Without Name (2016) - full transcript
Follows a land surveyor on an assignment to measure an ancient forest for a developer but soon loses his reason in a supernatural environment that has its own plans.
Be good for your mom, yeah?
Hope you're day's getting
off to a good start.
It's been nippy but sunny,
here in Dublin anyway.
I didn't recognize myself,
and that's when I
started to become ill.
There are definitely other
in between spaces.
You know, there's this idea...
No matter what time of day,
we're always here for
you, 24 hours...
In the planning, air
regulator would ensure
that we had a planning
system that works
for the communities and
works for the people,
and doesn't just work
for the developers.
It should not be theirs.
I know, I know.
You're letting me down.
No, I said it depends.
Well, you're taking liberties.
I have to get this
thesis in by tomorrow.
I had to get an extension
already because of you.
Now hold on, you're getting
valuable experience.
Wednesday at the very
latest, I promise.
It's the second time
you've done this, Olivia.
It's almost impossible for
me to measure an area
this size on my own.
I'll be there.
Well, I better get back to it,
unless you want me
to be even later.
Right.
Bye.
Bye.
So how do you like
your lodgings?
Yeah, fine, peaceful.
Settled in okay?
Yeah, thanks.
Listen, about the wood.
Why have you requested
state department ordinance
of the area?
We want to keep
things quiet for now.
Commercial sensitivity
and all that.
I need to ask you
something else,
and I'd appreciate
a direct answer.
Fire away.
You do own the land, right?
Of course.
Some hopeless
development was planned
at the tail end of the boom.
We got it for a song.
It's perfect, or at
least it seems to be.
It's your job to tell
us that for certain.
I'm not sure you're gonna
get clearance from the EPA.
They won't be a problem.
How can you be so sure?
The system doesn't just
protect the environment.
It also protects those who wish
to exploit the environment.
Is everything okay at your end, Mr.
Mayberry?
Yeah, fine.
You're happy to be working
with us on this one?
Yeah, of course, but...
But what?
I'm curious why you
approached me for the job.
I mean, frankly, we both
know there are larger survey
firms out there better equipped
for a project this size.
Like I said, it's a
commercially sensitive venture.
We don't want the competition
getting wind of us.
If lots of surveyors go trampling
around out there, the cat's out of the bag.
Besides, Mr. Mayberry.
Besides?
You have a reputation
for discretion.
We'll leave it there.
Keep me posted.
Yeah.
For fuck's sake.
You're certain?
Absolutely, no one
knows a thing.
This is a curious line of
questioning, I must say.
I just considered environmental
activists or industrial espionage maybe.
It's fine.
I'm sure it's nothing
to worry about.
Just someone mucking around.
I look forward to
getting this concluded.
And your man's sittin'
over the top of it.
What are you having?
An IPA.
We don't have it.
The chemist might, outside.
Right.
Well, I'll just have a
beer, whatever you have.
I see you have rooms here.
Yeah.
Well, are they taken?
No.
Quiet time of year.
Interested yourself?
No, I just, well I
wondered who'd be staying.
Tried to put talk on me?
Yeah, I suppose.
Where are you staying yourself?
I rented a cottage between
here and the gully above.
And what has you here?
Off-season rambler, I'd say.
No, I'm working.
Workin'?
Yeah, well I'm doing a study.
A study?
It's an academic one,
like a thesis really.
What about?
About the area.
What about the
area specifically?
The gully.
Well, the woods in the gully.
The woods in the
gully specifically.
Does that sound specific to you?
Not specifically.
Sounds more like
Devoy's kinda thing.
Devoy?
That's his cottage
you're stayin' in.
Went soft in the head
wandering through
those woods up there
doing unspecific things.
Yeah, well it's an
unspecific kinda place.
How do you mean?
No one ever named it, never
even put it on a map.
It's got a name of sorts.
And what's that?
Gan Ainm.
Gan Ainm?
No name, it means.
Without name, to be precise.
How'd you come
across his cottage?
That was my employer
at the university.
They took care of that.
So how long are you gonna
stay in the cottage?
I'm not really sure.
Hi, mate.
Hello, can I get another
one of these please?
Can I get you something?
I stick with the tea.
Intoxicate myself in other ways.
Yeah, you look like a toker.
Do I?
Psilocybin, actually.
I'll give you a
pint of that then.
So what is it you do?
Oh, whatever I can.
You live around here?
Yep, a stop just above
Gan Ainm actually.
You're in the caravan, right?
Yeah, I recognize this fella.
Chaplin, he's handy.
You shouldn't be
there, you know.
It's all bought up,
private property.
Private property?
Actually, I may have that wrong.
I just heard something.
How did you hear it?
Jesus, I can't remember,
to tell you the truth.
It doesn't matter anyway.
I don't believe in the
concept of private property.
Yeah, that's 'cause
you don't own any.
No one does, they
just think they do.
You always remember to
bring the torch with you?
I wouldn't wanna get lost, man.
There's fairy fields
around here, you know?
Yeah.
They say people don't
get out of them.
They wander forever around
in circles unless...
Unless what?
They turn their
coats inside out,
and that tends to do the
trick for some reason.
Yeah, probably saved
his own life.
So what was the story
with that fellow
who used to live in my place?
Devoy?
They found him in the wood,
half-dead from hypothermia.
Catotonic, completely gone.
He's been in care since.
That's unnerving.
This is you.
Yeah.
Drop in when you're up
around Gan Ainm, yeah?
Might go with you, maybe.
Might be able to help.
Sure.
'Cause for a man doin' a study,
you don't seem to know
much about the place.
Oh, and Eric, 'round here best to sleep
with your pajamas on inside out, yeah?
Come on, boy.
You annoyed with me?
Why do you say that?
It's obvious, as
you're not talkin'.
No, I'm fine.
I just got a lot
on my mind is all.
Is it your family?
No, they're fine.
I'm glad you're here.
I hate being alone.
Bullying.
Yes.
Who's bullying him?
No, Justin isn't being bullied.
Justin is the bully.
Oh.
Yes.
Alright, put him on to me.
He doesn't want to talk to you.
Of course he doesn't,
put him on to me.
He's angry with you.
He's angry with me?
I did nothing.
Exactly.
The school want us to go
in and talk with them.
When?
Soon as possible.
When are you back?
When I'm finished.
How predictably vague.
Margaret, this is a big job.
I can't just drop everything.
- Are you alone?
- Yeah.
I was, Olivia arrived
last night, yesterday.
You were right the first time.
We'll talk about things
when you get back.
Well...
Margaret, wait.
What?
Nothing.
Nothing.
It doesn't matter.
Whatever.
Enjoy the rest of
your break, Eric.
Come on, Olivia, get out of bed.
We're here to work, remember?
Come on, Olivia.
Sorry.
You get them.
It's so old.
Why are you whispering?
It's like a church in here.
Eric?
Eric?
Eric?
Where did you go?
Eric?
It's not funny.
Okay, Eric.
Eric, where did you go?
I'm here.
- Don't do that.
- What?
Playin' hide and seek.
Hand me the receiver.
I was here.
The light in here is weird.
I'm not sure that this project
could go ahead anyway.
The whole area will be...
Not our concern, Olivia.
We're just here to claim data.
Okay, but I'm just
sayin' that...
It's just we don't
need to talk about it.
Did you pack everything?
Olivia?
Olivia?
Sorry, I thought we weren't
allowed to talk about it.
He grew to love having
that artificial eye.
He used to pop it out
and shock people.
Really?
Yeah, we cousins, he'd
refuse to stay with us
'cause he used to leave
it on the pillow
and all that kinda thing.
Oh my God.
He even popped it out in
front of a teacher at school
just to shut her up, and
then he got suspended.
Actually, that's how
he got the nickname.
Which was?
Ballar.
Ballar?
Yeah, Ballar of the evil eye.
It's a mythological demon.
No?
Whatever, they'd been
told about him in school.
I see.
This is nice though, isn't it?
The general vicinity, I mean.
It's remote and splendid.
The type of place you
always go on about.
Yeah, I could get used to it.
Your ideal little idyll.
Yeah, well that's just
me dreaming, isn't it?
Yeah, well aren't you
meant to make your dreams
come true in life?
Just stop, Olivia.
I have responsibilities.
Justin, I can't just walk away.
Yeah, your responsibilities,
you mentioned them...
And what would you
understand about it?
You don't know, you have your
whole life ahead of you.
And what is it you think I
wanna do with that life?
Eric, do you ever think
about what I want?
Where did you go?
Talk to me!
Where are you?
Eric, what are you doing?
Can you hear that?
Hear what?
There was someone out here.
The only person who's
out there is you.
Come to bed.
You're freakin' me out.
Hi there in your little bed.
You can come out.
Better than a
doorbell, that fella.
Sorry, hi, I'm Olivia.
Gus.
Visitors, great, come
on in for a cup of tea.
Nice one for callin' in, man.
I wasn't expecting company.
You sure you won't have a cup?
No, I'm fine.
Where'd you get all
the stuff, Gus?
I've been all over, mate.
Mementos, markers
from the journey.
Have you always traveled?
Half my life.
Occasionally I stop somewhere
for a while, like here.
Yeah?
Might stay put this time.
Someone's been messing around.
Messin' around?
Yeah, with my equipment and
sneaking around the cottage.
Yeah, well we don't know
if it's the same person.
I have a feeling you're
asking was it me, lads.
Well, it wasn't me.
Don't think I have an
alibi or anything,
but really, ask anyone,
I'm not the type.
I don't know how I'm
gonna convince you.
You're just gonna have
to take my word for it.
Or get the law involved.
You do what you need to.
Who the hell else could it be?
I have no idea.
It's got nothin' to
do with me though.
Alright.
What's on the stove, Gus?
Me stew.
You hungry?
Starvin'.
Only made enough to last
me for a couple of days,
but I'd rather lash it out
now and have the company.
How 'bout yourself, Inspector?
Yeah, yeah I'll try some.
You're too kind.
He was into Kirlian photography,
do you know what that is?
No.
Do you know what auras are?
Oh, is that like the
glow or somethin'?
Around living things, yeah.
So with a plant, when
you tear a leaf off,
the aura changes as if
the plant's distressed.
What a tree-hugger.
Devoy thought the trees
might be able to talk.
He said the way they swayed in
the wind was sign language.
When he saw branches
silhouetted against the sky,
he thought they looked
like scribbled letters.
He really did think the
trees might be able
to say something to us.
Jesus, okay, that is good.
Yeah.
No, he was a great advocate
of the Earth's own
language guide.
What?
Hallucinogens, magic
mushrooms, things like that.
Oh, okay, so you
tripped with him.
Oh, yeah, did I what.
I tripped everywhere with Devoy.
You see, he was like me in
that he was only interested
if it comes from the Earth.
See, if it comes form the Earth,
you know what you're getting.
It's not some mongrel
batch of God knows what
cooked up by God knows who
in some lab somewhere.
No, it's pure, you know?
Straight from God herself.
You make it sound like a
religious thing or something.
No time for religion then?
No, not really.
Me neither, man,
but I'm not adverse to the
odd spiritual experience.
So you still indulge?
Sure.
I think it's healthy.
Shed the ego now and again,
and melt back into the world.
Do you have anything here now?
I do, yeah.
Be fun to have some
sort of spiritual kick,
wouldn't it, Eric?
Come on, we have
work in the morning.
Work will still be there
in the mornin', man.
Yeah, but we have to
be able to do it.
Yeah, well I want some, so.
Come on, Olivia.
What, it's just a bit of fun.
You can always sack
me if you want.
Eric, you sure?
Yeah.
Here, start with that.
We just cut everything up
into salable little slabs.
That's what we do.
We just measure the land,
put boundaries around it,
and we tell people
where they can go
and when they can go there.
Jesus, it's so obnoxious.
We just read distances
and angles.
I don't think we can be blamed for
what other people do with the data.
Listen to Spock.
Land surveying, huh?
Something planned
for here, is there?
It's just a survey
of the general area
for academic records.
I reckon we're
afraid of the world.
I reckon we think
it's out to get us,
so we have to get it first.
I don't know, maybe
it is out to get us.
Maybe it's like a
self-fulfilling prophecy.
What do you think?
Seriously, what do
you think though?
We've lost touch with
the world, what it is.
People are born, they're
given birth to,
and they're immediately just
burdened with culture and class
but like what about who they
really are underneath all that?
Like who am I, you know?
Who are you?
And who the hell are you?
Can you take it easy?
Why is there somethin' the
matter with what I'm saying?
I think I'm comin' up.
What?
I finished what was in the bag.
You finished the bag?
Some heap of mushrooms
you're eatin' there, man.
Really, I thought
you took the same?
No.
You'll be fine.
You'll enjoy yourself.
That's some heap of mushrooms.
Alright, I don't
feel great, so...
Oi, you're gonna be grand, Eric.
It's a nice, clear night.
Let's go for a walk.
A walk.
- Eric.
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
That's so impulsive, Eric, wow.
Oh God, Olivia, you
are way too...
What?
There.
Let's go.
Go play.
So you can read the
trees, then, Olivia?
Yeah, I can.
What are they sayin'?
They're lookin' down
on the human race,
and they're sayin' what
a bunch of arseholes.
Yeah, well some people
like to live in nature.
Other people like to
catch it and kill it
and put its head on a wall.
Yeah, his wife puts his
head in a cabinet.
Every now and again,
she'll open it
and she'll slap him
across the face.
What are you guys talkin' about?
Oh nothing, man.
Just sucking the country air.
What's funny?
In today's spotlight,
we've got Eric Mayberry,
a part-time adulterer and
a full-time curmudgeon.
How are you feeling today, Eric?
Pretty freaked out.
Why are you freaked out?
I think I'm hallucinating.
What do you see?
Are you alone?
Heard you need the bitch.
Just go with it, man.
You alright, Eric?
You should turn your
coat inside out.
What's funny?
Is that funny?
It's funny.
It's alright, man, relax.
I think I'll head to bed.
That's another day's work lost.
Are you alright, man?
Yeah.
I think I'm gonna get goin'.
It's been unreal.
I'll walk you out.
Yeah.
Eric.
We have no electricity.
- Oh, shit.
- Yeah, I know.
Where is everything?
What?
Candles, torches,
it's gonna get dark.
Oh, Jesus, I don't know.
Eric, come in here and
have a look at these.
What is it?
Have you found candles?
Yep, and all this
other weird stuff.
Here.
This looks cool.
Gonna hang these up.
Devoy.
Come on downstairs.
I'm gonna read you a story
from your special book.
What special book?
You know what special book.
The Knowledge of Trees
by William Devoy.
Okay, here.
What is the meaning of trees?
Plants, vegetation, nature.
Is there grammar in
all the greenery?
Is there syntax in
all the spawning?
Are leaves linguistic?
Is there something worth
reading in the scripts
of bent trunks and stems, in
crooked branches and petals?
I know there is.
I've come to understand
there's a book of nature,
and all I have to do is
find out how to open it,
turn the pages, and
read the words.
Natural, oh.
Natural narcotics help
me read the world
from my belly to my brain,
and bang I see it suddenly
with ferocious clarity.
Everything is involved in
a kind of choreography.
Light wind, organic matter,
all dance to a silent tune.
Everything shines.
This is a vibrating,
verdant world.
This is everything we need.
This is what was taken from us.
This is Eden.
My God, this guy must've
had some serious stash.
Let's search the place.
Anyway, it's mostly
just drawings of plants
and fungus and stuff.
It's pretty crazy, isn't it?
I don't know, maybe he
was on to something.
Maybe he was enlightened.
Yeah.
Eric.
That's almost everything.
So listen, you head
back to the cottage.
I'm gonna go for a wander.
I'll walk back later.
- Really?
- Yeah, just feel like a walk.
Right.
Hello?
Fuck.
Jesus, Olivia, you
frightened me.
Yeah, everything frightens you.
How's Gus?
What?
Well, you took your time.
I take it you dropped in on him.
Mm hm, yeah I did.
He's fine.
That's lovely to hear.
I can't find the last
day's field readings.
Have you been using this?
No.
I can't find the readings.
I mean, they're gone.
Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh.
Just tired, maybe we both are.
Are you looking for attention?
Is that what this is?
What?
The way you've been behaving.
Making us take
mushrooms and things.
I didn't make you take anything.
Reading from that
mad man's book,
and hanging his pictures
all around the place.
Is this some kind of game?
What exactly are you
accusing me of?
Is this all at my expense?
I mean, I don't feel like
I'm out here to do my job.
I don't know what we're
supposed to be doing.
Did you arrange this
with the others?
- The others?
- Yeah, Olivia.
The others, Gus, the
locals, or the client.
I mean, it just
feels like a setup.
There's a real vindictive
vibe to all this.
A vindictive vibe?
Yeah, I sense an aura,
like in those photographs.
What was that stuff
with the interrogation?
Shining a torch in my face.
I mean, are you really that
fucking angry with me?
I don't want things to change.
Things don't have to change.
Why is everything changing?
I'm really confused
about all this, Eric.
Just tell me, and
we can sort it out.
Tell you what?
Why are you trying
to tear me apart?
Olivia, I'm sorry.
I don't feel comfortable staying
here with you anymore, Eric.
Stop, where you gonna go?
I don't know, somewhere
in the village.
I'm not gonna stay here.
It's late, this is silly.
Just stop.
Get out of my way.
No, just put your bag down.
- Get out of my way, Eric.
- Put the bag down.
Olivia, put the bag down!
Olivia, come on, get in the car.
This is crazy.
No, you're fucking crazy, Eric!
Olivia, I'm sorry.
Let's talk about it.
Jesus, don't just walk off.
Please, I said I was sorry.
This is stupid.
Ah, shit.
Olivia.
Stop!
Stop!
Mr. Mayberry?
Mr. Mayberry?
Mr. Mayberry, is
everything alright?
Mr. Mayberry, do you need help?
Hey.
Hey!
Where you goin'?
Hey.
Hey!
Communicate!
Eric?
Eric, you there?
Eric, it's me, are you in there?
Eric?
Eric!
Eric!
Eric!
Eric!
Dad?
I'm sorry.
Dad!
Hey, come on. Let's go back
and join the others, okay?
Hey, over here!
Eric.
Here, warm him up.
- Eric.
- Get an ambulance!
Can you hear me?
Eric, it's me.
- Eric.
- Your jacket.
Put your jacket on him.
Olivia.
Did you get someone?
Eric.
Hope you're day's getting
off to a good start.
It's been nippy but sunny,
here in Dublin anyway.
I didn't recognize myself,
and that's when I
started to become ill.
There are definitely other
in between spaces.
You know, there's this idea...
No matter what time of day,
we're always here for
you, 24 hours...
In the planning, air
regulator would ensure
that we had a planning
system that works
for the communities and
works for the people,
and doesn't just work
for the developers.
It should not be theirs.
I know, I know.
You're letting me down.
No, I said it depends.
Well, you're taking liberties.
I have to get this
thesis in by tomorrow.
I had to get an extension
already because of you.
Now hold on, you're getting
valuable experience.
Wednesday at the very
latest, I promise.
It's the second time
you've done this, Olivia.
It's almost impossible for
me to measure an area
this size on my own.
I'll be there.
Well, I better get back to it,
unless you want me
to be even later.
Right.
Bye.
Bye.
So how do you like
your lodgings?
Yeah, fine, peaceful.
Settled in okay?
Yeah, thanks.
Listen, about the wood.
Why have you requested
state department ordinance
of the area?
We want to keep
things quiet for now.
Commercial sensitivity
and all that.
I need to ask you
something else,
and I'd appreciate
a direct answer.
Fire away.
You do own the land, right?
Of course.
Some hopeless
development was planned
at the tail end of the boom.
We got it for a song.
It's perfect, or at
least it seems to be.
It's your job to tell
us that for certain.
I'm not sure you're gonna
get clearance from the EPA.
They won't be a problem.
How can you be so sure?
The system doesn't just
protect the environment.
It also protects those who wish
to exploit the environment.
Is everything okay at your end, Mr.
Mayberry?
Yeah, fine.
You're happy to be working
with us on this one?
Yeah, of course, but...
But what?
I'm curious why you
approached me for the job.
I mean, frankly, we both
know there are larger survey
firms out there better equipped
for a project this size.
Like I said, it's a
commercially sensitive venture.
We don't want the competition
getting wind of us.
If lots of surveyors go trampling
around out there, the cat's out of the bag.
Besides, Mr. Mayberry.
Besides?
You have a reputation
for discretion.
We'll leave it there.
Keep me posted.
Yeah.
For fuck's sake.
You're certain?
Absolutely, no one
knows a thing.
This is a curious line of
questioning, I must say.
I just considered environmental
activists or industrial espionage maybe.
It's fine.
I'm sure it's nothing
to worry about.
Just someone mucking around.
I look forward to
getting this concluded.
And your man's sittin'
over the top of it.
What are you having?
An IPA.
We don't have it.
The chemist might, outside.
Right.
Well, I'll just have a
beer, whatever you have.
I see you have rooms here.
Yeah.
Well, are they taken?
No.
Quiet time of year.
Interested yourself?
No, I just, well I
wondered who'd be staying.
Tried to put talk on me?
Yeah, I suppose.
Where are you staying yourself?
I rented a cottage between
here and the gully above.
And what has you here?
Off-season rambler, I'd say.
No, I'm working.
Workin'?
Yeah, well I'm doing a study.
A study?
It's an academic one,
like a thesis really.
What about?
About the area.
What about the
area specifically?
The gully.
Well, the woods in the gully.
The woods in the
gully specifically.
Does that sound specific to you?
Not specifically.
Sounds more like
Devoy's kinda thing.
Devoy?
That's his cottage
you're stayin' in.
Went soft in the head
wandering through
those woods up there
doing unspecific things.
Yeah, well it's an
unspecific kinda place.
How do you mean?
No one ever named it, never
even put it on a map.
It's got a name of sorts.
And what's that?
Gan Ainm.
Gan Ainm?
No name, it means.
Without name, to be precise.
How'd you come
across his cottage?
That was my employer
at the university.
They took care of that.
So how long are you gonna
stay in the cottage?
I'm not really sure.
Hi, mate.
Hello, can I get another
one of these please?
Can I get you something?
I stick with the tea.
Intoxicate myself in other ways.
Yeah, you look like a toker.
Do I?
Psilocybin, actually.
I'll give you a
pint of that then.
So what is it you do?
Oh, whatever I can.
You live around here?
Yep, a stop just above
Gan Ainm actually.
You're in the caravan, right?
Yeah, I recognize this fella.
Chaplin, he's handy.
You shouldn't be
there, you know.
It's all bought up,
private property.
Private property?
Actually, I may have that wrong.
I just heard something.
How did you hear it?
Jesus, I can't remember,
to tell you the truth.
It doesn't matter anyway.
I don't believe in the
concept of private property.
Yeah, that's 'cause
you don't own any.
No one does, they
just think they do.
You always remember to
bring the torch with you?
I wouldn't wanna get lost, man.
There's fairy fields
around here, you know?
Yeah.
They say people don't
get out of them.
They wander forever around
in circles unless...
Unless what?
They turn their
coats inside out,
and that tends to do the
trick for some reason.
Yeah, probably saved
his own life.
So what was the story
with that fellow
who used to live in my place?
Devoy?
They found him in the wood,
half-dead from hypothermia.
Catotonic, completely gone.
He's been in care since.
That's unnerving.
This is you.
Yeah.
Drop in when you're up
around Gan Ainm, yeah?
Might go with you, maybe.
Might be able to help.
Sure.
'Cause for a man doin' a study,
you don't seem to know
much about the place.
Oh, and Eric, 'round here best to sleep
with your pajamas on inside out, yeah?
Come on, boy.
You annoyed with me?
Why do you say that?
It's obvious, as
you're not talkin'.
No, I'm fine.
I just got a lot
on my mind is all.
Is it your family?
No, they're fine.
I'm glad you're here.
I hate being alone.
Bullying.
Yes.
Who's bullying him?
No, Justin isn't being bullied.
Justin is the bully.
Oh.
Yes.
Alright, put him on to me.
He doesn't want to talk to you.
Of course he doesn't,
put him on to me.
He's angry with you.
He's angry with me?
I did nothing.
Exactly.
The school want us to go
in and talk with them.
When?
Soon as possible.
When are you back?
When I'm finished.
How predictably vague.
Margaret, this is a big job.
I can't just drop everything.
- Are you alone?
- Yeah.
I was, Olivia arrived
last night, yesterday.
You were right the first time.
We'll talk about things
when you get back.
Well...
Margaret, wait.
What?
Nothing.
Nothing.
It doesn't matter.
Whatever.
Enjoy the rest of
your break, Eric.
Come on, Olivia, get out of bed.
We're here to work, remember?
Come on, Olivia.
Sorry.
You get them.
It's so old.
Why are you whispering?
It's like a church in here.
Eric?
Eric?
Eric?
Where did you go?
Eric?
It's not funny.
Okay, Eric.
Eric, where did you go?
I'm here.
- Don't do that.
- What?
Playin' hide and seek.
Hand me the receiver.
I was here.
The light in here is weird.
I'm not sure that this project
could go ahead anyway.
The whole area will be...
Not our concern, Olivia.
We're just here to claim data.
Okay, but I'm just
sayin' that...
It's just we don't
need to talk about it.
Did you pack everything?
Olivia?
Olivia?
Sorry, I thought we weren't
allowed to talk about it.
He grew to love having
that artificial eye.
He used to pop it out
and shock people.
Really?
Yeah, we cousins, he'd
refuse to stay with us
'cause he used to leave
it on the pillow
and all that kinda thing.
Oh my God.
He even popped it out in
front of a teacher at school
just to shut her up, and
then he got suspended.
Actually, that's how
he got the nickname.
Which was?
Ballar.
Ballar?
Yeah, Ballar of the evil eye.
It's a mythological demon.
No?
Whatever, they'd been
told about him in school.
I see.
This is nice though, isn't it?
The general vicinity, I mean.
It's remote and splendid.
The type of place you
always go on about.
Yeah, I could get used to it.
Your ideal little idyll.
Yeah, well that's just
me dreaming, isn't it?
Yeah, well aren't you
meant to make your dreams
come true in life?
Just stop, Olivia.
I have responsibilities.
Justin, I can't just walk away.
Yeah, your responsibilities,
you mentioned them...
And what would you
understand about it?
You don't know, you have your
whole life ahead of you.
And what is it you think I
wanna do with that life?
Eric, do you ever think
about what I want?
Where did you go?
Talk to me!
Where are you?
Eric, what are you doing?
Can you hear that?
Hear what?
There was someone out here.
The only person who's
out there is you.
Come to bed.
You're freakin' me out.
Hi there in your little bed.
You can come out.
Better than a
doorbell, that fella.
Sorry, hi, I'm Olivia.
Gus.
Visitors, great, come
on in for a cup of tea.
Nice one for callin' in, man.
I wasn't expecting company.
You sure you won't have a cup?
No, I'm fine.
Where'd you get all
the stuff, Gus?
I've been all over, mate.
Mementos, markers
from the journey.
Have you always traveled?
Half my life.
Occasionally I stop somewhere
for a while, like here.
Yeah?
Might stay put this time.
Someone's been messing around.
Messin' around?
Yeah, with my equipment and
sneaking around the cottage.
Yeah, well we don't know
if it's the same person.
I have a feeling you're
asking was it me, lads.
Well, it wasn't me.
Don't think I have an
alibi or anything,
but really, ask anyone,
I'm not the type.
I don't know how I'm
gonna convince you.
You're just gonna have
to take my word for it.
Or get the law involved.
You do what you need to.
Who the hell else could it be?
I have no idea.
It's got nothin' to
do with me though.
Alright.
What's on the stove, Gus?
Me stew.
You hungry?
Starvin'.
Only made enough to last
me for a couple of days,
but I'd rather lash it out
now and have the company.
How 'bout yourself, Inspector?
Yeah, yeah I'll try some.
You're too kind.
He was into Kirlian photography,
do you know what that is?
No.
Do you know what auras are?
Oh, is that like the
glow or somethin'?
Around living things, yeah.
So with a plant, when
you tear a leaf off,
the aura changes as if
the plant's distressed.
What a tree-hugger.
Devoy thought the trees
might be able to talk.
He said the way they swayed in
the wind was sign language.
When he saw branches
silhouetted against the sky,
he thought they looked
like scribbled letters.
He really did think the
trees might be able
to say something to us.
Jesus, okay, that is good.
Yeah.
No, he was a great advocate
of the Earth's own
language guide.
What?
Hallucinogens, magic
mushrooms, things like that.
Oh, okay, so you
tripped with him.
Oh, yeah, did I what.
I tripped everywhere with Devoy.
You see, he was like me in
that he was only interested
if it comes from the Earth.
See, if it comes form the Earth,
you know what you're getting.
It's not some mongrel
batch of God knows what
cooked up by God knows who
in some lab somewhere.
No, it's pure, you know?
Straight from God herself.
You make it sound like a
religious thing or something.
No time for religion then?
No, not really.
Me neither, man,
but I'm not adverse to the
odd spiritual experience.
So you still indulge?
Sure.
I think it's healthy.
Shed the ego now and again,
and melt back into the world.
Do you have anything here now?
I do, yeah.
Be fun to have some
sort of spiritual kick,
wouldn't it, Eric?
Come on, we have
work in the morning.
Work will still be there
in the mornin', man.
Yeah, but we have to
be able to do it.
Yeah, well I want some, so.
Come on, Olivia.
What, it's just a bit of fun.
You can always sack
me if you want.
Eric, you sure?
Yeah.
Here, start with that.
We just cut everything up
into salable little slabs.
That's what we do.
We just measure the land,
put boundaries around it,
and we tell people
where they can go
and when they can go there.
Jesus, it's so obnoxious.
We just read distances
and angles.
I don't think we can be blamed for
what other people do with the data.
Listen to Spock.
Land surveying, huh?
Something planned
for here, is there?
It's just a survey
of the general area
for academic records.
I reckon we're
afraid of the world.
I reckon we think
it's out to get us,
so we have to get it first.
I don't know, maybe
it is out to get us.
Maybe it's like a
self-fulfilling prophecy.
What do you think?
Seriously, what do
you think though?
We've lost touch with
the world, what it is.
People are born, they're
given birth to,
and they're immediately just
burdened with culture and class
but like what about who they
really are underneath all that?
Like who am I, you know?
Who are you?
And who the hell are you?
Can you take it easy?
Why is there somethin' the
matter with what I'm saying?
I think I'm comin' up.
What?
I finished what was in the bag.
You finished the bag?
Some heap of mushrooms
you're eatin' there, man.
Really, I thought
you took the same?
No.
You'll be fine.
You'll enjoy yourself.
That's some heap of mushrooms.
Alright, I don't
feel great, so...
Oi, you're gonna be grand, Eric.
It's a nice, clear night.
Let's go for a walk.
A walk.
- Eric.
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
That's so impulsive, Eric, wow.
Oh God, Olivia, you
are way too...
What?
There.
Let's go.
Go play.
So you can read the
trees, then, Olivia?
Yeah, I can.
What are they sayin'?
They're lookin' down
on the human race,
and they're sayin' what
a bunch of arseholes.
Yeah, well some people
like to live in nature.
Other people like to
catch it and kill it
and put its head on a wall.
Yeah, his wife puts his
head in a cabinet.
Every now and again,
she'll open it
and she'll slap him
across the face.
What are you guys talkin' about?
Oh nothing, man.
Just sucking the country air.
What's funny?
In today's spotlight,
we've got Eric Mayberry,
a part-time adulterer and
a full-time curmudgeon.
How are you feeling today, Eric?
Pretty freaked out.
Why are you freaked out?
I think I'm hallucinating.
What do you see?
Are you alone?
Heard you need the bitch.
Just go with it, man.
You alright, Eric?
You should turn your
coat inside out.
What's funny?
Is that funny?
It's funny.
It's alright, man, relax.
I think I'll head to bed.
That's another day's work lost.
Are you alright, man?
Yeah.
I think I'm gonna get goin'.
It's been unreal.
I'll walk you out.
Yeah.
Eric.
We have no electricity.
- Oh, shit.
- Yeah, I know.
Where is everything?
What?
Candles, torches,
it's gonna get dark.
Oh, Jesus, I don't know.
Eric, come in here and
have a look at these.
What is it?
Have you found candles?
Yep, and all this
other weird stuff.
Here.
This looks cool.
Gonna hang these up.
Devoy.
Come on downstairs.
I'm gonna read you a story
from your special book.
What special book?
You know what special book.
The Knowledge of Trees
by William Devoy.
Okay, here.
What is the meaning of trees?
Plants, vegetation, nature.
Is there grammar in
all the greenery?
Is there syntax in
all the spawning?
Are leaves linguistic?
Is there something worth
reading in the scripts
of bent trunks and stems, in
crooked branches and petals?
I know there is.
I've come to understand
there's a book of nature,
and all I have to do is
find out how to open it,
turn the pages, and
read the words.
Natural, oh.
Natural narcotics help
me read the world
from my belly to my brain,
and bang I see it suddenly
with ferocious clarity.
Everything is involved in
a kind of choreography.
Light wind, organic matter,
all dance to a silent tune.
Everything shines.
This is a vibrating,
verdant world.
This is everything we need.
This is what was taken from us.
This is Eden.
My God, this guy must've
had some serious stash.
Let's search the place.
Anyway, it's mostly
just drawings of plants
and fungus and stuff.
It's pretty crazy, isn't it?
I don't know, maybe he
was on to something.
Maybe he was enlightened.
Yeah.
Eric.
That's almost everything.
So listen, you head
back to the cottage.
I'm gonna go for a wander.
I'll walk back later.
- Really?
- Yeah, just feel like a walk.
Right.
Hello?
Fuck.
Jesus, Olivia, you
frightened me.
Yeah, everything frightens you.
How's Gus?
What?
Well, you took your time.
I take it you dropped in on him.
Mm hm, yeah I did.
He's fine.
That's lovely to hear.
I can't find the last
day's field readings.
Have you been using this?
No.
I can't find the readings.
I mean, they're gone.
Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh.
Just tired, maybe we both are.
Are you looking for attention?
Is that what this is?
What?
The way you've been behaving.
Making us take
mushrooms and things.
I didn't make you take anything.
Reading from that
mad man's book,
and hanging his pictures
all around the place.
Is this some kind of game?
What exactly are you
accusing me of?
Is this all at my expense?
I mean, I don't feel like
I'm out here to do my job.
I don't know what we're
supposed to be doing.
Did you arrange this
with the others?
- The others?
- Yeah, Olivia.
The others, Gus, the
locals, or the client.
I mean, it just
feels like a setup.
There's a real vindictive
vibe to all this.
A vindictive vibe?
Yeah, I sense an aura,
like in those photographs.
What was that stuff
with the interrogation?
Shining a torch in my face.
I mean, are you really that
fucking angry with me?
I don't want things to change.
Things don't have to change.
Why is everything changing?
I'm really confused
about all this, Eric.
Just tell me, and
we can sort it out.
Tell you what?
Why are you trying
to tear me apart?
Olivia, I'm sorry.
I don't feel comfortable staying
here with you anymore, Eric.
Stop, where you gonna go?
I don't know, somewhere
in the village.
I'm not gonna stay here.
It's late, this is silly.
Just stop.
Get out of my way.
No, just put your bag down.
- Get out of my way, Eric.
- Put the bag down.
Olivia, put the bag down!
Olivia, come on, get in the car.
This is crazy.
No, you're fucking crazy, Eric!
Olivia, I'm sorry.
Let's talk about it.
Jesus, don't just walk off.
Please, I said I was sorry.
This is stupid.
Ah, shit.
Olivia.
Stop!
Stop!
Mr. Mayberry?
Mr. Mayberry?
Mr. Mayberry, is
everything alright?
Mr. Mayberry, do you need help?
Hey.
Hey!
Where you goin'?
Hey.
Hey!
Communicate!
Eric?
Eric, you there?
Eric, it's me, are you in there?
Eric?
Eric!
Eric!
Eric!
Eric!
Dad?
I'm sorry.
Dad!
Hey, come on. Let's go back
and join the others, okay?
Hey, over here!
Eric.
Here, warm him up.
- Eric.
- Get an ambulance!
Can you hear me?
Eric, it's me.
- Eric.
- Your jacket.
Put your jacket on him.
Olivia.
Did you get someone?
Eric.