Original subtitles

(heartbeat echoing)

(heartbeat grows louder)

(heartbeat continues)

(heartbeat slows)

(faint, muffled music playing)

(slow, muffled thumping)

(muffled music and thumping grow louder)

-(audio continues clearly) -(both laughing)

("Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" by Haircut 100 playing)

-(rhythmic grunting) -♪ Boy meets girl... ♪

DADDO: Yeah! Come on!

(shouts playfully)

(Bela laughing)

DADDO: And don't puke on the judges.

Whatever you do, Bela, don't puke on the judges!

MOMMY: Knock, knock.

Mommy!

-Hi. -DADDO: (sighs) Hey, love.

-Hey. -(song stops)

This doesn't look like bedtime to me.

Yes, it does. You're just never here.

MOMMY: I'm never here? Is that right?

-Get in bed. Get off. -(laughing) -DADDO: Come on.

Mom's right, Dancing Queen.

-Dive in there. -Wait, I need Vulchy.

MOMMY: But you have Teddy. Come on.

Really?

Ugh. Are you sure? For bed?

Vulchy's nice.

The lady at the zoo said vultures only eat

stuff that's already dead.

All right, baby.

(Mommy boops softly)

-Love you. -BELA: Love you.

DADDO: Get some sleep.

-(kisses) Night night. -(sighs): Okay.

You want the door open?

-A little bit. -Okay.

Night, Mommy. Night, Daddo.

Night night.

(door creaks softly, closes)

(whispering): Good night, Other Mommy.

I'm not sleepy yet.

Can I keep playing with you?

♪ ♪

Other Mommy?

(wind whistling softly)

♪ ♪

(door creaking)

(eerie whooshing)

(gasps)

(voice shouts faintly)

BELA: Hello and good morning.

My name is Isabela Martin.

(grunts softly)

And...

this is "The Story of Me."

♪ ♪

I'm seven years old.

I live with my mommy and Daddo,

Russell Martin and Ursula Martin.

We are a very happy family.

DADDO: Louder. Louder.

(high-pitched voice): We can't hear you.

(New York accent): Why's she standing so weird?

My hobbies are dancing, books and animals.

(Daddo growls playfully)

(normal voice): Glasses. Looking good, Mommy.

(chuckles) Thanks.

I can't find my contacts.

The sparkly case?

Yeah. Have you seen them?

Bela's practicing her "Story of Me" speech.

Oh, maybe I can hear it when I come back.

Thanks for doing breakfast.

Can I be done now, please?

Whole thing, miss.

School's back next week.

I don't want to talk in front of my new class.

I won't know anyone.

Well, that's the point.

We do this stuff now so we're not scared

when we're a grown-up.

Hey, use the brave face I gave you.

-There it is. -Something special about me

is my zipper.

I call it that because it looks like a zipper.

-MOMMY: Hmm. -I got it climbing a fence

when my mommy and Daddo were

drinking wine with their friends.

Mm. Don't love that.

Maybe let's pick another special thing about you.

-Yeah, or just don't mention the picnic. -DADDO: Yeah.

I should lie about it?

-DADDO: No. Not lie. -Uh... (laughing)

Uh, maybe tell it a little different.

-It's a story. -What's the difference?

MOMMY: Well, it just doesn't make

Mommy and Daddo look like good parents.

Enjoy your breakfast, my darling.

(kisses)

I'm gonna be home late again.

Is that all right?

Well, kind of has to be, doesn't it?

Uh, it doesn't. That's why I'm asking.

Yeah. Of course. Same team.

-Okay. Same team. -Yeah.

-Love you. -Love you.

I got a ton of work I should do anyways, so...

(snoring softly)

(Bela making soft whooshing noises)

(making playful noises)

(descending vocalization)

(imitates impact)

Hmm.

♪ ♪

(chuckles)

(chuckles)

Whoa, whoa.

(laughing)

♪ ♪

Yeah.

Whoa.

(squelching)

(muffled creaking)

(door closes)

(keys clink)

-Hey, sweetie. -You're home.

I thought I'd come home and eat with you.

-Where's Dad? -He fell asleep in the office.

-I'll go get him. -No, no, no.

Let him sleep. He needs his rest.

(gasps)

Cookie dough ice cream for lunch?

What kind of mother would I be?

(dishes clinking)

How about scrambled eggs?

We had that for breakfast.

(sighs heavily)

That's right. I forgot.

How about pasta?

Your favorite.

I was wrong before about your speech.

You should always tell the truth, no matter what.

I won't lie.

I love you more than life itself.

Did you know that?

Yes.

Do you love me that much?

Yes.

I like it when you say it.

I love you, Mommy.

Do you want to know something silly?

Okay.

Sometimes I think about when you and I were one person,

and it makes me so happy I cry.

Do you remember that?

So I was a baby in your tummy?

No.

Do you remember where you were before that?

No.

You were in my heart.

(compass rattling)

♪ ♪

(gasps softly)

(liquid bubbling)

(sizzling)

(rattling)

♪ ♪

(voice echoing): I want you to feel it, Bela.

Can I go into your heart?

I know it's you.

(squelching)

(echoing voice continues): I'm sorry.

I thought you'd like this.

You said you wouldn't leave my room.

You seemed lonely.

Can I give you a hug?

I don't want Daddo to see you.

Are you mad at me?

May I please be excused?

Sure, sweetie.

(slow footsteps)

(gasps)

(doors creaking)

(panting softly)

-(screams) -Jesus.

Let's go play outside.

-What's that smell? -Daddo, come on.

-Hey, is the stove on? -No, don't!

(smoke alarm beeping)

Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Hey, get back! (groans)

(exhales sharply)

(water sizzling)

(panting)

(smoke alarm stops)

Jesus. What were you cooking?

I didn't mean to.

I love you being independent,

but you need a grown-up to help keep you safe.

-(shouts) -(screams)

Come on! Come on!

Come on, Bela! Come on!

(both grunting)

Come on, come on.

Go, go, go!

♪ ♪

-Thank you. -OFFICER: Good night, Mr. Martin.

-OFFICER 2: Good night. -Sorry about this.

-It's okay. We're here to help. -(sirens wailing)

-DADDO: I appreciate you all coming out. -(Bela exhales)

-(glass squeaking) -(Bela humming a tune)

-(quiet chatter) -(dog barking in distance)

(vehicle door closes in distance)

(Bela continues humming)

(vehicle approaching)

-What the hell happened? -Somebody was in the house.

-Oh, my God. Where's Bela? -She's okay. She's in the car.

-She's honestly better than me. -MOMMY: Thank God you're okay.

-DADDO: Hey, where were you? -(panting)

I was calling. I was texting.

MOMMY: Oh, I didn't see it. I'm sorry, I didn't know.

DADDO: I go in the kitchen, right?

And under the counter, there's a woman

-tucked up in the fucking... -What?

...like, hiding. Yeah.

Like she was fucking with me or something. Just...

-Are you stoned? -No. No.

It all happened superfast.

I just grabbed Bela, and I ran.

(sighs)

Uh, I did a little in the morning, but I swear to God.

You didn't come home for lunch or anything, right?

MOMMY: Of course I didn't. Why?

She looked like you.

-Bela, I said stay in the car. -Honey.

MOMMY: Are you hurt? What happened?

You don't have to be scared, Mommy.

She's nice.

♪ ♪

MOMMY: Since your birthday?

That's a long time. Why didn't you tell us?

BELA: I don't know.

We just play sometimes.

And this isn't some imaginary friend

-that you and Dad created? -BELA: No.

Come on, tell me the truth.

I am.

She's really good at hiding.

(low thunder rumbling)

Okay. Where is Other Mommy from?

I don't know. She lives behind our doors.

"Behind our doors." What does that mean?

Sometimes she's there. Sometimes she's not.

She can do magic stuff, too.

Like grow really big, grow really small.

-(door opens) -And make silly faces.

Well, is she ever mean?

Like, does she scare you?

BELA: Mm, not on purpose.

She's still learning.

We teach each other things.

Like what?

Carnations.

MOMMY: Flowers?

Yeah. Sometimes.

Okay.

Why does Other Mommy want to be here?

Bela, we need to talk about this.

You smell like someone else.

No, I don't.

Bela, it's me.

I'm Mom.

Can just Daddo do bedtime?

Yeah.

(kisses, boops)

It really scares me when you talk like this.

♪ ♪

(rope creaking)

(thunder rumbling softly)

-(quiet snarling) -(Bela gasps)

(Daddo snoring)

(snoring continues)

♪ ♪

OTHER MOMMY (whispering): Where shall we play tonight?

(voice echoing): Should we go see the ocean?

(whispering): Can I ask you something?

Why do you have to go inside my heart?

To protect it for you.

I help special children like you

when their hearts are about to be broken forever.

(Daddo continues snoring)

BELA: But everything's fine.

OTHER MOMMY: Is it?

It was your heart that called to me.

Deep down, you know something's broken in this house.

Don't you see?

All you have to do is say yes,

and everything will stay magic forever.

(whispering): What happens if I say no?

Other Mommy?

(breath hissing)

("Butterfly" by Mega Bog playing)

(sputtering)

DADDO: No, seriously, Ruth.

It's a long drive. We get it.

(chuckles) I know.

Yeah, you saved us from having to clean the guest room.

I don't want to do that.

You want to talk to Ursula? Hey, it's your mom.

(balloon sputtering)

Uh, Bela's here.

Maybe we don't, uh, tell Grandma about

the Other Mommy thing that other day?

-Right? -BELA: Why not?

Because she'd want to meet it.

Yeah. Um...

(Daddo clears throat)

Let's just keep it a family secret

until, you know, you and I can see a doctor.

-Sound good? -Uh-huh.

Okay. Here you go.

Hi, Grandma.

-GRANDMA RUTH: Bela. -(doorbell rings)

-How's everything going? -I'm good.

GRANDMA RUTH: Are you excited for the party tonight?

-DADDO: Kelvin. -KELVIN: Hey, happy anniversary.

DADDO: Yeah. I thought we said 6:00.

KELVIN: Oh. Yeah.

-Uh, my bad. My bad. -DADDO: Cool. Bye.

Babysitter's here!

GRANDMA RUTH: You should visit me soon.

I'd love to spend some time with you.

I'm sorry I won't be at the party.

Why aren't you coming?

Well, your mom thinks anyone who didn't want to come

to the wedding shouldn't be there tonight.

And I suppose I don't disagree.

(chuckles): I've said too much.

-You be good for your parents. -I will.

-Love you, Bela. -Love you, Grandma.

-MOMMY: Hey, Kelvin. -Oh.

You are late, buddy.

You'll stay an extra 20 minutes.

Sorry. For sure.

Uh, where's Bela?

I haven't seen her in hours.

(chuckles) Okay.

(singsongy): So she's hiding.

Hmm.

I wonder where she could... be.

Ah!

-(Bela imitates gunshots) -Oh.

-I got you. -(dramatically): Oh! Oh!

I've been shot. Ow. (laughs)

Hey, Bela, you want to fly?

I'm too big.

No, not for a wizard.

Lifticus!

(Bela and Kelvin laughing, whooping)

-(Bela squealing and laughing) -(Kelvin growling playfully)

-(lively chatter) -(upbeat music playing)

(cheerful children's song playing quietly over TV)

(Kelvin sighs heavily)

You don't think that's enough?

Can never be too sparkly.

Oh. Right, right.

Right, right.

Yeah, well, I'm definitely sparkly.

(blows)

(sighs)

Hey, Kelvin.

-Kelvin. -Hmm? Yeah? Hmm?

Can I show you something secret?

Uh, sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'm magic, too. Watch.

-Wha-- Wait, wait, what? -(light switch clicks)

Okay. (blows)

-Come on. I want to show you something. -(chuckles)

-What are you doing? -Come on, Kelvin.

What-- (chuckles) Okay.

(straining grunt)

-(exhales heavily) -Hey, Kelvin.

Don't tell Mommy and Daddo you saw her.

(chuckles)

(door closes)

(chuckles) Okay, what, uh, what-what am I seeing here?

Just be quiet.

(whispers): Do you see her?

(whispers): You're messing with me.

(quiet squelch)

♪ ♪

-DADDO: Hey, party people. -(gasps)

Everything... normal in here?

BELA: Mm-hmm.

You want to make an appearance downstairs?

Not really.

Oh, come on, Bel-a the ball.

Grown-ups have fun, too, on certain weekends.

♪ ♪

("Into Black" by Blouse playing)

(lively chatter)

I'm in my pajamas.

Yeah, but you're a kid. Nobody cares.

Here we go.

♪ Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah... ♪

WOMAN: The whole fucking world is on fire.

WOMAN 2: My God, you're such a baby.

WOMAN 3: He doesn't love you.

MAN: You ask enough times, everyone says yes.

(laughing)

(laughter)

WOMAN 4 (echoing): Everything is bullshit right now.

-Yeah. Get it. I mean, you're-- -(Mommy laughing)

-Come on. -DADDO: Hey, you guys. Uh...

-Hey. There he is. -(laughs): Hi.

-Better half. How's it going? -Hey, Bela, party girl.

-Hey, buddy. Yeah. -Yeah.

Didn't know you were gonna make it.

-Yeah, yeah. Busy, busy, busy. -Okay.

-Heard about your little scare. -Oh.

-You heard about that? -Yeah.

That's... cool.

Bela, can Uncle Frank get a hug?

I know you're not really my uncle.

-(Uncle Frank chuckles) -You're just Daddo's friend.

Hey.

You don't actually have to be related to be family, okay?

Listen, it's true. It's true.

Fine.

Can Regular Frank get a hug?

All right, how about this?

One high five, I'm out of your hair.

Come on. One high five. Right here.

Come on. Boom. Oh!

MOMMY: You want him out of your hair forever?

-DADDO: All right. -(Uncle Frank laughing)

-Um... -UNCLE FRANK: There you go.

-Let's cut that cake. -Yeah.

I didn't sign up for this job.

(lively chatter)

Here we go. There we go.

I'm moving as fast as I can. Why don't you do it?

Speech!

Come on, speech!

-UNCLE FRANK: Yo, big dog. -Speech!

UNCLE FRANK: You heard 'em. They want you to say something.

-Come on, you got to wow us. -Speech!

-I know, but don't. What are you doing? -Yeah, no.

Well, we said we weren't gonna say anything,

-but everybody's staring, so... -(music and chatter quiet)

-(chuckles) Uh, sorry. -Brave face, Daddo.

Uh... (chuckles)

Uh, well, okay, sorry.

Uh... sorry.

Uh, we, uh, didn't do a big thing when we got married.

Uh...

We, um... (smacks lips)

We bought this house instead.

We-we used that money wisely, and... and, um...

To be honest, this is everything that I ever wanted,

um, is to have a... a home and-and to-to have a place

that you could call home, you know.

And, um, this family and this home,

it's-it's... it is everything to me.

And, um... (smacks lips)

But I know it's a choice, and I know that it's hard sometimes,

and-and I know, um, there's, like, a million ways

your life could go, obviously, and, um, you know,

I-I just want us to be happy and, you know...

I-- and we're so happy to have everyone here

-celebrating with us tonight. -Yeah. Right.

Right.

Here's to a cherished seven years.

GUESTS: Seven years!

-Love you. All right. -Love you.

(music and chatter resume)

And to Bela, my baby.

I can barely remember my life before you.

Look, Bela. Doesn't she look so pretty?

I can't believe she's so big.

All right, let's see you dance.

She's actually really amazing.

Come on, guys.

-Bela! -(overlapping chatter)

Bela... Come on, buddy. What's wrong?

Hey.

To Russ and Ursula, everybody. Cheers.

-GUESTS: Cheers! -Cheers, cheers, cheers.

-Bela. -(door opens)

-(door closes) -(Kelvin imitates radio static)

(Southern accent): Uh, ma'am, we've got you surrounded.

Come out with your hands up.

BELA: I'll come out once I'm ready.

KELVIN (normal voice): Okay.

There anything I can do to help?

BELA: Make everyone go away.

KELVIN: Mm. I'll see what I can do.

How... about... that?

(chatter and music stop abruptly)

There you go. Huh?

Party's over.

BELA: Really?

KELVIN: Yeah. Come on.

Why don't you come see for yourself?

-(door creaking) -(glasses clinking)

(footsteps clinking)

♪ ♪

(voice echoing): No one needs that many friends anyway.

Right?

(breathes deeply)

(voice echoing): Can we stay friends?

Even once I get older?

(chuckles)

Oh, you mean "if" you get older.

(echoing voice continues): Hey, Bela.

Want to fly?

Come on.

I didn't know you could be Kelvin, too.

I'll be whoever you want me to be.

That's too many fingers.

(sharp crack)

(screaming playfully)

(both laughing)

(screams)

(gasps)

(gasps)

It's okay.

It's okay. I got you.

I got you. Okay? Come here.

It's okay.

Come on. I've got you.

There you go.

(house creaking)

I mean, it's fun, right? Come on.

(both laughing)

You want to go see some more?

I can't.

I should probably get back now.

(laughs)

Aw, man. But, I mean, I miss you so much though.

And your parents don't care at all when you're gone.

-Yes, they do. -No.

Not like they should.

Not like I do.

I am going to miss you so much.

-Aw, it's okay, Other Kelvin. -(crying)

I'll come back.

(skin crackling)

Bela, please let me into your heart.

It hurts so much, Bela. I have to exist.

(distorted): Please. You have to say yes!

-Ow! Kelvin! -(squelching)

Stop!

I'm sorry.

-I'm sorry. I'm sorry. -(grunts)

(gasps)

(Bela panting)

(grunts)

-(squelching) -(gasping)

-Bela! -(screaming)

(distorted): Bela, I'm sorry.

I'd never hurt you.

Just say yes! Say it!

-(explosion) -MAN: Whoa.

-(grunts) -(guests gasping)

(panting)

-(concerned chatter) -MOMMY: Bela? Bela?

-BELA: Get away from me! -(grunts)

MOMMY: Bela!

Bela!

What the hell's going on?

(Bela panting)

Honey, what's wrong?

Is it really you?

♪ ♪

(chuckles): What? Baby.

(screaming)

(yelps)

(chittering)

(screaming)

DADDO: I'm coming!

-(grunts) -Oh, God!

-(exclaims) -Oh. Oh, God.

Oh. Are you okay?

I got you.

Tell me what hurts.

-I s-- I saw her. -She's okay.

(breath trembling)

It w-- it was me.

It w-- it w--

It was m-me.

Why the fuck was it me?

(gasping)

♪ ♪

-Yeah, man. -Thanks for having us.

-Yeah, of course. Take care. -(lively chatter)

-Drive safe. Goodbye. -Bye. -(rope creaking)

They all think I'm crazy.

Who gives a fuck what they think?

(overlapping chatter)

♪ ♪

-That's everybody. -MOMMY: Thank God.

Are you okay?

Are you sure you're not gonna call the cops, Russ? Come on.

Frank, wh-what do you think they're gonna do?

Arrest it?

So what are you guys-- Okay.

What are you guys gonna do tonight?

I don't know. We're gonna figure something...

I'm not going back in that house.

You know what? Stop. You guys, you're gonna stay with me.

End of story.

DADDO: Okay, Frank, really,

like, I-I haven't had a chance to think.

I don't-- We don't know what this thing is.

We don't even know what's happening.

I know, I know, I-- Which is more of a reason

why you need to get your fucking family out of here.

-You have a kid, man. -DADDO: I agree.

I'm just thinking of everybody here.

(Daddo clears throat)

Um... what about your mom?

-Look, she's into this stuff... -MOMMY: No, she's...

She'd just say it was fucking karma. I-- No, no.

DADDO: Maybe she knows experts or something.

MOMMY: We'll just go to a hotel.

What are you gonna do, live in a hotel? Seriously.

(slow, raspy whispering): Bela.

(conversation continues indistinctly)

(heavy, raspy breathing)

UNCLE FRANK: Come on, Daddo.

What do you say, man?

Let me take care of her.

Okay.

-Yeah? -Okay.

-All right. -All right.

Let's go to Uncle Frank's.

DADDO: Type in, uh, "haunted house."

Or-or... or "ghost hunters."

-"Demon hunters"? -MOMMY: No, there's nothing.

It's all podcasts. It's bullshit.

DADDO: What about a priest?

I actually grew up Catholic.

-I know some priests. -Wait!

We forgot Vulchy.

Um...

Do you still have your priest's number

from when you were a kid?

No, I did not have my priest's number, thank God.

♪ ♪

DADDO: Brave face, Bela.

Okay?

UNCLE FRANK: Sleepover at Uncle Frank's.

Are you sure you don't want any of the guest bedrooms?

Uh, where do you want to sleep, Bela?

I like it here.

Is that okay if we stay out here?

UNCLE FRANK: Yeah. Whatever's comfortable.

Oh, check out this couch over here.

It doesn't fold out, but it's way better than

any mattress you've ever had in your life.

And that chair right there massages.

Sweet.

There's two fridges.

(security system beeping)

(locks thumping)

(melodic beep)

What if it follows us?

I don't think that's a thing.

I think it's the house, right?

Bela, what do you think?

I mean, is it, is it here right now?

-I don't think so. -DADDO: Okay.

Well, if you see her, tell her to go away,

'cause Other Mommy is not your friend.

Stop. Please stop calling it that.

I'm sorry, but what do you...

What is it exactly?

-It's, like, uh... -It w-- it was coming...

It, like, pretends to be human, but, uh, it's, like...

Wow.

And Bela says she takes her to magical places.

DADDO: Yeah. "Special places"?

What the fuck is that?

♪ ♪

DADDO: It-It's fucking real, man.

It is physical. It's...

It was asking her for carnations.

-Yeah. -Wow.

And it looks like you. Holy fuck.

Should we be, like, nailing crosses everywhere?

It's-it's not funny.

Hey, I'm sorry.

Um, listen, the point is you're safe here, okay?

And, Russ, I think you need to hang on to this.

I don't want that around Bela.

-(softly): Hey. -Why would you give that to us?

DADDO: For real? I'm gonna shoot the thing?

UNCLE FRANK: Listen, I don't even know

if this thing is real,

but this thing right here will stop it, okay?

-BELA: Mommy, look what I found. -Trust me.

Oh, wow. Great. Uh, yeah.

That's, um, great work.

You've got a good eye.

How'd your sparkly case get here?

(stammers)

(breath trembles)

(thunder rumbling softly)

(sighs): Okay.

Come on. It's past your bedtime.

Let's go lie down.

-Yeah, we're gonna read a story and... -UNCLE FRANK: Yeah.

Yeah, so, um, you have everything here,

and bathroom's downstairs.

If you-- (stammers) Just make yourself at home.

Mi casa es su casa, so whatever you guys need, all right?

(slow heartbeat echoing)

BELA (whispering): Daddo.

Wake up.

I need to pee.

(Daddo snoring)

(thunder rumbling softly)

(sighs)

Brave face.

-(thunder rumbling softly) -(rain pattering)

(breath trembles)

(thunder rumbling softly)

♪ ♪

(house creaking softly)

(rain pattering)

(panting)

(soft creaking)

♪ ♪

(screams)

(panting)

♪ ♪

(skin creaking)

OTHER MOMMY (whispering): I didn't mean to scare you

at the party.

(whispering): I'm not supposed to talk to you anymore.

(voice echoing): You said friends forgive each other

no matter what.

(whispering): They do, but...

Aren't I your friend?

(voice echoing): You are, but...

me and Daddo are getting sadder.

Things are worse now.

(distorted echoing): Not because of me, Bela.

Your parents are scared

because they think they know everything.

But they don't.

Daddo thinks you're someone that died.

-Is that true? -No.

I wasn't allowed to be a person.

What if I did something special for you?

Something that made everyone happy again.

Like what?

You already know.

-What does your heart tell you? -(heartbeat echoing)

Sweet girl.

Say it.

Can you make Uncle Frank go away?

That's a great idea.

(skin creaking)

Wait, what are you gonna do?

Other Mommy?

(door closes)

Oh. Hey, Bela.

(door closes)

Your parents still asleep?

Oh, hey, honey, it's okay.

Hey, it's okay. It's okay.

-Hey, yeah. -Leave me alone.

No, no. Come on.

Aren't we friends?

You're trying to trick me.

N-No, I-- No, I think

if you feel like there's something weird going on,

-I'm just gonna call your dad. -Mommy!

What's wrong?

I don't think it's Uncle Frank!

No, don't! Mom, it's not safe!

Bela had a little accident, so...

(muffled grunt)

(sharp thud)

(panting)

(objects clattering)

-(raspy growling, shrieking) -(gunshots)

-(Uncle Frank screaming) -(gunshots continue)

-(Uncle Frank screaming) -(gunshots continue)

(screaming and gunshots stop)

(screaming)

(panting)

(distorted): I didn't want you to see me like this.

Honey, close your eyes.

-DADDO: Bela! -Daddo!

-(heavy footsteps) -Holy...

(raspy groaning)

Get behind me.

(Uncle Frank shouts)

(screams)

-(gasps) -(Uncle Frank screams, gasps)

(groaning)

-MOMMY: What's going on? -(Uncle Frank screaming)

Frank!

-No! No! No! -Get out of my way!

-DADDO: No! Bela! -(Mommy screaming)

(crackling)

(high-pitched tone ringing)

-(Daddo grunts) -(muffled explosion)

-(audio muffled) -(coughing)

MOMMY: Frank. (sobs)

Frank!

Run!

-Run! Go! -(heavy footsteps)

-Go! -(glass shatters)

-(panting) -(light bulbs popping)

(raspy growling)

OTHER MOMMY (distorted): Bela, what did I do wrong?

(screams)

(raspy shrieking)

-(Daddo shouts indistinctly) -(Mommy screams)

DADDO: He didn't give us the fucking code!

(screams)

-Go! Drive! -I'm going! -(engine revving)

-Where do we go?! -Go!

DADDO: I'm going!

I'm going as fast as I can!

MOMMY: (screams) Go!

(Mommy crying softly)

DADDO: I don't think I can do this.

If we call the police, they're gonna think we did it.

Or I did it.

There's not even a fucking body.

(Mommy continues crying softly)

MOMMY: I'm so sorry. (sniffles)

DADDO: For what?

I don't want to lie to you anymore.

-Please. Frank, he w-- -Don't. Don't. Don't!

(vehicle door opens)

(vehicle door closes)

I'm glad you got some sleep.

You want to get something to eat?

Okay.

(locks beep)

Mommy, are you okay?

(sniffling): Yeah.

I just needed some quiet time.

(kids clamoring and screaming playfully)

(slurps)

(game beeping)

Maybe we can outrun it.

Make it find somebody else.

It's not just gonna stop.

I'm just saying, we don't even know what it wants.

Bela, what does Other Mommy want?

-I don't think it's appropriate to ask Bela. -Just let me...

Carnations. I told you.

She wants to switch places with me.

Do you mean...

reincarnation?

No, carnation.

She'll be me.

Only for a little bit.

-So she can fix our family. -DADDO: Okay.

-There's nothing wrong with our family. -Never-never say yes.

Okay? Never, ever say yes, Bela.

You understand me?

She's lying.

We have to kill this thing.

Oh, great. Yeah, let's do that.

I mean, do we even know if that's possible?

I don't know. I don't know, Russ.

She's trying to take our daughter.

Can you fight? Help me?

Yes. Jesus.

Okay.

Well, you know who we should ask.

No.

DADDO: She hired that medium, right?

-After your dad died. -MOMMY: Oh, the scammers?

-No. -Maybe they're professionals.

I mean, this is what they do for a living.

I mean, this is real.

Like, what are we gonna do, go to a church?

-We can go anywhere but there. -They'll c--

-They'll call a social worker. -Anywhere but my mom's.

-I want to see Grandma. -Yeah, I do, too.

Yeah. Your m-mom doesn't think it's a good idea, so...

You should hear what she has to say about you, Daddo.

Well, this is not about that.

Right, sorry.

(ringtone playing)

Hey, Lindsay.

Oh, yeah, I'm not coming in today.

It's, um...

(muffled): family emergency.

(heavy footsteps running)

-(light footsteps) -(girl laughing)

(kids chattering playfully, laughing)

This doesn't...

actually happen to people.

You understand that, right?

I don't know if it's easier being a kid, but...

this is really hard.

(softly): Hi.

Is Uncle Frank dead?

I don't know.

I think so.

I didn't mean for that to happen.

Just wanted Mommy to love you again.

She does.

She loved Uncle Frank, too.

I know.

(sighs)

Sometimes grown-ups, they, um...

they fall in love with other people

even though they shouldn't.

But... Mom's always gonna love us.

We're gonna be fine.

-(kids screaming playfully) -GIRL: Sorry.

-DADDO: Jesus. -(kids laughing)

(chuckles)

Mm-mm.

I'm sorry.

(Bela murmurs)

(sighs) Okay. Okay.

You can go, you can go right up there to where I can see you.

-BELA: Thanks, Daddo. -All right? Be careful.

(girl laughing)

GIRL (voice echoing): Hey, you want to play termites?

BELA: How do you play?

You're the bug, and I try to squish you.

Wait.

I've got to go ask my Daddo first.

♪ ♪

-(compass rattling) -(kids chattering playfully)

(kids screaming playfully, laughing)

Okay, Bela. It's time to go.

Come on down.

Yeah. I see you.

(rattling)

Bela?

-(rapid thumping) -(girl laughing)

Daddo?

♪ ♪

Daddo?

(girl laughs)

-(girl screams) -(gasps)

OTHER MOMMY (distorted): I've got you.

Little bug, little bug, little bug.

(rapid thumping)

Oh, what's the matter, Bela?

Aren't you happy I made Uncle Frank go away?

No! I didn't ask for that!

Yes, you did.

I made him sparkle for you.

BELA: They're gonna know I'm gone!

OTHER MOMMY: No, they won't. (chuckles)

(gasps)

OTHER MOMMY: I'm sorry, Bela.

-Bela, can't we be friends? -No! Leave me alone!

Come on, Bela, let's play silly faces.

I'll be you and you'll be me.

It'll be fun.

Let me be human.

-(kids screaming playfully) -(heavy thump)

(Bela grunting)

(playful chatter)

Bela!

(grunts)

(panting)

-I got you. -Ow!

-(raspy shrieking) -(Bela screaming)

No, I don't want that, Lindsay.

I just-- I have to be here.

(concerned chatter)

-Oh, a few days. -MAN: Did you see that?

-MAN 2: Is she all right? -WOMAN: What happened?

Actually, you know what? I don't give a fuck.

Bela! Bela!

Bela!

(balls rumbling)

(screams, grunts)

-(screams) -Bela!

-Bela! Bela! -(screaming)

(grunting)

-Bela! -(screaming continues)

(concerned chatter)

MOMMY: Excuse me.

DADDO: Bela!

Where is she?!

DADDO: It took her down!

Come on, help me!

Help me!

-(grunts) -Oh, God.

-Where is she?! -They're under here somewhere!

MOMMY: (grunts) Bela!

Bela!

(balls rumbling)

(Bela screaming)

OTHER MOMMY (distorted): Where should we go, Bela?

Anywhere you want.

I want to go home!

(grunts)

(panting)

(faint, rapid heartbeat)

♪ ♪

(heartbeat fades)

-Bela! -(screaming)

-Should we see the ocean? -(water splashes)

(water burbling)

(gasping)

Please! Take me back!

Take me back!

(car alarms honking and wailing)

♪ ♪

Take me back, Other Mommy!

♪ ♪

(car alarms continue honking and wailing)

OTHER MOMMY (whispers): If you say so.

(loud rumbling)

(car alarms continue honking and wailing)

(gasps)

-Excuse us. Sorry. -Excuse me. Sorry.

(car alarms honking and wailing outside)

Bela.

(car alarms continue honking and wailing)

-(balls rumbling) -(water burbling)

(breath trembles)

Bela!

(singsongy): Your parents are lying to you, Bela.

(whispering): She wishes you never existed.

(creaking)

(car alarms continue honking and wailing)

(gasping, coughing)

MOMMY: Bela! Honey.

-Mommy. -Bela. Honey.

-Oh, my God. (panting) -(coughing, sobbing)

BELA: Come here, Daddo.

(concerned chatter)

WOMAN: I have no idea.

(exhales)

(exhales)

♪ ♪

(distorted screams)

(intercom buzzes)

Hey, Mom, it's us. We're here.

GRANDMA RUTH: Drive up and remove your socks.

See? I told you, she's lost her mind.

She's probably peeing in milk bottles up there.

-(Daddo chuckles) -Ew.

DADDO: Mmm. Sounds yummy.

(gates creaking)

GRANDMA RUTH: It's safe to come out now.

(seagulls squawking)

(dogs barking)

I needed your socks for the dogs.

Hi!

GRANDMA RUTH: They have to accept your scent

-before you can come in. -(Bela laughing)

DADDO: Guard dogs, Ruth?

MOMMY: Yeah, the crystals aren't doing the trick anymore?

I prefer a little more bite.

-They're so pretty. -(dogs panting)

(chuckles)

This house is protected.

My "scammer" friends are coming tomorrow.

They'll fix your problem.

(vehicle locks beep)

You guys look like you could use a drink.

(door closes)

I meant to ask, how's Dad doing?

You two talk pretty regularly, I heard.

GRANDMA RUTH: As a matter of fact, we do.

He was the love of my life.

Which is hard to find, as you know.

Fantastic. Not upsetting at all.

Tell him I said hi.

He asks about you.

He asking about me, too?

(chuckles)

Hardly.

Is that where you keep your milk bottles, Grandma?

What's that, honey?

For your pee?

(Mommy and Daddo laughing)

-(waves crashing) -(dogs barking)

(panting)

♪ ♪

(barking)

(wind whistling)

GRANDMA RUTH: Your mother and I used to sit down here and talk.

Back when we talked at all. (chuckles)

People like to say you can't choose your family.

You're stuck with them for life.

You get older, you realize that's not exactly true.

(chuckles)

No one's love is guaranteed.

It's always a choice.

You're not supposed to lie to the people you love.

(laughs)

Yeah, but we all do.

People you love are going to lie to you,

just like people who hurt you are gonna say they love you.

Other Mommy said

she can make it so I won't ever get hurt.

Oh, that's the biggest lie of all, isn't it?

What do you mean?

Nobody gets through life without a few scars, Bela.

That's what makes us powerful.

That's being human.

It's...

scary and it's beautiful.

And it hurts.

But we're lucky to do it.

Don't ever forget that.

♪ ♪

I have some very powerful friends coming tomorrow.

They're not afraid of Other Mommy.

She'll be afraid of them.

(vehicles approaching)

(horns honking in distance)

Uh-oh. Cavalry's coming.

Want to see?

-(engines revving) -(tires screeching)

-(busy chatter) -BRIAN: Where are my monitors?

MAN: All right, 10-4. I'm on it.

BRIAN: Be careful with those.

-(dog barks) -(chatter continues)

LOIS: Well, it's nice to see you again, Ruth.

Considering the circumstances.

-Hello. -Hi.

I'm Lois Anthony.

I'm grateful to be here.

Yeah, well, we're-we're grateful.

Really.

LOIS: I've helped a lot of people

-in situations like yours. -(computers beeping)

There's nothing to be afraid of.

GRANDMA RUTH: Lois guided me when we lost Grandpa.

When she tells spirits what to do, they listen.

BRIAN: Keep bringing those in, please.

Poltergeists can throw objects up to 100 miles an hour.

(bag thuds)

What kind of a entity or...

wh-what-what do you think it is?

LOIS: It's a trickster.

A corrupted energy seeking a host,

intruding from another plane.

Cool. Okay.

BRIAN: Keep this bracelet on.

It's gonna tell me how your body's reacting on the inside.

-Like my heart? -Yeah, exactly.

You'll be able to see if something goes inside of it?

Inside your heart?

It's probably nothing you did.

These monsters are always drawn to children

because of their innocence.

They slip through the cracks into our world,

but they need permission to exist.

As soon as Bela's innocence is broken,

the demon won't want her anymore.

So are you saying

we're supposed to make her less innocent?

No, no.

We're here to kill the monster.

(typing on keyboard)

We light this candle to ward off those that fear fire.

We pour this cup to ward off those that fear water.

Hmm.

We spill this salt...

...to ward off those that fear the earth.

(bell rings)

-(sneezes) -(gasps)

Fucking dogs.

We wish to be heard by the entity known as Other Mommy.

No more hiding.

It's time for you to go.

We're not afraid of you, Other Mommy.

Your fun is over.

(mouse clicking)

(heavy thumping upstairs)

(gasping)

(dogs growl, whimper)

Caught that. Upstairs.

You don't belong here!

-(house creaking) -Mommy.

-It's okay. -(panting)

-(shushing) -This girl is

under my protection.

We have the power here.

This is Bela's life, not yours.

(beeping steadily)

-(loud bang, rumbling) -(gasping)

(cameras clicking)

-Wow. -(computer beeping steadily)

Wow, okay.

Motion sensors, zone four, upstairs hall.

What does that mean?

-(loud bang) -(cameras clicking)

BRIAN: Oh, fuck. Zone two.

Downstairs now? How the fuck?

LOIS: We ask that you move on from Bela.

She's tired. Her family is tired.

-(cameras clicking) -(raspy whooshing)

(thunder rumbling softly)

-(steady beeping) -Do you see it, Brian?

No, still nothing.

(footsteps upstairs)

(cameras clicking)

♪ ♪

(deep whooshing)

-(table rattling) -(bell ringing)

(gasping)

Guys, it's gonna be all right!

(mouthing)

I illuminate you!

We demand that you show yourself to us, Other Mommy!

Wait, what?!

Show yourself!

(rumbling)

I want to leave.

DADDO: Brave faces.

Brave faces, okay? This is why we came here.

-BRIAN: Wait. Wait. -(rumbling fades)

I think...

(static over headphones)

Whispering.

-(panting) -(eerie voices whispering)

What do you see, honey?

(raspy shrieking)

Zone one! Right here! It's in here!

Switching to UV.

(lights clicking, whirring)

LOIS: Go check for footprints.

Everything's okay.

We have Other Mommy right where we want her.

Oh, here.

Get out of here. Get out of here.

Get out-- Get out of here.

Get out of here.

(sneezes)

Fuck!

-(gasps) -She's here!

-Other Mommy! -DADDO: No.

(raspy breathing)

LOIS: Oh, my God.

It's the mom.

Get rid of it!

(shivering): No.

(chuckles)

-We did it! -(dogs barking)

BRIAN: Our first fucking ghost! It's real!

-I told you. I told you. -It's fucking real!

You fucks! You fakes!

Hey, come on.

Let's go, let's go!

(exhales softly)

(grunts)

(grunts)

BRIAN (over comms): Lois.

Lois.

(gasping)

(distorted bark)

(distorted bark)

(Lois gasping)

(Lois whimpering)

(screaming)

(distorted yelling)

(cameras clicking)

(growling)

-(screaming) -BRIAN: Lois!

(screaming continues)

(screaming)

-(wheezes) -(grunts)

(Other Mommy roaring)

(yelling)

(screaming)

Come on! Go, go, go!

♪ ♪

(bracelet beeping rapidly)

OTHER MOMMY: Did you think you could get rid of me?

(screams)

(panting)

I tried being your friend.

(crying): I'm sorry!

-You've had your chance. -(crying)

(bracelet beeping faster)

(distorted): But I'm done asking nicely.

(dog whines)

(whimpering)

DADDO (in distance): Bela! Bela!

-Here! -DADDO: She's there?

-She's down here! -She's there!

Bela!

♪ ♪

(thunder rumbling softly)

♪ ♪

(grunts)

(sighs)

I don't know where to go.

Well...

...we can't keep bringing other people into this.

Sh-Should we just go home?

Yeah.

-May as well be comfortable. -Okay.

We still got that cookie dough in the freezer, right?

Okay.

MOMMY: We'll be fine, honey.

Come here.

(vehicle door closes)

-Oh, God. -(gasps)

We left the lights on.

Are you kidding me?

-(rumbling) -(bubbles sizzling)

(glass squeaking)

Bela?

Tonight...

I think, in order to get through this,

we all need to be someone else.

What do you mean?

We're done running. This is our home.

I think we should dress up tonight.

Have a little party?

Can I wear some of your jewelry?

You can wear all of my jewelry.

(boops)

(ice rattling)

DADDO: Just...

like that.

-(chuckles) -Okay.

(whispering): Bring this to Mommy.

Surprise her and tell her she can put the broom down, okay?

-Okay. -Okay.

Can I try it?

Go for it.

-I like it. -(laughs): Okay.

♪ I got your name on a matchbook... ♪

Daddo says to put the broom down.

Happy to.

-Ah, cheers. -Cheers.

Mm.

Think we have enough?

Yeah.

I bet she's shaking in her boots.

Well, this is everything we got.

(sighs)

What do you think?

Does Mom look like a badass?

DADDO: I think you do.

(Bela and Daddo chuckling)

I am, uh, trying to choose between

the crowbar and...

...cleaver? I don't know.

(Mommy and Daddo laugh)

("Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" by Haircut 100 playing)

You hear that?

You know this song.

Wait a second. Is he gonna...?

At a time like this?

How could he? How dare he?

♪ Time can't afford no time... ♪

-Oh, no. -(chuckles) Crazy.

-Turn the volume up! -(music volume increases)

♪ Someday maybe ♪

♪ Boy meets girl... ♪

(grunts) Come on, Bela.

You want to dance with Daddo?

♪ Boy meets girl... ♪

Come on.

BELA: It's okay, Daddo.

You guys can stop pretending.

Yeah. Okay.

Okay.

(song stops)

♪ ♪

(clears throat) Why don't you...

...pick one you like?

(picks up cleaver)

-Your cleaver. -Thank you.

I'm actually really scared.

(chuckles softly)

I'm glad you said it.

(inhales deeply)

Same team. (chuckles softly)

Always.

(loud banging, rumbling)

(raspy yelling)

(raspy growling)

(gasps)

Bela, stay right...

(Other Mommy roars)

-Daddo! -Get under!

(whimpers)

-(Daddo and Mommy grunting) -(gasping)

(screams)

(pained grunting)

(screams)

(Other Mommy roaring)

(screams)

Come on! (grunts)

(groans)

Bela, Bela.

-(growling) -Oh!

Down in the basement.

Go! Go!

OTHER MOMMY (distorted): Don't let them

break your heart, Bela.

-(rumbling) -(light bulbs popping)

BELA: Mommy!

(Mommy and Daddo grunting)

(gasping)

What do we do now?!

We have to tell her!

The innocence bullshit?! That's not gonna work!

(growling)

Okay!

Okay, do it!

Do it!

(audio continues muffled)

♪ ♪

I was married to someone else when I got pregnant.

I wasn't planning on having a child.

I wasn't planning on anything.

And that's when I met Daddo.

Oh, but he made me laugh. Oh, he made me laugh.

(laughing): Not-not the fake kind, you know?

The real kind.

And it caught me off guard.

And I thought,

"Oh, maybe I could...

I could s-- I could start again."

(muffled rumbling)

And then when we found out I was pregnant,

we both cried, but...

...not for the same reason.

♪ ♪

Daddo is not your real father, Bela.

(sobs softly)

But he stayed.

(muffled rumbling)

Oh, he wanted you.

He wanted to be a father.

(door closing echoes)

And I...

(muffled rumbling fades)

I didn't know how to say that I didn't.

(sobs softly)

I never wanted to be a mother.

♪ ♪

Oh, I wanted to be free.

Not because I didn't love you.

(sobbing): Oh, God, I do.

I love you.

But because loving you meant losing pieces of myself

that I wasn't ready to give up.

(sobbing)

I'm sorry.

For the lie. For all of it.

For not being the kind of mother you deserve.

(sniffles)

But that's it.

That's finally the truth.

(lights clicking)

(panting)

BELA: No!

-(sobbing) -Oh. -MOMMY: Bela.

(pained groan)

I hate you!

(panting)

Bela. Bela.

I'm still your Daddo.

No, you're not.

MOMMY: No. No!

It's not safe. It's not safe!

(rumbling)

(door echoes)

(crying softly)

(door opens)

(door creaking)

♪ ♪

(crying, sniffling)

Y-You're still here?

(crying)

I'm sorry, Other Mommy.

Please. I don't want to be here.

I'll say yes. Please!

I'm ready, I swear.

Please, Other Mommy.

♪ ♪

(eerie voices whispering)

(glass squeaking softly)

Please, Other Mommy.

I'll do anything.

Just don't leave me alone.

(sniffles)

(gasps)

(panting)

(voice echoing): Maybe there's something left to save.

(voice echoing): I didn't think it would be this hard.

It's so much easier where I'm from.

You'll like it there.

What do I have to do?

Just a hug.

And you say yes.

♪ ♪

Bela, can I go inside your heart?

I'm scared.

Shh.

I'll make sure nobody ever hurts you again.

(Grandma Ruth laughs)

Well, that's the biggest lie of all, isn't it?

(waves crashing)

Nobody gets through life without a few scars, Bela.

You get to pick who you want to let into your heart

and who you want to keep out.

That's what makes us powerful.

That's being human.

OTHER MOMMY: You'll never be sad like them.

(eerie voices whispering)

You'll never be a liar like them.

(skin crackling)

But I am a liar like them.

I don't want you!

I choose no!

(rumbling)

(heavy thud echoes)

No, Other Mommy.

(light bulbs clicking)

(Other Mommy laughing)

OTHER MOMMY: You stupid,

broken child.

(crackling)

(wheezing)

(laughing)

(raspy growling)

(grunts)

(chuckles)

They'll never love you like I did, Bela.

-No, Other Mommy! -(crackling, pained gasping)

-No! -(pained groaning)

-No! -(pained grunt)

(wheezing)

(gasping)

Every time you look at her, you'll think of me.

(low growling)

(whispering): You can play happy family.

But it'll just be pretend.

(whispering): Good night, Other Mommy.

-(yells) -(squelching)

(whooshing)

-(sharp squelching) -(howling)

(wind whistling)

(eerie voices whispering)

OTHER MOMMY (faintly): Bela! Bela!

(howling)

(howling stops)

(panting)

(Daddo and Mommy panting)

-Mommy! -Oh, God.

(panting)

MOMMY: We'll fix it.

We'll fix it, Bela.

There's no more lies.

(whispers): Daddo.

(crying)

♪ ♪

(soft whooshing)

(soft tinkling)

BELA: Hello and good morning.

My name is Isabela Martin,

and this is "The Story of Me."

I'm very excited to make new friends this year at school.

There's a song I used to sing about friends.

It says, "New friends are silver.

Old friends are gold."

All my old friends are gone.

♪ ♪

I'm not allowed to talk about my summer.

The police finally stopped coming to our house.

-I live with my mom and dad... -(Daddo and Mommy chattering)

...Ursula Martin and Russell Martin.

Something special about me is my zipper.

My mom has one, too.

-DADDO: All right. -MOMMY: Hey, honey.

Does it still hurt?

Oh, God, no. It just itches.

How are you gonna tell people you got yours?

Well, I don't know.

I guess I'm gonna have to make something up.

Okay, that looks good.

BELA: My mom and my dad

-love each other very much. -DADDO: Guess what.

Everybody survived. Mwah.

BELA: We are a very happy family.

("The Great Pretender" playing)

♪ Oh, yes ♪

♪ I'm the great pretender ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Pretending that I'm doing well ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ My need is such ♪

♪ I pretend too much ♪

♪ I'm lonely, but no one can tell ♪

♪ Oh, yes ♪

♪ I'm the great pretender ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Adrift in a world of my own ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ I play the game ♪

♪ But to my real shame ♪

♪ You've left me to dream all alone ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Too real is this feeling ♪

♪ Of make-believe ♪

♪ Too real when I feel ♪

♪ What my heart can't conceal ♪

♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ Yes, I'm the great pretender ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Just laughing and gay ♪

♪ Like a clown ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ I seem to be ♪

♪ What I'm not, you see ♪

♪ I'm wearing my heart ♪

♪ Like a crown ♪

♪ Pretending that you're still around ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Too real is this feeling ♪

♪ Of make-believe ♪

♪ Too real when I feel ♪

♪ What my heart can't conceal ♪

♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ Yes, I'm the great pretender ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Just laughing and gay ♪

♪ Like a clown ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ I seem to be ♪

♪ What I'm not, you see ♪

♪ I'm wearing my heart ♪

♪ Like a crown ♪

♪ Pretending ♪

♪ That you're still around ♪

♪ Still around. ♪

(song ends)

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

(music ends)

(skin creaking)

Shh.