All language subtitles for The Righteous (2021)

♪♪♪♪
(low ominous music)

♪♪♪♪
(eerie choral music)

Frederic: I have done wrong
within my eyes and yours.

In your ultimate
jurisdiction, as always-

I am at
your mercy.

My desire is steadfast-

but at your will.

I am lost.

Bring me my penance-

that I might, through
your exaction-

re-visit peace
without concern.

I beg you.

Let it be swift.

(Frederic crying)

Let it be swift.

♪♪♪♪
(music building intensity)

(Frederic sobbing)

(wind)

♪♪♪♪
(choral music)

♪♪♪♪
(music builds)

Graham: A child does
not know true sin.

But we do.

For her sake and
the life she lived-

let us give thanks to
the Lord, our God.

Trust in Him.

Believe in Him,
above all others.

Go in peace,
my child.

So may we all.

Are you sure you're going to be
alright out there by yourselves?

Twelve miles.

-Mmm.

That can be lonesome.

Yeah.

Are you still having
those mind lapses?

Spells?

Yeah, I'll be-

I'm fine.

-How's Ethel's heart?

It's her chest.

She's got chronic bronchitis.

Well, she has you.

(Frederic scoffs)

Yeah.

Have you
considered your life-

back on the other
side of the altar?

This is a tragedy
of strain, Frederic.

For you.

And for her.

I'm happy that you
have found each other.

Truly, I am.

I'm not asking
you to come back.

It could be the
best thing for you.

You can maintain a relationship
with her, Frederic.

It would simply not
be a physical one.

Maybe this is the
best place for you.

And maybe this is God's
way of telling you that.

You think God took
our daughter away-

as a way of telling me
to be priest again?

-I'm sorry, I-

I just want
to help.

Have you ever considered
that you aren't-

even with God?

-Are you talking
about sin?

I'm talking-

penance.

I'm talking about punishment.

Now it's come.

It's come, and-

I'm still left to
wonder is this all?

I mean, could- ?

Could it get worse?

Is that possible?

Punishments for what?

You're a good
man, Frederic.

You know this
isn't the end.

Nothing ends so long as
you stay on God's path.

Mm-hmm.

(Graham sighs)

So.

You're going
back up North?

(Frederic struggles not to cry)

I-

What do you want-

Frederic?

Just-

peace.

-What're you
going to do, then?

Pray.

(fire crackling)

♪♪♪♪
(low cello)

Thank God
I have you.

You'll always have me.

(clanging hammer)

(low moaning wind)

(car in driveway)

Doris: Hello Frederic!

Ethel: Hello, Doris!

Doris: I got it.

Ethel: Thank you.

Doris: Thank you.

I'm always there.

I go there and look
for a silk dress.

But I can never
find one.

I'd love a pink
silk dress.

If you ever see one,
just give me a call.

And let me
know if you-

Ethel: Oh, I don't
do much shopping.

Doris: You
don't? Oh, I do.

I love shopping.

Hi Frederic!

How are you, Doris?

Oh, forget about me.

I'll be just-

I guess I don't
know how to feel.

I guess I'm in
shock, you know?

I haven't felt this way
since my Daddy died.

But that was
so different.

You know?

You knew Daddy so
well, didn't you Ethel?

-Yes.

Yes, I did.

How are you, Frederic?

Are you still at the
steakhouse, Doris?

Oh, yeah!

Still there.

You know me.

(coughs)

But I don't
mind it.

Interesting people
to meet there.

And it's a classy
place, too.

So you get some people
in there who are real-

You know?

That's wonderful.

Well I don't know
about wonderful!

But it's good.

Yeah, it's good.

How are you, Ethel?

Tell me about
school, Doris.

Are you planning
to go back?

Doris: It's kind of on
the back burner for now.

Was it a
nice service?

Are you seeing
anyone, Doris?

Oh God, no.

Well, sort of.

Not really.

We're not
calling it that.

Well neither of them
are calling it that.

I just need to stop waiting
for a sign, or a change-

and just decide
what I want-

and go for it.

You're good at
that, Frederic.

Yeah, Daddy always
said that about you.

Real certain.

He was a
good man.

Doris: Yeah.

Doris, it's-

It's kind of
a busy day.

Doris: Oh yeah.

Of course.

I didn't mean
to be rude.

I just thought I would
stop by because-

you know, I-

(Doris crying)

She just loved that bicycle
so much, you know?

It's okay, Doris.

You never did
tell her right?

No.

Of course not.

Doris: Okay.
That's good.

I think that's good.

I think she would've
been disappointed-

with me as
her mother.

And her father
couldn't get

ten thousand fucking
miles away fast enough.

Could he?

Oh my.
I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for
the language.

I didn't mean-

I wasn't the right
person for her.

Was I?

Of course, dear.

And you too, Frederic?

Yes.

Yeah.

And I always looked up
to you both so much.

I hope I can be like
you when I'm old.

Well, not old.

But you know
what I mean.

We appreciate you
coming by, Doris.

Of course.

I just-

I wish I could have
made the service.

I just had to
work, you know?

And I need
the money.

But I-

I just sometimes-

You know, I-

I get a little
too eager.

And I just ruin
everything.

And-

It's like she
was never here.

I don't know what
to do about it.

I'm sorry.

I'm silly.

I know.

I'm so silly.

Anyway, you just
take care, okay?

If you ever
need anything-

I'm just a phone call
away for both of you.

Ethel: Thank you, Doris.

Yeah.
Thank you.

You keep a
wonderful home.

Ethel: Thank you.

Yeah. Take
care, okay?

Okay, thank you,
thank you.

(door opening)

(door closing)

(Ethel crying)

(banging)

(hammer thuds)

(man screaming in distance)

♪♪♪♪
(ominous, quiet music)

(door creaking)

(wind)

(snapping twigs)

♪♪♪♪
(dramatic percussion)

(Frederic exhales)

(drawer slams closed)

(man crying
out in distance)

(limping footsteps)

Man: Ughh!

Ugh!

Ahh!

Ughh!

Who are you?

-It's my foot!

I thought I
could manage it.

But it's sprained.

Bad.

Maybe cut, too.

I'm afraid to look.

I need some help.

Can you do
that for me?

Well, what happened?

I'm lost!

-With your foot!

What happened
to your foot?

-I'm lost!

I don't know
what I'm doing!

You don't know?

-I must have
jammed it!

And yours is the
only house I'd seen.

Can you help me?

You alone?

-Yes, sir.

You don't
have a phone?

-No, sir.

Uh-

-Please!

Just let me get
mended up?

-Uh-

I'm going to bring
out some supplies-

some-

you know, some
first aid, and-

give you a ride
to the bus station.

-No, I ain't got
no place to go!

Well, where were
you headed?

-I was supposed
to meet somebody.

And I got lost!

Can you help me?

Ethel: What's going on?

-Where's the first aid?

I don't know.

What's going on?

-It used
to be here!

Can you get
some ice?

Why?

Frederic, what's going on?

Frederic!

Answer me.

There's a guy
out there.

There's a guy
out there?

Yeah.

What does he want?

I don't know.

But he's hurt.

Well, I'm going
to call the police.

It's okay.

No, I'm going
to call Mary.

And let her know.

Ask her
to drive by.

Yeah, fine.

Okay.

Yeah.

I love you.

I love you.

It's okay.

Hello.

Hey!

Hey there!

Hey!

Eh!

Hey.

Hey!

Come here.

Is he okay?

I don't know.

Did you call Mary?

Yeah, she's going
to drop by later.

Can you get
him a pillow?

Thanks.

Ethel: What are
you doing?

He said he
hurt his foot.

(man gasps)

(Ethel gasps)

(Man gasping)

-I-

♪♪♪♪
(soft organ music)

(car outside)

(knocking on door)

Ethel: Hey, Mary.

Thank you so much
for coming by.

Hey Mary!

How are you, Frederic?

Frederic: Oh, well-

We're okay.

-Yeah?

I hear you've
got a visitor.

Ethel: Yes, it's-

It's this boy.

Yeah, he's a
young fellow.

He's busted himself up.

It's my cousin's nephew.

I hadn't seen him in so long,
I hardly recognized him.

He was out-

Well, he said he was out hunting
with his buddies and got lost.

But you
know, he can-

He can stay
the night.

Frederic?

Yeah, it's fine.

We're all good here.

Oh!

Okay then.

Nothing to worry about?

No no.

We're going
to be fine.

You're sure?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, he's-

He's going
to be fine.

Okay.

How're you two
holding up?

Well, it's okay, Mary.

And thanks
for checking in.

Appreciate it.

Okay.
-Yeah.

Need anything else,
you let me know.

Okay.

Thanks.

-Okay.

Take care.

What are you doing?

Did you think I
was here to rob you?

Hurt you?

Frederic: No.
No no.

We just-

Because I can go.

I should leave.

I can leave.

I can go.

I think that
would be best.

No no
no no no.

You can-

You can spend
the night.

Spend the night?

What are you-

What are you thinking?

We don't even
know this boy!

And why did you
lie to Mary?

I'm sorry.

But the-

He needs our help!

I don't know, Frederic.

Ethel.

It's the right
thing to do.

(man eating)

You must've been hungry.

Oh, famished.

Ethel: What is
your name?

Aaron.

Aaron what?

Smith.

It's not very
original, I know.

Frederic: So who were
you supposed to meet?

Aaron: A
friend of mine.

Not for a
couple of days.

God, I'm so embarrassed.

I'm completely turned around.

Ethel: Where were
you going to stay?

I was going to
bring my tent.

But I forgot it.

It sounds silly.

I know.

But I've never been
lost like this before.

Thank God I
found this place.

And kind people.

What was your
friend's name?

-Sorry?

Your friend's name.

I'm sorry.

My head hurts.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Okay.

So, is that couch
going to be okay for you?

-Yeah.

Um-

I'll go find
a blanket.

-Thank you.

Both of you.

Ethel?

It is-

It's Ethel isn't it?

Yes.

-Thank you
for the food.

Not many people
would do that.

Well, think
nothing of it.

♪♪♪♪
(suspenseful violin)

(Aaron eating)

Everything okay?

Yeah.

Where'd you get that?

Oh, I found it.

Is that okay?

Yeah.

You Catholic?

(Aaron scoffs)

Are you?

Never was a
big sleeper.

-Well, you should
try and get some rest.

We're going to leave first
thing in the morning.

-Maybe some hot tea?

I just-

Ah!

I-

I'm cold.

I didn't want to rummage
through your cupboards

and get it myself.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

Could you keep
your voice down?

Ethel hasn't
slept well lately.

-I'm sorry, sorry.

So how long have
you been out here?

Sorry. Shit. Sorry.

How long you
been out here?

Uh- 22 years.

Same house?

-Ten years now.

Where were you
before that?

Up North.

Far from here.

-Why'd you move?

Where are you from?

-Everywhere.

Was it because
of a woman?

Hmm?

When you moved
from up North.

Was it because
of a woman?

-No no no.

I've been a priest
my whole life-

until Ethel
and I met, and-

Here we are.

I'm sorry about
your daughter.

Excuse me?

I saw the card from
her funeral service.

And I'm sorry.

Hmm.

She's pretty.

And she
looks like you.

She was adopted.

-Shit, I'm sorry, I-

(kettle whistling)

Thank you. Thank you.

So you don't have
any kids of your own?

I don't mean to-

You know, just-

You?

Kids?

Oh shit no!

Wait.

I thought you wasn't
supposed to marry.

Well no.

Not when
you're a priest.

What else you ain't
supposed to do then?

You know, I'm thinking maybe
I should go back to bed.

I don't want to
wake Ethel up.

Oh yeah.

You- yeah.

You're here in mourning.

And I'm being
a burden.

I should go.

-No no.

That's not what
I meant, no.

-I should leave.

No! No.

No.

Like I said-
you should-

You know- you
can stay the night.

I mean, where are
you going to go?

(Aaron sighs)

Thank you.

Do you want to
talk about her?

Hey, how about-

I'll tell you a
story about me?

And then you tell me
a story about you?

Well-

-Okay, I'll go first.

So, I was adopted
at birth, too.

Mm-hmm.

-Now he was a coal miner who
was a professional drug addict.

And she was a professional
at looking the other way.

Anyway-

Mother would take
me throwing rocks-

in this river
near our house.

-Mmmm.

And you know-

It kept me
away from him.

And I was
good at it.

I'd spend hours
out there-

just throwing
rocks in the water.

Over and over and
over, you know?

So this one
day, I was sick.

I'm real sick.

I got a fever.

And Mother
puts me to bed.

And she says,
"Stay put!"

And I-

I didn't want
to stay put.

I wanted to go throw
rocks in the water!

So I said,
"Mother, please!"

"Please take me
throwing rocks!"

"I know it'll make
me feel better. Please!"

She says, "No."

I said, "Please,
Mother, please!"

"Ten minutes!"

See the river
was only-

a two or three minute
walk from our front door.

-Mm-hmm.

She gives in.

She don't like it.

But she gives in.

So we go outside.

And sweat's dripping
off me from the fever.

Sweat's dripping off her
from trying to deal with me.

We get down
to the river.

And we throw a
bunch of rocks in.

And it's great.

But then-

I spot this
giant rock.

And I get
this feeling.

This intuition.

And it's
like a spell.

And it overwhelms me.

And I walk over
to this rock.

And I-

And it's
a big rock.

It's a bigger rock than
anything I've ever picked up.

Let alone thrown.

But I take a
deep breath.

And with all
my strength-

I somehow picked
this rock up.

And then I walk with it
to the lip of the water.

And then I raise
it over my head!

And I heave it
out into the water.

And it sails
far, far-

farther than I ever
even threw a pebble!

And then just as it's about
to penetrate the water-

a god damn catfish
jumps out of the water!

The rock hits
it on its head.

Kills it dead!

We spent twenty minutes
looking for the catfish.

Go home, fever's gone.

That's a true story.

But we was late.

Woke Daddy up.

He took the
shovel to me.

I spent a week
in the hospital.

But the funny
thing is-

if I didn't hit
that catfish-

and I hadn't
been late-

then I wouldn't have
gone to the hospital.

And I wouldn't have had
a reason to hate him.

So I gave myself the
power to lift that rock-

to be late-

to have a reason to hate that
cock-sucking motherfucker.

-I'm sorry.

Oh, it's okay.

So where are
you from?

-Everywhere.

"Everywhere?"

Where are your
adoptive parents?

Down South.

Where down South?

Central.

Whereabouts?

I can't remember.

They never stayed
put long enough.

Hey.

I was kidding
about that story.

(Aaron laughs)

(Frederic laughs)

I tell that one
all the time.

It's a good
story, isn't it?

Yeah.

Yeah, I was kidding.

Everything except the
shovel and the hospital.

I raised myself.

I raised myself
too, pretty much.

And then I joined
the seminary.

Joanie, our daughter-

She was-

Well, she was
nothing like me.

Maybe that's why I
loved her so much.

Hmm!

You asked me to
come up with a story.

And I can't
think of one.

Not one.

You know, when
I think of her-

I think about how she
was the one thing in my life

that I really
wanted to keep-

safe.

God took her
away from me.

You can't blame
God for everything.

-God knew exactly
how much I loved her.

(Aaron exhales)

I don't-

I don't feel
so good.

(Aaron exhales)

Are you okay?

-It's just-

I've got to-

(Aaron exhales)

♪♪♪♪
(dramatic percussion)

♪♪♪♪
(dramatic violin)

Uhhh!!

Ughh!!

Ugh!

Save me!

Save me!

Save me, please!

♪♪♪♪
(music builds intensity)

(Frederic exhales)

(Ethel and Aaron
talking downstairs)

(Frederic coughs)

(Ethel and Aaron
singing in distance)

♪♪♪♪
(low, ominous music)

Ethel and Aaron:
♪Hoppin' and a-boppin'

♪And singing his song♪

♪All the little birdies
on Jaybird Street♪

♪Love to hear the robin
go tweet tweet tweet♪

♪Rockin' robin♪

Ethel: ♪Tweet tweet tweet♪
(Aaron laughs)

♪Rockin' robin♪

♪Tweet tweet tweet♪

♪Blow rockin' robin♪

♪'Cause we're really
gonna rock tonight♪

Frederic, I don't know
what I was thinking!

About what?

About Aaron, and
wanting him to leave!

Oh, we've been
up for hours!

He told me all
about himself.

I told him
all about us.

How we met.

He's really such
a sweet boy!

I really like having
him in the house!

Yeah yeah.

Ethel, I-

Thank God he's here.

Do you want some
pancakes, Frederic?

Uh, no no.

I've got some
things to do.

(Frederic unzips coat)

Aaron: Need a hand?

Frederic: No, I'm okay.

-Ahh.

Ohhh.

Boy, I thought
Ethel hated me.

Yeah, well she's
not the hating type.

-No.

No, she isn't.

But she was probably
right to think I was crazy.

What you going to do
with all this wood?

-I'll burn it.

-Seems like a waste.

-Should get going soon.

You know, I
have spells too.

I'm sorry?

Visions.

Lapses.

Memory lags.

So how did
you find out-?

-Ethel told me
all about it.

How long have you
been having yours?

20 odd years.

That's about ever since
you moved from up North?

You know, Ethel said this was
her family home, passed down-

What did you
mean last night?

Huh?

"Save" you.

Sometimes I say things
I don't remember.

It's like someone else's
words coming out of my mouth.

Lapses.

You know
what I mean.

Yeah.

I'm real sorry for
disturbing you.

And I'm sorry to pry
about your daughter.

That's none of
my business.

I bet you were
a great father.

Hey, why don't we give
it one last go, huh?

Oh, shit!!

-Careful!

Don't hurt yourself.

-Shit.

Here we go.

Oh!

There we go.

-Easy, eh!

-There we go!

-I didn't build
it for you.

-Well, let's see what
you got, old man!

-Hah.

You've got to lean
back further, anyway.

-Got to lean back
further like this?

-Yeah.
-Like that?

-Pull on the ropes!
-Oh!

-Pull on the ropes!

It's easier.

Pull on the ropes?
-Just lean back!

-What?
-Pull on the ropes!

-Yes, don't tell me!

Show me!

-Let's see what
you got, young man!

-There you go!

-Oh!

That's not bad!

(Frederic laughs)
That's not bad!

-She's holding!

-She's holding pretty good!

♪♪♪♪
(soft music)

Ethel: He reminds
me of something.

A dream I had before
we met ten years ago.

Just before Bill died.

(Frederic pats bed)

-Tell me.

Well-

I'd been in the hospital
with him 24 hours a day.

It was the night before
his fourth surgery.

His last one.

I couldn't sleep.

I knew he was
going to die.

I was so afraid of being
a widow after Bill passed.

Just being alone.

My fear outweighed
my sympathy.

I couldn't sleep
because of it.

So I took a walk down
the halls of the hospital.

And I found-

I found a room.

An empty room.

I didn't know
exactly where I was.

But I was
so tired.

And I-

I finally closed
my eyes.

And then I found myself on
this deserted road all alone.

In this dense fog.

♪♪♪♪
(soft music)

And this man started
to walk towards me.

He was all
dressed in black.

And he was carrying
two buckets of water.

I was so thirsty, I
could barely swallow.

And he offered me
the water that I-

that I needed
so badly.

I was very grateful.

It was exactly
what I wanted.

What I needed at
that precise moment.

It was this face.

Oh, I loved you
right away.

(Ethel sighs)

Bill died the next
day in surgery.

I-

I needed you and
you were there.

It was like-

It was like
you knew.

I'd been afraid
for so long.

So afraid.

♪♪♪♪
(soft music)

You owe me.

-Pardon me?

I told you a story
the other night.

You owe me one.

Was it hard to leave
the priesthood?

Yeah, it was.

Yeah.

But you did it.

For Ethel.

Ain't that
like a sin?

Sorry, I don't
mean to pry.

How's your foot?

Oh, it's much better.

Much better.
Thank you.

Do you want
me to go?

I never said that.

So who's this friend you're
supposed to be meeting?

You.

Maybe there's something
you can do for me.

You can stay
another night.

No.

I want you
to kill me.

Excuse me?

-I want you to
kill me, Frederic.

Aaron?

-I'm asking you.

So it ain't murder.

Yes it is.

-No, it ain't.

(Aaron laughs)

Come on now.

Please.

Why?

-I can't do
it myself.

I need you
to do it.

I think you
know why.

Okay, I think it's
time for you to leave.

If you don't kill me
like I'm asking-

I will take Ethel from
you, I swear to God.

This isn't the church.

Or your home
up North.

You can't run
from this.

It's your punishment.

You don't get to
choose the conditions.

Frederic!

Frederic!

-You're leaving
right now!

♪♪♪♪
(low cello)

Where are my keys?

Ethel: Why?

-Oh, for God's sake.

-Frederic, where
are you going?

-I'll be right back!

-Frederic?

Frederic, what- ?

What's going on?

Aaron?

Oh my God!

(Aaron groaning)

Oh my God!

What happened?

Aaron?

(Aaron moaning)

Oh!

Oh God!

Aaron!

Aaron!

Quick! Come here!

Here!

It's okay. It's okay.

It's okay.

(fire crackling)

Ethel is such a sweet
wife and mother.

-Don't.

She likes me.

Doesn't want
me to go.

Who are you?

Aaron.

This is crazy.

Is it?

I want to help.

Why'd you board
up her room?

I can help you.

But not like this.

Why'd you board
up her room?

-What is it-

that you need?

I mean, really?

I already told you.

Well then, you need to
leave us with our pain.

And save yourself.

That's what I'm
trying to do, Frederic.

I'm trying to save
myself as well as you.

You want to help.

Imagine being born into a
body that nobody wants.

And nobody asked for.

Your muscles
are confusing.

Your eyes are
out of focus.

You have reflux, rash,
infection, indigestion.

And no one cares.

Everything is a
fight for survival.

Everyone is always poking and
prodding and picking you up.

And all you
can do is cry.

And what
do they say?

"Shhhhh."

Then you're passed
on to someone else-

who says that
they want you.

And you live
with them.

And they're supposed
to protect you.

But they hurt you.

Oh, they hurt you.

They hurt you in ways
you don't want to imagine.

They hurt you in
ways that almost-

almost stack up to the way those
who deserted you hurt you-

by not being there.

My existence-

is a sin, Frederic.

It's a mistake.

I was never supposed
to be here.

And now I am.

And I can't
get out.

I can't do
it myself.

I need you
to do it.

That's the deal.

I was looking
for you.

Long time.

I found myself driving
for days on end.

I didn't know
where or why.

And then I
stopped driving.

Just like that.

It's like I was possessed by
something bigger than me.

Calling for me to do
something for them.

Then it all
became so clear.

♪♪♪♪
(low percussion)

I saw what I was
being asked to do.

And I couldn't
control it.

Your prayer so strong.

(screeching tires)

I saw what I was
forced to do.

I was there for
her, Frederic.

I was there.

♪♪♪♪
(eerie music)

And then I
was lost again.

Just like the day
I was born.

(Aaron crying out)

Except this time,
it was different.

I was inhabited by
something else.

And it wrestled within me,
myself and this thing-

trying to become one.

And then I heard
a beckoning.

I heard a calling.

And I knew
it was you-

reaching out.

Telling me
where to go.

Because you were praying
for your punishment.

And you were calling for it to
go right to your front door.

Well, those two things-

they became one.

And here I am.

(Aaron exhales)

Admit it.

Wouldn't it feel
good to kill me?

How did you
know I was here?

You called for me.

-No.

I never called
for you.

Yes, you did.

Or do you think it was
one of your lapses?

I don't want
you here.

And you're not what-

who you
think you are.

They say God's children
not possessed of love

become possessed of
something else, Frederic.

Fatherhood wasn't the same
as the Brotherhood, was it?

I didn't ask
for this.

-Was she really
your only child?

No other family
you left behind?

No!

A little boy.

Your little boy.

A woman you'd take
against her will.

And she keeps it quiet
for the good of the Church.

But she dies
in childbirth.

And you run away.

Begin again in
another clergy.

Your secret hidden.

Something like that, Frederic-

Well, that's a sin.

What you're
asking me to do-

that's a sin.

What if that
child lived?

What if he scratched and
clawed and made it through?

What if he's sitting
right in front of you?

I didn't
pray for this.

Yes you did.

Not like this!

-You possessed me through
your prayer, Frederic.

As punishment
for your own sins.

And I was right there
for her, Frederic.

And I'm right
here right now.

And you owe him.

You owe yourself.

Are you telling me-?

Does he look how
you thought he would?

How you pictured him?

This isn't possible.

I can't.

You will.

-I can't.

You can.

You will.

-I've made mistakes.

And I'm trying to
make up for them.

Did you feel guilty?

Of course!

For disobeying God!

You feel
guilty to God?

But no one else?

Isn't it God that brought
me here, Frederic?

Isn't it God that's helping
you with your penance?

Isn't it?

Or are you too
scared to face it?

Face what?

-Face what?

For fuck sakes, Frederic!

I can't leave here!

Think of Ethel!

You stay away
from her!

Be the good, honest
man she needs you to be.

I can't!

You fucking can!

You fucking will!

Did I wake you?

Ethel: No.

You slept soundly
all night.

I've got
to go out.

Where are you going?

I'll be right back.

Do you need anything?

♪♪♪♪
(cello)

Frederic.

Have you ever sinned?

(Graham scoffs)

We have all sinned.

No.

I mean something irreversible.

Something ungodly.

I met a woman
many years ago-

when I was still
with the clergy-

back up-

back home.

I felt something
for her.

It was lust.

I tried to
quell it, but-

I couldn't.

And I-

You know, I prayed.

And I prayed.

But my prayers- they
were never answered.

I just couldn't
control myself.

Frederic, what
did you do?

I ran.

I left.

That sin persisted.

And now it's
controlling me.

And it's demanding
that I do something.

I mean, something awful.

I mean, how do I
make things even-

when the only way to do that
is to commit another sin?

-A sin-

will never cancel
out a previous one.

What if there's
no other choice?

-There's always a choice!

You have to
listen to God.

Yeah.

-And do what
he tells you.

And how do I know with certainty
who's answering my prayers?

Can you tell me what the
voice of God sounds like?

Sorry.

The Book of Revelation.

God holds a book
in his hand.

A scroll.

And it's opened
by The Lamb of God.

Jesus Christ, himself.

And in so doing, he releases The
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse-

cloaked in flames.

The end of
all things.

You know this.

We all do.

Now, I see that
as a symbol.

Nothing tangible.

It is sin itself.

Open it up and you
get action and choice.

Every day, we decide
to do or not do things-

which we believe
are or are not a sin.

We open a book.

We turn a page.

We have a drink.

We start a fire.

We press a button.

Some are sins.

Some not.

So who decides?

It depends on what hooks
into you and won't let go.

God gave us
that choice.

That judgment.

But I see sin around
me every day.

But I don't see any
horseman in the streets.

Or balls of fire
in the sky.

Sin has a life
of its own.

What's important is knowing
the difference between-

what's real-

and what our conscience
has created to punish us.

And always knowing which
direction we're praying.

Be careful what
you wish for.

But be certain
what you pray for.

Frederic: Ethel?

Hello?

Hello, dear.

Is everything okay?

-Perfect.

Everything is just perfect.

Where is he?

Pray with me.

Did he leave?

He said he wanted
to go for a walk.

Pick some
blueberries-

for me.

I offered to
go with him, but-

he wanted
to go it alone.

He's very independent,
you know?

Pray with me.

Yeah yeah.

He's very independent.

Yeah yeah.

And so thoughtful.

He's going to take
Joanie's room.

Does he want that?

Why wouldn't he?

I think he was looking
forward to getting on.

No. No.

No, he needs us.

Frederic.

No one has taken care
of him his entire life.

And like you said-

he needs us.

Oh, Frederic.

Oh-

(Ethel crying)

(Frederic crying)

Ethel: Ohhh.

Ethel: Bless
us, Oh Lord.

And these, thy gifts-

which we are about to
receive, from thy bounty.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

Mmmmm!

This is fantastic, Ethel.

Thank you, Aaron.

Aaron: Fantastic.

I hope so.

♪♪♪♪
(soft, eerie music)

I was thinking.

We hold an annual
blueberry festival here.

It's downtown.

And people from all the
other communities come out.

Well-

I thought that
would be something-

that we could
do together.

I used to be quite
the blueberry picker.

Right, Frederic?

Yes, you were.

When is it?

Ethel: A few weeks.

Aaron: I can't wait.

Ethel: Oh good!

(Ethel coughing)

Ethel.

Ethel.

You okay?

Oh!

I'm okay.

Are you okay, Ethel?

Yes, honey. Thank you.

Aaron: Good.

Good.

♪♪♪♪
(ominous music)

Please go.

You're not doing this
just for me, Frederic.

Stop.

You're doing
this for yourself.

It's not as easy
as you say.

-Why not?

You never intended
for me to be born.

You didn't want
me when I was.

And now you can rid
yourself of me for good-

and make things
even with your God.

I'm sorry
I left you.

Do you mean that?

With all my heart.

(Frederic sighs)

Priesthood isn't-

Some of us have to put a
face on for our parishioners.

We have to
be an example.

The example.

And that takes discipline.

And it takes restraint.

And faith.

Your mother was a
faithful parishioner.

And she saw
me as an ideal.

And her admiration
I took for yearning.

But her yearning
was for God.

Not for me.

I confused
the two and I-

I wanted the latter.

And I knew she
would give it.

She was willing.

But only to the degree
of the divinity-

she felt she was
being a part of.

I lied to her-

promising a
proximity to God-

that I didn't
really have.

I just-

I lied again.

Right now.

I didn't confuse
the two.

I knew exactly
what I was doing.

I used your mother.

And I used God
to take her.

And when you
came along-

you were the result
of everything

that I despised
in myself-

that I couldn't control.

When I see you-

I mean- you don't
remind me of her.

You remind
me of me.

Then do this.

I can't.

-Do it.

I won't.

Do you know what it means
for a man of God to kill?

Even one that's flawed?

It means the end
of everything.

Mankind will be punished.

It'll be fire
and fury!

Maybe you're the only
one who'll be punished.

And maybe it'll be your
punishment that sets you free.

I almost lost God
once before.

And I will not lose
him for good.

Are you sure you haven't
done that already?

I don't know.

-Please.
- I don't-

Please.

Please.

-I can't.

You think God'll punish
for showing mercy?

This isn't mercy.

It doesn't work
that way.

This is a life!

That's funny
coming from you.

Why is God
always right?

This man you
never even met?

I have met him.

He's here.

He's a part
of me.

And I will not
disobey him, just-

-Jesus Christ!

You already disobeyed
him, Frederic!

Did you think he
wasn't looking?

Do it.

-No.

Do it.

No!

-You think he'll kill
you if you do this?

Is that it?

-No, I said
he'd punish.

-Isn't that what
you wanted?

Isn't that what
you prayed for?

I prayed for
my punishment.

Not the punishment
of mankind!

-Mankind?

Who do you
think you are?

Was it even God
you were praying to?

Do you even know?

-I believe-

The Devil?

No!

Why not?

No!

Does God scare you
more than the Devil?

Is that it?

Yes!

Why?

Because!

Because God can lead
you to paradise, Aaron.

And he can show you all
that's righteous and noble.

And I know this.

If you break
his rules-

in an instant-

in an instant-

(snaps fingers)

he can scorch
your soul-

leaving you with the memory
of what you once had-

an incessant reminder
how you are to blame.

And even the
Devil can't do that.

And I'm not willing to
take that risk again.

What risk are you
willing to take?

(knocking at door)

♪♪♪♪
(soft dramatic music)

I'll get it!

-Aaron.

Aaron.

(rain)

Doris!

Hi Frederic!

I'm sorry.

Can I come in?

I'm sorry.

Is everything alright?

I just-

Please?

Frederic: Well, of course
you can come in, yes!

Aaron: Yes, come in!
My goodness!

Come in out
of the rain!

Thank you.
-So this is Aaron.

He's-
-A family friend.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Can we- go-?

Frederic: Uh, is there
something you want to-?

Can we talk here?

Don't mind me.

I can go outside.

Oh no.

I'll go outside.

It's raining.

I couldn't possibly
ask you to go.

It's late, Doris.

Please stay.
You're family.

Are you sure?

And it's silly, really-
what I have to ask.

But yes, please stay.

Okay.

Thank you.

Well, I'll stay
out of the way.

♪♪♪♪
(eerie violin)

Okay, go ahead.

Have a seat.

What's happening?

-Oh God.

Well, I can't sleep.

At all.
For days now.

Ever since,
you know-

And I-

Well, I feel like-

I've been having nightmares.

Ah.

Nightmares that I didn't
make her strong enough.

Ah.

And I could have
been healthier.

It's okay, Doris.

It's okay.

You did great.

No, but I had a glass of
champagne while I was pregnant.

I'm really sorry
I did that.

It was my
cousin's birthday.

And it was
only one, and I-

-Doris.

I was only
four months!

But I thought-
-Doris.

You did great.

I could have
done better.

I could have
been better.

I could have made
a stronger girl.

-No.

I'm really sorry.

I'm so, so sorry.

I let you down.

You let no
one down.

You gave us
a divine gift.

And you're always
welcome in this house.

Yeah?

-Yeah.

I guess Ethel
is sleeping?

-Yeah.

She's out
like a light.

(Doris laughs)

Yeah.

Could you, um- ?

Would you mind- ?

Could you bless me?

Read me a
passage, maybe?

It would mean
a lot to me, and-

I think it would
help me sleep.

Sure.

Sure.

-Thank you so
much, Frederic.

Thank you.

I'll just-

I'll get the book.

Thank you so much.

-Yeah.

I'll be right back.

Okay.

(wind)

(banging)

(creaking)

♪♪♪♪
(eerie violin)

♪♪♪♪
(dramatic percussion)

Graham: Sin.

It has a life
of its own.

It can possess.

I've been having nightmares.

Aaron: And it all
became so clear.

Graham: Alter things that
can make us see things.

And hear things.

Not as they are.

Aaron: Does he look how
you thought he would?

Graham: Transformed.

This is what
you prayed for.

Ethel: I really like
having him in the house.

He's going to
take Joanie's room.

(screeching tires)

(banging)

(thumping)

(Doris choking)

What did you
do to her?

You can stop
this, Frederic.

Right now.

I'm calling the police.

Do this, Frederic.

-Hello, I need-
-Do it.

-to call in a-

(phone crashing)

Do it.

That's enough!

♪♪♪♪
(dramatic percussion)

(Aaron exhales)

(Doris choking)

(Ethel gasping)

Oh my God!

Frederic: Doris!

Oh God! Doris!

Doris?

What happened?

What happened?

I did it.

That's right-

you barren old cunt.

I fucking did it.

And what's your pussy
husband going to do about it?

He'd be about my age,
wouldn't he, Frederic?

He misses you.

And what about
his mother?

Didn't even go
to the funeral.

Would have brought
attention to it, I guess.

His first little family.

An accident, scratched
off the books-

for no one
to see.

No, Frederic.

Aaron: Except
for God, Frederic.

God doesn't
work this way.

Aaron: God
didn't create this.

You did.

No.

Aaron: Your prayer
was out there, Frederic.

And I answered it.

We made a
fucking deal.

I never made a
deal with you.

Aaron: That little
boy is gone now.

And I'm
what's left.

♪♪♪♪
(eerie violin)

(Ethel gasping)

Frederic: Ethel?

(Ethel coughing)

(Ethel coughing)

Stay away from her!

Stay away from her!

Do it, you
fucking fraud!

Do it!

You owe him!

You stay away
from her!

I will fucking kill
her Frederic.

Do you hear me?

I will fucking
kill her!

(Ethel gasping)

Please! Stop!

Do it.

(Ethel gasping)

Fuck.

Do it for God
fucking sake!

Do it! Do it!

Ughh!!

Ugh!

Uhhh!

(Aaron panting)

Ahhh.

Uhhh.

Ohhh.

Uhhh!

(Aaron breathing heavily)

(Aaron gasping)

(Ethel gasping)

(Ethel gasping)

♪♪♪♪
(eerie music)

I love you!

I love you, too.

(police siren)

♪♪♪♪
(dramatic percussion)

Frederic?

(crackling fire)

♪♪♪♪
(low choral music)

Frederic?

♪♪♪♪
(music builds)

♪♪♪♪
(choral music)