Dying for Fame (2024) Movie Script
1
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
Hi, my beautiful fans
and followers, it's your girl,
Juliet. I'm here at the gym
again, putting in the work.
You wanna stay lean,
you gotta get mean. Am I right?
Anyway, it'll all be worth it,
so I can fit into my dress
for my newest theme party next
week. It's gonna be so lit.
You def don't wanna miss it.
All right. All for now.
[instrumental music]
[camera clicking]
[camera clicking]
[cell phone keys clacking]
[beeping]
[intense music]
[camera clicking]
[door opens, shuts]
Hi. I'm still in here.
Don't lock me in, please.
[camera clicking]
[rattling]
Hello?
Ryan, is that you?
[intense music]
[Holden] Do you like it?
I hope you do.
I did it all for you.
Well... for us.
What?
What are you doing here?
How'd you get in?
I'll always find my way to you.
Always.
You never have to question that.
I told you to stay away.
You didn't mean it.
I know it's a test,
to prove how much I love you,
to earn it.
-I promise, I'll never fail you.
-No! No, let go!
Don't be scared.
Meant to be together--
-No!
-[groaning]
-Juliet!
-[dramatic music]
Juliet, wait!
You can't run from us.
[whimpers]
-Ah!
-Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hey, Juliet, what's wrong?
He was there, in the gym,
that Romeo creep.
He's there, he's there.
[eerie music]
[pop song playing]
Hey, sexy.
Yeah, no.
Let me buy you a drink.
Thanks, but sorry. Boyfriend.
So? I can be him tonight.
It's your lucky day.
-Fine. Girlfriend, then.
-Even better.
[indistinct song playing]
Look, you're pretty,
which clearly you know.
So I'm flattered.
And you'd probably be fun
for the 15 seconds you'd last.
But, honestly,
I couldn't be less interested.
So this right here
is me doing you a favor
so you don't have to waste
20 bucks
buying me a drink
that I won't finish
because I'm afraid
it's been roofied.
And you can actually
hone in on someone
who'll go for all of this.
[indistinct song playing]
But again, very pretty.
Nice work.
Trust me,
you'll thank me at 3 a.m.
[music continues]
Hey, sexy.
[woman retching]
Oh, my God, are you okay?
-I'm fine.
-Here. Let me help.
Oh, God. Thank you.
No, thank you.
-[coughing]
-[camera clicking]
Wait. What are you doing?
Never mix, princess.
-You know me?
-Everyone knows you.
Including the owners who let
an underage TV star in to drink.
-It's not what it looks like.
-Really?
'Cause it looks like
Cristal, Smirnoff
and the $300 worth of sushi
that you had for dinner.
[eerie music]
Are you serio...
[coughing, retching]
[instrumental music]
Have you been here all night?
Guess so.
Take a look.
[Artie] Whoa, is that...
America's favorite
teen sweetheart
taking the porcelain bus
for a spin.
That's... up-close and personal.
I was helping. Oh, stop.
I got the picture.
That's what matters.
Besides, it's not like
I tainted her drink.
I didn't. This time.
I didn't have to.
She was putting them away
just fine all by herself.
Couldn't this, like,
screw up her TV deal?
And that's our problem why?
This is the attitude
that's keeping you
from making front page.
Why work here if you're
not gonna embrace what we do?
I'd have to take more showers.
Hm. Guess we'll see
what Lex has to say.
Okay, people, let's see what
we've brought for posting today.
A celebrity couple
names their baby
something barely pronounceable.
With no photos.
A wardrobe malfunction
on the red carpet
from an actress
known for her nude scenes.
Hm, an NFL player
caught cheating, with a woman.
And this...
Huh, America's TV sweetheart
takes her first steps
towards a lifetime of AA
and rehab.
Complete with photos.
And there's our headline.
Nice job, Anna, again.
Seriously, people,
step up your game.
If you've learned anything
from me,
and, clearly,
some of you have not,
our readers want sex,
they want scandal.
Even better
if there's both. Huh?
And photos would help.
Yes, we'll worry about
the legal ramifications later.
With that being said, meet
the latest flavor of the month,
Juliet Jay,
up-and-coming influencer,
suddenly famous
for the theme parties
she hosts at her downtown loft.
[Lex] Anna, it's yours.
Play nice,
get her to drop her guard,
then get an invite.
Find the scandal.
Where there's smoke,
there's dirt. Find it.
But first, you might wanna
go home and shower
'cause you smell
a little like a dispensary.
[instrumental music]
Hello, my beautiful people,
it's another gorgeous day
today. Look at this.
So before you head out into
the world, set your intention.
Ugh! Yuck!
Oh, come on,
no one is that happy.
What are you hiding?
That's more like it.
Hey, Artie, I need your help
with this Juliet Jay situation.
Oh, come on,
I know you're not busy.
You have less of a life
than I do.
I'll order Lo Pan's.
That's my Artie.
[Artie]
Juliet's parties are epic.
At one she had live birds
fly out of her dress.
Like, she was wearing a nest.
That sounds sanitary.
I've been trying to get access
for months.
[Artie sighs]
That was my not-subtle hint.
If I get an invite,
you're my plus-one. Promise.
-Hm.
-She's with muscle boy a lot.
That's Ryan Tate.
He's a fitness influencer.
Has his own
workout video channel.
I guess I can count you
as one of his followers.
I might have watched
a video or two.
The ones where he's shirtless.
Hm. Can't blame you for that.
He's had some anger issues in
the past. He got caught juicing.
It cost him a lot of followers.
Don't do drugs, kids.
Juliet helped him get clean,
and he got most of them back.
They've been an item ever since.
It doesn't ever bother you
what we do?
Trying to catch people
at their weakest moment?
-Are you feeling all right?
-Seriously.
Never makes you feel... icky?
No. And you know why?
Because they deserve it.
Most of these people,
what have they ever done
or accomplished?
Aside from winning the genetic
lottery and being beautiful.
Wow, tough life.
-You sound kind of jealous.
-Why?
Because I'm trying to show that
these magical carefree lives
that they claim to live
are a lie?
They've bestowed themselves
with this self-significance
that we should care about
what they wear or what they eat.
And we wonder
why narcissism is rampant.
Because we created the perfect
breeding ground for it.
Well, maybe some people need
that to get through their day.
Maybe it makes their lives
better.
-Is that so wrong?
-Your life's amazing.
-You have me in it.
-[scoffs]
[sighs]
You're right about one thing.
A lot of these followers are
only connected to each other.
And they have the same social
media photos on every app.
Same friends, same photos.
Which means they're probably--
-Fake profiles.
-Hm.
Bots, most likely,
to boost her following.
Which means she's lying.
She's not nearly as famous
or popular an influencer
as she claims.
Okay.
-And?
-And... I should ask her.
Guess I can kiss
that plus-one goodbye.
[footsteps approaching]
[ominous music]
[drill whirring]
Oh, and the door off the back
room needs a new lock as well.
[footsteps approaching]
Ah. Is it 10:00 already? Wow.
You must be Anna.
Yeah, hi. Uh, for the interview
with Juliet.
Yeah, I'm Meg, Juliet's sister
and her coordinator
and secretary-slash-assistant
and whatever else
she needs done.
[chuckling]
Ah, come on in.
-Wow! This is...
-I know, right?
One of the perks
of Juliet's fandom.
Every morning I wake up and I
still can't believe I live here.
We still have to pay,
but the discount we get
for the publicity we,
Juliet brings
was just too good to turn down.
Hm.
Thank you for arranging this.
Well, my pleasure.
Sorry for the chaos.
We are getting
some new security installed.
I didn't think that crime
would be a problem this high up.
You can never be too careful.
-Right?
-Hm.
Now if you'll excuse me,
Juliet will be down any second.
Hey, how's it going?
Mm-hmm.
[Ryan] Why do you always
shoot down every idea I have?
[Juliet] I don't! But I already
told you the first time.
And the answer's still no!
Sorry, I didn't see you.
It's all right.
I'm Ryan.
[Juliet] You must be Anna.
[Anna] Yeah.
Hi.
Nice to meet you, Anna.
Come on up.
[instrumental music]
I was really flattered
when you reached out.
The Hot Goss
is making a name for itself.
We're small, but we're scrappy.
You absolutely need to
come to my party this weekend.
I'll make sure
Meg puts you on the list.
-It's gonna be so lit.
-I'm sure it is.
When I was researching you
for this,
I noticed
how quickly you became popular.
It's impressive.
It's crazy, right?
I guess my early posts
just connected with people.
So I've tried to keep
that authenticity
in all my posts and stories.
Really help inspire, you know?
Sure.
I also noticed
how many of your fans,
particularly the early ones,
all joined
within the same time frame,
but they all have a limited
social-media presence.
Which is weird, for followers.
You'd have to ask them, I guess.
I tried. None of them responded.
But I'm pretty sure
that's because we both know
they aren't real.
Care to comment?
It doesn't seem like I need to.
Seems like you have it
all figured out.
So you're confirming you bought
a large number of your fans
in the beginning
to jumpstart your following?
Would you like one?
[sighs]
[liquid sloshing]
You were unpopular
in high school, weren't you?
So was I, believe it or not.
So I get it,
the need to feel better about
yourself, no matter what.
I'm just reporting on a story.
You want a story?
Here's one.
I have a stalker.
They call themselves Romeos,
they are these weird incel-types
who lurk on message boards
and become obsessed
with a particular influencer.
Lucky me, right?
Seems like a small price to pay
for all the perks
you're getting.
He's been following me
for months.
It started harmless, likes
and comments on all my posts.
Then flattering DMs.
Then it became incessant.
He'd send flowers,
show up to all my events.
Now he won't leave me alone.
Be a pretty bad stalker
if he did.
I'm being serious.
You're changing the subject.
He keeps getting in,
and we don't know how.
That's why
we've upped the security.
Is that where
the bruises are from?
Just come to my next party.
He'll be there. He always is.
He has a tattoo, a star,
right here.
And you're telling me this
because?
I'm scared.
This guy,
I think he's dangerous.
I don't know
what he's capable of.
You had to know there would be
a downside to all this,
a price to pay.
It wasn't all gonna be
endorsements and sycophants.
We can help each other.
It's a better story
than you lying about my fans.
You could do some real reporting
for a change,
about a story that matters,
one that makes a difference.
Or maybe you're just trying
to do damage-control
because you don't want the truth
to come out.
Um, forget it.
Publish what you want.
I don't care anymore.
I'll just say
you had no comment.
I'll see myself out.
[instrumental music]
[intense music]
[laptop keys clacking]
[footsteps approaching]
[dramatic music]
[footsteps approaching]
[gasps]
Oh, my God!
Oh. Someone needs to cut back
on their caffeine.
I didn't know anyone else
was still here.
That makes two of us.
You almost done?
Close. Maybe another hour.
Hm. You went with the fake-fan
story over the stalker.
Honestly,
I didn't even look into it.
I mean, who doesn't have
a stalker nowadays?
And she didn't deny
she faked the accounts.
It just felt like
she was trying to distract me,
do damage-control.
She probably was.
Okay, then, well,
she made her bed,
so time to pay the piper.
-That's not--
-It's a mixed metaphor.
I'm aware.
But we'll run this tomorrow.
Nice job.
And don't feel too badly.
Some other wannabe will rise up
and take her place.
They always do.
Social media whack-a-mole.
Good thing, too. Otherwise
we'd have to find real jobs.
You spend the whole night here
again, I'm gonna have to start
charging you rent.
[instrumental music]
Girl, you're trending!
-What?
-Your story, it's gone viral.
-Did you not check?
-[sighs] Just woke up.
-Less talk, more coffee.
-[chuckles]
Juliet is hemorrhaging
followers.
This keeps up,
the only ones she'll have left
are the bots she paid for.
[dramatic music]
I gave her a chance
to set things straight.
Serves her right for lying.
FYI, you've gained, like,
6000 followers.
-Last I checked.
-Really?
-Mm-hmm.
-Whoa!
Closer to 7000.
You might be the most popular
friend I have.
Can I sit by your table
at lunch?
Mm, sure. But you're buying.
Oh.
[upbeat music]
[indistinct song playing]
[indistinct song playing]
Hey, uh,
check out the photo booth.
You can post directly
to your story.
[song continues]
[cell phone chimes]
Nobody does it
nobody does it like we do
Nobody does it
uh like we do
Nobody does it
nobody does it like we do
Nobody does it like we do
Hey, it'll be fine.
-It's one party.
-No.
It won't be fine.
Juliet?
[instrumental music]
Hello, all my followers.
Well, those of you
who are still watching.
So now you know.
Yes, I bought some of my fans.
Not all, obviously.
Just the ones at the start,
to gain momentum.
I'm sorry for lying. I hope
you don't feel too betrayed.
But I want you to know I've
always shown you the real me.
Everything I posted
was what I believed.
Life can be beautiful.
We just have to choose
to see it that way.
Until next time...
[dramatic music]
[intense music]
[cell phone chiming]
Come on!
[gasps]
[eerie music]
[intense music]
Oh, my God.
[music continues]
[cell phone chiming]
[cell phone chiming]
Stop!
[man on radio] So, sure,
the girl lied about her fans,
but did she deserve this?
I don't think so.
Caller, you're on.
[woman on radio]
Juliet was a sweetheart.
And to see her life end like
this, it's, i-it's just awful.
And this so-called reporter
might as well have pushed her.
[instrumental music]
-Artie. Hey.
-Hey.
We didn't know if you'd come in.
Why wouldn't I?
That came for you
not too long ago.
New boyfriend? Secret admirer?
I guess so.
[ominous music]
-Ah!
-Whoa!
-Who dropped that off?
-Some delivery guy.
Looks like you made an enemy.
Congratulations, superstar.
[Lex] Drink.
It'll calm your nerves.
Shake it off.
You know, it's just
some obsessed fanboy or girl
lashing out
from their parents' basement.
Do you think
we did the right thing,
running with the bot story?
Don't do that. Don't go there.
All they've confirmed so far
is that
she fell off
the roof of her building.
-Right, but--
-And, yes.
We printed something that
people have a right to know.
We had no idea
this would happen.
You know what?
Go home, just take the day off.
By tomorrow some starlet
will have her nudes released
or drunk-crashed her car, all
this will be in the rear view.
And don't let me catch you
drinking on the job again.
[instrumental music]
[intense music]
[footsteps approaching]
[Meg sniffles]
Wow. You got balls
showing your face here.
I wanted to come by and see if
there was anything I could do.
-[Anna] To help...
-So, seriously?
How could you possibly help?
I think you've done
more than enough.
You know,
Juliet could be a lot sometimes,
but she was a light
in the world.
Bright, cheerful, full of hope.
And you snuffed that out.
-I'm sorry. I never thought--
-No, you didn't!
You didn't think about anything
but yourself
and how many clicks you'd get.
You did it without considering
how it would impact
anybody else.
You're doing it
for the likes, too.
How does that make you
any better?
You know, it might seem
frivolous to you,
but at least she brought
something to people's lives.
What exactly do you bring?
No, I'll tell you. Nothing.
You just tear them down.
This wasn't
what I wanted to happen.
Are you sure about that?
'Cause it seems to me,
it was only a matter of time
before someone like you
did something like this.
The ultimate tear-down.
And now my sister is dead.
[sobbing]
Congratulations.
[instrumental music]
Juliet offered you a real story.
She asked for your help.
And look where that got her.
-I'm so sorry--
-Just save it.
And for the record,
I convinced her to buy the bots.
To use what little our family
left us to get an initial boost,
get her noticed.
Happy now?
Publish that.
I don't know how she got in
here, but can you make sure
she exits through the front?
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
You! Hey!
That's her. That's the tabloid
witch who ratted on Juliet.
You think you can just run away?
She's dead because of you.
-No. That's not--
-Not what? Not true?
You think you even know
what that word means?
You think I wanted this
to happen?
Actually,
I think you don't care.
Of course, I do.
It should have been you,
not her.
Who knows,
maybe next time it will be.
[ominous music]
[breathing heavily]
[keys jingling]
[car engine starts]
[rain pattering]
[car lock beeps]
[gate clanking]
[ominous music]
Hello?
[bottle rattling]
Who's there?
[door opens]
[sighs]
[cell phone chimes]
Anna, you probably think
this is going to be a rant,
raging at you for what you did,
for costing me
so many followers.
But it's not.
I actually want to thank you.
And, no, I'm not playing you.
What you did, I now see
the good I can take from it,
how you've helped me,
freed me from this charade.
I've never told anyone this,
but I've wanted out
for a while.
The endless posting
and snapping and...
[Juliet sighs]
Now I can escape it, all of it.
And, who knows, maybe now that
I'll be nobody again,
that Romeo creep will find
someone else to obsess over.
Let's hope, right?
So, thank you, honestly.
This has been a blessing
in disguise,
and I owe it all to you.
Hit me up sometime,
if you want.
-Oh, my God.
-[number pad clacking]
Artie, hey, can you swing by?
There's something
I have to show you.
No, it doesn't matter how late.
Any time is fine.
Thanks.
-[dramatic music]
-[laptop keys clacking]
[ominous music]
[clicking]
[cell phone chimes]
[ominous music]
Look, loser,
I don't have time for...
[music continues]
Okay, creep, you wanna play?
Let's go.
Just FYI,
prefer flowers next time.
Love that. We should meet.
-[dramatic music]
-[rattling]
[ominous music]
-[knocking on door]
-[gasps]
[music continues]
Artie.
What's wrong?
Did you see anyone
outside my apartment?
Outside? What? No.
[instrumental music]
What's going on?
I got these weird texts.
They said they sent that box
to the office.
They said they were outside.
-You didn't see anyone?
-No.
How long have you been here?
Just got here. Why?
You invited me, remember?
[sighs]
Sorry.
It's been a weird day.
I've been looking into Juliet's
stalker. She wasn't kidding.
They actually call themselves
Romeos.
They're this subculture
of incel-types
who lurk
on private message boards.
Reddit, 4Chan, Discord.
Creepy much?
It all stemmed from this one fan
who was obsessed
with an influencer so much so
that he tattooed a star
on his wrist
as a sign of his devotion.
And it worked. They're actually
a couple now, still.
But it inspired all these other
creeps to do the same thing,
thinking that they could
win over their obsessions, too.
They all started tattooing
themselves the same way.
Nothing says romance
like self-mutilation.
Juliet said her stalker had
the same tattoo on his wrist.
-Look familiar?
-[dramatic music]
[Artie] That was on the package
that you got at work today.
You think he sent it?
'Cause he's mad at what
you wrote about Juliet
and what she did.
Yes. But I don't think
Juliet killed herself.
Anna...
I got a video DM from Juliet.
She must have sent it
last night.
And you just saw it now?
I turned my phone off this
morning. It was blowing up.
I was just trying to avoid it
after all the hate
that I was getting.
But her message...
Juliet thanked me
for what I caused.
Said she was happy
to finally be out
of that influencer lifestyle.
She said she was hoping that
her stalker would lose interest.
Does that sound like someone
who would end things?
Not really. Yeah.
-But the timing, it's--
-I know.
But these Romeos, they've caused
other incidents before
with the people
that they're obsessed with.
One of them chased an influencer
in her car
and caused her to crash, another
accidentally burned down a house
with candles.
What if this Romeo lashed out
and Juliet was scared?
She said he was becoming
more obsessed.
What if he was chasing her
and she fell?
Or he pushed her
when she rejected him?
And then he covered it up
to look like a suicide.
Maybe?
Look, I know you're probably
just thinking that
I'm trying to find another
reason for what happened.
And maybe I am.
Can you blame me?
And if that's the truth, then
fine, I'll have to live with it.
But I need to look into this
to be sure.
Juliet deserves that.
Right?
Look at you, digging for proof.
Almost like a real reporter.
Let's see if people will listen.
[Juliet on video]
So thank you, honestly.
This has been a blessing
in disguise,
and I owe it all to you.
Hit me up sometime.
We were thinking there was
some foul play involved.
But this confirms
she jumped of her own volition.
What? No.
Does that sound like someone who
is about to take her own life?
Actually, it does.
I mean, you heard it yourself.
She wanted to escape
from all of it.
That's not what she meant.
And you know this because
you were such good friends?
She was looking forward
to being out of that lifestyle.
And "Hit me up sometime,"
does that sound like someone
who wants to take her own life?
Honestly, it sounded like
she was goading you.
That's what the kids today
call it. Goading.
That's not what this is.
Juliet was scared.
She had a stalker.
He was one of those
Internet Romeos.
She said he was dangerous.
Uh, the first day I met her,
she was having
her locks changed
and new security put in.
Okay. Well, if she did all that,
how did he get to her?
I don't know.
She just kept saying
that he was finding a way in.
And last night
I got texts from someone
saying that they were
outside my apartment.
Were they?
I didn't see anyone.
But yesterday at work,
that same someone
had a dead rat delivered to me.
[chuckles] I'm gonna go
out on a limb
and guess that that wasn't
the first time that's happened.
-You're not listening.
-Oh, I am. I am.
But we have means
and we have motive.
And those around Ms. Jay
confirmed that
the hours before she,
her demise,
they said
she was very despondent.
You mean, because of me.
Correct me if that's wrong.
I was just doing my job.
And now a girl is dead.
Look, I don't know
if you're trying
to find something
to pin this on, you know,
rather than accept your part
in it.
As for your, your stalker,
he was just
one of Juliet's followers.
Found out what happened,
blamed you for it.
They lashed out. It'll pass.
Forget it. Thanks for nothing.
[intense music]
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
[door slides]
[knocking on door]
Seriously? Wait,
how did you find this entrance?
The door
of the back bedroom, right?
Look, I know you said
not to come back,
but I wanted to ask you
about Juliet's stalker.
Now you're interested?
-Too late.
-Meg, please.
Leave before I call the police.
[Anna] I don't think
Juliet killed herself.
Five minutes. That's it.
[Juliet on video] This has been
a blessing in disguise,
and I owe it all to you.
Hit me up sometime.
Thank you
for letting me see that.
I mean, you knew her
better than anyone.
Does that sound like someone
who's gonna kill themselves?
[Anna] I mean, you heard her.
I'm sorry. You're wrong.
Wha... But the message...
She was playing you.
Sending you chasing your tail,
like you're doing right now.
Her way of getting
the last laugh.
That night
the party was a huge flop.
No one showed.
And all the hate messages
were coming in.
Juliet was in a bad place.
Then she and Ryan got into it.
-She caught him juicing again.
-No, he quit.
Juliet helped him.
They've posted about it.
He lied. He was using again.
[sighs]
She didn't know.
But you did.
[intense music]
[scoffs] I'd caught him
about a month ago.
He begged me not to tell her.
And when she found out I knew
and had kept it from her...
And I should've told her.
I am, I am her sister.
I just...
I was trying to protect her.
Juliet was crushed.
Felt betrayed by both of us.
And they got into it.
It was bad.
His temper, when he's using,
makes him short-fused.
Her bruises,
the first day that I was here,
she tried to hide them.
Their relationship
was hot and heavy. Passionate.
But that cuts both ways.
That same day they were arguing.
Oh, Ryan was pitching, uh, ways
to get them more followers.
OnlyFans. The two of them.
Juliet didn't want to.
A-anyway, Juliet
broke up with him for lying.
Threw him out.
And she told me that
she just wanted to get some air,
clear her head.
But all that,
on, on top of your article
and losing her followers...
Oh, God, I guess she felt like
she had nothing left.
But her Romeo,
she said he kept getting in.
Uh, what if he followed her
up there?
He wasn't at the party.
Even that bothered her.
She joked that
even he'd lost interest.
But her stalker,
outside my apartment,
the texts...
Him, most likely. Angry.
We all deal with grief
differently.
I'm sorry. I know that isn't
what you wanted to hear.
[elevator bell dings]
[ominous music]
[elevator door shutting]
[beeping]
You're new here.
Right?
No, just visiting a friend.
[beeping]
You sure we've never met?
You look so familiar.
Just one of those faces.
Hm.
I guess.
It's uncanny.
I know I've seen you somewhere.
That's right.
When I was standing
outside of your apartment.
[elevator bell dings]
[intense music]
[breathing heavily]
Don't run, Anna!
I just wanna talk.
[music continues]
-[dramatic music]
-You're the reason she's gone!
You took her from me!
[tires screeching]
You took her!
[birds chirping]
I'm with the cop on this one.
I don't see it.
She warned me about a stalker,
and now she's dead.
Probably by her own doing,
according to the police
and her sister.
Then why did he chase me?
Juliet was scared.
And after what happened last
night, she had a right to be.
What if he did something to her?
-Anna...
-It can't be a coincidence.
I agree.
Maybe if we had taken it
more seriously--
Stop. Don't do that to yourself.
We published a story
about a lie she got caught in,
one that she didn't deny.
[Lex] What she did after that,
none of us could have predicted.
That doesn't mean
it's not worth looking into.
Okay.
First ask yourself,
are you doing this
because you really think
there's a story there?
Or for absolution?
[sighs]
I can't shake this feeling,
this hunch that, that
something's not right here.
That's all it is,
hunches and rumors.
And when has that stopped us
before?
A girl is dead.
Yes. And it's awful.
And I'm very sorry for her.
But it also means
she's not doing anything
that's gonna get us clicks,
which is what
our gossip, troll-readers want.
And it's how
we keep the lights on.
If you wanna make yourself
feel better,
then write her
a glowing obituary.
We'll front-page it.
Below the fold,
as we used to say.
But until you have
something real,
Juliet Jay is yesterday's news.
Hey, Artie.
Do you happen to know
where Ryan Tate works out?
I might.
[footsteps approaching]
Ryan, hi.
[ominous music]
-You're that reporter.
-Anna Faulkner.
Look, I don't know
why you're here,
but let me put this
as politely as I can,
in terms you'll understand.
No comment.
Please, I just wanna ask you
some questions about Juliet
and that night.
I think something happened
to her.
It did. You!
-Look, I'm sorry--
-Are you? Really?
That's why I'm hoping you can
give me some information,
about her stalker, the Romeo.
She asked you for help.
And instead,
you wrote a hit piece.
I know. Ryan, listen.
Juliet thought he was dangerous,
and I think maybe she was right.
Except she's not in any danger
anymore now. Is she?
Thanks to you.
Looks like we're done.
Screw it.
[shower running]
[footsteps approaching]
Seriously? You can read, right?
I wasn't finished. And it's
nothing I haven't seen before.
Suit yourself.
I'm trying to do
the right thing here.
[Anna] So what can you tell me
about these Romeo creeps?
Juliet said she kept...
He kept getting access
to her building,
her parties. How?
I don't know.
We never figured it out.
So he could have gotten in
that night.
What's your point?
What if he was involved
in Juliet's death?
Juliet jumped,
as hard as that is to accept...
for both of us.
-It's the truth.
-What if she didn't?
I was doing some research and...
Do you mind?
These Romeos,
they've been involved
in other incidents before.
Tragedies around people
that they're obsessed with.
Car accidents, a fire.
What if something similar
happened to Juliet?
That night she sent me
a video message.
She was optimistic
about the future.
Happy to finally be out
of that influencer lifestyle.
She couldn't wait to quit.
What if he followed her?
And when she refused him,
he pushed her off?
Or backed her off of it.
Last night I was at Juliet's,
and her Romeo was there.
He chased me.
-Hey. You all right?
-Yeah, I'm fine.
It just freaked me out.
Now you know how Juliet felt
all the time.
[Anna] Which is why
I need to dig further.
I mean, if I'm right,
if I can help
just one woman protect herself
from creeps like this,
it'll all be worth it.
And if something did happen
to Juliet...
she deserves justice, right?
His name's Holden.
That's all we knew.
[traffic bustling]
[ominous music]
[car engine starts]
[music continues]
Hey, can I help you?
[engine revving]
[tires screeching]
[intense music]
[groans]
[ominous music]
Dark car, possibly black,
silhouetted driver?
Yeah. It was black.
-[indistinct radio chatter]
-I think.
It all happened really fast.
Well, can you think of anyone
who might
wanna run you down,
someone with a grudge?
Or maybe it'll be easier
if you list anyone who doesn't.
-How's that?
-This has to do with Juliet.
I agree. This has to be
one of her followers.
-Angry over what happened.
-Not a follower.
Her stalker, the Romeo
who wouldn't leave her alone.
The same one
who was outside my apartment
and who chased me at Juliet's
and who killed her.
We don't have,
we still don't have anything
to support that.
Nothing concrete.
How about the fact that
I start asking questions,
and then somebody tries
to run me down?
[Anna] Is that concrete enough?
Juliet didn't kill herself.
Okay? She was murdered.
Okay, I'll look
into this mystery car
and I'll look into this
Holden character who chased you.
In the meantime,
if you're gonna keep acting
like a real journalist,
be careful.
[ominous music]
[sighs]
[ominous music]
-[screams]
-[intense music]
I'm not gonna hurt you.
Holden, how did you...
Get out, now.
Please, I need your help.
My help? You just tried
to run me down!
What? No.
I've been in here for hours,
waiting, hiding.
[breathing heavily]
Someone was in my apartment.
In your apartment?
-Who?
-I don't know.
I saw them through the window,
just a shape.
You need to leave right now
before I call the police.
You're not listening!
[Holden] Looking for this?
[ominous music]
I'm not gonna hurt you.
But you have to promise
to listen.
Please?
Go ahead, take it.
Juliet was murdered.
What makes you say that?
It's just not who she was.
Her posts,
the way she saw the world,
she was such a light.
Well, who do you think did it?
The same person
that paid me to stalk her.
Paid you?
I had no idea
who Juliet Jay was.
I mean, no one did.
Your article proved that.
-Who paid you?
-Okay, I told you, I don't know!
[panting] It was an anonymous DM
on the message board,
all done online.
They even paid for this.
Hurt like hell.
But after a while,
I fell for her.
She was easy to love.
She responded to my posts
and she listened, she heard me.
I started looking forward to
her stories to boost my mood.
That was part of her magic.
I would have done anything
for her.
Except leave her alone.
Why would somebody pay you
to stalk her?
You have any idea how hard it is
to be an influencer?
To keep drawing clicks.
Clicks! Clicks! Clicks!
You always have to post
something new,
something interesting.
A stalker, now, that's the gift
that keeps on giving.
Maybe that night
Juliet caught on.
Maybe she figured out who hired
me, and things got heated.
Who?
Why don't you ask her boyfriend?
Ryan?
-No, he wouldn't--
-Oh, really?
The roid-head
with anger-management issues
wouldn't create a drama
where he got to play protector?
[panting] Sounds like
a pretty simple way
to clean up your reputation,
don't you think?
Especially after his trouble
with the cops, the arrests.
-What arrests?
-[scoffing]
Are you kidding me?
Did you even do your job?
I guess not.
I guess you just believed him
because of his good looks.
-Do you have any proof?
-Wire transfers to my account.
And this.
Keycard to her building.
They sent it to me.
That's how you kept getting in.
You can have it.
There's no reason
to ever go back there now.
[Holden panting]
You're afraid
of the wrong person.
Hopefully, you won't realize
that too late like Juliet did.
Watch yourself.
If they're willing to kill
Juliet for this...
what else
are they willing to do?
[ominous music]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[music continues]
[suspenseful music]
[door shuts]
[music continues]
[cell phone ringing]
-Hello?
-[Ryan] It's Ryan.
[Anna] Hey. Everything okay?
Yeah, um...
[chuckles]
Where are you right now?
A-are you busy?
Just out. Following a lead.
Why? Where are you?
[Ryan] Oh, really?
A, a lead about Juliet?
-Yeah.
-Did you find anything or...
[Anna] Nothing tangible yet.
But that's okay.
Uh, just gotta keep digging.
Where are you?
I'm, uh...
just leavin' the gym.
Really?
Headed home?
I was actually gonna go grab
a drink. I, uh...
I wondered
if you wanted to join me.
-Yeah, sure.
-Great.
Um, I'll text you the address.
See you soon.
Yeah. Great.
[intense music]
[indistinct chatter]
Infatuation
Hey.
You in my head
Thanks for meeting me.
Sure. Thanks for the invite.
Uh, vodka cranberry.
'Cause I've been thinking
So, you find anything out?
Maybe. I'm not sure yet.
Nothing cuts as deep
To new friends.
To Juliet.
Right. To Juliet.
[indistinct song playing]
So I've been following up
with some things.
Juliet said her Romeo, Holden,
kept getting in.
But the building's
pretty secure.
Yeah, we never figured it out.
We thought he might have gotten
a keycard.
A keycard?
How would he have gotten
a keycard?
I don't know.
Bribe someone and...
They open most doors
in the building, depending.
Have you ever
interacted with him?
No.
He always seemed to know
when Juliet would be alone.
The night she died...
where'd you go?
I thought this was a date,
not an interview.
[song continues]
Sorry. Old habits.
It's okay.
I left.
We got into a fight.
She was pretty upset.
Because she caught you
juicing again?
You know, that's funny.
It sounds like a question,
but I think you know the answer.
And you're wrong. I wasn't.
Juliet found an old vial
of the stuff in my bag.
I have no idea
how long it had been there,
but... she didn't believe me.
So...
She dropped me.
Came here, had a few drinks,
met someone...
went home with her.
Not my finest moment.
But she called it quits, not me.
So while I might not be the best
boyfriend in the world...
I'm not a murderer.
That is what you're asking,
right?
But it helped you regain fans.
These aren't fans.
Oh, fans support you,
cheer you on.
These are just gawkers.
But you're right,
it has gained me, a lot.
Guessing it did the same
for you.
Looks like we're more similar
than you'd like to admit.
Which, when you think about it,
gives you as much motive as me.
[man] Don't I know you?
[Anna] No, I don't think so.
I know you. You're that
fitness guy from the news.
The one whose girlfriend
just ate it.
And you, you're the one
who wrote the story
that made her do it.
How's that feel, knowing that
something that you wrote
caused that?
That's enough, buddy.
And you're with her boyfriend?
Wow, that's a slick move.
It's a little obvious, though,
don't you think?
And why don't you just go
back to your seat, huh?
Shouldn't be surprised, though.
Takes trash to write trash.
-I said back off! Back off!
-Ryan!
Ryan! Ryan!
Is this what you want,
another arrest?
Let's go.
[Anna] Ryan! Hey!
-It's fine.
-I'm sorry.
Guys like that, I don't,
I don't know what happens.
It's okay. We're okay.
-I lose it.
-Hey, it's fine.
[instrumental music]
Thank you for doing that.
No guy has ever...
[music continues]
[camera clicking]
[intense music]
[cell phone ringing]
-Hello?
-Hey, Anna, Detective Nguyen.
-Sorry to wake you.
-Oh, no, it's-it's fine.
I was, I was up.
Hey, we got a lead on that car
that tried to run you down
last night.
-You did?
-[Nguyen] Yeah.
Belongs to Ryan Tate.
[intense music]
[Anna] What?
[Nguyen] One-hundred percent.
Thing is, he reported it stolen
late last night.
Stolen?
-Was it?
-Apparently.
The thing is, I don't know
whether to believe him or not.
You might wanna watch yourself.
You might wanna
keep your distance.
Yeah, I'll...
I'll definitely do that.
Well, we'll clear
the story later
and I'll keep you updated.
Yeah, um, yes, please. Thanks.
Ms. Faulkner,
are you sure you're okay?
I'm good. You just...
You caught me off-guard.
Okay. Well, just watch yourself.
And don't do anything stupid.
I definitely won't do that.
Thanks.
[eerie music]
[intense music]
What the hell are you doing?
Why are you
going through my stuff?
So much for quitting.
It's not what it looks like.
You're a liar.
I quit.
I am...
-You don't understand!
-I do understand.
It was you yesterday,
trying to run me down.
-Run you down? What?
-It was your car!
My car was stolen yesterday!
I reported it!
-How convenient.
-No, actually, it's not.
Why do you think
I was on foot last night?
I-I used Juliet's gym in her
building. It's walking distance.
Get out.
Now!
Happy to.
[eerie music]
I should've known.
-You played me!
-Played you?
For a story.
Just like you did Juliet.
Not that you'll care,
but if you print this,
I'm ruined.
For good this time.
It's all about the clicks
and the sponsors.
I need this.
Juliet had money, I don't.
Is that why you paid Holden
to stalk her?
"Paid him?" What are you talking
about? I barely make rent!
Somebody paid him
to stalk Juliet,
for the attention
that it would get her.
Even paid for his tattoo.
-And you believe him?
-More than I believe you!
[intense music]
Go ahead, ruin me.
Just like you did her.
Just don't expect me
to kill myself over it.
[door shuts]
[cell phone chimes]
What now?
Oh, my God.
[intense music]
[Anna] Why would you
publish that?
Oh, stop acting so offended.
You know what we do here.
You're good at it.
[Lex] We print what gets clicks.
Today that was you.
But it's not
what it looks like.
And how many times
have you heard that before?
Look, it wasn't like that, okay?
It just happened.
-So you didn't hook up with him?
-No, I...
I mean, yeah.
But that's not how
people are gonna see it.
It looks like I tore her down
just to get to him.
-You're right, it does.
-But that's not true.
And when has that
ever stopped us before?
Face it, you made the biggest
mistake in journalism.
You made yourself the story.
Don't kid yourself.
This isn't journalism.
That's the difference
between us, Anna.
I never pretended it was.
You're right.
I quit.
Anna.
Sorry.
Wow.
You know what?
No, don't apologize.
Your first front page. Congrats.
Whatever it takes, right?
Right.
You'd have done the same.
You're right. I would have.
Thanks for reminding me.
Good job, Artie.
Can't wait to see the next one.
[ominous music]
[sighs]
[cell phone vibrating]
Meg, this isn't a great time.
[Meg on phone] You were right
about Juliet.
I have proof.
Please come by ASAP.
[keys jingling]
[car engine starts]
[seat-belt alert beeping]
[beeps]
[instrumental music]
Meg?
[Holden]
What are you talkin' about?
-Meg?
-[glass shatters]
[Meg] Anna!
[panting]
-[Meg sobbing] Anna!
-[door shuts]
Holden, wait! Stop!
Holden, wait! Stop!
Holden, what happened?
[ominous music]
It wasn't me.
-I swear.
-What?
She said she had something
for me, from Juliet.
-[door opens]
-Anna, look out!
-Let go!
-I'm not gonna hurt you.
[Holden grunts]
[intense music]
[Meg grunts]
-[Holden screaming]
-Ah...
[thudding]
Oh, my God.
Are you all right?
[ominous music]
[Meg] He pushed his way inside.
Said he needed to apologize
for what he did.
For pushing Juliet that night.
That the only way to make up
for it was to be with her,
so they could be together again.
So Shakespearean.
[Meg] I told him to get out,
that Juliet never wanted
to be with him.
Then he shoved me
into the mirror.
I'm just glad
Anna got here when she did.
If it hadn't been for her...
-Uh, no, I didn't--
-Well, we found this on him.
This explains how he kept
getting into the building,
how he got up to the rooftop
that night.
Any idea how he got it?
Maybe he bribed someone.
-[Meg] Doorman or service guy.
-[cell phone ringing]
I'm sorry. Excuse me a second.
You were right the whole time.
Well, that was the unit I just
sent over to his apartment.
They found
a bunch of medications.
Anti-depressants, antimanics.
And they found a suicide note.
-In his apartment?
-Yeah.
He admitted to pushing Juliet,
apologized for it,
now he can no longer live
without her.
[Nguyen] Star-crossed lovers.
Typical obsessive BS.
Well, I think we've covered
everything here.
We'll see you guys tomorrow
down at the station?
Verify your statements.
Whatever you need, detective.
[Meg] I'm just glad
we can put this all behind us.
[Nguyen] I'm sure
both of you are.
You guys try
and have a good night.
-Uh, detective?
-Yeah?
The suicide note,
did they match his handwriting?
Um, no. They said
it was typed on his laptop.
Why? Something wrong?
No. It's fine.
Hey, you should be proud
of yourself.
You helped catch a killer. Hm?
-Just don't make a habit of it.
-[chuckles]
[suspenseful music]
[dramatic music]
[Holden] What are you
talking about?
-[Meg grunts]
-[mirror shatters]
How about a drink?
-[intense music]
-What?
A drink,
to put all this awfulness
finally behind us.
Uh, sure. Yeah.
I just, I have to grab something
from my car.
Great.
Hurry back.
[ominous music]
[door handle rattling]
[music continues]
[buzzes]
You didn't have access.
[Anna] So who do you think
did it?
The same person that paid me
to stalk her.
And secretary-slash-assistant
and whatever else
she needs done.
-[gasps]
-You get lost?
Yeah, I just, uh...
I just needed some air.
That sounds good. I'll join you.
[ominous music]
[beeping]
[music continues]
[Meg] It's beautiful, isn't it?
I see why Juliet came up here
all the time.
Come. You gotta see this view.
I can.
It's something.
You gotta see it from here.
Don't worry, you won't slip.
[intense music]
A toast.
To Juliet.
To a beautiful soul
sent back way too soon.
It's over, Anna.
-You should be happy.
-I am.
So why are you making a mess
out of this?
What?
I'm not...
Okay, then give me the keycard
Holden gave you.
-I don't...
-Anna, please.
Don't.
We're both smarter than that.
[Meg] He said he didn't have it.
I didn't think
he'd give it to you.
Last night,
when he broke into my apartment,
while you were breaking into
his, planting the suicide note,
right after you tried
to run me down with Ryan's car.
[laughs]
Oh, wow, wow!
That is quite a story.
Have you ever considered writing
fiction instead of journalism?
Not that what you do at that rag
is journalism.
Yeah, I actually
don't work there anymore.
[Meg] Hm.
That's a shame.
Anna, think about this.
He confessed. It's over.
Take the win.
Use it to propel your career.
I'll even give you
exclusive rights.
You'll make a name for yourself
and be able to choose
any job you want.
But it's not the truth.
[scoffs] Suddenly the tabloid
reporter has a moral compass.
What can I say? My timing sucks.
Your words.
But you can't say I didn't try.
Mm. Mm, that's good.
-[Meg grunts]
-[Anna groans]
[intense music]
-[Meg grunts]
-[Anna groans]
[panting]
For the record, you're a much
better reporter than I expected.
-[grunts]
-[Anna groans]
[dramatic music]
The bruises, they were from you,
because she didn't wanna
play along.
She was always complaining,
having to be on all the time.
[scoffs] Do you know
how much work it is for me?
Growing a following
from nothing, maintaining one?
Keeping the social-media losers
with no lives engaged?
You hired Holden to stalk her!
I did what I had to,
to keep her trending.
But you, your story
gave her the perfect reason
to quit.
[Meg] What are you doin'?
Just enjoying the view
while I still can.
This'll blow over.
One week, maybe two.
[Meg] We'll wait a month,
then throw a bash
that everyone will talk about.
I don't want it to pass.
This is a good thing.
She wanted to stop,
take a break!
[Juliet]
Just for a little while.
We can restart again later.
Restart it?
Do you know how hard I work
to keep you relevant?
To keep people following you?
It's exhausting!
I know! So let's just stop.
Go back to the way
things used to be. Just us.
We'll take a vacation.
After everything we did
to get all this.
None of this matters.
We'll have each other.
That reporter did us a favor.
This is a good thing.
-No.
-Meg.
It's too much.
I mean, all of it.
-I'm just so tired.
-[Meg] You're tired?
Do you know what I do
to keep this going?
To keep the fans engaged,
so they keep clicking?
Whatever it takes!
I'm sorry, Meg, I can't anymore.
It's over.
[instrumental music]
She didn't get it.
I was never gonna have all this
on my own.
Not without Juliet.
[Meg] She's the one
who won the genetic lottery.
My whole life,
she always had the cutest guys,
the most attention.
And I just had
to live with it. So...
No. I deserved this.
Juliet, I didn't work this hard
so you could just quit!
[intense music]
You are so clueless!
You would've stopped trending
a long time ago
if it weren't for me.
The parties, the sponsors.
Even your little Romeo
wouldn't know you existed.
-What?
-[scoffs]
You can say whatever you want
'cause you're the pretty one.
Hey.
[sniffles]
Meg, I'm sorry.
And I forgive you.
But I just need some time
to rest.
[eerie music]
Fine.
You can rest.
-[grunts]
-[dramatic music]
[gasps]
[whispers] Oh, God.
J-Juliet...
I never meant to.
I'd take it all back,
I swear. I just...
I-I-I lost my temper.
I didn't, I didn't even realize
when it happened, I-I...
It-it didn't seem real!
But you used my story
to cover it up.
So something good
could come from it.
To stop people like you from
tearing souls like Juliet down.
All she did was bring light to
people. That was her commodity.
Unlike you.
Poor Anna, got caught
with someone else's boyfriend,
lost her job.
A life crisis like that can
make people do rash things.
J-just ask poor Holden.
-Stop! Stop!
-[both panting]
Don't worry,
you'll get tons of clicks now.
[chuckles] For about a week.
That's the average
Insta-lifespan
if you don't hone it.
You think it'll be longer
than yours?
[siren wailing]
Those are for you.
[panting]
[cell phone chiming]
[Anna] Guess it doesn't
totally suck
to have a following.
[Meg] No, no, no, no, no, no...
[cell phone chiming]
-No.
-[siren wailing]
No, no, no, no...
It's over, Meg.
The whole world knows
you snuffed out Juliet's light.
-Not me.
-Thank you, Anna.
[ominous music]
You've made me a star.
A star?
No! No! Meg!
You're about to trend
more than anyone ever has.
We both are. The first ever
live-streamed murder.
-[Anna] Meg, don't!
-Don't fight it, Anna.
This has to happen!
It can't all be for nothing!
-[panting]
-[siren wailing]
And I'll be bigger
than Juliet ever was.
[Meg] Let's see them top this.
[Anna] No!
[grunts]
[instrumental music]
[siren wailing]
[panting]
[man] Our staff here
is very supportive.
And I'm sure you'll fit in
just great.
Now, that was our ad department.
Most of it's done
on the net nowadays.
-Careful.
-Thanks.
And here we have
our shipping department.
Oh. I almost forgot.
Your press pass.
Oh. That's a interesting tattoo.
It looks new.
Yeah, it's sort of
a reminder to me.
so I would never forget to do
what's right.
[chuckles] Better than
those nose piercings.
How you kids keep those clean
when you have a cold,
I'll never know.
You sure you want this job?
We're nowhere near as sexy
as your last one.
I'm sure,
I just wanna tell stories
that are gonna make
a difference.
That we can do.
Let me show you
our art department.
Located right over here.
[vocalization]
[instrumental music]
Infatuation
Girl I got you in my head
no hesitation
[indistinct lyrics]
...won't you step in?
'Cause I've been thinkin'
about you nonstop
No I won't stop
no I won't stop dreamin'
Nothin' cuts as deep
as our love
As our love as our love
whoa
Whoa it's a lot for me
just to love ya
But I can't let go
Oh there's so much more
to discover
I just gotta know
I never felt a love
like this
I never met a guy
like you before
A little bit of your love
brings the sun down
A little bit of your love
brings the sun down
Ooh
But I can't let go
You're just
so irresistible oh
Ooh
But I can't let go
You're just
so irresistible oh
Ooh
I just gotta know
Yeah I just gotta know
Oh oh oh
You're just so irresistible
Yeah
Only one I won't let go
You're just
so irresistible oh
You're the one
no I can't let go oh
Whoa it's a lot for me
just to love ya
But I can't let go
Oh
There's so much more
to discover
I just gotta know
I never felt
a love like this
I never met
a girl like you before
A little bit of your love
brings the sun down
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
Hi, my beautiful fans
and followers, it's your girl,
Juliet. I'm here at the gym
again, putting in the work.
You wanna stay lean,
you gotta get mean. Am I right?
Anyway, it'll all be worth it,
so I can fit into my dress
for my newest theme party next
week. It's gonna be so lit.
You def don't wanna miss it.
All right. All for now.
[instrumental music]
[camera clicking]
[camera clicking]
[cell phone keys clacking]
[beeping]
[intense music]
[camera clicking]
[door opens, shuts]
Hi. I'm still in here.
Don't lock me in, please.
[camera clicking]
[rattling]
Hello?
Ryan, is that you?
[intense music]
[Holden] Do you like it?
I hope you do.
I did it all for you.
Well... for us.
What?
What are you doing here?
How'd you get in?
I'll always find my way to you.
Always.
You never have to question that.
I told you to stay away.
You didn't mean it.
I know it's a test,
to prove how much I love you,
to earn it.
-I promise, I'll never fail you.
-No! No, let go!
Don't be scared.
Meant to be together--
-No!
-[groaning]
-Juliet!
-[dramatic music]
Juliet, wait!
You can't run from us.
[whimpers]
-Ah!
-Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hey, Juliet, what's wrong?
He was there, in the gym,
that Romeo creep.
He's there, he's there.
[eerie music]
[pop song playing]
Hey, sexy.
Yeah, no.
Let me buy you a drink.
Thanks, but sorry. Boyfriend.
So? I can be him tonight.
It's your lucky day.
-Fine. Girlfriend, then.
-Even better.
[indistinct song playing]
Look, you're pretty,
which clearly you know.
So I'm flattered.
And you'd probably be fun
for the 15 seconds you'd last.
But, honestly,
I couldn't be less interested.
So this right here
is me doing you a favor
so you don't have to waste
20 bucks
buying me a drink
that I won't finish
because I'm afraid
it's been roofied.
And you can actually
hone in on someone
who'll go for all of this.
[indistinct song playing]
But again, very pretty.
Nice work.
Trust me,
you'll thank me at 3 a.m.
[music continues]
Hey, sexy.
[woman retching]
Oh, my God, are you okay?
-I'm fine.
-Here. Let me help.
Oh, God. Thank you.
No, thank you.
-[coughing]
-[camera clicking]
Wait. What are you doing?
Never mix, princess.
-You know me?
-Everyone knows you.
Including the owners who let
an underage TV star in to drink.
-It's not what it looks like.
-Really?
'Cause it looks like
Cristal, Smirnoff
and the $300 worth of sushi
that you had for dinner.
[eerie music]
Are you serio...
[coughing, retching]
[instrumental music]
Have you been here all night?
Guess so.
Take a look.
[Artie] Whoa, is that...
America's favorite
teen sweetheart
taking the porcelain bus
for a spin.
That's... up-close and personal.
I was helping. Oh, stop.
I got the picture.
That's what matters.
Besides, it's not like
I tainted her drink.
I didn't. This time.
I didn't have to.
She was putting them away
just fine all by herself.
Couldn't this, like,
screw up her TV deal?
And that's our problem why?
This is the attitude
that's keeping you
from making front page.
Why work here if you're
not gonna embrace what we do?
I'd have to take more showers.
Hm. Guess we'll see
what Lex has to say.
Okay, people, let's see what
we've brought for posting today.
A celebrity couple
names their baby
something barely pronounceable.
With no photos.
A wardrobe malfunction
on the red carpet
from an actress
known for her nude scenes.
Hm, an NFL player
caught cheating, with a woman.
And this...
Huh, America's TV sweetheart
takes her first steps
towards a lifetime of AA
and rehab.
Complete with photos.
And there's our headline.
Nice job, Anna, again.
Seriously, people,
step up your game.
If you've learned anything
from me,
and, clearly,
some of you have not,
our readers want sex,
they want scandal.
Even better
if there's both. Huh?
And photos would help.
Yes, we'll worry about
the legal ramifications later.
With that being said, meet
the latest flavor of the month,
Juliet Jay,
up-and-coming influencer,
suddenly famous
for the theme parties
she hosts at her downtown loft.
[Lex] Anna, it's yours.
Play nice,
get her to drop her guard,
then get an invite.
Find the scandal.
Where there's smoke,
there's dirt. Find it.
But first, you might wanna
go home and shower
'cause you smell
a little like a dispensary.
[instrumental music]
Hello, my beautiful people,
it's another gorgeous day
today. Look at this.
So before you head out into
the world, set your intention.
Ugh! Yuck!
Oh, come on,
no one is that happy.
What are you hiding?
That's more like it.
Hey, Artie, I need your help
with this Juliet Jay situation.
Oh, come on,
I know you're not busy.
You have less of a life
than I do.
I'll order Lo Pan's.
That's my Artie.
[Artie]
Juliet's parties are epic.
At one she had live birds
fly out of her dress.
Like, she was wearing a nest.
That sounds sanitary.
I've been trying to get access
for months.
[Artie sighs]
That was my not-subtle hint.
If I get an invite,
you're my plus-one. Promise.
-Hm.
-She's with muscle boy a lot.
That's Ryan Tate.
He's a fitness influencer.
Has his own
workout video channel.
I guess I can count you
as one of his followers.
I might have watched
a video or two.
The ones where he's shirtless.
Hm. Can't blame you for that.
He's had some anger issues in
the past. He got caught juicing.
It cost him a lot of followers.
Don't do drugs, kids.
Juliet helped him get clean,
and he got most of them back.
They've been an item ever since.
It doesn't ever bother you
what we do?
Trying to catch people
at their weakest moment?
-Are you feeling all right?
-Seriously.
Never makes you feel... icky?
No. And you know why?
Because they deserve it.
Most of these people,
what have they ever done
or accomplished?
Aside from winning the genetic
lottery and being beautiful.
Wow, tough life.
-You sound kind of jealous.
-Why?
Because I'm trying to show that
these magical carefree lives
that they claim to live
are a lie?
They've bestowed themselves
with this self-significance
that we should care about
what they wear or what they eat.
And we wonder
why narcissism is rampant.
Because we created the perfect
breeding ground for it.
Well, maybe some people need
that to get through their day.
Maybe it makes their lives
better.
-Is that so wrong?
-Your life's amazing.
-You have me in it.
-[scoffs]
[sighs]
You're right about one thing.
A lot of these followers are
only connected to each other.
And they have the same social
media photos on every app.
Same friends, same photos.
Which means they're probably--
-Fake profiles.
-Hm.
Bots, most likely,
to boost her following.
Which means she's lying.
She's not nearly as famous
or popular an influencer
as she claims.
Okay.
-And?
-And... I should ask her.
Guess I can kiss
that plus-one goodbye.
[footsteps approaching]
[ominous music]
[drill whirring]
Oh, and the door off the back
room needs a new lock as well.
[footsteps approaching]
Ah. Is it 10:00 already? Wow.
You must be Anna.
Yeah, hi. Uh, for the interview
with Juliet.
Yeah, I'm Meg, Juliet's sister
and her coordinator
and secretary-slash-assistant
and whatever else
she needs done.
[chuckling]
Ah, come on in.
-Wow! This is...
-I know, right?
One of the perks
of Juliet's fandom.
Every morning I wake up and I
still can't believe I live here.
We still have to pay,
but the discount we get
for the publicity we,
Juliet brings
was just too good to turn down.
Hm.
Thank you for arranging this.
Well, my pleasure.
Sorry for the chaos.
We are getting
some new security installed.
I didn't think that crime
would be a problem this high up.
You can never be too careful.
-Right?
-Hm.
Now if you'll excuse me,
Juliet will be down any second.
Hey, how's it going?
Mm-hmm.
[Ryan] Why do you always
shoot down every idea I have?
[Juliet] I don't! But I already
told you the first time.
And the answer's still no!
Sorry, I didn't see you.
It's all right.
I'm Ryan.
[Juliet] You must be Anna.
[Anna] Yeah.
Hi.
Nice to meet you, Anna.
Come on up.
[instrumental music]
I was really flattered
when you reached out.
The Hot Goss
is making a name for itself.
We're small, but we're scrappy.
You absolutely need to
come to my party this weekend.
I'll make sure
Meg puts you on the list.
-It's gonna be so lit.
-I'm sure it is.
When I was researching you
for this,
I noticed
how quickly you became popular.
It's impressive.
It's crazy, right?
I guess my early posts
just connected with people.
So I've tried to keep
that authenticity
in all my posts and stories.
Really help inspire, you know?
Sure.
I also noticed
how many of your fans,
particularly the early ones,
all joined
within the same time frame,
but they all have a limited
social-media presence.
Which is weird, for followers.
You'd have to ask them, I guess.
I tried. None of them responded.
But I'm pretty sure
that's because we both know
they aren't real.
Care to comment?
It doesn't seem like I need to.
Seems like you have it
all figured out.
So you're confirming you bought
a large number of your fans
in the beginning
to jumpstart your following?
Would you like one?
[sighs]
[liquid sloshing]
You were unpopular
in high school, weren't you?
So was I, believe it or not.
So I get it,
the need to feel better about
yourself, no matter what.
I'm just reporting on a story.
You want a story?
Here's one.
I have a stalker.
They call themselves Romeos,
they are these weird incel-types
who lurk on message boards
and become obsessed
with a particular influencer.
Lucky me, right?
Seems like a small price to pay
for all the perks
you're getting.
He's been following me
for months.
It started harmless, likes
and comments on all my posts.
Then flattering DMs.
Then it became incessant.
He'd send flowers,
show up to all my events.
Now he won't leave me alone.
Be a pretty bad stalker
if he did.
I'm being serious.
You're changing the subject.
He keeps getting in,
and we don't know how.
That's why
we've upped the security.
Is that where
the bruises are from?
Just come to my next party.
He'll be there. He always is.
He has a tattoo, a star,
right here.
And you're telling me this
because?
I'm scared.
This guy,
I think he's dangerous.
I don't know
what he's capable of.
You had to know there would be
a downside to all this,
a price to pay.
It wasn't all gonna be
endorsements and sycophants.
We can help each other.
It's a better story
than you lying about my fans.
You could do some real reporting
for a change,
about a story that matters,
one that makes a difference.
Or maybe you're just trying
to do damage-control
because you don't want the truth
to come out.
Um, forget it.
Publish what you want.
I don't care anymore.
I'll just say
you had no comment.
I'll see myself out.
[instrumental music]
[intense music]
[laptop keys clacking]
[footsteps approaching]
[dramatic music]
[footsteps approaching]
[gasps]
Oh, my God!
Oh. Someone needs to cut back
on their caffeine.
I didn't know anyone else
was still here.
That makes two of us.
You almost done?
Close. Maybe another hour.
Hm. You went with the fake-fan
story over the stalker.
Honestly,
I didn't even look into it.
I mean, who doesn't have
a stalker nowadays?
And she didn't deny
she faked the accounts.
It just felt like
she was trying to distract me,
do damage-control.
She probably was.
Okay, then, well,
she made her bed,
so time to pay the piper.
-That's not--
-It's a mixed metaphor.
I'm aware.
But we'll run this tomorrow.
Nice job.
And don't feel too badly.
Some other wannabe will rise up
and take her place.
They always do.
Social media whack-a-mole.
Good thing, too. Otherwise
we'd have to find real jobs.
You spend the whole night here
again, I'm gonna have to start
charging you rent.
[instrumental music]
Girl, you're trending!
-What?
-Your story, it's gone viral.
-Did you not check?
-[sighs] Just woke up.
-Less talk, more coffee.
-[chuckles]
Juliet is hemorrhaging
followers.
This keeps up,
the only ones she'll have left
are the bots she paid for.
[dramatic music]
I gave her a chance
to set things straight.
Serves her right for lying.
FYI, you've gained, like,
6000 followers.
-Last I checked.
-Really?
-Mm-hmm.
-Whoa!
Closer to 7000.
You might be the most popular
friend I have.
Can I sit by your table
at lunch?
Mm, sure. But you're buying.
Oh.
[upbeat music]
[indistinct song playing]
[indistinct song playing]
Hey, uh,
check out the photo booth.
You can post directly
to your story.
[song continues]
[cell phone chimes]
Nobody does it
nobody does it like we do
Nobody does it
uh like we do
Nobody does it
nobody does it like we do
Nobody does it like we do
Hey, it'll be fine.
-It's one party.
-No.
It won't be fine.
Juliet?
[instrumental music]
Hello, all my followers.
Well, those of you
who are still watching.
So now you know.
Yes, I bought some of my fans.
Not all, obviously.
Just the ones at the start,
to gain momentum.
I'm sorry for lying. I hope
you don't feel too betrayed.
But I want you to know I've
always shown you the real me.
Everything I posted
was what I believed.
Life can be beautiful.
We just have to choose
to see it that way.
Until next time...
[dramatic music]
[intense music]
[cell phone chiming]
Come on!
[gasps]
[eerie music]
[intense music]
Oh, my God.
[music continues]
[cell phone chiming]
[cell phone chiming]
Stop!
[man on radio] So, sure,
the girl lied about her fans,
but did she deserve this?
I don't think so.
Caller, you're on.
[woman on radio]
Juliet was a sweetheart.
And to see her life end like
this, it's, i-it's just awful.
And this so-called reporter
might as well have pushed her.
[instrumental music]
-Artie. Hey.
-Hey.
We didn't know if you'd come in.
Why wouldn't I?
That came for you
not too long ago.
New boyfriend? Secret admirer?
I guess so.
[ominous music]
-Ah!
-Whoa!
-Who dropped that off?
-Some delivery guy.
Looks like you made an enemy.
Congratulations, superstar.
[Lex] Drink.
It'll calm your nerves.
Shake it off.
You know, it's just
some obsessed fanboy or girl
lashing out
from their parents' basement.
Do you think
we did the right thing,
running with the bot story?
Don't do that. Don't go there.
All they've confirmed so far
is that
she fell off
the roof of her building.
-Right, but--
-And, yes.
We printed something that
people have a right to know.
We had no idea
this would happen.
You know what?
Go home, just take the day off.
By tomorrow some starlet
will have her nudes released
or drunk-crashed her car, all
this will be in the rear view.
And don't let me catch you
drinking on the job again.
[instrumental music]
[intense music]
[footsteps approaching]
[Meg sniffles]
Wow. You got balls
showing your face here.
I wanted to come by and see if
there was anything I could do.
-[Anna] To help...
-So, seriously?
How could you possibly help?
I think you've done
more than enough.
You know,
Juliet could be a lot sometimes,
but she was a light
in the world.
Bright, cheerful, full of hope.
And you snuffed that out.
-I'm sorry. I never thought--
-No, you didn't!
You didn't think about anything
but yourself
and how many clicks you'd get.
You did it without considering
how it would impact
anybody else.
You're doing it
for the likes, too.
How does that make you
any better?
You know, it might seem
frivolous to you,
but at least she brought
something to people's lives.
What exactly do you bring?
No, I'll tell you. Nothing.
You just tear them down.
This wasn't
what I wanted to happen.
Are you sure about that?
'Cause it seems to me,
it was only a matter of time
before someone like you
did something like this.
The ultimate tear-down.
And now my sister is dead.
[sobbing]
Congratulations.
[instrumental music]
Juliet offered you a real story.
She asked for your help.
And look where that got her.
-I'm so sorry--
-Just save it.
And for the record,
I convinced her to buy the bots.
To use what little our family
left us to get an initial boost,
get her noticed.
Happy now?
Publish that.
I don't know how she got in
here, but can you make sure
she exits through the front?
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
You! Hey!
That's her. That's the tabloid
witch who ratted on Juliet.
You think you can just run away?
She's dead because of you.
-No. That's not--
-Not what? Not true?
You think you even know
what that word means?
You think I wanted this
to happen?
Actually,
I think you don't care.
Of course, I do.
It should have been you,
not her.
Who knows,
maybe next time it will be.
[ominous music]
[breathing heavily]
[keys jingling]
[car engine starts]
[rain pattering]
[car lock beeps]
[gate clanking]
[ominous music]
Hello?
[bottle rattling]
Who's there?
[door opens]
[sighs]
[cell phone chimes]
Anna, you probably think
this is going to be a rant,
raging at you for what you did,
for costing me
so many followers.
But it's not.
I actually want to thank you.
And, no, I'm not playing you.
What you did, I now see
the good I can take from it,
how you've helped me,
freed me from this charade.
I've never told anyone this,
but I've wanted out
for a while.
The endless posting
and snapping and...
[Juliet sighs]
Now I can escape it, all of it.
And, who knows, maybe now that
I'll be nobody again,
that Romeo creep will find
someone else to obsess over.
Let's hope, right?
So, thank you, honestly.
This has been a blessing
in disguise,
and I owe it all to you.
Hit me up sometime,
if you want.
-Oh, my God.
-[number pad clacking]
Artie, hey, can you swing by?
There's something
I have to show you.
No, it doesn't matter how late.
Any time is fine.
Thanks.
-[dramatic music]
-[laptop keys clacking]
[ominous music]
[clicking]
[cell phone chimes]
[ominous music]
Look, loser,
I don't have time for...
[music continues]
Okay, creep, you wanna play?
Let's go.
Just FYI,
prefer flowers next time.
Love that. We should meet.
-[dramatic music]
-[rattling]
[ominous music]
-[knocking on door]
-[gasps]
[music continues]
Artie.
What's wrong?
Did you see anyone
outside my apartment?
Outside? What? No.
[instrumental music]
What's going on?
I got these weird texts.
They said they sent that box
to the office.
They said they were outside.
-You didn't see anyone?
-No.
How long have you been here?
Just got here. Why?
You invited me, remember?
[sighs]
Sorry.
It's been a weird day.
I've been looking into Juliet's
stalker. She wasn't kidding.
They actually call themselves
Romeos.
They're this subculture
of incel-types
who lurk
on private message boards.
Reddit, 4Chan, Discord.
Creepy much?
It all stemmed from this one fan
who was obsessed
with an influencer so much so
that he tattooed a star
on his wrist
as a sign of his devotion.
And it worked. They're actually
a couple now, still.
But it inspired all these other
creeps to do the same thing,
thinking that they could
win over their obsessions, too.
They all started tattooing
themselves the same way.
Nothing says romance
like self-mutilation.
Juliet said her stalker had
the same tattoo on his wrist.
-Look familiar?
-[dramatic music]
[Artie] That was on the package
that you got at work today.
You think he sent it?
'Cause he's mad at what
you wrote about Juliet
and what she did.
Yes. But I don't think
Juliet killed herself.
Anna...
I got a video DM from Juliet.
She must have sent it
last night.
And you just saw it now?
I turned my phone off this
morning. It was blowing up.
I was just trying to avoid it
after all the hate
that I was getting.
But her message...
Juliet thanked me
for what I caused.
Said she was happy
to finally be out
of that influencer lifestyle.
She said she was hoping that
her stalker would lose interest.
Does that sound like someone
who would end things?
Not really. Yeah.
-But the timing, it's--
-I know.
But these Romeos, they've caused
other incidents before
with the people
that they're obsessed with.
One of them chased an influencer
in her car
and caused her to crash, another
accidentally burned down a house
with candles.
What if this Romeo lashed out
and Juliet was scared?
She said he was becoming
more obsessed.
What if he was chasing her
and she fell?
Or he pushed her
when she rejected him?
And then he covered it up
to look like a suicide.
Maybe?
Look, I know you're probably
just thinking that
I'm trying to find another
reason for what happened.
And maybe I am.
Can you blame me?
And if that's the truth, then
fine, I'll have to live with it.
But I need to look into this
to be sure.
Juliet deserves that.
Right?
Look at you, digging for proof.
Almost like a real reporter.
Let's see if people will listen.
[Juliet on video]
So thank you, honestly.
This has been a blessing
in disguise,
and I owe it all to you.
Hit me up sometime.
We were thinking there was
some foul play involved.
But this confirms
she jumped of her own volition.
What? No.
Does that sound like someone who
is about to take her own life?
Actually, it does.
I mean, you heard it yourself.
She wanted to escape
from all of it.
That's not what she meant.
And you know this because
you were such good friends?
She was looking forward
to being out of that lifestyle.
And "Hit me up sometime,"
does that sound like someone
who wants to take her own life?
Honestly, it sounded like
she was goading you.
That's what the kids today
call it. Goading.
That's not what this is.
Juliet was scared.
She had a stalker.
He was one of those
Internet Romeos.
She said he was dangerous.
Uh, the first day I met her,
she was having
her locks changed
and new security put in.
Okay. Well, if she did all that,
how did he get to her?
I don't know.
She just kept saying
that he was finding a way in.
And last night
I got texts from someone
saying that they were
outside my apartment.
Were they?
I didn't see anyone.
But yesterday at work,
that same someone
had a dead rat delivered to me.
[chuckles] I'm gonna go
out on a limb
and guess that that wasn't
the first time that's happened.
-You're not listening.
-Oh, I am. I am.
But we have means
and we have motive.
And those around Ms. Jay
confirmed that
the hours before she,
her demise,
they said
she was very despondent.
You mean, because of me.
Correct me if that's wrong.
I was just doing my job.
And now a girl is dead.
Look, I don't know
if you're trying
to find something
to pin this on, you know,
rather than accept your part
in it.
As for your, your stalker,
he was just
one of Juliet's followers.
Found out what happened,
blamed you for it.
They lashed out. It'll pass.
Forget it. Thanks for nothing.
[intense music]
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
[door slides]
[knocking on door]
Seriously? Wait,
how did you find this entrance?
The door
of the back bedroom, right?
Look, I know you said
not to come back,
but I wanted to ask you
about Juliet's stalker.
Now you're interested?
-Too late.
-Meg, please.
Leave before I call the police.
[Anna] I don't think
Juliet killed herself.
Five minutes. That's it.
[Juliet on video] This has been
a blessing in disguise,
and I owe it all to you.
Hit me up sometime.
Thank you
for letting me see that.
I mean, you knew her
better than anyone.
Does that sound like someone
who's gonna kill themselves?
[Anna] I mean, you heard her.
I'm sorry. You're wrong.
Wha... But the message...
She was playing you.
Sending you chasing your tail,
like you're doing right now.
Her way of getting
the last laugh.
That night
the party was a huge flop.
No one showed.
And all the hate messages
were coming in.
Juliet was in a bad place.
Then she and Ryan got into it.
-She caught him juicing again.
-No, he quit.
Juliet helped him.
They've posted about it.
He lied. He was using again.
[sighs]
She didn't know.
But you did.
[intense music]
[scoffs] I'd caught him
about a month ago.
He begged me not to tell her.
And when she found out I knew
and had kept it from her...
And I should've told her.
I am, I am her sister.
I just...
I was trying to protect her.
Juliet was crushed.
Felt betrayed by both of us.
And they got into it.
It was bad.
His temper, when he's using,
makes him short-fused.
Her bruises,
the first day that I was here,
she tried to hide them.
Their relationship
was hot and heavy. Passionate.
But that cuts both ways.
That same day they were arguing.
Oh, Ryan was pitching, uh, ways
to get them more followers.
OnlyFans. The two of them.
Juliet didn't want to.
A-anyway, Juliet
broke up with him for lying.
Threw him out.
And she told me that
she just wanted to get some air,
clear her head.
But all that,
on, on top of your article
and losing her followers...
Oh, God, I guess she felt like
she had nothing left.
But her Romeo,
she said he kept getting in.
Uh, what if he followed her
up there?
He wasn't at the party.
Even that bothered her.
She joked that
even he'd lost interest.
But her stalker,
outside my apartment,
the texts...
Him, most likely. Angry.
We all deal with grief
differently.
I'm sorry. I know that isn't
what you wanted to hear.
[elevator bell dings]
[ominous music]
[elevator door shutting]
[beeping]
You're new here.
Right?
No, just visiting a friend.
[beeping]
You sure we've never met?
You look so familiar.
Just one of those faces.
Hm.
I guess.
It's uncanny.
I know I've seen you somewhere.
That's right.
When I was standing
outside of your apartment.
[elevator bell dings]
[intense music]
[breathing heavily]
Don't run, Anna!
I just wanna talk.
[music continues]
-[dramatic music]
-You're the reason she's gone!
You took her from me!
[tires screeching]
You took her!
[birds chirping]
I'm with the cop on this one.
I don't see it.
She warned me about a stalker,
and now she's dead.
Probably by her own doing,
according to the police
and her sister.
Then why did he chase me?
Juliet was scared.
And after what happened last
night, she had a right to be.
What if he did something to her?
-Anna...
-It can't be a coincidence.
I agree.
Maybe if we had taken it
more seriously--
Stop. Don't do that to yourself.
We published a story
about a lie she got caught in,
one that she didn't deny.
[Lex] What she did after that,
none of us could have predicted.
That doesn't mean
it's not worth looking into.
Okay.
First ask yourself,
are you doing this
because you really think
there's a story there?
Or for absolution?
[sighs]
I can't shake this feeling,
this hunch that, that
something's not right here.
That's all it is,
hunches and rumors.
And when has that stopped us
before?
A girl is dead.
Yes. And it's awful.
And I'm very sorry for her.
But it also means
she's not doing anything
that's gonna get us clicks,
which is what
our gossip, troll-readers want.
And it's how
we keep the lights on.
If you wanna make yourself
feel better,
then write her
a glowing obituary.
We'll front-page it.
Below the fold,
as we used to say.
But until you have
something real,
Juliet Jay is yesterday's news.
Hey, Artie.
Do you happen to know
where Ryan Tate works out?
I might.
[footsteps approaching]
Ryan, hi.
[ominous music]
-You're that reporter.
-Anna Faulkner.
Look, I don't know
why you're here,
but let me put this
as politely as I can,
in terms you'll understand.
No comment.
Please, I just wanna ask you
some questions about Juliet
and that night.
I think something happened
to her.
It did. You!
-Look, I'm sorry--
-Are you? Really?
That's why I'm hoping you can
give me some information,
about her stalker, the Romeo.
She asked you for help.
And instead,
you wrote a hit piece.
I know. Ryan, listen.
Juliet thought he was dangerous,
and I think maybe she was right.
Except she's not in any danger
anymore now. Is she?
Thanks to you.
Looks like we're done.
Screw it.
[shower running]
[footsteps approaching]
Seriously? You can read, right?
I wasn't finished. And it's
nothing I haven't seen before.
Suit yourself.
I'm trying to do
the right thing here.
[Anna] So what can you tell me
about these Romeo creeps?
Juliet said she kept...
He kept getting access
to her building,
her parties. How?
I don't know.
We never figured it out.
So he could have gotten in
that night.
What's your point?
What if he was involved
in Juliet's death?
Juliet jumped,
as hard as that is to accept...
for both of us.
-It's the truth.
-What if she didn't?
I was doing some research and...
Do you mind?
These Romeos,
they've been involved
in other incidents before.
Tragedies around people
that they're obsessed with.
Car accidents, a fire.
What if something similar
happened to Juliet?
That night she sent me
a video message.
She was optimistic
about the future.
Happy to finally be out
of that influencer lifestyle.
She couldn't wait to quit.
What if he followed her?
And when she refused him,
he pushed her off?
Or backed her off of it.
Last night I was at Juliet's,
and her Romeo was there.
He chased me.
-Hey. You all right?
-Yeah, I'm fine.
It just freaked me out.
Now you know how Juliet felt
all the time.
[Anna] Which is why
I need to dig further.
I mean, if I'm right,
if I can help
just one woman protect herself
from creeps like this,
it'll all be worth it.
And if something did happen
to Juliet...
she deserves justice, right?
His name's Holden.
That's all we knew.
[traffic bustling]
[ominous music]
[car engine starts]
[music continues]
Hey, can I help you?
[engine revving]
[tires screeching]
[intense music]
[groans]
[ominous music]
Dark car, possibly black,
silhouetted driver?
Yeah. It was black.
-[indistinct radio chatter]
-I think.
It all happened really fast.
Well, can you think of anyone
who might
wanna run you down,
someone with a grudge?
Or maybe it'll be easier
if you list anyone who doesn't.
-How's that?
-This has to do with Juliet.
I agree. This has to be
one of her followers.
-Angry over what happened.
-Not a follower.
Her stalker, the Romeo
who wouldn't leave her alone.
The same one
who was outside my apartment
and who chased me at Juliet's
and who killed her.
We don't have,
we still don't have anything
to support that.
Nothing concrete.
How about the fact that
I start asking questions,
and then somebody tries
to run me down?
[Anna] Is that concrete enough?
Juliet didn't kill herself.
Okay? She was murdered.
Okay, I'll look
into this mystery car
and I'll look into this
Holden character who chased you.
In the meantime,
if you're gonna keep acting
like a real journalist,
be careful.
[ominous music]
[sighs]
[ominous music]
-[screams]
-[intense music]
I'm not gonna hurt you.
Holden, how did you...
Get out, now.
Please, I need your help.
My help? You just tried
to run me down!
What? No.
I've been in here for hours,
waiting, hiding.
[breathing heavily]
Someone was in my apartment.
In your apartment?
-Who?
-I don't know.
I saw them through the window,
just a shape.
You need to leave right now
before I call the police.
You're not listening!
[Holden] Looking for this?
[ominous music]
I'm not gonna hurt you.
But you have to promise
to listen.
Please?
Go ahead, take it.
Juliet was murdered.
What makes you say that?
It's just not who she was.
Her posts,
the way she saw the world,
she was such a light.
Well, who do you think did it?
The same person
that paid me to stalk her.
Paid you?
I had no idea
who Juliet Jay was.
I mean, no one did.
Your article proved that.
-Who paid you?
-Okay, I told you, I don't know!
[panting] It was an anonymous DM
on the message board,
all done online.
They even paid for this.
Hurt like hell.
But after a while,
I fell for her.
She was easy to love.
She responded to my posts
and she listened, she heard me.
I started looking forward to
her stories to boost my mood.
That was part of her magic.
I would have done anything
for her.
Except leave her alone.
Why would somebody pay you
to stalk her?
You have any idea how hard it is
to be an influencer?
To keep drawing clicks.
Clicks! Clicks! Clicks!
You always have to post
something new,
something interesting.
A stalker, now, that's the gift
that keeps on giving.
Maybe that night
Juliet caught on.
Maybe she figured out who hired
me, and things got heated.
Who?
Why don't you ask her boyfriend?
Ryan?
-No, he wouldn't--
-Oh, really?
The roid-head
with anger-management issues
wouldn't create a drama
where he got to play protector?
[panting] Sounds like
a pretty simple way
to clean up your reputation,
don't you think?
Especially after his trouble
with the cops, the arrests.
-What arrests?
-[scoffing]
Are you kidding me?
Did you even do your job?
I guess not.
I guess you just believed him
because of his good looks.
-Do you have any proof?
-Wire transfers to my account.
And this.
Keycard to her building.
They sent it to me.
That's how you kept getting in.
You can have it.
There's no reason
to ever go back there now.
[Holden panting]
You're afraid
of the wrong person.
Hopefully, you won't realize
that too late like Juliet did.
Watch yourself.
If they're willing to kill
Juliet for this...
what else
are they willing to do?
[ominous music]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[music continues]
[suspenseful music]
[door shuts]
[music continues]
[cell phone ringing]
-Hello?
-[Ryan] It's Ryan.
[Anna] Hey. Everything okay?
Yeah, um...
[chuckles]
Where are you right now?
A-are you busy?
Just out. Following a lead.
Why? Where are you?
[Ryan] Oh, really?
A, a lead about Juliet?
-Yeah.
-Did you find anything or...
[Anna] Nothing tangible yet.
But that's okay.
Uh, just gotta keep digging.
Where are you?
I'm, uh...
just leavin' the gym.
Really?
Headed home?
I was actually gonna go grab
a drink. I, uh...
I wondered
if you wanted to join me.
-Yeah, sure.
-Great.
Um, I'll text you the address.
See you soon.
Yeah. Great.
[intense music]
[indistinct chatter]
Infatuation
Hey.
You in my head
Thanks for meeting me.
Sure. Thanks for the invite.
Uh, vodka cranberry.
'Cause I've been thinking
So, you find anything out?
Maybe. I'm not sure yet.
Nothing cuts as deep
To new friends.
To Juliet.
Right. To Juliet.
[indistinct song playing]
So I've been following up
with some things.
Juliet said her Romeo, Holden,
kept getting in.
But the building's
pretty secure.
Yeah, we never figured it out.
We thought he might have gotten
a keycard.
A keycard?
How would he have gotten
a keycard?
I don't know.
Bribe someone and...
They open most doors
in the building, depending.
Have you ever
interacted with him?
No.
He always seemed to know
when Juliet would be alone.
The night she died...
where'd you go?
I thought this was a date,
not an interview.
[song continues]
Sorry. Old habits.
It's okay.
I left.
We got into a fight.
She was pretty upset.
Because she caught you
juicing again?
You know, that's funny.
It sounds like a question,
but I think you know the answer.
And you're wrong. I wasn't.
Juliet found an old vial
of the stuff in my bag.
I have no idea
how long it had been there,
but... she didn't believe me.
So...
She dropped me.
Came here, had a few drinks,
met someone...
went home with her.
Not my finest moment.
But she called it quits, not me.
So while I might not be the best
boyfriend in the world...
I'm not a murderer.
That is what you're asking,
right?
But it helped you regain fans.
These aren't fans.
Oh, fans support you,
cheer you on.
These are just gawkers.
But you're right,
it has gained me, a lot.
Guessing it did the same
for you.
Looks like we're more similar
than you'd like to admit.
Which, when you think about it,
gives you as much motive as me.
[man] Don't I know you?
[Anna] No, I don't think so.
I know you. You're that
fitness guy from the news.
The one whose girlfriend
just ate it.
And you, you're the one
who wrote the story
that made her do it.
How's that feel, knowing that
something that you wrote
caused that?
That's enough, buddy.
And you're with her boyfriend?
Wow, that's a slick move.
It's a little obvious, though,
don't you think?
And why don't you just go
back to your seat, huh?
Shouldn't be surprised, though.
Takes trash to write trash.
-I said back off! Back off!
-Ryan!
Ryan! Ryan!
Is this what you want,
another arrest?
Let's go.
[Anna] Ryan! Hey!
-It's fine.
-I'm sorry.
Guys like that, I don't,
I don't know what happens.
It's okay. We're okay.
-I lose it.
-Hey, it's fine.
[instrumental music]
Thank you for doing that.
No guy has ever...
[music continues]
[camera clicking]
[intense music]
[cell phone ringing]
-Hello?
-Hey, Anna, Detective Nguyen.
-Sorry to wake you.
-Oh, no, it's-it's fine.
I was, I was up.
Hey, we got a lead on that car
that tried to run you down
last night.
-You did?
-[Nguyen] Yeah.
Belongs to Ryan Tate.
[intense music]
[Anna] What?
[Nguyen] One-hundred percent.
Thing is, he reported it stolen
late last night.
Stolen?
-Was it?
-Apparently.
The thing is, I don't know
whether to believe him or not.
You might wanna watch yourself.
You might wanna
keep your distance.
Yeah, I'll...
I'll definitely do that.
Well, we'll clear
the story later
and I'll keep you updated.
Yeah, um, yes, please. Thanks.
Ms. Faulkner,
are you sure you're okay?
I'm good. You just...
You caught me off-guard.
Okay. Well, just watch yourself.
And don't do anything stupid.
I definitely won't do that.
Thanks.
[eerie music]
[intense music]
What the hell are you doing?
Why are you
going through my stuff?
So much for quitting.
It's not what it looks like.
You're a liar.
I quit.
I am...
-You don't understand!
-I do understand.
It was you yesterday,
trying to run me down.
-Run you down? What?
-It was your car!
My car was stolen yesterday!
I reported it!
-How convenient.
-No, actually, it's not.
Why do you think
I was on foot last night?
I-I used Juliet's gym in her
building. It's walking distance.
Get out.
Now!
Happy to.
[eerie music]
I should've known.
-You played me!
-Played you?
For a story.
Just like you did Juliet.
Not that you'll care,
but if you print this,
I'm ruined.
For good this time.
It's all about the clicks
and the sponsors.
I need this.
Juliet had money, I don't.
Is that why you paid Holden
to stalk her?
"Paid him?" What are you talking
about? I barely make rent!
Somebody paid him
to stalk Juliet,
for the attention
that it would get her.
Even paid for his tattoo.
-And you believe him?
-More than I believe you!
[intense music]
Go ahead, ruin me.
Just like you did her.
Just don't expect me
to kill myself over it.
[door shuts]
[cell phone chimes]
What now?
Oh, my God.
[intense music]
[Anna] Why would you
publish that?
Oh, stop acting so offended.
You know what we do here.
You're good at it.
[Lex] We print what gets clicks.
Today that was you.
But it's not
what it looks like.
And how many times
have you heard that before?
Look, it wasn't like that, okay?
It just happened.
-So you didn't hook up with him?
-No, I...
I mean, yeah.
But that's not how
people are gonna see it.
It looks like I tore her down
just to get to him.
-You're right, it does.
-But that's not true.
And when has that
ever stopped us before?
Face it, you made the biggest
mistake in journalism.
You made yourself the story.
Don't kid yourself.
This isn't journalism.
That's the difference
between us, Anna.
I never pretended it was.
You're right.
I quit.
Anna.
Sorry.
Wow.
You know what?
No, don't apologize.
Your first front page. Congrats.
Whatever it takes, right?
Right.
You'd have done the same.
You're right. I would have.
Thanks for reminding me.
Good job, Artie.
Can't wait to see the next one.
[ominous music]
[sighs]
[cell phone vibrating]
Meg, this isn't a great time.
[Meg on phone] You were right
about Juliet.
I have proof.
Please come by ASAP.
[keys jingling]
[car engine starts]
[seat-belt alert beeping]
[beeps]
[instrumental music]
Meg?
[Holden]
What are you talkin' about?
-Meg?
-[glass shatters]
[Meg] Anna!
[panting]
-[Meg sobbing] Anna!
-[door shuts]
Holden, wait! Stop!
Holden, wait! Stop!
Holden, what happened?
[ominous music]
It wasn't me.
-I swear.
-What?
She said she had something
for me, from Juliet.
-[door opens]
-Anna, look out!
-Let go!
-I'm not gonna hurt you.
[Holden grunts]
[intense music]
[Meg grunts]
-[Holden screaming]
-Ah...
[thudding]
Oh, my God.
Are you all right?
[ominous music]
[Meg] He pushed his way inside.
Said he needed to apologize
for what he did.
For pushing Juliet that night.
That the only way to make up
for it was to be with her,
so they could be together again.
So Shakespearean.
[Meg] I told him to get out,
that Juliet never wanted
to be with him.
Then he shoved me
into the mirror.
I'm just glad
Anna got here when she did.
If it hadn't been for her...
-Uh, no, I didn't--
-Well, we found this on him.
This explains how he kept
getting into the building,
how he got up to the rooftop
that night.
Any idea how he got it?
Maybe he bribed someone.
-[Meg] Doorman or service guy.
-[cell phone ringing]
I'm sorry. Excuse me a second.
You were right the whole time.
Well, that was the unit I just
sent over to his apartment.
They found
a bunch of medications.
Anti-depressants, antimanics.
And they found a suicide note.
-In his apartment?
-Yeah.
He admitted to pushing Juliet,
apologized for it,
now he can no longer live
without her.
[Nguyen] Star-crossed lovers.
Typical obsessive BS.
Well, I think we've covered
everything here.
We'll see you guys tomorrow
down at the station?
Verify your statements.
Whatever you need, detective.
[Meg] I'm just glad
we can put this all behind us.
[Nguyen] I'm sure
both of you are.
You guys try
and have a good night.
-Uh, detective?
-Yeah?
The suicide note,
did they match his handwriting?
Um, no. They said
it was typed on his laptop.
Why? Something wrong?
No. It's fine.
Hey, you should be proud
of yourself.
You helped catch a killer. Hm?
-Just don't make a habit of it.
-[chuckles]
[suspenseful music]
[dramatic music]
[Holden] What are you
talking about?
-[Meg grunts]
-[mirror shatters]
How about a drink?
-[intense music]
-What?
A drink,
to put all this awfulness
finally behind us.
Uh, sure. Yeah.
I just, I have to grab something
from my car.
Great.
Hurry back.
[ominous music]
[door handle rattling]
[music continues]
[buzzes]
You didn't have access.
[Anna] So who do you think
did it?
The same person that paid me
to stalk her.
And secretary-slash-assistant
and whatever else
she needs done.
-[gasps]
-You get lost?
Yeah, I just, uh...
I just needed some air.
That sounds good. I'll join you.
[ominous music]
[beeping]
[music continues]
[Meg] It's beautiful, isn't it?
I see why Juliet came up here
all the time.
Come. You gotta see this view.
I can.
It's something.
You gotta see it from here.
Don't worry, you won't slip.
[intense music]
A toast.
To Juliet.
To a beautiful soul
sent back way too soon.
It's over, Anna.
-You should be happy.
-I am.
So why are you making a mess
out of this?
What?
I'm not...
Okay, then give me the keycard
Holden gave you.
-I don't...
-Anna, please.
Don't.
We're both smarter than that.
[Meg] He said he didn't have it.
I didn't think
he'd give it to you.
Last night,
when he broke into my apartment,
while you were breaking into
his, planting the suicide note,
right after you tried
to run me down with Ryan's car.
[laughs]
Oh, wow, wow!
That is quite a story.
Have you ever considered writing
fiction instead of journalism?
Not that what you do at that rag
is journalism.
Yeah, I actually
don't work there anymore.
[Meg] Hm.
That's a shame.
Anna, think about this.
He confessed. It's over.
Take the win.
Use it to propel your career.
I'll even give you
exclusive rights.
You'll make a name for yourself
and be able to choose
any job you want.
But it's not the truth.
[scoffs] Suddenly the tabloid
reporter has a moral compass.
What can I say? My timing sucks.
Your words.
But you can't say I didn't try.
Mm. Mm, that's good.
-[Meg grunts]
-[Anna groans]
[intense music]
-[Meg grunts]
-[Anna groans]
[panting]
For the record, you're a much
better reporter than I expected.
-[grunts]
-[Anna groans]
[dramatic music]
The bruises, they were from you,
because she didn't wanna
play along.
She was always complaining,
having to be on all the time.
[scoffs] Do you know
how much work it is for me?
Growing a following
from nothing, maintaining one?
Keeping the social-media losers
with no lives engaged?
You hired Holden to stalk her!
I did what I had to,
to keep her trending.
But you, your story
gave her the perfect reason
to quit.
[Meg] What are you doin'?
Just enjoying the view
while I still can.
This'll blow over.
One week, maybe two.
[Meg] We'll wait a month,
then throw a bash
that everyone will talk about.
I don't want it to pass.
This is a good thing.
She wanted to stop,
take a break!
[Juliet]
Just for a little while.
We can restart again later.
Restart it?
Do you know how hard I work
to keep you relevant?
To keep people following you?
It's exhausting!
I know! So let's just stop.
Go back to the way
things used to be. Just us.
We'll take a vacation.
After everything we did
to get all this.
None of this matters.
We'll have each other.
That reporter did us a favor.
This is a good thing.
-No.
-Meg.
It's too much.
I mean, all of it.
-I'm just so tired.
-[Meg] You're tired?
Do you know what I do
to keep this going?
To keep the fans engaged,
so they keep clicking?
Whatever it takes!
I'm sorry, Meg, I can't anymore.
It's over.
[instrumental music]
She didn't get it.
I was never gonna have all this
on my own.
Not without Juliet.
[Meg] She's the one
who won the genetic lottery.
My whole life,
she always had the cutest guys,
the most attention.
And I just had
to live with it. So...
No. I deserved this.
Juliet, I didn't work this hard
so you could just quit!
[intense music]
You are so clueless!
You would've stopped trending
a long time ago
if it weren't for me.
The parties, the sponsors.
Even your little Romeo
wouldn't know you existed.
-What?
-[scoffs]
You can say whatever you want
'cause you're the pretty one.
Hey.
[sniffles]
Meg, I'm sorry.
And I forgive you.
But I just need some time
to rest.
[eerie music]
Fine.
You can rest.
-[grunts]
-[dramatic music]
[gasps]
[whispers] Oh, God.
J-Juliet...
I never meant to.
I'd take it all back,
I swear. I just...
I-I-I lost my temper.
I didn't, I didn't even realize
when it happened, I-I...
It-it didn't seem real!
But you used my story
to cover it up.
So something good
could come from it.
To stop people like you from
tearing souls like Juliet down.
All she did was bring light to
people. That was her commodity.
Unlike you.
Poor Anna, got caught
with someone else's boyfriend,
lost her job.
A life crisis like that can
make people do rash things.
J-just ask poor Holden.
-Stop! Stop!
-[both panting]
Don't worry,
you'll get tons of clicks now.
[chuckles] For about a week.
That's the average
Insta-lifespan
if you don't hone it.
You think it'll be longer
than yours?
[siren wailing]
Those are for you.
[panting]
[cell phone chiming]
[Anna] Guess it doesn't
totally suck
to have a following.
[Meg] No, no, no, no, no, no...
[cell phone chiming]
-No.
-[siren wailing]
No, no, no, no...
It's over, Meg.
The whole world knows
you snuffed out Juliet's light.
-Not me.
-Thank you, Anna.
[ominous music]
You've made me a star.
A star?
No! No! Meg!
You're about to trend
more than anyone ever has.
We both are. The first ever
live-streamed murder.
-[Anna] Meg, don't!
-Don't fight it, Anna.
This has to happen!
It can't all be for nothing!
-[panting]
-[siren wailing]
And I'll be bigger
than Juliet ever was.
[Meg] Let's see them top this.
[Anna] No!
[grunts]
[instrumental music]
[siren wailing]
[panting]
[man] Our staff here
is very supportive.
And I'm sure you'll fit in
just great.
Now, that was our ad department.
Most of it's done
on the net nowadays.
-Careful.
-Thanks.
And here we have
our shipping department.
Oh. I almost forgot.
Your press pass.
Oh. That's a interesting tattoo.
It looks new.
Yeah, it's sort of
a reminder to me.
so I would never forget to do
what's right.
[chuckles] Better than
those nose piercings.
How you kids keep those clean
when you have a cold,
I'll never know.
You sure you want this job?
We're nowhere near as sexy
as your last one.
I'm sure,
I just wanna tell stories
that are gonna make
a difference.
That we can do.
Let me show you
our art department.
Located right over here.
[vocalization]
[instrumental music]
Infatuation
Girl I got you in my head
no hesitation
[indistinct lyrics]
...won't you step in?
'Cause I've been thinkin'
about you nonstop
No I won't stop
no I won't stop dreamin'
Nothin' cuts as deep
as our love
As our love as our love
whoa
Whoa it's a lot for me
just to love ya
But I can't let go
Oh there's so much more
to discover
I just gotta know
I never felt a love
like this
I never met a guy
like you before
A little bit of your love
brings the sun down
A little bit of your love
brings the sun down
Ooh
But I can't let go
You're just
so irresistible oh
Ooh
But I can't let go
You're just
so irresistible oh
Ooh
I just gotta know
Yeah I just gotta know
Oh oh oh
You're just so irresistible
Yeah
Only one I won't let go
You're just
so irresistible oh
You're the one
no I can't let go oh
Whoa it's a lot for me
just to love ya
But I can't let go
Oh
There's so much more
to discover
I just gotta know
I never felt
a love like this
I never met
a girl like you before
A little bit of your love
brings the sun down