Magazine Dreams (2023) Movie Script
1
(grand orchestral fanfare
playing)
(door clanking and creaking)
(exhaling forcefully)
REPORTER: ...in a deadly
7-Eleven robbery spree tonight.
(over TV):
Two men were killed.
Three others were injured.
Authorities say this is
their primary suspect.
PATRICIA: The state has
mandated these sessions
because they're worried
about your aggression.
They want to see that you
won't cause harm to anyone.
Okay.
(grunting)
PATRICIA:
And that you're still capable
of caring for your grandfather.
(indistinct newscast on TV)
KILLIAN:
I am.
PATRICIA: Can we help
show them that you are?
KILLIAN:
Yes.
PATRICIA: It says that
when you were in the hospital,
you had a violent fit
and that you became loud
and abrasive for the nurses...
...and that you threatened them.
KILLIAN: I don't know anything
about a violent fit.
PATRICIA:
Did you tell the nurses
that you were going to
"split their skulls apart
and drink their brains
like soup"?
(grunting, moaning over TV)
KILLIAN:
I don't like people touching me.
(distant siren wailing)
PATRICIA:
Are you still having nightmares?
According to this history,
it says you suffer
from migraines and nightmares.
And that you sometimes hear
your mother's voice
in your head
or other voices talking to you.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
Do you remember Dr. Rubin?
(clamoring in distance)
You told Dr. Rubin
that sometimes
you were afraid
of your own thoughts.
Would you like to talk
about that?
What do you want
to talk about, Killian?
They make me drive six miles
to get groceries
because there's no stores
in my neighborhood.
And does that make you
feel angry?
No grocery stores.
Just junk food.
Food that kills you.
I think they do that on purpose.
Who's "they," Killian?
(grunting softly)
(exhaling forcefully)
(grunts)
(grunting)
(grunting loudly)
INSTRUCTOR 1:
Yeah, squeeze more. Up!
-Two more.
-INSTRUCTOR 2: Crush it!
INSTRUCTOR 1:
All you got. All you got.
Deep, deep, deep! One more!
-INSTRUCTOR 2: Come on.
-INSTRUCTOR 1: Hustle!
INSTRUCTOR 2: Crush it.
Crush it. Get up. Get up!
INSTRUCTOR 1:
Break.
INSTRUCTOR 2:
That's all. Nice.
MAN:
Good work, baby.
-INSTRUCTOR 2: Nice, nice.
-MAN: Yeah.
-Great job. Next set?
-Yeah.
-Another one?
-Yeah, yeah.
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
(clicking, whooshing)
It's Killian again.
I've written you a few times
before and haven't heard back.
Paw-Paw?
REPORTER (over TV):
One woman dead.
It was the third in a string
of armed robberies
this past week that has shaken
local residents.
Authorities warn...
KILLIAN: I'm sure
you get a lot of fan mail
and must not have seen
my letters.
Anyway,
I'm leaving my phone number here
in this letter
in case you'd like to call me.
We can talk about training
or diet
or anything you want, really.
I saw your new magazine cover.
I think it's probably
the best I've ever seen.
I think you are a great athlete,
and I admire you greatly.
I have your posters on my wall,
and I look at them every day.
I'm working hard
and one day hope
to build a physique
as magnificent as yours.
Please call...
or write me back.
Your number one fan...
Killian Maddox.
(grunting, moaning over TV)
(static droning over TV)
(cheering and applause)
BODYBUILDER:
One is mine, baby, all the way.
All the way.
(indistinct chatter, laughter)
(grunts)
(coughs)
(snorting, spitting)
(coughs)
(retching)
(taps counter)
(camera shutters snapping)
HEAD JUDGE:
Relax.
Side chest.
Relax.
Back lat spread.
-(grunting)
-(cheering and applause)
Back double bicep.
-(grunting)
-(applause)
Relax.
21 and seven, switch.
(cheering and applause)
-Side chest.
-(grunting)
(exhales forcefully)
Relax.
19 and 12, switch.
Back double bicep.
(grunting)
Nine and seven, switch.
(cheering and applause)
Abdominals and thighs.
(applause)
(exhales forcefully)
Relax.
Thank you, gentlemen.
-(cheering and applause)
-(camera shutters snapping)
(cart rattling)
(quiet chatter)
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
Sorry.
-Hi.
-Hey, Charlie.
Uh, let's do four pounds
of the, uh...
of the chicken breast.
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
(no audible dialogue)
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
(register beeping)
Hiya.
I work here, too.
Did I tell you that?
Monday, Wednesday,
Friday, right?
That's why we never work
at the same time.
Good memory.
Just a... a natural, I guess.
So, how are things?
I just had a competition,
actually.
Oh, yeah?
Finished sixth.
Nice.
Oh.
No, you're right, it is.
-(laughs)
-Sixth is good.
Yeah, better than seventh.
Sixth place means I can...
I can go to nationals,
try for my pro card.
That's cool.
Yeah, maybe even be on one
of those magazines one day.
(laughs) That would be cool.
Your total is, uh...
$174.88. Yeah.
Saw it on the screen.
Keep the change.
-(Killian laughs)
-(laughing): You're funny.
(register drawer closes)
Well...
See you soon.
Yeah.
See ya.
Okay.
Okay, then.
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
Bye.
Bye.
(register beeping)
-(tires squeal)
-(crashing)
(horns honking)
Sorry.
I'm sorry to do this here, uh,
at your place of employment
in front of everybody,
but I was just wondering,
would you...
maybe want to go out with me
sometime?
(chuckling):
Oh.
You don't have to.
Only if you wanted to.
You probably have a boyfriend
or something.
I was just kidding anyway.
Uh, you have... have a good day.
Bye.
ANNOUNCER:
277 pounds of hardcore muscle.
From England,
(over TV): the reigning
Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates.
(cheering and applause over TV)
(narrator speaking
indistinctly over TV)
NARRATOR: And we shall see
what will become of his dreams.
(siren blaring over TV)
(dance music playing over TV)
WILLIAM (muffled):
What's going on up there?
What are you doing?
-Sorry, Paw-Paw.
-(turns volume down)
(beeping, whirring)
KILLIAN (to self):
Okay, it's on.
Hello.
(voice shaking):
Killian Maddox here,
current MPC competitor,
future IFBB pro champion.
The fundamentals
of bodybuilding... (stammers)
(sighs)
(dog barking in distance)
Fix that.
Go.
(breathing heavily):
Hi. Killian Maddox here.
Current MPC competitor,
future IFBB pro champion.
The fundamentals of bodybuilding
are as old as the sport itself.
For true success, one has to...
(sighs)
(calmly):
Hey, guys. Killian Maddox here.
Current M... (sighs)
Here we go. Here we go.
Here we go.
No.
Come on! Come on!
(voice shaking):
Hey, guys.
Killian Maddox here,
current IPC...
No!
There's four S's
to bodybuilding.
Size, striation,
symmetry and strength.
Strength is usually
not something
they can test right away,
but it can be inferred.
Front lat spread.
(grunts, exhales forcefully)
2016 Grand Prix, Dayton, Ohio.
Judge told me
my deltoids were too small.
These are your deltoids--
here, here.
There's three part...
three parts to it.
There's the front deltoid,
the front of the deltoid,
side deltoid
and your rear deltoid.
When someone hears that,
uh, your deltoids are small,
they're essentially saying
three muscle groups are small.
(laughs) Uh, which is,
uh, quite insulting.
Also, you'll see the f...
(sighs)
The best way to demonstrate
the front deltoid
is probably side chest.
Back, back, back, back,
back, back, and then...
(exhales forcefully)
(grunting)
(high-pitched ringing)
Oh!
(breathing sharply, groaning)
(Killian continues
breathing sharply, groaning)
(pained moaning)
(breathing heavily):
Hey, guys.
Killian Maddox here,
current MPC competitor,
future...
...future IFBB pro champion.
(snorting)
(grunting, sniffing)
(grunting rhythmically)
(line ringing)
MAN:
George and Sons.
KILLIAN:
Hi. Hello.
My name's Killian Maddox.
I'm calling on behalf
of my paw-paw,
William Lattimore.
We're at 58 Tracy Lane.
MAN:
Okay.
Okay, uh, you guys came out,
and you-you painted the house.
I think it was a few weeks ago.
MAN (over phone): Okay, sure.
What can I help you with?
Right. Uh, Paw-Paw says
the paint is thin
and it needs another coat.
He also says that
he's been calling you guys
to try to get you
to come back out here,
but you keep blowing him off.
Okay.
Yeah, he's been calling us.
Maybe you can help
your paw-paw understand
the job is finished, okay?
It's done.
So we're not just gonna
come back out there.
Hello?
Yeah, I-I don't think
you understand what I'm saying.
My paw-paw's name
is William Lattimore.
We live at 58 Tracy Lane.
The paint is thin,
and it needs another coat,
so I need you guys to please
come back out here now
and put another coat of paint
on my goddamn paw-paw's
goddamn house.
Okay, listen, man, you don't
need to raise your fucking...
No, no, no, no, no, no,
no, no, you listen, okay?
Listen.
My paw-paw is
an American war hero
who stormed the jungles
of Vietnam.
Vietnam.
What have you done?
He is now old and sick.
And you will treat him
with respect.
Now, I'm asking you n-nicely
and in a calm voice.
Okay, you want us to come
back out to the house,
you have to pay for it.
(breathing deeply)
(to self):
Ten, I control my emotions.
My emotions don't control me.
Hello?
Nine, I control my emotions.
My emotions don't control me.
-Eight, I control my emotions...
-What?
My emotions don't control me.
Are you at your shop right now?
I am, brother.
You called us here.
I'm gonna come down there
right now,
and I'm gonna split
your skull open
and drink your brains like soup.
You know, why don't you
fuck yourself?
(line clicks, dial tone droning)
(intense metal music blasting:
"Dethroned" by Bad Omens)
They just didn't understand.
It's fine.
We need to talk face-to-face.
That would be better.
He's an American war hero.
I'll just make that clear.
Just make that clear.
Let me take you back to when
I was killed and born again
Woke up in the light
Convinced my life
had made it to its end
Burning up beneath the sun
While my father
drained of blood
If he's there,
I've got a message
For the man that's up above
-Fuck... you!
-(tires squealing)
(music stops)
I'm here! I'm here!
(grunts)
Cowards!
(breathing heavily)
(groans)
That's what happens!
-This is what happens!
-(clattering)
(glass shattering)
American war hero!
(grunts)
(groaning)
Stormed the jungles of Vietnam!
(groaning)
This is what you get!
That is what you get!
(breathing heavily)
-(high-pitched ringing)
-(groaning)
(spits)
This is what you get!
(groaning)
(groaning):
This is what happens.
They did this!
(grunting)
-(engine starts)
-(music resumes)
Did you think you could dig
deep enough to bury me?
It's over when I say, and
you're not getting rid of me
So walk into my fire
or step into my light
Either way, it's gonna burn
if you don't make this right
Oh!
Shit!
(horn honks)
If he's home...
-(grunts)
-(crashing)
(music stops)
(soft, rhythmic thumping)
(medical monitor beeping)
(muffled, indistinct speech)
(muffled):
Your blood pressure, 240/110.
Blood pressure this high
is deadly, okay?
If left untreated, it could lead
to aneurysm or stroke,
coronary artery disease,
kidney failure, heart failure.
These drugs you're taking
are powerful, and they're toxic,
and your body is beginning
to shut down,
so let's try this again.
How long have you been
taking steroids?
Okay, uh, well, uh...
Your bloodwork showed
elevated liver enzymes.
We did a scan
and found several tumors
growing on your liver.
Now, they're not cancerous,
but they do need to be removed,
so what I'm gonna do is prep you
for surgery this evening, and...
-No, no.
-What's that?
No surgery.
Have you been listening
to what I'm saying?
You need to let us help you.
You're not coming at me
with a knife.
I can't have a scar.
I'm a bodybuilder.
Bodybuilders can't have scars.
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
It's Killian again.
I'm beginning to think
maybe I'm being ignored.
I hope this isn't true.
I really hope not.
Do you check your mail?
I check mine daily,
and you haven't written,
and you haven't called.
I know you haven't had
any competitions lately,
so I know
you can't be that busy.
Are you okay?
I'm worried about you.
Anyway...
I was in the hospital last week.
-(snorting)
-Just thought you should know.
I'm okay.
No pain, no glory, right?
In other news,
I'm facing a dilemma.
It's hard to admit,
but here it goes.
My legs will not grow.
(grunting loudly)
I squat heavy,
I eat 6,000 calories a day,
and I keep cardio to a minimum.
But even with all the king's
horses and all the king's men,
I cannot add mass
to my lower half.
I have excellent genetics.
I don't know.
What am I doing wrong?
(yells)
I have so many questions.
I've attached a picture
of myself to this letter
to show my progress.
As you'll see,
my chest is really filling out.
To conclude...
I met a girl at work.
Her name is Jessie.
We'll see where it goes.
I think you would like her.
WOMAN: And I'm thinking,
"Maybe your kid is just dumb."
You see how far apart
his eyes are?
KILLIAN:
Hopefully one day,
you and Amanda
can hang out with us.
That would be fun.
WOMAN:
You've seen the car she drives.
KILLIAN:
Please call or write me back.
WOMAN:
You are bad!
KILLIAN:
Your number one fan...
Killian Maddox.
PUNDIT (over TV):
The recent spike in crimes
is the direct result
of weak policies
from weak elected officials
who seem perfectly happy
letting the city devolve
into anarchy.
Seems like every day
there's a new drug-infested...
PUNDIT 2:
We are witnessing the failure
of congressional leadership...
Ugh, every night with this.
(over TV):
...needed more than ever.
Both of them.
(sighs)
Pointing fingers, talking shit.
It takes a goddamn backbone
to get through this life.
Yes, sir.
Nobody's gonna give you
anything.
You earn it.
That's how it works.
Crying that
the world ain't fair.
Well, it ain't fair.
It ain't supposed to be fair.
(grunting)
You got some folks who notice
and folks who don't notice, see?
See, that's the good quality
about you.
You don't go around
blaming the world
for being what it is.
-No.
-No, you don't.
And I'm proud of you for it.
You got the heart of a champion.
Pick up the weights,
put 'em down,
do it again.
Everything else is a fairy tale.
They'll kick me down and
kick me down and kick me down.
Yeah.
I always get back up.
Always get back up.
(phone ringing)
Hmm?
What are you giving it
to me for?
They're not calling for me.
Are you done?
Yeah, I'm done.
I'm done.
Hello. This is William.
Hmm?
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
He-he's here. (chuckles)
Somewhere. (laughs)
Huh?
Oh, oh, oh, okay.
Y-Yeah, just... just a second.
(clears throat)
It's a lady.
Who?
It's a young lady.
Hello?
WOMAN (over phone):
Hello.
Hi. Yes, this is
Killian Maddox speaking.
Yeah. It's Jessie.
I asked the shift manager
for your number,
and this is the one he gave me.
Is that okay?
KILLIAN:
Who is this?
JESSIE:
It's Jessie from Super A.
KILLIAN:
Um...
I-I didn't know you, uh...
So, anyway,
I thought about what you said,
and yeah, I think it'd be fun
to go out sometime.
KILLIAN:
Oh. 'Kay.
Really?
JESSIE:
Only if you still want to.
Yes.
Uh, I-I do.
Do you still want to?
JESSIE:
You don't sound excited.
I am.
Uh, I am excited.
This is...
this is what I sound like
when I'm excited.
(takes deep breath)
Uh, this makes me very happy.
So, uh, how about tonight?
JESSIE:
Oh, like now?
KILLIAN:
Yeah.
We could go to the Backwood Inn.
JESSIE (laughing):
Slow down, cowboy.
How about Thursday?
KILLIAN:
Yeah, Thursday, Thursday's good.
I love Thursdays. Thurs...
Thursdays are my favorite
day of the week.
Uh, SmackDown! used to
come on Thursday,
the wrestling stuff,
when it was WWF
with the Undertaker and Kane
and, uh, The Rock
and Sting and-and nWo.
Yeah, yes, Thursday works.
Thursday's good for me.
JESSIE:
Okay, Thursday it is.
KILLIAN:
Jessie?
JESSIE:
Yes, Killian?
This makes me very happy.
("Demolisher" by
Slaughter to Prevail playing)
Look into my eyes and see
in them your worth reflection
Tearing all the templates
invented in tranquility
Our highest goal is
slaughtering by domination
New step, spit on what
you call morality
Paradox stepping up
the brink of fucking social
Too isolated from society
In our hearts lies
the secret formula of life
Grin so they think
you're fucking fine, man
Just throw your eyes away
And see the pain
You look at me
and you're feeling
All your pathetic fears
You just have...
-(engine shuts off)
-(music stops)
(playing over speakers):
I wish for you
(lively chatter)
A kiss for you...
JESSIE (chuckling):
Sorry. I hope I'm not too late.
KILLIAN:
Uh, no.
Not-not-not at all.
Thank you for coming.
(laughs)
You look handsome.
Oh, my...
What happened?
The only girl
that I dream of...
I was in a car accident.
-Oh, my goodness.
-Uh...
-Was it bad?
-I-I'm okay.
I was, uh...
I was wearing my seat belt.
(both laugh)
Uh, yeah, my dad always said,
"Wear your seat belt," so...
Thanks, Dad.
(laughs)
My dad's the exact same way.
Like, the exact same way.
Speaking of my dad,
I kind of maybe told him
about you
and about our date.
-Really?
-Yeah.
-Is that embarrassing?
-No.
I'm embarrassed.
No. No, not at... not at all.
D-Don't be. I'm...
You're making me blush.
You can't see it, but I am.
(Jessie laughs)
You can blush all you want.
You have a nice blush.
Well, since we're
clearing the air, I...
Truth is, I come to the market
when I know you're working
just so I can see you.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
And I've been meaning
to ask you out
for a-a long time now.
I always thought
you were checking me out.
I always thought
you were handsome, but I'm...
really shy.
I'm shy, too.
I can see that.
I like it.
I, uh... I...
I told my dad about tonight.
Shut up. Really?
No, I'm kidding about that one.
-(laughing)
-No, I'm just...
I'm just kidding about that one.
(laughing):
Oh, no.
My dad's dead.
(continues laughing)
You're a funny one.
Oh. I...
My mom's dead, too, actually.
You remind me of her a little.
Someone killed her.
My dad did.
He shot her,
and then he shot himself.
That's why they're both dead.
Oh, my God.
It's okay.
I live with my paw-paw now.
WAITRESS:
Hey, y'all. Good evening.
Can I start y'all off
with something to drink?
Um, I actually think
we're ready to order.
WAITRESS:
All right.
I'll do the six-ounce sirloin,
medium rare,
no fries.
And I'll also do the chicken
tender salad, charbroiled.
If Luis is in the back,
just ask him.
-WAITRESS: Uh...
-He knows how I like it.
And does the glaze
on the salmon contain sugar?
WAITRESS:
Um, I'm actually not sure,
-but I can check for you.
-KILLIAN: I can never remember.
Uh, actually, no,
don't worry about it.
Uh, I'm pretty sure it does.
I'll take the salmon.
You guys can hold the glaze.
WAITRESS:
All right. Will that be all?
KILLIAN: You know,
let's trade out the steaks.
I'll do the porterhouse,
20-ounce, still medium rare.
And what is
your soup of the day?
WAITRESS:
It's cream of mushroom.
Yeah, no, that...
that's not gonna work.
Let's do two baked potatoes,
no sour cream,
light bacon, please.
WAITRESS:
Okay, got it.
And would you be able to do
a side of chicken breast?
Just chicken breast,
plain, nothing on it.
Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure.
KILLIAN:
And a Diet Coke.
And could you top
the water off, please?
-Sure. And for you?
-KILLIAN: Thank you.
I'll do the...
shrimp salad, I think.
WAITRESS:
All righty.
Thanks.
I'm sorry. I'll just hold on
to that, if that's okay.
-WAITRESS: Sure.
-Thank you.
I'm sorry about
what I said earlier.
-No, I-I... It's...
-I shouldn't have said it.
-It was stupid.
-It's okay.
(chuckles)
I just... I can't believe
that you eat so much food.
Well, if you think
that's a lot of food,
you should see how much
Brad Vanderhorn eats.
Oh, yeah?
Is he your friend?
Yeah. Sort of.
Does he work at Super A, too?
Wait, what?
Your friend.
-Um...
-Wait.
What is it?
What, you don't know
who Brad Vanderhorn is?
-No.
-Two-time IFBB pro?
-No, I'm sorry.
-He won the Arnold Classic.
Mr. Olympia 2015 runner-up.
He's been on the cover
of Muscle and Fitness,
Flex,
Men's Health twice.
-I'm sorry. I, uh...
-Really?
-No?
-I-I don't...
-Really?
-(chuckles): I'm sorry.
Oh, geez, you...
you really should get out more.
(chuckles)
Anyways, yeah,
I've been writing him.
He hasn't written me back yet,
but he's probably just busy.
-Oh.
-Do you feel like
the customers at work
just walk by you
like you're not even there?
Sometimes, yeah, I think...
Like they think
they're better than you
or cooler than you or whatever?
It's really hot in here.
-I'm gonna show 'em.
-It's hot.
I've got nationals in ten days.
I'm gonna place
and get my pro card.
Then I bet
they won't just walk by me.
So, what kind of music
do you like?
I want to be Mr. Olympia
one day.
I won't let anything stop me
from accomplishing this goal.
I've been training
for this competition
every moment of my entire life.
2016 Grand Prix, Dayton, Ohio,
judge told me
I had small deltoids,
said they needed work,
so what'd I do?
I worked them day and night
till they were perfect.
No sport on the earth
requires as much time,
energy and commitment.
24 hours a day.
There's no days off.
There's no missing meals.
There's no missing sleep.
There's no missing workouts.
You can't do this at 90%
or even 99%.
Take it from me,
if you're not 100%,
you will never be successful.
You got to burn the boats
and burn the bridges
and commit all energy
and focus to being
the greatest bodybuilder
on the entire planet.
The body,
it's not used to the ninth
or tenth or eleventh
or twelfth rep.
No, you've got to go
through this pain barrier
and just go on
and on and on and on.
And it's these last two,
three or four repetitions,
that's what makes
the muscle grow,
and that's what separates one
from being a champion,
one from not being a champion.
This is what most people lack--
the guts.
The guts to just go in there
and say,
"I don't care what happens.
If I fall, I have no fear."
I've thrown up many times
while working out,
but it doesn't matter.
It's all worth it.
Jump in the trenches,
face the enemy.
This is the most important thing
I will ever do.
You have to do something big
and important,
or no one will remember you
when you're dead.
They're gonna put
a picture of me
on the cover of the magazines,
and then everybody will know
Killian Maddox was here.
I'm sorry.
I have to go to the bathroom.
Know I'll be back
Same time tomorrow, Jack
Just trying
to drink her away...
Hi. Um...
your friend,
she wanted me to tell you
that she had to leave.
Jessie?
Yeah, she said that
she had a family emergency
and that she had to leave
and that she's sorry.
Very sorry.
When?
Uh, about ten minutes ago.
That's right.
She did say that.
She did say she had to go.
She had a family emergency.
I must have forgotten.
Thank you for reminding me.
Sure.
Um, can I wrap this up for you?
Yes, please.
Okay.
Actually, you can leave it.
Okay.
And I'd like to place
another order.
GROUP (in distance):
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday...
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
I see you won
your last competition.
Congratulations.
I have one coming up.
Please, wish me luck.
If you're not going
to write me back,
just let me know, okay?
I don't like having
my time wasted.
Speaking of wasted time,
the date with Jessie was...
very bad.
I don't know what went wrong.
I just tried to be honest
with her.
There are thoughts in my head
I have no one to talk to about.
Please write or call me back.
Your number one fan,
Killian Maddox.
(indistinct
police radio chatter)
(siren whooping)
(police radio chatter continues)
(breathing heavily)
(siren wailing in distance)
(sighs)
(dog barking in distance)
(breathing heavily)
KILLIAN:
Fuck 'em! Fuck 'em!
Fuck 'em! Fuck you!
(Killian grunting rhythmically)
(grunting continues)
(cheering and applause over TV)
ANNOUNCER (over TV):
In first place
for the second year in a row...
from England...
-Dorian Yates.
-(cheering continues)
The first presentation,
the champion...
(Tv playing indistinctly)
Hey, Paw-Paw.
All right, I'm off
to the competition now.
I'm gonna make you proud today.
I promise.
WILLIAM:
I'm already proud of you.
Drink your water.
I love you.
(birds chirping)
(grunts)
You Killian Maddox?
Yes. Who's asking?
-Come on, fucker!
-Get him out!
-(grunting)
-Get him out his fucking car.
Get him out.
Bring him up.
Bring him back here.
Come on.
Hit him! Hit him!
Hit him!
-(groaning)
-Get him up!
Huh? What? You think you can
trash my uncle's shop?
Get him up!
(grunting and groaning)
-(pipe clangs)
-(groaning)
Paw-Paw!
-Stay inside, Paw-Paw!
-Get him up!
-Hit him!
-(pipe clanging)
-(groaning)
-Come on.
Pull him up. Pull him up.
That'll do.
(grunting continues)
Go, go, go!
Go!
What do you got now,
you fucking ape?
(spits)
(engine revving)
(tires squealing)
(Killian groaning)
(pained grunting)
(whimpers)
(grunting)
(engine revs, tires squeal)
(groaning, panting)
-(tires squealing)
-(groaning)
(horn honking)
(tires screeching)
Killian Maddox here!
(groaning, breathing heavily)
Killian Maddox here.
Killian Maddox is here.
I'm here.
Sir?
Oh, my God.
Are-are you okay?
-Okay, I'm gonna get you...
-Don't touch me. Don't-don't!
-(yells)
-(people gasping, chattering)
I'm all right. Don't touch me.
Hey, maybe we should
get you a doctor?
I'm okay. I'm okay.
(grunting, yelling)
Have they... have they
called Maddox's name?
ANNOUNCER (over P.A.):
Killian Maddox to the stage.
(grunting, panting)
Me! Me.
-Me. (grunts)
-(bell ringing)
(cheering and applause)
Stage? Thank you.
Maddox. Killian Maddox.
(cheering and applause continue)
-(crowd gasping)
-(camera shutters clicking)
Killian Maddox.
(crowd murmuring)
-(grunting, breathing sharply)
-(crowd gasping)
(grunts)
-(stomps, grunts)
-(crowd gasping)
(grunting)
(muttering)
(grunts)
(breathes sharply, grunts)
-(water splashing)
-(Killian groaning)
(yelling)
(breathing deeply)
(typing)
KILLIAN (on video):
Killian Maddox.
(Killian grunting,
panting on video)
(camera shutters clicking
on video)
(Killian breathing sharply,
grunting on video)
(thudding on video)
(crowd gasping,
murmuring on video)
-(taps button)
-(video stops)
(breathing deeply)
("Mon coeur s'ouvre ta voix"
from Samson & Delilah playing)
(grunting angrily)
(aria continues
with operatic singing in French)
(clattering)
WILLIAM:
You lost your mind or something?
What the hell are you doing?
Whatever it is, stop it.
You hear me?
Paw-Paw, go back to sleep, okay?
(shouting indistinctly)
(yells)
(yelling)
(grunting)
(yells)
(deep, shuddering breaths)
(whimpers, breath trembling)
(aria ends)
PATRICIA:
Were you in a fight?
You can be honest with me.
You won't get in trouble.
It's safe here.
KILLIAN:
There wasn't a fight.
How are you doing, Killian?
I'd have to say...
...things are going
very well for me.
They're-they're gonna put me
on the cover of a magazine.
They came by my house
and took pictures and stuff.
I'll bring you a copy.
I would love that.
My paw-paw is very proud of me.
I'm sure he is.
And how are things progressing
with the young lady from work?
She's my girlfriend now.
She likes me a lot.
(chuckling)
She laughs at everything I say.
And she really understands me.
I'm happy
that she brings you joy.
It is important
that you find people
that you can make
an emotional bond with.
I mean, yeah. (chuckles softly)
That's why I say,
I mean, things are going...
...going really good.
(wind whistling)
Hey, you in pain, playboy?
I got your medicine.
Black pussy, white pussy,
Asian pussy, tranny pussy.
Let my bitches mend
your broken heart, nigga.
Come on, man.
You from around here?
Is it okay if I don't tell you?
(woman chuckles)
Shy boy.
Want to hang out?
You gonna take your clothes off?
Yeah.
Okay.
Okay. Okay.
Uh, hold on.
(sighs)
(chuckles softly)
CARTOON VOICE 1 (over TV):
Shall we give him a chance
-to really prove it Sunday?
-CARTOON VOICE 2: Aye?
(door rattles, creaks)
Do you like my body?
Yes, I do.
What's your favorite part?
WOMAN:
Hmm.
I like all of it.
I like your big arms.
You like my deltoids?
I don't know what that is.
These.
Mm. Yeah, I do.
You don't think
they're too small?
(chuckles softly)
I think they're perfect.
Judges always say
they're too small.
Well, the judges are wrong.
Think they're liars?
(chuckles softly)
Everyone's a liar.
Do you want to fuck me?
Just give me a minute.
Let me help you.
(slapping)
You're... you're so pretty.
Yeah? Really?
You think so?
-Yeah.
-Mm.
Very pretty face.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Do you have a boyfriend?
You're my boyfriend now.
Come fuck me, baby.
No kissing.
-Okay.
-Damn, nigga.
-KILLIAN: I was just...
-(sighs)
I was just trying
to make it sexy. I'm sorry.
Okay, but no kissing.
-Let me help...
-I'm sorry. No. Okay, uh...
I don't want to do this anymore.
You don't even like me.
I'm sick.
I have a sickness in me.
It's okay.
(inhales deeply)
(relaxing music playing
over speakers)
MANAGER:
Killian.
Killian.
When you're done
with your customer,
can I see you in my office
for a minute?
Yes, sir.
MANAGER:
What's up with you, brother?
Huh?
Week and a half,
I don't hear from you.
You don't pick up your phone.
You don't call me back.
And then you show up to work
looking like this?
What happened to your face?
Okay. Well...
I can't have you
no-show like that, man,
so I'm sorry,
but I got to let you go.
Okay, I'm sorry.
I said I'm sorry, okay?
-I need another chance.
-Another chance?
Killian, I've given you
plenty of chances.
Look, I mean, that time you tore
a tendon in-in your elbow,
three weeks off,
no questions asked, right?
I got customers
complaining about you.
I got other employees saying
you make them uncomfortable.
I can't have you here, Killian.
It's my bicep.
What?
I tore a tendon in my bicep.
Okay, look, I'm gonna pay you
to the end of the week,
but then you got to go, Killian.
I'm sorry, man.
How am I supposed
to take care of my paw-paw?
I don't know
what to tell you, dude.
Look, you freak people out.
You...
I'm a good worker.
Oh, come on.
I lend my name and likeness
to your organization
and bring publicity.
Your name and likeness?
What the hell is
the matter with you, son?
Killian, nobody knows
who you are.
Nobody.
Your mouth is bleeding.
Clean yourself up.
Be very careful...
how you speak to me.
(breathing heavily)
("Orphans in the Storm" by
Maggie Lewis Warwick playing)
-(door bangs open)
-(entry bell chimes)
(door creaks shut)
(quiet chatter)
When you called my name
I was in control
And he said,
"I will not leave you
I will not leave you..."
Uh, yeah, Coke, orange,
and two waters, please.
-Mm-hmm.
-Thank you.
"My arm is mighty
I will reach down
and save you..."
KILLIAN:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
(belches)
KEN:
He's a little crazy, isn't he?
I feel like this kid's
out of control, is what I think.
(laughter)
Nowhere to sleep
Nothing to eat
You remember me?
Selling their souls...
Yes, I think you do.
And a morsel of grain
When they could live
like princes...
Not so tough anymore, are you,
without your friends?
Not so tough at all.
Okay.
Made your point.
Leave us alone, please.
Your dad beat me up.
-He hit me with a pipe.
-Don't talk to him.
-I don't...
-KILLIAN: He busted my head,
-he kicked me, called me an ape.
-(child crying)
He's not so tough now.
KEN:
You said your piece. We're good.
I bet if I took a knife
and I stuck it in your belly,
you'd cry for your mommy,
wouldn't you?
That's enough.
Please, I'm with my family.
-You're with your family?
-I'm with my family.
I'm an only child.
My mom and dad are dead.
I live with my paw-paw now.
I know that.
Yeah, I know you know that.
Whose is this?
KEN:
Soda.
Whose is this?
KEN:
It's my son's. Why?
-Hey, listen to me.
-KEN: Hey, hey, hey.
KILLIAN:
You sit-sit down! Sit down!
KEN:
Okay.
Sit down.
KEN:
I'm sitting.
I'm sitting.
Hey.
Don't drink this, okay?
(breath trembling)
It'll make you fat.
Yeah.
Nobody will like you
if you're fat.
(boy crying)
You understand?
(footsteps receding)
(groans)
(children whimpering)
KEN: It's okay.
It's okay. Here we go.
I'll get you another soda, okay?
You'll still get your hamburger
and your pancakes, all right?
(loudly):
Ah.
Don't look over here!
What's your...
what is your problem, man?
That's enough!
Shut up!
MAN:
Somebody call the cops.
S-Somebody call the cops!
Call them. Call them.
(crying)
You know what?
That's enough. Just leave!
-(patrons gasping)
-(clattering)
Oh!
(laughing)
-(chair drags)
-(grunts)
(clattering)
(whimpering)
Fat.
Bald.
Fat.
Coward.
Ugly.
Short.
Let's go. Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go.
KILLIAN:
Call the cops!
Six-foot-one Black man,
unarmed,
-unarmed, Killian Maddox.
-(door opens)
-Six-one, 245 pounds.
-(door closes)
African American, Black,
Negro, nigga.
(grunts)
Ooh...
-There are consequences, really.
-(sirens wailing)
(grunting)
(window shatters)
-Don't move! Stay right there!
-(Killian screaming)
-Hands up!
-Hey! Hey!
-You need to calm the fuck down!
-Let me see your fucking hands!
-Turn around!
-Move away from the car!
-Let's see those hands.
-KILLIAN: Okay.
-Move away from the car!
-Stay where you are.
-Let me see your hands!
-KILLIAN: I'm just tired.
-Hands up.
-Stay where you are.
KILLIAN: I'm just tired, okay?
I'm sick. I'm sick.
Keep your hands
where we can see them.
-Okay, I get it. I'm sick.
-(officers shouting)
-I'm sick! I'm sick! (grunting)
-(shouting continues)
-(screaming)
-Stop resisting!
(groaning, yelling)
(indistinct
police radio chatter)
OFFICER:
Hey, asshole!
(screaming)
Get off of me!
(grunting)
OFFICER:
Calm down.
He's gone limp. Roll him over.
-Roll him over.
-Oh, shit!
Fucking guy's having
a heart attack.
Get him into custody.
Get him into custody.
-(grunting)
-Hey, don't you die, fucker.
Disorderly conduct.
Public intoxication.
Resisting arrest.
Killian, these are all
very serious charges.
And you owe $1,200 to the woman
whose car you damaged.
Have you thought about
how you're gonna pay for this?
Patricia...
I want to thank you
for your time.
And for trying so hard.
(door opens)
(engine starts)
(engine shuts off)
(imitates gunshot)
(imitates gunshot)
(imitates gunshot)
(imitates gunshot)
The beast in me
("The Beast in Me" by Nick Lowe
playing)
Is caged by frail
and fragile bars
Restless by day and by night
Rants and rages at the stars
God help
The beast in me
The beast in me
Has had to learn
to live with pain
And how to shelter
from the rain
And in the twinkling
of an eye...
NARRATOR (over TV): In firing,
the trigger is squeezed,
allowing the hammer
to rotate forward,
striking the firing pin...
(snorting)
The beast in me
(narration continues
indistinctly over TV)
Sometimes
It tries to kid me
That it's just a teddy bear
Or even somehow manage
To vanish in the air
Then that is when
I must beware
Of the beast in me
That everybody knows
They've seen him out
dressed in my clothes
Patently unclear
If it's New York
Or New Year
(lively chatter)
God help
The beast in me
-The beast in me.
-(song ends)
("Glsli" by Sigur Rs playing,
singing in Icelandic)
(music fades)
(wind howling)
(sighs)
(phone ringing)
(phone continues ringing)
Yes?
MAN (over phone):
Hello. Is this, uh, Killian?
Yes.
(mispronounces):
Killian "Mad-dox"?
(correcting pronunciation):
Maddox.
Yes, this is he.
MAN (correct pronunciation):
Killian Maddox.
It's Brad.
Vanderhorn.
The bodybuilder.
I got your letters.
Yes.
This is Killian Maddox.
Hey, I got a little gig
in your area next week.
I thought maybe
you'd like to drop by.
You can come backstage,
say, "What's up?"
Hello?
Killian?
Hello?
Yes.
I'd like that.
(camera shutters snapping)
(quiet chatter)
PHOTOGRAPHER:
I think we got it.
BRAD:
I like that. Oh.
Killian.
Hi.
All right.
(quiet chatter)
Thanks, guys. Appreciate it.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Thanks for coming, man.
Look at you.
Look at those shoulders.
(chuckles): Wow.
You look great.
You look just like your photo.
(Brad chuckles)
Thank you.
Mm.
That was a very good show.
-You're very good.
-Oh, thanks.
Appreciate that.
Your abs look even better
than before.
(Brad chuckles)
My babies? (laughs)
Want to touch 'em?
It's okay.
It's all right. You can touch.
It's all right.
They're perfect.
(chuckles softly)
You're funny. (chuckles)
(sniffs)
So...
you're my number one fan, huh?
Yes.
(both chuckling)
(cell phone ringtone playing)
(grunting)
BRAD:
Hey, honey.
Yeah, the...
flight got canceled.
First thing in the morning.
Tell them I miss them,
all right?
Tuck them into bed for me.
I don't like being away
from you, either.
(pants zipping)
No, they're taking
really good care of me here.
Yeah, maybe on the next trip.
I love you, too.
I'll see you soon.
-(indistinct chatter)
-(traffic rumbling)
(line ringing)
BRAD (on voicemail):
Hi. You've reached Brad.
I'm probably at the gym
right now.
Drop me a line,
and I'll get back to you.
(line beeps)
KILLIAN:
Hey, Brad, it's me.
I got your number
from the, um, league directory.
I hope that's okay.
Um...
could you please
just call me back?
Sorry for all the messages.
And I know you're super busy.
Um, but yeah, please,
uh, just call me back,
because...
I'm-I'm asking nicely.
I'm... I'm not raising
my voice at all.
And, um...
uh, honestly,
when you don't call me back,
it hurts my feelings.
And I just wanted to be friends.
And you did those things to me,
so, um...
I would appreciate it
if you called me back.
Okay?
It's Killian Maddox, by the way.
Okay.
Thank you.
("Blue Light" playing)
There's a blue light
In my best friend's room
There's a blue light
in his eyes
(quiet chatter, laughter)
There's a blue light
Yeah
I want to see it
Shine...
Bring that shit my way.
Jenna, can I have
another one, please?
Thank you, sweetie.
(sniffs)
Hey, you got a light, big man?
Hey. You got a light?
What, me?
Do you have a lighter?
No.
Women, man.
You know? (laughs)
Every single one. (laughs)
Am I right?
(laughing):
Fuck.
Hey. (sniffs)
You want to do a bump?
Would you like to do
a bump with me?
Come on.
Come on. Let's do a bump.
Come on.
Come on, man.
Jenna, we're gonna be back.
Come on.
I want to show you something.
(laughs)
Come on. Come on.
Crashing me by.
(applause)
(snorting)
But it's all bullshit, man,
you know?
Oh, thank you.
You're watching the news.
You're watching television.
You're being pumped
full of fear all the time.
There's wildfires.
There's terrorism.
There's fucking murder.
Cut to commercial.
"Here, beta males, buy this car,
or the girl won't fuck you."
You know, "Buy this
home security system,
or your family will be raped."
They will. (snorts)
Meanwhile, the Muslims
are trying to kill you.
And so are the Blacks,
especially the Blacks.
No offense.
What would be the point
of being on the mountaintop
if you've got no one
in the valley to look down on?
I know you know what I mean.
(snorts)
"Look down on."
Yes.
For why?
"Oh, we got the monster.
"We threw him in prison.
You're safe now.
Come on down and buy yourself
a new Ford fucking truck."
(snorts) They can bomb
the entirety of the Middle East,
and yet I drive
on a suspended license
and I go to jail,
and we just accept this.
We just accept this
year after year.
No.
It's time.
Time for the people to rise up.
Make them feel the pain
that we feel.
Give them a taste
of their own shit for once.
I have a gun.
I could shoot 'em,
if you'd like.
(laughing):
You have a gun?
I'm sorry, that's...
Yeah. Yeah. Okay, yeah.
Go on out there
and splatter their brains
all over the dance floor,
please.
(sniffing)
They'll be missed.
Bang, bang!
Yes.
(mocking):
"Yes."
You're a lot of fun.
(laughing):
You're all right, man.
You're all right. (snorts)
You're kind. (laughs)
(sniffing)
(snorts)
(line ringing)
BRAD (on voicemail):
Hi. You've reached Brad.
I'm probably at the gym
right now.
Drop me a line,
and I'll get back to you.
(line beeps)
KILLIAN:
Hey, Brad?
It's-it's me again.
And, uh...
I'm going to kill someone,
and then
I'm going to kill myself.
-(brakes squeak)
-(engine shuts off)
(car door opens, closes)
(sighs)
(toilet seat clunks)
(urinating)
(toilet flushes)
KILLIAN: If you scream,
I'll shoot you dead.
I-I don't have any money.
I'm not here for your money.
Do you remember me?
Uh, uh, no.
Look at me.
(shuddering breaths)
2016, Dayton, Ohio, Grand Prix.
You were the judge.
You remember me now?
I-I judge...
I judge a lot of competitions.
You didn't like my hamstrings
or my deltoids.
That was a mean thing to say.
(whimpering):
I-I... I'm-I'm sorry.
I... I'll write a letter
to the...
to the commissioner,
put in a good word for you.
It's too late for all that.
(sobbing):
Oh, no...
You're on the mountaintop...
looking down on me.
No, no, I'm not.
-Yes, you are.
-(sobs)
Take off your clothes.
(grunts softly)
-Your clothes, take them off.
-Okay, okay.
Slowly.
Slowly, like you mean it.
(panting)
Pants.
Slowly, or I'll shoot you
in the belly.
-(gun cocks)
-Okay! Okay. Okay.
(man whimpering)
("Because the Night"
by Patti Smith Group playing)
(music volume increases)
-Take me now, baby
-MAN (crying): No.
Here as I am
Pull me close,
try and understand
Don't. Don't.
Desire is hunger
-Is the fire I breathe
-Don't.
Love is a banquet
on which we feed
Come on now,
try and understand
The way I feel
when I'm in your hands
Take my hand,
come undercover
Front lat spread.
They can't hurt you now,
can't hurt you now...
Front lat spread!
Okay. Okay.
Because the night
belongs to lovers
Double front bicep.
Because the night
belongs to lust
Because the night belongs...
Rear lat spread.
Because the night
belongs to us
(sobbing)
Have I doubt
when I'm alone...
-KILLIAN: Come on!
-(sobbing): No.
Ugly.
Love is an angel
disguised as lust...
Dumb.
-Gorilla.
-(man sobbing)
Come on now...
Try a tricep.
(sobbing)
-Chest up.
-(grunts)
Chest up!
Shoulders back.
Squeeze! Squeeze!
(strained grunting)
(man sobbing)
Now look at me.
Because the night...
Smile.
Squeeze and smile!
(strained grunting)
Smile. Smile!
-(grunting)
-That's it!
Do you see me now?
-Yes.
-You do?
Yes. Yes, I do.
You see what I've become?
Please, please don't. Don't.
On your knees.
The vicious circle
turns and burns
Without you I cannot live,
forgive
The yearning burning
Who's on the mountaintop now?
I believe it's time,
too real to feel
So touch me now...
(sobbing):
Don't kill me. Don't kill me.
Who's on the mountaintop now?
You are!
Because the night
belongs to lovers...
No, no, no!
(door opens, slams shut)
Because the night.
(song ends)
(vehicles whooshing past)
(whooshing continues,
muffled and distorted)
(horn blaring)
(rain pattering)
("The Beatitudes" by Conspirare
and Craig Hella Johnson playing)
(song continues
with operatic singing)
(spraying continues)
(spray can rattling)
Paw-Paw?
I'm headed out for a bit.
(cheering and applause)
(crowd cheering)
(cheering and applause continue)
(music stops)
(muffled, distorted gunshots)
(distorted yelling)
-(rock music playing)
-(cheering and applause)
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
-(music stops)
-(cheering fades)
(door creaking open)
(door closes)
(clock ticking)
(breath trembling)
(sobbing)
(sobbing continues)
Okay.
It's all right.
It's okay.
-It's all right.
-Yes, sir.
You got me. I got you.
Yes, sir.
Okay.
It's okay.
(birds chirping)
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
This will be
my final letter to you.
Listen up.
You might just learn
a thing or two.
You have to do something
big and important...
(train whistle blows)
...or nobody will remember you
when you're dead.
It's sad to say,
but that's just how it is.
(toilet flushes)
The only thing that matters
in a man's life...
-...is how he'll be remembered.
-(camera beeps, shutter snaps)
When I close my eyes
and dream...
...I'll tell you what I see.
From the king of China
to the little boy
without a friend
in the whole galaxy...
...there will come a day...
...when the entire world...
...knows my name.
(cheering and applause)
They're going to put my face
on the magazines...
...and everybody will know
I was here.
(cheering and applause continue)
Signing off.
Killian...
...Maddox.
(cheering and applause fade)
(crickets chirping)
(train whistle blowing
in distance)
(music fades)
(grand orchestral fanfare
playing)
(door clanking and creaking)
(exhaling forcefully)
REPORTER: ...in a deadly
7-Eleven robbery spree tonight.
(over TV):
Two men were killed.
Three others were injured.
Authorities say this is
their primary suspect.
PATRICIA: The state has
mandated these sessions
because they're worried
about your aggression.
They want to see that you
won't cause harm to anyone.
Okay.
(grunting)
PATRICIA:
And that you're still capable
of caring for your grandfather.
(indistinct newscast on TV)
KILLIAN:
I am.
PATRICIA: Can we help
show them that you are?
KILLIAN:
Yes.
PATRICIA: It says that
when you were in the hospital,
you had a violent fit
and that you became loud
and abrasive for the nurses...
...and that you threatened them.
KILLIAN: I don't know anything
about a violent fit.
PATRICIA:
Did you tell the nurses
that you were going to
"split their skulls apart
and drink their brains
like soup"?
(grunting, moaning over TV)
KILLIAN:
I don't like people touching me.
(distant siren wailing)
PATRICIA:
Are you still having nightmares?
According to this history,
it says you suffer
from migraines and nightmares.
And that you sometimes hear
your mother's voice
in your head
or other voices talking to you.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
Do you remember Dr. Rubin?
(clamoring in distance)
You told Dr. Rubin
that sometimes
you were afraid
of your own thoughts.
Would you like to talk
about that?
What do you want
to talk about, Killian?
They make me drive six miles
to get groceries
because there's no stores
in my neighborhood.
And does that make you
feel angry?
No grocery stores.
Just junk food.
Food that kills you.
I think they do that on purpose.
Who's "they," Killian?
(grunting softly)
(exhaling forcefully)
(grunts)
(grunting)
(grunting loudly)
INSTRUCTOR 1:
Yeah, squeeze more. Up!
-Two more.
-INSTRUCTOR 2: Crush it!
INSTRUCTOR 1:
All you got. All you got.
Deep, deep, deep! One more!
-INSTRUCTOR 2: Come on.
-INSTRUCTOR 1: Hustle!
INSTRUCTOR 2: Crush it.
Crush it. Get up. Get up!
INSTRUCTOR 1:
Break.
INSTRUCTOR 2:
That's all. Nice.
MAN:
Good work, baby.
-INSTRUCTOR 2: Nice, nice.
-MAN: Yeah.
-Great job. Next set?
-Yeah.
-Another one?
-Yeah, yeah.
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
(clicking, whooshing)
It's Killian again.
I've written you a few times
before and haven't heard back.
Paw-Paw?
REPORTER (over TV):
One woman dead.
It was the third in a string
of armed robberies
this past week that has shaken
local residents.
Authorities warn...
KILLIAN: I'm sure
you get a lot of fan mail
and must not have seen
my letters.
Anyway,
I'm leaving my phone number here
in this letter
in case you'd like to call me.
We can talk about training
or diet
or anything you want, really.
I saw your new magazine cover.
I think it's probably
the best I've ever seen.
I think you are a great athlete,
and I admire you greatly.
I have your posters on my wall,
and I look at them every day.
I'm working hard
and one day hope
to build a physique
as magnificent as yours.
Please call...
or write me back.
Your number one fan...
Killian Maddox.
(grunting, moaning over TV)
(static droning over TV)
(cheering and applause)
BODYBUILDER:
One is mine, baby, all the way.
All the way.
(indistinct chatter, laughter)
(grunts)
(coughs)
(snorting, spitting)
(coughs)
(retching)
(taps counter)
(camera shutters snapping)
HEAD JUDGE:
Relax.
Side chest.
Relax.
Back lat spread.
-(grunting)
-(cheering and applause)
Back double bicep.
-(grunting)
-(applause)
Relax.
21 and seven, switch.
(cheering and applause)
-Side chest.
-(grunting)
(exhales forcefully)
Relax.
19 and 12, switch.
Back double bicep.
(grunting)
Nine and seven, switch.
(cheering and applause)
Abdominals and thighs.
(applause)
(exhales forcefully)
Relax.
Thank you, gentlemen.
-(cheering and applause)
-(camera shutters snapping)
(cart rattling)
(quiet chatter)
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
Sorry.
-Hi.
-Hey, Charlie.
Uh, let's do four pounds
of the, uh...
of the chicken breast.
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
(no audible dialogue)
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
(register beeping)
Hiya.
I work here, too.
Did I tell you that?
Monday, Wednesday,
Friday, right?
That's why we never work
at the same time.
Good memory.
Just a... a natural, I guess.
So, how are things?
I just had a competition,
actually.
Oh, yeah?
Finished sixth.
Nice.
Oh.
No, you're right, it is.
-(laughs)
-Sixth is good.
Yeah, better than seventh.
Sixth place means I can...
I can go to nationals,
try for my pro card.
That's cool.
Yeah, maybe even be on one
of those magazines one day.
(laughs) That would be cool.
Your total is, uh...
$174.88. Yeah.
Saw it on the screen.
Keep the change.
-(Killian laughs)
-(laughing): You're funny.
(register drawer closes)
Well...
See you soon.
Yeah.
See ya.
Okay.
Okay, then.
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
Bye.
Bye.
(register beeping)
-(tires squeal)
-(crashing)
(horns honking)
Sorry.
I'm sorry to do this here, uh,
at your place of employment
in front of everybody,
but I was just wondering,
would you...
maybe want to go out with me
sometime?
(chuckling):
Oh.
You don't have to.
Only if you wanted to.
You probably have a boyfriend
or something.
I was just kidding anyway.
Uh, you have... have a good day.
Bye.
ANNOUNCER:
277 pounds of hardcore muscle.
From England,
(over TV): the reigning
Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates.
(cheering and applause over TV)
(narrator speaking
indistinctly over TV)
NARRATOR: And we shall see
what will become of his dreams.
(siren blaring over TV)
(dance music playing over TV)
WILLIAM (muffled):
What's going on up there?
What are you doing?
-Sorry, Paw-Paw.
-(turns volume down)
(beeping, whirring)
KILLIAN (to self):
Okay, it's on.
Hello.
(voice shaking):
Killian Maddox here,
current MPC competitor,
future IFBB pro champion.
The fundamentals
of bodybuilding... (stammers)
(sighs)
(dog barking in distance)
Fix that.
Go.
(breathing heavily):
Hi. Killian Maddox here.
Current MPC competitor,
future IFBB pro champion.
The fundamentals of bodybuilding
are as old as the sport itself.
For true success, one has to...
(sighs)
(calmly):
Hey, guys. Killian Maddox here.
Current M... (sighs)
Here we go. Here we go.
Here we go.
No.
Come on! Come on!
(voice shaking):
Hey, guys.
Killian Maddox here,
current IPC...
No!
There's four S's
to bodybuilding.
Size, striation,
symmetry and strength.
Strength is usually
not something
they can test right away,
but it can be inferred.
Front lat spread.
(grunts, exhales forcefully)
2016 Grand Prix, Dayton, Ohio.
Judge told me
my deltoids were too small.
These are your deltoids--
here, here.
There's three part...
three parts to it.
There's the front deltoid,
the front of the deltoid,
side deltoid
and your rear deltoid.
When someone hears that,
uh, your deltoids are small,
they're essentially saying
three muscle groups are small.
(laughs) Uh, which is,
uh, quite insulting.
Also, you'll see the f...
(sighs)
The best way to demonstrate
the front deltoid
is probably side chest.
Back, back, back, back,
back, back, and then...
(exhales forcefully)
(grunting)
(high-pitched ringing)
Oh!
(breathing sharply, groaning)
(Killian continues
breathing sharply, groaning)
(pained moaning)
(breathing heavily):
Hey, guys.
Killian Maddox here,
current MPC competitor,
future...
...future IFBB pro champion.
(snorting)
(grunting, sniffing)
(grunting rhythmically)
(line ringing)
MAN:
George and Sons.
KILLIAN:
Hi. Hello.
My name's Killian Maddox.
I'm calling on behalf
of my paw-paw,
William Lattimore.
We're at 58 Tracy Lane.
MAN:
Okay.
Okay, uh, you guys came out,
and you-you painted the house.
I think it was a few weeks ago.
MAN (over phone): Okay, sure.
What can I help you with?
Right. Uh, Paw-Paw says
the paint is thin
and it needs another coat.
He also says that
he's been calling you guys
to try to get you
to come back out here,
but you keep blowing him off.
Okay.
Yeah, he's been calling us.
Maybe you can help
your paw-paw understand
the job is finished, okay?
It's done.
So we're not just gonna
come back out there.
Hello?
Yeah, I-I don't think
you understand what I'm saying.
My paw-paw's name
is William Lattimore.
We live at 58 Tracy Lane.
The paint is thin,
and it needs another coat,
so I need you guys to please
come back out here now
and put another coat of paint
on my goddamn paw-paw's
goddamn house.
Okay, listen, man, you don't
need to raise your fucking...
No, no, no, no, no, no,
no, no, you listen, okay?
Listen.
My paw-paw is
an American war hero
who stormed the jungles
of Vietnam.
Vietnam.
What have you done?
He is now old and sick.
And you will treat him
with respect.
Now, I'm asking you n-nicely
and in a calm voice.
Okay, you want us to come
back out to the house,
you have to pay for it.
(breathing deeply)
(to self):
Ten, I control my emotions.
My emotions don't control me.
Hello?
Nine, I control my emotions.
My emotions don't control me.
-Eight, I control my emotions...
-What?
My emotions don't control me.
Are you at your shop right now?
I am, brother.
You called us here.
I'm gonna come down there
right now,
and I'm gonna split
your skull open
and drink your brains like soup.
You know, why don't you
fuck yourself?
(line clicks, dial tone droning)
(intense metal music blasting:
"Dethroned" by Bad Omens)
They just didn't understand.
It's fine.
We need to talk face-to-face.
That would be better.
He's an American war hero.
I'll just make that clear.
Just make that clear.
Let me take you back to when
I was killed and born again
Woke up in the light
Convinced my life
had made it to its end
Burning up beneath the sun
While my father
drained of blood
If he's there,
I've got a message
For the man that's up above
-Fuck... you!
-(tires squealing)
(music stops)
I'm here! I'm here!
(grunts)
Cowards!
(breathing heavily)
(groans)
That's what happens!
-This is what happens!
-(clattering)
(glass shattering)
American war hero!
(grunts)
(groaning)
Stormed the jungles of Vietnam!
(groaning)
This is what you get!
That is what you get!
(breathing heavily)
-(high-pitched ringing)
-(groaning)
(spits)
This is what you get!
(groaning)
(groaning):
This is what happens.
They did this!
(grunting)
-(engine starts)
-(music resumes)
Did you think you could dig
deep enough to bury me?
It's over when I say, and
you're not getting rid of me
So walk into my fire
or step into my light
Either way, it's gonna burn
if you don't make this right
Oh!
Shit!
(horn honks)
If he's home...
-(grunts)
-(crashing)
(music stops)
(soft, rhythmic thumping)
(medical monitor beeping)
(muffled, indistinct speech)
(muffled):
Your blood pressure, 240/110.
Blood pressure this high
is deadly, okay?
If left untreated, it could lead
to aneurysm or stroke,
coronary artery disease,
kidney failure, heart failure.
These drugs you're taking
are powerful, and they're toxic,
and your body is beginning
to shut down,
so let's try this again.
How long have you been
taking steroids?
Okay, uh, well, uh...
Your bloodwork showed
elevated liver enzymes.
We did a scan
and found several tumors
growing on your liver.
Now, they're not cancerous,
but they do need to be removed,
so what I'm gonna do is prep you
for surgery this evening, and...
-No, no.
-What's that?
No surgery.
Have you been listening
to what I'm saying?
You need to let us help you.
You're not coming at me
with a knife.
I can't have a scar.
I'm a bodybuilder.
Bodybuilders can't have scars.
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
It's Killian again.
I'm beginning to think
maybe I'm being ignored.
I hope this isn't true.
I really hope not.
Do you check your mail?
I check mine daily,
and you haven't written,
and you haven't called.
I know you haven't had
any competitions lately,
so I know
you can't be that busy.
Are you okay?
I'm worried about you.
Anyway...
I was in the hospital last week.
-(snorting)
-Just thought you should know.
I'm okay.
No pain, no glory, right?
In other news,
I'm facing a dilemma.
It's hard to admit,
but here it goes.
My legs will not grow.
(grunting loudly)
I squat heavy,
I eat 6,000 calories a day,
and I keep cardio to a minimum.
But even with all the king's
horses and all the king's men,
I cannot add mass
to my lower half.
I have excellent genetics.
I don't know.
What am I doing wrong?
(yells)
I have so many questions.
I've attached a picture
of myself to this letter
to show my progress.
As you'll see,
my chest is really filling out.
To conclude...
I met a girl at work.
Her name is Jessie.
We'll see where it goes.
I think you would like her.
WOMAN: And I'm thinking,
"Maybe your kid is just dumb."
You see how far apart
his eyes are?
KILLIAN:
Hopefully one day,
you and Amanda
can hang out with us.
That would be fun.
WOMAN:
You've seen the car she drives.
KILLIAN:
Please call or write me back.
WOMAN:
You are bad!
KILLIAN:
Your number one fan...
Killian Maddox.
PUNDIT (over TV):
The recent spike in crimes
is the direct result
of weak policies
from weak elected officials
who seem perfectly happy
letting the city devolve
into anarchy.
Seems like every day
there's a new drug-infested...
PUNDIT 2:
We are witnessing the failure
of congressional leadership...
Ugh, every night with this.
(over TV):
...needed more than ever.
Both of them.
(sighs)
Pointing fingers, talking shit.
It takes a goddamn backbone
to get through this life.
Yes, sir.
Nobody's gonna give you
anything.
You earn it.
That's how it works.
Crying that
the world ain't fair.
Well, it ain't fair.
It ain't supposed to be fair.
(grunting)
You got some folks who notice
and folks who don't notice, see?
See, that's the good quality
about you.
You don't go around
blaming the world
for being what it is.
-No.
-No, you don't.
And I'm proud of you for it.
You got the heart of a champion.
Pick up the weights,
put 'em down,
do it again.
Everything else is a fairy tale.
They'll kick me down and
kick me down and kick me down.
Yeah.
I always get back up.
Always get back up.
(phone ringing)
Hmm?
What are you giving it
to me for?
They're not calling for me.
Are you done?
Yeah, I'm done.
I'm done.
Hello. This is William.
Hmm?
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
He-he's here. (chuckles)
Somewhere. (laughs)
Huh?
Oh, oh, oh, okay.
Y-Yeah, just... just a second.
(clears throat)
It's a lady.
Who?
It's a young lady.
Hello?
WOMAN (over phone):
Hello.
Hi. Yes, this is
Killian Maddox speaking.
Yeah. It's Jessie.
I asked the shift manager
for your number,
and this is the one he gave me.
Is that okay?
KILLIAN:
Who is this?
JESSIE:
It's Jessie from Super A.
KILLIAN:
Um...
I-I didn't know you, uh...
So, anyway,
I thought about what you said,
and yeah, I think it'd be fun
to go out sometime.
KILLIAN:
Oh. 'Kay.
Really?
JESSIE:
Only if you still want to.
Yes.
Uh, I-I do.
Do you still want to?
JESSIE:
You don't sound excited.
I am.
Uh, I am excited.
This is...
this is what I sound like
when I'm excited.
(takes deep breath)
Uh, this makes me very happy.
So, uh, how about tonight?
JESSIE:
Oh, like now?
KILLIAN:
Yeah.
We could go to the Backwood Inn.
JESSIE (laughing):
Slow down, cowboy.
How about Thursday?
KILLIAN:
Yeah, Thursday, Thursday's good.
I love Thursdays. Thurs...
Thursdays are my favorite
day of the week.
Uh, SmackDown! used to
come on Thursday,
the wrestling stuff,
when it was WWF
with the Undertaker and Kane
and, uh, The Rock
and Sting and-and nWo.
Yeah, yes, Thursday works.
Thursday's good for me.
JESSIE:
Okay, Thursday it is.
KILLIAN:
Jessie?
JESSIE:
Yes, Killian?
This makes me very happy.
("Demolisher" by
Slaughter to Prevail playing)
Look into my eyes and see
in them your worth reflection
Tearing all the templates
invented in tranquility
Our highest goal is
slaughtering by domination
New step, spit on what
you call morality
Paradox stepping up
the brink of fucking social
Too isolated from society
In our hearts lies
the secret formula of life
Grin so they think
you're fucking fine, man
Just throw your eyes away
And see the pain
You look at me
and you're feeling
All your pathetic fears
You just have...
-(engine shuts off)
-(music stops)
(playing over speakers):
I wish for you
(lively chatter)
A kiss for you...
JESSIE (chuckling):
Sorry. I hope I'm not too late.
KILLIAN:
Uh, no.
Not-not-not at all.
Thank you for coming.
(laughs)
You look handsome.
Oh, my...
What happened?
The only girl
that I dream of...
I was in a car accident.
-Oh, my goodness.
-Uh...
-Was it bad?
-I-I'm okay.
I was, uh...
I was wearing my seat belt.
(both laugh)
Uh, yeah, my dad always said,
"Wear your seat belt," so...
Thanks, Dad.
(laughs)
My dad's the exact same way.
Like, the exact same way.
Speaking of my dad,
I kind of maybe told him
about you
and about our date.
-Really?
-Yeah.
-Is that embarrassing?
-No.
I'm embarrassed.
No. No, not at... not at all.
D-Don't be. I'm...
You're making me blush.
You can't see it, but I am.
(Jessie laughs)
You can blush all you want.
You have a nice blush.
Well, since we're
clearing the air, I...
Truth is, I come to the market
when I know you're working
just so I can see you.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
And I've been meaning
to ask you out
for a-a long time now.
I always thought
you were checking me out.
I always thought
you were handsome, but I'm...
really shy.
I'm shy, too.
I can see that.
I like it.
I, uh... I...
I told my dad about tonight.
Shut up. Really?
No, I'm kidding about that one.
-(laughing)
-No, I'm just...
I'm just kidding about that one.
(laughing):
Oh, no.
My dad's dead.
(continues laughing)
You're a funny one.
Oh. I...
My mom's dead, too, actually.
You remind me of her a little.
Someone killed her.
My dad did.
He shot her,
and then he shot himself.
That's why they're both dead.
Oh, my God.
It's okay.
I live with my paw-paw now.
WAITRESS:
Hey, y'all. Good evening.
Can I start y'all off
with something to drink?
Um, I actually think
we're ready to order.
WAITRESS:
All right.
I'll do the six-ounce sirloin,
medium rare,
no fries.
And I'll also do the chicken
tender salad, charbroiled.
If Luis is in the back,
just ask him.
-WAITRESS: Uh...
-He knows how I like it.
And does the glaze
on the salmon contain sugar?
WAITRESS:
Um, I'm actually not sure,
-but I can check for you.
-KILLIAN: I can never remember.
Uh, actually, no,
don't worry about it.
Uh, I'm pretty sure it does.
I'll take the salmon.
You guys can hold the glaze.
WAITRESS:
All right. Will that be all?
KILLIAN: You know,
let's trade out the steaks.
I'll do the porterhouse,
20-ounce, still medium rare.
And what is
your soup of the day?
WAITRESS:
It's cream of mushroom.
Yeah, no, that...
that's not gonna work.
Let's do two baked potatoes,
no sour cream,
light bacon, please.
WAITRESS:
Okay, got it.
And would you be able to do
a side of chicken breast?
Just chicken breast,
plain, nothing on it.
Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure.
KILLIAN:
And a Diet Coke.
And could you top
the water off, please?
-Sure. And for you?
-KILLIAN: Thank you.
I'll do the...
shrimp salad, I think.
WAITRESS:
All righty.
Thanks.
I'm sorry. I'll just hold on
to that, if that's okay.
-WAITRESS: Sure.
-Thank you.
I'm sorry about
what I said earlier.
-No, I-I... It's...
-I shouldn't have said it.
-It was stupid.
-It's okay.
(chuckles)
I just... I can't believe
that you eat so much food.
Well, if you think
that's a lot of food,
you should see how much
Brad Vanderhorn eats.
Oh, yeah?
Is he your friend?
Yeah. Sort of.
Does he work at Super A, too?
Wait, what?
Your friend.
-Um...
-Wait.
What is it?
What, you don't know
who Brad Vanderhorn is?
-No.
-Two-time IFBB pro?
-No, I'm sorry.
-He won the Arnold Classic.
Mr. Olympia 2015 runner-up.
He's been on the cover
of Muscle and Fitness,
Flex,
Men's Health twice.
-I'm sorry. I, uh...
-Really?
-No?
-I-I don't...
-Really?
-(chuckles): I'm sorry.
Oh, geez, you...
you really should get out more.
(chuckles)
Anyways, yeah,
I've been writing him.
He hasn't written me back yet,
but he's probably just busy.
-Oh.
-Do you feel like
the customers at work
just walk by you
like you're not even there?
Sometimes, yeah, I think...
Like they think
they're better than you
or cooler than you or whatever?
It's really hot in here.
-I'm gonna show 'em.
-It's hot.
I've got nationals in ten days.
I'm gonna place
and get my pro card.
Then I bet
they won't just walk by me.
So, what kind of music
do you like?
I want to be Mr. Olympia
one day.
I won't let anything stop me
from accomplishing this goal.
I've been training
for this competition
every moment of my entire life.
2016 Grand Prix, Dayton, Ohio,
judge told me
I had small deltoids,
said they needed work,
so what'd I do?
I worked them day and night
till they were perfect.
No sport on the earth
requires as much time,
energy and commitment.
24 hours a day.
There's no days off.
There's no missing meals.
There's no missing sleep.
There's no missing workouts.
You can't do this at 90%
or even 99%.
Take it from me,
if you're not 100%,
you will never be successful.
You got to burn the boats
and burn the bridges
and commit all energy
and focus to being
the greatest bodybuilder
on the entire planet.
The body,
it's not used to the ninth
or tenth or eleventh
or twelfth rep.
No, you've got to go
through this pain barrier
and just go on
and on and on and on.
And it's these last two,
three or four repetitions,
that's what makes
the muscle grow,
and that's what separates one
from being a champion,
one from not being a champion.
This is what most people lack--
the guts.
The guts to just go in there
and say,
"I don't care what happens.
If I fall, I have no fear."
I've thrown up many times
while working out,
but it doesn't matter.
It's all worth it.
Jump in the trenches,
face the enemy.
This is the most important thing
I will ever do.
You have to do something big
and important,
or no one will remember you
when you're dead.
They're gonna put
a picture of me
on the cover of the magazines,
and then everybody will know
Killian Maddox was here.
I'm sorry.
I have to go to the bathroom.
Know I'll be back
Same time tomorrow, Jack
Just trying
to drink her away...
Hi. Um...
your friend,
she wanted me to tell you
that she had to leave.
Jessie?
Yeah, she said that
she had a family emergency
and that she had to leave
and that she's sorry.
Very sorry.
When?
Uh, about ten minutes ago.
That's right.
She did say that.
She did say she had to go.
She had a family emergency.
I must have forgotten.
Thank you for reminding me.
Sure.
Um, can I wrap this up for you?
Yes, please.
Okay.
Actually, you can leave it.
Okay.
And I'd like to place
another order.
GROUP (in distance):
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday...
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
I see you won
your last competition.
Congratulations.
I have one coming up.
Please, wish me luck.
If you're not going
to write me back,
just let me know, okay?
I don't like having
my time wasted.
Speaking of wasted time,
the date with Jessie was...
very bad.
I don't know what went wrong.
I just tried to be honest
with her.
There are thoughts in my head
I have no one to talk to about.
Please write or call me back.
Your number one fan,
Killian Maddox.
(indistinct
police radio chatter)
(siren whooping)
(police radio chatter continues)
(breathing heavily)
(siren wailing in distance)
(sighs)
(dog barking in distance)
(breathing heavily)
KILLIAN:
Fuck 'em! Fuck 'em!
Fuck 'em! Fuck you!
(Killian grunting rhythmically)
(grunting continues)
(cheering and applause over TV)
ANNOUNCER (over TV):
In first place
for the second year in a row...
from England...
-Dorian Yates.
-(cheering continues)
The first presentation,
the champion...
(Tv playing indistinctly)
Hey, Paw-Paw.
All right, I'm off
to the competition now.
I'm gonna make you proud today.
I promise.
WILLIAM:
I'm already proud of you.
Drink your water.
I love you.
(birds chirping)
(grunts)
You Killian Maddox?
Yes. Who's asking?
-Come on, fucker!
-Get him out!
-(grunting)
-Get him out his fucking car.
Get him out.
Bring him up.
Bring him back here.
Come on.
Hit him! Hit him!
Hit him!
-(groaning)
-Get him up!
Huh? What? You think you can
trash my uncle's shop?
Get him up!
(grunting and groaning)
-(pipe clangs)
-(groaning)
Paw-Paw!
-Stay inside, Paw-Paw!
-Get him up!
-Hit him!
-(pipe clanging)
-(groaning)
-Come on.
Pull him up. Pull him up.
That'll do.
(grunting continues)
Go, go, go!
Go!
What do you got now,
you fucking ape?
(spits)
(engine revving)
(tires squealing)
(Killian groaning)
(pained grunting)
(whimpers)
(grunting)
(engine revs, tires squeal)
(groaning, panting)
-(tires squealing)
-(groaning)
(horn honking)
(tires screeching)
Killian Maddox here!
(groaning, breathing heavily)
Killian Maddox here.
Killian Maddox is here.
I'm here.
Sir?
Oh, my God.
Are-are you okay?
-Okay, I'm gonna get you...
-Don't touch me. Don't-don't!
-(yells)
-(people gasping, chattering)
I'm all right. Don't touch me.
Hey, maybe we should
get you a doctor?
I'm okay. I'm okay.
(grunting, yelling)
Have they... have they
called Maddox's name?
ANNOUNCER (over P.A.):
Killian Maddox to the stage.
(grunting, panting)
Me! Me.
-Me. (grunts)
-(bell ringing)
(cheering and applause)
Stage? Thank you.
Maddox. Killian Maddox.
(cheering and applause continue)
-(crowd gasping)
-(camera shutters clicking)
Killian Maddox.
(crowd murmuring)
-(grunting, breathing sharply)
-(crowd gasping)
(grunts)
-(stomps, grunts)
-(crowd gasping)
(grunting)
(muttering)
(grunts)
(breathes sharply, grunts)
-(water splashing)
-(Killian groaning)
(yelling)
(breathing deeply)
(typing)
KILLIAN (on video):
Killian Maddox.
(Killian grunting,
panting on video)
(camera shutters clicking
on video)
(Killian breathing sharply,
grunting on video)
(thudding on video)
(crowd gasping,
murmuring on video)
-(taps button)
-(video stops)
(breathing deeply)
("Mon coeur s'ouvre ta voix"
from Samson & Delilah playing)
(grunting angrily)
(aria continues
with operatic singing in French)
(clattering)
WILLIAM:
You lost your mind or something?
What the hell are you doing?
Whatever it is, stop it.
You hear me?
Paw-Paw, go back to sleep, okay?
(shouting indistinctly)
(yells)
(yelling)
(grunting)
(yells)
(deep, shuddering breaths)
(whimpers, breath trembling)
(aria ends)
PATRICIA:
Were you in a fight?
You can be honest with me.
You won't get in trouble.
It's safe here.
KILLIAN:
There wasn't a fight.
How are you doing, Killian?
I'd have to say...
...things are going
very well for me.
They're-they're gonna put me
on the cover of a magazine.
They came by my house
and took pictures and stuff.
I'll bring you a copy.
I would love that.
My paw-paw is very proud of me.
I'm sure he is.
And how are things progressing
with the young lady from work?
She's my girlfriend now.
She likes me a lot.
(chuckling)
She laughs at everything I say.
And she really understands me.
I'm happy
that she brings you joy.
It is important
that you find people
that you can make
an emotional bond with.
I mean, yeah. (chuckles softly)
That's why I say,
I mean, things are going...
...going really good.
(wind whistling)
Hey, you in pain, playboy?
I got your medicine.
Black pussy, white pussy,
Asian pussy, tranny pussy.
Let my bitches mend
your broken heart, nigga.
Come on, man.
You from around here?
Is it okay if I don't tell you?
(woman chuckles)
Shy boy.
Want to hang out?
You gonna take your clothes off?
Yeah.
Okay.
Okay. Okay.
Uh, hold on.
(sighs)
(chuckles softly)
CARTOON VOICE 1 (over TV):
Shall we give him a chance
-to really prove it Sunday?
-CARTOON VOICE 2: Aye?
(door rattles, creaks)
Do you like my body?
Yes, I do.
What's your favorite part?
WOMAN:
Hmm.
I like all of it.
I like your big arms.
You like my deltoids?
I don't know what that is.
These.
Mm. Yeah, I do.
You don't think
they're too small?
(chuckles softly)
I think they're perfect.
Judges always say
they're too small.
Well, the judges are wrong.
Think they're liars?
(chuckles softly)
Everyone's a liar.
Do you want to fuck me?
Just give me a minute.
Let me help you.
(slapping)
You're... you're so pretty.
Yeah? Really?
You think so?
-Yeah.
-Mm.
Very pretty face.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Do you have a boyfriend?
You're my boyfriend now.
Come fuck me, baby.
No kissing.
-Okay.
-Damn, nigga.
-KILLIAN: I was just...
-(sighs)
I was just trying
to make it sexy. I'm sorry.
Okay, but no kissing.
-Let me help...
-I'm sorry. No. Okay, uh...
I don't want to do this anymore.
You don't even like me.
I'm sick.
I have a sickness in me.
It's okay.
(inhales deeply)
(relaxing music playing
over speakers)
MANAGER:
Killian.
Killian.
When you're done
with your customer,
can I see you in my office
for a minute?
Yes, sir.
MANAGER:
What's up with you, brother?
Huh?
Week and a half,
I don't hear from you.
You don't pick up your phone.
You don't call me back.
And then you show up to work
looking like this?
What happened to your face?
Okay. Well...
I can't have you
no-show like that, man,
so I'm sorry,
but I got to let you go.
Okay, I'm sorry.
I said I'm sorry, okay?
-I need another chance.
-Another chance?
Killian, I've given you
plenty of chances.
Look, I mean, that time you tore
a tendon in-in your elbow,
three weeks off,
no questions asked, right?
I got customers
complaining about you.
I got other employees saying
you make them uncomfortable.
I can't have you here, Killian.
It's my bicep.
What?
I tore a tendon in my bicep.
Okay, look, I'm gonna pay you
to the end of the week,
but then you got to go, Killian.
I'm sorry, man.
How am I supposed
to take care of my paw-paw?
I don't know
what to tell you, dude.
Look, you freak people out.
You...
I'm a good worker.
Oh, come on.
I lend my name and likeness
to your organization
and bring publicity.
Your name and likeness?
What the hell is
the matter with you, son?
Killian, nobody knows
who you are.
Nobody.
Your mouth is bleeding.
Clean yourself up.
Be very careful...
how you speak to me.
(breathing heavily)
("Orphans in the Storm" by
Maggie Lewis Warwick playing)
-(door bangs open)
-(entry bell chimes)
(door creaks shut)
(quiet chatter)
When you called my name
I was in control
And he said,
"I will not leave you
I will not leave you..."
Uh, yeah, Coke, orange,
and two waters, please.
-Mm-hmm.
-Thank you.
"My arm is mighty
I will reach down
and save you..."
KILLIAN:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
(belches)
KEN:
He's a little crazy, isn't he?
I feel like this kid's
out of control, is what I think.
(laughter)
Nowhere to sleep
Nothing to eat
You remember me?
Selling their souls...
Yes, I think you do.
And a morsel of grain
When they could live
like princes...
Not so tough anymore, are you,
without your friends?
Not so tough at all.
Okay.
Made your point.
Leave us alone, please.
Your dad beat me up.
-He hit me with a pipe.
-Don't talk to him.
-I don't...
-KILLIAN: He busted my head,
-he kicked me, called me an ape.
-(child crying)
He's not so tough now.
KEN:
You said your piece. We're good.
I bet if I took a knife
and I stuck it in your belly,
you'd cry for your mommy,
wouldn't you?
That's enough.
Please, I'm with my family.
-You're with your family?
-I'm with my family.
I'm an only child.
My mom and dad are dead.
I live with my paw-paw now.
I know that.
Yeah, I know you know that.
Whose is this?
KEN:
Soda.
Whose is this?
KEN:
It's my son's. Why?
-Hey, listen to me.
-KEN: Hey, hey, hey.
KILLIAN:
You sit-sit down! Sit down!
KEN:
Okay.
Sit down.
KEN:
I'm sitting.
I'm sitting.
Hey.
Don't drink this, okay?
(breath trembling)
It'll make you fat.
Yeah.
Nobody will like you
if you're fat.
(boy crying)
You understand?
(footsteps receding)
(groans)
(children whimpering)
KEN: It's okay.
It's okay. Here we go.
I'll get you another soda, okay?
You'll still get your hamburger
and your pancakes, all right?
(loudly):
Ah.
Don't look over here!
What's your...
what is your problem, man?
That's enough!
Shut up!
MAN:
Somebody call the cops.
S-Somebody call the cops!
Call them. Call them.
(crying)
You know what?
That's enough. Just leave!
-(patrons gasping)
-(clattering)
Oh!
(laughing)
-(chair drags)
-(grunts)
(clattering)
(whimpering)
Fat.
Bald.
Fat.
Coward.
Ugly.
Short.
Let's go. Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go.
KILLIAN:
Call the cops!
Six-foot-one Black man,
unarmed,
-unarmed, Killian Maddox.
-(door opens)
-Six-one, 245 pounds.
-(door closes)
African American, Black,
Negro, nigga.
(grunts)
Ooh...
-There are consequences, really.
-(sirens wailing)
(grunting)
(window shatters)
-Don't move! Stay right there!
-(Killian screaming)
-Hands up!
-Hey! Hey!
-You need to calm the fuck down!
-Let me see your fucking hands!
-Turn around!
-Move away from the car!
-Let's see those hands.
-KILLIAN: Okay.
-Move away from the car!
-Stay where you are.
-Let me see your hands!
-KILLIAN: I'm just tired.
-Hands up.
-Stay where you are.
KILLIAN: I'm just tired, okay?
I'm sick. I'm sick.
Keep your hands
where we can see them.
-Okay, I get it. I'm sick.
-(officers shouting)
-I'm sick! I'm sick! (grunting)
-(shouting continues)
-(screaming)
-Stop resisting!
(groaning, yelling)
(indistinct
police radio chatter)
OFFICER:
Hey, asshole!
(screaming)
Get off of me!
(grunting)
OFFICER:
Calm down.
He's gone limp. Roll him over.
-Roll him over.
-Oh, shit!
Fucking guy's having
a heart attack.
Get him into custody.
Get him into custody.
-(grunting)
-Hey, don't you die, fucker.
Disorderly conduct.
Public intoxication.
Resisting arrest.
Killian, these are all
very serious charges.
And you owe $1,200 to the woman
whose car you damaged.
Have you thought about
how you're gonna pay for this?
Patricia...
I want to thank you
for your time.
And for trying so hard.
(door opens)
(engine starts)
(engine shuts off)
(imitates gunshot)
(imitates gunshot)
(imitates gunshot)
(imitates gunshot)
The beast in me
("The Beast in Me" by Nick Lowe
playing)
Is caged by frail
and fragile bars
Restless by day and by night
Rants and rages at the stars
God help
The beast in me
The beast in me
Has had to learn
to live with pain
And how to shelter
from the rain
And in the twinkling
of an eye...
NARRATOR (over TV): In firing,
the trigger is squeezed,
allowing the hammer
to rotate forward,
striking the firing pin...
(snorting)
The beast in me
(narration continues
indistinctly over TV)
Sometimes
It tries to kid me
That it's just a teddy bear
Or even somehow manage
To vanish in the air
Then that is when
I must beware
Of the beast in me
That everybody knows
They've seen him out
dressed in my clothes
Patently unclear
If it's New York
Or New Year
(lively chatter)
God help
The beast in me
-The beast in me.
-(song ends)
("Glsli" by Sigur Rs playing,
singing in Icelandic)
(music fades)
(wind howling)
(sighs)
(phone ringing)
(phone continues ringing)
Yes?
MAN (over phone):
Hello. Is this, uh, Killian?
Yes.
(mispronounces):
Killian "Mad-dox"?
(correcting pronunciation):
Maddox.
Yes, this is he.
MAN (correct pronunciation):
Killian Maddox.
It's Brad.
Vanderhorn.
The bodybuilder.
I got your letters.
Yes.
This is Killian Maddox.
Hey, I got a little gig
in your area next week.
I thought maybe
you'd like to drop by.
You can come backstage,
say, "What's up?"
Hello?
Killian?
Hello?
Yes.
I'd like that.
(camera shutters snapping)
(quiet chatter)
PHOTOGRAPHER:
I think we got it.
BRAD:
I like that. Oh.
Killian.
Hi.
All right.
(quiet chatter)
Thanks, guys. Appreciate it.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Thanks for coming, man.
Look at you.
Look at those shoulders.
(chuckles): Wow.
You look great.
You look just like your photo.
(Brad chuckles)
Thank you.
Mm.
That was a very good show.
-You're very good.
-Oh, thanks.
Appreciate that.
Your abs look even better
than before.
(Brad chuckles)
My babies? (laughs)
Want to touch 'em?
It's okay.
It's all right. You can touch.
It's all right.
They're perfect.
(chuckles softly)
You're funny. (chuckles)
(sniffs)
So...
you're my number one fan, huh?
Yes.
(both chuckling)
(cell phone ringtone playing)
(grunting)
BRAD:
Hey, honey.
Yeah, the...
flight got canceled.
First thing in the morning.
Tell them I miss them,
all right?
Tuck them into bed for me.
I don't like being away
from you, either.
(pants zipping)
No, they're taking
really good care of me here.
Yeah, maybe on the next trip.
I love you, too.
I'll see you soon.
-(indistinct chatter)
-(traffic rumbling)
(line ringing)
BRAD (on voicemail):
Hi. You've reached Brad.
I'm probably at the gym
right now.
Drop me a line,
and I'll get back to you.
(line beeps)
KILLIAN:
Hey, Brad, it's me.
I got your number
from the, um, league directory.
I hope that's okay.
Um...
could you please
just call me back?
Sorry for all the messages.
And I know you're super busy.
Um, but yeah, please,
uh, just call me back,
because...
I'm-I'm asking nicely.
I'm... I'm not raising
my voice at all.
And, um...
uh, honestly,
when you don't call me back,
it hurts my feelings.
And I just wanted to be friends.
And you did those things to me,
so, um...
I would appreciate it
if you called me back.
Okay?
It's Killian Maddox, by the way.
Okay.
Thank you.
("Blue Light" playing)
There's a blue light
In my best friend's room
There's a blue light
in his eyes
(quiet chatter, laughter)
There's a blue light
Yeah
I want to see it
Shine...
Bring that shit my way.
Jenna, can I have
another one, please?
Thank you, sweetie.
(sniffs)
Hey, you got a light, big man?
Hey. You got a light?
What, me?
Do you have a lighter?
No.
Women, man.
You know? (laughs)
Every single one. (laughs)
Am I right?
(laughing):
Fuck.
Hey. (sniffs)
You want to do a bump?
Would you like to do
a bump with me?
Come on.
Come on. Let's do a bump.
Come on.
Come on, man.
Jenna, we're gonna be back.
Come on.
I want to show you something.
(laughs)
Come on. Come on.
Crashing me by.
(applause)
(snorting)
But it's all bullshit, man,
you know?
Oh, thank you.
You're watching the news.
You're watching television.
You're being pumped
full of fear all the time.
There's wildfires.
There's terrorism.
There's fucking murder.
Cut to commercial.
"Here, beta males, buy this car,
or the girl won't fuck you."
You know, "Buy this
home security system,
or your family will be raped."
They will. (snorts)
Meanwhile, the Muslims
are trying to kill you.
And so are the Blacks,
especially the Blacks.
No offense.
What would be the point
of being on the mountaintop
if you've got no one
in the valley to look down on?
I know you know what I mean.
(snorts)
"Look down on."
Yes.
For why?
"Oh, we got the monster.
"We threw him in prison.
You're safe now.
Come on down and buy yourself
a new Ford fucking truck."
(snorts) They can bomb
the entirety of the Middle East,
and yet I drive
on a suspended license
and I go to jail,
and we just accept this.
We just accept this
year after year.
No.
It's time.
Time for the people to rise up.
Make them feel the pain
that we feel.
Give them a taste
of their own shit for once.
I have a gun.
I could shoot 'em,
if you'd like.
(laughing):
You have a gun?
I'm sorry, that's...
Yeah. Yeah. Okay, yeah.
Go on out there
and splatter their brains
all over the dance floor,
please.
(sniffing)
They'll be missed.
Bang, bang!
Yes.
(mocking):
"Yes."
You're a lot of fun.
(laughing):
You're all right, man.
You're all right. (snorts)
You're kind. (laughs)
(sniffing)
(snorts)
(line ringing)
BRAD (on voicemail):
Hi. You've reached Brad.
I'm probably at the gym
right now.
Drop me a line,
and I'll get back to you.
(line beeps)
KILLIAN:
Hey, Brad?
It's-it's me again.
And, uh...
I'm going to kill someone,
and then
I'm going to kill myself.
-(brakes squeak)
-(engine shuts off)
(car door opens, closes)
(sighs)
(toilet seat clunks)
(urinating)
(toilet flushes)
KILLIAN: If you scream,
I'll shoot you dead.
I-I don't have any money.
I'm not here for your money.
Do you remember me?
Uh, uh, no.
Look at me.
(shuddering breaths)
2016, Dayton, Ohio, Grand Prix.
You were the judge.
You remember me now?
I-I judge...
I judge a lot of competitions.
You didn't like my hamstrings
or my deltoids.
That was a mean thing to say.
(whimpering):
I-I... I'm-I'm sorry.
I... I'll write a letter
to the...
to the commissioner,
put in a good word for you.
It's too late for all that.
(sobbing):
Oh, no...
You're on the mountaintop...
looking down on me.
No, no, I'm not.
-Yes, you are.
-(sobs)
Take off your clothes.
(grunts softly)
-Your clothes, take them off.
-Okay, okay.
Slowly.
Slowly, like you mean it.
(panting)
Pants.
Slowly, or I'll shoot you
in the belly.
-(gun cocks)
-Okay! Okay. Okay.
(man whimpering)
("Because the Night"
by Patti Smith Group playing)
(music volume increases)
-Take me now, baby
-MAN (crying): No.
Here as I am
Pull me close,
try and understand
Don't. Don't.
Desire is hunger
-Is the fire I breathe
-Don't.
Love is a banquet
on which we feed
Come on now,
try and understand
The way I feel
when I'm in your hands
Take my hand,
come undercover
Front lat spread.
They can't hurt you now,
can't hurt you now...
Front lat spread!
Okay. Okay.
Because the night
belongs to lovers
Double front bicep.
Because the night
belongs to lust
Because the night belongs...
Rear lat spread.
Because the night
belongs to us
(sobbing)
Have I doubt
when I'm alone...
-KILLIAN: Come on!
-(sobbing): No.
Ugly.
Love is an angel
disguised as lust...
Dumb.
-Gorilla.
-(man sobbing)
Come on now...
Try a tricep.
(sobbing)
-Chest up.
-(grunts)
Chest up!
Shoulders back.
Squeeze! Squeeze!
(strained grunting)
(man sobbing)
Now look at me.
Because the night...
Smile.
Squeeze and smile!
(strained grunting)
Smile. Smile!
-(grunting)
-That's it!
Do you see me now?
-Yes.
-You do?
Yes. Yes, I do.
You see what I've become?
Please, please don't. Don't.
On your knees.
The vicious circle
turns and burns
Without you I cannot live,
forgive
The yearning burning
Who's on the mountaintop now?
I believe it's time,
too real to feel
So touch me now...
(sobbing):
Don't kill me. Don't kill me.
Who's on the mountaintop now?
You are!
Because the night
belongs to lovers...
No, no, no!
(door opens, slams shut)
Because the night.
(song ends)
(vehicles whooshing past)
(whooshing continues,
muffled and distorted)
(horn blaring)
(rain pattering)
("The Beatitudes" by Conspirare
and Craig Hella Johnson playing)
(song continues
with operatic singing)
(spraying continues)
(spray can rattling)
Paw-Paw?
I'm headed out for a bit.
(cheering and applause)
(crowd cheering)
(cheering and applause continue)
(music stops)
(muffled, distorted gunshots)
(distorted yelling)
-(rock music playing)
-(cheering and applause)
(indistinct announcement
over P.A.)
-(music stops)
-(cheering fades)
(door creaking open)
(door closes)
(clock ticking)
(breath trembling)
(sobbing)
(sobbing continues)
Okay.
It's all right.
It's okay.
-It's all right.
-Yes, sir.
You got me. I got you.
Yes, sir.
Okay.
It's okay.
(birds chirping)
KILLIAN:
Dear Brad...
This will be
my final letter to you.
Listen up.
You might just learn
a thing or two.
You have to do something
big and important...
(train whistle blows)
...or nobody will remember you
when you're dead.
It's sad to say,
but that's just how it is.
(toilet flushes)
The only thing that matters
in a man's life...
-...is how he'll be remembered.
-(camera beeps, shutter snaps)
When I close my eyes
and dream...
...I'll tell you what I see.
From the king of China
to the little boy
without a friend
in the whole galaxy...
...there will come a day...
...when the entire world...
...knows my name.
(cheering and applause)
They're going to put my face
on the magazines...
...and everybody will know
I was here.
(cheering and applause continue)
Signing off.
Killian...
...Maddox.
(cheering and applause fade)
(crickets chirping)
(train whistle blowing
in distance)
(music fades)