Lanier (2015) Movie Script
1
No! No!
No, stop!
No, please!
No! No!
Stop! No! Please...
No... Please stop!
No! No! Stop!
Please...
Yeah.
Gomez is going to need
all the help he can get.
I'll look into it when I'm on the road.
Got to go.
Hey, I was just about to come inside.
Yeah, we need to go, like, now.
Lunch is at one, tour is at two.
You've won the Lanier experience.
Uncover the truth of Lanier.
Hmmm.
You didn't forget, did you?
Interesting.
Uh, no. No, of course not.
Well, I can tell you what you did forget.
The candles.
Jeff, you had one job
and work is still more important to you.
All right, look, Jane,
I'm sorry.
But I want to let you know that
this getaway is only about you and Kayla.
No more work calls.
Daddy, woo! Roadtrip!
Hey, where are your things?
- You can't go like this!
- Right, let me go get it.
Yeah. Hurry up.
I don't want us being late.
Better late than never,
right dad?
What you got?
I got this.
- Boom!
- Oh.
You're trapped.
That I am.
But in the end,
I always win.
I tried to tell you.
Rematch?
Uhhh...
We can't.
It's time.
You nervous, huh?
Listen, you're going to do great.
Okay?
How do you know?
Because I birth greatness.
Plus, I know what's on
the other side of fear.
And what's that?
Success.
Now go on.
Get these dishes.
You're leaving baby?
Yeah.
Hey...
I got it.
Maybe next time, kiddo.
Be safe.
Love y'all.
Love you, too.
Don't have long.
What's up?
Damn gringo.
Speak up.
I can't.
And that is why my ass is single,
ready to mingle. Hmm.
I just wanted
to tell you, don't worry
about the case
Schrader wants you on, I'll figure it out.
You just worry about family time.
Oh and that demon water.
Ha, ha.
Not funny.
Oh, seriously, Seriously.
Call if you need anything.
Just in case things get spicy.
Hello?
I thought it was funny.
Where are we going?
That's top secret.
We can't tell you that.
Can I have a hint?
Hmmm...
Okay.
It's something blue.
The ocean?
Not so big.
- A lake.
- Aha.
And it's a lake
that rhymes with fear.
Oh, Lake Lanier.
There you go.
Mommy, I have to go pee.
You didn't go before we left?
No, I was too excited.
And you can't hold it?
I can go in a bush.
That's my girl.
Hold on.
Hey. I'll take care of it.
Are you feeling okay, ?
I meant what I said.
Okay?
Ewww!
Can we go already?
I'm about to explode.
All right.
Well, toilet paper's in the trunk.
Got it.
Let's find you a spot, girl.
Ummm...
Hey, go behind that tree, okay, Kayla?
All right.
I'll be here with my eyes closed.
All right Kayla, you done?
Kayla?
Kayla?
Kayla?
Kayla where are you?
It has my name on it.
It's very pretty.
Help!
Let me go!
Let me go!
Oh, hell nah!
Hey, hey!
Hey wait right there. It's okay.
It's okay. It's okay.
All right.
I'm right here. Everything's okay. Hey.
Get your fucking
hands off my daughter.
Yo, chill. I was trying to help her.
I said move. Kayla.
Come here.
Daddy it's true.
He saved me.
Something was trying to grab me.
Something. What was it?
I don't know. I didn't see it.
Kayla, are you sure
he didn't have something to do with it?
I'm sure.
He tried to save me.
Looks like the
lake is taking its revenge.
What's that supposed to mean?
Maybe it's destiny.
Now get out of here.
I take it this is a drowning case?
No Shit.
Jesus Christ.
What's going on?
- What happened here, Wilson?
- What you mean, sir?
Lake Lanier happened.
The shit is haunted.
Haunted?
Yeah.
Okay.
We need to get back to it.
Forensics is on its way.
Okay, hold on.
Where did you say y'all were from again?
Duluth.
We're here for some Lanier
experience thing.
Oh, shit.
I'm actually volunteering
for that today myself.
I heard it's real eye opening.
Can we just stay on track?
Time is ticking.
And you both, you need to get out of here
before you're considered trespassing.
Yeah, well aware.
Jeffrey Smith Stevenson!
Mommy.
Guess I'll be
seeing you around, Jeffrey.
Just call me.
I know I can help.
Looks like
you got a new partner, huh Wilson?
No. No, no, no, no, no.
She could have drowned, Jeff.
I wouldn't say drowned, but...
No, no, you don't
get to downplay this.
You left her alone out here.
I'm sorry mommy.
Sorry wouldn't have brought you
back, sweetie?
Okay?
From now on, you're going to stay with
Mom and Dad, okay?
Yes ma'am.
All right, let's go.
Jeff!
Hold on.
No, don't tell me to hold on,
get your ass in the
car, now!
They're leaving.
Copy that.
And for the last time,
that lake is not haunted.
Sounds just like you and your people,
considering y'all run the world.
Your people?
Give me a break, Wilson.
Okay? Don't -
Don't do that. Okay?
Do what?
Pull out that damn card.
Race has nothing to do with it.
Sir, whether you like it or not,
your people are the reason why
that lake even exists and why my people's
history is being covered up.
Your people?
You know, you need to stop that notion.
Nothing happened here.
And even if it did, what's your plan?
You want to shut down the haunted lake
so nobody can swim in it anymore?
My black ass doesn't care who swims in it.
I just want people to know
what they're swimming in.
Well, if you know so much about that
haunted lake, where's your evidence that?
I'm all eyes and ears!
That's what I thought.
Push me again and you're off the case.
One more.
Give me one more and I'll
leave y'all alone.
No. Are you crazy?
No, I can't do that.
- We can't do that.
- You must.
She's not going to go for that.
You must my precious grandson.
No, Grandpa,
- you said the last time...
- Last time doesn't matter.
You must continue to avenge us.
That's why your people drowned
underneath the water.
NO!
We're here.
Oh, look, there's Mariah.
Whoa!
There y'all are!
Come here!
Oh my gosh, it's
been so great chatting with you.
Likewise.
I'm Mariah, and this
is my daughter Tasha.
Ummm... I'm Tasha.
- Hi.
- Jeff. Pleasure to meet you.
The pleasure's mine.
And this little lady
must be the birthday girl.
Let me think...
uhhh... Kayla?
That's me.
I love your place, by the way.
It could be like Shawn Mendes' house.
Oh my God. I love him.
No way.
Yes way.
Well, congratulations
and welcome to my humble abode.
Tasha will be showing you to your rooms.
Right this way.
Thank you.
Gum. Now.
Thank you.
Did you need help with that?
I got it.
Thanks.
Mariah is nice, isn't she?
Hmm.
Maybe a little too nice.
Stop it.
Catch me if you can!
Hey, come back here.
Hey, careful, you two.
Give me that.
And this is our living room.
Oh, my gosh.
I can't believe we won this.
Thank you.
It took us months to build.
I'm at a loss for words.
Good. That's good.
That's what we strive for
with just a handful of people.
Hmm. A handful, huh?
Yes.
But these are last year's winners.
This year's winners will be staying
in lake houses around the area.
You'll get a chance
to meet them on the tour.
Speaking of tour, you can't do that
on an empty stomach, can you?
Who wants pizza.?
Pizza on my birthday.
This is perfect.
Great. I thought so.
Right this way.
So, how was the ride in?
Ummm... it was interesting.
Kayla here had to...
I wanted to pee in a bush.
We didn't really have a choice.
Oh.
You can say that again.
Uhhh, then
she was getting chased by a wasp, freaked
out and ran all the way to the lake.
And I peed in it.
What?
You two didn't tell me that.
Well, luckily,
I was able to get her out of there.
Oh, yeah,
that he did.
Never seen a white man
run that fast in my life.
I'm sorry. Who are you?
This is Mr. Wilson.
He's our new volunteer.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Oh, he's there.
Maybe you guys can get her
cleaned up and I'll take care of this.
Okay. Let's get you changed.
Make sure they're good?
Yes, ma'am.
Okay, thank you.
So was it just you
that founded this whole experience?
Yes.
I like to believe that I'm the brains
behind this operation.
But the city helped funding it.
They wanted us to showcase
the history of the lake.
Wow. Never would have thought
someone like
you would be able to do all this.
Well, between us, Mr.
Stevenson,
I'm glad people
like you guys selected every year.
What do you mean?
Well, based on the answers of
your wife's survey, family like yours
can learn a thing or two
about what lies beneath the lake.
And what lies beneath the lake?
Well, I guess you'll just have to find out
today, won't you?
Okay, we are ready.
Lovely.
Can we move here?
No, you can't.
But you're more
than welcome to come back.
- Can I stay the night?
- Please?
Okay.
How could I say no to beautiful places
like this?
Oh, Mr. Reed.
He will be your captain
and tour guide for the Lanier experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please.
Come on.
Oh, Jeff?
Please watch your step.
We wouldn't want any accidents.
You're going to have to leave that behind.
Ah. Understood.
I'll just leave it in the car.
Because firearms are strictly prohibited
on the property.
Is that your only one?
Uhhh yes, of course.
You sure?
Positive.
I'll be back.
You're doing it again.
I can't shake him.
Did you take your medicine?
I did.
I even double checked.
What does he want?
What did he say?
He said he needs one more.
One more?
Are you...? No.
No. We are not doing it again.
He said that this
would be the last time.
Last time was the last time.
And how do you know?
It's never good enough for him.
He was there for me.
I was there for you.
Who's there when he's not around. Hmm?
Who?
But he's family.
I'm your family Daniel.
Me. You.
Tasha.
We're your future.
I-I just...
No, no.
We are not doing this.
We agreed.
This is for educational purposes only.
You can't go back there.
Because next time they're
going to take me down
with you, and Tasha?
Juvenile detention.
Foster care.
Dead.
You've got to focus.
Shut him out.
Do you hear me?
I love you.
Love you too.
We got to get going.
Okay?
Handle it.
Tasha?
Time to go.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good afternoon.
Everyone here
at the Lanier experience hopes
that you are enjoying your time
as we float to our destination.
I wanted to let you all know
that this brings tremendous
joy to me that you're here today.
We're so thrilled
in seeking the truth
and in telling you all the history of how
these waters became to be.
Every one of you
was carefully hand-selected.
Sheer luck didn't bring you here.
We like to look at it as destiny.
Destiny?
Girls, do you
see the ducks over here?
Oh one just flew across right there.
So how are you liking it?
Oh, it's great.
Loving it. You?
Yeah.
I mean, feels like, exactly what we need.
Jeff?
Yeah.
I couldn't agree more.
My precious grandson.
Heard you were looking for me.
You need to leave.
You're ruining everything.
I can't ruin what it is I created.
I was the only one there for you
when you needed it most.
That isn't true.
She was too.
She's the reason why
we even came this far.
No, I am.
I and your ancestors are the reason
you stand above
what was taken from us as people.
But I'm not fighting your battle.
You're not?
But you experienced the same torment
that I did.
Framed.
Imprisoned.
The only difference
is they killed me.
And you are the only one
that could make things right.
You're my blood.
We have to let it go.
What happened, happened.
We can't keep going on like this.
Even if I keep doing what you want,
Grandpa,
it's not going to bring you back.
If you move past it,
you're just like them.
And more of our brothers
will suffer the same fate as we did.
Is that what you want?
We went to hell for you
to reach this moment in time.
This is our moment.
There is no more you and me.
I have a family now.
I am your family.
And if you let that stupid bitch
get in your head, I'm coming for her next.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
What you going to do?
Kill me?
I will always be a part of you.
There is no you without me.
So...
what's it going to be?
Hello my love.
Hey baby.
You got some good news for me?
It went well.
Good for you.
Yeah.
Oh that looks so nice. Here,
let me fix this for you.
Oh, is it backwards?
Yeah, turn around for me.
Let's see...
Now, I'm really
excited for this new group.
I am, too.
I got a really good feeling about them.
Me, too.
- Yeah.
- It's been a beauitful day, too.
Yeah, turn around sweetie. Let me see.
That's perfect.
Yes?
Thank you, baby.
You're welcome.
Phones in the bin, please.
As you walk off, please
enjoy the complimentary drinks ahead.
Thank you, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.
Thank you.
Thank you, ma'am.
We have to leave our phones?
We don't do spoilers around here.
That wouldn't be good, now, would it?
Yeah, but can we make an exception?
Do you feel like you're in danger?
No. No, I just mean...
We can go back if you like.
Or I can let Jane know.
Complimentary drinks are ahead.
Enjoy.
Welcome back, ladies.
Enjoy some punch.
Thank you so much.
Of course.
This looks great.
Believe me, it's to die for.
Hey, do you mind
helping me with something?
I'll save that for her.
And how did the
birthday girl like it?
It was really fun.
Good.
Everybody, please follow me.
Lake Lanier.
My oh my, she's a beauty.
A cursed one at that.
So she ain't no stranger to a good time.
Or drownings
and disappearances.
Any guesses why?
Oh, come on, now.
Don't be shy.
I don't bite like her.
This is a no judgment zone.
People getting lost?
Yeah.
More like drunk ass people that
jump off boats that don't know how to swim.
Everything that
happens is for reason.
If you dare to believe.
Oscarville, Georgia.
It was a thriving black community...
till they took it away.
Word spread about the beating
and raping of a white woman
in a town nearby.
The night she died...
all hell broke loose.
They drove the residents
of Oscarville out.
Pinned it on three men.
Hung 'em...
as the city burned to ashes.
40 years later...
They put the city under the lake.
Smart gal.
That's why what goes in,
don't always come back up.
Those who still refuse to believe,
won't have a choice.
You don't really believe that, do you?
I think the better question is,
do you?
I wasn't alive back then.
Were you alive?
How do we know what actually happened?
Agreed.
And even if that Oscarville
thing happened,
it happened years
before the lake was made.
And besides, when the government decided
to make the lake,
all of the people were paid to leave.
Underpaid for land
that did not belong to them.
Whatever.
Calling the lake cursed is fake news.
We all know that...
the people, they...
they not...
not, careful...
Mommy?
Does this mean we can go swimming now?
No honey...
Hey.
We can't...
Hey, hey, hey. What's going on?
Kayla? Jane? Say something.
Hey. Hey.
What did you do?
Hey I'm talking to you.
What are you smiling at?
What did you do?
Get on your knees!
I'm sorry.
I'll take care of Tasha now.
You.
We are what lies underneath.
Welcome to Oscarville.
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Shit.
There's something
wrong with the house. What?
What? Honey get up.
Where's Kayla?
She's downstairs.
Kayla, where are you?
I'm right here.
You okay? Oh my God.
Dad? Look.
What?
What is this?
I don't know.
I mean, maybe this
is part of the experience?
No, Jane.
Someone came in here
while we were out there.
This isn't part of it.
I'll call my mom.
Your call has been forwarded
to an automatic voice message system...
It went straight to voicemail.
Can you leave a message?
The mailbox is
full and cannot accept any...
It said the mailbox is full.
Okay.
- And you don't know what's going on?
- No, no.
I don't even have a clue.
Okay. It's okay.
I need to get in touch with Daniel.
Yo what's good?
I need you to come over to where
we're at for the Lanier Experience.
I'll send you the address.
Bet.
Damn.
This is crazy.
They brought the heat for real.
What do you mean?
It just means that
they really flipped the house around.
So is this part of the tour or not?
Girls, why don't you go upstairs
and I'll come get you later, okay?
All right.
Look, I don't know.
Yesterday was my
first day volunteering.
Well, we can't get a hold of Mariah.
Okay.
Let me try.
Yeah, that would be great,
because this is really disturbing.
Some parts of black history usually are.
This isn't history.
I mean, this is sickening.
Ma'am.
With all due respect,
black tragedies like these are sickening.
Well, the damage to my
daughter is already been done.
Actually, Daniel.
Can I talk to you in private?
I need to talk
to you about something.
About?
Oh, about the drowning case.
Yeah.
Drowning case?
Yeah.
Jeff here couldn't help himself
after I saved Kayla.
You? I thought Jeff saved her.
Oh is that what he said?
No, I did.
After that, Jeff was so persistent
in wanting to know
the drowning case
that I was working down there.
Are you serious?
You promised me you would stop!
Jane.
So which way?
Follow me.
So I had one of my buddies back home
look into this case for us.
He had found this article
about Debbie Dent, who had gone
missing a couple of days ago.
Which is weird,
because I could have sworn
I saw a picture of her in the living room.
I know it's her.
He also found out that there's
been an increase in missing people
at Lake Lanier in the last two years,
especially in this area.
You good man?
Yeah.
Been dealing with migraines
every now and then.
But that's facts.
It seems like
there's been more drownings year
over year over year.
Nah, nah Daniel.
Not drownings.
I'm thinking serial killer.
Hey, I was just talking about you
to a detective here.
Speaker.
Wait, you already called the cops?
Yeah, I did.
It's a long story, but it's getting -
Save the details for when I see you foo.
I need to tell you this.
Hold onto your butt.
So I did a little digging,
and I spoke to Debbie's folks.
They told me the
last thing they heard
was that she won an event at Lake Lanier.
Hey, this is Detective Daniel Wilson.
Do you know the name of the event
that she won?
It's called the Lanier Experience.
Wait, Jeff?
What did you win?
No. No, no, no.
Not again.
That's how the shit always starts.
Help is on the way.
You need to tell me what you know
about Mariah right now.
What?
What is it?
Jeff?
What is it?
I swear, there's someone out there.
What is this?
Go. Go.
I'll handle this.
Are you okay?
- Meet me in the room. Okay?
- Okay.
I need you to be so so so quiet. Okay?
Do not come out of this room
until we tell you to.
Do you understand?
What's wrong Mommy?
Just stay here baby.
Come on.
Jeff?
The faucet was...
Fuck that bitch.
What is it?
She took the gun out of my box.
Where are the keys to the car?
Um, downstairs on the kitchen counter.
Go.
They were right here.
Fuck. She probably took them.
- What do we do?
- Jane, grab a knife and go upstairs.
Okay? I'm going outside.
- What? No. You can't...
- Jane, Jane.
Trust me.
I have a plan.
Okay?
Okay? Go.
Daniel.
Where are you?
Psssst.
Wait, hey!
- Here, take this.
- What are these for?
In case a bad guy comes in.
But for now, we're just going to do
what my dad always tells me to do
when I'm scared.
What's that?
Play hide and seek.
Go.
Daniel?
Daniel?
Come on Daniel, where are you?
What is that?
I found you.
Kayla!
Fuck.
Who are you?
Jane?
Jane? Jane.
Wake up.
Wake up sweetie, come on.
Come on sweetie, come on.
Come on wake up. Come on...
No Jane, wake up please.
I'm not going to let
them get away with this.
Kayla...
Kayla.
Kayla
Kayla, come here honey.
Come on Kayla, where are you sweetie?
Kayla?
Where are you, sweetie?
Kayla, come here honey.
Kayla, come out honey. Where are you?
Why are you doing this?
Get on the ground! Now!
Daniel, help me!
Go. I said get on the ground.
It's okay Kayla.
It's going to be okay.
I got you, baby.
I got you... Just...
It's going to be okay.
Daniel, take him down.
What are you doing?
You really didn't think
I came to save you, did you boyscout?
What? What?
You're part of this?
Part of this?
I am this.
I created this.
I'm the city that funded this.
And what's a city
without its faithful people?
What? Why?
What for?
Well it's plain and simple.
It's like the people that were selected,
how they didn't believe.
Your wife even said it herself, Jeff.
This isn't black history.
This is sickening.
Tell him why else.
Tell him!
And this.
This is for my great ancestor, James
Wilson.
A true resident of Oscarville.
He was a part of that history.
They took everything from him.
They lynched him and his friends
after blaming them
for something that they didn't even do.
No, no.
Because all these people
that love to vacation in this lake,
they like to go swimming in this lake,
yeah let them.
But to not acknowledge
what lies underneath.
Oh, don't you dare
try to take anything away
to try to diminish the pain
and the suffering
and the trauma that my people
were put through.
- Daniel, Daniel, okay.
- No, no, no, no. Jeff.
The drownings in this lake.
The city that's flooded underneath.
And you have the audacity,
your people,
to say that this isn't black history.
That the pain and suffering
that we experienced there
didn't exist.
Come one Daniel.
Jeff?
Maybe it's time that you join them.
No...
Hmm?
Look at it as rewriting history.
And you want to know what I learned
after being locked up
for 12 years of my life
for something that I didn't even do?
Those people
don't look at us any differently in 2023
than they did back in 1912.
Nothing's changed.
Same system,
different century.
That's why I joined my old man,
the true resident of Oscarville.
And it was perfect.
And with my beautiful wife's plan,
I worked my way up the force
just to exact my revenge.
So guess what, boyscout?
Today's one of those days.
So you joined the force,
to cover up your crimes.
And the lake, the
lake is your scapegoat?
There we go.
He's finally
putting together the pieces.
You're going to be okay Kayla.
And now
I think it's about time
you join all the other unbelievers.
- All the people that doubted.
- No, no.
I hope you can swim.
Wait, no!
Daddy, no!
Kayla, no!
Come here!
No! Let me go!
Come here!
Tasha is a traitor.
She helped her get loose.
You helped her?
Daniel,
what the fuck are you doing?
You brought
our daughter into this?
Bring her inside!
Come on!
Come on!
I don't know
what's going on in that head of yours,
but James has got to go.
Look at what he's doing to us.
Look at what
he's doing to the family.
Tell her if I go, you go.
Tell her.
He says if he goes, I go.
Daniel,
let go of our daughter.
Now!
Let her go!
Stop, get out of my head.
- Baby, you gotta shoot me.
- What?
No, no.
I can't get him out of my head.
I don't know
if I can get him out of my head.
Baby, you've got to shoot me.
I go.
You stay with Tasha.
Kill them.
Stop! Stop!
They're both traitors.
Stop! Baby shoot me,
shoot me now!
Daddy, no!
No! No.
Get back honey, get back,
get back, get back, get back, get back.
Mommy he forced me.
I was scared.
I know, I know, I know.
But we got to try to save him right now.
We got to save him.
Baby.
Daniel.
Daniel.
Oh my God.
Stay with me.
Please.
Please.
Please.
They killed me.
You gotta focus.
Shut him out.
There is no you without me.
I believe in you.
I am your family!
You're stronger than this,
you're not crazy!
No! No!
No, stop!
No, please!
No! No!
Stop! No! Please...
No... Please stop!
No! No! Stop!
Please...
Yeah.
Gomez is going to need
all the help he can get.
I'll look into it when I'm on the road.
Got to go.
Hey, I was just about to come inside.
Yeah, we need to go, like, now.
Lunch is at one, tour is at two.
You've won the Lanier experience.
Uncover the truth of Lanier.
Hmmm.
You didn't forget, did you?
Interesting.
Uh, no. No, of course not.
Well, I can tell you what you did forget.
The candles.
Jeff, you had one job
and work is still more important to you.
All right, look, Jane,
I'm sorry.
But I want to let you know that
this getaway is only about you and Kayla.
No more work calls.
Daddy, woo! Roadtrip!
Hey, where are your things?
- You can't go like this!
- Right, let me go get it.
Yeah. Hurry up.
I don't want us being late.
Better late than never,
right dad?
What you got?
I got this.
- Boom!
- Oh.
You're trapped.
That I am.
But in the end,
I always win.
I tried to tell you.
Rematch?
Uhhh...
We can't.
It's time.
You nervous, huh?
Listen, you're going to do great.
Okay?
How do you know?
Because I birth greatness.
Plus, I know what's on
the other side of fear.
And what's that?
Success.
Now go on.
Get these dishes.
You're leaving baby?
Yeah.
Hey...
I got it.
Maybe next time, kiddo.
Be safe.
Love y'all.
Love you, too.
Don't have long.
What's up?
Damn gringo.
Speak up.
I can't.
And that is why my ass is single,
ready to mingle. Hmm.
I just wanted
to tell you, don't worry
about the case
Schrader wants you on, I'll figure it out.
You just worry about family time.
Oh and that demon water.
Ha, ha.
Not funny.
Oh, seriously, Seriously.
Call if you need anything.
Just in case things get spicy.
Hello?
I thought it was funny.
Where are we going?
That's top secret.
We can't tell you that.
Can I have a hint?
Hmmm...
Okay.
It's something blue.
The ocean?
Not so big.
- A lake.
- Aha.
And it's a lake
that rhymes with fear.
Oh, Lake Lanier.
There you go.
Mommy, I have to go pee.
You didn't go before we left?
No, I was too excited.
And you can't hold it?
I can go in a bush.
That's my girl.
Hold on.
Hey. I'll take care of it.
Are you feeling okay, ?
I meant what I said.
Okay?
Ewww!
Can we go already?
I'm about to explode.
All right.
Well, toilet paper's in the trunk.
Got it.
Let's find you a spot, girl.
Ummm...
Hey, go behind that tree, okay, Kayla?
All right.
I'll be here with my eyes closed.
All right Kayla, you done?
Kayla?
Kayla?
Kayla?
Kayla where are you?
It has my name on it.
It's very pretty.
Help!
Let me go!
Let me go!
Oh, hell nah!
Hey, hey!
Hey wait right there. It's okay.
It's okay. It's okay.
All right.
I'm right here. Everything's okay. Hey.
Get your fucking
hands off my daughter.
Yo, chill. I was trying to help her.
I said move. Kayla.
Come here.
Daddy it's true.
He saved me.
Something was trying to grab me.
Something. What was it?
I don't know. I didn't see it.
Kayla, are you sure
he didn't have something to do with it?
I'm sure.
He tried to save me.
Looks like the
lake is taking its revenge.
What's that supposed to mean?
Maybe it's destiny.
Now get out of here.
I take it this is a drowning case?
No Shit.
Jesus Christ.
What's going on?
- What happened here, Wilson?
- What you mean, sir?
Lake Lanier happened.
The shit is haunted.
Haunted?
Yeah.
Okay.
We need to get back to it.
Forensics is on its way.
Okay, hold on.
Where did you say y'all were from again?
Duluth.
We're here for some Lanier
experience thing.
Oh, shit.
I'm actually volunteering
for that today myself.
I heard it's real eye opening.
Can we just stay on track?
Time is ticking.
And you both, you need to get out of here
before you're considered trespassing.
Yeah, well aware.
Jeffrey Smith Stevenson!
Mommy.
Guess I'll be
seeing you around, Jeffrey.
Just call me.
I know I can help.
Looks like
you got a new partner, huh Wilson?
No. No, no, no, no, no.
She could have drowned, Jeff.
I wouldn't say drowned, but...
No, no, you don't
get to downplay this.
You left her alone out here.
I'm sorry mommy.
Sorry wouldn't have brought you
back, sweetie?
Okay?
From now on, you're going to stay with
Mom and Dad, okay?
Yes ma'am.
All right, let's go.
Jeff!
Hold on.
No, don't tell me to hold on,
get your ass in the
car, now!
They're leaving.
Copy that.
And for the last time,
that lake is not haunted.
Sounds just like you and your people,
considering y'all run the world.
Your people?
Give me a break, Wilson.
Okay? Don't -
Don't do that. Okay?
Do what?
Pull out that damn card.
Race has nothing to do with it.
Sir, whether you like it or not,
your people are the reason why
that lake even exists and why my people's
history is being covered up.
Your people?
You know, you need to stop that notion.
Nothing happened here.
And even if it did, what's your plan?
You want to shut down the haunted lake
so nobody can swim in it anymore?
My black ass doesn't care who swims in it.
I just want people to know
what they're swimming in.
Well, if you know so much about that
haunted lake, where's your evidence that?
I'm all eyes and ears!
That's what I thought.
Push me again and you're off the case.
One more.
Give me one more and I'll
leave y'all alone.
No. Are you crazy?
No, I can't do that.
- We can't do that.
- You must.
She's not going to go for that.
You must my precious grandson.
No, Grandpa,
- you said the last time...
- Last time doesn't matter.
You must continue to avenge us.
That's why your people drowned
underneath the water.
NO!
We're here.
Oh, look, there's Mariah.
Whoa!
There y'all are!
Come here!
Oh my gosh, it's
been so great chatting with you.
Likewise.
I'm Mariah, and this
is my daughter Tasha.
Ummm... I'm Tasha.
- Hi.
- Jeff. Pleasure to meet you.
The pleasure's mine.
And this little lady
must be the birthday girl.
Let me think...
uhhh... Kayla?
That's me.
I love your place, by the way.
It could be like Shawn Mendes' house.
Oh my God. I love him.
No way.
Yes way.
Well, congratulations
and welcome to my humble abode.
Tasha will be showing you to your rooms.
Right this way.
Thank you.
Gum. Now.
Thank you.
Did you need help with that?
I got it.
Thanks.
Mariah is nice, isn't she?
Hmm.
Maybe a little too nice.
Stop it.
Catch me if you can!
Hey, come back here.
Hey, careful, you two.
Give me that.
And this is our living room.
Oh, my gosh.
I can't believe we won this.
Thank you.
It took us months to build.
I'm at a loss for words.
Good. That's good.
That's what we strive for
with just a handful of people.
Hmm. A handful, huh?
Yes.
But these are last year's winners.
This year's winners will be staying
in lake houses around the area.
You'll get a chance
to meet them on the tour.
Speaking of tour, you can't do that
on an empty stomach, can you?
Who wants pizza.?
Pizza on my birthday.
This is perfect.
Great. I thought so.
Right this way.
So, how was the ride in?
Ummm... it was interesting.
Kayla here had to...
I wanted to pee in a bush.
We didn't really have a choice.
Oh.
You can say that again.
Uhhh, then
she was getting chased by a wasp, freaked
out and ran all the way to the lake.
And I peed in it.
What?
You two didn't tell me that.
Well, luckily,
I was able to get her out of there.
Oh, yeah,
that he did.
Never seen a white man
run that fast in my life.
I'm sorry. Who are you?
This is Mr. Wilson.
He's our new volunteer.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Oh, he's there.
Maybe you guys can get her
cleaned up and I'll take care of this.
Okay. Let's get you changed.
Make sure they're good?
Yes, ma'am.
Okay, thank you.
So was it just you
that founded this whole experience?
Yes.
I like to believe that I'm the brains
behind this operation.
But the city helped funding it.
They wanted us to showcase
the history of the lake.
Wow. Never would have thought
someone like
you would be able to do all this.
Well, between us, Mr.
Stevenson,
I'm glad people
like you guys selected every year.
What do you mean?
Well, based on the answers of
your wife's survey, family like yours
can learn a thing or two
about what lies beneath the lake.
And what lies beneath the lake?
Well, I guess you'll just have to find out
today, won't you?
Okay, we are ready.
Lovely.
Can we move here?
No, you can't.
But you're more
than welcome to come back.
- Can I stay the night?
- Please?
Okay.
How could I say no to beautiful places
like this?
Oh, Mr. Reed.
He will be your captain
and tour guide for the Lanier experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please.
Come on.
Oh, Jeff?
Please watch your step.
We wouldn't want any accidents.
You're going to have to leave that behind.
Ah. Understood.
I'll just leave it in the car.
Because firearms are strictly prohibited
on the property.
Is that your only one?
Uhhh yes, of course.
You sure?
Positive.
I'll be back.
You're doing it again.
I can't shake him.
Did you take your medicine?
I did.
I even double checked.
What does he want?
What did he say?
He said he needs one more.
One more?
Are you...? No.
No. We are not doing it again.
He said that this
would be the last time.
Last time was the last time.
And how do you know?
It's never good enough for him.
He was there for me.
I was there for you.
Who's there when he's not around. Hmm?
Who?
But he's family.
I'm your family Daniel.
Me. You.
Tasha.
We're your future.
I-I just...
No, no.
We are not doing this.
We agreed.
This is for educational purposes only.
You can't go back there.
Because next time they're
going to take me down
with you, and Tasha?
Juvenile detention.
Foster care.
Dead.
You've got to focus.
Shut him out.
Do you hear me?
I love you.
Love you too.
We got to get going.
Okay?
Handle it.
Tasha?
Time to go.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good afternoon.
Everyone here
at the Lanier experience hopes
that you are enjoying your time
as we float to our destination.
I wanted to let you all know
that this brings tremendous
joy to me that you're here today.
We're so thrilled
in seeking the truth
and in telling you all the history of how
these waters became to be.
Every one of you
was carefully hand-selected.
Sheer luck didn't bring you here.
We like to look at it as destiny.
Destiny?
Girls, do you
see the ducks over here?
Oh one just flew across right there.
So how are you liking it?
Oh, it's great.
Loving it. You?
Yeah.
I mean, feels like, exactly what we need.
Jeff?
Yeah.
I couldn't agree more.
My precious grandson.
Heard you were looking for me.
You need to leave.
You're ruining everything.
I can't ruin what it is I created.
I was the only one there for you
when you needed it most.
That isn't true.
She was too.
She's the reason why
we even came this far.
No, I am.
I and your ancestors are the reason
you stand above
what was taken from us as people.
But I'm not fighting your battle.
You're not?
But you experienced the same torment
that I did.
Framed.
Imprisoned.
The only difference
is they killed me.
And you are the only one
that could make things right.
You're my blood.
We have to let it go.
What happened, happened.
We can't keep going on like this.
Even if I keep doing what you want,
Grandpa,
it's not going to bring you back.
If you move past it,
you're just like them.
And more of our brothers
will suffer the same fate as we did.
Is that what you want?
We went to hell for you
to reach this moment in time.
This is our moment.
There is no more you and me.
I have a family now.
I am your family.
And if you let that stupid bitch
get in your head, I'm coming for her next.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
What you going to do?
Kill me?
I will always be a part of you.
There is no you without me.
So...
what's it going to be?
Hello my love.
Hey baby.
You got some good news for me?
It went well.
Good for you.
Yeah.
Oh that looks so nice. Here,
let me fix this for you.
Oh, is it backwards?
Yeah, turn around for me.
Let's see...
Now, I'm really
excited for this new group.
I am, too.
I got a really good feeling about them.
Me, too.
- Yeah.
- It's been a beauitful day, too.
Yeah, turn around sweetie. Let me see.
That's perfect.
Yes?
Thank you, baby.
You're welcome.
Phones in the bin, please.
As you walk off, please
enjoy the complimentary drinks ahead.
Thank you, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.
Thank you.
Thank you, ma'am.
We have to leave our phones?
We don't do spoilers around here.
That wouldn't be good, now, would it?
Yeah, but can we make an exception?
Do you feel like you're in danger?
No. No, I just mean...
We can go back if you like.
Or I can let Jane know.
Complimentary drinks are ahead.
Enjoy.
Welcome back, ladies.
Enjoy some punch.
Thank you so much.
Of course.
This looks great.
Believe me, it's to die for.
Hey, do you mind
helping me with something?
I'll save that for her.
And how did the
birthday girl like it?
It was really fun.
Good.
Everybody, please follow me.
Lake Lanier.
My oh my, she's a beauty.
A cursed one at that.
So she ain't no stranger to a good time.
Or drownings
and disappearances.
Any guesses why?
Oh, come on, now.
Don't be shy.
I don't bite like her.
This is a no judgment zone.
People getting lost?
Yeah.
More like drunk ass people that
jump off boats that don't know how to swim.
Everything that
happens is for reason.
If you dare to believe.
Oscarville, Georgia.
It was a thriving black community...
till they took it away.
Word spread about the beating
and raping of a white woman
in a town nearby.
The night she died...
all hell broke loose.
They drove the residents
of Oscarville out.
Pinned it on three men.
Hung 'em...
as the city burned to ashes.
40 years later...
They put the city under the lake.
Smart gal.
That's why what goes in,
don't always come back up.
Those who still refuse to believe,
won't have a choice.
You don't really believe that, do you?
I think the better question is,
do you?
I wasn't alive back then.
Were you alive?
How do we know what actually happened?
Agreed.
And even if that Oscarville
thing happened,
it happened years
before the lake was made.
And besides, when the government decided
to make the lake,
all of the people were paid to leave.
Underpaid for land
that did not belong to them.
Whatever.
Calling the lake cursed is fake news.
We all know that...
the people, they...
they not...
not, careful...
Mommy?
Does this mean we can go swimming now?
No honey...
Hey.
We can't...
Hey, hey, hey. What's going on?
Kayla? Jane? Say something.
Hey. Hey.
What did you do?
Hey I'm talking to you.
What are you smiling at?
What did you do?
Get on your knees!
I'm sorry.
I'll take care of Tasha now.
You.
We are what lies underneath.
Welcome to Oscarville.
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
Shit.
There's something
wrong with the house. What?
What? Honey get up.
Where's Kayla?
She's downstairs.
Kayla, where are you?
I'm right here.
You okay? Oh my God.
Dad? Look.
What?
What is this?
I don't know.
I mean, maybe this
is part of the experience?
No, Jane.
Someone came in here
while we were out there.
This isn't part of it.
I'll call my mom.
Your call has been forwarded
to an automatic voice message system...
It went straight to voicemail.
Can you leave a message?
The mailbox is
full and cannot accept any...
It said the mailbox is full.
Okay.
- And you don't know what's going on?
- No, no.
I don't even have a clue.
Okay. It's okay.
I need to get in touch with Daniel.
Yo what's good?
I need you to come over to where
we're at for the Lanier Experience.
I'll send you the address.
Bet.
Damn.
This is crazy.
They brought the heat for real.
What do you mean?
It just means that
they really flipped the house around.
So is this part of the tour or not?
Girls, why don't you go upstairs
and I'll come get you later, okay?
All right.
Look, I don't know.
Yesterday was my
first day volunteering.
Well, we can't get a hold of Mariah.
Okay.
Let me try.
Yeah, that would be great,
because this is really disturbing.
Some parts of black history usually are.
This isn't history.
I mean, this is sickening.
Ma'am.
With all due respect,
black tragedies like these are sickening.
Well, the damage to my
daughter is already been done.
Actually, Daniel.
Can I talk to you in private?
I need to talk
to you about something.
About?
Oh, about the drowning case.
Yeah.
Drowning case?
Yeah.
Jeff here couldn't help himself
after I saved Kayla.
You? I thought Jeff saved her.
Oh is that what he said?
No, I did.
After that, Jeff was so persistent
in wanting to know
the drowning case
that I was working down there.
Are you serious?
You promised me you would stop!
Jane.
So which way?
Follow me.
So I had one of my buddies back home
look into this case for us.
He had found this article
about Debbie Dent, who had gone
missing a couple of days ago.
Which is weird,
because I could have sworn
I saw a picture of her in the living room.
I know it's her.
He also found out that there's
been an increase in missing people
at Lake Lanier in the last two years,
especially in this area.
You good man?
Yeah.
Been dealing with migraines
every now and then.
But that's facts.
It seems like
there's been more drownings year
over year over year.
Nah, nah Daniel.
Not drownings.
I'm thinking serial killer.
Hey, I was just talking about you
to a detective here.
Speaker.
Wait, you already called the cops?
Yeah, I did.
It's a long story, but it's getting -
Save the details for when I see you foo.
I need to tell you this.
Hold onto your butt.
So I did a little digging,
and I spoke to Debbie's folks.
They told me the
last thing they heard
was that she won an event at Lake Lanier.
Hey, this is Detective Daniel Wilson.
Do you know the name of the event
that she won?
It's called the Lanier Experience.
Wait, Jeff?
What did you win?
No. No, no, no.
Not again.
That's how the shit always starts.
Help is on the way.
You need to tell me what you know
about Mariah right now.
What?
What is it?
Jeff?
What is it?
I swear, there's someone out there.
What is this?
Go. Go.
I'll handle this.
Are you okay?
- Meet me in the room. Okay?
- Okay.
I need you to be so so so quiet. Okay?
Do not come out of this room
until we tell you to.
Do you understand?
What's wrong Mommy?
Just stay here baby.
Come on.
Jeff?
The faucet was...
Fuck that bitch.
What is it?
She took the gun out of my box.
Where are the keys to the car?
Um, downstairs on the kitchen counter.
Go.
They were right here.
Fuck. She probably took them.
- What do we do?
- Jane, grab a knife and go upstairs.
Okay? I'm going outside.
- What? No. You can't...
- Jane, Jane.
Trust me.
I have a plan.
Okay?
Okay? Go.
Daniel.
Where are you?
Psssst.
Wait, hey!
- Here, take this.
- What are these for?
In case a bad guy comes in.
But for now, we're just going to do
what my dad always tells me to do
when I'm scared.
What's that?
Play hide and seek.
Go.
Daniel?
Daniel?
Come on Daniel, where are you?
What is that?
I found you.
Kayla!
Fuck.
Who are you?
Jane?
Jane? Jane.
Wake up.
Wake up sweetie, come on.
Come on sweetie, come on.
Come on wake up. Come on...
No Jane, wake up please.
I'm not going to let
them get away with this.
Kayla...
Kayla.
Kayla
Kayla, come here honey.
Come on Kayla, where are you sweetie?
Kayla?
Where are you, sweetie?
Kayla, come here honey.
Kayla, come out honey. Where are you?
Why are you doing this?
Get on the ground! Now!
Daniel, help me!
Go. I said get on the ground.
It's okay Kayla.
It's going to be okay.
I got you, baby.
I got you... Just...
It's going to be okay.
Daniel, take him down.
What are you doing?
You really didn't think
I came to save you, did you boyscout?
What? What?
You're part of this?
Part of this?
I am this.
I created this.
I'm the city that funded this.
And what's a city
without its faithful people?
What? Why?
What for?
Well it's plain and simple.
It's like the people that were selected,
how they didn't believe.
Your wife even said it herself, Jeff.
This isn't black history.
This is sickening.
Tell him why else.
Tell him!
And this.
This is for my great ancestor, James
Wilson.
A true resident of Oscarville.
He was a part of that history.
They took everything from him.
They lynched him and his friends
after blaming them
for something that they didn't even do.
No, no.
Because all these people
that love to vacation in this lake,
they like to go swimming in this lake,
yeah let them.
But to not acknowledge
what lies underneath.
Oh, don't you dare
try to take anything away
to try to diminish the pain
and the suffering
and the trauma that my people
were put through.
- Daniel, Daniel, okay.
- No, no, no, no. Jeff.
The drownings in this lake.
The city that's flooded underneath.
And you have the audacity,
your people,
to say that this isn't black history.
That the pain and suffering
that we experienced there
didn't exist.
Come one Daniel.
Jeff?
Maybe it's time that you join them.
No...
Hmm?
Look at it as rewriting history.
And you want to know what I learned
after being locked up
for 12 years of my life
for something that I didn't even do?
Those people
don't look at us any differently in 2023
than they did back in 1912.
Nothing's changed.
Same system,
different century.
That's why I joined my old man,
the true resident of Oscarville.
And it was perfect.
And with my beautiful wife's plan,
I worked my way up the force
just to exact my revenge.
So guess what, boyscout?
Today's one of those days.
So you joined the force,
to cover up your crimes.
And the lake, the
lake is your scapegoat?
There we go.
He's finally
putting together the pieces.
You're going to be okay Kayla.
And now
I think it's about time
you join all the other unbelievers.
- All the people that doubted.
- No, no.
I hope you can swim.
Wait, no!
Daddy, no!
Kayla, no!
Come here!
No! Let me go!
Come here!
Tasha is a traitor.
She helped her get loose.
You helped her?
Daniel,
what the fuck are you doing?
You brought
our daughter into this?
Bring her inside!
Come on!
Come on!
I don't know
what's going on in that head of yours,
but James has got to go.
Look at what he's doing to us.
Look at what
he's doing to the family.
Tell her if I go, you go.
Tell her.
He says if he goes, I go.
Daniel,
let go of our daughter.
Now!
Let her go!
Stop, get out of my head.
- Baby, you gotta shoot me.
- What?
No, no.
I can't get him out of my head.
I don't know
if I can get him out of my head.
Baby, you've got to shoot me.
I go.
You stay with Tasha.
Kill them.
Stop! Stop!
They're both traitors.
Stop! Baby shoot me,
shoot me now!
Daddy, no!
No! No.
Get back honey, get back,
get back, get back, get back, get back.
Mommy he forced me.
I was scared.
I know, I know, I know.
But we got to try to save him right now.
We got to save him.
Baby.
Daniel.
Daniel.
Oh my God.
Stay with me.
Please.
Please.
Please.
They killed me.
You gotta focus.
Shut him out.
There is no you without me.
I believe in you.
I am your family!
You're stronger than this,
you're not crazy!