Netherworld (1992) - full transcript
A young man arrives at his father's mansion in Louisiana to discover that a secretive cult is using winged creatures to raise the dead to do their bidding.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[GUN FIRING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: (SINGING) You're
the reason why.
You're just trying
to make me cry.
Make me cry.
Yeah, make me cry.
Cry.
I'm sure you can get me off.
You're the reasons why.
You're just trying--
MAN: You son of a bitch!
[PUNCH LANDING]
[MAN SHOUTING]
MAN: Help me up!
MAN: (SINGING}
Yeah, make me cry.
Cry.
Don't-- don't need
a 100 reasons.
Yeah.
Well, I'm sure you
got a 100 reasons.
You aren't lost, are you?
No, ma'am.
I came to get some.
Some what?
You know.
Sugar, you can't say
it, you can't get any.
Jesus.
Now come on, darling.
It's an easy, one syllable word.
Just say it and you'll feel
a whole hell of a lot better.
I want to get laid.
Now see?
You half way to
getting some already.
Isn't that better?
Jesus, God Almighty.
This your first time?
Uh, no, ma'am.
Been laid lots.
No, I mean this is your
first time at Tonk's Place.
Yes, ma'am.
Please don't call
me ma'am, sugar.
Makes me feel like your
mother or something
Yes, ma'am.
Oops.
Sorry.
What should I call you?
My name is Mary.
Mary Magdalene.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[PEOPLE MOANING]
You're gonna just love what
I got in store for you.
[CLATTERING]
What's down there?
You're not ready for
what's down there yet, sugar.
Well, come on in, sweety.
She's a special one.
So you be real nice to her.
Understand?
- Yes, ma'am.
[PEOPLE MOANING]
Time's up, guys.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
[CLATTERING]
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
[WOMAN CRYING OUT]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Want a good time, cowboy?
[WOMAN CACKLING]
[MAN CACKLING]
You're a brave one.
What you mean, babe?
Sneaking down around here
where you're not supposed to be
could be dangerous.
No, just looking
where I can see.
Well don't just
stand there salivating.
Step on in.
Maybe you'll get lucky.
Do you sing?
[MAN LAUGHS]
No.
DELORES: Maybe I can teach you.
Maybe when I'm through with
you, you'll be able to warble
like my dearies here.
Maybe.
How much do you have?
I've got nothing.
I spent it all upstairs.
Too bad.
I guess you'll have to
give me something in trade.
I have nothing to trade.
You got a soul, don't you?
Or did you spend
that upstairs too?
What you mean, babe?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
You look like a
pretty bird, you do.
What you do?
DELORES: It's brazier powder.
What is?
I'm gonna put a
love spell on you.
No.
No spells.
Just fucking.
DELORES: Oh!
Just fucking.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I never fucked a
little bird before.
I never fucked a little bird.
You like fucking Barbusoir?
You like fucking Barbusoir?
Say it.
Say, fuck me.
Say it, fuck me.
Fuck me.
[BREATH RATTLING]
A witch, huh?
That's what, you a witch.
[BARBUSOIR GROANING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Look what mommy's
making for her babies.
You're own little man
bird to sing for you.
[BARBUSOIR SCREAMING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: I suppose there are
some journeys in one's life
that should never be taken.
My passage home after
my father's death
was one of those journeys.
I had never known my father
or anything about him.
He was an absence in my life.
An enigma.
A hurt.
He was a missing chapter that
left me feeling incomplete,
unresolved.
So I came to this place,
this land of mystery
and enchantment, to
this strange land
where death is not the worst
thing that can happen to you.
I came haunted by a need to
learn something, anything,
anything about the man
who had given me life,
and whose death had now brought
me to this fascinating world.
I came that day to my
father's mystical other world,
to his kingdom, to his
domain, to face a lifetime
adventure, filled with the
unknown, the unimaginable,
the inconceivable.
I took a seductive ride
on the river that day.
Began a journey that would
change my life forever.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
BEAUREGARD: Young man Thornton.
- Pardon?
BEAUREGARD: Are you the
young man, Corey Thornton?
Yes, I am.
Beauregard Yates, esquire.
I've come to fetch you.
Thank you.
Right this way.
Sure.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
This is my father's estate?
No.
This is your estate.
COREY: Right.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
And who's that?
That's jail
bait, Mr. Thornton.
Good for 10 to 15 years, with
very little chance of parole.
Momma's fixed you all up.
Isn't that right, honey?
Honey.
Yes.
Nice boy.
Wanna go?
There you go.
Mrs. Palmer, may I
present Mr. Thornton.
Mr. Thornton, this
is Mrs. Palmer.
Hello.
She was your
father's overseer.
She runs the place.
It's remarkable.
You're the very
image of your father.
The crackling image.
Your father was an
extraordinary man.
Don't disappoint him.
So, you were my
father's lawyer?
Yes.
Did you know him well.
Yeah.
I uh, never knew him.
He-- he didn't stick around
very long after I was born.
What was he like?
It's not proper for
me to discuss my client.
I never could understand
how a man could just walk away
from his own flesh and blood.
Why even have a child if
you're just going to walk away?
Instructions from your father.
- Instructions?
- Yes.
It's customary for the deceased
to leave his last wishes.
Right, of course.
These are the probate papers.
Look them over.
If you have any questions,
you have my card.
Also from your father.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I'll return in a day
or so for the papers.
Thank you, Mr. Yates.
I can't shake hands.
Goodbye, Mr. Yates.
BEAUREGARD: Goodbye.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY (VOICEOVER):
Corey, my dear son.
A few years ago, I
discovered a peculiar coven
of souls endowed with
uncommon restorative powers.
So extraordinary was their
power that they could
give life back to the dead.
Toward the end of
my life, I grew
determined to develop their
power in order to live again.
Corey, I am convinced that
with your love and support,
I will be able to rise up from
the grips of death and return
to the world of the living.
NOAH (VOICEOVER): Sometime
in the next few days--
COREY (VOICEOVER): Sometime
in the next few days--
NOAH (VOICEOVER): --by
a woman named Delores.
COREY (VOICEOVER):
--you will be visited
by a woman named Delores.
NOAH (VOICEOVER): She will
teach you the necessary steps
to effect my resurrection.
Son, do not falter in
this important effort.
Do not fail me.
Do not disappoint me.
DIANE: Hello.
Hello.
You're young man Corey
Thornton, I assume.
Yes, I am.
But why does everybody call
me young man Corey Thornton?
It's just an old
Southern salutation.
Means you're the new heir.
Ah, I see.
And who might you be?
Well, I might just be trouble
for you, young man Corey.
I have been known to
lust after older man.
Especially when
they're as cute as you.
Much to the embarrassment
of my sweet, but hopelessly
overprotective mother.
You met her.
The melancholy madam
of Bell Oak Estates.
Yes, I met her.
So, young man Thornton,
you like what you see?
Diane.
Mother.
Dearest mother.
I was merely warning
young man Thornton
of the dangers of his new home.
MRS. PALMER: Diane.
Please.
Please forgive me.
I'm misbehaving again.
I'm sorry, Mother.
After you settle in, I'll take
you on a tour of the place.
I'd like that.
Keep you hands
off him, Mother.
He's mine.
I'll show you to your
room now, Mr. Thornton.
Thank you.
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Dinner will be ready at 7:00.
Unless of course, you'd prefer
another time, Mr. Thornton.
No.
7:00 will be fine.
Good.
I've left you some tafia
drink if you get thirsty.
Thank you.
Mrs. Palmer?
Would you mind calling me Corey?
I'd rather not,
if you don't mind.
It doesn't seem proper.
Mr. Thornton is a habit of mine.
Even if I wanted to, I
don't think I could change.
Excuse me.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MRS. PALMER: Oh, no.
You're not supposed
to be in here.
Naughty, naughty.
COREY (VOICEOVER): It was
Delores who first introduced me
to the bird people and taught
me how to give life back
to the dead, and how to
store the souls of bad people
in the bodies of birds.
The first time I witnessed
the ritual of souls,
Delores revived a
woman who had just
been killed by a jealous lover.
From the curative practice of
using the instrument of injury
to cure the injury,
Delores proceeded to bring
the murdered woman back alive.
The image of Delores
exuding such a gift--
NOAH (VOICEOVER): The
image of the exuding
such a gift began to
consume me, releasing
for me a renewed sexual desire.
Delores was the most
explicitly sexual creature
I had ever known.
But more than her sexuality,
I was drawn to her power.
A power I was determined
to have myself.
For my sexual
escapades with Delores,
I was imbued with a commission
of giving life to the dead.
And it was then that I
began thinking about how
to use this power to
restore life to my own body
after my death.
I became obsessed with
making love to Delores,
as if by consuming her,
devouring her sexually,
would somehow fill me with
all her extraordinary power.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Come with me.
[DIANE SCREAMING]
Why are you screaming?
This is only a dream, right?
I mean, Delores--
I'm sorry.
Just like his father,
a sexual priapic.
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
DELORES: Help.
Help me, Corey.
If you wanted to see
me without my clothes on,
the least you
could have done was
try to seduce me in
the proper fashion.
After all, I'm not a child
or some silly Southern
belle that's been kept
all her life in a glass.
I, um, I'm sorry.
I really am.
If I tried to explain it, I
don't think you'd believe me.
Shouldn't even
be speaking to you.
Well, I'm glad you are.
How else would I
get a guided tour
if you weren't speaking to me?
OK.
So, you, uh, you grew up
with my father, didn't you?
Yes.
What was he like?
I liked him.
I did.
I thought he was a good man.
But he changed as he grew older.
He became more reclusive.
Then in the last
months of his life,
he took up with a local
woman from Tonk's Place.
What is Tonk's Place?
That is Tonk's Place.
All the locals pretend it's
just a little country brothel,
but it's much more
than just that.
This whole area is
just filled with people
who practice black magic in
one fashion or the other.
You know, love potions,
revenge spells.
Mostly harmless stuff.
That Tonk's Place,
it's dangerous.
It doesn't sound dangerous.
Sounds fun.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Don't ever go there, Corey.
Tonk's Place is where
your father died.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Did I scare you?
Come on, Corey.
You be that young
man Thornton, ain't ya?
Yes.
Come on, Corey.
He's crazy.
She be right, boy.
I am crazy.
[MAN LAUGHING]
Crazy old Bijou.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
Watch out for crazy old Bijou.
He just might take his fishing
knife and filet you right up
the middle.
But then, maybe I won't.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
But then, maybe your daddy
wanted me to help you.
What?
Take you over to Tonk's Place
so you can help your daddy
like he wants you to.
You get the hell out of
here, you crazy old man.
I'll kill you.
Child, I lived in
these parts all my life.
You think I'm gonna let a
tiny little drop of spit
like you scare me off?
I'll be waiting for you
whenever you're ready.
You got spirit.
I give you that, little one.
Woman with that much spirit,
bound to be a good poot.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[BIRD CALLING]
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
[DIANE GASPING]
COREY: Diane!
Diane!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I'm scared, Momma.
It's all right, baby.
I'm not going to let
anything hurt you.
Get some sleep.
COREY: Is she all right?
- Yes.
Just very upset.
Good night.
COREY: Mrs. Palmer?
MRS. PALMER: Yes?
I'm sorry.
I know I haven't made much
of an impression, but--
On the contrary, Mr. Thornton.
You've made quite an impression.
Just not a very good one.
I don't mind what you
do with your life.
Really, I don't.
I just don't want you to involve
my daughter in your troubles.
Good night, Mr. Thornton.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: (SINGING) I know love
is a word in the dictionary.
Words ain't real,
they're imaginary.
People write songs.
People write books.
[INAUDIBLE] like a
fisherman's hook.
I'm a stranger to love.
I'm stranger to love.
I'm a stranger to love.
I'm a stranger.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Well, look what
the Devil sucked in.
Young man Thornton in the flesh.
Well, I was hoping
I'd find you here.
Well, here I be, my friend.
Tell you what, I'll buy
the first round of beers.
You buy all the rest.
What you say to that.
I'd say you're a gambling man.
What you mean?
Gambling I won't leave
after the first round.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
That's good one.
Very good.
I like you, boy.
What you say,
young man Thornton,
let's stir up some shit, huh?
You want dance with me?
Uh, no, thanks.
But I'm a good dancer.
Come on.
I'm sure you are, Bijou.
But I'm going to
sit this one out.
I'll dance with you, Bijou.
Fuck off, Nona.
I wanna dance with the boy.
MAN: Hey, asshole.
You want to pick on somebody?
Pick on me.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Now what you say, pretty boy?
Dance with me?
Look, Bijou, I didn't
come here to dance with you.
I don't want to make
any trouble either.
I just came here to talk
to you about my father.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
I'm making fun with you, boy.
Trying to loosen
you up, that's all.
You don't play.
Shit's supposed to happen here.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
To the old man.
May he live again.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[FLOOR CREAKING]
You silly boy.
I told you not to
go to that place.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MRS. PALMER: Corey Thornton.
BIJOU: People didn't
like your father.
Why not?
He owned all the
land in these parts.
He was rich, powerful.
And he was touched by the Devil.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
It's Delores.
Leave her, boy.
She's busy.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Excuse me, uh, Delores.
I need to talk to you a minute.
DELORES: Sorry, darling.
I'm busy right now.
I'll just take a--
Can't you hear, Mister?
She's busy.
It's important, OK?
How important?
Wait inside.
Wait inside, baby.
I don't know where you're from,
boy, but you don't seem to get
how things work around here.
[GUN COCKING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[BIRD CALLING]
Now, you may not believe
this, but I like you.
I do.
And I'm going to be good to you.
First of all, I'm
going to let you live.
Second, I'm going to let you
pay me for liking you so much.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Don't bother thanking me.
Now get.
Go on.
Get.
God, I hate being
a mean bastard.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[MAN GROANING]
[BIRD CALLING]
[MAN SCREAMING]
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
DELORES: Corey.
[THUNDER CRASHING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: Ah, good morning.
Good morning.
Looks like you
had a rough night.
Oh, yeah.
I'm not used to the heat.
Here.
This'll cool you down.
- Thank you.
What?
- How adventuresome are you?
- I don't know.
What did you have in mind?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
DIANE: This is where
your father's buried.
Spooky, isn't it?
Looks just like your father.
What is that?
I dunno.
Just one of those
silly thingamajigs.
My father wants
me to revive him.
He wants me to bring him
back from the dead, Diane.
I need your help.
Corey, you have no
idea what you are saying.
I like you.
I would do just about
anything for you.
Please, do not get
me involved in this.
People could die.
You don't understand.
No, you don't understand.
You'll die, Corey.
Just like your father died.
- No.
[MRS. PALMER BREATHING RAPIDLY]
[HEART BEATING]
COREY (VOICEOVER): A strange
thing happened today.
I saw a little black girl
with strange blue eyes
down by the river.
She was playing all alone
with a little toy boat.
I'd been watching
her for a while
when she accidentally fell in.
Poor thing couldn't swim and--
NOAH (VOICEOVER): Went
under almost immediately.
Before I could get to
her, she sank and drowned.
I pulled her body from the
water and I took her to Delores.
According to the
rights of souls,
if you borrow a spirit from
the keeper of the birds
to give life back
to an innocent one,
you will be hallowed by
the rightness of life.
So Delores kissed the little
girl and gave her life again.
It made me cry.
[MRS. PALMER BREATHING RAPIDLY]
[HEART BEATING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MRS. PALMER: Please, don't.
Please.
No, please.
I was just trying
to save my daughter.
No, please.
Please, no.
No.
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: Wait, Delores.
MAN: (SINGING) Make me cry.
Yeah.
Make me cry.
Hey.
Looking for someone
in particular?
Yes.
I'm looking for Delores.
Delores.
Well, I think she's occupied at
the moment, but how about one
of my other ladies?
Uh, no.
I need to see Delores.
Well, sure, sugar.
The customer always knows best.
If you don't mind
waiting awhile.
I'll wait.
Billy C. Honey, take care of
this handsome young man for me.
BILLY C: Yes, ma'am.
I'll be back, sugar.
What'll it be, Monty?
Uh, cold beer, please.
Cold beer, coming right up.
You're staring at me.
I'm sorry.
It's OK.
Everybody does.
I don't really mind.
You probably think I'm one of
those celebrity impersonators,
don't you?
Well, yeah.
I mean, aren't you?
You still don't
get it, do you?
No, I guess I don't.
I am Marilyn.
First I was alive,
and then I was dead.
And now I'm alive again.
They did it for me.
You can do it for your father.
Don't disappoint him.
OK, she's waiting
for you, honey.
Who?
Delores.
Are you all right?
She said she was
the real Marilyn.
Of course she did, sugar.
I'm Mary Magdalene.
She's Marilyn Monroe.
I got a girl who likes to go
as Jane Fonda, another one who
dresses up as Madonna.
Customers like a little fun and
theatrics with their fucking.
OK, handsome, tell
you what you do.
The girl's rooms
are one floor below.
Go down those stairs over
there, take the first turn.
When you get to the
corridor, Delores's room
is the third one on the left.
She can't wait to see you.
- Thanks.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
What?
ENTITY: Some fucking
good show, huh cowboy?
ENTITY: What do you say?
Want something like that?
WOMAN: What are
you hiding up here?
Oh, cowboy.
[MANIACAL LAUGHTER]
If you get tired of
Delores, come pay me a visit.
I've got some tricks nobody
else in the world knows about.
MAN: Marilyn.
See ya.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
You really do have it.
Have what?
The power my
father wrote about.
That's right.
I have it.
The same power I
gave your father.
Delores, I'm
talking about bringing
my father back from the dead.
Will you teach me that?
DELORES: I'll teach
you everything I know.
Heart, body, and soul.
I'll do anything.
As long as you teach
me what I need to know.
I'll teach you.
I'll teach you everything.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
She blinded me.
[BIRD CALLING]
My god.
MRS. PALMER: Diane?
Diane?
DIANE: Mother?
What's wrong?
MRS. PALMER: She
put a spell on me.
I've gone blind
What the heck?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Diane.
I'm taking my mother
to the hospital.
What's wrong?
I don't know.
She can't see.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Good morning, Councilor
Would you please
tell Delores I'm here.
Sorry, no one here till dark.
Did she leave
something for me?
- Yes.
- Good.
We need to get it
closer to the boy.
Handsome specimen.
Very handsome.
Thank you.
See you next time, Councilor.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Like father, like son.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Perfect fit, huh Dad?
Corey, my dear son.
I'm convinced that with
your love and support,
I will be able to rise from
the grips of death and return
to the world of the living.
Rise, Father.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
WOMAN (IN BIRD): Help me.
See what happens
when people are bad?
DELORES: Corey.
Hello there,
young man Thornton.
Mr. Yates.
How are you?
Thirsty.
Would you like me to
fix us some tafia then?
- That would be fine.
- OK.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
OK, here we are.
There you go.
- Thank you.
And our attractive
Palmer ladies?
Where might they be?
Diane had to take her mother
to the hospital this morning.
Hospital?
Why?
Well, she-- she said
her mother couldn't see.
Oh, my.
Blind?
What a thing.
What a terrible thing.
[MOTOR RUMBLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
How is she?
She's resting.
Mr Yates offered
to stay with her.
What did the doctor say?
They want to leave the
bandages on a few more days
then they're gonna
run some more tests.
There appears to be
no medical reason
whatsoever for her to be blind.
What do they think it is?
They hope it's psychosomatic.
Do you know what I think?
I think she's just trying
to get my attention.
She can't expect to
keep me under her wings
too much longer.
I'm not a little girl anymore.
She can't go blind every
time I do something
that doesn't have her blessing.
I want to help you with
your father, Corey.
Uh, Diane, I've--
I've changed my mind.
I, uh, everything that's
happened with your mother, I
just I--
I don't think it's a good idea.
I really don't.
I'm sorry.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I dreamed about you last night.
I, uh, dreamed a lot of
things about you last night.
You want to bring your
father back today, don't you?
Yes.
Am I ready?
DELORES: Before your soul can
be separated from your body,
Corey, you must find
the rightness of life
and hope you're guided
in the proper direction.
It's an unpredictable journey
that will take you to one side,
or the other a strange.
Are you ready for that?
Yes.
DELORES: Good.
Now I want you to think about
the goodness of your father,
about how you wish
you it had been.
Close your eyes.
[WINGS FLUTTERING]
Try to tell me what you
see on your journey.
COREY: There's a
small bird heart.
And a scared cardinal.
DELORES: What else?
COREY: There's a figure.
I think it's me.
DELORES: Good.
That means you're in.
Now I want you to concentrate
on finding your father.
Let your dreams of him
pull you into the light.
[MATCH FLARING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: Why can't
I find my father?
[DELORES SHUSHING]
DELORES: Just keep searching.
[HEART BEATING]
COREY: It's so weird.
[DELORES SHUSHING]
Corey, I want you to
call for your father.
How?
DELORES: Call for him.
COREY: Father?
Father?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hello, son.
I know you wouldn't
disappoint me.
Father?
Don't you recognize me?
Something's wrong.
You weren't expecting
him to look like.
No, no, no.
It's something else.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
How about giving your
father a nice kiss?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Come on.
Yeah, let's have a look at you.
Oh, you're a nice specimen.
You're young.
Strong, hardy.
You turned out very well, Corey.
Thank you for doing this for me.
Taking my place.
It's not right.
He didn't tell us it
was about switching.
[BIRDS FLUTTERING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
See, if my son, my only
flesh and blood takes my place,
I'm free to return to
the land of the living.
No.
No!
No, Father!
Why are you doing this?
No!
No!
Handsome specimen.
Very handsome.
You should've danced
with me, pretty boy.
[BIRD CALLING]
Why are you doing this to me?
You're my own father.
Christ died for his daddy.
What are you complaining about?
Diane?
[DIANE BREATHING RASPILY]
Corey.
Corey, listen to me.
You can get out.
You know what to do.
His father has him.
What can I do?
- You love him?
- Yes.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
See what happens
when people are bad?
[NOAH SHOUTING]
NOAH: Never keep me here!
Never!
Never!
Never!
[BIRD SQUAWKING]
Good morning, Father.
NOAH: Never!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
What is this
tafia shit anyway?
I don't know.
[GUN FIRING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: (SINGING) You're
the reason why.
You're just trying
to make me cry.
Make me cry.
Yeah, make me cry.
Cry.
I'm sure you can get me off.
You're the reasons why.
You're just trying--
MAN: You son of a bitch!
[PUNCH LANDING]
[MAN SHOUTING]
MAN: Help me up!
MAN: (SINGING}
Yeah, make me cry.
Cry.
Don't-- don't need
a 100 reasons.
Yeah.
Well, I'm sure you
got a 100 reasons.
You aren't lost, are you?
No, ma'am.
I came to get some.
Some what?
You know.
Sugar, you can't say
it, you can't get any.
Jesus.
Now come on, darling.
It's an easy, one syllable word.
Just say it and you'll feel
a whole hell of a lot better.
I want to get laid.
Now see?
You half way to
getting some already.
Isn't that better?
Jesus, God Almighty.
This your first time?
Uh, no, ma'am.
Been laid lots.
No, I mean this is your
first time at Tonk's Place.
Yes, ma'am.
Please don't call
me ma'am, sugar.
Makes me feel like your
mother or something
Yes, ma'am.
Oops.
Sorry.
What should I call you?
My name is Mary.
Mary Magdalene.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[PEOPLE MOANING]
You're gonna just love what
I got in store for you.
[CLATTERING]
What's down there?
You're not ready for
what's down there yet, sugar.
Well, come on in, sweety.
She's a special one.
So you be real nice to her.
Understand?
- Yes, ma'am.
[PEOPLE MOANING]
Time's up, guys.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
[CLATTERING]
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
[WOMAN CRYING OUT]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Want a good time, cowboy?
[WOMAN CACKLING]
[MAN CACKLING]
You're a brave one.
What you mean, babe?
Sneaking down around here
where you're not supposed to be
could be dangerous.
No, just looking
where I can see.
Well don't just
stand there salivating.
Step on in.
Maybe you'll get lucky.
Do you sing?
[MAN LAUGHS]
No.
DELORES: Maybe I can teach you.
Maybe when I'm through with
you, you'll be able to warble
like my dearies here.
Maybe.
How much do you have?
I've got nothing.
I spent it all upstairs.
Too bad.
I guess you'll have to
give me something in trade.
I have nothing to trade.
You got a soul, don't you?
Or did you spend
that upstairs too?
What you mean, babe?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
You look like a
pretty bird, you do.
What you do?
DELORES: It's brazier powder.
What is?
I'm gonna put a
love spell on you.
No.
No spells.
Just fucking.
DELORES: Oh!
Just fucking.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I never fucked a
little bird before.
I never fucked a little bird.
You like fucking Barbusoir?
You like fucking Barbusoir?
Say it.
Say, fuck me.
Say it, fuck me.
Fuck me.
[BREATH RATTLING]
A witch, huh?
That's what, you a witch.
[BARBUSOIR GROANING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Look what mommy's
making for her babies.
You're own little man
bird to sing for you.
[BARBUSOIR SCREAMING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: I suppose there are
some journeys in one's life
that should never be taken.
My passage home after
my father's death
was one of those journeys.
I had never known my father
or anything about him.
He was an absence in my life.
An enigma.
A hurt.
He was a missing chapter that
left me feeling incomplete,
unresolved.
So I came to this place,
this land of mystery
and enchantment, to
this strange land
where death is not the worst
thing that can happen to you.
I came haunted by a need to
learn something, anything,
anything about the man
who had given me life,
and whose death had now brought
me to this fascinating world.
I came that day to my
father's mystical other world,
to his kingdom, to his
domain, to face a lifetime
adventure, filled with the
unknown, the unimaginable,
the inconceivable.
I took a seductive ride
on the river that day.
Began a journey that would
change my life forever.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
BEAUREGARD: Young man Thornton.
- Pardon?
BEAUREGARD: Are you the
young man, Corey Thornton?
Yes, I am.
Beauregard Yates, esquire.
I've come to fetch you.
Thank you.
Right this way.
Sure.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
This is my father's estate?
No.
This is your estate.
COREY: Right.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
And who's that?
That's jail
bait, Mr. Thornton.
Good for 10 to 15 years, with
very little chance of parole.
Momma's fixed you all up.
Isn't that right, honey?
Honey.
Yes.
Nice boy.
Wanna go?
There you go.
Mrs. Palmer, may I
present Mr. Thornton.
Mr. Thornton, this
is Mrs. Palmer.
Hello.
She was your
father's overseer.
She runs the place.
It's remarkable.
You're the very
image of your father.
The crackling image.
Your father was an
extraordinary man.
Don't disappoint him.
So, you were my
father's lawyer?
Yes.
Did you know him well.
Yeah.
I uh, never knew him.
He-- he didn't stick around
very long after I was born.
What was he like?
It's not proper for
me to discuss my client.
I never could understand
how a man could just walk away
from his own flesh and blood.
Why even have a child if
you're just going to walk away?
Instructions from your father.
- Instructions?
- Yes.
It's customary for the deceased
to leave his last wishes.
Right, of course.
These are the probate papers.
Look them over.
If you have any questions,
you have my card.
Also from your father.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I'll return in a day
or so for the papers.
Thank you, Mr. Yates.
I can't shake hands.
Goodbye, Mr. Yates.
BEAUREGARD: Goodbye.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY (VOICEOVER):
Corey, my dear son.
A few years ago, I
discovered a peculiar coven
of souls endowed with
uncommon restorative powers.
So extraordinary was their
power that they could
give life back to the dead.
Toward the end of
my life, I grew
determined to develop their
power in order to live again.
Corey, I am convinced that
with your love and support,
I will be able to rise up from
the grips of death and return
to the world of the living.
NOAH (VOICEOVER): Sometime
in the next few days--
COREY (VOICEOVER): Sometime
in the next few days--
NOAH (VOICEOVER): --by
a woman named Delores.
COREY (VOICEOVER):
--you will be visited
by a woman named Delores.
NOAH (VOICEOVER): She will
teach you the necessary steps
to effect my resurrection.
Son, do not falter in
this important effort.
Do not fail me.
Do not disappoint me.
DIANE: Hello.
Hello.
You're young man Corey
Thornton, I assume.
Yes, I am.
But why does everybody call
me young man Corey Thornton?
It's just an old
Southern salutation.
Means you're the new heir.
Ah, I see.
And who might you be?
Well, I might just be trouble
for you, young man Corey.
I have been known to
lust after older man.
Especially when
they're as cute as you.
Much to the embarrassment
of my sweet, but hopelessly
overprotective mother.
You met her.
The melancholy madam
of Bell Oak Estates.
Yes, I met her.
So, young man Thornton,
you like what you see?
Diane.
Mother.
Dearest mother.
I was merely warning
young man Thornton
of the dangers of his new home.
MRS. PALMER: Diane.
Please.
Please forgive me.
I'm misbehaving again.
I'm sorry, Mother.
After you settle in, I'll take
you on a tour of the place.
I'd like that.
Keep you hands
off him, Mother.
He's mine.
I'll show you to your
room now, Mr. Thornton.
Thank you.
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Dinner will be ready at 7:00.
Unless of course, you'd prefer
another time, Mr. Thornton.
No.
7:00 will be fine.
Good.
I've left you some tafia
drink if you get thirsty.
Thank you.
Mrs. Palmer?
Would you mind calling me Corey?
I'd rather not,
if you don't mind.
It doesn't seem proper.
Mr. Thornton is a habit of mine.
Even if I wanted to, I
don't think I could change.
Excuse me.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MRS. PALMER: Oh, no.
You're not supposed
to be in here.
Naughty, naughty.
COREY (VOICEOVER): It was
Delores who first introduced me
to the bird people and taught
me how to give life back
to the dead, and how to
store the souls of bad people
in the bodies of birds.
The first time I witnessed
the ritual of souls,
Delores revived a
woman who had just
been killed by a jealous lover.
From the curative practice of
using the instrument of injury
to cure the injury,
Delores proceeded to bring
the murdered woman back alive.
The image of Delores
exuding such a gift--
NOAH (VOICEOVER): The
image of the exuding
such a gift began to
consume me, releasing
for me a renewed sexual desire.
Delores was the most
explicitly sexual creature
I had ever known.
But more than her sexuality,
I was drawn to her power.
A power I was determined
to have myself.
For my sexual
escapades with Delores,
I was imbued with a commission
of giving life to the dead.
And it was then that I
began thinking about how
to use this power to
restore life to my own body
after my death.
I became obsessed with
making love to Delores,
as if by consuming her,
devouring her sexually,
would somehow fill me with
all her extraordinary power.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Come with me.
[DIANE SCREAMING]
Why are you screaming?
This is only a dream, right?
I mean, Delores--
I'm sorry.
Just like his father,
a sexual priapic.
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
DELORES: Help.
Help me, Corey.
If you wanted to see
me without my clothes on,
the least you
could have done was
try to seduce me in
the proper fashion.
After all, I'm not a child
or some silly Southern
belle that's been kept
all her life in a glass.
I, um, I'm sorry.
I really am.
If I tried to explain it, I
don't think you'd believe me.
Shouldn't even
be speaking to you.
Well, I'm glad you are.
How else would I
get a guided tour
if you weren't speaking to me?
OK.
So, you, uh, you grew up
with my father, didn't you?
Yes.
What was he like?
I liked him.
I did.
I thought he was a good man.
But he changed as he grew older.
He became more reclusive.
Then in the last
months of his life,
he took up with a local
woman from Tonk's Place.
What is Tonk's Place?
That is Tonk's Place.
All the locals pretend it's
just a little country brothel,
but it's much more
than just that.
This whole area is
just filled with people
who practice black magic in
one fashion or the other.
You know, love potions,
revenge spells.
Mostly harmless stuff.
That Tonk's Place,
it's dangerous.
It doesn't sound dangerous.
Sounds fun.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Don't ever go there, Corey.
Tonk's Place is where
your father died.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Did I scare you?
Come on, Corey.
You be that young
man Thornton, ain't ya?
Yes.
Come on, Corey.
He's crazy.
She be right, boy.
I am crazy.
[MAN LAUGHING]
Crazy old Bijou.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
Watch out for crazy old Bijou.
He just might take his fishing
knife and filet you right up
the middle.
But then, maybe I won't.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
But then, maybe your daddy
wanted me to help you.
What?
Take you over to Tonk's Place
so you can help your daddy
like he wants you to.
You get the hell out of
here, you crazy old man.
I'll kill you.
Child, I lived in
these parts all my life.
You think I'm gonna let a
tiny little drop of spit
like you scare me off?
I'll be waiting for you
whenever you're ready.
You got spirit.
I give you that, little one.
Woman with that much spirit,
bound to be a good poot.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[BIRD CALLING]
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
[DIANE GASPING]
COREY: Diane!
Diane!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I'm scared, Momma.
It's all right, baby.
I'm not going to let
anything hurt you.
Get some sleep.
COREY: Is she all right?
- Yes.
Just very upset.
Good night.
COREY: Mrs. Palmer?
MRS. PALMER: Yes?
I'm sorry.
I know I haven't made much
of an impression, but--
On the contrary, Mr. Thornton.
You've made quite an impression.
Just not a very good one.
I don't mind what you
do with your life.
Really, I don't.
I just don't want you to involve
my daughter in your troubles.
Good night, Mr. Thornton.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: (SINGING) I know love
is a word in the dictionary.
Words ain't real,
they're imaginary.
People write songs.
People write books.
[INAUDIBLE] like a
fisherman's hook.
I'm a stranger to love.
I'm stranger to love.
I'm a stranger to love.
I'm a stranger.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Well, look what
the Devil sucked in.
Young man Thornton in the flesh.
Well, I was hoping
I'd find you here.
Well, here I be, my friend.
Tell you what, I'll buy
the first round of beers.
You buy all the rest.
What you say to that.
I'd say you're a gambling man.
What you mean?
Gambling I won't leave
after the first round.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
That's good one.
Very good.
I like you, boy.
What you say,
young man Thornton,
let's stir up some shit, huh?
You want dance with me?
Uh, no, thanks.
But I'm a good dancer.
Come on.
I'm sure you are, Bijou.
But I'm going to
sit this one out.
I'll dance with you, Bijou.
Fuck off, Nona.
I wanna dance with the boy.
MAN: Hey, asshole.
You want to pick on somebody?
Pick on me.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Now what you say, pretty boy?
Dance with me?
Look, Bijou, I didn't
come here to dance with you.
I don't want to make
any trouble either.
I just came here to talk
to you about my father.
[BIJOU LAUGHING]
I'm making fun with you, boy.
Trying to loosen
you up, that's all.
You don't play.
Shit's supposed to happen here.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
To the old man.
May he live again.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[FLOOR CREAKING]
You silly boy.
I told you not to
go to that place.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MRS. PALMER: Corey Thornton.
BIJOU: People didn't
like your father.
Why not?
He owned all the
land in these parts.
He was rich, powerful.
And he was touched by the Devil.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
It's Delores.
Leave her, boy.
She's busy.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Excuse me, uh, Delores.
I need to talk to you a minute.
DELORES: Sorry, darling.
I'm busy right now.
I'll just take a--
Can't you hear, Mister?
She's busy.
It's important, OK?
How important?
Wait inside.
Wait inside, baby.
I don't know where you're from,
boy, but you don't seem to get
how things work around here.
[GUN COCKING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[BIRD CALLING]
Now, you may not believe
this, but I like you.
I do.
And I'm going to be good to you.
First of all, I'm
going to let you live.
Second, I'm going to let you
pay me for liking you so much.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Don't bother thanking me.
Now get.
Go on.
Get.
God, I hate being
a mean bastard.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[MAN GROANING]
[BIRD CALLING]
[MAN SCREAMING]
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
DELORES: Corey.
[THUNDER CRASHING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: Ah, good morning.
Good morning.
Looks like you
had a rough night.
Oh, yeah.
I'm not used to the heat.
Here.
This'll cool you down.
- Thank you.
What?
- How adventuresome are you?
- I don't know.
What did you have in mind?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
DIANE: This is where
your father's buried.
Spooky, isn't it?
Looks just like your father.
What is that?
I dunno.
Just one of those
silly thingamajigs.
My father wants
me to revive him.
He wants me to bring him
back from the dead, Diane.
I need your help.
Corey, you have no
idea what you are saying.
I like you.
I would do just about
anything for you.
Please, do not get
me involved in this.
People could die.
You don't understand.
No, you don't understand.
You'll die, Corey.
Just like your father died.
- No.
[MRS. PALMER BREATHING RAPIDLY]
[HEART BEATING]
COREY (VOICEOVER): A strange
thing happened today.
I saw a little black girl
with strange blue eyes
down by the river.
She was playing all alone
with a little toy boat.
I'd been watching
her for a while
when she accidentally fell in.
Poor thing couldn't swim and--
NOAH (VOICEOVER): Went
under almost immediately.
Before I could get to
her, she sank and drowned.
I pulled her body from the
water and I took her to Delores.
According to the
rights of souls,
if you borrow a spirit from
the keeper of the birds
to give life back
to an innocent one,
you will be hallowed by
the rightness of life.
So Delores kissed the little
girl and gave her life again.
It made me cry.
[MRS. PALMER BREATHING RAPIDLY]
[HEART BEATING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MRS. PALMER: Please, don't.
Please.
No, please.
I was just trying
to save my daughter.
No, please.
Please, no.
No.
[BIRD CALLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: Wait, Delores.
MAN: (SINGING) Make me cry.
Yeah.
Make me cry.
Hey.
Looking for someone
in particular?
Yes.
I'm looking for Delores.
Delores.
Well, I think she's occupied at
the moment, but how about one
of my other ladies?
Uh, no.
I need to see Delores.
Well, sure, sugar.
The customer always knows best.
If you don't mind
waiting awhile.
I'll wait.
Billy C. Honey, take care of
this handsome young man for me.
BILLY C: Yes, ma'am.
I'll be back, sugar.
What'll it be, Monty?
Uh, cold beer, please.
Cold beer, coming right up.
You're staring at me.
I'm sorry.
It's OK.
Everybody does.
I don't really mind.
You probably think I'm one of
those celebrity impersonators,
don't you?
Well, yeah.
I mean, aren't you?
You still don't
get it, do you?
No, I guess I don't.
I am Marilyn.
First I was alive,
and then I was dead.
And now I'm alive again.
They did it for me.
You can do it for your father.
Don't disappoint him.
OK, she's waiting
for you, honey.
Who?
Delores.
Are you all right?
She said she was
the real Marilyn.
Of course she did, sugar.
I'm Mary Magdalene.
She's Marilyn Monroe.
I got a girl who likes to go
as Jane Fonda, another one who
dresses up as Madonna.
Customers like a little fun and
theatrics with their fucking.
OK, handsome, tell
you what you do.
The girl's rooms
are one floor below.
Go down those stairs over
there, take the first turn.
When you get to the
corridor, Delores's room
is the third one on the left.
She can't wait to see you.
- Thanks.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
What?
ENTITY: Some fucking
good show, huh cowboy?
ENTITY: What do you say?
Want something like that?
WOMAN: What are
you hiding up here?
Oh, cowboy.
[MANIACAL LAUGHTER]
If you get tired of
Delores, come pay me a visit.
I've got some tricks nobody
else in the world knows about.
MAN: Marilyn.
See ya.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
You really do have it.
Have what?
The power my
father wrote about.
That's right.
I have it.
The same power I
gave your father.
Delores, I'm
talking about bringing
my father back from the dead.
Will you teach me that?
DELORES: I'll teach
you everything I know.
Heart, body, and soul.
I'll do anything.
As long as you teach
me what I need to know.
I'll teach you.
I'll teach you everything.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
She blinded me.
[BIRD CALLING]
My god.
MRS. PALMER: Diane?
Diane?
DIANE: Mother?
What's wrong?
MRS. PALMER: She
put a spell on me.
I've gone blind
What the heck?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Diane.
I'm taking my mother
to the hospital.
What's wrong?
I don't know.
She can't see.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Good morning, Councilor
Would you please
tell Delores I'm here.
Sorry, no one here till dark.
Did she leave
something for me?
- Yes.
- Good.
We need to get it
closer to the boy.
Handsome specimen.
Very handsome.
Thank you.
See you next time, Councilor.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Like father, like son.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Perfect fit, huh Dad?
Corey, my dear son.
I'm convinced that with
your love and support,
I will be able to rise from
the grips of death and return
to the world of the living.
Rise, Father.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
WOMAN (IN BIRD): Help me.
See what happens
when people are bad?
DELORES: Corey.
Hello there,
young man Thornton.
Mr. Yates.
How are you?
Thirsty.
Would you like me to
fix us some tafia then?
- That would be fine.
- OK.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
OK, here we are.
There you go.
- Thank you.
And our attractive
Palmer ladies?
Where might they be?
Diane had to take her mother
to the hospital this morning.
Hospital?
Why?
Well, she-- she said
her mother couldn't see.
Oh, my.
Blind?
What a thing.
What a terrible thing.
[MOTOR RUMBLING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
How is she?
She's resting.
Mr Yates offered
to stay with her.
What did the doctor say?
They want to leave the
bandages on a few more days
then they're gonna
run some more tests.
There appears to be
no medical reason
whatsoever for her to be blind.
What do they think it is?
They hope it's psychosomatic.
Do you know what I think?
I think she's just trying
to get my attention.
She can't expect to
keep me under her wings
too much longer.
I'm not a little girl anymore.
She can't go blind every
time I do something
that doesn't have her blessing.
I want to help you with
your father, Corey.
Uh, Diane, I've--
I've changed my mind.
I, uh, everything that's
happened with your mother, I
just I--
I don't think it's a good idea.
I really don't.
I'm sorry.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I dreamed about you last night.
I, uh, dreamed a lot of
things about you last night.
You want to bring your
father back today, don't you?
Yes.
Am I ready?
DELORES: Before your soul can
be separated from your body,
Corey, you must find
the rightness of life
and hope you're guided
in the proper direction.
It's an unpredictable journey
that will take you to one side,
or the other a strange.
Are you ready for that?
Yes.
DELORES: Good.
Now I want you to think about
the goodness of your father,
about how you wish
you it had been.
Close your eyes.
[WINGS FLUTTERING]
Try to tell me what you
see on your journey.
COREY: There's a
small bird heart.
And a scared cardinal.
DELORES: What else?
COREY: There's a figure.
I think it's me.
DELORES: Good.
That means you're in.
Now I want you to concentrate
on finding your father.
Let your dreams of him
pull you into the light.
[MATCH FLARING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
COREY: Why can't
I find my father?
[DELORES SHUSHING]
DELORES: Just keep searching.
[HEART BEATING]
COREY: It's so weird.
[DELORES SHUSHING]
Corey, I want you to
call for your father.
How?
DELORES: Call for him.
COREY: Father?
Father?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hello, son.
I know you wouldn't
disappoint me.
Father?
Don't you recognize me?
Something's wrong.
You weren't expecting
him to look like.
No, no, no.
It's something else.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
How about giving your
father a nice kiss?
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Come on.
Yeah, let's have a look at you.
Oh, you're a nice specimen.
You're young.
Strong, hardy.
You turned out very well, Corey.
Thank you for doing this for me.
Taking my place.
It's not right.
He didn't tell us it
was about switching.
[BIRDS FLUTTERING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
See, if my son, my only
flesh and blood takes my place,
I'm free to return to
the land of the living.
No.
No!
No, Father!
Why are you doing this?
No!
No!
Handsome specimen.
Very handsome.
You should've danced
with me, pretty boy.
[BIRD CALLING]
Why are you doing this to me?
You're my own father.
Christ died for his daddy.
What are you complaining about?
Diane?
[DIANE BREATHING RASPILY]
Corey.
Corey, listen to me.
You can get out.
You know what to do.
His father has him.
What can I do?
- You love him?
- Yes.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
See what happens
when people are bad?
[NOAH SHOUTING]
NOAH: Never keep me here!
Never!
Never!
Never!
[BIRD SQUAWKING]
Good morning, Father.
NOAH: Never!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
What is this
tafia shit anyway?
I don't know.