Strive (2019) - full transcript
A teenager from the projects in Harlem aims to get into Yale, but must push against the world holding her back.
[upbeat music plays]
♪♪♪
Bebe, get out here
before the cereal gets soggy.
Tuna or peanut butter?
-Hurry Up!
-BEBE: Peanut butter!
KALANI: What is she
still doing here?
That's for the kids' lunches.
Well, Jacob offered, so.
Well, Jacob's one of the kids.
He is a grown ass man
and you ain't his momma
You do know he is 17, right?
[phone ringing]
-Hey, Ma!
-GRACE: Is everybody up?
Yeah, everything's done,
of course.
-What about you? You tired?
-GRACE: Where is your brother?
-BEBE: Good Morning!
-Oh, Jacob.
-He's just getting up.
-GRACE: Okay,
I have to get back to work.
Okay, well, I left a plate
for you in the fridge
for when you get home.
All right, talk to you later.
Love you.
-GRACE: Love you.
-Bye.
Who is she? Who are you?
KALANI: She was just leaving.
Just go. Just go.
Gotta eat what we have.
Yo, thanks
for the assist, Kalani.
KALANI: I hope
you protected yourself.
-Seriously.
-From fleas.
Remember, there is a no pet rule
in the building.
-[dog yapping]
-Haters, deadass, both of you.
I'm not hating,
I'm looking out for you.
Who is the oldest, huh?
I am. Don't you ever forget it.
By one minute, fool.
-Do I get one too, Mom?
-Thank you!
-KALANI: I'm good, Jacob.
-I'll take it.
Nope.
Look, y'all going to be late.
You hear me? Take this.
-Thanks, Jay.
-JACOB: You know I got you.
KALANI:
[chuckles] And scrub the--
And scrub the nasty out the tub
before Mom gets home.
JACOB: Hey, she was nasty,
a little bit nasty,
but she wasn't nasty nasty.
KALANI: Bye, Jacob.
Machines and living things
convert energy into what?
-Heat.
-Good, Bebe.
And how does a living thing
convert energy into heat?
Sex?
That you better not
write on your test.
[overlapping chatter]
LADY: Good morning, Kalani.
How are you?
KALANI: Late as usual.
[truck horn honking]
I thought she said
she was coming?
She is.
She's supposed to, anyway.
I hope I didn't choose
the one day she's sick.
That wouldn't change anything.
[exclaims]
Girl, what do you do?
Uh-uh, what are you
doing here, Terrance boy?
You know, this ain't your train.
-Good morning, T.
-TONYA: Who you waiting for?
-Your cousin.
-TONYA: Oh, that bitch?
TONYA: What up, Andre?
How you doing?
Why you don't
come through me no more?
Look I'm trying--
I'm trying to get this train.
Come on, girl, you know you're
not busy for your only man.
-Come on!
-Only ma-- Boy, bye.
Terrance, where you going?
I'm going to class.
Where you going?
-You play too much.
-You don't even got a bookbag.
TONYA: Shut up.
[train screeching]
[indistinct announcement]
Kalani!
TONYA: Uh-uh. Girl!
You know you don't
wanna be late for school.
What's up, Kalani?
'Sup, Terrance.
♪♪♪
What?
Am I making you
nervous or something?
Well, with you
staring at me like that.
What you doing
on this train anyway?
My grandma needed some help
with groceries this morning,
so I just thought
I'd come through.
GIRL: Aw, isn't he sweet?
This is my stop.
Tell Kirk I said hi
if you see him.
He still your man?
Yes, that's still my man.
You sure?
♪♪♪
What?
GIRL: Girl, girl,
why you doing that?
Stop. You need to stop.
You need to stop.
[school bell rings]
MS. UMANS: Okay, girls.
Your next assignment.
Write a paper on
The Lie by Kurt Vonnegut.
I expect you all
did the reading.
Put your hand down, Kalani.
It was a rhetorical question.
It's AP literature.
Now, who can tell me
what Kurt Vonnegut's
The Lie was all about?
Can I raise my hand now
or is that also
a rhetorical question?
Amy.
It's a book
about the American dream.
Oh, really?
You have to go deeper, Amy.
Bethany, what are your thoughts?
It's a short story about a boy
whose family donates money
to a private school,
much like ours.
But the school
doesn't accept the boy,
because his test scores
aren't good enough.
Even though his family
had gone to the school
for generations.
It's completely unfair.
MS. UMANS:
Good, Bethany, you have hit
on the topic on this assignment.
Continue, Bethany.
Most of us
in this room would agree
that private schools
are private for a reason.
If you can't afford it,
you shouldn't have a right
to a better education.
That is a very strong
point of view.
[school bell rings]
Essays are due on Monday.
It accounts for one third
of your final grade
and I am expecting
nothing short of your very best.
Kalani, I need to see you
for a moment.
Good afternoon, Kalani.
Your college application is in.
You sure you don't want me
to send any others?
I mean, I can take it
to the mailbox myself.
I've given this
a lot of thought,
um, and Yale
is where I want to be
and my first choice.
I understand.
I can be behind it.
Thank you,
a-- and for helping
with the application fee.
I don't know what I wanna do
if I don't get in.
The great what ifs of life.
It either
propels you to greatness
or stunts you into immobility.
It's going to take you
sitting down
and staying focused
on what has to be done.
That's your destiny.
-My destiny?
-[Mr. Rose chuckles]
You sound so much like me.
Yeah, but did you have
a bitch ass bigot
trying to ruin you?
I hate Ms. Umans.
Ms. Umans?
She has a problem with me.
I'm the only Black girl
in her class
and she makes sure I know it.
It's good preparation
for you, Kalani.
Let me tell you a little story.
I was a young brother
from the projects.
My mother
gave birth to me at 13.
I had all the world
on my shoulders
and all the odds against me.
I was told that I was brilliant
and accomplished, just like you.
I even got a scholarship
to play baseball
and be a pitcher,
and from the top ranked
high schools.
Then, the team got a coach...
who was not interested
in having a Black pitcher.
I was disappointed, I was upset.
I felt like
I had lost my confidence.
All those things.
My grades fell.
All those things happened to me.
Well, I think
since I'm a Black man
in this white man's world
why should I dream big?
Why can't I just
sit on the bench of life
like everyone else.
And don't follow my dreams.
But I didn't go into baseball
like I wanted to.
[indistinct] to my dreams.
But, I made it.
Hell.
Through all that,
I got through it
and I look at that
and I think about you.
Because this is what
you are going to have to do.
You are going
to have to get through it.
All the things
that you're angry about
all the ways in which
your dreams are often undermined
and you're gonna
have to get through it.
And you...
You can do that.
I think so.
Step one is to be present
and to be focused.
So get out there.
[distant city din]
[indistinct chatter]
-I got it.
-KATY: Are you kidding?
Daddy is in the South of France,
last I heard.
Card's got us.
-Thanks.
-No problem.
Thank you.
You know,
the school year is almost over
and you still never taken me
to a party in Harlem.
I heard they are epic.
I can be your plus one.
My plus one?
What? I mean it.
You're telling me you don't
need to blow off steam?
Katy, have you ever
been above 96th street?
Of course I have.
I took a tour of Columbia.
Mm. Okay.
-Yeah.
-KALANI: Okay.
Kalani, you ready? Let's go.
"Oh, hi, Katy." Hi, Kirk.
"It's nice to see you again."
Oh, it's nice to see you too.
Hi, Katy.
Kalani, you know
I don't like being down here.
Oh, don't be so dramatic.
Kalani, let's go.
Bye, Katy.
All right, see you later.
Let me know about
going out this weekend, please.
Got you.
I thought we had plans,
just you and I?
Looking good today, Bebe.
You waiting on me?
My brother was
supposed to pick me up
I don't know where he is,
but he's not
picking up his phone.
Hey, Tye, hop in the V,
let's get to the crib.
I'm with
my friends tonight, Maleek.
I'm good.
-You heading back to 155th?
-I can give you a ride
if that's what you're asking.
Well, you took me for a ride
a couple times last month
and then I never saw you again.
Well, you know
I love you, shorty.
Well, hop in the whip,
so we can get to the crib.
♪♪♪
See? Nice and tight.
Hungry? I'm super starving.
I could eat.
[engine revs]
[mellow music plays]
♪♪♪
-Hey, Dad.
-Hey, Pastor.
Hey, hey.
Hey, Kalani, how you doing?
How is Mom and the family?
-Everybody's good.
-Yeah?
What about this knucklehead,
how is he treating you?
[chuckling]
Son, are you not going
to help her with the backpack?
I taught you better than that.
Yes. My bad, Dad.
Offer her something to drink?
Oh, I'm fine, really.
Okay. You guys have homework?
Yeah, a big paper.
All right, well,
you know you're welcome to stay
and have dinner with us.
Just tell your mom.
Thanks, Pastor.
I have a big meeting
at the church
so I'll be back
in a couple of hours.
KIRK: All right, Pop, love ya.
Okay, take care.
-I got my eye on you.
-[Kirk chuckles]
I'll get you something to drink.
Hey, how about we shut this--
KALANI:
What-- what are you doing?
-KIRK: Let's go upstairs.
-Why?
KIRK: It's more comfortable
up there. Come on, baby.
-Come on.
-I'm fine.
Comfortable enough. Down boy.
[Kirk sighs]
Yo, I'm not your damn boy
and I'm not a dog.
Okay, what just happened?
Why do you always
gotta be like that?
-Like what?
-Boring, Kalani.
Boring. A tease.
All my friends get to brag about
what their girls do for them,
I can't say nothing.
You don't do nothing for me,
you don't want me
and you don't care about me.
I care about you.
Then prove it.
Kirk, no.
-I said no.
-Relax, relax.
-I said no.
-Come on.
Stop.
Stop, Kirk.
Stop, Kirk.
Stop.
Stop.
MAN: Hey, baby. What's good?
Hey, where are you going?
You're my future wife!
[sorrow piano music plays]
♪♪♪
I was wondering
where my children were.
Hey, Ma.
What's gotten
you so out of breath?
[sighs] Nothing.
Where is Bebe?
I'm going to
kill that little girl.
There is some chicken
and dumplings on the stove
with some white rice,
go make yourself a plate.
I'm not hungry, Ma.
Chicken and dumplings
is one of your favorites.
-Are you sick or something?
-No.
Bebe!
Do you know what time it is?
I'm sorry,
I didn't think you was home yet.
I was waiting on Jacob
and he never came to get me.
Just because I'm not home
doesn't mean you shouldn't be.
I want you to come
straight home after school
whether Jacob gets you or not,
do you understand?
Yes, Mama.
So, where have you been?
-With a friend.
-What friend?
Tye from downstairs.
I thought I told you to
stay away from that family.
I'm sorry, I forgot.
You forgetting something?
You stink, Bebe.
-You been having sex?
-No.
Don't you lie to me girl,
where'd you get
-this necklace from, huh?
-From a friend.
He gave it to you for nothing?
-Ma, I didn't do anything.
-The next words
that come out of your mouth
better not be a lie.
I can't even
look at you right now.
Get out of my face and go take
a shower before I beat your ass.
I told you
to look after you sister.
How could you let this happen?
[Kalani sighs]
[piano music plays]
♪♪♪
Kalani, have you
seen my shower cap?
Have you seen my shower cap?
Are you mad at me too?
What do you think?
Why didn't you tell me
you were having sex, Bebe?
I can't protect you
if you don't tell me anything.
I'm sorry.
You use condoms, right?
-Sometimes.
-Sometimes?
They only work
if you use them every time.
He doesn't like condoms.
He says it don't feel the same.
-KALANI: What if you get an STD?
-That won't happen?
-Are you stupid?
-No.
You know what,
first thing Monday morning
you are going to the clinic,
but tomorrow
you are going
to get your butt up,
go to the pharmacy
and get some condoms,
since it seems like
you cannot control yourself,
and you need
to get a pregnancy test.
-I'm fine.
-KALANI: How do you know?
'Cause I'm not pregnant.
When was your last period?
I don't know. I don't remember.
-Last month?
-I don't know.
Exactly,
you don't know anything.
You're taking the test.
I'll give you the money.
-But Kalani--
-That's it!
Your shower cap is over there.
You protect your hair,
but not your life?
Stupid.
♪♪♪
[sighs]
♪♪♪
[Mom whining]
KALANI: Ma.
You okay?
God, place your
Precious Blood over my mother.
Keep Bebe and Jacob
in your hands.
According to your will, God.
In Jesus' name, amen.
GRACE: Amen.
[city din]
-[banging on wall]
-Get up!
Get up!
-Mom, what are you doing?
-Call your brother
and tell him to
come get his stuff.
I've had enough. He's got to go.
He didn't come home last night
and then I find this.
-Where was it?
-Right here in his room.
-Did you know, Kalani?
-No.
No, Ma.
Tell him I'm flushing it
down the toilet.
I won't have this in my house.
KALANI: Mom. Mom, please stop.
Call your brother and tell him
to come get his stuff,
otherwise he will be
picking it up off the curb.
-I want him out.
-KALANI: Mom.
Mom!
♪♪♪
-[bangs on door]
-Bianca, hurry up!
Calm down, Ma, your pressure.
You need to do
what I told you to do.
Get Jacob on the phone,
that's what you
need to worry about.
Ma. Ma.
Kalani, get out of my way!
[phone buzzing]
-Hello?
KALANI:
Why didn't you tell me?
This is what
you into now, Jacob.
Have you lost your mind?
Mom found your stash
and she flushed it.
She flushed it?
You're kidding me right now.
She could get me killed.
She could get all of us killed.
You're the one
who gon' get us killed.
I'm doing this to
take care of y'all.
I put my life on the line
every day for this family.
Do you even
know what that's like?
-Jacob.
-JACOB: You know what?
Just keep Mom out of my room,
all right?
I got to go handle this.
[upbeat music plays]
♪♪♪
[Tonya chuckles]
TONYA: Hey.
Why you look so damn depressed?
-I'm going through stuff.
-Girl, don't nobody want to hear
you complain about
your perfect little life.
You don't know nothing
about my life, so shut up.
Crystal, for real?
She's your cousin.
Anyway, we are going
to shop it up, all right?
'Cause, you know,
I go to look real cute
cause y'all are coming
with me to a party tonight.
-We got to get ready.
-[Crystal chuckles]
-Go with Crystal.
-[Crystal exclaims]
You know Crystal can't.
She on that leash for the Lord.
-Please.
-And I'm not going by myself.
Now, you see,
if your brother was going
that's a different story,
but I have choir practice.
I'm not trying
to hang with you heathens.
I'm not going, Tonya.
Look, I just need
something real cute
because you know
my man's going to be there.
-[chuckles]
-Which one?
Does that matter? Come on.
[whistles]
[indistinct] Bye, pooch.
[banging on door]
[banging on door continues]
TYE: What's up?
-Where is Maleek?
-He's busy.
I need to talk to him.
But he's busy, Coco is here.
I don't care about that chick.
It's important, Tye.
Get him for me.
I need to talk to him.
Okay, sit down,
he'll be out soon.
BEBE: Do you still
watch these cartoons?
I stopped watching these,
like, six months ago.
[Tye sighs]
♪♪♪
Bebe, you look
finer than all those girls.
-I know.
-I really care about you.
You always say that.
Look, could you
go get your brother?
Why don't you
want to chill with me?
Why you always
wanna be with my brother?
Maleek! You don't see me?
-What you doing here?
-I have to talk to you.
MALEEK: No, I'm busy.
But, it's important.
My baby moms is here.
You got to roll.
So? I'm your baby moms too.
What you say?
I'm your new baby moms.
[Maleek scoffs]
Wait, wait, wait.
You told me you ain't
even had your period yet.
I got it.
Well, I had it.
All times raw
and you ain't say nothing?
-I'm sorry.
-I told you
I couldn't mess with you no more
-if you had your period, Bebe!
-It's not like I planned it.
[choking] I'm sorry, Maleek.
What you trying to do?
Send me to jail?
What's going on in here?
-Maleek?
-MALEEK: Go to the room.
Who is this? Who are you?
Don't worry about me.
Worry about yourself.
-Honey, who is this girl?
-Coco, go in your room.
-Maleek!
-Get in your room!
I'm sick of-- Maleek!
-[loud thud]
-[Coco whining]
You're really pregnant, Bebe?
Why would I make this up?
You can't have no baby.
He'll kill you.
You don't know him, Bebe.
He did that
because he's in shock.
I'm his girl, he loves me.
Maleek already got a girl.
And your point?
Handle that.
-BEBE: But, Maleek--
-Get away from me.
Hey, I want her gone
when I come back outta here.
-TYE: You better leave now.
-Don't tell me what to do.
♪♪♪
♪ Tell me what you need,
what you want ♪
♪ And why you need it all day ♪
♪ I see what you go about,
what it got to do with me ♪
Um...
This is cute.
♪ Or how sexy I am ♪
Oh, yes!
Girl, this is cute,
right? [exclaims]
CRYSTAL: If you want
to look like a highlighter.
Bitch, don't hate.
I'm going to try it on.
KALANI: What about this?
This is appropriate.
Come on, no.
Girl, you've been hanging with
the preppy white kids too long.
Girl, go on.
I'm not going to church, okay?
I'm trying to turn up.
Ooh, girl, I'm about to be fly.
I think it's still cute.
♪♪♪
I'm ready to go.
Where's the dress?
Really? You that broke?
-That dress was, like, $9.
-You look like a highlighter.
Girl, don't hate.
At least I don't blend
into the background like you.
-Take it off.
-Girl, shut your mouth.
Look. I want this.
Shut up. Hold it.
Let me fix my shoe.
STORE OWNER:
Hey! Hey! Get back here!
-Get back here!
-[girls screaming]
Get back here!
You got to pay for that.
TONYA: Yo, girl, that was crazy!
-Boom!
-What the hell, Tonya?
You could have just warned us.
You just left us there.
I totally thought
you were right behind me.
And guess what,
"yeller." [chuckles]
You know what that
could of do to my chances
at Yale if we got caught,
stupid?
-CRYSTAL: Ridiculous.
-Unbelievable.
Guys, where is my purse?
Don't ask me to go
shopping with you ever again.
-In life. Ever.
-Let it go.
There is a party
to get ready for.
I told you I'm not going.
I have a paper due Monday.
-I said that.
-Really?
Homework over a party?
-Yes.
-Kalani, you're so corny.
Really? Come on, now.
-You're corny.
-It's not about being corny,
Tonya, it's about
getting into Yale.
-CRYSTAL: Right.
-After Harvard, the second
or third most prestigious
school in the country.
Tonya, you clearly
don't get it, babe.
You're obsessed
with that school, right?
Did you even apply to
Columbia or City College even?
Oh, no, she is trying to
be one of those bougie negros,
who leaves Harlem behind and
forgets where they came from.
Okay.
Or...
it's about that sperm donor
you're so fascinated with.
He went to Yale.
Big deal. He was an asshole.
He used your mom
who had to push out
-all three of y'all.
-Really? Really?
Then, he moved back to his real
family on the Upper West Side.
Forget that fool,
'cause you don't need to hide
in the shadow of that bastard,
move on!
What are you talking about?
I live in his shadow,
me and my brother.
Walk in his shoes,
pay his bills.
Bitch, you didn't
do that alone, okay?
-KALANI: Okay.
-I was there too
when your ass was too
little to do a goddamn thing.
Meanwhile, my mom was
sucking dick in the stairwell.
We family.
We got through it
without that fool
and we getting through now.
What you need to do
is find his ass,
call him out in front
of his dumb ass wife
and them fat ass kids.
They fat, you know it. They fat.
You seen them on Facebook.
-How do you know they fat?
-They fat. They fat.
What are you talking about?
Listen, look, look.
I just wanted to see you smile
right, and laugh.
Now please,
go with me to this party.
No. I'm not going.
I have dreams and goals.
Listen, you can
pipe dream about Yale
and your player pimp daddy,
all that stuff afterwards.
It's not a pipe dream.
It's not about a dream differed.
Um, it's about
getting into Yale.
I have dreams,
goals, aspirations, vision.
Unlike you, whose vision
doesn't go past tonight
and some lame ass nigga
in Jordans.
That's your life, not mine.
Why you got
to make my man lame though?
-He always lame.
-Okay?
Look at your ex with his
fake religious bad breath ass.
-You know, his breath stink.
-Really?
FYI, I'm not going to
Yale because he went to Yale.
I'm going because
Jane Matilda Bolin went to Yale,
the first Black woman
to graduate Yale law.
The first Black woman
to become a judge.
Thank you very much
and I'm going to go the distance
and become a lawyer,
maybe I'll become a judge
and when I do,
then I'll come back to Harlem,
pick up my whole entire family
and move them to Striver's Row.
You're welcome.
-I'll be your neighbor then.
-Yes, you will.
-Thank you.
-That's cute and inspiring.
Kumbaya-ish.
But until then we going
to a poppin' party, right?
When you hit it big,
I'll move my ashy little kids
on up to Kalani street.
Okay, fine. Fine, I'll go.
But you gotta
give me some smoke.
You gonna go?
Yes, girl, I got it.
Get this loud, get this drank,
get this stank. Yes, girl!
Go, come on,
let's make a Soul Train line.
-Get your cousin.
-[Tonya exclaims]
Girl, don't act
like you ain't no hoe.
Come on, girl,
I know you like it.
Listen, we going, we going.
You better not get drunk.
That's all I know.
I can't take you
when your drunk.
I'm going to be
at choir rehearsal.
-Me? Drunk? I never get drunk.
-Girl?
[club music plays]
♪♪♪
TONYA: Kalani!
Girl, yeah, that's what
I'm talking about.
Burn it up, Sean Paul,
and whip these dollars out.
Girl, they'll rain on us.
Y'all want to make
it rain too, I know.
♪♪♪
♪ I swear I saw
gold in your eyes ♪
♪ The way you looked at me ♪
If I knew you were coming,
I would of gotten
here a lot earlier.
Is that so?
Come here.
♪ That shit blinds me
when it hits the sun ♪
♪ And I know you're not
a hit and run ♪
♪ You can't find
the kind of love we make ♪
♪ Boy, we're gold like
the ring on your finger, 24K ♪
♪ We're not perfect,
but we're [indistinct] ♪
♪ I got silver linings
in my hair ♪
♪ I think you're a risk
I have to take ♪
♪ 'Cause boy, we're golden like
the ring on your finger, 24K ♪
Uh-uh, so you break up with Kirk
and just move on to the next.
-No more Kirk?
-TONYA: Yes.
[Tonya hiccups]
Sorry, I have to take her home.
TONYA: Nah, it's a false alarm.
TERRANCE: No, I'll help you.
There is nobody here
I want to hang out with anyway.
TONYA: What is this?
Uh-uh, girl.
[indistinct].
-What did you drink?
-Would you--
Girl, you didn't tell me
you was banging John Legend.
-Oh, my goodness.
-John. John!
I ain't seen you
in a minute, John.
Almost there.
[Tonya retches]
That look.
That's a pretty color on him.
That's nice. Kalani, I'm going.
I'll see y'all.
-Bye, y'all!
-I'm so sorry.
TONYA: The party was lit!
Oh, my gosh, sorry.
No, it's cool.
[Kalani sighs]
I'm sorry,
it's just, um, I'm sorry.
[elevator beeps]
I live up on the 18th.
It was good seeing
you tonight, Kalani.
Hey.
-Hey.
-BEBE: Mom's at work.
I figured that.
Did Jacob come home?
No.
Bebe, isn't it a little late
for you to be
eating a plate of bacon?
Yeah, but I want it.
Did you get that pregnancy test?
-Yeah.
-KALANI: And?
-Hello? You deaf?
-BEBE: I heard you.
Okay.
You were right.
You're pregnant?
You're pregnant?
Did you tell Tye?
-Yeah.
-KALANI: Well?
He wants me to get rid of it.
Are you?
I don't know.
-What should I do?
-I can't tell you that.
You gotta figure
that out on your own.
But what would you do?
KALANI: I wouldn't have
had sex in the first place.
You're a kid!
How old is Tye?
Um, 13.
What is wrong with you?
-I can't have one decent break?
-BEBE: I don't know.
I don't know how
this happened, I'm sorry.
Don't apologize to me.
You're the one who got pregnant!
I can't have one decent day.
Without dealing
with mess from you, Ma,
Jacob, Tonya, Aunty.
Like one day of peace.
[Kalani sighs]
I'm scared, Kalani.
I'm here for you sis, okay?
[Bebe sighs]
Don't.
[indistinct]
[mellow music plays]
♪♪♪
Girls, time to
get ready for church.
-Morning, Ma.
-What you doing?
I've been up since five
working on me English paper.
You wanna read it?
I need you
to get ready for church.
Oh, wake up, Bebe! Wake up.
Did your brother come home?
I haven't spoken to him
since yesterday.
Call him and remind him
of his responsibility
to pay his part of the rent.
I got a notice under my door
and you know I don't like
getting no notices
under my door.
And wake her up, too.
Okay, Mom.
Wake up, Bebe.
Bebe.
Bebe, aye, Bebe.
Aye, aye, aye, Bebe.
-Aye, aye, aye.
-No.
We gotta go to church.
I'm not going.
Why?
I feel like a hypocrite.
Nobody in church is perfect.
Nobody.
I know.
You're a weed-head.
Girl, since you know so much,
get your butt up.
Get up.
[phone ringing]
Your phone is ringing.
-Hello?
-KALANI: Jacob, where are you?
Ma calmed down.
She's been asking for you.
She needs you
to pay your half of the rent.
I'm sorry.
She told me to remind you.
Kalani, I'mma be home in a few
and I'mma take care of that.
I decided though
I can do more for y'all
if I don't live there.
KALANI: Please come home.
I'll come home to get my stuff
and then I'm out.
I gotta go, bye.
[Jacob sighs]
You got that money for me?
-Ta-da.
-[both chuckle]
That's all I got right now.
This ain't enough, Carmen.
I thought you said you got me.
I gotta pay what I owe for rent
and for the rock
or else they will be
coming for me.
I was already
supposed to settle up yesterday.
What am I supposed
to do with this Carmen?
Listen, listen.
Next week,
I can ask my husband for more.
I got you, babe, come on.
I don't know
why you bring him up.
And next week is too late.
I need the money now, Carmen.
-Don't leave please.
-I gotta go.
You said you got me,
but obviously you don't.
So, you know what I have to do?
I have to get it on my own,
like I should've
-in the first place.
-Don't go yet, babe.
You didn't eat breakfast.
Come on. Please stay. Please.
-Jacob.
-JACOB: I gotta go.
♪ It's hard to keep thinking
that good is on your side ♪
♪ And nothing good
seems to happen in your life ♪
♪ And when you do
you could get off the ground ♪
♪ Been there before and
you don't have to stay down ♪
♪ I know you're fed up,
things just won't head up ♪
♪ You've seen
better days than this ♪
-♪ Better days, better days ♪
-♪ Just keep on hoping ♪
♪ The door will open ♪
♪ To see it you got to believe ♪
[indistinct],
how have you been?
Good to see you and your family
here this morning.
Well, we never miss a Sunday.
♪ You've seen
better days than this ♪
♪ Better days than this ♪
♪ Just keep on hoping
the door will open ♪
♪ To see it you got to believe ♪
♪ But the thing is,
don't stop your giving ♪
♪ The promise of faith, oh ♪
Thank you, choir,
for that lovely selection.
That was perfect
because this fits perfectly
with our message this morning.
God is working it out for you.
I'll say it one more time,
God is...
-AUDIENCE: God Is...
-...working it out...
-...working it out...
-...for you.
...for you.
Sometimes we feel like
He isn't watching us at all.
Sometimes we feel
like He isn't there.
But the Bible tells us
that the eyes of the Lord
are in every place,
beholding the evil and the good.
[Bebe sobbing]
What the hell is wrong with you?
[Bebe crying] Nothing.
Leave her alone, Tonya.
[Bebe sniffs] I can't be here.
I wanna go home. [sobbing]
KALANI: Okay, Bebe,
maybe that's the best thing.
CRYSTAL: But you
gotta stop crying, sweetie.
You're too pretty
to be crying like that.
[Bebe sobbing]
Let me try.
[Tonya exclaims]
And y'all two
thought you knew it all.
Girl, let me fix this.
All right, go ahead, but go
straight home, you understand?
Yes, sis.
I'm gonna go home and sleep.
KALANI:
All right, get some rest.
JACOB: I have a situation,
I need some help.
Yes it is a beautiful day,
a fine day to do business.
-Man, this is serious.
-What?
What, we-- we lost a little damn
common courtesy today?
You're a loan shark.
I need a loan. Enough said.
Can you help?
Loan shark?
Nah, you see.
I'm just a man who help folk
put a down payment
on their dreams.
[loan shark chuckles]
All right, fam.
How can I help you?
-A thousand.
-That's it?
I know you had
that sister of yours
-who got eyes on college.
-A thousand for now.
I'll handle that
a different way, later.
One thousand
United States legal title.
That grand is yours.
Aight.
I won't even ask what
piece your sister's eating.
-What?
-Look, you're lucky
I don't smoke you
for a move like that.
All right, now it's 10%,
you know where to find me.
[train wheels screeching]
At the restaurant
down the block.
Bye.
-Was that Terrance?
-CRYSTAL: Yeah.
He's on his way.
Look, I just want my friend
to be happy, okay?
Mm. Excited to see me.
I can tell.
I got to go check on Bebe.
[whispers] Excuse me.
Hey, Bebe, you home yet?
[sighs]
I'll be home in a second.
KALANI: I told you
to go straight home.
You need to rest.
I'm going to be a little late.
You going to be okay?
All right.
Love you.
Love you, too, bye.
[knocking on door]
[door clicks]
I have something
I need to tell you.
TERRANCE: Listening.
Um, I'm a virgin
and I plan on staying that way.
You think that's why
I want to be with you?
Well, Kirk and I used to argue
about that all the time.
TERRANCE: I'm not Kirk.
I like you for who you are.
Well, you say that,
but we don't
even know each other.
I mean, we know each other
but we don't know each other.
Okay, so,
what do you want to know?
Um, what do you plan on doing
after school?
Well, I'm definitely
going to college.
Hoping to get into Howard.
-Howard, that's a good school.
Yeah. What about you?
KALANI:
I want to go to college, too.
Where?
Yale.
Yale? [chuckles] Wow.
I feel like it's
a little out of my league,
but it's the same way I felt
before I applied
to the school I'm at now, so.
You're right.
I definitely
didn't know the girl
behind those beautiful braids.
[romantic music playing]
From now on,
only when we are in public,
but not like this
when we are alone, Tye.
What do you mean?
Maleek,
I've been waiting for you.
Tye, I thought I told you
not to let her back in here.
-I have to talk to you.
-About what?
I already gave you the bread.
-I'm keeping it.
-No, you're not.
Look, I got a plan.
Tye and I will act
like we are a couple
and people will think it's his,
but you and I will--
-You're going to do what I said.
-No, I'm keeping the baby.
Look, we can figure this out.
You think this
is a game, shorty?
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Maleek.
-You think I'm playing too?
-BEBE: No, stop.
Help, please! No. [screams]
Tye! Help me! Stop. Please!
[door creaks]
Yo, Ma, you here?
[Jacob sighs]
Hey, K, it's me.
You don't have
to call back, I'm...
just sitting here
thinking about Pops.
I know you worry about me,
but know I love you.
[Jacob chuckles]
I sound real corny
right now, just--
I'm sitting at the crib,
looking at my life
in trash bags.
I gotta go.
You know I love you.
[phone buzzing]
Kalani?
I just left you a message.
MAN: Hey, yo, playboy.
You at the end of your road.
Wait! Wait! I could
get you your money!
Just give me some more ti--
[door clicks open]
Yo, Ma! Is that you?
Yo, Ma!
-[Bebe cries]
-Bebe!
[Bebe crying]
Bebe, what happened?
What-- what happened?
[Bebe whispering inaudibly]
-[Bebe cries]
-She's-- she's bleeding!
She's bleeding.
She's bleeding bad.
My sister! My baby sister!
We need an ambulance, now!
Polo Tower C! 18th Floor!
-[Bebe sobs]
-I'm right here, Bebe!
I'm right here!
You gonna be all right.
I'm right here, okay?
Hey, I need you to
tell me what happened, okay?
-It was my fault.
-No.
He told me
he didn't want another baby!
Who? Who, Bebe, who?
Maleek.
[banging on door]
-JACOB: Where's your brother?
-TYE: He ain't here!
Man, move! Maleek!
Where you at?
Get yo ass out here!
Man, that's my sister,
what's wrong with you man?
She's a kid man!
She's a baby!
You son of a bitch!
-Leave my brother alone!
-If I ever see you
'round her again,
I'll kill you, you hear me?
I'll kill you!
♪♪♪
-Maleek!
-[gunshots]
♪♪♪
Yeah, Mom, okay.
Okay, I'm on my way.
-I'll meet you at the hospital.
-TERRANCE: What's going on?
My mom needs me to meet her
at the hospital.
TERRANCE: Okay,
well, I'm going with you!
I didn't know,
I-- I swear to you,
I didn't know
this was happening.
I have to ask you
these questions, Ms. Johnson,
-I'm sure you understand.
-Kalani, thank God you're here.
Where's Bebe? What happened?
They got me out
here questioning me
like I'm a criminal.
Bebe is in the other room
down the hall.
You're from
Child Protective Services?
We're asking your mother
a few questions.
It's standard procedure
in matters like this.
Well, my mom
busts her ass every day,
you should be ashamed
of yourself.
You got a problem?
He's a friend.
OFFICER: Well, then,
you can't be in here, son.
I just wanted to make sure
Kalani got here okay.
Uh, I'll be in the waiting room,
here if either of you two
need me.
You could give us
some privacy, too, Miss.
Of course. Um, here is my card.
I'll reach out to you
if I have more questions.
Do you know
you could have cost me my child?
I trusted you.
What's taking so long?
I called 20 minutes ago!
This isn't gang-related!
-[Carmen cries]
-[Jacob choking]
CARMEN: Hurry up!
Goddammit, he's dying!
Jacob. Jacob, my love!
Jacob!
Jacob! Wake up, please!
[phone buzzing]
-Hello?
-Hello? Hello? Who's this?
CARMEN: Oh, my God.
Where's Jacob?
Where's Jacob?
Put him on the phone!
[Carmen cries]
I'm so sorry.
There is so much blood.
-Jacob's been shot.
-What?
CARMEN: I don't think
he's going to make it.
Put him on the phone!
Put the phone to his ear!
Jacob, baby, it's your sister.
Baby, please wake up!
Jacob? Can you hear me?
Jacob?
We came into
this world together, Jay.
Me and you.
You came in
one minute before me.
To protect me.
We got big dreams,
we were gonna do
big things together, remember?
Remember, Jacob?
[Kalani crying]
What? What's happening?
Wh-- where's Jacob?
Hello?
[Carmen crying]
[Mom sighing]
[Kalani singing]
♪ I love you ♪
♪ I'll never leave ♪
♪ You're a part of me ♪
♪ I love you ♪
♪ So much ♪
♪ I'll never leave ♪
♪ You're a part of me ♪
♪ So stay ♪
♪ Stay ♪
♪ Stay with me ♪
[piano music playing]
Paul wrote these words
in the Book of Second Timothy,
chapter four, verse seven.
He says,
"I have fought the good fight.
"I have finished the race.
"I have kept the faith."
But there are these times
when the loved one we have lost
has been taken far too soon.
Taken violently.
Taken before they could
even finish their race.
Jacob.
Jacob was taken too soon.
He was taken too soon.
And at times like these...
we ask questions.
The main question we ask is...
why?
Why so young?
Why so soon?
Why this pain? Why this grief?
Why did God...
allow this to happen?
Mm, I want you to know
that it is perfectly okay
to ask why.
Jesus himself asked why
while on the cross.
He claimed,
"Eli, Eli! Sabachthani!"
Which is to say,
"My God, my God, why...
"has Thou forsaken me?"
♪♪♪
But the problem
with that question is...
most of the time,
you'll never find that answer.
So beloved,
it behooves us this morning
to somehow and someway
change the question.
From why to-- to what.
What do I do now?
What do we do next?
I'll tell you what you do.
You grow.
You keep loving,
you keep praying.
You live!
[city din]
CRYSTAL: Got some good news!
TERRANCE:
I got in! I got accepted!
-I'm going to Howard!
-KALANI: Oh, wow.
Congratulations.
I'm still waiting
on some financial aid
and I'm pretty sure
I'm going to have to take out
some student loans,
but I'm in there!
Whatever you gotta do, right?
You know,
the family's having a party
this Friday to celebrate
and you already know.
How you feeling?
I don't really know how to feel.
We're here for you, you know?
Whatever you need.
Okay?
[school din]
KATY: My God, Kalani!
What are you doing here?
I'm so sorry.
Screw this paper.
Screw Ms. Umans.
I could have come
and picked it up for you.
You need to be with
your family right now.
This is about my family.
MS. UMANS: Stephanie,
please collect the essays.
Kalani, if you need more time,
I understand,
I can give you an extension.
Uh, no. I have it right here.
MS. UMANS:
You finished your paper?
This is the real world.
And there aren't any extensions
in the real world.
There's never enough time.
[piano music playing]
Can I talk to you?
Hey, you don't
have to talk at all.
-[Kalani cries]
-MR. ROSE: Hey, come here.
Come here. Come here, baby.
Come here, come here.
Come here.
I wish I could take this
pain away, but I can't.
And-- and I wish I had
the words, but I don't.
[Kalani sobbing]
Okay, but I'm here,
but I'm here.
I'm here. I'm here.
Will you go with me?
What's this?
I f-- I found
my father's address.
Uh, you don't want
to do this, not now.
I know his family
doesn't know about us.
But I think he needs
to know his son is dead.
I think you're angrya
and you deserve to be.
I just want to
drop the obituary off.
I don't care
how he feels about it.
You think it's
as simple as that?
What, you knock on the door
and he's gonna
pull you into his arms?
What is--
what is a family, Kalani?
What does it
really mean to be a dad?
Hey, anybody can be a father.
But Jacob's life,
Jacob's loss
is worthy of a dad.
I don't have
the answers to that.
You're gonna have
to think this through.
I need you--
I need you to think it through.
I need--
I need you to think it through.
I can't.
I don't have any more room.
I don't have the room for it.
I can't do it.
I can't do everything
and be everything,
that everybody--
I can't take
my sister to school,
make sure she's okay,
make her lunch,
bury my brother,
try to get in a college,
try to have a life and be a kid,
I can't do it! I can't do it!
MR. ROSE: Kalani. Kalani.
Take a breath.
Take a breath.
All you're going through is
too much for anyone at any age.
And maybe
you should take a break.
-No, please.
-MR. ROSE: No, no, no.
You should take a break
from school for a while.
It's going to be all right.
It won't affect your grades.
This is one moment in your life
that you have to go through.
You will get through it.
♪♪♪
MR. STOKES: Hey, little lady.
KALANI: Hey, Mr. Stokes.
This elevator is broken
and this one is going express.
Express to where?
Just goin' straight to the top.
Well, I live up on 18th.
I can walk down.
What are you gonna do?
Wait for the repairman.
What else can I do?
♪♪♪
[indistinct conversation]
TONYA: Oh, here she goes.
Keep it moving! Damn!
DJ: You know I got
room for you too, sweetheart.
-TONYA: Oh, shut up.
-DJ: Just watch your mouth, yo.
TONYA:
Just keep it moving, college!
KALANI: Hey, Ma,
the elevator's broken.
GRACE: I know.
How you doin'?
Mr. Rose called.
I'm worried about you.
He says I need
a mental health break.
I don't know, Ma.
I think he's right.
That nonsense
is for white folks.
Can I fix you something to eat?
No, Ma, I'm good.
Can I run you a bath?
Now you sound like me.
[Mom chuckles]
♪♪♪
A letter came for you from Yale.
You really applied to
the same school as your father.
Hmm.
You gonna open it?
It's so thin.
GRACE: You know they send
those rejection letters out
by the thousands.
There are plenty
of other schools
right here in New York.
♪♪♪
♪♪♪
So, what it say?
I got in.
I couldn't believe it. I got in.
GRACE: Let me see!
Oh, my God.
What about Bebe?
Well, what about
helping me around here?
This is all the way
in Connecticut.
You not planning on
accepting this, are you?
Ma, I'm going.
No, you're not.
To Yale of all places?
Really, Kalani?
There are plenty of schools
that are closer.
Write them and tell them
that you-- you decided
to take a school
that's closer to your family.
It's my decision.
And I've made it. It's Yale, Ma!
Not everybody gets
an opportunity like this,
but I did.
With Jacob gone...
you-- you just gonna--
you just gonna leave?
I'm not Jacob, Mom.
I'm coming back.
I got bills that I need
help with, every day, Kalani.
I-- I need help with Bebe.
You got responsibilities
here, okay?
I'm not the mom! You're the mom!
You are! I want to be a kid!
Let me be a kid!
Mom!
♪♪♪
Remember this dress?
BEBE: You never let me wear it.
It's yours.
Are you serious?
Can I have the shoes, too?
Now, you're pushing it.
All right. Take the shoes, girl.
I have something
from Jacob, too.
I don't know
why he was hiding it,
but I'm glad
I found it when I did.
This is kind of intense.
I think I'll look at it later.
Okay. In your time.
You finally get the room
to yourself!
It's all I've ever wanted!
But now I'm not so sure.
You really have to go, Kalani?
I want you
to make good decisions.
Smart choices.
And those times where
you don't have all the answers,
I'm just a phone call away.
Mom's gonna have me
doing everything around here.
It's a lot, but it's not so bad.
Just keep the room clean,
do what she asks of you.
Just don't grow up too fast.
You'll be my age
before you know it.
But, take care of Mom.
I'm serious, Bebe. Okay?
BEBE: Kalani?
Can we cuddle tonight?
Come on.
Come on, come on,
come on, come on.
But don't hog all the cover.
You hogging it already!
Love you, Kalani.
Love you, Bebe.
♪♪♪
[phone buzzing]
Yo.
All right,
I'm comin' down! [chuckles]
♪♪♪
Bye, Mom.
You didn't think I wasn't
gonna say goodbye, did you?
I thought you were asleep.
I haven't slept in-- in weeks.
I made you all your favorites.
There's a sweet potato pie
in that little bag,
I'm saving that for Thanksgiving
to make sure
your butt comes home.
Thanks, Mom.
I am so proud of you.
I know I haven't said that
nearly as much as
I should have but...
I really am proud of you.
Thanks, Ma.
Get on out of here.
[Kalani laughs]
[hopeful music playing]
It's a guilt gift.
It goes pretty well with
the "Sorry I missed Christmas
with the family" Rolex.
KALANI: All I got was cornbread.
[indistinct] family. Trade?
Grand Central, right?
Any chance we can
make a quick pit stop?
I need to stop by the school.
Just when I thought I was out,
they pull me back in!
♪♪♪
Hey, Kalani.
KALANI: You got a minute?
Come.
I know this is
going to sound weird
and uncomfortable and awkward,
but do you remember
that conversation we had
after Jacob died, about family?
-Mm-hmm.
-KALANI: Well...
I didn't go to
my father's house.
You were right.
There is a difference
between a father and a dad.
So...
I want you to have this.
Oh.
Jacob Johnson.
-Don't forget me.
-Oh.
Impossible.
All right.
I'll be in the stands,
cheering you on.
[Kalani chuckles]
Thanks for everything.
Thank you.
[hopeful music playing]
♪ Too young to be tired ♪
♪ Too high to be higher ♪
♪ Too far to go further ♪
♪ But too strong to deter her ♪
♪ In my eyes,
all I see is my fire ♪
♪ In my heart,
all I feel is desire ♪
♪ In my dreams,
all I see is my life ♪
♪ Until I live what I see ♪
♪ I'll just strive ♪
♪ Strive ♪
♪ Giving up is not an option ♪
♪ You don't see 'em
like me often ♪
♪ When in his mind I've chosen ♪
♪ And I've made up my mind ♪
♪ I'll just strive ♪
♪ Strive ♪
♪ I'll strive ♪
♪ Oh, I'll strive ♪
Hello?
TERRANCE: Hey! It's me.
Hey.
-So you on your way or...
-KALANI: Yeah.
I'm actually almost there.
-What about you?
-TERRANCE: Me, too.
I didn't realize how far out
of the city Howard actually is.
KALANI: And in
the opposite direction of Yale.
I mean, there's always holidays.
That's true.
TERRANCE: Are you going
back for Thanksgiving, or...
Yeah, how about you?
I'll be back, yeah.
[clears throat]
You know, in the meantime,
I'm definitely gonna miss it,
but, uh...
you know, especially you.
Okay. [chuckles]
TERRANCE: But yeah,
I'll be back for Thanksgiving.
Well, um...
I probably should get going
because I'm just about
to pull up in a second.
Okay.
All right, well,
just remember, Kalani.
You deserve it.
Aw, thanks, Terrance. So do you.
[chuckles] Thanks.
♪ Mm, strive ♪
DRIVER: Your parents
must be so proud of you.
♪ Strive ♪
They are.
♪ Oh, I won't stop ♪
♪ I won't stop, oh ♪
♪ Strive ♪
♪ When it gets hard,
I just strive ♪
♪ With tears in my eyes,
I'll just strive ♪
♪ No matter what
♪ No matter how ♪
♪ And I know now is my time ♪
♪ To strive ♪
[upbeat music playing]
♪ Now, if you're feelin' down ♪
♪ Get up and dance,
it'll make you feel better ♪
♪ So keep the beat,
I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they do ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Follow your dreams ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Just keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Now, if you're feelin' down ♪
♪ Get up and dance,
it'll make you feel better ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Who are you, what you doin' ♪
♪ What you like,
what you stand for ♪
♪ If you don't stand up,
then you gon' fall for sure ♪
♪ If you all about your crew
then you ain't an individual ♪
♪ Might drown in the ocean
with no support, oh ♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they do ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Follow your dreams ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Just keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Now, if you're feelin' down ♪
♪ Get up and dance,
it'll make you feel better ♪
♪♪♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they do ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Follow your dreams ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Just keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Now, if you're feelin' down ♪
♪ Get up and dance,
it'll make you feel better ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪♪♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they do ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Follow your dreams ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ I don't care what they say ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Just keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Now, if you're feelin' down ♪
♪ Get up and dance,
it'll make you feel better ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪
♪ Keep movin' ♪
♪ Keep it movin' forward ♪