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The Sound Side PDF
The Sound Side PDF
Second Draft
10/1/2020
WGA # 2065397
“I sing of bodies changed into new forms.”
SETH
Hold on to me!
JUNE
Did you wash your hands?
Seth dips his hand into the churning sea to rinse off the
blood.
A HAND EMERGES FROM THE WATER AND GRABS SETH BY THE WRIST!
SETH
June! Help me!
JUNE
Seth. You always do this.
SETH
JUNE!
SETH
FUCK. Jesus...
CUT TO BLACK.
The Mother boils the roots, bark, and snake meat in a stew.
4.
The skeletal dog begs for some food. The Father explodes:
FATHER
AWAY!
The forlorn animal backs down and whimpers into the corner.
FATHER
Lord Jesus, forgive me.
He stops digging and makes the sign of the cross, then drops
to his knees in a prayer posture.
5.
FATHER (CONT'D)
In thy infinite wisdom ye saw fit
to take an innocent boy. I do not
question thy will.
FATHER (CONT'D)
I ask nothing but to do my duty as
a man and as a father, and to quiet
the cries of my wife and daughters.
The shame of failure is not thine,
but mine alone.
The Father unties the rope securing the lid of the coffin.
FATHER (CONT'D)
If ye see fit to condemn me to the
torments of hell for this sin
against nature, I ask only that you
spare them any further suffering.
SIMON (V.O.)
CANNIBALISM in Colonial America -
Fiction? Or FACT?
The living room is dark and still - curtains block out the
morning light.
SIMON (V.O.)
FACT! Settlers at Jamestown ate
rats, snakes, and shoe leather to
survive the winter of 1609. Some
were so desperate, they even dug up
buried corpses - and ate the flesh!
SIMON (V.O.)
That winter is now referred to as
“The Starving Time.”
Grease pops and crackles from the kitchen. Seth stands over
the stovetop, holding a pan with sizzling eggs and bacon.
Seth’s face is thin and unshaven, his eyes red with insomnia.
SIMON (V.O.)
Twenty years BEFORE Jamestown, the
first ATTEMPTED English colony in
the New World vanished without a
trace. That’s the story we’ve been
told for centuries. But is there
MORE to the mystery?
SIMON (V.O.)
--survival CANNIBALISM be one
possible fate...of the notorious
LOST COLONY OF ROANOKE?
SIMON
Let’s find--
7.
Seth picks up the tray and moves toward the bedroom when he
notices--
Seth enters the darkened room and sets down the tray.
The lights are still off and the curtains are closed.
June lays on her side, her back to Seth. She’s awake, but
makes no movement to acknowledge his presence.
SETH
I got that fancy bacon you like.
JUNE
Are you still going this weekend?
SETH
I was. But I don’t have to.
SETH (CONT'D)
I’ll call Simon and Eli. They’ll
understand.
JUNE
Don’t.
SETH
I don’t have to tell them why. I
can just say you’re sick.
JUNE
No. You should go.
SETH
What if you stayed with your
parents this weekend? So you’re not
all alone here?
8.
JUNE
Don’t worry about it.
SETH
I’m gonna stay.
JUNE
I think I need some time to myself.
SETH
Oh. OK. I understand.
SIMON (V.O.)
I don’t understand.
ROSE
I don’t either. I didn’t skip any
days. It’s supposed to be like a
99.9% effective rate.
SIMON
I guess that 0.1% is still real
people though.
ROSE
Apparently it’s me.
SIMON
Holy SHIT! This is amazing!
SIMON (CONT'D)
We gotta tell Seth and June!
ROSE
We’re not telling anyone until
after the wedding.
SIMON
Seriously? Our parents aren’t gonna
care that we’re not married yet.
ROSE
It’s not that. It’s just...too
early. Most miscarriages happen
within the first 12 weeks.
SIMON
That seems kind of superstitious.
ROSE
It’s not superstitious. It’s
science. 12 weeks.
SIMON
So you don’t even want to tell our
parents?
ROSE
Let’s just keep it to ourselves
through the wedding. Once we hit 12
weeks - we’ll make it official.
Promise.
SIMON
I’m just excited. I wanna tell the
guys. I wanna tell the world!
ROSE
Simon. Please. I’m serious.
SIMON
Alright. I understand. Lips are
sealed.
10.
ROSE
Promise?
SIMON
Cross my heart, hope to die.
The walls of the office are lined with oceanographic maps and
the geometric scientific drawings of Ernst Haeckel:
ELI
My master’s thesis primarily
focused on anthropogenic
eutrophication and ecosystem health
in humid subtropical biomes.
INTERVIEWER
Field work?
ELI
Primarily southern Chesapeake Bay
and northern Outer Banks. Looking
at industrial agricultural runoff,
pollution from commercial shipping,
naval--
INTERVIEWER
I’m sorry to interrupt but I’m a
bit confused about something. You
have NO professional experience? No
TA work? No internships?
ELI
Technically no. Not in academia.
ELI (CONT'D)
I’ve...been fully dedicated to
completing my masters.
INTERVIEWER
Right. But it’s...unusual to have
NO job history whatsoever.
INTERVIEWER (CONT'D)
Your resume says you earned your
bachelor’s nearly eight years ago?
ELI
That’s correct.
INTERVIEWER
This is a bit awkward but I have to
ask - were you...incarcerated?
ELI
Is that something you CAN ask?
INTERVIEWER
Any job offer would be conditional
upon a background check, so...yes.
ELI
My path has been unconventional. I
get that. But I see it as an asset.
INTERVIEWER
How’s that?
ELI
Because adversity creates the
greatest potential for personal
growth.
(MORE)
12.
ELI (CONT'D)
Look - a person’s character, how
they see the world - it’s the sum
of ALL experiences, right?
Positive, negative, neutral?
ELI (V.O.)
By the time our grandkids are our
age there won’t even BE an Outer
Banks. Or a Miami or New York.
SETH (V.O.)
That seems dramatic.
ELI (V.O.)
It IS dramatic, Seth. It’s how the
world ends.
SIMON (V.O.)
You don’t think we’ll figure
something out? Humans I mean?
Some...breakthrough? Like those
enzymes that can eat plastic?
ELI (V.O.)
We do love magical thinking. As a
species I mean. Easier than forcing
ourselves to evolve.
The truck flies down the highway. Live oak forest gives way
to dense swamp and tidal marsh.
SETH (V.O.)
People’ve been saying that forever
about the ocean rising though. And
it hasn’t happened yet.
ELI (V.O.)
Seth. Are you fucking with me right
now? It IS happening dude. In
Louisiana, Georgia, Florida...the
ocean doesn’t give a fuck about us
or what we’ve built.
Eli drives the truck south on NC-12. Simon sits shotgun, Seth
in the back.
ELI
It’s inevitable. Act 3 in the story
of man.
SIMON
What was Act 1?
ELI
Pure biology. Evolution. Survival.
SIMON
2?
ELI
Civilization. Ethics. Culture.
SETH
Internet porn.
SIMON
You sure culture’s not stuck in Act
1?
SETH
Only in the bible belt.
ELI
The wheels are already in motion.
This is why Homo sapiens can’t have
nice things.
14.
SETH
It’s 7AM.
SIMON
This weekend is my last chance to
wake and bake without having to
take out the garbage as a cover.
SETH
I’m thinking of taking a weed break
for little bit. My sleep is all
fucked up.
ELI
Not this weekend you aren’t.
ELI (CONT'D)
Quitting weed can actually make
nightmares more intense. THC
suppresses REM sleep. Comes back
with a vengeance when you stop.
SIMON
It’s true. Last time I quit I
dreamed I got executed by ISIS.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Never again.
ELI
Pass that over to big poppa if it’s
too early for baby dick.
“ROADSIDE ATTRACTION - 10 MI
SIMON
Oh shit. Guys. Check out the Bates
Motel over here.
SETH
Bro. Tourist trap. Come on.
CURIOSITIES! ODDITIES!
SIMON
They have beer.
ELI
So do we.
SIMON
Theirs is cold.
SETH
It’s 7AM dude.
SIMON
What are you, my fucking wife?
ELI
If we wanna paddle out in Rodanthe
we should get on it early.
SIMON
What happens if we get there at 10
instead of 8? The ocean turns to
blood?
SETH
Your dick falls off.
DON’T MISS IT
EXIT 5 MI
SIMON
Let’s just stop for a minute and
piss and see their little museum.
It’ll be funny. It’s Americana.
ELI
How much are tickets?
SIMON
Who cares? It’s on me.
Eli puts his turn signal on and moves toward the exit.
SETH
Seriously?
ELI
It’s his party. Simon says.
SIMON
Simon says.
SETH
Does anyone even live back here?
The guys walk through the side and back yard, following the
arrow pointing toward the museum entrance in the back.
Two small jon boats sit tied up at the dock, choppy waves
heaving beneath.
SETH
What kind of museum has a boat
launch?
ELI
It’s the Outer Banks. Everything
has a boat launch.
A man - roughly same age as the guys (25-35), with a name tag
reading HAROLD - sits at a check-in desk, reading a book.
SIMON
Morning. How ya doin.
18.
HAROLD
Hello. I’m doin fine. Y’all need
rooms? Check-in’s usually not til
the afternoon.
SIMON
Just here for the museum. Three
adults please.
HAROLD
It’s...free.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
Just please sign the guest book.
Name, and where you live.
Simon signs: SIMON JONES. LA CA. He motions for Eli and Seth
to do the same. Eli rolls his eyes and takes the pen.
ELI POV: The page is totally blank except for “SIMON JONES”
written across the top. Not a single other name is recorded
in the pages.
ELI
Y’all stayin’ busy these days?
HAROLD
Hell no. Haven’t seen anyone new in
awhile. Gets pretty boring.
SETH
Grow up dude.
HAROLD
You an actor or something?
19.
SIMON
Nope. Just a tourist on a surf trip
with the boys.
HAROLD
Why do I know you then? You on the
news?
SIMON
You know a show called ‘Secrets of
the Past’?
HAROLD
Oh shit!
SIMON (V.O.)
You don’t have to believe in ghosts
or the afterlife to believe that
some places harbor an unseen
presence - the weight of historical
tragedies.
HAROLD
I love this shit.
SIMON (V.O.)
Civil War battlefields. Slave
quarters on southern plantations.
Abandoned sanitariums. Haunted by
history.
ELI
Simon kind of sounds like a
douchebag in this episode.
20.
SETH
A LOVABLE douchebag.
ELI
A douchey Rod Serling?
SIMON (V.O.)
Sometimes the connection to the
past is clear.
HAROLD
Do you write all the lines you say?
SIMON
I do.
HAROLD
How do you know if it’s good?
SIMON
I don’t.
SIMON (V.O.)
Other times - there is no WHY.
Events unfold beyond the boundaries
of human understanding.
HAROLD
You think I could get a picture
with you? We never get anyone
famous in here.
SIMON
“Famous” is EXTREMELY generous.
ELI
Generous as fuck.
SETH
Christ-like in its generosity.
HAROLD
He’s more famous than YOU. Who the
hell are you to judge?
ELI
You know what? I’ll take that photo
for you, good sir.
ELI (CONT'D)
Just trying to get the composition
right. OK - this is STUNNING. Let’s
start with a series, then we’ll
tweak the lighting for a bit of a
chiaroscuro--
SIMON
Ly.
ELI
Perfect.
Eli snaps the photo and hands Harold back his phone.
HAROLD
So...y’all wanna see the exhibits?
HAROLD (CONT'D)
They’re all home-made.
ELI
Am I crazy or does this guy look
like he’s gonna skin us alive and
wear our faces like masks?
SETH
How high is Simon right now?
ELI
High on life. Johnny Hollywood
soaking up the adoration of the
little people.
SIMON
Sure...we can do a quick tour -
right guys?
SIMON (CONT'D)
Cool. Always reliable.
HAROLD
This way please!
SETH
I can’t listen to that guy stroke
Simon’s ego anymore. Christ.
ELI
You seem a bit raw today buddy. Did
the mean redneck hurt your
feelings?
SETH
You’re a dick.
ELI
You’re famous to ME bud. I’d take a
creepy selfie with you anytime.
1 - MYSTERY PANDEMIC
ELI (CONT'D)
This “ancient alien” pseudo-history
shit kills me. I know Simon’s done
his thing with it but...I dunno.
SETH
It’s like the ‘true crime’ fad but
for people who dropped out of
middle school to huff glue.
ELI
He should’ve at least picked the
aquarium. You ever looked at a
dinoflagellate under a microscope
while on a TINY bit of LSD?
There are more photos and text beneath the main images. Seth
examines them half-heartedly, shaking his head.
SETH
I burned a lot of June capital to
be here.
ELI
Compassion, Seth. We’re about to
lose Simon to greater forces. He’s
practicing his dad-ness in
preparation for his next life.
SETH
Dad-ness?
ELI
I just mean his whole ‘hipster
occult adventurer’ schtick is a
character. He’s overcompensating.
The REAL Simon is stoked on getting
married and civilizing himself and
living the soft life. Grills and
little league games and so on.
SETH
You make that sound like a bad
thing.
ELI
It’s not BAD at all!
Just...different. Evolved.
SETH
You wouldn’t trade places with him?
ELI
I don’t wanna play that game. My
point is - let him live a little.
ELI (CONT'D)
Speaking of. How’s June coming
along with Sethy Jr? It doesn’t
feel real, you know?
SETH
Tell me about it.
ELI
She ready for crazy Uncle Eli to
corrupt her first-born?
SETH
Ly. What the fuck, dude?
ELI
What? You think this place has
alarms?
SETH
That’s not -- WHY are you doing
that, is my point.
ELI
I thought it’d be a cool gift for
Simon. Unique. It can be from both
of us.
SETH
You always do impulsive shit like
this. You don’t even know what that
book is!
ELI
Simon will! He’ll appreciate it.
SETH
He will NOT appreciate a stolen
book.
26.
ELI
Alright Mom. We’ll tell him we
bought it on eBay.
ELI (CONT'D)
Nobody comes here. Nobody’s going
to miss it.
ELI (CONT'D)
There we go.
SETH
Nope. I’m out. Not part of this.
Eli rolls his eyes as Seth walks quickly into the adjoining
room of the museum.
Eli takes the book and tucks it into the waistband of his
shorts. He turns to leave and sees--
STARING AT ELI.
ELI
Jesus!
Like Harold at the front desk, the Old Man also has
mismatched eye colors - one brown and one blue.
ELI (CONT'D)
Um...hello sir. Great exhibit, huh?
Seth snaps a picture with his phone, then runs his hands over
the woman’s face, gently, as if he’ll break it.
He looks down at the floor - BLOOD SPILLS FROM THE WOMAN AND
POOLS BENEATH HER, reaching all the way to Seth’s shoes.
He pokes his head back inside the hut - no blood on the floor
or on the pregnant woman. She looks exactly the same as when
he first saw her.
SETH
You DO need a beer. Jesus.
SIMON
This is really remarkable.
HAROLD
All native trees I planted here to
recreate the conditions of the
original Lost Colony of Roanoke.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
Live oak. Sweetgum. Wax myrtle.
Bald cypress. River birch. Eastern
red cedar. Southern magnolia.
SIMON
And this indoor area just continues
into the trees outside?
Harold nods.
HAROLD
That’s where I’m building the
Village.
SIMON
You built a replica village of the
original Roanoke Colony?
HAROLD
My dad actually had the idea to
build a Lost Colony village. He’s
retired now. So I’m sort of keeping
the fire going, you know?
29.
SIMON
Can I see it?
HAROLD
Unfortunately it’s still a work in
progress.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
We do have a little scale model I
can show you if you want.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
May I present - the Lost Colony.
SIMON
Wow! The craftsmanship...it’s
incredible.
HAROLD
Also Dad.
SIMON
You know they weren’t actually
“lost” at all, right? The Roanoke
Island colonists.
HAROLD
Oh? So what happened to them?
SIMON
They assimilated with the Natives
who’d been their allies. Absorbed
into their tribe. Intermarried.
30.
HAROLD
Well...who knows. I’m not sure it
really matters.
SIMON
I think it matters. People don’t
just vanish. That’s not history -
it’s magic. Sensationalism.
HAROLD
Isn’t that kind of what your show
is though?
SIMON
Well - not exactly. And I didn’t
say that was a bad thing
necessarily. Just not...serious.
HAROLD
Right. Serious. Which means boring.
Which is why I love your show -
it’s never THAT serious.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
I don’t mean any disrespect.
SIMON
No, it’s fine.
SIMON (CONT'D)
You do all the taxidermy yourself?
HAROLD
That was my Dad too. I’m not really
into all the blood and guts.
ELI (O.S.)
SIMON! Time to go buddy!
HAROLD
Already?
The guys sit in silence as Eli drives away from the museum.
SIMON
Why are y’all so quiet? Did you
break something?
ELI
Nothing, Dad. Scout’s honor.
SIMON
Bullshit. Seth - what happened?
SETH
Nothing happened. We just got tired
of being there.
SIMON
Thought it was too early?
SETH
It’s later now.
SETH (CONT'D)
Anyone else?
SIMON
Aren’t we about to paddle out?
ELI
Yes. And drinking before surfing is
really stupid. You need to be
hydrating. Personally I only drink
Fiji water with a little Himalayan
pink salt.
SETH
It’s two light beers - they’re
mostly water anyway. But thanks for
your concern, Mom.
Eli and Seth stand in the parking lot, wetsuits rolled down
to the waist.
SIMON
Get a lil diagonal action
here...and you guys swap places.
I’ll go in the middle.
ELI
Yo Annie Liebovitz. Can we move
this along please?
SIMON
Timer set...and...ready? Say
“Chee...eli has a teeny weeny.”
ELI
Impossible! I’m a scientist. Big
dick energy is a job requirement.
Simon fires the shutter and runs over to join the photo.
The winds are intense, near gale-force. The guys shield their
eyes from the sand blowing at them.
33.
ELI
I told you we needed to paddle out
early here. These afternoon onshore
winds come in like clockwork. But
what do I know - I’m just a fucking
oceanographer.
A vivid RED TIDE stares back at them - the water glows with
an unsettling maroon hue.
SIMON
Should we even surf in that?
ELI
It’s just algae. They feed on
excess nitrogen and phosphorus in
the water. From industrial
fertilizers in storm runoff.
Beyond the red tide, a lone pelican hovers and dive-bombs the
surface, stabbing a fish from the water.
SETH
It’s kind of pretty in a weird way.
Eli scoffs.
ELI
It’s not pretty. It sucks up all
the oxygen. Kills fish, birds,
mammals--
SIMON
Humans?
ELI
If only. We’re harder to kill.
A breaking wave hits Seth in the face and knocks him off
balance. He barely stays on his board.
Seth comes up gasping for air. Eli and Simon are way ahead
now, barely visible.
SETH
(panting)
God DAMMIT!
SETH (CONT'D)
Fuck me.
The wave crests and crashes directly on top of Seth with full
force, knocking him off his board and pile-driving him under.
Seth fights his way back to the surface, kicking and gasping,
his board tailing behind him, attached by his ankle leash.
The flying board CRACKS Seth hard in the back of his head.
Seth pushes off the sand and extends an arm toward what he
thinks is the surface.
SIMON
Take it.
ELI
Fuck yeah.
But no Seth.
Eli hops down and sits on his board. He watches and waits for
Seth to emerge.
Ten seconds.
ELI (CONT'D)
SIMON! GET OVER HERE NOW!
Twenty seconds.
Eli RIPS the leash off his ankle and dives below the waves.
Seth struggles toward the light with all his strength. The
hand pulls him back down with equal force.
OVER WHITE
SIMON (O.S.)
Oh my god oh my god. Seth.
ELI (O.S.)
Don’t you fucking die on me!
ELI
FUCK! YES!
SIMON
Oh my GOD Seth!
SIMON (CONT'D)
What happened?
Seth’s ears are ringing. Eli and Simon’s voices sound stuffy
and muffled, but gradually sharpen.
SETH
I think I...died for a minute.
37.
ELI
Do you know how lucky we are?
Hitting your head like that and
going under and...Jesus. Fuck!
SETH
I wanna get up.
SETH (CONT'D)
BLURGGGH!
ELI
Attaboy. Get it out.
SIMON
He might have a concussion.
SIMON (CONT'D)
There’s an urgent care about 20
minutes away.
ELI
Let’s go.
SETH
No. We’ll sit there for 2 hours for
bandaid and an Advil. I’m good.
SIMON
Look at me. Follow my finger with
your eyes.
SETH
Stop. I’m fine! I’m a grown man,
it’s my decision. Right?
SIMON
You don’t need to prove your
toughness. Don’t be too proud to-
38.
SETH
I’m good! I just need a minute.
Then let’s paddle back out. Can’t
end the session like this.
Seth grabs his board and walks back into the crashing surf.
The guys follow, reluctantly.
The guys have changed out of their wetsuits. All climb into
the truck.
ELI
What the FUCK man?
Eli honks back, sticks his head out the window and yells-
ELI (CONT'D)
Bro! Back the FUCK up. Jesus.
ELI (CONT'D)
I’m about to get out and curb-stomp
this prick.
ELI (CONT'D)
Wow. So kind. Redneck jag-off.
Eli backs the truck out and puts the car in drive.
Seth sticks his middle finger out the window at the Black
Truck as they drive away.
39.
SIMON
Seth’s made a speedy recovery.
ELI
Back from the dead!
SIMON
Look how innocent we are. So full
of optimism.
SETH
I had a six-pack without even
trying! Those were the glory days.
SIMON
All on a steady diet of Taco Bell
and Adderall.
ELI
Dude. Simon. Your hair looks like
One Direction.
SIMON
I don’t know if Seth should be
drinking after a concussion.
Probably just water, right?
SETH
Simon. I’m good. Let it go.
SIMON
Go easy at least.
40.
ELI
A toast!
ELI (CONT'D)
Just wanna say a few words real
quick - since the best man speech
is officially Sethy’s problem.
ELI (CONT'D)
A toast. To Simon. Always knew
you’d be the first to become
domesticated.
ELI (CONT'D)
For real though - Rose is awesome
and I’m so stoked for you both.
You’re a lucky man.
SIMON
Don’t I know it.
SETH
Hear hear.
ELI
I wanna say something else real
quick too.
ELI (CONT'D)
That was fucking terrifying today.
Seeing your body down there...I’ve
never been that scared in my life.
ELI (CONT'D)
We all know we’re not gonna be
doing these kind of trips as much
any more. I mean, we will
but...different. It’s like...the
last dying breath of our youth.
Before we’re reborn as men.
41.
SIMON
“The birth and death of the day.”
SIMON (CONT'D)
Steinbeck.
ELI
Point is - life is short. Let’s be
good to each other. I love both of
you guys so much it fucking hurts.
Simon and Seth raise their beers. Simon clears his throat:
SIMON
“Do not go gentle into that good
night. Old age should burn and rave
at the close of day. Rage, rage
against the dying of the light.”
SETH
To Simon. Mazel tov buddy.
ELI
L’Chaim.
SIMON
To life. I fucking love you guys.
ELI
Let me see that picture again.
SIMON
Nearly half a lifetime ago.
ELI
The springtime of our lives.
ELI (CONT'D)
We’re in our fucking summer years
already dudes. Think about that.
Peak years. Marriage, career, kids.
Then one day, autumn...the harvest.
Retirement. Grandkids.
42.
SIMON
The golden years. So they say.
SETH
Fuck winter though.
SIMON
So speaking of all that...I have
some big news.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Rose is pregnant. We just found out
on Thursday.
ELI
Holy shit! You too! Congrats dude!
SETH
That’s awesome. I’m so happy for
you both.
ELI
Wow. That definitely calls for
another toast.
ELI (CONT'D)
To NEW life.
SIMON
Who’s got cigs for Groomzilla? I
can never smoke at home anymore.
ELI
Bro. You know this body is a
temple. You should listen to your
wife.
43.
SETH
Is Rose doing a bachelorette thing
this weekend too?
SIMON
Yeah she’s down in Charleston with
her girls.
SETH
You think they got her a big dick
cake?
ELI
Or lil dick cupcakes? Rose is
probably more accustomed to that
scale - right buddy?
SIMON
Lil Dick Cupcake is Rose’s nickname
for you.
A TUG on Seth’s fishing pole. The tip bends toward the water.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Grab that!
Seth grabs the pole before it’s pulled over the railing.
Seth pulls back with all his weight. Something big is at the
other end.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Nice and easy. Don’t scare it off.
SIMON (CONT'D)
You want help?
SETH
I got it.
ELI
Let me reel it in.
44.
SETH
Dude. Stop. I can do it.
ELI
Holy shit!
SETH
What is it?
ELI
It’s a GIGANTIC fucking Striper.
SIMON
Good lord.
ELI
You’re gonna snap the rod in half.
He reels the fish up and out of the water, bit by bit, closer
and closer to the pier.
SIMON
FUCK YEAH! You got it! Ly - help
him out! Get the net.
ELI
Sure thing Dad.
Eli holds the net over the railing and stretches it beneath
the fish dangling from Seth’s line.
ELI (CONT'D)
Holy SHIT that’s a big boy.
Seth eases the fish into Eli’s net and reaches in to remove
the hook from the fish’s mouth.
SETH
Ly - do striped bass have...teeth?
ELI
Fuck no. Let me see that.
Eli and Simon peer at the toothy fish. Unlike the tiny spikes
of a pirhana or the sharp jagged triangles of a shark, the
striper’s teeth are dulled and rounded.
Almost human-like.
SIMON
Maybe it’s an undiscovered sub-
species?
ELI
Probably just a...local...mutation.
SETH
It’s ugly as fuck.
ELI
Nature’s deepest beauties are
cloaked in her darkest ugliness.
SIMON
Who said that? Cousteau?
ELI
Me.
Simon takes his buck knife and shows Seth how to clean and
prepare the fish for cooking.
SIMON
Start down here -
SIMON (CONT'D)
Make the incision, bring it up
toward the gills.
SETH
Can’t fish not feel pain? Like
because of their brains.
SIMON
I think that’s a myth. Ly?
ELI
Fish brains produce the same
opioids that mammals do in response
to pain. So...they feel SOMETHING.
SIMON
It’s your fish.
SETH
Ly, you wanna do it?
ELI
Seth. Come on. Simon and I won’t
always be around to cut the crusts
off your PB&Js.
SETH
I almost died today. Remember?
ELI
It’s tough love, baby. You’ll thank
us one day.
ELI (CONT'D)
Y’all see that? Spanish moss makes
for great kindling.
SETH
OK I got it. Just need to get -
Seth’s EARS RING with tinnitus. Simon speaks to Seth, but his
voice is muffled beneath the high-pitched ringing.
SIMON
Sit down. Give me that.
SETH
Simon. Chill. I’m fine.
SIMON
Don’t wave that knife around!
ELI
(under his breath)
Sure thing Dad.
Suddenly the fish FLOPS off the table and onto the ground.
SETH
How is that even possible? It was
in the cooler all afternoon.
Seth grabs the enormous fish with both hands and lifts it off
the ground.
SETH (CONT'D)
Fuck! It fucking bit me!
Eli hops over to the scene of the crime and pins the
squirming fish to the ground with his knee.
ELI
Give me the knife.
ELI (CONT'D)
Watch. Quick and clean. Don’t drag
it out.
Eli JABS the fish with the blade handle, directly above the
eyes. The blow is light, but precise.
SIMON
Ly - take over, please. I’ll clean
Seth up.
ELI
Already on it, Dad.
SIMON
Give it a rest, Professor.
Seth watches Eli work as Simon tapes gauze around his injury.
He then removes the fish’s entrails and gills with his hands.
Cool and clinical, as if he’s replacing the batteries from a
TV remote.
SIMON
Seems like good a time as any.
Eli and Seth look at each other - not sure what to expect.
49.
Simon returns with two unmarked boxes - one large, one small.
He hands the large box to Eli and the smaller one to Seth.
SIMON (CONT'D)
I know you both put a lot into this
weekend. Money, thought, time...it
means a lot.
ELI
Dude. Nowhere else we’d rather be.
SETH
Absolutely man.
SIMON
I know. And I’ll do the same for
you when it’s your turn. But just
humor me and open them.
Eli opens his box first and pulls out a very professional and
expensive-looking blazer.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Rose helped me pick it out. For
when you get the adjunct job.
ELI
Jesus dude. This is...too nice.
SIMON
Ly. We talked about this. Don’t get
down on yourself. Don’t negotiate
against yourself. You belong there
as much as anyone.
Seth opens his smaller box and sees what’s inside. A folded
piece of paper.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Just a picture for now. The actual
gift is too -- you’ll see.
SIMON (CONT'D)
What do you think?
50.
SETH
I don’t know what to say. Thank
you.
ELI
Oh shit dude. Aren’t those like a
thousand bucks?
SIMON
Rose says they’re the best. It’s
the same model she wants us to get.
SETH
It’s...super generous.
SIMON
Do you think June will like it?
ELI
We actually have something for you
too, bachelor boy.
SIMON
You shouldn’t have.
Eli hands Simon the little book he stole from the Museum.
SIMON (CONT'D)
What’s this?
ELI
Found it on eBay. Old captain’s log
from the 1920s.
SIMON
Fuck, that IS cool! You know I love
this stuff.
ELI
We thought maybe you could use it
for Secrets.
51.
SIMON
Thank you guys. Seriously. I’m
gonna read it first thing tomorrow.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Tonight - we’re celebrating.
JUNE
Did you wash your hands?
JUNE (CONT'D)
There’s not enough cake for
everyone.
SETH
Let’s just go home.
JUNE
I’d love a bath.
52.
SETH
Junie?
ELI
Matter is neither created nor
destroyed! It can only change
state. Life is motion. Change is
eternal.
Seth looks down and realizes he’s only wearing his board
shorts - he’s the only one not in formal period clothing.
SETH
I left my church clothes at home.
JUNE
Shhh. You always do this.
SIMON
I exorcise thee, unclean spirit, in
the name of the Father and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit, that
thou goest out and depart from this
servant of God, Seth.
53.
SETH
Stop! What are you doing?!
SIMON
Seth.
ELI
Seth.
JUNE (O.S.)
Seth.
SETH
Can I come in?
The tile floor and bathtub are completely smeared with blood -
as are June’s hands and forearms and lower body.
June meets Seth’s eyes. Her cheeks are wet with silent tears.
SETH
Junie.
Seth looks crushed - like his soul has been ripped out of his
body.
Seth JOLTS awake in his sleeping bag, sweaty and gasping from
his latest nightmare.
54.
The truck speeds south toward Hatteras, Eli behind the wheel.
SIMON (V.O.)
“September 7, 1920. Norfolk. A
peculiar man approached me on the
docks today, as I prepared to lunch
with McLellan. His most striking
feature was his miscolored eyes -
one the color of strong coffee, the
other as blue as the Caribbean. His
accent was that of an Irishman -
McLellan thought Australian.”
SIMON (V.O.)
He begged our permission to make a
picture of the entire crew for the
local gazette with his new Eastman
folding camera apparatus. I agreed,
so that our employer might see his
ship in the paper and take pride in
the fame of his enterprise.”
ELI (V.O.)
I still dream about those tits.
Simon - you remember Becca?
SIMON
No.
SETH
Jenny Foster?
ELI
Just hand stuff. Doesn’t count
according to Eli rules.
SIMON
Can we not do this? It feels very
high school.
SIMON (CONT'D)
I’m not trying to be a dick. I’m
just trying to figure out if this
would make a good story for
Secrets. Something more historical
and...serious.
ELI
Respect the work-free zone, amigo.
You said so yourself - we all put
work and life on hold to be here.
Live a little.
ELI (CONT'D)
Don’t worry dude - you have the
rest of your life to be boring.
SIMON
Alright assholes. Simon says...Maui
Wowie.
ELI
Simon says!
ELI (CONT'D)
Now. As I was saying.
ELI (CONT'D)
As is SACRED TRADITION BEFORE HOLY
MATRIMONY: thou must listeth - and
reflecteth - on every maiden thou
hast ever fucked.
SIMON
Ly. I’m saying this out of love -
you sound like an asshole.
ELI
Impossible. I’m a scientist.
56.
SIMON
Who talks like a thirty-year old
frat boy.
SETH
Broseph Stalin.
ELI
Fuck you guys. Give me that.
SETH
PULL THE FUCK OVER JESUS!
Eli slams the brakes and screeches the truck onto the
shoulder of the highway.
Eli, Seth, and Simon stand outside the truck, looking at the
pelican. It’s somehow still alive - but hurt.
The bird sits on the ground in front of the truck. One wing
is disfigured - it appears to be broken.
SETH
Holy SHIT.
ELI
Do not fucking touch that bird.
SETH
We can’t just...leave it.
Seth reaches out and rests his palm on the pelican’s body.
ELI
Seth. I don’t want fucking ticks in
my truck. Seabirds carry every
parasite known to man.
SIMON
There’s not much we can do for it.
SETH
What about...Animal Control?
ELI
The euthanasia squad? That’s all
Animal Control does dude. And
scrape up roadkill.
SIMON
We’re not going to leave him to
suffer. None of us want that.
ELI
Exactly. We’re gonna do it quickly
and humanely.
SETH
You mean kill it? Why?
SIMON
Not killing. Mercy-killing. Eli’s
right - that’s all Animal Control’s
gonna do. This guy’s too far gone.
ELI
Nature is cruel. Circle of life.
SETH
It’s not nature. We hit it. We
should try to save it.
SIMON
Let’s list out the pros and cons.
One - mercy-kill. Two - animal
control.
ELI
Dudes. Enough of the model UN shit.
Let’s just get it over with.
SIMON SETH
We can still take a-- You don’t know--
NOTE: The impact and implied death all takes place off-
screen.
SIMON (CONT'D)
What the FUCK man!
SETH
Holy shit!
Eli looks down in shock at the mangled bird beneath his foot.
ELI
Oh my god.
ELI (CONT'D)
I thought it would be...clean.
SETH
I’m gonna puke.
Seth backs away, turns and runs into the woods by the road.
59.
He removes his phone from his pocket and dials JUNE. The
phone rings 5 times - no answer. A recorded voicemail message
kicks in:
JUNE (V.O.)
It’s June - you know what to do.
SETH
Hey Junie. Just wanted to check in
on you...something really fucked up
just happened but...we’re fine,
it’s not...
Seth looks around - he can’t see the guys through the trees.
SETH (CONT'D)
That’s not why I called. I
just...hope you’re feeling better
today. I miss you. I love you.
The wind whips and SCREAMS! Seth holds onto a large live oak
to keep from being knocked over.
All three guys are back inside the truck, still parked.
ELI
What are our options?
SIMON
What do you think Seth?
SETH
I think - that Eli’s a fucking
psycho who tortures animals.
ELI
I saved your life yesterday but now
I’m a psycho?
SIMON
It was an accident. Eli feels bad
about it.
ELI
Don’t act like I enjoyed that. We
had two bad choices.
SETH
Your choice fucking sucked.
ELI
If you hadn’t almost drowned
yesterday I’d tell you to quit
being such a pouty little bitch.
SETH
Fuck you! You’re such an asshole.
ELI
Fuck ME? Seriously?
SIMON
Hey! Both of you. Enough. It’s
done. We’re moving on.
ELI
I agree. Let’s put it behind us.
SIMON
Drive super slow? Like 30?
ELI
These little shards could fly out
any minute and fuck us right in the
eyes. We need to get it cleaned out
and replaced.
SIMON
Today?
ELI
We can do it in the morning I
guess. I just can’t really drive
like this.
Simon sighs.
SIMON
Camping’s kind of fucked tonight
with the rain too.
SETH
So...motel?
SIMON
There’s a couple nearby with decent
reviews. Oh shit - this one has a
jacuzzi. And there’s an Applebee’s
next door. We can hit happy hour.
Eli drives the truck very slowly along the highway. Broken
glass rattles in the windshield as if it’s about to fall out.
ELI
Well this fuckin’ sucks.
He drives slowly with his head out the window - the cracked
windshield is difficult to see through.
62.
SIMON
Watch out for this guy.
SETH
He looks drunk.
ELI
What is the deal with these big-ass
lifted trucks driving like dicks?
SIMON
It’s a testosterone thing. Gotta
prove you’re a BIG MAN.
SETH
That’s the same truck. From
yesterday. In Rodanthe.
SIMON
The...one you flipped off?
SETH
Ly.
ELI
What is this guy doing?
SETH
He’s not slowing down.
ELI
The fuck!
SIMON
Jesus christ!
SETH
Who is this asshole?
Eli stomps the gas pedal. The truck snaps into high speed.
The water of the inlet has risen to cover the beginning and
end of the bridge. The metal surface is still visible in the
center, but barely.
Eli CHARGES the truck across the bridge through the rising
water. The pelicans SHRIEK and fly off into the storm.
ELI
Is he crossing?!?
SETH
Ly.
SIMON
Whoa.
ELI
What? What’s up?
64.
ELI (CONT'D)
Where’d they go?
SETH
Off...road?
SIMON
Who the fuck cares! Do NOT slow
down! Keep going!
ELI
I don’t understand! GPS says this
is the place!
SIMON
Fuck the GPS! Do you see a goddamn
motel?
SETH
Is that...
ELI
God DAMMIT.
SIMON
The FUCK Eli?! Did you put in the
wrong address?
ELI
Fuck no!
SETH
Definitely not the Super 8.
ELI
Thank you Seth. Extremely
insightful.
ELI (CONT'D)
I don’t fucking understand this.
Seth and I have surfed down here a
million times. We cross that bridge
and then connect back to the
highway and ride that into town.
Which we did.
SETH
I’ve never seen THAT bridge in my
life.
ELI
Dude. Yes you have! Are you fucking
with me right now?
SETH
Ly. Just admit we’re lost.
ELI
I don’t get fucking lost. I am
temporarily disoriented.
SIMON
God dammit Ly. Just backtrack,
alright? Across the bridge and
we’ll retrace our steps.
ELI (V.O.)
Fun fact: there didn’t even use to
BE a bridge here. Til a hurricane
tore through the island and made a
new inlet. One island became two.
Just like that.
ELI
The earth is really a process more
than an entity. Constantly
changing, just like the cells in
our bodies.
SIMON
Could you please shut the fuck up
for ten seconds so I can hear
myself think? It’s like you have
Asperger’s or something. Jesus.
ELI
Your party bro.
ELI
Come on...
ELI (CONT'D)
Try again.
SETH
Couldn’t you have found somewhere
with fucking lights on? Or a car in
the parking lot? Jesus.
SIMON
Hello! Hello?!
SIMON (CONT'D)
We’ve had a car accident! And now
we’re lost!
SETH
Hello?? Anyone?
THE OLD MAN from yesterday stares at them from across the
room!
SIMON
Um...hello sir. We’re sorry to come
in like this but we’ve--
HAROLD (O.S.)
Dad? What is it?
SIMON
Hey! Harold! Remember me? Secrets
of the Past?
HAROLD
Y’all just let yourselves in?
SIMON
I’m sorry. It’s an emergency. We
had a car accident and we need
rooms for the night.
HAROLD
Dad. It’s OK. They’re guests.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
You woke my dad.
ELI
We’re fine, by the way. Thanks for
asking.
SIMON
(whispering)
Stop talking. God dammit.
SETH
We’re really sorry for waking you.
HAROLD
Dad. You gotta go back to bed. It’s
late.
The Old Man grunts and leaves the room without a word,
leaving Harold alone with the guys.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
Let me see what’s available on such
short notice.
The guys give each other a look of: is he fucking with us?
There are clearly no other guests here.
69.
Harold moves behind the check-in desk and taps away at the
computer as if he’s writing a novel.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
Looks like you’re in luck. Both of
our guest rooms are available.
ELI
There’s three of us.
HAROLD
I’m sure you’ll work it out.
Eli and Seth sit on a queen bed. Their wet clothes are hung
up throughout the room.
Both guys sit as far away from each other as possible in such
close quarters.
ELI
Is it just me or is Simon kind of
being a tool?
SETH
Do you mind if I have the room for
a minute? I wanna call June.
ELI
So call June.
SETH
I’d like some fucking privacy.
ELI
So go in the fucking hallway.
SETH
Come on dude. I’m in my underwear.
ELI
So am I.
SETH
Cool. Be a fucking dick about it.
Seth steps into a pair of jeans and moves toward the door.
70.
ELI
Tell June hello for me.
SIMON (V.O.)
The Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic.
SIMON
What the hell?
SIMON (V.O.)
Centuries of mystery and tragedy
lie buried here, in the swamps and
sands of--
SIMON
What the FUCK is this?
Simon aims the remote and clicks repeatedly. The remote won’t
respond. His ‘show’ plays on.
SIMON (V.O.)
I’m Simon Jones, your spirit guide
to the Secrets of the Past!
Simon rifles through his bag and removes the captain’s log
that Eli and Seth gave him last night.
He takes out a notepad and pen and lays everything on the bed
in front of him. He looks at his tools, determined.
SETH
Fucking hate this place.
SIMON (O.S.)
What?
SETH
Do you know the wifi password?
SIMON (O.S.)
No. Go to bed dude.
SETH
I’m trying to call June and there’s
no service.
SIMON (O.S.)
Ask Harold.
SETH
I don’t wanna piss him off any more
than we already--
72.
SIMON (O.S.)
Go look in the lobby then. For
fuck’s sake dude. I can’t do
everything for you.
SETH
Cool. Love you too man.
Seth heads down the hallway, toward the lobby and museum.
Seth enters the doorway, sweeping his light over the room. He
stares at the back wall when he sees:
The snake rears back into its own strike position, ready to
strike at the bird and consume her young.
Seth shines his light on the tiny village: the same villagers
and buildings and animals that Simon saw earlier. Encircled
by trees as before.
Simon sits on the bed and reads the ship’s log that Eli gave
him, jotting ideas on his notepad as he reads.
SIMON (V.O.)
“January 16, 1921. Bermuda.
McLellan and Bates look at me with
what seems like a shared disdain -
though perhaps these are my own
paranoid delusions brought on by
the extended time at sea. I fear
they are considering a mutiny. I
pray I am wrong.”
Simon jumps!
SIMON
Seth. I told you--
ELI (O.S.)
It’s me.
74.
SIMON
WHAT.
ELI (O.S.)
Can I use your charger?
SIMON
God dammit Ly.
Simon gets up and opens the door and shoves the charger into
Eli’s hand.
ELI
What’s your problem dude? You’ve
had sand in your vagina all night.
SIMON
Nothing. Just...
SIMON (CONT'D)
When we were here yesterday, do you
remember seeing an exhibit about
the word “CROATOAN?”
IT’S SIMON.
SETH
Holy. Shit.
SETH (CONT'D)
Houston, we have a stalker.
Seth scans the space with his light and gasps as he sees -
SIMON
Some people think it’s...a curse.
ELI
Are you for fucking real right now?
SIMON
I’m just telling you historical
facts. The word “Croatoan” is
linked to a lot of mysterious
deaths and disappearances.
ELI
I don’t believe in magic spells.
SIMON
They found it written over and over
in Edgar Allan Poe’s diary from the
day before he died. Like he’d lost
his mind or something.
ELI
I’m sure his lifestyle of alcohol,
depression and incest had nothing
to do with that.
76.
SIMON
Amelia Earhart broadcast it over
her plane’s radio. Before she
vanished.
ELI
And Elvis was her copilot.
SIMON
Look at the last page.
Eli flips to the last page, sees the word scrawled across.
ELI
So what?
SIMON
I KNOW this story. This is the
“Ghost Ship” of Hatteras.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Not a single body on the shipwreck.
No bones or remains. No evidence of
a fight. AND the word Croatoan
written in the manifest.
ELI
And...?
SIMON
And apparently it was in the
captain’s log too.
ELI
Anyone could have written that. I
got it on eBay.
SIMON
This captain wrote about meeting a
weird guy with one brown and one
blue eye. With a strange accent.
(MORE)
77.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Who took the crew’s photo. Just
like Harold...
ELI
Oh shit Simon. Harold must be
CONNECTED to the story in this
totally reliable hundred-year old
journal. He must be a spooky pirate
ghost!
SIMON
Cool. Be a dick.
ELI
Maybe he’s the devil! Hail Satan!
SETH
Wise old owl...
Seth gently presses one pair into the OWL’s empty sockets.
SETH (CONT'D)
You’re welcome...
SETH (CONT'D)
Sound effects? Jesus.
Simon and Eli have drifted toward the scale model diorama -
the same one was Seth was looking at a few minutes ago.
SIMON
There’s something off about Harold.
About all this.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Are you seriously going to ignore
all the evidence that’s in front of
you?
ELI
Evidence of what? That we’re in an
alternate dimension? That the guy
who owns this place is a fucking
ghost? Who makes people vanish?
SIMON
You’re twisting my words.
ELI
I’m not twisting shit. You sound
ridiculous enough on your own.
SIMON
Alright professor - what’s your
theory of whatever the fuck is
going on here?
79.
ELI
That we’re exhausted and strung out
in the middle of a bad storm, in
extremely creepy surroundings. And
PERHAPS letting our minds play
tricks on us.
SIMON
Placebo effect. Very original.
ELI
The placebo effect is actually
real. More real than your little
ghost ships and island spirits.
SIMON
Fuck you dude. You’re so fucking
arrogant sometimes.
ELI
I’M arrogant? Simon you need to
fucking step back bro.
SIMON
You talk down to us constantly and
I’m fucking sick of it. Being an
unemployed thirty year old with a
masters doesn’t make you fucking
Einstein.
ELI
OK, well YOU patronize US
constantly and I’M sick of it. Just
because you make a derivative, hack-
ass TV show doesn’t mean you have
anything interesting to say.
Seth passes beneath the arch and proceeds into the display.
Like the June statue, the wooden bodies are dressed in actual
period clothing. Faces painted on in an earnest folk-art
style.
81.
The trees behind the colonists are all marked with a word
carved into the trunk - “CROATOAN”
SETH
Croatoan...
A few cans of spray paint lie next to the Father’s feet - the
only sign of present technology within the display.
Eli and Simon sit on the ground next to each other, smoking
cigarettes in silence. Not fighting.
SIMON
I’m sorry Ly. That was fucked up.
82.
ELI
I shouldn’t have said that.
ELI (CONT'D)
You take a punch like a champ, I
have to admit.
Simon smiles.
SIMON
You still swing like a bitch.
Eli rolls his eyes and laughs. He stubs out his cigarette and
gestures at their strange surroundings.
ELI
Can you at least admit that you’re
WAY over-thinking all this -
whatever it is? Uncertainty makes
the mind go to dark places.
SIMON
Ly. Look at this shit. It’s clearly
directed at me. He knows about my
show. He must be fucking with me.
ELI
Why though?
SIMON
Why? For fun. Because he’s an
insane psychopath. A lonely stalker
who--
ELI
Hey! Finally.
SIMON
What is it? Did you see something?
SETH
I think this guy Harold is like...a
creep or something.
ELI
Creep how?
SETH
I think he’s stalking you? I dunno.
But something’s not right.
ELI
Where’s the evidence?
SETH
This was at the diorama. With the
little film crew.
Seth removes the figure of Simon from his pocket and shows
the guys.
ELI
Oh shit.
SIMON
This is way fucked up.
SETH
There’s more over there - where I
just was.
SETH (CONT'D)
What the hell is that?
The film crew figurines are still present at the edge of the
colonial village, but now the little cameraman and boom
operator are aiming at TWO NEW FIGURINES IN MODERN CLOTHING:
SETH (CONT'D)
What the fuck dude? Did one of you
do this?
ELI
Why didn’t we see this before?
SIMON
Because it wasn’t fucking here.
ELI
Is that supposed to be June? And
YOU?
SIMON
Is that supposed to be...BLOOD?
SIMON (CONT'D)
You said there was more?
Eli and Simon see the replica humans for the first time.
ELI
Is this some cult shit? Do you
think Harold fucks these things?
SIMON
It’s the Roanoke colony. The ‘lost’
one.
SETH
I’ve been seeing that a lot.
SIMON
Where else?
SETH
On a tree...after the whole
pelican...thing.
85.
ELI
Doesn’t prove anything.
SETH
What? What’s Croatoan?
SIMON
The English found it carved on a
tree when they came back to search
for the lost colony. Supposedly.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Another one, Ly.
ELI
Give it a fucking rest.
SETH
What’s it mean? Is it Native?
SIMON
The Croatoans were a local tribe
who’d been helping the colonists. A
lot of people think the colony just
fled to the Croatoans when they ran
out of food - that they were never
“lost” at all.
SIMON (CONT'D)
They just...became part of someone
else’s history.
Eli plows ahead through the village, toward the cemetery and
the second path leading deeper into the “Forest.”
ELI
SETH? Is this what you saw?
ELI
Holy shit.
SETH
I think I saw something else in the
distance too. Hold up.
Seth plunges deeper into the ‘Forest,’ leaving Eli and Simon
alone with the Simon statue.
SIMON
Is this a fucking prank? Did y’all
rent this house? Did you pay
Harold? Is he an actor?
ELI
No.
SIMON
So what is it?! Is this an escape
room? Is there a stripper in here
who looks like Rose?
HAROLD (O.S.)
I fucking knew it! Don’t move.
SIMON
Harold! What the hell is--
HAROLD
You must think I’m pretty fucking
stupid huh? Some dumb hick?
Eli goes down on the ground to help his friend. Simon’s nose
is bleeding and appears to be broken.
ELI
The fuck man! He wasn’t doing
anything to you!
SIMON
Please! We’ll leave! Just let--
87.
HAROLD
Shut the FUCK up! You’re not going
anywhere.
HAROLD (CONT'D)
Where’s your friend?
Once the light beam passes, Seth gently removes his shoes,
doing his best not to make any noise.
Simon and Eli sit on the ground, hands raised like hostages.
SIMON
Please don’t kill us.
HAROLD
You idiots aren’t worth a murder
charge. But we’re sure as shit
pressing on YOU for grand larceny.
SIMON
Larceny? What are you--
HAROLD
Dad was right about you, huh. I
didn’t want to believe him.
He focuses on Eli.
SIMON
What’s he talking about, Ly?
ELI
I have no idea!
HAROLD
That’s why you’re back here now.
Right? You got the Deering log and
now you’re back for more.
88.
ELI
No!
HAROLD
And YOU were just the fucking
distraction, huh! While your
friends rob us blind?
SIMON
I don’t know what you’re talking
about! Honest!
ELI
We don’t--
HAROLD
SHUT UP! Both of you. Can’t hear my
own damn thoughts.
HAROLD (O.S.)
So you’re saying...my Dad is lying?
Or maybe he’s just senile?
ELI (O.S.)
I didn’t say--
HAROLD (O.S.)
Shut the FUCK up!
SIMON (O.S.)
Put the gun down! Please!
SETH
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
SIMON
What the fuck do you want from us?
Why do you have all these
carvings!?
ELI
Is this a cult thing?!?
HAROLD
Cult thing? What the hell are--
SIMON
Holy shit!
HAROLD
AGHH!
Harold trains his gun on Seth as the blood spurts wildly from
his neck.
Eli and Simon jump up and TACKLE Harold before he can fire.
Eli pins Harold to the ground with his knee while Simon pries
the gun from his hand.
ELI
Oh my god dude.
ELI (CONT'D)
Seth - what the FUCK?
The guys back away from the injured man, standing around him
in a circle, shaken.
SETH
He was gonna shoot you!
SIMON
Seth. You did the right thing.
90.
ELI
What? How can you say that?
SIMON
He was going to hurt us.
ELI
I...don’t--
SIMON
He’s gotta be into some...cult
shit. Or stalking me. I’m not sure
exactly which. But it can’t all be
a coincidence.
SETH
I saw him in the woods too. This
morning.
SIMON ELI
WHAT? WHAT?
SETH
I think he’s been following us.
SIMON
Holy shit. Do you think he was the
one in the truck?
ELI
Come on! Do you know how insane you
both sound? We just fucking KILLED
A MAN.
SETH
It was self-defense! He had a gun!
ELI
It’s HIS place!
SETH
So what do we...do with him?
ELI
What do you mean, do?
91.
SETH
I’m not going to fucking prison!
ELI
You??? I’m the one who’s fucked!
SIMON
Everyone calm the FUCK down!
Nobody’s going to--
Seth leaps out of the way just as the truck PLOWS through a
group of small trees, completely destroying them.
The Black Truck takes off and speeds right toward Eli and
Simon!
Eli and Simon stumble back into the “Village” of the Lost
Colony, looking for somewhere to hide.
ELI
The huts!
Simon and Eli duck into two separate huts and hide.
Eli takes a deep breath and peeks his head through the
doorway.
ELI POV: The truck idles from a short distance, pointing its
headlights directly at Simon’s hut.
ELI
SIMON! GO!
The Black Truck PLOWS THROUGH SIMON AND THE ENTIRE HUT!
ELI (CONT'D)
NO!
His lifeless body separates from the truck and tumbles to the
ground.
ELI (CONT'D)
No no no. Holy fuck. Simon.
The Black Truck idles on top of the wood and straw wreckage.
ELI (CONT'D)
Oh my god oh my god.
ELI
SETH! SETH god dammit...
The Black Truck reverses off the pile of debris from Simon’s
destroyed hut.
Hands emerge from the wreckage! They hoist a body through the
rubble--
SIMON! But--
His head has been smashed in. His lower leg is badly broken,
splintered off at a grotesque angle.
The bones in Simon’s skull fuse and re-form. Skin regrows and
covers his open wounds and exposed bones. His leg snaps back
into place.
One of Simon’s eyes is now dark brown, the other light blue.
Most noticeable of all - Seth and Eli each have one blue and
one brown eye.
A taxidermied OWL stares down at Eli. It’s the same one Seth
put eyes into. It sits perfectly still.
SETH (O.S.)
Eli? You over there!
ELI
Here! By this big tree!
ATTACKS ELI!
ELI (CONT'D)
AGGHGHH!
The Owl screeches, slashes at Eli’s face and eyes with razor-
sharp talons. Eli slaps wildly at the bird.
ELI (CONT'D)
GET IT THE FUCK OFF ME!
Seth swings wildly with Simon’s knife and HITS THE OWL!
ELI (CONT'D)
OH MY GOD!
SETH
Oh my god Ly. Let me see.
Eli removes his hand from his eye. Seth jumps back!
ELI
Seth it hurts so bad. Is it bad?
SETH
I need you to breathe, OK bud?
You’re gonna be alright.
ELI
It hurts so FUCKING bad! I can’t
see anything out of it!
SETH
We’re gonna get you to the hospital
right now. Where’s Simon?
96.
SETH (CONT'D)
It’s OK...Ly...its OK...
SETH (CONT'D)
It’s OK Ly! Look.
Seth clicks the light on. It’s pointed at him and illuminates
his face.
SETH (CONT'D)
Don’t be afraid.
SETH
SIMON!
ELI
I told you dude. It fucking mowed
him down!
SETH
Are you sure that’s what you saw?
Seth and Eli turn and face the source of the light, squinting
and covering their eyes.
ELI
Yes.
ELI (CONT'D)
WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!
SETH
Can you climb?
ELI
Yeah--
SETH
Go!
SETH (CONT'D)
You OK?
ELI
Fuck no I’m not OK! I’m not fucking
DEAD yet - if that’s what you’re
asking.
They stare at the truck for what feels like forever, waiting
for their tormentor to emerge.
SETH
I’m going down there.
98.
ELI
Don’t.
SETH
We have to.
Seth SLAMS the door and jumps away from the truck.
ELI
This doesn’t make any fucking
sense!
SETH
Shine your headlight that way.
ELI
Fuck that. I’m not going back
there. We have to leave!
SETH
We have to find Simon! And get
Harold’s body. And then we’re out,
I promise.
SETH
Give me your lighter.
ELI
The fuck! What are you doing!
SETH
For a signal! Like a bonfire. Simon
will see it.
ELI
Dude for the last time. Simon is
FUCKING DEAD.
SETH
SIMON! We’re over here!
The fire spreads quickly among the wood structures and jumps
to the figurines, illuminating the entire area with an orange
glow.
ELI
HOLY SHIT!
SETH
OH MY GOD SIMON!
Simon SCREAMS AND SPRINTS toward Seth, his face and body
consumed by fire like a vision of hell!
ELI
AGHGHHHH!
The flames leap from Eli’s shirt to the rest of his clothing!
ELI (CONT'D)
SETH!
Seth aims the gun at the two burning men fighting to the
death. It’s tough to distinguish their features in the
chaotic motion and swirls of flame.
SETH FIRES!
Simon freezes--
ELI (CONT'D)
AGHHHH!
Seth rolls Eli’s body back and forth on the ground until the
flames are stamped out.
SETH
Oh my god. Ly.
ELI
Seth - it hurts so fucking bad...
SETH
We’re gonna get you to the
hospital. You’re gonna be OK.
ELI
Kill me. Now. Please.
SETH
Ly.
ELI
Make it stop.
SETH
Don’t make me do that. Not after--
SETH (CONT'D)
Simon...
ELI
Not Simon.
ELI (CONT'D)
Do it.
SETH
No! We’re getting you help. We just
need to find a way to...move you.
SETH (CONT'D)
We’ll call an ambulance.
ELI
Seth. Please.
SETH
I’m not losing you too.
ELI
You can name your kid Eli.
SETH
We--
SETH (CONT'D)
OK. Alright.
ELI
Burn the bodies.
SETH
Ly.
ELI
SETH
I love you guys. I’m so sorry.
ELI
Don’t be.
Seth forces his eyes shut. Silent tears flow down his cheeks.
The same two pelicans glide over North Carolina state road
12.
Seth embraces June, sobbing. He kisses her like it’s his last
day on earth.
The Old Man shovels dirt into a hole in the ‘cemetery’ area
of the village - or what remains of it.
Charred debris and splintered wood litter the yard where the
village once stood.
The Old Man hammers 4 new wooden crosses into the ‘cemetery
yard.’
CUT TO BLACK.