How to Make Gravy (2024) Movie Script
1
[birds warbling, twittering]
[atmospheric music builds]
[atmospheric music swells]
[music fades]
[Angus V/O] Last Christmas
is when everything changed.
Dad. Wake up.
I'm sleeping.
Wake up, Dad.
Still sleeping.
[Angus V/O] It all feels
like a dream to me.
[pensive ambient music]
[both chuckling]
Clean this up.
[Angus V/O] My sisters act
like nothing has changed.
Mum hasn't been the same.
Everybody came back
home like normal...
..but it wasn't normal...
..'cause it was our first
Christmas without Nan.
[playful slapping]
[Rita giggles]
[both spit]
[Rita laughs]
[kookaburras laughing]
[Roger] Yes, I know,
but if we leave by 4:00
we can get the last plane home.
I told them we would
stay another night.
Well, can't you just make
up a reason to leave early?
What if I actually want to
spend time with my family?
[exasperated sigh]
- [Queenie barks]
- No, get...!
- Oh!
- Get that thing away!
- Just... get it together.
- Bloody thing!
[Angus V/O] Queenie had
to spend all day tied up
because Uncle Roger doesn't
like her jumping up on him.
- Hello! We're home!
- Fuckin' hate that dog.
[Angus V/O] He says
he's a cat person.
Get it away.
["My Little Drum" by
Vince Guaraldi Trio plays]
[children's choir]
Prr-rum, prr-rum
Prr-rum-pum-pum
- Prr-rum, prr-rum
- [kids laughing]
Oh, hello! Oh, go
look in the fridge!
Go look in the fridge,
go look in the fridge!
[Angus V/O] We don't
see Auntie Stella much.
She married Uncle Roger
and moved to a big
house in the city.
Oh, no, let 'em have one.
That's what I brought them for.
- There's plenty.
- [kid] Mum, please!
- [Rita] Alright, alright.
- Yeah, see?
No one gets in trouble
when Auntie Stella's home!
How's work, Joe?
[Angus V/O] Uncle Roger
is like kryptonite to Dad.
[Stella, under breath] Roger...
Stella didn't tell you?
Oh, God. She did.
Yeah. That's terrible.
That's terrible.
That's... that's heartless
this time of year.
Hey-ey! We made it!
[Angus V/O] Uncle
Gary and Uncle Murray
are the opposite
of kryptonite...
- Fresh Mooloolaba prawns!
- Everyone loves 'em.
They're Grandad's brothers.
I never met Grandad, but if
he was like his brothers,
I bet he was awesome.
Could be worse, you
know? Could be my family.
[both chuckle]
At least I wouldn't know
what they were saying.
True.
Do you want to come say hi?
Yep. [kisses]
[light-hearted chatter nearby]
Hello!
Rita!
- [both chuckling]
- [animated chatter]
- Hello! How are you?
- Thank you so much.
- It's good to see you.
- Welcome, welcome.
- How are ya?
- How are ya, mate?
- I'm okay.
- You good?
Yeah, yeah.
- Ooh, hey, got your glasses.
- Uh, Gary...
[silence]
[horn beeps]
[horn continues beeping]
[exhales]
[spraying]
Are you nervous?
[apprehensive chuckle]
Nah.
Just tell me when
you want to leave.
We're not even inside yet and
you're planning your escape?
Correct.
My girls!
- [girls] Uncle Dan!
- Ohh!
You've grown!
Wow! Grab my guitar.
Alright, come on.
[Dan] You been practising?
- [girls giggling]
- [kookaburras laughing faintly]
First Christmas as orphans.
It's good to see you, Stel.
It's good to be seen.
I might go check on the turkey.
[sparse, pensive acoustic
guitar strumming]
[crockery and cutlery
clinking softly]
[pensive guitar continues]
[Roger] Shampoo?
[Dan] Not me, not drinking.
How's the music biz?
Great.
Yeah, great. Actually, thinking
of starting my own label.
Ooh! [inhales sharply]
Must be hard, though, is it?
Is it hard? The music biz?
Is it... is it really hard?
Yeah, sometimes.
You couldn't possibly
make any money.
Oh, well... if you
love it, you persevere.
- Well...
- [Dan] Hey, Joe!
Your table. How about a speech?
[Gary] I'd just like
to say something.
[tinkles glass]
So here we are...
um...
and there's a lot
to be sad about.
It's the first Christmas
without your mum.
And, of course, we miss her.
But we're all here together,
- which is the main thing...
- [man clearing throat]
And what am I trying
to say here...?
So... [clears throat]
we just wanted to
take this moment
to acknowledge that everything
we need, we have, right here.
And I want to thank Rita and Joe
for this beautiful meal that
we can all enjoy together.
- So...
- [Gary] Yep.
Let's raise our glasses...
Merry Christmas.
[all] Merry Christmas.
[glasses clinking]
[Dan] Merry Christmas.
[Angus V/O] My nan
always said that family
know exactly how to
press your buttons...
'cause they're the ones
who put the buttons
there in the first place.
[cockatoos screeching
in distance]
- [Murray] Seconds?
- [Dan] No, mate, I'm full.
[Murray] Come on, there's no
such thing as leftover pavlova.
Help me clear some
of the... this table.
Leave the brothers
to talk about things.
[Dan noodling on guitar]
You good?
[Joe] Yeah, mate. You?
Good.
- [Dan] Good.
- [Joe] That's good.
How's the new missus?
[Dan] We broke up.
[chuckling] Fuck off.
- [Dan] What?
- You broke up?
I mean... it sounded
pretty serious
when I asked you to come home
and you said you couldn't.
I know you're having a
shit time. Rita said.
- [Joe] When did she say that?
- I was on tour.
That's why I couldn't come back.
Oh, you were on tour.
Right, yeah. Okay.
I forgot the world
revolves around your tours.
Why are you out here wasting
your time talking to me?
You only see your
daughter once a year.
Come inside.
[Joe] What, so I can listen to
you sing Jingle Bells again?
No thanks.
[Queenie whining]
[Angus V/O] I can always
tell when Dad is feeling sad.
He goes quiet and
his eyes go far away.
[Angus] Hi, Dad.
[kisses]
[Angus V/O] Sometimes you
don't know why things happen.
They just happen.
["Red Hot Chrissy" by Beddy
Rays blares over stereo]
Aunty's in the kitchen
Kids are running
through the halls
[drunken chatter,
whooping nearby]
Is this all that's left?
Yep.
It's a red hot Chrissy...
Not good enough for ya, mate?
Not really, no.
It's turps, mate.
- It's alright for cooking.
- [Stella] Come dance!
[Rita] Joe, leave the
dishes! Come over!
[Stella] He's hiding!
[Joe] No, I'm not!
- [music continues]
- [women chuckling]
It's a red hot Chrissy...
[Stella] Come dance
with your sister!
[drunken laughter]
[laughter, whooping continue]
[Rita] Murray, Murray...
Come up, come on
up! Murray, come up!
[Rita laughing]
- [Murray cheering]
- [Rita] Ooh! Ohh!
[Rita laughing]
[Rita whooping]
[Stella] Joe!
[laughter and revelry continue]
[Stella cackling]
[glass smashing,
clinking on floor]
- [song blaring]
- [Stella] Roger, come on!
It's a red-hot Chrissy
Gonna be the best of all
Kids are laughing, swimmin'
Stereo's in full swing
[Angus V/O] That day,
nothing would cheer Dad up.
He didn't even want
to dance with Mum.
[music continues, muffled]
He usually loves that.
- Come dance!
- Gonna be the best of all
You're already dancing.
- Joe!
- [Dan] Oh, come on, Joe.
Oh, no, where are you going?
Just come back inside.
- I'd rather be alone, thanks.
- We know you're suffering.
Stop making everyone
else suffer with ya.
What, like you? Chasing
tail when you feel sad.
Okay, of course I'm not okay...
Leaving me and Rita
to look after Mum.
[exasperated sigh]
- Please, just talk to me.
- I don't want to talk to you.
I don't want to talk to you.
If you want to talk to someone,
talk to fuckin' Mary, mate.
It's a golden opportunity.
She's right there.
[Mary] Don't bring me
into whatever this is.
[dog barking in distance]
- Don't touch me.
- You're cooked, mate.
- Don't fuckin' touch me!
- Why won't you talk to anyone?
We're all just trying
to help you, Joe!
[Murray] Come on, we'll
do something nice.
- Watch a movie...
- [Stella] This is endless!
[Roger] Just let
it go, let it go.
It's endless, is
it, Stel? Endless?
You know what?
It would be really nice,
just for once in your life,
to have a supportive sister.
Oh, supportive? That's rich!
Yeah, yeah, supportive.
Where were you?
Where was I? I was
fucking working, Joe!
[Roger] Stella, this
is never gonna change.
- It's the same old thing.
- I'm sorry, what was that?
What's that supposed to mean?
Your mum's not here to
bail you out anymore, mate.
Excuse me?!
You know what? Every
year, we come here.
We drag ourselves here.
We spend a fortune.
You're pissed off
about everything.
- No one needs it, mate.
- Okay, mate, then, fuck off!
Oh, yeah... She'll leave
you. She'll leave...
- [Stella] No! Joe!
- It's this kind of shit...
- [Queenie barking]
- [shouting and commotion]
- [Stella] Joe, get off him!
- Dad!
[Angus V/O] The next thing
I remember is police.
- [sirens wailing faintly]
- [melancholy music]
[music continues]
[Angus V/O] Dad never
came home after that.
My dad is not bad.
He's a good dad
who had a really bad day.
All I want for
Christmas is to see him.
Please, Santa, make it happen.
Love, Angus.
["Security" by Amyl
and the Sniffers plays]
Security Will you
let me in your pub?
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
I'm not looking for harm
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your pub
[guitar riff plays]
I distracted you with
all of my bullshit
I covered myself
in distractions
Colours and patterns
You couldn't
see the real me
I wanna deceive you
You're stupid, I'm fast
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your hard heart
Let me in your pub
Security Will you
let me in your pub?
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
I'm not looking for harm
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your pub
Security Will you
let me in your pub?
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
I'm not looking for harm
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
I'm not that drunk!
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your hard heart
Let me in your pub
Not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your hard heart
Let me in your pub
I'm not that drunk
Let me into your pub
I'm not that drunk
Will you let me
into your pub?
[guitar riff plays]
Dad is not here!
I swear I'm not that drunk
I'm not that drunk
- [grunts]
- Let me into your pub
I'm not that drunk
Let me into your pub
Into your pub
Whoo!
[both] Uncle Dan's here!
I'm not that drunk
Let me into your pub
I'm not that drunk
Just looking for love...
[song fades out]
[door slams shut, keys jangle]
- [door buzzing]
- [announcer over PA] Silver.
Silver report to
Movement Control.
Attention, Silver - report
to Movement Control.
[disconnect tone rings out]
[hushed chatter]
Don't. I bumped it.
On what?
Please.
Let me tell you what's
going on out there.
While you're in here.
Out there,
your children are growing
up without a father.
I'll be out of here by July.
With good behaviour.
The only thing that
keeps me going on in here
is the thought of how, someday,
I'm gonna make it up to you.
Pay it all back.
Couldn't you just bring Gus?
I can't bear the thought of
not seeing him this Christmas.
[Rita sighs]
It's all I have to
look forward to, Ri.
Seeing you guys.
He is telling everyone you'll
be home for his birthday.
Will you?
I will be.
[Rita smacks lips, sighs]
Hey. I promise.
I'm trying.
This is the edge...
..Joe.
We are right on the edge.
You need to stop
crying with your fists.
[poignant ambient music]
[Joe] Will you kiss 'em for me?
[Rita] Yeah, I will.
What about Dan?
What about him?
[Rita] Dan's been a
godsend since he arrived.
Has he?
[Rita] Just talk to him.
[smacks lips] Okay.
What about Angus?
I have to think about it.
[sniffles softly]
[door buzzing in distance]
[distant, muffled shouting]
[Dan, distantly and
playfully] Hey, come here!
Arghh!
[playful chatter and laughter]
[Dan laughing]
[music fades]
[handbrake cranking]
[Dan laughing]
[Dan chuckles]
[exhales]
How is he?
[indistinct voices in distance]
[Red] The smell of bleach
reminds me of my mum.
She was a cleaner.
[Joe] Righto.
[sniffs]
You missed a spot.
Where?
[spits]
[indistinct radio chatter]
Heinz?
Yeah, Chief.
[Chief] Do you have eyes on 13?
You're not worth doing
any more time over, mate.
[sniffs]
[spits]
Oh!
What in Christ's name is the
purpose of this clusterfuck?
[Heinz] I don't have
time for this, Chief.
I'm supposed to be finishing.
I got choir tonight.
[sighing] Should we call it?
Mmm...
Nah. Just wait on it.
[Joe muttering]
Oh, gently there, Red.
You're not bothering
my brother, are you?
Okay, chaos.
Why don't you go away?
Why don't you relax?
[Noel] Why don't
you... go away?
[Red sighs]
[groans]
Rise, Lazarus.
- [Joe grunts softly]
- Yeah.
My name's Noel.
Yeah, I know who you are.
That's a relief.
Why can't they just get along?
[metalware clanging,
water spraying]
[indistinct chatter]
[Noel] A bit of a
paradox, Christmas.
It's a funny old time.
Just a long, slow reminder
that everyone you've
ever loved is far away.
The question is...
..how to handle it.
I could've handled it.
Here.
It's easy to get sucked into
a lot of useless shit in here.
Yeah, but at some
point you realise...
..you'd rather have a life.
You got kids?
Mm-hm.
[utensil clacking]
What's that?
Gravy.
[scoffing chuckle]
I don't think so.
[chuckles softly]
You done a bit of cooking?
I mean... when
I have to, yeah.
Ah.
Well, the boys upstairs
have extended our hours
to meet the production
deadline on Christmas Day.
We've got a few
extra jobs in here.
Smart move if you want
to stay out of trouble.
[pot clatters on floor]
Sorry, boss. [clears throat]
Um...
Yeah, I don't...
I don't think so.
Food for thought, then.
[Joe] Mm.
[Noel] The boss'll let you out.
- Right.
- [door buzzing]
[door opens, closes]
[under breath] Jesus,
poor bastard...
[Archer] Oi!
[Alfie] Oi! Dickhead!
- [siren wailing in distance]
- [Archer] Hey, loser.
Do you hear that siren?
Must be comin' for your dad.
Nee-naw!
[Angus] I heard it.
It's an ambulance.
Comin' for you.
- Ho-oh-oh. [spits]
- Oh, so scary.
- [Queenie barks]
- What an idiot.
[Archer] Let's go.
["Christmas Time Is Here"
by Vince Guaraldi plays]
[children's choir]
Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all
That children call
Their favourite
Time of year
[smooth, jazzy piano interlude]
[music fades]
This looks amazing.
[door creaks]
- Do you want some?
- No, thanks.
- Here.
- [Rita] Hello.
[Dan] Ooh. Ah.
Go on.
[Rita] Thank you.
[Dan] Oh, here you go,
mate. Piece of corn?
- Yum.
- [Rita] One for you. Okay.
That's Dad's spot.
I keep telling you.
Don't sit there.
There's plenty of room.
I don't want to
live here anymore.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Where would you
like to live, bud?
- With Dad.
- You can't live in a prison.
- That's so dumb.
- [Angus] You're dumb.
You are. You have an
emotional support animal.
You know, I heard
a great song today.
It's called...
"Be nice to your brother and
let's have a lovely dinner".
I could make him happy.
And what will Queenie do?
[Angus] She could come.
What about your goldfish?
Am I old enough to
go see Dad by myself?
Why would you want to?
He doesn't care about us.
[Rita] That's not true.
Dolls, that's not true.
I'll think about
taking you, okay?
[Angus] Yeah.
Good.
Please don't feed the
dog at the table, mate.
I don't have to listen to you.
[wry chuckle] Well, I
have to listen to you.
If you listened to me,
you wouldn't live here.
Enough.
- [Angus] He's not my dad.
- [Dan] You're right.
I'm your 'funcle'.
Your fun-uncle.
- [squeaky voice] Funcle Dan!
- [girls giggle]
Listen,
it's really good that you
want to help your dad,
live with him, comfort him,
but he needs to
grow up, sweetheart.
We all do. Okay?
[Angus] At least he can cook!
If you listened to me,
you wouldn't have gone
to see Dad without me.
[Queenie whines]
[door slams shut]
Stop trying to make
'funcle' happen.
Bon appetit.
[sparse, pensive
guitar strumming]
[door buzzing]
[Joe] So, what are
you gonna do, mate?
[Angus on phone] I don't know.
I just want them
to leave me alone.
[Joe] They won't.
You gotta fight back. Alright?
Stand up for yourself.
- Clock him in the nose.
- [Angus] In the nose?
[Joe] Yep.
Once a kid sees a blood nose,
he'll never come
after you again.
That's what your pop taught me.
Have you had your tea?
[Angus] Yeah. Mum
burnt the chicken.
[soft chuckle] She's
got a lot on her mind.
[Angus] Why does Uncle
Dan have to be here?
He's just helping out
your mum, mate. Okay?
It's-it's a big job looking
after three little monsters.
[Angus] Hey, Dad?
When you come home
on my birthday...
- [Joe] Mmm.
- ..we should have two cakes.
[Joe] True? Why's that?
Well, you didn't get
a birthday this year,
so you can share a
birthday with me.
But I want to have that same
cake you made me last year.
I want to have it again.
And you can have
whatever cake you want.
[Joe chuckles]
We can have two cakes.
[Angus] Franky says you
should've been home by now.
[door buzzing, clanging]
She's right.
[Dan through phone] Hey,
Angus, your bath is on, mate.
Angus?
Hey, matey, I've still got
a couple of minutes here.
Um...
Could you... could you
put your uncle on, please?
- [Angus] Night, Dad.
- Night, son.
Give your mum a kiss
for me, will ya?
- Yep. Love you.
- [Joe] Love you, mate.
[Joe] Still there?
You still there?
Just holdin' down the fort.
Bath, mate.
[Joe] Oh, yeah, I just...
I thought you would've
moved on by now.
But, um, I guess it
must be different
when it's someone
else's kids, right?
[door closing]
[inhales deeply]
Just here to help, Joe.
And the free rent?
[Dan] Oh, come on. Seriously?
Until you come home,
Rita needs a little help.
[automated voice]
One minute remaining.
I... I just...
wish that you would've
asked before showing up.
[Dan] First thing I did
was come and see you.
Once.
[Dan] It bums me
out we don't talk.
Dan, it would be
nice to be included
in decisions about
my own family.
[Dan] You're my brother.
We're all family.
They're my family.
[exhales]
Look, I know you
wish you were here.
But we're managing.
And-and Rita... [exhales]
She's an amazing mum. True, you
should be really proud of her.
[Joe] Fuck off, Dan.
Don't tell me to be
proud of my own wife.
[disconnect tone]
[door buzzing, clanging]
There's lot of us,
there's lots of you.
But we sing as one.
We sound as one.
And... I'm really proud. I
think it sounds really great.
And you've come a really...
a really long way.
Let's do it.
One, two, three, four...
- [piano accompaniment plays]
- [all in harmony] Hummm
Hummm
- [song fades]
- [door clangs shut]
[keys jangling, lock clicking]
[inmates shouting in distance]
[shouting continues]
[atmospheric music builds]
[music swells]
[music stops]
- [dog barking in distance]
- [insects chirping]
[inmates shouting and
jeering in distance]
[inmates laughing in distance]
[inmate laughing] You idiot...
[sighs]
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[ball bouncing]
Oi.
You got a problem?
You.
I'm talkin' to you.
[menacing music]
Come here!
[menacing music swells]
[Red] Beautiful day.
Go on, take a walk, piss off.
Looks like you're mine now.
[sparse, pensive
guitar strumming]
- [utensils clanking]
- [faint indistinct chatter]
[door beeping, buzzing]
[door clanging]
Hello again.
Thought about your offer.
What's this?
Ingredients.
Yeah? For what?
To make gravy.
You do know we don't have wine?
I need to stay out of shit.
I run a men's group.
Attendance is mandatory.
We usually meet twice a week,
but this week, we're getting
together every night.
I'll work for ya, I will.
I'll work real hard.
But I'm not gonna sit around
talkin' feelings with a bunch...
No, this is a condition of
having a safe place to hide,
yeah, away from all the bullshit
and all the politics out here.
Yeah?
Then I think we're done.
Why did he back off
when you told him?
Who?
Red.
[sighing] Ah, Red.
Mate, when you get
triggered by someone...
..who has the power?
Them or you?
Alright, alright. Um...
If I agree to this,
do I start today?
Why not?
- [utensils clanking]
- [indistinct chatter, laughter]
[Noel] Now, this is
more than a kitchen.
This is the headquarters
of a delicate operation.
Rules are very simple.
You do everything I say,
clean up after yourself,
- and no stealing food, right?
- Okay.
I mean it about the food.
I've got a one-strike policy.
Don't go thinking this is gonna
be your own personal salad bar.
[Bart] Yech! Nobody likes
salad anyway, boss. [chuckles]
Thank you, Bart.
Gentlemen, if I may
have your attention.
This is Joe.
Joe will be lending
us a hand this week.
[inmate 1] Hi, Joe.
[inmate 2] Hey.
Alright, welcome, Joe.
[inmates chattering]
Jump in here with these guys.
What do I do?
You'll get the hang of it.
It's easy - like the Macarena.
Dish 'em.
[chatter continues]
Lettin' trouble in here now, eh?
Takes a lot to ask for
help, Breaka. You know that.
[door buzzing]
Scan it, stamp it, sack it.
That's it.
Do they ever write,
like, heaps hectic shit?
- Hectic shit?
- Yeah.
Mate, this time of the
year, it's all the same.
"Give my love to so
and so..." [sighs]
"I'm gonna be gettin'
out of here soon..."
La, la, la.
Still gotta read 'em, though.
Scan it, stamp it...
..sack it.
[melancholy tune playing
on acoustic guitar]
[plucks tuneful melody]
[hums tune]
[Noel] Fellas.
Father Guy is, uh,
with us here tonight.
Um, this is his
house, of course,
but please make him welcome.
- [inmate] Hi, Father.
- [clears throat]
Uh, if I may, I... I'd like
us to begin with prayer.
[Noel] 'Course.
Uh...
[inhales]
Father in heaven...
bless our honesty and
help our hearts to open.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
[inmates] Amen.
Amen.
[Noel] Okay, let's
start by standing.
What do we all have in common?
We're inside.
We're in here.
It's tough in here.
We do it hard. Yeah?
Especially this time of year.
Every day is a challenge.
Every hour can feel like
another opportunity to fuck up.
For some of you guys, it's
more like every minute.
Yeah, would that be
fair? [half-chuckle]
Well, in this room,
it's very hard to fuck up.
Yeah, you're in a safe place.
I am a traumatised child.
I was raised by a
traumatised child
who was raised by her
traumatised parents.
Mum was an alcoholic.
Dad was full of rage or absent.
That's how my story begins.
What about yours?
If, before the age of 18,
you were raised by a single
parent, adult or grandparent,
take a step inside the circle.
If you often felt that no
one in your family loved you,
that you weren't important
or special in some way,
take a step inside the circle.
If you've ever been homeless,
forced to sleep in a car,
in a park, on the street...
..step inside the circle.
If you've ever
considered suicide,
take a step inside the circle.
[unsettling atmospheric music]
Welcome.
See how much we share, yeah?
Okay.
[music continues]
[Noel, faintly] We think
about compassion...
What enables...
..you to feel
compassion towards...
..another person...
[music continues]
[Noel continues faintly]
[Bart] Joe?
[music fades]
How about you, bro?
You have anything you
want to share, or...?
No.
[Noel] Tell us a
bit about yourself.
Uh...
I'm not sure what to say.
You just talk, boss.
Talk about something
that makes you happy.
Who taught you how to cook, Joe?
[Joe] No one.
My dad.
[Noel] Was that your
old man's recipe
that you showed me this morning?
Yep.
[Noel] Would he
make that for ya?
Well, he sounds like a good man.
He was.
Until he killed himself.
[poignant music]
[soft exhale]
[Noel] I'm sorry.
Not your fault.
You didn't do it.
How old were you?
I was ten.
Nine.
Oh well.
No, you don't need to
minimise your trauma for us.
Okay.
You felt like your dad
abandoned you. You...
You were his responsibility.
- What?
- [Noel] You needed him.
He should've been there.
He did his best.
A father has a responsibility
to be there for his children.
He did his best, mate.
Alright? Shit happens. Are you
trying to make me cry, mate?
- [chair clatters]
- [Noel] Joe.
[exhales deeply]
[Noel] Joe, if you were to cry,
it wouldn't lessen
my respect for you.
Can't have been easy for
you coming here tonight.
Not many people can
say these things,
things that you've said...
..their first meeting.
[shallow breathing]
[Noel] So, thank you.
[exhales heavily]
[sniffs]
Let's call it a night.
[claps hands together]
It's great you're all here.
Please keep coming back.
- [two-way radio chatter]
- [chairs clunking]
I'd like to help you
make your dad's recipe.
Really?
[Noel] Yeah.
Why not?
I don't know.
Guess we could try.
Good.
[door beeping, clicking]
[apprehensively] You
make it look so easy.
They don't teach that at
the seminary. [inhales]
Oh, these fellas just...
need someone they can
relate to, Father.
And, you know, someone
to relate to them.
Um, there's a concert happening,
er, on Christmas Eve, in here.
Um, do you think you'd
be able to bring the men?
Maybe they... they would
accept an invitation
- if it came from you.
- [Noel] Ah...
Don't... don't answer now.
I'm just... putting
it into the universe.
No, no. Righto.
I'll spread the word.
Thank you.
Concert, in here, Christmas Eve.
[Father chuckles nervously]
Night, Father.
- Thank you.
- Night, Noel.
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[door beeping, clicking]
[door closes, beeps]
[faint footsteps receding]
[mysterious atmospheric music]
[Rita, whispering] Joe.
[Rita sighing]
Joe.
[music swells]
["Take Care of Business"
by Nina Simone fades in]
Just hold me closer
Ooh, ooh
Let me sit on
top of your knee
Go ahead
And take care of
business for me
For me
Oh, Lord Don't
keep me waitin'
Be as firm as can be
Go ahead
And take care of business
For me, for me, for me
[song distorting]
[Nina Simone humming]
You know
You know that...
[song distorts, trails off]
[unsettling atmospheric music]
[music stops]
[panting softly]
[exhales]
[pensive music]
Mum, I'm hungry. Can
I have some money?
Check my purse.
Yeah, we did. There's nothing.
Take my card. Go to the shops.
Yeah, it's inside.
[man on TV] Welcome
back, everybody.
[woman on TV] Oh,
and happy holidays!
- [car engine starting]
- [Dan] Oi!
- [TV] Only two sleeps to go...
- Oi.
Did you forget something?
[Rita] Oh, yeah. Thank you.
See ya.
[man on TV] Ooh, settle
down, settle down.
- Let's go to the weather...
- [TV button clicks]
[wind chimes tinkling]
[Kelly] Beautiful day!
Bloody hot.
[Kelly] You settling in?
Yeah, I guess so.
You never said you were famous.
[scoffing chuckle] You
been checking up on me?
Everyone loves a bit
of gossip around here.
And Joe never said he
had a famous brother.
[scoffing laugh]
Nah, not really. Not anymore.
You are. I remember that song.
What is it again?
- Oh, so you don't know it?
- [chuckles]
- What was your name again?
- Kelly.
Right.
It's a shame about your
brother. I'm sorry.
- Yeah, thanks.
- [Kelly] I miss him.
He used to take my bins out.
You hangin' around long?
As long as they need me.
[Kelly] Lucky.
He managed to get his
sentence extended, so...
Self-sabbo. That's rough.
[Dolly] Uncle Dan!
Well, I'd probably better...
I promised to make
pancakes, so...
- [Kelly] Yum!
- Wish me luck.
Good luck.
- [Dan chuckling] See ya.
- See ya.
["Ave Maria" by
Pavarotti playing]
[Pavarotti] A-a-a...
I find it depressing.
What?
Christmas.
The whole charade of it.
Pretending that the world is a
better place, for the children.
- It isn't.
- Yeah, but...
That's not what
Christmas is about.
Christmas is about showing up.
["Ave Maria" continues
over car stereo]
Can we fly next year?
- ["Ave Maria" fades out]
- [airplane engine roaring]
[Roger on speakerphone]
Do you want me
- to cancel my plane ticket?
- [exasperated] I don't care.
If you want to come, come.
If you want to stay, stay.
So you seriously want me
to spend Christmas alone?
You don't enjoy it, Rog.
So, stop pretending.
Stella, I can't help
the way it goes.
I just have nothing in
common with your family.
So just say if you
want me to stay.
[mouthing]
Are you smoking?
This is bigger than
us, Roger. I just...
I really need to see my family.
[Joe] How's Rog?
Ah, Roger. Roger's...
A prick?
He's a king idiot prick.
Or a... a bastard rat prick.
Yes.
[laughing] He's a
bastard rat prick!
- [Joe laughs]
- I married him.
[both laughing]
Well, you did do that. Yeah.
[both laughing]
Yeah, I think I'm
gonna leave him.
[laughs]
Are you serious?
Something...
..happened last Christmas.
Something changed.
What you did, it was
fucked but it was real.
And I want that. I want...
I want it to be real.
You made me realise that
I'm just pretending.
[Stella sighs]
I've been thinking a lot
about when we were kids.
Angus is the same age
now as you were when d...
..when Dad...
- [poignant piano music playing]
- [breathing shakily]
You're coming home. Yes.
["Dream On" by Electric Fields
and The Prison Choir plays]
If you need to scream
Please scream
inside your heart
Like sight unseen
I hear it and
You could use a dream
Dream on
Oh, you should've
been helping yourself
Dream on
Oh, you gotta stop trying
to be somebody else
If you need to sing
Please sing like nobody
Is li-sten-ing
I hear it and if you
Could still be dancing
Hey, loser.
- Dream on
- Why do you have no friends?
Leave me alone.
When you gonna come
out of your shell?
Dream on
Oh, it's tricky but
you do it so well
Dream on
Let me give you this
glittering prize
Dream on
And are you trying
to open your eyes?
It's all a dream
It's all a dream
It's all a dream
It's all a dream to me
Me-e-e-e
It's all a dream
It's all a dream to me
Yeah-ahhh, ohhh
It's a family secret.
[choir] Dream on
[soloist] Dream o-o-o-on
[choir] Dream on
[soloist] Dream o-o-o-on
[choir] Dream on
[soloist] Dream o-o-o-on
Come on!
- [Dan] What's wrong?
- Go away!
- [Dan] What happened?
- I just want my dad.
Dream...
- Angus?
- [door slams shut]
On.
[song ends]
[Joe] Here.
[inhales sharply]
Here we go.
Mm.
Any good?
Too salty?
Come on, mate. Say something.
Don't just make faces. Say.
[smacks lips]
Fellas... [exhales]
This is gravy.
Okay.
- Alright.
- [Noel] Well done.
- Let's have a bang.
- I mean, it could be better.
Is it good?
[exhaling] Bro...
That is the best thing
I've tasted in this joint.
That's the best
thing I've ever had.
Really?
It's alright. It's
alright. It, um...
It needs wine.
Um... [stammering] ..are
you sure we don't have any?
Like, for cooking or
anything like that?
- Cooking wines? Come on!
- Cases and cases.
Come on, Bart, let's
pop down to the cellar
and get some wine.
[smacks lips] Um...
what about the drones?
What about Roy?
- Who's Roy?
- Roy'll hook you up.
Don't you go bringing
contraband into my kitchen.
- [Bart] Roy...
- No Roy!
It was his idea.
Come on, these potatoes aren't
gonna peel 'emselves. Eh?
[Father Guy] And
Jesus said to them,
"I am the bread of life.
"Whoever comes to
me shall not hunger,
"and whoever believes in
me shall never thirst."
Of course he means spiritually,
not literally, it's...
I mean, the Middle
East was very dry.
Uh, he was a practical
man. Son of a carpenter.
Hydration is a...
We... You know this.
Um...
Mov... He... he also...
[sighing]
- [clears throat]
- [bottle clunking]
[wine pouring]
[inmates chattering]
- [Joe] Cup or bread?
- [inmate 1] Bread.
- [Joe] Cup or bread?
- [inmate 2] Cup.
- Cup or bread?
- Cup.
Ahh.
Here he is.
This where you
been hidin', mate?
[uneasy atmospheric music]
Oh.
- So he's your new boyfriend?
- [snickering]
[chuckles] He's cute.
[chuckles] Good for you, mate.
Go on.
Cup or bread?
- Hmm?
- Cup or bread?
Bread.
Thank you.
Cup or bread?
Go a cup.
- Cup or bread?
- Cup.
[uneasy atmospheric
music continues]
[birds twittering]
[Rita's mum speaking in French]
[speaking in French]
[Rita sighs]
[fan whirring]
[pensive music]
I love you.
I know.
It's okay if you want
to change your mind.
Stop saying that.
I'm not scared.
Okay.
[deep sigh]
[water running]
[pensive music continues]
[car engine starting]
[Rita] Thanks.
[Dan] Say hi to your dad, mate.
- [Angus] Yep.
- [Dan] Drive safe.
[Kelly] Anything good?
My boys just wanted to apologise
for the... the little
dust-up with Angus.
- Oh, thanks.
- It's rocky road.
Yum. He, uh... he just
left with his mum.
Oh. Never mind.
I'm sure it'll be safe with you.
Cheers.
[Kelly] Do you have
any... any plans later?
Um, I'm having some
friends around tonight.
It's nothing fancy.
You're all welcome.
Thanks, but, uh, I got the
family coming around, so...
Offer's there.
Okay.
Mmm, it's good.
[Breaka] True to God,
my nana used to make
the best potatoes.
She'd run a fork
over all of 'em,
make 'em proper crunchy.
- Oh, yeah?
- [Breaka] Yeah.
Bro, my dad used
to put old coins
in the Christmas pudding, eh?
And if you found one, you
could trade 'em for real money.
I was like, "Yo!"
[Joe] Mm-mm, Christmas pud.
Christmas pud.
Or... pavlova.
- Pavlova?
- [Bart] Mmm.
We never had Christmas
lunches. Just Happy Meals.
Comes with a toy. Smart.
[inmates chattering]
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[inmates chattering]
[Possum] You done?
- Stop!
- Hey!
Oi!
What?
Leave him alone.
[tense music builds]
Fight me.
- No.
- Why not?
'Cause I think you do
this for attention.
Come on, take a swing.
[Joe inhales sharply]
Why are you so
fuckin' needy, mate?
Fight me.
Oooh.
Calm down, mate.
I'm gonna go and see my son.
Do you understand?
I don't want any part of this.
Now, Possum's gonna
mind his own business
and I'm gonna mind mine.
We're gonna walk away.
Okay?
Fair enough.
Okay.
Fuck him.
- [punch thumping]
- [inmates yelling, commotion]
[melancholy music]
[melancholy music continues]
I gotta see my family!
This wasn't my fucking fault!
- Sorry, Joe, just doing my job.
- Please! Please!
Please! Please!
[bangs on door]
My son is here! I
have to see my son!
[music swells]
It's fucking Christmas!
[music swells]
Idiot!
[music subsides]
[music fades]
[breathing deeply]
[under breath] Fuck.
[car brakes squeaking]
[handbrake cranking]
[insects chirping]
[softly] Hey.
It's okay to cry, darling.
- [sniffles]
- [Rita] It's okay.
[inmates chattering]
Well, that's it!
Ya fuckin' ruined Christmas!
[chattering stops]
Lump of coal, the lot of ya!
What did you think
you were doin'?!
He had it comin'.
Oh, give me a bucket.
You used to have
visitors once, Red!
Why don't they come anymore?!
Did you know his son
was waiting for him?
How could you do
that to a little boy?
Can't ya see beyond the fuckin'
bullshit culture of this place?
Hey?!
There's a whole world
outside these walls!
No, you couldn't
stand the thought
of someone gettin' out
of here in one piece.
Piss off. Jesus fuckin'...
[Noel] There's a concert.
Tonight. In the chapel.
- I'll see you there.
- You fuckin' won't.
If you ever want to eat
out of my kitchen again,
you'll be there.
And you can bring your
back-up fuckin' dancers!
I fuckin' hate it
when I'm upset!
[sighs]
[pensive music]
Hey.
- Hi.
- You made it.
- Yep.
- How's it going?
- You right?
- Yeah. All good.
[Rita] He waited for
three hours, Joe.
[Joe on phone] It
wasn't my fault, okay...
Stop blaming everyone else.
He's heartbroken.
[Joe] Can I speak to him?
He's asleep.
This is too hard.
What's too hard? What
are you talking about?
Rita?
Do you think you're the
only one doing time?
You don't exist in a void, Joe.
I'm doing this time too.
We're all doing this
time right alongside you.
Just tell us if you don't
love us anymore. Okay?
Or if... I don't know,
if you've changed so much
that you don't want
to come home anymore.
Of course I love you.
Of course I want to come home.
What happened today
will never happen again.
Ever.
I don't want to say
anything that I can't unsay.
So, merry Christmas.
[phone beeps]
[taps phone repeatedly]
[inhales]
[exhales heavily]
[Angus sighs heavily]
Hey.
I've got something for you.
I was saving it for tomorrow,
but maybe you'd
like to open it now?
I'll leave it here. Okay?
Is Santa real?
Santa... Hmm.
What do you think?
I don't want Dad to die.
Me neither.
I've spent my whole
life... missing my dad.
Yeah, I can't believe
I fucked this up.
Mate, everyone in
'ere has fucked up.
It doesn't define you.
Hm?
But it's your fault.
You chose this.
What?
It was a fight that
got you in here. Yeah?
You keep playing the same card.
You don't always
have a choice, Noel.
No, you always have a choice.
But giving in to impulse...
..takes away that choice, yeah?
Takes away your responsibility.
Takes away your freedom.
Takes away your family.
Mate, when I was your age,
I let all my fuckin' shit and
anger get the better of me.
I made a fuckin'
terrible mistake.
I ended up in here. For good.
You can get out.
Yeah, well, I just, um...
I wish I could undo it all.
[Noel] Well, you can't.
You can't.
You have to accept where you are
and start... start from here.
What's the point?
[exhales shakily]
[Noel] Well, yeah,
you can give up.
You can give up.
That won't be easy.
Just like it won't be easy
trying to find that
bottle of wine.
Hey?
But not as hard as having
to eat that fuckin'
packet shit gravy for the
100th year in a row. [laughs]
So I want to help you.
Yeah?
Might not be much but
I'll do what I can.
And... in this place,
that's about the best of it.
Hey?
Yeah?
- Hey, come on.
- [exhales heavily]
[warmly] Hey? You right?
[Joe exhales heavily]
[Joe exhaling]
Alright.
Where's Breaka?
[inmates chattering
and laughing]
Sweatin', hey?
Yeah, I sweat.
Just keep it chill, eh?
[Roy] Welcome to
the party, pal.
I've got thrust, pingers, nangs?
I've got yarndi, special K...
[sighs]
So... grade-A china white
just came in last night.
Um...
We're looking for...
for wine, actually, Roy.
Red, if possible.
Well, there goes the
neighbourhood. [laughs]
Talk about gentrification!
I sell drugs, boys. I'm
not a fuckin' sommelier.
- [piano accompaniment playing]
- [choir] Hummm
Hummm
Been the killer
Been the king
Been the diamond
and the ring
I'm the reason that I sing
I'm the sleeper
I'm the star
Outbid on the candelabra
I can even hold your candle
I think we are
gonna be fine
- [choir] Hummm
- Everything's gonna be fine
[choir] Hummm
[stomping in rhythm]
[choir] Been the wax
and been the wings
You can fall into the sun
I did fall into the sun
But I never let it win
I'm the reason that I sing
On the beach I feel amazing
I've been looking
at the future
And everything's
gonna be fine
[rhythmic stomping continues]
[pensive piano melody playing]
[slow piano rendition of
"Silent Night" playing]
[music fades]
[indistinct shouting
in distance]
["Isolationism" by Ben
Salter playing over stereo]
You were obsessed
with this album.
[Rita] I was.
Yep.
When I had time to
listen to music.
You...
You were always...
[sighs softly]
I've always been a bit
jealous of you and Joe.
[Rita] No, you haven't.
[glass clinks on table]
Come on, then.
Come on.
- Oh, Lord
- [chuckles softly]
- [giggles]
- You put us to the sword
We'll all get our reward
Keep us on our toes
Lover
What did I ask
you to write down?
Why was it so important
That you record it?
Why did I like the sound?
I know this hasn't
been easy for ya.
Maybe
- This could all come true
- But I've loved being here.
Being with your family.
- [Rita, dreamily] Mm-hm.
- I'll never go through
[Dan] And I want to say
I think you're amazing.
I think you're handling
all this with such grace.
You saved me
You're all there is now
I don't know what I'd
have done without you.
We're a good team.
[floorboards creaking]
Stop falling in love!
- We're not.
- Stop lying!
I don't want a new
dad! I want my dad!
And you don't even
care about him!
[door slams shut]
She just goes and goes
[softly] Fuck!
[under breath] Fuck.
She just goes and goes
[Dan] What are we doing?
[song ends]
What do you mean,
"what are we doing"?
[Dan] He's having such a
hard time with me around.
Come on, we're
just trying to cope
in a very difficult
situation here.
I keep telling myself
that I'm helping.
What if I'm making it worse?
[sighs wearily]
It has to end.
It has to.
What?
Maybe I should move out now.
Oh... Okay.
Okay. So... you're leaving too?
That's what's happening?
[slaps thighs]
[weary sigh] You
know what? Why not.
Maybe it's time you
face your own...
responsibilities.
You know?
[glass clinks firmly on bench]
[knocking gently] Angus?
Darling, I...
[Angus] Leave me alone.
Goodnight.
[drunken shouting in distance]
[clears throat]
[wine pouring]
Sorry, I thought there was more.
[Roger] It's okay.
[Stella exhales]
[exhales, clears throat]
I just want to... I...
I just want to say...
What?
I just want to say
I'm... I'm sorry.
And...
[wry exhale]
I know I'm not the man you
thought you married and...
..I want to be.
And I'm just really
scared you're gonna...
..you're gonna leave me.
And I know things haven't
been great, but I-I...
I just... I can't...
I can't lose you, Stel.
Roger, I love you.
I love you, but
you can't be real.
You...
You think you rescued
me from my family.
You... you reckon
they're trash.
But I treasure them.
[softly] I treasure them.
I can be real. I can be real.
I... I can...
- I can do better. I can make...
- Just... Don't... No.
Don't.
I don't want any more words.
I want you... I
want you to show me.
[Roger] You have been smoking.
What? I can smell it.
[Stella sighs]
[Stella clears throat]
[poignant music]
[sniffles]
[music swells]
[breathing softly]
[birds twittering, warbling]
[whistles]
Queenie?
Oh, Mum, can we
open presents now?
- Where's Angus?
- I don't know.
- Please!
- Not now, Franky.
You wait for your brother.
[girls chuckle]
[knocking gently] Angus.
We're all up. Do you want
to come open some presents?
[tapping gently]
Angus?
Angus!
Angus?
Angus!
[door beeps, clicks]
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[door beeps]
[quiet gasp]
Good morning.
Father.
Merry Christmas.
What brings you to
the Lord's house?
A gift.
Christ, it's hot.
Well, look what you're wearing.
What? It's a linen pant.
Don't talk about Bitcoin. Okay?
Just find common ground.
If there's any tension,
deflect and defuse.
Let's say it together.
- I can't change other people...
- I can't control other...
'Control'. I can't
control other people.
[both] I can't
control other people
but I can control myself.
No drama.
It's gonna be great, babe.
It's gonna be a great day.
What the hell's goin' on here?
[Stella] Oh, my God.
[wind chimes tinkling]
Hey?
Wake up.
There's cops at your place.
What?
Oh, fuck.
[policewoman] The best thing
that you can do from here
is to stay home and wait.
Wait?
[police radio beeps] 439...
- He's missing.
- [door opens]
Please, I can't stay
here and wait...
- Poor little mate.
- [door closes]
All on his own.
Terrible.
Dan just texted. He's...
He's up north doing laps.
We should head to the
highway just in case. Hey?
Keys?
Don't you want me to come?
No.
I'll take you, Stel.
We'll go in the van.
- So we can all fit in together.
- Yeah, come on. Come on, girls.
- Let's go, huh?
- Okay. Well, I'll...
Yeah, I guess I'll
just stay here, then,
and I'll just, uh...
hold down the fort.
He'll turn up!
He's nine. How far can he get?
["My Little Drum" by
Vince Guaraldi Trio plays]
[thunder rumbling softly]
This isn't awkward at all.
Mary, you know, I...
I've been wanting
to say something.
Yeah?
When Joe...
When all of this
happened to our family...
it felt like some kind
of second chance for me.
To make right what I
couldn't do for you.
What I didn't do. To be there.
Okay.
But...
it-it really just made me
realise that... about you...
Look, Dad, can
whatever this is wait
until after we've found the
missing member of our family?
I get that you totally
have to make every
moment about yourself,
but this isn't it.
Look, do you think I
would be here if...?
I forgave you a long time ago.
I bet that felt good.
- [machinery hissing]
- [Noel] Turkey's up.
[inmate] How are
the pumpkins going?
[indistinct
light-hearted chatter]
[inmate] Whoo. Comin' through.
- [chatter continues]
- [inmate] Hot, hot, hot, hot...
[Bart] How are those
potatoes going, boss?
[Breaka] Good, good, good.
Spuds are lookin' good.
- [Noel] Turkeys are up.
- [inmate] Hey-oh!
[inmate] Boilin', boilin'.
[light-hearted
chatter continues]
[pensive music]
[scraping pan]
[Joe chuckles softly]
[thunder rumbling gently]
Come on, buddy. Come on.
[inmates stomping feet slowly]
[stomping quickens
and intensifies]
- [inmate 1] You all good?
- [inmate 2] Yeah.
[inmate 1] Yeah.
- Let's get a move on, eh?
- Yep. Almost there.
[Bart] Alright,
last turkey's on.
[door beeps, clicks]
- Okay, the turkey's on.
- [stomping in distance]
- [stomping stops]
- [door beeps]
- [Noel] Joe.
- Yep.
You have a visitor.
- [Father] Uh, merry Christmas.
- Come on, then.
You too.
Uh, in the spirit of Christmas,
um, it would be my
absolute delight
to share this bottle of
our heavenly Father's...
best vino rosso with you all.
You're kidding. Ah...
[chuckles]
They're making a lot of
noise out there. [laughs]
Yeah, please.
- Ooh, here we go. [chuckles]
- Amazing.
- Uh, say when?
- Yeah.
The blood of Christ.
Yep.
- Ah, a bit more?
- Yep.
[wine pouring]
Yep.
[tapping spoon]
Showtime!
[laughter and cheering]
[stomping continues]
[raucous cheering and whooping]
- [inmate 1] Merry Christmas.
- [inmate 2] Thanks.
[inmates chattering]
[Noel] Merry Christmas, brother.
Merry Christmas.
Looks good.
Tastes good.
[festive music playing
over sound system]
[rain pattering]
[hydraulic brakes hissing]
No bikes.
[bus engine idling]
No dogs.
She's my emotional
support animal.
Get on.
[doors hissing]
[sniffles]
[pensive ambient music]
[sniffling]
[sighs wearily]
[weeping, sniffling softly]
Oh... [sniffles]
[weeping softly]
Oh, my God...
Yeah.
[soft chuckle]
Here, Father.
- [Father] Oh, no...
- Take me seat. No, no.
[Noel] Where are you going?
I'll be back.
Here's to you, Father.
Merry Christmas.
- Cheers, Father.
- Merry Christmas, Father.
Merry Christmas, fellas.
[kookaburras
laughing in distance]
Ah...
[phone ringing]
[ringing continues]
Hello?
[automated voice]
This a call from
Blackwater Correctional Centre.
To accept this call, press 1...
No. [mashes keypad]
[disconnect tone]
[clicks receiver]
- [phone ringing]
- Oh, no.
No, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, no, no.
[ringing continues]
[sighs]
[automated voice]
This a call from...
[pushes button]
Hello?
[Roger] It's Roger.
[clicks receiver]
[inmate] They're not
bloody there, mate.
[line ringing]
[phone ringing]
[pushes buttons]
It's still Roger. Hey,
Joe, please don't hang up.
Hello?
[Joe] Hello.
Hi.
So...
- I imagine it's a bit...
- I didn't...
- Oh, sorry.
- Um...
- No, after you.
- No, no. You go, mate. You go.
Uh... I don't know what to say.
You just... you just talk, Rog.
I can't imagine what it's
been like for you in there.
Yeah, probably not.
I'm sorry about last Christmas.
I was a dickhead.
I was a bigger dickhead.
How's it going with Stel, mate?
[inhales softly]
Oh, you know...
I got a bit of work to do.
Is Rita there?
Rita?
No, she's, um... No, she's not.
She's down at
the... at the shops.
With Angus.
Oh.
Is, um...
is anyone else there?
Uh, no, actually. No.
No, they've all... they've
all popped out to, um...
to see the, um...
the Christmas... parade.
The Christmas parade?
Yeah. Down at, uh,
down at the... shops.
Right.
But I will... I will, um...
I'll let 'em know you called.
And, um...
Yeah, Angus is gonna be really
sad to have missed you, mate.
Uh, well, then...
Merry Christmas, Roger.
Yeah, merry Christmas, Joe.
I'm looking forward to
seeing you next year.
Family all back together.
Same.
We all miss ya, mate.
You hang in there, alright?
[disconnect tone]
[inmates chattering]
Fuckin' finally!
[inmate dials keypad]
Hi, Mum.
["Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"
by Vince Guaraldi Trio plays]
[Queenie panting]
[song continues]
Come on.
[strained grunting]
[song ends]
[instrumental rendition of
"Silent Night" playing quietly]
[cutlery clatters]
There's a kid outside.
[taps button]
What do you want me to do?
[cutlery clatters]
[indistinct chatter]
Thanks, Father.
Come on.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas, all.
Uh...
Last night at chapel
we were graced
with a very special
musical performance.
Um, far too special, I thought,
for our modest congregation
so I have petitioned Heinz
for a Christmas Day encore.
And I'm assured by
Noel that, uh...
the acoustics are even
better in the mess.
So, um... please,
Heinz, take it away.
- [piano accompaniment playing]
- [choir] Hummm
Hummm
- Hummm
- I think we are
- Gonna be fine
- Hummm
- [choir] Hummm
- Everything's gonna be fine
Hummm
Hard times but good
things are coming now
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming now
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming
Ohhh-ohhh
Ohh-ohh-ohhhh
Ohhhh, ohhhh
Ohh-ohh...
God, I hope I'm
right about this.
You're right.
Comin' to get ya, mate.
We'll find him, Rita.
Good girl.
[Queenie whining]
[sniffing]
[tender atmospheric music]
Hi, Dad!
[inhales shakily]
- How did you get here?
- The bus.
[tender music swells]
[gentle vocalising]
- [laughing]
- [inmates cheering, applauding]
Yep!
[raucous cheering and whistling]
[vocalising continues]
[Joe] Oh-ho!
[vocalising and music
swell, then fade out]
["How to Make Gravy"
by Paul Kelly plays]
Hello, Dan It's Joe here
I hope you're keeping well
It's the 21st of December
And now they're
ringing the last bells
If I get good behaviour
I'll be out of here by July
Won't you kiss my
kids on Christmas Day
Please
Don't let 'em cry for me
I guess the brothers are
driving down from Queensland
And Stella's flying
in from the coast
They say it's gonna
be a hundred degrees
Even more maybe
But that won't
stop the roast
Who's gonna make
the gravy now?
I bet it won't
taste the same
Just add flour, salt,
a little red wine
And don't forget a
dollop of tomato sauce
For sweetness and
that extra tang
And give my love to Angus
And to Frank and Dolly
Tell 'em all I'm sorry
I screwed up this time
And look after Rita
I'll be thinking of her
Early Christmas morning
When I'm standing in line
I hear Mary's got
a new boyfriend
I hope he can hold his own
[chuckling] Do you
remember the last one?
What was his name again?
Ah, just a little
too much cologne
And Roger
You know I'm even
gonna miss Roger
'Cause there's sure as hell
No one in here
I want to fight
Oh, praise the Baby Jesus
Have a Merry Christmas
I'm really gonna miss it
All the treasure
and the trash
And later in the evening
I can just imagine
You'll put on Junior Murvin
And push the tables back
And you'll dance with Rita
I know you really like her
Just don't hold
her too close
Oh, brother, please
don't stab me in the back
I didn't mean to say that
It's just my
mind It plays up
Multiplies each matter
Turns imagination into fact
You know I love her badly
She's the one to save me
I'm gonna make some gravy
I'm gonna taste the fat
Ah, tell her that I'm sorry
Yeah, I love her badly
Tell 'em all I'm sorry
And kiss the sleepy
children for me
You know one of these days
I'll be making gravy
I'll be making plenty
I'm gonna pay 'em all back
Yeah
Do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do...
[song fades out]
Captions produced by
Access Media Pty Ltd
[birds warbling, twittering]
[atmospheric music builds]
[atmospheric music swells]
[music fades]
[Angus V/O] Last Christmas
is when everything changed.
Dad. Wake up.
I'm sleeping.
Wake up, Dad.
Still sleeping.
[Angus V/O] It all feels
like a dream to me.
[pensive ambient music]
[both chuckling]
Clean this up.
[Angus V/O] My sisters act
like nothing has changed.
Mum hasn't been the same.
Everybody came back
home like normal...
..but it wasn't normal...
..'cause it was our first
Christmas without Nan.
[playful slapping]
[Rita giggles]
[both spit]
[Rita laughs]
[kookaburras laughing]
[Roger] Yes, I know,
but if we leave by 4:00
we can get the last plane home.
I told them we would
stay another night.
Well, can't you just make
up a reason to leave early?
What if I actually want to
spend time with my family?
[exasperated sigh]
- [Queenie barks]
- No, get...!
- Oh!
- Get that thing away!
- Just... get it together.
- Bloody thing!
[Angus V/O] Queenie had
to spend all day tied up
because Uncle Roger doesn't
like her jumping up on him.
- Hello! We're home!
- Fuckin' hate that dog.
[Angus V/O] He says
he's a cat person.
Get it away.
["My Little Drum" by
Vince Guaraldi Trio plays]
[children's choir]
Prr-rum, prr-rum
Prr-rum-pum-pum
- Prr-rum, prr-rum
- [kids laughing]
Oh, hello! Oh, go
look in the fridge!
Go look in the fridge,
go look in the fridge!
[Angus V/O] We don't
see Auntie Stella much.
She married Uncle Roger
and moved to a big
house in the city.
Oh, no, let 'em have one.
That's what I brought them for.
- There's plenty.
- [kid] Mum, please!
- [Rita] Alright, alright.
- Yeah, see?
No one gets in trouble
when Auntie Stella's home!
How's work, Joe?
[Angus V/O] Uncle Roger
is like kryptonite to Dad.
[Stella, under breath] Roger...
Stella didn't tell you?
Oh, God. She did.
Yeah. That's terrible.
That's terrible.
That's... that's heartless
this time of year.
Hey-ey! We made it!
[Angus V/O] Uncle
Gary and Uncle Murray
are the opposite
of kryptonite...
- Fresh Mooloolaba prawns!
- Everyone loves 'em.
They're Grandad's brothers.
I never met Grandad, but if
he was like his brothers,
I bet he was awesome.
Could be worse, you
know? Could be my family.
[both chuckle]
At least I wouldn't know
what they were saying.
True.
Do you want to come say hi?
Yep. [kisses]
[light-hearted chatter nearby]
Hello!
Rita!
- [both chuckling]
- [animated chatter]
- Hello! How are you?
- Thank you so much.
- It's good to see you.
- Welcome, welcome.
- How are ya?
- How are ya, mate?
- I'm okay.
- You good?
Yeah, yeah.
- Ooh, hey, got your glasses.
- Uh, Gary...
[silence]
[horn beeps]
[horn continues beeping]
[exhales]
[spraying]
Are you nervous?
[apprehensive chuckle]
Nah.
Just tell me when
you want to leave.
We're not even inside yet and
you're planning your escape?
Correct.
My girls!
- [girls] Uncle Dan!
- Ohh!
You've grown!
Wow! Grab my guitar.
Alright, come on.
[Dan] You been practising?
- [girls giggling]
- [kookaburras laughing faintly]
First Christmas as orphans.
It's good to see you, Stel.
It's good to be seen.
I might go check on the turkey.
[sparse, pensive acoustic
guitar strumming]
[crockery and cutlery
clinking softly]
[pensive guitar continues]
[Roger] Shampoo?
[Dan] Not me, not drinking.
How's the music biz?
Great.
Yeah, great. Actually, thinking
of starting my own label.
Ooh! [inhales sharply]
Must be hard, though, is it?
Is it hard? The music biz?
Is it... is it really hard?
Yeah, sometimes.
You couldn't possibly
make any money.
Oh, well... if you
love it, you persevere.
- Well...
- [Dan] Hey, Joe!
Your table. How about a speech?
[Gary] I'd just like
to say something.
[tinkles glass]
So here we are...
um...
and there's a lot
to be sad about.
It's the first Christmas
without your mum.
And, of course, we miss her.
But we're all here together,
- which is the main thing...
- [man clearing throat]
And what am I trying
to say here...?
So... [clears throat]
we just wanted to
take this moment
to acknowledge that everything
we need, we have, right here.
And I want to thank Rita and Joe
for this beautiful meal that
we can all enjoy together.
- So...
- [Gary] Yep.
Let's raise our glasses...
Merry Christmas.
[all] Merry Christmas.
[glasses clinking]
[Dan] Merry Christmas.
[Angus V/O] My nan
always said that family
know exactly how to
press your buttons...
'cause they're the ones
who put the buttons
there in the first place.
[cockatoos screeching
in distance]
- [Murray] Seconds?
- [Dan] No, mate, I'm full.
[Murray] Come on, there's no
such thing as leftover pavlova.
Help me clear some
of the... this table.
Leave the brothers
to talk about things.
[Dan noodling on guitar]
You good?
[Joe] Yeah, mate. You?
Good.
- [Dan] Good.
- [Joe] That's good.
How's the new missus?
[Dan] We broke up.
[chuckling] Fuck off.
- [Dan] What?
- You broke up?
I mean... it sounded
pretty serious
when I asked you to come home
and you said you couldn't.
I know you're having a
shit time. Rita said.
- [Joe] When did she say that?
- I was on tour.
That's why I couldn't come back.
Oh, you were on tour.
Right, yeah. Okay.
I forgot the world
revolves around your tours.
Why are you out here wasting
your time talking to me?
You only see your
daughter once a year.
Come inside.
[Joe] What, so I can listen to
you sing Jingle Bells again?
No thanks.
[Queenie whining]
[Angus V/O] I can always
tell when Dad is feeling sad.
He goes quiet and
his eyes go far away.
[Angus] Hi, Dad.
[kisses]
[Angus V/O] Sometimes you
don't know why things happen.
They just happen.
["Red Hot Chrissy" by Beddy
Rays blares over stereo]
Aunty's in the kitchen
Kids are running
through the halls
[drunken chatter,
whooping nearby]
Is this all that's left?
Yep.
It's a red hot Chrissy...
Not good enough for ya, mate?
Not really, no.
It's turps, mate.
- It's alright for cooking.
- [Stella] Come dance!
[Rita] Joe, leave the
dishes! Come over!
[Stella] He's hiding!
[Joe] No, I'm not!
- [music continues]
- [women chuckling]
It's a red hot Chrissy...
[Stella] Come dance
with your sister!
[drunken laughter]
[laughter, whooping continue]
[Rita] Murray, Murray...
Come up, come on
up! Murray, come up!
[Rita laughing]
- [Murray cheering]
- [Rita] Ooh! Ohh!
[Rita laughing]
[Rita whooping]
[Stella] Joe!
[laughter and revelry continue]
[Stella cackling]
[glass smashing,
clinking on floor]
- [song blaring]
- [Stella] Roger, come on!
It's a red-hot Chrissy
Gonna be the best of all
Kids are laughing, swimmin'
Stereo's in full swing
[Angus V/O] That day,
nothing would cheer Dad up.
He didn't even want
to dance with Mum.
[music continues, muffled]
He usually loves that.
- Come dance!
- Gonna be the best of all
You're already dancing.
- Joe!
- [Dan] Oh, come on, Joe.
Oh, no, where are you going?
Just come back inside.
- I'd rather be alone, thanks.
- We know you're suffering.
Stop making everyone
else suffer with ya.
What, like you? Chasing
tail when you feel sad.
Okay, of course I'm not okay...
Leaving me and Rita
to look after Mum.
[exasperated sigh]
- Please, just talk to me.
- I don't want to talk to you.
I don't want to talk to you.
If you want to talk to someone,
talk to fuckin' Mary, mate.
It's a golden opportunity.
She's right there.
[Mary] Don't bring me
into whatever this is.
[dog barking in distance]
- Don't touch me.
- You're cooked, mate.
- Don't fuckin' touch me!
- Why won't you talk to anyone?
We're all just trying
to help you, Joe!
[Murray] Come on, we'll
do something nice.
- Watch a movie...
- [Stella] This is endless!
[Roger] Just let
it go, let it go.
It's endless, is
it, Stel? Endless?
You know what?
It would be really nice,
just for once in your life,
to have a supportive sister.
Oh, supportive? That's rich!
Yeah, yeah, supportive.
Where were you?
Where was I? I was
fucking working, Joe!
[Roger] Stella, this
is never gonna change.
- It's the same old thing.
- I'm sorry, what was that?
What's that supposed to mean?
Your mum's not here to
bail you out anymore, mate.
Excuse me?!
You know what? Every
year, we come here.
We drag ourselves here.
We spend a fortune.
You're pissed off
about everything.
- No one needs it, mate.
- Okay, mate, then, fuck off!
Oh, yeah... She'll leave
you. She'll leave...
- [Stella] No! Joe!
- It's this kind of shit...
- [Queenie barking]
- [shouting and commotion]
- [Stella] Joe, get off him!
- Dad!
[Angus V/O] The next thing
I remember is police.
- [sirens wailing faintly]
- [melancholy music]
[music continues]
[Angus V/O] Dad never
came home after that.
My dad is not bad.
He's a good dad
who had a really bad day.
All I want for
Christmas is to see him.
Please, Santa, make it happen.
Love, Angus.
["Security" by Amyl
and the Sniffers plays]
Security Will you
let me in your pub?
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
I'm not looking for harm
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your pub
[guitar riff plays]
I distracted you with
all of my bullshit
I covered myself
in distractions
Colours and patterns
You couldn't
see the real me
I wanna deceive you
You're stupid, I'm fast
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your hard heart
Let me in your pub
Security Will you
let me in your pub?
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
I'm not looking for harm
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your pub
Security Will you
let me in your pub?
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
I'm not looking for harm
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
I'm not that drunk!
I'm not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your hard heart
Let me in your pub
Not looking for trouble
I'm looking for love
Will you let me in
your hard heart?
Let me in your hard heart
Let me in your pub
I'm not that drunk
Let me into your pub
I'm not that drunk
Will you let me
into your pub?
[guitar riff plays]
Dad is not here!
I swear I'm not that drunk
I'm not that drunk
- [grunts]
- Let me into your pub
I'm not that drunk
Let me into your pub
Into your pub
Whoo!
[both] Uncle Dan's here!
I'm not that drunk
Let me into your pub
I'm not that drunk
Just looking for love...
[song fades out]
[door slams shut, keys jangle]
- [door buzzing]
- [announcer over PA] Silver.
Silver report to
Movement Control.
Attention, Silver - report
to Movement Control.
[disconnect tone rings out]
[hushed chatter]
Don't. I bumped it.
On what?
Please.
Let me tell you what's
going on out there.
While you're in here.
Out there,
your children are growing
up without a father.
I'll be out of here by July.
With good behaviour.
The only thing that
keeps me going on in here
is the thought of how, someday,
I'm gonna make it up to you.
Pay it all back.
Couldn't you just bring Gus?
I can't bear the thought of
not seeing him this Christmas.
[Rita sighs]
It's all I have to
look forward to, Ri.
Seeing you guys.
He is telling everyone you'll
be home for his birthday.
Will you?
I will be.
[Rita smacks lips, sighs]
Hey. I promise.
I'm trying.
This is the edge...
..Joe.
We are right on the edge.
You need to stop
crying with your fists.
[poignant ambient music]
[Joe] Will you kiss 'em for me?
[Rita] Yeah, I will.
What about Dan?
What about him?
[Rita] Dan's been a
godsend since he arrived.
Has he?
[Rita] Just talk to him.
[smacks lips] Okay.
What about Angus?
I have to think about it.
[sniffles softly]
[door buzzing in distance]
[distant, muffled shouting]
[Dan, distantly and
playfully] Hey, come here!
Arghh!
[playful chatter and laughter]
[Dan laughing]
[music fades]
[handbrake cranking]
[Dan laughing]
[Dan chuckles]
[exhales]
How is he?
[indistinct voices in distance]
[Red] The smell of bleach
reminds me of my mum.
She was a cleaner.
[Joe] Righto.
[sniffs]
You missed a spot.
Where?
[spits]
[indistinct radio chatter]
Heinz?
Yeah, Chief.
[Chief] Do you have eyes on 13?
You're not worth doing
any more time over, mate.
[sniffs]
[spits]
Oh!
What in Christ's name is the
purpose of this clusterfuck?
[Heinz] I don't have
time for this, Chief.
I'm supposed to be finishing.
I got choir tonight.
[sighing] Should we call it?
Mmm...
Nah. Just wait on it.
[Joe muttering]
Oh, gently there, Red.
You're not bothering
my brother, are you?
Okay, chaos.
Why don't you go away?
Why don't you relax?
[Noel] Why don't
you... go away?
[Red sighs]
[groans]
Rise, Lazarus.
- [Joe grunts softly]
- Yeah.
My name's Noel.
Yeah, I know who you are.
That's a relief.
Why can't they just get along?
[metalware clanging,
water spraying]
[indistinct chatter]
[Noel] A bit of a
paradox, Christmas.
It's a funny old time.
Just a long, slow reminder
that everyone you've
ever loved is far away.
The question is...
..how to handle it.
I could've handled it.
Here.
It's easy to get sucked into
a lot of useless shit in here.
Yeah, but at some
point you realise...
..you'd rather have a life.
You got kids?
Mm-hm.
[utensil clacking]
What's that?
Gravy.
[scoffing chuckle]
I don't think so.
[chuckles softly]
You done a bit of cooking?
I mean... when
I have to, yeah.
Ah.
Well, the boys upstairs
have extended our hours
to meet the production
deadline on Christmas Day.
We've got a few
extra jobs in here.
Smart move if you want
to stay out of trouble.
[pot clatters on floor]
Sorry, boss. [clears throat]
Um...
Yeah, I don't...
I don't think so.
Food for thought, then.
[Joe] Mm.
[Noel] The boss'll let you out.
- Right.
- [door buzzing]
[door opens, closes]
[under breath] Jesus,
poor bastard...
[Archer] Oi!
[Alfie] Oi! Dickhead!
- [siren wailing in distance]
- [Archer] Hey, loser.
Do you hear that siren?
Must be comin' for your dad.
Nee-naw!
[Angus] I heard it.
It's an ambulance.
Comin' for you.
- Ho-oh-oh. [spits]
- Oh, so scary.
- [Queenie barks]
- What an idiot.
[Archer] Let's go.
["Christmas Time Is Here"
by Vince Guaraldi plays]
[children's choir]
Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all
That children call
Their favourite
Time of year
[smooth, jazzy piano interlude]
[music fades]
This looks amazing.
[door creaks]
- Do you want some?
- No, thanks.
- Here.
- [Rita] Hello.
[Dan] Ooh. Ah.
Go on.
[Rita] Thank you.
[Dan] Oh, here you go,
mate. Piece of corn?
- Yum.
- [Rita] One for you. Okay.
That's Dad's spot.
I keep telling you.
Don't sit there.
There's plenty of room.
I don't want to
live here anymore.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Where would you
like to live, bud?
- With Dad.
- You can't live in a prison.
- That's so dumb.
- [Angus] You're dumb.
You are. You have an
emotional support animal.
You know, I heard
a great song today.
It's called...
"Be nice to your brother and
let's have a lovely dinner".
I could make him happy.
And what will Queenie do?
[Angus] She could come.
What about your goldfish?
Am I old enough to
go see Dad by myself?
Why would you want to?
He doesn't care about us.
[Rita] That's not true.
Dolls, that's not true.
I'll think about
taking you, okay?
[Angus] Yeah.
Good.
Please don't feed the
dog at the table, mate.
I don't have to listen to you.
[wry chuckle] Well, I
have to listen to you.
If you listened to me,
you wouldn't live here.
Enough.
- [Angus] He's not my dad.
- [Dan] You're right.
I'm your 'funcle'.
Your fun-uncle.
- [squeaky voice] Funcle Dan!
- [girls giggle]
Listen,
it's really good that you
want to help your dad,
live with him, comfort him,
but he needs to
grow up, sweetheart.
We all do. Okay?
[Angus] At least he can cook!
If you listened to me,
you wouldn't have gone
to see Dad without me.
[Queenie whines]
[door slams shut]
Stop trying to make
'funcle' happen.
Bon appetit.
[sparse, pensive
guitar strumming]
[door buzzing]
[Joe] So, what are
you gonna do, mate?
[Angus on phone] I don't know.
I just want them
to leave me alone.
[Joe] They won't.
You gotta fight back. Alright?
Stand up for yourself.
- Clock him in the nose.
- [Angus] In the nose?
[Joe] Yep.
Once a kid sees a blood nose,
he'll never come
after you again.
That's what your pop taught me.
Have you had your tea?
[Angus] Yeah. Mum
burnt the chicken.
[soft chuckle] She's
got a lot on her mind.
[Angus] Why does Uncle
Dan have to be here?
He's just helping out
your mum, mate. Okay?
It's-it's a big job looking
after three little monsters.
[Angus] Hey, Dad?
When you come home
on my birthday...
- [Joe] Mmm.
- ..we should have two cakes.
[Joe] True? Why's that?
Well, you didn't get
a birthday this year,
so you can share a
birthday with me.
But I want to have that same
cake you made me last year.
I want to have it again.
And you can have
whatever cake you want.
[Joe chuckles]
We can have two cakes.
[Angus] Franky says you
should've been home by now.
[door buzzing, clanging]
She's right.
[Dan through phone] Hey,
Angus, your bath is on, mate.
Angus?
Hey, matey, I've still got
a couple of minutes here.
Um...
Could you... could you
put your uncle on, please?
- [Angus] Night, Dad.
- Night, son.
Give your mum a kiss
for me, will ya?
- Yep. Love you.
- [Joe] Love you, mate.
[Joe] Still there?
You still there?
Just holdin' down the fort.
Bath, mate.
[Joe] Oh, yeah, I just...
I thought you would've
moved on by now.
But, um, I guess it
must be different
when it's someone
else's kids, right?
[door closing]
[inhales deeply]
Just here to help, Joe.
And the free rent?
[Dan] Oh, come on. Seriously?
Until you come home,
Rita needs a little help.
[automated voice]
One minute remaining.
I... I just...
wish that you would've
asked before showing up.
[Dan] First thing I did
was come and see you.
Once.
[Dan] It bums me
out we don't talk.
Dan, it would be
nice to be included
in decisions about
my own family.
[Dan] You're my brother.
We're all family.
They're my family.
[exhales]
Look, I know you
wish you were here.
But we're managing.
And-and Rita... [exhales]
She's an amazing mum. True, you
should be really proud of her.
[Joe] Fuck off, Dan.
Don't tell me to be
proud of my own wife.
[disconnect tone]
[door buzzing, clanging]
There's lot of us,
there's lots of you.
But we sing as one.
We sound as one.
And... I'm really proud. I
think it sounds really great.
And you've come a really...
a really long way.
Let's do it.
One, two, three, four...
- [piano accompaniment plays]
- [all in harmony] Hummm
Hummm
- [song fades]
- [door clangs shut]
[keys jangling, lock clicking]
[inmates shouting in distance]
[shouting continues]
[atmospheric music builds]
[music swells]
[music stops]
- [dog barking in distance]
- [insects chirping]
[inmates shouting and
jeering in distance]
[inmates laughing in distance]
[inmate laughing] You idiot...
[sighs]
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[ball bouncing]
Oi.
You got a problem?
You.
I'm talkin' to you.
[menacing music]
Come here!
[menacing music swells]
[Red] Beautiful day.
Go on, take a walk, piss off.
Looks like you're mine now.
[sparse, pensive
guitar strumming]
- [utensils clanking]
- [faint indistinct chatter]
[door beeping, buzzing]
[door clanging]
Hello again.
Thought about your offer.
What's this?
Ingredients.
Yeah? For what?
To make gravy.
You do know we don't have wine?
I need to stay out of shit.
I run a men's group.
Attendance is mandatory.
We usually meet twice a week,
but this week, we're getting
together every night.
I'll work for ya, I will.
I'll work real hard.
But I'm not gonna sit around
talkin' feelings with a bunch...
No, this is a condition of
having a safe place to hide,
yeah, away from all the bullshit
and all the politics out here.
Yeah?
Then I think we're done.
Why did he back off
when you told him?
Who?
Red.
[sighing] Ah, Red.
Mate, when you get
triggered by someone...
..who has the power?
Them or you?
Alright, alright. Um...
If I agree to this,
do I start today?
Why not?
- [utensils clanking]
- [indistinct chatter, laughter]
[Noel] Now, this is
more than a kitchen.
This is the headquarters
of a delicate operation.
Rules are very simple.
You do everything I say,
clean up after yourself,
- and no stealing food, right?
- Okay.
I mean it about the food.
I've got a one-strike policy.
Don't go thinking this is gonna
be your own personal salad bar.
[Bart] Yech! Nobody likes
salad anyway, boss. [chuckles]
Thank you, Bart.
Gentlemen, if I may
have your attention.
This is Joe.
Joe will be lending
us a hand this week.
[inmate 1] Hi, Joe.
[inmate 2] Hey.
Alright, welcome, Joe.
[inmates chattering]
Jump in here with these guys.
What do I do?
You'll get the hang of it.
It's easy - like the Macarena.
Dish 'em.
[chatter continues]
Lettin' trouble in here now, eh?
Takes a lot to ask for
help, Breaka. You know that.
[door buzzing]
Scan it, stamp it, sack it.
That's it.
Do they ever write,
like, heaps hectic shit?
- Hectic shit?
- Yeah.
Mate, this time of the
year, it's all the same.
"Give my love to so
and so..." [sighs]
"I'm gonna be gettin'
out of here soon..."
La, la, la.
Still gotta read 'em, though.
Scan it, stamp it...
..sack it.
[melancholy tune playing
on acoustic guitar]
[plucks tuneful melody]
[hums tune]
[Noel] Fellas.
Father Guy is, uh,
with us here tonight.
Um, this is his
house, of course,
but please make him welcome.
- [inmate] Hi, Father.
- [clears throat]
Uh, if I may, I... I'd like
us to begin with prayer.
[Noel] 'Course.
Uh...
[inhales]
Father in heaven...
bless our honesty and
help our hearts to open.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
[inmates] Amen.
Amen.
[Noel] Okay, let's
start by standing.
What do we all have in common?
We're inside.
We're in here.
It's tough in here.
We do it hard. Yeah?
Especially this time of year.
Every day is a challenge.
Every hour can feel like
another opportunity to fuck up.
For some of you guys, it's
more like every minute.
Yeah, would that be
fair? [half-chuckle]
Well, in this room,
it's very hard to fuck up.
Yeah, you're in a safe place.
I am a traumatised child.
I was raised by a
traumatised child
who was raised by her
traumatised parents.
Mum was an alcoholic.
Dad was full of rage or absent.
That's how my story begins.
What about yours?
If, before the age of 18,
you were raised by a single
parent, adult or grandparent,
take a step inside the circle.
If you often felt that no
one in your family loved you,
that you weren't important
or special in some way,
take a step inside the circle.
If you've ever been homeless,
forced to sleep in a car,
in a park, on the street...
..step inside the circle.
If you've ever
considered suicide,
take a step inside the circle.
[unsettling atmospheric music]
Welcome.
See how much we share, yeah?
Okay.
[music continues]
[Noel, faintly] We think
about compassion...
What enables...
..you to feel
compassion towards...
..another person...
[music continues]
[Noel continues faintly]
[Bart] Joe?
[music fades]
How about you, bro?
You have anything you
want to share, or...?
No.
[Noel] Tell us a
bit about yourself.
Uh...
I'm not sure what to say.
You just talk, boss.
Talk about something
that makes you happy.
Who taught you how to cook, Joe?
[Joe] No one.
My dad.
[Noel] Was that your
old man's recipe
that you showed me this morning?
Yep.
[Noel] Would he
make that for ya?
Well, he sounds like a good man.
He was.
Until he killed himself.
[poignant music]
[soft exhale]
[Noel] I'm sorry.
Not your fault.
You didn't do it.
How old were you?
I was ten.
Nine.
Oh well.
No, you don't need to
minimise your trauma for us.
Okay.
You felt like your dad
abandoned you. You...
You were his responsibility.
- What?
- [Noel] You needed him.
He should've been there.
He did his best.
A father has a responsibility
to be there for his children.
He did his best, mate.
Alright? Shit happens. Are you
trying to make me cry, mate?
- [chair clatters]
- [Noel] Joe.
[exhales deeply]
[Noel] Joe, if you were to cry,
it wouldn't lessen
my respect for you.
Can't have been easy for
you coming here tonight.
Not many people can
say these things,
things that you've said...
..their first meeting.
[shallow breathing]
[Noel] So, thank you.
[exhales heavily]
[sniffs]
Let's call it a night.
[claps hands together]
It's great you're all here.
Please keep coming back.
- [two-way radio chatter]
- [chairs clunking]
I'd like to help you
make your dad's recipe.
Really?
[Noel] Yeah.
Why not?
I don't know.
Guess we could try.
Good.
[door beeping, clicking]
[apprehensively] You
make it look so easy.
They don't teach that at
the seminary. [inhales]
Oh, these fellas just...
need someone they can
relate to, Father.
And, you know, someone
to relate to them.
Um, there's a concert happening,
er, on Christmas Eve, in here.
Um, do you think you'd
be able to bring the men?
Maybe they... they would
accept an invitation
- if it came from you.
- [Noel] Ah...
Don't... don't answer now.
I'm just... putting
it into the universe.
No, no. Righto.
I'll spread the word.
Thank you.
Concert, in here, Christmas Eve.
[Father chuckles nervously]
Night, Father.
- Thank you.
- Night, Noel.
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[door beeping, clicking]
[door closes, beeps]
[faint footsteps receding]
[mysterious atmospheric music]
[Rita, whispering] Joe.
[Rita sighing]
Joe.
[music swells]
["Take Care of Business"
by Nina Simone fades in]
Just hold me closer
Ooh, ooh
Let me sit on
top of your knee
Go ahead
And take care of
business for me
For me
Oh, Lord Don't
keep me waitin'
Be as firm as can be
Go ahead
And take care of business
For me, for me, for me
[song distorting]
[Nina Simone humming]
You know
You know that...
[song distorts, trails off]
[unsettling atmospheric music]
[music stops]
[panting softly]
[exhales]
[pensive music]
Mum, I'm hungry. Can
I have some money?
Check my purse.
Yeah, we did. There's nothing.
Take my card. Go to the shops.
Yeah, it's inside.
[man on TV] Welcome
back, everybody.
[woman on TV] Oh,
and happy holidays!
- [car engine starting]
- [Dan] Oi!
- [TV] Only two sleeps to go...
- Oi.
Did you forget something?
[Rita] Oh, yeah. Thank you.
See ya.
[man on TV] Ooh, settle
down, settle down.
- Let's go to the weather...
- [TV button clicks]
[wind chimes tinkling]
[Kelly] Beautiful day!
Bloody hot.
[Kelly] You settling in?
Yeah, I guess so.
You never said you were famous.
[scoffing chuckle] You
been checking up on me?
Everyone loves a bit
of gossip around here.
And Joe never said he
had a famous brother.
[scoffing laugh]
Nah, not really. Not anymore.
You are. I remember that song.
What is it again?
- Oh, so you don't know it?
- [chuckles]
- What was your name again?
- Kelly.
Right.
It's a shame about your
brother. I'm sorry.
- Yeah, thanks.
- [Kelly] I miss him.
He used to take my bins out.
You hangin' around long?
As long as they need me.
[Kelly] Lucky.
He managed to get his
sentence extended, so...
Self-sabbo. That's rough.
[Dolly] Uncle Dan!
Well, I'd probably better...
I promised to make
pancakes, so...
- [Kelly] Yum!
- Wish me luck.
Good luck.
- [Dan chuckling] See ya.
- See ya.
["Ave Maria" by
Pavarotti playing]
[Pavarotti] A-a-a...
I find it depressing.
What?
Christmas.
The whole charade of it.
Pretending that the world is a
better place, for the children.
- It isn't.
- Yeah, but...
That's not what
Christmas is about.
Christmas is about showing up.
["Ave Maria" continues
over car stereo]
Can we fly next year?
- ["Ave Maria" fades out]
- [airplane engine roaring]
[Roger on speakerphone]
Do you want me
- to cancel my plane ticket?
- [exasperated] I don't care.
If you want to come, come.
If you want to stay, stay.
So you seriously want me
to spend Christmas alone?
You don't enjoy it, Rog.
So, stop pretending.
Stella, I can't help
the way it goes.
I just have nothing in
common with your family.
So just say if you
want me to stay.
[mouthing]
Are you smoking?
This is bigger than
us, Roger. I just...
I really need to see my family.
[Joe] How's Rog?
Ah, Roger. Roger's...
A prick?
He's a king idiot prick.
Or a... a bastard rat prick.
Yes.
[laughing] He's a
bastard rat prick!
- [Joe laughs]
- I married him.
[both laughing]
Well, you did do that. Yeah.
[both laughing]
Yeah, I think I'm
gonna leave him.
[laughs]
Are you serious?
Something...
..happened last Christmas.
Something changed.
What you did, it was
fucked but it was real.
And I want that. I want...
I want it to be real.
You made me realise that
I'm just pretending.
[Stella sighs]
I've been thinking a lot
about when we were kids.
Angus is the same age
now as you were when d...
..when Dad...
- [poignant piano music playing]
- [breathing shakily]
You're coming home. Yes.
["Dream On" by Electric Fields
and The Prison Choir plays]
If you need to scream
Please scream
inside your heart
Like sight unseen
I hear it and
You could use a dream
Dream on
Oh, you should've
been helping yourself
Dream on
Oh, you gotta stop trying
to be somebody else
If you need to sing
Please sing like nobody
Is li-sten-ing
I hear it and if you
Could still be dancing
Hey, loser.
- Dream on
- Why do you have no friends?
Leave me alone.
When you gonna come
out of your shell?
Dream on
Oh, it's tricky but
you do it so well
Dream on
Let me give you this
glittering prize
Dream on
And are you trying
to open your eyes?
It's all a dream
It's all a dream
It's all a dream
It's all a dream to me
Me-e-e-e
It's all a dream
It's all a dream to me
Yeah-ahhh, ohhh
It's a family secret.
[choir] Dream on
[soloist] Dream o-o-o-on
[choir] Dream on
[soloist] Dream o-o-o-on
[choir] Dream on
[soloist] Dream o-o-o-on
Come on!
- [Dan] What's wrong?
- Go away!
- [Dan] What happened?
- I just want my dad.
Dream...
- Angus?
- [door slams shut]
On.
[song ends]
[Joe] Here.
[inhales sharply]
Here we go.
Mm.
Any good?
Too salty?
Come on, mate. Say something.
Don't just make faces. Say.
[smacks lips]
Fellas... [exhales]
This is gravy.
Okay.
- Alright.
- [Noel] Well done.
- Let's have a bang.
- I mean, it could be better.
Is it good?
[exhaling] Bro...
That is the best thing
I've tasted in this joint.
That's the best
thing I've ever had.
Really?
It's alright. It's
alright. It, um...
It needs wine.
Um... [stammering] ..are
you sure we don't have any?
Like, for cooking or
anything like that?
- Cooking wines? Come on!
- Cases and cases.
Come on, Bart, let's
pop down to the cellar
and get some wine.
[smacks lips] Um...
what about the drones?
What about Roy?
- Who's Roy?
- Roy'll hook you up.
Don't you go bringing
contraband into my kitchen.
- [Bart] Roy...
- No Roy!
It was his idea.
Come on, these potatoes aren't
gonna peel 'emselves. Eh?
[Father Guy] And
Jesus said to them,
"I am the bread of life.
"Whoever comes to
me shall not hunger,
"and whoever believes in
me shall never thirst."
Of course he means spiritually,
not literally, it's...
I mean, the Middle
East was very dry.
Uh, he was a practical
man. Son of a carpenter.
Hydration is a...
We... You know this.
Um...
Mov... He... he also...
[sighing]
- [clears throat]
- [bottle clunking]
[wine pouring]
[inmates chattering]
- [Joe] Cup or bread?
- [inmate 1] Bread.
- [Joe] Cup or bread?
- [inmate 2] Cup.
- Cup or bread?
- Cup.
Ahh.
Here he is.
This where you
been hidin', mate?
[uneasy atmospheric music]
Oh.
- So he's your new boyfriend?
- [snickering]
[chuckles] He's cute.
[chuckles] Good for you, mate.
Go on.
Cup or bread?
- Hmm?
- Cup or bread?
Bread.
Thank you.
Cup or bread?
Go a cup.
- Cup or bread?
- Cup.
[uneasy atmospheric
music continues]
[birds twittering]
[Rita's mum speaking in French]
[speaking in French]
[Rita sighs]
[fan whirring]
[pensive music]
I love you.
I know.
It's okay if you want
to change your mind.
Stop saying that.
I'm not scared.
Okay.
[deep sigh]
[water running]
[pensive music continues]
[car engine starting]
[Rita] Thanks.
[Dan] Say hi to your dad, mate.
- [Angus] Yep.
- [Dan] Drive safe.
[Kelly] Anything good?
My boys just wanted to apologise
for the... the little
dust-up with Angus.
- Oh, thanks.
- It's rocky road.
Yum. He, uh... he just
left with his mum.
Oh. Never mind.
I'm sure it'll be safe with you.
Cheers.
[Kelly] Do you have
any... any plans later?
Um, I'm having some
friends around tonight.
It's nothing fancy.
You're all welcome.
Thanks, but, uh, I got the
family coming around, so...
Offer's there.
Okay.
Mmm, it's good.
[Breaka] True to God,
my nana used to make
the best potatoes.
She'd run a fork
over all of 'em,
make 'em proper crunchy.
- Oh, yeah?
- [Breaka] Yeah.
Bro, my dad used
to put old coins
in the Christmas pudding, eh?
And if you found one, you
could trade 'em for real money.
I was like, "Yo!"
[Joe] Mm-mm, Christmas pud.
Christmas pud.
Or... pavlova.
- Pavlova?
- [Bart] Mmm.
We never had Christmas
lunches. Just Happy Meals.
Comes with a toy. Smart.
[inmates chattering]
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[inmates chattering]
[Possum] You done?
- Stop!
- Hey!
Oi!
What?
Leave him alone.
[tense music builds]
Fight me.
- No.
- Why not?
'Cause I think you do
this for attention.
Come on, take a swing.
[Joe inhales sharply]
Why are you so
fuckin' needy, mate?
Fight me.
Oooh.
Calm down, mate.
I'm gonna go and see my son.
Do you understand?
I don't want any part of this.
Now, Possum's gonna
mind his own business
and I'm gonna mind mine.
We're gonna walk away.
Okay?
Fair enough.
Okay.
Fuck him.
- [punch thumping]
- [inmates yelling, commotion]
[melancholy music]
[melancholy music continues]
I gotta see my family!
This wasn't my fucking fault!
- Sorry, Joe, just doing my job.
- Please! Please!
Please! Please!
[bangs on door]
My son is here! I
have to see my son!
[music swells]
It's fucking Christmas!
[music swells]
Idiot!
[music subsides]
[music fades]
[breathing deeply]
[under breath] Fuck.
[car brakes squeaking]
[handbrake cranking]
[insects chirping]
[softly] Hey.
It's okay to cry, darling.
- [sniffles]
- [Rita] It's okay.
[inmates chattering]
Well, that's it!
Ya fuckin' ruined Christmas!
[chattering stops]
Lump of coal, the lot of ya!
What did you think
you were doin'?!
He had it comin'.
Oh, give me a bucket.
You used to have
visitors once, Red!
Why don't they come anymore?!
Did you know his son
was waiting for him?
How could you do
that to a little boy?
Can't ya see beyond the fuckin'
bullshit culture of this place?
Hey?!
There's a whole world
outside these walls!
No, you couldn't
stand the thought
of someone gettin' out
of here in one piece.
Piss off. Jesus fuckin'...
[Noel] There's a concert.
Tonight. In the chapel.
- I'll see you there.
- You fuckin' won't.
If you ever want to eat
out of my kitchen again,
you'll be there.
And you can bring your
back-up fuckin' dancers!
I fuckin' hate it
when I'm upset!
[sighs]
[pensive music]
Hey.
- Hi.
- You made it.
- Yep.
- How's it going?
- You right?
- Yeah. All good.
[Rita] He waited for
three hours, Joe.
[Joe on phone] It
wasn't my fault, okay...
Stop blaming everyone else.
He's heartbroken.
[Joe] Can I speak to him?
He's asleep.
This is too hard.
What's too hard? What
are you talking about?
Rita?
Do you think you're the
only one doing time?
You don't exist in a void, Joe.
I'm doing this time too.
We're all doing this
time right alongside you.
Just tell us if you don't
love us anymore. Okay?
Or if... I don't know,
if you've changed so much
that you don't want
to come home anymore.
Of course I love you.
Of course I want to come home.
What happened today
will never happen again.
Ever.
I don't want to say
anything that I can't unsay.
So, merry Christmas.
[phone beeps]
[taps phone repeatedly]
[inhales]
[exhales heavily]
[Angus sighs heavily]
Hey.
I've got something for you.
I was saving it for tomorrow,
but maybe you'd
like to open it now?
I'll leave it here. Okay?
Is Santa real?
Santa... Hmm.
What do you think?
I don't want Dad to die.
Me neither.
I've spent my whole
life... missing my dad.
Yeah, I can't believe
I fucked this up.
Mate, everyone in
'ere has fucked up.
It doesn't define you.
Hm?
But it's your fault.
You chose this.
What?
It was a fight that
got you in here. Yeah?
You keep playing the same card.
You don't always
have a choice, Noel.
No, you always have a choice.
But giving in to impulse...
..takes away that choice, yeah?
Takes away your responsibility.
Takes away your freedom.
Takes away your family.
Mate, when I was your age,
I let all my fuckin' shit and
anger get the better of me.
I made a fuckin'
terrible mistake.
I ended up in here. For good.
You can get out.
Yeah, well, I just, um...
I wish I could undo it all.
[Noel] Well, you can't.
You can't.
You have to accept where you are
and start... start from here.
What's the point?
[exhales shakily]
[Noel] Well, yeah,
you can give up.
You can give up.
That won't be easy.
Just like it won't be easy
trying to find that
bottle of wine.
Hey?
But not as hard as having
to eat that fuckin'
packet shit gravy for the
100th year in a row. [laughs]
So I want to help you.
Yeah?
Might not be much but
I'll do what I can.
And... in this place,
that's about the best of it.
Hey?
Yeah?
- Hey, come on.
- [exhales heavily]
[warmly] Hey? You right?
[Joe exhales heavily]
[Joe exhaling]
Alright.
Where's Breaka?
[inmates chattering
and laughing]
Sweatin', hey?
Yeah, I sweat.
Just keep it chill, eh?
[Roy] Welcome to
the party, pal.
I've got thrust, pingers, nangs?
I've got yarndi, special K...
[sighs]
So... grade-A china white
just came in last night.
Um...
We're looking for...
for wine, actually, Roy.
Red, if possible.
Well, there goes the
neighbourhood. [laughs]
Talk about gentrification!
I sell drugs, boys. I'm
not a fuckin' sommelier.
- [piano accompaniment playing]
- [choir] Hummm
Hummm
Been the killer
Been the king
Been the diamond
and the ring
I'm the reason that I sing
I'm the sleeper
I'm the star
Outbid on the candelabra
I can even hold your candle
I think we are
gonna be fine
- [choir] Hummm
- Everything's gonna be fine
[choir] Hummm
[stomping in rhythm]
[choir] Been the wax
and been the wings
You can fall into the sun
I did fall into the sun
But I never let it win
I'm the reason that I sing
On the beach I feel amazing
I've been looking
at the future
And everything's
gonna be fine
[rhythmic stomping continues]
[pensive piano melody playing]
[slow piano rendition of
"Silent Night" playing]
[music fades]
[indistinct shouting
in distance]
["Isolationism" by Ben
Salter playing over stereo]
You were obsessed
with this album.
[Rita] I was.
Yep.
When I had time to
listen to music.
You...
You were always...
[sighs softly]
I've always been a bit
jealous of you and Joe.
[Rita] No, you haven't.
[glass clinks on table]
Come on, then.
Come on.
- Oh, Lord
- [chuckles softly]
- [giggles]
- You put us to the sword
We'll all get our reward
Keep us on our toes
Lover
What did I ask
you to write down?
Why was it so important
That you record it?
Why did I like the sound?
I know this hasn't
been easy for ya.
Maybe
- This could all come true
- But I've loved being here.
Being with your family.
- [Rita, dreamily] Mm-hm.
- I'll never go through
[Dan] And I want to say
I think you're amazing.
I think you're handling
all this with such grace.
You saved me
You're all there is now
I don't know what I'd
have done without you.
We're a good team.
[floorboards creaking]
Stop falling in love!
- We're not.
- Stop lying!
I don't want a new
dad! I want my dad!
And you don't even
care about him!
[door slams shut]
She just goes and goes
[softly] Fuck!
[under breath] Fuck.
She just goes and goes
[Dan] What are we doing?
[song ends]
What do you mean,
"what are we doing"?
[Dan] He's having such a
hard time with me around.
Come on, we're
just trying to cope
in a very difficult
situation here.
I keep telling myself
that I'm helping.
What if I'm making it worse?
[sighs wearily]
It has to end.
It has to.
What?
Maybe I should move out now.
Oh... Okay.
Okay. So... you're leaving too?
That's what's happening?
[slaps thighs]
[weary sigh] You
know what? Why not.
Maybe it's time you
face your own...
responsibilities.
You know?
[glass clinks firmly on bench]
[knocking gently] Angus?
Darling, I...
[Angus] Leave me alone.
Goodnight.
[drunken shouting in distance]
[clears throat]
[wine pouring]
Sorry, I thought there was more.
[Roger] It's okay.
[Stella exhales]
[exhales, clears throat]
I just want to... I...
I just want to say...
What?
I just want to say
I'm... I'm sorry.
And...
[wry exhale]
I know I'm not the man you
thought you married and...
..I want to be.
And I'm just really
scared you're gonna...
..you're gonna leave me.
And I know things haven't
been great, but I-I...
I just... I can't...
I can't lose you, Stel.
Roger, I love you.
I love you, but
you can't be real.
You...
You think you rescued
me from my family.
You... you reckon
they're trash.
But I treasure them.
[softly] I treasure them.
I can be real. I can be real.
I... I can...
- I can do better. I can make...
- Just... Don't... No.
Don't.
I don't want any more words.
I want you... I
want you to show me.
[Roger] You have been smoking.
What? I can smell it.
[Stella sighs]
[Stella clears throat]
[poignant music]
[sniffles]
[music swells]
[breathing softly]
[birds twittering, warbling]
[whistles]
Queenie?
Oh, Mum, can we
open presents now?
- Where's Angus?
- I don't know.
- Please!
- Not now, Franky.
You wait for your brother.
[girls chuckle]
[knocking gently] Angus.
We're all up. Do you want
to come open some presents?
[tapping gently]
Angus?
Angus!
Angus?
Angus!
[door beeps, clicks]
[indistinct two-way
radio chatter]
[door beeps]
[quiet gasp]
Good morning.
Father.
Merry Christmas.
What brings you to
the Lord's house?
A gift.
Christ, it's hot.
Well, look what you're wearing.
What? It's a linen pant.
Don't talk about Bitcoin. Okay?
Just find common ground.
If there's any tension,
deflect and defuse.
Let's say it together.
- I can't change other people...
- I can't control other...
'Control'. I can't
control other people.
[both] I can't
control other people
but I can control myself.
No drama.
It's gonna be great, babe.
It's gonna be a great day.
What the hell's goin' on here?
[Stella] Oh, my God.
[wind chimes tinkling]
Hey?
Wake up.
There's cops at your place.
What?
Oh, fuck.
[policewoman] The best thing
that you can do from here
is to stay home and wait.
Wait?
[police radio beeps] 439...
- He's missing.
- [door opens]
Please, I can't stay
here and wait...
- Poor little mate.
- [door closes]
All on his own.
Terrible.
Dan just texted. He's...
He's up north doing laps.
We should head to the
highway just in case. Hey?
Keys?
Don't you want me to come?
No.
I'll take you, Stel.
We'll go in the van.
- So we can all fit in together.
- Yeah, come on. Come on, girls.
- Let's go, huh?
- Okay. Well, I'll...
Yeah, I guess I'll
just stay here, then,
and I'll just, uh...
hold down the fort.
He'll turn up!
He's nine. How far can he get?
["My Little Drum" by
Vince Guaraldi Trio plays]
[thunder rumbling softly]
This isn't awkward at all.
Mary, you know, I...
I've been wanting
to say something.
Yeah?
When Joe...
When all of this
happened to our family...
it felt like some kind
of second chance for me.
To make right what I
couldn't do for you.
What I didn't do. To be there.
Okay.
But...
it-it really just made me
realise that... about you...
Look, Dad, can
whatever this is wait
until after we've found the
missing member of our family?
I get that you totally
have to make every
moment about yourself,
but this isn't it.
Look, do you think I
would be here if...?
I forgave you a long time ago.
I bet that felt good.
- [machinery hissing]
- [Noel] Turkey's up.
[inmate] How are
the pumpkins going?
[indistinct
light-hearted chatter]
[inmate] Whoo. Comin' through.
- [chatter continues]
- [inmate] Hot, hot, hot, hot...
[Bart] How are those
potatoes going, boss?
[Breaka] Good, good, good.
Spuds are lookin' good.
- [Noel] Turkeys are up.
- [inmate] Hey-oh!
[inmate] Boilin', boilin'.
[light-hearted
chatter continues]
[pensive music]
[scraping pan]
[Joe chuckles softly]
[thunder rumbling gently]
Come on, buddy. Come on.
[inmates stomping feet slowly]
[stomping quickens
and intensifies]
- [inmate 1] You all good?
- [inmate 2] Yeah.
[inmate 1] Yeah.
- Let's get a move on, eh?
- Yep. Almost there.
[Bart] Alright,
last turkey's on.
[door beeps, clicks]
- Okay, the turkey's on.
- [stomping in distance]
- [stomping stops]
- [door beeps]
- [Noel] Joe.
- Yep.
You have a visitor.
- [Father] Uh, merry Christmas.
- Come on, then.
You too.
Uh, in the spirit of Christmas,
um, it would be my
absolute delight
to share this bottle of
our heavenly Father's...
best vino rosso with you all.
You're kidding. Ah...
[chuckles]
They're making a lot of
noise out there. [laughs]
Yeah, please.
- Ooh, here we go. [chuckles]
- Amazing.
- Uh, say when?
- Yeah.
The blood of Christ.
Yep.
- Ah, a bit more?
- Yep.
[wine pouring]
Yep.
[tapping spoon]
Showtime!
[laughter and cheering]
[stomping continues]
[raucous cheering and whooping]
- [inmate 1] Merry Christmas.
- [inmate 2] Thanks.
[inmates chattering]
[Noel] Merry Christmas, brother.
Merry Christmas.
Looks good.
Tastes good.
[festive music playing
over sound system]
[rain pattering]
[hydraulic brakes hissing]
No bikes.
[bus engine idling]
No dogs.
She's my emotional
support animal.
Get on.
[doors hissing]
[sniffles]
[pensive ambient music]
[sniffling]
[sighs wearily]
[weeping, sniffling softly]
Oh... [sniffles]
[weeping softly]
Oh, my God...
Yeah.
[soft chuckle]
Here, Father.
- [Father] Oh, no...
- Take me seat. No, no.
[Noel] Where are you going?
I'll be back.
Here's to you, Father.
Merry Christmas.
- Cheers, Father.
- Merry Christmas, Father.
Merry Christmas, fellas.
[kookaburras
laughing in distance]
Ah...
[phone ringing]
[ringing continues]
Hello?
[automated voice]
This a call from
Blackwater Correctional Centre.
To accept this call, press 1...
No. [mashes keypad]
[disconnect tone]
[clicks receiver]
- [phone ringing]
- Oh, no.
No, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, no, no.
[ringing continues]
[sighs]
[automated voice]
This a call from...
[pushes button]
Hello?
[Roger] It's Roger.
[clicks receiver]
[inmate] They're not
bloody there, mate.
[line ringing]
[phone ringing]
[pushes buttons]
It's still Roger. Hey,
Joe, please don't hang up.
Hello?
[Joe] Hello.
Hi.
So...
- I imagine it's a bit...
- I didn't...
- Oh, sorry.
- Um...
- No, after you.
- No, no. You go, mate. You go.
Uh... I don't know what to say.
You just... you just talk, Rog.
I can't imagine what it's
been like for you in there.
Yeah, probably not.
I'm sorry about last Christmas.
I was a dickhead.
I was a bigger dickhead.
How's it going with Stel, mate?
[inhales softly]
Oh, you know...
I got a bit of work to do.
Is Rita there?
Rita?
No, she's, um... No, she's not.
She's down at
the... at the shops.
With Angus.
Oh.
Is, um...
is anyone else there?
Uh, no, actually. No.
No, they've all... they've
all popped out to, um...
to see the, um...
the Christmas... parade.
The Christmas parade?
Yeah. Down at, uh,
down at the... shops.
Right.
But I will... I will, um...
I'll let 'em know you called.
And, um...
Yeah, Angus is gonna be really
sad to have missed you, mate.
Uh, well, then...
Merry Christmas, Roger.
Yeah, merry Christmas, Joe.
I'm looking forward to
seeing you next year.
Family all back together.
Same.
We all miss ya, mate.
You hang in there, alright?
[disconnect tone]
[inmates chattering]
Fuckin' finally!
[inmate dials keypad]
Hi, Mum.
["Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"
by Vince Guaraldi Trio plays]
[Queenie panting]
[song continues]
Come on.
[strained grunting]
[song ends]
[instrumental rendition of
"Silent Night" playing quietly]
[cutlery clatters]
There's a kid outside.
[taps button]
What do you want me to do?
[cutlery clatters]
[indistinct chatter]
Thanks, Father.
Come on.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas, all.
Uh...
Last night at chapel
we were graced
with a very special
musical performance.
Um, far too special, I thought,
for our modest congregation
so I have petitioned Heinz
for a Christmas Day encore.
And I'm assured by
Noel that, uh...
the acoustics are even
better in the mess.
So, um... please,
Heinz, take it away.
- [piano accompaniment playing]
- [choir] Hummm
Hummm
- Hummm
- I think we are
- Gonna be fine
- Hummm
- [choir] Hummm
- Everything's gonna be fine
Hummm
Hard times but good
things are coming now
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming now
Hard times but good
things are coming
Hard times but good
things are coming
Ohhh-ohhh
Ohh-ohh-ohhhh
Ohhhh, ohhhh
Ohh-ohh...
God, I hope I'm
right about this.
You're right.
Comin' to get ya, mate.
We'll find him, Rita.
Good girl.
[Queenie whining]
[sniffing]
[tender atmospheric music]
Hi, Dad!
[inhales shakily]
- How did you get here?
- The bus.
[tender music swells]
[gentle vocalising]
- [laughing]
- [inmates cheering, applauding]
Yep!
[raucous cheering and whistling]
[vocalising continues]
[Joe] Oh-ho!
[vocalising and music
swell, then fade out]
["How to Make Gravy"
by Paul Kelly plays]
Hello, Dan It's Joe here
I hope you're keeping well
It's the 21st of December
And now they're
ringing the last bells
If I get good behaviour
I'll be out of here by July
Won't you kiss my
kids on Christmas Day
Please
Don't let 'em cry for me
I guess the brothers are
driving down from Queensland
And Stella's flying
in from the coast
They say it's gonna
be a hundred degrees
Even more maybe
But that won't
stop the roast
Who's gonna make
the gravy now?
I bet it won't
taste the same
Just add flour, salt,
a little red wine
And don't forget a
dollop of tomato sauce
For sweetness and
that extra tang
And give my love to Angus
And to Frank and Dolly
Tell 'em all I'm sorry
I screwed up this time
And look after Rita
I'll be thinking of her
Early Christmas morning
When I'm standing in line
I hear Mary's got
a new boyfriend
I hope he can hold his own
[chuckling] Do you
remember the last one?
What was his name again?
Ah, just a little
too much cologne
And Roger
You know I'm even
gonna miss Roger
'Cause there's sure as hell
No one in here
I want to fight
Oh, praise the Baby Jesus
Have a Merry Christmas
I'm really gonna miss it
All the treasure
and the trash
And later in the evening
I can just imagine
You'll put on Junior Murvin
And push the tables back
And you'll dance with Rita
I know you really like her
Just don't hold
her too close
Oh, brother, please
don't stab me in the back
I didn't mean to say that
It's just my
mind It plays up
Multiplies each matter
Turns imagination into fact
You know I love her badly
She's the one to save me
I'm gonna make some gravy
I'm gonna taste the fat
Ah, tell her that I'm sorry
Yeah, I love her badly
Tell 'em all I'm sorry
And kiss the sleepy
children for me
You know one of these days
I'll be making gravy
I'll be making plenty
I'm gonna pay 'em all back
Yeah
Do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do...
[song fades out]
Captions produced by
Access Media Pty Ltd