Confession (2005) - full transcript

♪♪ [Muzak]

Ah! Here they are.

You say you forgot
your prescription, Father?

I did. I'm so sorry.
I left it on my dresser.

I could run home and get it...

Oh, no. That won't be
necessary, Father.

You're, uh, you're
from the abbey, right?

Yes, I am.

You tell Father Abbott
that Red Clemens said hello.

I will do that.

Thank you for these.



God bless.

Goodbye.

[distant chanting]

It's about time, Luther.
What took you so long?

Traffic.

Been starin' at the Blessed
Sacrament for an hour.

I swear, the crucifix has been
eyeing me for the past 20 minutes.

Yeah, well,
Catholic guilt. You know how it is.

Got your stuff.

You did?

How'd you pull it off?

It was a little
harder than usual.

It's gonna cost you twice
what you usually pay.

Fine, fine, whatever.
Hand 'em over.



Where's my money?

Have it up in my room.

Then you get these
when I get my money.

What do you want? [Louis] Hey,
Luther, give me one of your movies,

and, um, something to drink.

DVD or VHS?

DVD.

Who was that?

Louis.

You kept all this stuff?

Yeah.

You know, I didn't think
it was possible,

but you have definitely
gotten uglier over time.

You're just pissed off 'cause I
struck you out that whole week.

That's a total figment of
your imagination. You know it.

Ah.

So how much do you make
in a week? I do all right.

I can't believe you
haven't been caught yet.

You're not gonna be able to get
away with this forever. Who says?

I swear, you say anything,
you're dead.

I won't.

Good.

Haven't yet.

Want a beer?

Yeah.

Thanks.
Yeah, sure, no problem.

That's four bucks.

Don't be late
for night prayers, boys.

Senator Givens.

Pleasure to finally meet you.

Likewise, Father Thomas.

And I do apologize for having to change
this to tonight from tomorrow afternoon,

but I have to leave town first thing
in the morning. You understand.

Understood.

Good.

This is my wife, Sarah.

Hello, Sarah.

And our son, Benjamin.

Ben, nice to meet you.

Well, wanna have a tour?

Sure.

Absolutely.

It's 10:00. You better hurry if
you're gonna make it to night prayers.

Why don't you come with
me for once? I don't think so.

You're pious enough
for the both of us.

How many night prayers
have you missed in three years?

Zero.

Don't go.

I like to go.

What?

Fine. No, go.

Why not?

You wanna work off that beer?
Stay here and help me.

Help you with what?

I'll open a classroom
for you, Benjamin,

so you can see for yourself where
the boys spend most of their time.

What do you think, Benny?

It's great.

♪♪ [rap]

I don't have a lot right now, but I'll
make the next run by tomorrow, okay?

Remember, no one steps
foot into my room,

you pay me first, and you
get what you want, got it?

Is that clear? Bruce.

[Givens]
Well, all right.

What about the dorms, Father?

I'm sure Benjy would
like to see the students

in their natural habitat.

This isn't the Discovery Channel,
Charles.

It's a joke, dear.
It's just a joke.

Well, most of the boys here
are at night prayer right now,

but I don't see why we
can't pay a surprise visit

to the ones that are
still studying.

Good. Come on.

Dude, just shut...
Please, Alfred, shut up.

Just shut up. Just for today. Please,
just for today.

If you have four bucks,
we can do business.

Come on. Just take three just
for today. Four dollars a beer.

Just for today, though.
I'll pay you back.

Vince.
Yeah.

What are you doing?
Uh...

I'll get you back
on Friday, Luther.

What are you doing?
Are you paying attention?

What happened?

[sighs]
Look, hold onto this.

Sell the rest to whoever's got
the most money. I'll be back.

Yo, Luther! No, dude,
check it before you wreck it.

[laughs]
Oh, man.

You likey? That's
perfect. That's perfect.

There's a four-pack of wine
coolers under the sink. They're yours.

You're the man. Hang
it up while you're at it.

♪♪ [rap continues]

Scott. Scott!

Where's my eight bucks?

Man, I thought
you gave me those beers.

Scott.

Uh, dude, Father Thomas
is coming up the steps.

What?

[Luther] Shit.

Hey, Nick! Move!

That's it, that's it.
We're closed.

Come on, man.
Enough!

Look, get in bed,
pretend you're sleeping.

Father Thomas is coming.

Holy crap.

That's what we like to call him.

♪♪ [rap continues]

Drink, drink, drink, drink,
drink, drink, drink, drink!

[shouting, laughing]
Whoo!

♪♪ [rap continues]

Whoo-ooo-ooh!

Benny!

Just... Just get in
the goddamn car.

Father, I don't know
what kind of institution

you think you're running here,

but if you think that
I'm gonna subject my child

to an environment that encourages
this sort of outrageous behavior,

you are sadly mistaken.

Let's go, Clyde!

And you can forget that
contribution we talked about.

[engine starts]

[car door closes]

[car drives away]

Next!

This is great, just great.
Someone is gonna tell.

No one's gonna tell. Everyone
who would tell was at night prayers.

Father Thomas knows how to apply
pressure. He'll get someone to talk.

Relax. For the first few weeks,
he's gonna be strict.

We'll have to mop the dining
hall or something like that.

Next month, we'll be back to selling beers
and Playboys. You don't have to worry.

I do have to worry.

I'm on scholarship, Luther. My
parents can't afford St. Michael's.

One strike,
and I'll be sent home.

You know what that's like.
Just take it easy.

You always get me in trouble.

Don't be pushing blame
onto me, okay?

You chose, Robbie.
You made a choice, okay?

Remember, it was my father
who got you the scholarship

and out of that shithole
your parents call a house.

Just don't wanna get
into trouble, that's all.

Then let me
do the talking, okay?

Okay.

We're not gonna get
into trouble for this.

I promise.

You boys are in serious trouble.

Do you have any idea the consequences
you've brought upon yourselves?

Your behavior is atrocious.
It's shocking.

Inexcusable.

Dismissal.

It's the only thing
I can tell you.

You boys will be dismissed.

Father, what are you
talking about?

Oh, shut up, Luther!
I know all of your escapades.

I have a file on you this thick!

You're a very smart young man,
but you're also very stupid.

Do you realize the sins
you brought upon yourselves

and the influence you
have brought upon others?

This is ridiculous, Father. I have
no idea what you're talking about.

I was in my room studying
when this happened.

You are a liar,
and by the end of next week,

you will be dismissed
from this school.

And you, too, Robbie.
I'm sorry.

Kindly give me
the keys to the locker.

Both you boys report to my
office first thing in the morning.

Get out.

Get out.

[ball bouncing]

What are you doing? Don't
you have any work to do?

I'm just waiting for Robbie.
He's getting all his stuff.

Why don't you go up and change?

Shouldn't be washing cars
in your school uniform.

Sure.
Have a great time in town.

Luther, any more tricks from you,
and I will make sure

that this last week here
is something you remember.

Now, why don't you just concentrate
on leaving St. Michael's as a gentleman.

This we've trained you to be.

Jerk-off.

What are you doing?
Go on and get dressed, man.

We got three cars to wash today,

and I'd like take a nap
before my next class.

Wish I could help you out,
but I gotta take care of something.

How long is he
gonna be gone for?

He's got a mass in town and a
meeting with school administration.

He should be gone
until after dinner.

Perfect.

Hold on.
Thank you...-ish.

What, I'm supposed to just
wash three cars by myself?

What, do you think
he's gonna check anyway?

Where do you think you're going?

That is none of your business.

You suck, you know that?

God loves you, too.

Well, hello there, young man.

Hi, Mother.

How are you?

I haven't see you since,
uh, Ash Wednesday, right?

It's nice to see you again.

Nice to see you, Mother.

So...

I was just on my break.

I thought I'd stop in church
for a quick prayer.

Oh, of course.

I hopped the fence 'cause I
didn't wanna disrupt the girls.

You don't have
to worry about that.

I'll see to it that you
don't disrupt the girls.

Now then, Luther,
I am going off to teach my Latin class,

and in 45 minutes, I will
walk this campus again.

Uh-huh. I do not want to see...

those baby-blues at that time.

Yes, Mother.

Bravo.

Ta-ta!

Ah...

Come here often?

Yeah, sometimes.
You know, to pick up chicks.

Yeah? Does it work?

I don't know.
You tell me.

Yeah, it works.

What are you doing here?

I had to see you.

Oh. And I thought it was
gonna be another boring day.

Nah.

No?
[laughs]

Come on.

Uh, I got kicked out of school.

[chuckles]

Oh, my God.

Yeah. Yeah,
that's what I said.

Evidently,
God doesn't really care.

What happened?

I was selling stuff
to some kids in my class,

and some kid told Father Thomas,

and that's that.

And they expect me to go to class and
church and meals until the end of the week,

pretend like nothing's happened.

And I got Father Thomas
breathing down my neck,

and I have to face
my father on Friday.

You're leaving me.

Where are your parents
going to send you?

Uh, my dad went nuts.

He's talking about some
military school in D.C.

But look, I turn 18
in six weeks.

They can't make me go anywhere.

Then what are you gonna do?

You're graduating this year.
I was thinking...

maybe I'd follow you.

What?
Well, why not?

You're the only reason I've
been able to handle this school

and these people.

Luther, this is a huge step.

I mean, this is
more than just a step.

This is a leap of faith,
you know.

And you've never been one
to trust in faith.

Please don't give me that
Jesus-freak crap right now.

I'm just saying this isn't a
rational way of solving a problem.

What is that supposed to mean?

I don't think you're in the right state of
mind to be making this kind of decision.

God, I mean, out of everybody,
I thought, you know,

maybe... maybe
you'd understand me.

And I might not have that
faith you talk about, Jamie,

but I expected you
to have it for me.

I do have faith in you.
No, you don't.

Luther, just come...
No. Stop.

I... I can't believe I thought I
was falling in love with you.

Watch it, Bennett!
What's your problem?

How you doin', David?

Let's talk, huh?

I don't... I don't wanna
talk right now.

Oh. Tired of talking.

Look, I'll tell you what.

Uh, I'll grab a book,
and we'll study together.

How's that sound?

David.

Bennett.

Luther! Hold on one second,
Father.

Luther!
David!

Luther!
What?

If you're going to walk
out of here with that,

you need to check it out
with me.

If you're not,
please put it away.

You put it away.

Morals have become
so distorted and forgotten

that society's become
basically numb to violence.

We've become
violently desensitized.

Welcome back.

We're so used to the dramatized
violence in the media

that real occurrences don't
seem to bother us anymore.

This leads to acceptance

and sometimes participation
in these unruly acts.

Gentlemen, I tell you, we have
become habituated to this trap.

We've lost an innocence and a
purity that we will never regain.

Ever.

[class bell rings]

Don't forget.
Tomorrow, oral exam.

That's it. We're
all going to hell.

You've been habituated.

Habituated!

Luther.

Nice work.

Punk! I was wondering
what he was doing up there.

He always goes to
night prayers. Who?

Bennett.

David?

Any other school, that kid would've
had his head kicked in by now.

David Bennett told on us? Yes,
David Bennett told!

What, do you not understand me?

Yes.
[speaking Latin]

Yes. He told Father Thomas
everything.

That's the reason why I'm spending
my senior year in a military school.

That's the reason why
you lost your scholarship.

Come on, Luther,
this is your fault.

Please don't give me this
shit right now! It is, all right?

You were the one
selling all that stuff!

Lie all you want to yourself,
but don't do it to me.

Keep your lessons to yourself.

How about you keep it to
yourself? You stupid son of a bitch.

Hey, watch your mouth!

You don't wanna hit me.

You don't know what I want.

It's him.

It's him! Him who? Bennett?

Yeah.
No.

Oh...
No way.

Nice try. I'm not getting into
any more trouble. Oh, come on.

You know he deserves it.

You see the smile
on that kid's face?

It's not true.

Besides, what are they gonna do?

They gonna kick us out again?

David, where you going?

Ricky, I'm gonna
go to confession.

You're going now?

Yeah. Father Kelly says
confession tonight till 10:30.

Okay. See you later.

Father, it's me.

David, it's always good
to see you.

Do you mind if we go
face-to-face?

No, not at all.

Well, let's begin.

In nomine Patris, et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Amen.

How long has it been
since your last confession?

30 days.

And what would you
like to confess?

Well...

yesterday I got
some people in trouble.

I told on them for something.

Did you do it out of
anger, spite, concern?

I guess I just wanted to tell.

Now they're gonna
get kicked out.

It wasn't anger, but I don't think I
did it for the right reasons either.

It's hard to explain.

Is that a sin?

Well, your intentions
were for the best.

So for that reason,
I'd like you to pray for these boys

at tomorrow night's adoration.

Okay.

Is that it?

That was it, Father.

Well, you've made
an honest confession.

Now make a true
act of contrition.

O my God, I am heartily
sorry for all my sins.

Because of them,
I deserve the eternal pains of hell.

But most of all because
I have offended Thee, my God,

who art all good and
deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve with
the help of Thy grace

to confess my sins,
to do penance,

to avoid the proximate
occasion of sin

and never to sin again.

Amen. Et ego te
absolvo a peccatis tuis

in nomine Patris, et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

The Lord has freed you of
your sins. Now go in peace.

Amen.

Thank you, Father.

God bless you, David.

[groaning]

Shh! Shh!
Be quiet.

Look, follow him
out front. Go! Go!

[whispers]
Father!

Father!

Father!

No! Help me! Do you have
any idea what you did, Bennett?

Do you?
I know. I'm sorry!

Luther!

You want to die? Do you? No! No!

Luther, that's enough!

I'm sorry!
Shut up!

Help! Help!

Luther, he's slipping!
Luther...

No!

[bone cracks]

Oh, my God.

I can't believe
this is happening.

No.

Luther...

Luther?

What are we gonna do?

Hey. Hey, please.

Please don't be dead.

Wake up.

Wake up!

Wake up right now!

Luther, we killed him.

You killed him.

[coughs]

Luther, what are we gonna do?

Luther, answer me!

Shut your mouth!

Help me lift him.

What?

Help me lift the legs.
Wanna get in trouble?

Pick his legs up and help
me get him out of here. No.

You just killed David Bennett.

No one knows that
but you and me, right?

Right?

Isn't that right, Robbie?

You got blood on your clothes.

You just worry about yourself.

You remember what I told you.

You think this is
gonna undo itself?

He's dead.
Just do what I say.

You don't have to
worry about anything.

Like the last time
I just did what you said.

Now I'm going to prison.

Don't you get it, Robbie?

Come on!
It's his fault!

He wanted to die.

He pushed himself off that
thing. I didn't push him. Oh, God!

God's got nothing
to do with this.

You think He loves you?

He doesn't love us.

But He can't break us.

As long as I...

As long as you and I
stay together,

He won't break us.

Right, Robbie?

Robbie, promise me.

Robbie.

Promise me.

Robbie!

[tires screech]

[car door closes]

[door closes]

In nomine Patris, et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti.

Amen.

How long has it been
since your last confession?

Would you like me
to hear your confession,

or would you like
spiritual guidance?

Father, I...

I just... I just killed someone.

Oh...
[groans]

[sobs]

[sobbing]
Okay.

[sobs]

It just happened

about maybe 10 minutes ago.

[sobbing]

Where? Where?
Where did this happen? How?

It was at the school.

It was at the school.

But I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean it.

[exhales]

I had him against the rail...

and I just kept on
pushing and pushing.

I didn't know when to stop.

He had me so angry.

I just get so angry.

And then Robbie couldn't help.
He was on the ground.

Robbie?
Why would you...

It was David Bennett, Father.

You don't understand
what he did to me.

You just don't understand.

I just wanted
to hurt him a little.

I just killed someone.

I just killed someone.

You told Father Kelly?

In confession.

"No one but you and me."
Remember that?

I told him in confession. He'd be
excommunicated if he said anything.

What if he does?
Asshole.

What's your problem?

What's my problem?
You are!

You left me out there last night
alone with the body of a dead kid.

Don't do anything stupid, Robbie.

What, tell on you?

You won't be that stupid.

What do you know?

[sirens approaching]

[church bells ringing]

Pour forth,
we beseech Thee, O Lord,

Thy grace into our hearts,

that we,
to whom the incarnation of Christ Thy Son

was made known by
the message of an angel,

[sirens approaching]

may by His Passion and Cross

be brought to the glory
of His Resurrection,

through the same
Christ our Lord. Amen.

[sirens turn off]

[police radio chatter]

You wouldn't know, but this place
brings lots of bad memories for me.

Let's go.

Fuck.

What are you looking at?

All right, boys,
find something to do.

Sorry, Father.

Father, I'm Detective Mallory.

Please come with me.
Watch your step.

This is Detective Fletcher.

He's in charge of
the investigation.

Father.
Mr. Fletcher.

Good to meet you. I just
arrived from out of state.

No one has told me anything.

I'm sorry. They're not allowed
to say anything till I get here.

It's just protocol.

What an absolute tragedy.

[Fletcher]
Yes, it is.

Father Thomas, I appreciate your
cooperation. I know you're very busy.

Well, a matter this grave,
I'm glad to help in any way possible.

[police radio chatter]

I'll get that, Lieutenant.

Thanks, Ronnie.

Okay, so why don't we start?

Listen, Mr. Fletcher,
I just wanna say

I think it is highly unlikely that
young Bennett was murdered.

Why would you say that, Father?

By whom? To what purpose?

We're a school here. We provide safety
and community for all our youngsters.

Father, young people,
they commit murder, too. Trust me.

St. Michael's doesn't
breed young people.

We breed young men.

Young men studied extensively
in languages and the arts,

and we have a very strict admissions
process that spans two months.

And then after that, the boys
themselves arrive with their parents,

and they witness
the school firsthand.

What I'm trying to say, Mr. Fletcher,
is we don't just let in anyone.

I mean, everybody
has to pass the tests.

And the tests are their to ensure a safe,
stable environment for everyone.

Right.

Benjamin Givens,
did he pass all these stringent tests?

I beg your pardon?
Benjamin Givens,

the son of Senator
Charles Givens.

I believe he applied for acceptance
into St. Michael's a short time ago,

unless I'm mistaken.

Yes, that's correct.

And according to you,

it takes two months
of these strict tests

before you can get
into St. Michael's.

Right? But what I've gathered is Senator
Givens called two days... not two months...

But two days before his tour,
is that right?

Yes, that's right.

So then it's possible

that you sacrificed at least
part of the screening process

for certain boys.

Let's say boys whose families
donated money to, uh, let's say...

Mr. Fletcher.

I'm not trying to be a hard-on here,
Fathers, honestly.

But I think we've established that some boys
don't have to go through these tests, right?

Father, do you know anybody
who was angry at Bennett,

maybe holding a grudge?

The only thing
I could think of is...

It's absolutely
ridiculous, but...

Why don't you... Detective.

What?

Found a witness.

When I drove up last night
at about 10:45 or so,

near the side of the back steps,

I saw a priest
run across the road.

What?
You saw a priest?

[Mallory] How'd you know it was a priest,
Mr. Rios?

Here at this place,
there are only two kinds of people:

priests or boys.

It was a priest.
He was wearing his habit.

I had to slam on my brakes
or I would've hit him.

Would you recognize him
again if you saw him?

No.

It was dark, so I couldn't
make out his face.

When I looked over at the steps,

I didn't see anything else.

Then I just drove away.

That's it?

Thank you very much.
You can go.

This way, Mr. Rios.

A priest?

[scoffs]
I refuse to believe it.

The man is obviously mistaken.

The last time the victim was
seen was on his way to confession.

Father, who was in
confession last night?

Tuesday.
Father Michael Kelly.

Kelly?

Listen, we might have to use
your room for a little bit longer.

Is that okay?

Ah.

Thanks.

Let's go find Kelly.

[Fletcher]
Father Abbott.

Father Kelly?

Mm-hmm. Good to meet
you. Please sit down.

This isn't gonna take long.
It's just a few questions.

Of course.

Okay, um,

you're the 11th grade theology
and ethics teacher here, right?

That's right.
Some say that you, uh,

you get to know the boys
pretty well, right?

Yes, I do. I see them in the
classroom and in the confessional.

The confessional.
Right, yeah, yeah.

I'm not sure I'll be
any help to you here.

Just a little bit
more time. Um...

Where were you
last night at 10:30?

In the confessional.

Is that a usual place
to be so late?

Yes, it is. Tuesdays,
7:00 till 10:30 p.m.

David Bennett come
to confession last night?

Yes, he did.

What time was he there?

He was there till 10:30.

So, um, obviously he was
the last student, right?

That's right, he was. So after he left,
you locked the church

and went right back to your room. Yes,
I did.

[Fletcher] I'm sorry. I got
a little discrepancy here.

I can't place you
in your room until 10:45.

That's when Father Augustus
says he saw you come in.

This morning I walked from
the confessional to your room,

and it was under three minutes.

So how... Can you explain that?

No. Uh...
Yes. Um...

No, I didn't leave right away.

I stayed and did some things.

You just said you locked up
after Bennett left, right?

I was mistaken.
I'm sorry.

Could you tell me what you were
doing between 10:30 and 11:00?

Simple question.

I can't say.

What does that mean?

It means... I can't say.

Can you tell me what you
discussed with David Bennett?

I can't tell you that, sir.

Father, do you know...

do you know how
that young boy died?

I'm sorry. "I'm sorry"?
What are you sorry about?

No, I'm not sorry.
I just didn't hear you right.

Father Kelly, we need to know where
you were at the time of the murder.

[chuckles]
Sorry.

You don't seem very surprised
to hear that he was murdered.

Rumors travels fast
in small communities.

Yeah. Have you heard
this rumor,

that he was murdered
by a priest?

That's impossible.
Is it?

Father Kelly, I feel like
my time's being wasted here.

Every priest can tell me exactly where
they were at the time of the murder,

and you can't.

You won't talk to me.
You won't say anything.

What do you want me to think?

What do you think,
Detective? What do I think?

I think I got a guy in front of me who
won't answer any of my questions.

And what that makes me think is,
is that he is guilty as sin.

All right, look. Give me something,
all right? Anything.

Make something up.

Please.

I'm sorry I can't
be of more help.

Thanks a lot for coming in.

Father Kelly, be reasonable.

[Fletcher]
Hey, Kelly.

I got one last question for you.

Anybody in there in the
church other than Bennett

to verify you were there?

No?

Night, Father.

Take this,
put it on the lectern. Yes, Father.

Father, I saw you
talking to those men.

What did you tell them? You
didn't tell them about me, did you?

I can't talk to you about
this right now, Luther.

You... You did.
You told them about me.

Father, is there
anything else you need?

[speaking Latin]

Father, uh,
I need to get to class.

Yes, so do I.

[boy]
Michael.

Hell. That stupid boy.
Shut up, Frank.

Where are you guys going?
Shut up. You'll wake up Pa.

Can I come?
No.

Please? No,
Tim. It's not for kids.

Come on. Let me go.

[thunder rumbles]

[thunderclap]

[gasps]

Did you hear what happened?

Kind of. There was
an accident at your school.

I don't know. The nuns aren't really
talking about it, but what happened?

A kid was killed.

He was murdered, actually.

What?

He was the kid who told Father
Thomas about what I was doing.

Oh, wow.

I think they have
a suspect. Really?

Who is it? Father Kelly,
our ethics teacher.

Father Kelly?

He led my confirmation
last month.

It's, like, I talked to him
that entire Sunday.

He's the nicest guy.
He's so sweet.

Yeah, well, he did it. I
don't think he would do that...

He did it. Not everybody's
what they seem.

'Kay.

I'm sorry.

I'm just... I've been a little...

Things have been, uh...

I need you.
You know that.

You are so beautiful.

Mm... No.

Luther, no.
Just... stop.

That's fine.

You don't have to leave.

Could you just wait?
I should go.

I got stuff to do, and Mother
Superior will be coming by anyway.

Luther, please.
I'm worried about you.

Why?

It's just rain.

[window closes]

I'm sorry.
Please continue.

I'm sorry. This is
kind of new for me.

He's the first person I've known
our age that has passed away, so...

No, he wasn't my friend.

David was a bit of a loner.

In geometry, I sat here.
He sat here.

In history, I sat here.
He sat there.

He had a thing
for the front row.

He was just one of those guys
that piss off the teacher

and get the kids more homework.

I... I didn't know him well,
but he's dead, so... whatever.

I guess he was cool.

I'm sorry that he's gone 'cause
now I'll look at that front row...

Actually, I could
probably take the seat.

I'm sorry.

I didn't know him. You
went to school with him.

You didn't know him at all?

Mm-mm.

He was in one of my classes,
but I never knew him... ever.

Here, he lived sort of
a double existence.

On one hand, he would go
to church and he'd pray.

And on the other, he was famous
for annoying the teachers

and making all
the other students mad.

The teachers didn't like him.

Some of the teachers
really didn't like him.

Especially Father Kelly,
our ethics teacher.

Father Kelly?
Yeah.

Yeah. Some days it looked like
he was gonna rip his head off.

I did not mean
to make it look like...

David was a very
religious person.

He was my roommate
for two years,

and he never really
got on my nerves.

He just didn't get stuff,
you know?

Like school stuff.

He'd ask the same question
a thousand times,

and the teachers would think he
was making fun or playing around.

But he tried.

He just...

I don't know.

So you must've known Bennett
pretty well then, right?

Um, no, not really.
I mean,

I do remember taking him
and his family around

the day of the final
entrance exam, but...

He was a nice kid.
He really was.

Not the greatest kid
in the world, but, uh...

I mean, other than
seeing him in ethics class,

I didn't really know him.
Sorry.

I gotta get to a test. Go,
go, get out of here.

Best of luck.
Thanks for your time.

Okay, that's it. I'm done.
I'm going to take Kelly in.

What? Hang on a minute.

So Father Kelly killed Bennett
because he was annoying?

I didn't say that. The Catholic Church
hasn't had the greatest P.R. lately,

but still, it's hard
for people to believe

that a priest is gonna
kill for no reason,

and that's what we have,
is no reason.

Robin, trust me.

You've been brainwashed
up here, okay?

They're all from hell.
Trust me.

I went to a school like this.
I know what they're like.

That's what this is about?
Your school days?

No. I just hate priests.

Hey, Father.

[priest] I always thought
he was a nice guy.

Very mysterious, though.

We talked every once in a while.

What do you mean
by "mysterious"?

I asked him about
his family once,

and he said he didn't have one.

But he has a picture of
a young boy in his room.

[Mallory] Did you
ever ask him about it?

Yes. He said nothing,
and I left it at that.

Like I said, mysterious.

I know that Father Kelly
is a nice person.

A good man.

[Fletcher] You
mean on the exterior.

Well, I-I can't read souls,

but I do think Father Kelly
is linked with God

in a very special way.

We had our difficulties.

And what do you mean, Father?

I never liked Michael.

Just something about him.

You certainly looked very bad in
front of Mr. Fletcher the other day.

What were you thinking,
Michael? Huh?

I've known you for 17 years.

And since the day
you first came to the abbey,

you didn't say two words
more than you had to.

You've always been quiet
and independent,

and that's fine
at certain times,

but right now is not
one of those times.

I'm scared.

It's...

It's a very different
kind of fear.

Well, what is it?
Please, tell me.

I can't. I can't.

Michael, what are you
so protective about?

If you've done something wrong,
I'm sure we can work it out.

But help everyone here.

Think of the school, Michael.

Think of the abbey.

I am. I am.

Fletcher has called me in
for a meeting this evening.

He wants me to bring your files.

I have to tell him about Tim.

I have to tell him, Michael.
I won't lie for you.

Father, Fletcher
is out to get me.

If you tell him,
he will have me crucified.

I'm sorry.

[Tim] Michael,
tell him to let me do something.

Let him do something, Frank.

No.

Michael!

I'm going down to the lake.

Come on, Frank.

All right,
butt-head. You wanna help? Grab the rope.

Come on.

[police radio chatter]

Let's begin.

Life must go on, gentlemen.

You gotta respect that.
Continue to work.

Father?

Derek.

All the other teachers
in our other classes

said something about David.

You act as if he's just absent.

It's really out of the ordinary
that he's not here.

I mean, I agree with you
that life must go on, but...

it takes awhile.

Yes.

Well, we were at
the bottom of page 73.

Mr. Lee, since you're so eager
to voice your opinion,

why don't you read the section
on Platonic dialect

and tell us how it differs
with the practices of today.

"Critias, an uncle of Plato, was one
of the group called the 30 Tyrants."

Hey, Marie,
did you get those reports I asked you for?

They're on your desk.
Thanks.

And there's a man wearing
a dress in your office.

[Fletcher] Father Abbott. Ah.

Thank you so much
for coming. Mr. Fletcher.

I brought you the
information you asked for.

Thank you.
I appreciate it.

Before you get to it,

I think there's something you
should know about Father Kelly.

Well, what's that, Father?

Well, Father Kelly was...

involved in an accident
before he came here.

What kind of accident? Now,
I know that sounds bad,

but he's an honest man
and a good man,

and I just can't believe that he
could be capable of killing that boy.

His brother.

[Mallory] I don't like your
reasoning behind using this.

I don't like the file.

So I shouldn't use this,
right? We have to use it.

You're goddamned right
I'm gonna use it.

So he kills his brother
and then becomes a priest?

Whatever he becomes.

I mean, granted,
it's 30 years old, all right?

But my bottom dollar, okay?
He did it.

How you doing, Father Kelly?

Mr. Fletcher,
I should let you know

that I have nothing else
to add to your investigation.

I am sorry.
Ah, that's okay.

I don't wanna talk
about the investigation.

But I'd like to talk about the
death of your brother, if that's okay.

I'd rather not. Come on.
Humor me a little bit here.

What happened out there
in the woods?

You've read the report. You
should know. Yeah, but this report...

People wrote that.
They weren't there.

You were there.

You saw it all.

That's why I wanna
hear it from you.

I didn't do it.

You didn't do what?
Kill him.

Bennett or your brother?

Neither.
I know.

Your brother's death was
accidental. Says it right there.

But if it wasn't, then what?

I'm sorry. I didn't know
that I was being accused.

Theoretically.

It's a game.

I mean, if it wasn't,
then you'd be in a lot of trouble.

I will not be bullied into a
confession by you, Detective.

You know nothing
about me or my brother.

Look, it's just that Bennett
has a massive head wound,

and I saw it, and it was
a very messy thing,

and you saw your brother
had a massive head wound.

I didn't kill them. You gotta
admit it's a little coincidental.

What are the odds? I'm just asking,
what are the odds?

So you are accusing me.

I was thinking you're there,
there's your brother,

his brains
all over a rock, right?

How dare you!

I did not murder my brother!
I did not murder David Bennett!

[Abbott]
All right, everyone calm down.

Come on,
Tim. Give me the rope. I can't.

Tim,
just come out a little further. Come on.

I-I'm gonna fall.
You're not gonna fall.

Come on. My butt's starting
to hurt. Just give me the rope.

Good job, stupid.

I'm gonna fall.
I wanna get down.

You're not gonna
fall. See? Frank!

Frank, stop!
You're not gonna fall.

Frank, stop it!

Frank, stop it, please!

Frank! Quit being such a baby,
Tim.

Frank!

What happened?

Come on, Tim.

[grunts]

Come on, Tim.

We're gonna go home.
All right, Tim?

We're gonna go home.

Wake up, Tim!

No. No!

[grunting]

[screams]

What did you do?

[sobbing]

[Luther]
I've done a lot of reading,

thinking about
the past couple days.

And I realize I can't get
mad at God for what happens.

We all make choices.

That's what life is: a collection
of choices we've made.

But they're of this world.

We make believe that what we do on
this earth really matters when we die,

but it doesn't.

You don't think it does?

No.

I mean, that's
the trick they've pulled.

I mean, they fool you
into loving God.

Everything's about fear.

Fear of God, fear of ourselves.

I'm not scared anymore.

You know what, hey,

I didn't really expect
to see you again.

It wouldn't have
worked out between us.

Then why do you
keep coming back here?

Guess I still like
to see your face.

Jesus...

[drops keys]

Jesus! I'm... I'm sorry,
Mr. Fletcher.

What are you doing? I didn't
mean to startle you. My apologies.

This just won't wait
till the morning.

Now, I know how anxious you
are to apprehend Father Kelly.

And you think Father Kelly's
innocent, right?

It's not a matter of what I
think. It's a matter of principle.

Father, what do you want? You
remember the first day that we met,

and you asked me if there were any grudges
that someone might have against Bennett

or any reason that someone
might have to harm him.

Do you remember that?

Of course I remember,
very clearly.

I think you might've
overlooked someone.

Who, Father?

Who? Another priest?

No, this young man is a student.

Luther, get up, please.

What? I need you to get
dressed now and come with me.

What time is it?

Now, Luther!

[door closes]

Come, Luther, come.

Have a seat.
It's okay.

How you doin', kid?

How you doing?

What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.

Just wanna ask you
a few questions.

It's quiet, you know.
Better time to talk.

It's late.
10:30.

Should be up doing your homework,
laundry, calling a girlfriend.

How come you didn't tell me
you were getting expelled,

you and your roommate?

I get kids what they can't have,

which, in this place,
is everything. [sighs]

My guess is you're not here
to give me a detention slip,

so why don't you just tell
me what's going on? Hey!

Don't get smart with me.
I'm tired. What do you want?

Why didn't you tell me Bennett was
responsible for you getting kicked out?

I was scared.

Kid who narc's on me is dead.

I already have a bad rep
in my hometown, so...

Hey, look, if anything,
I owe Bennett.

I hate this place.

Right. I can
understand that.

But you should've told me.
I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Mr. Fletcher, but...

You're gonna tell me
that I killed some kid

because he got me
kicked out of school,

out of a school I hate?

Let me tell you something.
Out there...

people kill for
a lot less than that.

Just please don't make out
to be the bad guy here. Please?

I'm not.
My fath...

I'm not making you out
to be a bad guy. Relax.

I didn't do this.
Then...

I was in my room
when it happened.

Father Thomas has us
going to bed early.

I know, all right? I know
where you were. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you
about everything earlier.

I'm just...

Come on, kid.
I-I'm scared.

Relax.
I'm not your enemy.

I shouldn't even
have called you.

All right, get out of here.

I'm sorry.

Get out of here, all right?

Come on.

Don't worry.
He got it all on tape.

Turn off the light.

Gotta conserve electricity.

[knocking]

Come in.

Ah. Evenin', Michael.
Father Abbott.

This was at your doorstep.

What is it?

I don't know.

Maybe the sisters were
late again with the laundry.

Would you like to come in?

Well, just for a second.
Have a seat.

I don't want to take up
too much of your time.

Listen, Michael, if I were
to ask you something,

would you give me
an honest answer?

I can't do this
with you now, Father.

Michael, I'm beginning
to have my doubts.

Now, I'm not positive that
you killed David Bennett,

but I am positive that you're
hiding something from me,

and I'm trying
to believe in you.

I know you can't
trust in me anymore.

Why would you?

Hmm.

At first, I thought this was
just an unfortunate accident.

And then I thought maybe
you were being set up.

But now...

I'm not even sure I can
tell myself that anymore.

[Robbie] I can't believe
how far this thing has gone.

How can you pretend
this isn't happening?

'Cause I don't let it get to me.

I've known you
my whole life, man.

You've been an awesome friend,
but since that night,

I don't know.

What are you hanging
around me for then?

What am I supposed to do?

Can't exactly go and hang out
with those other guys down there

and pretend
that nothing's wrong.

There's something very wrong
with what we did.

Something very wrong with you.

Hey, don't lecture me,
all right?

You have no idea
what goes on in my head.

Feeling sorry for yourself,

pushing your problems onto me.

At least I keep my mouth shut.

It's not just
your problem, Luther.

It's our problem, and there's nothing
wrong with wanting to discuss that problem.

I just wish I could discuss it
with someone other than you.

What's that supposed to mean?

Don't worry about it, man.

I won't push
my problems onto you.

Hey, look, look,
look. We can talk about the problem, okay?

I... I can't have you
telling anybody.

Luther, I killed someone.

I know I wasn't the one who did it,
but I was involved.

And we're not
getting blamed for it.

Father Kelly's
been questioned twice.

The police are asking
everyone about him.

He's getting framed by us.

I know it's not intentional,
but it's still happening.

You know what?

You were right.

He's not gonna say anything.

First, I had hoped
that he wouldn't.

But now I kind of want him to.

You don't know what
you're talking about.

I don't want him
to get busted for this.

Hey.

We can still tell them
that it was an accident.

They'll believe us.
I swear. It's the truth.

You and I made a promise!

A promise!

Do you not understand that?

Please.

Please don't break this promise.

I don't know what I'll do.

You need help, Luther.

Just... Please!

It's them!
It's not me!

[sighs]

Thank you for attending
the St. Joseph's Day mass.

We will continue our procession
outside the church.

[light chatter]

[distant sirens blaring]

[sirens approaching]

[sirens wailing]

Father Michael Kelly, you are
under arrest for suspicion of murder.

You have the right
to remain silent.

If you give up that right, anything you
say can and will be used against you

in a court of law.

You have the right
to an attorney.

If you cannot
afford an attorney,

one will be provided
for you by the court.

Do you understand these rights
as I have read them to you?

This way, Father.

[police radio chatter]

Remember our promise.

Screw your promise.

Screw you, Luther.

You wanna hurt me?
Go ahead.

You're gonna have to.

I'm not dying
with this on my soul.

Don't do this!

Don't do this to him!
You've got it all wrong!

Look, it's a mistake!
Stay back!

It's not him! Let... Let
me through. Stay back.

Officer, Officer,
you gotta help me. What?

My friend's hurt. He fell
down the stairs. Who?

Let me get some help.
There's no time!

There's your physical evidence.

Anything you're
not sure about now?

What is the meaning
of this, Mr. Fletcher?

You come barging in here
with your men and your guns,

you disrupt the students...

Father, I have a warrant.
I'm really very sorry.

Are you?

Are you truly sorry?

Or is it that you want
Father Kelly so badly

that you gotta make a
show of it while you do it?

Father, I'm truly sorry.

[Robbie]
Hey, you got the wrong guy!

Come on! Just let me
through! [Cop] Stay back, son!

Get back! Let me talk to the
officer! I can prove he's innocent!

Stay back.

Listen to me!

Listen to me! He's innocent!
I can prove it!

I swear! Listen to me!
You've got the wrong guy!

Look, I know who
the killer is. It's...

[screaming]

Nobody fire!

Why did you do it?

Why didn't you
keep your mouth shut?

Luther!

He wasn't gonna say anything.

He wasn't gonna say anything.

Luther, look at me!

We made a promise.
We made a promise!

Luther, damn it!
Put the gun down!

I didn't want to hurt you.

I swear.

I swear I didn't want
to hurt you, Robbie.

Luther!

I confess.

I confess.

[screaming]

[Fletcher]
Hold your fire!

Nobody shoot!

Nobody shoot!

Surround the building.
I don't want anybody in there.

Folks, you're gonna have to
step back. Please clear the area.

[police radio chatter]

Hi, Father.

Oh, go away.
You know I'll kill you, too.

You said you didn't want
to hurt anyone else.

I believe you.

I'm gonna die anyway. Why
not take a few along with me?

Because you're not like that.

Stop this.

How can I stop this?

I've sinned, and I'm not sorry.

You have a choice, Luther.

Choose to stop.

Luther, you're not this
type of person. I know that.

You don't know me.

Every day I try to know me,
and I hate what I see.

I can't escape myself.

You're right.

You can't escape yourself,
but you can change.

Redemption.

I'll tell you what.

I'll take you out of here.

I will not let them take you
away without a confession.

Okay?

We leave, you give yourself up,

and then you confess.

Then they take you.

[gun cocks]
Oh, God, what have I done?

Luther, Luther,
stop, stop, stop.

If you do this,
you die with this sin.

Who cares? I'll spend the
rest of my life in a goddamn cell!

Fifth Commandment:
Thou shalt not kill.

Who do you want
to punish, boy? God?

Your parents?

Yourself?
No!

What are you gonna do?

What are you gonna do?
How do you want to live?

To punish?

Or to forgive?

[sobbing]

Choose.

Choose.

I'll go.

I'll do it.

[no audible dialogue]

[praying in Latin] Oh,
my God. Get a medic!

[praying in Latin]

Mercy exalts itself
over judgment.

God awaits the sinner.
Luther, say it.

God awaits the sinner.

You say it.

God awaits for the sinner.

Pray for me, Father.

[no audible dialogue]

♪♪