Original subtitles

[dynamic orchestral music]

[suspenseful orchestral music]

-[whispered chanting] -[ominous ambient music]

-[flesh sizzling] -[aubrey screaming]

[soft contemplative music]

Morning.

Are you excited about your first day of college?

No, mom, I am not excited.

I should be off at college like my friends.

I'm sorry your father didn't come through

With his half of the tuition.

I would've gotten a smaller house if I had known.

Next semester, you'll be wherever you want.

I promise.

I have a couple potential clients

Who seem interested in my company's new migraine medicine.

I just need to land one of them.

I hope so!

Because living with my mommy while I start college

Is not exactly what I had in mind.

[coffee pouring]

Thanks for the donuts.

I have work after class today, so I'll be home late.

[aubrey] hi, uncle jason.

Hold up.

Love the skirt.

I'm sure you do.

You bought it for me.

I have good taste.

You look ready to conquer your first day.

-Thanks, uncle jason. -[jason chuckles]

Don't forget, it's "dr. Fountain"

When you see him on campus.

That's gonna be weird.

Have a great day, sweetheart.

Dr. Fountain.

Maybe.

You need to stop worrying. She's gonna be fine.

You got coffee, right?

Well, I just wish I had enough money

To let her go off to college.

Aubrey isn't gonna have any trouble making friends.

Everyone loves her.

How about I check in with her this afternoon?

Thank you.

I'm so glad my new job brought us closer to you.

-[tender music] -me too.

-[soft contemplative music] -[people chattering]

-Hey. -Thanks for meeting me.

Sure.

How's your first day going?

Pretty boring.

All we did in my first class was read the syllabus,

So that's fun.

And now, I have to go to work,

So who needs fun or friends?

Oh, come on, you'll make friends.

You always do.

Thanks.

Okay, work time.

Can you do me a favor?

Sure.

Can you tell your mom something good that happened today?

She's going through a lot too,

And I know it would make her feel better.

Okay, I'll try to think of something.

You know,

You can always tell her how good it is to see me on campus.

Nah, I'll think of something better than that.

I changed your diapers.

Ew.

[soft contemplative music]

Ooh, hey, gamma's having a mixer this Friday.

Okay.

Oh, hey, hey.

Oh, hi.

Sorry, I was trying to get your attention.

Oh, that's okay.

What's up?

You must be a freshman.

I haven't seen you on campus.

Yeah, yeah actually.

Today's my first day.

Have any of the sororities talked to you?

Great, I'm glad I got to you first.

So, the gammas are having a mixer this Friday.

We'd love to have you.

[ominous music]

I don't know if a sorority

Is in the budget for me this semester.

That's too bad.

Sorry.

Gamma's having a mixer this Friday.

[camera shutter]

[text whooshing]

Hey, gamma mixer this Friday.

There's another one.

[camera shutter]

[traffic noises]

Hi.

Yeah, I'm at the bookstore,

Checking out the first girl now.

I think you'll approve.

[books clattering]

Thanks.

No problem.

Anything I can help you find?

Oh, I was just browsing.

Do you have any recommendations?

Do you like arthur long?

He's my favorite author.

Oh, mine too.

Really?

Well, his new book just came out.

I can show you.

It's with the new releases.

You look familiar.

Do you go to sdu?

Maybe I've seen you around campus.

Oh, I doubt it.

I just started today.

I'm sure I've seen you.

I'll figure it out.

I'm carter, by the way.

Hi, carter.

I'm aubrey.

I've got it.

Were you speaking one of those sorority girls earlier?

Maybe for like a few minutes after class.

I bet that's it.

Are you gonna rush?

I'm thinking about it.

Have you considered greek life alternatives?

What do you mean?

I'm a part of this great group.

We're almost like a sorority, only better.

We aren't affiliated with the school,

So we don't have any of the rules.

And we're free.

Really, you're free?

Totally.

Not that that matters to you,

But we're smaller than a normal sorority,

Which is great.

We're more like a family.

Some of the girls are gonna come over

To my apartment tomorrow night if you're interested.

I'd love for you to meet the other members.

They're like my sisters.

That sounds really awesome.

I have to work tomorrow night.

I'm closing.

Mm, come after closing.

You're not in high school anymore.

You're welcome to bring your roommate.

Which dorm are you in?

Oh, I live off campus alone.

[soft contemplative music]

Oh, a smile.

I haven't seen one of those in a while.

Guess your day was better than expected.

I guess it was.

So tell me about it.

Well, classes were boring,

But I do think I made a friend.

That's great.

I mean, I'm not surprised.

Is your new friend in one of your classes?

No, but she goes to southern.

I met her at the bookstore and she invited me to hang out

With some of her friends tomorrow night.

Don't you have work?

Yeah, I'll go after.

I'm in college now.

I know,

And that's why I want to remind you

That you're still under age.

Okay, we've talked about this a million times.

I know I sound like a broken record, but I just--

No, no, no.

You promised that if I agreed to move in with you

To save money,

You'd give me the freedom to be a real college student.

You're right, you're right.

I know I'm right, I know I'm right.

-Love you. -Aww.

Did carter pick from the girls we sent her?

Mm-hmm, two of them.

She invited them here tomorrow night,

So she wants everybody to be here.

Ooh, I'll send a message to the group chat.

Perfect.

Hopefully he'll be pleased.

-[soft contemplative music] -[people chattering]

Aubrey.

You're aubrey, right?

Yeah.

I'm luke.

I was just in your biology class with you.

I remember your name

'cause you answered that question on gene therapy.

Even the professor was impressed with that one.

Thanks.

Anyway, I'm pre-med

And could really use a good study partner.

Oh, I don't know.

I have a lot on my plate right now with work and school

And I don't know if it's the best time.

If you're that busy,

Wouldn't it be easier to have somebody to study with?

Maybe.

I have to go, but...

Give me your number and I'll think about it.

I bet I can turn that maybe into a yes.

We'll see.

[phone beeping]

[faint dance music]

[aubrey] you okay?

Not really.

I'm not the best at meeting new people.

Me neither.

It makes me so nervous too.

I'm aubrey.

I'm elle.

I didn't know you two knew each other.

Have we met?

Oh, I'm sable.

I'm carter's roommate and a member of the kinship.

The kinship?

Mm-hmm, that's what we call our group.

We're like a family.

We help each other with self-development.

Everyone feels loved

While we grow into the best versions of ourselves.

Come on, come inside.

[upbeat pop music]

-Your apartment is amazing. -Thanks.

Cell phones, please.

What?

Oh, we have a policy of putting away our cell phones

When we're all together.

Like a real family.

You sound like my mom at the dinner table.

Smart lady.

No, it's just we don't want any distractions

When we're all together.

We want our main focus to be on empowerment.

Yeah, cool.

Sounds good to me.

It's house rules.

Elle.

Wow.

I haven't seen one of these in a while.

Okay, aubrey and elle,

I'd like to introduce you to izzie, kate, and diana.

Welcome, ladies.

First things first, we're taking some shots.

This is for you.

Cheers to you two.

[glasses clinking]

That wasn't so bad now, was it?

-You okay? -Hey, what's up?

Yeah, I'm good.

Sable says you're a freshman.

Yup, I am.

You're lucky.

I didn't find the kinship until I was a sophomore.

And joining was the best decision you've ever made.

It's true.

We empower each other to be the best that we can be.

I'd do anything for any of these women

And they'd do the same for me.

It's unlike anything I've ever been a part of.

Sounds really awesome.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

Cheers.

So tell me, how's the new job?

My boss stopped by my office today,

Said he's very impressed

With how well I'm connecting with our clients.

Well, that's great.

I'm excited.

He said if I land either one of the clients

I'm working on now,

I will be the company's new sales director in no time.

Look at you, director charlotte.

I hope that it works out.

We really need the money.

I already told you

You need to stop worrying about aubrey.

She's gonna be fine.

You know, it might be easier

If you just thought of the two of you as roommates.

No. No thank you.

I divorced my last roommate five years ago.

Remember?

Oh yeah.

Best decision you ever made.

I will drink to that.

-Salud. -Mm.

♪ you'll see my face in the crowd ♪

♪ without a flinch or a doubt ♪

♪ I've had enough so you can chew me up and spit me out ♪

♪ I'll take a shot to the mouth ♪

♪ clean all my teeth off the ground ♪

♪ I've had enough so you can chew me up and spit me out ♪

[intense rock music]

♪ chew me ♪

In the kinship,

We believe that sharing our truth

With the people we trust empowers us.

Kate, would you share your truth with us?

My childhood was tough.

I grew up in foster care

And I hopped around a lot as a child.

I never really had a family

Until I met you guys, this group.

The kinship is my family now.

Thank you.

Elle, drink from the chalice and share your truth.

My family moved around a lot for my dad's job.

Four years at southern u will actually be a record for me.

I've never stayed in one place long enough

To feel like I belong.

Look, in the past,

I've made some mistakes trying to fit in,

But I'm clean now.

Thank you for your honesty, elle.

The kinship will always be a place where you belong.

Aubrey, would you drink from the chalice

And share your truth?

I'm not really sure what to share.

There's something.

I can tell.

Well, I've never told anybody before.

This is a really safe place for you to share.

So in the past,

I never really felt any spark, or butterflies,

Or really anything with any guy I've met

Until last year.

I met someone

And I thought that we were gonna have this epic love story,

But he was my teacher,

And he already had his love story with his wife, so.

I'm really sorry.

Hey, you have nothing to worry about.

This will always be a safe place for you.

Thank you for sharing your truth, aubrey.

[knocking on door]

Aubrey?

Sweetheart, you need to get up.

Aubrey?

Aubrey?

Aubrey, wake up.

Aubrey, you have class in less than an hour.

-Aubrey, aubrey? -What?

Don't you have class at eight o'clock this morning?

What time is it?

7:15, you better hurry.

Did you have fun last night?

-Hm? -With your friends?

Yeah.

Good.

[soft contemplative music]

I thought that was you.

Luke, what are you doing here?

Same thing you are.

Plus, the bookstore suggested I come here

To get one of the books I need.

Guess they didn't order enough copies.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I just have a little headache.

I can help you find the book you need.

Wow, that's nice of you.

Don't think anything of it.

I work here.

This is convenient.

I was gonna call you later

To see if you wanna grab some coffee.

Since we're technically having coffee,

I'm gonna consider this our first date.

Ha, no, this is definitely not a date.

Did you find everything you're looking for?

I think so.

Do you have time for coffee with me again tomorrow,

You know, for our second date?

My boss is watching.

I'm a customer.

Seriously, I can't afford to lose this job.

Gotcha.

Coffee tomorrow, same time.

Yes, if you go now.

Second date?

Thank you again for helping me today.

Excellent customer service.

How can I help you?

Mom, what are you doing here?

Is that any way to greet your mom?

Come here.

-Aubrey? -Mom, I'm working.

I know.

I was hoping maybe I could take you to lunch.

Well, my boss is at lunch right now,

But I guess I could meet you in like 30 minutes

At the coffee shop down the street.

Perfect.

Carter.

Hey, I wasn't expecting you.

I was getting a coffee.

I thought I'd say hi.

Am I interrupting something?

No, no, no, no.

I'm carter.

It's nice to meet you, carter.

I'm charlotte, aubrey's mom.

It's so nice to meet you.

Are you in town visiting?

She lives like 30 minutes away.

She's just here on a business trip.

Mom works for a pharmaceutical company.

Yeah, that's right.

I was just leaving some migraine medicine

For a client here in town

And I thought I'd see if aubrey wanted to grab some lunch.

That's nice.

-Mom? -Hmm?

I'll see you in 30 minutes.

I guess that is my cue to leave.

It was lovely meeting you, carter.

Nice to meet you too, ms. Stanton.

I didn't realize you and your mom were so close.

Yeah, a little too close for me sometimes.

I thought when I got to college, it would get better,

But now she follows me to work, so.

My mom was that way.

Really?

Yeah.

It was a drag until I went off to college.

Hopefully, it will be better now

That you two don't live together.

Well, I'll let you get back to work

So you don't miss lunch with your mom.

Thanks.

[soft contemplative music]

[sable] it's just lunch with her mom.

I hope that's all it is.

I need you to follow aubrey.

Something's off.

I don't think she's being completely honest with us.

Hey, I'm pretty sure aubrey lives at home with her mom.

Yeah, I'll text you the address.

Come now because her mom just left.

Okay.

[knocking on door]

Just a minute.

What do I owe you?

Carter?

I thought you were my pizza.

No, sorry.

No pizza, though that does sound good.

Why'd you lie to me about where you live?

Well, I didn't want anyone knowing I live with my mom.

How'd you find me?

We don't lie in the kinship.

I thought we made it perfectly clear

That we're like a family.

We value truth.

I know you did.

I just...

Well, I started the lie

And then I didn't really know how to get out of it.

I'll understand if you don't want me to join anymore.

It's been a really different experience than I thought

For my first year of college.

Well, maybe we can keep this just between you and me.

Like I told you before,

My mom's kind of like yours

And maybe I would've done the same thing

If I were in your place.

Really?

Yeah.

Maybe I can help you so you're not lying.

How?

Move out and move in with us.

I would,

But my mom's not gonna give me any money for rent.

Who said anything about money or rent?

You can live with me for free.

Really?

I could probably pay for utilities and stuff.

Ugh, we'll figure it out.

Okay.

Thank you.

Speaking from experience,

College is way more fun without a mom hovering.

[phone beeping]

Are those your old friends?

You don't need to feel left behind.

Smile.

Miss you too, and send.

They're not the only ones making new friends and having fun.

You're right.

Of course I am.

Oh,

Nice place.

Thanks.

We just moved in,

So there's still a lot of unpacking to do.

Oh.

Well, maybe you wont have to unpack after all.

Oh, aubrey didn't mention

You were joining us for dinner tonight.

Oh, I'm not.

Aubrey just invited me over to see the new place.

She did?

-[knocking on door] -oh.

That must be your pizza.

It was so nice to see you again, ms. Stanton.

Well, you're more than welcome to join us.

Thanks, but I have plans.

Think about my offer.

I will.

Okay.

Call me later.

Okay.

Hi.

[charlotte] do you want another piece?

Oh no, I'm stuffed.

So, what did carter offer you earlier?

She actually offered me to move in with her.

What?

Completely rent free.

Aubrey, you just met her.

So?

Living with new people isn't easy.

Did you even think this through?

Yes, I've thought it through.

I knew you were gonna say this

And that's why I didn't even bring it up.

I just don't think it's a good idea, aubrey.

Of course you don't.

Did you tell your mom you're moving out?

I told her you offered,

But she's not happy about the idea.

What's she gonna do, ground you?

Very funny.

She's not that bad.

If you want to be a part of the kinship,

Then we need to rethink your living situation.

We don't want a mom hovering.

I know, it's just--

You're 18.

She can't stop you.

You're right.

I'll get my stuff after work tomorrow.

I was early, so I got our drinks.

Chai latte?

How'd you know that's my favorite?

It's what you were drinking yesterday.

You remember, on our first date?

Oh, yeah.

Actually, I take it back.

I think that's not nice.

That's creepy.

Come on, I got you a cookie.

That's gotta be nice.

You're right, the cookie is nice.

Second date and we're already sharing food?

Might be moving a little fast for me.

[carter] I thought you said she wasn't dating anyone.

[sable] that's what she told me.

Get elle, bring her to the apartment.

We'll deal with this situation later.

Is the drink okay, or?

Sorry, what?

You never mentioned a revenge task.

Don't you want to be a member of the kinship?

I do, I think.

I can't sleep with a professor.

Of course you can.

Why do you want me to do that?

Because dr. Arthur failed sable last semester.

Mm-hmm.

I almost got kicked out of school because of him.

Listen, it'll be worth it.

Once you sleep with dr. Arthur, you'll be one of us.

What about aubrey?

Does she have a revenge test?

Of course.

Everyone does.

Don't you worry about aubrey.

We have something special planned for her.

You better hurry.

You don't wanna keep dr. Arthur waiting

When he was so nice enough to stay late to meet with you.

I need a second.

Sable will be watching.

Don't disappoint us.

I don't think elle might be a fit for the kinship.

But she already knows too much.

We could shut her up if we need to.

[ominous ambient music]

I'm meeting with a student before I can leave.

I know.

Tell lucy I promise I'll teach her

How to make grandma's chocolate chip cookies tomorrow.

Thanks.

I love you too.

Wait.

Are you elle?

[intense orchestral music]

[knocking on door]

Is aubrey here?

No, are you okay?

Warn her, tell her to stay away from the kinship.

The kinship?

Is someone trying to hurt you or aubrey?

Tell her to stay away!

Wait!

[ominous ambient music]

[phone vibrating]

What now?

I'm busy.

I need to talk to you.

You always need to talk to me.

It's important.

I need you to come home as soon as you get off of work.

Yeah, okay, whatever.

Thanks for coming with me.

Is your mom asleep?

I don't think so.

She was really upset on the phone, so...

Maybe it's best if you stay here.

You're right, I'm not asleep.

I thought you'd be alone,

But maybe carter can help explain what's going on.

I'm always happy to help.

What?

What's going on, mom?

I had a disturbing visit from a friend of yours.

Who?

She didn't say, she was too upset.

She said she was a friend of mine?

I assume she was a friend

Because she came to warn you about the kinship.

What's the kinship?

I don't--

Aubrey, don't you remember

When I warned you about the kinship?

Oh yeah, right.

I knew it sounded familiar.

Did one of the members approach you?

I don't know.

What do you mean, you don't know?

Well, that group is very secretive, ms. Stanton.

It's possible that aubrey spoke with one of the members

And didn't even know.

You seem very familiar with them.

Well, there's a lot of rumors about them.

They're very popular on campus.

Well, whoever they are,

They terrified that poor girl.

Don't worry about aubrey.

I'll keep her safe.

Carter, if you don't mind, it is very late.

I would like to speak to aubrey on my own now.

Actually, mom,

I'm gonna go get my stuff, okay?

I'm gonna stay with carter for a while.

Excuse me?

Do you want to help me pack?

Yeah.

[ominous ambient music]

You did great standing up to your mom.

Yeah, it felt good.

I'm just gonna get a few things and we are out of here.

Do you think you could do a favor for me before we go?

I can try.

The other day, your mom said

That she had some samples of migraine medications.

Yeah, I remember.

I saw a stack of them by her briefcase.

Do you think you could grab a couple for me?

Sable has migraines and she can't afford the medicine.

You said you wanted to contribute,

So this would be the way.

Isn't that illegal?

How?

Your mom's not a doctor.

She gives them out all the time.

I could go grab them if you'd rather.

No, no, I'll do it.

I don't want my mom to see you like snooping around, so.

Grab a few while you're at it.

[phone ringing]

Do you have eyes on elle?

Meet me at the apartment.

I'll have what you need.

[contemplative ambient music]

[aubrey] what are you doing?

Taking a picture so you can see how happy you look.

Okay, I've seen it.

Now, delete it.

This has to stay between us.

There.

Thank you.

I'll give these to sable for her migraine.

Okay, come on, let's get outta here.

[ominous ambient music]

I'm sorry carter scared you so bad.

No one really expected you to sleep with him.

It seemed pretty real to me.

[knocking on door]

It's probably sable.

She said she wanted to stop by and apologize to you too.

I brought shots to celebrate.

What?

I'll pour while you apologize.

I didn't know you would get so upset,

But at least you're done with your initiation now.

[elle] what are you saying?

Well, you're one of us now.

No, no, never.

I mean, just think about it.

I don't know, I don't want.

I already poured these to toast to your initiation.

We wouldn't want to waste them.

Come on.

To elle, may you never be scared by the kinship again.

[glasses clinking]

Don't worry.

Nothing will ever scare you again.

[ominous ambient music]

Okay.

Get my bag, leave the drugs.

He'll be here soon.

Let's go.

[ominous ambient music]

You did it, you cut the cord!

How's it feel?

It feels good.

I can't stop thinking though

About who came to my house earlier.

Did carter tell you about that?

Mm-hmm.

It really freaked my mom out.

It was probably just elle.

Yeah, but why would elle

Want to warn me about the kinship?

She got kind of upset

Because we asked her to do a little initiation task.

Initiation task, what's that?

Well, everyone has to do a task

Before they're initiated into the kinship.

Do I have to do one?

Everyone does.

It's too bad elle didn't do hers.

I thought she wanted a place to belong.

Wait, she's out of the kinship?

Well, it's not entirely up to me,

But her actions have proven she isn't loyal.

We have to be able to count on each other.

What was she supposed to do?

Enough about elle.

Tonight is about celebrating your freedom.

[ominous ambient music]

[jason] that girl who stopped by really has you worried.

You should have seen her, she was terrified.

What did aubrey say when you told her about it?

Not much.

Carter took over, said it was probably a prank.

Could it have been?

No, no, there is no way.

That girl was genuinely terrified.

Carter had the nerve to tell me not to worry,

That she would take care of aubrey.

No, no, no, I have class tomorrow, I can't.

Of course you do.

We all do.

This is college.

[knocking on door]

-[faint chattering] -[suspenseful music]

Are you looking at pictures of your old friends again?

Oh, caught me.

What'd the police say?

They weren't any help.

Aubrey's 18, she's an adult.

What'd they say about the girl that stopped by earlier?

They said they'll let me know

If they need anything else from me.

That's it?

Aubrey.

I can't keep doing this with you, okay?

I don't know who came over to the house--

That's not why I'm here.

Sit.

I almost lost my job today.

What?

I realized there were samples missing.

Do you know anything about it?

Does that sound like something I would do?

No, but nothing you're doing these days

Sounds like you, aubrey.

I had to report it.

Report it?

My clients expect a certain amount of samples.

I had to report it to get more.

Aubrey, I am new.

I could have gotten into a lot of trouble.

Could carter have done it?

She was at the house.

Aubrey, are you sure you don't know anything?

Mom, you sound ridiculous, okay?

I've never done anything like that before

And I wouldn't start doing it now.

So I think it's best for both of us

If you give me some space.

Aubrey!

[dramatic orchestral music]

It's like, she suffocates me.

She did it all throughout high school

And she's doing it now.

And please, give me some space.

And she just, she shows up at my job every single day,

But I do think she's gonna get me some space now.

Well, that's good news.

Yeah.

Oh, by the way,

There's one thing carter forgot to mention

Before you moved in.

We don't really like for you to bring guys here.

We like the apartment to be more of a safe space

For kinship members to hang out.

Yeah, no worries.

I do not have a boyfriend.

Really?

So you're not seeing anyone?

Oh no.

I have a study buddy for biology, but no boyfriend.

Hmm.

But you like him, I can tell.

We just met.

What's your study buddy's name?

His name is luke, but seriously, do not worry.

I will not be bringing him here.

I'm gonna go change.

[phone line ringing]

Hey, she was with her mom again.

I don't think we can trust her.

Okay.

[phone beeping]

What's the emergency?

Well, I was texting aubrey's mom

And the text won't delete.

I'm surprised she hasn't caught on yet.

I'm careful.

But today, they won't delete.

Help me before she wakes up.

She's still asleep?

Yeah.

I gave her some sleeping pills last night.

Have you checked on her?

She's fine.

Quit worrying.

You're as bad as her mother.

Start deleting.

Here.

I'm fine, mom, now that I'm staying with carter.

I'll come see you in a few days.

I asked you to delete them, not read them.

Okay, done.

Why are you doing all this?

It's fun.

I text aubrey's mom

And then I delete the messages and block her again.

That way, I have complete control.

I thought you were gonna sleep all day.

I can't find my phone.

Well, you left it in here again.

It's almost 1:00.

What?

I slept through all my classes.

It doesn't matter.

Your schedule is gonna change tomorrow.

What?

This isn't mine.

I can't take art classes.

I need biology.

I'm gonna go to med school.

You're welcome.

We're all art majors.

Who? Who's we?

The kinship.

I made sure there was a member in each of your classes.

Did your mom reach out to you?

Mm, that's great.

She's just giving you the space you need.

I guess.

Okay, I have to go take a shower.

One last thing.

Do you have plans tonight?

I don't think so.

It's time for the initiation.

That is, after you complete the initiation task.

Yeah, what?

What is that?

Go shower.

You'll see.

Sometimes, she's just like a lost little puppy dog.

It's a good thing we found her.

Thank you.

Pick a hand.

Both.

Coffee and bio notes you missed today.

Are you okay?

Oh yeah.

I'm fine.

Thank you.

I took a shot you might be working

When you didn't respond to my text.

What?

I haven't missed any text from you.

Yeah, I don't have anything.

That's weird.

Can I see?

You blocked me?

What?

No, no, I didn't do it on purpose.

I don't even know how to do that.

You want me to fix it?

Yes, please.

You want to grab dinner later?

I do, I have plans tonight.

No worries.

I'll text you later unless you plan on blocking me again.

[sable] he's persistent.

I know.

I don't like persistent.

Wait here.

Luke.

You're luke, right?

I'm carter, aubrey's roommate.

Roommate?

I thought she lived at home.

No, she's been living with me for a while now.

I saw you leaving the bookstore

And I was wondering if aubrey invited you

To george's tavern tomorrow night.

No?

A bunch of us are going.

You should come.

Come around 9:00, surprise her.

She'll love it.

Maybe I will.

Thank you.

-[upbeat pop punk music] -[people chattering]

I got you a present.

[aubrey] is this a fake id?

Just a perk of the kinship.

This skirt is too short.

You look great.

I don't how anyone wears skirts this short.

You see that dark haired guy at the bar?

That's my ex.

We dated for almost two months and then he ghosted me.

Okay, so what am I supposed to do?

Hook up with him tonight and then ghost him.

I think that's fair.

[laughing]

You mean like, hook up with him?

I could send this picture to your mom.

You said you deleted that.

I deleted one copy.

After you finish this, I'll delete it.

You know what you should do?

Hook up with him.

Then, you can take a selfie and send it to carter.

You know I love my pictures.

How am I supposed to get him to do that?

Have you seen how good you look in this skirt?

He will definitely want what you've got going on.

I think your mom would like this video.

What do you think?

That's a good one.

Oh, okay, okay, if I do that,

Those pictures and videos get deleted

And you leave my mom alone?

Of course. Why wouldn't I?

Once you finish this,

You'll be a member of the kinship.

-[upbeat pop music] -[people chattering]

Hi.

Hi.

You wanna buy me a drink?

I'd love to.

I'll leave her mom alone, for now.

What are you drinking?

-Whatever you're having. -Perfect.

What's your name?

-Aubrey. -Zach.

-Zach? -Yeah.

-Nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you.

Persistent and punctual.

So, do you come here much?

This is like my little spot.

I'm so sorry.

I didn't realize aubrey

Was meeting someone else here tonight.

It's no big deal.

It's not like we're dating.

-Yeah. -Do you go to school here?

Yeah.

To tell you the truth, you're dodging a bullet.

Aubrey's not as nice as you might think.

-[upbeat pop music] -[people chattering]

You know, I have to admit.

I was a little surprised when you approached me.

Why's that?

You're with carter.

I assume you know she's my ex.

I know.

Wait, are these what I think they are?

Oh yeah.

Wow, that was really fast.

Aren't you a bad girl?

You have no idea how bad I can be.

Why don't we send carter a little picture?

Okay.

[camera shutter]

What?

What?

I don't think I can do this.

What do you mean?

Trust me though, you're better off.

Aubrey.

What are you doing here?

You finished your task.

It's initiation time.

Come on, get in.

What are you doing?

What are you guys doing?

What are you doing?

What's going on?

We're making you an official member.

What?

What?

Ow.

What?

What do you do?

What?

We've all done it.

It doesn't hurt that bad.

Wait, wait, wait, no, no, no.

I don't want to do it, I don't want to do it.

Carter, oh, no, no, no.

I don't want to do it.

It bonds us forever.

No, no, no, I don't want to do it, okay?

No, I don't want to be a part of this.

I don't want to be a part of this.

I don't want to do it.

-[flesh sizzling] -[aubrey screaming]

[aubrey weeping]

[people chattering]

-Dr. Bradley? -Yes.

Hi, I was trying to meet my daughter,

Aubrey stanton, after class.

Did I miss her?

Aubrey dropped my class a few weeks ago.

Why?

You'll have to ask her.

The only thing the university does

Is send me the add drop notifications.

I don't understand.

Yeah, you must be looking at an old schedule.

I really wish she would've called me

Or talked to me before she dropped out.

I'm so sorry.

I mean, she had tremendous potential.

What was she thinking?

She's premed.

It doesn't seem like her.

When's the last time you were alone with her?

It's been a while.

What about when you call?

Carter's always with her and she never answers calls,

Only responds to texts sporadically.

I do not like how much control

She's given this carter girl.

I know.

There's someone I think you should talk to,

A professor at the university

And he specializes in brainwashing and cults.

Oh my god.

You think aubrey's in a cult?

I didn't say that,

But she's definitely changed a lot.

Can we wait and see what happens tomorrow?

You're hoping she'll show up for your birthday?

We always have pizza and watch movies together.

I remember those days.

[people chattering]

Boyfriend.

Oh, yeah.

[camera shutter]

Send it to carter.

Oh.

Let's go.

-Hey! -Hi.

-Hey. -Hi.

-I'm sable. -Oh, hi, I'm christina.

Nice to meet you.

Are you new to this school?

Oh yeah, I transferred--

Hey, what's wrong with you?

It's my mom's birthday.

I texted her but she didn't respond, so.

Well, you asked her to give you space

And she's giving it to you.

That's a good thing.

I guess,

But I don't want her to be on her own on her birthday.

I think I should go over there.

Maybe I'll bring some pizza.

We have this tradition where we get pizza.

You know what?

I went through the same exact thing.

I missed my mom when I first moved out,

But then I realized how great the freedom is.

Yeah.

I know you're right, but I don't know.

Hey, we can order pizza if you want.

Want to?

Sure.

-She didn't show up? -No.

She sent a happy birthday text

And when I asked her how she was doing,

She didn't respond.

At least she texted and remembered your birthday.

I guess I shouldn't have bothered.

We need to celebrate.

You got wine?

[laughing]

Thank you for staying and helping me celebrate.

Of course.

I'm sorry you didn't get to have dinner

With austin tonight.

Oh, don't even worry about that.

Austin didn't want you to be alone on your birthday either.

I need to find a good man like that.

Don't we all?

[laughing]

You know, I think it's time

We talk to that professor you mentioned.

I don't know what else to do.

Maybe he can help.

Yeah.

How about we try to catch him

Before his first class in the morning?

Okay.

Better save this for aubrey.

[announcer] the body of southern district university

Freshman elle mason was discovered by campers

Last night in the wooded area.

The 20-year-old college student--

Jason?!

That's the girl that came to warn aubrey about the kinship.

[jason] are you sure that's her?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I would never forget her.

[newscaster on tv] when officers arrived,

The body of elle mason was discovered in a wooded area

And police cordoned off--

I should have done more.

It's not your fault.

[knocking on door]

Dr. Fountain, please come in.

Professor byer.

-Good to see you. -Good morning.

This is my sister, charlotte stanton.

Our daughter's a freshman here at the campus.

Nice to meet you, ms. Stanton.

Please have a seat.

-Thank you. -Pleasure.

I've got 15 minutes before my first class.

What can I do for the two of you this morning?

Jason tells me you research cults

And cult behaviors like brainwashing.

I do.

My father, he was obsessed with cults,

And after he died, I found all his research.

I guess you can say that my interest in cults is hereditary.

I'm concerned about my daughter's new friends.

They seem to have taken over her life.

Can you explain more to me?

I've barely seen my daughter in weeks.

It's like she can't even think for herself.

She's so smart, I don't know how this happened.

Have you tried getting her alone?

Many, many times.

I even talked to the police.

They promised to do a welfare check today.

We're specifically concerned about a group

Called the kinship.

Have you ever heard of them?

We think they're here on campus.

I'm not familiar with the kinship.

Are they the ones

That you think are controlling your daughter?

I also think they might be related to elle mason's death.

That's quite an accusation.

I've heard a rumor

That elle mason had a pretty serious drug problem.

All I know is that she showed up to my house hysterical,

Trying to warn aubrey about the kinship.

Who's aubrey?

Aubrey, aubrey's my daughter.

I just, I feel like she risked a lot trying to warn her.

Well, I'd be happy to help.

I can ask any one of my students

And see if they've heard about the kinship.

That would be great.

Here's a list of articles on modern day cults.

I find them fascinating.

[suspenseful ambient music]

Ms. Stanton.

Is this about aubrey?

Aubrey?

My daughter?

I'm here on another matter.

I'm sorry, would you like to come in?

[suspenseful ambient music]

You think elle was killed

By some of my company's drug samples?

We don't have the toxicology report yet,

But we found empty sample boxes in her pocket

With your employee id number on them.

I reported them missing.

Do you have any idea how the deceased

Could have ended up with them?

I don't know.

You recently requested a welfare check on your daughter.

Do you think your daughter's troubles

Might be connected somehow?

No, I requested a welfare check

Because I'm concerned about my daughter's roommates.

The body of southern district university

Freshman elle mason was discovered by campers

Deep in the woods last night.

We don't have an official report,

But witnesses say it appears the body

Has been there for quite a while.

Aren't you worried

They're gonna trace elle's text back to you?

Problem solved.

[knocking on door]

It's the police.

-Get rid of this. -Okay.

Officer, how can I help you?

I'm looking for aubrey stanton.

I believe she's at work.

Is there something I can do to help?

I'm here to do a welfare check on her.

Her mother reported there might be a problem

With her living situation.

What time do you expect her back?

I don't know her schedule,

But if you want to come inside,

I can give you her phone number.

I'd appreciate that.

Aubrey's mom calls a lot.

If I'm being honest,

The whole thing makes me uncomfortable,

How she tries to control her.

But as you can see, aubrey has nothing to worry about.

The number matches what her mom gave us.

That helps.

Thank you for your help.

We need to do something about aubrey's mom.

[contemplative piano music]

Aubrey?

Aubrey?

Mom, I can't.

It's not a good time, okay?

I'm working.

You have been crying.

Did they hurt you?

No, no, I found out my friend died.

Elle?

Yeah, she's the one that came to the house that day.

I know, I know.

You need to get out.

You need to get out before they hurt you.

I can't, it's too late, it's too late.

It is not too late.

No, it is.

They have videos and they have pictures of me

Doing some really bad stuff, okay?

Stop.

Mom, you can lose your job.

I don't care.

You are the only daughter I have.

Mom, I took the samples.

I know.

I'm scared.

I think I killed her.

I have to go get my stuff.

No, no, no, you are not going back there.

Everything's there, I've been living there.

I will take you then.

[suspenseful ambient music]

Let me come in with you.

I'd feel safer.

What? No.

If they see you, mom, they're gonna know.

[sighing] I don't like this.

Me neither, but I can do it.

All right.

Okay.

Hurry.

Oh, and if you see anybody, just text me, okay?

[aubrey screaming]

[suspenseful ambient music]

[tires squealing]

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

You already branded me.

It's come to my attention that you were initiated

Without completing your initiation task.

Who told you that?

Zach?

Carter, he ghosted you.

Why are you believing anything he says?

Please, just let me go.

What are you doing here?

You know we have unfinished business to take care of.

What?

[dispatcher] don't worry, ma'am.

Help is on the way.

Please, please hurry.

She's in danger.

Carter?

Stop resisting, just stop, just stop.

It's not helping.

Carter, carter please?

Go, go!

-I'm gonna take care of this. -Carter, don't go.

Don't go, carter, please don't go.

Don't go, carter.

Carter, please don't leave me with him, okay?

No, no, you don't have to do this.

Please stop.

I've been thinking about this

Ever since you tied me to my bed.

You will not get away with this.

No, that's where you're wrong.

I've studied all of the great leaders.

[susp[people grunting]usic]

You won't get away with this.

I know you brainwashed my daughter.

Shut up!

I thought the police would've had you by now

For elle's murder.

You should be out of my way.

-[brick thudding] -[carter groaning]

I am gonna train you to love me.

[aubrey] you're sick!

Let her go.

Mom? Mom?

Mom, he's crazy!

[punch thudding]

Mom!

Where were we?

[suspenseful orchestral music]

-Come on. -No, no, no, no.

No, no, no, no!

-[thudding] -[attacker grunting]

[siren blaring]

[police radio chatter]

I know you all look at me

And think that what happened to me

Would never happen to you.

And I hope that's true

'cause that's what I would've thought too.

I was a college freshman, vulnerable,

And just trying to fit in and make friends.

But in that vulnerability,

Slowly, I started giving these friends

More and more power over me.

They damaged every relationship that I had

Other than the kinship

And they made me feel powerless against them.

My friend, elle, she saw through it.

She stood up to them and she tried to warn me,

But I didn't listen.

Luckily, my mom did.

If you take anything away from this speech,

I hope you know that no one should have power over your life

And your decisions but you.

And trust your loved ones

If they tell you that something isn't right

Because they always have your best interest in mind.

I want to thank you all for having me today.

The university thought that my speech

And my story could help one of you.

Today, I've realized that in telling my story,

I've actually gotten to take some of that power back

That I lost.

Thank you.

[audience applauding]

I'm so proud of you.

Thanks.

I really could not have done it without you guys.

Let's go get some food.

My treat.

We actually have a few things to celebrate.

What's that?

Your promotion to director.

And?

And I think I'm gonna accept the university scholarship

And stay at southern.

Did you know this?

Nuh-uh.

I'm just surprised.

Yeah, I know.

Me too honestly.

I don't know, it just feels right.

Okay, I'm gonna go get my backpack and we'll go.

-Why didn't you tell me? -I had no idea.

I heard your talk.

I listened from the hall

'cause I wasn't sure you wanted to see me.

I'm really sorry

About everything that you went through.

I wish I understood and helped.

You don't have to apologize, luke.

I'm the one who should be apologizing.

Everything that happened that night,

It was all a part of the manipulation.

I know now.

And I should have realized that wasn't you.

Well, I have been thinking about texting you

So many times.

I just wasn't sure if you wanted to see me.

Maybe we could meet for coffee?

I think I have a better idea.

We're gonna go to dinner.

If you wanted to join us,

I'd really like for you to meet my mom.

I'd like that.

Me too.

So, would you consider this our second first date?

Or our first third date?

-[soft optimistic music] -[people chattering]

[ominous ambient music]