Little Bites (2024) Movie Script
1
-Protect me from everything
And all the girls and boys
That want it more
than I can give
Makes me feel like a toy
You stop playing with
in the second grade
I'm up on the shelf
And I feel so helpless
And so naive
Protect me from everything
And all the current noise
Distorts the night
and blurs the years
Makes me feel like
the choice
Has been torn apart
and the ending's frayed
I'm here by myself
And I feel so helpless
And so naive
-I'm hungry.
-Can you do the leg?
-I...I do so much prefer the
arm.
-I know.
It's still so sore, I just...
It needs more time to heal.
-No.
I think I'll have the arm.
-I think it's infected.
If it gets any worse, I'm going
to have to go to the hospital.
-You'll do no such thing.
I'll be gentle.
Now feed me.
-Hello?
-Hello, Mindy.
-Hi, Mother.
-Alice wanted to say hello.
Can you spare the time?
-Yes, of course.
-Hold on.
-Hi, Mommy.
-Hi, Alice. How are you?
-I'm okay.
-That's good. I miss you.
-I miss you, too.
When can I come home again?
-Soon. I -- I hope real soon.
I just...
I have a couple of things
to take care of,
and then --
and then you can come back
and we can get back to normal,
okay?
-Okay.
-So, what else is going on?
Are you being good?
-Yeah, I'm being good.
Oh, Grandma wants to
talk to you.
-Okay, sweetie. Put her on.
I love you.
-Love you.
-Hello.
-She sounds good.
-How would you know?
-Please don't talk about me
in front of her.
-Don't worry, she's gone.
And I don't think you're in any
position to tell me what to do.
When is this going to end?
Huh?
It's been what? Three weeks?
This child is confused.
I can only lie to her
for so long.
Are you doing drugs?
-No, Mom, I'm not doing drugs.
And you don't have to
lie to her at all.
-No?
What am I supposed to say?
Your mommy isn't equipped
to take care of you?
- Stop.
-Well...
-I just need a little more time.
-You don't think I had
problems when I was your age?
You think your father was
any help in raising you?
You don't think there were
times that I wanted to
run and hide
from everything too?
But did I? No. I didn't.
I was there for you.
-Yeah, I know.
You're better than me.
-Oh, please.
Don't give me that
self-pity shit.
Look, I know you had
a tough time with
everything that happened
with Jack and all,
but that was a long time ago,
and now, now it's time
for you to put your
big girl pants on, Mindy.
-It's not that simple.
-Yes. Yes, it is, Mindy.
Life doesn't care about
your problems.
Life doesn't stop to ask
if you're okay.
Life is a fucking monster.
Your job is to take care of
that little girl, not yourself.
It's as simple as that.
That's it.
-I just need
a little more time.
-Yeah, well,
your daughter needs dinner,
so I'm going to go.
-Can I just please
say goodbye?
-Goodbye.
- Mindy? Mindy Vogel?
-Hey, Gail.
-Jeez, I haven't seen you
around much.
How's your summer going?
-Um...
good.
-What is with this getup?
Are you, uh,
hiding from someone?
Are you sneaking around?
-Uh, no.
I'm -- I'm sorry.
I just, um...
I've been a little
under the weather.
-Jesus, Mindy.
You look terrible.
Are you alright?
-Yeah, no, yeah.
I just, um...
I got a bug or, like,
a virus or something.
Oh, I'm -- I'm
past being contagious.
I'm just, um...tired, mostly.
I'm on the mend, so...
-Hey,
is Alice doing gymnastics
this summer?
Because, you know,
Piper moved up to advanced,
so if you are,
you better get on it,
because those classes
fill up fast.
-Um, yeah, yeah, maybe.
Um, we're not sure if we are.
Um, Alice is at
her grandmother's this weekend.
But we're definitely
thinking about gymnastics.
But, um...
you know
how things go sometimes.
-Mindy...
If you need help,
you can always call me.
-Oh, um, no,
actually, um, I have to go,
'cause I have to pick up Alice
from her friend's.
-I thought you said she was
at her grandma's.
-Yeah, no. That's what I meant.
Um, her friend's there, too.
These kids have me rattled,
just running here and there.
-Well, I'll let you go, then.
-Um, maybe we'll see you
at gymnastics or something.
-Okay. Bye.
-Bye.
-Do you believe in God?
-What?
-Do you believe in God?
-What do you think?
-I think you must.
-Why is that?
-Because you believe in me.
-You don't give me
much of a choice.
I think if God does exist,
He must hate me.
-Oh, no, no, no, my dear.
He doesn't hate you.
He just doesn't care.
Don't you see that?
She will leave you eventually,
and all this will be
for nothing.
And poor Mommy Mindy
will be left all alone
to rot in her rocking chair...
or wheelchair.
At least
you'll have your memories.
and your scars.
Lovely song.
-Hello.
-Can I help you?
-Are you Mindy Vogel?
-Um...Maybe. Who are you?
-Maybe who are you?
-I'm Sonya Whitfield with CPS.
-I'm sorry, with what?
-Oh, CPS.
Child Protective Services.
-I don't understand.
-Do you have a daughter?
Um...Alice.
-Uh, yes.
-Is she at home?
-I -- I don't understand.
-Okay, we'll start over.
I'm Sonya Whitfield.
I'm with
Child Protective Services,
and I'd like to know
if your daughter's at home.
-No.
She's -- She's at
her grandmother's for the week,
visiting.
-Great.
Would you mind if I stepped in
and had to look around?
-Okay, what's going on?
-When we receive a call
about the welfare of a child,
it's our legal obligation --
-I'm -- I'm sorry.
What call? Who called you?
Was it Gail Hurley?
Because she doesn't have any
idea what she's talking about.
What, she sees me one time
when I'm under the weather
and for a minute,
and suddenly,
I can't take care of my child?
-I'm sorry.
I'm not at liberty to divulge
where the information came from.
-I don't understand
how someone can just
call you and say
whatever they want.
-Well, we have to take
every accusation seriously.
-Accusation of what?
I told you she's fine.
-I certainly hope so,
and if you would just let
me come inside
and look around a little bit...
I'd rather not involve
the police or get a warrant,
but I will if I have to.
-Fine.
But this is ridiculous.
This is Alice's room.
-Oh.
Do you, uh, live alone?
With Alice, I mean.
-Yes.
-So no Mr. Vogel?
-No, no, Mr. Vogel.
-What is she, uh, 11 or 12?
-Hm. She likes to read?
-Yeah, she's smart.
Are we done?
-Well,
everything certainly looks okay,
but I'd like you to call me
when Alice comes home
from her grandmother's.
My number's on the card.
When did you say she'd be back?
-I didn't.
-Oh.
-I -- I still don't
understand any of this.
-It's just a precaution.
You wouldn't believe some
of the things that we see.
-What's that?
-What?
-That sound.
There it is again.
It's coming from downstairs.
-What are you doing?
Excuse me.
-What's in there?
-Oh, um, nothing.
Just storage.
-Can you open it?
-Um...
Can we just do this
when Alice is back?
Besides, I think it's locked.
I honestly never go in there.
-Oh. It's open.
-Um...
Can -- Can we -- Can we just...
Oh, yeah, sorry.
I, um, I have to get a new bulb.
Trust me,
you don't want to go in there.
It's a mess.
-Peculiar smell.
-Um...
I'll get the light bulb
replaced before next week.
-Okay, you have my number, so...
um, please call me
when Alice gets back.
You know, on second thought,
let's plan on me
coming back on Tuesday,
and make sure
that Alice is at home, okay?
-Um...
-What?
-Tuesday. Okay?
Try to remember.
-Okay.
-Have a nice day.
-Sure.
-We need to talk.
-What took you so long?
-We need to talk.
This has to stop.
-I find it curious that
you think you're in a position
to demand anything.
Besides, you know the answer.
You know the only way out.
-No.
-Then we continue together.
-They're gonna take Alice
from me.
-Well, give it to me.
I'll protect her.
-You'll eat her.
-You think this will be easy?
Just give me the girl.
-I won't do that.
-Why do you suppose you had
a child in the first place?
Perhaps you thought your
little miracle could contribute,
eliminate things like me,
make a difference.
That was
what you thought, Mindy.
You thought
you could make a difference?
Because I'm quite sorry
to tell you that you cannot.
-Then what's the point?
-And that, my dear,
is the most insightful thing
you've said yet.
No more talking.
Come to me.
-Don't touch me.
-You have to stop.
It's just too much, please.
-I'm still hungry.
-I think...
I think I'm dying.
-You're fine.
-I'm not. It's too much.
-You expect me to starve?
-What if I find --
What if I find you
something else to eat?
-You mean someone else?
-Yes.
-Do you think that's advisable?
To bring an outsider
into our relationship?
-Is that what you think this is?
-We've grown close.
-I need a break.
If I die, you have nothing.
You won't have me, no Alice.
-Perhaps that just gets you
out of the way.
-No. You need me.
Don't you?
-I almost forgot.
I wrote you a song.
I want to sing it for you.
-I don't want to hear it.
-There was a girl
She was alone
Then she met a man
and they built a home
His name was Jack
And they had a child
They called her Alice
But then Jack, he died
-Stop.
-Then they were two,
oh, so scared
Poor Mommy Mindy
was unprepared
But have no fear
Agyar is here
To take good care of you
To take good care
Of you
Did you like it?
-No.
-Perhaps a little variety
in my diet
wouldn't be such a bad thing.
-Cigarette?
-No, thank you.
-What's your name?
-It's okay.
I'm just trying to get home.
-I'm not a prostitute.
Do I look like a prostitute?
-Sorry, no.
I'm just waiting for the bus.
-What's your name?
-Please, I'm just --
-You can't tell me your name?
-Paul.
-Paul.
You live around here, Paul?
-No.
-Wife? Girlfriend?
-No. My kitty.
-Kitty...
-You know, I, um, I don't make
a habit of talking to strangers
at night at bus stops.
But, um,
I was walking alone tonight,
and I was thinking about
how many people we pass
every day
who we don't pay attention to,
that we never really see.
And how...
any one of those people
could become someone
really special in our lives
if we just
gave them a chance.
-Do you ever get lonely?
I live close.
We can walk.
Are you hungry?
Come on.
Let's go sit down.
Um...Sit.
Would you like
something to drink?
-I'm fine. Thank you.
You know,
I think maybe I should leave.
-Oh, no, um...
I have some ice cream.
Do you want some ice cream?
-I -- I guess,
if you're gonna have some.
I'll be right back.
I'm fine!
I'm fine.
I'll be right there!
-I think I should leave!
Ice cream.
Sorry it took me so long.
I couldn't find the scoop.
-What's wrong?
-Nothing.
You know, I think --
I think maybe I should go.
I'm not really that hungry.
-Oh, no. Um, here.
Let me feed you.
It's good, huh?
Open.
-It tastes strange.
-You don't like it?
-No, I didn't say that.
Um, what flavor is it?
-I'm so happy you're here.
I, um,
I don't have many friends.
Actually, I, um...
I don't have any friends.
And when I saw you tonight,
I thought,
now there's someone
who could be my friend.
Someone kind and handsome,
alone, like me.
You do want to be my friend,
don't you, Paul?
-Mm-hmm. I think so.
-Of course you do.
Eat.
-I have, um --
I -- I have something
I want to show you.
-Paul, I'm -- I'm so sorry.
Maybe --
-Maybe the ice cream
was expired?
Or maybe it's the flu?
Do you think it's the flu?
- Please!
-What is that?
-Your meal.
-My meal?
I don't eat the dead.
-He's not dead.
At last,
I don't think he's dead.
-You haven't thought this
through.
-No.
-It's no good.
He tastes of misery and despair.
I prefer stubborn,
with something to lose.
Take it away.
- Okay.
Okay, we got this. Okay.
Okay.
Paul. Paul.
Paul. Paul!
Paul!
Hi.
-You passed out.
You passed out.
-Ow. Ow.
Ah! Jesus, I'm bleeding.
-That's strange.
Maybe you hurt it when you fell.
-Fell.
-Let me help you.
Come on. Come on.
-Please,
I need to leave.
-I'm sorry.
I'll give you some privacy.
-Who said I want privacy?
How old are your children?
-I'm sorry?
-Your children.
How old are they?
-You're assuming
I have children.
-I can tell.
I've raised enough of them
myself to know
when I'm sitting
next to a mother.
It's a different energy.
-What energy is that?
-Exhaustion.
Resilience.
-Well, I just have one.
One daughter, she's 10.
-I bet she's wonderful.
-She is.
-I bet you're
a wonderful mother.
-That's debatable.
-Plans for any more?
-Kids? Um, no.
-Her father,
my -- my husband's dead.
-Yeah. Mine's dead, too.
But then, I'm 100 years old.
Have you ever heard of
the three stages?
-What's that?
-It's a very famous philosophy
pertaining to raising children.
-No, I haven't heard of it.
Who came up with it?
-Me.
So, maybe it's not that
famous, but it does make sense.
-Okay, so three stages?
-Stage one,
you stand behind them.
Stage two,
you stand in front of them.
Stage three,
you stand beside them.
-Um,
I don't I don't understand.
I'm sorry.
-Well, you see, when when
children are small and unsteady,
we stand behind them,
hold them so they don't fall.
That's stage one.
As they grow,
we stand in front of them,
to shield them from harm.
Stage two.
Stage three,
we stand beside them
and face adversity with them.
We allow them to give to us
as we've given to them,
and save us occasionally,
the way that we saved them.
And when we do that,
anything is possible.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't explain that very well.
I --
-No, no. You did. Um...
When would you say
that stage three begins?
-Oh, how old
did you say your daughter was?
-It starts now.
You know,
I have jabbered on long enough.
I'll be on my way.
It's been a pleasure.
Whew.
-Hey.
-Yeah?
-Nothing.
-Well, you have a wonderful day.
-Ms. Vogel?
-Hi.
-Shit.
-It's Sonya from CPS.
I was here last week.
-I know, I remember.
-Well, it's Tuesday,
and I didn't hear from you,
so I thought I'd just stop by
and see how Alice is doing.
She is here, I presume?
-I'm sorry. What?
Alice, is she at home?
-Yes. Yes, she's here.
-Great.
I'll just take a moment
and ask her a few questions.
-I just said she's here.
She's fine.
So why do you need to come in?
-If you refuse
to let me speak with her,
then I'll have no choice
but to call law enforcement.
And at that point,
they'll remove her
from your custody
pending further investigation.
And I don't think either one
of us wants that.
-Fine. Come in.
I'm sure she'll be thrilled
to have a complete
stranger barge in on her.
-You know, this all seems so
like borderline harassment.
-I'm sorry you feel that way.
We just have the best interests
of the child at heart, really.
-My child.
-If I could just see her,
please.
-She's in her room.
Alice?
Alice, there's someone here
to speak with you.
Um. Oh.
You know, she gets nervous
around strangers.
Um, maybe she's hiding.
-Ms. Vogel.
-Um, maybe you could come
back, and I'll speak with her,
and maybe you could come back
and I could --
-Miss Vogel,
Alice isn't here, is she?
Have you done something
to her?
-Wait.
Wait.
-Don't.
-Ms. Vogel, stand back.
Alice?
Alice, are you in here,
honey?
Alice?
Oh!
What are you doing?
Let me out!
-Come in, my dear.
No need to be afraid.
-Where is she?
-She's gone.
-How?
-You underestimate
my capabilities.
-What am I supposed to --
What am I supposed to do?
-Do nothing.
The rest of this mess
will be gone in a moment,
and the room will be
licked clean,
and there'll be no trace left
of your friend.
-She wasn't my friend.
-Then what's the problem?
-Someone will come
looking for her.
-Perhaps you worry too much.
She served no purpose
except to fill my belly.
-Why not just
finish me off like that?
Wouldn't it be easier?
-Yes, it would,
but much less fun.
-Hello.
You've reached the phone
of Jerry and Linda.
Leave a message after the beep
and we'll call you back.
Bye.
-Mom.
Look, call me back as soon
as possible, okay.
I need to talk to Alice. It's --
- Jesus, Mindy.
I was in the bathroom.
What's the goddamn emergency?
-It's time
for Alice to come home.
-Just like that,now.
-Look,
you told me
to get my shit together, okay?
Well, shit officially together,
so, please.
-Mindy, what's going on?
-Nothing's going on, Mom.
Can you just bring her now?
-Now?
Jesus, Mindy,
you really are something.
You ever stop to think that
I may have a life over here?
I can drop her off tomorrow.
That's the best I can do.
-Okay. Tomorrow, first thing.
-Mindy?
-Yeah?
Don't fuck this up again.
-She'll be here tomorrow.
-The girl?
-Yes.
-Well...
I look forward to
meeting her.
-You won't win.
You won't have Alice.
And you won't have me anymore.
-Is that so?
-I know what I've done wrong.
I let you unravel me.
I let you convince me
that I'm protecting her.
I let you convince me
that my sacrifice is my power.
The more I'd give of myself,
the safer she'd be,
and the stronger I'd become.
You're very clever --
all these little bites,
all this slow suffering.
What a deception it's all been,
but I won't be deceived anymore.
It's over.
Bravo, my dear.
What a wonderfully pathetic
speech that was.
You have realized nothing.
And when that little
girl arrives here tomorrow.
I promise you,
I will devour every inch of you,
except for your eyes,
so that you may watch helplessly
as I chew her to the bone.
And make no mistake,
my anticipation
of that delightful moment
is the only reason
I have let you live.
And if you so much
as even think of defying me,
I will rise to a power
beyond your comprehension.
-We'll see.
-You have nothing.
-That's where you're wrong.
I have everything.
-Oh, my God.
I missed you so much.
Look at you.
Thanks, Mom.
-A minute of your time?
-Hey, I'm just gonna talk to
Grandma for a second, okay?
Wait for me? Thank you.
-You know you look like crap.
-Thanks, Mom.
-Did I really do that bad
of a job?
Didn't I provide you
with a loving home?
I don't know.
Maybe I'm the one that's crazy.
-No,
you've made that very clear.
It's me.
Look,
it doesn't always
have to be about you.
-Oh.
That's where you're wrong,
Mindy.
It's always about me.
If it involves you,
it's always about me.
I don't know
if you've realized this yet,
but no matter how old you get,
I'll always think of you
as my girl.
-Look, thank you
for everything you've done.
I do, I appreciate it
But everything's good, okay?
I've got this.
-Well, you've got
my number the next time
you need me to bail you out.
-Do you just hate me?
-Hate you? I love you.
I'm your mother.
I love you. Oh, God.
I love you.
I love you.
-See?
It's just how you left it.
-Yeah.
Mom?
Why was I at grandma's
for so long?
-Um...
Uh, it's kind of
a hard question to answer.
I mean, it's --
it's complicated.
-Why is it complicated?
-How about some lunch?
Come on.
-Mom, are you okay?
-Do you trust me?
-Why?
-No, not "why."
Do you trust me?
-Yeah, I guess.
-You know I love you, right?
-Yeah.
-And I'm here to protect you.
-Mm-hmm.
-Okay.
-Well, then,
I need you to trust me.
-Mom,
what are we talking about?
-I need to show you something.
-What is it?
-It's it's kind of
hard to explain,
but I want to try to prepare you
before I show you.
You know how
when you were little
and I'd tell you
monsters aren't real?
Like if you had a bad dream
or if you got scared at night
or you heard a noise
in your room,
and I'd tell you everything's
fine and it's okay, right?
-Yeah.
-Well, I didn't lie to you.
I'd never lie to you.
It just...
turns out there's
some things even I didn't know.
-Like what?
-This is gonna sound crazy,
but it turns out
monsters are real.
-Mom?
-And there's one downstairs.
-Mom, you're scaring me.
Grandma says
that you have a lot of problems.
-Well,
Grandma says a lot of things.
The reason you haven't been
here in so long is
because I've been
protecting you.
-From the monster
-Yes.
Now, I think the only way
to stop him
is for us to face him together.
-Mom, are you crazy?
-No. No, I'm not crazy.
And I promise I won't let
anything happen to you.
But I need you to come
downstairs with me.
Okay?
Stay behind me.
-Mom, I'm scared.
-Where are you?
Where are you?
-Mom?
-I don't --
He was right here.
-Mom?
-Right here!
-Mom!
What's wrong with you?
-Come on.
-Mom, what's going on?
Mom, stop.
I don't like this.
-What?
-He's gone.
I think it might be over.
I really think it might be over.
-Warm enough?
-Yeah.
I'm so happy you're here.
-Me, too.
-You must be tired, huh?
-A little.
-Yeah.
Well, get some sleep,
and tomorrow, we
can do whatever you want.
Sound good?
-Yeah.
-Yeah. I love you, baby.
-I love you, too, Mom.
-Go right to sleep.
-Yep.
-Night, my love.
-Mom?
-Yeah?
-Do you ever miss Dad?
-Always.
We'll talk tomorrow, okay?
-Good night.
-Good night.
- Mom?
Mom?
Mom!
Mom!
Mom! Mom!
-Ms. Vogel?
-Yeah?
-Hello, Ms. Vogel.
Burt Holzman
from Child Protective Services,
field manager.
-Okay.
-Yes.
There was a Mrs. Whitfield
here from CPS a few days ago.
Do you remember that?
From CPS?
-I remember.
-Can you tell me about
that visit?
-Yes, she showed up,
and she wanted to talk to
my daughter Alice.
And she did, and she left.
I assumed that was
the end of this.
-Yes, well, you see,
Mrs. Whitfield never filed
her final case report,
so that's why I'm here.
Office Manager, make sure
the matter is handled properly.
Is Alice home today?
-You people just
don't give up, do you?
-Ms. Vogel,
if Alice is at home today,
this matter will only
take a few moments.
Just a few questions.
-Fine.
-Come in.
Alice is in her room.
-Okay. Alright.
-Alice?
-Yeah.
-Can you come here for a second?
Hey, um, sweetie,
this man wants to ask
you some questions.
-Hi, Alice. I'm Mr. Holtzman.
I just was hoping
to ask you a few questions.
-It's okay.
You can talk to him.
-If we could just have
a moment of privacy.
-What?
You want to talk to her alone?
She's -- She's only 10.
-We like to talk to the child
without any parental influence.
I'm sure Mrs. Whitfield
did the same.
-I just -- I just think
this whole thing's ridiculous.
-I'm sorry you feel that way.
It's truly only gonna
take a few moments.
Just a few questions.
-Fine. You can go in there.
-Mom?
-It's okay.
Just tell him the truth.
Go ahead.
-Okay, Alice, like I said,
my name is Mr. Holtzman.
I'd just like to ask you
a few questions about your mom.
Is that okay?
Okay, Ms. Vogel,
we are all done here.
-Yeah?
-You have
a wonderful daughter,
and I see no reason
to investigate this case
any further.
Thank you for talking with me
today, Alice.
-That's it?
-That's it.
Consider it case closed.
Thank you for your time today,
and truly sorry
for any inconvenience.
Y'all have a good day.
Oh, by the way,
if Mrs. Whitfield
does reach out to you,
please have her contact me.
She's been a little bit
MIA lately.
-Will do.
-Who was that?
-Doesn't matter.
You're never gonna
see him again.
-Getting tired?
-Not really.
-Really? It's late.
Got to get you back
into school mode.
A couple of more weeks.
Are you excited?
-I guess.
-Well, I need a shower.
I feel gross.
Oh. So do you.
Look, you can read
till I get out, okay?
Deal?
-Deal.
-Okay.
-Well, hello there.
-Hi.
-Hi. Aren't you a cutie?
Is your mother home?
-Yeah,
but she's in the bathroom.
-Is that right?
Would you mind terribly if
I came inside to wait for her?
-Oh, um, no.
I can't let a stranger
in the house.
-Stranger? Oh, my love.
I am not a stranger.
I happen to be a
very dear friend of your mother.
She's never mentioned me?
-I don't think so.
Were you a friend of
my dad's too?
-No, I don't believe I was.
But you are a very smart girl.
Do not trust those
you do not know.
Could you do me
a big favor?
-What is it?
-I would like you
to let your mother know
that I came by for a visit.
Could you do that?
-Mm-hmm.
-And I want you
to tell her my name.
-Okay.
-Now,
it's kind of a strange name,
so I want you to practice
saying it.
My name is Agyar.
Can you say that?
-Agyar.
-That was very good.
That was perfect, Alice.
-How do you know my name?
-Because I told you,
I'm a good friend
of your mother.
Now, don't forget.
You tell her Agyar
was here for a little visit.
-Okay,
-Okay.
Sweet Alice,
I'm quite sure I'll
be seeing much more of you
very soon.
-Mom?
Mom?
-What? I'm in the shower.
-Someone was here to see you.
-What did you say?
-I said someone was here
to see you.
-Who?
-Agyar.
-What?
Who did you say was here?
-Agyar.
-Where is he?
Did you let him in?
No, he left.
-Come on.
Why is this open?
-Uh...
-Why was this open?
Did he come in?
-Why
was this open?
-I don't know.
I swear, he left.
I shut the door.
Mom.
Mom, what's wrong?
He said he was your friend.
Mom, is he your friend?
-No.
He's not my friend.
-Mom, let's go.
-No. This is our house.
We're not going anywhere.
-No, Mom! No.
-Alice,
it's the only way okay?
-Mom, what's going on?
I'm scared.
-I'm not sure.
- Mom?
-Mom? Mom!
-Alice, it's okay.
-Mom?
-Alice...
Alice.
- Mom?
Alice...
-It's Jack.
Alice...
-I bet you're
a wonderful mother.
-Child's Voice: Daddy!
-Everything's going
to be fine.
-What's that?
-A dinner bell.
- I am everywhere.
-Mommy? Let's go.
-Stay right behind me.
You hear him, too, right?
It's not just me.
Do you hear him?
-I hear him, too.
-Mom?
-Yeah?
-Do you have a plan?
-Yeah.
Of course, I mean --
I did have a plan,
and then sometimes,
when things change,
you have to make a new plan.
You make a new plan.
-Mom?
-Yeah.
-I think we just need to
kill him.
-Let's go to the kitchen
and find some weapons.
Who's the monster now?
I'm here.
You see?
No resistance.
So please, show Alice
who you really are.
Show her that you're
just as I am,
that we are indistinguishable.
-I'm nothing like you.
-Then cut me open
and let my inside spill out,
and you will see the remains
of a thousand others
who thought just as you do.
All the same.
All mistaken.
And when it's all over, and
I've cast my last breath,
then you and Alice
can tend to the rest...
and lick the room clean.
Yes.
- Mom?
What are you doing?
No!
No...
-Run.
-Yes, Alice, come join us.
It's what we all want.
Are you one of us?
Hey mom.
-Protect me from everything
And all the girls and boys
That want it more
than I can give
Makes me feel like a toy
You stop playing with
in the second grade
I'm up on the shelf
And I feel so helpless
And so naive
Protect me from everything
And all the current noise
Distorts the night
and blurs the years
Makes me feel like
the choice
Has been torn apart
and the ending's frayed
I'm here by myself
And I feel so helpless
And so naive
-I'm hungry.
-Can you do the leg?
-I...I do so much prefer the
arm.
-I know.
It's still so sore, I just...
It needs more time to heal.
-No.
I think I'll have the arm.
-I think it's infected.
If it gets any worse, I'm going
to have to go to the hospital.
-You'll do no such thing.
I'll be gentle.
Now feed me.
-Hello?
-Hello, Mindy.
-Hi, Mother.
-Alice wanted to say hello.
Can you spare the time?
-Yes, of course.
-Hold on.
-Hi, Mommy.
-Hi, Alice. How are you?
-I'm okay.
-That's good. I miss you.
-I miss you, too.
When can I come home again?
-Soon. I -- I hope real soon.
I just...
I have a couple of things
to take care of,
and then --
and then you can come back
and we can get back to normal,
okay?
-Okay.
-So, what else is going on?
Are you being good?
-Yeah, I'm being good.
Oh, Grandma wants to
talk to you.
-Okay, sweetie. Put her on.
I love you.
-Love you.
-Hello.
-She sounds good.
-How would you know?
-Please don't talk about me
in front of her.
-Don't worry, she's gone.
And I don't think you're in any
position to tell me what to do.
When is this going to end?
Huh?
It's been what? Three weeks?
This child is confused.
I can only lie to her
for so long.
Are you doing drugs?
-No, Mom, I'm not doing drugs.
And you don't have to
lie to her at all.
-No?
What am I supposed to say?
Your mommy isn't equipped
to take care of you?
- Stop.
-Well...
-I just need a little more time.
-You don't think I had
problems when I was your age?
You think your father was
any help in raising you?
You don't think there were
times that I wanted to
run and hide
from everything too?
But did I? No. I didn't.
I was there for you.
-Yeah, I know.
You're better than me.
-Oh, please.
Don't give me that
self-pity shit.
Look, I know you had
a tough time with
everything that happened
with Jack and all,
but that was a long time ago,
and now, now it's time
for you to put your
big girl pants on, Mindy.
-It's not that simple.
-Yes. Yes, it is, Mindy.
Life doesn't care about
your problems.
Life doesn't stop to ask
if you're okay.
Life is a fucking monster.
Your job is to take care of
that little girl, not yourself.
It's as simple as that.
That's it.
-I just need
a little more time.
-Yeah, well,
your daughter needs dinner,
so I'm going to go.
-Can I just please
say goodbye?
-Goodbye.
- Mindy? Mindy Vogel?
-Hey, Gail.
-Jeez, I haven't seen you
around much.
How's your summer going?
-Um...
good.
-What is with this getup?
Are you, uh,
hiding from someone?
Are you sneaking around?
-Uh, no.
I'm -- I'm sorry.
I just, um...
I've been a little
under the weather.
-Jesus, Mindy.
You look terrible.
Are you alright?
-Yeah, no, yeah.
I just, um...
I got a bug or, like,
a virus or something.
Oh, I'm -- I'm
past being contagious.
I'm just, um...tired, mostly.
I'm on the mend, so...
-Hey,
is Alice doing gymnastics
this summer?
Because, you know,
Piper moved up to advanced,
so if you are,
you better get on it,
because those classes
fill up fast.
-Um, yeah, yeah, maybe.
Um, we're not sure if we are.
Um, Alice is at
her grandmother's this weekend.
But we're definitely
thinking about gymnastics.
But, um...
you know
how things go sometimes.
-Mindy...
If you need help,
you can always call me.
-Oh, um, no,
actually, um, I have to go,
'cause I have to pick up Alice
from her friend's.
-I thought you said she was
at her grandma's.
-Yeah, no. That's what I meant.
Um, her friend's there, too.
These kids have me rattled,
just running here and there.
-Well, I'll let you go, then.
-Um, maybe we'll see you
at gymnastics or something.
-Okay. Bye.
-Bye.
-Do you believe in God?
-What?
-Do you believe in God?
-What do you think?
-I think you must.
-Why is that?
-Because you believe in me.
-You don't give me
much of a choice.
I think if God does exist,
He must hate me.
-Oh, no, no, no, my dear.
He doesn't hate you.
He just doesn't care.
Don't you see that?
She will leave you eventually,
and all this will be
for nothing.
And poor Mommy Mindy
will be left all alone
to rot in her rocking chair...
or wheelchair.
At least
you'll have your memories.
and your scars.
Lovely song.
-Hello.
-Can I help you?
-Are you Mindy Vogel?
-Um...Maybe. Who are you?
-Maybe who are you?
-I'm Sonya Whitfield with CPS.
-I'm sorry, with what?
-Oh, CPS.
Child Protective Services.
-I don't understand.
-Do you have a daughter?
Um...Alice.
-Uh, yes.
-Is she at home?
-I -- I don't understand.
-Okay, we'll start over.
I'm Sonya Whitfield.
I'm with
Child Protective Services,
and I'd like to know
if your daughter's at home.
-No.
She's -- She's at
her grandmother's for the week,
visiting.
-Great.
Would you mind if I stepped in
and had to look around?
-Okay, what's going on?
-When we receive a call
about the welfare of a child,
it's our legal obligation --
-I'm -- I'm sorry.
What call? Who called you?
Was it Gail Hurley?
Because she doesn't have any
idea what she's talking about.
What, she sees me one time
when I'm under the weather
and for a minute,
and suddenly,
I can't take care of my child?
-I'm sorry.
I'm not at liberty to divulge
where the information came from.
-I don't understand
how someone can just
call you and say
whatever they want.
-Well, we have to take
every accusation seriously.
-Accusation of what?
I told you she's fine.
-I certainly hope so,
and if you would just let
me come inside
and look around a little bit...
I'd rather not involve
the police or get a warrant,
but I will if I have to.
-Fine.
But this is ridiculous.
This is Alice's room.
-Oh.
Do you, uh, live alone?
With Alice, I mean.
-Yes.
-So no Mr. Vogel?
-No, no, Mr. Vogel.
-What is she, uh, 11 or 12?
-Hm. She likes to read?
-Yeah, she's smart.
Are we done?
-Well,
everything certainly looks okay,
but I'd like you to call me
when Alice comes home
from her grandmother's.
My number's on the card.
When did you say she'd be back?
-I didn't.
-Oh.
-I -- I still don't
understand any of this.
-It's just a precaution.
You wouldn't believe some
of the things that we see.
-What's that?
-What?
-That sound.
There it is again.
It's coming from downstairs.
-What are you doing?
Excuse me.
-What's in there?
-Oh, um, nothing.
Just storage.
-Can you open it?
-Um...
Can we just do this
when Alice is back?
Besides, I think it's locked.
I honestly never go in there.
-Oh. It's open.
-Um...
Can -- Can we -- Can we just...
Oh, yeah, sorry.
I, um, I have to get a new bulb.
Trust me,
you don't want to go in there.
It's a mess.
-Peculiar smell.
-Um...
I'll get the light bulb
replaced before next week.
-Okay, you have my number, so...
um, please call me
when Alice gets back.
You know, on second thought,
let's plan on me
coming back on Tuesday,
and make sure
that Alice is at home, okay?
-Um...
-What?
-Tuesday. Okay?
Try to remember.
-Okay.
-Have a nice day.
-Sure.
-We need to talk.
-What took you so long?
-We need to talk.
This has to stop.
-I find it curious that
you think you're in a position
to demand anything.
Besides, you know the answer.
You know the only way out.
-No.
-Then we continue together.
-They're gonna take Alice
from me.
-Well, give it to me.
I'll protect her.
-You'll eat her.
-You think this will be easy?
Just give me the girl.
-I won't do that.
-Why do you suppose you had
a child in the first place?
Perhaps you thought your
little miracle could contribute,
eliminate things like me,
make a difference.
That was
what you thought, Mindy.
You thought
you could make a difference?
Because I'm quite sorry
to tell you that you cannot.
-Then what's the point?
-And that, my dear,
is the most insightful thing
you've said yet.
No more talking.
Come to me.
-Don't touch me.
-You have to stop.
It's just too much, please.
-I'm still hungry.
-I think...
I think I'm dying.
-You're fine.
-I'm not. It's too much.
-You expect me to starve?
-What if I find --
What if I find you
something else to eat?
-You mean someone else?
-Yes.
-Do you think that's advisable?
To bring an outsider
into our relationship?
-Is that what you think this is?
-We've grown close.
-I need a break.
If I die, you have nothing.
You won't have me, no Alice.
-Perhaps that just gets you
out of the way.
-No. You need me.
Don't you?
-I almost forgot.
I wrote you a song.
I want to sing it for you.
-I don't want to hear it.
-There was a girl
She was alone
Then she met a man
and they built a home
His name was Jack
And they had a child
They called her Alice
But then Jack, he died
-Stop.
-Then they were two,
oh, so scared
Poor Mommy Mindy
was unprepared
But have no fear
Agyar is here
To take good care of you
To take good care
Of you
Did you like it?
-No.
-Perhaps a little variety
in my diet
wouldn't be such a bad thing.
-Cigarette?
-No, thank you.
-What's your name?
-It's okay.
I'm just trying to get home.
-I'm not a prostitute.
Do I look like a prostitute?
-Sorry, no.
I'm just waiting for the bus.
-What's your name?
-Please, I'm just --
-You can't tell me your name?
-Paul.
-Paul.
You live around here, Paul?
-No.
-Wife? Girlfriend?
-No. My kitty.
-Kitty...
-You know, I, um, I don't make
a habit of talking to strangers
at night at bus stops.
But, um,
I was walking alone tonight,
and I was thinking about
how many people we pass
every day
who we don't pay attention to,
that we never really see.
And how...
any one of those people
could become someone
really special in our lives
if we just
gave them a chance.
-Do you ever get lonely?
I live close.
We can walk.
Are you hungry?
Come on.
Let's go sit down.
Um...Sit.
Would you like
something to drink?
-I'm fine. Thank you.
You know,
I think maybe I should leave.
-Oh, no, um...
I have some ice cream.
Do you want some ice cream?
-I -- I guess,
if you're gonna have some.
I'll be right back.
I'm fine!
I'm fine.
I'll be right there!
-I think I should leave!
Ice cream.
Sorry it took me so long.
I couldn't find the scoop.
-What's wrong?
-Nothing.
You know, I think --
I think maybe I should go.
I'm not really that hungry.
-Oh, no. Um, here.
Let me feed you.
It's good, huh?
Open.
-It tastes strange.
-You don't like it?
-No, I didn't say that.
Um, what flavor is it?
-I'm so happy you're here.
I, um,
I don't have many friends.
Actually, I, um...
I don't have any friends.
And when I saw you tonight,
I thought,
now there's someone
who could be my friend.
Someone kind and handsome,
alone, like me.
You do want to be my friend,
don't you, Paul?
-Mm-hmm. I think so.
-Of course you do.
Eat.
-I have, um --
I -- I have something
I want to show you.
-Paul, I'm -- I'm so sorry.
Maybe --
-Maybe the ice cream
was expired?
Or maybe it's the flu?
Do you think it's the flu?
- Please!
-What is that?
-Your meal.
-My meal?
I don't eat the dead.
-He's not dead.
At last,
I don't think he's dead.
-You haven't thought this
through.
-No.
-It's no good.
He tastes of misery and despair.
I prefer stubborn,
with something to lose.
Take it away.
- Okay.
Okay, we got this. Okay.
Okay.
Paul. Paul.
Paul. Paul!
Paul!
Hi.
-You passed out.
You passed out.
-Ow. Ow.
Ah! Jesus, I'm bleeding.
-That's strange.
Maybe you hurt it when you fell.
-Fell.
-Let me help you.
Come on. Come on.
-Please,
I need to leave.
-I'm sorry.
I'll give you some privacy.
-Who said I want privacy?
How old are your children?
-I'm sorry?
-Your children.
How old are they?
-You're assuming
I have children.
-I can tell.
I've raised enough of them
myself to know
when I'm sitting
next to a mother.
It's a different energy.
-What energy is that?
-Exhaustion.
Resilience.
-Well, I just have one.
One daughter, she's 10.
-I bet she's wonderful.
-She is.
-I bet you're
a wonderful mother.
-That's debatable.
-Plans for any more?
-Kids? Um, no.
-Her father,
my -- my husband's dead.
-Yeah. Mine's dead, too.
But then, I'm 100 years old.
Have you ever heard of
the three stages?
-What's that?
-It's a very famous philosophy
pertaining to raising children.
-No, I haven't heard of it.
Who came up with it?
-Me.
So, maybe it's not that
famous, but it does make sense.
-Okay, so three stages?
-Stage one,
you stand behind them.
Stage two,
you stand in front of them.
Stage three,
you stand beside them.
-Um,
I don't I don't understand.
I'm sorry.
-Well, you see, when when
children are small and unsteady,
we stand behind them,
hold them so they don't fall.
That's stage one.
As they grow,
we stand in front of them,
to shield them from harm.
Stage two.
Stage three,
we stand beside them
and face adversity with them.
We allow them to give to us
as we've given to them,
and save us occasionally,
the way that we saved them.
And when we do that,
anything is possible.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't explain that very well.
I --
-No, no. You did. Um...
When would you say
that stage three begins?
-Oh, how old
did you say your daughter was?
-It starts now.
You know,
I have jabbered on long enough.
I'll be on my way.
It's been a pleasure.
Whew.
-Hey.
-Yeah?
-Nothing.
-Well, you have a wonderful day.
-Ms. Vogel?
-Hi.
-Shit.
-It's Sonya from CPS.
I was here last week.
-I know, I remember.
-Well, it's Tuesday,
and I didn't hear from you,
so I thought I'd just stop by
and see how Alice is doing.
She is here, I presume?
-I'm sorry. What?
Alice, is she at home?
-Yes. Yes, she's here.
-Great.
I'll just take a moment
and ask her a few questions.
-I just said she's here.
She's fine.
So why do you need to come in?
-If you refuse
to let me speak with her,
then I'll have no choice
but to call law enforcement.
And at that point,
they'll remove her
from your custody
pending further investigation.
And I don't think either one
of us wants that.
-Fine. Come in.
I'm sure she'll be thrilled
to have a complete
stranger barge in on her.
-You know, this all seems so
like borderline harassment.
-I'm sorry you feel that way.
We just have the best interests
of the child at heart, really.
-My child.
-If I could just see her,
please.
-She's in her room.
Alice?
Alice, there's someone here
to speak with you.
Um. Oh.
You know, she gets nervous
around strangers.
Um, maybe she's hiding.
-Ms. Vogel.
-Um, maybe you could come
back, and I'll speak with her,
and maybe you could come back
and I could --
-Miss Vogel,
Alice isn't here, is she?
Have you done something
to her?
-Wait.
Wait.
-Don't.
-Ms. Vogel, stand back.
Alice?
Alice, are you in here,
honey?
Alice?
Oh!
What are you doing?
Let me out!
-Come in, my dear.
No need to be afraid.
-Where is she?
-She's gone.
-How?
-You underestimate
my capabilities.
-What am I supposed to --
What am I supposed to do?
-Do nothing.
The rest of this mess
will be gone in a moment,
and the room will be
licked clean,
and there'll be no trace left
of your friend.
-She wasn't my friend.
-Then what's the problem?
-Someone will come
looking for her.
-Perhaps you worry too much.
She served no purpose
except to fill my belly.
-Why not just
finish me off like that?
Wouldn't it be easier?
-Yes, it would,
but much less fun.
-Hello.
You've reached the phone
of Jerry and Linda.
Leave a message after the beep
and we'll call you back.
Bye.
-Mom.
Look, call me back as soon
as possible, okay.
I need to talk to Alice. It's --
- Jesus, Mindy.
I was in the bathroom.
What's the goddamn emergency?
-It's time
for Alice to come home.
-Just like that,now.
-Look,
you told me
to get my shit together, okay?
Well, shit officially together,
so, please.
-Mindy, what's going on?
-Nothing's going on, Mom.
Can you just bring her now?
-Now?
Jesus, Mindy,
you really are something.
You ever stop to think that
I may have a life over here?
I can drop her off tomorrow.
That's the best I can do.
-Okay. Tomorrow, first thing.
-Mindy?
-Yeah?
Don't fuck this up again.
-She'll be here tomorrow.
-The girl?
-Yes.
-Well...
I look forward to
meeting her.
-You won't win.
You won't have Alice.
And you won't have me anymore.
-Is that so?
-I know what I've done wrong.
I let you unravel me.
I let you convince me
that I'm protecting her.
I let you convince me
that my sacrifice is my power.
The more I'd give of myself,
the safer she'd be,
and the stronger I'd become.
You're very clever --
all these little bites,
all this slow suffering.
What a deception it's all been,
but I won't be deceived anymore.
It's over.
Bravo, my dear.
What a wonderfully pathetic
speech that was.
You have realized nothing.
And when that little
girl arrives here tomorrow.
I promise you,
I will devour every inch of you,
except for your eyes,
so that you may watch helplessly
as I chew her to the bone.
And make no mistake,
my anticipation
of that delightful moment
is the only reason
I have let you live.
And if you so much
as even think of defying me,
I will rise to a power
beyond your comprehension.
-We'll see.
-You have nothing.
-That's where you're wrong.
I have everything.
-Oh, my God.
I missed you so much.
Look at you.
Thanks, Mom.
-A minute of your time?
-Hey, I'm just gonna talk to
Grandma for a second, okay?
Wait for me? Thank you.
-You know you look like crap.
-Thanks, Mom.
-Did I really do that bad
of a job?
Didn't I provide you
with a loving home?
I don't know.
Maybe I'm the one that's crazy.
-No,
you've made that very clear.
It's me.
Look,
it doesn't always
have to be about you.
-Oh.
That's where you're wrong,
Mindy.
It's always about me.
If it involves you,
it's always about me.
I don't know
if you've realized this yet,
but no matter how old you get,
I'll always think of you
as my girl.
-Look, thank you
for everything you've done.
I do, I appreciate it
But everything's good, okay?
I've got this.
-Well, you've got
my number the next time
you need me to bail you out.
-Do you just hate me?
-Hate you? I love you.
I'm your mother.
I love you. Oh, God.
I love you.
I love you.
-See?
It's just how you left it.
-Yeah.
Mom?
Why was I at grandma's
for so long?
-Um...
Uh, it's kind of
a hard question to answer.
I mean, it's --
it's complicated.
-Why is it complicated?
-How about some lunch?
Come on.
-Mom, are you okay?
-Do you trust me?
-Why?
-No, not "why."
Do you trust me?
-Yeah, I guess.
-You know I love you, right?
-Yeah.
-And I'm here to protect you.
-Mm-hmm.
-Okay.
-Well, then,
I need you to trust me.
-Mom,
what are we talking about?
-I need to show you something.
-What is it?
-It's it's kind of
hard to explain,
but I want to try to prepare you
before I show you.
You know how
when you were little
and I'd tell you
monsters aren't real?
Like if you had a bad dream
or if you got scared at night
or you heard a noise
in your room,
and I'd tell you everything's
fine and it's okay, right?
-Yeah.
-Well, I didn't lie to you.
I'd never lie to you.
It just...
turns out there's
some things even I didn't know.
-Like what?
-This is gonna sound crazy,
but it turns out
monsters are real.
-Mom?
-And there's one downstairs.
-Mom, you're scaring me.
Grandma says
that you have a lot of problems.
-Well,
Grandma says a lot of things.
The reason you haven't been
here in so long is
because I've been
protecting you.
-From the monster
-Yes.
Now, I think the only way
to stop him
is for us to face him together.
-Mom, are you crazy?
-No. No, I'm not crazy.
And I promise I won't let
anything happen to you.
But I need you to come
downstairs with me.
Okay?
Stay behind me.
-Mom, I'm scared.
-Where are you?
Where are you?
-Mom?
-I don't --
He was right here.
-Mom?
-Right here!
-Mom!
What's wrong with you?
-Come on.
-Mom, what's going on?
Mom, stop.
I don't like this.
-What?
-He's gone.
I think it might be over.
I really think it might be over.
-Warm enough?
-Yeah.
I'm so happy you're here.
-Me, too.
-You must be tired, huh?
-A little.
-Yeah.
Well, get some sleep,
and tomorrow, we
can do whatever you want.
Sound good?
-Yeah.
-Yeah. I love you, baby.
-I love you, too, Mom.
-Go right to sleep.
-Yep.
-Night, my love.
-Mom?
-Yeah?
-Do you ever miss Dad?
-Always.
We'll talk tomorrow, okay?
-Good night.
-Good night.
- Mom?
Mom?
Mom!
Mom!
Mom! Mom!
-Ms. Vogel?
-Yeah?
-Hello, Ms. Vogel.
Burt Holzman
from Child Protective Services,
field manager.
-Okay.
-Yes.
There was a Mrs. Whitfield
here from CPS a few days ago.
Do you remember that?
From CPS?
-I remember.
-Can you tell me about
that visit?
-Yes, she showed up,
and she wanted to talk to
my daughter Alice.
And she did, and she left.
I assumed that was
the end of this.
-Yes, well, you see,
Mrs. Whitfield never filed
her final case report,
so that's why I'm here.
Office Manager, make sure
the matter is handled properly.
Is Alice home today?
-You people just
don't give up, do you?
-Ms. Vogel,
if Alice is at home today,
this matter will only
take a few moments.
Just a few questions.
-Fine.
-Come in.
Alice is in her room.
-Okay. Alright.
-Alice?
-Yeah.
-Can you come here for a second?
Hey, um, sweetie,
this man wants to ask
you some questions.
-Hi, Alice. I'm Mr. Holtzman.
I just was hoping
to ask you a few questions.
-It's okay.
You can talk to him.
-If we could just have
a moment of privacy.
-What?
You want to talk to her alone?
She's -- She's only 10.
-We like to talk to the child
without any parental influence.
I'm sure Mrs. Whitfield
did the same.
-I just -- I just think
this whole thing's ridiculous.
-I'm sorry you feel that way.
It's truly only gonna
take a few moments.
Just a few questions.
-Fine. You can go in there.
-Mom?
-It's okay.
Just tell him the truth.
Go ahead.
-Okay, Alice, like I said,
my name is Mr. Holtzman.
I'd just like to ask you
a few questions about your mom.
Is that okay?
Okay, Ms. Vogel,
we are all done here.
-Yeah?
-You have
a wonderful daughter,
and I see no reason
to investigate this case
any further.
Thank you for talking with me
today, Alice.
-That's it?
-That's it.
Consider it case closed.
Thank you for your time today,
and truly sorry
for any inconvenience.
Y'all have a good day.
Oh, by the way,
if Mrs. Whitfield
does reach out to you,
please have her contact me.
She's been a little bit
MIA lately.
-Will do.
-Who was that?
-Doesn't matter.
You're never gonna
see him again.
-Getting tired?
-Not really.
-Really? It's late.
Got to get you back
into school mode.
A couple of more weeks.
Are you excited?
-I guess.
-Well, I need a shower.
I feel gross.
Oh. So do you.
Look, you can read
till I get out, okay?
Deal?
-Deal.
-Okay.
-Well, hello there.
-Hi.
-Hi. Aren't you a cutie?
Is your mother home?
-Yeah,
but she's in the bathroom.
-Is that right?
Would you mind terribly if
I came inside to wait for her?
-Oh, um, no.
I can't let a stranger
in the house.
-Stranger? Oh, my love.
I am not a stranger.
I happen to be a
very dear friend of your mother.
She's never mentioned me?
-I don't think so.
Were you a friend of
my dad's too?
-No, I don't believe I was.
But you are a very smart girl.
Do not trust those
you do not know.
Could you do me
a big favor?
-What is it?
-I would like you
to let your mother know
that I came by for a visit.
Could you do that?
-Mm-hmm.
-And I want you
to tell her my name.
-Okay.
-Now,
it's kind of a strange name,
so I want you to practice
saying it.
My name is Agyar.
Can you say that?
-Agyar.
-That was very good.
That was perfect, Alice.
-How do you know my name?
-Because I told you,
I'm a good friend
of your mother.
Now, don't forget.
You tell her Agyar
was here for a little visit.
-Okay,
-Okay.
Sweet Alice,
I'm quite sure I'll
be seeing much more of you
very soon.
-Mom?
Mom?
-What? I'm in the shower.
-Someone was here to see you.
-What did you say?
-I said someone was here
to see you.
-Who?
-Agyar.
-What?
Who did you say was here?
-Agyar.
-Where is he?
Did you let him in?
No, he left.
-Come on.
Why is this open?
-Uh...
-Why was this open?
Did he come in?
-Why
was this open?
-I don't know.
I swear, he left.
I shut the door.
Mom.
Mom, what's wrong?
He said he was your friend.
Mom, is he your friend?
-No.
He's not my friend.
-Mom, let's go.
-No. This is our house.
We're not going anywhere.
-No, Mom! No.
-Alice,
it's the only way okay?
-Mom, what's going on?
I'm scared.
-I'm not sure.
- Mom?
-Mom? Mom!
-Alice, it's okay.
-Mom?
-Alice...
Alice.
- Mom?
Alice...
-It's Jack.
Alice...
-I bet you're
a wonderful mother.
-Child's Voice: Daddy!
-Everything's going
to be fine.
-What's that?
-A dinner bell.
- I am everywhere.
-Mommy? Let's go.
-Stay right behind me.
You hear him, too, right?
It's not just me.
Do you hear him?
-I hear him, too.
-Mom?
-Yeah?
-Do you have a plan?
-Yeah.
Of course, I mean --
I did have a plan,
and then sometimes,
when things change,
you have to make a new plan.
You make a new plan.
-Mom?
-Yeah.
-I think we just need to
kill him.
-Let's go to the kitchen
and find some weapons.
Who's the monster now?
I'm here.
You see?
No resistance.
So please, show Alice
who you really are.
Show her that you're
just as I am,
that we are indistinguishable.
-I'm nothing like you.
-Then cut me open
and let my inside spill out,
and you will see the remains
of a thousand others
who thought just as you do.
All the same.
All mistaken.
And when it's all over, and
I've cast my last breath,
then you and Alice
can tend to the rest...
and lick the room clean.
Yes.
- Mom?
What are you doing?
No!
No...
-Run.
-Yes, Alice, come join us.
It's what we all want.
Are you one of us?
Hey mom.