think its great.
And if they dont...
And if they dont?
Then here we are,
right here, together.
Werent you telling me
that we were soul mates?
Would you let me
interview you onstage?
It would be my honor.
Our presenter,
Dr. Isabel Clemens,
pioneered brainbox simulations,
ugly, simulated worlds
that users can jack into
in order to generate
appreciation for the real world.
-Dr. Clemens.
-
Thank you very much.
What is bliss?
Bliss is not a feeling.
Its not a place.
Bliss is a state of mind
that can only be achieved
by understanding the contrast
with the opposite state of mind.
But the proof is in the pudding.
Please meet my pudding,
Dr. Wittle.
Please take a seat, Dr. Wittle.
Before we have a volunteer
connected to the brainbox,
we always ask
a series of questions.
And now I will ask Dr. Wittle
the same questions
so we can compare his responses
to the previous ones.
Dr. Wittle,
how do you feel right now?
I feel great.
Im happy to be here.
And thank you
for the nice reception.
Dr. Wittle... -Yes.
...how do you feel right now?
Fine. Great.
Yeah, sure.
I mean, is that really
the first question,
or are we just bullshitting
till you start?
Any complaints, Dr. Wittle?
No. None at all.
I feel like Ive died
and gone to heaven.
Without the dying part.
Dr. Wittle...
-Yes.
-...do you have any complaints?
Other than being your lab rat?
Just the usual
ups and downs of life.
Um...
I mean, can I... should I
be petty for a second?
Im a little frustrated.
I cant get
the pool temperature,
you know, to work.
I mean, how fucking difficult
is it to get a pool heated
to, uh, something where you
dont feel like youre joining
the Polar Bear Club
when you jump in?
Dr. Wittle,
do you feel like
you are lacking anything
or anyone
in your life right now?
Dr. Wittle?
Greg.
I dont feel like
Im lacking anything.
Dr. Wittle.
-Yes, Dr. Clemens.
Do you feel like
you are lacking anything
or anyone
in your life right now?
Thats a...
thats a dumb question.
Im kidding. Im just joking.
Please answer and be honest.
-Thats how this works.
- Okay.
Thats how this works.
Um... yes.
Yeah, there is
something missing,
but I dont want
to talk about it.
Well, as you can see,
this once frustrated
and grumpy man...
...is now a man
full of wonder and...
...and appreciation
and a hunger for tasting
every breath of life.
Thank you. Thank you.
-
Congratulations, Isabel.
You proved everybody wrong.
Thank you so much.
Listen, I read your thesis,
and Im gonna submit it
to nature and science magazines
and hope they put it
on the cover.
-Its fantastic.
-Oh...
-I dont know what to say.
-Hang on.
There may be a chaired position
in your future.
Oh, I have to tell Greg.
Has anybody seen Dr. Wittle?
-Thank you.
-Sure.
-Hey.
-And for you, sir?
-Cabernet Sauvignon.
-
Champagne.
Wait. What...
Excuse me.
Wait, let me just say hello.
Dr. Clemens.
-Hey.
Where did the initial idea
come from?
What was the germ?
-Yeah...
-Yes, congratulations, Doctor.
Thank you. Thank you
very much. -Lovely work.
Um, I got to go
find someone right now.
Hey, please, just stop.
I just want... I just want
to hear your voice.
Are...
Are you really here
in this place?
Yes.
Im here with you.
So youre real.
Yes, Im real.
Youre in Isabels study?
Youre in Dr. Clemens study?
Youre one of the volunteers?
-My name is Emily.
-No, I know.
Im Emily.
I know who you are,
but how are you out here
in the real world?
Im your daughter.
I dont think I have
a real daughter
out here in the real world.
Your name is Greg Wittle.
You have a son and a daughter.
Arthur and Emily.
Youre not thinking clearly
because your heads
not on straight.
Ive been to your tent, Daddy.
Its okay.
Yeah, its just hard
to figure out whats what.
Cause it starts to feel
like theres, like...
its almost like
a trick being played.
Um...
When I was six,
you, uh... you were
tucking me into bed, and...
I said, "Careful. Careful.
I dont want you
to mess up my braids."
And you said, "My love,
I cant mess up your brains.
Theyre inside your head,
protected by your skeleton."
And I said, "No, my braids, Dad.
My braids, not my brains."
Braids. Braids.
Braids, not brains.
You remember.
Yes, I remember.
Dr. Clemens,
tell us about the germ.
-What do you know about it?
-
Dr. Clemens posits that
these memory echoes
from the brainbox world
will fade away.
Theyre just a side effect from
not having enough blue crystals.
-
One of these days,
youre going to have to choose
between these worlds,
and maybe, somehow,
to you,
theyre both real.
So just... just...
...just do whats best
for you, okay?
Greg!
- Dr. Clemens!
-
Isabel!
Get off me!
Isabel!
Greg!
Greg! Greg!
-
Shit.
Did you see that?
I used the powers.
But thats impossible.
-This shouldnt work here.
-
-
Greg, this is really bad.
Povertys killing us!
We have to get to the lab!
We need more blue crystals.
But why would we go back in?
Thats a terrible idea.
We took eight instead of ten.
But you said
that was theoretical.
It was just an estimate.
Well, I guess I got that
little fucking detail wrong,
didnt I?
No, youve got to explain
anything to me!
This is what I know.
The brainbox cells
must have worked
their way into our head.
Its as if we are bringing
some of the simulation
here with us
even when were disconnected.
Okay, so how do we fix it?
By taking ten blue
crystals each. Liang, lets go.
But dont they have crystals
here in the lab?
They dont exist out here.
We need to go back.
Theyre only manufactured
inside of there.
Dr. Clemens, theres a problem.
The main brain gamma is low.
Liang, were leaving now!
Well, I can only make it
ride up for a couple seconds.
Are you ready?
Dr. Clemens,
what about the study?
Your mission?
Shut the fuck up
and press the button already!
Well deal with it later.
Baby!
Baby, were back in.
Come on.
Lets go find Kendo.
Kendo here?
-Youre not allowed in here.
-Zip it.
All right, you fake fucks.
Wheres Kendo? We need 20 blues.
-No ones got blues.
-Kendo will.
Where is he? Hmm?
-Where is he?
- Hey, hey. Whoa, whoa.
Lets start again.
Where is Kendo? Hmm?
Where is he?
Hey.
What are you doing alive?
Hey, Bjorn!
-Someone call security.
-Okay.
Im gonna get it. Guys!
I saw you fall out the window.
He jumped out the window!
You saw it, too!
He fell right over there,
-right out that window!
-Should I, should I call...
-Bjorn, look at me.
-Im out of here.
Look at me.
No, no, Im calm. Im calm.
-Do you want me to call her?
-You saw him.
-Greg, get some food.
-What are you doing?
Dont do that to me!
-Come on, come on, come on...
-No, no. Just tell me why!
-Here...
-Now! Now! Move!
Lets go! Come on!
I found Kendo.
Bjorns alive.
My boss is alive.
-Did you see that?
-Oh, my God.
Thats an FGP.
They rebooted him! Come on.
Kendos at Doc Henrys?
No, but our car is.
Fake, fake, fake!
Hello, beauties.
Has anybody got some Tabasco?
Tabasco? Bitch, what the fuck
you talking about?
Mace.
For the bad boys.
Get out of here
with your fucked-up teeth.
Give this bitch a toothbrush.
Yeah, I got fucked-up teeth,
but I also got a 20.
Give it to me. Who has it?
Fake, fake, fake, fake!
Real!
Hey, blondie, two for one.
Hey.
You in the mood?
Its the only reason
I come to this shithole.
So, what is it gonna be?
Uh, lets have a BJ
and a finger in the butt.
-Sure.
- All right.
-Let me get my lipstick.
-All right.
-
No, no, the wallet! The wallet!
Yes! Blues!
-Here we go!
-
Look what I found.
-
Yes!
Okay, philosophical question:
Kendos real,
so if Kendo... if he...
Yeah, Kendo is real,
but if he dies here,
he doesnt die out there.
Im not gonna do
anything to him.
Stop looking at me that way.
Dr. Clemens.
Kendo, we need blue crystals.
I dont have time
to explain it to you,
but shits falling apart
one level up.
-Give them to me. Go get them!
-Okay.
Okay, sure, you got it.
Go get them!
-Now!
-Okay.
I have them on me, right here...
Ah, fuck!
Dr. Clemens, what are you doing?
-Hey. Hey!
-I thought he went for a gun,
but he actually did have them.
-Sorry, Kendo.
-Sorry?
I mean, it starts to feel like
youre making this up
as you go along, that...
Hes fine.
Maybe just a mild stomachache,
but hes fine.
-
Police!
Go!
-Hold it!
-Stay where you are!
- Go this way!
Stop!
This is fake.
-This is fake. This is fake.
-
Come on, cant you run faster?
This is way too much running.
Cant we just take
the blues here?
No, we need to get the device
to take it through the nose.
We need to get to the tarp home.
Why didnt we get it
before we started
shooting people?
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry.
Okay, okay.
I got a call.
He was panhandling
outside of his old office.
Will you come with me, please?
I need you.
We need to take ten each.
Theres not enough!
What do you mean?
-Theres not enough!
-Count em again.
Theres not enough!
-Come out with your hands up.
-What?
Were so fucked!
Oh, my God.
Okay, what does it mean?
-Were fucked.
-Yeah, what does it mean?
Were so fucked.
It means that one of us
gets to go home
-and the other one gets stuck
in this place. -Why? No, no.
-Im not staying here.
-We go to...
-to jail and-and...
-No. No, no, no, no.
-...for good.
-Listen to me.
I have to go.
Okay? I cant stay here.
Dont worry. Its okay.
Its okay.
We see you behind the tree.
-You-you take it.
-Okay.
And youre gonna be okay, right?
Okay.
Im gonna...
-Maybe we can split it.
-Go, go.
No, no, it wont work.
Go, go. Come on.
I have an idea.
What if you kill me?
Yeah. Look.
Take this.
Just crush my skull,
and then I meet you back there.
-Im not staying here.
-Thats bullshit.
Im not gonna do that.
-Why?
-What if it doesnt work?
What about Kendo?
Maybe I killed him.
I dont know.
I-I dont... I dont know
what to believe.
Oh, shit.
Fuck.
Were fucking surrounded?
Down there!
Get your men down there!
Lets go!
Were in a pickle.
Were in a pickle, baby.
Yeah, were in a pickle.
Okay. Lets go.
Youre not coming?
Im-a be right here.
Im here for you.
Thank you.
Fuck!
Shit.
This is horrible.
This is... this is
a fucking nightmare.
Its my fault.
I created this.
I created this shit.
Just me.
But its also kind of beautiful.
It is.
Look, I mean,
even with the cops coming
and with us running and just...
You know, everyones playing
their part, and were all...
like, we never know
how its gonna end.
One minute, were
roller-skating and laughing.
Remember?
Yeah, and then the next minute,
cant even afford a sandwich,
and then the next minute,
you never know.
Thats what I love about here
and what you created.
You dont know
whats gonna happen.
Its fucked-up.
And its great.
And Im not leaving.
Im not leaving.
Dad!
Dad!
Dad!
Keep an eye out!
Stay back! Stay back!
-No! No, no, no! Please wait!
No, wait! -Come on, go.
-Get in the car.
-Wait! Wait!
Dad!
Im sorry.
Shes beautiful.
Go.
Hey!
Come on, motherfuckers!
Lets go!
Drop whats in your hand.
Maam, show whats in your hand.
Hands in the air.
Let me see your hands.
This is, uh, Gregs first time.
Welcome, Greg.
In this house, theres no stigma
for what youre going through.
Every person on this planet
can relate
to wanting to chase bliss.
Its an open forum, so you can
say anything you want.
Were here to listen.
This woman says
shes my daughter.
And I believe her.
Hi, Dad.
Sorry Im late. I...
I saw these flowers
on the side of the road.
I thought they looked nice,
I guess.
Youre not late, Dad.
Youre here.
-
through these eyes
morning light
in the dark
in my head of a place.
Home.
A woman.
I dont know
if any of its real,
but it has a feeling,
and the feelings real.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-
Yeah. You know what?
Im gonna transfer you.
-Hold on.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-What seems to be the problem?
-
-
-Seriously, what the "F"?
Wittles not picking up
his phone again.
-Hi, my love.
- Hi.
Im so happy you called me back.
-Hows your shoulder?
-My shoulders good.
My leg is a little bit achy,
but Im taking the meds, so...
Enough about me. How are you?
Im good. Im good.
Um, I wanted to talk to you
about my graduation.
I cant believe
youre graduating.
Cant believe?
-Really? -Oh, its hard
to keep track of the time,
but Im...
Im really proud of you.
Uh, so, um, Mom is,
uh, shes getting a reservation
at Cliffs Edge.
-Okay.
-Um...
Mm-hmm. Thatll be nice.
Well, I want you to come.
D-Does she want me to come?
I want you to come, Dad.
Well, I wonder if maybe,
if I take you and your brother
out the next day and...
Are-are you not coming
to the ceremony?
Of course Im coming.
Im gonna be there
in the bleachers.
Im gonna see you in your...
cap and gown,
walking across there,
and be cheering.
I-I just... I-I dont want to...
I dont want to complicate
things with your mom and...
I know that I messed up,
and I just want this to be...
-the focus to be on... Yeah.
-Dad.
I have so many thoughts
I wish you could see.
-
Are-are you, are you sure
youre okay, Daddy?
Im...
Yes, Im better than okay.
Im great. I just...
Let me... let me...
How about I call you back?
-Okay. All right.
-Okay. I love you.
-Okay. Love you, too.
-I love you. Bye.
Okay. Bye.
Greg Wittle.
Bjorn wants to see you.
-Okay, Ill be right there.
-
-
-
Hey, Wittle.
-Hey.
-
Taking the day off in here?
No.
I was just getting off a call.
Heard the boss wants to see you.
Yeah, Im headed down there
right now.
I just was speaking with...
What you got there?
Nothing, nothing.
No, its just kind of private,
sort of a...
-Oh, oh.
-Oh, shit.
-Thats okay. Thats all right.
-Im sorry, man.
Thats okay. Yeah.
Just let me get this phone call.
Sorry.
Now, Mr. Wittle.
-Im... Okay.
Im... Be there momentarily.
Could you get that door
for me, please?
-What seems to be the problem?
-Im sorry youre having...
To refill
your prescription, press eight.
For the...
Please enter
the prescription number
plus the five numbers
after the dash.
You entered prescription number
eight, nine, seven,
nine, seven, eight, four, four,
five, five, nine, zero,
one, one, two.
If this is correct, press one.
We have no record of
-prescription number eight,
nine... -
...seven, nine, seven, eight,
-four, four, five...
- Sorry.
Yeah, hes on a tight schedule.
I understand,
and Im coming down right now.
Im just wrapping up a call.
Thank you.
...number, press eight.
For the pharmacy department,
press one.
Pharmacy.
-Hi.
Its Greg Wittle, and theres...
Im having a little problem
refilling this prescription.
You can only refill five times.
-You need a new script
from your doctor. -Uh...
I understand. Ive only
refilled it four times.
You have to count the first one
in the five, sir.
But why... But that wasnt
a refill, the first one.
Can you hold on just one second?
-Im just... Hold on.
-
Mr. Wittle.
-Racing out the door.
Understood. Sorry.
Goodbye. Thank you.
-
Would it be poss... Hello?
-Hel...
-
-
-
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
What seems to be the problem?
Hi, Doris. Sorry.
Follow me.
He must have stepped out.
You can sit there.
-
Greg Wittle. How are you, buddy?
Good. Good, Bjorn.
Thank you.
Look, uh, Im gonna
cut to the chase.
Our Indian counterparts
are crushing us,
autobots are screwing us,
-and a lot of this is
because of you, man. -What?
Wheres your head been?
Have you been drawing pictures
of your dream house
instead of answering the phone?
-Is that what that note...
-What time is it?
Im sorry?
Thats how
you shouldve led this.
You buried the lede, buddy.
We always start with "sorry"
here at Technical Difficulties.
Look, uh, theres, uh,
no easy way
to tell you this, but...
...youre fired.
Greg, youre fired.
Greg?
The inside of your head
must be amazing.
This is the beginning
of your new life.
Bjorn?
Yo, Ill be done in a moment!
Is he not here?
Not yet.
-
Toilets all you.
Well, Im gonna get some lunch,
and he can give me a call
when he gets back.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre
having technical difficulties.
-Im sorry youre having...
-Im sorry youre having...
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre
having technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
What seems to be the problem?
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
What seems to be the problem?
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
Im sorry youre
having technical difficulties.
-Im sorry youre having...
-Im sorry youre having...
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-What seems to be the problem?
-Im sorry youre having...
Im sorry youre having
technical difficulties.
-
-
Can I get a whiskey?
Double.
-No ice.
-You got it, Greggo.
Be right back.
-Ill start you a tab.
-Great.
-
Youre real.
Sorry?
You know youre real, right?
I was just waiting for...
Im sorry, do I know you?
You deflected my powers.
Im sorry?
Stop apologizing.
Im not apologizing.
I dont hear you.
I cant understand
what youre saying.
I dont recognize you.
I-I-I dont know you.
Its always blurry at first.
Im Isabel.
Come sit with me.
Im-Im fine.
Im just gonna have my drink.
Thank you.
You need an alibi, dont you?
What?
Interesting view.
Your next step is
extremely important.
You do not want to spend
this life in prison.
That would be very, very bad.
Look at me.
I am going to help you because,
personally, I feel a little bit
responsible for your situation.
Why do you feel responsible?
Lets just say its kind of
my fault this world exists.
Dont worry about it.
Its gonna be okay.
Im gonna fix it.
But first, you need to do
something for me.
I have a boyfriend-- an ex.
Hes a real asshole,
and hes in the bathroom.
Okay.
He has something
that belongs to me.
Are you even listening to me?
Yes.
-About your boyfriend.
-Ex.
He has my amulet necklace,
and I need it back.
Why cant you use your powers
on your boyfriend?
Because hes real,
like you and I.
You keep saying "real."
What do you mean by "real"?
You see all these people
outside?
Theyre not real.
The bartender-- not real.
Nothing, nothing,
nothing of this is real.
Theres very few of us.
I think you need help.
No, you need help.
Get me my necklace,
and I will fix
the problem for you, Greg.
How do you know my name?
I took it from your mind.
Im just kidding.
The bartender just said it
like a minute ago.
Come on, Greg.
What have you got to lose?
Why is this necklace
so important?
It contains
special yellow crystals
with the power
to manipulate this fake world.
Well done. That was fast.
Did he give you any trouble?
No, he was just passed out.
Really? Great.
Get back in there
and get the wallet.
Drinks on him.
No, I can... I got money.
He owes me.
Okay, guapo.
Time to solve your problem.
You deserve a clean break.
Okay.
Im gonna fix it.
Hey.
You see this?
The world is simply light
bouncing around your neurons.
Its manufactured and malleable.
Youre free.
-
He jumped!
-He jumped! He jumped!
-No.
He jumped out of the window!
Right there.
He just fucking
committed suicide
-in the middle of the day!
-What?
What were you doing in the bar?
Nothing.
I was just getting a snack.
-I was just...
-Lets go.
-Did you do that?
-Did what?
A dozen witnesses saw him
jump out of the window,
and then saw you walk out
of the bar across the street.
-Convinced yet?
I forgot my wallet.
-
-Forget about it.
-No, no, I can go back.
-Im innocent, right?
-You cant go back.
You have to lay low for a while
till the case closes.
But you said yourself that
they saw me at the bar--
the witnesses.
-Exactly.
-
Let them do the talking.
Last thing you need is
to be in a dark room,
bright light on your face,
with the Five-O tripping you up,
because you will
for sure fuck it up.
Just lay low.
You have a phone?
Yeah. Why?
...inequality
of income and wealth
has surged in recent years.
Protestors are...
Well use science
to shape policy.
Not everyone is convinced.
It doesnt make any sense.
Bjorn was happy.
He wasnt depressed.
Its not possible.
The most likely cause of death
is suicide,
although police have not
ruled out foul play.
Yo. Phone.
Hi. Im Dad, and this is...
Emily.
And whos the one on your shirt?
This is... Turtleistic.
Thats perfect.
-Thats great.
- Turtleistic.
-Cute.
- Turtleistic.
-How much for this?
-Ill give you 60 bucks.
-Done.
ID.
I dont have a wallet.
I... Can you use yours?
Can she use hers?
Ten.
I mean, better than
tossing it on the trash can.
Oh, for sure,
but they just grind you
on that no-ID thing.
-Did you know that?
-No.
I dont have a phone.
Im not that stupid.
-Wh-Where are we going?
-Were going here,
where youll be safe
until the case closes.
Welcome to my home
away from home.
And this is my Ophelia.
Its okay, baby.
I cant stay here.
Are you homeless?
Is this legal or...
You know, I really
appreciate your help.
Im sorry, I think Im gonna go.
And where are you going?
Im gonna go home.
Well, Im staying in a motel,
so Ill go back
to the motel room,
but I dont have the key
cause thats in my wallet,
but Ill just... Well, no,
cause my IDs there also
and my money.
So I dont have my ID
or the money,
but maybe theyll remember me.
Hopefully,
theyll remember me and...
Dude, youre homeless.
The reason why
Im not going home
is because
Im recently divorced.
Okay, then just stick around
until things cool off,
and then you can go get
your wallet,
get yourself a house
or a new wife,
whatever it is
that you want to do.
I do have a television.
You can watch the news there
on mute.
-You have electricity?
-Yeah, and water.
See, Im not homeless,
just off the grid.
I am offering you
a safe place to hide out.
Take it or leave it.
Okay? Im not gonna be begging.
Its not like I enjoy
your company or anything.
"No foul play"?
Do you see what that says?
-Yeah.
-Huh?
You are officially free.
Well, I...
Thank you. Thank you. I will...
I will get out of your hair now.
Thats it?
So eager to walk out the door.
No, no, Im not. I...
Are you cooking something?
Just stir-fry. Nothing.
Well, I like...
Do you have any extra?
To your innocence.
Innocence.
I do feel bad about Bjorn.
Of course you feel bad.
Well, cause he was... you know,
he was not a horrible guy.
He could be a... actually,
a pretty nice guy sometimes.
He let us wear shorts
sometimes to work.
You know, in-in the summertime.
No, I understand. I mean...
I understand how you must feel.
You killed a nice guy
that let you wear the shorts.
And you think its real.
But you know what?
You just have to observe
the feeling and then let it go.
I want to show you something
really cool.
Take this lighter.
And you see those candles
over there?
Wave it at the candles.
Well done.
Oh, it wasnt that hard.
Now try to do it
without the lighter.
You like that?
Are you kidding me?
Mm.
Beautiful.
Well, bravo.
Now that youve created
such a fantastic atmosphere,
shall we dine?
Do tell me about
this dream home.
Its just this persistent
fantasy that I cant shake
where Im always drawing this...
little abode
thats on a peninsula,
and I completely get lost in it.
Show it to me.
You have the drawings?
Lets see.
Im impressed.
Its very precise.
Well, thats the thing.
Its easy for me
to do the detail,
cause I see it
so clearly in my mind.
Right theres the path
that leads out to just
sort of like a little room
that just has a great view
of these mountains here.
You love the pool.
Yeah, thats part
of an old ruin.
And can you see
the hotel right there?
It has an observatory.
The Hotel Pleiades.
Pleiades.
Yeah, thats a cluster of stars.
In my mind, it feels real.
I can see it.
Greg, where do you think
this is?
Where is it?
Well, its right in
the brain-powered mind
of Greg Wittle.
- What?
And whos this?
Kind of forgot
that one was in there.
That is me.
Look at her face.
You drew me.
Greg, this is not a fantasy.
This is our real life,
outside of here.
No, come on.
How can that be...
But you know that...
-Shh.
-How... Did you...
Let it be bigger
than your comprehension.
Youre my guy.
Im your guy?
Youre my guy.
Kiss me.
So, what, your phone
doesnt work anymore?
Well, I knew
youd try to avoid me.
We need to talk about Dad.
I-I need your help.
I-I want to find him.
I want him to come
to my graduation.
Just let it go, Emmy, okay?
Follow Moms lead.
No.
I think itd be good for him.
Think itd be good
for all of us.
Did he not bring your ass to,
like, every baseball practice?
I hated baseball.
-
Who taught you
how to skateboard?
He did.
I remember.
I remember how many times
he busted his ass
trying to teach me shit
-and trying to impress me.
-
I mean, I busted my ass, too,
but he ate shit
way more than a few times.
So, can you just, like...
hold on to that?
Help me find him.
I cant.
Sorry.
I just cant trust him anymore.
"Hey, Dad, hows your back?"
"Its okay. Its actually
my knee thats bothering me."
"Really? Cause I thought
you fixed that already."
-"Oh, no. You must be thinking
about my shoulder." -Stop that.
"Okay, your shoulder. Is it the
left one or the right one, Dad?
-"What about next week? Is your
ankle gonna go?" -Stop it.
-"Well, its always something
with you, Dad." -Stop it!
Mm-mm.
through these eyes
morning light
-
Douchebag!
-
-
-Hey! Creep.
-Nice.
Down!
Judgmental bitch. Take her down.
What?
Do it.
-No.
-Shes not real.
Get her.
-
-Go!
-
Yeah!
Whoa. Whoa! Whoa, whoa!
through these eyes...
I dont have to feel guilty
about Bjorn!
Cut through those illusions!
-
Oh. Stop!
-
There you go.
Isabel. Hey.
Ask me if I gave them my name.
-Mm.
-Ask me.
-Did you give them your name?
-No!
-No way! Come on!
-No!
I didnt give them
your name, either.
They cant fuck with you
-if you have no name, right?
-They dont need it.
You okay?
Im good.
How do I seem?
Good, right?
Yeah.
Im a little disoriented,
but in a good way.
Dont worry about that.
Hey, are you hungry?
Lets go eat!
Hi.
- Hi.
Have you seen my dad?
Thats what he looks like.
Havent seen him.
I think he might have been
staying here a few weeks ago.
No. Sorry.
Its your turn. Come on.
- Wait up. Yo.
-Hey, yo, D.
-Yo.
-Thank you.
-
No, I dont think so.
Well, if you do see him,
-will you please call me?
-Yeah.
-Thank you so much.
-Yeah.
Were organizing a march.
Situations gotten out of hand.
Come if you can.
Yeah, Ill be there.
Get me a chicken sandwich
and some fries, okay?
Ill see you in there.
You go ahead.
-And a soda?
-Yeah, and a soda.
You got it.
Yo, what can I get for you?
Can I get two
artisanal chicken sandwiches,
two large fries
and two sodas, please?
Thatll be 12.76.
Uh, okay,
my friends got my money.
Let me just...
I think Im just gonna
go ahead and order later.
Uh, all right.
Cause I want to get
everything together.
Yeah, no problem.
-Its just easier.
-Yeah. No problem.
Ill just get it later.
You want to go out, honey?
I need money.
-Come here, cutie.
-Hey, come here.
-Did you hear what I said?
-
Its expired,
but that dont mean much.
We have to toss food after
two hours on the shelf, so...
-Okay, thanks.
-Yeah.
Its a little cold,
but its good.
I dont mind cold food.
Lets go find Kendo
and get the amulet refilled.
Well, thats
the funny thing about accents is
sometimes they can sound strong,
depending on the region
that youre in.
But if youre not from
that region, then it just...
This is where you wait.
Ill be back.
-Here?
-Yeah.
Dont move.
Hi, honey.
Whos the new guy?
Dont want to talk about it.
Hes cute.
Im here for some yellows.
Fill it up.
You really broke my heart.
You know that.
Get to work.
I have real feelings.
Hey, you want some mud? Junk?
Skag?
-Oh, no. No, no, Im good.
-Black pearl?
-Gato? Caballo?
-Im all right.
Hey, man, whatever. Your loss.
-
...instead of waiting around
to collect
government handouts...
You sure he went
west on San Fernando?
I-I-- No, Im not sure.
I never said I was sure.
I see him. Sir, can you just
pull over right here?
And can you just wait
for one minute?
-Dad?
-
Dad.
Emily?
Hi.
- Oh, my gosh.
How are you?
What are you doing here?
-I, um...
-Is everything okay?
Um...
Im sorry, it has been...
its been a crazy few days.
I need you to come
with me right now.
-Okay?
-Yes, of course.
-Okay.
-Gosh, yes. Yeah, sure.
-Okay, come on.
-No, but...
Can we wait just a moment?
I just...
Im just waiting for...
Im waiting for someone,
for a friend.
And then were gonna go.
Dad.
Please.
Hurry the fuck up, Kendo.
I have to do this correctly.
And I have places to be.
Graduation.
Oh, my God.
I did not forget,
and Im definitely
gonna be there.
And I want to take you
and Arthur to Cliffs Edge
with your mother,
if shell allow it.
I already graduated, Dad.
What?
Like two weeks ago.
Its okay.
Its okay.
Here, I-Im gonna...
I have so many...
...thoughts
I wish you could see.
Im gonna leave you with...
Um, Im gonna leave you
with this.
Its my phone number, okay?
-Okay.
-Just call me when youre ready.
Is he real?
Wouldnt you like to know.
Who was that?
Hey. Who was that?
Thats my daughter.
Ignore her. Shes not real.
-Why would you say that?
-Because its the truth.
What do you want me to say?
Im not making this shit up.
Lets just get off the street
and have some of this.
Actually,
I dont think I want any.
I dont think I want to have
any special powers right now.
Fine, dont.
Its not like anybodys
twisting your arm or anything.
No, Im not saying
that you are...
You think you can just walk
through my neighborhood
tax-free?
Oh.
Dont worry about me, huh?
Im fine.
I dont know about you, though.
Dont walk away from me.
Isabel, come on.
-Here, give me one of those.
-I thought you didnt want any.
Yeah, people make mistakes.
I made a mistake.
Dont make me beg.
Isabel, please, come on.
Hey, hey, thats...
Thats all we have.
Give me that.
Oh, dude!
Look at you.
Youre like
the telekinetic warrior!
Okay, Greg.
Okay, its okay, its okay.
Isabel!
Isabel.
Isabel!
Think fast, Greggo.
Oh, yeah.
Good on you, bud.
Hello. Youve reached Emily.
Leave me a message.
Hey, its Dad, and, um,
I am, um, just trying
to reach you.
Um, you might not
recognize this number.
Im calling from a pay phone.
But I will try you back.
I dont have my cell phone,
so Ill try you back.
All right, thank you.
-Where the fuck were you?
-Hey!
I thought you left me! I...
No, you werent here
when I woke up!
I didnt know where you were!
I-I left you a note!
No, I didnt see any note.
-What is this?
-No, I didnt...
-I didnt see that.
-What is this?
I-I did not see it.
-"Be right back."
-Yes, I didnt see it.
"Kisses, hug, kisses, hug,
Isabel. Love."
Im sorry.
-
I went to...
I went to get fertilizer
for Ophelia.
Okay. I...
Yeah, when I woke up,
I was yelling, "Isabel..."
Where are the yellows?
-Uh, they...
-
Somebodys been
in our place, Greg.
The-the-the yellows are missing.
And-and they... they took
the-the drawings of our house.
No, no, I took those.
I got em. Theyre right here.
Look, I got em.
Theyre right here.
Why?
Why did you...
Why did you take them away?
No, I...
Its our memory of our house.
-I just wanted to look at them.
-Are you trying to forget?
No, Im not trying to forget.
I just wanted to look at them.
Did you take them
because youre leaving?
No!
I didnt. I-I felt...
I felt self-conscious
having them there,
cause its like a...
Did you see her?
No.
Tell me the truth.
-I didnt see her.
-Why you have that in there?
-I-I did not...
-Did you call her?
No. I-I thought about it,
but I didnt.
I didnt... I...
I didnt see her.
I tried, but-but I-I...
Why is it such a terrible thing?
Its not supposed
to be happening.
-Isabel...
-I didnt see her.
-I dont understand.
I didnt see her.
Im really worried
about you, Greg.
-Im really worried about you.
-Okay.
-Youre...
-Im okay.
Youre getting sucked
into the illusion,
and youre dragging me
in with you.
I know this is not real,
and I can barely breathe,
and-and my stomach is turning,
and my skin hurts,
-and I feel like Im drowning.
-Isabel, its okay, just...
And I know this is not real.
You are getting seduced
by the simulation,
and Im losing you.
I-I think maybe we should
just stop hanging out.
Youre my soul mate.
You cant just walk away
and think that
you can disconnect from me.
If you could see the difference
between whats real
and whats illusion,
youd know that.
And youre supposed
to know that by now.
How am I supposed to know?
Y-Youre the one telling me
hes real and shes not real,
and then I have to take
your word for it, right?
Thats really your trick,
is it forces me
-to depend on you.
-No.
No, no, no. It makes me...
Its very clever.
It makes me believe in you.
But guess what,
I dont believe in you.
Ive never believed in you.
How could someone believe you?
Tell me something
that makes me believe in you.
-Show me something.
-Okay.
Okay, I get it.
You... you have to see it
for yourself.
See what?
We have to take
a special kind of crystal,
different from the yellows.
They are very rare.
I got them from Kendo.
Theyre blue crystals.
Its an exit mechanism.
They will eject us
from this simulation.
We have to take ten each.
Two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
One, two, three,
four, five, six.
Shit.
Is-is that enough?
Fuck it. Well take the chance.
Where-where did you get
the measurement from?
Its theoretical.
I think well be fine.
It has to be taken
through the nose.
Come.
Come on, baby.
We have to exit
this stupid simulation.
Is it safe?
Kind of.
Dr. Clemens, you okay?
Yes, were okay, Liang.
Dont panic.
We ejected the brainbox
on purpose.
Dr. Wittle formed an unhealthy
attachment to an FGP again,
and he was dragging me with him.
Oh. And your exit mechanism?
Blue algorithm, as expected.
But this time, it was
no easy task to get crystals.
Thank God that Kendo
has developed
such a talent for finding them.
Well, if you dont
mind me asking,
what did this one feel like?
It wasnt war
or extreme poverty,
but, hell, it was icky.
Im so glad to...
be able to breathe
this fresh air.
-Please disconnect Dr. Wittle.
-Okay.
Hello, Dr. Wittle.
You feeling okay?
I feel okay.
Well... this...
should get your electrolytes up.
Thank you.
What is it?
Lime Gatorade.
Yeah.
Easy does it. There we go.
Theres my guy.
Welcome home.
Whats a FGP?
Note the memory gap.
You said "FGP." You were...
Yes, its short for
"fake generated person."
Only these volunteers are real.
Did you save our incarnations?
Mm, theyre automatically
in the cloud.
Uh, shall I get it going now?
Give us a couple of hours.
Im taking Dr. Wittle to lunch.
Sounds good. Ill be here.
Some FGPs are
more convincing than others.
What do you think?
I think this place
is overwhelming.
Good overwhelming
or bad overwhelming?
Great overwhelming.
-Whats with all the...
What is with the-the hologram
or the-the ghost people?
Oh. Telepresence.
Its all the rage these days.
Hello, Dr. Clemens.
Dr. Wittle.
Hows the research coming?
Its getting there.
Any problems
we should be aware of?
No.
-Mm. Mm.
-Lovely to see you.
-That was quite a look
she was giving you. -
-Any problems I should
be aware of? -
Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah, Im good, Im good.
Would you like to take
the scenic route?
Yes.
Now, why am I not
remembering any of this?
Dont worry about it.
Sometimes it happens
to the volunteers.
To some of them, anyway.
Itll wear off.
Think fast, Greggo.
-Hi. Oh.
Good on you, bud. Mm!
Oh, put that brain boner away.
We got to get some olive oil.
-Oh, no, Greg.
-Yes.
-No, we have gallons
of it at home. -Yes.
Home?
I cant believe it.
I told you.
Hotel Pleiades.
Yeah.
What a fantastic name
for a hotel
that has its own observatory.
"Play at ease."
How did this whole world
come to be?
Your memorys not back.
No.
Is that bad?
I was so scared to lose you.
I made an irresponsible
and stupid decision.
We shouldnt have exited
like that,
without the appropriate
dosage and...
Maybe it might...
it might not come back.
Who cares?
I love not remembering
this place,
because I get to
discover it all again.
Im walking around
just like a newborn,
experiencing all of this beauty
for the first time.
I just want to know, is it...
where did it come from?
Has it always been like this?
This place was actually
much worse
than the one we just exited.
It got so bad.
I mean,
pollution was to a degree
that people would just
drop dead on the street,
and the level of poverty
was insufferable. It...
I cant...
Looking at this,
I cant picture that.
I mean, what happened?
Three things.
Just three things?
-Mm. Yeah.
-Okay.
-Can you guess?
-No.
-Oh, come on.
-I dont know.
Automation,
synthetic biology
and asteroid mining.
I wasnt gonna guess that.
Oh, I have... Oh, wait.
Im gonna get your memory back.
Im gonna get your mem...
Im gonna trigger that memory.
-Youre coming back. Watch this.
-
Im scared.
Yes!
Ta-da!
The Thought Visualizer.
You dont remember your baby?
This is your invention.
I invented that?
Oh, its, like, super popular
in very small circles.
Give it a try.
What is it?
A Thought... Visualizer.
Okay, but I dont know
what that is.
Okay, introduce yourself.
Hello.
Im Greg Wittle.
Strawberries.
A dinosaur...
swimming in the ocean.
A cheetah chasing a gazelle.
-A volcano.
-
Oh, my favorite one.
Do my favorite one. Say...
"Were in a pickle."
Were in a pickle.
-
I love it.
But you know what?
This is not just a toy.
Its amazing
for illustrating things.
Sit up straight
and pay attention, Dr. Wittle.
Science saved the world.
Synthetic biology fixed
all the environmental problems.
And asteroid mining
brought mountains of new money.
And the guy that had the company
for the asteroid mining...
-That guy.
-Yeah.
He just started giving
all this free money away.
I mean, every single person here
gets a base of 500,000K a year.
And, of course, then the robots,
they started doing
all the boring
and tedious tasks.
We had the freedom and the time
to explore our passions:
science, art, whatever,
whatever you wanted.
We went from a broken world
to a beautiful, sustainable,
safe, peaceful Earth.
You have to admit,
this is spectacular.
Yes.
-But you know what?
-What?
The thing is that...
its amazing how easy
humans can get used to
even something spectacular.
Most people say,
"Ignorance is bliss,"
but I say...
you have to experience the good
to appreciate the bad.
No, the other way around.
Exactly.
So thats where
the brainbox comes from.
It works.
You really mean that?
-Yes.
-You really think it works?
Im sitting here.
I couldnt be more...
I couldnt be more grateful.
Greg.
Lets go for a swim.
-Oh, we cant.
-Yes, we can.
-No, we have to go back.
-No.
No, we have to go
back to the lab.
We will, in a little bit.
Come on.
No, I have to take this
very seriously.
I know.
Im taking it seriously, too.
But you cant just give me
a bite of an apple
-and then show it and then take
it away. -I already messed up.
Give me another...
give me another couple bites.
-I already exited before it was
over because of you. -I know.
Listen, listen, listen,
listen, listen, listen, listen.
We are gonna go back.
Were just gonna
just crunch into this apple
-for a few more days, and then
were going back. -
But first, were gonna swim.
Come on.
Im scared.
-Shut up.
-
Just shut the fuck up.
Just one day.
One more day.
Thats it.
Whoo!
Careful.
-
Is there a little bit
of a shindig going on?
-A what?
-Soiree.
A fiesta.
Oh, yes!
The mixer!
Artists and scientists
get together twice a month,
and I forgot it was today.
Oh, whos having
the memory problem now, honey?
Now, dont worry, it happens
to some of the volunteers.
-It should come back, hopefully.
-Cllate.
So, is this how you imagined it?
Hmm? The Hotel Pleiades?
Mm!
Thanks.
Its so nice, huh?
Hi.
-Dr. Clemens.
-
-Oh, Dr. Nye.
-Its so good to see you.
-Thanks for taking the time.
-Yes.
Hope youre having a good time.
Were having a great time.
You remember Greg?
Dr. Wittle?
-Yes, Greg.
-Yes, we ordered one of
your Thought Visualizers.
Its a lot of fun.
-Have you ever said to it,
"Im in a pickle"? -Yeah.
-Have you ever done that?
-We...
Its so good.
No, listen, "Im in a pickle."
-Next time, you try it.
-Okay.
Its amazing.
-Well, you two look so good.
- Thank you.
-So do you. -Uh, thank you
for taking the time.
Oh, this?
- Yes.
I throw it on
when I dont care how I look.
-Now, carry on, you crazy kids.
-Okay.
-Thank you.
-Enjoy.
-Thanks.
He got your Thought Visualizer.
Wow. Oh, wow.
Now Im impressed.
Maybe, just maybe, hell...
is not such a horrible place.
Whenever I hear about,
"Oh, my God,
boiling oil in hell,"
my first expectation is
wild partying, barbecue,
-sexual orgies, alcohol,
and so on and so on. -
What if this is
the real life in hell?
And what if, in hell,
from time to time,
some devils representative
comes to the people having a
good time there and tells them,
"Listen, guys, now we will be
for a quarter of an hour
observed by heaven, so please
pretend that you suffer."
-Hey, Im glad
I caught you alone. -Yeah.
Theres something
I want to tell you.
Word on the street is
thereve been problems
with Isabels research.
You heard anything?
You know anything about that?
No, I...
Ive gotten a good feeling.
Okay.
We all want her to succeed,
but this is her reputation
on the line.
-What did he say?
-
What did he want?
What did he say to you?
He said that everybody
really wants you to succeed.
-Really? -I dont think
thats a bad thing
that everybody wants you
to succeed.
Ah, then why didnt you
tell me what he was saying?
This is bullshit.
You think I believe that?
-You think Im stupid?
-Isabel, he came up to me...
You think I dont know that
these people are laughing at me?
What the fuck
are you looking at?
Isabel. Isabel.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Nobody here believes in me.
-They want you to succeed.
-Yeah, right.
Dont say "nobody here."
Im here.
-Youre taking their side!
-Listen.
Im here, and I believe in you.
Right?
I believe in everything
that youre doing.
Your patience with me
is a thing of beauty.
Lets get out of here.
My grandmother used to say,
"The universe is sitting
on the back of a tortoise."
And I would ask Granny,
"What is that tortoise
standing on?"
She replied
with quite confidence,
"Another tortoise.
"And that one stands
on another tortoise.
And that one, another tortoise."
It turns out
its turtles all the way down.
I wouldnt go near him, maam.
He could be unpredictable.
Whew.
Its a little cold.
Was not expecting that.
Complaining already.
Im fine. Its just chilly.
I get one shot at this.
One shot.
Im gonna show these arrogant,
patronizing son of a bitches
that access to the brainbox--
its a human right.
Publish now. Stop being afraid.
Just get it out there
and let people decide then.
We have to go back
into the brainbox, Greg.
I need complete data.
We need to finish the cycle.
You have enough data, Isabel.
Not to mention the fact
that Im not going back in.
Just stop doubting yourself.
Why do you care so much
what they think?
Put it out there.
Theyre gonna think its great.
And if they dont...
And if they dont?
Then here we are,
right here, together.
Werent you telling me
that we were soul mates?
Would you let me
interview you onstage?
It would be my honor.
Our presenter,
Dr. Isabel Clemens,
pioneered brainbox simulations,
ugly, simulated worlds
that users can jack into
in order to generate
appreciation for the real world.
-Dr. Clemens.
-
Thank you very much.
What is bliss?
Bliss is not a feeling.
Its not a place.
Bliss is a state of mind
that can only be achieved
by understanding the contrast
with the opposite state of mind.
But the proof is in the pudding.
Please meet my pudding,
Dr. Wittle.
Please take a seat, Dr. Wittle.
Before we have a volunteer
connected to the brainbox,
we always ask
a series of questions.
And now I will ask Dr. Wittle
the same questions
so we can compare his responses
to the previous ones.
Dr. Wittle,
how do you feel right now?
I feel great.
Im happy to be here.
And thank you
for the nice reception.
Dr. Wittle... -Yes.
...how do you feel right now?
Fine. Great.
Yeah, sure.
I mean, is that really
the first question,
or are we just bullshitting
till you start?
Any complaints, Dr. Wittle?
No. None at all.
I feel like Ive died
and gone to heaven.
Without the dying part.
Dr. Wittle...
-Yes.
-...do you have any complaints?
Other than being your lab rat?
Just the usual
ups and downs of life.
Um...
I mean, can I... should I
be petty for a second?
Im a little frustrated.
I cant get
the pool temperature,
you know, to work.
I mean, how fucking difficult
is it to get a pool heated
to, uh, something where you
dont feel like youre joining
the Polar Bear Club
when you jump in?
Dr. Wittle,
do you feel like
you are lacking anything
or anyone
in your life right now?
Dr. Wittle?
Greg.
I dont feel like
Im lacking anything.
Dr. Wittle.
-Yes, Dr. Clemens.
Do you feel like
you are lacking anything
or anyone
in your life right now?
Thats a...
thats a dumb question.
Im kidding. Im just joking.
Please answer and be honest.
-Thats how this works.
- Okay.
Thats how this works.
Um... yes.
Yeah, there is
something missing,
but I dont want
to talk about it.
Well, as you can see,
this once frustrated
and grumpy man...
...is now a man
full of wonder and...
...and appreciation
and a hunger for tasting
every breath of life.
Thank you. Thank you.
-
Congratulations, Isabel.
You proved everybody wrong.
Thank you so much.
Listen, I read your thesis,
and Im gonna submit it
to nature and science magazines
and hope they put it
on the cover.
-Its fantastic.
-Oh...
-I dont know what to say.
-Hang on.
There may be a chaired position
in your future.
Oh, I have to tell Greg.
Has anybody seen Dr. Wittle?
-Thank you.
-Sure.
-Hey.
-And for you, sir?
-Cabernet Sauvignon.
-
Champagne.
Wait. What...
Excuse me.
Wait, let me just say hello.
Dr. Clemens.
-Hey.
Where did the initial idea
come from?
What was the germ?
-Yeah...
-Yes, congratulations, Doctor.
Thank you. Thank you
very much. -Lovely work.
Um, I got to go
find someone right now.
Hey, please, just stop.
I just want... I just want
to hear your voice.
Are...
Are you really here
in this place?
Yes.
Im here with you.
So youre real.
Yes, Im real.
Youre in Isabels study?
Youre in Dr. Clemens study?
Youre one of the volunteers?
-My name is Emily.
-No, I know.
Im Emily.
I know who you are,
but how are you out here
in the real world?
Im your daughter.
I dont think I have
a real daughter
out here in the real world.
Your name is Greg Wittle.
You have a son and a daughter.
Arthur and Emily.
Youre not thinking clearly
because your heads
not on straight.
Ive been to your tent, Daddy.
Its okay.
Yeah, its just hard
to figure out whats what.
Cause it starts to feel
like theres, like...
its almost like
a trick being played.
Um...
When I was six,
you, uh... you were
tucking me into bed, and...
I said, "Careful. Careful.
I dont want you
to mess up my braids."
And you said, "My love,
I cant mess up your brains.
Theyre inside your head,
protected by your skeleton."
And I said, "No, my braids, Dad.
My braids, not my brains."
Braids. Braids.
Braids, not brains.
You remember.
Yes, I remember.
Dr. Clemens,
tell us about the germ.
-What do you know about it?
-
Dr. Clemens posits that
these memory echoes
from the brainbox world
will fade away.
Theyre just a side effect from
not having enough blue crystals.
-
One of these days,
youre going to have to choose
between these worlds,
and maybe, somehow,
to you,
theyre both real.
So just... just...
...just do whats best
for you, okay?
Greg!
- Dr. Clemens!
-
Isabel!
Get off me!
Isabel!
Greg!
Greg! Greg!
-
Shit.
Did you see that?
I used the powers.
But thats impossible.
-This shouldnt work here.
-
-
Greg, this is really bad.
Povertys killing us!
We have to get to the lab!
We need more blue crystals.
But why would we go back in?
Thats a terrible idea.
We took eight instead of ten.
But you said
that was theoretical.
It was just an estimate.
Well, I guess I got that
little fucking detail wrong,
didnt I?
No, youve got to explain
anything to me!
This is what I know.
The brainbox cells
must have worked
their way into our head.
Its as if we are bringing
some of the simulation
here with us
even when were disconnected.
Okay, so how do we fix it?
By taking ten blue
crystals each. Liang, lets go.
But dont they have crystals
here in the lab?
They dont exist out here.
We need to go back.
Theyre only manufactured
inside of there.
Dr. Clemens, theres a problem.
The main brain gamma is low.
Liang, were leaving now!
Well, I can only make it
ride up for a couple seconds.
Are you ready?
Dr. Clemens,
what about the study?
Your mission?
Shut the fuck up
and press the button already!
Well deal with it later.
Baby!
Baby, were back in.
Come on.
Lets go find Kendo.
Kendo here?
-Youre not allowed in here.
-Zip it.
All right, you fake fucks.
Wheres Kendo? We need 20 blues.
-No ones got blues.
-Kendo will.
Where is he? Hmm?
-Where is he?
- Hey, hey. Whoa, whoa.
Lets start again.
Where is Kendo? Hmm?
Where is he?
Hey.
What are you doing alive?
Hey, Bjorn!
-Someone call security.
-Okay.
Im gonna get it. Guys!
I saw you fall out the window.
He jumped out the window!
You saw it, too!
He fell right over there,
-right out that window!
-Should I, should I call...
-Bjorn, look at me.
-Im out of here.
Look at me.
No, no, Im calm. Im calm.
-Do you want me to call her?
-You saw him.
-Greg, get some food.
-What are you doing?
Dont do that to me!
-Come on, come on, come on...
-No, no. Just tell me why!
-Here...
-Now! Now! Move!
Lets go! Come on!
I found Kendo.
Bjorns alive.
My boss is alive.
-Did you see that?
-Oh, my God.
Thats an FGP.
They rebooted him! Come on.
Kendos at Doc Henrys?
No, but our car is.
Fake, fake, fake!
Hello, beauties.
Has anybody got some Tabasco?
Tabasco? Bitch, what the fuck
you talking about?
Mace.
For the bad boys.
Get out of here
with your fucked-up teeth.
Give this bitch a toothbrush.
Yeah, I got fucked-up teeth,
but I also got a 20.
Give it to me. Who has it?
Fake, fake, fake, fake!
Real!
Hey, blondie, two for one.
Hey.
You in the mood?
Its the only reason
I come to this shithole.
So, what is it gonna be?
Uh, lets have a BJ
and a finger in the butt.
-Sure.
- All right.
-Let me get my lipstick.
-All right.
-
No, no, the wallet! The wallet!
Yes! Blues!
-Here we go!
-
Look what I found.
-
Yes!
Okay, philosophical question:
Kendos real,
so if Kendo... if he...
Yeah, Kendo is real,
but if he dies here,
he doesnt die out there.
Im not gonna do
anything to him.
Stop looking at me that way.
Dr. Clemens.
Kendo, we need blue crystals.
I dont have time
to explain it to you,
but shits falling apart
one level up.
-Give them to me. Go get them!
-Okay.
Okay, sure, you got it.
Go get them!
-Now!
-Okay.
I have them on me, right here...
Ah, fuck!
Dr. Clemens, what are you doing?
-Hey. Hey!
-I thought he went for a gun,
but he actually did have them.
-Sorry, Kendo.
-Sorry?
I mean, it starts to feel like
youre making this up
as you go along, that...
Hes fine.
Maybe just a mild stomachache,
but hes fine.
-
Police!
Go!
-Hold it!
-Stay where you are!
- Go this way!
Stop!
This is fake.
-This is fake. This is fake.
-
Come on, cant you run faster?
This is way too much running.
Cant we just take
the blues here?
No, we need to get the device
to take it through the nose.
We need to get to the tarp home.
Why didnt we get it
before we started
shooting people?
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry.
Okay, okay.
I got a call.
He was panhandling
outside of his old office.
Will you come with me, please?
I need you.
We need to take ten each.
Theres not enough!
What do you mean?
-Theres not enough!
-Count em again.
Theres not enough!
-Come out with your hands up.
-What?
Were so fucked!
Oh, my God.
Okay, what does it mean?
-Were fucked.
-Yeah, what does it mean?
Were so fucked.
It means that one of us
gets to go home
-and the other one gets stuck
in this place. -Why? No, no.
-Im not staying here.
-We go to...
-to jail and-and...
-No. No, no, no, no.
-...for good.
-Listen to me.
I have to go.
Okay? I cant stay here.
Dont worry. Its okay.
Its okay.
We see you behind the tree.
-You-you take it.
-Okay.
And youre gonna be okay, right?
Okay.
Im gonna...
-Maybe we can split it.
-Go, go.
No, no, it wont work.
Go, go. Come on.
I have an idea.
What if you kill me?
Yeah. Look.
Take this.
Just crush my skull,
and then I meet you back there.
-Im not staying here.
-Thats bullshit.
Im not gonna do that.
-Why?
-What if it doesnt work?
What about Kendo?
Maybe I killed him.
I dont know.
I-I dont... I dont know
what to believe.
Oh, shit.
Fuck.
Were fucking surrounded?
Down there!
Get your men down there!
Lets go!
Were in a pickle.
Were in a pickle, baby.
Yeah, were in a pickle.
Okay. Lets go.
Youre not coming?
Im-a be right here.
Im here for you.
Thank you.
Fuck!
Shit.
This is horrible.
This is... this is
a fucking nightmare.
Its my fault.
I created this.
I created this shit.
Just me.
But its also kind of beautiful.
It is.
Look, I mean,
even with the cops coming
and with us running and just...
You know, everyones playing
their part, and were all...
like, we never know
how its gonna end.
One minute, were
roller-skating and laughing.
Remember?
Yeah, and then the next minute,
cant even afford a sandwich,
and then the next minute,
you never know.
Thats what I love about here
and what you created.
You dont know
whats gonna happen.
Its fucked-up.
And its great.
And Im not leaving.
Im not leaving.
Dad!
Dad!
Dad!
Keep an eye out!
Stay back! Stay back!
-No! No, no, no! Please wait!
No, wait! -Come on, go.
-Get in the car.
-Wait! Wait!
Dad!
Im sorry.
Shes beautiful.
Go.
Hey!
Come on, motherfuckers!
Lets go!
Drop whats in your hand.
Maam, show whats in your hand.
Hands in the air.
Let me see your hands.
This is, uh, Gregs first time.
Welcome, Greg.
In this house, theres no stigma
for what youre going through.
Every person on this planet
can relate
to wanting to chase bliss.
Its an open forum, so you can
say anything you want.
Were here to listen.
This woman says
shes my daughter.
And I believe her.
Hi, Dad.
Sorry Im late. I...
I saw these flowers
on the side of the road.
I thought they looked nice,
I guess.
Youre not late, Dad.
Youre here.
-
through these eyes
morning light
in the dark