Turn Me On (2024) Movie Script
1
[solemn music playing]
[man on TV] Are you content?
Of course not.
Grief, fear,
anxiety, pain, shame.
It's all too much for any
reasonable person to bear.
That's why we're so glad
you've chosen
to join us here in our secluded
community paradise.
The Our Friends campus
was designed
as a prototype community
with a quality of life
you won't find anywhere else
in the world.
You'll live
and work peacefully
in a stable environment
that is safe, efficient,
and fair.
And of course,
free of illness, wars,
and all of the emotional
inconveniences
that have plagued humanity
since the beginning of time.
Moments from now,
all those dark feelings,
painful memories,
and even triggering words
that may be holding you back
will be washed away,
so you can begin anew
down a path
of perfect contentment.
This is truly just
the beginning.
With your help,
and others just like you,
we can soon implement
our vision
throughout the rest of--
[rattles]
[classical music playing]
[rattles]
-[slams]
-Fuck!
[sniffs]
[rattles]
[automated voice]
Please stand clear.
Your personal waste
will be incinerated
-in 3, 2, 1.
-[beeps]
[retches]
[automated voice]
Our Friends welcome you.
[classical music stops]
[waves crashing]
[man] Joy?
[alarm ringing]
[man] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
Quite content.
[inhales]
[somber music playing]
[water running]
[man] Oh, I touched you.
My apologies.
No, it was my fault.
[rattling]
[mysterious music playing]
[slurps]
[slurps]
[man] Oh.
Your Wellness Connect
appointment is today.
[mysterious music continues]
Yes.
Time for work.
Have a pleasant day.
[joyful music playing on TV]
[man on TV] It's the better you
you never knew you needed.
[door shuts]
[man on TV]
The vitamin from Our Friends.
[joyful music continues]
[birds chirping]
[man on TV]
And you're not you without us.
The vitamin.
[beeps]
[janitor] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
[janitor] Quite content.
[door shuts]
[slow music playing]
[doctor]
You see these little sacs
running down your back?
Those are tumors.
Huh.
You missed
your last annual physical.
You know Our Friends
suggest a physical every year.
Yes, but it isn't mandatory.
You're a bit abnormal,
aren't you, Joy?
Not on purpose.
These tumors should
kill you in about a month.
We have an injection
that will cure you, but...
It says they want you
to stop taking your vitamin
for one day following
the treatment
for it to take full effect.
Not take my vitamin?
Oh, surely that isn't necessary.
It says it is.
But everyone
takes their vitamin.
Every day.
Everyone.
It's the better you
you never knew
you always needed.
The vitamin.
From Our Friends.
It's only one day.
No need to tell anyone.
[slow music continues]
[man] Joy.
[alarm ringing]
[man] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
[man] Quite content.
[somber music playing on TV]
[man] Ah, Christopher
and Samantha's social gathering
is this evening.
[beeps]
[Joy] Yes.
[slurps]
[slurps]
[man] Time for work.
Have a pleasant day.
[door opens, closes]
[keys clacking]
[indistinct speech on TV
in background]
[barcode reader beeps]
This will allow you to arrive
in our community
free of any emotional baggage
you carry.
These bins are an opportunity
to let go
and provide space
for complete clarity and...
[door creaks]
[woman] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
[door shuts]
[birds and crickets chirping]
[water running]
[man] Joy?
Are you content?
[slow music playing]
[door opens, creaks]
[steps reaching]
I have cancer.
That sounds unpleasant.
The medical engineer
can cure it.
Good.
She told me I wasn't allowed
to take my vitamin for one day.
Not take your vitamin?
But Our Friends want us
to take our vitamin.
I know.
You're not you without us,
the vitamin from Our Friends.
It's part of the treatment.
I might die if I take it.
But you feel...
-Content?
-Content.
Good.
Mostly.
Mostly.
I feel a bit...
...blech.
But you can take
your vitamin again tomorrow?
Yes.
[woman coughs]
[door opens, closes]
[man] Are you content?
[woman] Leave me alone.
[woman coughing]
[slow music playing]
William, Joy, meet the newest
addition to our cohort.
[William] Ah, yes.
I heard that Our Friends were
sending us a replacement couple.
Frank and Michelle, is it?
Yes.
Nice to meet you.
How did you two meet?
Oh, it's a pleasant
story, actually.
Um, earlier this morning,
I signed up for Settle,
the partner-matching
service from Our Friends.
We were paired instantly.
No other options.
It's almost like we were
meant for each other.
That's how Christopher
and I met as well.
What do you do?
I am a civil engineer
for Our Friends.
And I'm a network engineer
for Our Friends.
Christopher, I hear rumors
that you may be
on track to become
an actual Friend yourself.
We'll see.
And Joy.
What do you do?
I'm a waste management engineer.
[Michelle]
What does that entail?
Engineering
the management of waste.
[Michelle] And do you enjoy it?
No.
[silence]
I-- I-- I mean, yes.
Yes, it's very pleasant.
[Michelle] Hmm.
You're a bit abnormal,
aren't you?
[doorbell rings]
[happy music playing]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[Christopher] It's a girl.
Her name is Beth.
Hm. Adorable.
Lovely.
[William] How cute.
I feel so maternal.
[baby Beth cooing]
[Samantha] What was that?
Hm.
Ah.
Odd noises and facial leaks
are common
prior to administering the first
dose of the infant vitamin.
Mm-hmm.
[happy music continues]
-[music stops]
-[wind blowing]
[William] Joy?
[alarm ringing]
[William] Joy?
[Joy] Hm?
[William] Are you content?
[Joy] Mm-hmm.
Um... [clears throat]
[water running]
-[slurps]
-[soft music playing]
[William] What great news.
Our baby will be the same age
as Christopher and Samantha's.
I'll select yes.
Wait.
Joy?
Are you content?
[Joy] Yes. Of course.
I just...
Maybe we should take a few days
to think about it.
[slurps]
[slurps]
Time for work.
Yes.
[solemn music playing]
Joy.
You will take the vitamin today,
won't you?
Of course.
[door opens, closes]
Hm.
Ah.
[chuckles]
[smacking lips]
[happy music playing]
[chuckles]
Quite content.
[chuckles]
[chuckles]
-[birds chirping]
-[music ends]
[door opens, shuts]
[phone beeps]
[phone beeps]
[man on TV]
The vitamin from Our Friends.
You're not you without us.
[William] Joy?
[Joy] It's so interesting.
[William] You're acting strange.
I'm messaging Wellness Connect.
[Joy] No.
No. I-- I'm fine.
I'm okay.
Really.
I'm feeling something.
I don't understand.
I didn't take my vitamin today.
And I'm not going
to take it tomorrow.
But Our Friends want us
to take the vitamin.
I don't care
what Our Friends want.
I want you to feel
what I'm feeling.
How?
Don't take your vitamin.
But isn't it best to be normal?
Just for one day.
Then we'll go back
to being normal.
[birds chirping]
[intriguing music playing]
[grunts]
[William clears throat]
Are you content?
Quite content.
Um, I am a bit hungry.
[William sighs]
[William clears throat]
What's happening?
[intriguing music continues]
[Joy] Here.
Eat something.
[slurps]
[Joy] How is it?
It's great.
You know, actually...
Actually, it's not great.
It's um...
Bleh.
[chuckling]
[sighs]
Whoa, this is scary.
[birds chirping]
[yawns]
[water running]
[toothbrush whirring]
[spits]
[water running]
What happened?
I don't know.
So...
Um...
Do you feel okay?
I think-- I think so.
Hm.
[piano music playing]
It feels...
Um...
Can I feel it?
Um, try again.
[sighs]
It feels even better.
I don't think I'm feeling
what you're feeling.
Um...
Maybe, if I touched you?
Oh, okay.
Yeah.
How's this?
It's okay.
That's better.
[winces]
Did I hurt you?
Um...
Uh...
No, I-- I don't think so.
Um, do it.
Do it again.
[slow music playing]
-That's the feeling.
-Mm-hm.
[chuckles]
[sighs]
[music crescendos]
[moans]
[both pant]
[epic music playing]
Is this what dying feels like?
We have to tell the others.
-[crickets chirping]
-[music ends]
[buzzing and beeping]
[doorbell rings]
[door opens, closes]
[VR beeps]
William, Joy, are you content?
Completely.
[Christopher] We're playing WOA,
World of Average Humans.
It's the latest game
from Our Friends.
[Samantha] You play a character
that's different from yourself.
For example, in real life
I'm a wellness engineer.
but in the game
I play an assistant
wellness engineer.
That sounds fun.
[VR beeps]
[Joy] Where's Beth?
The childcare center.
We're encouraged to leave her
there as long as we like.
Some days we don't
pick her up at all.
It's very convenient.
[Christopher]
Where are your VR sets?
You'll need them to play.
We, um, we haven't
opened 'em yet.
[VR beeps]
[Joy]
Will and I actually discovered
something pretty stimulating
ourselves.
Is it WOA 2?
I was told that wouldn't
be available until next quarter.
Something more stimulating
than WOA?
No, it's nothing like that.
It's-- it's nothing like
anything, really.
You two seem... different.
Well, we stopped
taking our vitamin.
[VR rattles]
But everyone
takes their vitamin.
Everyone.
[Frank] Just do it
and never question why.
The vitamin from Our Friends.
Our Friends want us
to take the vitamin.
But once I stopped taking mine,
I started feeling
all of these things.
What kind of things?
[Joy]
Things I can't even describe.
It's like...
The world is brighter.
Hmm.
You're seeing
a different light spectrum?
We're-- we're not explaining it
very well.
Um, perhaps if we showed you?
[intriguing music playing]
[Joy pants]
[Joy moaning]
We call that "sinking".
[sighs] Can we play WOA again?
[VR beeps]
[steps reaching]
[woman] William and Joy?
Y-Yes.
Neither of you have reported
to work in the past three days?
Our Friends are concerned.
Are you unwell?
Uh...
Because if so, I can escort you
to a Wellness Connect facility.
No.
We feel fine.
Why have you not reported
to work?
[Joy] The new series of videos
came out.
And we lost track of time.
For three days?
Please report to work tomorrow.
Have a pleasant evening.
[mysterious music playing]
[William]
Do you think Our Friends
know what we're doing?
[Joy] We don't even know
what we're doing.
Maybe we're the only people
ever to have done it.
[William] Maybe.
You know, I've realized...
I don't really remember my life.
What do you mean?
I...
What's the furthest back
you can remember?
I don't know.
I remember...
I remember when you said
that you had cancer.
All I could think was,
"I hope my new partner
is pleasant."
[chuckles]
I remember thinking,
"I hope she has dark hair.
And no cancer."
[wind blowing]
[man on speaker]
You're not you without us.
The vitamin from Our Friends.
[eerie music playing]
[birds chirping]
[man on speaker]
The vitamin from Our Friends.
It's the only thing
that matters.
[eerie music continues]
[indistinct chatter
in background]
[phone chimes]
[knocking on door]
[zips]
[sighs]
[door opening]
[woman] I don't want trouble.
You're like me.
What? Stupid?
I'm not stupid.
Am I?
You have an officer coming
around here asking questions.
That's stupid.
[coughing]
Leave me alone.
And don't let them
find out you're awake.
You have no idea
what they're capable of.
[door opens, closes]
What are you doing?
Nothing.
[door shuts]
[waves crashing]
[crickets and birds chirping]
Joy!
What are you doing?
We're going inside.
I'm going down to the water.
Why?
There's water inside the house.
In faucets.
It's much cleaner.
[birds chirping]
[waves crashing]
[somber music playing]
[crickets chirping]
[birds chirping]
[Joy] Will?
It's going to be fine.
[door opens, creaks]
[steps reaching]
Are you content?
[Christopher] Quite content.
William, Joy, have you taken
your vitamin this morning?
No, not yet.
Why?
The vitamins appear
to be missing.
[Joy] Huh.
Maybe the last people
to vacation here
took the vitamins
with them by mistake.
Well, what should we do?
We're supposed to
take them every day.
Our Friends want us to.
[Frank]
We need to take our vitamin.
It's the only thing
that matters,
the vitamin from Our Friends.
Mm-hmm.
But the shuttle bus
isn't coming back
until tomorrow morning.
So, there's not really
much we can do.
Christopher,
you're on the Friend
promotion track.
What do you think we should do?
It is just one day.
[epic music playing]
[chuckles]
[exhales]
[chuckles]
[William]
I don't know. Yeah, Michelle,
why don't you try?
That's a good adjustment.
That's a good adjustment.
Yeah, let's try that.
[clears throat]
When Joy and I, it--
It was different
but this is-- This is good.
[Frank]
Like-- like a better different
or-- or-- oh.
-[raining]
-[thunder rumbles]
[Samantha grunts]
[thunder rumbles]
[sighs]
Something doesn't feel right.
[Joy]
I know it hurts a bit at first.
[Samantha]
No, um, not a bit, a lot.
[Joy] Oh.
Um, Christopher,
can I talk to Samantha
for a moment?
[raining]
[whispering]
I don't think I can do this.
It's okay. That's okay.
You-- you don't have
to do anything
you don't want to do.
I know, but...
I want to feel
what you're feeling.
Well, there is another way.
[thunder rumbles]
Just try to relax.
Does that feel all right?
[Samantha] Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Does that feel...
Oh, oh, that feels, um...
Oh. [chuckles]
Oh.
Oh.
Why don't you two go
and work together for a bit?
[happy music playing]
[chuckles]
Better?
La mer
Qu'on voit danser
Le long des golfes clairs
A des reflets d'argent
La mer
Des reflets changeants
Sous la pluie
La mer
Au ciel d't confond
Ses blancs moutons
Avec les anges si purs
La mer
Bergre d'azur infinie
Voyez
Prs des tang ces grands
Roseaux mouilles
[William on TV] I wish...
[Joy] What?
[William] I wish
I had a better word
for how I'm feeling.
And Michelle, what about you?
Today I wasn't completely
satisfied
with my mid-day squeeze pouch.
So, I had a second one.
Le long des golfes clairs
Et d'une chanson d'amour
La mer a berc mon cour pour
La vie
La mer
Yesterday I had to wait in
the same line
for 17 minutes
and it made me want to
burn the whole building down.
-[baby crying]
-[Frank] I didn't do it though.
La mer
Des reflets changeants
Sous la pluie
La mer
Au ciel d't confond
Ses blancs moutons
[chuckles]
Uh, we-- we took her off
the infant vitamin.
We didn't sleep
at all last night.
-Shh.
-Ah!
Sorry, I uh,
I found that doing
that occasionally helps.
Ces grands roseaux mouills
Voyez ces oiseaux blancs...
[Samantha]
Does anyone know anything
about the Welcome Center?
[Joy] It's where I work.
Yeah, but what are we welcoming?
[Frank] I remember that place.
[Joy] What?
[Frank] I-- I-- not well.
I can't really...
There was-- There was a building
called the "Welcome Center".
And that's where I was.
That's where I was
before I met Michelle
and before I met all of you.
[William] Hmm. Yeah.
You said that Frank and Michelle
were a replacement couple
for our cohort.
But who are they replacing?
Does that mean
we can be replaced?
If new couples are coming
to the Welcome Center?
Our Friends gave me
tier two access.
I could probably get you into
some restricted areas
of the center.
[Joy] Really?
You'd do that?
Of course.
You can't be serious?
It's completely
empty after hours.
No, sure.
[piano music playing]
[beeps, buzzes]
[door shuts]
The assistance
of overseas partners,
the Our Friends Baby
Adoption Program
allows our community to grow
at a phenomenal speed,
protecting new life
from suffering
the harsh realities
of the outside.
With enough generations
of data,
we'll soon be able to introduce
the vitamin beyond our gates.
The barriers that surround
our community
are in place
for your protection.
What is this?
[man on TV]
Once on the vitamin,
we're confident you won't ever
want to leave here.
Some lingering worries
about leaving your life
-on the outside behind.
-[door shuts]
[man on TV]
In a few short moments, you'll
be able to sample the vitamin
and see for yourself
how good and perfect
contentment feels.
[door beeps]
[siren wailing]
[Joy] Chris!
It won't open.
[Joy] What?
[door rattles]
[Christopher]
It's locked. I'm trying.
[door rattles]
[Christopher]
I don't know what to do.
Joy?
[mysterious music playing]
[sighs]
[slow music playing]
[door opens, shuts]
[steps falling]
Hmm.
You're a Friend?
I am.
And I'm very concerned
about you, Joy.
At first, I thought it might
be best to remove you.
Remove?
That just means move you
to a different sector
of the community.
Well, then why don't
you just say move?
That would be better.
You're right.
I'll talk to someone about it.
Why are we forced
to take the vitamin?
No one's forced
you to do anything.
[Joy] Well, what's happening
where I work then?
Something's going on above me,
and everything smells
like burning, and--
What is it?
What's-- what's happening?
-Are you hiding something
from us?
-Slow down, Joy.
You're asking questions that
you do not need the answers to.
All you need to know is
what we've been doing here
one day might impact
the rest of the world.
Why am I here then?
Have I broken the rules?
Well, other than repeatedly
ditching work,
depriving your cohort
of the vitamin,
and breaking
into restricted areas,
you have a propensity
for curiosity that we find--
Pleasant?
Disruptive.
The natural leaders
in your cohort are
Samantha and Christopher,
and yet,
you have easily seized control.
I don't control anyone.
Joy, let's be honest
with each other.
You be honest then.
Look,
I strongly suggest that
you start
taking your vitamin again.
If you don't, I think
you're going to be... displeased
with the consequences.
[slow music playing]
[sighs]
[Samantha] Am I the only one
that sees this as a good thing?
Yes.
They want us to take
the vitamin,
but we don't have to.
And if we cause any trouble,
they'll just move us?
No. They'll re-move us.
[Samantha]
What's the difference?
I don't think
we want to find out.
We just need to be more careful.
No more missing work.
No more rule-breaking.
We just--
We do what we're
supposed to do out there.
[music continues]
[knocking on door]
[door opens]
What's removal?
[coughing]
You've been talking to a Friend.
They said I have to start
taking my vitamin again,
or... I'd be displeased
with the consequences.
Sounds like you should take it.
You don't?
I have nothing left to lose.
[coughing]
What would they do to us?
[sighs]
My partner and I stopped taking
the vitamin together, too.
A long time ago.
We liked the way it felt
to not feel content
all the time.
It was new to feel
uncomfortable.
And it was exciting.
We learned a lot.
We learned about Our Friends,
about this place,
about what's beyond this place.
[woman sighs]
We blended in
until eventually we slipped up.
And they took him away,
and he never came back.
Have you ever been
outside this place?
You wanted to know
about removal.
But what you find out there
might not be
as important as what
you could lose in here.
You need to ask yourself
what matters most to you.
Knowing the truth
or being content.
[sighs]
[coughing]
[crickets chirping]
[William sighs]
[William]
Why didn't you tell me?
[Joy]
I didn't want you to worry.
Let's just leave it.
I won't talk to her anymore.
You can't talk to her anymore.
[Joy] What do you mean, can't?
What, you're forbidding me?
[William] You just said that you
weren't gonna talk to her.
Maybe she was
sent here to watch us.
I thought that we agreed that
we were gonna be more careful.
[Joy] What if she can help us?
If she knows
what we're thinking,
she knows what we're feeling.
Does she want to help us?
No.
It's just... Our Friends
control everything we do.
Everything we say.
Everyone we partner with.
You didn't want
to partner with me?
No, no, it's not that.
I just-- you know, I would
have liked a choice.
We had a choice.
[doorbell rings]
-They didn't make us partner.
-[door opens]
They didn't make us
take the vitamin.
-We chose that.
-[door shuts]
[steps reaching]
[Christopher]
Excuse the interruption, but...
Sam had an idea.
Um...
I would like to try sinking
with William,
if that's okay.
And I'd like to sink
with you, if you'd like.
I don't see why not.
[epic music playing]
Do you want to play WOA?
I don't know. I...
I still like it.
I find it pleasant.
[music continues]
[music ends]
[wind blowing]
Well, your turn.
Um,
I-- I didn't like it when
you sinked with Christopher.
-[Joy] But you said that you--
-[William] I know.
I felt the...
I've never felt
that kind of pain before.
[Michelle] Pain where?
Where was the pain?
[William] Um...
It-- it was in my head, I--
I guess.
And, uh...
It felt like my chest
was collapsing.
[Joy] I didn't mean to hurt you.
[Christopher]
Will, I like Joy very much.
I want to sink with her
more than anyone else.
You do?
[Christopher] Yes.
[Samantha] That's okay.
Uh, I've actually been thinking.
And...
The person that I...
Enjoy spending
the most time with
and the person that
I feel most connected to is...
Actually Michelle.
Really?
I feel the same way.
-[Samantha sighs] You do?
-What--
-What's happening right now?
-[Michelle] I--
I know that Friends always
assign women with men.
But I don't know. I--
I feel like I've known you.
I feel most like myself
with you.
What-- What does that mean?
Who else would you feel like?
[Samantha] I feel the same.
-I'm so glad.
-[Frank] No. Stop. Hey. Hey!
She's my part--
She's my partner.
[Michelle] Frank, um, I'm sorry.
I don't think I want to be.
[Frank sniffing]
[Frank] Okay.
Yeah, cool. That's--
Well, that's just lovely.
That's lovely. Yeah.
Okay. Okay.
So what's the--
What's the plan now?
Are you-- Are you gonna move in
with Samantha?
Huh?
Yeah?
You-- you think that's smart?
You think that's blending in?
Our Friends will remove
every last one of us.
Let's not get
ahead of ourselves.
-Frank, we'll figure it out.
-Don't. Don't.
Don't! This is wrong.
This is wrong.
All of this is wrong.
This is your fault.
All of this. This whole
situation is your fault.
Frank. That's not fair.
Don't you talk to me!
-I'm sorry.
-Hey, Frank.
[Michelle screams]
Hey. Stop!
[grunts]
What is happening?
[William]
Frank. Frank. Frank. Frank!
-[Samantha] Stop! Stop!
-[Michelle] Frank, stop!
[William] Enough! Hey! Stop it!
-Stop!
-[Joy] No! Stop it!
[Frank] Oh, fuck.
[William] Why is he so heavy?
-[Cristopher] Steady.
-I'm trying.
[man] Are you content?
Quite content. Go back inside.
-[Frank groans]
-[William] Okay, come on. Hurry.
[crickets chirping]
[door opens]
[steps reaching]
Frank's going to be okay.
He has a bit of a sore head,
but he's all right.
Christopher's with him.
You can stay here
as long as you want.
Thank you, Joy.
Oh, you don't have to thank me.
Thank you.
[sighs]
I--
I discovered something
the other night,
and I wanted
to share it with you.
[humming]
-[emotional music playing]
-[keeps humming]
[Michelle] What do you think?
Are you gonna leave me for him?
[Joy] What?
I just wanna know.
William, you're my partner.
[William] Only because we were
assigned together.
[William sighs]
I thought this was
what you wanted.
And if it's not...
I just want to take the vitamin.
[Joy]
Of course, it's what I want.
You're so much more
than just the person
I was paired with.
Then...
What's Christopher?
He's just...
I only want to want you.
I won't sink with him again.
I won't even touch him.
[panting]
[happy music playing]
[door opens, closes]
[intriguing music playing]
[distorted voice]
Are you content?
We were assigned
as the replacement.
We were assigned...
[indistinct speech]
[indistinct speech]
[music grows louder]
[barcode scanner beeps]
[music mellows down]
[Michelle] Joy.
Are you content?
Joy?
Are you content?
Michelle?
It's improper to touch.
Are you not feeling well?
[Frank] Michelle.
I think we should go.
[steps falling]
[baby Beth crying]
[Samantha sighs]
[Samantha] Oh, please.
Shh, shh, shh. It's okay.
Do you want me to--
No, she doesn't
like it when you do it.
[Beth crying]
Please stop crying.
Please.
Shh. Stop crying.
Shh. It's okay.
It's okay. Shh, shh, shh.
-[baby Beth crying continuously]
-[sighs]
I'm sorry, I can't.
I can't do this.
-Sam, we said we weren't--
-Chris, I have to. I can't.
I can't. Please, just...
[doorbell rings]
[door opens]
[Cristopher]
Joy, may I speak to you
in private?
[Joy] Uh, I don't think
that's such a good idea.
[Christopher]
Please, it's important.
[door closes]
[birds chirping]
[footsteps falling]
Joy, are you content?
Not you, too.
I just can't stop
thinking about Michelle.
I meant are you
content with William?
I don't think
he's content with me.
That's not possible.
[intriguing music playing]
[Christopher] I want to spend
all of my time with you.
I want you to be mine.
Soon I'll be made a Friend,
then you and I will be
completely protected.
Protected from what?
And...
[smooches]
Be my partner.
[Joy] I...
Um...
Chris.
[tense music playing]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[door rattling]
[Joy] William?
William! William, please.
Just, please,
open the door, it's...
[door opens]
[William] Joy, are you content?
You seem unwell.
What did you do?
What did you do?
Are you content?
-William.
-Touching is not appropriate.
-What?
-You shouldn't touch.
[birds chirping]
[woman] I'm glad you decided
to come back.
I did warn you
that this would happen,
if you didn't take the vitamin.
William is at home.
He's fine.
A bit boring, but he's fine.
We've decided
to leave Frank unpaired.
We will move him to a place
where we house undesirables.
And Michelle is going
to be re-paired with a new man.
I think she actually
prefers women.
And we prefer
to keep things simple.
I take it Chris isn't going
to be made a Friend?
No.
And he was never
really in consideration.
-And me?
-What's that?
Well, you haven't said
what's going to happen to me.
Would you care to take a guess?
[Joy] Um...
I don't know the word for it.
Um...
Can you throw people out?
Like you would throw out waste.
It's what you did
to my neighbor, isn't it?
And her partner.
[piano music playing]
Wow.
You really are a downer.
Morgan has been sick
for quite some time.
Somebody found her unconscious
in your elevator last night.
[machine beeping]
[woman]
Her partner became a Friend.
And he wasn't allowed
to bring her with him.
So, he chose
to leave her behind.
I think he was trying
to make it easier on her.
I want to earn your trust.
Why?
Joy.
Would you like
to know our actual process
for choosing new Friends?
Come on.
You're a curious person.
But you knew that before
you stopped taking the vitamin.
That little wonder drug
tidies up
our internal messiness
pretty well.
But there are certain
core tendencies
that still seem to squirm
their way to the top.
And that is how
we identify potential.
But a foggy picture
can only be so useful.
So, we provide opportunities
for clarity.
My cancer treatment.
Just a push
in the right direction.
So-- so this was just
some kind of test?
And you passed.
In the face of danger,
you chose to pursue knowledge.
When granted that knowledge,
you shared for the benefit
of others,
or you withheld information
for their comfort.
You can be made
a new Friend immediately.
No, I--
I want to see William.
[sighs]
Joy.
The William you knew
is not there anymore.
You saw that.
And whether you become
a new Friend or not,
he'll be re-paired.
It's best for both of you.
[quirky music playing]
[door clicks, creaks]
[steps falling]
[woman]
This would be your new home.
For the first year,
your only job
would be to learn.
No partner.
No cohort.
Just you.
And the collected
knowledge of the world.
All of it.
[Joy] And if I say no?
[woman] You go home.
Well, to a new home.
With a new partner.
And a new cohort.
And you don't have
to take the vitamin,
but any more disruptions
will not be tolerated.
[man on tablet] Hello, Friend.
And welcome.
As a new Friend, think
of yourself as a gatekeeper.
Helping to stabilize
our ever-growing community
while enabling everyone
within it to thrive.
[quirky music continues]
[woman]
And whether you stay or go,
any interaction
with your previous cohort
will result in termination.
[Joy] If I say yes?
[woman]
Your life gains meaning.
[explosions in tablet]
[man on tablet]
During your learning year,
you'll be exposed to truths
about our collective
human history
that can be, well, alarming.
If any of the images
or facts you encounter
become too upsetting,
don't hesitate to request
Friend-class vitamins,
which provide a customizable
level of emotional relief.
This is your time to grow
and get a complete education
customized for you.
But if you need
a further escape
from any of the harsh realities
you'll encounter,
we also have a vast library
of entertainment available
showcasing the many
precious mysteries
of the world.
[narrator on tablet] Everybody
likes to watch animals
whose instincts
and intelligence are
sometimes remarkable.
Two slices of toast are
neatly arranged on each plate.
This is a sandwich for forks.
An open-face creation,
in other words,
with a cheese, milk,
and tuna fish mixture on top.
Loneliness
Is a cloak you wear
A deep shade of blue
[narrator on tablet]
Today the forest speaks
to us still,
reminding us of our past,
the natural world
and perhaps,
a chance to know ourselves.
Johnny, you fool.
What difference does it make
whether you get a raise
or a partnership or anything?
I let you down.
I'll always let you down.
I'm no good, Jane.
[woman] Johnny, don't say that!
Michelle!
[Michelle] Are you content?
Emptiness
[narrator on tablet]
We return now
to the female organs.
Male sperm are deposited
at the upper end of the vagina
near the cervix.
The sperm move into the tubes
and approach the egg.
[Joy chuckles]
The moon ain't gonna rise
In the sky
The tears are always clouding
Your eyes
When you're without love
[music fades away]
[wind blowing]
[mysterious music playing]
[slurps]
Are you content?
[door clicks]
[door closes]
[Joy] Will.
You-- you don't know me.
But you did.
Um, you loved me.
I think, uh...
And I know that I love you.
I hurt you.
And um, I'm--
I'm really, really sorry.
'Cause you're the only thing
in this place
that I really care about.
Well, um, you and...
[sniffs]
...this person
I'm growing inside of me.
Will.
I'm growing a person
in my stomach.
You know, there's
a world out there.
It's terrifying, and broken,
and beautiful,
and delicate, as well.
I think I know how to get there.
I wish you could come
and see it with us.
Anyway...
I just wanted you to know that.
Before whatever happens,
happens.
I don't think I understood
most of what you just said,
but I'm really glad
that you're here.
I didn't take it.
What?
I just thought that you wanted
to be with Christopher
and so I--
I wanted you to be happy.
[chuckles]
[happy music playing]
[alarm blaring]
[door shuts]
-[alarm keeps blaring]
-[happy music keeps playing]
Loneliness
Is a cloak you wear
A deep shade of blue
Is always there
The sun ain't gonna shine
Anymore
The moon ain't gonna rise
In the sky
The tears are always
Clouding your eyes
When you're without love
Baby
Emptiness
Is a place you're in
There's nothing to lose
But no more to win
The sun ain't gonna shine
Anymore
The moon ain't gonna rise
In the sky
The tears are always clouding
Your eyes
The sun ain't gonna
Shine anymore
When you're without love
Baby
-[waves crashing]
-[music continues]
The sun ain't gonna
Shine anymore
The sun ain't gonna
Shine anymore
The sun ain't gonna
Shine...
[quirky music playing]
[piano music playing]
[music ends]
[solemn music playing]
[man on TV] Are you content?
Of course not.
Grief, fear,
anxiety, pain, shame.
It's all too much for any
reasonable person to bear.
That's why we're so glad
you've chosen
to join us here in our secluded
community paradise.
The Our Friends campus
was designed
as a prototype community
with a quality of life
you won't find anywhere else
in the world.
You'll live
and work peacefully
in a stable environment
that is safe, efficient,
and fair.
And of course,
free of illness, wars,
and all of the emotional
inconveniences
that have plagued humanity
since the beginning of time.
Moments from now,
all those dark feelings,
painful memories,
and even triggering words
that may be holding you back
will be washed away,
so you can begin anew
down a path
of perfect contentment.
This is truly just
the beginning.
With your help,
and others just like you,
we can soon implement
our vision
throughout the rest of--
[rattles]
[classical music playing]
[rattles]
-[slams]
-Fuck!
[sniffs]
[rattles]
[automated voice]
Please stand clear.
Your personal waste
will be incinerated
-in 3, 2, 1.
-[beeps]
[retches]
[automated voice]
Our Friends welcome you.
[classical music stops]
[waves crashing]
[man] Joy?
[alarm ringing]
[man] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
Quite content.
[inhales]
[somber music playing]
[water running]
[man] Oh, I touched you.
My apologies.
No, it was my fault.
[rattling]
[mysterious music playing]
[slurps]
[slurps]
[man] Oh.
Your Wellness Connect
appointment is today.
[mysterious music continues]
Yes.
Time for work.
Have a pleasant day.
[joyful music playing on TV]
[man on TV] It's the better you
you never knew you needed.
[door shuts]
[man on TV]
The vitamin from Our Friends.
[joyful music continues]
[birds chirping]
[man on TV]
And you're not you without us.
The vitamin.
[beeps]
[janitor] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
[janitor] Quite content.
[door shuts]
[slow music playing]
[doctor]
You see these little sacs
running down your back?
Those are tumors.
Huh.
You missed
your last annual physical.
You know Our Friends
suggest a physical every year.
Yes, but it isn't mandatory.
You're a bit abnormal,
aren't you, Joy?
Not on purpose.
These tumors should
kill you in about a month.
We have an injection
that will cure you, but...
It says they want you
to stop taking your vitamin
for one day following
the treatment
for it to take full effect.
Not take my vitamin?
Oh, surely that isn't necessary.
It says it is.
But everyone
takes their vitamin.
Every day.
Everyone.
It's the better you
you never knew
you always needed.
The vitamin.
From Our Friends.
It's only one day.
No need to tell anyone.
[slow music continues]
[man] Joy.
[alarm ringing]
[man] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
[man] Quite content.
[somber music playing on TV]
[man] Ah, Christopher
and Samantha's social gathering
is this evening.
[beeps]
[Joy] Yes.
[slurps]
[slurps]
[man] Time for work.
Have a pleasant day.
[door opens, closes]
[keys clacking]
[indistinct speech on TV
in background]
[barcode reader beeps]
This will allow you to arrive
in our community
free of any emotional baggage
you carry.
These bins are an opportunity
to let go
and provide space
for complete clarity and...
[door creaks]
[woman] Are you content?
Quite content.
And you?
[door shuts]
[birds and crickets chirping]
[water running]
[man] Joy?
Are you content?
[slow music playing]
[door opens, creaks]
[steps reaching]
I have cancer.
That sounds unpleasant.
The medical engineer
can cure it.
Good.
She told me I wasn't allowed
to take my vitamin for one day.
Not take your vitamin?
But Our Friends want us
to take our vitamin.
I know.
You're not you without us,
the vitamin from Our Friends.
It's part of the treatment.
I might die if I take it.
But you feel...
-Content?
-Content.
Good.
Mostly.
Mostly.
I feel a bit...
...blech.
But you can take
your vitamin again tomorrow?
Yes.
[woman coughs]
[door opens, closes]
[man] Are you content?
[woman] Leave me alone.
[woman coughing]
[slow music playing]
William, Joy, meet the newest
addition to our cohort.
[William] Ah, yes.
I heard that Our Friends were
sending us a replacement couple.
Frank and Michelle, is it?
Yes.
Nice to meet you.
How did you two meet?
Oh, it's a pleasant
story, actually.
Um, earlier this morning,
I signed up for Settle,
the partner-matching
service from Our Friends.
We were paired instantly.
No other options.
It's almost like we were
meant for each other.
That's how Christopher
and I met as well.
What do you do?
I am a civil engineer
for Our Friends.
And I'm a network engineer
for Our Friends.
Christopher, I hear rumors
that you may be
on track to become
an actual Friend yourself.
We'll see.
And Joy.
What do you do?
I'm a waste management engineer.
[Michelle]
What does that entail?
Engineering
the management of waste.
[Michelle] And do you enjoy it?
No.
[silence]
I-- I-- I mean, yes.
Yes, it's very pleasant.
[Michelle] Hmm.
You're a bit abnormal,
aren't you?
[doorbell rings]
[happy music playing]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[Christopher] It's a girl.
Her name is Beth.
Hm. Adorable.
Lovely.
[William] How cute.
I feel so maternal.
[baby Beth cooing]
[Samantha] What was that?
Hm.
Ah.
Odd noises and facial leaks
are common
prior to administering the first
dose of the infant vitamin.
Mm-hmm.
[happy music continues]
-[music stops]
-[wind blowing]
[William] Joy?
[alarm ringing]
[William] Joy?
[Joy] Hm?
[William] Are you content?
[Joy] Mm-hmm.
Um... [clears throat]
[water running]
-[slurps]
-[soft music playing]
[William] What great news.
Our baby will be the same age
as Christopher and Samantha's.
I'll select yes.
Wait.
Joy?
Are you content?
[Joy] Yes. Of course.
I just...
Maybe we should take a few days
to think about it.
[slurps]
[slurps]
Time for work.
Yes.
[solemn music playing]
Joy.
You will take the vitamin today,
won't you?
Of course.
[door opens, closes]
Hm.
Ah.
[chuckles]
[smacking lips]
[happy music playing]
[chuckles]
Quite content.
[chuckles]
[chuckles]
-[birds chirping]
-[music ends]
[door opens, shuts]
[phone beeps]
[phone beeps]
[man on TV]
The vitamin from Our Friends.
You're not you without us.
[William] Joy?
[Joy] It's so interesting.
[William] You're acting strange.
I'm messaging Wellness Connect.
[Joy] No.
No. I-- I'm fine.
I'm okay.
Really.
I'm feeling something.
I don't understand.
I didn't take my vitamin today.
And I'm not going
to take it tomorrow.
But Our Friends want us
to take the vitamin.
I don't care
what Our Friends want.
I want you to feel
what I'm feeling.
How?
Don't take your vitamin.
But isn't it best to be normal?
Just for one day.
Then we'll go back
to being normal.
[birds chirping]
[intriguing music playing]
[grunts]
[William clears throat]
Are you content?
Quite content.
Um, I am a bit hungry.
[William sighs]
[William clears throat]
What's happening?
[intriguing music continues]
[Joy] Here.
Eat something.
[slurps]
[Joy] How is it?
It's great.
You know, actually...
Actually, it's not great.
It's um...
Bleh.
[chuckling]
[sighs]
Whoa, this is scary.
[birds chirping]
[yawns]
[water running]
[toothbrush whirring]
[spits]
[water running]
What happened?
I don't know.
So...
Um...
Do you feel okay?
I think-- I think so.
Hm.
[piano music playing]
It feels...
Um...
Can I feel it?
Um, try again.
[sighs]
It feels even better.
I don't think I'm feeling
what you're feeling.
Um...
Maybe, if I touched you?
Oh, okay.
Yeah.
How's this?
It's okay.
That's better.
[winces]
Did I hurt you?
Um...
Uh...
No, I-- I don't think so.
Um, do it.
Do it again.
[slow music playing]
-That's the feeling.
-Mm-hm.
[chuckles]
[sighs]
[music crescendos]
[moans]
[both pant]
[epic music playing]
Is this what dying feels like?
We have to tell the others.
-[crickets chirping]
-[music ends]
[buzzing and beeping]
[doorbell rings]
[door opens, closes]
[VR beeps]
William, Joy, are you content?
Completely.
[Christopher] We're playing WOA,
World of Average Humans.
It's the latest game
from Our Friends.
[Samantha] You play a character
that's different from yourself.
For example, in real life
I'm a wellness engineer.
but in the game
I play an assistant
wellness engineer.
That sounds fun.
[VR beeps]
[Joy] Where's Beth?
The childcare center.
We're encouraged to leave her
there as long as we like.
Some days we don't
pick her up at all.
It's very convenient.
[Christopher]
Where are your VR sets?
You'll need them to play.
We, um, we haven't
opened 'em yet.
[VR beeps]
[Joy]
Will and I actually discovered
something pretty stimulating
ourselves.
Is it WOA 2?
I was told that wouldn't
be available until next quarter.
Something more stimulating
than WOA?
No, it's nothing like that.
It's-- it's nothing like
anything, really.
You two seem... different.
Well, we stopped
taking our vitamin.
[VR rattles]
But everyone
takes their vitamin.
Everyone.
[Frank] Just do it
and never question why.
The vitamin from Our Friends.
Our Friends want us
to take the vitamin.
But once I stopped taking mine,
I started feeling
all of these things.
What kind of things?
[Joy]
Things I can't even describe.
It's like...
The world is brighter.
Hmm.
You're seeing
a different light spectrum?
We're-- we're not explaining it
very well.
Um, perhaps if we showed you?
[intriguing music playing]
[Joy pants]
[Joy moaning]
We call that "sinking".
[sighs] Can we play WOA again?
[VR beeps]
[steps reaching]
[woman] William and Joy?
Y-Yes.
Neither of you have reported
to work in the past three days?
Our Friends are concerned.
Are you unwell?
Uh...
Because if so, I can escort you
to a Wellness Connect facility.
No.
We feel fine.
Why have you not reported
to work?
[Joy] The new series of videos
came out.
And we lost track of time.
For three days?
Please report to work tomorrow.
Have a pleasant evening.
[mysterious music playing]
[William]
Do you think Our Friends
know what we're doing?
[Joy] We don't even know
what we're doing.
Maybe we're the only people
ever to have done it.
[William] Maybe.
You know, I've realized...
I don't really remember my life.
What do you mean?
I...
What's the furthest back
you can remember?
I don't know.
I remember...
I remember when you said
that you had cancer.
All I could think was,
"I hope my new partner
is pleasant."
[chuckles]
I remember thinking,
"I hope she has dark hair.
And no cancer."
[wind blowing]
[man on speaker]
You're not you without us.
The vitamin from Our Friends.
[eerie music playing]
[birds chirping]
[man on speaker]
The vitamin from Our Friends.
It's the only thing
that matters.
[eerie music continues]
[indistinct chatter
in background]
[phone chimes]
[knocking on door]
[zips]
[sighs]
[door opening]
[woman] I don't want trouble.
You're like me.
What? Stupid?
I'm not stupid.
Am I?
You have an officer coming
around here asking questions.
That's stupid.
[coughing]
Leave me alone.
And don't let them
find out you're awake.
You have no idea
what they're capable of.
[door opens, closes]
What are you doing?
Nothing.
[door shuts]
[waves crashing]
[crickets and birds chirping]
Joy!
What are you doing?
We're going inside.
I'm going down to the water.
Why?
There's water inside the house.
In faucets.
It's much cleaner.
[birds chirping]
[waves crashing]
[somber music playing]
[crickets chirping]
[birds chirping]
[Joy] Will?
It's going to be fine.
[door opens, creaks]
[steps reaching]
Are you content?
[Christopher] Quite content.
William, Joy, have you taken
your vitamin this morning?
No, not yet.
Why?
The vitamins appear
to be missing.
[Joy] Huh.
Maybe the last people
to vacation here
took the vitamins
with them by mistake.
Well, what should we do?
We're supposed to
take them every day.
Our Friends want us to.
[Frank]
We need to take our vitamin.
It's the only thing
that matters,
the vitamin from Our Friends.
Mm-hmm.
But the shuttle bus
isn't coming back
until tomorrow morning.
So, there's not really
much we can do.
Christopher,
you're on the Friend
promotion track.
What do you think we should do?
It is just one day.
[epic music playing]
[chuckles]
[exhales]
[chuckles]
[William]
I don't know. Yeah, Michelle,
why don't you try?
That's a good adjustment.
That's a good adjustment.
Yeah, let's try that.
[clears throat]
When Joy and I, it--
It was different
but this is-- This is good.
[Frank]
Like-- like a better different
or-- or-- oh.
-[raining]
-[thunder rumbles]
[Samantha grunts]
[thunder rumbles]
[sighs]
Something doesn't feel right.
[Joy]
I know it hurts a bit at first.
[Samantha]
No, um, not a bit, a lot.
[Joy] Oh.
Um, Christopher,
can I talk to Samantha
for a moment?
[raining]
[whispering]
I don't think I can do this.
It's okay. That's okay.
You-- you don't have
to do anything
you don't want to do.
I know, but...
I want to feel
what you're feeling.
Well, there is another way.
[thunder rumbles]
Just try to relax.
Does that feel all right?
[Samantha] Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Does that feel...
Oh, oh, that feels, um...
Oh. [chuckles]
Oh.
Oh.
Why don't you two go
and work together for a bit?
[happy music playing]
[chuckles]
Better?
La mer
Qu'on voit danser
Le long des golfes clairs
A des reflets d'argent
La mer
Des reflets changeants
Sous la pluie
La mer
Au ciel d't confond
Ses blancs moutons
Avec les anges si purs
La mer
Bergre d'azur infinie
Voyez
Prs des tang ces grands
Roseaux mouilles
[William on TV] I wish...
[Joy] What?
[William] I wish
I had a better word
for how I'm feeling.
And Michelle, what about you?
Today I wasn't completely
satisfied
with my mid-day squeeze pouch.
So, I had a second one.
Le long des golfes clairs
Et d'une chanson d'amour
La mer a berc mon cour pour
La vie
La mer
Yesterday I had to wait in
the same line
for 17 minutes
and it made me want to
burn the whole building down.
-[baby crying]
-[Frank] I didn't do it though.
La mer
Des reflets changeants
Sous la pluie
La mer
Au ciel d't confond
Ses blancs moutons
[chuckles]
Uh, we-- we took her off
the infant vitamin.
We didn't sleep
at all last night.
-Shh.
-Ah!
Sorry, I uh,
I found that doing
that occasionally helps.
Ces grands roseaux mouills
Voyez ces oiseaux blancs...
[Samantha]
Does anyone know anything
about the Welcome Center?
[Joy] It's where I work.
Yeah, but what are we welcoming?
[Frank] I remember that place.
[Joy] What?
[Frank] I-- I-- not well.
I can't really...
There was-- There was a building
called the "Welcome Center".
And that's where I was.
That's where I was
before I met Michelle
and before I met all of you.
[William] Hmm. Yeah.
You said that Frank and Michelle
were a replacement couple
for our cohort.
But who are they replacing?
Does that mean
we can be replaced?
If new couples are coming
to the Welcome Center?
Our Friends gave me
tier two access.
I could probably get you into
some restricted areas
of the center.
[Joy] Really?
You'd do that?
Of course.
You can't be serious?
It's completely
empty after hours.
No, sure.
[piano music playing]
[beeps, buzzes]
[door shuts]
The assistance
of overseas partners,
the Our Friends Baby
Adoption Program
allows our community to grow
at a phenomenal speed,
protecting new life
from suffering
the harsh realities
of the outside.
With enough generations
of data,
we'll soon be able to introduce
the vitamin beyond our gates.
The barriers that surround
our community
are in place
for your protection.
What is this?
[man on TV]
Once on the vitamin,
we're confident you won't ever
want to leave here.
Some lingering worries
about leaving your life
-on the outside behind.
-[door shuts]
[man on TV]
In a few short moments, you'll
be able to sample the vitamin
and see for yourself
how good and perfect
contentment feels.
[door beeps]
[siren wailing]
[Joy] Chris!
It won't open.
[Joy] What?
[door rattles]
[Christopher]
It's locked. I'm trying.
[door rattles]
[Christopher]
I don't know what to do.
Joy?
[mysterious music playing]
[sighs]
[slow music playing]
[door opens, shuts]
[steps falling]
Hmm.
You're a Friend?
I am.
And I'm very concerned
about you, Joy.
At first, I thought it might
be best to remove you.
Remove?
That just means move you
to a different sector
of the community.
Well, then why don't
you just say move?
That would be better.
You're right.
I'll talk to someone about it.
Why are we forced
to take the vitamin?
No one's forced
you to do anything.
[Joy] Well, what's happening
where I work then?
Something's going on above me,
and everything smells
like burning, and--
What is it?
What's-- what's happening?
-Are you hiding something
from us?
-Slow down, Joy.
You're asking questions that
you do not need the answers to.
All you need to know is
what we've been doing here
one day might impact
the rest of the world.
Why am I here then?
Have I broken the rules?
Well, other than repeatedly
ditching work,
depriving your cohort
of the vitamin,
and breaking
into restricted areas,
you have a propensity
for curiosity that we find--
Pleasant?
Disruptive.
The natural leaders
in your cohort are
Samantha and Christopher,
and yet,
you have easily seized control.
I don't control anyone.
Joy, let's be honest
with each other.
You be honest then.
Look,
I strongly suggest that
you start
taking your vitamin again.
If you don't, I think
you're going to be... displeased
with the consequences.
[slow music playing]
[sighs]
[Samantha] Am I the only one
that sees this as a good thing?
Yes.
They want us to take
the vitamin,
but we don't have to.
And if we cause any trouble,
they'll just move us?
No. They'll re-move us.
[Samantha]
What's the difference?
I don't think
we want to find out.
We just need to be more careful.
No more missing work.
No more rule-breaking.
We just--
We do what we're
supposed to do out there.
[music continues]
[knocking on door]
[door opens]
What's removal?
[coughing]
You've been talking to a Friend.
They said I have to start
taking my vitamin again,
or... I'd be displeased
with the consequences.
Sounds like you should take it.
You don't?
I have nothing left to lose.
[coughing]
What would they do to us?
[sighs]
My partner and I stopped taking
the vitamin together, too.
A long time ago.
We liked the way it felt
to not feel content
all the time.
It was new to feel
uncomfortable.
And it was exciting.
We learned a lot.
We learned about Our Friends,
about this place,
about what's beyond this place.
[woman sighs]
We blended in
until eventually we slipped up.
And they took him away,
and he never came back.
Have you ever been
outside this place?
You wanted to know
about removal.
But what you find out there
might not be
as important as what
you could lose in here.
You need to ask yourself
what matters most to you.
Knowing the truth
or being content.
[sighs]
[coughing]
[crickets chirping]
[William sighs]
[William]
Why didn't you tell me?
[Joy]
I didn't want you to worry.
Let's just leave it.
I won't talk to her anymore.
You can't talk to her anymore.
[Joy] What do you mean, can't?
What, you're forbidding me?
[William] You just said that you
weren't gonna talk to her.
Maybe she was
sent here to watch us.
I thought that we agreed that
we were gonna be more careful.
[Joy] What if she can help us?
If she knows
what we're thinking,
she knows what we're feeling.
Does she want to help us?
No.
It's just... Our Friends
control everything we do.
Everything we say.
Everyone we partner with.
You didn't want
to partner with me?
No, no, it's not that.
I just-- you know, I would
have liked a choice.
We had a choice.
[doorbell rings]
-They didn't make us partner.
-[door opens]
They didn't make us
take the vitamin.
-We chose that.
-[door shuts]
[steps reaching]
[Christopher]
Excuse the interruption, but...
Sam had an idea.
Um...
I would like to try sinking
with William,
if that's okay.
And I'd like to sink
with you, if you'd like.
I don't see why not.
[epic music playing]
Do you want to play WOA?
I don't know. I...
I still like it.
I find it pleasant.
[music continues]
[music ends]
[wind blowing]
Well, your turn.
Um,
I-- I didn't like it when
you sinked with Christopher.
-[Joy] But you said that you--
-[William] I know.
I felt the...
I've never felt
that kind of pain before.
[Michelle] Pain where?
Where was the pain?
[William] Um...
It-- it was in my head, I--
I guess.
And, uh...
It felt like my chest
was collapsing.
[Joy] I didn't mean to hurt you.
[Christopher]
Will, I like Joy very much.
I want to sink with her
more than anyone else.
You do?
[Christopher] Yes.
[Samantha] That's okay.
Uh, I've actually been thinking.
And...
The person that I...
Enjoy spending
the most time with
and the person that
I feel most connected to is...
Actually Michelle.
Really?
I feel the same way.
-[Samantha sighs] You do?
-What--
-What's happening right now?
-[Michelle] I--
I know that Friends always
assign women with men.
But I don't know. I--
I feel like I've known you.
I feel most like myself
with you.
What-- What does that mean?
Who else would you feel like?
[Samantha] I feel the same.
-I'm so glad.
-[Frank] No. Stop. Hey. Hey!
She's my part--
She's my partner.
[Michelle] Frank, um, I'm sorry.
I don't think I want to be.
[Frank sniffing]
[Frank] Okay.
Yeah, cool. That's--
Well, that's just lovely.
That's lovely. Yeah.
Okay. Okay.
So what's the--
What's the plan now?
Are you-- Are you gonna move in
with Samantha?
Huh?
Yeah?
You-- you think that's smart?
You think that's blending in?
Our Friends will remove
every last one of us.
Let's not get
ahead of ourselves.
-Frank, we'll figure it out.
-Don't. Don't.
Don't! This is wrong.
This is wrong.
All of this is wrong.
This is your fault.
All of this. This whole
situation is your fault.
Frank. That's not fair.
Don't you talk to me!
-I'm sorry.
-Hey, Frank.
[Michelle screams]
Hey. Stop!
[grunts]
What is happening?
[William]
Frank. Frank. Frank. Frank!
-[Samantha] Stop! Stop!
-[Michelle] Frank, stop!
[William] Enough! Hey! Stop it!
-Stop!
-[Joy] No! Stop it!
[Frank] Oh, fuck.
[William] Why is he so heavy?
-[Cristopher] Steady.
-I'm trying.
[man] Are you content?
Quite content. Go back inside.
-[Frank groans]
-[William] Okay, come on. Hurry.
[crickets chirping]
[door opens]
[steps reaching]
Frank's going to be okay.
He has a bit of a sore head,
but he's all right.
Christopher's with him.
You can stay here
as long as you want.
Thank you, Joy.
Oh, you don't have to thank me.
Thank you.
[sighs]
I--
I discovered something
the other night,
and I wanted
to share it with you.
[humming]
-[emotional music playing]
-[keeps humming]
[Michelle] What do you think?
Are you gonna leave me for him?
[Joy] What?
I just wanna know.
William, you're my partner.
[William] Only because we were
assigned together.
[William sighs]
I thought this was
what you wanted.
And if it's not...
I just want to take the vitamin.
[Joy]
Of course, it's what I want.
You're so much more
than just the person
I was paired with.
Then...
What's Christopher?
He's just...
I only want to want you.
I won't sink with him again.
I won't even touch him.
[panting]
[happy music playing]
[door opens, closes]
[intriguing music playing]
[distorted voice]
Are you content?
We were assigned
as the replacement.
We were assigned...
[indistinct speech]
[indistinct speech]
[music grows louder]
[barcode scanner beeps]
[music mellows down]
[Michelle] Joy.
Are you content?
Joy?
Are you content?
Michelle?
It's improper to touch.
Are you not feeling well?
[Frank] Michelle.
I think we should go.
[steps falling]
[baby Beth crying]
[Samantha sighs]
[Samantha] Oh, please.
Shh, shh, shh. It's okay.
Do you want me to--
No, she doesn't
like it when you do it.
[Beth crying]
Please stop crying.
Please.
Shh. Stop crying.
Shh. It's okay.
It's okay. Shh, shh, shh.
-[baby Beth crying continuously]
-[sighs]
I'm sorry, I can't.
I can't do this.
-Sam, we said we weren't--
-Chris, I have to. I can't.
I can't. Please, just...
[doorbell rings]
[door opens]
[Cristopher]
Joy, may I speak to you
in private?
[Joy] Uh, I don't think
that's such a good idea.
[Christopher]
Please, it's important.
[door closes]
[birds chirping]
[footsteps falling]
Joy, are you content?
Not you, too.
I just can't stop
thinking about Michelle.
I meant are you
content with William?
I don't think
he's content with me.
That's not possible.
[intriguing music playing]
[Christopher] I want to spend
all of my time with you.
I want you to be mine.
Soon I'll be made a Friend,
then you and I will be
completely protected.
Protected from what?
And...
[smooches]
Be my partner.
[Joy] I...
Um...
Chris.
[tense music playing]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[door rattling]
[Joy] William?
William! William, please.
Just, please,
open the door, it's...
[door opens]
[William] Joy, are you content?
You seem unwell.
What did you do?
What did you do?
Are you content?
-William.
-Touching is not appropriate.
-What?
-You shouldn't touch.
[birds chirping]
[woman] I'm glad you decided
to come back.
I did warn you
that this would happen,
if you didn't take the vitamin.
William is at home.
He's fine.
A bit boring, but he's fine.
We've decided
to leave Frank unpaired.
We will move him to a place
where we house undesirables.
And Michelle is going
to be re-paired with a new man.
I think she actually
prefers women.
And we prefer
to keep things simple.
I take it Chris isn't going
to be made a Friend?
No.
And he was never
really in consideration.
-And me?
-What's that?
Well, you haven't said
what's going to happen to me.
Would you care to take a guess?
[Joy] Um...
I don't know the word for it.
Um...
Can you throw people out?
Like you would throw out waste.
It's what you did
to my neighbor, isn't it?
And her partner.
[piano music playing]
Wow.
You really are a downer.
Morgan has been sick
for quite some time.
Somebody found her unconscious
in your elevator last night.
[machine beeping]
[woman]
Her partner became a Friend.
And he wasn't allowed
to bring her with him.
So, he chose
to leave her behind.
I think he was trying
to make it easier on her.
I want to earn your trust.
Why?
Joy.
Would you like
to know our actual process
for choosing new Friends?
Come on.
You're a curious person.
But you knew that before
you stopped taking the vitamin.
That little wonder drug
tidies up
our internal messiness
pretty well.
But there are certain
core tendencies
that still seem to squirm
their way to the top.
And that is how
we identify potential.
But a foggy picture
can only be so useful.
So, we provide opportunities
for clarity.
My cancer treatment.
Just a push
in the right direction.
So-- so this was just
some kind of test?
And you passed.
In the face of danger,
you chose to pursue knowledge.
When granted that knowledge,
you shared for the benefit
of others,
or you withheld information
for their comfort.
You can be made
a new Friend immediately.
No, I--
I want to see William.
[sighs]
Joy.
The William you knew
is not there anymore.
You saw that.
And whether you become
a new Friend or not,
he'll be re-paired.
It's best for both of you.
[quirky music playing]
[door clicks, creaks]
[steps falling]
[woman]
This would be your new home.
For the first year,
your only job
would be to learn.
No partner.
No cohort.
Just you.
And the collected
knowledge of the world.
All of it.
[Joy] And if I say no?
[woman] You go home.
Well, to a new home.
With a new partner.
And a new cohort.
And you don't have
to take the vitamin,
but any more disruptions
will not be tolerated.
[man on tablet] Hello, Friend.
And welcome.
As a new Friend, think
of yourself as a gatekeeper.
Helping to stabilize
our ever-growing community
while enabling everyone
within it to thrive.
[quirky music continues]
[woman]
And whether you stay or go,
any interaction
with your previous cohort
will result in termination.
[Joy] If I say yes?
[woman]
Your life gains meaning.
[explosions in tablet]
[man on tablet]
During your learning year,
you'll be exposed to truths
about our collective
human history
that can be, well, alarming.
If any of the images
or facts you encounter
become too upsetting,
don't hesitate to request
Friend-class vitamins,
which provide a customizable
level of emotional relief.
This is your time to grow
and get a complete education
customized for you.
But if you need
a further escape
from any of the harsh realities
you'll encounter,
we also have a vast library
of entertainment available
showcasing the many
precious mysteries
of the world.
[narrator on tablet] Everybody
likes to watch animals
whose instincts
and intelligence are
sometimes remarkable.
Two slices of toast are
neatly arranged on each plate.
This is a sandwich for forks.
An open-face creation,
in other words,
with a cheese, milk,
and tuna fish mixture on top.
Loneliness
Is a cloak you wear
A deep shade of blue
[narrator on tablet]
Today the forest speaks
to us still,
reminding us of our past,
the natural world
and perhaps,
a chance to know ourselves.
Johnny, you fool.
What difference does it make
whether you get a raise
or a partnership or anything?
I let you down.
I'll always let you down.
I'm no good, Jane.
[woman] Johnny, don't say that!
Michelle!
[Michelle] Are you content?
Emptiness
[narrator on tablet]
We return now
to the female organs.
Male sperm are deposited
at the upper end of the vagina
near the cervix.
The sperm move into the tubes
and approach the egg.
[Joy chuckles]
The moon ain't gonna rise
In the sky
The tears are always clouding
Your eyes
When you're without love
[music fades away]
[wind blowing]
[mysterious music playing]
[slurps]
Are you content?
[door clicks]
[door closes]
[Joy] Will.
You-- you don't know me.
But you did.
Um, you loved me.
I think, uh...
And I know that I love you.
I hurt you.
And um, I'm--
I'm really, really sorry.
'Cause you're the only thing
in this place
that I really care about.
Well, um, you and...
[sniffs]
...this person
I'm growing inside of me.
Will.
I'm growing a person
in my stomach.
You know, there's
a world out there.
It's terrifying, and broken,
and beautiful,
and delicate, as well.
I think I know how to get there.
I wish you could come
and see it with us.
Anyway...
I just wanted you to know that.
Before whatever happens,
happens.
I don't think I understood
most of what you just said,
but I'm really glad
that you're here.
I didn't take it.
What?
I just thought that you wanted
to be with Christopher
and so I--
I wanted you to be happy.
[chuckles]
[happy music playing]
[alarm blaring]
[door shuts]
-[alarm keeps blaring]
-[happy music keeps playing]
Loneliness
Is a cloak you wear
A deep shade of blue
Is always there
The sun ain't gonna shine
Anymore
The moon ain't gonna rise
In the sky
The tears are always
Clouding your eyes
When you're without love
Baby
Emptiness
Is a place you're in
There's nothing to lose
But no more to win
The sun ain't gonna shine
Anymore
The moon ain't gonna rise
In the sky
The tears are always clouding
Your eyes
The sun ain't gonna
Shine anymore
When you're without love
Baby
-[waves crashing]
-[music continues]
The sun ain't gonna
Shine anymore
The sun ain't gonna
Shine anymore
The sun ain't gonna
Shine...
[quirky music playing]
[piano music playing]
[music ends]