What We Find on the Road (2024) Movie Script
1
[water sloshing and seagulls sounds]
["Back In The Day" by Casino playing]
Well back in the day
I was just thinking about
the games we'd play
And all I remember
Is all the good times
And the long goodbyes
But I tried so hard
And I could not relieve my soul
Tried so hard
But the devil wouldn't let me go
And the world keeps on changing
And the truth is all I've found
And the world keeps on lying
But the proof is all around
Well back on the yard
We were just dreaming
Of the things we want
All in it together
Nothing but time
To watch the world go by
But I tried so hard
And I could not relieve my soul
Mom?
[door knocking]
- Hi.
- You James Manse's kid?
Yeah.
You just turned 18?
Your old man wanted me
to give you this,
and this.
You can pick it up
at Billy's garage.
[Jake] TJ, what the hell?
You're supposed to tell me this
- [Jake] when it happens, okay?
- [Woman] Excuse me.
- [Jake] Not 12 hours late.
- [TJ] Dude, watch out, watch.
It's fine. Okay, so what?
- [Jake] He just shows up at your house
- [Woman] Let's go.
Out of nowhere, a random guy?
- [TJ] Sorry.
- [Jake] Hey.
What? Yes, yes.
And he was massive too.
So what? Just a key,
key and a note?
Yeah. I was going to walk
over after my shift
unless, trying to
give me a ride?
[Jake] Man, of course I'm trying
to give you a ride.
I want to see it now.
You can't just tell me
- [Jake] a story like this.
- [Amber] See what?
Oh, don't pay any
attention to him, Amber.
- Is this, ah? Oh! That for me?
- Is it your birthday?
Not quite.
- So, no.
- [Amber and TJ laugh]
[TJ] Cool. Yeah.
[Amber] Aren't you leaving soon?
Uhh, I got a week left here
and then summer league
starts in a few weeks.
Word on any big plans?
[TJ] Um no. Nothing yet.
Well, we should
hang out sometime.
Okay, cool. Sounds good.
[Amber] Okay, bye.
[TJ] Bye. Shut up, bro.
[Jake] What? Okay,
I see you, TJ.
[sigh]
You know, Amber's right though.
You really should have
some fun this summer
for like once in your life.
Well, I don't get an
allowance every week
like some people I know.
Right, right, right, right.
Okay, Hurry up.
I'm over it.
I'll be outside.
That's, that does
cost money. Okay.
[Jake] Hurry up, TJ.
[TJ] Worst case scenario is I
feel like he just needs me
to do a favor for him
or some shit like that.
[Jake] A favor?
[TJ] Yeah. Be like, take this
to this address or some shit.
30, 30. And that's 32.
The red.
[Jake] This? This place?
[TJ] This is it. Yeah.
[hammer banging in the distance]
[TJ] Let's do it.
[Jake] Let's see what this key's about.
[hammer banging in the distance]
[Man] I don't see what people see in the
Mini Cooper, you know what I mean, Jimmy?
- [Man] I don't like it.
- [Jimmy] I agree.
[Man] Jeez. These are
complicated, these cars.
- [Jake] Sir?
- [Jimmy] Oh, hey.
- [Jake] Excuse me.
- [TJ] Hi.
- [Jimmy] What can we do for you?
- [Jake] How's it going?
[TJ] Um, we're
looking for Billy.
[Jimmy] Looking for Billy.
[Billy] You found him.
What's happening?
Hi. Um.
My father sent me here.
Who's your father?
J... James Manse.
Oh, right, right, right.
[Billy] You're the Hammer's kid.
Jimmy, he's the Hammer's kid.
[Jimmy] Oh, is he? Yeah.
He looks a little bit like him.
And who are you?
You the Hammer's kid too?
- No, I'm not.
- [TJ laughs]
[Billy] Don't be too surprised.
You didn't know the Hammer.
[Billy] Anyway, so what
are you doing here?
Umm. Yeah, he sent, he,
I dunno he,
he sent me these keys
and your address and,
- You don't know what they're for?
- No.
[Billy wheezes in dibelief]
I guess you are
the Hammer's kid.
[Billy] All right. Let's go resurrect
the blue biscuit.
I'm going to need your help.
You're going to get dirty.
Jimmy, let's go.
[Billy] Okay.
All right.
Don't expect much.
Swing it.
[calm music]
- [Jimmy] There it is. What do you think?
- [Billy] Look at that bomber.
Okay, now don't rush this.
All right. Let's see what
we're working with here.
Don't say we didn't help.
Remember, this car is
50 years old, man.
Even I looked better
50 years ago too.
- [Billy] Nice color combo.
- [Jimmy] It is.
[Billy] Oh, there's the hubcaps.
Yeah.
Dude, is this thing
a gift or a curse?
[TJ sighs happily]
[Billy] One, two, three.
Here's the good stuff. The 383.
- [Jimmy] Probably nice when it was new.
- [Billy] I know, man.
[Jimmy] Not a bad looking
car at all.
Excuse me guys,
let me slip in here.
[Billy] You know, when this car was
new in 1968, right?
People were driving this
in Beverly Hills.
[Jimmy] Okay. See if there's any
oil in this thing.
I mean, I think we got
more to work
with than we might have
thought originally.
How far do they have to
go with this thing?
[Billy] Manifolds, no rusting.
[Jimmy] It might go easier
than expected.
[Billy] But this hose got to go.
Oh, we'll get an M34
We'll get a new battery.
[Jimmy] It doesn't look too bad.
Yeah. Okay. Here's what
we're going to do.
So, we're going to work on it.
Okay.
[Billy] But not today.
So come back tomorrow.
We'll see where we're at.
We'll talk some more.
- [Jimmy] Yeah, we need some time.
- [TJ] All right. Thank you so much.
- [Billy] Yeah, you're welcome.
- [TJ] Thank you, seriously.
And I want you to do me a favor.
Start saving money for gas
because you're going to need it.
- [TJ chuckles happily]
- Yeah. Thank you.
It's a guzzler.
[Billy giggles]
- Well did you tell her?
- She said I can't go.
She says I'm too young and
she says I can barely drive.
Okay. That last part's
a fair point.
Well did you tell her
the army enlists kids
our age to go to war?
Oh no. I forgot to tell
her that, dude.
I'll bring it up next time.
I mean, she's pissed,
she's pissed he got me a car
without asking her.
She's pissed it's old.
And she said it'll never
make it to California.
[Jake] Okay. Many fair points
from your mom.
[TJ] Yeah. She said he's
the same, selfish,
irresponsible adolescent
he always was.
And the drugs and the drinking
and the prison time
wiped out any judgment
he ever had.
She wants to think it over.
She wants to
think it over, dude.
- You're right.
- Yeah.
Peep this.
Drainage.
Dude, you're getting good.
[TJ] Yeah.
You good to
drop me off at Billy's?
Yeah, sure. Why not?
Hurry up though.
I have places to be,
girls to see.
[Car door slams]
[Ratchet wrench turning]
[TJ] Billy.
- [Billy] Hey, how you doing?
- [TJ] What's going on?
[Billy] Hey, TJ, how are you?
Hey, Jimmy.
We got an Interstate 65
on the rack?
[Jimmy] Yeah, there should be one
on the bottom shelf.
[Billy] Look, take this,
put this over there.
This is dead.
It's heavy.
[TJ] Okay.
[Billy] It's gone. D-E-A-D, dead.
Any alternators come in?
I ordered that earlier.
Should be here this afternoon.
[Billy] Okay. I'll believe that
when I see it.
Okay. Here's what happened.
We can't find
a radiator for the car
'cause it's 1968 ya know?
I mean,
I was playing
a little league then.
[Billy] So we're gonna recore it.
And what's this for?
You're kidding me?
You don't know
what a radiator does?
No, you don't know what that is?
[TJ laughs nervously]
No.
[Billy] All right. Okay.
It cools the water,
the cooling system.
Keep the engine,
gets hot when it runs,
it's hot like you when you run
down the street, you get warm.
- Cools it off.
- Okay.
So, oh, you know,
what happened is Jimmy
found a cassette of the Hammer
in the glove box, right?
I did.
[Billy] Yeah. Lost in Love.
Remember that one?
- [Jimmy chuckles in aggreance]
- [Billy] That was a classic, Lost in Love.
That was beautiful.
Wow. How well do
you know my dad?
Well, I mean, everybody
knew him in the town.
I mean, he's a famous guy.
Rock and roll, man.
[Billy] Probably the most famous guy
in the whole town.
Was he as bad as they say?
[Billy] Bad? Come on.
What's bad? What is bad?
Jimmy, the kid wants to know
if the Hammer was bad.
Yeah, you know,
he made mistakes.
When you get caught
at making mistakes,
you end up smoking
Newports at Walpole.
- Right, Jimmy?
- [Jimmy chuckles in agreeance]
I mean, Jimmy's made
a lot of mistakes.
He probably made
more mistakes than me
because he lived
more dangerously than me.
And the Hammer had
a lot of opportunity.
He was talented guy.
So he made a corresponding
amount of mistakes.
I haven't seen him one time
since he disappeared.
All I've gotten is a key
to this and an address.
He could have called me
or something.
I don't know.
- [Billy] It is what it is.
- [TJ sighs in frustration]
[sighs] I mean, it could be worse,
right, Jimmy?
Could be coming at you with a tire iron
in the middle of the night shit faced.
[Jimmy] That's right.
What does your mother think
about all this, the trip?
Well, she's not crazy
about my dad, so.
Yeah. Well,
I know that. Yeah.
[Sighs in frustration]
So, will this thing make it to California?
Of course it'll make it
to California.
Well, you might have some
problems, but you can handle it.
Okay, so, get the alternator in.
Tomorrow, put it on the lift.
All right.
Thanks, Billy.
- [Billy] You bet.
- [TJ] See you, Jimmy.
["Rock Bottom" by Kevin Morby plays]
[car lift servo sounds]
[unintelligible chatter]
All of my life
Just trying to be like my father
All of my life
Up to the teat of my mama
It's cold down here,
it's cold down here
It's cold down here, it's cold down here
Rock bottom (bop-bop) Rock bottom (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
All of my life
RJ12YC.Just trying to make a dollar
Open up your mouth, my boy
- [male clerk] How's it going?
- Good. Is that it?
[TJ] Yeah.
- [TJ] All right.
- [male clerk] Have a good one.
(Hey) in the rock bottom
(Bop-bop, bop-bop)
- [Billy] Alright, thank you.
- [Jimmy] Oh good, for the manifold.
- [Billy] Yeah.
- [Jimmy] Yeah, yeah.
All of my life
Everybody roasting me
All of my life
Like I was a piece of meat
- [car engine starts]
- It's cold down here, despite the heat
In the rock bottom
- [Billy] Don't hit anything. Come on.
- (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
All of my life
Oh, to be a king
All of my life
Oh, to be anything but
In the rock bottom
[Billy] Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Kill the motor.
(bop-bop)
Woo!
[exhales in releif]
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
[TJ] Oh, hey, Billy.
- [Billy] Hey. Nice work.
- [TJ] Oh, thank you.
[Billy] So, you ready
for the big getaway?
[TJ] Uhh, yeah,
I think so. Um.
[Billy] It's going to be epic.
[TJ] Yeah. Uhh, so, I know,
I know we're over budget. Um.
[Billy] What's that? No.
- [Billy] no.
- [TJ] No, I...
[Billy] Hey, no, no. Ya know, we're not
really too far over budget,
so don't worry about it.
We'll cover it.
No, you're going to need that.
- [TJ exhales in releif]
- You're going to need that for the ride.
Okay?
- All right.
- We're square.
- You sure?
- Don't even think about it. Yeah.
[Billy] Wish I put these in
order by number.
- Oh man.
- Billy.
Oh, hey, hey.
Thank you, thanks, TJ.
Thank you.
[TJ] Jimmy.
[Jimmy] Oh, hey, TJ.
- How are you?
- [TJ] Hey. What's going on?
- [Jimmy] Oh, thanks. Appreciate it.
- [TJ] Here you are. Sure.
[Jimmy] Yeah. Why don't you
grab the spare,
put that in the trunk.
Going to need it.
[TJ] Yeah.
[Jimmy] And here's your key.
[TJ] All right, thanks.
[Jimmy] Sure.
[calm music]
[Jimmy] What have you got?
Huh. Hey, Billy.
[Billy] What?
There's no room for
a spare in this car.
[Billy] What the hell is that?
Anybody in there?
[Billy] I mean, there's no seams.
Pretty nice welding job, actually.
You want to cut it open?
Let's cut into that bad boy.
What do you think?
[Jimmy] Yeah, I'll grab
the torches.
Oh no, it's all right.
Thanks, Jimmy.
Only take a second.
[TJ] No, no. Uhh, thank you.
I think I'm going to wait to see
What? You aren't curious
about what's in there?
- No, I'm curious but
- I mean,
you don't want to travel
with this big, heavy,
fat boy in the back of the car.
Yeah. Well, figured I,
I don't wanna,
we can just leave it
for now until I know.
Oh, no, no. Hey, okay.
Let's leave it for now.
All right, cool.
All right. Okay.
- [TJ] Thanks guys.
- [Billy] I bet there's something good in there.
- [Jimmy] Your call.
- [Billy coughs] All right.
All right.
[music continues]
[Jimmy] "You sure about this kid?
He's driving a long distance",
not knowing what
you got for cargo.
And the drugs and prison time.
[Jimmy] I'd think you want to know
"what's in the
trunk of that car."
[Billy] "You didn't know the Hammer."
[music continues]
[keys slam into the wall]
[drill whirls in the distance]
- [TJ] Billy.
- [Billy] What's up?
[TJ] Um. So I was thinking
about it. Um.
- [Billy] Yeah?
- [TJ] I'd like you to have the car.
I don't, I don't get it.
You don't want to go on the trip?
Yeah. I don't think
it makes much sense.
I'm not going to drive
across the country, dude.
What's this about?
This isn't about the car.
This is about you.
I don't want to, I don't want to want it.
[chuckles nervously]
Could you just keep it?
[chuckles nervously] Is that...
Do I look like a guy
needs another car?
No, I want to help you out.
You see, there's
a blue cooler over there.
See that cooler?
Go over there,
crack open two frosties
and bring them back here.
Pull out that chair,
put it there.
- I want to talk to you. Go get that.
- [calm music]
[Billy] Okay.
[Billy sighs]
I get it.
I get it. I do. I get it.
You know.
I mean, you've been challenged,
maybe even perversely
tested by your old man
to drive 3,000 miles
in a beat up old bomber
to find your father
who hasn't exactly,
ya know, nailed
the fathering business.
But guys like us who grew up
in this town, these little towns,
you don't get
opportunities very often.
And so when they come,
you want to grab it,
you want to go for it.
[music continues]
Hmmmm, hmmmm
- [bird chirps in the distance]
- Mmmmm
Mmmmm
[cricket sounds]
[bird chirps]
[upbeat music plays]
- [Billy] So, today's the big day.
- [TJ] Yes, it is.
- [Billy] Let the games begin. Huh?
- [TJ chuckles in agreeance]
So we left some music cassettes
in the glove box
that we found, okay?
- Okay.
- And you're going to need this.
Billy, are you serious?
Everybody needs a light
and a C-note.
- [TJ exhales happily]
- Happy motoring.
Thank you.
[music continues]
[car engine starts]
[TJ exhales nervously]
[car horn beeps]
- [TJ] Yo.
- [Jake] What's up?
- [TJ] What are you doing here?
- [Jake exhales]
[TJ] Bro,
- What is this?
- What?
What?
What are you doing here?
Dude, I'm coming with you.
You're going across the country
to make an ass of yourself.
I want to see it.
Okay. Shit, I want to film it.
Bro, your parents
will freak out.
It's fine. I told them.
Okay, I left a voicemail.
They're going to call
every 10 minutes.
It's fine, dude.
I blocked their calls.
All right. Get in.
- Okay, pop the trunk.
- Let's go.
No, just throw it
in the backseat.
[Jake] Okay.
[TJ] Wow. Okay.
[Jake] Yeah.
[TJ] He's ready. Let's go.
[Jake exhales nervously] Okay.
Wait, have you ever driven
on a highway before?
Bro, just get in.
Okay. Scoot over.
[TJ] Just because you don't have
the navigation skills to get us there.
- [Jake] Oh, really?
- [TJ] Yeah.
[car engine struggles to start]
- [Jake] Damn.
- [TJ] All right.
Okay, well.
[TJ laughs excitedly] Good start.
Which way, which way
is California?
West. Let's go.
Which way is west?
- [TJ] Uh.
- [upbeat music]
That way, 3,000 miles that way.
Okay.
[smartphone buzzes]
[Jake] Alright.
[Jake] Dude, grab the phone.
You're nav.
- [TJ] Oh shit, sorry.
- [Jake] My God.
[Jake] "I'm a better navigator.
That's why you're the driver."
[TJ] What an asshole.
[TJ laughs]
[TJ] Okay. On our way out.
[TJ] It's a right here.
I didn't miss it.
- [Jake] Okay. Third exit?
- [TJ] Third exit.
Gas is on your side.
It's not on mine.
[Jake] Yeah, dude.
You think I didn't know that?
[TJ] Oh, you saw it?
- [Jake laughingly] Yeah, of course, I saw it.
- [TJ] Okay.
- [TJ] Okay.
- [Jake] Yeah, nice.
[TJ] Woo.
- Money.
- Cash.
Cash, I got you, bro.
- Um. Shoot, it might be in my jacket.
- [Jake chuckles impatiently]
Okay, I got it.
[Jake] All right.
[Jake lightly taps the side of the car]
Where's the gas?
The... yeah. What?
- [TJ] Oh, sorry.
- [Jake] Yeah, I checked.
Is it on my side?
[Jake] No dude, I checked there.
Okay, so.
Why are you coming around?
You think I didn't check there?
[TJ chuckles nervously]
I don't know, man.
[Jake] That's really weird.
Hey.
How's it going?
[gasoline pours into the car]
[TJ] Ah.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
Thank you very much.
[TJ] Full service.
[Jake hums in agreeance]
- [TJ] Fancy.
- [TJ and Jake exhale in releif]
[Jake] Shit.
It is hot in here.
- Yeah, it is.
- Okay, it's time to let the roof down.
No.
Bro, it's convertible. The whole
point is to let the roof down.
Nah, nah.
I like the roof on.
And the windows up.
Okay. Well, it's getting
hot in here.
Your chariot doesn't have AC.
Okay, we're going
to roast in here.
No.
Is this about the bug thing?
- Bro. Yeah...
- No, hold it.
So you're trying to drive
across the country
with the window up and the
roof on because of the bug thing.
Do you want bugs
splattering your face
and getting in your mouth
while we drive?
- Does that sound fun to you?
- Dude,
that's why we have a
windscreen, you giant pussy.
- That's like the whole point,
- A windscreen?
It protects you from the bugs.
All right. It is
pretty hot in here.
So, I'm going to go
along with this.
Yeah.
But the minute one bug touches
my face, we lock it down.
- Deal? Okay.
- Okay, princess. Anything for you.
[Jake] Hi, how much?
- [Gas station attendant] Sixty bucks.
- [Jake] Sixty bucks.
- [Jake] Sixty bucks.
- [TJ] Sixty bucks.
[TJ] On the nose.
- [Jake] Thank you.
- [Gas station attendan] Thank you.
[TJ] All right,
let's get this thing off.
- [Jake] Got to be this.
- [servo sounds]
- No way.
- What?
[TJ] I was not
expecting that to work.
Yeah, it was much cooler
than I thought it would be.
This was a good idea.
You were right.
[Jake] All right. Seat belts.
- [TJ] Seat belts.
- [car engine starts]
- [TJ] Yeah!
- [Jake] Woo! Okay.
- [TJ] Yeah, that was a close call.
- [Jake] Nice!
- [TJ and Jake cuckle in releif]
- [TJ] Onward.
Yeah, onwards and upwards.
["Skydive" by Astronauts starts playing]
[TJ] Tic-Tacs.
Tic-Tacs and that's my dad.
[Jake giggles awkwardly]
- [Jake] So handsome man.
- [TJ] Yeah, beautiful man.
[Jake] Whoa, bro.
Check that out.
- [TJ] Oh my God.
- (Haaaaa)
It's the bit when I'm near the end
- [truck horn blares]
- Nothing hanging on from me
Turning 'round, I'll be turning 'round
Falling down to the street
(Haaaaa)
- [TJ] Ooo.
- Bro, put that damn map away.
Okay? You're blocking
my mirrors.
Got you, got you, got you.
- Thank you.
- [Jake's phone starts buzzing]
Now, nav on my phone, bro.
You have one job.
- You are getting a call from your dad.
- [Jake's phone continues to buzz]
Should I answer?
- Come on. Do not answer that.
- [TJ chuckles jokingly]
I got a plan.
Do you want to hear it?
Yeah.
Do you want to know
where we're going?
- Yeah.
- Uhh.
We're going to upstate New York,
Okay.
Which is where my aunt
and uncle live.
Well, my uncle
and his wife live.
- Cool.
- Um, and we'll stay the night.
It'll be nice.
It's pretty up there.
[Jake] Okay.
(Haaaaaa)
Stretching out like a skydive
(Haaaaaa)
Stretching out like a skydive
(Haaaaa)
Stretching out like a skydive
[Jake] You're going to call him
and tell them I'm coming?
[TJ] No, because it's
Uncle John.
- [TJ] Do you remember the...
- [Jake] Do I remember?
[Jake] Dude, that's even
more reason to call them.
- [TJ] They're family. It'll be fine.
- [Jake] Yeah.
[car break screeches]
[car doors slam]
TJ.
[TJ] Hey. Hey, John. How's it going?
[TJ chuckles nervously]
What are you doing here?
Uhh, we're just... we're just
driving through and...
- Is your pop in the car?
- No.
- John.
- Jake.
- My buddy.
- Toby!
[TJ] Toby!
- [Toby] TJ?
- [TJ] What's going on?
- [Toby] Hey.
- [TJ] It's so good to see you.
- [Toby] Oh!
- [TJ] So good to see you.
Look at you.
[Toby giggles happily]
Hi.
- Toby.
- Handsome wingman, Jake.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you.
- How you doing?
- Good.
- I know. Surprise.
- [Toby giggles happily]
We uh, we were wondering
if we could stay the night?
[Toby] Absolutely.
One.
[Toby] We'll make it a good night.
Come sit.
[Jake] Say, uh, you wouldn't happen
to know anything
about engines or motors or?
[Unlce John] Yeah, I know a
couple things.
[Jake] Okay.
[Toby] What brings you
to the Catskills?
Umm,
That! Uhh, my... my dad, he sent me
a key to that car
and, um, a address
in California.
And me and Jake are driving
it there to meet him.
- Wow. Road trip.
- Road trip.
And how's it sitting with you?
I'm happy to be here with you.
I'm, I feel... conflicted.
I left, I just
left my mom a note.
I did. I know.
[TJ chuckles nervously]
No.
I didn't know how to tell her
really I was going to see him,
- [Toby] Mm-hmm.
- Um, after everything, you know.
And I do feel like I'm betraying
her a bit, um, because of.
All the heavy shit?
Yeah. Yeah.
But it's complicated
because I was little
when I saw him last,
and I have all these
wonderful memories
with him of going
to his gigs in Boston and,
you know, him picking
me up from school, and
playing songs for me
and stuff like that.
I don't know how you balance,
I don't know how you
balance those things but,
- He's a charismatic guy.
- Yeah, yeah.
And, uhh, y'know,
maybe he's, trying.
I think it's good.
I think it's really good.
- Think it's good?
- Yeah.
- I'm so happy to see you.
- Ohhh.
[Toby] Did you see my garden?
[TJ] I did. I saw it.
It's beautiful.
You hungry?
- Is there stuff in there to eat?
- Let's do it.
Dude, I'm an artist.
I figured it out. I'm an artist.
- [Jake] It's beautiful.
- [TJ] Thank you.
[Jake] Shit. I need to charge this.
[smartphone buzzes]
Okay. How are we doing this?
- Doing?
- Sleeping.
Oh, right.
Well, let's sees like,
okay, so we got one couch. Right?
- [TJ] So there's one couch.
- [Jake] Mm-hmm
And I'm, yeah I'm like,
I'm on it.
- Yeah, okay. Floor it is.
- Yeah.
[TJ] Floor? All right.
That's a good idea.
Okay.
Not exactly the welcome
party you anticipated.
Aunt Toby was very sweet.
- I wasn't talking about your aunt.
- [light switch flicks on]
Hey, at least we're not
wasting money on a hotel.
Bro we couldn't pay for
a hotel even if we wanted.
Bro we couldn't pay for a hotel even
if we wanted. [TJ laughs in agreeance]
[TJ laughs in agreeance]
That's true. That's true.
What'd you expect?
You've know me my whole life.
Honestly, I don't know, TJ.
I don't think I really cared.
- [Jake groans]
- Well, that's nice.
Nice.
- Ah, uh.
- Get your feet out my face.
[TJ] Jesus.
- Well, it's so comfortable.
- [Jake sighs while relaxing]
- I can't even take it, honestly.
- Shut up.
[Jake] All right, well you have to
turn off the lights.
- Okay.
- [calm music]
[Jake] Well, your uncle's
a man of his word, dude.
One night meant one night.
Not a moment longer.
At least he gave us breakfast.
Yeah, sure. As long as we ate
while driving off his land.
Yeah. Uhh, I think things haven't
gotten patched up
with old Uncle John
and my dad since...
Since he stole his car, his
wallet, his keys? Passport?
- Pretty ballsy move by my dad, got to say.
- [Jake chuckles] Yeah, it is.
[Jake sighs] Any updates?
[TJ] All right. I got one more place
we can take a crack at.
- [Jake] Okay?
- [TJ] Should be cheaper gas.
It's like a mile up
on the right.
Okay. That's not too bad.
Well, we'll grab that because
we are about to waste more gas
looking for
cheap prices. Okay?
- Yeah.
- [Jake's phone buzzes]
Your dad texted.
Should I check it?
- Sure. Yeah. What's he say?
- I'll check.
He said to call him immediately
or he cuts your phone off.
He's bluffing.
It will never happen.
Okay, man.
Yes, dad, I'm fine.
[Jake's dad] Turn the car around
right now.
No. What?
I will be back in a few days.
Okay? No, no, Dad,
I'm not turning around.
Okay. So it's my fault that
mom is freaking out? That's...
[Jake's dad] We have so many things
planned for the summer.
You know that.
Okay, well this is the last...
No, this is not
TJ's fault. Okay.
Dad, this is the last summer
before college,
and for once in my life
I want to do
something for myself.
Dad, I have to go.
Okay.
He said that my mother's
had to take a sedative
every four hours
since I abandoned her.
Sounds a tad melodramatic.
Yeah, dude, of course,
it's a tad melodramatic.
Have you met my mother?
I mean, she's still laying out
socks for me every day.
[car engine starts hissing]
You know, he also said
that I'm ruining my chances
- at getting a good start on college.
- Jake?
I mean, what is that
even supposed to mean?
It's summer.
- Yeah.
- The whole point
- is to have some,
- Jake.
And it's the last summer
in my life as well.
- I'm just trying to have a little fun
- Bro.
- For once in my life.
- Jake? Jake?
- What, dude?
- Dude.
Look, dude,
there's smoke
coming out of the front.
- We got to pull over.
- Shit.
- What the hell?
- Fuck.
- What the hell?
- Fuck. [car engine continues to hiss]
[car engine continues to hiss]
[TJ] Okay, um,
Billy said...
Billy said get the water.
He left it in the trunk and
put it in the radiator thing.
[calm music]
[TJ] That should do it.
Okay. Oh.
Okay.
[TJ] Okay.
[TJ] Thanks, man.
- [TJ] All right.
- [water sizzles]
[TJ] Um.
[TJ] Cool. All right.
Billy said it'll take 15 minutes
for the radiator to cool down.
Hey, when I popped the trunk
to get the water...
It's not a big deal, dude.
Like he said,
this would happen on the road.
No, when I pop the trunk
to get the water...
What's the problem, bro?
Can we...
TJ?
- Bro, can we just not?
- TJ?
When I popped the trunk
to get the water,
I saw the steel box.
What?
N... Nothing to say?
- [cop siren blares]
- [low, ambient music]
[inaudible radio chatter]
- [Police Officer] What's going on, fellas?
- [TJ] Hey officer, how's it going?
- [Police Officer] What you guys up to?
- [TJ] Uhh...
We're having some engine
issues right now
- and we're just waiting for it to cool off.
- Yeah.
[Police Officer] You guys need a tow
truck or anything?
- No. Thanks.
- I think we'll be okay.
We've dealt with this
a few times before.
Well, your trunk's
popped open a little bit.
- Oh shoot. Okay.
- Okay.
Yeah, we just got the water.
[Police Officer] No uhh, dead bodies
are nothing. Right?
[Jake chuckles in acknowledgment]
[Police Officer] All right. Well y'all
give us a holler if y'all need anything?
- Okay.
- [TJ] All right. Thank you.
[Police Officer] Cool.
I mean, really couldn't have
been any nicer about it all,
but I'm just tired. Okay?
That guy scared the shit
out of me, honestly.
You know I can drive.
Right?
I don't mind driving.
I'm,
I got my license and everything.
Yeah, man.
I know you can drive.
Okay? I'm just scared as hell
when you're behind the wheel.
You hug this side of the road
like it's your mom's titties.
[TJ laughs]
I'm just scared as shit
whenever you drive, honestly.
Okay.
I got to find us
a way out of here.
Your phone
doesn't have a signal.
What? Oh, you got
to be kidding, bro.
[TJ exhales in frustration]
- [TJ] This is about ready.
- [spatula scraping]
All right.
[Jake] Hit me.
[Jake] Nice.
Oof!
God, that's hot.
[Jake exhales in relaxation]
[TJ] And, mmm,
it looks, uhh,
it looks like food.
It's beautiful.
Oh man. Mine when
fell apart already.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Oh. Oh.
- [TJ] No, no?
- No.
I'm so sorry. I forgot salt.
It's a disaster.
I'm sorry.
I'll stick to
the graham crackers.
- You good?
- [calm music]
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
You think we'll make it?
I think we're off
to a good start.
And you'll think he'll be there
when we get there?
I don't know.
[TJ] I know I've never been
in Arkansas before.
[Jake sighs in agreeance]
How very Zen of you.
Got a play them as their dealt.
Speaking of which.
Texas hold 'em?
["Strange Land" by Stephen Emil Dudas &
Mark G. Hart starts to play]
You wake up in a place
Where you've been many times before
And you recognize
- [TJ] Oh, alright. Thank you.
- the fernisgings
The colors from the
ceiling to the floor
The way that she is acting up
(acting up)
Doesn't seem quite real
- [TJ] We need to get on the I-71.
- It's as if she
Could be someone else
The way she's giving you
those looks of steel
And you feel like a
Stranger from a strange land
Falling from the infinite sky
You feel like a
Stranger from a strange land
Contemplating and wondering why
[TJ] Yeah, this is like straight
out a horror movie.
- [Jake] Look at this.
- [car engine hisses]
The radiator might be
- too hot to touch right now.
- Yeah.
[TJ] Oh, you good?
[Jake] Yeah, I'm good.
- [TJ] Turn it off?
- [Jake] Yeah.
Oh God.
Okay.
I don't even want
to mess with that for now.
I feel like it's
just getting worse.
Let's just chill
until it cools off a bit.
I don't even want
to touch it for now.
You sure?
Yeah. I'm going to,
we got to give it a sec.
Okay.
Uh oh, we've got
to state-y back there.
[TJ] Oh fuck. Okay.
Dude don't look like that.
[low, ambient music]
It's okay.
- We haven't done anything wrong, so
- [footsteps approaching]
We should be okay.
Okay. Well you're going to get
the chance to tell him that.
Sheriff's office.
- Hey.
- How you guys doing?
Yeah, we're doing good.
Thank you.
What's the problem?
Oh, the radiator's
just overheating.
- We're waiting for it to cool down.
- [Jake hums in agreeance]
Okay. Where are you guys
coming from?
Massachusetts.
- Where y'all headed to?
- California.
What part of California?
- The Bay Area.
- Vallejo.
Okay. Who's the car
belong to?
- This guy.
- It's mine.
Okay. See the license
and registration please?
Yes, sir.
There's that.
[Sheriff] I'll be back in
just a moment.
[TJ] Okay. Thank you.
- [TJ exhales in frustration]
- [car door opens]
You boys just hold tight.
All right?
[music continues]
You guys have any water
or anything?
Oh yeah, we do.
We got some in the trunk.
Good. Yeah, let's
come back here.
- Oh no. That's all right.
- Oh no.
I got a... um.
Yeah, okay.
Um. Yeah, I can handle it.
I've done this a few times.
[Jake whispers] Oh shit.
[TJ] Um.
Hey, it's really nice of you
to stay and help us,
but I think we've
got it from here.
We've done this operation
a few times before.
Step over there.
We have a family dispute.
4280 South Road.
What's your location?
Disregard. 7851.
Officers on sight.
Carry on with your truck stop.
What's this?
[Jake] Oh... oh, it just came
with the car.
Shots fired.
Officer assistance needed.
Are you guys
headed west on I-40?
- Yes, officer.
- All right.
Thank you.
[cop car engines revs up and
police siren blares]
He's coming back for us.
Okay?
Soon as that code 130, whatever
bullishit has sorted out,
he's coming back for us.
Did you see him staring
at that damn steel box?
He's definitely
coming back for us.
"Where will you boys be?
Huh?
What road exactly can
I find you on?"
Fucking ass.
Does he even have a right
to look in our trunk?
Huh? Isn't that some kind of
a legal search or something?
Yeah, I think in Texas
they can do pretty much
whatever they want.
Yeah, that was rough.
But we got through it.
I mean, we literally
can't speed in this car,
so we should be all right.
What are you still
so freaked out about?
What am I freaked out about?
TJ, is it a fucking mystery?
- Easy.
- Your father spot welded a metal coffin
to the floor
of this car's trunk.
Okay? He's a man who's spent
years in prison for drug distribution.
And after not speaking to
you for almost a decade,
he wants the car
brought to him, okay?
Across the country
with the coffin intact.
- Easy.
- In fact, the fucking thing
doesn't even have
a way to be open.
What am I so freaked about?
You know what?
Let's play guess
what's in the coffin, huh?
Yeah, I think state-y's
got a real good idea.
[TJ] Take it down a notch.
[calm music]
[indistinct chatter]
[door opens and bell chimes]
- [Jake] Hey.
- Hey. Yo!
Okay, so I spoke to the guy
across the street
and he says that he can
take a look at it,
but he thinks he'll be
able to get it open.
Wait, take a look at what?
The box.
Oh. No, dude.
I already know how to open it.
Billy showed me
back at the garage.
But, so you knew how to
open it this whole time
and you still had me
driving around with it?
I mean, we got to get it open.
- No, I don't want to.
- [Jake chuckles in disagreeance]
Okay. Well, it doesn't really
matter what you want to do.
I mean, what are
you missing here?
We could be like carrying
illegal goods over state borders
or like, I don't know, dare
I say, just wild, wild thing,
but maybe smuggling
drugs for your dad?
I do have a choice.
It's my car. I'm not
going to open the box.
My dad asked me to drive
that car to him in California,
and that's what I'm going to do.
I'm going to trust him.
Trust him?
TJ, are you fucking crazy?
It took me 20 minutes on Google
to find out that this guy has what?
Three arrest records?
Public intoxication,
drug distribution.
I mean, the list just goes on.
Look, the rock and
roll thing, super cool.
Okay. The music's
great, honestly.
But that's the only good
thing he's done for you
in 18 years as a father.
And you're going to fuck up
my chances at college
because you trust him?
What? And your dad?
The insurance salesman who
makes his living scaring people
into spending money
they don't have,
who drinks a bottle
of wine every night
before passing out
in front of the TV.
But what? Because he makes it
to some baseball practices
and parent-teacher conferences,
that makes him a better father
than mine, a more inspiring one?
Yeah.
You have no idea what
you're talking about, Jake.
So what?
You're just not
going to open the box?
No.
You want to maybe just think
about it for a second,
put a little more
thought into it maybe?
I already have.
Do you have your phone on you?
- It's in the glove compartment.
- Can I use it?
Sure.
[Jake whispers in frustration]
Fucking asshole.
[door opens and bell chimes]
[door closes]
- [calm music]
- [TJ exhales in frustration]
[TJ] It's nice of your dad
to get you a ticket.
[Jake] Yeah, he's good
about things like that.
He said he'd get you one too
if you change your mind.
[TJ] Tell him thanks,
but I'm all good.
Wish you luck, man.
All of the best of luck.
Hey, can you stop by my mom's
and let her know that I'm okay
and I'll call her
from California?
Thanks.
And thanks,
thanks for everything.
- [music continues]
- Hmmmmm
Uhhhhhhhh
Mmmmmm
Mmmmmm
[car engine starts]
[servo sounds]
- [criket sounds]
- [dogs barking in the distance]
[car engine starts]
[calm music]
[criket sounds]
[buzzer sound]
[buzzer sound]
- [TJ lightly strums the guitar]
- [criket sounds]
[dogs bark in the distance]
[thunder booms in the distance]
[fly buzzing]
Shit. Shit. Shit, shit.
Shit, shit, shit, shit.
[TJ sighs in relief]
[TJ sighs in relief]
["This Cruel Town" by Matt Keating
starts to play]
The headlines say
The end is near
That we're okay
They're selling fear
So will you buy
Or turn around?
To find kindness
In this cruel town
The taxi cabs will run you down
Each person grabs for more unwound
I'm tied until today
I found some kindess here
in this cruel town
The subways grind
The lights don't change
The worlds decline
And friends are estranged
But I don't mind
'Cuz my mind's been rearranged
- [music stops abruptly]
- [car engine hisses]
[TJ whispers] Okay.
[somber music]
Uh.
[TJ grunts in frustration]
[music continues]
[running foot steps]
Fuck you!
[car horn honks]
You all right?
Do you need a ride?
You're welcome to ride with us
though I don't know how far we're going.
I'm looking for a garage.
Thank you. Yes.
I'm TJ.
- Maeve.
- [dog whines]
Hi.
Don't worry about Fionn.
He'll be no bother you at all.
You look like you're burning up.
Do you want some water?
- Yes, please.
- Sorry, it's not colder.
The truck doesn't have
any air conditioning.
Was that your car pulled
over a while back?
- Mm-hmm.
- The blue one.
Slower, you don't want
to get hyponatremia.
Sorry, I'm a nurse.
Just don't drink too fast.
Okay.
So what are you doing out here?
I was on my way to California.
Oh, funny.
Me too. To LA.
- Vallejo, near San Francisco.
- [Fionn whines]
LA's a long way.
Right now I just need a garage.
- Do you know anything about engines?
- A little.
- [engines struggles to start]
- This one sound okay to you?
- [engine belt screeches]
- Sure doesn't sound healthy to me.
[mechanic] Oh, it looks like you guys
blew a radiator hose,
uh, overheated the motor, and you've
got coolant leaking out
between the cylinder head
and the cylinder block.
That's a blown head gasket.
Does that make sense to you?
Not much, sorry.
How far can I drive
on it like it is?
Oh, I wouldn't recommend
driving it at all.
You keep driving,
it's going to seize it
and then you'll need
a whole new motor.
[Maeve sighs in frustration]
God-damn him.
- Thank you. Um.
- You're welcome.
Just one second.
[calm music]
- [TJ] All right. Thank you, man.
- [mechanic] Y'all take care.
[Maeve] Thank you?
For all we know he took me like
a babe in swaddling clothes.
[TJ chuckles in agreeance]
Hey, at least the Polara
had time to cool down.
And that guy didn't rip you off.
He was a sweet guy.
He just.
- Are you sure?
- That car was on its way out.
[TJ giggles happily]
Yeah, no, it's going to be great.
Okay. I have to warn you, I've
been a bit of a bad luck of charm.
That's all going to change.
What do you think about Fionn
starting off as my navigator
and you can get
some sleep in the back?
[TJ] How's that sound?
Great.
[Maeve giggles happily]
How long have I been out?
A few hours.
Any crashes, lightning strikes,
or visitations by angry aliens?
Not since the first battle
cruiser attack a few hours back.
Then we can safely assume
the curse has been broken.
Oh, yes. Good.
I need a new navigator.
Fionn has fallen asleep on me.
I'll bring my A-game.
There's a Holiday Inn for $79
a night up about 15 miles.
How much did you get
for the car?
$800, which makes the sum
of my life savings right now.
Almost $900.
Oh, well you're like
Bill Gates compared to me.
If we can find some change
lying around the floor,
I might have $100 to my name
and this car is...
It's brutal on gas.
It's killing me.
Um. Yeah, so a hotel is
a little too pricey for me.
I've been sleeping in state
parks and in the car.
Um, how do you feel about that?
Yeah. Everyone says America's
greatest invention is the park system.
[TJ exhales happily]
All right.
In three days, you meet him.
If he shows up.
Seems like a lot of pressure.
My expectations are pretty low.
I mean, there were loads of times I
wished my dad would just go away,
but at least I always knew
what I was dealing with.
[cricket sounds]
[Maeve chuckles]
No one's going to steal
the food from you.
You can sneak up on it
as slow as you like.
[TJ giggles with a full mouth]
And I always had my sisters.
And where are your sisters now?
Ahh. Two of them are
back home in Ireland,
one still lives
with my mom and dad,
and it's the other
I'm pushing to see in LA.
Four. That's crazy.
Four sisters.
- Yeah.
- I can't imagine.
Bridget's younger than me.
She's trying to make it
as a singer.
- Do you have siblings?
- No. No, it's just me.
[plastic bag rustles]
I figured we should celebrate
after selling the truck and all,
- Ohh.
- But there are no glasses,
so we just have to share.
I'm so sorry.
I don't, I don't drink.
- Why not?
- My dad.
Fair enough.
It's a bad habit altogether.
Now that my luck's
all been changed
for the better
by my backseat ride,
I suppose I could
give it up anytime I like.
Hmm.
- But not tonight.
- [TJ giggles]
Slinte.
That guitar is on the
backseat, do you play?
Not much.
But some?
Some, yeah.
Would you play a little for me?
- [TJ exhales in frustration]
- It would cheer me up.
Yes. I'll play it for you.
[TJ chuckles nervously]
My dad used to play for me
when I was a little girl.
It's one of my
earliest memories.
Yeah, my dad used to
play for me too.
[TJ plays guitar]
[car door slams]
[TJ] All right.
Oh, that's where that is.
[TJ] If you could watch this,
I'm going to get some water.
[Maeve] I can watch that.
- [man 1 wolf wistles]
- [rock music plays over radio]
Now that is a pretty looking
car you got there.
Classic beauty.
Not something you see every day.
[man 1 chuckles]
I bet she gets awful hot to
drive on a day like this, right?
Does she get awful hot
to drive or what?
[man 2 chuckles mischiefly]
- [man 2] How are you doing there pal?
- [TJ] Hey.
[TJ] Good.
[TJ] All right.
I've got a new system
I'm going to go inside and pay.
[man 1] See you later.
You look like you're a long way
from home there, bud.
- Where you going?
- California.
[man 1] California?
Well, yeah, you're not
going to get there tonight.
You and your sister
need a place to stay or?
Um, no, we're staying at a
state park down the road.
[man 1] Well, I know all the state
parks in Tonto.
If you need some inside advice
on where to camp,
I could let you know.
Where are you going?
Usually we just decide
last minute so.
Okay. Well, I wish you
the best of luck.
Relax young man,
nothing get hurt about.
He's just having some fun.
[chuckles mischiefly]
[man 1] Let's go, Jeff.
Oh, tell your lady friend
that I said goodbye
because it was sure
nice talking to her. Okay.
- [car doors slam and engines starts]
- [rock music plays over the radio]
Arse holes.
[car doors open and close]
[man] Okay. Your mom's
already inside,
so are you guys
ready to head in?
You know the Grand Canyon's
only a few miles north of here.
[man] I sure do love you guys.
- [little girl] I love you too dad.
- [Maeve] I've always wanted to see it,
but it will slow us up a bit.
TJ?
I'm sorry, what were you saying?
That I'd like to get off the highway
and head north to the Grand Canyon.
Does that mean we skip
staying in Tonto?
- I'm afraid so.
- [TJ] Sounds good to me.
- We got a plot.
- [Maeve] All right.
[Maeve] Look what I scored.
- [TJ] Wow!
- [Maeve] Didn't even want me
- [TJ] Amazing.
- [Maeve] to pay him for them.
Uh, all right.
Should we spread them out?
- Let's do it.
- All right.
- [camp fire crackles]
- [cricket sounds]
This really is
a very big country.
You know, we only have six national
parks in Ireland and several of them
are so small you could fit
them inside your car's boot.
[TJ exhales in agreeance]
The parks on Cape Cod
are pretty cool.
I think anywhere you can just
hang out and relax in nature is nice.
People are so wound
up in America.
Anything that can calm them
down a bit is a good thing.
When I first started
traveling across the States,
it was the first thing
that I noticed.
There's so much energy
here, but it's a frenetic energy.
People seem to have so much
and to be so worried
it will all be taken from them.
Things different in Ireland?
Back home there's nothing
to take from us.
I named him Fionn because Fionn mac
Cumhaill was a great Irish warrior.
When I got him my life
in Michigan felt like a war,
and in war everybody loses.
Why was Michigan so bad?
[Maeve exhales in relaxation]
Michigan wasn't
really bad at all.
The man I was with Michigan
on the other hand.
You have to learn to listen
to us women with love,
but somehow you seem
to know that already.
- But you said you don't have sisters.
- No.
But my mom definitely thinks
my dad's the reason
for everything bad
that's ever happened to her.
[Maeve giggles in agreeance]
Well, I know how she feels.
I think my ex is the source
of all evil too.
I guess I don't
really think that.
I just wish it were true.
Then I wouldn't be partially at fault
when I know damn well that I am.
The thing that pisses
me off about my dad
isn't the stuff my mom says.
What gets to me is that
he just left me back there.
He never came back to see me,
even after he got out of prison.
He didn't even call me.
He didn't even call me.
[calm music]
[calm music]
He just didn't want me.
[footsteps approach Maeve]
Why is everyone in such a rush?
It's in the American character.
We're always in a hurry,
[truck horn blares]
Especially when we don't
know where we're going.
And can we go a bit faster?
It'll feel better than having
everyone scream around us.
I know. I'm sorry,
this is about as fast
as this car is going to go.
Is your sister expecting you
at any particular time?
No, she doesn't know I'm coming.
I only decided last week.
That's when the divorce
was settled, so.
All I got was Fionn
and the truck.
I just decided to put
the truck to good use.
And whose big brain
got you the truck?
It got me from Michigan
to New Mexico.
[TJ chuckles]
That's not even halfway.
I had the chance to hear
some campfire music
from a musician too
scared to even sing.
No, not scared to sing.
Not too scared.
Just mysteriously reluctant.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
How does that work
with the girls back home?
Oh my God. Brings them
out in droves.
Absolute droves.
You have no idea.
NOFS?
- N-O-F-S?
- N-O-F-S?
- Yeah.
- What's that?
There was a sign
that just said NOFs.
Ahh.
Oh, NOFs, right.
What does it mean?
- It's a kind of moose.
- Oh, no way.
Yeah. Yeah. It's like a moose
except they only have one...
- One antler?
- Yeah.
A unicorn moose?
They're lopsided and they can
only walk in circles.
Wait, are you joking?
- No.
- You're pulling my leg.
No, that's a NOF. You just
don't know about America.
[Maeve and TJ giggle]
That's enough.
Enough about the NOFs.
[TJ giggles]
Yeah. I've
never heard of it.
There's no such thing as NOFs.
Wait you are kidding?
Yeah. Of course,
I'm kidding. That'd be
a horrible design for an animal.
You've got this way of telling
jokes where it's so straight
I have no idea
when you're joking or not.
Nice. Good job, me.
[Maeve] Oh, wow.
- [TJ] Oh.
- [Maeve giggles in excitement]
- [Maeve] Hey, pull in here. Pull in here.
- [TJ] Yeah.
- [TJ] Wow. Wow.
- [Maeve chuckles]
[calm music]
[TJ] Oh, my God.
[Maeve exhales in amazement]
[TJ] It's huge.
I don't know why but I've been
dreaming of coming here
since I was six years old.
- I think I know why.
- [Maeve exhales in agreeance]
Do you know you can see 2
billion years of Earth's history
in the geology revealed
in the canyon's walls?
Did you know that
Paul Thomas Anderson
watched The Treasure
of the Sierra Madre
every day leading up
to filming There Will Be Blood?
[Maeve chuckles]
He did, I'm telling you.
We're in such a poetic landscape
and you're thinking about films.
What's more cinematic than this?
Okay. Fair.
- [Maeve] I really want to stop here.
- [TJ] Why here?
Hell, I want to stop everywhere,
but you won't let me.
[TJ sighs in frustration] I got like one
day until I'm supposed to meet my father
and 600 miles
to go or something.
And you're nervous,
I understand.
Still, I think we should
learn something
about the history
of this amazing landscape.
I'm not nervous.
Who said I'm nervous?
[TJ chuckles nervously]
I'm not nervous.
[Maeve] There's something so incredibly
romantic about Indian culture.
[TJ] We don't call the Native
Americans Indians anymore.
We call them Native Americans.
I don't know where Americans
get this habit.
You're constantly changing
the words for things,
but not the issues
behind the words.
[people speaking in the distance]
[Maeve] It's an Irish point of view.
[TJ] Well, a Native American
point of view
is that they want to be
called Native Americans
and they should get
to decide, right? I mean,
they were here first
like the sign says.
Okay. Good point.
There's something incredibly romantic
about Native American culture.
I think it's the sense
of independence.
Maybe how close
they lived in nature.
There seems a beautiful
freedom in that.
Yeah, and America is a country
that cares a lot about freedom.
Maybe, uh, yeah. Maybe some of that
came from the Native Americans.
Pretty profound,
for a guy whose idea of deep
reading is movie trivia.
- Hey, there you go judging again.
- [Maeve chuckles]
Everyone is their own path to follow
and mine is wherever PTA says it is.
- [Maeve laughs]
- [calm music]
You've made it
to California now.
Why don't you wander around
and get a sense of her?
[music continues]
[TJ] It's wild, you drive
10 minutes off the highway
- and the whole world completely changes.
- [Maeve exhales in agreeance]
Do you know that California alone
is six times bigger than Ireland?
I did not know that.
I also don't know
what you got in that bag
because you won't tell me,
but I'm really hoping it's food,
a lot of a food.
[cricket noises]
Tonight's our last night
together.
Tomorrow you go your way
and I go mine,
so it's our version
of the Last Supper.
So we'll have the great
Irish delicacy
- of the crisp sandwich
- Ah.
And brownies and for the cook
a little something
to wash it all down with.
Amazing.
So we got here, two pieces
of bread with the butter,
and then you are going
to put crisps on top.
- Crisps.
- Potato chips.
- Potato chips. Yeah.
- [Maeve giggles]
Okay.
There's that.
Oh, you do the honors
and then when you close it,
listen to the crunch.
It's fun.
[potatoe chips crackle]
- Oh, whoa. Yeah.
- [both chuckle and laugh]
You Irish girls
really know how to party.
Wow.
[TJ laughs]
[TJ] I mean, My Left Foot
isn't his best movie,
but I mean what he puts
himself through physically,
he plays a guy with cerebral palsy
and he has to sit in the wheelchair
and he stays sitting in it
even when they're not filming.
And he actually
broke two ribs during filming
because just from contorting
his body into that position.
I mean, It's insane what he puts
himself through for these roles
just to feel like these people.
It's really cool.
And There Will Be Blood,
which is, I mean, that's his best movie.
That's his best performance.
- That's a different kind...
- Are you anxious, TJ,
about tonight or tomorrow?
No. I just get
really excited
when I talk about
Daniel Day Lewis.
- He's one of my big...
- I know,
you told me.
Tomorrow's going
to be all right.
But what if,
- what if,
- What if he doesn't come?
Well, the truth is,
you've been fine during all
the years he's been absent.
So, should something go
wrong tomorrow, you'll be fine.
And second, why on Earth would
he go to all of the trouble
to get you the car
and invite you to California
if he didn't intend to show up
to see you when you arrive?
I'm less scared
that he won't show up,
as I am at
what I'll discover if he does.
[keys jingle in TJ's pocket]
I want to show you something.
I'm sorry I didn't
tell you. Um.
[TJ exhales anxiously]
- [calm music]
- I think it's time for dessert.
I can't believe how clear
the stars are out here.
I mean, back home there
are usually clouds.
So.
I swear the sky
is bigger out here.
- Yeah, I feel that too.
- [music continues]
[unintelligible loudspeaker announcement]
[TJ exhales in anticipation]
You're sure they'll let
Fionn on the train?
I can easily take you to LA,
three hours there, three hours back.
You'll be late.
So what? I haven't seen
the guy in eight years.
What's one more day?
Do you feel ready to see him?
Yeah, I think so.
Then let's part here.
It's easier for me this way.
I'm not good goodbyes.
Okay.
Come on, buddy.
Come on. Good boy.
[car door slams]
Close your eyes.
- [TJ chuckles]
- I have a present for you,
but I don't have any wrapping
paper. So close your eyes.
- Maeve, you did not-
- Close your eyes!
I'm going to miss your
commanding presence.
Now open them.
I found them in a vintage store
in Bakersfield.
If you're going to meet
your father, it's a big day.
You want to dress for it.
Even more than drink,
the Irish love books.
Twain is my favorite
American writer,
and this story has a tale you'll
find familiar of a young man
traveling across the
states to California
and adventuring along the way.
I left you
a little note in there,
my address in Venice
and back home in Ireland.
There's even my email
and my mobile written down
in case you decide to rejoin
the 21st century and get a phone.
- Maeve, I don't...
- Until we meet again.
Now go.
Stop wasting time.
[calm music]
[train horn blares]
[car door opens]
[car engine starts]
[music continues]
[car horn beeps twice]
[car horn beeps longer]
[door opens]
[foot steps]
Hey, Tommy.
Glad you made it.
You thought that I'd obey.
No, I thought maybe
you'd be ready to understand.
I understand that this car
is important to you.
[bat bounces on trunk]
I understand that
you've been a shitty father,
that you abandoned mom and me,
that you're a drunk
drug addict convict asshole,
- that you never called
- [calm music]
Or visited
since I was 10.
I understand that you had me
drag this across the country for you,
never worrying about
whether I get busted for it.
You know there's two sides
to every story.
Look, Tommy, there's a lot
I need to tell you.
- [ambient music]
- [saw starts to whirl]
Be careful in there.
Tommy. Tommy, hold on.
Let me show you how to get it.
I got it. I got it.
Careful, it's going to be hot
where we just cut it.
[calm music]
[TJ breaths nervously]
Yeah.
[James] Open it.
[James] It's yours.
Happy birthday.
Best night of music I ever had.
Tom Petty gave it to me
when I was about your age,
I played back up for him
for about six weeks.
[both chuckle]
It might be out of tune, here.
It's been a while.
[James exhales in acceptance]
It's yours.
You must be pretty beat.
You hungry?
Probably should take my car.
["Lemon Tree" by Mt. Joy starts to play]
[James and TJ inaudibly chat]
I just found a lemon tree
It's a bad day for my enemies
Yes, there's sugar water in the breeze
And I'm ready, I'm ready
So someone play guitar for me
I'm ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the tree?
The sweetness is around the seed
And I'm learning to keep going
Just an itty-bitty hit of weed
Got me ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me?
When all of the lights remain
This is all that our time contains
[water sloshing and seagulls sounds]
["Back In The Day" by Casino playing]
Well back in the day
I was just thinking about
the games we'd play
And all I remember
Is all the good times
And the long goodbyes
But I tried so hard
And I could not relieve my soul
Tried so hard
But the devil wouldn't let me go
And the world keeps on changing
And the truth is all I've found
And the world keeps on lying
But the proof is all around
Well back on the yard
We were just dreaming
Of the things we want
All in it together
Nothing but time
To watch the world go by
But I tried so hard
And I could not relieve my soul
Mom?
[door knocking]
- Hi.
- You James Manse's kid?
Yeah.
You just turned 18?
Your old man wanted me
to give you this,
and this.
You can pick it up
at Billy's garage.
[Jake] TJ, what the hell?
You're supposed to tell me this
- [Jake] when it happens, okay?
- [Woman] Excuse me.
- [Jake] Not 12 hours late.
- [TJ] Dude, watch out, watch.
It's fine. Okay, so what?
- [Jake] He just shows up at your house
- [Woman] Let's go.
Out of nowhere, a random guy?
- [TJ] Sorry.
- [Jake] Hey.
What? Yes, yes.
And he was massive too.
So what? Just a key,
key and a note?
Yeah. I was going to walk
over after my shift
unless, trying to
give me a ride?
[Jake] Man, of course I'm trying
to give you a ride.
I want to see it now.
You can't just tell me
- [Jake] a story like this.
- [Amber] See what?
Oh, don't pay any
attention to him, Amber.
- Is this, ah? Oh! That for me?
- Is it your birthday?
Not quite.
- So, no.
- [Amber and TJ laugh]
[TJ] Cool. Yeah.
[Amber] Aren't you leaving soon?
Uhh, I got a week left here
and then summer league
starts in a few weeks.
Word on any big plans?
[TJ] Um no. Nothing yet.
Well, we should
hang out sometime.
Okay, cool. Sounds good.
[Amber] Okay, bye.
[TJ] Bye. Shut up, bro.
[Jake] What? Okay,
I see you, TJ.
[sigh]
You know, Amber's right though.
You really should have
some fun this summer
for like once in your life.
Well, I don't get an
allowance every week
like some people I know.
Right, right, right, right.
Okay, Hurry up.
I'm over it.
I'll be outside.
That's, that does
cost money. Okay.
[Jake] Hurry up, TJ.
[TJ] Worst case scenario is I
feel like he just needs me
to do a favor for him
or some shit like that.
[Jake] A favor?
[TJ] Yeah. Be like, take this
to this address or some shit.
30, 30. And that's 32.
The red.
[Jake] This? This place?
[TJ] This is it. Yeah.
[hammer banging in the distance]
[TJ] Let's do it.
[Jake] Let's see what this key's about.
[hammer banging in the distance]
[Man] I don't see what people see in the
Mini Cooper, you know what I mean, Jimmy?
- [Man] I don't like it.
- [Jimmy] I agree.
[Man] Jeez. These are
complicated, these cars.
- [Jake] Sir?
- [Jimmy] Oh, hey.
- [Jake] Excuse me.
- [TJ] Hi.
- [Jimmy] What can we do for you?
- [Jake] How's it going?
[TJ] Um, we're
looking for Billy.
[Jimmy] Looking for Billy.
[Billy] You found him.
What's happening?
Hi. Um.
My father sent me here.
Who's your father?
J... James Manse.
Oh, right, right, right.
[Billy] You're the Hammer's kid.
Jimmy, he's the Hammer's kid.
[Jimmy] Oh, is he? Yeah.
He looks a little bit like him.
And who are you?
You the Hammer's kid too?
- No, I'm not.
- [TJ laughs]
[Billy] Don't be too surprised.
You didn't know the Hammer.
[Billy] Anyway, so what
are you doing here?
Umm. Yeah, he sent, he,
I dunno he,
he sent me these keys
and your address and,
- You don't know what they're for?
- No.
[Billy wheezes in dibelief]
I guess you are
the Hammer's kid.
[Billy] All right. Let's go resurrect
the blue biscuit.
I'm going to need your help.
You're going to get dirty.
Jimmy, let's go.
[Billy] Okay.
All right.
Don't expect much.
Swing it.
[calm music]
- [Jimmy] There it is. What do you think?
- [Billy] Look at that bomber.
Okay, now don't rush this.
All right. Let's see what
we're working with here.
Don't say we didn't help.
Remember, this car is
50 years old, man.
Even I looked better
50 years ago too.
- [Billy] Nice color combo.
- [Jimmy] It is.
[Billy] Oh, there's the hubcaps.
Yeah.
Dude, is this thing
a gift or a curse?
[TJ sighs happily]
[Billy] One, two, three.
Here's the good stuff. The 383.
- [Jimmy] Probably nice when it was new.
- [Billy] I know, man.
[Jimmy] Not a bad looking
car at all.
Excuse me guys,
let me slip in here.
[Billy] You know, when this car was
new in 1968, right?
People were driving this
in Beverly Hills.
[Jimmy] Okay. See if there's any
oil in this thing.
I mean, I think we got
more to work
with than we might have
thought originally.
How far do they have to
go with this thing?
[Billy] Manifolds, no rusting.
[Jimmy] It might go easier
than expected.
[Billy] But this hose got to go.
Oh, we'll get an M34
We'll get a new battery.
[Jimmy] It doesn't look too bad.
Yeah. Okay. Here's what
we're going to do.
So, we're going to work on it.
Okay.
[Billy] But not today.
So come back tomorrow.
We'll see where we're at.
We'll talk some more.
- [Jimmy] Yeah, we need some time.
- [TJ] All right. Thank you so much.
- [Billy] Yeah, you're welcome.
- [TJ] Thank you, seriously.
And I want you to do me a favor.
Start saving money for gas
because you're going to need it.
- [TJ chuckles happily]
- Yeah. Thank you.
It's a guzzler.
[Billy giggles]
- Well did you tell her?
- She said I can't go.
She says I'm too young and
she says I can barely drive.
Okay. That last part's
a fair point.
Well did you tell her
the army enlists kids
our age to go to war?
Oh no. I forgot to tell
her that, dude.
I'll bring it up next time.
I mean, she's pissed,
she's pissed he got me a car
without asking her.
She's pissed it's old.
And she said it'll never
make it to California.
[Jake] Okay. Many fair points
from your mom.
[TJ] Yeah. She said he's
the same, selfish,
irresponsible adolescent
he always was.
And the drugs and the drinking
and the prison time
wiped out any judgment
he ever had.
She wants to think it over.
She wants to
think it over, dude.
- You're right.
- Yeah.
Peep this.
Drainage.
Dude, you're getting good.
[TJ] Yeah.
You good to
drop me off at Billy's?
Yeah, sure. Why not?
Hurry up though.
I have places to be,
girls to see.
[Car door slams]
[Ratchet wrench turning]
[TJ] Billy.
- [Billy] Hey, how you doing?
- [TJ] What's going on?
[Billy] Hey, TJ, how are you?
Hey, Jimmy.
We got an Interstate 65
on the rack?
[Jimmy] Yeah, there should be one
on the bottom shelf.
[Billy] Look, take this,
put this over there.
This is dead.
It's heavy.
[TJ] Okay.
[Billy] It's gone. D-E-A-D, dead.
Any alternators come in?
I ordered that earlier.
Should be here this afternoon.
[Billy] Okay. I'll believe that
when I see it.
Okay. Here's what happened.
We can't find
a radiator for the car
'cause it's 1968 ya know?
I mean,
I was playing
a little league then.
[Billy] So we're gonna recore it.
And what's this for?
You're kidding me?
You don't know
what a radiator does?
No, you don't know what that is?
[TJ laughs nervously]
No.
[Billy] All right. Okay.
It cools the water,
the cooling system.
Keep the engine,
gets hot when it runs,
it's hot like you when you run
down the street, you get warm.
- Cools it off.
- Okay.
So, oh, you know,
what happened is Jimmy
found a cassette of the Hammer
in the glove box, right?
I did.
[Billy] Yeah. Lost in Love.
Remember that one?
- [Jimmy chuckles in aggreance]
- [Billy] That was a classic, Lost in Love.
That was beautiful.
Wow. How well do
you know my dad?
Well, I mean, everybody
knew him in the town.
I mean, he's a famous guy.
Rock and roll, man.
[Billy] Probably the most famous guy
in the whole town.
Was he as bad as they say?
[Billy] Bad? Come on.
What's bad? What is bad?
Jimmy, the kid wants to know
if the Hammer was bad.
Yeah, you know,
he made mistakes.
When you get caught
at making mistakes,
you end up smoking
Newports at Walpole.
- Right, Jimmy?
- [Jimmy chuckles in agreeance]
I mean, Jimmy's made
a lot of mistakes.
He probably made
more mistakes than me
because he lived
more dangerously than me.
And the Hammer had
a lot of opportunity.
He was talented guy.
So he made a corresponding
amount of mistakes.
I haven't seen him one time
since he disappeared.
All I've gotten is a key
to this and an address.
He could have called me
or something.
I don't know.
- [Billy] It is what it is.
- [TJ sighs in frustration]
[sighs] I mean, it could be worse,
right, Jimmy?
Could be coming at you with a tire iron
in the middle of the night shit faced.
[Jimmy] That's right.
What does your mother think
about all this, the trip?
Well, she's not crazy
about my dad, so.
Yeah. Well,
I know that. Yeah.
[Sighs in frustration]
So, will this thing make it to California?
Of course it'll make it
to California.
Well, you might have some
problems, but you can handle it.
Okay, so, get the alternator in.
Tomorrow, put it on the lift.
All right.
Thanks, Billy.
- [Billy] You bet.
- [TJ] See you, Jimmy.
["Rock Bottom" by Kevin Morby plays]
[car lift servo sounds]
[unintelligible chatter]
All of my life
Just trying to be like my father
All of my life
Up to the teat of my mama
It's cold down here,
it's cold down here
It's cold down here, it's cold down here
Rock bottom (bop-bop) Rock bottom (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
All of my life
RJ12YC.Just trying to make a dollar
Open up your mouth, my boy
- [male clerk] How's it going?
- Good. Is that it?
[TJ] Yeah.
- [TJ] All right.
- [male clerk] Have a good one.
(Hey) in the rock bottom
(Bop-bop, bop-bop)
- [Billy] Alright, thank you.
- [Jimmy] Oh good, for the manifold.
- [Billy] Yeah.
- [Jimmy] Yeah, yeah.
All of my life
Everybody roasting me
All of my life
Like I was a piece of meat
- [car engine starts]
- It's cold down here, despite the heat
In the rock bottom
- [Billy] Don't hit anything. Come on.
- (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
All of my life
Oh, to be a king
All of my life
Oh, to be anything but
In the rock bottom
[Billy] Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Kill the motor.
(bop-bop)
Woo!
[exhales in releif]
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
Rock bottom (bop-bop)
[TJ] Oh, hey, Billy.
- [Billy] Hey. Nice work.
- [TJ] Oh, thank you.
[Billy] So, you ready
for the big getaway?
[TJ] Uhh, yeah,
I think so. Um.
[Billy] It's going to be epic.
[TJ] Yeah. Uhh, so, I know,
I know we're over budget. Um.
[Billy] What's that? No.
- [Billy] no.
- [TJ] No, I...
[Billy] Hey, no, no. Ya know, we're not
really too far over budget,
so don't worry about it.
We'll cover it.
No, you're going to need that.
- [TJ exhales in releif]
- You're going to need that for the ride.
Okay?
- All right.
- We're square.
- You sure?
- Don't even think about it. Yeah.
[Billy] Wish I put these in
order by number.
- Oh man.
- Billy.
Oh, hey, hey.
Thank you, thanks, TJ.
Thank you.
[TJ] Jimmy.
[Jimmy] Oh, hey, TJ.
- How are you?
- [TJ] Hey. What's going on?
- [Jimmy] Oh, thanks. Appreciate it.
- [TJ] Here you are. Sure.
[Jimmy] Yeah. Why don't you
grab the spare,
put that in the trunk.
Going to need it.
[TJ] Yeah.
[Jimmy] And here's your key.
[TJ] All right, thanks.
[Jimmy] Sure.
[calm music]
[Jimmy] What have you got?
Huh. Hey, Billy.
[Billy] What?
There's no room for
a spare in this car.
[Billy] What the hell is that?
Anybody in there?
[Billy] I mean, there's no seams.
Pretty nice welding job, actually.
You want to cut it open?
Let's cut into that bad boy.
What do you think?
[Jimmy] Yeah, I'll grab
the torches.
Oh no, it's all right.
Thanks, Jimmy.
Only take a second.
[TJ] No, no. Uhh, thank you.
I think I'm going to wait to see
What? You aren't curious
about what's in there?
- No, I'm curious but
- I mean,
you don't want to travel
with this big, heavy,
fat boy in the back of the car.
Yeah. Well, figured I,
I don't wanna,
we can just leave it
for now until I know.
Oh, no, no. Hey, okay.
Let's leave it for now.
All right, cool.
All right. Okay.
- [TJ] Thanks guys.
- [Billy] I bet there's something good in there.
- [Jimmy] Your call.
- [Billy coughs] All right.
All right.
[music continues]
[Jimmy] "You sure about this kid?
He's driving a long distance",
not knowing what
you got for cargo.
And the drugs and prison time.
[Jimmy] I'd think you want to know
"what's in the
trunk of that car."
[Billy] "You didn't know the Hammer."
[music continues]
[keys slam into the wall]
[drill whirls in the distance]
- [TJ] Billy.
- [Billy] What's up?
[TJ] Um. So I was thinking
about it. Um.
- [Billy] Yeah?
- [TJ] I'd like you to have the car.
I don't, I don't get it.
You don't want to go on the trip?
Yeah. I don't think
it makes much sense.
I'm not going to drive
across the country, dude.
What's this about?
This isn't about the car.
This is about you.
I don't want to, I don't want to want it.
[chuckles nervously]
Could you just keep it?
[chuckles nervously] Is that...
Do I look like a guy
needs another car?
No, I want to help you out.
You see, there's
a blue cooler over there.
See that cooler?
Go over there,
crack open two frosties
and bring them back here.
Pull out that chair,
put it there.
- I want to talk to you. Go get that.
- [calm music]
[Billy] Okay.
[Billy sighs]
I get it.
I get it. I do. I get it.
You know.
I mean, you've been challenged,
maybe even perversely
tested by your old man
to drive 3,000 miles
in a beat up old bomber
to find your father
who hasn't exactly,
ya know, nailed
the fathering business.
But guys like us who grew up
in this town, these little towns,
you don't get
opportunities very often.
And so when they come,
you want to grab it,
you want to go for it.
[music continues]
Hmmmm, hmmmm
- [bird chirps in the distance]
- Mmmmm
Mmmmm
[cricket sounds]
[bird chirps]
[upbeat music plays]
- [Billy] So, today's the big day.
- [TJ] Yes, it is.
- [Billy] Let the games begin. Huh?
- [TJ chuckles in agreeance]
So we left some music cassettes
in the glove box
that we found, okay?
- Okay.
- And you're going to need this.
Billy, are you serious?
Everybody needs a light
and a C-note.
- [TJ exhales happily]
- Happy motoring.
Thank you.
[music continues]
[car engine starts]
[TJ exhales nervously]
[car horn beeps]
- [TJ] Yo.
- [Jake] What's up?
- [TJ] What are you doing here?
- [Jake exhales]
[TJ] Bro,
- What is this?
- What?
What?
What are you doing here?
Dude, I'm coming with you.
You're going across the country
to make an ass of yourself.
I want to see it.
Okay. Shit, I want to film it.
Bro, your parents
will freak out.
It's fine. I told them.
Okay, I left a voicemail.
They're going to call
every 10 minutes.
It's fine, dude.
I blocked their calls.
All right. Get in.
- Okay, pop the trunk.
- Let's go.
No, just throw it
in the backseat.
[Jake] Okay.
[TJ] Wow. Okay.
[Jake] Yeah.
[TJ] He's ready. Let's go.
[Jake exhales nervously] Okay.
Wait, have you ever driven
on a highway before?
Bro, just get in.
Okay. Scoot over.
[TJ] Just because you don't have
the navigation skills to get us there.
- [Jake] Oh, really?
- [TJ] Yeah.
[car engine struggles to start]
- [Jake] Damn.
- [TJ] All right.
Okay, well.
[TJ laughs excitedly] Good start.
Which way, which way
is California?
West. Let's go.
Which way is west?
- [TJ] Uh.
- [upbeat music]
That way, 3,000 miles that way.
Okay.
[smartphone buzzes]
[Jake] Alright.
[Jake] Dude, grab the phone.
You're nav.
- [TJ] Oh shit, sorry.
- [Jake] My God.
[Jake] "I'm a better navigator.
That's why you're the driver."
[TJ] What an asshole.
[TJ laughs]
[TJ] Okay. On our way out.
[TJ] It's a right here.
I didn't miss it.
- [Jake] Okay. Third exit?
- [TJ] Third exit.
Gas is on your side.
It's not on mine.
[Jake] Yeah, dude.
You think I didn't know that?
[TJ] Oh, you saw it?
- [Jake laughingly] Yeah, of course, I saw it.
- [TJ] Okay.
- [TJ] Okay.
- [Jake] Yeah, nice.
[TJ] Woo.
- Money.
- Cash.
Cash, I got you, bro.
- Um. Shoot, it might be in my jacket.
- [Jake chuckles impatiently]
Okay, I got it.
[Jake] All right.
[Jake lightly taps the side of the car]
Where's the gas?
The... yeah. What?
- [TJ] Oh, sorry.
- [Jake] Yeah, I checked.
Is it on my side?
[Jake] No dude, I checked there.
Okay, so.
Why are you coming around?
You think I didn't check there?
[TJ chuckles nervously]
I don't know, man.
[Jake] That's really weird.
Hey.
How's it going?
[gasoline pours into the car]
[TJ] Ah.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
Thank you very much.
[TJ] Full service.
[Jake hums in agreeance]
- [TJ] Fancy.
- [TJ and Jake exhale in releif]
[Jake] Shit.
It is hot in here.
- Yeah, it is.
- Okay, it's time to let the roof down.
No.
Bro, it's convertible. The whole
point is to let the roof down.
Nah, nah.
I like the roof on.
And the windows up.
Okay. Well, it's getting
hot in here.
Your chariot doesn't have AC.
Okay, we're going
to roast in here.
No.
Is this about the bug thing?
- Bro. Yeah...
- No, hold it.
So you're trying to drive
across the country
with the window up and the
roof on because of the bug thing.
Do you want bugs
splattering your face
and getting in your mouth
while we drive?
- Does that sound fun to you?
- Dude,
that's why we have a
windscreen, you giant pussy.
- That's like the whole point,
- A windscreen?
It protects you from the bugs.
All right. It is
pretty hot in here.
So, I'm going to go
along with this.
Yeah.
But the minute one bug touches
my face, we lock it down.
- Deal? Okay.
- Okay, princess. Anything for you.
[Jake] Hi, how much?
- [Gas station attendant] Sixty bucks.
- [Jake] Sixty bucks.
- [Jake] Sixty bucks.
- [TJ] Sixty bucks.
[TJ] On the nose.
- [Jake] Thank you.
- [Gas station attendan] Thank you.
[TJ] All right,
let's get this thing off.
- [Jake] Got to be this.
- [servo sounds]
- No way.
- What?
[TJ] I was not
expecting that to work.
Yeah, it was much cooler
than I thought it would be.
This was a good idea.
You were right.
[Jake] All right. Seat belts.
- [TJ] Seat belts.
- [car engine starts]
- [TJ] Yeah!
- [Jake] Woo! Okay.
- [TJ] Yeah, that was a close call.
- [Jake] Nice!
- [TJ and Jake cuckle in releif]
- [TJ] Onward.
Yeah, onwards and upwards.
["Skydive" by Astronauts starts playing]
[TJ] Tic-Tacs.
Tic-Tacs and that's my dad.
[Jake giggles awkwardly]
- [Jake] So handsome man.
- [TJ] Yeah, beautiful man.
[Jake] Whoa, bro.
Check that out.
- [TJ] Oh my God.
- (Haaaaa)
It's the bit when I'm near the end
- [truck horn blares]
- Nothing hanging on from me
Turning 'round, I'll be turning 'round
Falling down to the street
(Haaaaa)
- [TJ] Ooo.
- Bro, put that damn map away.
Okay? You're blocking
my mirrors.
Got you, got you, got you.
- Thank you.
- [Jake's phone starts buzzing]
Now, nav on my phone, bro.
You have one job.
- You are getting a call from your dad.
- [Jake's phone continues to buzz]
Should I answer?
- Come on. Do not answer that.
- [TJ chuckles jokingly]
I got a plan.
Do you want to hear it?
Yeah.
Do you want to know
where we're going?
- Yeah.
- Uhh.
We're going to upstate New York,
Okay.
Which is where my aunt
and uncle live.
Well, my uncle
and his wife live.
- Cool.
- Um, and we'll stay the night.
It'll be nice.
It's pretty up there.
[Jake] Okay.
(Haaaaaa)
Stretching out like a skydive
(Haaaaaa)
Stretching out like a skydive
(Haaaaa)
Stretching out like a skydive
[Jake] You're going to call him
and tell them I'm coming?
[TJ] No, because it's
Uncle John.
- [TJ] Do you remember the...
- [Jake] Do I remember?
[Jake] Dude, that's even
more reason to call them.
- [TJ] They're family. It'll be fine.
- [Jake] Yeah.
[car break screeches]
[car doors slam]
TJ.
[TJ] Hey. Hey, John. How's it going?
[TJ chuckles nervously]
What are you doing here?
Uhh, we're just... we're just
driving through and...
- Is your pop in the car?
- No.
- John.
- Jake.
- My buddy.
- Toby!
[TJ] Toby!
- [Toby] TJ?
- [TJ] What's going on?
- [Toby] Hey.
- [TJ] It's so good to see you.
- [Toby] Oh!
- [TJ] So good to see you.
Look at you.
[Toby giggles happily]
Hi.
- Toby.
- Handsome wingman, Jake.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you.
- How you doing?
- Good.
- I know. Surprise.
- [Toby giggles happily]
We uh, we were wondering
if we could stay the night?
[Toby] Absolutely.
One.
[Toby] We'll make it a good night.
Come sit.
[Jake] Say, uh, you wouldn't happen
to know anything
about engines or motors or?
[Unlce John] Yeah, I know a
couple things.
[Jake] Okay.
[Toby] What brings you
to the Catskills?
Umm,
That! Uhh, my... my dad, he sent me
a key to that car
and, um, a address
in California.
And me and Jake are driving
it there to meet him.
- Wow. Road trip.
- Road trip.
And how's it sitting with you?
I'm happy to be here with you.
I'm, I feel... conflicted.
I left, I just
left my mom a note.
I did. I know.
[TJ chuckles nervously]
No.
I didn't know how to tell her
really I was going to see him,
- [Toby] Mm-hmm.
- Um, after everything, you know.
And I do feel like I'm betraying
her a bit, um, because of.
All the heavy shit?
Yeah. Yeah.
But it's complicated
because I was little
when I saw him last,
and I have all these
wonderful memories
with him of going
to his gigs in Boston and,
you know, him picking
me up from school, and
playing songs for me
and stuff like that.
I don't know how you balance,
I don't know how you
balance those things but,
- He's a charismatic guy.
- Yeah, yeah.
And, uhh, y'know,
maybe he's, trying.
I think it's good.
I think it's really good.
- Think it's good?
- Yeah.
- I'm so happy to see you.
- Ohhh.
[Toby] Did you see my garden?
[TJ] I did. I saw it.
It's beautiful.
You hungry?
- Is there stuff in there to eat?
- Let's do it.
Dude, I'm an artist.
I figured it out. I'm an artist.
- [Jake] It's beautiful.
- [TJ] Thank you.
[Jake] Shit. I need to charge this.
[smartphone buzzes]
Okay. How are we doing this?
- Doing?
- Sleeping.
Oh, right.
Well, let's sees like,
okay, so we got one couch. Right?
- [TJ] So there's one couch.
- [Jake] Mm-hmm
And I'm, yeah I'm like,
I'm on it.
- Yeah, okay. Floor it is.
- Yeah.
[TJ] Floor? All right.
That's a good idea.
Okay.
Not exactly the welcome
party you anticipated.
Aunt Toby was very sweet.
- I wasn't talking about your aunt.
- [light switch flicks on]
Hey, at least we're not
wasting money on a hotel.
Bro we couldn't pay for
a hotel even if we wanted.
Bro we couldn't pay for a hotel even
if we wanted. [TJ laughs in agreeance]
[TJ laughs in agreeance]
That's true. That's true.
What'd you expect?
You've know me my whole life.
Honestly, I don't know, TJ.
I don't think I really cared.
- [Jake groans]
- Well, that's nice.
Nice.
- Ah, uh.
- Get your feet out my face.
[TJ] Jesus.
- Well, it's so comfortable.
- [Jake sighs while relaxing]
- I can't even take it, honestly.
- Shut up.
[Jake] All right, well you have to
turn off the lights.
- Okay.
- [calm music]
[Jake] Well, your uncle's
a man of his word, dude.
One night meant one night.
Not a moment longer.
At least he gave us breakfast.
Yeah, sure. As long as we ate
while driving off his land.
Yeah. Uhh, I think things haven't
gotten patched up
with old Uncle John
and my dad since...
Since he stole his car, his
wallet, his keys? Passport?
- Pretty ballsy move by my dad, got to say.
- [Jake chuckles] Yeah, it is.
[Jake sighs] Any updates?
[TJ] All right. I got one more place
we can take a crack at.
- [Jake] Okay?
- [TJ] Should be cheaper gas.
It's like a mile up
on the right.
Okay. That's not too bad.
Well, we'll grab that because
we are about to waste more gas
looking for
cheap prices. Okay?
- Yeah.
- [Jake's phone buzzes]
Your dad texted.
Should I check it?
- Sure. Yeah. What's he say?
- I'll check.
He said to call him immediately
or he cuts your phone off.
He's bluffing.
It will never happen.
Okay, man.
Yes, dad, I'm fine.
[Jake's dad] Turn the car around
right now.
No. What?
I will be back in a few days.
Okay? No, no, Dad,
I'm not turning around.
Okay. So it's my fault that
mom is freaking out? That's...
[Jake's dad] We have so many things
planned for the summer.
You know that.
Okay, well this is the last...
No, this is not
TJ's fault. Okay.
Dad, this is the last summer
before college,
and for once in my life
I want to do
something for myself.
Dad, I have to go.
Okay.
He said that my mother's
had to take a sedative
every four hours
since I abandoned her.
Sounds a tad melodramatic.
Yeah, dude, of course,
it's a tad melodramatic.
Have you met my mother?
I mean, she's still laying out
socks for me every day.
[car engine starts hissing]
You know, he also said
that I'm ruining my chances
- at getting a good start on college.
- Jake?
I mean, what is that
even supposed to mean?
It's summer.
- Yeah.
- The whole point
- is to have some,
- Jake.
And it's the last summer
in my life as well.
- I'm just trying to have a little fun
- Bro.
- For once in my life.
- Jake? Jake?
- What, dude?
- Dude.
Look, dude,
there's smoke
coming out of the front.
- We got to pull over.
- Shit.
- What the hell?
- Fuck.
- What the hell?
- Fuck. [car engine continues to hiss]
[car engine continues to hiss]
[TJ] Okay, um,
Billy said...
Billy said get the water.
He left it in the trunk and
put it in the radiator thing.
[calm music]
[TJ] That should do it.
Okay. Oh.
Okay.
[TJ] Okay.
[TJ] Thanks, man.
- [TJ] All right.
- [water sizzles]
[TJ] Um.
[TJ] Cool. All right.
Billy said it'll take 15 minutes
for the radiator to cool down.
Hey, when I popped the trunk
to get the water...
It's not a big deal, dude.
Like he said,
this would happen on the road.
No, when I pop the trunk
to get the water...
What's the problem, bro?
Can we...
TJ?
- Bro, can we just not?
- TJ?
When I popped the trunk
to get the water,
I saw the steel box.
What?
N... Nothing to say?
- [cop siren blares]
- [low, ambient music]
[inaudible radio chatter]
- [Police Officer] What's going on, fellas?
- [TJ] Hey officer, how's it going?
- [Police Officer] What you guys up to?
- [TJ] Uhh...
We're having some engine
issues right now
- and we're just waiting for it to cool off.
- Yeah.
[Police Officer] You guys need a tow
truck or anything?
- No. Thanks.
- I think we'll be okay.
We've dealt with this
a few times before.
Well, your trunk's
popped open a little bit.
- Oh shoot. Okay.
- Okay.
Yeah, we just got the water.
[Police Officer] No uhh, dead bodies
are nothing. Right?
[Jake chuckles in acknowledgment]
[Police Officer] All right. Well y'all
give us a holler if y'all need anything?
- Okay.
- [TJ] All right. Thank you.
[Police Officer] Cool.
I mean, really couldn't have
been any nicer about it all,
but I'm just tired. Okay?
That guy scared the shit
out of me, honestly.
You know I can drive.
Right?
I don't mind driving.
I'm,
I got my license and everything.
Yeah, man.
I know you can drive.
Okay? I'm just scared as hell
when you're behind the wheel.
You hug this side of the road
like it's your mom's titties.
[TJ laughs]
I'm just scared as shit
whenever you drive, honestly.
Okay.
I got to find us
a way out of here.
Your phone
doesn't have a signal.
What? Oh, you got
to be kidding, bro.
[TJ exhales in frustration]
- [TJ] This is about ready.
- [spatula scraping]
All right.
[Jake] Hit me.
[Jake] Nice.
Oof!
God, that's hot.
[Jake exhales in relaxation]
[TJ] And, mmm,
it looks, uhh,
it looks like food.
It's beautiful.
Oh man. Mine when
fell apart already.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Oh. Oh.
- [TJ] No, no?
- No.
I'm so sorry. I forgot salt.
It's a disaster.
I'm sorry.
I'll stick to
the graham crackers.
- You good?
- [calm music]
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
You think we'll make it?
I think we're off
to a good start.
And you'll think he'll be there
when we get there?
I don't know.
[TJ] I know I've never been
in Arkansas before.
[Jake sighs in agreeance]
How very Zen of you.
Got a play them as their dealt.
Speaking of which.
Texas hold 'em?
["Strange Land" by Stephen Emil Dudas &
Mark G. Hart starts to play]
You wake up in a place
Where you've been many times before
And you recognize
- [TJ] Oh, alright. Thank you.
- the fernisgings
The colors from the
ceiling to the floor
The way that she is acting up
(acting up)
Doesn't seem quite real
- [TJ] We need to get on the I-71.
- It's as if she
Could be someone else
The way she's giving you
those looks of steel
And you feel like a
Stranger from a strange land
Falling from the infinite sky
You feel like a
Stranger from a strange land
Contemplating and wondering why
[TJ] Yeah, this is like straight
out a horror movie.
- [Jake] Look at this.
- [car engine hisses]
The radiator might be
- too hot to touch right now.
- Yeah.
[TJ] Oh, you good?
[Jake] Yeah, I'm good.
- [TJ] Turn it off?
- [Jake] Yeah.
Oh God.
Okay.
I don't even want
to mess with that for now.
I feel like it's
just getting worse.
Let's just chill
until it cools off a bit.
I don't even want
to touch it for now.
You sure?
Yeah. I'm going to,
we got to give it a sec.
Okay.
Uh oh, we've got
to state-y back there.
[TJ] Oh fuck. Okay.
Dude don't look like that.
[low, ambient music]
It's okay.
- We haven't done anything wrong, so
- [footsteps approaching]
We should be okay.
Okay. Well you're going to get
the chance to tell him that.
Sheriff's office.
- Hey.
- How you guys doing?
Yeah, we're doing good.
Thank you.
What's the problem?
Oh, the radiator's
just overheating.
- We're waiting for it to cool down.
- [Jake hums in agreeance]
Okay. Where are you guys
coming from?
Massachusetts.
- Where y'all headed to?
- California.
What part of California?
- The Bay Area.
- Vallejo.
Okay. Who's the car
belong to?
- This guy.
- It's mine.
Okay. See the license
and registration please?
Yes, sir.
There's that.
[Sheriff] I'll be back in
just a moment.
[TJ] Okay. Thank you.
- [TJ exhales in frustration]
- [car door opens]
You boys just hold tight.
All right?
[music continues]
You guys have any water
or anything?
Oh yeah, we do.
We got some in the trunk.
Good. Yeah, let's
come back here.
- Oh no. That's all right.
- Oh no.
I got a... um.
Yeah, okay.
Um. Yeah, I can handle it.
I've done this a few times.
[Jake whispers] Oh shit.
[TJ] Um.
Hey, it's really nice of you
to stay and help us,
but I think we've
got it from here.
We've done this operation
a few times before.
Step over there.
We have a family dispute.
4280 South Road.
What's your location?
Disregard. 7851.
Officers on sight.
Carry on with your truck stop.
What's this?
[Jake] Oh... oh, it just came
with the car.
Shots fired.
Officer assistance needed.
Are you guys
headed west on I-40?
- Yes, officer.
- All right.
Thank you.
[cop car engines revs up and
police siren blares]
He's coming back for us.
Okay?
Soon as that code 130, whatever
bullishit has sorted out,
he's coming back for us.
Did you see him staring
at that damn steel box?
He's definitely
coming back for us.
"Where will you boys be?
Huh?
What road exactly can
I find you on?"
Fucking ass.
Does he even have a right
to look in our trunk?
Huh? Isn't that some kind of
a legal search or something?
Yeah, I think in Texas
they can do pretty much
whatever they want.
Yeah, that was rough.
But we got through it.
I mean, we literally
can't speed in this car,
so we should be all right.
What are you still
so freaked out about?
What am I freaked out about?
TJ, is it a fucking mystery?
- Easy.
- Your father spot welded a metal coffin
to the floor
of this car's trunk.
Okay? He's a man who's spent
years in prison for drug distribution.
And after not speaking to
you for almost a decade,
he wants the car
brought to him, okay?
Across the country
with the coffin intact.
- Easy.
- In fact, the fucking thing
doesn't even have
a way to be open.
What am I so freaked about?
You know what?
Let's play guess
what's in the coffin, huh?
Yeah, I think state-y's
got a real good idea.
[TJ] Take it down a notch.
[calm music]
[indistinct chatter]
[door opens and bell chimes]
- [Jake] Hey.
- Hey. Yo!
Okay, so I spoke to the guy
across the street
and he says that he can
take a look at it,
but he thinks he'll be
able to get it open.
Wait, take a look at what?
The box.
Oh. No, dude.
I already know how to open it.
Billy showed me
back at the garage.
But, so you knew how to
open it this whole time
and you still had me
driving around with it?
I mean, we got to get it open.
- No, I don't want to.
- [Jake chuckles in disagreeance]
Okay. Well, it doesn't really
matter what you want to do.
I mean, what are
you missing here?
We could be like carrying
illegal goods over state borders
or like, I don't know, dare
I say, just wild, wild thing,
but maybe smuggling
drugs for your dad?
I do have a choice.
It's my car. I'm not
going to open the box.
My dad asked me to drive
that car to him in California,
and that's what I'm going to do.
I'm going to trust him.
Trust him?
TJ, are you fucking crazy?
It took me 20 minutes on Google
to find out that this guy has what?
Three arrest records?
Public intoxication,
drug distribution.
I mean, the list just goes on.
Look, the rock and
roll thing, super cool.
Okay. The music's
great, honestly.
But that's the only good
thing he's done for you
in 18 years as a father.
And you're going to fuck up
my chances at college
because you trust him?
What? And your dad?
The insurance salesman who
makes his living scaring people
into spending money
they don't have,
who drinks a bottle
of wine every night
before passing out
in front of the TV.
But what? Because he makes it
to some baseball practices
and parent-teacher conferences,
that makes him a better father
than mine, a more inspiring one?
Yeah.
You have no idea what
you're talking about, Jake.
So what?
You're just not
going to open the box?
No.
You want to maybe just think
about it for a second,
put a little more
thought into it maybe?
I already have.
Do you have your phone on you?
- It's in the glove compartment.
- Can I use it?
Sure.
[Jake whispers in frustration]
Fucking asshole.
[door opens and bell chimes]
[door closes]
- [calm music]
- [TJ exhales in frustration]
[TJ] It's nice of your dad
to get you a ticket.
[Jake] Yeah, he's good
about things like that.
He said he'd get you one too
if you change your mind.
[TJ] Tell him thanks,
but I'm all good.
Wish you luck, man.
All of the best of luck.
Hey, can you stop by my mom's
and let her know that I'm okay
and I'll call her
from California?
Thanks.
And thanks,
thanks for everything.
- [music continues]
- Hmmmmm
Uhhhhhhhh
Mmmmmm
Mmmmmm
[car engine starts]
[servo sounds]
- [criket sounds]
- [dogs barking in the distance]
[car engine starts]
[calm music]
[criket sounds]
[buzzer sound]
[buzzer sound]
- [TJ lightly strums the guitar]
- [criket sounds]
[dogs bark in the distance]
[thunder booms in the distance]
[fly buzzing]
Shit. Shit. Shit, shit.
Shit, shit, shit, shit.
[TJ sighs in relief]
[TJ sighs in relief]
["This Cruel Town" by Matt Keating
starts to play]
The headlines say
The end is near
That we're okay
They're selling fear
So will you buy
Or turn around?
To find kindness
In this cruel town
The taxi cabs will run you down
Each person grabs for more unwound
I'm tied until today
I found some kindess here
in this cruel town
The subways grind
The lights don't change
The worlds decline
And friends are estranged
But I don't mind
'Cuz my mind's been rearranged
- [music stops abruptly]
- [car engine hisses]
[TJ whispers] Okay.
[somber music]
Uh.
[TJ grunts in frustration]
[music continues]
[running foot steps]
Fuck you!
[car horn honks]
You all right?
Do you need a ride?
You're welcome to ride with us
though I don't know how far we're going.
I'm looking for a garage.
Thank you. Yes.
I'm TJ.
- Maeve.
- [dog whines]
Hi.
Don't worry about Fionn.
He'll be no bother you at all.
You look like you're burning up.
Do you want some water?
- Yes, please.
- Sorry, it's not colder.
The truck doesn't have
any air conditioning.
Was that your car pulled
over a while back?
- Mm-hmm.
- The blue one.
Slower, you don't want
to get hyponatremia.
Sorry, I'm a nurse.
Just don't drink too fast.
Okay.
So what are you doing out here?
I was on my way to California.
Oh, funny.
Me too. To LA.
- Vallejo, near San Francisco.
- [Fionn whines]
LA's a long way.
Right now I just need a garage.
- Do you know anything about engines?
- A little.
- [engines struggles to start]
- This one sound okay to you?
- [engine belt screeches]
- Sure doesn't sound healthy to me.
[mechanic] Oh, it looks like you guys
blew a radiator hose,
uh, overheated the motor, and you've
got coolant leaking out
between the cylinder head
and the cylinder block.
That's a blown head gasket.
Does that make sense to you?
Not much, sorry.
How far can I drive
on it like it is?
Oh, I wouldn't recommend
driving it at all.
You keep driving,
it's going to seize it
and then you'll need
a whole new motor.
[Maeve sighs in frustration]
God-damn him.
- Thank you. Um.
- You're welcome.
Just one second.
[calm music]
- [TJ] All right. Thank you, man.
- [mechanic] Y'all take care.
[Maeve] Thank you?
For all we know he took me like
a babe in swaddling clothes.
[TJ chuckles in agreeance]
Hey, at least the Polara
had time to cool down.
And that guy didn't rip you off.
He was a sweet guy.
He just.
- Are you sure?
- That car was on its way out.
[TJ giggles happily]
Yeah, no, it's going to be great.
Okay. I have to warn you, I've
been a bit of a bad luck of charm.
That's all going to change.
What do you think about Fionn
starting off as my navigator
and you can get
some sleep in the back?
[TJ] How's that sound?
Great.
[Maeve giggles happily]
How long have I been out?
A few hours.
Any crashes, lightning strikes,
or visitations by angry aliens?
Not since the first battle
cruiser attack a few hours back.
Then we can safely assume
the curse has been broken.
Oh, yes. Good.
I need a new navigator.
Fionn has fallen asleep on me.
I'll bring my A-game.
There's a Holiday Inn for $79
a night up about 15 miles.
How much did you get
for the car?
$800, which makes the sum
of my life savings right now.
Almost $900.
Oh, well you're like
Bill Gates compared to me.
If we can find some change
lying around the floor,
I might have $100 to my name
and this car is...
It's brutal on gas.
It's killing me.
Um. Yeah, so a hotel is
a little too pricey for me.
I've been sleeping in state
parks and in the car.
Um, how do you feel about that?
Yeah. Everyone says America's
greatest invention is the park system.
[TJ exhales happily]
All right.
In three days, you meet him.
If he shows up.
Seems like a lot of pressure.
My expectations are pretty low.
I mean, there were loads of times I
wished my dad would just go away,
but at least I always knew
what I was dealing with.
[cricket sounds]
[Maeve chuckles]
No one's going to steal
the food from you.
You can sneak up on it
as slow as you like.
[TJ giggles with a full mouth]
And I always had my sisters.
And where are your sisters now?
Ahh. Two of them are
back home in Ireland,
one still lives
with my mom and dad,
and it's the other
I'm pushing to see in LA.
Four. That's crazy.
Four sisters.
- Yeah.
- I can't imagine.
Bridget's younger than me.
She's trying to make it
as a singer.
- Do you have siblings?
- No. No, it's just me.
[plastic bag rustles]
I figured we should celebrate
after selling the truck and all,
- Ohh.
- But there are no glasses,
so we just have to share.
I'm so sorry.
I don't, I don't drink.
- Why not?
- My dad.
Fair enough.
It's a bad habit altogether.
Now that my luck's
all been changed
for the better
by my backseat ride,
I suppose I could
give it up anytime I like.
Hmm.
- But not tonight.
- [TJ giggles]
Slinte.
That guitar is on the
backseat, do you play?
Not much.
But some?
Some, yeah.
Would you play a little for me?
- [TJ exhales in frustration]
- It would cheer me up.
Yes. I'll play it for you.
[TJ chuckles nervously]
My dad used to play for me
when I was a little girl.
It's one of my
earliest memories.
Yeah, my dad used to
play for me too.
[TJ plays guitar]
[car door slams]
[TJ] All right.
Oh, that's where that is.
[TJ] If you could watch this,
I'm going to get some water.
[Maeve] I can watch that.
- [man 1 wolf wistles]
- [rock music plays over radio]
Now that is a pretty looking
car you got there.
Classic beauty.
Not something you see every day.
[man 1 chuckles]
I bet she gets awful hot to
drive on a day like this, right?
Does she get awful hot
to drive or what?
[man 2 chuckles mischiefly]
- [man 2] How are you doing there pal?
- [TJ] Hey.
[TJ] Good.
[TJ] All right.
I've got a new system
I'm going to go inside and pay.
[man 1] See you later.
You look like you're a long way
from home there, bud.
- Where you going?
- California.
[man 1] California?
Well, yeah, you're not
going to get there tonight.
You and your sister
need a place to stay or?
Um, no, we're staying at a
state park down the road.
[man 1] Well, I know all the state
parks in Tonto.
If you need some inside advice
on where to camp,
I could let you know.
Where are you going?
Usually we just decide
last minute so.
Okay. Well, I wish you
the best of luck.
Relax young man,
nothing get hurt about.
He's just having some fun.
[chuckles mischiefly]
[man 1] Let's go, Jeff.
Oh, tell your lady friend
that I said goodbye
because it was sure
nice talking to her. Okay.
- [car doors slam and engines starts]
- [rock music plays over the radio]
Arse holes.
[car doors open and close]
[man] Okay. Your mom's
already inside,
so are you guys
ready to head in?
You know the Grand Canyon's
only a few miles north of here.
[man] I sure do love you guys.
- [little girl] I love you too dad.
- [Maeve] I've always wanted to see it,
but it will slow us up a bit.
TJ?
I'm sorry, what were you saying?
That I'd like to get off the highway
and head north to the Grand Canyon.
Does that mean we skip
staying in Tonto?
- I'm afraid so.
- [TJ] Sounds good to me.
- We got a plot.
- [Maeve] All right.
[Maeve] Look what I scored.
- [TJ] Wow!
- [Maeve] Didn't even want me
- [TJ] Amazing.
- [Maeve] to pay him for them.
Uh, all right.
Should we spread them out?
- Let's do it.
- All right.
- [camp fire crackles]
- [cricket sounds]
This really is
a very big country.
You know, we only have six national
parks in Ireland and several of them
are so small you could fit
them inside your car's boot.
[TJ exhales in agreeance]
The parks on Cape Cod
are pretty cool.
I think anywhere you can just
hang out and relax in nature is nice.
People are so wound
up in America.
Anything that can calm them
down a bit is a good thing.
When I first started
traveling across the States,
it was the first thing
that I noticed.
There's so much energy
here, but it's a frenetic energy.
People seem to have so much
and to be so worried
it will all be taken from them.
Things different in Ireland?
Back home there's nothing
to take from us.
I named him Fionn because Fionn mac
Cumhaill was a great Irish warrior.
When I got him my life
in Michigan felt like a war,
and in war everybody loses.
Why was Michigan so bad?
[Maeve exhales in relaxation]
Michigan wasn't
really bad at all.
The man I was with Michigan
on the other hand.
You have to learn to listen
to us women with love,
but somehow you seem
to know that already.
- But you said you don't have sisters.
- No.
But my mom definitely thinks
my dad's the reason
for everything bad
that's ever happened to her.
[Maeve giggles in agreeance]
Well, I know how she feels.
I think my ex is the source
of all evil too.
I guess I don't
really think that.
I just wish it were true.
Then I wouldn't be partially at fault
when I know damn well that I am.
The thing that pisses
me off about my dad
isn't the stuff my mom says.
What gets to me is that
he just left me back there.
He never came back to see me,
even after he got out of prison.
He didn't even call me.
He didn't even call me.
[calm music]
[calm music]
He just didn't want me.
[footsteps approach Maeve]
Why is everyone in such a rush?
It's in the American character.
We're always in a hurry,
[truck horn blares]
Especially when we don't
know where we're going.
And can we go a bit faster?
It'll feel better than having
everyone scream around us.
I know. I'm sorry,
this is about as fast
as this car is going to go.
Is your sister expecting you
at any particular time?
No, she doesn't know I'm coming.
I only decided last week.
That's when the divorce
was settled, so.
All I got was Fionn
and the truck.
I just decided to put
the truck to good use.
And whose big brain
got you the truck?
It got me from Michigan
to New Mexico.
[TJ chuckles]
That's not even halfway.
I had the chance to hear
some campfire music
from a musician too
scared to even sing.
No, not scared to sing.
Not too scared.
Just mysteriously reluctant.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
How does that work
with the girls back home?
Oh my God. Brings them
out in droves.
Absolute droves.
You have no idea.
NOFS?
- N-O-F-S?
- N-O-F-S?
- Yeah.
- What's that?
There was a sign
that just said NOFs.
Ahh.
Oh, NOFs, right.
What does it mean?
- It's a kind of moose.
- Oh, no way.
Yeah. Yeah. It's like a moose
except they only have one...
- One antler?
- Yeah.
A unicorn moose?
They're lopsided and they can
only walk in circles.
Wait, are you joking?
- No.
- You're pulling my leg.
No, that's a NOF. You just
don't know about America.
[Maeve and TJ giggle]
That's enough.
Enough about the NOFs.
[TJ giggles]
Yeah. I've
never heard of it.
There's no such thing as NOFs.
Wait you are kidding?
Yeah. Of course,
I'm kidding. That'd be
a horrible design for an animal.
You've got this way of telling
jokes where it's so straight
I have no idea
when you're joking or not.
Nice. Good job, me.
[Maeve] Oh, wow.
- [TJ] Oh.
- [Maeve giggles in excitement]
- [Maeve] Hey, pull in here. Pull in here.
- [TJ] Yeah.
- [TJ] Wow. Wow.
- [Maeve chuckles]
[calm music]
[TJ] Oh, my God.
[Maeve exhales in amazement]
[TJ] It's huge.
I don't know why but I've been
dreaming of coming here
since I was six years old.
- I think I know why.
- [Maeve exhales in agreeance]
Do you know you can see 2
billion years of Earth's history
in the geology revealed
in the canyon's walls?
Did you know that
Paul Thomas Anderson
watched The Treasure
of the Sierra Madre
every day leading up
to filming There Will Be Blood?
[Maeve chuckles]
He did, I'm telling you.
We're in such a poetic landscape
and you're thinking about films.
What's more cinematic than this?
Okay. Fair.
- [Maeve] I really want to stop here.
- [TJ] Why here?
Hell, I want to stop everywhere,
but you won't let me.
[TJ sighs in frustration] I got like one
day until I'm supposed to meet my father
and 600 miles
to go or something.
And you're nervous,
I understand.
Still, I think we should
learn something
about the history
of this amazing landscape.
I'm not nervous.
Who said I'm nervous?
[TJ chuckles nervously]
I'm not nervous.
[Maeve] There's something so incredibly
romantic about Indian culture.
[TJ] We don't call the Native
Americans Indians anymore.
We call them Native Americans.
I don't know where Americans
get this habit.
You're constantly changing
the words for things,
but not the issues
behind the words.
[people speaking in the distance]
[Maeve] It's an Irish point of view.
[TJ] Well, a Native American
point of view
is that they want to be
called Native Americans
and they should get
to decide, right? I mean,
they were here first
like the sign says.
Okay. Good point.
There's something incredibly romantic
about Native American culture.
I think it's the sense
of independence.
Maybe how close
they lived in nature.
There seems a beautiful
freedom in that.
Yeah, and America is a country
that cares a lot about freedom.
Maybe, uh, yeah. Maybe some of that
came from the Native Americans.
Pretty profound,
for a guy whose idea of deep
reading is movie trivia.
- Hey, there you go judging again.
- [Maeve chuckles]
Everyone is their own path to follow
and mine is wherever PTA says it is.
- [Maeve laughs]
- [calm music]
You've made it
to California now.
Why don't you wander around
and get a sense of her?
[music continues]
[TJ] It's wild, you drive
10 minutes off the highway
- and the whole world completely changes.
- [Maeve exhales in agreeance]
Do you know that California alone
is six times bigger than Ireland?
I did not know that.
I also don't know
what you got in that bag
because you won't tell me,
but I'm really hoping it's food,
a lot of a food.
[cricket noises]
Tonight's our last night
together.
Tomorrow you go your way
and I go mine,
so it's our version
of the Last Supper.
So we'll have the great
Irish delicacy
- of the crisp sandwich
- Ah.
And brownies and for the cook
a little something
to wash it all down with.
Amazing.
So we got here, two pieces
of bread with the butter,
and then you are going
to put crisps on top.
- Crisps.
- Potato chips.
- Potato chips. Yeah.
- [Maeve giggles]
Okay.
There's that.
Oh, you do the honors
and then when you close it,
listen to the crunch.
It's fun.
[potatoe chips crackle]
- Oh, whoa. Yeah.
- [both chuckle and laugh]
You Irish girls
really know how to party.
Wow.
[TJ laughs]
[TJ] I mean, My Left Foot
isn't his best movie,
but I mean what he puts
himself through physically,
he plays a guy with cerebral palsy
and he has to sit in the wheelchair
and he stays sitting in it
even when they're not filming.
And he actually
broke two ribs during filming
because just from contorting
his body into that position.
I mean, It's insane what he puts
himself through for these roles
just to feel like these people.
It's really cool.
And There Will Be Blood,
which is, I mean, that's his best movie.
That's his best performance.
- That's a different kind...
- Are you anxious, TJ,
about tonight or tomorrow?
No. I just get
really excited
when I talk about
Daniel Day Lewis.
- He's one of my big...
- I know,
you told me.
Tomorrow's going
to be all right.
But what if,
- what if,
- What if he doesn't come?
Well, the truth is,
you've been fine during all
the years he's been absent.
So, should something go
wrong tomorrow, you'll be fine.
And second, why on Earth would
he go to all of the trouble
to get you the car
and invite you to California
if he didn't intend to show up
to see you when you arrive?
I'm less scared
that he won't show up,
as I am at
what I'll discover if he does.
[keys jingle in TJ's pocket]
I want to show you something.
I'm sorry I didn't
tell you. Um.
[TJ exhales anxiously]
- [calm music]
- I think it's time for dessert.
I can't believe how clear
the stars are out here.
I mean, back home there
are usually clouds.
So.
I swear the sky
is bigger out here.
- Yeah, I feel that too.
- [music continues]
[unintelligible loudspeaker announcement]
[TJ exhales in anticipation]
You're sure they'll let
Fionn on the train?
I can easily take you to LA,
three hours there, three hours back.
You'll be late.
So what? I haven't seen
the guy in eight years.
What's one more day?
Do you feel ready to see him?
Yeah, I think so.
Then let's part here.
It's easier for me this way.
I'm not good goodbyes.
Okay.
Come on, buddy.
Come on. Good boy.
[car door slams]
Close your eyes.
- [TJ chuckles]
- I have a present for you,
but I don't have any wrapping
paper. So close your eyes.
- Maeve, you did not-
- Close your eyes!
I'm going to miss your
commanding presence.
Now open them.
I found them in a vintage store
in Bakersfield.
If you're going to meet
your father, it's a big day.
You want to dress for it.
Even more than drink,
the Irish love books.
Twain is my favorite
American writer,
and this story has a tale you'll
find familiar of a young man
traveling across the
states to California
and adventuring along the way.
I left you
a little note in there,
my address in Venice
and back home in Ireland.
There's even my email
and my mobile written down
in case you decide to rejoin
the 21st century and get a phone.
- Maeve, I don't...
- Until we meet again.
Now go.
Stop wasting time.
[calm music]
[train horn blares]
[car door opens]
[car engine starts]
[music continues]
[car horn beeps twice]
[car horn beeps longer]
[door opens]
[foot steps]
Hey, Tommy.
Glad you made it.
You thought that I'd obey.
No, I thought maybe
you'd be ready to understand.
I understand that this car
is important to you.
[bat bounces on trunk]
I understand that
you've been a shitty father,
that you abandoned mom and me,
that you're a drunk
drug addict convict asshole,
- that you never called
- [calm music]
Or visited
since I was 10.
I understand that you had me
drag this across the country for you,
never worrying about
whether I get busted for it.
You know there's two sides
to every story.
Look, Tommy, there's a lot
I need to tell you.
- [ambient music]
- [saw starts to whirl]
Be careful in there.
Tommy. Tommy, hold on.
Let me show you how to get it.
I got it. I got it.
Careful, it's going to be hot
where we just cut it.
[calm music]
[TJ breaths nervously]
Yeah.
[James] Open it.
[James] It's yours.
Happy birthday.
Best night of music I ever had.
Tom Petty gave it to me
when I was about your age,
I played back up for him
for about six weeks.
[both chuckle]
It might be out of tune, here.
It's been a while.
[James exhales in acceptance]
It's yours.
You must be pretty beat.
You hungry?
Probably should take my car.
["Lemon Tree" by Mt. Joy starts to play]
[James and TJ inaudibly chat]
I just found a lemon tree
It's a bad day for my enemies
Yes, there's sugar water in the breeze
And I'm ready, I'm ready
So someone play guitar for me
I'm ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the tree?
The sweetness is around the seed
And I'm learning to keep going
Just an itty-bitty hit of weed
Got me ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me?
When all of the lights remain
This is all that our time contains