You Can't Take My Daughter (2020) - full transcript

Owen just texted about getting
together tonight to celebrate.

Again?

Making up for all those years

in the law school library.

I wanted to redo
my resume tonight.

Yeah, you totally should,
I mean who's gonna hire

a summa cum laude loser
like you?

Grades aren't everything.

Amy, when you can measure
your single status

by the length of your leg hair,

it's time to stop sleeping
with your law books



and live a little.
Like that..

Are you saying yes to tonight?

- Okay. Fine.
- Okay. Good.

- Race you to the car?
- Okay.

Ha!

Hey!

It's just me. Never grew so big
as this year.

Trade you for a stick of butter.

Chickie,
you don't have to trade me.

Ooh! Don't you look cute.

I never looked that good
even when I looked good.

Well, looks aren't everything,

unless you're a sunflower,
of course.

Honey, if the world
was blind, you'd still impress.



Here's your stick of butter.

Enjoy the party.
You work so hard.

- There we go.
- Thank you.

Please
leave a message after the tone.

So I guess I have to
make an appointment with my daughter

just to get a return call
these days

now that she's a fancy lawyer.

Don't forget we have
a spa day planned, so call me.

It's mama.

- Thanks for the butter, baby.
- Anytime, Chickie.

- Who's making a toast?
- Watch and learn.

I'm doing it. Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

To the greatest class
to ever graduate.

Which probably
would not have been possible

without Amy's study guides.

And to all the difference
we're gonna make in this world.

Okay, okay, okay.

How about a round of shots
for these

bad-ass, slightly-unfit,
soon-to-be lawyers

taking over the world?

Hell, yeah, Demetri,

taking the bar was easier

than taking
your CrossFit classes.

Wow. Dagger.

You know, I didn't see you girls
at the gym.

We were too busy
training our brains.

Wow, wow, okay. Well...

To-to, to training your brains.
Here.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Amy, did you not like it?

I-I'd be happy to get you
something else.

I'm, I've just had enough.
Thank you so much.

- Sure.
- I'll drink hers, don't worry.

She's had too many.

I'll see you tomorrow afternoon.

- Okay, it's time to go.
- Bye.

Do you wanna hang out sometime?

Um, no.

Chickie, is that you?

Why'd you have to say no?

911. What's your emergency?

I, I've been raped.

So you met five days ago?

Um, yeah. Um...

So a bunch of us
were celebrating.

Um, well, some of us
just graduated...

- From college?
- Law school.

- Nice.
- Congrats.

- So was he also a law student?
- No, no.

He owns a gym

that a bunch of the guys

I graduated with train at.

He was at the bar.
He, he bought us some shots.

So you knew him.

- No.
- Were you drinking alcohol?

Y... I had some wine,
but no shots.

Why not?

I had enough. I, I said so.

Was he offended?

N-no.

He smiled.

But he knew where you lived?

He...

He was, um, in the taxi

with another friend of mine
who dropped me off.

He asked me out, but I said no.

Then what did he say?

He smiled, and then...

Then?

W-when, when he was attacking me

he, he was smiling.

So this report will be filed

and someone from the division
will be in touch.

- That's it?
- For now, yes.

But don't you have to, um...

- Well, because you knew him.
- No, I didn't know him!

He means, because you know
the identity of the,

your rapist,

we don't need to do
a rape kit is all.

- So you'll arrest him, then?
- We'll get his statement.

You know,
innocent until proven guilty.

Is there anyone else around

who might have seen him
come in tonight?

No. I live alone.

And my neighbor Chickie
doesn't hear very well.

Um, ma'am, your, um,

your ear is bleeding. Here.

This...

So, um, you'll...

So you'll, you'll step up patrol
now that he's been in here?

We'll put in a request,
but unless

there's an actual threat...

He just raped me.

R-right. I meant, again.

Home Depot sells security doors.

My God! What the hell?

Where's the ambulance?

Where is the ambulance?

That's a three-hour drive.

We need to see
the extent of the injury

to the genital area
to complete the rape kit.

Like I said, I'm sorry,
but our colposcope camera

isn't working tonight.

You need to go
to Lincoln Memorial.

You only have a 72-hour window
to complete the testing.

This is insanely unacceptable.

Here's a prescription for
any STDs he may have given you.

Take the whole course
just to be sure.

I'm sorry, but that's all
we can do for you here.

That's fine, Letty.

The police officer said
I don't need a rape kit.

- I just wanna get out of here.
- Okay.

Amy.

Honey, it's okay.
You should go home, okay?

You've got that big interview
in Boston tomorrow.

I'll move it.
I'm not leaving you.

Thank you.

Hello.

My Lord in heaven,
what happened to you?

You go bungee jumping
or something stupid?

I guess I might have to
move our facials to another day.

Um, I was attacked, mom.

What?

That did not happen.
Who hit you?

Lord, not my baby girl's face.

I've got to find something
to cover up this mess

'cause you can't go out
looking like this.

Mom, mom, stop. Please.

I was raped.

Raped? By who?

- Did you know him?
- I didn't know him.

Well, did the police arrest him?

They're investigating. Um...

I have to go to
the prosecutor's office tomorrow

'cause they decide
what the charges will be.

My poor sweet baby.

Are you, are you sure

you wanna go through
with this court case and all?

Everyone will know.

What were you wearing?

If... if I was a man,

would you ask me that question?

I don't, I don't know.

Sand 2, that's who you are.

Macy's sells a concealer
that was mixed by the angels.

I'm gonna send some over here
and it'll arrive

before I get back
from the Galveston pageant.

Wait, you're leaving town?

Well, they want me to be
a guest judge and I said no,

but it's
the five-to-eight-year olds.

They know I can't resist

those precious little
princesses.

And the money didn't hurt.

Sweetie, don't be blue.
Come on.

By the time I get back,
you'll be all healed up,

we're gonna have a spa day
and have those facials

and then we're gonna put
all this business behind us.

Okay, now, I'm gonna make you
a nice cup of coffee.

Here, you practice in the mirror

'cause you're gonna need this
for the next seven days.

The average sentence
is 11 years for rape

if we get a guilty verdict.

Now, we'll meet again
as soon as formal charges

are officially filed.

Okay. So when will that be?

There's a huge backlog
of rape cases.

The court will notify
the accused

of your intent to file.

Now, it could take
up to six months

for the case to come to trial
while we investigate.

Six months?

Yeah, well, says here

you passed the bar
with flying colors.

You know even he has the right
to a fair trial.

At this point, unfortunately,
it's his word against yours.

Hey, there, tattletale.

Alone again, I see.

Love that. What is that?
Chocolate chip?

You need to back off
talking smack about me.

Drop the charges.

You know, last time
was a romantic walk in the park

compared to what we'll do
this time.

We're soul mates, you and I.

I'll see you at home, honey!

Do you need a moment?
You look white as a ghost.

No ....!

I'll get this filed right away.

Everyone in Boston
is so excited right now.

I mean,
the Red Sox are rocking it!

What is going on with you?
Why are you still cleaning?

- I'm pregnant.
- What? How can you be pregnant?

I thought the doctor in
college said you couldn't get pregnant.

All those things
you dealt with the cysts?

My God.

And you had a job
during law school, right?

You worked
for the attorney general?

- Yes.
- What was your area of focus?

Initially it was delivering

a still piping-hot
venti quadruple shot,

but blessedly it transitioned
into drafting docs

for women's issues,
mostly, domestic violence

in a department
that I-I helped reestablish.

Well, if there are
no other questions...

We can...

Okay, really?

Because there's a great deal
more that

I didn't include on my resume.
I studied abroad.

And, um,
my-my dissertation was about

international fluid
policy change and then I...

Will you accept the position?

We've been following you
since your second year at Emory.

We know you're being courted
by another firm.

We'd ask, instead of you having
a second interview with them,

you join us.

Wow! Yes. Yes!

Hey. Anything stopping you
from starting on Monday?

We've got a civil case pending
we could really use you on.

Nothing, nothing at all.
Count me in.

Terrific.

Now, this part I like to call
the little hurricane.

And this here is the eye of it.

That is your baby.

You are back on track!

The universe is pulling for you.

And about time.

And no one deserves it
more than you,

especially after
all that horrendous-ness.

Is that a word?

So I have a cousin
who got pregnant

and didn't want to be and...

I wanna keep the baby, Letty.

You do?

I mean, you've worked so hard,
all that school,

and now this dream job.

You sleep
with your law books, Ames.

It just...

It feels kind of impulsive.

I know. I must seem crazy.

I'm so furious with myself
that I couldn't fight him off.

And, and my body
just felt broken, dead.

And now
I'm growing this little life.

It's very much
a part of me already.

But isn't it gonna be
a reminder of...

Strength.

That he took so much from me.

And now this baby, I feel like

I'm not broken, after all.

I have hope now.

I've always believed
in a woman's right to choose,

even my own.

I just...

I have to keep it.

Well, then,
congratulations, mama.

This is going to be
the greatest and hardest thing

you'll ever have to do.

She says you threatened her
in the grocery-store parking lot

on Main Street and 5th.

Sir, I-I saw her and said hello.

You know, to be polite.

She's just some woman
who flirted with me

that night at the bar.

And then you dropped her home
in a taxi?

Yeah, sure. Her and her friend.

I live close by,
and they were pretty...

Well,
they were pretty inebriated.

So I saw them safely home.

And that's the last
you saw of 'em?

Yes, sir.
Sorry I can't tell you more.

No, that's great. Thank you.

It's a nice badge.

Just gonna get
some more color added to mine,

freshen it up a little bit.

Yeah, wife wants me
to get rid of it.

She's got a bee in her bonnet
since she's pregnant.

About as far along
as Ms. Thompson.

Well, you know what they say,
babies change everything.

My baby girl, look at you!

Don't you just
look so much better!

It's like night and day. You're
just positively a-glowing!

- How are you, mom?
- I am relieved!

Alright, now let's have
a sip of champagne

and celebrate your new job!

Hey, mom, um,

I'm not gonna drink today, okay?

It's okay if we have
a little sip in the afternoon.

No, it's, um...

It-it's because I'm pregnant.

You're what?

My God, since when
did you even have a boyfriend?

And when were you gonna
introduce me to him?

Um...

No, I...

I got pregnant from the rape.

My God.
You can't be serious.

I'm-I'm keeping it.

Now, look.

I know that you have always been
a head-strong little thing.

But a child from that man?

Every time you look at it,

you're gonna see his face.

This baby is the only thing
keeping me

from the dark place
he took me to.

Give me an F-in' break.
This isn't Super Soul Sunday.

This is your damn life!
What about...

God. What about your career
and your future?

What-what about your reputation?

And what man in his right mind
is gonna want a woman

with a child born from rape?

I'm not thinking
about a man right now, mom.

You're not thinking. Period.

You can't have this kid.

Yes, I can.

And I will.

You are not just destroying
your reputation...

you're destroying mine, too.

I've made my decision.

My God.

This can't even...

I am more than happy
to leave this nightmare.

Have you thought about
the future

when people ask
who the daddy is?

That poor child.

Hey, guys,
what are you doing here?

Owen paid Demetri
a little visit.

Yeah, and told him what
a sick son-of-a-bitch he was.

- You went to his gym?
- Yes.

Look, I hated myself for letting
him join us that night, okay?

But he said
that he didn't touch you

and that you have him confused
for someone else.

And he got real pissed.

He could barely
keep his... together.

- Guys, he's got a scary temper.
- And scary lawyers.

Yeah.
Brown Melway and Wallace.

It's gonna be a dirty fight.

As if you had a choice.

Hey.

Are you okay?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.

- No.
- What?

The Boston firm
wants a second interview.

I have to fly out tonight.

Hey, that's great!

I can't go. I can't leave you.

No, you have to go. Absolutely.
Go get 'em, girl.

Okay, I'll only be gone
for, like, two days.

Owen, you'll stay with her,
right?

- You guys.
- Yeah.

I'm fine. Really. Seriously.

Good luck.

I'm good.

He is stalking me, Jim.

Why is the restraining order
hearing taking so long

and why isn't he answering
to the rape charge first?

I'm waiting for a hearing date.

It'll come up faster
than the rape case.

Amy, you're doing great.
Just follow the law.

What does it matter if I follow
the law when he doesn't?

Eventually he has to.

"Eventually."

You know, the truth is,

it doesn't matter
how many locks I install

or how careful I am.

There is no legal protection

that anyone
can seem to offer me.

You know that, he knows that.

He isn't afraid of anything.

If it was
one of your daughters...

He'd already be dead.

So you've been having
these cramps

at least three times a day?

Yeah. Is the baby okay?

Perfectly fine.

You, however, have a shortening
cervix that requires rest.

So you'll need to avoid
all strenuous activity

from here on out.

No. I just got a new job.

So I can't...

Amy, we can't risk
a premature birth.

There's no choice, I'm afraid.

Now, how about we find out
the baby's gender

so that you can be thinking
about names

while you're resting?

- Okay.
- Okay.

Sir, like I told the detective,
I don't even know her name.

The only time I met her
was at this bar I hang out at

with some friends of hers
at law school.

How do you know them?

I run a gym where they do
a 3-D competition.

It's CrossFit,
boxing and weights.

It's a good thing they're smart.

Why do you say that?

Well, they basically flunked.

I mean, they couldn't save
a fly, let alone themselves,

but I passed them anyway.

So you lied?

Look, what can I say?

I'm a nice guy.

Do nice guys have to tell you
they're nice guys?

So you're saying you couldn't
possibly be the father,

that you didn't force sex
on Amy?

Like I told you,
I don't even know her.

That's sad.

Some women get so vindictive
when they get rejected.

You rejected her?
Is that what you did?

It's pretty easy
to prove paternity.

Have at it.

I'll only be working from home
for a few weeks

and I can phone in
to all of the meetings.

I'm not the only single
working mother out there.

I know you also said that you...

But I wasn't pregnant
from a rape,

starting a new job
straight out of law school.

A police detective
came here today

looking to corroborate this was
your place of employment.

Why didn't you tell us?

It's not relevant
to what I do here.

It didn't feel like it was
an appropriate thing to share.

I feel like
I have more than delivered...

Yes, so far you have,
a-and I admire your fortitude,

but I'm a little concerned how
you're gonna continue to do so

with a high-risk pregnancy
and a court case ahead.

You've nothing to worry about,
I can assure you.

Now, don't forget to drink
plenty of water

and get lots of sunlight.

You're basically a house plant
with more complicated emotions.

Are you sure
you're okay with this?

Yes, yes! Chickie knows to check
in, and Owen is standing by...

And I'll be home every weekend
to look after you.

Yeah, um, so I've got this, um,
work call in a few minutes.

Look at you,
taking care of your career!

I'm gonna tell them
that I'm leaving.

I already have a case
that I'm forced to prove.

I don't wanna have
to prove myself to anyone else,

especially a board room
full of doubters.

Ames, this is the best offer
from the firm of your dreams.

Yeah, dreams change.

I'm gonna do some casual PI work
for this guy that I know.

It'll just be less stressful
till the baby is born.

You were top
of our entire class,

and now you're gonna
take some low-end thing?

- If it were me, I'd keep the...
- It's not you, Letty. It's me.

Okay.

Take pictures in Boston.
Lots of them.

I love you.

The thing about some women,
pretty as they are...

you can never really trust
what they're gonna do next...

Shh! Shh!

So you get knocked up,
and you blame me?

It could have been
so many others.

Why are you acting so crazy?

Amy. Amy, Amy.

We're both moving on.
Understand?

I'm telling you this
for the last time.

Drop all the charges. I go away.

No.

I told you
about using that word.

I'll kill it, too,
so you'd better listen.

- No!
- Yeah?

Unless you want
to make it up to me.

Come here.

Help! Help!

No!

Call the, call the police!

The hell with them,
I'll take him myself!

Hey...

- You okay?
- Yeah.

It's gonna be alright.

So we've checked your perimeter,

and it looks like
all of your locks are working.

Are you sure
you didn't leave anything open?

Weren't you guys
supposed to be watchin' her?

You gotta go a long way to find
anyone more useless than you!

Hey, have you considered moving?

I'm waiting for court dates
on both cases

and I'm on bed rest,

so moving for me right now
is not an option.

How about you guys do your job

and move him
into a two-by-four cell?

What in hell's takin' so long?

I'll make sure that a patrol car
keeps an eye on her.

And him!

He's threatened me with a gun
in my own home

and now he's still asking me
to drop the charges.

Okay, look, we work with a few
private security companies tha...

You know I can't afford that.

Okay, how do you feel about
arming yourself?

No. Not for me.

Then remember,
we are making some progress.

We got the date for the hearing

on the restraining order
all set.

What about the rape case?

Amy, out of every
1000 sexual assaults,

995 perps walk free.

If we're gonna get this guy,
we have to check every box.

How many boxes do we have
to check before I end up in one?

Mom, please leave.

I need you to listen to me.

Can you please talk to me?
I am your momma.

Thank you!

Lord, it is so unpleasant.

It is a girl, mom,

and, and her name is Maddy.

It isn't too late.
Dr. Bird has offered to help.

- Even at this point.
- What? Who?

You remember him,
tall drink of water,

lived at the big house
at the end of the cul-de-sac?

So well-respected.

Look, I-I am happy
to pay for it.

Then we don't have
to talk about this ever again.

Mom, please listen to me
when I say this.

I am keeping this baby.

Can you please just tell me
one thing,

because I must be missing it
myself!

Just what
are you trying to prove?

That I am a mother, mother.

It's okay,
you'll never make it in time.

Don't worry, I remember
all the breathing stuff, coach.

- And pushing...
- Yes.

Ames, I love you. I'm-I'm there
even though I'm not there, okay?

I know you are. I love you, too.

- Kick some ass.
- You kick some ass.

You're gonna be great.

Is there anyone else
you wanna call

before we get this party
started?

No.

Okay, mama, here we go.

I will always do my very best
for you, my fierce baby girl.

Wow. Hey.

This is your Aunty Letty.

Hey.

Could she be more perfect?

She's breathing on her own...

Gosh, I can't express
how much I love her.

She's beautiful.

Both of you are.

Her name is Maddy.

Well, Maddy...

I got you the best that
Boston Airport has to offer.

- How are you feelin' today?
- Good.

You have
a little bit of paperwork.

It's the birth certificate.

Do you wanna put
the father's name on it?

- No.
- No.

It's just me.

Like I said, Your
Honor, I-I just wanted to find out

why she was saying
those crazy things about me.

So why hold it against me
for going to see her?

"Going to see her?"

Your Honor,
in addition to battery,

he's been relentless in stalking
her throughout the city.

- He pointed a gun at her.
- Objection, Your Honor.

The defendant
has already testified

that he did not have a weapon

and never threatened
Ms. Thompson.

How many times will counsel

try to suggest
this alternate scenario?

Counselor?

We have the neighbor's testimony

that corroborates
Ms. Thompson's.

The neighbor testified
that she did not see a weapon,

nor hear my client
threaten Ms. Thompson

before she fired a shot at him.

Move along, counselor.

Your Honor, we have a report...
May I approach?

From the court's
own investigator...

that indicates repeated
contradictory statements

given by the defendant.

We have a witness confirming

he terrorized Ms. Thompson
at her own home

to the extent she had
to jump out of her window

while six months pregnant.

Your Honor, is there a question

coming for my client here?

Or is opposing counsel simply
using this time to pontificate?

The court finds the
defendant guilty of battery threats

and witness intimidation.

However, the court is willing
to grant probation

providing the following
conditions are met.

No contact with Ms. Thompson,

and you will meet
with a probation officer.

Court dismissed.

The hurricane
warning remains in effect

for all the Carolinas
and parts of Virginia.

Hurricane Arthur, a major
and extremely deadly hurricane

is expected to make landfall
around 9 a.m. tomorrow.

This super-storm is expected
to be a category-five hurricane

with winds
up to 300 miles per hour.

Hey, are you at the center yet?

No, I'm not evacuating.
I'm leaving... for good.

I'm sorry,
am I missing something?

Isn't there a hurricane raging
outside of your door right now?

Yeah, maybe
it's telling me something.

A sign to get out and go
somewhere, anywhere but here.

What? What about the rape case?

It's taking too long, Letty.
I'm scared here.

Well, then come to Boston.
Stay here with me.

- No. I'm gonna go to Atlanta.
- Why?

Hey, we liked
going to school there. Okay?

And I need something familiar.

Be careful.

Look, I'll call you
from the road, okay?

Alright, bye.

Thank you.

Wow, Maddy,
you have the magic touch.

We've sold out three times.

It's my secret potion,
that's why, mama.

- Yeah? So what's in it, again?
- It's a secret.

Okay. Hey, remember,
we don't have secrets.

- Yeah, yeah.
- Hey...

is this stuff really homemade?
Did you make it?

- I did.
- We did.

Mama, that hurts.

Hey, buddy,
you, you want a cup?

Here, kid. It's on the house.

- Okay?
- Thanks. Come on, bud.

Drink all my potion.
It'll make you big and strong.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Man, that's good.

Your preschool is
just around the corner,

and you'll have
some of the same friends,

like Logan and Sophia.

And I bet there'll be
cooler art projects.

But if we don't like it,
we can do Team Us.

- There'll always be Team Us!
- Team Us!

You okay?

You ready to go find your desk?

Yeah.

- You can go now, mama.
- Okay.

Excuse me. Which way
is administration? Thank you.

And I really appreciate
her getting into this school.

It's such an artistic place.
And it feels safe.

Yeah, of course.
We're happy to have her here.

- Is it?
- Pardon?

I mean, it feels safe...

We use every precaution possible

a-and we do have
a parent safety committee,

if that's something
you're interested in.

Yes, I'm already signed up
for that.

Well, we have a spotless record

when it comes to security
at this school.

I promise you,
you have nothing to worry about.

- Okay. Thank you, David.
- Of course.

Hey, while I have your here, um,
Maddy's enrollment forms,

you left
the father's name blank.

Yes, that's correct.

Maddy doesn't have a father.

I should get to work. Thank you.

Sure.

Hey, Amy, how was your weekend?

I went to the game,
then got wasted Saturday night

and spent yesterday in recovery.
What did you do?

Um, Maddy had a birthday party,
and then we had a church thing.

Actually, today is her first day
of school.

Fun, fun, fun!

So maybe you wanna join us
this weekend?

We're all going out
to this crazy party.

It's gonna be awesome.
You should really come.

I actually,
I have this old friend

who's coming into town, so...

I'm gonna get started
on this litigation.

Yeah, for sure.

And I was in
my office alone again,

and I looked out
at The Boston Opera House

and I thought,
"What the heck am I doing?"

Law was my father's dream.

All I ever wanted to do
was dance!

Wait, so what are you saying?

You're gonna dance
at the Opera House?

No.

Um, I'm gonna dance here.

- Here? As in Atlanta?
- Yes, Atlanta.

The guys here are so cute.

Plus, you have Costco and...

- And Waffle House!
- Waffle House.

I mean,
what else does a girl need?

And there's
a decent dance studio downtown

that I could teach at.

Is it cool if I hang here

until I find my own place?

- What?
- Yay!

It could be like the old days,
but better.

And free dance lessons for all!

Yes, we can turn the office
into your room.

Although, spoiler alert,
Maddy's never been one

to sleep through the night.

Well, that makes two of us.

She could watch my old movies
with me,

and I could teach her
my horrendous snacking habits.

Plus, I think
you could use some help.

I'm proud of you...

and this beautiful life
that you've made.

And the only reason
I'm goin' back to that church

is for that great bakery
across the street.

They sell those cinnamon buns
you love.

Mama, can I have one?

Your choice,
'cause as I remember,

it's Sophia's party and someone
said there'd be cake.

Hey, put that in the sink
for me, okay?

That must be the paper.

- Amy Thompson?
- Yes.

You've been served.

How can he file for custody?

He denies brutally raping you.

And now all of a sudden
he's daddy dearest?

Different state.
Different court.

Mama, what's wrong?

Nothing, honey.
Everything's fine.

Okay, come on,
we don't wanna be late...

We're gone!

Mama.

I made copies of what I have.

Great. Thanks. Alright.

Let's take a look and see
what she has here.

Yeah.

Um...

Okay. Yeah,
there's a police report.

Yup. That's pretty...

How can he be entitled

to the very same rights
as other fathers?

Well, in Georgia, there's
a belief that a rapist father

is better than no father at all.

He must have known

'cause he couldn't have filed
in North Carolina.

We actually had a case
a few years ago

where the judge ruled
that the mother

share all the decisions
of the household

with the rapist father,
even religious choice.

There's another judge here
that believes

that a pregnancy from rape

occurs with the same frequency
as snowfall in Miami.

I was raped and I conceived.

Right, and that case
is still pending

and hasn't been tried yet.

So he's still innocent
in the eyes of the law.

This morning, counsel disclosed

that he's hiring
his own private investigator.

- He'll be contacting you.
- Private investigator for what?

He looks all the more innocent

if it appears like
he's transparent.

Where's he even getting
the money to pay for this?

Fathers'-rights groups?
Family's helping him?

It doesn't matter to the court.

There's something else that
his attorneys are asking for.

He wants the child
to have his name.

No way.

But he'll settle
for a hyphenate.

- Never. Never!
- Never say never.

As your court date
is just a few weeks away,

I suggest that you sign with us
immediately...

If you don't hire a lawyer,
the court will assign you one.

- I don't think you want that.
- Okay, so what's your strategy?

Well, the court will look
favorably on a small concession,

so I say we open the door
to once-a-month Sundays

with supervised visitation...

Thank you. I'll defend myself.

Ms. Thompson, you can't do that.

This man pointed a gun at me

when I was pregnant
with my daughter.

I will not be compromising her
safety and welfare in any way,

even if the system thinks
it's okay

for rapists
to tuck kids into bed at night.

So what's your strategy?

The truth.

Yes, hi, my name's Amy Thompson.
Can I speak to Professor Berman?

Hi, Professor Berman,
it's Amy Thompson.

Yeah, I have some questions
regarding a custody case.

Yes, is there any precedence
in the state of Georgia

for denying custodial rights?

So you're saying there's
no protection for mothers

with children
that are the product of rape?

But there must be some way.
But...

I understand, but...

Surely you're not saying...

Is there someone else
I can speak with?

I'm workin' on your snack, okay?
It's comin'.

Double peanut butter, right?

- Yeah. Yes, please.
- Yes, please.

How's your music homework
comin' along?

I was doing good,
but I took a little break.

But I did some.

Finally found it.

Hey, why is she frowning?

Well, she's in trouble.

Who's in trouble?

You, mama. We're gonna learn
to karate chop.

And you won't be afraid anymore.

I'll protect you, mama.

All you have to do is sign here.

Okay.

Hey.

- I thought you had work.
- I have a friend.

He bought himself a team.

They look like a bunch
of fancy birds on a wire.

At least you don't actually have
to see that bastard.

That's the one good thing
he did,

have the decency to stay
in North Carolina.

Hey, you got this.

All rise for the
honorable Judge Bonner.

Please be seated.

We're here to establish
Mr. Demetri Hogan's paternity.

Mr. Hogan, counsel informs me
they are representing you

for the State of Georgia

and you presently live
in North Carolina.

Is this correct?

Yes, Your Honor.

I'm the best you'll ever have.

And we have
Mr. Hogan's counsel Ms. Wallace

and Mr. Rosemead,
his personal investigator.

Ms. Thompson,
you're representing yourself?

Yes, Your Honor.

You know the court does not
advise it.

I do, Your Honor.

I've read petitioners'
and respondents' statements.

As this hearing is to establish
Mr. Hogan's paternal rights,

I'll ask his counsel to proceed
with any new statements.

Mr. Hogan's message
has been clear

since he hired Mr. Rosemead,
who helped him to discover

that he fathered a child
almost seven years ago.

He simply wants an opportunity
to be a loving father

to the child that he's purposely
been kept away

from by the mother.

Your Honor, that's a lie.

Mr. Hogan found out
I was pregnant from a detective.

I filed a restraining order
against him

after he raped me
in North Carolina.

Ms. Wallace was his attorney
then, too.

Objection, Your Honor.

Are you going to allow
Ms. Thompson

to randomly interject like this?

Ms. Thompson,
please approach the bench.

This is family court,
not criminal court.

Yes, Your Honor.

And are you aware of any law

to prohibit this action
from the child's father?

No, Your Honor,
not in the state of Georgia.

And no federal law, correct?

- No, Your Honor.
- In which case...

- But I'm working on it.
- Well, you'd best hurry.

State law
is scarce and inconsistent.

I'm bound by the law,
Ms. Thompson.

Laws that keep
mothers and children

tethered to the rapist?

Under the law,
I'm compelled to believe

both parents capable...

unless I'm convinced otherwise.

Maybe you'd like to consider
getting some help?

You may be seated.

Before we proceed,
I'd like to order

a paternity test for Mr. Hogan.

Based on that,
we will set hearings.

Court stands adjourned
for the day.

Excuse me,
I just want to talk to her.

He sounded like Darth Vader

through that
stupid speaker phone.

Excuse me, Ms. Thompson.

Bob Moss.

I was watching the proceedings

and I'd like to offer
my assistance.

Thank you very much,
I'm defending myself.

Court kind of prefers
that you have an attorney.

I-I know this judge really well,
and I'd do it pro-bono.

You know, you just...

You can think of me as a...
I got 'em here.

A hard-working sandbag for you.

And, um, for the record,

I, I think what you're going
through here is, it's appalling.

He seems nice.

Hello.

Afternoon, gentlemen.

- Can I help you, sir?
- I'm just waiting on someone.

If you don't have a child here,

you shouldn't be
on the property,

unless you signed in
at the office.

Now, there's a protocol in place
for all visitors.

- It's to keep everyone safe.
- Maybe I do have a child here.

What's your child's name?

You know, I'm not a visitor.
I'm a father.

I don't have to prove anything
to you. It's my right.

Notify the cops about this guy.

They can't do anything
unless he does something.

Yeah, do it anyway.

You think
he's really got a kid here?

I wouldn't trust him with one
if he does.

Junbi!

Right foot back,
fighting stance, go!

Center punch, go!

Go!

Remember, Chi lives inside us.

Chi is the life force

that flows through all things.

- Can you feel the Chi, class?
- Yes, sensei.

This guy's the real deal.
Our whole family takes a class.

Worth every penny
for the peace of mind.

McDevitt is our Shihan Sensei.

Word is, he was one of the best
State Troopers back in the day.

Remember the practice continues
outside of the dojo.

Does he ever do private lessons?

Sometimes. He's very particular.

You have to write a request,
old-school style.

He decides if you're worthy.

The dojo exists
because of the meaning

we give it!

Class, please be seated.

That's your daughter?

- Yes, yeah, it is.
- Cool, good for her.

You know, when I was nine,
I was on the cover

of "Black Belt" magazine.

Yeah.

So these are, this is
the paperwork that you needed

for Maddy's school
for the judge.

Yes. Thank you. Um...

I hate to bother you in the
middle of family time what not,

but, um, we're gonna need
another deposition

from someone that has
any knowledge of your case.

Letty and Chickie
weren't enough?

No, no, no.
They're, they're fine.

It's just that, you know,
the posing attorneys,

they're gonna try to discover
any inaccuracies

in your version of events

so that they can,
you know, settle this

before we even get to court.

So is there anybody
who can depose?

Anybody else we can depose
that, you know,

knows what happened and-and
can approach themselves?

You know, it might have been
nice to be warned

that I was gonna be disposed.

- Deposed, mom.
- Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.

Well, I thought
everything was gonna be done

over the phone, so...

Well, I guess
that's not the first thing

you've been wrong about,

along with
that airline knock-off suit.

I mean, do you just
purposely wear stuff like that

so men won't give you
a second look?

No wonder you're still single.

Have I not taught you anything?

You've taught me
more than you know.

Well, don't worry,
I'm not stickin' around.

As soon as I answer
these boring questions,

I'm on my way.

Thank you for doing this.
I appreciate it.

I didn't exactly have a choice.

I just think this is ridiculous

that you have to fight this,

this rapist for custody.

You should've, you should've
never moved to Georgia.

Those damn
backwoods hillbillies...

So how is she?

Maddy?

She's very sweet. Happy.

Does she look anything like him?

No, mom.

She looks like you.

Why, Lord!
What a beautiful angel!

I would love to meet her.

Do you think you could ever
change your mind?

- Look...
- I could...

I could help you
make some money with her.

Well, I was modeling
at that age, winnin' pageants,

I was puttin' food on the table
so my mama didn't have to worry

so much. I was glad to help.

As much as some might
judge my world, I was happy.

My daughter is happy.

Well...

Why don't you treat yourself?

Come on. Take it.
Both-both of you.

Or maybe you could pay
some of these court fees,

all these added expenses.

Didn't I say
this was gonna drag on?

You've said a lot of things,

most of them
ignorant and selfish.

God, I took it for so long.
I'm done.

I will never listen to your
toxic bull... ever again,

and neither will my daughter.

That makes me happy.

Can I get you some coffee
while we're waiting

for the defense team to arrive?

I'm sure she'll have some.

She likes it on the bitter side.

Mr. McDevitt.

So I had to read your request
a few times.

You've got yourself a situation
and no time to waste.

- Yes, sir.
- Here's the good news.

I'm not a lawyer,
judge or a cop anymore.

Therefore,
I might actually be useful.

Now, before we get
into the physical,

we must examine why someone
has waged war against us.

Yes. Why after all these years?

All about power and control.

Just like rape.
The answer's simple.

- To get back at you, the enemy.
- For what?

He's what you call
a malignant narcissist.

It's never their responsibility.

'Cause you filed
criminal charges against him,

life has fallen apart
these past years.

And now he's claiming
the child as property.

Let me ask you. Are you ready
to form a counter attack?

I'm afraid of my anger
imprinting onto my daughter.

Fear imprints
onto children, too.

It's contagious, not to mention

that permanent kink in your neck

from always lookin' behind you.

So what do I do?

I'm talking about
finding his weakness

and creating an opportunity
for yourself to win

once and for all.

Change the rules.

That's how you get your mojo
teed up in my dojo.

Junior Olympic coach.
I got nothing.

Keep looking.
There has got to be something.

Here he is with a bunch of dorks
at a gun show.

Hey, wait. Wait, wait.

"Released from duty
ten years ago."

"Most common subjects
of complaint

"are unlawful
search and seizure, harassment,

coercion or sexual threats."

Mom!

I got scared.

Yeah? Did you have a bad dream?

A snake was chasing me.

Hey, Maddy.

Did something happen at school?

We were making
cards for Parent's Day

and Jack ripped mine all up
'cause I don't have a daddy.

Gosh, I'm so sorry
that happened to you.

Jack sounds like
he's kind of a bully.

You know, your dad was
kind of like Jack, like a bully.

That's why it's just us.

What did he do?

Well...

I said no to him
and, and that made him angry.

Just 'cause you said no?

Yeah.

That's not okay.

No. It's not.

I'm so sorry
that happened to you, mama.

But you know what?

I prayed
that I would feel better,

and my prayers got answered
because there you were.

And that was such a miracle,
Maddy, to get to be your mom.

But I don't want a bully
for a dad.

Yeah, me either.

Mama, am I the only one?

Yeah. You are my one and only.

I mean,
that has a daddy like that?

No, sweetie.

Then we have to help them, mama.

You are so right, my love.

Shihan Sensei said that
we're not fragile like a flower,

we're fragile like a bomb.

Yes, we are.

- Love you, mama.
- Love you, sweetie.

Bye.

North Carolina
State Police. How may I help you?

Yeah. Yeah-yeah.

- Love you.
- Bye.

Hi, I'm trying to determine
the status

of Officer Demetri Hogan's
discharge in 1997

from the Wilmington
Police Department.

Are you a relative or a legal
representative for Mr. Hogan?

No, but...

Then you're not entitled

to that information, miss.

Okay, I'm just looking
for a corroboration

for a pending court case
for violence or sexual assault.

I'm sorry, I've already told you

that I can't disclose
that information to you.

Okay, but I'm j...

Sorry.

That will do nicely.

Hey, um, I know you were
a Trooper back in the day.

You think you could get
some information for me

from law enforcement
in Wilmington?

Certainly possible.
But that's against the rules.

We're changing the rules.

Our guy's back.

The one who says
his kid goes here.

Yeah.

Alright.
Add extra security to campus.

- For how long?
- Indefinitely.

Maddy?

- Where's Maddy?
- She's in art class.

They just started
cleanin' up. What's wrong?

There's a man at the pick-up
line. He's following me.

- Do not let him into the school.
- Is it this man?

He's been parked out front
claiming he's got a child here.

Yes. That... Wait. Why do...

- Did he see her?
- No, no.

She's been in class all day.
Who is he?

That is Maddy's father,
but she doesn't know him.

- I thought you said that...
- I was assaulted.

I got pregnant. He's coming
after me for custody.

Custody? He-he can't do that.

- Yes, he can.
- Okay. Alright.

Listen, we've already
notified the police, okay?

We've added extra security
to campus.

- What else can we do to help?
- You keep her safe.

Hey.

Defense counsel will likely
have it ruled inadmissible.

- Is it useless?
- I never said that.

As we've positively established
now Mr. Hogan's paternity,

the court will proceed
with the custody hearing.

And is Mr. Hogan
still joining us

on teleconference
from North Carolina again?

Yes, Your Honor.

I expect my petitioners in court

for their hearings. Mr. Hogan...

Is it your employment
that keeps you out of my court?

Yes, Your Honor.- ...

Just checking, Your Honor.

We were led to believe

that, Mr. Hogan's business
was closed

and that
he was currently unemployed.

I'm between jobs.

You know,
it's been hard to find work...

I'm not interested in your

unemployment woes, Mr. Hogan.

Historically, a father
seeking parental rights

shows up for the hearings.
North Carolina is not that far.

Just on the subject
of locality, Your Honor,

we have,
photographic evidence

that actually shows Mr. Hogan
in Atlanta,

specifically,
and without permission,

at the, school
of Ms. Thompson...

Objection, Your Honor.

The counselor's
constant interruptions

are brazen attempts to prejudice
you against my client.

Merely trying to clarify

Mr. Hogan's whereabouts
for the court.

Sustained.
Sit down, please, Mr. Moss.

Mr. Hogan, I won't allow
your absence again. Understood?

Counsel, can you advise
your client to answer me?

Yes, sir. I hear you.

It's just, last time
you interrupted me and...

I'll interrupt you
anytime I like.

- We'll advise our client.
- Your Honor.

I'd like to alert the court
to new discovery

about Mr. Hogan's past

as it pertains
to a custodial hearing.

- Proceed.
- My client..

Has new documentary evidence

that, Mr. Hogan's
law enforcement discharge

was actually
due to sexual assault,

which is reasonable to discuss
with regard

to Ms. Thompson's still open
rape case against Mr. Hogan.

Both counselors,
please approach the bench.

Your Honor, I must object,
we're here for a custody hearing

in family court,
this is not a criminal court.

My client has waited
seven years...

You don't need to tell me
what court

I am presiding over, counsel.

Can someone please...
What's going on?

What's happening?
I-I-I can't hear.

Before we proceed
with the custody case,

I think it prudent
that we hear evidence

to determine
whether or not a rape occurred.

Your Honor,
Georgia law is very clear.

There is no legislation
stopping a sexual assailant

from claiming parental rights
of a child.

Individuals are free and clear
to pursue custody

or visitation rights
of biological offspring.

Excuse me,
I can't hear, excuse me...

Mr. Hogan, you'll speak when
you're spoken to and not before.

Counselor, thank you
for the lesson in Georgia Law.

My job is to assess
the suitability of a parent

and I can use any means
at my disposal I so choose.

Please set an evidentiary
hearing for three weeks' time.

Court stands adjourned.

This is good.

Yeah.

Mama, my flower's
crushing my ears.

Well, we can't have that,
can we, my little sunflower?

There.

I hope I don't forget the words.

Not fragile like a flower...

- Fragile like a bomb.
- Fragile... bomb!

That's right. Okay.

Excuse me, um, can you,
take her onto the stage, please?

Do not let her
out of your sight.

- Okay, you're gonna be great.
- Mom, you can't leave.

- No, I'll be right here.
- Okay.

Okay.

Didn't we make
a beautiful flower?

Thank you for keeping her,

for loving
what some would call unlovable.

Desire, passion,
it all gets distorted.

We just see it differently
is all.

Fate brought us together.

When you decided
to have that baby,

you kept me in your life
forever, and hers.

You raped me.
We're not yours to keep.

You know, they say that kids
don't have any real memories

until they're seven.

Seven.

She could know her daddy now.

We could set things right
for her and for us.

- We can start over.
- No.

There's that word again.

No is a complete sentence.

What happened between us, well,
it doesn't happen to everyone.

It's what nature wanted.

I-I can't wait to hold her.

You stay away from her!

You've been workin' out
in self-defense, I see.

Mama!

I can still see you under me,
trembling...

I'm not trembling anymore.

Yeah, you are.

Mama!

You know, I thought motherhood
might have changed you.

It has.

I can still
see you under me, trembling...

I'm not trembling anymore.

Give me that!

- Mama!
- Maddy!

- Maddy, I'm your father.
- Mama!

- Maddy!
- She doesn't have a father.

- Look straight ahead.
- It's alright, it's alright.

In the matter
of Hogan and Thompson,

we've brought forth the parties.

The court asks
for the petitioner.

We are unable to reach him,
Your Honor.

There's no
note that a teleconference

is needed for today.
Is he in town?

Not to my knowledge, Your Honor.

So he's a no-show?

Your Honor,
may I address the court?

We have a police report
that places Mr. Hogan

in Maddy Thompson's school

where he had just threatened
Ms. Thompson a week ago.

- May I approach?
- Yes.

Thank you, counselor.

Did petitioner
ask for a postponement?

No, Your Honor.

I could ask for a civil arrest

or issue a capias.

Has your client indicated
he wants to continue the case?

May I speak, Your Honor?

On what grounds
does she want to speak?

The court has made time
to hear this case.

In light of your client's
continued disrespect,

I'll allow it.

You may speak, Ms. Thompson.

The worst part
of being raped, even more

than my head getting slammed
against my kitchen counter

or the sound of my ribs cracking

as I was thrown
over my dining-room table

or the smell of my blood
on the floor...

is that it is still happening...

every single day.

Every time I close my eyes,

every time I hear someone
behind me that I don't know,

it just replays

over and over and over.

And now today
I am forced to stand here

and fight him off yet again

because there are no laws
in place to protect me,

and more importantly, protect
my child from this violent man.

With your permission,
Your Honor, I would like to play

a recording of Mr. Hogan

the last time he threatened me
at my daughter's school.

I object, Your Honor.

I'll allow it.

I can still
see you under me, trembling...

I'm not trembling anymore.

Thank you, Ms. Thompson.
You may sit down.

Counselor, is there anything
you'd like to say to the court

before I rule on this matter?

In the absence of my client...

I have nothing further
to add at this time.

Noting the petitioner's absence
and non-response

and that there is no request
for a postponement,

the custody request in
the matter of Hogan and Thompson

is formally dismissed

and the custody case
is closed with prejudice.

Further, the court acknowledges
that the rape case remains open

in the criminal court
of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Court stands adjourned.

Congratulations.
This is a big win.

I didn't win.

The judge closed the case
with prejudice.

That means
it can't be opened again, ever.

What about the next raped mother
on the docket

and the next
and the next and the next?

These laws are medieval.

"Change is the law of life

"and those who only look
to the past or the present

are certain to miss the future."

Well said, Mr. Moss.

JFK said it. I really liked him.

Thank you.

Mr. McDevitt...

Um...

Thank you
doesn't even begin to...

With or without me,

you would have prevailed.

You're a natural warrior.

You're a mother.

- Go to your mom.
- Okay.

Team Us always wins the day!

That's right.