A Fire in the Cold Season (2019) - full transcript

A whisper through sprawling forests and highway towns - a reclusive trapper and a heartsick mother-to-be are stalked by violent outlaws.

(soft accordion music)

(wind and birds)

(crows cawing)

(snip)

(snip)

(snip)

(snip)

(quad engine)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(crows cawing)

(crows cawing)

(car on gravel road)

(chainsaw in distance)

(ducks quacking)

(quad engine starting)

(quad engine)

(water and wind)

(crows cawing)

♪♪♪♪

(ominous music)

♪♪♪♪

(deep pulsating music)

Eh, buddy!

(bird's wings)

Officer: So

that's all, then?

Just-

found him

laying there, eh?

Yeah.

Did you know this

guy before-Keith?

No, Sir.

Well-

Nerves can do queer things to

people sometimes, you know?

Make you do all

kinds of things you-

never thought

you'd ever do.

(wind)

(tractor)

(cars driving by)

Scott: Hey,

what are you at?

Yeah, best kind.

Yeah, right on.

Listen.

I'll ask you a

question, now.

No no.

Never mind.

Uh, listen.

You coming to town

day after tomorrow?

Yeah.

Oh yeah, that

works, yeah.

Right on.

Oh yeah,

bring the mail?

Alright.

(hanging up)

(clink)

(water and wind)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(chainsaw in distance)

(car driving by)

Can I help you?

Uh-

What were you

doing at my door?

I'm sorry.

For what?

I'm sorry for

bothering you.

You're not

bothering me, yet.

You also haven't said

what you're looking for.

It's just about Keith.

You're a little late.

They found him

dead last week.

What did you say

your name was?

Scott Rose.

Well, Scott.

If you remember

what you're looking for-

you come back

and take it, huh?

Just stay the fuck

away from my house.

My cousin got that big

scrap yard there off Union.

In case you ever needed

a hand with anything.

What would I

need a hand with?

♪♪♪♪

(soft piano)

(wind)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(trees creaking)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin and piano)

There's a stranger!

What are

you at, then?

Nothing.

I just got out.

Either thing?

Nothing all week.

Took me all God-damn day

to get my new spot set up.

I can't think

straight, b'y.

It's like-

like my brain is

floating around.

That's it, then?

What?

I was over to

Reynold's yesterday.

He told me you were the one

that found buddy in the woods?

What?

I found buddy

in the woods.

That's it.

Why didn't you tell me

that when you called?

I don't know.

Didn't come

to me mind.

Never come

to your mind?

to tell that you hauled a

dead fellow out of the river?

He wasn't

in the river.

Sook.

I suppose everyone

knows now?

Here.

Thanks.

Did you want to

know about him?

Who?

Well, I wasn't

there at the time.

But Craig said this fellow

came by the yard twice

trying to low-ball him

on some old beater.

Right?

Yeah, well fuck all

Craig would get

haggling over

the likes of that.

So buddy went on.

How do you know it

was the same fellow?

You don't know

who Keith is?

No.

Tangled up in

gangs or whatever.

Foolishness.

Yeah, good

riddance, then.

Yeah.

I went up

to his house.

What?

I didn't know

what to be at, b'y.

I felt responsible.

I think someone was

fucking with my traps.

Shit.

Yeah.

Some missus up there.

She told me

to fuck off.

Yeah, I seen

her around.

Hanging off of him.

She's knocked up.

If buddy's scrounging-

he's in a

tender spot.

And you're best not to get

fucked up with all that.

(foghorn)

(rain on roof)

(bar crowd)

(truck engine)

♪♪♪♪

(ominous music)

(sniff)

Cotton: I'd say I been pretty

patient up to this point.

Client: Yes, I'd say so.

Cotton: It's all right.

Just give us a

few minutes.

And now you want

me to try and find

the kind of patience that I'm

not even sure I fucking got.

And he's the one

you're going to

have to ask next

for some patience.

I understand, Cotton.

I do.

I know you do.

And I'm not trying

to be unreasonable.

I know.

I'm just in a really

tender spot, here.

I've got a bit of

cash in the truck.

But that's it.

Go down and wait.

And I'll send someone

down to get it.

(lighting match)

He's got some

money for me.

I want you

to get it.

And then take him

up to the barrens.

♪♪♪♪

(discordant guitar)

(raging fire)

♪♪♪♪

(soft piano)

(ducks quacking)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(dog barking in distance)

(ding dong)

Excuse me.

Hello.

What-?

What's your problem, man?

Move.

Is Keith around

or what?

No.

You're lying.

I'm not. He's gone.

Is this a joke?

Get out of

my way.

Tell me

where he is.

And I'll go.

He's dead.

Quit shagging around.

(footsteps)

(ding dong)

Look at me.

I don't owe

you anything.

If he's gone,

you might.

I'll get loud.

(ding dong)

♪♪♪♪

(low piano)

(wind)

Mona: Ah, hey.

It's Mona.

Um.

I don't know if you're still

screening my calls or not.

But I-

I would

like to talk.

If you'd like to.

Um-

I've been in one

place for a while-

for a change, so-

You're going to

be a grandmother.

Okay, bye.

Cotton: Listen.

I just got the call

about Keith-

saying he's dead.

Don't worry about

the package.

Just get the fuck

over here.

The fucker

fell off a bank.

And struck his head.

What do you

want me to say?

Ask around!

That's it!

Now, stay

the fuck put!

And give me

some time!

(truck on gravel)

(truck door closing)

Go to bed

out of it!

Super!

Thank you!

What happened?

I don't know.

I got out

of the truck.

And the leaf spring was

split right down the middle.

It was all-

swung out like.

Good thing it

didn't swing in.

Yeah.

Ah, I got to

get going.

Your lady came

by the yard.

What?

Keith's woman.

She was just stood

there when I come out.

Oh yeah?

What did she want?

(crow cawing)

(wrench on metal)

(truck starting)

(quad engine)

(birds and water)

(knocking)

(knocking)

♪♪♪♪

(soft piano)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(door slams)

(chainsaw in distance)

Hey!

What is your problem?

It's getting cold out!

Mona: Milk? Sugar?

I can get it.

I'm not crippled.

You got no one

around here?

I've got some family

on the mainland.

Not exactly close-knit.

What about Keith's crowd?

Not really.

You didn't know Keith

too well, did you?

I'm tired.

Where did you

get the wood?

Took some of mine.

I only lives

up there.

Across the river.

Thank you.

Thank you.

♪♪♪♪

(soft guitar)

(creaking stove door)

(crackling fire)

(Mona sighs)

(zipper)

♪♪♪♪

(ominous violin music)

(zipper)

(knocking)

(knocking)

(knocking)

Coyote: Come on!

I can smell the wood

burning out here!

(knocking)

What are you?

In the tub and can't

hear me or something?

Open the door!

I can fucking

hear you!

I don't got

nothing for you!

So go the

fuck away!

Just checking on Keith.

He's dead!

Fuck off!

Or I'll call

the cops!

No you won't.

What are you

doing out here?

Go home, buddy.

This don't concern you.

Mona, is everything alright?

No!

Fuck sakes!

Just get the fuck

out of here!

I'll fucking

eat you whole.

Okay, you fucker.

Ugh!

Ugh!

Ugh!

Ugh!

Ugh!

(wind and water)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(crackling fire)

(running bath)

♪♪♪♪

(electric guitar)

♪♪♪♪

(intense electric guitar)

(knocking)

♪♪♪♪

(rock music)

♪♪♪♪

(heavy metal music)

(footsteps on stairs)

I don't want to have

to come find you

every fucking time.

For a minute.

Cotton.

What are you doing?

What?

Keith had something fucking

big hanging over them.

I don't know

where that stands now

that he's fucking buried.

Yours?

The Frenchman's.

I stuck my fucking

neck out for it though.

What about his missus?

Now she has some

new fellow there-

acting like a cowboy.

Were the cops there?

No.

And they've got

something to hide.

Oh, I can't.

The wife will

have a fit.

Ask her if she'd rather be

on fucking welfare then!

You're going

back out there.

And you're going to see what

the fucking cowboy's saying.

Okay.

And go alone.

Don't bring that

fucking nuisance!

(siren)

You got a

real talent

for fucking shit

up, don't you?

♪♪♪♪

(heavy metal music)

Taking off early?

Uh-youngster's waiting.

Okay.

Alright, then.

I'm going

to kill him.

That fellow.

Her.

I'm going to put

them in the ground.

No, you're not.

It wasn't a question.

You're going to

have to try real hard

not to tear a fucking

hole in this thing.

You were

in Fort Mac.

15 years.

Boiler maker.

I was up in

the Territories.

Fucking miserable.

I ended up

with fuck all.

Well, that sums

us up, doesn't it?

Sacrificing ourselves

for people who think

we're disposable?

Yeah, a lot of guys

get crushed out there.

I met Keith

when I lost the family,

and came back.

And he

set me up.

Now, his body's

not even cold.

And some fellow's

lying in his bed?

I'm going to gun

them down.

Both of them.

Rig: Hey!

Hey hey hey!

Rig: Coyote hey!

Get the fuck out

of that truck!

Look, I'm sick

and tired of you

dragging me into

your fucking bullshit!

(smack)

Ohhh!

Ughh!

What the fuck?

Uhh!

(Coyote spits)

Ughh!

♪♪♪♪

(slow intense electric guitar)

(Rig coughs)

Ughh!

Ughhh!

Ugh!!

(frying toutons)

(crackling fire)

(machinery)

Scott: I was just going

to come get you.

Yeah, I know.

I just saw

you pull up.

Nice.

Hold on.

A bit of a

rough week.

Yeah, no shit.

No.

Cops came by

about you.

That piece of shit you

hauled out of the woods-

they're trying

to figure out

whether you and he

had any prior run-ins.

Fighting or whatever.

Ah, fuck.

Probably doesn't help you

fucking his woman, either!

I'm just

helping her out.

She needs it.

She don't need you.

Not like you

wants her to.

She's in a bit

of trouble, b'y.

Yeah.

She brought

that on herself.

Now it's going to start

looking more and more

like there's a reason

you're the one

that pulled him up

out of the river.

I'm thinking about

taking off for a while.

Where?

I don't know.

I just feels

it coming.

I'm going to leave the

keys to the house with you.

I don't need your

father's cabin.

Someone got

to watch it!

Listen, if you think

you're responsible-

like this is something

you got to do-

you're not helping her.

You're helping yourself.

And it's fucking foolish.

Thanks.

♪♪♪♪

(soft guitar)

♪ Twas in the merry

month of May ♪

♪ When green buds

all were swelling ♪

♪ Sweet William on

his death bed lay ♪

♪ For love of

Barbara Allen ♪

(knocking)

♪ He sent his servant

to the town ♪

♪ To the place where

she was dwelling ♪

♪ Saying you must come

to my master dear ♪

Mona: Morning.

Thanks for the ride.

That's alright.

I was heading downtown.

I had to do

a few things.

♪ If your name

be Barbara Allen ♪

You in a hurry?

Just wait right there.

I'll be right back.

♪ So slowly, slowly

she got up ♪

♪ And slowly she

drew nigh him ♪

♪ And the only words

to him did say ♪

♪ Young man I think

you're dying ♪

♪ He turned his

face unto the wall ♪

♪ And death was

in him welling ♪

♪ Good-bye, good-bye ♪

♪ to my friends all ♪

♪ Be good to

Barbara Allen ♪

(warehouse bay door opening)

(cigarette lighter)

♪♪♪♪

(soft piano and violin)

Fuck fuck.

Fuck.

(rummaging through drawer)

(loading gun)

Uh-

The other night-

those guys-

They all knew Keith.

They were friends.

Do you want to

come in for a bit?

Ah, not like that.

It's just nice to have another

heartbeat around sometimes.

You know?

Yeah.

(unlocking door)

(relocking door)

(creaking door)

I thought I

heard you.

I woke you.

No.

What were you

doing in there?

Restless.

Yeah, but what were

you doing in there?

Nothing, just-

just looking.

What were you

looking for?

I was just

being nosy.

Sorry.

Stop being so

damn sorry.

(banging cupboard)

Don't go looking

through my shit.

(turning on tap)

I hate that.

(vitamin bottle rattling)

It's all Keith's

stuff anyways.

I'll donate it.

Or not.

I don't know.

I don't think we

should stay here.

We.

You.

They've got no

reason to come back.

Sometimes when

I'm in the woods-

I feel like I'm

being followed.

I circle back.

And there's

tracks there.

Something was following me.

I'm not saying you don't know

how to take care of yourself.

Do you feel

that way now?

Like you're being followed?

You know, I'm

not your problem.

I just want

to help.

I can take care

of myself.

Something's been

eating at me.

Yeah?

Well, spit it out.

I found Keith

in the river.

You found him?

I lives up

that way.

(clearing throat)

I was out working.

I just found him.

I don't understand.

You went

looking for him?

Or you knew he

was up there?

Hey.

Look at me.

Look at me.

You lied to me.

I felt responsible.

I don't know why

I came up here.

I don't know what

I was looking for.

It doesn't explain

why you lied to me.

I wasn't just about

to walk up here

and knock on your

door and tell you

I found him in the river

with his head smashed open.

What was he

doing there, eh?

Was he trying to

steal my animals?

Get the bounty?

What're you

trying to do?

Hm?

Nothing!

Keith wasn't trying

to steal your shit.

Okay, he had people

looking for him.

I hadn't seen him

in a fucking week.

You pity me.

You pity me.

Right?

I've wanted to

take care of you

from the moment

I first saw you.

Wanted to?

Want?

♪♪♪♪

(soft piano)

You may be

a good man.

Even if

I feel it.

And I feel it.

But I've been

wrong before.

(door opening)

♪♪♪♪

(piano and violin)

(water)

(sniff)

(crow cawing)

(crow cawing)

♪♪♪♪

(quiet electric guitar)

Mona: I'm going

somewhere new.

Well, new

enough, at least.

I got into some

trouble again.

But it's not going to

follow me, I don't think.

I've got a ride

now, so-

I'd like to come back,

if you'd have me back.

But I understand-

if that's not

something that-

you want anymore.

♪♪♪♪

(electric guitar intensifies)

I miss you.

And I hope that you

got my last message.

At this point, I don't even know

if you're there anymore.

Scott: Hey.

Listen, I needs to

come by tonight.

It's just-don't

go anywhere

until I gets to

the shop, alright?

(wind)

What are you doing?

Just get your shit.

Let's go.

I have to leave you here

for a little while, that's all.

Just a short while.

No.

No, we've got

to get going.

Come on.

I've got to talk to my

cousin about something.

Hey.

Give him the keys to

the cabin, that's all-

and we're gone.

Door's unlocked.

Plenty of

food up there.

Hey!

(cocking gun)

Scott?

Scott.

You're going to

be fine here, okay?

I'm not going to

be gone very long.

I promise.

(truck engine starting)

Scott?

I promise.

(wind)

♪♪♪♪

(moody piano)

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

Scott: Double ought twelve.

And a box of slugs.

Size?

Heaviest you've got.

I guess you're not

planning on eating it.

(truck engine starting)

(truck skidding)

Fuck sakes.

(truck skidding)

What's going on, buddy?

Bullshit!

Yeah.

What, are you

robbing me?

You calling

me a thief?

You're with the

rest of them.

Look, man.

I got no stake in

any of this shit.

What about that pretty

little girl you're fucking?

Whatever she got

hooked up with

on account of

Keith, she's out of it!

You're ruined.

What?

She got you ruined,

right through.

You're about to have

your whole world

pulled right out

from under your feet.

And you don't

even know it.

You don't even

know her.

Now get in

the truck.

We're going

for a ride.

I got something

you might want.

And if I gives

it to you-

you gets in

that truck-

you turns around

and you leaves.

Alright? You fucks off!

Alright?

All there.

I found that where I

found your buddy.

Take that

and go on.

Get in the truck.

She's in it for

survival, man.

And you got caught

up in the middle.

♪♪♪♪

(suspenseful music)

(door opening)

(door closing)

Scott: Holy shit!

You fucking asshole!

Hey hey!

Drop the fucking guy!

Get on your

fucking knees!

He didn't have anything

to do with this!

Shut up!

Let's fucking get

this over with.

You too.

What's that?

You heard me.

What the fuck, guys?

We fucking got

this sorted!

This is fucking bullshit!

Fuck you!

Get the fuck!

Fuck you!

You get that

fucking gun

out of my

fucking face!

Shut the fuck up!

(gun firing)

(knife stabbing)

(gunshot)

(gunshot)

(vehicle approaching)

(Cotton's truck)

(rattling door handle)

(rattlling door handle)

(breaking glass)

♪♪♪♪

(eerie violin)

(Cotton's truck)

Coyote: Stop!

Stop!

Ugh!

I'll fucking stop

you for good!

(Mona screaming)

(Cotton's truck)

(truck skidding)

(gunshot)

(breaking glass)

(gunshot)

Ohh!

(loading gun)

(loading gun)

(gunshot)

(wind)

Coyote: You should've

had me in the other night.

We could have all

this settled now.

You weren't welcome.

This baby is Keith's.

Well, he's gone.

And that's just some

bastard that belongs to you.

There wasn't anything

I could do for him.

Uhhh!

Uhh!

(truck engine)

(gunshot)

Uhh!

Uhh!

(wind)

(gunshot)

(Ughh!)

(Mona crying)

Mona: What?

I got it.

Hang on, hang on.

(snip)

You left me here!

Are you okay?

Where the

fuck were you?

I don't know!

They were going to shoot

me like a fucking dog!

- What? Who?

- Liam was there.

I don't know!

But-I fucking

killed them!

But I fucking

killed them, man.

Uhhh!

There's no one

gunning for you, now.

There's no one

gunning for you.

What?

There's no one

gunning for you.

Hey hey hey.

Come on. Come on.

No, that's alright.

You go on.

I left the keys

in the ignition.

The truck is at

the gas station.

Okay okay.

♪♪♪♪

(soft violin)

(truck starting)

(water)

Mona: Um-

I won't bother

you anymore.

I don't like talking

to your machine.

Doesn't feel right.

I just wanted to

try one more time.

I know what kind of a

burden I must have been.

Girl: Can I do it?

We're on the move.

I'm not sure

how far we'll go.

But can you

see any fish?

Mm-hmm. Do you?

It's like some frontier.

We can settle

wherever we want.

♪♪♪♪

(violin)