Chasing Light (2025) Movie Script
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music]
[car approaching]
I'll take whatever this gets me.
What? 50 bucks? Get outta here.
Look man, that's all I got.
Alright, I spent the
rest on some shitty motel.
Looks like you should have
cheaped out for the ditch
if you want the good stuff.
I'll take whatever you
got, you know, anything.
Tell you what, you
deliver this to a friend
of mine, I'll help you out.
A friend? What kind of friend?
Just a friend,
he's a nice guy. Relax.
[suspenseful music]
I just gotta drop it off?
Just a drop off?
Just a drop off.
I'm only doing this once, yeah?
That's what they all say.
Hey, don't fuck with me.
[rock music]
[birds chirping]
[suspenseful music]
[suspenseful music]
Hello, is this Ms. Lehman?
This is Detective Cooper.
There's been an incident.
Ma'am, could you please meet
us at the Lakeside Motel
immediately. Ma'am, please.
Um yes, take it off.
Benji!
What happened?
Did he?
It's too early to tell at this time.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
You're doing great.
Just a little bit further.
Okay, push. There you go.
Congratulations. It's a baby boy.
Thank you. So beautiful.
We are gonna name him Max.
Welcome to the world Max.
Excuse me, doctor, what's
this red spot on his stomach.
Oh, that shouldn't be a problem.
Just keep an eye on it,
but it should go away in time.
Okay? Sure.
[birds chirping]
You good?
[electronic music]
- Everything okay?
- Yes, of course.
We just made this beautiful baby boy.
Yes we did.
All set? Yeah,
Alright.
Catch me if you can!
[soft music]
Max! Are you okay?
Yeah, I think so.
Just don't tell my mom about this.
Max. Dinner's ready.
Mom, what are you doing here?
I told you to come
straight home after school.
You had me worried sick.
So sorry. I had no idea.
Come on Philip, it's time to go.
Bye Max. I'll see you tomorrow.
Bye.
So how was everyone's day?
Another day in Paradise,
am I right?
Or not?
What about you, Max? How was
school learning? Anything new?
Just homework.
Well, what are you learning?
It's boring.
Well, what is it?
We have to do
a tree.
A tree?
Our teacher wants us to do a family tree.
Hmm. Nice. I made one
of those long time ago.
Found that had some pretty cool ancestors.
Max. What's this?
What?
There's blood in your hair.
- What?
There's blood in your
hair. What happened?
I don't know,
Sweetie.
Is is everything okay?
Is someone bullying you?
No.
- Then what is it?
I, I tripped while playing tag
and I didn't want you
guys to get mad at me
Mad?
I'm mad that you didn't tell us
Max, this is serious
or you can't keep this stuff from us.
- But
No, come on, we're going to the hospital.
Why did you keep this from us,
Max?
I don't know.
I just didn't wanna worry you and dad.
You know how much dad
and I love you, right?
I don't know what we would do without you.
You're everything to us.
Our reason for waking up.
I don't know what we would do.
Promise me you won't keep
this stuff from us anymore.
Please.
Okay, I promise.
[birds chirping]
How much longer do we have to
wait? I'm fine. Can we leave?
It won't be that much longer.
Hi there. I'm Dr. Brenner.
So what do we have here?
Well, Max was playing with his friends.
And Max, you tell the
doctor what happened?
I was playing tag with
my friends and I fell.
Ouch. Okay. And where did
you fall? I hit my head.
Let me take a look.
You feel dizzy or woozy at all
Max?
Let's take a look.
He seems fine. Have him take
these for the next few weeks
during meals and if he
gets any new symptoms
or anything changes, I want you
to bring back in immediately.
Thank you.
[somber music]
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Max,
happy birthday to you.
Did you get the meat sweats or what?
Yeah, I guess.
- Happy 13th birthday, angel.
- Happy birthday buddy.
- My gosh.
13. My baby's a teen.
I remember I had my
first girlfriend at 13.
Oh, shush. Don't give
him any ideas.
Okay sweetie, I'll let you
get ready for your big day,
but remember doctor said you have
to start taking these today.
I'll go start making
breakfast for the birthday boy
Start getting ready and we'll
meet you downstairs. Okay?
[suspenseful music]
Max, buddy,
could you run out and grab
the paper for me please?
Sure. Dad.
Thank you.
Hey, the paper.
Well let him be. It's his day.
Yeah, I wouldn't know what that's like.
Happy birthday Max. Happy birthday Max.
Happy birthday Max.
[suspenseful music]
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Max,
happy birthday to you.
Okay sweetie,
Make-A-Wish.
What's wrong, Max?
Max wait!
Are we still having cake or?
Phillip!
[footsteps]
Max, Sweetie, what's wrong?
I don't know.
Max. Talk to me.
Nothing feels right.
What do you mean?
The tree.
What tree?
The family tree.
What about it?
I don't recognize anybody.
Well, sweetie, that was a long time ago
and most of those people
you don't even know.
I don't recognize anybody.
You recognize me and daddy?
No.
Max.
That's not funny.
Max, please tell me what's going on.
That's it,
Brad.
Brad!
What is it?
Call the parents party is over.
[footsteps]
Call the parents now.
Okay? Okay. What's going on?
I'm taking Max to the hospital.
Wait until their parents come pick 'em up
and then you can meet me there.
Okay? Alright.
What's happening?
Max!
What's going on?
Sweetie? Calm down.
What? Who are you?
What are you doing?
Max,
Max!?
Max, you're okay buddy.
I need you
to relax. Okay? Lay back down.
Lay back down. Deep breaths.
Deep breath. Deep breath in.
Okay, count with me. One.
Okay, exhale. Exhale.
Deep breath in. Two. You're all right.
Okay, you're gonna be fine.
Deep breath. Three. Exhale.
Exhale. Four. Inhale.
You're gonna be fine. You're
gonna be okay. Inhale five.
[soft music]
[soft music]
This feels like a bad
dream. I don't understand,
two days ago everything was
normal and now we're here.
He's gonna wake up and
everything's gonna be okay.
Yeah, but what if,
Everything
is going to be okay.
Max is in a medically induced coma.
He's in a very fragile state.
- My God.
- We aren't entirely sure what's
happening at this exact moment.
So we're gonna keep
him here for a few days
to run some tests and keep an eye on him.
You said it'd be fine
if we just gave him those
pills you gave us.
Sometimes it's more complicated than that.
I'm sorry.
You're sorry,
Honey. Stop.
I'm terribly sorry.
We're doing everything we can for him,
but I suggest you come
inside and keep Max company.
Morning.
How did you sleep?
You should go into work today.
What?
I'll stay here with him.
I'm not leaving.
Doctor said he is gonna be
asleep for a few days anyways.
There's no sense in both
of us losing our jobs.
Okay, love you.
I love you too.
Hey buddy. You're so loved.
Please come back to us.
I brought you some clothes.
[soft music]
Hi, honey.
Don't worry. Everything's okay.
Do you recognize me?
It's okay.
Can I leave?
I don't know.
Excuse me, doctor, my son's awake
and wondering if we can leave
or do you know how much
longer it's gonna be?
Let me check on him.
How are we doing today,
Max?
You remember Dr. Brenner, right?
Max, are you feeling better?
How does your head feel?
Good, bad?
I think maybe having Max home would help,
seeing photos of us. His room. Maybe.
Maybe. How are you doing?
I I
Do you need someone to talk to?
I have a number that can help you.
No, thank you. That's fine.
Everything's gonna be okay.
Look, I'll let you take him home.
But there's any, I mean,
any changes at all in his condition,
you have to call us immediately.
This is a very unusual circumstance.
You're gonna have to continue to
monitor his behavior carefully.
Yes, of course. Thank
you, doctor. Great news.
Doctor said we can leave. I'll let you
get dressed and then we can go.
Okay?
Are you okay in there?
You must be starving. Are you hungry?
We can go to your favorite spot.
[car engine running]
Hi. Yeah, he seems okay. He's not scared.
I brought him to Dean's Diner.
Hi hun.
What can I get for you?
- Okay, coming right up.
- Okay,
bye.
So what'd you get?
I'm not gonna bite.
Tell me.
Hmm. Trying something different today.
You always get the eggs Benny.
Could you say something please?
Here you go. Bon apptit. Thank you.
I will give it back to you,
but you have to say something.
Anything please.
I wanna go home.
Thank you. We'll go home after sweetie.
[crickets chirping]
How's he doing?
- Seems a little
tired, but he'll be okay.
Good.
Max, I made your favorite.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
What? What's wrong?
Max. Max is gone.
Call the cops. Call everyone you know.
I'll go talk to the neighbors.
[soft music]
[soft music]
I am not really sure how to start this,
but I know I don't come to
church as much as I should.
And I'm sorry, but I don't
know what else to do.
I don't know what's happening
and I'm really scared.
I just need an answer. Please.
The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Sorry, I didn't think
anyone else was here.
There's no need to apologize,
you're right where he is supposed to be.
May I join you?
So what's your name?
I understand.
What brings you here?
I think
I just ran away from my parents
Having family troubles.
I know that very well.
I just turned 13 and,
Oh well, happy birthday.
Thanks. I had an accident.
I fell and I hit my head and
I don't remember anything.
I keep having these nightmares.
And what are you seeing
in these nightmares?
It's okay. You can tell me.
You know, I've had family
problems as well, too.
Really?
Oh yeah. Well,
I'm not from around here.
I moved here about 15 years ago.
My father was a businessman,
did a lot of traveling,
and my mother, well, she passed away soon
after they got married, so I don't
really know her too well.
I'm sorry.
It's okay, it's how life goes sometimes.
So tell me about your nightmares.
A dark shower.
A dark shower?
I just keep seeing
this man's hands in front
of me, covered in blood.
But I see more and more every
time I have a nightmare.
What else are you seeing?
A building.
What kind of building?
Like a hotel, but older looking.
What?
Oh, nothing continue.
I see street signs.
What kind of street sign?
I see the numbers
8, 3, 5.
The only thing I could
think of is this tragic case
of a man who took his own life.
That happened a few towns over.
When did this happen?
- Maybe
10, 12, 13 years ago.
Can you tell me where
The motel? I don't even
know if it still exists.
And even so, you shouldn't
be out wandering by yourself.
Please, tell me where.
Excuse me. You see my
son?
No, I'm sorry. I haven't.
Have you seen my son?
No, sorry.
[soft music]
Good evening.
[footsteps]
Who's in here? You can't hide from me.
Must have been a mouse. Damn big mouse.
[soft dramatic music]
What are we even doing?
We should be outside looking.
Look, the police said they would
call us if they find anything.
Find anything. Like what?
His dead corpse in a ditch
Enough.
Alright. The police said
to stay here in case he came back.
He's not coming back.
I could see it. He doesn't
even know who we are.
It's just so scary. And so alone.
I need to go look for him.
Fine. Go. I'll stay here
in case he comes back.
Hello?
I saw the poster outside of the church.
Look, my son is missing.
If you wanna take it
down, just take it down,
but please put in a busy
area where people can see it.
Oh. Oh, no. The boy actually came to me.
What? Who is this?
This is Father Marcus from
the Creek across Havens Church.
Oh yes, of course. Father,
when did you see Max?
Late yesterday afternoon. Was he alone?
Yeah, he was alone. Did you speak to him?
Was he scared? Where is he now?
He seemed fine. He said
he'd run away from home
and that he was looking for something.
Looking for something?
- Yeah.
He seemed to be interested in a old motel.
A motel? Max doesn't
even know what a motel is.
Well, he seemed to know about
it yesterday when we spoke.
Did he say what motel?
No, but I believe he's going
to that old rundown motel
by the water.
By the water, you said?
Yes.
Is that the same motel the
man took his life years ago?
Yes. That's the one.
Okay.
Thank you.
You're, you're welcome.
[car engine running]
One more move and this thing's
going right through you. Whoa, whoa,
Whoa.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I can explain.
You got 10 seconds.
- I, I, I
You got tourette's boy?
Wait. I ran away from home and,
And you thought you'd break into this
friendly farmer's barn?
[birds chirping]
I had an accident and I
can't remember anything.
An accident?
- I hit my head.
What's your name,
kid? My name's Chester,
but my friend called me Scout.
I'm sorry. I'll go,
Huh, I knew there was
no damn mouse in this
barn. What are you doing here?
I ran away.
- And why would you do that?
I'm trying to find a motel.
- A motel for what?
Family. It's the only
thing that I can remember.
And the priest told me to come that way.
I'm sorry. I'm leaving.
Grab your things and I'll
take you where you need to be,
But why are you helping me?
I got two sons of my own.
Neither of them speak to me anymore.
You remind me of my youngest.
Let's get you where
you need to be. Come on.
[birds chirping]
Hello?
- The priest called me.
What?
- The priest called me. He said he saw Max.
Where?
- Apparently at a motel.
A motel.
- That's what Father Marco
said. So I'm heading there now.
I'm on my way.
- No,
stay there just in case he comes home.
Okay.
Okay, fine. Well, let me
know what happens. Alright?
No news around here yet,
but I'll call you if
anything changes. Okay?
Okay. Bye.
- Marissa.
Yes?
We're gonna find him, alright?
Everything's gonna be okay.
I know, I, I know. I just,
I don't know why this is happening.
I know. Well, we have
to stay strong, right?
Max needs us to be strong.
I know. I know.
I love you.
I love you. Drive safe.
You hungry? Well, I am. We're stopping.
We will sit over there, grab us a spot.
Get something to eat.
[indistinct chatter]
Hi, Can I get
two cheeseburgers and two fries?
Coming right up.
Eat up.
So, why don't you talk
to your kids anymore?
It's complicated, huh? Isn't it always?
I guess.
I want them to grow up like I did.
Strong independent farmers.
Well, they decided that
wasn't cut out for them.
Where are they now?
- Oh boy.
One's in New York trying to
be a painter or an artist.
And the other, last I heard
he was a surfer in California.
Probably think that's
pretty fun, don't you?
Sometimes I wonder what life would be like
if it wasn't so hard on them.
You should call them.
- Hmm? Maybe I should.
You know, this is the most
I've talked to anybody in years.
Boy, were you hungry.
Okay, we're just around
the corner from the motel.
You, you know where to
go when I drop you off?
[car engine running]
Hey, have some respect for the glass.
What's wrong?
- Nothing.
This is where you wanna be, right?
Yeah.
Go on then. Which room's your parents?
I don't. I don't know.
Come on. Let's go find out.
Hello. How can I help you?
We got an odd situation here.
This boy here needed my help.
He's looking for his
parents. Can you help us out?
Hi there. Do you know which
room your parents are in?
I see.
Can you help us out?
- I can't exactly go knocking
on people's doors.
Disturbing our customers.
Please.
The only married looking
couple staying here is in room 214
but I don't think they have a son.
Well, let's go find out.
Hello? I have your son.
What do you want?
I have your son.
I don't have a son.
What is it? Hey boy, I'm talking to you.
Is that your parents' room? I don't know.
Hey, who's in room? 8, 3, 5.
Let me see
Who's in room.
No one.
Can we go in?
Not unless you book a room
checkout's at 11:00 AM.
Keys,
Right?
Hey, you can tell me what's going on now.
I spent nearly $35 to get us in this room.
You better tell me what's going on.
I don't know. Just something
told me I have to be here.
Well, what is it?
I don't know.
Oh, no kid. We should probably go.
Kid we gotta go.
Whoa. Whoa. This.
It's not what you think.
You're coming with us. No, no, no. Stop.
Hands behind your back.
It's not what you think.
He didn't do anything. Please stop.
Let's go.
Watch your step
[soft music]
Max!
That's my son. Who's this man?
He was trying to find you.
- Find me?
I thought he ran away and you took him from me.
- No. What?
He didn't. I left.
Hello?
I'm in jail with Max.
What? What the hell happened?
I'll explain everything
later. We're on our way home.
Okay? Bye.
Where do you think you're
going? Get over here. Now.
What were you thinking? You've
had the entire town running
the streets for days, looking for you,
and I haven't eaten or slept.
Max. Are you even listening to me?
My name isn't Max.
Excuse me.
Okay, honey, let's calm down.
Your name isn't Max?
Could you calm down for a second?
I don't know. Did you forget that he hit
his head a few days ago?
I don't know what to say. Okay.
That man.
What? Man?
The man that was you. Who
was he?
He was just my friend.
A friend? A man in his forties isn't
friends with a 13-year-old.
I'm not 13.
Max! For God's
sake. That's enough.
Enough. Both of you. Alright!
Everyone's exhausted
and is in desperate need sleep right now.
Right bed, everyone now. No, no, no, no.
You're sleeping out here with us.
We're not playing this game again.
Can't sleep either?
So you wanna tell me what's
going on with you lately?
You wouldn't believe me if I did.
I'll believe anything at this point.
You know when you have
a dream, you just kind
of forget about it when you wake up.
Sure.
When I hit my head,
I've been having these bad dreams.
- Okay,
- But they won't go away.
What are you saying?
I don't think they're dreams.
What do you mean?
I knew you wouldn't understand.
I'm trying. Please continue.
When I hit my head every
day, I remember less and less.
Sweetie, you hit your head.
I know you're scared, but it's
only temporary, I promise.
What do you dream about?
Darkness. Men in an alley
screaming, a motel.
Tears. But I always end up
seeing a man's
hands covered in blood in a
shower in front of me, like
as if I did something bad,
Sweetie, there only dreams.
Can someone dream of
something and find it?
The motel you picked me
up at, that was the motel.
There's something at that motel.
The priest told me something
that happened at the
motel a long time ago.
Enough, - And it sounds like
the dreams I've been having
when I was at that
motel, I felt something.
And I need to go back.
Please. I need to go back.
Just go to bed
and we'll talk about this in the morning.
[car approaching]
[footsteps]
Hi ma'am. Can I help you?
Yes. I'm looking for something.
Yes.
- Do you store public records?
How do you mean?
Well, my son's working on a
school project, a family tree,
and just wanna find some ancestors.
And where is your son?
Oh, he's not feeling well today,
so he stayed at home to rest.
We keep our public records
in the basement. Okay.
Thank you so much.
Now go Before I change my mind.
[footsteps]
[crickets chirping]
Get in.
Where are we going?
[car approaching]
The motel?
- The motel.
I don't understand.
- This is
where you said you needed to be.
Now what?
[doors close]
Hi, how can I help you?
Room 835.
- Okay, sure. That'll be $32.
Checkout is at 11.
I love you so much.
And your dad loves you.
You just make us so happy. You know that.
- I'm sorry.
- No stop. It's not your fault.
Remember that.
Here we go,
[footsteps]
[soft music]
[soft dramatic music]
Max.
[dramatic music]
I saw it.
What did you see?
Everything.
My name was Ben.
[soft music]
Is this?
- Yes.
I love you.
I love you.
[soft music]
Yes? Can I help you?
Hi.
Hello.
Wow,
you have gray hair now.
Excuse me? If you're selling
something. I don't want it.
No, I,
Yes?
I don't know how to tell you this.
What is it?
It's me.
What kind of sick joke
is this? Who sent you here?
No one. I swear
I'm calling the police.
Wait, please. Christmas Eve,
The living room carpet, caught on fire
and almost burned down the entire house.
And?
That was me.
I don't understand.
The yellow lighter.
The yellow lighter.
You kept on the fridge.
You told dad you quit
smoking. You never did.
How do you know this?
It's me.
No, you just know bits of a story
that was all over the newspaper.
The entire neighborhood
knew about the fire.
Mom,
I don't know what's happening.
[soft music]
I'm sorry.
I didn't do it. It
wasn't me. I didn't do it.
Thank you. Thank you.
I never thought I was
going to see you again.
[soft music]
It's beautiful.
What do we do now?
[soft music]
[dramatic music]
[car approaching]
I'll take whatever this gets me.
What? 50 bucks? Get outta here.
Look man, that's all I got.
Alright, I spent the
rest on some shitty motel.
Looks like you should have
cheaped out for the ditch
if you want the good stuff.
I'll take whatever you
got, you know, anything.
Tell you what, you
deliver this to a friend
of mine, I'll help you out.
A friend? What kind of friend?
Just a friend,
he's a nice guy. Relax.
[suspenseful music]
I just gotta drop it off?
Just a drop off?
Just a drop off.
I'm only doing this once, yeah?
That's what they all say.
Hey, don't fuck with me.
[rock music]
[birds chirping]
[suspenseful music]
[suspenseful music]
Hello, is this Ms. Lehman?
This is Detective Cooper.
There's been an incident.
Ma'am, could you please meet
us at the Lakeside Motel
immediately. Ma'am, please.
Um yes, take it off.
Benji!
What happened?
Did he?
It's too early to tell at this time.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
You're doing great.
Just a little bit further.
Okay, push. There you go.
Congratulations. It's a baby boy.
Thank you. So beautiful.
We are gonna name him Max.
Welcome to the world Max.
Excuse me, doctor, what's
this red spot on his stomach.
Oh, that shouldn't be a problem.
Just keep an eye on it,
but it should go away in time.
Okay? Sure.
[birds chirping]
You good?
[electronic music]
- Everything okay?
- Yes, of course.
We just made this beautiful baby boy.
Yes we did.
All set? Yeah,
Alright.
Catch me if you can!
[soft music]
Max! Are you okay?
Yeah, I think so.
Just don't tell my mom about this.
Max. Dinner's ready.
Mom, what are you doing here?
I told you to come
straight home after school.
You had me worried sick.
So sorry. I had no idea.
Come on Philip, it's time to go.
Bye Max. I'll see you tomorrow.
Bye.
So how was everyone's day?
Another day in Paradise,
am I right?
Or not?
What about you, Max? How was
school learning? Anything new?
Just homework.
Well, what are you learning?
It's boring.
Well, what is it?
We have to do
a tree.
A tree?
Our teacher wants us to do a family tree.
Hmm. Nice. I made one
of those long time ago.
Found that had some pretty cool ancestors.
Max. What's this?
What?
There's blood in your hair.
- What?
There's blood in your
hair. What happened?
I don't know,
Sweetie.
Is is everything okay?
Is someone bullying you?
No.
- Then what is it?
I, I tripped while playing tag
and I didn't want you
guys to get mad at me
Mad?
I'm mad that you didn't tell us
Max, this is serious
or you can't keep this stuff from us.
- But
No, come on, we're going to the hospital.
Why did you keep this from us,
Max?
I don't know.
I just didn't wanna worry you and dad.
You know how much dad
and I love you, right?
I don't know what we would do without you.
You're everything to us.
Our reason for waking up.
I don't know what we would do.
Promise me you won't keep
this stuff from us anymore.
Please.
Okay, I promise.
[birds chirping]
How much longer do we have to
wait? I'm fine. Can we leave?
It won't be that much longer.
Hi there. I'm Dr. Brenner.
So what do we have here?
Well, Max was playing with his friends.
And Max, you tell the
doctor what happened?
I was playing tag with
my friends and I fell.
Ouch. Okay. And where did
you fall? I hit my head.
Let me take a look.
You feel dizzy or woozy at all
Max?
Let's take a look.
He seems fine. Have him take
these for the next few weeks
during meals and if he
gets any new symptoms
or anything changes, I want you
to bring back in immediately.
Thank you.
[somber music]
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Max,
happy birthday to you.
Did you get the meat sweats or what?
Yeah, I guess.
- Happy 13th birthday, angel.
- Happy birthday buddy.
- My gosh.
13. My baby's a teen.
I remember I had my
first girlfriend at 13.
Oh, shush. Don't give
him any ideas.
Okay sweetie, I'll let you
get ready for your big day,
but remember doctor said you have
to start taking these today.
I'll go start making
breakfast for the birthday boy
Start getting ready and we'll
meet you downstairs. Okay?
[suspenseful music]
Max, buddy,
could you run out and grab
the paper for me please?
Sure. Dad.
Thank you.
Hey, the paper.
Well let him be. It's his day.
Yeah, I wouldn't know what that's like.
Happy birthday Max. Happy birthday Max.
Happy birthday Max.
[suspenseful music]
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Max,
happy birthday to you.
Okay sweetie,
Make-A-Wish.
What's wrong, Max?
Max wait!
Are we still having cake or?
Phillip!
[footsteps]
Max, Sweetie, what's wrong?
I don't know.
Max. Talk to me.
Nothing feels right.
What do you mean?
The tree.
What tree?
The family tree.
What about it?
I don't recognize anybody.
Well, sweetie, that was a long time ago
and most of those people
you don't even know.
I don't recognize anybody.
You recognize me and daddy?
No.
Max.
That's not funny.
Max, please tell me what's going on.
That's it,
Brad.
Brad!
What is it?
Call the parents party is over.
[footsteps]
Call the parents now.
Okay? Okay. What's going on?
I'm taking Max to the hospital.
Wait until their parents come pick 'em up
and then you can meet me there.
Okay? Alright.
What's happening?
Max!
What's going on?
Sweetie? Calm down.
What? Who are you?
What are you doing?
Max,
Max!?
Max, you're okay buddy.
I need you
to relax. Okay? Lay back down.
Lay back down. Deep breaths.
Deep breath. Deep breath in.
Okay, count with me. One.
Okay, exhale. Exhale.
Deep breath in. Two. You're all right.
Okay, you're gonna be fine.
Deep breath. Three. Exhale.
Exhale. Four. Inhale.
You're gonna be fine. You're
gonna be okay. Inhale five.
[soft music]
[soft music]
This feels like a bad
dream. I don't understand,
two days ago everything was
normal and now we're here.
He's gonna wake up and
everything's gonna be okay.
Yeah, but what if,
Everything
is going to be okay.
Max is in a medically induced coma.
He's in a very fragile state.
- My God.
- We aren't entirely sure what's
happening at this exact moment.
So we're gonna keep
him here for a few days
to run some tests and keep an eye on him.
You said it'd be fine
if we just gave him those
pills you gave us.
Sometimes it's more complicated than that.
I'm sorry.
You're sorry,
Honey. Stop.
I'm terribly sorry.
We're doing everything we can for him,
but I suggest you come
inside and keep Max company.
Morning.
How did you sleep?
You should go into work today.
What?
I'll stay here with him.
I'm not leaving.
Doctor said he is gonna be
asleep for a few days anyways.
There's no sense in both
of us losing our jobs.
Okay, love you.
I love you too.
Hey buddy. You're so loved.
Please come back to us.
I brought you some clothes.
[soft music]
Hi, honey.
Don't worry. Everything's okay.
Do you recognize me?
It's okay.
Can I leave?
I don't know.
Excuse me, doctor, my son's awake
and wondering if we can leave
or do you know how much
longer it's gonna be?
Let me check on him.
How are we doing today,
Max?
You remember Dr. Brenner, right?
Max, are you feeling better?
How does your head feel?
Good, bad?
I think maybe having Max home would help,
seeing photos of us. His room. Maybe.
Maybe. How are you doing?
I I
Do you need someone to talk to?
I have a number that can help you.
No, thank you. That's fine.
Everything's gonna be okay.
Look, I'll let you take him home.
But there's any, I mean,
any changes at all in his condition,
you have to call us immediately.
This is a very unusual circumstance.
You're gonna have to continue to
monitor his behavior carefully.
Yes, of course. Thank
you, doctor. Great news.
Doctor said we can leave. I'll let you
get dressed and then we can go.
Okay?
Are you okay in there?
You must be starving. Are you hungry?
We can go to your favorite spot.
[car engine running]
Hi. Yeah, he seems okay. He's not scared.
I brought him to Dean's Diner.
Hi hun.
What can I get for you?
- Okay, coming right up.
- Okay,
bye.
So what'd you get?
I'm not gonna bite.
Tell me.
Hmm. Trying something different today.
You always get the eggs Benny.
Could you say something please?
Here you go. Bon apptit. Thank you.
I will give it back to you,
but you have to say something.
Anything please.
I wanna go home.
Thank you. We'll go home after sweetie.
[crickets chirping]
How's he doing?
- Seems a little
tired, but he'll be okay.
Good.
Max, I made your favorite.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
What? What's wrong?
Max. Max is gone.
Call the cops. Call everyone you know.
I'll go talk to the neighbors.
[soft music]
[soft music]
I am not really sure how to start this,
but I know I don't come to
church as much as I should.
And I'm sorry, but I don't
know what else to do.
I don't know what's happening
and I'm really scared.
I just need an answer. Please.
The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Sorry, I didn't think
anyone else was here.
There's no need to apologize,
you're right where he is supposed to be.
May I join you?
So what's your name?
I understand.
What brings you here?
I think
I just ran away from my parents
Having family troubles.
I know that very well.
I just turned 13 and,
Oh well, happy birthday.
Thanks. I had an accident.
I fell and I hit my head and
I don't remember anything.
I keep having these nightmares.
And what are you seeing
in these nightmares?
It's okay. You can tell me.
You know, I've had family
problems as well, too.
Really?
Oh yeah. Well,
I'm not from around here.
I moved here about 15 years ago.
My father was a businessman,
did a lot of traveling,
and my mother, well, she passed away soon
after they got married, so I don't
really know her too well.
I'm sorry.
It's okay, it's how life goes sometimes.
So tell me about your nightmares.
A dark shower.
A dark shower?
I just keep seeing
this man's hands in front
of me, covered in blood.
But I see more and more every
time I have a nightmare.
What else are you seeing?
A building.
What kind of building?
Like a hotel, but older looking.
What?
Oh, nothing continue.
I see street signs.
What kind of street sign?
I see the numbers
8, 3, 5.
The only thing I could
think of is this tragic case
of a man who took his own life.
That happened a few towns over.
When did this happen?
- Maybe
10, 12, 13 years ago.
Can you tell me where
The motel? I don't even
know if it still exists.
And even so, you shouldn't
be out wandering by yourself.
Please, tell me where.
Excuse me. You see my
son?
No, I'm sorry. I haven't.
Have you seen my son?
No, sorry.
[soft music]
Good evening.
[footsteps]
Who's in here? You can't hide from me.
Must have been a mouse. Damn big mouse.
[soft dramatic music]
What are we even doing?
We should be outside looking.
Look, the police said they would
call us if they find anything.
Find anything. Like what?
His dead corpse in a ditch
Enough.
Alright. The police said
to stay here in case he came back.
He's not coming back.
I could see it. He doesn't
even know who we are.
It's just so scary. And so alone.
I need to go look for him.
Fine. Go. I'll stay here
in case he comes back.
Hello?
I saw the poster outside of the church.
Look, my son is missing.
If you wanna take it
down, just take it down,
but please put in a busy
area where people can see it.
Oh. Oh, no. The boy actually came to me.
What? Who is this?
This is Father Marcus from
the Creek across Havens Church.
Oh yes, of course. Father,
when did you see Max?
Late yesterday afternoon. Was he alone?
Yeah, he was alone. Did you speak to him?
Was he scared? Where is he now?
He seemed fine. He said
he'd run away from home
and that he was looking for something.
Looking for something?
- Yeah.
He seemed to be interested in a old motel.
A motel? Max doesn't
even know what a motel is.
Well, he seemed to know about
it yesterday when we spoke.
Did he say what motel?
No, but I believe he's going
to that old rundown motel
by the water.
By the water, you said?
Yes.
Is that the same motel the
man took his life years ago?
Yes. That's the one.
Okay.
Thank you.
You're, you're welcome.
[car engine running]
One more move and this thing's
going right through you. Whoa, whoa,
Whoa.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I can explain.
You got 10 seconds.
- I, I, I
You got tourette's boy?
Wait. I ran away from home and,
And you thought you'd break into this
friendly farmer's barn?
[birds chirping]
I had an accident and I
can't remember anything.
An accident?
- I hit my head.
What's your name,
kid? My name's Chester,
but my friend called me Scout.
I'm sorry. I'll go,
Huh, I knew there was
no damn mouse in this
barn. What are you doing here?
I ran away.
- And why would you do that?
I'm trying to find a motel.
- A motel for what?
Family. It's the only
thing that I can remember.
And the priest told me to come that way.
I'm sorry. I'm leaving.
Grab your things and I'll
take you where you need to be,
But why are you helping me?
I got two sons of my own.
Neither of them speak to me anymore.
You remind me of my youngest.
Let's get you where
you need to be. Come on.
[birds chirping]
Hello?
- The priest called me.
What?
- The priest called me. He said he saw Max.
Where?
- Apparently at a motel.
A motel.
- That's what Father Marco
said. So I'm heading there now.
I'm on my way.
- No,
stay there just in case he comes home.
Okay.
Okay, fine. Well, let me
know what happens. Alright?
No news around here yet,
but I'll call you if
anything changes. Okay?
Okay. Bye.
- Marissa.
Yes?
We're gonna find him, alright?
Everything's gonna be okay.
I know, I, I know. I just,
I don't know why this is happening.
I know. Well, we have
to stay strong, right?
Max needs us to be strong.
I know. I know.
I love you.
I love you. Drive safe.
You hungry? Well, I am. We're stopping.
We will sit over there, grab us a spot.
Get something to eat.
[indistinct chatter]
Hi, Can I get
two cheeseburgers and two fries?
Coming right up.
Eat up.
So, why don't you talk
to your kids anymore?
It's complicated, huh? Isn't it always?
I guess.
I want them to grow up like I did.
Strong independent farmers.
Well, they decided that
wasn't cut out for them.
Where are they now?
- Oh boy.
One's in New York trying to
be a painter or an artist.
And the other, last I heard
he was a surfer in California.
Probably think that's
pretty fun, don't you?
Sometimes I wonder what life would be like
if it wasn't so hard on them.
You should call them.
- Hmm? Maybe I should.
You know, this is the most
I've talked to anybody in years.
Boy, were you hungry.
Okay, we're just around
the corner from the motel.
You, you know where to
go when I drop you off?
[car engine running]
Hey, have some respect for the glass.
What's wrong?
- Nothing.
This is where you wanna be, right?
Yeah.
Go on then. Which room's your parents?
I don't. I don't know.
Come on. Let's go find out.
Hello. How can I help you?
We got an odd situation here.
This boy here needed my help.
He's looking for his
parents. Can you help us out?
Hi there. Do you know which
room your parents are in?
I see.
Can you help us out?
- I can't exactly go knocking
on people's doors.
Disturbing our customers.
Please.
The only married looking
couple staying here is in room 214
but I don't think they have a son.
Well, let's go find out.
Hello? I have your son.
What do you want?
I have your son.
I don't have a son.
What is it? Hey boy, I'm talking to you.
Is that your parents' room? I don't know.
Hey, who's in room? 8, 3, 5.
Let me see
Who's in room.
No one.
Can we go in?
Not unless you book a room
checkout's at 11:00 AM.
Keys,
Right?
Hey, you can tell me what's going on now.
I spent nearly $35 to get us in this room.
You better tell me what's going on.
I don't know. Just something
told me I have to be here.
Well, what is it?
I don't know.
Oh, no kid. We should probably go.
Kid we gotta go.
Whoa. Whoa. This.
It's not what you think.
You're coming with us. No, no, no. Stop.
Hands behind your back.
It's not what you think.
He didn't do anything. Please stop.
Let's go.
Watch your step
[soft music]
Max!
That's my son. Who's this man?
He was trying to find you.
- Find me?
I thought he ran away and you took him from me.
- No. What?
He didn't. I left.
Hello?
I'm in jail with Max.
What? What the hell happened?
I'll explain everything
later. We're on our way home.
Okay? Bye.
Where do you think you're
going? Get over here. Now.
What were you thinking? You've
had the entire town running
the streets for days, looking for you,
and I haven't eaten or slept.
Max. Are you even listening to me?
My name isn't Max.
Excuse me.
Okay, honey, let's calm down.
Your name isn't Max?
Could you calm down for a second?
I don't know. Did you forget that he hit
his head a few days ago?
I don't know what to say. Okay.
That man.
What? Man?
The man that was you. Who
was he?
He was just my friend.
A friend? A man in his forties isn't
friends with a 13-year-old.
I'm not 13.
Max! For God's
sake. That's enough.
Enough. Both of you. Alright!
Everyone's exhausted
and is in desperate need sleep right now.
Right bed, everyone now. No, no, no, no.
You're sleeping out here with us.
We're not playing this game again.
Can't sleep either?
So you wanna tell me what's
going on with you lately?
You wouldn't believe me if I did.
I'll believe anything at this point.
You know when you have
a dream, you just kind
of forget about it when you wake up.
Sure.
When I hit my head,
I've been having these bad dreams.
- Okay,
- But they won't go away.
What are you saying?
I don't think they're dreams.
What do you mean?
I knew you wouldn't understand.
I'm trying. Please continue.
When I hit my head every
day, I remember less and less.
Sweetie, you hit your head.
I know you're scared, but it's
only temporary, I promise.
What do you dream about?
Darkness. Men in an alley
screaming, a motel.
Tears. But I always end up
seeing a man's
hands covered in blood in a
shower in front of me, like
as if I did something bad,
Sweetie, there only dreams.
Can someone dream of
something and find it?
The motel you picked me
up at, that was the motel.
There's something at that motel.
The priest told me something
that happened at the
motel a long time ago.
Enough, - And it sounds like
the dreams I've been having
when I was at that
motel, I felt something.
And I need to go back.
Please. I need to go back.
Just go to bed
and we'll talk about this in the morning.
[car approaching]
[footsteps]
Hi ma'am. Can I help you?
Yes. I'm looking for something.
Yes.
- Do you store public records?
How do you mean?
Well, my son's working on a
school project, a family tree,
and just wanna find some ancestors.
And where is your son?
Oh, he's not feeling well today,
so he stayed at home to rest.
We keep our public records
in the basement. Okay.
Thank you so much.
Now go Before I change my mind.
[footsteps]
[crickets chirping]
Get in.
Where are we going?
[car approaching]
The motel?
- The motel.
I don't understand.
- This is
where you said you needed to be.
Now what?
[doors close]
Hi, how can I help you?
Room 835.
- Okay, sure. That'll be $32.
Checkout is at 11.
I love you so much.
And your dad loves you.
You just make us so happy. You know that.
- I'm sorry.
- No stop. It's not your fault.
Remember that.
Here we go,
[footsteps]
[soft music]
[soft dramatic music]
Max.
[dramatic music]
I saw it.
What did you see?
Everything.
My name was Ben.
[soft music]
Is this?
- Yes.
I love you.
I love you.
[soft music]
Yes? Can I help you?
Hi.
Hello.
Wow,
you have gray hair now.
Excuse me? If you're selling
something. I don't want it.
No, I,
Yes?
I don't know how to tell you this.
What is it?
It's me.
What kind of sick joke
is this? Who sent you here?
No one. I swear
I'm calling the police.
Wait, please. Christmas Eve,
The living room carpet, caught on fire
and almost burned down the entire house.
And?
That was me.
I don't understand.
The yellow lighter.
The yellow lighter.
You kept on the fridge.
You told dad you quit
smoking. You never did.
How do you know this?
It's me.
No, you just know bits of a story
that was all over the newspaper.
The entire neighborhood
knew about the fire.
Mom,
I don't know what's happening.
[soft music]
I'm sorry.
I didn't do it. It
wasn't me. I didn't do it.
Thank you. Thank you.
I never thought I was
going to see you again.
[soft music]
It's beautiful.
What do we do now?
[soft music]