Lizzie (2018) - full transcript

And you didn't see

anyone else enter the house.

No, I did not.

What were you doing outside?

As I said before...

I went to look for sinkers

out in the barn.

Then, I stopped to eat a pear.

A pear?

From our pear tree.

Then, I came inside.

Are you...

quite sure you can continue?

Yes, I'm fine.

To your knowledge, did your

father have any enemies?

Yes?

The new housemaid, ma'am.

Bridget. Sullivan.

In this house, you will be

referred to as Maggie.

Most of your duties will be

confined to the first floor.

Our bedroom... door remains

locked during the day,

and the two girls,

my step-daughters, Emma and

Lizzie, they're very private.

You are not to access

this floor unless

expressly directed.

- Do you understand?

- I do, ma'am.

It's actually quite

cozy in here.

Feel free to bring

some things of your own.

That will make you

feel more at home.

Thank you.

Within reason, of course.

You'll have to excuse me.

I'd completely forgotten

she'd put you in here.

Such an awful little room.

We have possessions

stashed all over the house.

Not enough closet, I'm afraid.

My name's Lizzie.

Call me Maggie, miss.

None of that Maggie

or Paddy business.

Just picking a name out of a hat

for every boy or girl that

comes from a certain place?

It's terrible.

What's your proper name?

It's Bridget.

Your hairpin's loose, Bridget.

There.

Thanks, Miss Lizzie.

That's a pretty dress.

Will you be going

somewhere in it?

As planned and discussed,

I'm going to the theater.

You will not leave

this house unaccompanied.

I leave this house

unaccompanied everyday, father.

You heard me, Lizzie.

And you me, father.

The theater's my only

respite from this place.

You're a Borden. You can't

turn up there on your own.

The whole town will be there.

Yes, they will. And so will I.

- I tell you this out of

kindness, Lizzie.

You are not helping your cause.

Perhaps not, but I

will go nonetheless.

Sit down.

Stop!

Midnight.

No later.

Thank you, father.

Hello, Lizzie.

Hello.

Your dress is very smart.

And yours is quite blue.

We were wondering,

why does your family

keep the house so dark?

Father doesn't believe in light.

Why live that way when

you can afford not to?

He finds it extravagant.

There's always

gaslight, isn't there?

You seem obsessed with the

concept of illumination.

Are you, by chance, an Edison?

You know who I am.

Oh, the face is familiar.

Perhaps it's your scent

that's throwing me off.

Hang onto her!

Thank you, Maggie.

- That's all.

- Is she all right?

Is there anything for it?

As we discussed before,

medical options are limited.

It's just one of her spells,

father. She'll be good as new

in the morning.

Is she under any undue stress?

You know she's

always been very emotional.

You're all right now.

You're all right.

Am I...

Shh, just rest now, OK?

Everything will be fine.

Everything's gonna be fine.

Say it like you mean it.

Everything will be fine.

It will, Lizzie. It will.

Nothing at all?

It really is difficult to

harbor sympathy for someone

who will not make even

the slightest effort

to help herself.

Hello, Henry.

What should we hear today?

Do you have any suggestions?

Love alters not

with brief hours and weeks,

but bears it out...

Let me not to the

marriage of true mind's

impme... impediments...

Pardon me.

Impediments.

It's a much nicer word for

"obstacle, " don't you think?

Have you had schooling?

Some.

How much is some?

Couple years.

Are you afraid?

Afraid?

Of what?

Men don't have to

know things, Bridget.

Women do.

It's called...

That...

Girl.

Her...

Her hood...

is...

of the... com...

Common...

- Common

- Common. Common

Her hood is of the common.

Her hood is of the common sort.

Her...

Miss.

You all right?

Yeah, I'm fine.

You sure?

- Yeah, it's passed.

- Maybe we should stop.

I'm fine. I never know

when they're gonna happen.

Let's carry on.

Her dress...

Afternoon, Maggie.

Afternoon, Mr. Borden.

I just, uh, wanna

let you know that...

We all think you're going a...

fine job here.

Thank you, sir.

Do you find your

room comfortable?

Yes, sir.

It can get quite hot up there.

I don't mind, sir.

Sometimes, it's best to

leave the door open.

Let the air circulate.

I'm very grateful to be here.

Perhaps you could

do with a raise.

A small raise.

That's very kind of you, Sir.

Well.

Wouldn't wanna lose you.

Be a sweet girl, Maggie.

It's all right.

I see you've

taken over my hiding place.

Not hiding.

No?

No.

Just...

Taking a rest, that's all.

I brought you something.

I marked a few I thought

you might start with.

Show yourself!

Perhaps it's time we tell the

constable about these threats.

It's our affair, and

it will remain that way.

Father, have you done something?

I only mean...

Some of the land

you've recently acquired...

We have acquired, Lizzie.

We.

They're simple farmers.

They don't understand what's

happened to their holdings.

Perhaps...

Perhaps if they had

made good on their loans,

the land would still be theirs.

Have I done something?

Your arrogance borders

on the stupefying.

You and your desperate

attempts to play

the society major.

You gossip with them, don't you?

You talk about me, and

you talk to their husbands,

and it's all a game.

No, father...

Your wanton displays,

your public spells.

You lay us open to

ridicule and attack.

We are vulnerable now, Lizzie.

Do you not see that

that's because of you?

Yes, you must be right.

I know you want to

proceed conservatively,

but with your land holdings

tripling these past few years,

we will need additional support.

A large facility would be

a wise investment.

- I don't want to spend any more than necessary.

- -I know.

If there's one thing I know

about you, Andrew,

every nickel spent is

a nickel missed.

You mean every penny.

Oh, Lizzie.

Uh, come and say hello

to your uncle John.

He's come a long way.

Out on the town?

Abby, John

and I have work to do.

- If you don't mind

- Yes, of course.

Come along now, Lizzie.

Lizzie. Close the door, please.

I can manage.

Something I'd

like you to see, John.

All in the same hand?

They are.

I worry for the girls, mostly.

Some nights, I barely sleep.

You believe these

threats are genuine?

It's time I put my affairs

in order. If something's

gonna happen to me...

Oh, don't talk nonsense.

The girls will need

looking after.

Someone to guard and

maintain their finances,

as you've always

suggested, John.

Woah, um...

Ah, your girls, they've

never taken to me.

Emma, maybe, but...

Lizzie... No.

They know nothing of the

matters of the world.

Especially Lizzie.

How's her health?

If you don't mind my asking.

Worse.

Dr. Bowen recommends

institutionalization, but...

the thought of

sending her away...

Though, it may be...

inevitable.

This is why I need someone

to operate on their behalf

without sentiment.

I know it's an imposition.

Will you do that for me, John?

Will you promise me?

I promise.

I'll try.

I'd like you to stay on a few

days, if you don't mind.

I'll have Maggie

set up the guest room.

Your mother was just about your

age when that was taken.

I too often forget how

beautiful she was.

Yes, she was.

We all miss her.

I want us to make

a new beginning.

That's exactly what

I want, father.

Father won't believe

someone broke in.

You'll only make things worse.

Shut your mouth, Emma.

Good afternoon.

How much for all of it?

Thank you,

Emma. Lizzie.

Is your Maggie at home?

I'm sure she's here somewhere.

I'm right here, sir.

- Were you home at the time of the robbery, Miss...

- Sullivan

- I was hanging shades

- She wouldn't steal from us.

Didn't hear anything, then?

No strange noises?

Didn't see anyone

fleeing the scene?

No. Not that I recall, sir.

Not to be indelicate,

Miss Sullivan,

but would you mind if we took

a look around your room?

That won't be necessary.

What do you mean,

"that won't be necessary"?

Might I speak to you in

private, Deputy Fleet?

The owner of

Pawn & Thrift paid

a visit to my office.

We will not be

victimized by fear.

No.

No! No!

Stop it!

Ah!

Damn it!

No!

Damn it!

Eat, Lizzie.

I said you will eat.

She doesn't have to eat

if she's not hungry, Andrew.

Yes, maybe your wife would

like mine. She looks hungry.

Uncle John looks hungry too.

There's more than enough to go

around, isn't there, father?

You think you're

just gonna ship us off?

Throw the old maids

out like scraps?

Give it all to the pervert and

the old cow, it that it?

You will not speak

to me like this.

You will apologize to your

mother and your uncle John.

Don't you dare

call her my mother.

Apologize.

You're a coward, father.

A coward and a liar!

Oh!

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

I will not be treated

this way, Lizzie!

Open the door!

Lizzie!

Lizzie, stop this!

Lizzie!

Oh, Lizzie.

They will take you away now.

Don't you know that?

Maggie, draw her a bath.

Did I...

You had a spell.

You're all right.

Let me help you.

Is it ruined?

We can save it.

It's nothing.

You must be freezing.

I cannot discuss

this with you, Lizzie.

Decisions are being

made on my behalf.

I have a right to know if my

inheritance has been abused

or squandered, don't I?

What else has been done?

You must know

that's confidential.

Perhaps it's something

you should raise directly

with your father.

You're the family attorney.

Am I not a member of the family?

I know nothing of

your father's intentions,

and even if I chose to break

his confidence, which I cannot,

We keep no copies in the office.

You father would never allow it.

Mr. Jennings, speak plainly.

Is John Morse to be the

custodian of my inheritance?

I'm sure your uncle has

only the family's best

interest at heart.

My uncle is nothing but

a failed horse trader.

- Lizzie...

- He is a liar and a fraud.

My father only keeps his

counsel out of some adolescent

need for male companionship.

He is unfit, Mr. Jennings.

You know this, yet you

do not contradict my father.

You allow him to destroy

us all on a whim?

Do you feel no responsibility

to me or to my sister?

Got a letter.

I can read some of it.

Just... Just read it.

Attempts were made to contact

you on several occasions,

but unfortunately,

we've just now located

your current address.

I regret to inform

you that your mother,

Mary Catherine Sullivan,

has passed on after

a long illness.

I'm sorry, Bridget.

Awful to hear of your

mother's passing, Maggie.

Thank you, sir.

It's... It's been quite...

Mr. Borden.

It's all right now, Maggie.

It's all right, sweet girl.

Shh, Maggie.

Do what I say now, Maggie.

Ah!

You think if I leave...

he'd give me a reference?

Find me a new position?

Is that what you think?

Understand the weight that

your father's name carries.

Understand it.

- I do understand.

- You don't.

Would you prefer I starve?

You think I choose to be here?

Lizzie.

Things come out

worse than I mean.

A lot.

No.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry this is

happening to you.

I'm ashamed to be his daughter.

I've been lying to

myself for so long now.

Telling myself...

that things will get better.

But it won't, will it?

Not ever.

Why are you kind to me?

Lizzie?

I'm here, Emma.

Look at the handwriting.

It matches a contract

I found in father's office.

We can't be certain.

I saw him, Emma.

How could father not see it?

He would never believe it.

He's blinded by

their partnership.

Uncle John is playing

on father's fear.

He's manipulating

father into signing over

our inheritance, Emma.

Well, whatever you do,

don't provoke John.

He's not like the rest of us.

You're wrong.

He's desperate.

He has no place left to go.

He's exactly like us.

Out on the town?

Never picked you

for a night bird.

You really expected

to get away with this?

Well?

You don't even have enough

courage to admit it to my face.

Do you?

Oh, don't play games, Lizzie.

I thought we could discuss

this matter candidly, but

perhaps I was wrong.

Discuss what, exactly?

These letters are

written in your hand.

I don't think anyone

would dispute that.

I'm not gonna warn

you more than once.

I'm not my father.

-You can't scare me

into needing you.

-No.

Oh.

You think pretty highly

of yourself, don't you?

Yeah? Listen to me.

You're just another girl,

past ripe,

who thinks that she's...

too special

for this world.

Nobody understands what's

in your heart, is that it?

Well, I understand you, Lizzie.

I understand you.

You're nothing to no one.

You never were, never will be.

It's you that doesn't know me.

You hear? And that's

how you wanna keep it.

I promise you.

Lizzie.

All this exertion has

made me a little thirsty.

Good night, ladies.

I'm fine, Bridget.

Don't worry about Mr. Morse.

He left this morning.

Early. First light.

Not even a word to your father.

I appreciate what you did.

I didn't do anything.

Don't make me leave this room.

No.

You're home early.

I, uh...

thought I'd have

lunch with you today.

Where's Maggie?

Her afternoons are her own.

Maggie?

Do you have a shirt

in urgent need of mending?

Or some silver

you'd like polished?

I am... continually astonished

at the endless number of ways

you find to humiliate yourself

in this family.

Nothing but an Irish whore,

aren't ya?

Say it.

Say it!

I'm an Irish whore.

I don't want you

spending time with Maggie.

What?

I don't you tutoring Maggie,

I don't want you going on

outings with Maggie,

I don't you speaking to Maggie

on any terms but those

appropriate to Lady

and housemaid.

Am I clear?

Bridget is my friend.

No, you are mistaken.

She's your servant.

In any case,

it makes no difference.

I'll be giving Maggie her

notice come September.

On what grounds?

I need no grounds.

This attachment you've formed

is unhealthy, and it must end.

Please don't force me to put

it any more bluntly than that.

Say it.

Say exactly what you mean.

I wanna hear you say it.

You're an abomination, Lizzie.

And at last, we are on

equal footing, father.

He won't forgive you.

Not now.

You watch how you speak to me.

Why?

It won't be long before

he sends you away.

I'm afraid.

I won't let anyone hurt you.

You can't promise that.

I will promise it.

I will make good on it.

Do you believe me?

If you need my help,

you have it.

You must be certain

if you say that.

No matter what the cost.

I am.

Bridget?

Bridget, come quick!

Somebody's killed father!

Go for the police! Now!

Bridget, go!

To your knowledge,

did your father have

any enemies?

Shall I repeat the question?

No, I heard you.

Please answer.

This is America, sir.

Every man with

a pulse has enemies.

Of course, there's a

will. I've seen it.

Well, it's certainly

not in father's office

or this house.

Have you contacted the attorney?

Andrew Jennings is father's

attorney, and he knows

nothing of a will.

There must be another attorney.

An estate attorney.

Well, I find that hard to

imagine. You knew father.

Probably thought

he'd live forever.

I suppose that's

a mistake we all

make now, isn't it.

We have young Miss Borden

at the house during

the murder event.

We have the murder weapon.

You have a hatchet.

That is as much as can be said.

We have a hatchet encrusted

with blood and hair.

And we have motive.

There's no motive.

On the contrary.

As a result of this suddenly

untraceable will,

you and your sister stand

to inherit one of the largest

fortunes in New England.

That is a vile insinuation.

Emma,

if...

Lizzie pleads guilty

to a lesser charge,

A lesser charge?

What would that mean?

It's up for discussion.

Manslaughter?

Involuntary manslaughter,

perhaps?

And what of Maggie?

Hmm?

She was here the whole time.

Is she accused of no crime?

Several witnesses can place

Maggie outside washing windows

at the time of your

step-mother's murder.

And your uncle has an alibi.

Your sister's whereabouts

are less clear.

But my sister is innocent.

There are no guarantees

here, of course,

but she's a woman,

she's from good home,

and the judge may very

well be sympathetic.

She will not plead guilty.

Then, she will hang.

Bridget, look at me.

Lizzie.

It's time.

Lizzie Andrew Borden,

out of deference to your family,

and your long history

in this community,

I have ordered that these

proceedings shall remain

closed to the public at large.

I would ask that both the

prosecution and the defense

refrain from discussing

any details from the case

as it moves forward.

Professor Wood,

you hold the chair of chemistry

at Harvard University,

do you not?

Yes, I do.

And...

You... examined the hatchet in

question, did you not?

Yes, I did.

The police inspectors felt

there were suspicious stains

and what appeared to be

human hair on the hatchet.

And what did you find?

All blood and hair samples

on the hatchet in question

were found to be

animal in origin.

Specifically, bird.

Thank you, Professor Wood.

Fucking bitches.

Your service here has not

been terminated, Maggie.

I think it's best if

I find a new position.

Simply won't allow it.

And under the circumstances,

neither will the court.

If anyone needs me, they can

find me at the Douglas.

- Excuse me...

- Make no mistake.

If you let my sister

hang for this,

I will haunt you for

the rest of your days.

I wish you the best of luck.

Excuse me.

You must not be

completely broke yet, then.

I was a little surprised

not to see my name

on the visitor's list, but

reason always prevails.

I know a little something

about Massachusetts'

estate law, you know?

Abby Borden died 90 minutes

before your father.

That's a pretty long time,

isn't it?

That's time enough to be sure.

Sure of what?

If the husband dies

before the wife,

the wife's family inherits.

See,

if your father died before Abby,

you get nothing.

Abby's family inherits it all.

But, if...

Abby dies, and then, Andrew,

you inherit it all.

So, the madman who committed

these crimes had my best

interest at heart,

is that your point?

You think your Maggie's gonna

even last out the week?

I don't get what's mine?

Don't you even think

of misjudging me,

you cunt.

No, John.

I believe it's you

who's misjudged me.

I'm going to find that will.

And you're gonna get nothing.

But I already have it all.

And money can buy

many things, John.

As you know, a hungry man

is capable of anything.

I'm not scared of you.

Oh, but you are.

I can see it.

I can feel it.

You'll never be safe.

Not for one day.

You're not even safe here,

now, in this room.

If I were you, I'd

leave Fall River, John.

I'd leave tonight,

and never look back.

- You whore.

- Hey!

It's all right, let him be.

Old men and liquor

rarely mix well.

Please place your right

hand on the Bible before you.

Do you swear before

Almighty God and all

witnesses gathered here

to tell the truth in

all matters pertaining

to the murder

of Andrew and Abby Borden?

I do.

Mr. Jennings.

Miss Sullivan.

The police have established

the time of death for

Abby Borden to be

approximately 9:30 a.m.,

and the time of death

for Andrew Borden

to be approximately 11 a.m.

Where were you at these times?

Outside. Washing windows.

And when did you come

in to take your rest?

After 11. Just as I finished.

And between nine o'clock,

and eleven o'clock,

Where was Miss Borden?

Um...

Miss Emma was visiting friends.

And Miss Lizzie?

She was outside.

All morning?

All morning.

It was very hot,

if you remember.

She was in the barn for a while.

After that, she was

sat under a pear tree.

Thank you, Miss Sullivan.

Nothing further, Your Honor.

Mr. Moody.

Miss Sullivan.

You absolutely certain

that Miss Borden never

left your sight?

I am certain, yes.

Were you not concentrated

on your work?

I suppose so.

Then, how would you be

absolutely certain that

Miss Borden was

there the whole time?

It's window washing, sir

Meaning?

It might be hard for

someone like yourself

to concentrate on the job.

But for me,

scrubbing a pane of glass

is as easy as taking

another breath.

I would've noticed.

She never left your sight?

Even after you let

Mr. Borden into the house?

I saw her then,

just as I see her now.

Yes.

Five minutes,

Lizzie. That's all.

Are you cold?

I'm not.

What was I to you?

How can you ask that?

I don't know you.

I don't know who you are.

Were you better off before?

Is that it?

Is that what you think?

What is it you want?

I want us to try.

You're dreaming.

You're just dreaming.

You don't see it.

You can't see it.

See what?

We live in this world,

and not another.

This one right here.

I know.

Bring this to Mrs. Borden

at exactly 9 a.m.

Tell her it came

from the Churchill's.

This just came for you, miss.

Oh, no.

I must get changed.

Mrs. Churchill is ill.

- Oh, God, no!

- Ah!

I won't be kept

waiting outside my own house.

Now, open the door!

God dammit.

Any mail for me today, father?

No, not today.

Would you like some soda water?

Kind of you.

I'm going outside

to pick some pears.

Would you like one?

I would not.

Mr. Borden.

Maggie.

Mmm, ha!

- Maggie. Put the hatchet down.

- No.

Give me the hatchet.

God dammit, Maggie,

give me the hatchet.

She's having some

kind of attack.

Lizzie.

Bridget,

go lie down, now.

I'm sorry.

Bridget!

Bridget, come quick!

Somebody's killed father!

Go for the police! Now!

Bridget, go!

Just promise me something.

Don't write to me.

And don't look for me.

No.

I never wanted

anything from you.