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The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
(somber orchestral music)
(choral music in foreign language) - Nice watch. - Thanks. [Steven] What's the water resistance? [Matthew] 200 meters. [Steven] And it's got a date display? [Matthew] Yes, it does. [Steven] I might have gone for a metal strap - instead of a leather strap. - Really? [Steven] Yes. I think I'd prefer a metal strap. I've had this one for years. It's as good as new. - What's the water resistance? - 100 meters. - How long have you had it? - Nine years. A little bored of it, actually. I've been thinking of getting a new one for quite a while now. [Matthew] Okay, this is what we'll do. We'll go to the place where I bought mine. If I tell them you're a colleague, a friend, they'll definitely give you a discount. Both the owner and his father have been patients of mine so I know them quite well. Think about it. (door latch clicks) - Hi. - Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting. Did you eat? [Steven] I just had some apple pie. Do you mind if I go grab something to eat before we go? - I'm starving. - Sure, no problem. Are you sure you don't want anything? - Chicken wings or... - No, thanks, I'm fine. Do you have money, I can give you some. [Martin] No, I've got money, thanks. I'll be right back. (patrons chatting) - Did you get a haircut? - Do you like it? [Steven] Looks great. Aren't you going to eat your fries? I'm saving them till last. [Steven] Why? I really like fries. I always save them for last. [Steven] I do that too. [Martin] Sorry I was late today, Steven. [Steven] It doesn't matter. [Martin] I was over at a friend's house. He got a new motorcycle, I wanted to check it out. He took me for a ride, that's why I was late. [Steven] It's fine. [Martin] He even let me ride it for a little bit. [Steven] I hope you were wearing helmets. [Martin] Yeah, of course we were. We weren't going very fast anyway. I got you a present. Thank you very much. What is it? What is it? (sirens wailing) It's very nice. Can I give you a hug? Thank you very much. That's fantastic. [Steven] It's water resistant up to 200 meters. [Martin] Does this come off? I prefer a leather strap. [Steven] It comes off, yes. You can put on any strap you like. But metal are more hard-wearing, that's why I got you the metal strap. It's more expensive, too. (insects chirring) [Bob] Dad? If Kim goes to the party, can I go with her? [Steven] I don't know, darling. Your mother and I will discuss it and we'll see. I'd say they can go. Claire is a very nice girl. She's the girl you met at the mall with her parents, who asked about becoming a doctor. She's the one who wants to be a cardiologist. Yes, I remember. [Anna] How was work today? Fine. How about you? I've decided to make some changes at the clinic. I think I'm going to get it painted and buy a new couch. Look at you, all hunched over like that. How many times do I have to tell you? You'll strain your back. Your hair is Practically trailing in your food. Bob, you promised me you'd get a haircut and you still haven't done it. - I'll get a haircut. - Tomorrow. Not tomorrow, Dad. After the party. [Anna] I like his hair long. He has lovely hair. - What about mine? - You have lovely hair, too. We all have lovely hair. I bought that dress that you liked. I'll wear it for you tomorrow. I can't show it to you now, it needed alterations. I'm picking it up tomorrow. [Steven] The black one? It was the black one you liked, wasn't it? Yes. The other one looked great on you, too. But I think the black one was perfect. [Anna] I'm worried it's a little too short. I'd like it better if it were below the knee. You look amazing, however long or short the dress is. Tomorrow I'm gonna bake a lemon cake and nobody's gonna eat any of it but you. - Not even the kids? - Not even the kids. Poor kids. [Anna] Did I tell you Bob announced the other day that he wants to be an ophthalmologist? [Steven] Yes, you did. Bob would be a coal miner if you were one too. Could you turn on some more light, please? General anesthetic? [Steven] General anesthetic. How's that? Perfect. (eerie music) Hi. Look, I told you, best not to come to the hospital - without calling me first. - I know, you're right. I'm sorry. I just wanted to thank you again. And to show you my new strap I got for my watch. I exchanged the metal strap for a leather one. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you in this awkward position. Goodbye. [Steven] Martin. Come here. What kind of strap did you get? - Brown leather. - Show me. - It's very nice. - You think so? Or are you just saying that? I really like it. Next time you want to come here, please call me first. You have my number. It's for your own good. I might be with a patient or in surgery, or in a meeting. There's no point in you waiting around if I can't see you. It's for your own good. - Good morning. - Good morning, Steven. I have those test results. Shall I leave them on your desk? Please do, yeah, I'll take a look at them in a minute. - Great. - We've got the same watch. Let me introduce you. This young man is one of my daughter's schoolmates. I ran into Martin and his parents at the mall last week. He told me he's very interested in medicine. He wants to be cardiologist. Ah. I suggested he stop by sometime. So he can see what being a doctor's really about. Martin, this is Matthew, great friend of mine. And an excellent anesthesiologist. That's great. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you, too. Let me know when you're ready. I've got to go back in now. We'll talk on the phone to arrange our next meeting. - Alright? - Okay. Goodbye. (singing scales) [Steven] I think your breathing's really improved over the last three months. [Kim] That's what the choir director said, too. [Steven] Did you tell her to move you closer to the front? [Kim] Yes, I did. She said she'd see what she can do. [Steven] Bob, did you water the plants? [Bob] Mum said she would water them. [Steven] Your mother works very hard. That's why we said it would be nice to help out all that we can. And we agreed that Kim would take care of walking the dog. And you would take care of the plants. [Bob] How about I walk the dog and Kim can do the plants? You're too young to be wandering around at night by yourself. - Thanks for the brush. - You're welcome. [Anna] We have to go. [Steven] Tell Bob to water the plants now that the sun has gone down. [Anna] I watered them already. Come on, we're gonna be late. Goodnight, darling. (pitch tone resounds) (humming scales) A full 40 years have passed since the German cardiologist Andreas Gruentzig performed the first coronary angioplasty, on September 16th, 1977. Today, that first patient is still alive and well. Doctor Gruentzig, however, had an unfortunate accident and met with an untimely end. In short, he is one of those rare cases where we can say, the operation was a success, but unfortunately the doctor didn't make it. (audience laughing) In the four decades that have passed since that first coronary angioplasty, many things have changed. A new wave of techniques and scientific breakthroughs have brought us - minimally invasive... - I'm going for a cigarette. - I'll be in the bar. - Okay. [Steven] Endovascular aortic surgery, and new treatments for heart failure that include stem cell therapy, left ventricular remodeling, and by all indications the rapidly expanding use of mechanical circulatory support. [Older Man] The guy that made it told me what was in it. And now I can't remember now but it is very refreshing. - Would you like one? - No, thank you. [Older Man] Try it, it's really delicious. You can use this straw, I haven't touched it. He hasn't had a drink in three years. High GGTs, elevated transaminases. [Older Man] Oh, good on you for not drinking. Well I wouldn't say no to a cocktail if you're offering. [Older Man] Of course, I'll get you one right away. [Anna] We should go soon. - Yeah. - It's early. He's got surgery in the morning. He needs to get some sleep. It's still early. [Steven] We've have got surgery in the morning. Fine, okay. How are the kids? They're doing very well. Bob has started piano lessons. The teacher says he's very talented. Now we have to get him one so he can practice at home. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm renovating the clinic. I'm on the phone all day. Our daughter started menstruating last week. - Great. - Yes. She was a little scared but she's okay now. You haven't seen her in ages. Not since last summer at the school choir. Recital. You and Mary should come over one night for dinner. You really shouldn't stay late, either. Drink that cocktail you've ordered, get yourself home. You've gotta be at the hospital in six hours. - Time to go, darling. - Yes. - Goodnight. - Goodnight, Matthew. - It was a good night. - I think so. (eerie music) [Steven] Do you have many friends? [Martin] Not that many. I don't think people can have a lot of friends. I mean, it's difficult. The most important thing in life is to have good friends, not lots of friends. That's what my dad used to say. Your father was absolutely right. Yes, I know. I have a very good friend who plays basketball in school. Sometimes we play it together. I also consider my mom to be a friend. I know it might sound strange, but ever since my father died, we've been very close, me and my mom. We talk about things, lots of things. And she helps me as much as she can with a lot of stuff. I help her, too. I'd like to ask you a favor. Only if you want to, of course. I don't want you to feel pressured or obliged. It just seemed to me like a good idea, so I thought I'd ask. I'd like you to come by my house one day. To meet my wife and children. I think you'll get along great. What do you think? (eerie music) (doorbell rings) [Anna] Good afternoon, you must be Martin. [Martin] That's right. - You must be Anna. - That's right. [Martin] These flowers are for you. Your husband told me you like orchids but I couldn't find any fresh cut ones so I brought you roses. How do you like roses? Thank you very much, Martin, I love roses. That's very kind of you. Come on in. Steven is waiting for you in the yard. (dog barking) - This is Bob. - Very nice to meet you. [Steven] And this is Kim. [Martin] Very nice to meet you. I brought you some little gifts. [Steven] That's very kind of you. It's a key ring with a musical note on it for Kim, because I know she likes music. And one with a smiley face for Bob. [Steven] What do we say, Bob? Thanks. [Anna] How lovely. Well, we should probably eat. Are you hungry, Martin? [Martin] I'm starving. How long have you been in the choir, Kim? Two years, since I was 12. Do you like singing? [Martin] I love it but I haven't got a very good voice. - How old are you? - 16. [Bob] Have you got hair under your arms yet? [Martin] Yes. I just got my first period. Do you mind if I light a cigarette? - You'd better not. - It's alright. Just go over by the window. (window rattling) (lighter clicking) [Martin] Can you sing us something? [Kim] What, now? Yes, anything you like. No, not right now. [Bob] She's embarrassed. No I'm not. Just don't feel like it. When did you start smoking? About eight months ago. I was over at a friend's place. It was a party, actually. And this girl offered me a cigarette and I said why not and lit up. That was a mistake, I regret it. But it's too late now, I'm addicted. [Bob] Can you show me the hair under your arms? Sure. You haven't got that much. Have you seen how hairy my dad is? No. [Bob] He's got three times more hair than you do. You've got a great body. Thanks. Do you wanna go out for a walk? It's a nice day. [Bob] I'd rather stay here and listen to music. Is that my MP3 player or yours? Mine. And don't you dare take this one and lose it too. What kind of music do you listen to? [Martin] All kinds. I'm into metal and punk. What about you? I think it's worth listening to all kinds of music. Depends on my mood and what I'm doing. I'll come for a walk with you if you want. We can take the dog with us if you don't mind. I'd prefer if it was just the two of us. I get nervous around dogs in case they get into a fight with another dog. The idea of separating dogs fighting scares me. (insects chirring) We We don't have to worry about nothing 'Cause we got the fire And we're burning one hell of a somethin' They They're gonna see us from outer space Outer space Light it up Like we're the source of the human race Human race When the lights started out They don't know what they heard Strike the match, play it loud Giving love to the world We'll be raising our hands Shining up to the sky 'Cause we got the fire, fire, fire Yeah, we got the fire, fire, fire And we're gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn We're gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn We're gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn We're gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn We can light it up, up, up So they can put it out, out, out Is this homemade lemonade? - Yes. - It's amazing. My mom makes lemonade, too. She hasn't made it in a while, though. I'll ask her to make some. I love lemonade. [Anna] I'd like to meet your mother. And we can have a lemonade contest. She'd like that. The kids' rooms are amazing, so big and bright. You're welcome to spend the night if you want. We can easily fit a mattress on the floor next to Bob's bed. You two can hang out in the morning and I'll drop you home tomorrow afternoon. Thank you very much but I'd rather not. I gotta get home tonight. I don't like leaving my mom by herself. [Steven] Whatever you want. [Anna] Where did you two go? Just for a walk. [Martin] I love this neighborhood. So quiet, clean, beautiful. Where do you live, Martin? We live in a not-so-nice neighborhood in a not-so-nice house. Up north. What a charming boy. [Steven] Isn't he? Yes, very. How did his father die? [Steven] Car crash, driving home. Smashed into a pole, killed instantly. How long have you known him? [Steven] Quite some time. He was a patient of mine, years ago. - Did you go to the funeral? - I did go, yes. [Anna] Why didn't I go with you? [Steven] I think I told you about it but you were busy or something. [Anna] You should tell him to come round again. [Steven] I will, he'll be great company for Bob. I thought next time I could take both of them out somewhere, for a bike ride. [Anna] You should get that, it could be the hospital. (phone buzzes) [Steven] Hello? [Martin] Hello, how are you? [Steven] I'm fine, Martin. Is something wrong? [Martin] No, I just called to tell you I had a wonderful time today. I'm very pleased to hear that. [Martin] Yes, I thought I should return the favor. So I'd like to invite you to dinner, at my house. My mom will be delighted to see you. She hasn't seen you in two years, not since the hospital. She'll make meatloaf. [Steven Voiceover] That's very kind of you. - We'll do that someday. - Tomorrow night. I told her already. I've asked her to make meatloaf and lemonade. I'll be home by 6:30. Around 7:30? (eerie music) [Steven] Did you come by the hospital today? [Martin] No. I was in school and then I went to the gym. Weren't you down at the hospital today? [Steven] I was, but I was really busy. I just wondered whether you came by and couldn't find me. [Martin] I thought we could all watch a movie together. If you don't mind. [Mother] I'd like to watch a movie. [Steven] I'm sorry, I have to be getting home soon. I can't be out too late. I didn't tell my wife I'd be late tonight and she might get worried. You could call her. Anyway, if you feel tired, you could stop the movie. Could go home and we could watch the rest next time you come. Please, it's my favorite movie. It was also my father's favorite movie too. Special today is blueberry waffles. [Rita On TV] Why are you telling me this? [Phil On TV] Because I want you to believe in me. You're not a god, you can take my word for it. This is 12 years of Catholic school talking. I could come back if you're not ready. [Phil On TV] How do you know I'm not a god? - (scoffs) Oh... - I think I'll go to bed. I'm sorry I can't watch the rest of the movie with you. Goodnight. [Steven] Goodnight, Martin. [Phil On TV] Groundhog, legend has it he can predict the coming of an early spring. So I guess the question we have to ask ourselves today is... [Mother] Have you been married long? [Steven] 16 years. [Mother] You have lovely hands. Thank you. [Mother] Most doctors have beautiful hands. So white and soft and clean. - Really? - Yes. I remember your hands from back when I used to visit my husband at the hospital. In fact, I even told him about your hands. And he agreed. "You're right", he said. "He has beautiful hands." Thank you very much. Do you remember me coming to the hospital? [Steven] Of course. I was a little heavier then and my hair was brown. [Steven] Yes. I got tired of it. I dyed it about a month ago. Did you prefer me with brown hair? Like it was back then? I think it's nicer now. [Mother] Yes, I agree. Would you like some dessert? I made a caramel tart. - No, thank you. - Maybe later then. You did have a lot to eat. (chuckling) Can I take a closer look at your hands? Don't worry, he's definitely asleep. There's nothing to be afraid of. In any case, he wants this as much as I do. [Steven] I have to go. I'm sorry if I made you feel awkward, I didn't mean to. But I won't let you leave until you've tried my tart. Please, I'll get you a piece now. Please, sit down. I'm sorry, I really have to go. Goodnight. (door latch clicks) (eerie music) [Martin] Good morning. [Steven] What are you doing here? Why aren't you in school? [Martin] My heart aches. [Steven] What do you mean? [Martin] I'm in pain. My chest, it hurts. My heart. I'm worried. There's no need for you to be worried. I'm worried because it's hereditary. [Steven] You're too young to be worried. That's what you said about my father. He didn't smoke. He ate a very healthy diet. He went swimming almost every day. He should have come out of that surgery alive, but he died. I smoke. I started smoking recently. It hurts here. I hardly slept at all last night. My mom was so worried, I slept in her bed. If I had hair on my chest and belly, how would you attach these? We'd shave the hair off first. How long does it take for the hair to grow back? [Martin] I don't know. About a month, I suppose. Your son told me that you've got lots of hair under your arms. Three times more than I do. And that you've got a very hairy back and a very hairy belly. I probably do have a little more hair than you do because I'm older than you. But soon you'll have more hair, too. It's all down to hormones. Can you show me, please? Can you take off your shirt and show me, please? Please. (people chatting faintly) Okay, you do have more hair than I do but not three times more. Me and my mom thought it would be nice if you came by for dinner tonight. We could watch the rest of the movie. Does eight sound good for you? That's very kind of you but I just can't make it tonight. I need to be at home. [Martin] Can't you get away for a couple of hours? I can't. No. Some other time. My mom's gonna be upset. Can I tell you a secret? But don't tell her I told you. I think she, I think she likes you. I mean, she's attracted to you. But she says that's not true, but it is, I'm sure. And, to be honest, I think you're perfect for each other. You'd make a great couple. She's got a great body. You've seen it for yourself. She lost weight and she has a really great figure. Your mother is very beautiful, but the idea that she and I could ever be together is ludicrous. Let me remind you, I'm a married man. And I love my wife very much and my kids, and that we are very happy together. And for your information, you're absolutely fine. There's nothing wrong with you. But you really should stop smoking. Do you promise? So we're okay? There is nothing wrong with me? You couldn't be healthier. You should really go now because I'm late for my rounds. (eerie music) (door creaks) [Mary] Don't use that knife, here. Use this one, it's much sharper. There you go, doctor. [Matthew] Thank you, nurse. [Mary] Oh, and don't forget to slice off the cheeks. - They're delicious. - I can do that. (eerie music) (squelching) Where are you? I called you 100 times, didn't you see my calls? Yeah, I'm here. (squelching and cracking) What do you mean you can't? I got you a slice of apple pie. No, no, you have to. I've been, I've been waiting for over a half an hour. Just come for a little while. I can come closer to where you are. Are you at the hospital? I can bring you the apple pie. What's, what's so important? Is it a, is it an operation? Are you at the hospital? (fish sizzling) [Mary] I love the sound of those cooking. Where were you? [Steven] I was inside, making a call. [Matthew] The fish is almost ready. Pass me your plate. I'll get them. I need to wash my hands anyway. [Mary] Thank you, my dear. [Steven] Do you need a hand? No, that's okay. I forgot to tell you, I saw that boy yesterday. Your daughter's schoolmate. Martin? [Matthew] Yes, right, Martin. Couldn't remember his name. - Where did you see him? - At the hospital. He was hanging around your car. It looked like he was waiting for you. I tried to say hello but he pretended not to see me. That's impossible. Can't have been him. I could be wrong but it looked a lot like him. Take my piece off the grill, will you? I don't like it overdone. (door bangs) [Kim] Hi, Dad. [Steven] Hello, darling. Where have you been? [Kim] Choir practice. - Have you eaten? - Yes, I ate earlier. [Steven] You don't have to take the dog for a walk. I took her out already, I got back a little while ago. Okay. Dad, do you know who I saw today? - Who, darling? - Martin. Martin who? Martin, that boy who came over here the other day. The son of your ex-patient. He brought me back from choir practice on his friend's motorcycle. He's really funny. I laughed so hard my ribs hurt. Yes, he is very funny. Kim, I don't want you riding on motorcycles without a helmet. I was wearing a helmet, he gave me his. [Steven] Why didn't you ask him to come in? I did but he was in a hurry. He had to get home. Where's Mom? [Steven] She's taking a shower. Is there something you need? [Kim] I'm going to bed. Goodnight, darling. (footsteps echoing) (cell phone beeps) (insects chirring) (cell phone rings) Did you wake Bob? I did. He just likes lying in bed before getting up, leave him be. You want me to squeeze you some more orange juice? He'll be late. Have you seen the time? School bus will be here any minute. Robert, do you have any idea what time it is? Get up and get dressed. [Bob] I can't get up. [Steven] You have 10 minutes to get washed, dressed and eat your breakfast. I'm not going to drive you to school and neither is your mother. [Bob] I can't get up. [Steven] Bob, get up and get dressed and stop messing around. Dad. My legs. They're numb. I can't move them. I can't stand up. (ominous music) [Larry] Do you know where you are right now? [Bob] I'm at the hospital, the neurology department. [Larry] You're absolutely right. Can you tell me what day it is today? Thursday. Right again. Now, I'm going to take this pin, and I'm going to touch the soles of your feet and your toes, and I want you to tell me... (loud ominous music) Can you feel this? Can you feel this? For this one, you're gonna sit up and look right at me, okay? (ominous music) Good. Now stick out your tongue. (loud, ominous music) (birds twittering) [Anna] What happened? [Steven] Everything's absolutely fine. Larry gave him a thorough neurological exam, it's nothing. You two go home and we'll talk tonight. I won't be late, my schedule today is pretty light. Okay? [Anna] Maybe he should get an MRI. [Steven] There's no need to bother with all that. He just got scared, that's all. He's absolutely fine; you're absolutely fine, aren't you? [Bob] Yeah. [Steven] I think maybe there was a test at school today that we hadn't prepared for very well. [Anna] Yes, he wanted to spend the day at the hospital with Larry and us. Let's go. - Dad. - Yeah? [Bob] Aren't you going to show us an operating theater? [Steven] Another time, darling. They need me to prep for surgery right away. I have to go, I'll see you tonight. (smooching) (ominous music) (thudding) (loud ominous music) (speaking faintly) [Anna] Excuse me, can we get some help here? He needs some help. (loud ominous music) (loud discordant music) [Larry] MRI, MRA both fine. Blood work came back good. Cardiogram, chest X-ray, all clear. Has he been under any psychological stress lately? Exams at school maybe? - Yes. - He's not stressed. He's fine. He's a little anxious but that's just the way he is. [Larry] In my opinion, he should stay in tomorrow as well, just so we can keep an eye on him. [Anna] What about a PET scan? I don't think there's any need for that. What do you think, Larry? And tomorrow he'll be well enough to walk all the way home. Yes, I don't think it's necessary at this point. Let's see how things go tomorrow and we'll take it from there. There's nothing to worry about, in my opinion. You go home, we'll speak tomorrow, and I'll be here all day. And, Anna, great seeing you, even under these circumstances. [Anna] You, too, Larry. - Goodnight. - Bye, Larry. And thanks for everything. Do you want me to let them know you won't be operating tomorrow? [Steven] I said no. Stop going on about it. [Anna] That won't be necessary, Matthew. I'll come by in the morning, I won't go into the clinic. I'll bring in those doughnuts he loves so much. [Steven] Yes, I'm sure he'll be thrilled. (ominous music) (somber music) (hose splashing) - Where were you? - At Claire's. Is Dad asleep? [Anna] Yes. [Kim] How's Bob? Bob is absolutely fine. They're just keeping him in as a precaution. [Kim] How are you feeling? I'm fine, how do you mean? I mean are you tired? [Anna] I'm absolutely fine. I'm a little tired, that's all. Okay. See you in the morning. Oh, and while Bob is in the hospital, you'll be responsible for watering the plants, okay? (ominous music) Did he go to the bathroom? Did he get up? [Steven] He hadn't when I passed by about an hour ago. He didn't want to. [Anna] He didn't want to pee or he hadn't gotten up? - He didn't want to pee. - Could he get up? [Steven] He was asleep. I didn't want to drag him out of bed. Good morning, Doctor. How are you, Mrs Murphy? I came by to see Bob. Kim told me what happened. [Anna] Hi, Martin. How nice of you. Did your friend Martin come to see you? I'll leave you alone now so you can spend some time with him, too. I gotta go anyway. I'll come by and see him again some other time. I offered to help him go to the bathroom but he didn't want me to. He wet the bed. I brought some lemonade my mom made yesterday. You should try some, let me know what you think. [Steven] Thank you very much. Darling, do you know what's in this box? [Bob] What? [Anna] Cinnamon doughnuts, that's what. Come to the cafeteria upstairs. Come whenever you can. [Steven] I don't think I'll have time today, as you might imagine. We'll talk some other time. [Martin] No, today, to the cafeteria. Just for 10 minutes, don't stand me up like the last time. (people chatting) I brought you a present. You've given me so many presents and I've not given you anything. I thought that was rude of me. Close your eyes. Close your eyes, please. It's a Swiss Army knife. I shouldn't have told you that. I just ruined the surprise, I'm sorry. Thank you very much, Martin. That was dumb. [Steven] Martin, I have to get back downstairs. Okay. I won't keep you much longer, even though you have been devoting less and less time to me lately. I wanted to say one more thing, I'm really sorry about Bob. - It's nothing serious. - No, it is. That critical moment we both knew would come some day? Here it is. That time is now. - You know what I mean. - No, I don't. Listen, Martin, I don't have time for this. Okay, I'm gonna explain this very quickly so that I don't hold you up. Yes, it's exactly what you think. Just like you killed a member of my family, now you've gotta kill a member of your family to balance things out, understand? I can't tell you who to kill, of course. That's for you to decide, but if you don't do it, they will all get sick and die. Bob will die, Kim will die, your wife will die. They will all get sick and die. One, paralysis of the limbs. Two, refusal of food to the point of starvation. Three, bleeding from the eyes, four, death. One, two, three, four. Don't worry, you won't get sick. You just gotta stay calm, that's all. There, I said it, as quickly as I could. I hope I haven't kept you too long. One more thing. I'll be very quick. You only have a few days to decide who to kill. Once stage three kicks in... You remember what stage three is? It's bleeding from the eyes, that's stage three. Once the bleeding happens, it's only a matter of hours before they die. Okay, there, I have nothing more to say. Unless you've, unless you've any questions? (ominous music) [Steven] Has he eaten? [Anna] No, he's not hungry. [Steven] What do you mean he's not hungry? [Anna] He's not hungry. [Steven] Come on, darling, eat a doughnut. - I don't want it, Dad. - You do. But you're afraid your mother and I will tell you off for eating doughnuts. Come on, eat it. You have my permission. You have our permission. It's okay for him to eat a doughnut, isn't it, Anna? Yes, of course. [Steven] You heard your mother, eat it. Bob? - (grunting) - He doesn't want it. - No, he'll eat it later. - That's right. (coughing) That's right, eat it. Now chew it, swallow. (retching) Leave him alone! He said he doesn't want it now. He's going to eat them right now. He's completely run down. That's why he keeps falling over and crawling around on all fours. He's going to eat them, all of them. Five minutes flat, I want to see that whole box empty. (Martin speaking foreign language) That means, on the bus there are winners and losers. But it's funny because it sounds like, on the bus there are 20 hearts and 20 asses. - (laughing) - That is funny. I love you (singing faintly) Are you on your period? No. If you're hungry, we can order something later. My parents won't be back till late and they've left me some money. I'm not hungry. (faint pop music) You're the prettiest girl I've ever met. I have to go, I'm sorry. Why? Stay a little longer. We can listen to some music. [Martin] I can't, it's late, I'm sorry. Are you mad at me because of my dad? [Martin] Don't be stupid, I'm not mad at you at all. I thought I made myself clear. I don't feel angry at him, I feel sorry for him. I have to go because it's late. It's as simple as that. Don't be a drag, I thought you understood. I'm sorry, Martin. I love you so much. I love you (faint pop music) (eerie music) (door creaks) (door bangs) (eerie music) He stopped eating today. He refuses to eat. Some of the tests need to be done again. Take a deep breath. Hold it for a few seconds. [Steve Voiceover] They haven't detected anything. [Woman Doctor] Okay, good, breathe. It's been less than a day since his last tests. I don't think the results are gonna show anything different. To be honest, I think what we have here is a clear case of some psychosomatic disorder. [Ed] I'm inclined to agree with Anna. [Steven] Well what do you mean? Shouldn't we rule out all possible causes before we resort to the easy option of a psychosomatic disorder? [Larry] We already have ruled out everything else. [Thompson] I think with psychological support and psychiatric treatment, if necessary, he will be just fine. He'll walk again and he'll eat again. Of course he will. (squelching) (eerie music) Anna, if Bob was near-sighted, or had a cataract or glaucoma then your opinion really would be valuable. But, thankfully, Bob's eyesight is perfect. And I can honestly say that if he ever needed glasses you'd be the first person I'd consult. But right now the boy can't eat and he's paralyzed in both legs, so, I'm sorry, I'm not remotely interested in your medical opinion. [Robotic Voice] Doors opening. (sighs) Doors opening. Doors closing, please stand clear. [Steven] Come on, Bob, let's go for a walk. Up you get, there you go. Ready? There we go. Bob? Why don't we play a game? What game? [Steven] I'll tell you a secret, something I've never told you before. Then you'll tell me one. And whoever tells the best secret wins, okay? When I was your age I'd only just started masturbating. And I'd only just started ejaculating. Only a little, barely a drop. I was worried that I had some kind of a problem because at school I'd heard all sorts of stories. Then one day, when my father had had a lot to drink and my brothers were out and he was sleeping in the bedroom, I crept inside, put my hand on his penis and started stroking it until he ejaculated. The sheets were covered in sperm. I got scared and ran out. I've never told anyone that before. Now it's your turn to tell me a secret. I don't know. I don't have one. [Steven] That's impossible. You have to have one. No. I don't. Bob, if all this is just an act, you should know that if you tell me now, I won't punish you. And neither will your mother. We won't be angry with you either. [Bob] It's not an act. But if it is an act and you don't stop this stupid joke right now, your punishment won't just be no TV for two months. I will take my electric razor and I will shave your head and make you eat your hair. I mean it, I will literally make you eat your hair. I'm not kidding. It's not an act. I brought you a clean shirt. Thank you. Anything to tell me? Hungry? Want me to bring you something to eat? No, thank you. Maybe you were right. Maybe it's all psychological. Everything will be alright, you'll see. Trust me. We're in this together, it's all gonna be fine. Let's get you something to eat, get some fresh air and go up and see the little one. Christmas is here, bringing good cheer To young and old, meek and the bold Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song With joyful ring, all caroling One seems to hear words of good cheer From everywhere, filling the air Oh, how they pound, raising their sound O'er hill and dale, telling their tale Gaily they ring, while people sing Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here Sing merry, merry, merry Christmas Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas On, on they send, on without end Their joyful tone to every home Hark, how the bells, sweet silver bells All seem to say, throw cares away Christmas is here, bringing good cheer To young and old, meek and the bold Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song With joyful ring, all caroling One seems to hear words of good cheer From everywhere, filling the air Oh, how they pound, raising their sound O'er hill and dale, telling their tale Gaily they ring, while people sing Songs of good cheer (thudding) Christmas... (ominous music) (sniffing and sighing) (ominous music) Dad, I don't want any fruit. [Steven] Just one bite. For me. (coughing) [Kim] I can't. [Steven] Okay. (birds twittering) (knocking at door) Open the door! (knocking at door) I know you're in there! (knocking at door) Open the door or I will smash it down! Martin! (knocking at door) Open the door or I will smash it down and I will fuck you and your mother just the way you wanted! If anything happens to my kids or my wife, you'll die in prison! Do you know that? You'll die in prison! [Anna] How old was his father when he died? [Steven] 46. [Anna] Had you been drinking that day? [Steven] He had an arrhythmia, a stroke, and that was it. I asked whether you'd been drinking, not how he died. How long has this been going on? How long have you been seeing this boy? [Steven] About six months. - Where were you meeting? - What does it matter? [Anna] Where were you meeting him? At a diner and then we'd drive down to the river. He's got issues, serious psychological issues. He always did. I knew he acted weird sometimes but now he's lost it completely, he's become dangerous. We have to take precautions. Go to the police and take some precautionary measures. We're not going to the police. We're not telling anyone about this. What's the point? Had you been drinking when you operated on his father? Only a little. That had nothing to do with the outcome. A surgeon never kills a patient. An anesthesiologist can kill a patient but a surgeon never can. For example, Matthew has made mistakes that have led to the death of a patient, but I never have. Bob seemed a little better today. He was in a better mood and he was less pale. Why didn't you tell me you were seeing him? At first I didn't see him that often. It was only recently that we began meeting more regularly. And I was going to tell you at some point. I felt sorry for him. I gave him some money. His mom's out of work. [Bob] Mom, when are we going home? [Anna] Tomorrow, or the day after, when all of the tests are done and the doctors say so. [Bob] But you're doctors, too. Tell them we can go home. [Anna] We'll tell them, darling. [Kim] Mom, did Martin come by while I was sleeping? [Anna] No. Can you turn me on my side, please? Is Dad here? No, he'll be here soon. Want me to get some juice for you? No. Don't go anywhere. Stay here. (cell phone chimes) Good morning. How are you? Aren't you coming by? Okay. Just my mom. My father will be here soon. You're here? I can't, are you coming up to see me? (laughing) You really think that's possible? Well let's see. Okay, okay. Yes, I stood up. Can you see me? Yes, thank you. Yeah, I'm standing at the window. Can you see me? I can't see you. I'm waving at you. (ominous music) Mom? I want to stand up like Kim. How come she can get up and I can't? [Anna] You'll be able to soon, my darling. Kim's older than you, that's why she can do it. Soon you'll be strong enough to stand up too. [Kim] Alright, I'm going back to bed. Mm hmm, me too. Bye. [Bob] Mom, I'm going over to the window. - (thudding) - Oh! (thudding) No. (Anna groaning) Who were you talking to? [Kim] Martin. He sends his regards. I don't want you talking to him ever again. Why? [Anna] Because I said so. Did you hear what I said? Fuck you. - What did you say? - I didn't say anything. Yes, you did, what did you say, Kim? Mom, let go, you're hurting me, I didn't say anything. I'm not like your father. If this is the way you want it, I'm confiscating your phone, right here, right now. That'll teach you to be rude to your mother. [Kim] Give me my phone back. [Anna] You can forget it. Don't be scared, Mom. Don't get hysterical. It's not that tragic. Sometimes your body hurts from not moving and you can't sleep. That's all. The important thing is to make sure that everything you need is within reach. That's all. You'll see. You won't be able to move either. But you'll get used to it. [Anna] I really saw it happen. [Steven] It was just a coincidence. How can it be a coincidence? How come neither of them have been able to get up and walk until now? Darling, listen to yourself. [Anna] I saw it. Okay, it just means things are getting better. That's all it means, that Kim is getting better. Now please go home and rest awhile, please. They're not better; they're worse. [Steven] This afternoon there'll be an emergency meeting with the Medical Board. Larry and I took the initiative and invited two outstanding specialists from the Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia. And they already flew in from New York. I'm meeting them this afternoon to brief them about the case. One of them's actually a personal friend of the director, Dr. Farrington, you must have heard of him. He's the best there is when it comes to paralytic disorders. (intense music) (knocking at door) Good afternoon. Oh, thank you very much. I'd like to talk to you. I'm not gonna take up much of your time. [Martin] Of course. Um, I've only got 10 minutes 'cause I've gotta get to class. So, what's up? My husband told me about you and your father. [Martin] Oh, he did? Did he also tell you about my mom? - No. - Oh. Sorry. Maybe I'm not the one you should, um, hear it from but, um ever since your husband killed my father, he's been flirting with my mom. Constantly, flirting. To be honest, she's got feelings for him, too. She thinks he's very nice hands. Truth is, he has beautiful hands. All doctors have clean, nice, beautiful hands. So I told her, I said, I've no problem with it if you wanna go ahead. I mean, he seems like a nice guy, very nice guy. And I don't wanna get in the way of her trying to get her life back on track. I'll be gone, I'll be gone in a few years, I'll get a job. If my husband made a mistake, if out of negligence or, I don't know what, he caused this tragic thing to happen, I don't understand why I should have to pay the price. Why my children should have to pay the price. You know, not long after my dad died, someone told me that I eat spaghetti the exact same way he did. They said what an extraordinary impression this fact had made on them. Look at the boy, look how he eats spaghetti. Exactly the same way his father did. He sticks his fork in. He twirls it around, around, around, around, around. Then he sticks it in his mouth. At that time, I thought I was the only one who ate spaghetti that way. Me and my dad. Later, of course, I found out that everyone eats spaghetti the exact same way. Exact same way, exact same way. This made me very upset. Very upset. Maybe even, um, more upset than when they told me he was dead. My dad. I don't know if what is happening is fair, but it's the only thing I can think of that's close to justice. Time's getting on, and if I'm late for class I'm done for. (laughing) Have a good day. (ominous music) [Ed] So I don't see any reason for the children to stay in the hospital. [Steven] You mean you think you've done everything you can? [Ed] Yes, Steven, I believe we've done everything we can. I'm sorry, but if I was running this hospital, I'd feel like a complete failure, a loser. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. Goodnight, Anna. Goodnight, Ed. I suggest we sign the release forms tomorrow and they can go home. (ominous music) (horn blaring) (sirens wailing) Were you the anesthesiologist for Jonathan Lang? Thank you. - Do you want... - No, thank you. Who's Jonathan Lang? [Anna] Male, 46 years old. Patient of Steven's, died on the operating table. [Martin] Anna, there have been so many patients over the years, so many operations. I don't remember him, unfortunately, I'm sorry. Can you find me his file in the records and show it to me, please? I wanna see his medical history and the cause of death. [Martin] I don't think that's possible, I'm sorry, Anna. I can't just share files from the hospital. Why do you need it? Please. Look, I can't give you the file but I can tell you a couple of things about the case. I remember him now, I put him under. But what do I get in return? What you didn't get that day we came for lunch at your house. When? Now. Had Steven been drinking? [Martin] Yes. [Anna] Can it be considered his mistake? Yes. It wasn't mine, that's for sure. You know an anesthesiologist is never to blame for the bad outcome of an operation. The surgeon is always responsible. He'd had two drinks that morning before we went in to prepare. Luckily, no one else realized, I was the only one that knew. But, back then, that wasn't exactly unusual. You know that. (Mathew breathing heavily) (belt buckle jingling) (Matthew exhaling and panting) Thank you. This meat is delicious. You were right, after all. The children are much better off here. I was even thinking we might take them to the beach house for a few days. A little fresh air and a change of scenery might do us all good. Do you know what I've been craving? Mashed potato. Why don't you make some tomorrow? You have beautiful hands. I never noticed before. Everyone's been telling me lately what beautiful hands you have and now I can see for myself. Nice and clean. But so what if they're beautiful? They're lifeless. Sometimes, Steven, you're just an incompetent man who goes on and on, saying stupid things like, "Let's do a scan. "Let's do an ultrasound, let's wear brown socks. "Let's make mashed potatoes, let's go to the beach house." Excuse me? Our two children are dying in the other room, but, yes, I can make you mashed potatoes tomorrow. Please don't talk to me that way. If you don't like it, why don't you go and live with Martin's mother? I bet she'll talk to you better. [Steven] You wanted the kids to come home, and they came home. What else do you want me to do? Something to put an end to all of this, that's what I want; can you do that? You do realize, Steven, we're in this situation because of you? So what do you suggest? Tell me. No, wait, I know, I've got it. There is a way we can put a stop to all this. All we need to do is find the tooth of a baby crocodile, the blood of a pigeon and the pubes of a virgin. And then we just have to burn them all before sunset. Let me see, do we have any spare teeth lying around? Teeth, pubes? Nope, nothin' here. (clattering) There's nothing in here either. Let me see, nothing here. Pubes, teeth? Nothing in this box either. Where are they? I'm sure they were here earlier, I put them here myself. Who's been moving things around? It's unbelievable. I don't suppose you've got any pubes I can have, by any chance? Oh, I forgot, you don't have any left. We don't have any of the things we need. There's no need for us to argue. Everything's so difficult already. There's no point making it worse. If he was telling the truth, wouldn't you be sick too? Wouldn't you be paralyzed already? How do you explain that? Yes, you're right. Let's wait a little longer until we're all dead and then see what you can do about it. There's really nothing to worry about. You need to go to the hospital tomorrow and pick up more feeding formula for the children. We're almost out. [Steven] Okay. (ominous tones) (ominous music) (door latch clicks) (ominous music) Good morning. Good morning. [Steven] Did you get any sleep? What time is it? Ten past eight. Get up and come with me for a moment. You remember Martin, don't you? He came by for a play-date. I told him the kids were feeling a little unwell and he'll have to stay here until they get better. Anna, go upstairs and make him some of that lemonade he likes so much, would you? I'll stay here and keep him company. Please. [Martin] Let me go. My mother's gonna be worried sick. Do you think your mother's proud of you, Martin? Do you think she's happy that her beloved son is a murderer? Murderer? There's really no need for such a dramatic, sensational, old-fashioned word. But if you insist, the murderer, both in my father's case and our current situation, is not me. - Stop talking. - Don't you understand that you're wasting time? And you don't have much time left. [Steven] I said stop talking. Steven, it's gonna be better once it's done. Start over, clean slate. Don't you get it? Sometimes I think you're naive but you can't be naive. You're a man of science, you can't be an idiot. But, if I'd only just met you, I would seriously question your depth of judgment. (blow thuds) (Martin groans) I just want, want to show you an example, (spits), that's all. Just one little example to show you what I mean. (thudding) (grunting) Should I apologize? No. Should I, should I stroke your wound? Actually, that would probably hurt even more, touching an open wound. No, there's only one way to make you and me both feel better. (squelching) (dramatic, high-pitched music) (Martin spits and groans) Do you understand? It's metaphorical. My example. It's a metaphor. I mean, it's, it's symbolic. (booming) (dog barking) (footsteps echoing) [Steven] Shut the door, Anna. Now, Martin, you'll know what it's like to die. What it's like when your head cracks open and your brains blow out. [Anna] Don't shoot him. [Martin] And then? Shut up! [Martin] Shoot me, then what? - Answer. - I'll bury you in the yard! And you'll rot, that's what. You won't be able to explain it. You won't understand how it could have happened. You'll say, "But I only killed one person. "How come four people are dead? "I only shot one." So if you're gonna dig a hole in the yard, better make it a big one. [Anna] Steven. (discordant piano music) (somber music) [Kim] He didn't kill him. [Bob] How do you know? I just do. Anyway, he made the right choice. Otherwise it would have been like killing four people with a single shot. Wouldn't that be tragic? I'm going to live with Martin. I want you to know that I'm really sorry, Bob. I really love you. We all do. Dad does, too. But he's in a really difficult position and he doesn't have much of a choice. It's not because he doesn't love you. They bought me a piano. Mom told me it'd be here next month. They didn't tell you so you wouldn't be scared. Bob, something terrible happened yesterday. I lost the MP player that Martin gave me. I don't know what's wrong with me. I've lost two MP players in the last 10 days. So I'd like to ask you a favor. Can I have your MP player when you're dead? Please, please. Please. (Bob's legs squeaking on wood floor) [Bob] Dad. Look. I cut my hair just as you wanted me to. Good boy. Well done. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you and get a haircut right away. I don't know what I was thinking all this time. I would get so hot and have to comb it all the time. It was a total hassle. I should have listened to you and cut it off sooner. I'm gonna water the plants now. No, darling, I watered them this morning. Tomorrow. Dad, I've been thinking about it and I decided I wanna become a cardiologist. Not an ophthalmologist. I lied to mom because I didn't want her to get upset. I think I prefer what you do. It's far more interesting and challenging. (Steven weeping) The boy's very good at math and physics. Kim, on the other hand, apart from her natural aptitude for music, is very good at literature and history, areas in which Bob lags behind. She wrote a brilliant essay on the tragedy of Iphigenia which she read out in class. She received an A plus. What about their behavior in class? They're both a little restless, I'd say. Equally so. I mean, I've had the occasional complaint from their teachers about some minor misdemeanors but they've never been rude to any of the staff. In any case, if they had ever acted out, we would have told you about it. Do you especially like one of them more than the other? If you had to choose between them, which would say is the best? That's a difficult question. I'm not sure I can give you an answer. I don't know. I don't know what to tell you. Thank you for bringing them down. I really wanted to see them. I really wanted to see you. Hi, Bob. Hi, Kim. Bob, aren't you gonna come over and let me give you a hug? [Anna] Bob? No? I understand; it doesn't matter. You're a man. The man of the house, now your father isn't home. You can go back to bed. Don't trouble yourselves for my sake. You can take them away. (smooching) (eerie music) Anna, if you're gonna do something, you'd better be fast. The boy is about to die. I believe the most logical thing, no matter how harsh this may sound, is to kill a child. Because we can have another child. I still can and you can. And if you can't, we can try IVF, but I'm sure we can. [Kim] I'm sorry for what I did tonight. I don't know what I was thinking. I was only thinking about myself and no one else. That was wrong of me. I was frightened. I shouldn't have been. Let me be the one who atones for your sins, Dad. Kill me right here in front of your eyes so that you can be sure that I die, in case some fate spares me at the last moment. Kill me right here in front of you and leave me with the ultimate joy of saving my own mother and beloved brother from certain death. Mom, tell him. Dad, please. I would do anything for you. I would even die for you and here's my chance to prove it. They're all asleep. We can go now and no one will notice. All you have to do is help me walk again. My legs hurt after all this time and I feel weak. But it's okay. It doesn't matter. I knew at some point this would all be over and you would come. (eerie music) I thought we could take your friend's motorcycle and run away together. But you have to make me well first. I'll untie you if you promise you can make me better and we'll run away together. Okay? It's not working. You have to try harder. Kim's not in her bed. I'm telling you, you have to try harder. Are you deaf? Martin. Try harder! (eerie music) - Where is she? - She's gone. (slap resounds) Where is she, what did you do to her? I love you so much, don't forget that. You gave me life and you, only you, have the right to take my life away. That makes perfect sense. You are my lords, my masters and I am just someone who lives to obey your wishes. I love you so much. Remember that when I'm lying in my grave, unable to tell you that I love you. I love you more than anything in the world, you and my brother. Where have you been? [Steven] I went to the hospital. Got the feeding formula. Have you checked on him? Did you give him the sedatives? I let him go. - What are you talking about? - He's not downstairs. I let him go. Why would you do that? Why did you let him go? Answer me! Are you a complete idiot? It's not gonna make any difference, Steven. It's not gonna solve anything, we both know that. Mom? Do you remember that day when I was rude to you at the hospital? [Anna] Yes. Did you tell Dad about it? [Anna] Of course I told him about it, Kim. [Kim] I didn't mean it, Mom. Maybe it was just a side-effect of the drugs or something. [Anna] Kim, can you please be quiet? Do your legs hurt, do they feel numb? Does your back hurt, has it started yet? (light music) Dad! Quick, Bob's dying! Dad! Bob's dying! Dad. Who's your best friend? I don't know, Bob. I have three. Two boys and a girl in my class. That's great, Bob. It's good to have a lot of friends. Bob's eyes are bleeding. Come to the living room. - Now? - Yes. Now. Steven, where are the children? They're already there. I think I'm gonna wear that black dress that you like. Wear whatever you want. Just hurry. (somber orchestral music) (bolt clicks) (moaning) (high-pitched, eerie music) (footsteps pattering) (gunshot booming) (clattering) (bolt clicks) (high-pitched, eerie music) (gunshot booming) (bolt clicks) (somber music) (gunshot booming) (Steven exhales) (somber orchestral music) (Chorus, "Herr, Unser Herrscher" by J.S. Bach) |
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