Original subtitles

- Yes, Ms. Crimesly, this is Robert Shaw

calling again from Social Services.

This is my fourth message to you.

I'm afraid it's regarding your granddaughter,

Alice Aciman.

It not good news, and if you could find a moment,

I would really appreciate it...

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(tranquil instrumental music)

- A boat beneath a sunny sky, lingering onward,

dreamily in an evening of July.

Children three that nestle near eager, eye and willing ear,

pleased a simple tale to hear.

Long had paled that sunny sky, echoes fade and memories die.

Autumn frosts have slain July.

Still she haunts me, phantomwise,

Alice moving under skies, never seen by waking eyes.

Children yet, the tale to hear

eager eye and willing ear,

lovingly shall nestle near.

In a Wonderland they lie, dreaming as the days go by,

dreaming as the summers die.

Ever drifting down the stream,

lingering in the golden gleam.

Life, what is it but a dream?

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(footsteps thumping)

- Oh, my dearest Alice.

- You must be Beth.

- Beth Crimesly.

But you can call me,

well, what would you like to call me?

- Gran.

- We are family.

Last two standing.

(Beth laughing)

Oh, I'm so sorry, dear.

That was well out of term.

Come on in.

Let's get you warm and settled.

(wings flapping)

- Oh my God.

- Quite something, isn't it?

- It's beautiful.

- The foundations date back to the 15th century.

Alas, I think the heating system

and the pigeons were of the same period.

(wings flapping)

(Beth laughing)

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music fades)

- Hello, you.

What's your name?

I'm Alice.

- That's Mitzi.

And this is Maisie.

- Hello, Mitzi.

You are awfully cute.

- Here.

Drink some tea.

It will warm you up.

- Thank you.

- This house does get very chilly, especially in the winter.

It's so big, you see.

I'm sorry I couldn't get to the funeral.

I didn't know anything about it.

None of it, until the lawyers got in touch six weeks ago

and I made arrangements for you to come to me as quickly

as possible.

- It's okay, I spoke to him.

I'm sorry if--

- There's no need to apologize.

How are you?

I mean, really?

How are you coping?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Too early.

- No, it's just I haven't really,

I haven't really spoken to anyone.

- Well, there hasn't really been anyone, has there?

You poor lamb.

- In the home where they put me,

while they were looking for you.

There was someone, but I mean, there were kids there.

Kids with bigger problems than me.

- You have her courage.

You have her eyes.

I can see you in her and you have her heart, no doubt,

courageous and defiant like that of a lion.

The only thing you can do, Alice, is to keep moving forward.

It doesn't matter how far, one step at a time.

And today, those steps have brought you to me.

And you'll be fine.

You'll be safe here.

I promise.

- Did we ever meet, like when I was a baby?

- No, your mother and I, we--

- Go on.

- There'll be plenty of time for that.

All the time in the world.

Now drink up your tea and Mitzi, Maisie and I

will show you to your room.

It was your mother's room.

I hope you'll like it.

- I'm sure it'll be perfect.

- I'll leave you to unpack your bags

and leave you some space.

Just come and find me when you are ready.

I wouldn't go anywhere near the woods.

Not at this time of year.

We have six acres and there are poachers.

As long as you stick to the water's edge,

you should be fine.

That's if you feel like exploring.

(birds chirping)

(water running)

(water running continues)

(water running continues)

- Hello?

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- It was my mother's recipe.

Her ancestors lived here.

My ancestors and yours too, I suppose.

- How did it get its name.

- Wonderland?

Aren't you familiar with the book?

You should be, you were named after it.

- Book?

- The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll.

- I saw the movie, but I've never read the book.

- Well, it was said that Lewis Carroll lived here

in the early 1800s and this was supposed to have

inspired him.

Inspired him to write one of the greatest examples

of Victorian literature,

and then my ancestors named it after it.

- What was it called, before that I mean?

- Crimesly house.

How was the soup?

- Yeah, it was good.

Really good.

Do you have a copy?

- A copy?

- Of the book, Alice in Wonderland?

- Well, of course.

- I'd love to read it.

- Well, I shall have to dig you out a copy then.

You didn't go anywhere near the woods, did you?

- No, I just stayed by the stream.

It was so peaceful.

- I meant what I said about the woods Alice.

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(water running)

(dishes clanking)

Do you play?

- Play what?

- Cards.

- I played with my friends, not so much with...

- With?

- I played with my friend a lot.

- Do you still miss her?

- After it happened I kind of shut down.

I haven't really spoken to anyone in

it feels like forever.

- Forever is a long time, Alice.

- Did you ever lose anyone?

Before, I mean.

- I'm sorry, I'm...

- What happened between mum and you?

- Not very good at talking about it.

Perhaps one day we'll learn to help each other heal.

- I hope so, I'd like that.

I'm sorry if--

- Right.

Let the game begin.

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Hey, why did you stop?

- I'm sorry, I didn't know if I was allowed.

It's so beautiful.

- Of course.

Wonderland is your home now.

Our home, fate has brought us together, you and I.

Did she teach you how to play?

And who do you think taught her?

- Something about being here with you

makes me feel closer to her.

- Oh.

Right, budge up.

(bright piano music)

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Oh my dear girl, Alice?

Are you all right?

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(loud gagging)

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Oh, I wonder whatever it was that came over you.

Perhaps a little too much excitement for one day.

Huh?

Now you rest up and I'll go and get a little something

to settle your tummy.

- Gran?

- Yes dear.

- Thank you for everything.

(Beth chuckling)

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- There we go.

All my own recipe.

And it's all from the garden.

It'll do you the power of good.

Just take little sips, little and often.

Okay?

I will be just down the corridor if you need me.

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(Alice gagging)

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There you go.

Slowly.

You are okay.

Are you still cold?

Oh, there, nice and snug.

- Don't go.

- I've just had an idea.

I'll be right back.

I promise.

- Promise?

- I promise

I am going to read you to sleep.

I'm going to tell you a story.

The story of Alice's adventures in Wonderland.

Chapter one, down the rabbit hole.

Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her

sister on the bank and of having nothing to do.

Once or twice she had peeped into the book

her sister was reading,

but it had no pictures or conversations in it.

And what is the use of a book,

thought Alice, without pictures or conversations.

So she was considering in her own mind as well

as she could for the hot day,

made her feel very sleepy and stupid.

Whether the pleasure of making a daisy chain

would be worth the trouble of getting up

and picking the daisies.

When suddenly, a white rabbit with pink eyes

ran close by her.

In another moment down went Alice after it,

never once considering how in the world she was

to get out again.

(water running)

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- Beth?

Beth.

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- Hello Alice.

- How do you know my name?

- I'd love to stop and chat, but I'd be late.

- Late?

What are you late for?

- The very important date.

The party's starting soon, I can't be late.

It is the seat of bad manners.

Would you like to come with me?

- Come with you?

- To the party.

It's a very important date.

- Yes.

Yes, you said.

Just dreaming.

Go along with it.

Wake up, wake up.

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What?

What happened?

- I killed them.

They were late.

The seat of bad manners.

I thought you agreed.

It's my little secret.

- What is?

- The cake, I always poison the cake.

All children love cake.

- You've killed them for being late.

- I killed them for being late.

Have you ever been late, Alice?

When the house burned around your parents,

the smoke slowly choking your mother.

Was it not sweet little Alice who was too late

to raise the alarm?

(glass shattering)

- You don't know what you're talking about.

- Would you like to see a trick?

It's all about sleight of hand.

I can make it all go away, Alice.

- What?

- I can make the pain all go away.

- How?

(suspenseful music)

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- Want to see a trick?

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(crickets chirping)

(heavy breathing)

(bedding rustling)

(footsteps thumping)

(heavy breathing)

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- Beth?

Beth?

(footsteps thumping)

(screaming)

- Alice, whatever is it, you look like you've seen a ghost.

- I had a nightmare.

- Oh, you poor lamb.

- It was just like the book.

There was a rabbit.

- A rabbit?

Oh goodness.

Well, I don't know how much you were able to absorb.

You fell asleep before I finished the first chapter.

- I'm sorry.

- No need to apologize.

It was just a dream.

- No, I meant I fell asleep while you were reading to me.

You must think me quite rude.

- Not at all, I just wanted you to awake before I continued.

But when you can sleep, you must.

You need the rest, my dear.

In the morning you will be right as rain.

I assure you.

And when I can, I must get on with this.

Otherwise it'll take me a month of Sundays.

- What is it?

(Beth chuckling)

- A scarf.

- It's beautiful.

- Well, as I said,

the heating and the foundations go back to the same period.

(Beth chuckling)

Oh no, not again.

Alice, can you manage on your own?

I'll go get some fresh towels.

(Alice gagging)

(crickets chirping)

(heavy breathing)

(heavy breathing continues)

(heavy breathing continues)

(child giggling)

(suspenseful music)

(child giggling)

(heavy breathing)

(floorboards creaking)

(heavy breathing)

(suspenseful music)

- What are you doing here?

Who are you?

- I'm Tallulah.

- And I'm Tara.

- What do you want?

- We are here to warn you.

- We're here to tell you a story.

- I need to find Beth.

Beth.

- She can't hear you.

- Why not?

- You are not awake.

- You are still dreaming.

- I want to wake up now.

- But we haven't told you our story yet.

- I'm not sure I want to hear it right now.

- Don't you want to know how it happened?

- How he did it?

- Who did that to you?

What happened?

- It was the walrus.

- That's what they called him.

- Who?

- The press.

- Why did they call him the walrus?

- That's what they called him at school.

- The bullies.

- The ones he said drove him to it.

He grew up to be a carpenter

and he'd drive around in his van.

- Around and around.

- Looking.

- Waiting.

- Where is he?

The walrus.

- Shh.

- He'll hear you.

(birds chirping)

- Where are we?

- Shh.

He's coming.

Something wicked this way comes.

- What's happening?

What is this?

- This is how it happened.

He's going to take her now.

(door clicking)

- Excuse me.

I was wondering if you could help me.

I'm a little lost, I must have got turned around.

I'm looking for the Levine Avenue.

Yeah, can you,

can you help me?

Can you help me?

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The walrus and the carpenter ate the oysters.

Because they could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

The walrus and the carpenter.

- Where is she?

- [Walrus] ate the oysters.

- Who?

Your sister.

- [Walrus] 'Cause I could.

'Cause I could.

(meat sizzling)

- [Alice] Why.

- [Walrus] The walrus and the carpenter.

- He'll hear you.

You mustn't interrupt him while he works.

- Why?

- [Walrus] Because they could.

- Entitlement.

That is his undoing, as it will be hers.

- Hers?

What are you talking about?

Who?

- Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could.

Because I could!

Because I could!

Because I could!

- Close your eyes and make the wish.

- Because I could!

- Tweedledum and Tweedledee

agreed to have a battle.

For Tweedledum said Tweedledee had spoiled

his nice new rattle.

Just then flew down a monstrous crow

as black as a tar barrel, which frightened both our heroes,

so they quite forgot their quarrel.

(chuckling)

Oh my dear.

You're burning up.

Shall I fetch you a fresh towel?

- I don't know what's wrong with me.

I felt fine earlier.

- I know, it's all so unexpected.

You must be so frightened.

- Please don't leave me.

I feel so sick.

- I have just the thing for you.

Hold on, I'll be right back.

(suspenseful music)

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(rustling)

(sniffing)

This was your mother's.

You take good care of her.

(instrumental music)

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(fire crackling)

(heavy breathing)

(coughing)

(heavy breathing)

- No, I can't still be dreaming.

(suspenseful music)

(coughing)

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(fire crackling)

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- [Beth] The caterpillar and Alice looked at each other

for some time in silence.

At last, the caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth

and addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice.

- Who are you?

Said the caterpillar.

- [Alice] I think you ought to tell me who you are first.

- No, you.

Who are you?

- I'm Alice.

Alice Aciman.

- Yes.

There she is.

There you are.

Alice, Alice in Wonderland.

Is that how you dealt with your parents' death?

Shut it out.

The screaming?

- What?

- You just closed your eyes and waited

into the quiet of the stream.

- I lost my parents.

- We've all lost someone.

Yet we're supposed to continue like we didn't.

Tell me Alice,

did you ever look at it from a different perspective?

- Look at what?

- Your situation, your circumstance, predicament.

- You can only look at a situation from the perspective

with which you meant it.

- Do you think she has your best interests at heart?

- Who?

- Her, the Red Queen.

- Who are you?

- Just a concerned friend.

A friend.

- Beware.

- Beware the Red Queen.

- But...

- Perhaps the question is not who are you, but who is she?

(suspenseful music)

- Alice?

Alice, it's all right.

It's all right.

It's all right.

You've had a dream.

It was a nightmare.

Alice, you're okay.

It's the fever.

Look at me.

Look at me!

That's it.

It's Beth.

It's your gran.

You're okay.

That's it.

That's it.

You're back in the room now.

You're okay.

You're okay.

- I don't feel good.

I think I need to see a doctor.

- A doctor?

- I feel so sick.

I've never felt anything like this in my stomach.

- Darling, well I don't know what it could be.

I mean, it can't be the food.

We both ate the same thing.

- No, it's not the food.

The food was good.

It's just.

- Alice, Alice.

Alice.

(suspenseful music)

(Alice gagging)

(suspenseful music continues)

(Alice gagging)

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All up?

- I don't think there could be anything left.

That smells good.

- A slightly different blend.

Just in case there was something in the first lot

that disagreed with you.

Hey, I'm here to look after you.

Now let's get you tucked back into bed, huh?

Oh, and I did call the good doctor, but there was no answer.

It's highly unlikely that he will come before tomorrow.

That's assuming that he gets the messages

before his morning rounds.

But don't worry.

You're in good hands.

You're in great hands.

This is going to be new for both of us.

There will be these milestones along the way.

The first time you get sick, the first time you fall.

But we all fall in life Alice.

Just remember,

that I will always be there to pick you up again.

I know you miss them terribly.

You asked me earlier whom I had lost.

How I wish that I could say that I didn't know what you were

going through, but I lost my mother at about your age.

It was a long, long time ago.

I said earlier you had her courage.

Loving somebody deeply gives you courage.

But being loved by somebody deeply gives you strength.

It will always hurt, but it will hurt less.

Does that make any sense?

- I think so.

- Would you like me to read to you again?

Just until you fall asleep?

- Would you mind?

- Of course not, you sweet child.

(paper rustling)

The only things in the kitchen that did not sneeze

were the cook and a large cat,

which was sitting on the hearth and grinning

from ear to ear.

(beeping)

(beeping continues)

(beeping continues)

"Please would you tell me", said Alice a little timidly.

'Cause she was not quite sure whether it was good manners

for her to speak first.

Why your cat grins like that?

- I'm sorry, could you repeat the question?

- [Smoking Man] Tell me, Alice,

did you ever look at it from a different perspective?

- It's just a dream.

It's just a dream.

You're dreaming.

I'm sorry.

Your scars.

How did you get them?

- That's what I thought you meant.

But then you're not my usual doctor, are you?

I thought what a funny way of putting it.

My cat.

What a roundabout way to ask me how I got them.

How I got to my scars.

The scars of a Cheshire cat.

- This is a safe space.

- Is it now?

Well, I suppose you can't help that.

We're all mad here.

(door slamming)

My markings.

That's the name the press gave them.

Like him, they were very unkind to me.

- To who?

Who were they unkind to?

- To the Walrus, of course,

perhaps that would've made it all the more ironic

had I kept them.

- Kept what?

- My press cuttings.

- Do you feel like talking about them today?

- About what?

About what you call my crimes.

- What would you call them?

- Art.

- Art?

- Art.

- You call scarring the faces of families,

men, women and children.

You call that art.

- Every cat burglar needs a calling card.

- And you couldn't have left the taps running?

- You are very attractive for a psychotherapist.

I imagine that's very dangerous for your clients.

- You did that to the faces of your victims.

The victims of your crimes.

But who did that to you?

Who gave you the worst of them?

- You don't know what this is.

You don't know what she did.

You don't know it's her.

Do you?

- Who?

What are you talking about?

- Oh, I dare not say her name.

In case she can hear.

She's everywhere, in the walls.

(laughing)

Can't you hear them singing?

- Like I said, this is a safe space.

- The Red Queen.

You want me to show you how she did it?

- Excuse me?

(cup breaking)

(suspenseful music)

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(suspenseful music fades)

(crickets chirping)

- At last, we meet.

(laughing)

Life is all about meetings and partings.

That is the way of it, Alice.

Would you like to play a game?

I like games.

They teach you all manner of lessons about consequences,

about loss, about knowing your opponent.

It is better to weigh the enemy more mighty than it seems.

Would you like to deal seeing as you are such a master?

Are we ready to begin?

Are you wondering why I did it?

- Did what?

- The Cheshire Ripper.

Why I gave her her scars.

(laughing)

Have you met her?

- I did.

(laughing)

- Gruesome, isn't she?

Oh, but she makes no sense at all anymore.

I think she's totally insane.

Talks nothing but nonsense.

- You may call it nonsense,

but I've heard nonsense and compared with which

it would be as sensible as a dictionary.

- How profound.

This is it, you know.

The dream, you won't wake up from.

Here, now you see it needs all the running

you can do just to stay in one place.

If you want to run somewhere else,

you'll have to go twice as fast as that.

(laughing)

- I already did.

(suspenseful music)

- What have you done?

- I won.

- No, no.

Nobody beats the Red Queen.

You don't understand.

Nobody beats the Red Queen.

(screaming)

(thunder clapping)

(thunder clapping continues)

(thunder clapping continues)

(suspenseful music)

(laughing)

(suspenseful music continues)

(laughing)

(laughing continues)

(suspenseful music continues)

(laughing)

(laughing continues)

- Your hair wants cutting.

(laughing)

- Does it?

I quite like it long.

- Well, you know best, my dear.

You know best.

Come, sit.

Sit before your tea gets cold.

- Who are you?

I'm Alice.

- Well, of course you are.

And I am the Mad Hatter.

(laughing)

- Goodness.

(laughing)

Why do they call you that?

(laughing)

(loud banging)

- Because I'm actually quite, quite mad!

- You really don't need to be quite so angry,

after all, it's such a lovely day.

(laughing)

Look, what a wonderful spread you've prepared.

I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful tea party.

- Yes.

You're so right.

I'm sorry for my outburst.

It's just well,

sometimes I... I get these dark thoughts.

Very, very dark thoughts.

What about you, Alice?

Do you get them too?

- Yes.

I think we all do.

- About your parents.

- How did you know that?

- I can see it in your eyes.

She says it's courage.

But all I see is grief.

That's what brought us all here.

The Rabbit, the Walrus, Tallulah and Tara.

Even the Cheshire Ripper.

Grief is what brought us all here to Wonderland.

(laughing)

- What about the Red Queen?

- The Red Queen is grief.

She feeds on it.

- What do you mean?

- Shh.

It's a secret.

She told me not to tell you.

- I think you should drink your tea before it gets cold.

- Everybody's watching.

(loud gulping)

- Are you okay?

(cup thumping)

- I do feel a bit curiouser and curiouser.

She loves me.

She loves me not.

(laughing)

It's too funny.

- What is it?

You can tell me.

I have dark thoughts too, remember.

- What she's been putting in your tea.

Wake up Alice.

I said, wake up Alice.

Wake up Alice!

- Alice.

- Tara?

No, I'm Tallulah.

Tara's...

- Don't.

- Don't what?

- Don't look over there.

- You have to leave.

Now.

If either of them discover us here,

it would be quite fatal.

One can only learn so much and live.

Live Alice, live.

- But I feel so sick.

- Remember what she said?

- But I don't feel like that now.

I feel so sick.

That was yesterday.

Look, it's no use going back to yesterday,

because yesterday you were a different person.

(soft instrumental music)

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- You know.

- I know.

- How did you figure it out?

- When I used to read fairy tales,

I fancied that kind of thing never happened.

Now, here I am in the middle of one.

- "Drink Me."

I hope you understand why I had to do it.

This house means everything to my family.

- Beth Crimesly.

- The Red Queen.

- A house is more than bricks and mortar.

Without a family, a house is just a cold, empty shell.

- You are wrong.

- No, I'm not gran.

- Can't you hear the walls?

They're talking to me, singing to me about its histories.

Its stories.

I had to save her.

- Do you really believe that?

- Sometimes I believe more than six impossible things

before breakfast.

(laughing)

That's why I had to poison you.

- Why?

I want to hear you say it, I need to hear you say it.

- For the money.

It was always supposed to be mine, not yours.

You were supposed to die in that fire too.

- You weren't hard to find at all, were you?

That's not why it took the lawyers so long to find you.

You were hiding.

It was you who started the fire, for my inheritance.

- Like I said, I refuse to lose this house.

It wasn't my fault that Henry gambled it all away,

the money.

I mean, how was I supposed to know?

- So you murdered your own daughter.

You killed my parents, and you tried to kill me for money.

- Not for the money.

You stupid, stupid girl, for Wonderland.

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music continues)

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(vocalizing)

- What?

- The final game.

But this time you get to choose the game, Alice.

- Rummy. - What?

- Rummy.

- Ah, rummy.

- What are we playing for?

- The final fatal dose.

The final curtain, good night, Vienna.

I'm sorry it had to come to this Alice.

After all you are my flesh and blood,

but every game has to come to an end.

(chuckling)

(clock ticking)

(clock ticking continues)

Da-na.

(laughing)

No, no, not now.

- What happens now?

- We drink a toast to the winner.

Come on, drink up Alice.

Don't be a sore loser.

(gagging)

(cup breaking)

- I am so sorry.

You made me do it.

- It's all about sleight of hand.

(suspenseful music)

(gagging)

(suspenseful music)

(laughing)

(screaming)

(thumping)

(thumping)

(groaning)

Get down.

(groaning)

(yelping)

(yelping continues)

(suspenseful music)

(fire crackling)

(soft instrumental music)

(soft instrumental music continues)

(glass shattering)

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- [Beth] The long grass rustled at her feet

as the white rabbit hurried by.

The frightened mouse splashed his way

through the neighboring pool.

She could hear the rattle of the teacups as the March Hare

and his friends shared their never ending meal

and the shrill voice of the queen

ordering off her unfortunate guests to execution.

So she sat on with closed eyes and half believed herself

in Wonderland, though she knew she had,

but to open them again and all would change to dull reality.

The grass would be rustling in the wind and the pool

rippling to the waving of the weeds.

The rattling teacups would change to tinkling sheep bells

and the queens shrill cries.

Lastly, she pictured to herself

how the same little sister of hers

would in the aftertime be herself,

a grown woman and how she would keep

through all her riper years,

the simple and loving heart of her childhood,

and how she would gather about her other little children

and make their eyes bright and eager

with many a strange tale.

Perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago.

And how she would feel with all their simple sorrows

and find a pleasure in all their simple joys.

Remembering her own child life and the happy summer days.

(suspenseful music)

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- Shh.

(suspenseful music continues)

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(upbeat music)

- [Alice] Child of the pure unclouded brow,

and dreaming eyes of wonder.

Though time be fleet, and I and thou

are half a life asunder,

thy loving smile will surely hail

the love-gift of a fairy-tale.

I have not seen thy sunny face,

nor heard thy silver laughter,

no thought of me shall find a place

in thy young life's hereafter.

Enough that now thou wilt not fail

to listen to my fairy-tale.

A tale begun in other days,

when summer suns were glowing.

A simple chime, that served to time

the rhythm of our rowing,

whose echoes live in memory yet,

though envious years would say forget.

Come, hearken then, ere voice of dread,

with bitter tidings laden,

shall summon to unwelcome bed

a melancholy maiden.

We are but older children, dear,

who fret to find our bedtime near

without the frost, the blinding snow,

the storm-wind's moody madness.

Within, the firelight's ruddy glow,

the childhood's nest of gladness.

The magic words shall hold thee fast,

thou shalt not heed the raving blast.

And though the shadow of a sigh

may tremble through the story,

for happy summer glory.

It shall not touch with breath of bale

the pleasance of our fairy-tale.

(suspenseful music)

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