The Reunion (2017) - full transcript

[skateboard scraping]

WOMAN: Babe,
are you okay?

MAN: Yeah. Why?

The highway's
in the other direction.

I know. I know.
Just taking a short
detour, Hollis.

A short detour
to where, Paul?

You'll see, Jacob.
Just, uh, sit tight,

and no more
questions, please.

[engine turns off,
music stops]

PAUL: There he is.

Does that gentleman
look familiar
to you, Jacob?



I don't know.
A little.

A little? [laughs]

The three of us
were, like,
best friends

in high school.
Come on.

Ben Hall?

Who the hell's
Ben Hall?

It's Cole.

Cole Weaver.

And what,
he's coming with us?

Okay,
I thought you'd be

a little bit
more excited
than that.

I mean, aren't you
curious as to what
he's been up to,

why he
completely vanished

without a trace
after high school,



just didn't
keep in touch
with anybody?

How did you find him
out of the blue?

I didn't.
He found me on Facebook
a few weeks ago.

Next thing I know,
we're talking
on the phone,

and the thought
occurred to me,

hey, why not
invite him
for the weekend,

have ourselves
a little reunion,
you know?

[sighs]

What's wrong?

Nothing. Nothing.
It's just...

when you haven't seen
or heard from someone
in a long time,

what if you've run out
of things to talk about?

What if things
are awkward?

Hon, relax.

Everything's
gonna be great.
I know it.

I'm with Sam.
Yeah.

Ah, fuck it.
Why not?

All right.

[classical music
playing softly]

Ah, still a bookworm,
I see.

[chuckles]
Can't help it.

Love good stories, man.

How the hell
have you been?

Good, good.
Look at you.

The Facebook photos
don't do you justice.

Years have
treated you well.

Yeah, you think?
Yeah.

Thanks.
Thank you.

You two, uh,
don't look too shabby
yourselves.

Been good, Jacob?

Yeah.

Yeah,
can't complain.

Good. Nice.
[chuckles]

Well, let's hit it.
Don't want to keep
the ladies waiting.

The ladies?
Yeah.

Wow. Don't I feel like
the odd one out. Huh.

You'll be all right.

It's good
to see you, man.

Hmm. This Cole guy
is awfully cute.

Heh. Is he now?

Oh, come on.
You don't think so?

You know you do.

Say hi to Cole,
guys.

Hi, Cole.
I'm Hollis.

You have
a girlfriend.

She's pretty.

Yes, she is.

I'm Samantha,
or Sam.

Nice to meet you, Sam.

You're dating
a movie star, too.

Jesus, you guys
got all the breaks.

Okay. We got a bit
of a drive ahead of us.

We can save
the flattery for later.

COLE: Ah, yeah.

Oh, you said
your folks' place
was nice, but this?

Wow. It's
something else, man.

Perks of having
wealthy parents, huh?

Even fussy ones?
Paul had to plead with them

to let us stay the weekend.
For real?

I always remembered
your folks as
being laid-back.

Yeah, that was
before they did well
in the stock market

and bought this place.

Now it's all about
protecting your assets.

All right?
Yep.

Look at this.
Right, all right?

SAM: Cute.

Welcome.

Welcome, welcome
to casa de Stark.

Feel free to make
yourselves at home.

Just make sure you obey
the one house rule.

Don't have too much fun.

Okay?
Now who wants a tour?

Yeah.
Yeah, let's do it.

Come on, then.

[door opens]

[cell phone rings]

[ring]

[ring]

Hello.

You're with them,
aren't you?

Yeah. Got to
Paul's folks' place
a little while ago.

Pretty nice spot.

What happened to the idea

of all of us talking again
before you took off?

You're upset.

That's because I hadn't
made up my mind yet, Nathan.

You knew that.

That's why we were
all going to talk.

[sighs]

Right now, I'm thinking
this is a really dumb idea.

It was your idea, Emily.

The three of us
talked for hours,

and now you're
getting cold feet?

Em, if you lose
your nerve,

you're gonna
regret it the rest
of your life.

Now, don't
back out now.

[knock on door]

Uh, hey, I gotta go.
Reunion time.

No, wait.
Please don't do this.

Just make an excuse,
and leave.

[hangs up]

[sighs]

Mind being the rock?

Paul and Jacob
give it a shot?

They went to town
to get some wine.

[grunts]
It's really on there.

[chuckles]

[seal pops]

Thank you.

My hero.

You're getting
dinner started?

Well, it seems
like spaghetti

is all anyone knows
how to make around here,

which is a shame,
considering all the food

we found in the fridge
and the freezer.

I hope
it doesn't go to waste.

It won't. I promise.

[music playing only]

[men laughing]

Can I just say
that dinner was
freaking amazing?

Hey, cheers to that,
buddy.

Hear.

Yep.
Seriously.

Here I thought we'd be
stuck with just spaghetti.

How'd you prepare
that chicken anyways?

Yeah, did you
work as a chef,

or that just
another one of your
God-given talents?

No. Just learning
to cook, actually.

One of the few upsides
of a stint in the psych ward.

[chuckles]

Psych ward?

Serious?

Yeah.

No need to hide it.

I had a serious
nervous breakdown,

medical emergency.

You know,
the outside world

thinks that when
you're living in
a state facility,

that the food is slop.

There was
this restaurant chef

who lived
on the same hall as me.

We worked
in the kitchen together,

and he really just
took me under his wing.

[chuckles]

[laughing]

You should all
see your faces
right now. Priceless.

Great. Yeah. Glad to see
you didn't lose your
sense of humor, Cole.

Hey, what's a reunion
without a few jokes?

So how 'bout
the truth?

How did you
learn to cook?

My mom taught me
everything I know.

Here's to moms.

To moms.
To moms.

How's your mom doing?

She passed on.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.
It was a while back.

She had a long battle
with cancer. Um...

when it was all over,
you know, I felt this
kind of peace for her,

all that pain
she had been through.

Still, had to be
pretty rough, though.

I lost my mom, too,
so I get it.

How'd your dad take it?

[chuckles]
Dad.

[laughs]

Oh, Dad flew the coop
before I could
ride a bike.

My brother,
on the other hand...

he went down
a real dark place
after Mom passed.

Your twin brother?

I totally forgot.
Nathan.

Uh, he went
to a different school.

Yeah.
My mother's idea.

You know, she thought
it would be better
for the both of us.

Develop
our own friendships,

our own personalities.

But the truth is,
though,

you know, Nathan and I,
we stayed real close.

You could say
we're inseparable.

HOLLIS:
Identical twins?

Like, completely?

Nathan and me,

it's practically down
to the last freckle.

And how's he doing?

Well, like I said,

you know,
after Mom died,

it's as if a switch
just flipped.

He'd get mad
at the smallest
of things.

I'd never seen him
lose his temper before.

Hell, I didn't
even know he had one.

Suddenly...

he's just lost,

you know,
floating around
out there,

angry as hell.

I'll never forget
this one day, though.

Nathan was walking his dog
up by his apartment.

His dog peed
on some guy's grass.

The guy comes out,
starts yelling at Nathan,
and kicks his dog.

Nathan flipped.

He pulls out
his knife, and I run up,
and I try to stop him,

so I grab him, and he
nicks me in the face,
you know, hence the scar.

But then he starts
wailing on this guy,

like boom, boom,
boom, boom, boom,

just wailing
on this guy.

[laughs]

Oh, my God.

What's so funny, Jacob?

Oh, come on.

This is just
another one of Cole's
twisted jokes, right?

[laughs]
Good one, man.

Guy was in the ICU
for a month.

Lucky for him
and my brother
he didn't die.

My brother spent
a year and a half in prison,

aggravated assault.

But, yeah, you're right.

That's something
I'd joke about.

Pardon me.

PAUL: Hey...

Cole.

[sighs]

Why did you do that?

Well, honest to God,
I thought he was just
messing with us again.

You need
to apologize
to him, Jacob.

Like, now would be good.

Yeah.
Yep, I'm going.

Mm, Jesus Christ.

[heavy breathing]

[sighs]

Fucking damn it.

[knock on door]

Just a sec.

[knock on door]

Yeah, yeah.

Hey. Hey,
you got a sec, Cole?

Sure.

What's up?

God, I, uh,
shouldn't have assumed

you were joking
about your brother.

I was out of line.

I'm sorry about that.

So you guys
really close?

You know, like you
hear all the time
about identical twins.

Yeah, we are.

Anyway, though, uh...

apology accepted.

Well, uh,
how's Nathan doing now?

I mean,
has he gotten better?

Sounds like
your brother's
been through a lot.

What?

Mm, nothing.

It's just, uh...

glad to hear
you actually care.

Or is this
just an act, Jacob?

An act?

No.

No, man,
of course I care.

He's made
some improvements.

Good. Yeah.
That's--That's good.

Yeah.
Doc's got him on lithium.

Seems to be helping.

Yeah.

We all fuck up, Cole,

make bad mistakes.

It's inevitable.

Hell, I know I've--
I've messed up
some things.

Really?

Like...

Um, my point is

I know what it's like
to feel shame,

just like Nathan
probably felt

after he beat the crap
out of that guy.

Luckily he's got you
to help him through
the rough patches, huh?

I try, you know.

I'm as close
to my brother as anyone.

But honestly,
after Mom died,

Nathan just turned
into a loner.

After his 18 months
in prison,

he didn't want
to trust anyone
anymore, even me.

You want my opinion?

About?

How to regain
your brother's trust.

Look,
medication is great...

but I'm guessing
Nathan blames himself
for something.

You know,
maybe your mom's death.
I don't know.

Just a guess.

Or for
his constant anger,

his acts of violence,
whatever it is.

He hates himself
for something.

That's what I think.

You need to tell him
that it's all okay.

Do you really think
I can do that,

just get through
to him like that?

Are you kidding me?

Mr. cool in a crisis?

Mr. fast on his feet?

Come on. There wasn't
a thing we all thought

you couldn't do
back in high school.

We?

Everybody.
That was your rep.

Cool Cole.

I fucking
envied you, man.

Yeah, I'm starting
to remember your rep now.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah.

You could be a real bully
and asshole, Jacob.

[sighs]

[laughs]

Okay.

Okay, so now you
decide to fuck with me.

Hey, guilty as charged.

You left yourself
wide open for that one, pal.

[laughs]

[sighs]

And, yeah, you, um,
better come downstairs
and join us,

or I'm gonna
look like the asshole
of the century.

I'll be down
in a minute.

PAUL: Thought
you said Cole
was on his way down.

That's what he said.

Uh, holy shit.

Look at you.

Ah, you look
pretty much the same,

except you got rid
of that awful man bun.
Thank God.

[laughs]

[slow instrumental playing]

Baby, what were
you thinking?

I don't know.

What is anybody
ever thinking
in high school, right?

Yeah, well,
ancient history.

All I see now
is a handsome, caring man
in front of me.

[kiss]

You, uh, ever get
Cole to sign this?

Yeah. Should be
on the last page.

"See you when I
see you, man?"

Sounds kind of
distant, hmm?

Cole wrote that?

I don't remember.

Maybe he was just
having a bad day.

Yeah, maybe.

I mean, he did always have
terrible penmanship, too.

Dance with me, baby.

Nah.
I'll watch you.

Come on, baby, please.
I'll watch you.

Fine.

Will you dance
with me, then?

I will.

Okay.

Ah. [laughs]

[laughs]
Fancy.

Cole, let me
ask you something.

How is it
that a guy like you,

who can cook
and dance

and isn't too hard
on the eyes--

Hey, now.

Why is it
that you're single?

Who says
I'm single?

Facebook.

[chuckles]

Don't tell me
you're putting
us on again.

Facebook,
the digital bible.

If it's so written
that I'm single,

then it must be true.

All right,
so which is it?

So you're
not single?

You know,
I should tell you

that, uh, there was
a rumor going around

few years ago, uh,

through
the high-school
grapevine

that you
were married

and there was--
something happened,
and you separated.

That's true.

Bullshit rumors.

Why do you care
so much, Paul?

Haven't seen you for,
like, 10 years, man.

What's the point
of a reunion

if we can't be honest
with each other, right?

And take Jacob
over here just
stewing on the chair.

I see him every week
on the golf course.

I know him better
than the back nine.

Why don't you
just leave Cole alone
and let him dance, Paul?

Yeah, seriously.

Cole, what happened
to that one girl?

You couldn't stop
talking about her.

Uh, she went
to that private
girls school.

What was her name?
Emily.

No idea.
Just drifted apart.

No idea? Like,
the way you talked
about her, man,

you were in love,
absolutely crazy
about her.

Now you're
telling me that you
just lost track of her?

How is that possible?

Jesus Christ, Paul!

What the hell
is wrong with you, man?!

The guy
just pours out his heart
about his mother and brother,

and now you're pressing him
about his love life?!

I mean, fucking A,
just leave him alone.

Whoa.

I got it.

Like that wasn't
bat-shit crazy.

I--
He's your best friend.

Yeah.
He's probably just
had one too many.

Just let him
sleep it off.

Jacob.

Jacob, will you wait
a second, please?

[sighs]
Go on.

What is it, Sam?

Well, how 'bout you
tell me what's going on?

[exhales]

[scoffs]

I've never seen you
go off like that.

Okay? It was
fucking scary.

[sighs]

Hey, you okay?

Babe, do you hear me?

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

[young girl whimpering]

No. No.

Whoa. What is it?
[gagging]

You okay?

[flushes toilet]

[spits]

Tell me what's
in your head right now.

Please.

[groans]

I had a feeling
this would catch up with me

in shape or form
sooner or later.

That what
would catch up?

Whatever
you want to call it,

guilt...

shame.

[sighs] A mistake
that can't be undone,

a motherfucker
of motherfuckers.

Okay, what guilt?
I don't understand.

[moaning]

Okay.

Em?

You are up early, hon.

Anxious?

Well, Nathan is
not answering his phone,

so who knows
what could be happening?

Check the local news?

Well?

No reports
of any homicide...

yet.

You should be trying
to call him, too, Cole.

He's your brother,
and he'll listen to you.

Babe, look, we've
got to call this off.

Think about Nathan.
He already has
a police record.

This could put him away
for 30 years.

My brother is fine
doing what we all agreed to.

You wanted Jacob gone, Em.
That's what we all want.

I'm not
going to call Nathan,

and he's not
going to get caught.

When Nathan gets
something in his head,

he is like
a runaway train.

The three of us were
supposed to talk again

before going ahead
with the plan.

Hey, he cares about you,
about me,

and now you're
having second thoughts?

This asshole is
living his life
without a care in the world,

whereas you have
been suffering endlessly.

A week does not go by
where you are not wakened
by one of your nightmares.

Then there are
your panic attacks
in the middle of the day.

I do not care
how many times a month
you see a therapist.

She's not helping you.

Let's think about Jacob.

You really think
he's doing that great?

I mean,
you haven't seen him
since high school.

Who knows?
He could be suffering
just as much as I am.

Yeah, you're right.
He could be.

However, I have
a strange feeling

it is nothing
like what you go through.

I also have
a strange feeling

that you talked
to Nathan last night.

You told him the same thing
you are telling me, didn't you?

That's why he's
not answering his phone.

We all know how persuasive
you can be, Em,

but you are
not thinking clearly.

No, I am not the one
who is confused here,
Cole.

I am done
talking about this.

No, wait.
Babe, please.

I'm sorry.

You don't know
where the reunion is.

No, not a clue.

Honest to God, babe.

Nathan set
the whole thing up.

He started talking to Paul
when the phony Facebook page
was created.

I-I stayed out of it.

Even if I did know,
what would you do?

Just show up
and let them all know
what we've been plotting?

Get Nathan
in even more trouble?

He is a convicted felon,
and he is carrying a gun.

You wanted retribution, Em.

Remember?

You wanted an ending.

You wanted peace.

I don't--

I don't feel peaceful.

This is bigger
than you, Em.

College track-and-field star

sentenced to four months
of solitary confinement

in a minimum-security jail.

This rich, entitled prick

destroyed
a young girl's life,

and all he got was
a slap on the wrist for it.

I know.

And that girl,
her name is Ashley.

Do you remember
what you said to me

the day this news
was announced?

Full of anger and rage,
you said,

"It is time
someone does something,"

and that someone is me.

The one to get payback
for all the Ashleys out there,

the kind of payback
they deserve.

Yeah, God, I know
what I said, Cole,

but this, this isn't it.

I do. I want payback.

I want it for me,
I want it for them,

but murder is not it.

I promise you,
if Ashley were here
right now,

she would tell you
the same thing.

Would she?

[sighs]

Didn't sleep much?

Look like a pile
of turds glued together.

Wow. That's, uh--

That's a nice thing
to say.

Then again,
it's probably true.

So what's up?

What's going on between
you and Cole, man?

'Cause ever since
we picked him up,

you've
been acting weird.

And last night,
I've never seen you
lose control like that.

I want to blame
the beer, but I
don't think that's it.

I owe you, um,
an apology.

Accepted.

[shuddering]

Feel like talking?

Jacob.

Hi.
Hi.

Is Cole around?
He told me to
meet him here.

And you are?
Emily.

No shit?

Well, isn't this an honor?

I finally get
to put my eyes on the girl

my good pal
has been talking about.

He can't shut up about you.

[chuckles]

I'm Jacob.

Jacob West,
host of the party?

Uh, Cole hasn't
shown up yet,

but you're welcome
to come in and wait for him.

Okay.

Can I get you a drink?
Name it.

My parents have quite
the inventory of libations.

Libations?
What's that word mean?

It's code for liquor.

[chuckles]

PAUL: Jacob.

Jacob.

Where'd you
just drift off to?

High school,

graduating class of 2006,

emperors of the universe.

Right.

Wasn't that
what we called ourselves?

Yeah,
among other things.

Ohh.

Oh, when you
look back at it, it's--

it's a different picture.

Or it is for me.

You know,
those four stupid years,

you're--you're practically
unconscious the whole time.

You're in a dream.

You haven't a fucking clue
about the real world.

Yeah,
still a nice dream.

Yeah, except when it's not.

[cell phone buzzing]

Hello.

Paul?
Yeah.

Hey, Paul, i-it's Nathan,
Cole's brother.

Oh.

Hey.

Found your number
on Facebook.

Hope you don't mind
my calling out of the blue.

How's the reunion?

My brother
behaving himself?

Uh, yeah, well,
he hasn't changed much
since high school.

You know, Cool Cole,
nothing upsets him.

and he still likes
to make people laugh,
you know?

[chuckles]

Yeah, I know.

So what do people do
at a reunion, Paul?

Never been to one.

Seriously?

Seriously.

Well, Cole cooks
great meals.

We drink, swap memories,

dance to old tunes.

So what can I do
for you, Nathan?

I-I've been trying
to reach Cole.

Uh, seems he's
got his phone off.

Okay. Well, you want me
to take a message?

I'm sure
he's still asleep.

I was hoping
you could, uh--

was hoping you
could get him to call me.

Sooner the better.
It's important.

Hell, wake the lazy bum up
if you have to.

Okay, normally
I wouldn't do that,

but I know how close
you two guys are.

Hey, thanks, Paul.

Take care.

Yeah, you, too, man.

[hangs up]

[sighs]

[classical music playing]

Hey, Cole, you in there?

Babe, you mind?

I was sleeping.

Sorry.

What's up, man?

[cell phone buzzing]

Hmm.

Hey, Nathan.

What's going on?
Your old buddy Paul
said something's urgent.

Yeah, um, I'm
just moving your car
like you asked me.

My driveway,
off the street, right?

That's what's
so important? Really?

[sighs]

So what the hell's up?

You tell me.

Why isn't
that son of a bitch
dead already?

I have to find
the right moment
and the right place.

It's not like
I just snap
my fingers.

Emily called you,

tried to talk you
out of it, didn't she?

Yeah,
don't worry about it.

She didn't succeed.

You sure?

Whose side are you on?

What the hell is that
supposed to mean?

No, we all agreed
on the plan, Cole.

It's not my fault
Emily's backing out now.

Just tell me
I can trust you.

You know
what my life's been like
since Mom died, right,

the hell I've been through.

You couldn't last
in prison one day, Cole,

so this job I'm gonna do
for you and Emily,

the job you don't have
the balls to do yourself,

I'm doing it.

Damn right,
you're gonna trust me.

Okay, okay. All right.

I hear you.

Just call me
when it's over.

Hey, wait. Wait.

Um...

there's, uh, something
I been meaning to ask you,

like, for a very long time.

Before I was in prison,

you know, when I was
in the cuckoo's nest, um,

the day I got out,

why weren't you there?

Oh, Emily was.

Because I was working.

I explained
all of that to you.

So that's your excuse
for hardly visiting me
in both places,

'cause you were
always working.

You know, I got
to thinking in prison,

what type of brother
do I really have?

Then I thought, "No,
I'm just being negative.

"I got a great brother.

We've always
been close."

But now, you know
what I'm feeling?

Once I kill Jacob
for you,

you won't give a crap
about me again.

Hell, I wouldn't
be surprised

if you called
the cops on me.

What the fuck?

Are you losing it?
You taking your meds?

Screw you, Cole.

You got the address.

You come kill
the bastard yourself.

Who's Skip, Nathan?

Or did you
tell me that once?

An old prison buddy?

Guy to call
when you need a gun

or help
getting out of a jam?

Isn't that right?

That's none
of your business.

What, are you
digging through
my glove box now?

Ah, that doesn't sound
very trusting.

[sighs]

Not bad.

Could use
some competition, buddy.

Nah, nah, I'm--

I'm fine
just watching.

Come on.
Where's the fun in that?

Horseshoes, huh?

Haven't played
since I was a kid.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

You up for a round?

Jacob's playing bench.

[chuckles]

Sure.

Let's see
if your horseshoe game's
as good as your cooking.

Guess that's a yes.

You're becoming
a bore, man.

Hah!

Look at that.
He's human after all.

PAUL: You're up.

Where are the ladies?

PAUL: I think you need
more practice first.

Oh.
Or not.

[clicks tongue]

[sighs]

Man, it's late.

You're never late.

Sorry about that, Skip.

So what's up?

Ah, wait.
Let me guess.
Let me guess.

The revolver
you got, right,
you want a refund?

But guess what.
I don't fucking
do refunds.

I know that. I know. I kn--

I know. I--

What--
What the fuck, man?

Why are you acting,
like, so weird, man?

I'm good.
Nothing. I'm good.

I go--I got 600 bucks cash.

Heh. As opposed
to a check?

What can I get for it?

What the fuck?

Just calm down.
What the hell?

I'm gonna pat you down,
all right?

What the hell, man? You--

Oh, you think I'm
wearing a wire?! Really?!

You said
that when I called you,
you'd be able to help me.

Who are you?

What?

Get the fuck
out of my car.

W-Wha...

Get the fuck
out of my car!

Got this, girl.
You can do it.

Yep.
Girl, that's how it's...

HOLLIS: Damn.

NATHAN: His doc's
got him on lithium.

Seems to be helping.

Place your bets.

HOLLIS: Take that.

Oh, shit.

Hey.

You lost?

Were you just
in Cole's room?

Fine. All right,
don't tell me.

None of my business, right?

Oh, look, he's got
everyone fooled.

Not me, though,

okay, not anymore.
I'm onto him.

Do you mind
translating that, buddy?

Cole a righty
or a lefty, Paul?
Do you remember?

[sighs]
He's a lefty.

What? You're telling me
that's Nathan downstairs
and not Cole?

I'm telling you to go
check Cole's handwriting
in your yearbook.

Okay, the way it's
got a lefty smudge,

it's like his hand
brushed over the ink
or something.

Okay, let's say
that you're right.

Why would Nathan
be impersonating Cole?

Really?
You don't believe me?

No, I didn't say that.

I'm just trying to figure out
why Nathan would do this.

I'm thinking you could
help me out with that.

And last,
but not least,
my room.

You like?

Best part of the tour.

Your parents always
leave you alone when
they go out of town?

You jealous?

[chuckles]
Don't know.

Mine aren't so trusting.

Can't say I blame them.

[music thumping outside]

[overlapping chatter]

Where the hell is Cole?

Probably just got
tied up with something.

I'm sure
he'll be here soon.

Don't say
a fucking word.

[screams]

Don't you hate this?

I know I did.
[whimpering]

But, no, my stepfather
never stopped.

You breathe one word
of this to anyone,

you're gonna wish
you were never born.

Nod if you understand.

Help!

No.

[unbuckling]

No, no, no.

[muffled sob]

[sobbing]

Em, what's going on?

Something wrong?

I'm fine.

Everything's fine,
but I do have to go.

Wait. Go?
I just got here.

Yes, but I really
have to be going.
Excuse me.

Hey, what's wrong
with her?

No idea.

Emily!

EMILY: Leave me alone, Cole!

PAUL: Hey.

You really think
I have the answer?

Okay, I'm just
as clueless as you are.

Bullshit.
What are you hiding?

Are you gonna tell me,
or do I have to go downstairs

and ask Cole or Nathan
or whoever the hell that is?

Huh?

Hey, guys,

are you gonna
join us for brunch?

Cole made French toast.

How does that sound?

That sounds--
uh, sounds pretty
damn good.

Um, can you
give us a minute?

Sure.

I found a gun
in his room,
Paul, a gun.

Okay, that should be
enough of an answer
for you,

help you figure out
why he's here.

Or maybe--maybe
you don't want
to figure it out.

Figure what out?

[exhales]

I did something, man,

something really bad.

It was at a party
at my parents' house.

You were sick, and you
couldn't make it.

Emily showed up
to meet Cole,

but Cole was late.

We were both drinking,
and...

we ended up in my room.

Nathan's here
for revenge, man.

What the hell
did you do, man?

Look, I can tell
that you're really
messed up right now,

but I'm your best friend.
Let me help you.

Help me?

Nah, nah,

it's too late
for that, buddy.

I'm screwed.

HOLLIS:
Guys, you coming?

The food's gonna get cold.

You should go, Paul.

No.

Talk to me.

Paul, please.

Just--

Just tell Sam
I'll be down soon.

I just need
some alone time.

Promise you're not
gonna do something stupid.

I promise.

[exhales]

[door opens]

[door closes]

COLE: Hon?

Where have you been?

I was shopping.

Trying to distract me?

Trying to be
a thoughtful husband.

You really don't want me
to call off Nathan.

Hon, look at me.

Hon.

Once Jacob is gone,

everything will be
so much better for you,

for us.

I mean, what Jacob did,
though, wasn't entirely
his fault.

What happened to him
when he was a kid,
it could have scarred--

No! Enough about
his stepdad.

If you try hard enough,
you can excuse anything.

If someone
should be punished

for something
so monstrous,

shouldn't it be
his stepdad?

I mean, he's the root
of all of this.

And should I have
the right to make
this decision?

How do you even know
what the root is,

what his father or
his stepfather did to him?

Why should you,
should we believe Jacob
in the first place?

He would say anything to you
to forgive himself.

What, was that what he
was like in high school,
a liar?

I don't--I don't remember.

He was okay, I guess.

That's not the point.

He raped you
and kept it a secret,

so forget his stories,

because the only thing
you know without any doubt
is what he did to you.

Because what I
really don't understand

is why you kept it from me
for so long.

We had been married
for four years,

and then
you wake up one night
just crying inconsolably.

I don't know.
I just--

I thought that it would
just go away on its own,

that it would become
unimportant with time
and that...

I didn't want
to upset you.

So when you finally did
decide to tell me,

that was when you knew
it would not go away.

That was when you knew
you wanted revenge, right?

Once you did tell me,

you said that you could
not think about anything else,

that you were
the one with anger,

that you wanted him to die.

And then, 24 hours ago,

you change your mind.

I know this has been
hard for you, babe,
and I'm sorry.

Hon, we have to be decisive.

We cannot keep living
like this.

Where are you
off to now?

There's a poker game
at Winston's.

I thought you
stopped playing cards.

Don't worry.
We're not playing
for serious coin.

Hey, I need
the distraction.

I love you, babe,
more than anything.

Think I should
go check on Jacob
or leave him alone?

Thought he'd
be down by now.

Is everything okay
with you two?

Yeah. It's just...

[grunts]

What?

I don't know. Last night,
after his big outburst,

he just got kind of weird.

How so?

I don't know.

He was talking
about being trapped
in some memory,

feeling guilty.

Memory about what?

I don't know.
He didn't say.

Having a good time
so far?

Yeah. I'm really glad
you invited me along, Paul.

Yeah.

You have no idea
how good this feels.

It's nice hanging out
with friends
for a change.

What, no friends
back home?

That's hard
to believe, Cole.

Ah, work friends, sure,

but nobody I share
a meaningful
history with.

Yeah...
Heh.

history,

memories,

that's what high school
is all about now.

When was the last time
you held that?

Wow.

Heh.

It's been a while.

Remember what
you wrote me?

Should, uh,
refresh yourself.

Last page.

Huh.

"See you when I
see you, man."

[laughs]

What's so funny?

Uh, nothing.
It's just...

[laughs]

Not something you'd expect
your best friend to write?

Was thinking maybe
you could write something
to take its place,

something more reflective
of our friendship.

What do you say?

Yeah. All right.

[laughs]

So since when
did you start writing
with your right hand?

[laughing]

What tipped you off?

Jacob figured it out.

Mm.

Jacob.

Why the hell are you
pretending to be Cole?

You really don't know?

Maybe I wanted
to hear it from you.

When I went to prison
for almost killing

that dude
that kicked my dog,

that was just after
Emily told Cole about
Jacob raping her.

Cole told me the news.

I almost killed
that old man,

'cause you know who
I kept thinking I was
beating up instead?

Jacob.

I got a real soft spot
for Emily

and everything
that she's been though.

And she's probably
the only friend
I can count on.

I was just gonna show up
at Jacob's house one day

and kill him
on the spot.

I couldn't
track him down.

He keeps a low profile.

Nothing in
the phone book, online.

It's as if
he was a ghost.

But then--Ha ha.

Cole came up
with the reunion idea.

"Paul doesn't lose touch
with his best friends
from high school.

No way,"
Cole promised Emily.

Sure enough...

Look, if you think I'm gonna
let you hurt my friend--

Oh, your friend?

Your friend, mm.

I didn't think
best friends kept
secrets from each other.

Sometimes people
keep secrets out of fear.

Haven't you ever
been afraid of something

that just overwhelmed you?

Your friendship aside,

Jacob ruined
Emily's life,

my brother's, too.

I couldn't
let that slide.

If you learned
that someone
very dear to you,

someone in your family
had been violated

in the worst
possible way,

what would you do?

I'd call the police.

I'd let the law do
what the law does.

[laughs]

"Let the law do
what the law does."

Whew.

Like that's gonna happen
10 years after the fact.

I wouldn't take justice
into my own hands.

Yeah, well, you know,
Cole don't agree
with you,

and now suddenly Emily
can't make up her mind.

But don't worry.

I've already
made up mine.

I'm not gonna kill
your little buddy.

You have a gun.

True.

I do.

But I've
been thinking...

life's not about
the mistakes we make.

Nah, it's about what we
learn from 'em.

My mom used to always
say that to me. Heh.

I think Jacob...

has figured
a lot of things out
this weekend.

You're really good,
Nathan.

You could fool anybody.

Hmm.

The way you told
all of us your stories.

Why should I
believe you now?

'Cause if I was really
gonna kill Jacob...

I'd have
already done it.

Then why are you
still here?

When I was in prison,
you know, I saw it
all the time.

It was this sudden
awakening in someone.

They finally realized
what they did was wrong

and that they
couldn't undo it.

Whew. Man,

guilt is like
a sword at your throat.

Never know when
it's gonna kill you.

Me, I was a hothead.

I didn't
figure out shit,

despite
what my mom said.

It took coming here,

seeing Jacob
in the flesh,

talking to him.

Really?

Yeah, really.

What happens
to Jacob, then?

Don't know.

I think that move
is up to him...

and Emily.

[sighs]
Oh, what,

you can give a beating,
but can't take one?

Ha ha.

Have you guys
seen Jacob?

Uh, no. I figured
he was with you guys.

He should still be
in his room.

He said he was
pretty beat, right?

Yeah.

Hey, you and Cole
want to play?

No. Thanks.

Later.

My turn?
Uh-huh.

What are you up to, Cole?

Hey, Jacob.

Are you okay in there?

Hello?

Hey, Jacob.

Hey, Jacob.

Jacob.

Oh, shit.

Sleeping pills.

His pulse is steady.

He didn't overdose.

If you don't believe me,
you can check for yourself.

And now what?

Wait for him
to wake up.

Shit.

You wanna go for a walk?

Yeah.
It's really nice outside.

Yeah, sure.

Well, after this game.

[chuckles]

Hey, you're up.

Mm.

[pool balls clatter]

[gasps]

[laughs]
My God.

You changed.

Yeah. [chuckles]

I didn't like
what I had on.

Oh, I like it.
You look good.

Did you find Jacob?
He still upstairs.

Uh, yeah. Yeah.

HOLLIS: Hey, can you
grab me a water, too?

Yeah, sure.
We're gonna go for a walk.
Do you wanna come?

Yeah, I can't
ditch my friends.

They will
have my head.

Okay.
Admire your loyalty.

Uh, have fun.

Don't talk to strangers.

Okay.

Still steady?

Yeah.

This is taking too long.
I'm gonna call 911.

No, look, you don't
have to call anyone.

He's gonna wake up
sooner or later.

Trust me.

That's when it'll
get interesting.

[cell phone rings]

[ring]

[ring]

Hey.

It's okay.

[ring]

[ring]

[ring]

[ring]

[ring]

Oh, not stalling?

Bullshit.

Totally wimped out
on me, brother.

Where's the revolver
Skip sold you?

Huh?

Well, what do you know?

You really don't think
I can do this job
myself, do you?

No, I don't.

Turn around.

Hey, Nathan.

What the hell?

Nathan.

Nathan.

Nathan.

Nathan.

Been a while, Paul.

How you been?

Where is he?

Who?

If I have to,
I will kill you.

Anyone who's
best friends with
that piece of shit

deserves
the same ending.

Come on, Cole.

I haven't seen you
for, like, 10 years,

and this is
how you say hello?

Take me to Jacob.

No.

I don't think so.

So either you use
that stupid gun,

or put it away.

[footsteps]

Fuck.

COLE:
You fucking coward!

PAUL: No!

Cole!

EMILY: Oh, my God.
Baby, don't.

Baby, stop.
Cole, put the gun down.

Baby, please
don't do this.
This is insane.

Look at her,
motherfucker.

You destroyed
her life.

Why should I not
kill you right now, huh?

Doesn't
have to be this way.
Just put the gun down.

Look at her,
I said!

I think you want
to die, Jacob. Huh?
Am I right? Huh?

Tell me
you wanna die.

Tell me
you want to die.

I'm sorry
for what I did...

more than
you'll ever know.

Maybe you'll
never forgive me.

I don't blame you.

But I don't want to die.

PAUL:
You heard him, Cole.

Shut up, Paul!

Son of a--

Baby, please.

I love you, okay?

This doesn't have
to be this way.

Give me the gun.

It's okay, honey.
Just give me
the gun, okay?

Let go.

How does this
end then, huh?

We just let him go free?

Rolling.

Look at me
when you talk...

the whole time.

Never take
your eyes away.

This is going online.

My name...

My name is
Jacob Montgomery West.

The following
is my confession...

to what occurred...

to what I did...

on the night
of April 21, 2006.

[instrumental playing]