Original subtitles

[music]

[rhythmic applause]

[baby cooing]

[suspenseful music]

What are you doing?

Nothing. I thought I heard Brandon crying.

You going someplace?

No.

No, I'm not.

What's in the bag?

Nothing its just Brandon's belongings.

It's Brandon's.

What’s in the bag.

Please. It's nothing.

Sam, please. I--

[Brandon cries]

Please, for me. Please.

[screams] [Brandon cries]

Mrs. Labon,

I was asking if she has a name yet.

Yes.

Natasha.

She's beautiful.

Thank you.

Do the doctors know why she was born premature?

Not yet.

Have you been under any kind of stress

lately?

Why?

Well, stress and anxiety can be one

of the causes of premature birth.

She's a tough girl,

only seven months in and she's ready to take

on the world.

Or maybe it was just too painful to stay inside.

You know,

Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Stevie Wonder

were all premature babies.

I'd say that's not a coincidence.

They were all fighting for their lives

since the day they were born.

You seem like a fighter too.

Did you hear that?

You're a fighter like Mama?

[applause] [music]

[Melody’s Voice] It was 1987, Iranian New Year.

We were celebrating Nowruz with dates back over 3000 years.

Its purpose is to celebrate the beginning of Spring,

the renewal of nature.

It symbolized much more than that.

It was a passing of the torch.

When the older family members would shower

the young generation with money and gifts.

All Iranians loved to entertain.

Whenever the doorbell rang,

I ran to see who had arrived, and in typical Iranian fashion,

welcomed everyone with kisses.

Those years were surrounded by family at love.

During the reign of the late Shah of Iran,

many sought change

and believed Islamists would bring a better life

to the people of Iran.

The revolution

abolished the monarchy

and the Ayatollah,

the religious Muslim fundamentalists

seized power.

However, the outcome was far from what people had hoped for.

Violence

and disarray ensued, and people's freedom

was gradually shipped away, especially those of women.

My beloved daughter Darya

always wanted to become a doctor.

She was eight years old when the bombings of the cities

and civilians intensified.

[explosions outside of house]

It was that day, I decided it was time

for my daughter

to leave Iran for good.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[screams]

[foreign language] [screams]

[foreign language]

[phone ringing]

Hello.

Hello.

[heavy breathing]

[news program on computer]

Take off those headphones, please.

Headphones off.

Good girl.

It's for your own benefit.

You'll thank me later.

My God, what are you watching?

World War II?

No.

It's Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War.

Mom, were you there?

Where?

Oh, yes.

Yes, I was.

I lost my best friend there,

actually.

Our school was blown up, too.

She was only 12.

Damn.

How did you get out?

I was one of the lucky ones, I guess.

It's okay, I'm here.

That's hard to watch.

[Doorbell ringing]

I got it.

Hi.

Is your mom home?

Mom?

Yes.

The police are here.

What's going on?

Hi, can I help you?

Darya Labon?

Yes, it's Davoudi now, my maiden name.

Ms. Davoudi, my name is Detective Emmanuel Goddard,

LAPD homicide.

This is my partner, Detective Janet Carter.

May we speak to you in private, please?

Sure.

Can you go up to your rooms, please?

-Mom. -It's okay.

Go ahead. It's okay.

Please, come in.

Thank you.

Would you like to have a seat?

No, thank you,

Ms. Davoudi.

Gosh, no easy way to say this.

I'm going to come right out with it.

We believe your life is in danger

and that someone wants to harm you.

Harm me?

Who?

Why?

What's your relationship like with your ex-husband, Sam Labon?

Why are you asking me about Sam?

Is he okay, or--

When's the last time you spoke to him?

He actually just recently helped my father

with something with his passport.

What is this about?

Ms. Davoudi, your ex-husband has put a hit out on your life.

I'm sorry, what?

He made a credible attempt to hire a hitman to torture

and kill you.

Sam?

No, that's not possible.

I know my ex-husband.

He can be intense at times, but he would never do anything

like that. -Is there any reason

why you think he'd want to do this to you?

No.

No.

I don't know.

Everything is fine.

Our divorce was just finalized two weeks ago,

and the judge actually ordered him

to pay me $2.5 million, but I ended up forgiving that.

I let him keep the property, and there must be some mistake.

We have something to show you.

I want to warn you, it won't be easy to watch.

[Sam] -I want the face, the legs, the back,

the spine all messed up,

and permanent damage.

I need to know when it's going to happen,

because I need an alibi, right?

I need her hurt from her spine to her knees.

You want me to kill her?

If she dies, I got no problem with that.

Okay.

Can I get you anything,

water, tea, anything?

Ms. Davoudi,

we can help you.

We're going to need to find some place where you

and your children can stay.

Oh, no, I'm not leaving.

This is my home.

Where am I supposed to go?

My kids are in school.

Why can't you just arrest him now,

you have this video?

No arrest can be made at this time,

but I guarantee you, we are monitoring him.

What is important is that you and your children find

some place that you can stay for a few weeks.

This can't be happening.

I'm not doing that.

Why don't you and your kids pack up some things

and we will escort you to the airport.

You want us to leave right now?

Ms. Davoudi, a credible threat has been made upon your life,

and I can guarantee these guys do not wait around.

I suggest you pack light, you leave your phones

and other electronic devices, and you meet us outside.

Detective.

She had no idea.

Didn't she?

Mom, is everything okay?

We have to leave.

We have to leave now.

I need you to pack a bag, both of you.

Okay, bring only what you need.

-What did the police say? -Why? What's going on?

Just bring some clothes for a week or two.

Bring your school stuff.

Don't forget your school stuff.

Do not bring your phones, actually.

Leave your phones here.

Look, you hear me?

[Natasha] -You're scaring us.

Look, please, just do as I say, I will explain later.

And hurry.

[suspensful music]

Okay. Here, give me those.

Thank you. You guys get in.

I got it. -Thank you.

Mom,

you got to tell us what's going on now.

They think someone wants to harm me.

What? Who?

That's all I'm going to say.

Mom, who?

-Hey, is it Dad? -I can't breathe.

I can't breathe. -Mom.

-Hey, you're okay. -It's okay.

-You're okay. -Please breathe with us.

[Manny] -You got to get in.

Okay, yes.

Mom, we got to go. Okay? we got to go.

Yes, go ahead.

Come in.

It's sorted.

[music]

This is a burner phone.

This is how we reach you when you land.

Keep it someplace safe.

Where are we going?

To a friend's.

You said you had a friend in Miami?

Yes, I do.

Call them and we'll book you

on the next flight out.

And kids, don’t call your dad.

[soft piano music]

[Max] -Darya, welcome to Miami.

Oh, my God, I'm so glad you had me so worried.

Oh, you have no idea how much this means to me

and to all of us, really.

It's always good to see you, Dee.

You, too.

And you two.

My God, you're getting taller by the day.

-Yes? -Yes.

Just wait till I get you on the court.

Challenge accepted.

Look at this lovely lady.

Hi.

[suspensful music]

Okay, talk to me.

What's going on?

Later. Can we actually--

Can we go up to the rooms?

Yes, sure.

We're already checked in, so I got everything.

Let's go. Follow me.

Come on, guys.

All right, there we go.

I don't understand.

I don't believe it.

The fact that he would want to harm me

or kill me.

Really?

The mother of his children.

It doesn't feel real.

Yeah, I know, I know.

I'm glad you came to me.

Look at this.

I forgot so many things.

I don't even know what I packed.

All right, look,

why don't I go out and I'll pick up anything you

and the kids need, okay?

You're the best.

Damn straight.

I'll be back.

Okay.

You good, Mom?

Yes. Yes.

I'm fine.

How about you?

I'm okay.

Yes?

Yes.

I think I'm just going to take my ball out,

try to see if I can find somewhere to shoot

some hoops. -No my love.

I need you to stay here, please.

Why?

No one knows us here.

Brandon, please.

Just for now.

We need to stay inside together, okay?

[Brandon breaths frustrated]

Do you wish you never moved here?

To the States I mean.

No.

No, of course not.

Your father

gave me two of my greatest gifts,

you and Natasha.

I will never regret that.

Now, is the relationship complicated?

Yes.

But listen,

I know deep in my heart that your father

loves you both very much, okay?

I believe that, and you need to believe that, too.

What was he like when you met him?

[house music]

That is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen

in my entire life.

I think I'm in love.

You know what?

I'm going to get a drink and ask her to dance.

Yes, that's what I'm going to do.

Sweetheart.

[music]

Where are you from?

Where are you from?

Take a guess?

How did you know?

You speak Persian?

A little bit.

I can learn a little more.

It's not that easy.

Maybe you could teach me.

I'm not that easy, either.

One dance, one dance.

Come on, one dance. Please.

Come on.

[music]

Hey, I'm going to go to the bathroom.

I'll be back, okay?

-You sneaked me on that, bro. -Oh, man, I'm so sorry.

Listen, I had to.

Okay, but at least tell me you got her number.

I'm about to.

Don't worry, I'm about to. -All right, don't fail me them.

Sorry I had to sneak in there.

[laughs]

Hey.

She's with me.

Am I?

Am I what?

With you?

I don't know.

Do you want to be?

Huh?

I don't know.

Maybe you could give me your number

and we could find out.

Wow, getting right to the point,

I see.

I don't have a pen.

Hey, sorry. Let me borrow this.

Please.

I'm resourceful.

I almost gave up my life for you.

You see that? He's very mad at me.

I keep the pen.

See you later.

Hey, wait. The last digit is missing.

I told you I'm not that easy.

[chuckles]

Today is one of the happiest days

for our family.

Our beloved daughter, Darya,

is getting married,

the apple of our eyes.

You two

met each other and fell in love.

This is truly love at first sight.

We wish you a long,

happy, progressive life.

Hopefully with lots of children, inshallah.

Two things you should never forget.

First and foremost,

do not stop coming around and sharing your life.

Do not stop talking.

Not talking is dangerous.

Now,

allow me to officiate your wedding.

Sam,

the ladies who are stubbing sugar over your head

are symbolically wishing you a sweet life full of love.

Now, the moment we have all been waiting for

has arrived.

Darya,

do you take Sam as your lawfully wedded husband

until death do you part?

[foreign language]

The bride is going to bring some flowers, she says.

Okay, I'll ask again.

Darya, do you take Sam as your lawfully wedded husband

until death do you part?

Darya,

look at him.

He's begging.

Bravo.

Darya, this is your last chance.

Third time.

Do you take Sam

as your lawfully wedded husband until death do you part?

Yes, I do.

[applause]

Wait, wait.

We have to wait for Sam.

Sam,

do you take Darya as your lawfully wedded wife

until death do you part?

Of course I do.

Yes.

I now pronounce you man and wife.

Congratulations.

[applause]

[Iranian dance music]

Hey, Darya, I got you some things

and soups on.

Stop starving me.

All right, you jackass.

Thanks, Max.

You're welcome.

It smells good.

-Can we eat? -Yes, go ahead.

Hey,

I was thinking.

What's going on?

Nothing, but I was thinking maybe

we should move around a little bit,

just for safety's sake.

What do you mean? Where will we move to?

I've got

a client who's got a house on the beach in Fort Lauderdale.

I don't think they can track you there.

Max, I can't ask you to do that.

No, don't worry.

They're not even there.

In fact, they hate tour season.

Every November to March, it's empty,

and that's why I think it's the perfect place

to hide out.

I think it's for the best.

Okay.

We'll go early in the morning.

-Okay. -All right.

Don't eat it all.

Oh, look at that.

I always thought

I was one of the lucky ones.

What do you mean?

I'm lucky to be able to leave Iran.

Not everyone can do that,

but then what?

I mean all these years of violence and abuse

and now divorced without a child support.

Look, I try my best, but it's not fair, you know?

It's not fair to the kids.

[Fireworks] -Jesus.

What the hell?

What is it?

It's kids.

It's kids.

It's kids. It's fireworks.

It's okay.

-I'm so paranoid. -Yes, I know.

He got me.

You got one now, too.

Wow.

Here we go.

Home sweet home.

You said that at the last house, so.

Yes. Okay.

Okay.

Kids,

rooms are in the back.

Go choose yours.

-I get first pick. -No, ladies first, dude.

[internal phone ringing]

[Manny] -Hi, Darya.

It's Detective Goddard. How are you doing?

Honestly, I really can't take this.

If he doesn't kill me,

the stress will.

I hear you.

Unfortunately, the police department

doesn't provide personal security

for incidents like yours.

I wish we did, but we don't.

You've had a lot of cases like this before?

No. Every case is different.

Some men can never accept that they have a problem,

they think physical abuse

is normal.

Right?

They don't want to take measures needed to solve

the issues or to heal.

Can't accept that they've lost their wife or kids.

It all comes down to envy or hate or control

or lack of it.

It's a cycle of trauma.

If they can't have you, no one else will.

Have I cheered you up yet?

[Darya] -Oh, yes. You're doing a great job.

Thanks.

Basically, I'll just be another statistic.

Yes, well, it's my job to make sure

that doesn't happen.

Where are you now?

We're in Fort Lauderdale.

I can get you the address.

No, not over the phone.

The place you're staying, you're with your friend?

Yes.

A friend of Max.

This Max can be trusted?

Yes, of course.

Had to ask.

Look, we're working on stuff

on our end, okay?

Just hang in there.

Okay.

That's reassuring.

Yes, right.

Just keep me posted, please?

Oh, you'll be the first to know.

Thank you, Detective.

Call me Manny.

Thanks, Manny.

See you now.

[soft music]

That Davoudi woman, I assume?

It's easy for you to say.

How's she holding up?

Oh, the best she can.

Not every day the father of your children

wants you tortured and murdered,

or is it?

How are things at home?

What are you thinking?

We need to dig up more on this Sam Labon

and his hit man-to-be.

We can't just give the DA what we have now?

Yes, not this DA.

No, we've got to have exchange of money,

and otherwise the hit's not credible on their eyes.

We just have to wait for him to make a move.

Will you make a move?

This is my move.

Huzzah.

Ooh.

Hey. Okay, so we have peas,

salmon fillets and cookie dough.

Yes?

Right.

Does a rock star live here or something?

Hmm?

I saw the guitars in the bedroom.

Rock star? No.

You might be one day.

-I wish. -Oh, come on.

You got the hair already, and I can see it now.

Anx-ridden rocker

with her athlete superstar brother.

Now, go share this cookie dough with your brother, okay?

If he's good.

Hey.

Hey.

You think we'll be safe here?

Yes, I think we'll be safe here.

Okay.

I'm going to go for a little walk.

What?

What? You just said we'll be safe here.

Yes.

Okay, I'll come with you.

No.

I need to clear my head.

-Dee. -It's fine.

I'll be fine. -No, I'm sorry.

I'll give you space.

I'll give you a lot of space.

It'll take a step back, but I'm coming with you.

-Okay. -Okay.

Yeah.

-You guys are good? -Yes, we're chilling.

I'll be back in a bit, okay?

All right.

[Sam] -Take it from me. Oh, you think you've got skills?

Oh. You've got skills, huh?

Come on, come on. Take it, take it, take it.

[ Darya] -Oh, look at that. -Come on, you've got skills.

You've got skills, huh?

Good job.

There you go.

Hey, what are you making, Natasha?

-Natasha. -What are you making?

She's making a moat.

She's protecting the castle.

The princess is in the castle, we've got to protect her

from the monster and the sand monster.

Oh.

Wave to the camera.

Hi.

Hi.

You think the sand monster's going to get mom?

The sand monster's going to get Mom.

Uh-huh, you're not getting Mama.

The sand monster's going to get you.

Mama's not going anywhere.

360, I love this woman.

Hey, who wants to go swimming? -Me.

-Let's go swimming guys. -Me.

-Me. -Hold on, hold on.

Before you do that, come on.

Come here, come here. No Brandon, come here.

[suspensful music]

Yes.

You're going to get all sunburned

and then you'll cry to mommy later,

so.

Why don't you put some clothes on?

Cover yourself, okay?

What?

Your ass is hanging out, people are staring at you.

Come on.

You okay?

It's a bathing suit. We're at the beach.

You like men staring at you?

Huh?

-Be careful, guys. -Put some clothes on,

now.

Now.

Come on, guys.

Race to the ocean.

Let's go.

On your mark, get set, go!

[Sam laughs]

Come on.

[Sam breaths out]

I got you something.

Guess which hand?

I'm not in the mood to play games right now, Sam.

Just let me, let me, let me--

What is that?

It's for you.

Just a little something, that's all.

I'm sorry about the beach.

I just don't like other men staring at your body,

I want you all to myself.

Sorry.

It's beautiful.

You're beautiful.

Thank you.

Thanks for apologizing.

It means a lot.

Ah, wash your hands first.

This is all from today?

What?

The grocery bill.

It's a lot for one day, no?

Oh, yes.

Kids like to eat like their daddy.

You don't have to go to the expensive grocery store.

You get organic this, organic that.

I'm just buying the healthier options.

Go to the regular grocery store,

like everybody else.

I work really hard for my money, so it'd be nice

if you didn't throw it around like it was nothing, right?

Okay, Sam.

I'll buy cheap groceries.

How about that? -Okay, don't say it like that.

Don't say it like that, like I'm cheap.

I just bought you a nice gift.

I pay for this house.

I pay for the kids' clothes.

I pay for everything around here, so.

As if I don't pay bills, it's not just you, you know?

Okay, what do you pay for?

You still owe me $10,000 from the business loan.

Your shitty business that's getting nothing.

I can smell alcohol on your breath.

I'm not doing this right now.

We'll talk about it another time.

Don't walk away from me.

We talk about it when I want to talk about it, okay?

Stop. Stop.

You're hurting me.

Stop it.

You should go cook your expensive dinner, okay?

Come on.

Cook your expensive dinner.

Cook it.

You think I'm cheap?

See what you make me do?

Huh?

-Mama? -Mommy?

She's fine.

Hey, Mom's okay.

She fell.

Okay?

Tell them you're fine.

Go to your room, she's fine.

Go to your room, now.

Well, you do have severe disc bulges

at multiple levels.

L4, L5, and L5, S1.

Oh, with spinal cord encroachment,

so that could mean surgery.

All things considered, I think you're very lucky.

These kinds of injuries can lead to paralysis.

How did this happen exactly?

She was cooking in the kitchen,

dripped over one of the kid's toys,

and went right into the countertop.

These bruises on your arms, they're not from today.

She's a clumsy one, this one.

Two left feet, but I still love her.

It looks like you'll be doing the cooking for a while,

until she heals up.

I'll have to barbecue.

Kids like barbecue anyway. -There you go.

We do have some insurance forms to fill out.

Could you take Mr. Labon to the admin window, please?

Just to make copies of your driver's license.

That's okay. I like to stay with my wife.

I can do it on the way out.

Well you know, she's still going to be here

when you get back.

You good?

Yes.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

Mrs. Labon, it's not my place,

but these injuries tell a different story.

I just want to make sure you're okay.

I can get you help if you need it.

I...

Look who I found.

They were attacking the vending machines

with grandma.

They were worried about you.

[Brandon] -Mom, are you okay?

Yes.

Go ahead, give her a snack.

She's probably hungry. She didn't eat dinner.

Hi there.

Yes, Mommy's okay.

You're right, Doctor.

It's not your place.

[dramatic music transition]

[latin music]

Sí, está bien.

What do you mean? Look around.

Look at what you've accomplished.

I'm so proud of you.

Sometimes I forget

how far we've actually come from.

It's been such a long journey.

I wish I could do more.

Oh, and this little guy.

Yeah, of course I did!

This is for you.

The full loan you gave me, plus interest.

[dramatic transition]

Hey.

You know, I'm just... I'm trying to figure out how I got here.

What led me to this, you know?

I mean...were there signs and red flags?

Yes.

From the very beginning.

Gosh, I looked past this so many times.

His drinking, his temper,

the manipulations.

Even right now, I don't want to believe that he's--

A monster?

Hey.

It's not your fault.

I wish I met you sooner, Max.

Before him.

Would have been nice to be with someone normal.

It's not too late.

[gate slams]

I can't lose if you're the cheater.

Hey. -Hey.

Look what we found, a cheater.

-Twister. -Where'd you get that?

Found in the garage.

I am in the most uncomfortable position right now.

-Oh. -Yes, I want to play.

All right, well, then you are left-hand green.

Left-hand green.

I can't even find green because Brandon's covering it.

All right, I'm left foot red.

Here we go. -Left hand.

Oh, I can't. Wait, and you've got to get away.

Spinning again.

[window shatters]

Everyone okay?

What is that?

Wait, don't touch it, don't touch it.

What is that?

It's a pacifier, I don't get it.

What?

You stay back, stay back.

What the hell?

Max,

Natasha had a green pacifier just like this

when she was a baby.

Do you think

he's trying to send a message?

Do you think he knows where we are?

I don't know.

It can't be. Oh my God.

I do know that we should pack up

and we should get out of here right now.

-What? -Yes.

-We can't just keep running. -We just got here.

We have to keep moving until we know it's safe, okay?

Nowhere is safe, Mom.

Can't the police just do something?

Look, just pack your bags and let's go, okay?

I'll call the detective. Come on,

just stay away from the window.

Let's pack, come on, let's go.

[ominous music]

This is the best room we have.

I'm sure you'll find the place comfortable.

Oh, yes, it's perfect.

Honestly, thank you both so much.

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

I don't have to remind you that you saved my life.

The least I can do is return the favor,

and for your kids, we have some wonderful parrots

that might cross around here for you to feed.

Oh, wow, look at that.

Cool.

Enjoy your stay.

Thank you.

I hope no one snores.

[dog barking]

Yes.

We delivered the package.

Good.

You know my associate had to go to five different stores to find

the green one.

Make sure you don't lose them.

Who's this associate of yours?

He's a private detective.

He's got a knack for finding people

that don't want to be found.

Trust me, you're in good hands.

Just looks like she's on a little road trip

with her boyfriend out there.

Boyfriend?

Yes, some guy named Max,

dark hair.

You know him?

We need to move this up.

When can we do it?

When you pay me.

This ain't Applebee's, you don't pay me after you eat.

Okay.

How do you want it, crypto?

Venmo is fine.

What the fuck is wrong with you?

Cash, no trails, and we meet in person.

Fine.

Tomorrow it will be in Woodland Park.

I'll have it, you be there.

Yes, who's ready to go to go to the park?

[laughs] -Yay, can I go to the slide?

Of course you can, buddy, come here.

[kisses]

Of course you can.

Let's go ahead, bud.

Keep it coming.

What are you drawing?

I'm drawing a horse holding a watermelon.

-Oh, that's really nice. -Sam.

Mama is making watermelon for you.

Sam.

Why don't you let me take them to the park?

Let me spoil them.

That's why I'm here for after all.

No, it's okay. I want to take them.

Sam, you better let me.

You take a rest.

We'll have dinner together when we are back.

Why?

You know why.

No, I don't.

Are you driving there?

No, I'm thinking horse.

[laughs]

Come on, guys, let's go.

Come on, let's run to the park,

is a rotten egg, let's go.

Sam,

Sam,

I beg of you, please,

let me drive them.

You're embarrassing me, okay?

Move. -No.

I'm not a child, okay?

Then stop acting like one.

[scuffle]

[grunts]

Sam.

Sam, it's me.

Sam!

It's me.

Grandma.

Come on,

let's go.

It's okay, come on, let's go.

Come on,

come, it's okay.

Come on, Brandon, let's go.

[struggling sounds]

Are you kidding me?

I'm so sorry.

It's fine. I'm fine.

No, I'm so sorry.

I'm fine,

but this, Darya,

this has to stop.

For the love of God, for the sake of the children,

they need a stable environment.

And...

It just reminds me of home.

I know violence, especially violence

against women.

When it starts,

it never stops.

I'm afraid for you.

[cries]

I'm so sorry for you.

I am so sorry for you, my love.

Are you out of your fucking mind?

My mother.

My fucking mother.

What the fuck is wrong with you?

How dare you fucking touch my mother?

How fucking dare you?

In front of my children.

You crazy asshole.

What the fuck is wrong with you?

This was my last straw.

I can't fucking take this anymore.

I am fucking done.

You either move the fuck out of the house

or I'm taking the kids and I'm leaving.

I am done.

You hear me? I'm fucking done.

You fucking piece of shit.

I'm fucking done. -You're, you're right,

you're right. -Don't touch me.

Please. I can't control it.

You have to help me.

-It doesn't matter. -I need your help.

I need you, please help me.

Please, you can help me.

-No, I can't. I'm done. -I don't want to be like him.

He used to hit me.

Please don't do this.

[scuffle] -Help me.

No, please!

No, please!

No, please!

Please. [cries]

Please, please.

I need help.

I don't want to be a monster.

help me.

The first thing I want to ask each of you is why are you here?

My husband needs help.

He drinks

and he gets very violent and abusive

when he's drunk,

and sometimes he doesn't even remember the next day.

That's why he's here.

Why are you here?

I guess I'm here so you can help him,

fix him somehow.

I can't go on like this anymore.

Why don't you fix her?

I don't have a drinking problem.

She is the problem, her and her mother,

and they create these problems, and then it makes me want

to drink sometimes.

You said you wanted to change. Is this how you planning

to do it- -Okay, but don't do that,

don't throw everything on me. --by getting angry

and blaming me for this? -It takes two people, you know,

Darya? -Then why you get--

Why don't we take a breath?

You claiming everything isy fault

all of a sudden right away? -Why don't we take a breath,

okay?

Because the first thing we're going to work on

is communication and listening and we do that from coming

from a place of compassion and love.

We do a little exercise with you guys.

First, I want you to just a little closer to each other.

Just face each other, all right?

Look into each other's eyes.

Wonderful.

Don't lose eye contact, and then one at a time,

and that you are ready to listen and hear what they have to say.

[laughs]

I'm sorry, this is stupid.

Come on, Darya. This is $200 an hour?

I could stare at you home for free.

It's just you promised you would give it a chance.

I know, but this is dumb.

Look at her. She's not going to help.

Yes, but you said you're going to take this seriously.

-She is not helping. -How is this not helping?

Like staring at her is going to help everything-

Give it a chance, Sam.

-is going to poof, everything is going to be better?

You know what, this is dumb, Darya.

I'm not doing this, I'm done.

You know what?

You two do your yoga shit and get in touch

with your feelings, okay?

I'm finished, I'm done.

-Please? -No, I'm done.

Can I just ask you one question before you go.

All I ask is that you answer honestly yes

or no.

Have you had anything to drink today?

Fuck you.

Sam.

Listen to me.

You want to leave me?

You can,

but I get the kids, you understand?

I will do everything in my power to make sure of that.

I get the kids.

[ominous music]

You're late.

Yes, well, good thing I didn't get paid

by the hour.

You got my money?

Thats subtle.

How do I know you're not going to run off with it?

You don't.

You want me to leave my scooter for collateral?

Just get it done.

Sam Lebon, freeze.

Police. Don't move.

Don't even think about it.

Lie on the ground. Get on the ground right now.

Lie on the ground.

On the ground.

On the ground. Arms out like a cross.

Do not move, do you understand me?

Acknowledge.

Do you understand me?

Yes.

All right, move in.

Sam Lebon, you're under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder.

All right, get him out of here.

All right, Detective, I did what you asked,

so that makes us square, right?

Yes, well, congratulations.

First arrest as an informant.

Keep your nose clean and it won't come back

to bite you on the ass in county.

I ain't going back.

Let's hope not.

Hey, you live in LA, you can always be an actor.

Commercials pay well.

Commercials pay well?

That was good.

[TV on]

Hello.

We got him.

What?

Yes, we just arrested Sam for conspiracy to commit murder.

It's over.

Oh my God.

They got him.

What?

How?

How? How did this--

Let's just say your informant was

was more than cooperative

when he realized we could have him

on unrelated charges.

Okay, I have no idea what you had to pull for that,

but thank you.

Thank you so much.

Hopefully the DA will file and you'll have your day

in court.

Just be sure you bring your own attorney

just in case.

Yes, of course.

Thank you, Manny.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Darya.

Do we get to go home?

He was really going to do it.

He was actually going to go through with it.

He was actually--

I know.

I know.

We're okay now.

It's okay.

We're okay now.

It's okay.

I love you guys.

[District Attorney] - We're helping build

safer communities by addressing

the root cause of criminal behavior instead

of donning out punishments.

These measures hold people accountable

but also honor the rights of human beings.

[News Reporter] - Is the public safe then?

Concerning that, like I said, safer communities,

safer streets, safer society.

[News Reporter] - At a press conference today,

District Attorney Gonzalez

defended his controversial sentencing policies,

which critics call pro-criminal.

Okay.

[music]

[whispers]

Okay.

[Judge Cohen] - For the People versus Lebon,

due to the DA's new prosecution guidelines

for attempted assault,

the bail has been set for $25,000.

I'm aware that even though the police filed solicitation

for murder,

the DA's office decriminalized it

and filed solicitation for assault.

Is that correct?

Yes, Your Honor, unfortunately, but the People

request the defendant to be held in custody

with no bail.

Your Honor, pursuant to 1271,

my client is in fact entitled to bail

because he poses no threat to the community.

The defendant was recorded hiring

a contract killer.

He emphasized that he wanted our client damaged

or permanently disabled.

Your Honor, it would be completely unfair,

quite frankly unethical,

to send a man with a medical condition

to prison.

Your Honor, this is a farce.

We have a victim impact letter on behalf of the victim

from her mother.

Your Honor, I object. This is new information.

Objection is overruled. I'll allow it.

Mrs. Davoodi, please.

Okay.

Greetings and gratitude

to the honorable judge of the court.

This is not a complaint, nor is it an objection.

We are still in a state of shock and disbelief

about what is going to happen to our daughter,

Darya.

She was supposed to be attacked

and all the bones of her delicate body

were supposed to be crushed.

Why?

What did she do wrong?

Who would be able to commit such a horrible crime of killing

someone slowly

and in the most heinous way?

What if he would have been successful with his plan?

Where would our daughter be now?

What would her death do to the soul of her children?

Who would care for the children?

This crime would have crushed and destroyed

three generations of us, our children,

and our grandchildren.

Why?

Why?

What did she do to deserve this?

How can we live in peace and have faith that this crime

will not happen again?

How could we, as elderly parents,

live in peace without fear?

How can we live

when our children

are in danger

at every given moment?

All we request from you, Your Honor,

who is the representative of justice,

is to protect our children

and our family.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

I'll make my ruling

after I review the recordings.

You may be dismissed.

How is this even possible?

He was in jail for six days and they let him out

with an ankle monitor?

How much was his bail?

At first it was only $25,000.

Can you believe that?

Then after when the judge heard all the recordings,

then he raised it to $1 million, but it doesn't even matter now.

He posted it, he's out.

How is this even legal?

He threatened to have you beaten and killed and even have it

on tape.

[suspenful music]

Are your kids with your parents?

Yes, they're with my mom.

Do you want me to stay?

No.

Thank you.

I just need to be alone for a little while.

I know.

[Darya cries]

[Darya grunts] [Sam laughs]

[suspensful music]

The nightmares will go away.

I can promise you that.

It will just take some time

It feels like they're just beginning.

I know.

My attorney said that

the current DA's policy

is either three years with three years probation

with treatment for his alcoholism

and psychotic episodes,

or two to three months in prison

with no treatment.

If he goes to jail for a few months,

he's only going to come out worse.

If I can't sleep now, what am I going to do then?

I'm so sorry, Darya.

[soft music]

Thanks for being there.

You must be so sick of me by now.

Never.

We're going to get through this, okay?

[music]

I hope there's no hard feelings.

You son of a bitch.

You set me up.

What do you want?

Apology?

I kill people for a living.

Cops cut me a deal.

They say to give them something or serve time

on a previous charge.

Good for you.

What do you want?

We got unfinished business to attend to.

Still want your wife dead?

You already got that money.

All right, shoot them.

My life's over anyway.

It don't have to be.

They got me on tape.

I'm all over the news.

I'm stuck in this house with this ankle bracelet,

and you're here, so tell me how it gets better.

We stick to the plan.

You get the money

again.

Except this time it's double.

I do the deed and disappear.

You got your ankle bracelet as an alibi.

[music]

No.

Now get the fuck out of my house.

Think about it.

Why would I come back here to set you up again?

Already did that.

I'm trying to do something mutually beneficial

that gets us both out of this fucking mess.

Cops were watching me before.

Now they think I flipped,

so they won't even see it coming.

I kill her, get rid of the body, and disappear.

No body, no crime.

All they got on you is a tape.

With nobody to pressure charges.

You want your life back?

Or

You can see me on the witness stand.

You watch your pretty ex-wife try to ride off--

Are you trying to fucking blackmail me,

huh?

[chuckles] What'd be the fun in that?

I'm offering you the deal of a lifetime.

Your choice.

Since I'm such a nice guy,

you can even pay me when it's done.

I want her dead.

You understand?

I want her hurt bad.

Really bad like she hurt me.

When you're done,

call me.

I want to hear her last breaths.

Be in touch.

[energetic music]

[phone rings]

Hi.

I'm fine.

They're hanging in there.

Are you kidding me?

Is she okay?

Can we get her out?

Okay,

maybe I can reach out to my charity partner.

Love you too.

You just feel better, sweetheart.

I will see you soon, okay?

[patient] - Gracias, doctora.

Adios.

[message tone]

Hey.

Are you ready?

Hello, hello.

I got us reservations at Mossimo's,

then I thought maybe we could go dancing,

you can watch me embarrass myself.

-Hi. -Hi.

Oh, wow.

Thank you.

These are beautiful.

Yes.

I just have to-

[clears throat]

I just have to change.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

That sounds fun.

Okay, I know you.

You don't have to put a brave face on.

What's going on?

Things have gotten really bad in Iran.

My brother told me that they arrested my cousin.

We were trying to get her out this whole time

and I just found out that it's too late.

I'm so sorry.

Me too.

Hey, look, all right,

forget all that.

Why don't we stay home?

We can eat here. We can relax here.

I'll get us a bottle of wine and we can just cuddle up

in our own bubble here, okay?

Just you and me.

That sounds nice.

-That sounds nice? -Yes.

That sounds better.

I'll be back.

Okay. [chuckles]

[crickets chirping]

[suspenseful music]

Max?

Who is it?

[suspenseful music]

[Johnny] -Don't scream.

You'll just make it worse.

Put that knife down.

Who are you?

I'm sure you know.

Put that knife away.

Go ahead, toss it.

Toss that knife over there.

You know, your ex-husband,

not a very nice man.

He's adamant that I break some bones,

make you scream,

but that's just not my style,

so you do what I say and I'll make it quick.

How much did he pay you for this?

Enough.

Please,

just listen to me, okay?

My kids are going to be home soon.

Please, I don't want them to get hurt.

I don't want them to see this, please.

We're just going to go for a little ride.

Just me and you.

Nice and easy like, okay?

-Okay. -You don't get stupid

and your kids won't find your brain splattered

all over these walls.

So let's go.

Hey, babe.

Wasn't able to find your favorite,

but I did find your second--

Surprise.

[gunshot] -No.

Stop.

[music]

[gunshot] [grunts]

[scuffle]

Stop it.

Stop.

No. [gunshot]

[music]

[scuffle]

Do it.

Do it, goddammit.

The fuck are you waiting on?

9-1-1 what is your emergency?

[phone vibrating]

[breathing]

Now we're done.

No, Sam, you're done.

You're beat.

You piece of shit.

I beat you.

It's over.

You hear me? It’s over.

[bangs door]

Police.

[police radio]

[music]

He'll wipe that smile off his face real quick

when he sees where he's going.

Will he?

[music]

Hello, hello.

Hey, you.

-Hi. -Hi.

Okay, can I help with anything? Can I help with dinner?

Sure.

Okay.

No,

I think

you've done enough, so it's my time

to take care of you now.

Here you go.

Wow.

I'm certainly not going to mess with that.

- [Darya] Yeah.

- [Sam] Come Here.

Here they are.

Carry on.

How was practice?

Boring.

Boring is good.

I love boring.

Okay.

One big boring family.

You okay with that?

Yes, I'm okay with that.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

It's a one big awesome family, come one.

[laughter] There you go.

[phone rings]

Manny?

Hey.

Just calling to check on you.

I'm so glad you did.

Let's just hope the DA files this time,

huh?

Yes.

Listen, thank you so much for going above

and beyond for me.

Not everyone would have done that.

A long time ago, I had this case

come across my desk.

This woman, she was married to a pretty high-profile surgeon

in LA.

She was scared for her life.

Gave the usual protocol.

She begged me.

She simply pleaded.

Then she said none of the laws would stop this guy.

I told her to file a restraining order

and that there was nothing I could do.

A couple of days later, I got the call

and I showed up and I found her husband

sitting on the edge of the bed.

He was covered in blood, she was lying lifeless

on the floor.

She was long gone.

I should say, I made myself a little promise

that I'd never break the law

to save someone's life, but I would certainly maneuver

around it.

Had I done that for her,

that woman would be alive today.

Wow, you really are good at telling

these bedtime stories.

Yes, it's kind of my thing.

I'm glad you're safe.

Go live your life.

You've earned it, Ms.Davoodi

So have you, Detective.

Take care.

[Leah] - Now, before we begin, I need to know,

are you on any medications, any history of mental illnesses?

[Darya] -No.

Then we can begin.

- Sit down. -Okay.

[music]

Aho.

Aho.

[soft music]

Those lessons make us who we are.

When we learn to let go of the anger,

hatred, pain,

we realize that every person is a reflection of what we need

to heal within ourselves.

[Darya throws up]

[heartbeat]

[Darya cries]

[music]

Why do I have to feel all their pain?

Why?

[cries]

To see the pain in others

is to heal the pain within you.

I can't.

I need help.

No, please.

No, please, Daddy.

No, please.

[whips] -No, please, Daddy.

- I need help. - Stop, please.

[screams]

Let go. I can't.

Send them love.

♪ Heartbeat of our mothers.

♪ See the power to forgive.

♪ Fathers sky up so high.

♪ Send them love and let them fly. ♪

[music]

[Melody -When you find compassion

for the brokenness of others,

you can truly forgive them.

Then they no longer have any power over you.

It's so hard.

The world has thrown everything it could at you.

From when you were a child

with a war in Iran, to your journey to America

for a better life

all on your own.

You have endured so much.

You're no stranger to pain.

You have suffered betrayal

at the hands of the man you wed,

and through all of that,

you still stand

for what is right.

You stand for compassion, empathy towards others.

So much so you've made it your life's mission.

Rise above any pain

and imagine yourself

still smiling.

That is true power.

[music]

How do you feel?

Free.

[applause]

The women's freedom movement in Iran

is an ongoing struggle

for gender equality and civil rights

for over four decades now.

Women are victims to discrimination laws related

to divorce,

child custody, and inheritance.

Women

die for their right to protest in our quest for justice,

but what happened to my daughter here,

this kind of abuse

is not limited to Iran alone.

Sadly, it is happening all over the world.

Maybe to the people we see every day.

They may even be our friends.

My beloved daughter is here to talk about her journey.

[applause]

Thank you all so much for being here.

Unfortunately, there is no satisfying conclusion

to my story with my ex-husband.

If he had sought help for his childhood traumas

or his battle with alcoholism,

perhaps we could have saved our family,

but instead, it led him down a very dark path.

Despite his attempts to have me harmed

or even killed,

he was released from prison after just a few days.

Now for almost three years,

he's been living freely while my children and I remain

in constant fear.

Through my spiritual journey,

I found a way to embrace

my trauma.

It has been a source of rebirth,

allowing me to forgive,

to heal,

and most importantly, to reclaim my power.

Today, I am at peace,

and I am happy again,

and I would love to share that light

to heal and inspire others.

My charity,

Still Smiling,

is dedicated to this mission.

We are committed to building safe havens

for survivors of abuse and domestic violence

across the globe,

but that is not enough.

We must do more.

We have to stand for those, and especially for those

who don't have a voice.

We need to stay united

because together we can create a better,

a safer world for all of us.

Thank you.

[applause]