The Willowbrook (2022) Movie Script

1
[wind whistling]
[heavy breathing]
[gunshot in distance]
[groaning]
[gunshot in distance]
[groaning]
[shrieks]
[whimpers]

[Lacey] Hello, my loves.
I wanted to talk to you today
about trusting
the flow of life.
You are exactly
where you need to be--
right here, right now--
even when
it doesn't feel like it.

[bells jingle]
Oh.
[woman] Just the gas?
[chuckles]
Yeah, yeah, just the gas.
That's my sister, by the way.
We're not--
You know what I mean? A thing.
So, you know.

[Lacey] All of your challenges,
all of your struggles,
these are all intended
to help you grow.
Trust the process.
Be with oneness.

[Brandi sobbing]
[sniffles]
We were making
so much progress.
Brandi, I am giving you
exactly what you need to heal.
Okay.
Brandi.
Brandi...
I have been a friend to you.
Please.
I have watched you
-repeat cycles...
-[groans]
...over and over
and over again.
[Brandi groans]
You are here for a reason.
[Brandi gasping]
[Ace exhales sharply]
[Ace] Holy smokes, brother.
Fuck.
You see this?
It's like a mansion.
I can't believe
we came all the way out here.
You excited or what?
[Jordan exhales sharply]
[Jordan] Not really.
[Jordan sighs]
Damn.
Okay.
[doorbell rings]
Now I have someone upstairs
who needs my help.
[Brandi sobbing]
You okay?
Sure?
Not really.
[Ace] Yo, yo, put it--
put it out. Put it out.
Somebody's coming. Put it out.
Hurry up. Hurry up. Hurry up.
[Jordan inhales
and exhales sharply]
Did you blow that in my face?
-Sorry.
-[chuckles]
Stop. Stop. Stop.
Please come in. It's cold.
[exhales sharply]
Oh...
Damn.
This place is crazy.
It used to be an inn.
[Adam] Whoa.
Are you in a band?
Because if not,
you definitely should be.
[Ace] What you doing?
Hi.
Adam's social skills are
somewhat left to be desired.
I'm not in a band.
Are you?
Nah.
I wish, though.
I play the drums.
Do you wanna hear my music?
Adam, Lacey's recording.
[Adam, whispering] Oh, yeah.
Everyone's always trying
to sabotage my zest for life.
[chuckles]
How-- How do you all
know Lacey?
She's my sister.
Or I guess she's our sister.
Let's go to the dining room.
Yeah. Yeah, sure.
Come on.
[Ace gasps] Yo...
[Adam] You should never
take your makeup off.
You want to smell
these flowers?
Look, this is our family.
That's me. That's Syd.
There's Lacey.
Everyone else is dead.
-And you're not up there yet.
-[gunshot in distance]
[Ace] Y'all just shoot guns
like that?
For fun?
Sharpshooting
is Dakota's favorite sport.
-[Ace] [scoffs] Sport?
-[gunshot in distance]
It's fucked up.
Syd said Dakota's propensity
towards noise and chaos
reflects his inner torment.
It's just years and years
of trauma
that has manifested
in this cathartic expression
of shooting things in the air.
It's really violent.
That's deep.
[Adam] You guys wanna
hear a song?
Welcome to The Willowbrook.
I am so happy that you're here.
[gunshot in distance]
Uh, who's, uh, who's that out--
who's that outside?
Dakota's been my boyfriend
since we were practically kids.
Syd, will you get us some tea?
Let the three of us
get to know each other.
How are you feeling?
[Jordan] Not the best.
[Lacey] And that
is understandable.
How you doing emotionally?
Hey. No, listen. It's okay.
You just got here.
Let yourself experience
whatever you're experiencing.
No judgment.
Just feel like a burden.
You are not a burden.
You are giving me
the gift to support you.
Besides...
everybody has their issues.
Have you met my family?
[Ace] What's Dakota's deal?
[Lacey laughs]
Dakota's in charge of the farm
where we grow
our online-retail products.
We appreciate you having us.
Of course.
This is my life's purpose.
The boys spend most of the time
in the den.
-[drumming in distance]
-Please help me out.
Please, somebody.
[drumming continues]
Somebody help.
Okay.
[drumming continues]
[Ace] We got to get this man
a real drum set.
He's a rock star. He can't play
on pots and pans.
[Lacey chuckles]
That's the last thing he needs.
I bought this place to be
a peaceful retreat. [chuckles]
Syd, will you show Ace
to his room?
And which room will that be?
-The corner suite west.
-[Adam] I hate that room.
I mean, it's-- it's nice.
Jo and I can share a room.
Honestly, it's no big deal.
No, please, I--
They're all single beds.
You can have your own rooms.
I will take Jo to her room,
and Syd will show you yours.
Rock on, brother.
I will.
Yeah, uh, I'll just...
[exhales sharply]
Oh, man.
[laughs]
Ha!
[laughs]
You are one lucky guy.
What makes you say that?
Look around, Big Syd.
This is the life.
[exhales sharply]
Syd, come on, man.
What's wrong with you?
You good?
Look at this.
[Lacey] Syd?
Why don't you tell Jordan
that dinner's almost ready?
He is a sensitive soul.
Lucky to have each other.
Mm-hmm.
Jo's room is pretty far.
Don't you think
I should be close by?
So, I didn't want
to tell you this
in front of the others...
but having you close to Jordan
is not in her best interest
right now.
And why is that?
Because she needs to learn
how to function without you.
But I'm all she's ever had.
[chuckles lightly] Right.
And do you want to be
all she ever has?
Look, Ace.
I know that you've had
a hard life.
I can't even begin to imagine
what it was like.
Growing up in a home,
never adopted.
And then you move in together
as adults.
Your relationship
is so beautiful.
But it's also
highly codependent.
And while this may
be difficult to stomach,
it's your codependency
that has brought her here.
Jordan needs to learn how
to stand on her own two feet.
What do you need me to do?
Trust me.
So I can help her.
Okay.

Did you try to kill yourself?
'Cause a lot of the people
who came here,
they tried to kill themselves.
No.
-Hmm.
-It was an accident.
I, um...
[sighs]
I just took too much
at one time.
[Adam]
Okay.
You-- You kind of kick ass.
Wow. Gosh.
No one ever said that
to me before.
Yeah.
You bang the hell
out of those drums.
That was crazy. I've never
heard anything like it.
Really?
I can see you
rocking a stadium.
Nah. Nah, that's stupid.
That's...
No, I'm serious. You...
You should start a band.
No, we're not supposed to talk
about things like that.
-Nope.
-Why not?
No, no, no, no, no. Nope. Nope.
Yeah, so...
[Jordan]
But it's your life.
I mean, I've always wanted
to be a real rock star.
-Yeah, that's dope.
-Yeah. Yeah.
[knocking at door]
Hi. May I help you?
You-- You are?
Oh, I'm Michael.
Brandi's husband.
Oh! Uh, it's so nice
to meet you.
You know, Brandi was real
excited for your help.
-I mean, we've been--
-Michael, Brandi left.
What?
She didn't want
to commit to recovery.
When I woke up this morning,
she was already gone.
She didn't say
where she was going?
I'm sorry.
I mean, I don't know
why she would leave
such a beautiful home.
[Lacey] Thank you.
And please know
you're welcome back anytime.
Thank you. Seriously.
But I'm sorry.
I know you're busy.
It was just a long drive.
It's okay.
[Michael]
I'll just go.
-[hands drum rapidly]
-[exclaiming]
Shh. Oh.
Gotta be quiet.
But I mean, we could have
a band rehearsal
right after dinner if you want.
-[Jordan] Sure.
-[Adam] Really?
[Jordan] Sure.
-[Adam] Let's go.
-[Jordan] Let's go.
-[Adam] Come on.
-[Jordan] Okay.
Jordan?
You, my dear,
are in the right place.
Thank you.
Seriously.
[Ace] To moving forward.
To healing.
[Adam] To our band.
[Lacey] Dakota.
I wasn't aware you would be
joining us for dinner.
[Dakota] Yep. Got done early.
[glassware clinking]
[Ace] What's going on, my man?
Ace.
[Dakota sighs]
[Dakota] Enjoying your stay?
Staying warm?
[Lacey] Kody.
[Dakota] So, what kind of shit
do you use?
[Lacey]
Kody, it's inappropriate.
Well?
Oxy, Xanax, aerosol, Ambien,
Vicodin, coke,
booze, Adderall, weed, heroin,
sex, cutting,
sex while cutting.
[Dakota] That's different.
[Jordan] Ashing.
And then the grand repeat.
[Dakota] I like that.
I think me and you could
fuckin' hang out, actually.
Think that'd be nice.
Kody, you smell like the farm.
Why don't you go upstairs
and take a nice hot shower?
Ace, you wouldn't mind
helping Dakota
on the farm tomorrow,
would you?
Sure.
[Adam] Nobody likes the farm.
You know, if they would,
they'd come back.
You'll love it, Ace.
One day, you're gonna learn
to shut up, Adam.
I think we're all
a little tired.
[door slams]
Why are you being a creep?
You just gonna act
like that didn't just happen?
[whispering] That was weird.
It was... interesting.
[scoffs] To say the least.
And then why
would you tell them
all your business like that?
I didn't like
the way he was looking at me.
[Ace] You all right?
Yeah.
I'm fine.
Just, um...
I need a fuckin' cigarette,
actually.
So, like I said earlier,
everybody has their issues.
I think the takeaway
is to claim them
and work towards growth.
Ace, you can call it a night.
You have a big day
at the farm tomorrow.
Oh, yeah, that's right.
The farm.
-I can walk you up.
-[Lacey] That's okay.
He knows where it is.
You know, it's, uh,
it's cool, Jo.
I'll, uh...
I'll see you in the morning.
Do your thing.
Yeah.
See you tomorrow.
[Lacey] May I come in?
[Jordan sighs]
[Jordan clears throat]
I know what it feels like
to hurt.
But the things that hurt us
also heal us.
And someday, I promise...
all of this suffering is
going to be beneficial to you.
But healing is hard work.
You have to want it.
I know.
I mean, really want it.
I do.
Okay.
We'll heal you.
I'll make you a bath.
[water running]
Where are we?
She offered for us
to come up to her place
to help you work through
your first couple days
of recovery.
You excited or what?
Will you leave here with me?
When?
Now.
Very romantic idea.
Think we should.
You're not serious.
Kody, I have guests.
They need me.
What about us?
Where are you going?
The farm.
When will you be back?
Good morning, my loves.
[Ace]
They want me to go on a farm?
What the hell will I do
on a farm?
Never been on a farm
a day in my damn life.
It's like Rumi says.
The wound is the place
where the light enters you.
What does that mean?
All of your challenges,
all of your struggles,
these are all intended
to help you grow.
Remember that next time
things are difficult.
You're struggling,
and you want to give up.
[driver] Will you just
let us go up there?
No.
[driver] What are you gonna do
that we can't?
I don't know.
The farm...
Never been on a farm
a day in my life.
The hell?
You are here for a reason.
[Dakota] The fuck you doing?
Somebody just tried
to break into my room.
-Oh, yeah?
-Yeah.
-Was your door locked?
-Yeah, man.
Well, then, there you go.
Don't worry about it.
It was probably a crackhead.
-[Ace] What?
-Get dressed.
We're headed to the farm.
[Ace]
I am dressed.
That's what you're wearing?
[Ace]
Yeah.
Cute beanie.
Shh.
[whispering] She's recording.
[whispering] Okay.
How does today feel on you?
Like a death blanket.
Whoa, whoa.
That could totally be
our band name.
Have you unpacked yet?
No.
Still settling in.
I wonder if that's,
like, an orphan thing,
like living
out of your luggage.
[chuckles]
Yeah, it's the circus.
[knocking at door]
[blowing air]
Hi. How can I help you?
Where is he?
I think maybe you're asking
the wrong question.
[man] Where's
my fucking brother?
I'll call the cops.
Again, will you please--
[Lacey] I got this, Syd.
Hello, Lewey.
Where's Kyle?
I think you're asking
the wrong person.
I know what you are.
Get off my property.

Oh, it's cold as fuck, man.
So, what you think?
Uh, it's really a farmhouse.
Maybe Kyle'll let you
borrow a shotgun,
and we can
shoot some shit later.
Nah, nah.
I don't fuck with guns, man.
[Dakota]
You don't fuck with guns?
No.
What, you don't like guns?
No.
[Dakota] Really?
[Ace] No, I don't.
[Dakota] [chuckles]
What the fuck?
Fuck with dishes.
All these damn dishes
you got in here?
Hey, man, you need
to clean this place.
You got roaches.
Oh. Bro, what is that?
That thing is still alive.
[Ace coughing]
God damn.
[Dakota] Yep.
You like this place?
It's quiet.
What is that?
Shit that makes Lacey
feel important.
So, why you got it?
I like taking
her expensive shit.
So, you just walk around
with it in your pocket
like it's a heirloom?
[laughing]
Want to hit this?
[scoffs] Come on, man.
Smoke it.
Man, give me that shit, man.
Give it here.
You look like
you're about to cry.
[coughing]
What the fuck is in this?
[coughs]
Yeah.
Fuck.
I'm sorry, Jordan.
What happened earlier
just, uh, it shook me up.
What was all that about?
Dakota hired Lewey's brother
to help him with the farm.
One day he doesn't show up.
No one's heard from him since.
What'd the police say?
[scoffs] Police were useless.
It's been so hard on Kody.
They were like brothers.
What happened?
I don't know.
But he was unstable.
Poor Lewey.

[guitar playing]
Big man's awake.
-Who?
-Come on.
Come meet the big man, Ace.
You'll love him.
He's a nice guy.
-Come on. [groans]
-[guitar continues]
[Ace] He all right?
Yeah, just takes him
a little bit to warm up to you.
Ain't that right, Kyle?
Kyle.
[snapping fingers]
I'm sorry about earlier.
I was reactive.
And I know better.
Your attachment
to your old way of being
is standing in the way
of your transformation.
Let's get you
back to your room, okay?
Okay. Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
Mm. Thanks, brother.
That's the last of it.
Come on, man.
[Dakota sighs]
[lighter clicks]
Fuck.
What'd you think of the house?
It's a big,
expensive-ass house.

[Dakota] Be real.
Nobody out here but us.
[Ace] Me and Jo are all we got.
To see her almost
lose her life
and ruin mine...
So if this
makes her happy,
that's what we got to do.
You're a good dude, Ace.
Breathing in.
[Jordan inhaling deeply]
And breathing out.
Yes. Let yourself feel.
Breathing in.
And breathing out.
Good, Jordan. Good.
Let that breath
move through you.
[breathing deeply]
Can you find
a sense of surrender?
Just not a giving up.
It's a giving in.
Giving in
to the present moment.
Accept it just as it is.
It's beautiful,
and there's nothing lacking.
Good, Jordan. Keep breathing.

Feeling better?
Good.
Have you ever thought about
switching out your wardrobe?
I, uh, I think
I've got enough to work on.
What if your attachment
to your old way of being
is standing in the way
of your transformation?
Humor me.
Sunday Funday in the den.
We'll both wear cozy PJs,
and you can borrow
a pair of mine.

We're the mail-order
maids you ordered
By parcel post
we come to you
Keep the one
that you like best
And then return the rest
For any one of us
will bring a thrill...
-Are you okay?
-Mm.
We're all guaranteed,
we'll never break
Just try one out,
these stars above
And the bride that you get
from a mail-order house
Will come to you
in a day or so

-[Jordan] Are you comfortable?
-[Adam] Mm-hmm.
This couch
is just really weird.
Oh!

[man] Christmastime,
the holidays.
Is this the way they end
for me, here in this place?
A mental hospital
they call it. [chuckles]
That's a fancy name, that is,
but I know a better--
the bughouse.
The place where
they'll lock you up
and then throw away the key.
And now they've got me too.
Me, Fred Clanton.
Fred Clanton. Fred Clanton.
Is that really my name?
Everything's so mixed up.
Can I have some popcorn?
This is my favorite show.
[Fred] Everything's dark.
Even the sky.
That George, he's turned
them all against me.
Even Betty.
They keep talking about me.
Why won't they let me alone?
[Adam] So, I've been told I'm
not too good at social cues.
Um...
So if you want to make out,
can you just tell me? Yeah.
[Fred] Oh, my God.
Noted. Yeah.
[Fred] I'll never get out.
[Adam] Cool. Yeah.
[Fred] What will happen
to me now?
Where is she?
Did you check the basement?

[Dakota]
We're struggling, babe.
I know.
Lewey came by today.
[Dakota] What'd he say?
He's a problem.
[Dakota]
Fuck, Lacey.

[chuckles]
Good.
I know Kyle was your friend.
But he hurt me.
So you did what you had to do.
Please...
don't put me in danger again.
I just want to feel safe.
[Ace grunts]
[Ace groans]
[Ace]
Thanks, man.
I feel like shit. [chuckles]
How's Jo?
She doing okay?
I think she's doing
better than you, actually.
[coughing]
[groans]
What did you think of the farm?
It was...
cool.
No one's ever said that
about the farm before.
[groans]
What did Dakota
have you do today?
We just chilled at the house.
No, it is not for me,
Big Syd, no.
-Me neither.
-[chuckles softly]
No disrespect, though,
to, um, Dakota
and, uh, Kyle.
It's not for me, man.
[groans] Thanks, brother.

[wind whistling]
You might be
the most interesting person
I've ever met.
Yeah, I never forget anything.
[Jordan]
I see that.
My brain kicks ass.
-So, like, what's Atlanta like?
-Who's Atlanta?
[Jordan] It's where I'm from.
It's fine.
It's like any other city,
I guess.
I've never been to the city.
No shit?
Yeah, I've never really
been anywhere, actually.
We can't leave.
But I think about it all
the time, where I would go.
Where would you go?
I would go to New York.
It's like, I don't know, like
the antithesis of isolation.
That's funny.
I left the city
to come to a retreat.
Well, I feel like retreat
is a euphemism.
Lacey says everyone
has a different perspective.
Yeah, but Lacey fucked us up.
I win. You want to play again?
I was kidding. Go.
[wind whistling]
Where is he?
You'll find your way out.
Sorry.
You feeling any better?
Yeah.
It's fun hanging out
with you guys.
If you want to take
a smoke break,
uh, while Lacey's recording,
you probably just have
about 20 minutes.
Dude, I wish.
I, uh, surrendered the cigs
with my phone.
You should check for them
in the room
at the end of your hallway.
Seriously?
Wait. Wait.
Is this your card?
It is.
[creaking]
Shut the door.
Shut the door! Shut the door!
Shut the door!
[sobbing gently]
[sniffles] Where is she?
[Jordan] Lacey?
She, um...
She's recording.
Where-- Where are the others?
In the--
They're in the den downstairs.
What the fuck is going on?
Keep-- Keep my ties loose.
Okay, yeah.
Wait! No, no, no, no.
Wait. Would...
Did you get invited?
Yeah.
Was she supposed to heal you?
Did she do this to you?
She's fucking sick.
Go untie the others
like you did mine.
They can't-- They can't know
that you know.
I don't know...
Please.
[Jordan]
Where?
[Brandi] In the other rooms.
Go.
Hurry.
Go.
In the other rooms.
-Hurry.
-Okay.
-[Brandi] Go.
-Okay.
[computer beeping]
Hello, my loves.
I want to talk to you today
about trusting
in the flow of life.
You are exactly where
you're meant to be --
right here, right now --
even when
it doesn't feel like it.
All of your struggles,
these are all intended
to help you grow.
[echoing] Trust the process.
Be with oneness.
They're all fucking out of it.
They look dead.
They've been here longer.
What are we doing?
[drumming continues]
That's not normal, right?
-Hey.
-Hey.
You want to, um...
[clattering]
...put on some punk makeup
and have a quiet band practice?
That would--
Yeah, it-- it's, um--
I mean, um,
there's nothing I want more
than to be
in this moment with you.
[Syd] You have to be
as quiet as possible.
Or Lacey will lose it.
Shh. This-- This is my shot.
You're a rock star.
[Dakota sniffles]
Did you do it?
[Dakota sniffles]
[electric guitar playing]
[laughter]
That's that. [laughs]
[Dakota] Did you hurt her?
Tell me the truth about Kyle.
I have, over and over
and over again.
Why do you want me
to relive my trauma?
Did you take care
of the Lewey situation?
Yes.
Oh, sweetheart,
you're stressed.
Why don't you just--
[Dakota] Don't come near me.
Don't come near me.
Stop.
Please, just for once,
tell me the fucking truth.
Please, no games.
I don't need this energy
before my next show.
Do you want to just lay down?
Fuck, Lacey. Come on, Lacey!
Fine! He was reckless.
He was disrespectful.
And he really messed things up.
I do what it takes
to protect what I've built.
[Dakota] You told me
that he hurt you.
You fuckin' told me that.
I lied.
I'm done with this.
I'm done with you.
Kody.
Kody.
[foot drumming]
[drumming continues]
I have warned you
about the noise,
you worthless piece of shit!
You think you're talented?
You think you're a rock star?
Pathetic. Look at you.
You are nothing!
Go take off the makeup,
you freak.
[drumstick clatters]
[whispering] Jo.
Jo, you in there? It's me.
[gasps]
[sighs]
[Lacey] Hello, my loves.
The problem
is never the problem itself.
It's all about
how we choose to view it.
Because everything
is perspective.
And with the right perspective,
your problems
will become your gifts.

And as you move through
the rest of your evening,
I want your takeaway to be,
which problem
will you turn into a gift?
[Jordan]
Ace wasn't in his room.
And now Dakota's gone too.
Where's Adam?
I don't know.
And as you move into the rest
of your evening, think,
which problem are you going
to take and turn into a gift?
Your sister's a sick fuck, Syd.
Oh, look at all these comments.
I'll get to as many of you
as possible.
[Jordan] What the fuck
are we gonna do?
The microphones
pick up everything.

[inaudible]

[grunts] Whoo!
You're a rock star.
Yeah.

[whispering] It's okay.
It's me. I'm Jo, by the way.
We have a little time
before she's done recording.
Let's get you
the fuck out of here.
[Adam]
You're a rock star, baby!
You're a rock star!
[drumming in distance]
[drumming continues]
[screaming]
[drumming continues]
[groans]
[drumming continues]
[muffled]

[blues music]
[grunts]
[grunts]
[grunts]
See, you're
driving me crazy
And my mind's
a little hazy
'Cause, baby
Jo's safe. She's fine.
Thank you.
Hey, look. Thank you.
When I see
your sweet face, girl
I know that I'm home
'Cause I knew
that when I met you
That you
Were the one
[Lacey screams]
-Move, Syd.
-No. Stop. Stop.
Stop. You have to stop.
Please. Okay?
Fuck you.

Fuck. Oh, my God.
Jordan, you don't understand.
[Jordan] They trusted you.
I fucking trusted you, Lacey.
You can trust me. Ask Brandi.
You were gonna kill yourself
before me.
-What?
-Look at you now.
If Michael could see you now...
Fuck you.
No, I am just like you.
I have felt pain.
I have suffered.
But I have gotten strong.
[Dakota] Strong, huh?
[Lacey] Kody.
Kody.
Kody.
[whimpers]
Kick him out.
Get him out of here!
Kody.

Kyle. Kyle!


I walked right in
past the guards
It was about 30 minutes
before the alarm
The minister came,
he said tell me your name
Pray for me, sir,
I'm not the one to blame
My cousin's been sick,
don't sound the alarms
The fat's been clogging
all the veins to his heart
He's paranoid
about the damage
That caused my mom
Broken jigsaw pieces,
panic next door
My eyes are open,
I start to see
My problems break,
and now I believe
Take me anywhere
I want to get out
of this place
I've been running forever
in this one-horse race
Goin' to the hills,
I'll be a while
And I guess I'll see you
on the other side
Can't see even when I try
to open my eyes
I'm sober,
you know I'll be all right
Yeah
Let me see you
on the other side
Let me see you
on the other side
Oh, man, I'm hungry.
-I'm actually really hungry.
-[chuckles]
-Hey, me three.
-[laughter]
But now I'm chasing
the person that I used to be
A pair of Converse, rounded
glasses, some skinny jeans
People would smile
when we'd first meet
I remember the day
that you took my dreams
Friday nights,
strawberry sundaes
Mondays are work,
getting paid someday
First time in my blood
Feeling's always so lonely
for this
The curtains open,
I start to see
My problems break,
and now I believe
Take me anywhere
I want to get out
of this place
I've been running forever
in this one-horse race
Goin' to the hills,
I'll be a while
I guess I'll see you
on the other side
Can't see even when I try
to open my eyes
I'm sober,
you know I'll be all right
Yeah
Let me see you
on the other side
[Lacey] Hello, my loves.
Hello, my loves.
Hello, my loves.
Hello, my loves.