Starve Acre (2023) Movie Script
1
[boy]
It's gone now, Mummy.
What's gone?
The whistle whistling.
What whistling?
Okay. You go to sleep now.
Shh.
Pass. Pass.
Do you know what, I can't
remember the last time we went
for a trek over the tarn.
We should go.
Gordon could look after Owen.
Mmm.
[indistinct screams]
[child screaming]
[horse whinnying]
Richard, where's Owen?
[crying]
[horse cries in pain]
Owen, son, what's happened?
What's happened?
Finish your breakfast.
[radio chatter]
[Juliette]
Yes, of course.
No, we'll both be there.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Well, Doctor Ellis had already
heard about the fair.
And he's referred us to
a clinic in Wakefield.
Right.
And they're very
good, apparently.
Well...
Okay.
I've gotta go.
See you later, son.
[radio chatter]
What happened yesterday, lovely?
Yesterday?
At the fair.
I played football.
But is anything on your mind?
You can always tell me if
something's troubling you.
[chicken calls]
Go on. Go on, down you get.
It's just in here.
-Okay?
-Come this way.
We've all the latest action
figures in there.
It's just down here.
Yes, it's where
Richard grew up.
It's his parents' old place.
And you were in central
Leeds before that?
Do you think that has
something to do with it?
Well, sometimes a big change in
their environment could, yeah.
We moved over two years ago.
Owen doesn't really
remember, I don't think.
We thought the space and the
fresh air would be good for...
That's good for everyone.
So...
please can you tell us what
you plan to do for Owen.
Well, we need to
ascertain whether Owen's
aggression will return
by trying to work out
what the trigger is.
-Owen's not aggressive.
-Richard.
He's been in a couple of scraps
at school,
but he were just
defending himself.
Did he start displaying this
behavior at school?
Yes.
But he hasn't given you any
other cause for concern
apart from this one incident?
No, he's never done
anything this bad.
I see.
I think there's a voice...
Or something inside his
head.
What makes you say that?
He said that someone
called Jack Grey...
...is whistling to him.
When did he say that?
The other day when
he was asleep.
Where do you think he got
that name from?
Oh, I know.
Our neighbors, Gordon, he comes
round, he looks after him.
Likes to tell him stories.
Look, this voice...
it provokes him,
to do things that he
knows he shouldn't do.
Let's try to find out how
this voice comes to him.
Whether it's external
or if it's in his mind.
Have you seen this type
of thing before?
Let me have a look at him.
We've had some success here
with EEG testing.
It's a brain scan.
Right.
Good lad. We'll be
done in a minute.
-[whimpers]
-[machine whirrs]
It's all right.
Nearly there.
Nearly there.
Come on, lovely, it's okay.
There you go. Hold him.
Yeah, try not to move, Owen.
Owen. That's it, stay there.
I don't want Gordon here.
Don't want him coming round
any more filling
Owen's head full of magic.
This is exactly what I wanted
to avoid moving back here.
So who is this Jack Grey?
[turns water off]
No-one.
-Come on.
-Come on what?
Just a wood sprite...
...my dad made up. Him
and Gordon used to
try and scare me with
it when I was a kid.
What did they do?
Don't matter.
It were pure idiocy.
It matters to some extent
because Owen thinks
he's whistling to him.
Yeah, well, that's why
Gordon's banned from the house.
Gets a kick out of tormenting
children, that man.
It's the last thing
Owen needs right now.
These were some of her
belongings buried with her.
What do you think they tell us?
That's really interesting
craftsmanship there.
Yeah, it shows that the people
liked to look good even then.
Well, yes, that's right.
It suggests that the Jutish
people weren't just rolling
around in the mud,
you know, but that they cared
about these things.
They cared about themselves.
And that they were relatively
healthy people.
Right.
Would've thought you might
have got yourself a haircut,
Willoughby.
Ready, Jeremy?
Four minutes is completely
unnecessary.
You can make a perfectly good
cup of tea in 30 seconds.
He acts like the introduction
of modern analysis is my fault.
Well, he's just old guard.
Oh, you know...
...I'll buy him a metal
detector for his retirement.
Well, you know, I did hear
him say that he's got
a few years left in him.
Jesus.
But if he does hang up
his chalk next summer,
you should maybe
think about your research
activity before putting
yourself forward.
[clears throat]
[humming[
Mind your step.
People have...
forgotten about it, but
somewhere in this field
should be the roots
of an old oak tree.
I know.
-Oh, how do you know?
-Gordon told me.
Oh, yeah. Well,
do you know why the
tree was important?
People used it as
a meeting place.
That's right.
They did.
Used to meet there for
different reasons.
To sell animals, to, er...
...well, to deal with issues
in the village,
or to judge folks
if they were naughty.
You mean to hang people?
I might do.
Your granddaddy bought
this land, you know...
because he was interested
in all the stories
it had to tell.
Gordon says the oak
tree's spirit
was like a doorway
into other worlds.
Well, that's not true.
Gordon's full of superstitions.
Silly ideas people made up
before we understood how things
really worked.
This place is beautiful as
it is, without superstitions.
We've moved on from
that. All right?
What happened to the tree?
Well, it was a long,
long time ago.
It was probably removed to make
way for farming, I'd guess.
We should try to find where
the roots are, Daddy.
You know what, son,
that's a good idea.
We will. I promise.
I'll start digging.
But we need to get that barn
fixed for your mother first.
Has mummy decided if she
wants sheep or goats?
Goats, I think.
Gordon.
The chickens will love this.
Oh, you shouldn't have.
That face sings a sad song.
What's mitherin' you?
Gordon, you don't understand.
He doesn't remember what
he's done afterwards.
Well, maybe he don't
want to remember.
Can only imagine how
he's been goaded at school,
and then at fair.
You know what kids are
like, vicious buggers.
They are. I'll tell you that.
I can't speak to Richard
about it. He's convinced that
everything's fine with Owen.
He has a lot of compassion
for your son.
Making up for things.
I don't speak ill of dead,
but Richard and his dad
didn't see eye
to eye from start.
I know he was very hard on him.
He never speaks about Neil.
It's ancient news.
Point is, Richard's heart
is in right place.
What have you found?
Here, Owen. See this?
It's a crinoid.
Probably over 300 million
years old that.
What else can we find?
Look at this one, Daddy.
Look how smooth it is.
Good lad. It is.
And do you know why it's
smooth? Because the water
pressure has made it so.
-I got a big one.
-Go on, lob it.
Can you skim it?
What's a skim?
It's obvious he wasn't
himself at the fair.
If people could have
seen him today, they'd
change their minds.
This is his normal state.
They're too quick to judge.
Are you all right?
You're warm.
It's gonna be okay.
I'm gonna sort the mess out
in the study this weekend.
Might check out
my dad's old stuff.
And I'll start work
on that barn for you.
[birds chirping
[rooster crowing]
[chatter]
Sorry I'm late.
I know he's not necessarily
in the area...
...analysis...
Owen? Owen.
What's happened? Owen.
Owen? Owen!
Owen, breathe. Come on.
Come on. Owen, breathe.
Owen, no...
The farmhouse at the end
of Stythwaite Lane.
- Please hurry.
-No!
Come on, then. Come on.
It's all right.
I've got you.
It's okay. It's okay. Come on.
I'm here to see my son.
Owen Willoughby.
Down here?
Jules?
Jules!
Hey, I'm here.
[sobs]
Where is he?
Where is he?
[sobs]
Hi, Richard.
-You all right with your bag?
-Yeah. Thanks, I've got it.
-Come on in.
-Thanks.
How are you both?
Yeah, good. We're fine.
Jules about?
Yeah.
Let me get her.
Jules?
I'll not be a sec.
Jules?
[door opens]
Jules?
Mmm.
Harrie's here.
Already?
It's one o'clock.
Come on.
Right, she'll be down.
Have you found any buried
treasure out there yet?
Not today.
Well, it's good you're working.
Aye.
Were the roads okay?
Yeah. Had to take it easy
once I got off the A1.
Oh, yeah. How's Tommy?
Usual self.
Jules.
-You're skin and bones.
-Don't start doing your mom
impression.
-Are you eating properly?
-I'm fine.
What?
I don't know why you'd
wanna come here.
See my sister.
Is that so ridiculous?
I made you this.
It's lime and coconut.
It's a bit dry. Sorry.
I cooked it in a cake tin.
I should have baked it like
a loaf, but it'll taste fine.
Mum and Benji are a bit worried.
If they found out I
was allowed here before them,
they'd have a fit.
Mom can't bear it here.
-That is not true.
-Yes, it is.
She couldn't wait to
leave after the wake.
And all they do is fuss anyway.
So, Rosencrantz...
I never understood the appeal
of Michael Caine.
He's such a mummy's boy.
Gene Hackman though,
I'd nurture his seed.
I've never heard anyone say
they fancy Gene Hackman.
[man on TV] Who comes here?
Mommy.
[eerie whistling]
[birds calling]
Where's Juliette?
In her bedroom.
What's going on?
Don't touch his stuff.
What does your sister
think she's doing?
I asked her to.
We don't need her here.
She's a fucking busybody.
Richard...
how else are we gonna
sort out his room?
You can't just erase it all.
No.
Let's not fight.
-I knew you weren't
happy with Owen.
-Don't.
I did.
But all we had to do
was love him...
without all the judgement.
You think I was blind...
hmm, to his problems.
All I ever did was try and show
him love and affection.
It might have helped if you'd
acknowledged what was going on
a little bit more.
Oh, yeah.
Where were you when he
was having the attack?
I'm asking.
[vomits]
Jules?
What's going on?
Your coat.
You'll freeze to death.
Gordon?
Oh, morning, blossom.
We were just passing
and I really wanted you
to meet Mrs. Forde.
8Well, he said you
knew I was coming.
Jules.
Oh, this is my sister Harrie.
This is my neighbor,
Gordon. And Mrs. Forde.
Jules, why don't
they come inside?
Well, that might not be
a good idea. I'm not
in lad's good books.
-Mrs. Forde might though.
-Well...
only if it's not
too much trouble.
Can we get you anything?
Oh, no.
Gordon's a big fan of yours.
-Why is that?
-Well, I...
like to help people.
I teach yoga, meditation, you
know, that sort of thing.
-Gordon tells me you meditate?
-Not for a while.
Why not?
Well...
we could try together...
if you'd like, all of us?
Just...
a simple chant?
Help readdress the balance.
What do you think?
Give it a try. No harm.
Yeah?
Let's, um, let's create
a peaceful place.
Would you get the curtains?
Let's not be foemen
indefinitely.
You know, we've
all made mistakes in life,
some more than others.
But I swear...
I treated Owen
as if he were my own.
That's why you scared him
into having night terrors.
In what way?
Filling his head with
stories of Jack Grey.
-Hey, I never
mentioned that to him.
-Well, I certainly didn't.
Well, anyone could have done.
-Kids at school.
-It was my dad's delusion.
You and him were the only ones
that told me that story.
Well, I regret how I acted with
thee when thee were young.
And your dad were wrong
to do what he did to thee.
And I told him.
Look, Gordon if Jules
wants to visit you,
then that's up to her, but I'm
fine here. All right?
So be it, lad.
But contempt for those around
you is only a self-fulfilling
prophecy.
Oh, uh yeah, "Thank you."
Okay.
Let's take a breath.
[inhales]
Om Vajrapani Hum.
Close your eyes...
and keep the light
in your mind.
[inhales]
Om Vajrapani ...
No, I can't.
It's okay, love.
If any negative thoughts
enter...
just let them, so that
then they can pass on.
Let's expel our demons.
You will feel so much better.
I promise you. Let's try.
Only if you want to.
Let's exchange this energy
we're feeling for anew.
[inhales]
Om Vajrapani Hum. ..
[exhales and inhales]
Let it out. [exhales]
[inhales]
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
[sobs]
I'm a disgrace.
[Mrs. Forde]
He forgives you.
-We all forgive you.
-No.
Forgive yourself.
Tell your son...
he can go now.
Let him pass on.
Try, try to just say it once.
Go...
my love.
Good.
Om Vajrapani Hum. ..
Let him free...
with your exhale.
[chanting]
It's fine.
-It's okay.
-Oh my God.
It's okay.
The Dandelion has bud.
[panting]
[screams]
No, don't be afraid! It's okay.
Take it easy.
He has, er...
moved on now.
He has, I promise you.
Gordon's waiting outside.
A bloom of spring is on the way.
Ta-ra, love.
[Richard] Jules?
Harrie?
You all right? What's...
what's been going on in here?
-Was it Gordon? What's he done?
-It's not Gordon.
What then?
Who was that with him?
Mrs. Forde.
Mrs. Forde?
She performed a show
of some sort.
She came...
She came to help release Owen.
What?
All right.
Go on. Go back to sticking your
head in the fucking mud!
Go on then, leave us!
Don't. Don't.
[sighs]
You play off scratch?
Well, I haven't been a member
of a club for 20 years now.
Well, of course. But still...
Willoughby.
Um, yeah, I'm just here
to collect some stuff.
-How are you?
-Fine.
Good. Steven tells me you're
getting your hands dirty,
which is encouraging.
Have the board discussed
my return date yet?
We're going to assess it over
the summer.
We felt like you needed
a full sabbatical year.
You deserve the time
off for yourself...
and your wife.
Anyway...
-good to see you.
-Yeah.
You're chums now?
No, we were just, um...
What's going on?
There's something I
wanted your take on.
Okay.
Um...
it's a...
a rabbit, or a hare.
There's some...
fungus starting to attack...
just here, but, um...
I mean, what am I supposed
to be looking for?
Sorry about this.
It's okay.
[door closes]
[sighs]
Did I tell you Tommy
drank all my Pomerol?
Didn't even say anything.
Turned my back and he'd
had the whole lot.
Is this paint even working?
It's rubbish. Look, I put
two coats up here and
I can still see the stains.
Had one glass
of my birthday gift.
Stupid man.
Stupid, stupid man.
[sighs]
Stupid man.
[eerie music playing]
[chopping]
Harrie made curry.
Richard, come on.
-Please, I'm sorry.
-Okay.
Please come back with me.
The sea air might
do us some good.
Yeah, maybe.
I'm starting to feel
a bit landlocked here.
I think that's Yellow Star.
-Jules, what do you think?
-I've never seen that here.
Come on.
Bit of time away
might help you both.
Go on then.
Richard...
can we talk?
No!
I thought you'd gone out.
Just for a walk.
What's going on in there?
Nothing.
-Let me in.
-Please. No, wait.
-What is going on in here?
-Be quiet!
Please.
Needed my help.
What was wrong with it?
I don't know.
Well, it seems okay now.
Yeah, you think?
Yeah.
We have to let him go.
He wouldn't survive in here.
He needs to be outside.
And look, he's...
-They're nervous creatures.
-I know, I know that.
He is lovely though.
Yeah, right then.
Come on.
Just mind out, please.
Mind out, Harrie, go on.
What's this for?
This should hold him.
-Hold who?
-No-one.
Jules?
Could you keep Corey
away for a bit.
Um...
What are you talking about?
It's just house stuff.
We need something
to prop this open.
Come on, then.
It's okay.
It's all right.
Come on, little one.
It's okay.
What's this?
Come on.
Richard, grab, grab it.
Come on.
Come on.
[growling]
-Open the box. Open it.
-Okay.
Sorry.
Jesus!
Richard, just forget
the blanket.
-Christ!
-Sorry, sorry.
I'm sorry, darling.
[growling]
Right, get the door.
Okay.
What is going on in there?
What is it?
Watch your step.
Jules...
-what have you
got in there?
-Nothing, Harrie.
Richard's just been
looking after it.
He's all right.
Here.
-Fuckin' hell.
-Oh, come on.
What do you think?
Here?
Yes.
Come on, mate. Steady.
Go on, it's okay.
Go on now.
Go on.
No, no, shoo.
Go on. Shoo.
Go on.
Hey, shoo. Go on.
That's it.
That's it.
[tense music playing]
[melancholy music playing]
What's going on?
Richard?
You know,
when I was Owen's age...
Mmm-hmm.
My dad used to strip me
down to my underpants...
and, er, tape
my mouth up...
Make me stand out
in the field...
For hours, freezing.
I never knew he did
anything like that.
My fingers turned blue.
He wanted me to disappear.
To disappear?
Why?
[sniffs]
Some sick idea of his.
He was disturbed, that man.
I'm sorry.
I never knew.
Why didn't you say?
I didn't want it to get
in the way or noth...
When you mentioned moving
here, I thought...
you know...
forget him.
I wanted to give...
my son the life that
I wish I'd had here.
I don't really know what's
happening anymore.
What do you mean?
-It's okay.
-[sobbing]
Sshh, it's okay.
[sobs]
[sobs]
[eerie whistling]
My shoulder doesn't
hurt anymore.
[footsteps]
Just taking Corey out.
In return for the
Triquetra sacrifice...
It's some sort of
local folklore.
-You shouldn't be in here.
-This says followers gathered
at Starve Acre.
Three of them died.
A child, woman and a man.
They were sacrificed for
the Dandelion to bud.
It's all the same as
Mrs. Forde's jargon.
And Richard's dad was
writing about it, too.
The gods are just,
the gods are fair,
they let Jack free
and into our care.
The price we pay is
one, two, three,
To let joy pour from
the Whistling Tree.
Kept this quiet.
It's still covered in bark.
That's the density
of the soil.
No, no, it's deliberate.
The villagers cut it down.
Why bury it?
Well, if my dad's writing
is anything to go on...
they were sealing short
access to the, er...
"womb of nature."
The Pagan's entrance
to the spirit world.
That's a wild notion for
17th century England.
Um, I'm sorry about my visit
to work. I were...
just, er, morbid curiosity
got the better of me.
No, no worries.
Let's get this sorted.
There's a whole section
about Neil trying to
release the same spirit.
He documents all these
things he did to Richard.
It's fucking weird, Jules.
And who is this Dandelion Jack?
I mean, have you ever
heard of him?
No.
I, I don't quite understand.
How is the trunk so
well-preserved?
You've hit the jackpot here,
Richard, come on, the Faculty
should be funding this.
.Who's that?
Oh, no!
Hang on.
Richard.
What's happened?
It went for him.
It attacked Corey.
What did?
He's okay, because I blocked
it. I blocked it.
Jesus, you need stitches.
Come on. Let's go in.
You're all right.
Jesus Christ.
[sobs]
It was that fucking thing.
Hey, Jules.
Don't.
It's just had Harrie's arm.
2It's all right.
Juliette!
Shh.
It's all right.
It's all right.
It's all right.
Jules.
Look what it's done.
It's ripped open my arm.
Why would he do that?
[Harrie] Richard.
He doesn't seem
to need anything.
-Everything all right?
-Oh, yeah, yeah.
Looks like an attempt
to hide evidence.
Several hangings. At least
five or six, all the way down.
I mean, I've never seen
anything like this before.
The condition it's in is just,
it's just mind-boggling.
Sweet joy that enchants.
What is it, my darling?
[Steven] I am here for him!
I am here for him!
I am here for him!
I am here for him!
I am here for him!
No!
No!
No.
No.
[eerie whistling]
Look...
even under here...
the soil...
the way it's, the way
it's mummified the oak...
and preserved
all the bark, it's...
It's like it's, it's like
it's just been buried.
Fuck's sake.
You won't have much luck
with that, love.
Yeah, I noticed.
You can come back and use
my phone if you like.
No, thank you, Gordon,
I've gotta get going.
What's happened to arm?
I fell...
that's all.
You going back to house?
Hey, look.
We're as surprised as you are.
It were Richard's old man who
tried to summon The Dandelion.
Aye.
He even attempted to offer up
his own son as first ransom.
But Jack weren't interested.
It don't work like that.
Richard? Are you okay?
Are you all right, pal?
Okay, just try and breathe,
yeah. Just...
[Gordon]
It's Jack who chooses.
And only a son who is much
beloved by his father would do.
And Richard weren't,
you see. But Owen was.
That's how it works.
And now Richard's uncovered
the entrance, the ransom
can be settled.
I need to get going.
Where you headed, love?
Look, you should be happy
Jack has chosen your sister.
He's come to give her
another chance.
[groaning]
I'm here.
Jules?
Hey, Jules!
I'll get help, okay.
Jules!
Why deny it? We gave
him physical form.
We did.
No-one else could.
Your father wasn't able to.
When Owen had the
asthma attack...
I didn't freeze up.
I had a moment of clarity that
we'd be better off without him.
And that was thanks to Jack.
He knows.
No.
No.
Jack knows.
No.
We'll look after him.
Let him...
pour joy over sorrow.
Stay here, okay, angel.
Jules?
No, Harrie, don't.
Don't come in.
Don't.
Come on.
Let's get him towel.
He wants you.
Come.
I love you.
Come on.
Take it.
Sorry, Harrie.
Come on.
Into the womb of nature,
Accept these tokens
of affection.
Harrie, you can come in.
Come.
He wants to play with you.
Go on.
It hails, it rains,
it snows, it blows
And I am wet through
all me clothes
So my prithee
love let me in
So my prithee
love let me in
To let you in
that cannot be
There's nobody in this house
but me
So I dare not let you in
So I dare not let you in
Me dad and mom,
they're fast asleep
Me brother is up,
he's with the sheep
So I dare not let thee in
So I dare not let thee in
We turned him round in
wither to go
The storm were dark
And the rain did blow
She called him back again
She called him back again
And the wind did blow
And the wind did blow
[boy]
It's gone now, Mummy.
What's gone?
The whistle whistling.
What whistling?
Okay. You go to sleep now.
Shh.
Pass. Pass.
Do you know what, I can't
remember the last time we went
for a trek over the tarn.
We should go.
Gordon could look after Owen.
Mmm.
[indistinct screams]
[child screaming]
[horse whinnying]
Richard, where's Owen?
[crying]
[horse cries in pain]
Owen, son, what's happened?
What's happened?
Finish your breakfast.
[radio chatter]
[Juliette]
Yes, of course.
No, we'll both be there.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Well, Doctor Ellis had already
heard about the fair.
And he's referred us to
a clinic in Wakefield.
Right.
And they're very
good, apparently.
Well...
Okay.
I've gotta go.
See you later, son.
[radio chatter]
What happened yesterday, lovely?
Yesterday?
At the fair.
I played football.
But is anything on your mind?
You can always tell me if
something's troubling you.
[chicken calls]
Go on. Go on, down you get.
It's just in here.
-Okay?
-Come this way.
We've all the latest action
figures in there.
It's just down here.
Yes, it's where
Richard grew up.
It's his parents' old place.
And you were in central
Leeds before that?
Do you think that has
something to do with it?
Well, sometimes a big change in
their environment could, yeah.
We moved over two years ago.
Owen doesn't really
remember, I don't think.
We thought the space and the
fresh air would be good for...
That's good for everyone.
So...
please can you tell us what
you plan to do for Owen.
Well, we need to
ascertain whether Owen's
aggression will return
by trying to work out
what the trigger is.
-Owen's not aggressive.
-Richard.
He's been in a couple of scraps
at school,
but he were just
defending himself.
Did he start displaying this
behavior at school?
Yes.
But he hasn't given you any
other cause for concern
apart from this one incident?
No, he's never done
anything this bad.
I see.
I think there's a voice...
Or something inside his
head.
What makes you say that?
He said that someone
called Jack Grey...
...is whistling to him.
When did he say that?
The other day when
he was asleep.
Where do you think he got
that name from?
Oh, I know.
Our neighbors, Gordon, he comes
round, he looks after him.
Likes to tell him stories.
Look, this voice...
it provokes him,
to do things that he
knows he shouldn't do.
Let's try to find out how
this voice comes to him.
Whether it's external
or if it's in his mind.
Have you seen this type
of thing before?
Let me have a look at him.
We've had some success here
with EEG testing.
It's a brain scan.
Right.
Good lad. We'll be
done in a minute.
-[whimpers]
-[machine whirrs]
It's all right.
Nearly there.
Nearly there.
Come on, lovely, it's okay.
There you go. Hold him.
Yeah, try not to move, Owen.
Owen. That's it, stay there.
I don't want Gordon here.
Don't want him coming round
any more filling
Owen's head full of magic.
This is exactly what I wanted
to avoid moving back here.
So who is this Jack Grey?
[turns water off]
No-one.
-Come on.
-Come on what?
Just a wood sprite...
...my dad made up. Him
and Gordon used to
try and scare me with
it when I was a kid.
What did they do?
Don't matter.
It were pure idiocy.
It matters to some extent
because Owen thinks
he's whistling to him.
Yeah, well, that's why
Gordon's banned from the house.
Gets a kick out of tormenting
children, that man.
It's the last thing
Owen needs right now.
These were some of her
belongings buried with her.
What do you think they tell us?
That's really interesting
craftsmanship there.
Yeah, it shows that the people
liked to look good even then.
Well, yes, that's right.
It suggests that the Jutish
people weren't just rolling
around in the mud,
you know, but that they cared
about these things.
They cared about themselves.
And that they were relatively
healthy people.
Right.
Would've thought you might
have got yourself a haircut,
Willoughby.
Ready, Jeremy?
Four minutes is completely
unnecessary.
You can make a perfectly good
cup of tea in 30 seconds.
He acts like the introduction
of modern analysis is my fault.
Well, he's just old guard.
Oh, you know...
...I'll buy him a metal
detector for his retirement.
Well, you know, I did hear
him say that he's got
a few years left in him.
Jesus.
But if he does hang up
his chalk next summer,
you should maybe
think about your research
activity before putting
yourself forward.
[clears throat]
[humming[
Mind your step.
People have...
forgotten about it, but
somewhere in this field
should be the roots
of an old oak tree.
I know.
-Oh, how do you know?
-Gordon told me.
Oh, yeah. Well,
do you know why the
tree was important?
People used it as
a meeting place.
That's right.
They did.
Used to meet there for
different reasons.
To sell animals, to, er...
...well, to deal with issues
in the village,
or to judge folks
if they were naughty.
You mean to hang people?
I might do.
Your granddaddy bought
this land, you know...
because he was interested
in all the stories
it had to tell.
Gordon says the oak
tree's spirit
was like a doorway
into other worlds.
Well, that's not true.
Gordon's full of superstitions.
Silly ideas people made up
before we understood how things
really worked.
This place is beautiful as
it is, without superstitions.
We've moved on from
that. All right?
What happened to the tree?
Well, it was a long,
long time ago.
It was probably removed to make
way for farming, I'd guess.
We should try to find where
the roots are, Daddy.
You know what, son,
that's a good idea.
We will. I promise.
I'll start digging.
But we need to get that barn
fixed for your mother first.
Has mummy decided if she
wants sheep or goats?
Goats, I think.
Gordon.
The chickens will love this.
Oh, you shouldn't have.
That face sings a sad song.
What's mitherin' you?
Gordon, you don't understand.
He doesn't remember what
he's done afterwards.
Well, maybe he don't
want to remember.
Can only imagine how
he's been goaded at school,
and then at fair.
You know what kids are
like, vicious buggers.
They are. I'll tell you that.
I can't speak to Richard
about it. He's convinced that
everything's fine with Owen.
He has a lot of compassion
for your son.
Making up for things.
I don't speak ill of dead,
but Richard and his dad
didn't see eye
to eye from start.
I know he was very hard on him.
He never speaks about Neil.
It's ancient news.
Point is, Richard's heart
is in right place.
What have you found?
Here, Owen. See this?
It's a crinoid.
Probably over 300 million
years old that.
What else can we find?
Look at this one, Daddy.
Look how smooth it is.
Good lad. It is.
And do you know why it's
smooth? Because the water
pressure has made it so.
-I got a big one.
-Go on, lob it.
Can you skim it?
What's a skim?
It's obvious he wasn't
himself at the fair.
If people could have
seen him today, they'd
change their minds.
This is his normal state.
They're too quick to judge.
Are you all right?
You're warm.
It's gonna be okay.
I'm gonna sort the mess out
in the study this weekend.
Might check out
my dad's old stuff.
And I'll start work
on that barn for you.
[birds chirping
[rooster crowing]
[chatter]
Sorry I'm late.
I know he's not necessarily
in the area...
...analysis...
Owen? Owen.
What's happened? Owen.
Owen? Owen!
Owen, breathe. Come on.
Come on. Owen, breathe.
Owen, no...
The farmhouse at the end
of Stythwaite Lane.
- Please hurry.
-No!
Come on, then. Come on.
It's all right.
I've got you.
It's okay. It's okay. Come on.
I'm here to see my son.
Owen Willoughby.
Down here?
Jules?
Jules!
Hey, I'm here.
[sobs]
Where is he?
Where is he?
[sobs]
Hi, Richard.
-You all right with your bag?
-Yeah. Thanks, I've got it.
-Come on in.
-Thanks.
How are you both?
Yeah, good. We're fine.
Jules about?
Yeah.
Let me get her.
Jules?
I'll not be a sec.
Jules?
[door opens]
Jules?
Mmm.
Harrie's here.
Already?
It's one o'clock.
Come on.
Right, she'll be down.
Have you found any buried
treasure out there yet?
Not today.
Well, it's good you're working.
Aye.
Were the roads okay?
Yeah. Had to take it easy
once I got off the A1.
Oh, yeah. How's Tommy?
Usual self.
Jules.
-You're skin and bones.
-Don't start doing your mom
impression.
-Are you eating properly?
-I'm fine.
What?
I don't know why you'd
wanna come here.
See my sister.
Is that so ridiculous?
I made you this.
It's lime and coconut.
It's a bit dry. Sorry.
I cooked it in a cake tin.
I should have baked it like
a loaf, but it'll taste fine.
Mum and Benji are a bit worried.
If they found out I
was allowed here before them,
they'd have a fit.
Mom can't bear it here.
-That is not true.
-Yes, it is.
She couldn't wait to
leave after the wake.
And all they do is fuss anyway.
So, Rosencrantz...
I never understood the appeal
of Michael Caine.
He's such a mummy's boy.
Gene Hackman though,
I'd nurture his seed.
I've never heard anyone say
they fancy Gene Hackman.
[man on TV] Who comes here?
Mommy.
[eerie whistling]
[birds calling]
Where's Juliette?
In her bedroom.
What's going on?
Don't touch his stuff.
What does your sister
think she's doing?
I asked her to.
We don't need her here.
She's a fucking busybody.
Richard...
how else are we gonna
sort out his room?
You can't just erase it all.
No.
Let's not fight.
-I knew you weren't
happy with Owen.
-Don't.
I did.
But all we had to do
was love him...
without all the judgement.
You think I was blind...
hmm, to his problems.
All I ever did was try and show
him love and affection.
It might have helped if you'd
acknowledged what was going on
a little bit more.
Oh, yeah.
Where were you when he
was having the attack?
I'm asking.
[vomits]
Jules?
What's going on?
Your coat.
You'll freeze to death.
Gordon?
Oh, morning, blossom.
We were just passing
and I really wanted you
to meet Mrs. Forde.
8Well, he said you
knew I was coming.
Jules.
Oh, this is my sister Harrie.
This is my neighbor,
Gordon. And Mrs. Forde.
Jules, why don't
they come inside?
Well, that might not be
a good idea. I'm not
in lad's good books.
-Mrs. Forde might though.
-Well...
only if it's not
too much trouble.
Can we get you anything?
Oh, no.
Gordon's a big fan of yours.
-Why is that?
-Well, I...
like to help people.
I teach yoga, meditation, you
know, that sort of thing.
-Gordon tells me you meditate?
-Not for a while.
Why not?
Well...
we could try together...
if you'd like, all of us?
Just...
a simple chant?
Help readdress the balance.
What do you think?
Give it a try. No harm.
Yeah?
Let's, um, let's create
a peaceful place.
Would you get the curtains?
Let's not be foemen
indefinitely.
You know, we've
all made mistakes in life,
some more than others.
But I swear...
I treated Owen
as if he were my own.
That's why you scared him
into having night terrors.
In what way?
Filling his head with
stories of Jack Grey.
-Hey, I never
mentioned that to him.
-Well, I certainly didn't.
Well, anyone could have done.
-Kids at school.
-It was my dad's delusion.
You and him were the only ones
that told me that story.
Well, I regret how I acted with
thee when thee were young.
And your dad were wrong
to do what he did to thee.
And I told him.
Look, Gordon if Jules
wants to visit you,
then that's up to her, but I'm
fine here. All right?
So be it, lad.
But contempt for those around
you is only a self-fulfilling
prophecy.
Oh, uh yeah, "Thank you."
Okay.
Let's take a breath.
[inhales]
Om Vajrapani Hum.
Close your eyes...
and keep the light
in your mind.
[inhales]
Om Vajrapani ...
No, I can't.
It's okay, love.
If any negative thoughts
enter...
just let them, so that
then they can pass on.
Let's expel our demons.
You will feel so much better.
I promise you. Let's try.
Only if you want to.
Let's exchange this energy
we're feeling for anew.
[inhales]
Om Vajrapani Hum. ..
[exhales and inhales]
Let it out. [exhales]
[inhales]
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
[sobs]
I'm a disgrace.
[Mrs. Forde]
He forgives you.
-We all forgive you.
-No.
Forgive yourself.
Tell your son...
he can go now.
Let him pass on.
Try, try to just say it once.
Go...
my love.
Good.
Om Vajrapani Hum. ..
Let him free...
with your exhale.
[chanting]
It's fine.
-It's okay.
-Oh my God.
It's okay.
The Dandelion has bud.
[panting]
[screams]
No, don't be afraid! It's okay.
Take it easy.
He has, er...
moved on now.
He has, I promise you.
Gordon's waiting outside.
A bloom of spring is on the way.
Ta-ra, love.
[Richard] Jules?
Harrie?
You all right? What's...
what's been going on in here?
-Was it Gordon? What's he done?
-It's not Gordon.
What then?
Who was that with him?
Mrs. Forde.
Mrs. Forde?
She performed a show
of some sort.
She came...
She came to help release Owen.
What?
All right.
Go on. Go back to sticking your
head in the fucking mud!
Go on then, leave us!
Don't. Don't.
[sighs]
You play off scratch?
Well, I haven't been a member
of a club for 20 years now.
Well, of course. But still...
Willoughby.
Um, yeah, I'm just here
to collect some stuff.
-How are you?
-Fine.
Good. Steven tells me you're
getting your hands dirty,
which is encouraging.
Have the board discussed
my return date yet?
We're going to assess it over
the summer.
We felt like you needed
a full sabbatical year.
You deserve the time
off for yourself...
and your wife.
Anyway...
-good to see you.
-Yeah.
You're chums now?
No, we were just, um...
What's going on?
There's something I
wanted your take on.
Okay.
Um...
it's a...
a rabbit, or a hare.
There's some...
fungus starting to attack...
just here, but, um...
I mean, what am I supposed
to be looking for?
Sorry about this.
It's okay.
[door closes]
[sighs]
Did I tell you Tommy
drank all my Pomerol?
Didn't even say anything.
Turned my back and he'd
had the whole lot.
Is this paint even working?
It's rubbish. Look, I put
two coats up here and
I can still see the stains.
Had one glass
of my birthday gift.
Stupid man.
Stupid, stupid man.
[sighs]
Stupid man.
[eerie music playing]
[chopping]
Harrie made curry.
Richard, come on.
-Please, I'm sorry.
-Okay.
Please come back with me.
The sea air might
do us some good.
Yeah, maybe.
I'm starting to feel
a bit landlocked here.
I think that's Yellow Star.
-Jules, what do you think?
-I've never seen that here.
Come on.
Bit of time away
might help you both.
Go on then.
Richard...
can we talk?
No!
I thought you'd gone out.
Just for a walk.
What's going on in there?
Nothing.
-Let me in.
-Please. No, wait.
-What is going on in here?
-Be quiet!
Please.
Needed my help.
What was wrong with it?
I don't know.
Well, it seems okay now.
Yeah, you think?
Yeah.
We have to let him go.
He wouldn't survive in here.
He needs to be outside.
And look, he's...
-They're nervous creatures.
-I know, I know that.
He is lovely though.
Yeah, right then.
Come on.
Just mind out, please.
Mind out, Harrie, go on.
What's this for?
This should hold him.
-Hold who?
-No-one.
Jules?
Could you keep Corey
away for a bit.
Um...
What are you talking about?
It's just house stuff.
We need something
to prop this open.
Come on, then.
It's okay.
It's all right.
Come on, little one.
It's okay.
What's this?
Come on.
Richard, grab, grab it.
Come on.
Come on.
[growling]
-Open the box. Open it.
-Okay.
Sorry.
Jesus!
Richard, just forget
the blanket.
-Christ!
-Sorry, sorry.
I'm sorry, darling.
[growling]
Right, get the door.
Okay.
What is going on in there?
What is it?
Watch your step.
Jules...
-what have you
got in there?
-Nothing, Harrie.
Richard's just been
looking after it.
He's all right.
Here.
-Fuckin' hell.
-Oh, come on.
What do you think?
Here?
Yes.
Come on, mate. Steady.
Go on, it's okay.
Go on now.
Go on.
No, no, shoo.
Go on. Shoo.
Go on.
Hey, shoo. Go on.
That's it.
That's it.
[tense music playing]
[melancholy music playing]
What's going on?
Richard?
You know,
when I was Owen's age...
Mmm-hmm.
My dad used to strip me
down to my underpants...
and, er, tape
my mouth up...
Make me stand out
in the field...
For hours, freezing.
I never knew he did
anything like that.
My fingers turned blue.
He wanted me to disappear.
To disappear?
Why?
[sniffs]
Some sick idea of his.
He was disturbed, that man.
I'm sorry.
I never knew.
Why didn't you say?
I didn't want it to get
in the way or noth...
When you mentioned moving
here, I thought...
you know...
forget him.
I wanted to give...
my son the life that
I wish I'd had here.
I don't really know what's
happening anymore.
What do you mean?
-It's okay.
-[sobbing]
Sshh, it's okay.
[sobs]
[sobs]
[eerie whistling]
My shoulder doesn't
hurt anymore.
[footsteps]
Just taking Corey out.
In return for the
Triquetra sacrifice...
It's some sort of
local folklore.
-You shouldn't be in here.
-This says followers gathered
at Starve Acre.
Three of them died.
A child, woman and a man.
They were sacrificed for
the Dandelion to bud.
It's all the same as
Mrs. Forde's jargon.
And Richard's dad was
writing about it, too.
The gods are just,
the gods are fair,
they let Jack free
and into our care.
The price we pay is
one, two, three,
To let joy pour from
the Whistling Tree.
Kept this quiet.
It's still covered in bark.
That's the density
of the soil.
No, no, it's deliberate.
The villagers cut it down.
Why bury it?
Well, if my dad's writing
is anything to go on...
they were sealing short
access to the, er...
"womb of nature."
The Pagan's entrance
to the spirit world.
That's a wild notion for
17th century England.
Um, I'm sorry about my visit
to work. I were...
just, er, morbid curiosity
got the better of me.
No, no worries.
Let's get this sorted.
There's a whole section
about Neil trying to
release the same spirit.
He documents all these
things he did to Richard.
It's fucking weird, Jules.
And who is this Dandelion Jack?
I mean, have you ever
heard of him?
No.
I, I don't quite understand.
How is the trunk so
well-preserved?
You've hit the jackpot here,
Richard, come on, the Faculty
should be funding this.
.Who's that?
Oh, no!
Hang on.
Richard.
What's happened?
It went for him.
It attacked Corey.
What did?
He's okay, because I blocked
it. I blocked it.
Jesus, you need stitches.
Come on. Let's go in.
You're all right.
Jesus Christ.
[sobs]
It was that fucking thing.
Hey, Jules.
Don't.
It's just had Harrie's arm.
2It's all right.
Juliette!
Shh.
It's all right.
It's all right.
It's all right.
Jules.
Look what it's done.
It's ripped open my arm.
Why would he do that?
[Harrie] Richard.
He doesn't seem
to need anything.
-Everything all right?
-Oh, yeah, yeah.
Looks like an attempt
to hide evidence.
Several hangings. At least
five or six, all the way down.
I mean, I've never seen
anything like this before.
The condition it's in is just,
it's just mind-boggling.
Sweet joy that enchants.
What is it, my darling?
[Steven] I am here for him!
I am here for him!
I am here for him!
I am here for him!
I am here for him!
No!
No!
No.
No.
[eerie whistling]
Look...
even under here...
the soil...
the way it's, the way
it's mummified the oak...
and preserved
all the bark, it's...
It's like it's, it's like
it's just been buried.
Fuck's sake.
You won't have much luck
with that, love.
Yeah, I noticed.
You can come back and use
my phone if you like.
No, thank you, Gordon,
I've gotta get going.
What's happened to arm?
I fell...
that's all.
You going back to house?
Hey, look.
We're as surprised as you are.
It were Richard's old man who
tried to summon The Dandelion.
Aye.
He even attempted to offer up
his own son as first ransom.
But Jack weren't interested.
It don't work like that.
Richard? Are you okay?
Are you all right, pal?
Okay, just try and breathe,
yeah. Just...
[Gordon]
It's Jack who chooses.
And only a son who is much
beloved by his father would do.
And Richard weren't,
you see. But Owen was.
That's how it works.
And now Richard's uncovered
the entrance, the ransom
can be settled.
I need to get going.
Where you headed, love?
Look, you should be happy
Jack has chosen your sister.
He's come to give her
another chance.
[groaning]
I'm here.
Jules?
Hey, Jules!
I'll get help, okay.
Jules!
Why deny it? We gave
him physical form.
We did.
No-one else could.
Your father wasn't able to.
When Owen had the
asthma attack...
I didn't freeze up.
I had a moment of clarity that
we'd be better off without him.
And that was thanks to Jack.
He knows.
No.
No.
Jack knows.
No.
We'll look after him.
Let him...
pour joy over sorrow.
Stay here, okay, angel.
Jules?
No, Harrie, don't.
Don't come in.
Don't.
Come on.
Let's get him towel.
He wants you.
Come.
I love you.
Come on.
Take it.
Sorry, Harrie.
Come on.
Into the womb of nature,
Accept these tokens
of affection.
Harrie, you can come in.
Come.
He wants to play with you.
Go on.
It hails, it rains,
it snows, it blows
And I am wet through
all me clothes
So my prithee
love let me in
So my prithee
love let me in
To let you in
that cannot be
There's nobody in this house
but me
So I dare not let you in
So I dare not let you in
Me dad and mom,
they're fast asleep
Me brother is up,
he's with the sheep
So I dare not let thee in
So I dare not let thee in
We turned him round in
wither to go
The storm were dark
And the rain did blow
She called him back again
She called him back again
And the wind did blow
And the wind did blow