Mother Midnight (2022) Movie Script
1
(soft ambient music)
Jiwon Lee
Jongho Lee
Tuin Tak
Jaejin Yun
We're a bit lost.
I thought we were on a different road.
I think I know where we are.
There's that chicken soup
restaurant we used to go to with Mum.
It's near here.
That one with the nice
old couple who run it.
Shall we stop there and eat?
(birds and wind in trees)
Hyeonji Son
Hyeonjae Lee
Eonsook Lee
Produced by Jiwon Lee,
Hyojin Lee, Mike Beech
Written and Directed by Mike Beech
Mother Midnight (English
title) / Seokkarae (Korean title)
(truck pulling up outside)
Where is that fucker?
Who are you?
Get out here you prick!
I asked who you are.
Come out you fucker.
Here he is. Look at this
cute little asshole.
Look at these fucking beautiful houses.
What do you want, Mr. Jo?
After she reported me for those
building violations, I didn't do anything.
I could have caused trouble,
but I didn't say shit.
I should have, because everyone gets
away with a lot worse in this business.
So why should I take it lying down?
Huh?
You've clearly had too much to drink.
Just go home.
I drink too much?
You're hardly one to talk.
I got some bad news today.
Something you need to hear.
Last year I didn't say
anything about that complaint.
But then I get told today that I have
been turned down for a big contract.
Because the client found out about
the report your wife made about me.
I'm sorry about that.
Your wife is still putting me out of
business from beyond the fucking grave.
Don't talk about her.
This happened because of her so you
should pay me some compensation, right?
What are you talking about?
You'll find out.
Dad... Let's go back inside.
You better give me that money!
Just leave it, Dad.
This guy's out of his mind.
Let's see.
You better pay me that fucking money.
(mysterious ambient music)
(birds chirping)
The guests in house 2 were
complaining about the bugs.
It's like a plague these days.
Every day I get up and kill more of them...
but they just keep coming back.
It's endless.
It's just part of country life.
I guess they'll always be there.
Those pumpkins that Mum planted last
year have grown a bit in the back field.
You should just leave them alone...
there's no point
bothering with them now.
Why not?
I'm going to keep watering them.
There are too many weeds down
there anyway, they won't grow.
GARDEN SUPPLIES
(country music plays on radio)
Huh?
What did you say?
If you can't hear me go outside.
Just a sec.
Can you hear me better now?
Yeah, that's better.
So, are you coming?
Just for tonight.
I've been down to see
you the last two times.
It's your turn.
Where are you going?
(Minhyeok on phone) I'm
still not sure but...
(Minhyeok on phone) I'll pay for
you bus and drinks and everything.
(Jiwon) That Bora girl
is coming though, right?
(Jiwon) She never stops talking.
(Minhyeok on phone) I
know, don't worry about it.
(Minhyeok on phone) So you're coming?
(Minhyeok on phone) Free night out on me.
(trip hop instrumental music)
(cars roar in distance)
(dance music)
Sis...
I love that bastard.
Ah, but the thing is...
I don't like where he lives.
I mean, what's in Guro?
There's nothing there...
there's nothing fun to do there...
why does this bastard
have to live in Guro?
It's annoying.
Bora...
I'm in the middle of a conversation here...
I'll talk to you later.
Like, no offense...
don't you want to live here
in Seoul with your friends?
But...
where you live is good too, right?
Obviously, I've never been there...
but there's so much to do in Seoul.
You know what I mean?
Anyway, cheers!
Oh, it's so noisy here.
Can you hear me okay?
Great.
Right?
Right!
No!
He earns a lot of money, right?
He only paid 5 dollars and ate
basically everything at the buffet!
He had these little paper coupon things.
He does this kind of stuff
all the time, he's such a miser!
Just wait for your wedding day!
You owe me money from our
bet if I get married, remember?
You should give me $500 at least!
Do I have to adjust for inflation?
Yeah, that sounds good!
When is Donghwan coming back?
Donghwan?
Oh yeah, you've met my
boyfriend Donghwan, haven't you?
Ah right, right.
Everyone's heard about him.
These days he's actually pretty successful!
So he is your boyfriend?
He's doing so well it's
starting to make me insecure.
I think you've been insecure
since middle school.
What is this bullshit?
(footsteps)
Ah, I feel so much better after eating.
(door opening)
The location is really good.
I think we could make it really nice.
Oh, my parents said they can give
me the bed from their spare room...
so we won't need to buy one.
(traffic noise)
(soft ambient music)
(phone vibrates)
'I miss you already.'
C'mon, have a splash of soju.
It'll take the edge off your hangover.
What do you think about getting a
tea set for each of the guesthouses?
Do you know how much that stuff costs?
What are you on about... tea sets.
Those kind of small touches
make a big difference to guests.
We have enough work as it is.
They're not that expensive.
I searched online and you can
get them for around 20 dollars each.
Dad...
think how nice it
would be for the guests...
to sit drinking their tea
and looking out at the view.
I said no.
I think people would really like it.
Really...
You just keep pushing
and pushing, don't you?
You're getting more like
your mother everyday!
Why are you bringing her up?
She would have agreed to buy them.
And at least I am not just
sitting around drinking all day.
You really are-
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
Hello?
Is everything alright with the room?
Ah sure, why don't I bring
over some extra towels for you?
Okay.
Thank you.
See? I am working hard for our family!
You can't have a family
with only two people.
We are just relatives now.
Ah, really.
Come in.
Sorry...
I only have $42.
Fine.
Well, spit it out then.
My father... well, he
always drank a lot but...
My mother died about a year ago...
since then it has gotten much worse.
You...
can see?
What?
You see, don't you?
You see everything, the other world.
So...
what are you doing here?
I...
I guess this is the closest
thing to a therapist in this town.
So I came here.
Sorry but...
I don't really believe in
spirits and that kind of stuff.
Really?
Well, they seem to believe in you.
What?
Have you had any loss of appetite?
Or insomnia?
Um, a little.
Sometimes nature captures you?
You lose the sense of who you are?
Animals are drawn to you?
These things will speak louder
and louder until you listen.
I'm really sorry...
this isn't really what
I thought it would be.
Really?
Then you can go.
Suit yourself.
Perhaps it will all just go away.
'Awaken'
Put this inside your father's pillowcase.
It's not his time yet.
Are you talking to me?
Are you talking to me?
You're not?
(Mr. Jo's Father) Keep it down in there!
(Mr. Jo's Father) I told you to get up on that
roof and fix the aerial. The TV still looks weird.
Alright Dad, I'll do it now.
I'm going, Dad.
You made me jump!
Have you been waiting ages?
- What time do you call this?
- Sorry!
I had to clean.
Oh really? You do all of it?
I have to do it all, don't I?
Dad's just dossing about all day.
Your life is so hard!
Ah, it's so exhausting, really.
Do they pay for it when
you have to take a taxi?
Nope.
They don't even pay for the taxi?
No, they don't.
What about your dinners when you work late?
Can't you use the business
card to pay for it or something?
I know I should be able to but it'll just
end up in a fight with my team leader.
Ah, I don't know.
Whatever you do, don't get a corporate job.
You're lucky to live here!
I mean it's good enough, right?
For me, the best thing about
it is I don't have a boss.
That's so good! You're such a boss!
(soft piano music)
(Jiwon whoops)
but I asked if you remembered!
- No.
- Wow, you're unbelievable.
You were so drunk that you
just kept trying to apologise.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
I don't normally drink like this.
You were such a lightweight.
And the thing is...
- it was coming out your nose too.
- No.
I don't know what you're talking about.
And you were still trying to be polite.
"I'm so sorry! Please don't tell my Mum!"
It was like a dragon!
What are you talking about?
Is it okay? Can you still breathe
through it after all that puke?
I've got a lot of stuff for us to eat.
Oh, nice!
Hurry up.
I'm going to eat so much.
Let's go, let's go!
('Paradiso' by Erlend
ye & La Comitiva' plays)
(Sung lyrics) Paradiso
(Sung lyrics) Perch non basta il paradiso
(Sung lyrics) Perch non basta il paradiso
(Sung lyrics) L'estate finita
(Sung lyrics) Ma ancora dentro me
(Jiwon fluffs lyrics)
(Sung lyrics) Oh yeah!
Ah, I'm getting tipsy.
Since he lost his sight he has
been so much easier to be around.
He's more dependent on me and Mum...
It's like he's realised he needs us...
and so he actually behaves a lot better.
I feel guilty saying that but it's true.
No, I get it, that's good.
It's honestly the happiest
I've ever seen him.
I guess now he doesn't have
to look at your face anymore.
Ah, shut up!
This is the worst I've ever seen my Dad.
He barely speaks...
he just drinks everyday...
he never does any work.
Maybe I should blind him too?
He lost his wife.
I lost my Mum!
I could just lie on the
floor all day too...
but I am trying to
keep this family together.
What's left of it.
Right.
Thanks for coming to visit.
You're basically the only friend
who still comes back to visit.
That's not what I heard.
What?
Minhyeok.
I heard he was back here.
He was back, wasn't he?
You did, didn't you?
Right?
Urgh, don't. I'll be sick.
Really.
Minhyeok Park is such an idiot.
He is a total idiot.
Why then?
I don't know.
He started texting me after Mum...
he's just familiar.
Can you hear yourself?
He wants me to move to Seoul with him.
You hate Seoul.
Yeah, kind of.
And you don't even really
like Minhyeok that much.
And you know his Mum is a total bitch.
Yes, very true.
Total bitch.
So you're going to take
all of that for familiar?
Pour me another drink.
Oh look, there's some left.
Where's your cup?
You're drunk, aren't you?
No, I'm fine... I'm fine.
You're weak.
Compared to you I'm not.
C'mon.
How are you this heavy
when you look so skinny?
Wait a minute.
Goodnight.
You really drank a lot, huh?
Mum sure loved pumpkins.
I remember.
Your hair even looked like a pumpkin.
So a pumpkin is a really
good choice for you.
Well, you should know...
I talked bad about you tonight.
If you had something in your head...
there was no stopping you, right?
You always wanted more...
to grow and grow.
But you never knew how to stop...
you didn't know how to
actually enjoy anything.
Like a big pumpkin...
you always wanted...
to grow bigger.
I'm hungry.
Sorry, Mum.
(rain falling outside)
(birds singing)
I'm tired.
Look the bus is already here.
You should hurry up.
Hey, give me a hug.
Ah, you stink of booze.
So do you!
Don't forget how strong you are.
I'm off.
Take care.
(sombre ambient music)
(sounds of geese)
(door slides open)
(door slides closed)
(birds chirping)
Dad!
Dad, outside...
What the hell?
(ominous music)
What's this about?
Well, well.
Now I've got your attention?
Now you see how serious I am?
Get out of here before I call the police!
What the hell do you think you're doing?
Give me the money.
Give me a bit more time.
What money?
Listen...
They're going to take my house all
because of that bulldog wife of yours.
Are you listening?
I told you not to talk about her.
Did you hear what I said?
Because of your wife I
am late on my mortgage.
The bank is going to take my house.
If I got that new job...
it would have been more
than enough to cover us.
I've got three months left.
The house my father has
lived in for 32 years.
Did you know that?
How is it fair that you live
in a nice place like this?
Have you been to our place?
It's barely a shack!
If you don't give me that money...
I will burn these houses to the ground!
I will come here while you sleep
and torch these fucking places.
So...
get me my money.
He's crazy.
We have to call the police.
You want me to do it?
Don't call the police.
What do you mean? He's insane.
When we built this place, your
Mum worked hard to make it happen...
she was helped a lot by the people here.
That's how she was able
to build this house.
He wasn't like that at first.
So what?
Let's just leave it.
If you report it to the police...
it could cause a lot of problems.
Why is that a problem?
She didn't do everything totally legally.
She had to cut some corners.
What are you talking about?
Is there anything else I don't know?
It would have been difficult
without the help of the people here.
If you call the police it will
make a lot of problems for us.
So what should we do?
You're saying that we
should just do nothing?
And just let him destroy our home?
I'm sorry.
(soft piano music)
You left a lot of problems, Mum.
I know you'd say to toughen up...
or to knuckle down and fight...
but I feel weak.
I don't know if I can do this without you.
Please...
if you can...
please help Dad.
(mysterious ambient music)
FOOD WASTE
(ominous ambient tones)
Hello.
What are you doing?
Are you always this much of a push over?
I mean really...
What?
Your mother's blood runs in your
veins, but you just won't listen will you?
Your mother's blood runs in your
veins, but you just won't listen will you?
What do you mean?
Well, your Dad clearly
doesn't want my help.
It's up to you now.
I'm planning to move to Seoul soon
so I won't be seeing him so much.
You'll hate it there, you know you will.
Your ancestors are trying
to speak through you...
but you have to get quiet to hear them.
In the city it's so noisy
that no one can hear a thing.
And look at the state they've
gotten themselves into.
Have you got any cigarettes?
What?
Are you deaf? Have you got any cigarettes?
I want to smoke.
Sorry, I don't smoke.
Really?
Yeah, I suppose you shouldn't.
Fuck!
Hey, are you busy right now?
Um, no...
I can talk for a few minutes.
How's Seoul?
Pretty good.
Crazy busy but things at work are good.
I need something to take my
mind off the stress though...
I miss you.
How's it going?
I'm okay.
Is your Dad around this weekend?
Oh, then should I book a hotel for us?
No!
Alright, chill out.
What do you want to do then?
We could rent one of those
bikes for two people like last time.
Although, I think they are a
bit of a rip-off to be honest...
I prefer the single person bikes anyway.
I'm pregnant.
What?
I'm pregnant.
I heard what you said
but I don't understand.
I'm going to have a baby.
Since when?
I think I am about six weeks along.
Are you sure it's mine?
Yes, of course I am fucking sure.
Okay, well...
Well what?
Well, we have to get rid of it, right?
What?
No, I mean obviously it is a big decision.
We should make it together I mean, but...
We have to think about our future, right?
Our future?
I guess you can't do it there, right?
There probably aren't any places.
No.
Right, well look, I'll
come and pick you up.
We can do it here.
I mean no I am not getting rid of it.
Not there or here.
C'mon, Jiwon.
Let's be realistic here.
"Let's be realistic?"
My Mum and Dad would kill me.
Oh your bloody parents...
can't you think for yourself for once?
You're in the same boat.
Your Dad wouldn't be thrilled either.
He's not exactly my biggest fan.
So?
That's it?
That's your reaction?
Well what did you expect me to say?
I mean it's not like we
are even really together.
Jiwon...
I'm probably going to get
regional manager next month.
This just isn't the right time for a kid.
You...
Look, I'll come down there and we
can talk about this properly, face-to-face.
Hey, you drunk.
What?
Look at this cute little bastard.
You should go home.
You're that Shaman woman, aren't you?
You should go home.
If you've got some special knowledge...
why don't you share
it with the rest of us?
Why do I deserve all this?
I'm asking you what I've
done to deserve this?
Hmm? C'mon, what did I do wrong?
Men...
a big gang of them got together.
They worked day and night...
with all kinds of clever designs...
and decided to go to the moon.
They wanted to escape this Earth.
All these plans and machines...
and a great fire.
They schemed and wondered...
about that place in the sky...
and what might be up there for them.
Well, they finally arrived...
but...
there was nothing.
A dead and dusty rock.
A forsaken place.
I'm growing tomatoes...
want to try one?
Go on. Take one.
They're delicious.
I think you misplaced that.
C'mon, what's that face for?
Thanks for coming.
That's okay.
You look good.
Really?
No, I don't.
Okay, look.
I know you needed a laptop
bag, so I bought you one.
There's about eight grand in there.
It's money my parents gave me over
the years that I have been saving...
in case they ever cut
me off from my allowance.
Just take it.
This is enough to make it like
the whole thing never happened.
You can take some time
off or go somewhere...
Whatever you want.
What?
I want you to have it.
This is what you came here to talk about?
Look, I could just ignore
this whole situation...
but I am taking responsibility
and doing something about it, okay?
You're fucking unbelievable.
You know a lot of guys wouldn't do this?
I'm trying to do right by you here.
I can't believe I was about to give up
my life here to move to Seoul with you.
I mean, things have been
weird between us lately anyway...
Oh, fuck you!
If you're going to be like this...
fuck it.
I'm done.
(sombre ambient music)
(sounds of Jiwon entering)
What's this?
It's nothing.
Did this happen today?
It's not a big deal.
You know what a hot head he is.
What a minute, Mr. Jo did this?
He's crazy?
Don't worry about it.
He probably won't do anything else.
That's your plan?
You're not going to do anything?
What happened to your eye?
Did he do this?
It's not a big deal.
What the hell.
I'm sorry.
I'm not strong like your mother was.
(music intensifies)
(ominous ambient tone)
(distant barking)
(background television noise)
What the hell?
There is eight grand in this bag.
That's all you'll get from us.
The only reason I am showing
this much restraint...
is because of that
old man in the next room.
Okay... Okay, please.
You broke those construction laws.
It was your mistake, not ours.
There is a life growing inside me now...
so you should know...
I will do anything to defend my family.
Okay...
Okay... It was my mistake.
Then say it is over.
From this moment, it is over.
It's over...
I'll leave you both alone.
You have my word.
You left this at our house.
(cell phone ringing)
Hello?
Dad, where are you?
I'm just out.
I talked to Mr. Jo.
About the money.
I told you to stay out of it.
It's fine.
It's all settled.
He won't be bothering us again.
You sorted it out with him?
Yes.
Dad...
There's something else I need to tell you.
I'm sorry, Dad.
Please don't be angry.
Do you...
remember Minhyeok visits me sometimes?
I...
I'm pregnant.
I know I messed up.
I'm sorry.
But...
Minhyeok doesn't want any part of it.
I want it.
I wasn't sure until tonight but...
I really want to have this baby.
You're going to be a grandad.
And your family needs you.
I need you, Dad.
I can't do this without you.
I want to help.
Good.
Come home now then.
Alright, see you soon.
(bottle lands in river below)
Jiwon Lee
Jongho Lee
Written and Directed by Mike Beech
Tuin Tak
Jaejin Yun
Hyeonji Son
Hyeonjae Lee
Eonsook Lee
Cinematography by Thomas Maitland
Sound by Daniel Walker
Sound Design by Ben Hensor
Produced by Jiwon Lee, Daniel Walker,
Hyojin Lee, Thomas Maitland, Mike Beech
Original Score by Jack Fielden-Irving
Edited by Mike Beech
Casting by Jiwon Lee
Additional Writing by Jiwon
Lee, Natalie Beech, Script
Editing by Sam Brain, Stunt
Driving by Keith Keunhyung Park
Original soundtrack now
available on Spotify
In loving memory of Bico the cat
Mother Midnight (English
title) / Seokkarae (Korean title)
(soft ambient music)
Jiwon Lee
Jongho Lee
Tuin Tak
Jaejin Yun
We're a bit lost.
I thought we were on a different road.
I think I know where we are.
There's that chicken soup
restaurant we used to go to with Mum.
It's near here.
That one with the nice
old couple who run it.
Shall we stop there and eat?
(birds and wind in trees)
Hyeonji Son
Hyeonjae Lee
Eonsook Lee
Produced by Jiwon Lee,
Hyojin Lee, Mike Beech
Written and Directed by Mike Beech
Mother Midnight (English
title) / Seokkarae (Korean title)
(truck pulling up outside)
Where is that fucker?
Who are you?
Get out here you prick!
I asked who you are.
Come out you fucker.
Here he is. Look at this
cute little asshole.
Look at these fucking beautiful houses.
What do you want, Mr. Jo?
After she reported me for those
building violations, I didn't do anything.
I could have caused trouble,
but I didn't say shit.
I should have, because everyone gets
away with a lot worse in this business.
So why should I take it lying down?
Huh?
You've clearly had too much to drink.
Just go home.
I drink too much?
You're hardly one to talk.
I got some bad news today.
Something you need to hear.
Last year I didn't say
anything about that complaint.
But then I get told today that I have
been turned down for a big contract.
Because the client found out about
the report your wife made about me.
I'm sorry about that.
Your wife is still putting me out of
business from beyond the fucking grave.
Don't talk about her.
This happened because of her so you
should pay me some compensation, right?
What are you talking about?
You'll find out.
Dad... Let's go back inside.
You better give me that money!
Just leave it, Dad.
This guy's out of his mind.
Let's see.
You better pay me that fucking money.
(mysterious ambient music)
(birds chirping)
The guests in house 2 were
complaining about the bugs.
It's like a plague these days.
Every day I get up and kill more of them...
but they just keep coming back.
It's endless.
It's just part of country life.
I guess they'll always be there.
Those pumpkins that Mum planted last
year have grown a bit in the back field.
You should just leave them alone...
there's no point
bothering with them now.
Why not?
I'm going to keep watering them.
There are too many weeds down
there anyway, they won't grow.
GARDEN SUPPLIES
(country music plays on radio)
Huh?
What did you say?
If you can't hear me go outside.
Just a sec.
Can you hear me better now?
Yeah, that's better.
So, are you coming?
Just for tonight.
I've been down to see
you the last two times.
It's your turn.
Where are you going?
(Minhyeok on phone) I'm
still not sure but...
(Minhyeok on phone) I'll pay for
you bus and drinks and everything.
(Jiwon) That Bora girl
is coming though, right?
(Jiwon) She never stops talking.
(Minhyeok on phone) I
know, don't worry about it.
(Minhyeok on phone) So you're coming?
(Minhyeok on phone) Free night out on me.
(trip hop instrumental music)
(cars roar in distance)
(dance music)
Sis...
I love that bastard.
Ah, but the thing is...
I don't like where he lives.
I mean, what's in Guro?
There's nothing there...
there's nothing fun to do there...
why does this bastard
have to live in Guro?
It's annoying.
Bora...
I'm in the middle of a conversation here...
I'll talk to you later.
Like, no offense...
don't you want to live here
in Seoul with your friends?
But...
where you live is good too, right?
Obviously, I've never been there...
but there's so much to do in Seoul.
You know what I mean?
Anyway, cheers!
Oh, it's so noisy here.
Can you hear me okay?
Great.
Right?
Right!
No!
He earns a lot of money, right?
He only paid 5 dollars and ate
basically everything at the buffet!
He had these little paper coupon things.
He does this kind of stuff
all the time, he's such a miser!
Just wait for your wedding day!
You owe me money from our
bet if I get married, remember?
You should give me $500 at least!
Do I have to adjust for inflation?
Yeah, that sounds good!
When is Donghwan coming back?
Donghwan?
Oh yeah, you've met my
boyfriend Donghwan, haven't you?
Ah right, right.
Everyone's heard about him.
These days he's actually pretty successful!
So he is your boyfriend?
He's doing so well it's
starting to make me insecure.
I think you've been insecure
since middle school.
What is this bullshit?
(footsteps)
Ah, I feel so much better after eating.
(door opening)
The location is really good.
I think we could make it really nice.
Oh, my parents said they can give
me the bed from their spare room...
so we won't need to buy one.
(traffic noise)
(soft ambient music)
(phone vibrates)
'I miss you already.'
C'mon, have a splash of soju.
It'll take the edge off your hangover.
What do you think about getting a
tea set for each of the guesthouses?
Do you know how much that stuff costs?
What are you on about... tea sets.
Those kind of small touches
make a big difference to guests.
We have enough work as it is.
They're not that expensive.
I searched online and you can
get them for around 20 dollars each.
Dad...
think how nice it
would be for the guests...
to sit drinking their tea
and looking out at the view.
I said no.
I think people would really like it.
Really...
You just keep pushing
and pushing, don't you?
You're getting more like
your mother everyday!
Why are you bringing her up?
She would have agreed to buy them.
And at least I am not just
sitting around drinking all day.
You really are-
(phone vibrates)
(phone vibrates)
Hello?
Is everything alright with the room?
Ah sure, why don't I bring
over some extra towels for you?
Okay.
Thank you.
See? I am working hard for our family!
You can't have a family
with only two people.
We are just relatives now.
Ah, really.
Come in.
Sorry...
I only have $42.
Fine.
Well, spit it out then.
My father... well, he
always drank a lot but...
My mother died about a year ago...
since then it has gotten much worse.
You...
can see?
What?
You see, don't you?
You see everything, the other world.
So...
what are you doing here?
I...
I guess this is the closest
thing to a therapist in this town.
So I came here.
Sorry but...
I don't really believe in
spirits and that kind of stuff.
Really?
Well, they seem to believe in you.
What?
Have you had any loss of appetite?
Or insomnia?
Um, a little.
Sometimes nature captures you?
You lose the sense of who you are?
Animals are drawn to you?
These things will speak louder
and louder until you listen.
I'm really sorry...
this isn't really what
I thought it would be.
Really?
Then you can go.
Suit yourself.
Perhaps it will all just go away.
'Awaken'
Put this inside your father's pillowcase.
It's not his time yet.
Are you talking to me?
Are you talking to me?
You're not?
(Mr. Jo's Father) Keep it down in there!
(Mr. Jo's Father) I told you to get up on that
roof and fix the aerial. The TV still looks weird.
Alright Dad, I'll do it now.
I'm going, Dad.
You made me jump!
Have you been waiting ages?
- What time do you call this?
- Sorry!
I had to clean.
Oh really? You do all of it?
I have to do it all, don't I?
Dad's just dossing about all day.
Your life is so hard!
Ah, it's so exhausting, really.
Do they pay for it when
you have to take a taxi?
Nope.
They don't even pay for the taxi?
No, they don't.
What about your dinners when you work late?
Can't you use the business
card to pay for it or something?
I know I should be able to but it'll just
end up in a fight with my team leader.
Ah, I don't know.
Whatever you do, don't get a corporate job.
You're lucky to live here!
I mean it's good enough, right?
For me, the best thing about
it is I don't have a boss.
That's so good! You're such a boss!
(soft piano music)
(Jiwon whoops)
but I asked if you remembered!
- No.
- Wow, you're unbelievable.
You were so drunk that you
just kept trying to apologise.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
I don't normally drink like this.
You were such a lightweight.
And the thing is...
- it was coming out your nose too.
- No.
I don't know what you're talking about.
And you were still trying to be polite.
"I'm so sorry! Please don't tell my Mum!"
It was like a dragon!
What are you talking about?
Is it okay? Can you still breathe
through it after all that puke?
I've got a lot of stuff for us to eat.
Oh, nice!
Hurry up.
I'm going to eat so much.
Let's go, let's go!
('Paradiso' by Erlend
ye & La Comitiva' plays)
(Sung lyrics) Paradiso
(Sung lyrics) Perch non basta il paradiso
(Sung lyrics) Perch non basta il paradiso
(Sung lyrics) L'estate finita
(Sung lyrics) Ma ancora dentro me
(Jiwon fluffs lyrics)
(Sung lyrics) Oh yeah!
Ah, I'm getting tipsy.
Since he lost his sight he has
been so much easier to be around.
He's more dependent on me and Mum...
It's like he's realised he needs us...
and so he actually behaves a lot better.
I feel guilty saying that but it's true.
No, I get it, that's good.
It's honestly the happiest
I've ever seen him.
I guess now he doesn't have
to look at your face anymore.
Ah, shut up!
This is the worst I've ever seen my Dad.
He barely speaks...
he just drinks everyday...
he never does any work.
Maybe I should blind him too?
He lost his wife.
I lost my Mum!
I could just lie on the
floor all day too...
but I am trying to
keep this family together.
What's left of it.
Right.
Thanks for coming to visit.
You're basically the only friend
who still comes back to visit.
That's not what I heard.
What?
Minhyeok.
I heard he was back here.
He was back, wasn't he?
You did, didn't you?
Right?
Urgh, don't. I'll be sick.
Really.
Minhyeok Park is such an idiot.
He is a total idiot.
Why then?
I don't know.
He started texting me after Mum...
he's just familiar.
Can you hear yourself?
He wants me to move to Seoul with him.
You hate Seoul.
Yeah, kind of.
And you don't even really
like Minhyeok that much.
And you know his Mum is a total bitch.
Yes, very true.
Total bitch.
So you're going to take
all of that for familiar?
Pour me another drink.
Oh look, there's some left.
Where's your cup?
You're drunk, aren't you?
No, I'm fine... I'm fine.
You're weak.
Compared to you I'm not.
C'mon.
How are you this heavy
when you look so skinny?
Wait a minute.
Goodnight.
You really drank a lot, huh?
Mum sure loved pumpkins.
I remember.
Your hair even looked like a pumpkin.
So a pumpkin is a really
good choice for you.
Well, you should know...
I talked bad about you tonight.
If you had something in your head...
there was no stopping you, right?
You always wanted more...
to grow and grow.
But you never knew how to stop...
you didn't know how to
actually enjoy anything.
Like a big pumpkin...
you always wanted...
to grow bigger.
I'm hungry.
Sorry, Mum.
(rain falling outside)
(birds singing)
I'm tired.
Look the bus is already here.
You should hurry up.
Hey, give me a hug.
Ah, you stink of booze.
So do you!
Don't forget how strong you are.
I'm off.
Take care.
(sombre ambient music)
(sounds of geese)
(door slides open)
(door slides closed)
(birds chirping)
Dad!
Dad, outside...
What the hell?
(ominous music)
What's this about?
Well, well.
Now I've got your attention?
Now you see how serious I am?
Get out of here before I call the police!
What the hell do you think you're doing?
Give me the money.
Give me a bit more time.
What money?
Listen...
They're going to take my house all
because of that bulldog wife of yours.
Are you listening?
I told you not to talk about her.
Did you hear what I said?
Because of your wife I
am late on my mortgage.
The bank is going to take my house.
If I got that new job...
it would have been more
than enough to cover us.
I've got three months left.
The house my father has
lived in for 32 years.
Did you know that?
How is it fair that you live
in a nice place like this?
Have you been to our place?
It's barely a shack!
If you don't give me that money...
I will burn these houses to the ground!
I will come here while you sleep
and torch these fucking places.
So...
get me my money.
He's crazy.
We have to call the police.
You want me to do it?
Don't call the police.
What do you mean? He's insane.
When we built this place, your
Mum worked hard to make it happen...
she was helped a lot by the people here.
That's how she was able
to build this house.
He wasn't like that at first.
So what?
Let's just leave it.
If you report it to the police...
it could cause a lot of problems.
Why is that a problem?
She didn't do everything totally legally.
She had to cut some corners.
What are you talking about?
Is there anything else I don't know?
It would have been difficult
without the help of the people here.
If you call the police it will
make a lot of problems for us.
So what should we do?
You're saying that we
should just do nothing?
And just let him destroy our home?
I'm sorry.
(soft piano music)
You left a lot of problems, Mum.
I know you'd say to toughen up...
or to knuckle down and fight...
but I feel weak.
I don't know if I can do this without you.
Please...
if you can...
please help Dad.
(mysterious ambient music)
FOOD WASTE
(ominous ambient tones)
Hello.
What are you doing?
Are you always this much of a push over?
I mean really...
What?
Your mother's blood runs in your
veins, but you just won't listen will you?
Your mother's blood runs in your
veins, but you just won't listen will you?
What do you mean?
Well, your Dad clearly
doesn't want my help.
It's up to you now.
I'm planning to move to Seoul soon
so I won't be seeing him so much.
You'll hate it there, you know you will.
Your ancestors are trying
to speak through you...
but you have to get quiet to hear them.
In the city it's so noisy
that no one can hear a thing.
And look at the state they've
gotten themselves into.
Have you got any cigarettes?
What?
Are you deaf? Have you got any cigarettes?
I want to smoke.
Sorry, I don't smoke.
Really?
Yeah, I suppose you shouldn't.
Fuck!
Hey, are you busy right now?
Um, no...
I can talk for a few minutes.
How's Seoul?
Pretty good.
Crazy busy but things at work are good.
I need something to take my
mind off the stress though...
I miss you.
How's it going?
I'm okay.
Is your Dad around this weekend?
Oh, then should I book a hotel for us?
No!
Alright, chill out.
What do you want to do then?
We could rent one of those
bikes for two people like last time.
Although, I think they are a
bit of a rip-off to be honest...
I prefer the single person bikes anyway.
I'm pregnant.
What?
I'm pregnant.
I heard what you said
but I don't understand.
I'm going to have a baby.
Since when?
I think I am about six weeks along.
Are you sure it's mine?
Yes, of course I am fucking sure.
Okay, well...
Well what?
Well, we have to get rid of it, right?
What?
No, I mean obviously it is a big decision.
We should make it together I mean, but...
We have to think about our future, right?
Our future?
I guess you can't do it there, right?
There probably aren't any places.
No.
Right, well look, I'll
come and pick you up.
We can do it here.
I mean no I am not getting rid of it.
Not there or here.
C'mon, Jiwon.
Let's be realistic here.
"Let's be realistic?"
My Mum and Dad would kill me.
Oh your bloody parents...
can't you think for yourself for once?
You're in the same boat.
Your Dad wouldn't be thrilled either.
He's not exactly my biggest fan.
So?
That's it?
That's your reaction?
Well what did you expect me to say?
I mean it's not like we
are even really together.
Jiwon...
I'm probably going to get
regional manager next month.
This just isn't the right time for a kid.
You...
Look, I'll come down there and we
can talk about this properly, face-to-face.
Hey, you drunk.
What?
Look at this cute little bastard.
You should go home.
You're that Shaman woman, aren't you?
You should go home.
If you've got some special knowledge...
why don't you share
it with the rest of us?
Why do I deserve all this?
I'm asking you what I've
done to deserve this?
Hmm? C'mon, what did I do wrong?
Men...
a big gang of them got together.
They worked day and night...
with all kinds of clever designs...
and decided to go to the moon.
They wanted to escape this Earth.
All these plans and machines...
and a great fire.
They schemed and wondered...
about that place in the sky...
and what might be up there for them.
Well, they finally arrived...
but...
there was nothing.
A dead and dusty rock.
A forsaken place.
I'm growing tomatoes...
want to try one?
Go on. Take one.
They're delicious.
I think you misplaced that.
C'mon, what's that face for?
Thanks for coming.
That's okay.
You look good.
Really?
No, I don't.
Okay, look.
I know you needed a laptop
bag, so I bought you one.
There's about eight grand in there.
It's money my parents gave me over
the years that I have been saving...
in case they ever cut
me off from my allowance.
Just take it.
This is enough to make it like
the whole thing never happened.
You can take some time
off or go somewhere...
Whatever you want.
What?
I want you to have it.
This is what you came here to talk about?
Look, I could just ignore
this whole situation...
but I am taking responsibility
and doing something about it, okay?
You're fucking unbelievable.
You know a lot of guys wouldn't do this?
I'm trying to do right by you here.
I can't believe I was about to give up
my life here to move to Seoul with you.
I mean, things have been
weird between us lately anyway...
Oh, fuck you!
If you're going to be like this...
fuck it.
I'm done.
(sombre ambient music)
(sounds of Jiwon entering)
What's this?
It's nothing.
Did this happen today?
It's not a big deal.
You know what a hot head he is.
What a minute, Mr. Jo did this?
He's crazy?
Don't worry about it.
He probably won't do anything else.
That's your plan?
You're not going to do anything?
What happened to your eye?
Did he do this?
It's not a big deal.
What the hell.
I'm sorry.
I'm not strong like your mother was.
(music intensifies)
(ominous ambient tone)
(distant barking)
(background television noise)
What the hell?
There is eight grand in this bag.
That's all you'll get from us.
The only reason I am showing
this much restraint...
is because of that
old man in the next room.
Okay... Okay, please.
You broke those construction laws.
It was your mistake, not ours.
There is a life growing inside me now...
so you should know...
I will do anything to defend my family.
Okay...
Okay... It was my mistake.
Then say it is over.
From this moment, it is over.
It's over...
I'll leave you both alone.
You have my word.
You left this at our house.
(cell phone ringing)
Hello?
Dad, where are you?
I'm just out.
I talked to Mr. Jo.
About the money.
I told you to stay out of it.
It's fine.
It's all settled.
He won't be bothering us again.
You sorted it out with him?
Yes.
Dad...
There's something else I need to tell you.
I'm sorry, Dad.
Please don't be angry.
Do you...
remember Minhyeok visits me sometimes?
I...
I'm pregnant.
I know I messed up.
I'm sorry.
But...
Minhyeok doesn't want any part of it.
I want it.
I wasn't sure until tonight but...
I really want to have this baby.
You're going to be a grandad.
And your family needs you.
I need you, Dad.
I can't do this without you.
I want to help.
Good.
Come home now then.
Alright, see you soon.
(bottle lands in river below)
Jiwon Lee
Jongho Lee
Written and Directed by Mike Beech
Tuin Tak
Jaejin Yun
Hyeonji Son
Hyeonjae Lee
Eonsook Lee
Cinematography by Thomas Maitland
Sound by Daniel Walker
Sound Design by Ben Hensor
Produced by Jiwon Lee, Daniel Walker,
Hyojin Lee, Thomas Maitland, Mike Beech
Original Score by Jack Fielden-Irving
Edited by Mike Beech
Casting by Jiwon Lee
Additional Writing by Jiwon
Lee, Natalie Beech, Script
Editing by Sam Brain, Stunt
Driving by Keith Keunhyung Park
Original soundtrack now
available on Spotify
In loving memory of Bico the cat
Mother Midnight (English
title) / Seokkarae (Korean title)