THE DESCENDANTS
Written by
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
1 EXT. THE OCEAN - DAY 1
CLOSE ON a beautiful 40-YEAR-OLD WOMAN at the helm of a
powerful SPEEDBOAT -- her hair tossed back by the wind, her
mouth in a euphoric grin.
FADE OUT.
2 CREDITS -- ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE 2
MATT (V.O.)
My missionary ancestors came to the
islands and told the Hawaiians to put
on clothes, work hard, believe in
Christ, and stop surfing and hula
dancing. They made business deals
along the way -- buying an island, or
marrying a princess and inheriting her
land. Now their descendants wear
bikinis and running shorts, play beach
volleyball and surf, and take up hula
dancing. Hawai'i has always been a
place of contradiction.
3 EXT. HONOLULU - DAY 3
VARIOUS SHOTS of Honolulu begin a pattern of montages to be
interspersed throughout the film.
MATT (V.O.)
My friends on the mainland think just
because I live in Hawai'i, I live in
paradise. Like a permanent vacation --
we're all just out here drinking mai-
tais, shaking our hips, and catching
waves. Are they nuts? How can they
possibly think our families are less
screwed up, our heart attacks and
cancers less fatal, our grief less
devastating? Hell, I haven't been on a
surfboard in fifteen years.
4 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY 4
We ZOOM BACK from a panorama of Honolulu to find 50-year-old
MATT KING seated amid DOCUMENTS atop a makeshift desk -- he
has brought his work with him.
(CONTINUED)
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4 CONTINUED: 4
MATT (V.O.)
For the last 23 days, I've been living
in a "paradise" of IVs and urine bags
and endotracheal tubes and six-month-
old US magazines. Paradise. Paradise
can go fuck itself.
Matt looks up at the WOMAN we saw in the speedboat, now lying
stiffly on an upright HOSPITAL BED, her head cocked to one
side, a feeding tube in her nose, a ventilator in her
trachea, IVs in her arm.
MATT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
This is Elizabeth King, my wife.
Twenty-three days ago she was launched
from a powerboat during a race and hit
her head, almost drowned. Now she's in
a coma that scores 5 on the Glasgow
scale and 3 on the Rancho Los Amigos
scale, scores showing an extremely
severe coma. Liz is very competitive.
Whatever she does, she does to the
fullest.
5 INT. NEUROLOGIST'S OFFICE - DAY 5
Matt is getting the current DIAGNOSIS.
NEUROLOGIST
She reacts non-purposefully to stimuli
in a non-specific manner, but
occasionally her responses are
specific, though inconsistent. Her
reflexes are primitive and often the
same, regardless of stimuli
presented...
MATT (V.O.)
It was exactly what Elizabeth used to
accuse me of.
6 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY 6
Matt continues to observe her.
MATT (V.O.)
Twenty-three days in a coma, and any
day now the doctors will give me their
final verdict if she's going to come
out of it or not. Then I have a
decision to make. Wait, that's wrong.
Liz has a living will.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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6 CONTINUED: 6
MATT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Like always, she makes her own
decisions. But I know she's going to
pull through.
His CELLPHONE RINGS.
MATT (CONT'D)
Hi, Noe, what's up?
NOE (ON PHONE)
Matt, you have a call from Scottie's
teacher. She says it's urgent.
MATT
Yeah, sure. Put her on.
7 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY 7
A SCRAPBOOK
shows PHOTOS OF ELIZABETH lying in her hospital bed. The
compositions are odd, the ANGLES uncomfortably CLOSE.
WIDE --
Matt confers with fifth-grade teacher MS. Hayashi and school
counselor MRS. THULL.
MS. HAYASHI
We just don't think these photographs
are appropriate for Scottie to be
sharing with her classmates. Some of
them went home quite disturbed, and we
got some angry calls from parents.
MATT
Yeah, she's sort of been going to town
with the whole picture-taking thing,
but I had no idea --
MS. HAYASHI
I can't tell you how my heart goes out
to you and your family, but Scottie
just hasn't been herself. Principal
Cruz agrees with us that it maybe would
be better for Scottie to remain at home
with you during this difficult time.
MATT
Home. See, I would think that sticking
to her normal routine would be the best
thing for her -- you know, keep her
occupied. I wouldn't really know how
to...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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7 CONTINUED: 7
MATT (CONT'D)
I mean, I've kind of got my hands full.
And her sister's away at school on the
Big Island. I don't think Scottie
would really want to hang out with me
when she could be with her friends and
people like you who specialize in
children.
MRS. THULL
Mr. King, we see this every day --
children acting out at school when
something's wrong at home. And your
family is facing a devastating crisis.
Have you been engaging Scottie in
really talking about what's going on?
Encouraging her to express her
feelings? That's crucial.
MATT
(No)
Oh, yeah. Yeah. Absolutely.
SCOTTIE (O.S.)
(singing)
This shit is bananas. B-a-n-a-n-a-s.
This shit is bananas.
They look over to see --
TEN-YEAR-OLD SCOTTIE KING --
EARBUDS in place and in her own world, DANCING just outside
the classroom door. A JANITOR down the hall eyes her
suspiciously.
SCOTTIE (CONT'D)
This shit is bananas. B-a-n-a-n-a-s!
Matt stares aghast at this specimen called his daughter. The
ladies glance between Scottie and Matt, wondering when, or
whether, he'll intervene. Finally --
MS. HAYASHI
Scottie, that is not a good choice!
Are you making a good choice?
Scottie remains oblivious. Ms. Hayashi rises to her feet.
MATT
(realizing)
Yeah, Scottie, come on. Knock it off.
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8 EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY 8
Matt leads Scottie to the car.
MATT
What's the matter with you? Showing
those pictures of Mom for your art
project?
SCOTTIE
I'm a photographer, Dad, a real
photographer.
MATT
No, you're not. You're overdoing it is
what you're doing.
SCOTTIE
I saw it in a book. Some famous
photographer lady took pictures of her
mom in the hospital while she was
dying, and they're considered art.
That's what I'm doing.
MATT
First of all, your mother's very sick,
but she's not dying. Second, you don't
share personal stuff like that with
strangers. What's going on with Mom is
private.
SCOTTIE
I'm hungry. Can we get burgers?
MATT
No.
SCOTTIE
Can we get smoothies?
MATT
No.
As Scottie continues --
MATT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The last time I took care of Scottie by
myself was when she was one. Now she's
ten, and I have no idea what goes on
inside her head. She's insane. And
with Elizabeth in the hospital, I think
she's testing me. I'm the backup
parent. The understudy.
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9 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY 9
FLASH! Scottie takes Elizabeth's picture again.
MATT
I wish you'd stop doing that. And
rather than taking her picture all the
time, you should talk to her. I'm
tired of asking you. You heard Dr.
Johnston -- people in a coma can hear
you -- you know, well, some of them
can. It lets them know they're still
loved, might even help them wake up
sooner. And it'll help you express
whatever feelings and emotions you're
supposed to be going through -- you
know, make you feel better.
SCOTTIE
I don't know what to say.
MATT
Tell her a story.
SCOTTIE
I don't have a story.
MATT
Tell her anything. Tell her what's
been going on in school.
SCOTTIE
She never cares about that.
MATT
I don't believe that. What about after
school? She's always driving you
around the island. You know,
gymnastics? Soccer?
SCOTTIE
I don't do those things anymore.
MATT
Ballet? Piano? Hula?
SCOTTIE
Nope.
MATT
If you're not going to say anything to
your mother, we might as well leave.
(CONTINUED)
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9 CONTINUED: 9
SCOTTIE
Okay. Let's go.
MATT
How about this? Write her a letter.
SCOTTIE
What would I write?
MATT
I don't know. "Get well. Wake up. I
love you. Don't leave me alone with my
idiot Dad."
SCOTTIE
How's she going to read it? She's in a
coma.
MATT
Goddammit, Scottie, stop fighting me on
everything.
SCOTTIE
But it doesn't make any sense.
MATT
You know what your mother is hearing
right now? You refusing to talk to
her. Is that what you want?
SCOTTIE
I'm starving. And I'm thirsty. I want
a soda.
He takes Scottie by the hand and sits her down in a chair
next to the bed.
MATT
We're not leaving until you talk to
her. I'll even give you privacy.
Recite her the alphabet for all I care.
What do you want to drink?
SCOTTIE
Sprite.
MATT
OK, Sprite. Diet Sprite?
SCOTTIE
Not diet. Regular. Do you think I'm
fat?
(CONTINUED)
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9 CONTINUED: (2) 9
MATT
No, you're not fat.
SCOTTIE
I'm not the model.
MATT
It's just that all that sugar makes you
cranky.
SCOTTIE
I'm not cranky!
MATT
Okay. I'll be right back. Talk.
10 INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY 10
As Matt steps out into the hallway, he passes NURSE JOY.
NURSE JOY
Mr. King, how are you?
MATT
Fine, Joy, fine. And you?
NURSE JOY
I see your picture in the paper today.
Have you made your decision yet?
MATT
My decision?
NURSE JOY
Your family. About your big land.
The other NURSE nudges Joy to be more polite.
NURSE JOY (CONT'D)
What? Me and Mr. King, we're like
this.
MATT
Well, it's not really my decision.
It's my whole family's decision. And
furthermore...
(mock scolding)
... mind your own business, young lady.
As he turns away to continue down the hall --
(CONTINUED)
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10 CONTINUED: 10
MATT (V.O) (CONT'D)
The whole goddamned state is following
my decision on who's going to buy
35,000 acres on Kaua'i my family has
owned since the 1860s. My cousins and
I meet in six days to approve a buyer.
Ever since my father died nine years
ago, I'm the sole trustee, the
controlling trustee, so I hold all the
cards. Why does so much have to depend
on me -- my wife, my daughters, my
family's land? I just want to hide.
11 INT. HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - DAY 11
A POSTCARD shows a BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRL in a bikini
straddling a surfboard, laughing as she's splashed.
Barely containing his rage, Matt stares at postcard before
grabbing ALL THE POSTCARDS in that rack.
AT THE COUNTER --
About to pay for the postcards and two SODAS, Matt notices a
HEADLINE atop a stack of NEWSPAPERS: "Activists Continue
Protest of Kaua'i Sale."
SHOPKEEPER
Hey, they all the same cards. You like
buy all the same cards?
MATT
These are inappropriate for a hospital
gift shop. This girl is underage. Why
do you sell postcards like this? This
is a hospital. These aren't get-well
cards.
The SHOPKEEPER blinks at the man weirdly accosting her.
SHOPKEEPER
You like buy all the cards? Or you
want I put them back?
MATT
(pulling out his wallet)
Never mind. Yes, I'm buying them. And
these two sodas.
As she rings him up --
(CONTINUED)
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11 CONTINUED: 11
SHOPKEEPER
Okay, you buy underage girl all for
yourself.
In the lobby just outside the store, he drops the stack of
postcards into the GARBAGE.
12 INT. HOSPITAL STAIRWAY - DAY 12
Forgoing the elevator -- perhaps to squeeze in a little
exercise -- Matt trudges upstairs.
MATT (V.O.)
Elizabeth's going to make it out okay.
I know it. It's not her time yet.
She'll wake up, Scottie and Alexandra
will have their mother back, and we'll
talk about our marriage. I'll sell the
land and quit my practice and buy her
whatever she wants -- a big boat, a
house in France, a trip around the
world, just the two of us. We'll get
close again, like the early days. It's
still in us. It must be.
13 INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY 13
Approaching the door, Matt hears LAUGHTER from inside.
14 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS 14
Matt enters to find Scottie on a sofa in the corner GIGGLING
and TEXTING.
MATT
Scottie, what are you doing?
SCOTTIE
I'm hungry. Can we go?
MATT
You didn't talk to her, did you?
SCOTTIE
Yes, I did.
MATT
What did you tell her?
SCOTTIE
It's private.
(CONTINUED)
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14 CONTINUED: 14
MATT
You're lying. And Jesus Christ, enough
with the goddamn texting! Give me that
phone! Give it here!
Scottie fights him as he snatches her phone away.
MATT (CONT'D)
Jesus, Scottie. Okay, you win. Let's
go.
Scottie springs up out of the sofa.
MATT (CONT'D)
At least say goodbye.
SCOTTIE
Bye, Mom!
Scottie bolts out the door. Matt takes a last look at Liz,
panic and sadness rippling across his face.
MATT (V.O.)
My wife -- the sportswoman, the model,
the drinker.
MATT (CONT'D)
Would you please wake up already? I
need you. I can't do this alone.
15 EXT. BRIEF MONTAGE - DAY 15
Images lead us up the PALI HIGHWAY and into the lush old
neighborhood of NU'UANU.
16 EXT. KING HOUSE - DAY 16
This STATELY OLD HOUSE shows signs of neglect but feels
impressive and welcoming nonetheless.
MATT (O.S.)
Is this Barb Higgins?
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
Yes, it is.
MATT (O.S.)
Hi, Matt King returning your call. I
assume your daughter is a classmate of
my daughter's.
(CONTINUED)
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16 CONTINUED: 16
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
Yes, Lani is a classmate of Scottie's,
yes.
17 INT. KING HOUSE - DAY 17
As Matt speaks on the PHONE, he wanders out of his cluttered
HOME OFFICE and into the DINING ROOM.
MATT
How can I help you?
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
Let's see, where to start? It's
Scottie. She's been texting some awful
things to Lani, and I'd like her to
stop.
MATT
For instance.
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
Here's the latest one. "We all know
you grew pubes over the summer." She
sends little messages like that for no
reason. She even wrote it on Lani's
Facebook wall.
MATT
Huh.
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
She calls my daughter Lanikai, implying
she's like the size of an entire
neighborhood. Do you think that's
nice?
MATT
That's not like her at all. She's
usually very sweet.
He glances out the window at Scottie, who sits on the ground,
back turned, POUNDING something with a BIG ROCK.
MATT (CONT'D)
As you may know, her mother isn't well,
and maybe this is how she's dealing
with it.
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
I don't care about the backstory, Mr.
King. My daughter comes home from
school in tears.
(CONTINUED)
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17 CONTINUED: 17
MATT
Yeah, no, I get it. I'm very sorry.
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
Scottie should be the one who's sorry.
I want her to come over and apologize
to Lani, and I don't ever want her to
write to my daughter again.
LANI (DISTANT O.S.)
She can in a good way.
BARB HIGGINS (O.S.)
If she doesn't apologize, I'm going to
tell the headmaster. You can't buy
your way out of this.
Matt draws a long exasperated breath, as if everything else
weren't enough already.
MATT (V.O.)
See what I mean? Everybody sees me as
the rich guy, the inheritor. People
resent us. I resent us. Even our last
name -- King. How irritating.
18 INT. MATT'S CAR - DAY 18
Matt drives Scottie.
MATT
You need to say you're sorry, and you
need to mean it. No dicking around. I
have a ton of work to do tonight. Do
you have any idea how behind I am?
You made her cry. Why would you want
to be so mean to someone?
SCOTTIE
(irritated)
I don't know!
MATT
Is that what you text all the time,
nasty things?
SCOTTIE
No.
MATT
Well, what then?
(CONTINUED)
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18 CONTINUED: 18
SCOTTIE
I write them with Reina. They make her
laugh, and then she shows Megan and
Brooke, and they laugh too.
MATT
I should have known Reina had something
to do with it. I don't want you
hanging out with her.
SCOTTIE
Wait, I told Reina she could visit me
in the hospital since I'm not in school
anymore. Can she?
MATT
We'll make a deal. You apologize to
this girl, and you talk to your mother,
and then we'll see about Reina dropping
by the hospital. Okay?
Something outside the window catches Scottie's attention.
SCOTTIE
Dorks!
Matt looks to see --
SIX FAMILY MEMBERS,
walking on the sidewalk with KAYAKS, wearing T-SHIRTS reading
"Melnick Family Reunion."
SCOTTIE (CONT'D)
Dorks!
MATT
Scottie, knock it off!
Scottie sits back in her seat, laughing. Matt glances in his
rearview mirror to see a TEENAGE SON taking off his T-shirt
and throwing it to the ground.
19 EXT. LANI'S HOUSE - KAIMUKI - LATE AFTERNOON 19
The car drives down a block of MODEST HOMES.
SCOTTIE
Her house is down there on the corner.
MATT
You've been here before?
(CONTINUED)
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19 CONTINUED: 19
SCOTTIE
Yea-uh. She invites me to her
birthday, like, every year.
MATT
So you guys are actually friends?
SCOTTIE
Until last year's party, when she
locked me out of the house and I had to
sit outside all day while everybody was
inside. She thought she was so great,
but then I became friends with Reina
and Brooke and got popular.
MATT
(processing)
What?
20 EXT. LANI'S FRONT PORCH - LATE AFTERNOON 20
BARB HIGGINS answers the door.
BARB HIGGINS
Thank you for coming by.
21 INT. LANI'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 21
As Matt and Scottie are shown inside, they remove their
shoes.
BARB HIGGINS
I forgot to mention the time Scottie
said she didn't want to be Lani's
partner at the rock wall because she
didn't want to fall into my daughter's
butt crack. That doesn't even make
sense.
Barb now leads them into --
THE TV ROOM --
-- where LANI HIGGINS sits on a couch. Matt is impatient to
be done with this meaningless task.
MATT
Scottie, do you have something you want
to say to Lani?
SCOTTIE
Sorry.
(CONTINUED)
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21 CONTINUED: 21
LANI
It's okay.
MATT
Great. Well, nice meeting you both.
Lani, you should come over sometime.
Come for a swim or a hike or something.
BARB HIGGINS
Scottie, the things you said were
simply evil. Do you realize that? I
don't know what's led you to be such a
nasty young lady.
MATT
Hey, hey. We came over. She
apologized. We're dealing with it.
Kids are mean sometimes. They grow out
of it. It's a kid thing. Here,
Scottie, you're going to stop, right?
And you're really, really sorry, right?
Scottie makes a big exaggerated nod.
BARB HIGGINS
I don't think she's sorry at all.
She's going to keep doing it. I can
tell.
MATT
No, she won't. It's like the time Lani
locked Scottie out of the house at her
birthday party and Scottie sat outside
by herself. It was a mean thing to do,
but Lani here probably did it just to
show off, right?
Lani thinks a moment, nods.
MATT (CONT'D)
But I'm not about to declare that one
action defines a human being's entire
character. She's a work in progress,
and like all complex people is a bundle
of contradictions.
BARB HIGGINS
I didn't know about that.
SCOTTIE
You brought me cake.
(CONTINUED)
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21 CONTINUED: (2) 21
MATT
You brought her cake. So, I don't
know, maybe Lani should be the one to
apologize, since this incident may have
been the catalyst for all this...
"evil" was the word you used.
22 EXT. LANI'S HOUSE - DUSK 22
The door opens, and Matt and Scottie pause to slip their
shoes back on.
BARB HIGGINS
Oh, and Mr. King?
MATT
Yes?
BARB HIGGINS
Good luck with the sale.
Matt turns to look at her. So that's what all this was about
on some level?
BARB HIGGINS (CONT'D)
They say your decision will have a
major impact on Hawai'i's real estate
world, not to mention the whole
landscape of Kaua'i. Hundreds of
millions of dollars, yeah?
MATT
Big decision.
BARB HIGGINS
My husband's family is from Kaua'i.
Hanapepe, born and bred. They hope you
don't sell.
MATT
You don't say.
BARB HIGGINS
All the traffic it's going to make.
Matt and Scottie walk away. Barb closes the door.
MATT
Are you going to act different with
Lani?
(CONTINUED)
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22 CONTINUED: 22
SCOTTIE
I'll try, but it's hard. She has a
face you just want to hit.
MATT
Yeah.
23 23
INT. MATT'S STUDY - NIGHT
The camera makes its way past PHOTOS of Matt's ancestors,
BOOKS of Hawaiian history, other family memorabilia to find
Matt at his desk pouring over PAPERS. A clock reads 1:20.
MATT (V.O.)
My great-great-grandmother was Princess
Margaret Ke'alohilani, one of the last
direct descendants of King Kamehameha.
She was originally supposed to marry
her hanai brother, but she fell in love
with her haole banker and estate
manager, Edward King, whose parents
were missionaries. Between his land
deals and her huge inheritance, all of
their descendants for generations have
watched the past unfurl millions into
our laps through leases and sales. Now
the Rule Against Perpetuities is
forcing us to dissolve the trust, and
we're selling the last parcel of
undeveloped land.
Matt looks up, his glance falling on the portraits of Edward
and Margaret.
MATT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Soon my daughters and I can just be
normal citizens like everybody else,
and these dead people will stop
controlling our lives.
VERY CLOSE ON MATT --
MATT (V O.) (CONT'D)
I just want to be a normal guy.
24 EXT. DOWNTOWN HONOLULU - DAY 24
Establishing -- tall buildings, business people, lunch
wagons.
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25 INT. MATT'S LAW OFFICE - DAY 25
Matt eats a SACK LUNCH at his desk. His window has a grand
view of DOWNTOWN. We glimpse his Punahou, college and law
school DIPLOMAS.
MATT (V.O.)
Unlike a lot of my cousins, I haven't
touched my share of the trust money.
Like my father before me, I live only
on the income from my law practice. I
don't want my daughters growing up
entitled and spoiled. And I agree with
my father -- you give your children
enough money to do something but not
enough to do nothing.
Matt's secretary NOE cracks open his door.
NOE
Mr. King, your cousins are here.
26 INT. LAW OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 26
Matt enters the room to find SEVEN COUSINS waiting to greet
him. From their casual clothing and shaggy hair, an observer
might hardly suspect their status.
MATT (V.O.)
Not only am I the sole but I'm a
commercial real estate and
transactional attorney, so the most
involved of my cousins have been
meeting with me regularly to analyze
the bids -- Cousin Dave, Cousin Hal,
Cousin Six, Cousin Wink, Cousin Lisa,
Cousin Connie and Cousin Stan, both of
whom oppose the sale entirely. Don't
be fooled by appearances. In Hawai'i
some of the most powerful people look
like bums and stuntmen.
LATER --
Matt and his cousins stand above the conference table,
looking at blueprints and architectural drawings.
MATT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The proposals are virtually the same --
hotels, shopping centers, condos and
golf courses. 3000 new jobs in the
first five years. Support letters from
the construction industry and unions.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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26 CONTINUED: 26
MATT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
A Chicago group is offering half a
billion dollars, but we're leaning
toward a lower bid from a guy named Don
Holitzer. He's actually from Kaua'i
and made a fortune in Silicon Valley.
Cousin Hugh is pushing us in that
direction, and I say why not?
CLOSE ON MATT, nodding along but highly distracted, the sound
of Liz's VENTILATOR growing louder in his brain.
We CUT TO ARTIST'S RENDERINGS of comatose Elizabeth -- wide,
closer, closer still, closer.
27 EXT. QUEENS'S HOSPITAL - DAY 27
Establishing. Matt walks inside the front door.
28 INT. FAMILY CONSULTATION ROOM - DAY 28
Matt sits across from old family friend DR. SAM JOHNSTON.
DR. JOHNSTON
Bad news, Matt. Dr. Chun, Dr. Mueller
and I -- we believe her condition, *
which we call a multi-factorial anoxic *
encephalopathy, is deteriorating. We *
see no eye movement, no pupillary *
response, basically no brainstem *
reflexes whatsoever. The machines *
could keep her going, but her quality *
of life would be... very poor. *
Basically what you see now. She'll
never be like she was, Matt. Never. *
We know that now.
Matt sits very still.
DR. JOHNSTON (CONT'D)
I can't tell you how sorry I am to have
to tell you this. And you have your
daughters. There's just nothing we can
do.
MATT
So... if we do go ahead and take her
off the machines --
DR. JOHNSTON
Not if, Matt. When. I have a legal
obligation. You know that.
(CONTINUED)
21.
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28 CONTINUED: 28
MATT
How long will she last?
DR. JOHNSTON
Hard to say. Could be a few days.
Could be two weeks. But for planning
purposes, you should work off the
shortest possible scenario. I know I
need to get the ball rolling on organ
donations right away.
Organ donation? Forgot about that one.
DR. JOHNSTON (CONT'D)
Elizabeth has so many friends, a big
life. Last time I was at your house,
must have been 200 people. If you're
going to let people know to say
goodbye, which is fairly typical
protocol in these situations, start
now. By the time the last day comes,
they feel more ready, as ready as they
can feel. I'm so sorry, Matt.
29 INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY 29
His mind spinning, Matt prepares to look at the corpse-to-be.
When he opens the door and pulls back the curtain, he finds --
30 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS 30
-- friends MARK AND KAI MITCHELL up for a visit. They're
playing MUSIC for Elizabeth on a mini-boombox, and Kai is
APPLYING MAKE-UP to Liz's face.
After cheery greetings --
MATT
What're you doing?
KAI
Oh, she's been looking a little pale
lately all cooped up in here, and I
just know she'd be mortified if no one
had thought to help her out with some
lipstick and blush. I know she'll
grill me.
Matt and Mark exchange a look -- "Girls."
MARK
And of course Kai's getting her all
caught up on all the latest gossip.
(CONTINUED)
22.
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30 CONTINUED: 30
KAI
Well, I don't want to have to start
from scratch later. Oh, and Matt, on
the way here we stopped by and left
some more meals in your fridge, all
ready to nuke.
Matt smiles -- he'd been expecting a grim moment alone with
Elizabeth, but instead he finds a room full of warmth and
life. Even if it's a little creepy.
MARK
So what's the latest anyway, Matt? Any
updates?
MATT
No, no. Just more of the same --
monitoring the swelling, keeping her *
kidneys and other vitals working, you *
know, hoping for the best.
Kai nods sympathetically before turning back to Elizabeth.
EXTREME CLOSEUP of Liz's lips as Kai applies lipstick.
31 EXT. KALAKAUA AVENUE - DAY 31
JOGGERS go past as Matt's car pulls into the driveway of the
OCEAN OUTRIGGER CLUB.
32 EXT. OCEAN OUTRIGGER BEACH - DAY 32
Matt lies on the beach watching Scottie play in the surf
with her snorkel mask on. The melancholy he feels makes him
regard his weird little daughter with tenderness.
SCOTTIE
(emerging from the water)
I'm hungry!
MATT
What else is new? Let's get you
something to eat.
33 EXT. OCEAN OUTRIGGER RESTAURANT - DAY 33
Scottie pops two last FRIES into her mouth, then turns her
attention to a strawberry SUNDAE.
Anxious to spoil her, Matt watches Scottie dig in. Yet he
remains preoccupied, his smile distant.
(CONTINUED)
23.
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33 CONTINUED: 33
SCOTTIE
The food here at the club is so good.
MATT
Yeah, they do a good job here.
SCOTTIE
Why is it called a jellyfish? It's not
a fish, and it's not jelly.
MATT
No idea. You ask good questions.
You're getting too smart for me,
Scottie.
SCOTTIE
I'm going to find out. Then I'm going
to ask Mom when she wakes up and see if
she knows. Do you think she's going to
know everything she used to know?
Matt notices a BUFF GUY and some FRIENDS headed to a nearby
table, and his mood sours. Scottie follows his gaze.
The guy notices the Kings and feels obliged to mosey over.
This is TROY COOK -- athletic and rich.
TROY
Hi, Matt. Hi, Scottie.
MATT
Troy.
TROY
(to his friends)
I'll catch up to you guys in a second.
Matt stares so intensely that Troy averts his gaze.
TROY (CONT'D)
So, uh, what's going on? I mean, how's
Elizabeth doing?
MATT
Same.
TROY
I visited her last week, you know. I
thought she looked pretty good.
MATT
So why'd you ask?
(CONTINUED)
24.
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33 CONTINUED: (2) 33
TROY
I don't know, I just wanted to know the
latest. I'm praying for her every day,
you guys. Really hard. Seriously. So
what I was saying was, when I was
there, I talked to her, and her hand
moved, so I was pretty encouraged. I
thought that was an encouraging sign.
Scottie looks up hopefully. Matt notices.
MATT
That's enough.
TROY
I really think she heard me.
MATT
Look, Troy, go to your friends. No
hard feelings. Let's just leave it
alone.
Troy walks away, stops, turns back.
TROY
I told you, Matt, there were lots of
chops and holes that day. I told you a
hundred times. Ask anybody. What
happened to her could have happened to
me. It was a super-hard day on the
water.
MATT
You weren't supposed to be driving,
Troy. She was supposed to be driving.
TROY
She wanted me to drive. And she's the
one who told me to pass the other boat
right before the turn. And just your
whole attitude toward me, Matt -- I
mean, I feel terrible. I wish it were
me and not her. Plus I almost drowned
myself when we capsized. And my
rotator cuff is never going to be the
same, and I'm going to miss Moloka'i.
SCOTTIE
Just because her hand moved, it doesn't
mean anything, Troy. Mom twitches at
weird times. When you cut off a
chicken's head, it runs all around, but
it's still a dead chicken.
(CONTINUED)
25.
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33 CONTINUED: (3) 33
Scottie pushes back from the table and takes off toward the
pool. Matt follows, not even gracing Troy with a final look.
34 EXT. OCEAN OUTRIGGER POOL - CONTINUOUS 34
Matt catches up to Scottie.
MATT
Hey, sport, don't pay any attention to
that guy. That guy's a dope.
SCOTTIE
I hate him.
MATT
Yeah.
SCOTTIE
I didn't mean to say dead chicken.
I don't want Mom to die.
MATT
I know, I know. Hey, let's get out of
here. Let's go do something crazy.
Like let's drive to the airport and hop
over to the Big Island and surprise
your sister. What do you say?
SCOTTIE
Right now?
MATT
It'll be fun. She's not expecting us
or anything. And we bring her home. I
think she should be here with us, don't
you? Don't you miss her? I miss her.
SCOTTIE
Yeah, I'm out of school. She should be
too!
35 EXT. OUTRIGGER RESTAURANT - DAY 35
As Matt and Scottie head toward the exit, Scottie FLIPS OFF a
crestfallen Troy.
A35 EXT. AIRPORT - DAY A35
A Hawaiian Airlines inter-island airplane takes off.
36 INSERT -- MAP OF THE ISLANDS 36
A DOTTED LINE goes from Honolulu to Kona.
26.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
37 INT. AIRPLANE - DAY 37
Matt and Scottie look out the window at THE BIG ISLAND coming
into view.
MATT (V.O.)
Somehow it feels natural to find a
daughter of mine on a different island.
A family seems exactly like an
archipelago -- all part of the same
geographic expression but still islands
-- separate and alone, always drifting
slowly apart.
38 EXT. KING'S HIGHWAY, BIG ISLAND - DUSK 38
A RED RENTAL CAR zooms along the famous road near Kona
traversing rocky -- almost lunar -- landscape.
39 INT. RENTAL CAR - DUSK 39
Matt looks over at Scottie, dozing.
40 EXT. HAWAI'I PREPARATORY ACADEMY - NIGHT 40
The car turns onto the bumpy gravel road snaking through the
campus of this BOARDING SCHOOL.
41 INT. DORM SUPERVISOR'S ROOM HALLWAY - NIGHT 41
Matt knocks on a door. An exhausted Scottie slouches against
a wall.
The DORM SUPERVISOR appears in a nightgown. The TV is on in
the background.
MATT
Hi, sorry to bother you. I'm Matt
King.
DORM SUPERVISOR
Yes, hello, Mr. King.
MATT
I've come to pick up my daughter,
Alexandra.
DORM SUPERVISOR
Did you call Administration?
MATT
No, I didn't. It's sort of an
emergency.
(CONTINUED)
27.
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41 CONTINUED: 41
DORM SUPERVISOR
All right, let's see what we can do.
42 OMIT 42
43 INT. DORM HALLWAY - NIGHT 43
Scottie runs down the hall, excited by the idea of surprising
her sister.
SCOTTIE
Which door? Which door is it?
MATT
Scottie, keep it down!
DORM SUPERVISOR
Will you both keep it down? It's
around the corner.
They turn down another corridor, and Scottie knocks on a
door.
DORM SUPERVISOR (CONT'D)
That's the wrong door.
The door opens, and a girl pokes her head out.
DORM SUPERVISOR (CONT'D)
Go back to sleep, Yuki.
MATT
Sorry, Yuki.
The dorm supervisor knocks on an adjacent door. A moment
later a ROOMMATE opens, groggy from sleep.
DORM SUPERVISOR
Wake your roommate, sweetie.
ROOMMATE
(glancing in her room)
Um... Alex isn't here.
DORM SUPERVISOR
Where is she?
ROOMMATE
I think she's... outside somewhere.
28.
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44 EXT. SOCCER FIELD - NIGHT 44
A coat over her nightgown, flashlight in hand, the dorm
supervisor leads Matt and Scottie across glistening moist
grass. They hear LAUGHTER.
TWO FIGURES grow more distinct in the moonlight -- GIRLS
hitting golf balls -- ALEXANDRA KING and friend EMILY.
DORM SUPERVISOR
Girls! What do you think you're doing
out here?
EMILY
Run!
SCOTTIE
Hi, Alex! It's me, Scottie!
Emily takes off but doesn't get far -- she falls flat on her
face, golf club in one hand, BOTTLE in the other.
MATT
You know, I pay $25,000 year for this
crap not to happen. Alex!
ALEXANDRA
Dad?
(laughing, to Emily)
My fucking dad is here!
This cracks her up even more. Scottie laughs too, though
she's unsure why.
DORM SUPERVISOR
You don't talk like that here. This is
unacceptable behavior!
ALEXANDRA
What's up, Dad?
EMILY
You come out to play a few holes with
us?
SCOTTIE
We came to get you so you can come
home. He took me out of school
already. I haven't gone for three
whole days.
(CONTINUED)
29.
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44 CONTINUED: 44
ALEXANDRA
(to Matt)
What's happening? Why are you here?
MATT
You need to come home and see Mom.
Alexandra hears this, takes a few strides, flings her golf
club into the night.
ALEXANDRA
Fuck Mom!
DORM SUPERVISOR
What did I say about the language?
ON MATT --
MATT (V.O.)
What is it about me that makes women in
my life want to destroy themselves?
Elizabeth with her motorcycles and
speedboats and alcoholism.
45 EXT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT 45
Matt's car arrives back home, and he and Scottie get out of
the car.
MATT (V.O.)
Alexandra with her drugs and older guys
and modeling.
46 INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT 46
Matt carries a passed-out Alex upstairs. Scottie scampers
ahead, opening the door to --
47 INT. ALEXANDRA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS 47
-- where Matt places Alex on her bed, takes off her shoes,
covers her with a blanket, and watches this tsunami of a girl
at rest.
48 INT. KING KITCHEN - DAY 48
At the stove, Matt dishes out SCRAMBLED EGGS. Scottie sits
in the kitchen nook.
MATT (V.O.)
And Scottie, how can I protect her
from... me?
(CONTINUED)
30.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
48 CONTINUED: 48
As he brings her plate over --
SCOTTIE
I don't like eggs.
MATT
Why didn't you say so before I made
them?
SCOTTIE
I thought they were for you.
Alex trudges in and pulls a Coca-Cola out of the fridge.
MATT
Good morning.
(no answer)
Does Mom let you have Coke for
breakfast?
ALEXANDRA
I'm pretty sure it's after eleven.
Now that we get a closer look, we might recognize Alexandra
from the postcards at the hospital. We also see a
resemblance to her mother.
MATT
How are you feeling?
Shrugging, she plops down near Scottie.
MATT (CONT'D)
Hungover, huh? Why am I not surprised?
I don't know where to start, and we
probably shouldn't in front of Scottie.
SCOTTIE
I don't mind.
MATT
I thought you were supposed to be
getting your act together.
ALEXANDRA
I have gotten my act together. I was
just drinking. I've been doing really
well, but nobody ever seems to notice
my grades are better, and how I was in
that stupid play you guys didn't bother
to see. Do you even remember the name
of it?
(CONTINUED)
31.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
48 CONTINUED: (2) 48
It's on the tip of his tongue.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
That's what I thought. So what if I
got drunk on the ONE night you happened
to drop in? So the fuck what?
MATT
Hey, hey, hey. Watch your language in
front of Scottie.
SCOTTIE
I'm okay.
MATT
(sitting with them)
Anyway, it's good to see you. Welcome
home. Want some eggs?
ALEXANDRA
How long do I have to stay?
MATT
We'll discuss that.
ALEXANDRA
(getting up)
I'm going swimming.
MATT
Then I'll join you.
ALEXANDRA
Good times.
49 EXT. KING SWIMMING POOL - DAY 49
Matt walks out the patio doors. Seated on the steps of the
shallow end, Alexandra is on her cellphone.
ALEXANDRA
(into phone)
I gotta go. I'll see you later.
(to Matt)
The pool's really dirty. What day does
the pool guy come?
Matt notices all the floating leaves and insects.
MATT
He comes... you know, I don't know what
day he comes.
(CONTINUED)
32.
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49 CONTINUED: 49
ALEXANDRA
Awesome.
Matt grabs a POLE to skim the surface of the water.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
Sid's coming over.
MATT
Who's Sid?
ALEXANDRA
A really good friend from Punahou. We
were in school together for years.
MATT
Oh. Okay.
ALEXANDRA
He wants to be there for me with all
this shit happening.
Matt wonders his own version of "What am I, chopped liver?"
MATT
Do I know his parents?
ALEXANDRA
No. He might stay over too. Is that
cool?
Just then, Scottie runs out onto the patio dressed in a BRA
AND PANTIES.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
What the fuck? Get out of my
underwear, you freak.
SCOTTIE
Ooo, la la! Don't I look divine?
MATT
Scottie, get back inside and change
into your swimsuit.
SCOTTIE
Why?
MATT
Now.
Scottie flips him off and runs back inside.
(CONTINUED)
33.
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49 CONTINUED: (2) 49
ALEXANDRA
Real good job you're doing.
MATT
That's part of why I brought you here.
You have to help me. I don't know what
to do with her.
Alexandra slides into the water, swims to the other side and
props herself on the edge, floating her lower body. Matt
lowers himself into the water too.
ALEXANDRA
Maybe if you spent more time with her,
she wouldn't act like such a complete
spaz. Get her out of town -- go camp
on Kaua'i. That's what mom did with me
whenever I was losing it.
MATT
Listen, Alex, your mother isn't well.
ALEXANDRA
Obviously.
MATT
They just told me she isn't going to
wake up. It's for sure now. The
doctors are going to stop caring for
her. Do you understand what I'm
saying? Your mom wanted it this way.
Alex remains silent.
MATT (CONT'D)
She has a will, see, saying we have to
do it like this. We both do. That's
why I got you. We're letting her go.
Alex looks at him, takes a couple quick, loud inhalations,
then slips --
UNDERWATER --
-- where she SWIMS, FACE CONTORTED, hoping to stay down there
forever. Finally she emerges --
ABOVE THE POOL --
-- and gets out, grabbing a towel, crying now.
(CONTINUED)
34.
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49 CONTINUED: (3) 49
ALEXANDRA
Why'd you have to tell me in the
goddamned pool?
Matt climbs out and approaches her, arms extended.
MATT
Alex... Alex...
ALEXANDRA
What do you want?
Matt drops his arms, crestfallen. Alex scoffs, walks back
into the house.
50 INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY 50
They sit together now on sofas. Alexandra appears drained
from crying.
MATT
I just found out yesterday. We have to
go through this thing together, you and
Scottie and I. And I need to go around
and tell people what's happening -- our
family and close friends. Sometimes
I'll want you to come with me. Other
times I need you to watch Scottie.
ALEXANDRA
You want me to go around with you and
tell everyone that Mom's going to die?
What's the point of that? Breaking the
news, watching them cry, dealing with
their emotions. How depressing is that
going to be? Just call them.
MATT
Alex, nobody wants to do any of this.
But we need to tell Grandpa and Tutu, a
few friends. They have the right to
know and to be able to say goodbye.
ALEXANDRA
I don't want to talk about Mom with
anyone.
MATT
Whatever you fought about with her at
Christmas, you need to drop it. Grow
up. You love your mother. Your mother
loves you. Move on.
(CONTINUED)
35.
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50 CONTINUED: 50
ALEXANDRA
I can't drop it.
MATT
You have to.
ALEXANDRA
You really don't have a clue, do you?
Dad, she was cheating on you.
Whoa.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
That's what we fought about. When I
was home at Christmas, I caught her
with some guy. It made me sick to see
her near you. I went back to school
thinking that was it, I was done with
her. I was going to call and tell you
everything. But then the accident
happened, and I was waiting until she
woke up, I guess. And you, you didn't
even suspect. Right?
(off his silence)
That disgusted me too. You're always
so busy.
MATT
Caught her with some guy? What does
that mean?
ALEXANDRA
Brandy and I were on our way to swim in
the Black Point pool, and suddenly I
see Mom and some douchebag walk into a
house. His house, I guess.
MATT
Just a guy? It could have been
anybody.
ALEXANDRA
He had his hand on her ass. It was
gross.
MATT
You're sure it was her.
(off her nod)
Then what?
(CONTINUED)
36.
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50 CONTINUED: (2) 50
ALEXANDRA
Then nothing. She went into the house.
A few days later I told her I knew what
she was doing.
MATT
And?
ALEXANDRA
First she acted like she didn't know
what I was talking about. Like I'm
blind. Then she got super-mad and
started yelling at me and denied it.
That's when I decided I didn't want
anything more to do with her.
MATT
Who is he?
ALEXANDRA
I don't know. Some guy.
MATT
What did he look like?
ALEXANDRA
Dark hair.
Matt stands up, walks in a little circle -- he literally does
not know which way to turn. Then he knows.
MATT
Watch Scottie.
51 EXT. KING HOUSE - DAY 51
Matt bursts out of his house and starts RUNNING down the
street.
52 EXT. NU'UANU NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY 52
Matt comes sprinting around a corner.
53 EXT. THE MITCHELLS' HOUSE - DAY 53
Matt arrives at his neighbors' house and lets himself in the
kitchen door.
54 INT. THE MITCHELLS' HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 54
Matt passes through the kitchen into the living room.
(CONTINUED)
37.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
54 CONTINUED: 54
MATT
Hello! It's me, Matt!
MARK AND KAI appear at the top of the stairs looking as
though they haven't been downstairs all day.
KAI
Oh, hey, Matt.
MATT
You guys weren't sleeping, were you?
As they come downstairs --
KAI
No, we were just fighting. Come on in.
Want a drink? Want some coffee?
MATT
(shaking his head)
What were you fighting about?
MARK
Stupid.
KAI
It's not stupid. He wants us to throw
parties and have people over, which we
do, of course, but who ends up doing
all the work? Me.
MARK
It's work that's totally unnecessary.
You don't have to do anything.
Nobody's forcing you to clean and buy a
new outfit and think of some goddamn
theme cocktail. We can just invite
people over last minute and drink
whatever we have and hang out. It's
more fun that way, anyway.
As they continue their argument, Matt is struck by the
pettiness of everyday life. He at once pities it, is
impatient with it, and longs for it.
MARK (CONT'D)
You know what? We can talk about it
later. Matt didn't come over to hear
us squabble.
KAI
Shit, Matt. Is Elizabeth -- is there
any news?
(CONTINUED)
38.
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54 CONTINUED: (2) 54
MATT
In fact there is. I'll tell you in a
moment. Who is he?
(off their silence)
Does she love him? Who is he?
KAI
Matt.
MATT
I'm sorry to put you in this position.
But I'm not really the one who put you
there, am I? I just want to know who
this guy is that my wife has been...
seeing.
KAI
Oh, Matt, you're angry.
MATT
You could be a therapist. Very keen
powers of observation.
KAI
Wow. I think we should talk another
time. I think you need to cool it.
Matt sits. He's not leaving. No one speaks.
MATT
Is it Troy? That fucking Neanderthal?
MARK
You don't know him.
KAI
Oh, don't you even, Mark. Shame on
you. You're her friend.
MARK
I'm Matt's friend too. And this is a
very unique and dramatic situation.
I'd want to know.
KAI
Don't betray her when she can't even
defend herself. Matt, you may not be
able to hear this right now, but it's
not her fault. Women have needs.
MATT
Are you fucking kidding me?
(CONTINUED)
39.
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54 CONTINUED: (3) 54
KAI
Your marriage was not... You worked so
hard to make partner, and no one can
take that away from you. But then you
made partner, and you only got busier.
And it's not like you were so involved
with the girls. She was lonely.
MATT
So you're going to talk to me in
clichés about women? Nothing is ever a
woman's fault. Was it still going on
when she had the accident?
Kai looks away. Mark nods.
MARK
But I stayed out of it, Matt. Anytime
Kai talked about it, I walked away.
MATT
(to Kai)
And you what? You probably egged her
on. Add some drama to your life
without any actual risk. Whom do you
think you're protecting anyway? She
doesn't need your protection -- it's
over. She's going to die.
KAI
Don't say that.
MATT
I almost told you yesterday. She's
never going to wake up. It's for sure
now. You hear me? We're pulling the
plug. You were putting lipstick on a
corpse.
MARK
Come on, Matt. That's a little
intense.
Kai's face dissolves into tears. Mark reaches out to comfort
her. Everybody falls back to Earth.
MATT
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take it
out on you guys. I just... Does she
love him?
Matt looks at him blankly, then at Kai. He'd like to know
too.
(CONTINUED)
40.
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54 CONTINUED: (4) 54
KAI
How can you ask about him when she's
going to die? Who cares? Yes, she
loves him, loved him, whatever. She's
crazy about him. She was going to ask
you for a divorce.
Matt is stunned but oddly relieved. The truth, once
revealed, blows a calming wind.
MATT
You still haven't told me who he is. I
guess it doesn't matter.
Matt rises to his feet and leave.
55 EXT. THE MITCHELLS' HOUSE - DAY 55
Just as Matt reaches the sidewalk, Mark comes loping out of
the house.
MARK
Brian Speer. His name is Brian Speer.
Two e's.
A PET GOAT tied up in the front yard watches.
56 EXT. NU'UANU NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY 56
From a discreet distance, we notice that Matt has stopped
walking to cry.
57 EXT. KING SWIMMING POOL - DAY 57
Wandering up the driveway, Matt finds Alexandra sitting with
Scottie and SOME GUY. Scottie now wears an oversized t-shirt
reading, "She's fat. I'm drunk. It's on." They stop
laughing when they see Matt.
SCOTTIE
Hi, Daddy.
ALEXANDRA
Dad, this is Sid.
MATT
(sizing him up)
Hello, Sid.
Lanky and odd, a permanent smirk on his face, SID rises from
his lounge chair.
(CONTINUED)
41.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
57 CONTINUED: 57
SID
`Sup, bro?
As they shake hands, Sid pulls Matt into a man-hug and thumps
him on the back.
MATT
Don't ever do that to me again.
(to Alexandra)
Get ready, okay? We're going to
Grandma and Grandpa's.
(to Scottie)
Auntie Esther will come over to watch
you.
ALEXANDRA
Sid's coming with us, okay?
MATT
Sid, this week, what's going on, is a
real family matter. You understand.
(to Alexandra)
Sid's not going to be interested in
meeting your grandparents. He'll be
bored stiff.
ALEXANDRA
Dad, I told you he was going to be with
me. I'll be a lot more civil with him
around.
SID
(arms wide, shrugging)
What can I say?
58 EXT. KING HOUSE - DAY 58
Matt approaches the car with Alexandra and the interloper.
MATT
Does he know what we're doing?
ALEXANDRA
He knows everything.
SID
Dude, your wife is dying and then you
find out she's been stepping out on
you? That's harsh.
MATT
Get in the car.
42.
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A59 EXT. MONTAGE - TBD A59
59 EXT. THORSON HOUSE - DAY 59
Matt watches retired military man SCOTT THORSON (70s) mumble
as he sits at a table glancing over DOCUMENTS.
Sid is splayed out on a nearby lounge chair. Alex seated at
his feet. Every so often a PET PARROT squawks loudly.
SCOTT THORSON
This is like reading Korean.
MATT
Scott, I'll be happy to walk you
through it.
SCOTT THORSON
(tossing the papers)
Jibber-jabber.
MATT
It's an advanced directive -- basically
her instructions on what medical
procedures she wants or, in this case,
does not want. No prolonged mechanical
ventilation, no --
SCOTT THORSON
I know goddamn well what it says. Says
she doesn't want everyone waiting
around while she spoils like milk.
Says if the doctors can't do squat,
she'd just as soon get on with it.
He stares off into space.
ALEXANDRA
Gramps, are you okay?
SCOTT THORSON
Elizabeth had the good sense to write
this thing here. Always a thoughtful
girl. A strong girl. A hell of a lot
stronger than her brother. Barry
whines his way through life. Might
even be a homosexual, for all I know.
MATT
Yeah, Scott, I don't think so.
(CONTINUED)
43.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
59 CONTINUED: 59
SCOTT THORSON
And she's stronger than you, Matt. She
lived more in a year than you did in a
decade, sitting in your office,
hoarding all your cash. All that money
you refuse to use -- what the hell good
is it? And now you and your family are
cashing in your chips -- what the hell
for? Maybe if you'd let my baby have
her own boat and bought her some safe
equipment or let her go on those
shopping sprees women like, maybe she
wouldn't have gone in for those thrill
sports. Maybe if you'd provided more
thrills at home.
ALEXANDRA
Grandpa.
SCOTT THORSON
And you, Alexandra. Putting your poor
mother through hell when all she was
trying to do was instill some sense and
drive in you. Shame on you. You
should try to be more like her. She's
a good girl. She's a good girl.
The old man climbs to his feet and takes a few steps away.
Hands on hips, he looks up as though gauging the weather.
Then he clears his throat, wipes his face with his sleeve,
turns back.
SCOTT THORSON (CONT'D)
You all want a drink?
As he wanders away toward the kitchen --
LATER --
Scott returns pushing a little DRINK-CART. Behind him trails
his wife ALICE. An Alzheimer's victim, Alice is a sweet
woman, alert but unable to grasp or recall.
ALICE
Oh, do we have guests?
MATT
(kissing her)
Hi, Alice. Good to see you. It's me,
Matt.
ALICE
Good to see you too.
(CONTINUED)
44.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
59 CONTINUED: (2) 59
ALEXANDRA
(hugging her)
Hi, Tutu.
SCOTT THORSON
That's Alexandra.
ALICE
Hello.
SCOTT THORSON
She's your granddaughter. And this is
your son-in-law Matt. This is your
family. Well, except this kid. I
don't know who the hell he is.
(to Sid)
Who are you? Why are you here?
ALEXANDRA
He's my friend.
SID
Good afternoon.
SCOTT THORSON
Alice, we're going to go to Queen's
Hospital today and see Elizabeth.
ALICE
We are? Queen Elizabeth? That's
wonderful. I've never met a queen
before. I have to put on a nice dress.
Sid bursts out LAUGHING.
SID
Is she serious?
SCOTT THORSON
You be quiet, son.
(then --)
No, Alice. Our Elizabeth. Our baby.
We need to go visit her in the
hospital. She needs us, just like when
she was a little girl. Let's think
about what she might want in her room.
We'll take it to her and put it next to
her bed.
ALICE
But she's a queen. I have to look good
for a queen. Don't you want me to look
good?
(CONTINUED)
45.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
59 CONTINUED: (3) 59
Sid LAUGHS again.
SCOTT THORSON
Shut up, Alice.
(then --)
Sorry, old gal. You go ahead and say
whatever you want.
ALICE
I've never met a queen before.
When Sid snickers again, Scott Thorson approaches him and
glares.
SID
I'm sorry, man. I was just laughing.
It's funny. I think she knows she's
being funny.
SCOTT THORSON
I'm going to hit you.
Scott POPS HIS FIST into Sid's face. Sid FLIES BACK.
60 INT. MATT'S CAR - DAY 60
The car in motion, Matt glances in the rearview mirror.
MATT
How's the eye?
In the backseat, Sid holds a package of FROZEN PEAS to his
puffy blue eye.
SID
That was unreal. I mean, how often do
old people just haul off and fucking
cold-cock you in the face?
MATT
He's hit me a couple times over the
years. And watch your language.
ALEXANDRA
Here, let me kiss it.
SID
Ow!
MATT
Hey, could you two just cool it around
me? You know, stop... touching each
other so much?
(CONTINUED)
46.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
60 CONTINUED: 60
SID
Whoa! Maybe that's why your wife
cheated on you, if you're so against
touching.
SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES, Matt turns around, points a menacing
finger. Even Alexandra realizes Sid went too far.
MATT
You little fuck. Do you get hit a lot?
SID
I don't know. I've had my share.
MATT
(to Alex)
Your friend is completely retarded.
You know that, right?
SID
Hey, my little brother's retarded.
Don't use that word in a derogatory
fashion.
Matt looks at him. Given who Sid is, there's no reason to
think he wouldn't have a retarded brother.
MATT
Oh.
SID
Psych! I don't have a retarded
brother!
ALEXANDRA
You suck, Sid.
SID
Speaking of retarded, do you ever feel
bad for wishing a retarded person or an
old person would just hurry up?
Sometimes I wait for them to cross the
street, and I'm like, come on already!
But then I feel bad.
Rather than lashing out again at Sid, Matt turns around and
lowers his head into one hand, squeezing his temples. It's
all getting to be too much for him.
(CONTINUED)
47.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
60 CONTINUED: (2) 60
ALEXANDRA
(noticing his anguish)
Dad?
MATT
What?
ALEXANDRA
Don't forget -- I know where he lives.
Matt thinks a moment, then --
MATT
Get in the front seat.
61-63 OMIT 61-63
64 EXT. DIAMOND HEAD ROAD - DAY 64
Matt's car passes by the well-known crowded surf-point
overlook.
MATT (O.S.)
Been doing any surfing over there on
the Big Island?
ALEXANDRA (O.S.)
I haven't surfed in years.
MATT (O.S.)
Yeah, how come? You were so good.
ALEXANDRA (O.S.)
At first I stopped because I got my
period and didn't know how to use a
tampon.
SID (O.S.)
Didn't want to attract sharks, huh?
ALEXANDRA (O.S.)
So I wouldn't go for, you know, five
days or so, and then I guess I just
stopped.
MATT (O.S.)
Why didn't you ask Mom to show you or
teach you or whatever?
65 EXT. KAHALA - DAY 65
The car continues on.
(CONTINUED)
48.
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65 CONTINUED: 65
ALEXANDRA (O.S.)
I didn't even tell her I got my period
for like a year. She was always
pushing me to look older and act older,
so I just...
SID (O.S.)
Even I know how to use a tampon.
ALEXANDRA (O.S.)
The first time I got my period I
thought I shit my pants.
SID (O.S.)
Ew, maybe you did!
ALEXANDRA (O.S.)
Sid, shut up.
MATT (O.S.)
Are you sure he knows what's going on
with our family? Because he sure
doesn't act like it.
66 EXT. BRIAN SPEER'S BLOCK - KAHALA - DAY 66
The car creeps down a street of lovely homes.
ALEXANDRA
Do you know anything about him? Like
what he does or if he's married?
MATT
Just his name. Brian Speer.
ALEXANDRA
Why didn't you ask Kai and Mark?
MATT
I just didn't.
ALEXANDRA
Why not?
MATT
I didn't want to get into it.
ALEXANDRA
We'll google him later. Okay, there it
is. Stop.
Matt pulls over opposite a supremely average-looking house.
(CONTINUED)
49.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
66 CONTINUED: 66
MATT
There? He lives there?
ALEXANDRA
Well, I can't say for sure he lives
there. That's just where I saw them.
MATT
And you just happened to be driving by.
ALEXANDRA
Sadie was driving. We both saw it.
They all observe closely, very focused. Nothing happens.
It's just a house.
SID
That house is a piece of shit. At
least go after a guy who's got a
mansion. And do you think he's
married? That'd be pretty cold-blooded
to do it in a house where you're
married.
ALEXANDRA
Sid, please be quiet.
MATT
What are we going to do?
ALEXANDRA
I don't know. I'm just showing you the
house.
They all think a moment.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
Should I go ring the bell?
MATT
(tempted, then --)
No, wait, this is stupid -- this
stalking, or whatever the hell we're
doing. We came, we saw. Whatever.
Let's go.
No one moves.
ALEXANDRA
It's not like we're stalking him
exactly.
(CONTINUED)
50.
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66 CONTINUED: (2) 66
A PLUMBING TRUCK drives up the road. The three of them
reflexively crouch down before catching themselves.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
What would you do if you saw him,
anyway? Talk to him or punch him or
what?
MATT
I guess I just want to see him.
SID
All I know is, someone messed with my
girl, all hell would break loose.
ALEXANDRA
Whatever, Sid.
SID
I mean, you'd never do that to me,
would you? You know, if we ever got
married. Fuck around on me.
ALEXANDRA
Depends on how you treated me.
MATT
That's enough now.
ALEXANDRA
And we're not getting married. Jesus.
MATT
(starting the car)
Okay, that's enough. We're getting out
of here.
67 EXT. NEARBY STREET - KAHALA - DAY 67
Matt's just about to turn back onto Kahala Avenue when --
ALEXANDRA
Dad, stop!
MATT
What?
ALEXANDRA
Go back.
MATT
Why?
(CONTINUED)
51.
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67 CONTINUED: 67
ALEXANDRA
Just go back a couple of houses.
Matt does so, checking that the coast is clear.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
There he is.
MATT
There who is?
ALEXANDRA
Look.
Matt and Sid look toward a HOUSE FOR SALE. At first they
don't get it, but soon their gaze drifts to the --
"FOR SALE" SIGN
complete with a PHOTO of the broker, none other than --
BRIAN SPEER -- his big white SMILE contrasting starkly with
haggard, unshaven Matt's SCOWL.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
Now we know what he looks like.
SID
Must be pretty handy for a dude having
an affair to have some empty houses at
his fingertips.
(as Matt and Alex look at him)
I'm just saying. That's how I'd do it.
Alexandra climbs out of the car to grab a FLYER and take a
photo of Brian Speer with her phone.
68 EXT. BRIEF MONTAGE 68
Images of Honolulu at DUSK TURNING INTO NIGHT -- STREETLIGHTS
turning on across an entire neighborhood, boisterous pau-hana
DRINKERS AT A BAR, a bus releasing weary commuters, an
overhead shot of the environs of the KING HOUSE.
MATT (V.O.)
I trusted you. But there was always
something about you I didn't trust.
The sound of an internal PHONE RING begins.
69 INT. MATT AND LIZ'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 69
A sitting area off the bedroom is where Elizabeth displays
her trophies and sports memorabilia.
(CONTINUED)
52.
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69 CONTINUED: 69
This is where Matt now sits nursing a whiskey and pressing a
PHONE to his ear.
BRIAN SPEER (O.S.)
Hi, this is Brian Speer at Kaimana-
Prudential Realty. Sorry I missed you.
Leave a message with your name, number
and time of call, and I'll get back to
you just as soon as I can. Mahalo.
Looking as though he's about to vomit, Matt hangs up, regards
the flyer on the coffee table before him.
SID (O.S.)
Hey, boss.
Matt looks up to see Sid in his boxers.
SID (CONT'D)
Did you call him?
MATT
None of your business. And put some
clothes on. And you're not sleeping in
Alex's room. In fact, you should
really go home, son.
SID
Alex wouldn't like that.
MATT
Guest room. Take it or leave it.
SID
We're going to do what we're going to
do.
MATT
I'm not going to make it easy for you.
SID
I'm just fooling with you, man. We're
not like that. Guest room's awesome.
(then --)
Just call him. He's nobody. Raise
hell.
WIPE TO:
70 INT. MATT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 70
Matt sits on the bed, listening once again to Brian Speer's
outgoing message.
(CONTINUED)
53.
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70 CONTINUED: 70
MATT
(on the BEEP)
Yeah, hi, Brian. My name's, uh, Herb
Fitzmorris. I'm interested in that
house you've got on Koloa Street, the
one with the plantation shutters. I'm
at 645-2796. Thanks.
71 INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY 71
As Matt leads his daughters toward Elizabeth's room --
MATT
Let me go in for just a quick moment
alone first. I'll be right out.
72 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY 72
Matt closes the glass door behind him and slides the privacy
curtain across it. He looks at his wife. She's starting to
look different -- her face more gaunt, her hair more matted.
Since the last time we saw her, OTHER ITEMS have been added
around her bed. Along with draped LEIS, we see a childhood
DOLL, DIPLOMAS, and of course SPORTS MEDALS and RIBBONS. An
antique QUILT covers her legs. Her father meant it when he
said they'd bring her old things.
Matt crouches down bedside.
MATT
You were going to ask me for a divorce?
So you could be with some fucking
fuckhead Brian Speer? Are you kidding
me? Who are you? Because the only
thing I know for sure is that you're a
goddamned liar. So what do you have to *
say for yourself? Go ahead, make a *
little joke and tell me I've got it all *
wrong. Tell me again I'm too out of
touch with my feelings and need to go *
to therapy. *
(then --) *
Isn't the idea of marriage to make your
partner's way in life a little easier?
For me it was always harder with you.
And you're still making it harder.
Lying there on a ventilator and still
fucking up my life. You're relentless.
You know what? I was going to ask you
for a divorce some day.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
54.
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72 CONTINUED: 72
MATT (CONT'D)
(grabbing a DOLL, tossing it)
Daddy's little girl.
Matt rises, looks at her motionless face, exhales, gets
himself together.
MATT (CONT'D)
I'm bringing in your daughters now.
Alex is home from school. Try to be
nice, okay?
He slides the curtain open and lets the girls in.
SCOTTIE
Hi, Mom! Look who's here.
Alexandra approaches the bed slowly, startled by the changes
in her mother's appearance and knowing the end is near.
SCOTTIE (CONT'D)
Say something, Alex. People in a coma
can hear you. You're supposed to talk
to them.
ALEXANDRA
Hi, Mom.
SCOTTIE
Tell her how you were drunk the other
night. Tell her maybe you're an
alcoholic.
ALEXANDRA
I guess it's in the genes.
MATT
Girls, be serious.
ALEXANDRA
Hi, Mom. Sorry for being bad. For
wasting your money on expensive private
schools. Money you could have used on
facials and massages and sports
equipment. Sorry for everything.
(looking at Matt)
Sorry we weren't good enough for you --
especially Dad.
MATT
Stop it. That's out of line.
(CONTINUED)
55.
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72 CONTINUED: (2) 72
ALEXANDRA
Or what? You going to ground me? Or
ship me off to another boarding school?
You going to give me a "time out?"
MATT
Goddammit!
Unable, in front of Scottie, to remind Alex that Elizabeth is
dying, Matt grabs his older daughter and SPANKS her.
SCOTTIE
You got served!
MATT
Scottie, out in the hall.
SCOTTIE
She's the one out of line.
MATT
Go find Sid.
SCOTTIE
He's smoking. I shouldn't be around
second-hand smoke.
MATT
(raising his hand)
Now!
As Scottie runs outside --
ALEXANDRA
Did you just spank me?
MATT
You have no right to talk to your
mother that way. She's going to die in
a few days. What if those were your
last words?
ALEXANDRA
I have every right to speak this way.
I'm mad at her. How can you be so
forgiving?
Matt considers this. Of course she didn't see his recent
outburst, and he's not about to let on.
MATT
I'll be angry later. For now let's
just think about the good parts.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
56.
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72 CONTINUED: (3) 72
MATT (CONT'D)
And don't say that stuff in front of
your sister. Don't ruin her for
Scottie. Say something else.
ALEXANDRA
Look, Mom, I know we fought a lot. But
I always wanted to be like you. I am
like you. I'm exactly like you. God,
that came out so dramatic.
MATT
You are like her. Mostly in good ways.
Maybe some bad ways. Remains to be
seen.
Sid saunters inside with Scottie in tow.
SID
I hear you got spanked. I hear all
hell's breaking loose in here.
(approaching the bed)
Hey, Mrs. K., howzit? I'm Sid, Alex's
friend from Punahou, remember? Nice
day outside. No clouds. Not too hot.
You know what I think? Tough lady like
you? I think you're going to make it.
I mean, I'm no doctor. What do I know?
But that's what I think.
Matt squints at Sid. Is he stoned?
SID (CONT'D)
I'm staying at your place to help Alex
out. Don't worry, Mr. K.'s got me on
lockdown at night. And I met your dad -
- he packs a mean punch. Look at this.
(bringing his face closer)
Wow. You're beautiful.
(to Alexandra)
If you look anything like her when
you're older, you're lucky. I mean,
you know, not exactly like she is now.
I mean in general.
Sid turns back for a long look at Elizabeth.
SCOTTIE
(looking at her phone)
Reina just texted me! She's here
visiting her grandma! Can she come
visit?
(CONTINUED)
57.
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72 CONTINUED: (4) 72
MATT
Dammit, Scottie, no Reina.
SCOTTIE
But you said Thursday, and it's almost
Thursday. I don't get to see her in
school anymore.
MATT
Not now.
SCOTTIE
I need her. Alex needs Sid. I need
Reina.
Matt looks at Alex, who in turn raises her eyebrows -- what
harm could it do?
LATER --
Scottie pushes open the door, now accompanied by her friend
REINA, 12, who looks around as if the room is dirty. She
wears a terry-cloth tennis skirt and hooded terry-cloth
sweatshirt.
SCOTTIE (CONT'D)
Dad, this is Reina. Reina, that's my
sister and Sid, and that's my mom on
the bed.
REINA
Hi, everybody.
Alex and Matt look at each other, bewildered. Scottie leads
Reina to the bed and touches her mother's shoulder.
REINA (CONT'D)
So this is your mother? I guess it's
true. Should I shake her hand?
SCOTTIE
If you want.
REINA
No, thanks.
MATT
So, Reina, I hear your grandmother's
not feeling well.
(CONTINUED)
58.
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72 CONTINUED: (5) 72
REINA
Yeah. It's pretty bad. She got her
stomach operated on and then got some
stupid infection or something. It's
pretty gross.
MATT
Well, Reina, thanks for stopping by,
and, here, Scottie, let me give you
some money, and you two can go get an
ice cream or something...
REINA
Too many carbs.
MATT
Carbs. Well, you could go to the
cafeteria and get some lettuce.
REINA
That's okay. I'm done.
(to Scottie, on her way out)
You aren't a liar after all.
SCOTTIE
Don't you want to hang out?
REINA
No, I should go. I'll see you at the
club. Hope your mom gets better.
Exit Reina.
ALEXANDRA
Scottie, what'd she mean by "You aren't
a liar after all?" What'd she think
you were lying about?
SCOTTIE
She didn't believe Mom was sleeping.
ALEXANDRA
So you had to prove to that twat that
Mom's in a coma? What the fuck is in
your skull, a bunch of stupid pills?
SCOTTIE
Shut up, you motherless whore!
SID
Whoa, whoa, easy there, half-pipe.
(CONTINUED)
59.
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72 CONTINUED: (6) 72
MATT
Where'd you learn how to talk like
that?
Scottie points at Alex.
Matt's PHONE RINGS. He pulls it out to silence it but
notices the CALLER ID --
KAIMANA-PRUDENTIAL REAL ESTATE.
He freezes. Sensing something, Alex calmly grabs the phone
from him and glances at it.
ALEXANDRA
Hello? No, you've got the right
number. This is his assistant Sharon.
How may I help you?
Alex listens. Scottie has no idea what's going on, but it
sure is fun.
SCOTTIE
Who is it?
ALEXANDRA
Oh, I see. And for how long? Uh-huh.
Okay. So one or the other. I'll tell
him. Mahalo.
Alexandra hangs up, proud. Matt's proud too.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
That was Bonnie Tanaka, a realtor. She
says Mr. Speer is on Kaua'i till the
18th, but she'd be happy to show you
the house or you can stop by the open
house on Sunday.
73 EXT. KING HOUSE - DAY 73
MANY CARS are parked outside.
74 INT/EXT. KING HOUSE - DAY 74
PLATTERS of sashimi, fruit, ahi poke and salads lie atop the
antique koa dining room table.
LONGTIME FRIENDS, 40s to 70s, mingle in the living room and
around the pool. We spot Mark and Kai.
60.
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75 INT. KING KITCHEN - DAY 75
Matt is spacing out alone, perhaps mentally rehearsing his
speech. Awkward teen BUZZ happens by.
BUZZ
Hi, Mr. King.
MATT
Hello, Buzz.
BUZZ
Sorry about Mrs. King. Hope she gets
better real soon.
MATT
Thanks.
BUZZ
It really blows.
Matt nods, swigs his drink. Buzz now feels emboldened to
reveal the cocktail concealed behind his back.
BUZZ (CONT'D)
Please don't tell my mom I'm drinking.
MATT
I won't.
BUZZ
Sometimes I steal beers from your
outdoor fridge.
MATT
I know.
Buzz slinks off.
MATT (PRE-LAP) (CONT'D)
You've all been asking about Elizabeth,
and I've given vague answers. But the
reason I've asked you all to come over
today is to tell you...
76 INT. KING LIVING ROOM - DAY 76
Matt addresses the gathering.
MATT
...that her coma is permanent. She's
not going to make it.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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76 CONTINUED: 76
MATT (CONT'D)
This week -- tomorrow, in fact -- as
per her wishes, we're going to unhook
her from life-support.
(holding for gasps)
You all know Elizabeth -- she always
likes to do things on her own.
Goddammit.
(almost losing it)
I wanted to tell you all in person.
You're all our dear friends, our best
friends. And the girls and I
appreciate so much all the ways you've
helped these last few weeks -- bringing
food, calling...
ONE GUEST
Can we see her?
MATT
Yes, for God's sake, yes. That's the
whole point. Go see her as soon as
possible. That's what I wanted to tell
you. It should be now, not after.
Everyone who loves her deserves a
chance to say goodbye.
77 EXT. KING HOUSE DRIVEWAY - DUSK OR NIGHT 77
Matt waves goodbye to the last guests as they drive off, then
turns back toward his house. Halfway there, his exhaustion
forces him to COLLAPSE onto the moist lawn.
Sitting there, he comes to a REALIZATION -- not one he wants,
but he knows he must deal with it regardless.
ALEXANDRA (PRE-LAP)
You've lost your mind.
78 INT. MATT'S STUDY - NIGHT 78
Matt is catching up on WORK and has a DICTAPHONE in his hand.
Alex hovers in the doorway.
ALEXANDRA
You mean him? Tell him to say goodbye?
MATT
I'll only be gone a day or so. I'll
leave in the morning, and be back
tomorrow night. If it takes another
day, fine -- I'll give it two days
tops. If I don't find him, at least I
tried.
(CONTINUED)
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78 CONTINUED: 78
ALEXANDRA
Drop it, Dad. You've got way bigger
fish to fry than confronting fucking
Brian Speer. Are you recording this?
MATT
I'm summarizing a deposition.
ALEXANDRA
How can you work?
MATT
How can you go to a movie?
ALEXANDRA
To get Scottie out of the house. And
you're going to tell him to come back
and see Mom.
MATT
I think... I just think she would want
him to know.
ALEXANDRA
Just call his office and say it's an
emergency.
MATT
On the phone he can escape. In person
he has nowhere to go. I want to see
his face. I want to change his life.
Alexander senses his resolve -- it's kind of refreshing,
actually -- then breaks into a wicked little smile.
ALEXANDRA
Then I want to go too.
MATT
No, you stay with Scottie.
ALEXANDRA
Fuck that. Let's all get out of town.
79 EXT. AIRPORT - DAY 79
A Hawaiian Airlines inter-island airplane takes off.
80 INT. AIRPLANE - DAY 80
Matt sits isolated from his daughters and Sid across the
aisle from him.
63.
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81 INSERT -- MAP OF THE ISLANDS 81
A DOTTED LINE goes from Honolulu to Lihue.
82 EXT. KAUAI AIRPORT - DAY 82
Matt leads his daughters and Sid toward the rental car
shuttle when --
COUSIN RALPH (O.S.)
Yo, Matt King!
Matt turns to see COUSIN RALPH loping over, briefcase in
hand. Like Matt, he wears the island businessman's uniform --
Khakis and a Reyn's Spooner shirt.
Grinning and nodding, Cousin Ralph gives Matt a back-slap hug
and greets Scottie and Alexandra, whose names he clearly
forgets.
COUSIN RALPH (CONT'D)
Whatcha doing here?
MATT
Just came over for a day or two.
COUSIN RALPH
Yeah, I just got back from Kahului. A
little business over there.
MATT
Yeah.
COUSIN RALPH
All right. So you here to talk to some
of the cousins? Make sure everybody's
happy with your choice? Pay your
respects to Cousin Hugh?
Matt's smiles to cover the fact that he hasn't actually been
thinking about this stuff.
MATT
No, no, nothing like that. Just a
little holoholo. Get the kids out of
town.
COUSIN RALPH
But it is Holitzer, right? We all know
it's Holitzer. Cousin Hugh wants him,
they go way back. I got my misgivings,
though. It's not the highest bid by a
longshot.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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82 CONTINUED: 82
COUSIN RALPH (CONT'D)
There's an argument to be made for
maxing it out. We only do this once in
a lifetime. And in this economy --
MATT
Yeah, no, I know. I want to work with
you guys, Ralph, I really do. Whatever
the majority wants, I'll go along with
it. Let's just get it over with.
COUSIN RALPH
How's Elizabeth doing? She going to be
okay?
MATT
The same.
COUSIN RALPH
Well, she's a tough gal. She'll be
okay. Yeah. Say, where you going,
Hanalei?
MATT
Yeah, Princeville.
COUSIN RALPH
Come on. I'll give you a ride.
83 EXT. COUSIN RALPH'S JEEP - DAY 83
It's an open jeep with bad shocks, and Cousin Ralph drives
fast. The passengers hold on, their hair blown back.
MATT
Hey, Ralph.
COUSIN RALPH
Yeah.
MATT
Turn off over here. Let's go see the
land.
COUSIN RALPH
Take a last look, huh?
MATT
You got time?
COUSIN RALPH
I got nothing but time.
65.
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84 EXT. TURNOFF POINT - DAY 84
Cousin Ralph makes a turn and heads inland.
85 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY 85
The Jeep stops at a FENCE, where a HERD OF CATTLE graze on
the other side. Matt jumps out to let the jeep through.
RALPH
I think this is where a golf course is
going to be. They want the golf course
to rival Pebble Beach, you know, bring
in the big boys.
86 EXT. BUMPY ACCESS ROAD - DAY 86
The Jeep ascends through pastoral countryside.
87 EXT. LOOKOUT POINT - DAY 87
The Jeep stops at the overlook of an astonishingly beautiful
swath of land extending from hilltop to bay. All get out,
walk to the edge, look out.
SID
Are you shitting me? You guys own all
this land?
MATT
Not personally. It belongs to a trust.
But yeah, it's ours for a few more
days.
RALPH
The other side of that ridge too. You
can't see it from here. It's like
this, but a little flatter and doesn't
have as nice a bay.
SID
This is outrageous.
COUSIN RALPH
(pointing, to Matt)
Yep. Big resort there on that point.
Commercial area over there, houses all
through there. I think they should put
in a big zip-line. Hell, we should
have put in a zip-line.
All continue to ogle this awe-inspiring sight.
(CONTINUED)
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87 CONTINUED: 87
RALPH
Of course, part of me agrees with the
cousins who don't want to sell.
They're going to make a pretty big
stink at the meeting.
MATT
I know, but we have to sell. The trust
has to dissolve in seven years, and if
we haven't sold, it'll be a huge mess.
Selling now and distributing the cash
is the only clean way to do it.
RALPH
But it's a shame, yeah? On the other
hand, hey, it's just sitting there. No
one's using it. At least this way the
whole world will be able to enjoy it.
MATT
(to his daughters)
Take a good look, girls. In the old
days, this was part of your great-great
grandmother's inheritance going all the
way back to Kamehameha I.
With them, we look across this land, vivid and verdant.
ALEXANDRA
Down there is where Mom and I would
camp.
MATT
We all did, all our lives. A lot of
memories.
SCOTTIE
What about me? I want to camp. I wish
we lived in the old days.
ALEXANDRA
We do. We still do.
(to Matt)
Do we really have to sell?
MATT
Doing anything else would get extremely
complicated. A lot of your cousins
just want the money. Everything has
its time.
SCOTTIE
I want us to keep it!
(CONTINUED)
67.
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87 CONTINUED: (2) 87
Matt looks over at Scottie, then at Alexandra. It's clear
that Alexandra is moved by this sight.
SID
Can you like specify what businesses
they'll put here? Because you should
totally get a Cheesecake Factory. Only
one so far's in Waikiki, and it's
awesome. You definitely need a
Cheesecake Factory. And Taco John's.
MOMENTS LATER --
The Kings approach a nearby MONUMENT commemorating "John
Lowell "Keoni" King. 1899 - 1974. The plaque depicts a
smiling man atop a horse.
MATT
(to the girls)
My grandfather. He really loved this
place. So did your mother. So does
your mother.
88 EXT. COUSIN RALPH'S JEEP - DAY 88
Cousin Ralph turns off the Kuhio Highway and into
PRINCEVILLE, which greets visitors with an immense faux-
Italian FOUNTAIN.
89 EXT. PRINCEVILLE - DAY 89
Passing through this immense development, Matt notices the
names of the condo complexes: The Sand Piper, The Island
Tropic, etc.
And he observes TOURISTS along the edge of the golf course,
with their visors and fanny packs.
90 EXT. ST. REGIS HOTEL FRONT DOORS - DAY 90
Ralph drops our friends off.
91 INT. ST. REGIS HOTEL LOBBY - DAY 91
Alex and Sid slump against a marble pillar. Scottie has
taken her shoes off to slide across the shiny floor.
AT THE FRONT DESK --
CLERK
Here's your credit card back, Mr. King.
And how many keycards will you be
needing today for your deluxe suite?
(CONTINUED)
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91 CONTINUED: 91
MATT
Let's say three. By the way. I'm
supposed to meet a buddy of mine I
think is staying here. Brian Speer. S-
P-E-E-R.
CLERK
(checking computer)
I'm not showing anyone by that name.
MATT
Thanks.
92 INT. HOTEL SUITE - DAY 92
Moving in.
LATER --
Matt is on the telephone, nodding gravely.
MATT
No, I understand. Okay. Thanks.
Matt hangs up, blinks a few times, spaces out a moment. Then
he slides open the glass door to the --
93 EXT. HOTEL SUITE LANAI - DAY 93
-- where he finds Alexandra smoking.
MATT
Put that out, will you please?
Alex shoots him a look, then stamps out the butt on the
bottom of her shoe.
MATT (CONT'D)
You could at least smoke lights. Like
Sid.
ALEXANDRA
I could.
MATT
Just got off the phone with Dr.
Johnston. They did what they had to do
a couple hours ago. They've moved her
to another floor. They say she seems
comfortable, still breathing on her
own. She's doing okay.
(CONTINUED)
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93 CONTINUED: 93
Alexandra nods at this news and looks off. Matt joins her in
gazing out at Hanalei Bay.
MATT (CONT'D)
So how are you doing, Alex?
ALEXANDRA
What do you mean? You mean considering
Mom's... circling the drain?
MATT
No, I mean other than that. In
general. You haven't been using, have
you?
ALEXANDRA
No, Jesus, I'm not using.
MATT
Not at all? I smell pot all the time
on Sid.
ALEXANDRA
That's Sid.
MATT
So you just stopped? Really?
ALEXANDRA
Look, Dad, it's no big deal. Kids do
drugs and they stop. Unless they're
like super-ghetto. And you sent me to
boarding school, remember? I couldn't
get anything anymore. So no, I'm not
doing any drugs. But I still think
they're fun. Okay, maybe a little pot
once in a while.
MATT
And a little drinking.
She can't deny that.
MATT (CONT'D)
Why are you being so honest?
ALEXANDRA
Mom's dying.
MATT
Yeah, well, I'm proud of you.
(CONTINUED)
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93 CONTINUED: (2) 93
ALEXANDRA
Not much to be proud of.
MATT
Yeah, there is. We shipped you off.
Let them handle it. And now you're
here, helping with Scottie, helping me.
Thanks.
ALEXANDRA
You want to know what really pisses me
off? That she wouldn't end it. Not
even when she knew she was busted. How
are we supposed to feel about that?
MATT
I guess she really liked him.
ALEXANDRA
So how are we going to find this guy,
Sherlock?
MATT
Right. Well, why don't you two take
Scottie to the beach? I'm going to
call around a little. We're on an
island, for Christ's sake.
Everything's just one degree of
separation.
ALEXANDRA
(getting up)
We'll find him.
94 EXT. ST. REGIS BEACH - DAY 94
Matt scans the BEACH as he ambles toward Sid and his
daughters lying on towels. Scottie is snuggled close to Sid.
Matt notices LUMPS OF SAND stuffed into Scottie's bikini top.
MATT
Hey, what's in your suit?
SCOTTIE
They're my beach boobs.
MATT
Take that out. Right now. Alex,
Jesus, why'd you let her do that? You
too, Sid.
Lying on her stomach, Alex lifts her head.
(CONTINUED)
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94 CONTINUED: 94
ALEXANDRA
I don't know. Take them out, stupid.
SID
Yeah, Scottie. Honestly. Big boobs
look kind of fatty.
Scowling, Scottie gets up and starts pulling the sand out of
her suit as she stomps toward the water.
ALEXANDRA
Any luck?
MATT
The hotels were a dead end, but I took
another shot with his office. He's
definitely in Hanalei renting a house
somewhere -- probably one of those
cottages around the bay. Who wants to
go for a walk?
SID
Sounds good.
Matt grimaces -- not whom he was hoping for. Alex ties the
straps of her bikini and flips over.
ALEXANDRA
Yeah, let's go. Scottie!
95 MOMENTS LATER -- 95
Our friends weave their way among BEACH-GOERS. Matt has
thought to bring along a print-out of Brian Speer's PHOTO,
which he and Alex glance at discreetly. Sid trails behind.
SCOTTIE
(catching up to Matt)
Can we swim with the sharks? I read in
the hotel magazine how they put you in
a cage in the ocean and throw shark
feed in the water and sharks swim right
up to you. Can we do that?
ALEXANDRA
Scottie, we're not really here to do
stuff like that.
96 EXT. HANALEI BAY - PINE TREES - DAY 96
The sun approaches the horizon.
(CONTINUED)
72.
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96 CONTINUED: 96
Father, daughters and Sid have walked past people and houses.
Now they're walking just to be walking. We see them from a
distance, although we hear them very close.
SCOTTIE
How'd you and Mom meet?
MATT
I was with a law school buddy from the
mainland, and I took him to the club.
We were just coming in from paddling,
and your mom was on her way out, and
she looked at me and said, "Do you
think it's going to snow today?" We
all got beers when she came back in. I
had already seen her around. That was
it. I got her number.
SCOTTIE
Did you think she was pretty?
MATT
She knocked me out.
SCOTTIE
What do you love about her?
MATT
I love... I don't know. The way we are
with each other, most of the time,
anyway. I love how she's more capable
of feeling joy than anyone I've ever
known. I just like being with her,
just riding bikes or going out to
dinner, even if it's just a plate lunch
at Rainbow's. Years ago we used to do
a lot of paddling together.
ALEXANDRA
Can we drop this? Jesus.
(mimicking)
"What do you love about Mom, Daddy?"
Shut up, already.
(to Matt)
And stop babying her.
MATT
Easy, Alex. We're just talking.
97 EXT. HANALEI BAY FOREST AREA - LATE AFTERNOON 97
Our friends continue walking, this time amid THICK TREES
along the shoreline. Again we see them from afar.
(CONTINUED)
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97 CONTINUED: 97
MATT
Your mom got chased by a shark once.
Very close call.
ALEXANDRA
When was that?
MATT
We were on Moloka'i with Mark and Kai,
and your mom was out surfing and saw a
shark right beneath her on a wave.
Like right beneath her. She got down
on her stomach and started paddling
like crazy, and this big fin kept
following her. She even paddled up
onto the nearest rocks instead of all
the way to shore. Got cuts all over
her legs and hands. Only time I ever
saw your mother scared, and she was
really scared. She even threw up.
Crying and shaking. I had to hold her
for a long time. She really thought
she was going to die. Of course she
hid all that from the Mitchells, turned
it into a funny "Me-versus-a-shark"
story. I told her...
ALEXANDRA
Yeah?
MATT
I told her it wasn't her time yet.
They continue in silence a few moments.
SCOTTIE
I wish Mom was here.
98 EXT. ST. REGIS HOTEL BEACH AREA - LATE AFTERNOON 98
The sun is now very low on the horizon as our friends make
their way back to the hotel. Again we see them from a
distance.
MATT
I'll ask you that same question,
Scottie. What do you love about Mom?
SCOTTIE
Lots of stuff. She's not old and ugly
like other moms.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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98 CONTINUED: 98
SCOTTIE (CONT'D)
I like her stories -- like how she
streaked at the wedding and the time
she beat a wild pig with a shoe. How
about you, Alex?
ALEXANDRA
Why are we still talking about this?
(then --)
I like how she's not afraid of
anything.
99 INT. HOTEL SUITE SITTING ROOM - NIGHT 99
The four are splayed out watching TV amid the messy remains
of ROOM SERVICE DINNER.
Alexandra and Scottie wield the REMOTE and stumble upon the
channels promoting direct-access ADULT MOVIES.
SCOTTIE
Let's watch one of these!
ALEXANDRA
We're not watching porn.
SCOTTIE
Reina's dad watches pornos. Reina
calls them masturbation movies. Her
dad has some. She plays them when her
parents aren't home and one time
invited boys over to see if they grew
down there. One did.
SID
Reina's awesome.
MATT
Were you there? Have you seen any of
those movies?
SCOTTIE
No.
ALEXANDRA
You've got to watch her with the
internet. And Reina's dad. Scottie,
Reina is a fucked-up ho-bag, and you
need to stay away from her. Do you
want to end up like me?
SCOTTIE
Yes.
(CONTINUED)
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99 CONTINUED: 99
ALEXANDRA
I mean the earlier me, when I was mean
to you and yelling at mom all the time.
SCOTTIE
No.
ALEXANDRA
Well, Reina's going to be a meth-head,
and she's going to get used by stupid
guys. She's a twat. Say it.
SCOTTIE
She's a twat.
(running across the room)
Twat, twat, twat, twat!
MATT
Stop that!
(to Alexandra)
I don't get it. I don't know what to
do... these things she does. What goes
on in her head? You weren't like that.
ALEXANDRA
It'll go away.
MATT
I'm not so sure. I mean, look how you
kids talk in front of me. It's like
you don't respect authority.
Alex looks at him -- authority?
100 INT. HOTEL SUITE BEDROOM - NIGHT 100
Matt tosses and turns, gets up and goes to the bathroom.
MOMENTS LATER --
Exiting the bathroom, he decides he should make a routine
inspection and wanders into --
101 INT. HOTEL SUITE SITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 101
-- where he eyes a lump on the FOLD-OUT BED. He creeps up
when Sid awakens.
SID
Hey, what's up?
MATT
Hi.
(CONTINUED)
76.
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101 CONTINUED: 101
SID
Checking on me or something?
A sheepish look on his face, Matt takes a seat on the edge of
the bed.
MATT
I don't, uh... I haven't been sleeping
very much lately.
SID
Understandable.
MATT
I'm worried about my daughters. I'm
worried there's something wrong with
them.
SID
I used to do some messed-up shit when I
was a kid. Still do. It's going to
get worse after your wife dies.
MATT
What does Alex really think about this
stuff that's going on? What does she
say?
SID
She doesn't.
MATT
What do you mean? I thought she talks
to you all the time.
SID
We don't really talk about our like
"issues." We just, I don't know, we
deal with our shit by talking about
other stuff and having a good time.
MATT
What would you do if you were me? How
would you handle my daughters? How
would you handle... the situation of
this guy we're trying to find?
Matt can't believe what he just asked, but he's desperate for
clues from even the unlikeliest source.
(CONTINUED)
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101 CONTINUED: (2) 101
SID
I told you what I'd do -- I'd lay his
nuts on a dresser and hit `em with a
spiked bat. With the daughters, I
don't know. I'd take them on a trip.
Or no, I'd buy `em a bunch of shit.
Like with all the money you're going to
get when you sell the land -- you're
going to make stupid money, right? --
dude, you could buy them anything.
Matt questions his sanity at having asked Sid any advice.
MATT
Do you want some of it? Some money?
SID
Sure.
MATT
If I gave you a lot of money right now,
tonight, would you leave?
SID
Why would I leave?
MATT
No, Sid, I'm asking you a favor. If I
give you money, will you leave?
SID
Oh. I get it. Is that what you want?
You want me to go?
MATT
I guess not.
SID
Look, dude, you're right. If I had
daughters, I wouldn't know what to do.
Exchange them for sons, I guess.
MATT
Then I might wind up with something
like you.
SID
I'm not so bad. I'm smart.
MATT
You're about a hundred miles away from
Smartville. No offense.
(CONTINUED)
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101 CONTINUED: (3) 101
SID
You're mistaken, counselor. I'm smart.
I have good hygiene. I'm an decent
guitarist, a good cook. I cook food
all the time. I'm vice-president of
the Punahou chess club. And I always
have weed.
MATT
I'm sure your parents are proud.
SID
It's possible. My mom's sort of busy
right now.
MATT
What does she do, your mom?
SID
She's a receptionist at a pet clinic.
But mostly she's been getting the house
together after my dad died. My dad
died a few months ago.
At first refusing to fall for it, Matt sees this is no prank.
SID (CONT'D)
November 24th. Drunk driver. Actually
both drivers were drunk. Yeah.
Sid smiles and nods as though to make Matt feel better about
the sad news he just shared.
MATT
Goodnight, Sid. I'll see you tomorrow.
SID
Goodnight, boss.
102 EXT. HANALEI BAY - DAWN 102
SUNRISE. Matt JOGS along the nearly empty beach -- just a
few surf FISHERMAN and PADDLERS. He's clearly out of shape
but makes a good effort.
ANOTHER GUY jogs toward Matt wearing a "Stanford Lacrosse" T-
shirt and running shorts with long slits up the sides.
BRIAN SPEER!
They pass each other. Matt continues on a moment in
disbelief, then TURNS AROUND and follows. His strides long
and efficient, Brian gives Matt a run for his money.
(CONTINUED)
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102 CONTINUED: 102
Soon Brian cuts up the beach toward one of the COTTAGES that
line the bay. Matt follows, awkwardly trying to appear
nonchalant.
MATT
(under his breath)
Hi, you don't know me, but I know you.
Hi, you don't know me, but I know you.
Brian Speer, right? Hi, I'm Liz's
husband. That's right. Fuckface.
Brian disappears up a little PATH through a HEDGE. Matt
quickens his pace toward --
103 EXT. HANALEI BEACH COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS 103
-- where he spies on Brian walking across a wide lawn toward
a lovely OLD COTTAGE.
MATT
Hi. You don't know me, but I know you.
Brian disappears inside, emerging moments later chugging
GATORADE.
Courage gathered, Matt is about to charge forward when he
stops short -- the door opens again, and out comes a
beautiful WOMAN in a white bathing suit and white sun hat.
Then two LITTLE BOYS.
Fucker's got a family. Not the right moment.
104 EXT. HANALEI BAY - DAY 104
The sun is higher, and the BEACH is growing populated.
Matt sits on the sand, glancing occasionally back toward the
cottage. Next to him lie his daughters and Sid.
Suddenly TWO BOYS -- Brian's kids -- come running through the
hedge and past Matt on their way into the water.
Matt turns around to see Brian's wife JULIE SPEER dutifully
trailing behind.
JULIE
Stay in the zone, please! That means
you, Skylar. And you too, Colt.
MATT
(low)
Skylar and Colt?
(CONTINUED)
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104 CONTINUED: 104
Matt watches the little boys flop into the surf. Mrs. Speer
follows, wading in up to her calves.
Matt stands to look whether Brian is coming down to the beach
too. No such luck.
MATT (CONT'D)
(to Alex)
I'll be right back.
Matt gets to his feet, brushes off sand, and walks casually
toward Mrs. Speer, maintaining a comfortable distance.
Alexandra watches.
IN THE SURF --
Matt takes up a casual stance near Mrs. Speer and pretends to
look out at the water, just hanging out. Mrs. Speer
continues to keep a watchful eye on her boisterous boys.
MATT (CONT'D)
Looks like you got yourself a handful
with those two.
JULIE
Yeah.
MATT
Must keep you pretty busy.
JULIE
They're pretty non-stop, but they're at
a really fun age.
MATT
How old are they?
JULIE SPEER
Eight and ten.
MATT
(pointing)
I have two girls. Ten and seventeen.
That whole non-stop thing. That never
changes.
JULIE SPEER
You guys live here?
MATT
We live on O'ahu.
(CONTINUED)
81.
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104 CONTINUED: (2) 104
JULIE SPEER
Oh, so do we.
MATT
Yeah, I'm just getting my girls out of
town for a couple days. Their, uh,
their mother is in the hospital, so I
thought I'd give them a little break.
JULIE
Oh, no.
MATT
She'll be fine.
JULIE
What's wrong? If you don't mind my
asking.
MATT
Just a little boating accident. Hit
her head a little too hard.
Does Julie recognize any of this, or even recognize him?
Doesn't seem like it.
JULIE
A sailboat? Or one with a motor?
MATT
(laughs, then --)
One with a motor.
She's actually sort of charming, this Julie Speer.
JULIE
Well, good luck with that. I wish her
well. Skylar, don't go so far!
MATT
You guys staying in one of the cottages
over there?
JULIE
Yes, my husband had to come here for
work, so we thought we'd all make a
little vacation of it. He knows the
owner, so --
MATT
Hugh King.
(CONTINUED)
82.
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104 CONTINUED: (3) 104
JULIE
That's right.
MATT
He's my cousin.
JULIE
Oh. Then you probably know my husband.
Brian Speer?
That hangs there a moment. Matt suppresses the sudden desire
to spill the beans.
MATT
No, can't say as I do.
JULIE
Oh, I just assumed, since he's been --
SCOTTIE
Dad! Dad, come here! Something bit
me!
Matt looks over to see Scottie very agitated about something.
MATT
Excuse me. Nice talking to you.
JULIE
You too. Take care.
Matt trots off.
105 A MONTAGE -- 105
Images of Hanalei as the sun begins to set over the
magnificent taro fields. Wind rustles the trees. Mist falls
into the valley.
MATT (V.O.)
How can I forgive her for loving
someone else? Did she even know about
his family? Was she that in love?
Does she miss him from her coma? Does
she wish he could be with her and not
me?
106 EXT. HANALEI TOWN - DUSK 106
Our friends walk along roadside tourist shops toward --
83.
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107 INT. TAHITI NUI RESTAURANT - DUSK 107
A lived-in hangout with a wood interior, woven mats on the
walls, and tables carved into with steak knives. A UKULELE
CLUB jams in a corner.
As our foursome enter the joint, Matt notices --
COUSIN HUGH
yucking it up at the BAR with other REGULARS.
MATT
(to Alexandra)
There's Cousin Hugh. Get us a table.
Order me something.
ALEXANDRA
Like what?
MATT
Anything.
AT THE BAR --
Matt wedges his way in beside his third cousin, who despite
his booziness and very local flavor is nonetheless a King
family patriarch.
COUSIN HUGH
Heeey! Mattie-boy! What are you doing
here? I didn't expect to see you until
the meeting.
He looks over his shoulder to see whom Matt might have come
in with.
COUSIN HUGH (CONT'D)
Is that...?
MATT
Yeah, Scottie and Alex.
COUSIN HUGH
Big girls now! So what are you doing
here, man?
MATT
Just getting the girls out of the
hospital for a couple days, you know,
change of scenery.
(CONTINUED)
84.
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107 CONTINUED: 107
COUSIN HUGH
Yeah, boy, what you've been going
through. That's a tough deal.
(taking a drink)
But Elizabeth, hey, she's, she's a
tough gal, I'll tell you that. A
fighter. She'll make it. Get you a
drink?
MATT
Sure, what're you having?
COUSIN HUGH
Barney, an old-fashioned for my cousin
here. Nice to see you, Matt. How you
been otherwise?
MATT
Not much otherwise. Between our
business and the hospital, you know,
I've just trying to keep my head above
water. So listen, I see you have some
people staying in the cottage.
COUSIN HUGH
Oh, hey, Mattie, if I'd known you were
coming, I coulda --
MATT
No, no, no, I'm just wondering about
the guy you're renting to. I think his
name is Brian Speer.
COUSIN HUGH
Yeah, yeah, real determined son-of-a-
bitch. He's Lou's sister's... No,
wait. Lou has a sister, and the
sister's husband... Lou's brother-in-
law is cousins with that guy.
MATT
Huh? Who's Lou?
COUSIN HUGH
No, wait. You mean the cottages on the
bay or the cottage back by the trail?
MATT
The bay. The guy with the wife and two
boys.
(CONTINUED)
85.
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107 CONTINUED: (2) 107
COUSIN HUGH
Yeah, that's right. Determined son-of-
a-bitch. Anyway, the point is the guy
we're doing business with is that guy's
brother-in-law. Works for him.
MATT
Brian Speer.
COUSIN HUGH
That's the guy.
MATT
What do you mean, the guy we're doing
business with?
COUSIN HUGH
Who do you think? Don Holitzer.
MATT
Holitzer.
COUSIN HUGH
That's what I'm saying. That's Don's
brother-in-law in the cottage. You
don't know him? I would have thought
you'd know him. He's a realtor over by
you. So if we sell to Don -- and
that's what we're going to do, right?
That's what you want too. Nice guy,
Don. He'll do right by us. Then when
Don develops and re-sells and leases
and all that --
MATT
Yeah, yeah --
COUSIN HUGH
He's letting this brother-in-law in the
cottage handle the transactions. A lot
of them, anyway. Big score for that
guy.
It takes a moment for this stone to drop to the bottom of
Matt's well.
MATT
What's he like?
COUSIN HUGH
Who?
(CONTINUED)
86.
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107 CONTINUED: (3) 107
MATT
Brian Speer -- what else do you know
about him?
COUSIN HUGH
Not much. He's lucky. The bugga's
lucky. His sister is married to the
guy. Son-of-a-bitch is going to make a
shitload of money on commissions.
MATT
Not if we don't go with that bid.
Cousin Hugh's eyes emerge momentarily from their drunken fog
to give Matt a firm, steely warning.
COUSIN HUGH
We all want Don. You do too, Matt.
You've said as much.
MATT
No, I know. You're right. Okay.
Well. Good to see you, Hugh.
COUSIN HUGH
You too.
MATT
See you at the meeting.
COUSIN HUGH
I'll be there.
TRACK TO THE TABLE
firmly on MATT'S FACE as he processes this horrifying news
delivered so casually.
AT THE TABLE --
Matt takes a seat. Scottie and Sid eat fried appetizers.
Alexandra just sits watching the musicians.
SID
This place rocks.
SCOTTIE
Totally.
ALEXANDRA
We ordered you mahi.
(CONTINUED)
87.
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107 CONTINUED: (4) 107
MATT
(low)
Great.
The music grows more frenetic.
Matt looks around the room, alienated from everything -- from
the fried food and the tourists, from the umbrellas in the
drinks, from his daughters enjoying the music and this cretin
called Sid.
Why can't a nuclear bomb blow the whole island up right now?
108 EXT. THE ROAD BY THE BAY - SUNSET 108
The light is swiftly fading, and our heroes are little more
than SILHOUETTES as they walk back to the hotel.
Sid and Scottie talk and laugh together. Alex walks with her
father.
MATT
So, guess what. Turns out Brian Speer
is connected to Don Holitzer.
ALEXANDRA
Who's Don Holitzer?
MATT
The guy we're going to sell to. And
that woman today at the beach. That
was his wife.
ALEXANDRA
Whose wife?
(then --)
The hottie with the hat? You sure?
(off his nod)
So he's married. Nice. Why didn't you
say anything?
MATT
It's him I want to talk to, not her. I
know where their cottage is.
ALEXANDRA
You do? So let's do it right now.
Let's go knock on his door.
MATT
That's what I'm saying.
Alexandra quietly exults.
(CONTINUED)
88.
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108 CONTINUED: 108
MATT (CONT'D)
Don't do that. Don't be excited. This
isn't fun.
ALEXANDRA
Well, it's what we came here to do.
MATT
So you to talk to his wife while I talk
to him. And figure out some way to
distract Scottie and their kids.
ALEXANDRA
Got it. Sid, come here!
A109 MOMENTS LATER -- A109
The team are gathered for a little huddle.
ALEXANDRA
Listen, Dad and I are going to go talk
to some friends while Sid takes you
back to the hotel, okay?
SCOTTIE
I want to come too.
SID
I don't. Who wants to sit around
talking in some house? Let's ditch
these losers and go watch some serious
TV.
SCOTTIE
Yeah!
As they walk away --
SID
(to Matt, low)
Give `em hell, boss.
109 EXT. HANALEI BAY COTTAGE - NIGHT 109
Zero hour. Matt and Alexandra approach the cottage from the
road and start to walk around it toward the beach.
ALEXANDRA
Are you ready?
MATT
No. What should I say?
(CONTINUED)
89.
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109 CONTINUED: 109
ALEXANDRA
You'll think of something. You're a
lawyer.
MATT
I'm sorry for sucking you into this. I
should be doing this alone. It's
selfish of me.
ALEXANDRA
I'm the one who sucked you in. I'm the
one who knew.
Just as they are round the house toward the lanai, Julie
Speer backs out of the screen door with a plate of hamburger
patties. Alex nudges Matt.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
Don't be a pussy.
MATT
(stiffly)
Hi there!
The screen door slams. Julie looks over.
MATT (CONT'D)
It's the guy from the beach today.
JULIE
Oh, hello.
MATT
Yeah, hey, I'm such an idiot. I just
figured out I do know your husband.
My daughter and I were on our way back
to the hotel from dinner, and we
thought we'd drop by and say howdy.
ALEXANDRA
(mouthing)
Howdy?
JULIE
Great. Come on up.
MATT
I'm Matt King. This is Alexandra.
JULIE
I'm Julie Speer. Yeah, I thought that
was you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
90.
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109 CONTINUED: (2) 109
JULIE (CONT'D)
You've been in the paper so much
lately. I figured you had to know
Brian. He's been pretty involved.
MATT
Yeah, no, I know, yeah, super-involved.
Maybe I've met him in passing. I don't
know.
JULIE
So, I guess you guys are deciding
really soon. A couple of days, right --
you and your family meet? I'm sorry.
That's probably a conflict of interest
or something.
MATT
No, it's okay. You're right -- it'll
all be over in a couple of days.
JULIE
You guys want a burger?
MATT
We just ate, thanks.
JULIE
A drink then.
As Alex and Matt agree, a figure appears at the screen door.
BRIAN SPEER emerges, a bag of BUNS in one hand.
BRIAN SPEER
Hi, I'm Brian.
MATT
Brian, we may have met before. Matt
King. My wife is Elizabeth King. I
think you may have met her too. Our
daughter Alexandra.
Brian's big GRIN WILTS.
JULIE
I was just going to get drinks.
BRIAN SPEER
Good, good. Good.
Matt nudges Alexandra, who suddenly remembers her duty.
ALEXANDRA
Do you need help?
(CONTINUED)
91.
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109 CONTINUED: (3) 109
JULIE
(over her shoulder)
No, no, I got it.
Alex is glad to keep her ringside seat for the moment. All
buckle their mental seatbelts.
MATT
Elizabeth is dying. Oh, wait. Fuck
you. And she's dying. We unhooked her
from the machines this morning. She'll
be dead in a few days.
ALEXANDRA
We're not here to hurt you. We just
thought she'd want you to know.
As they've plotted, Alex and Matt study Brian's paralyzed
face. They exchange a glance, then look back at him.
ALEXANDRA (CONT'D)
This is him? Why would she go for him?
MATT
Beats me. Well, he's very articulate.
BRIAN SPEER
I can't... I'm sorry. I never thought
it would come to this.
ALEXANDRA
You're sorry my mom's going to die?
You're sorry you fucked her? You're
sorry you fucked over my dad?
BRIAN SPEER
I'm sorry for all of it.
MATT
Look, pal, like she said, I'm not here
to wreck your life. I just came to
give you a chance to go to the
hospital. I don't know how long you're
planning on being here, but I'm sure
you can think of an excuse to leave.
ALEXANDRA
You must be good at that.
MATT
You can be alone with her to say
goodbye or whatever you want. Do you
hear what I'm saying?
(CONTINUED)
92.
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109 CONTINUED: (4) 109
Brian seems deeply lost in his own thoughts. Then --
BRIAN SPEER
Okay, look, I can't have you here. You
understand.
Julie returns with wine for Matt and a soda for Alex.
JULIE
Here we go.
(noticing)
Everyone's so serious. Please don't
tell me you're talking about business.
ALEXANDRA
We're talking about love.
JULIE
That's nice. Brian, call the boys in
for dinner.
BRIAN SPEER
They're fine. Let them play a while
longer.
They all stand there a moment. Matt's unsure how to play
this out. He shoots a quick panicked look at Alex, who
scrambles to keep the ball rolling.
ALEXANDRA
Awesome cottage you're renting.
MATT
Yeah, say, prime Hanalei location. I
used to come here as a kid before it
was a vacation rental. Alex, your
great-uncle Warren and Aunt Lillian
built it back in the 20s. Haven't been
inside in years.
JULIE
Come on. We'll give you a tour.
ALEXANDRA
Or, Brian, maybe you could give my dad
a little walk down memory lane, and
Julie and I can chat out here.
MATT
Yeah, I'd like that, if you don't mind.
Just a quick look.
(CONTINUED)
93.
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109 CONTINUED: (5) 109
BRIAN SPEER
Sure. But it's not like I live here.
Matt walks up to the door, making a point to let Brian open
it for him.
110 INT. HANALEI BAY COTTAGE - NIGHT 110
Brian sweeps his hand around the room.
BRIAN SPEER
Here it is.
MATT
How did you meet? I'm curious.
For a moment Brian looks tricked, as if Matt really did just
want a tour of the house.
BRIAN SPEER
I can't do this.
MATT
Neither can I. How did you meet?
BRIAN SPEER
I thought you said you came here just
to tell me.
MATT
I changed my mind. And I can't very
well ask her the details. How'd you
meet?
BRIAN SPEER
At a party.
MATT
What party?
BRIAN SPEER
Super Bowl party.
MATT
(figuring it out)
At the Mitchells'.
BRIAN SPEER
Does that help? Does that make it
better?
(CONTINUED)
94.
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110 CONTINUED: 110
MATT
Hey, I'm doing you a favor here. I
could go out there right now and fuck
you up, so get a better attitude. Then
what? How'd you get the nerve to ask
her out?
Brian drops his head, rubs his temples.
MATT (CONT'D)
I want to know what makes a person
cross that line. Was it about the
deal? Is that when you decided she was
for you?
BRIAN SPEER
No, no. It's not what you think. It
just happened.
MATT
Nothing just happens.
BRIAN SPEER
Everything just happens.
MATT
Was she going to leave me?
BRIAN SPEER
She would have. But I, I, uh... I
didn't want that. That wouldn't have
happened. I love Julie.
(anguished)
Please don't tell her. Please. I
don't know what I've done. I'm sorry.
MATT
Did she say she loved you?
Brian nods slightly.
MATT (CONT'D)
Do you love her?
Brian looks down.
MATT (CONT'D)
You don't love her. You don't love
her. You just used her to get to me.
BRIAN SPEER
No, I told you. I wasn't trying to get
to you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
95.
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110 CONTINUED: (2) 110
BRIAN SPEER (CONT'D)
It was an affair, an attraction. Sex.
And she got sort of... carried away
with the whole thing, and I guess I
went with it. I mean, I didn't exactly
say no to things. I should have. I
love my family.
MATT
Then I guess it's all working out. Her
lips are sealed, and you don't have to
go through the trouble of dumping her.
BRIAN SPEER
Hey, hey, that's really unfair. I had -
- have -- a lot of respect for her.
She's a wonderful woman.
MATT
Too bad her husband found out. You
can't win `em all. One more question.
Have you ever been inside my bedroom?
BRIAN SPEER
(tortured)
Once.
MATT
You could have had the decency to lie
about that one. Well, she's in Queen's
Hospital if you want to say goodbye.
That really is all I came to say.
BRIAN SPEER
Shouldn't you be with her?
Matt's face slackens into overwhelming sadness.
111 EXT. HANALEI BAY COTTAGE - NIGHT 111
Matt swings the screen door open. Alex sits with Julie.
Skylar and Colt are still running around the yard.
MATT
Yeah, great, all remodeled, new
appliances. Nice. Alex, we should be
getting back.
JULIE
Well, hey, thanks for stopping by.
Really nice to meet you both. Maybe
we'll see you at the beach tomorrow.
(CONTINUED)
96.
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111 CONTINUED: 111
ALEXANDRA
Yeah, maybe.
After Alex and Julie share a quick kiss goodbye -- a common
custom in Hawaii -- Julie turns to Matt.
Matt leans in, but instead of going for her cheek, he kisses
her FULLY ON THE LIPS.
He pulls away, and they exchange a brief, vaguely erotic
look. Then he turns away and into the night.
112 INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT 112
The plane is dark except for overhead READING LIGHTS. Again
Matt, Sid and the girls sit at the very BACK OF THE PLANE.
ALEXANDRA
So when do you think he'll show up?
MATT
I have no idea.
Sid leans forward from the middle seat.
SID
Was he sorry? I hope he was sorry,
man. You could have told his wife, and
you didn't. I hope he knows how lucky
he is. I would have told her
everything. She deserves to know. Or
else she's going to be a dumb bitch the
rest of her life.
ALEXANDRA
Sid.
SID
I'm just saying.
MATT
No need to get creepy. Anyway, doesn't
matter. That's all behind us.
ALEXANDRA
Yeah, the one we have to worry about
telling things to now is Scottie.
MATT
I've asked Dr. Johnston to help us
break the news tomorrow.
(CONTINUED)
97.
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112 CONTINUED: 112
They turn to look at little Scottie, dead to the world in the
window seat.
113 INT. HOSPICE HALLWAY - DAY 113
Matt and the kids walk slowly through this different, calmer
wing of the hospital looking for the right room-number.
Finally they find it and push open the door into --
114 INT. HOSPICE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 114
While still a hospital room, there is no medical equipment
present. Bucolic colorful paintings on the wall are intended
to be uplifting. But unlike the expansive view outside
Elizabeth's ICU window, here the window looks out partially
at a CINDER-BLOCK WALL.
Sid and the Kings are greeted by DR. JOHNSTON and grief
counselor DR. HERMAN, who affects a comforting smile.
DR. JOHNSTON
Hello, everyone. Matt.
(off their greetings)
This is Dr. Herman, whom I told you
about. She works with us in
counseling.
DR. HERMAN
(locking eyes with all)
Hello, everyone. Hello. Hi. Hello.
The two professionals allow the Kings to turn their attention
to Elizabeth, who now lies with no machines at all. Around
her BALLOONS droop, FLOWERS wilt, get-well CARDS lie in a
pile. Elizabeth too is wilting and drooping. Her skin is
pasty, and her cheeks are hollow.
SCOTTIE
How come Mom isn't on any more
machines? Is she getting better?
The adults exchange glances. Dr. Herman approaches Scottie.
DR. HERMAN
You must be Scottie.
(off her nod --)
Scottie, I have a present for you.
Dr. Herman hands her a little squeaky RUBBER OCTOPUS she
pulls from her pocket.
(CONTINUED)
98.
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114 CONTINUED: 114
DR. HERMAN (CONT'D)
That's right. It's an octopus. Such a
funny creature with its eight legs.
But did you know octopi are actually
extremely intelligent, like dogs and
cats? They have unique personalities,
and just like us they have a lot of
defense mechanisms. I'm sure you know
about the ink sac. She uses ink to
confuse her predators. She can
camouflage herself. She can emit
poison, and some can mimic more
dangerous creatures, like the eel. I
keep her to remind me of our defense
mechanisms -- our ink, our camouflage,
our poison, all the things we use to
keep away hurt. The reason Dr.
Johnston invited me here today is to
meet you, Scottie. I've heard a lot
about you.
SCOTTIE
Like what?
DR. HERMAN
I've heard that you're a wonderful and
unique and spirited girl.
Dr. Herman shoots a look at Matt before continuing.
DR. HERMAN (CONT'D)
And I've heard your mom's not doing too
well and that she's going to die very
soon.
All watch Scottie react to this news.
SCOTTIE
Dad, is that true?
MATT
Yes, Scottie. It's true.
DR. HERMAN
You're going to have to be a very brave
girl right now, and you're surrounded
by people who love you. I came to meet
you and tell you that if you ever want
to talk about what you're feeling, I
would like to talk to you too. I can
help you face what's going on without
all the silly defense mechanisms that
work for an octopus but not for us.
(CONTINUED)
99.
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114 CONTINUED: (2) 114
DR. JOHNSTON
Okay. Thank you, Dr. Herman.
Dr. Herman looks at everyone with great sincerity before
leaving. Scottie is left holding the octopus. She drops it,
and it squeaks a little.
ALEXANDRA
What the fuck was that?
DR. JOHNSTON
Yes, well, they say she's very good one-
on-one.
SCOTTIE
So Mom's going to die for sure?
DR. JOHNSTON
Yes. We worked really hard with her,
but three other doctors and I agree
she's in what we call an irreversible
coma. Do you know what that means?
SCOTTIE
It means she doesn't have a brain
anymore.
DR. JOHNSTON
Not exactly, but... yes, that's the
general idea. So we're doing exactly
what she wanted us to do if that ever
happened. That's why she's not
attached to the machines anymore.
ALEXANDRA
It's for the best, Scottie. Look at
her. She's not happy like this.
DR. JOHNSTON
The purpose of medicine is to heal, and
we can't do that now.
MATT
Do you understand?
SCOTTIE
Yes. What will we do with her body?
Dr. Johnston looks to Matt for this one.
(CONTINUED)
100.
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114 CONTINUED: (3) 114
MATT
First Mom's going to give some of her
organs to other sick people, so she can
help save their lives. That's a really
neat thing she's doing. Then we're
going to... we're going to scatter her
ashes in the ocean. You know how Mom
always loved the ocean.
SCOTTIE
Her ashes?
Scottie looks at her mother, picturing her as ashes.
SCOTTIE (CONT'D)
When will she die?
DR. JOHNSTON
Any day now, I'm afraid. But you still
have some time.
DR. JOHNSTON (CONT'D)
Well. Let me know if you have any more
questions.
MATT
Thanks, Sam.
The doctor leaves, and the room is quiet. Scottie is in a
sort of trance.
ALEXANDRA
Come here, Scottie.
Scottie goes to her sister, who takes her in her arms.
SCOTTIE
Do eyeballs burn?
SID
Hey, Scottie. Don't think about stuff
like that.
115 INT. HOSPICE ROOM - THE NEXT DAY 115
Matt and the kids sit in a sort of vigil. Alex and Scottie
read books, Matt has brought some paperwork, Sid reads a
magazine.
Elizabeth emits a SIGH. All look up a moment before looking
back down.
(CONTINUED)
101.
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115 CONTINUED: 115
Matt's PHONE VIBRATES. Checking the caller ID -- HUGH KING --
he opts not to answer.
The door opens, and Elizabeth's brother BARRY THORSON
accompanies his parents Scott and Alice into the room.
SCOTT THORSON
Here we are.
(to Scottie)
Hi, Bingo. Alex.
Cheerful Alice doesn't really get what's going on. An
emotional Barry hugs Matt and the girls.
SCOTT THORSON (CONT'D)
(eyeing Sid)
There you are again.
Matt and Alex maneuver seats for the Thorsons to sit near the
bed. Barry gets his mother situated, then takes a seat
himself.
Remaining on his feet, old Scott surveys his daughter from a
distance.
SCOTT THORSON (CONT'D)
So what did you decide?
MATT
There's not much left to decide. We're
just sort of playing it by ear and
making sure she's comfortable.
SCOTT THORSON
I mean what did you decide about the
buyer? Who's your buyer?
Even Sid and his daughters perk up at this question. Matt is
taken aback.
SCOTT THORSON (CONT'D)
How much are you getting?
BARRY THORSON
Dad, I'm sure you'll be able to read
about it in the paper.
SCOTT THORSON
I don't need to read about it. I can
hear about it right now.
(CONTINUED)
102.
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115 CONTINUED: (2) 115
MATT
Scott, let's not talk about that here.
It's not the time for that.
SCOTT THORSON
All the same to you, I guess. A
million here, a million there. Just
ironic, that's all -- Elizabeth coming
into this misfortune just as you're
coming into a fortune. She gave you
everything, Matt. A good, happy home,
two beautiful daughters.
Matt looks to Barry for help, but Barry's silence and
sheepish look imply he buys into his father's propaganda.
MATT
Scott, what's your point?
SCOTT THORSON
She wanted her own boat. She should
have had her own boat, one she would
have been familiar with.
MATT
She wasn't even driving! Her boat,
someone else's boat -- it wouldn't have
made any difference. You're not going
to blame me for this.
SCOTT THORSON
Sure, sure, quibble about the details.
She was a faithful, devoted wife. She
deserved more.
Why fight it?
MATT
You're right. She deserved more.
SID
For Christ's sake, take it easy on the
man.
Scott turns to Sid like he's about to pop him again.
ALEXANDRA
My father has been doing a really
amazing job under the circumstances.
His point made, Scott looks at Matt and the girls and
shuffles to Elizabeth's bedside, puts his hands on Alice's
shoulder.
(CONTINUED)
103.
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115 CONTINUED: (3) 115
ALICE
Are we ready to go?
BARRY THORSON
No, Mom. Not yet.
MATT
(gesturing toward the door)
Girls, Sid.
Matt, Sid and the girls quietly go into --
116 INT. HOSPICE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 116
-- where they take a few steps away.
SID
Man, that guy's a prick. Was he always
like that?
MATT
Yep.
Scottie has stayed behind to peek through a crack in the
door. Noticing, the others join her.
THROUGH THE DOOR --
As Barry and Alice remain seated, their backs to us, Scott
stands above his daughter, touching her arm, eyes closed.
SID
Is he praying?
MATT
No.
SCOTT THORSON
(opening his eyes)
Say goodbye to Elizabeth, Alice.
ALICE
Oh. Goodbye, Elizabeth.
The old man puts his hand over his mouth and squeezes his
eyes shut. Then he opens his eyes and places a hand on her
forehead, smooths her hair back.
WIDE --
Matt and his daughters watch without moving.
DISSOLVE TO:
104.
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117 INT. KING HOUSE - MATT'S STUDY - NIGHT 117
Matt sits at his desk lost in thought. The only sound is the
tick-tock of an old clock reading 3:20. Then he gets up and
starts pacing, shooting occasional glances at the BLUEPRINTS
and RENDERINGS atop his desk.
DISSOLVE TO:
118 EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE KING FAMILY SHARED PROPERTY - DAY 118
Matt turns off the highway and into a long driveway.
119 INT. KING FAMILY SHARED PROPERTY HOUSE - DAY 119
Matt opens all front doors and lanai doors, letting air into
the old place. He notices old PHOTOS OF KING ANCESTORS.
120 EXT. KING FAMILY SHARED PROPERTY - DAY 120
Matt walks around the property alone, taking it in and
thinking. Like everywhere in Hawai'i, the nature here is
powerful -- TREES, BIRDS, SPIDERWEBS.
121 EXT. KING FAMILY SHARED PROPERTY HOUSE - DAY 121
Matt plops heavily into a chair on the lanai.
WIDER --
Matt alone.
DISSOLVE TO --
122 EXT. KING FAMILY SHARED PROPERTY HOUSE - LATER 122
It's the same angle but now with FORTY KING COUSINS gathered
for the poll. We recognize some faces.
CLOSER --
Amid drinks held aloft, a CALABASH is passed among the
cousins into which the each places a folded BALLOT.
Matt sits watching the proceedings with Cousin Hugh, Cousin
Six and another ELDERLY COUSIN at a table piled with papers
and contracts.
MATT
Elizabeth's not doing well.
COUSIN HUGH
She'll be okay. She's a fighter.
(CONTINUED)
105.
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122 CONTINUED: 122
MATT
No. She's dying. We took her off the
machines.
LATER --
Matt, Hugh and Six FINISH THE COUNT while others mill about,
mingle, drink -- an early celebration for all except for a
group of DISSENTERS off to one side.
COUSIN HUGH
Well, no surprise. Other than the
holdouts who don't want to sell at all,
it's Don Holitzer. Chicago group a
distant second. Feels good.
We're doing the right thing, Mattie.
At least there ain't going to be any
Wal-Mart. Now it's your call, and
we're all behind you, most of us
anyway.
(handing him a pen)
Go ahead, Captain. Make it official.
MATT
It's strange, that's all.
COUSIN HUGH
What's strange?
MATT
We didn't do anything to own that land.
It was entrusted to us. And now we're
just...
Hugh and Six exchange a concerned look. For a moment we go
VERY CLOSE on Matt's eyes. Then --
MATT (CONT'D)
I can't do it. I won't do it. I'm not
going to sign.
COUSIN HUGH
What're you doing, Matt? I mean, we
know you have a lot on your plate right
now, but you're not going to fuck this
up for us. It's over. If we don't
sell now, it'll be a mess when the
trust dissolves. Just sign, go to your
wife, done.
(CONTINUED)
105A.
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122 CONTINUED: (2) 122
COUSIN SIX
It's inevitable, Matt. You know that.
We'll get out of debt -- the taxes and
maintenance have been leaching us for
far too long.
(CONTINUED)
106.
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122 CONTINUED: (3) 122
MATT
I don't want it to go to Holitzer. I
don't want it to go to anyone. I want
to keep it.
COUSIN SIX
For Christ's sake. We can't move
without your approval. And we don't
want to.
Hugh tries forcing Matt's hand. Matt resists.
COUSIN HUGH
Your head's not right, Mattie. Your
head's not right. You want a couple
days to think it over? Take a couple
days.
MATT
I don't need a couple days. I have the
authority, and this is what I want. I
haven't wanted something in a long
time. We have other businesses we're
converting to corporations. We can
figure it out.
COUSIN SIX
But it's utterly unproductive land. It
doesn't generate enough income to pay
the goddamn taxes.
COUSIN HUGH
You're the trustee. You know better
than anyone we only have seven years
left.
MATT
Then I have seven years to figure out
how to keep it.
Cousin Hugh draws a long breath, looks up at the sky, then
back at Matt.
COUSIN HUGH
We'll come after you. Just because
you're a lawyer doesn't mean the rest
of us would be afraid to come after
you. But nobody wants to do that.
We're family.
(CONTINUED)
107.
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122 CONTINUED: (4) 122
MATT
People will be relieved, Hugh, the
whole state. I sign that document,
it's over. End of the line. Something
that was ours to protect will be gone.
Even though we're haole as shit and go
to private schools and clubs and can't
even speak pidgin, let alone Hawaiian,
we still carry Hawaiian blood, and
we're still tied to this land. And our
children are tied to this land. It's a
miracle that for whatever bullshit
reason 150 years ago, we own this much
of... paradise, but we do. And for
whatever bullshit reason now, I'm the
trustee. And I'm not signing. And if
you sue me, it'll only make us closer.
Cousin Hugh releases a long breath more like a belch, quickly
picks his nose, exchanges a look with Cousin Six. Then he
brings his fingers to his mouth to WHISTLE.
COUSIN HUGH
All right, everybody, listen up.
Cousin Mattie has an announcement. Get
ready.
Rising to his feet, Matt scans the faces of his relatives.
123 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY 123
From the way Matt, Sid and the girls are positioned around
the room, we can tell their presence there is now way of
life. Scottie snoozes on the little sofa. We may notice
that Elizabeth is even more shrunken.
A KNOCK is followed by --
A VASE OF FLOWERS
appearing in the doorway, topped by blonde hair and held by
thin bronzed arms. It's JULIE SPEER.
MATT
Julie. What are you doing here?
He rises to help her find a spot to put the flowers. She
nods to the girls.
JULIE
I know we just met, but I was thinking
about you guys these past few days, and
I knew your mom was here. I don't
know. I just felt I should stop by.
(CONTINUED)
108.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
123 CONTINUED: 123
MATT
You remember Alex. This is Scottie.
Sid. This is Mrs. Speer.
JULIE
Julie.
SCOTTIE
Were you friends with my mom?
JULIE
No, we never met. But I know a lot
about her.
As they now do often, Matt and Alex exchange a look.
MATT
Well, we appreciate your coming by.
The flowers are lovely.
SID
(heading to the door)
Scottie, Alex. Let's go to the
cafeteria.
The girls follow Sid's prompt, leaving Matt alone with Julie,
standing, a dying woman between them.
MATT
I, uh, I'm not sure how much you know
about my wife's condition, but she's
going to die very soon. Any minute,
really. That's sort of why we're all
here.
JULIE
I know. That's why I came. Because I
know. I came because my husband
wouldn't. And that just didn't seem
right. I thought someone from my
family should come.
Wow.
MATT
I'm sorry I came to your house like
that. Just barged in on you.
JULIE
It's all right. I assume you're angry.
Of course you are. I'm angry too.
(CONTINUED)
109.
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123 CONTINUED: (2) 123
MATT
So he told you, huh?
JULIE
After you left that night, he was
acting really weird. Then I started
smelling it all over him. I'd already
smelled it.
MATT
You're a woman.
JULIE
I finally got it out of him. We've
been going crazy ever since. Not easy
with the kids around. It's all
something I never could have imagined.
And then your family's decision about
the land. I think you're doing the
right thing, but Brian is -- well, it's
all so complicated and confusing.
MATT
I know.
JULIE
Brian told me everything. Well, how
can I ever know it's everything? When
did you find out? Have you known for a
while?
MATT
Just a few days ago.
JULIE
I'm angry, but I'm just so sorry. I
can't imagine what you're going
through. Do you mind if I say
something to her?
Matt is unsure but what else can he do? Julie approaches the
bed.
JULIE (CONT'D)
Elizabeth, I'm Julie. Brian's wife. I
just want to say I forgive you. I
forgive you for trying to take Brian.
I forgive you for almost destroying my
family. I have to forgive you. Even
though I want to hate you.
(CONTINUED)
110.
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123 CONTINUED: (3) 123
MATT
Okay. All right. That's enough,
Julie. I think... I think that's
enough.
Matt walks to the door and opens it. Alex and Sid -- who've
clearly had their ears against the door -- scamper away,
unnoticed by Matt and Julie.
MATT (CONT'D)
He didn't love her. Just so you know.
He didn't really love her.
JULIE
That's why I'm here.
Julie heads to the door. At the door, she looks at Matt.
Matt looks at her. She leaves.
Matt is left alone with his wife, and he realizes suddenly
that this is his moment.
He walks to the bed, takes her hand, rubs his palm over her
hair. He says something to her as though silently praying,
then realizes he should say it aloud.
He presses his lips to hers and puts his hand on her stomach.
MATT
Goodbye, Elizabeth. Goodbye, my love,
my friend, my pain, my joy. Goodbye.
Goodbye. Goodbye.
124 INT. HOSPICE HALLWAY - DAY 124
The door to Elizabeth's room opens, and Alexandra emerges, a
far-away sadness on her face. She walks slowly toward --
A NEARBY WAITING AREA
-- where Matt sits with Scottie and Sid. Matt and Sid rise
to comfort her, but she's not in the mood. She allows them
each to hug her briefly before turning to Scottie.
Signaling to Matt to let her do this, Alex escorts a fearful
Scottie toward Elizabeth's room, and, reassuring her, guides
her little sister inside.
Matt and Sid are left alone.
125 EXT. MONTAGE - DAY 125
To be determined.
111-
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
112.
126 EXT. THE OCEAN - DAY 126
PADDLES
in the water.
A BOX ENCIRCLED BY LEIS
sits tied to the seat of a small outrigger CANOE.
MATT AND THE GIRLS
navigate the canoe through the surf.
SCOTTIE
How far do we have to go?
MATT
Not that far. Just past the break.
ALEXANDRA
Steer straighter, Dad. And a little
faster, okay?
MATT
I'm trying.
127 LATER -- 127
(CONTINUED)
113.
The Descendants PINK Shooting Draft 4/11/10 Draft
127 CONTINUED: 127
Matt and the girls simply FLOAT, glancing from time to time *
at the urn in Scottie's lap. In the distance loom the hotels *
and high-rises of Waikiki. *
MATT *
Well, here we are, just the four of us. *
For the last time. *
(then --) *
Alex, why don't you start? Scottie, *
hand her the box. *
Scottie does so. Alexandra takes the box reverently -- she *
wants to perform this sad, strange ceremony without messing *
up. *
She opens the box and pulls out a scoop of ashes, which *
Scottie looks at unblinking. Alex looks to Matt, who gives *
her the go-ahead, and without further ceremony pours them *
into the sea. *
THE ASHES *
fall densely in one spot, then slowly darken the water and *
disappear. *
Alex looks down, struck by the weirdness of it all, before *
glancing up at Matt. *
MATT (CONT'D) *
Scottie, you're next. Go ahead, it's *
okay. *
Alex passes the box and scooper to Scottie. *
SCOTTIE *
What should I say? *
ALEXANDRA *
Just say goodbye. *
Scottie looks at Alex and scoops out a pile, holds them at *
eye-level, and pauses. *
MATT *
Come on, Scottie. It's okay. *
SCOTTIE *
(finally) *
Bye, Mom. *
A sad Scottie pours her scoop into the water. All look down *
as the ashes descend. *
(CONTINUED)
113A.
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127 CONTINUED: (2) 127
MATT *
All right, Scottie, here. Pass that to *
me. Good job. *
Now Matt takes his turn. He looks directly inside the urn at *
the ashes that were once his wife. *
ANGLE ON THE ASHES -- HIS POV *
A complex series of emotions passes over his face -- love, *
grief, disappointment, resignation. *
Without further ceremony he upends the BOX over the water and *
pours the rest of Elizabeth into the ocean. *
All three take a long look as the mass of ashes disappears. *
Matt takes off his LEI and places it into the water. The *
girls follow suit. *
WIDE ANGLE of the boat floating as the leis float away. *
128 INT. KING HOUSE - NIGHT 128
Scottie lies on a sofa watching television, draped with the
QUILT that lay atop her mother's hospital bed. Matt comes
over with TWO DISHES, hands one to her.
MATT
One scoop strawberry, one scoop mocha
chip.
SCOTTIE
Great.
Matt gets under the quilt with her. Moments later Alexandra
wanders in, notices what they're watching, sits next to Matt,
pulls the quilt over her legs.
ALEXANDRA
Can I have some?
(CONTINUED)
114.
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128 CONTINUED: 128
His eyes not leaving the TV, Matt hands Alex his ice cream.
As they sit there on the sofa, the CREDITS roll quietly over
them.
THE END
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