diff --git "a/scripts/Midsommar.txt" "b/scripts/Midsommar.txt" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/scripts/Midsommar.txt" @@ -0,0 +1,8998 @@ + 1. + + + + +1 EXT. WOODS - HÄLSINGLAND - DAY 1 + + Hälsingland, North Sweden. We cycle through a series of + beautifully composed midday landscapes. None of them + feature people or human habitation. + + A spare Swedish lullaby plays over this quiet montage. This + is the song of the Hårgas. When it concludes, we CUT HARD + TO: + + +2 EXT. HOUSE - MINNESOTA - NIGHT 2 + + A beautiful suburban home, bathed in vivid moonlight. The + neighborhood is very quiet. + + +3 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT 3 + + A MAN and WOMAN (early sixties) lay asleep in bed. They are + extremely still. + + The PHONE rings. The Man and Woman do not stir. After a few + rings, the ANSWERING MACHINE takes it. + + ANSWERING MACHINE (V.O.) + Hello. You’ve reached -- + + MAN & WOMAN (V.O.) + -- the Ardor residence. + + ANSWERING MACHINE (V.O.) + Please leave your message at the + tone. When you’re finished with + your message, press pound. + + BEEP. Enter the voice of a YOUNG WOMAN: + + YOUNG WOMAN (V.O.) + Hey mom and dad, it’s Dani. Sorry + I’m calling so late. I’m just + checking in to make sure everyone’s + okay. I got kind of a scary email + from Terri and it sounded like you + guys were having some sort of + conflict? Anyway, I just got a + little worried, so call me when you + can, and if there’s anything I can + do, just please know that I’m here. + Okay. All right. I love you. + 2. + + +4 INT. BEDROOM - BROOKLYN, NY - NIGHT 4 + + The young woman lowers the cell from her ear. This is DANI + (25), a beautiful but delicate brunette. She hangs up, and + turns to her laptop. An EMAIL from Terri Ardor, titled + “dear dani,” is displayed. It reads: + + i cant anymore - everything’s black - mom and dad are + coming too. goodbye. + + Dani stares at this, anxiety rising. She picks up her + phone, hesitates, and then calls Christian. + + Four rings. CHRISTIAN (25) answers. The rest of this scene + will be shot in a VERY TIGHT CLOSE-UP of Dani. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Hi...! + + Dani affects a care-free tone: + + DANI + Hey baby. What you up to? + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Oh, just smoked some resin at + Mark’s and now we’re getting pizza. + + DANI + Oh nice. + + In the b.g., we hear a young man repeating “hi Dani, hi + Dani, hi Dani...” + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Yeah - he’s saying hi right now, + over and over. + + DANI + Hi Mark! + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + (off-phone) + “Hi Mark.” + + DANI + So I was just calling to see if you + were still wanting to get together. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Oh - did we talk about doing + something tonight? + 3. + + + DANI + I mean, not concretely. I was just + seeing. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + (ambivalent) + Uh, well - okay. Yeah. I should be + able to swing by. + + DANI + All right...! + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Yeah. Okay... How’s the sister + situation? + + DANI + Well. I’ve now sent her three + emails and still no response... I’m + starting to get a little nervous. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + I’m sure it’s fine. + + DANI + Yeah. Probably. I hope so. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + She does this every other day, + Dani. And only because you let her. + + DANI + Well, I don’t LET her. She’s + bipolar. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + I know, but you do, though, babe. + You go straight to crisis mode. + + DANI + Well - but she’s my sister. And + even you admit this last email was + different... + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Okay, but is it, though? It’s still + another clear ploy for attention - + just like every other panic attack + she’s given you. + +Dani looks like she wants to argue with this. She stifles +it. + 4. + + + DANI + Okay. Yeah. You’re right. You are + right. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + The more you respond, the more + she’s encouraged to keep this crap + up. + + DANI + No, I do know you’re right. I just + needed to be reminded. Thank you. + I’m really lucky to have you. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Me too. + + DANI + I love you. + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + ...So do I. + + DANI + Okay. See you later? + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + Yup. + + DANI + Okay. “Bye Mark!” + + CHRISTIAN (V.O.) + “Bye Mark.” + + DANI + All right. Love you. Bye. + + Dani hangs up. Her eyes are wide with insecurity. + + +5 INT. KITCHEN - MINUTES LATER 5 + + Dani stands in the kitchen, mid-phone conversation. + + FRAUGHT. She paces when she’s not speaking. + + DANI + It’s just in his tone - you can + hear it. It’s like he’s trying to + work up the nerve to say something + and I just keep staving it off. + 5. + + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + So don’t stave him off. Be direct! + Confront him! + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + Well - what if I scared him? I’m + always roping him into my family + crap... I’m always leaning on him! + I tell him everything! I even + called him today in tears because + my sister sent me another scary + email. What if I’m scaring him off? + + DANI + Oh - how do you rope him in? That’s + what he’s there for! + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + What did your sister write? + + DANI + Oh - just some ominous bullshit! + She does it all the time! It’s + torture, and I’ve been completely + leaning on him for support! What if + I overwhelmed him and now he thinks + I have too much baggage? + +Dani opens a prescription bottle of ATIVAN. She pops one. + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + Well, if that’s the case, then good + riddance! Right? + + DANI + No! Not if I went too far! What if + I leaned too heavily? + +Dani has returned to her laptop. + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + You didn’t! He should be there when + you need him. + +Dani begins hastily composing an EMAIL to her sister Terri. + +DANI + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + 6. + + + But what if I need him too often? + If it becomes a chore? Then he's + not the right guy. Because it + shouldn't ever be a chore. Would it + be a chore if he leaned on you? + + Dani breaks from writing to respond: + + DANI + But he never asks for anything from + me! I've never even seen him cry! + So I'm the only one leaning! + + GIRLFRIEND (V.O.) + Or the only one opening up! The + only one making yourself + vulnerable. That's intimacy. + + As the friend says that, Dani finishes typing. Her email + reads: "PLEASE write me back, Terri. You can't just write + me something like that and then disappear. I'm worried sick + and I think my boyfriend is breaking up with me and I'm + freaking out. Please write back. Please." + + Dani’s phone beeps with an INCOMING CALL. It’s an UNKNOWN + NUMBER. + + +6 INT. PIZZA PARLOR - NEW YORK - NIGHT 6 + + A grubby pizza parlor. Outside the window looms a purple + NYU sign. + + CHRISTIAN, very handsome and fit, sits at a booth. Beside + him are his friends MARK (26, droll, shaggy hair), JOSH + (27, a skinny, sometimes snobbish academic), and PELLE + (26), a nice-looking Swedish exchange student. Pelle + doodles on his napkin (drawing the flowers on the table). + + Mark is currently lecturing a despondent Christian. + + MARK + Dude: you need to stop sitting on + the fence with this. + + CHRISTIAN + But what if I end up regretting it + a week later, and then I can’t get + her back? + + MARK + You don’t want her back! + 7. + + + CHRISTIAN + I might! + + MARK + So then you can bitch to us for + that week about how much you regret + it, and we'll be like “Dude: you’ve + been wanting out of this absurd + relationship for the last year,” + and you’ll be like “oh shit, that’s + right” and then you can find some + new chick who actually likes sex + and who doesn’t drag you through a + million hoops a day. + +Christian is thinking about this. Extremely conflicted. + + JOSH + Do you think a masochistic part of + you is playing this drama out to + distract you from the work you + actually need to be doing? + + CHRISTIAN + (prepared to be offended) + And what work do I actually need to + do, Josh? + + JOSH + Uhhh - your prospectus maybe? I + dunno. Your PhD...? + +Christian clearly doesn’t want to be told his priorities by +Josh. Before he can snap back, an attractive WAITRESS +(early 20s) brings over the check. + + WAITRESS + Whenever you guys are ready. + + PELLE + (with Swedish accent) + Thank you. + +She SMILES -- at Christian. + + WAITRESS + Thank you. + +She HOLDS the smile with Christian and walks bashfully off. + +Mark definitely caught that. + + MARK + 8. + + + Dude. You could be getting that + girl pregnant right now. + + PELLE + And don’t forget all the Swedish + women you can impregnate in June. + + MARK + Yeah, dude - don’t forget all the + Swedish milkmaids. + +Christian’s PHONE rings. He checks. It’s DANI. He deflates. + + MARK + Who is that? + +Christian doesn’t respond. + + MARK + That’s not her again? Seriously? + +Christian lets the call go. + + MARK + That’s ridiculous, dude. She needs + a therapist. + + CHRISTIAN + She has one. + + MARK + So she should call him! That’s + insane, dude. She’s using you. + +The phone starts ringing again. Christian checks it. “Dani +again.” + + MARK + Oh my God. + +Christian answers. He rises from the booth to get some +privacy. + + CHRISTIAN + Hello? + +On the other end: an extended, agonized MOAN. + + CHRISTIAN + Dani? + + DANI (V.O.) + 9. + + + (distantly) + ...no, no, no, no, no, no, no... + + CHRISTIAN + Sweetheart? What’s going on? + + But now there’s only heavy, frightening CRYING on the other + end. It’s a deep, horrible cry. One of pure animal grief. + + CHRISTIAN + (now scared) + What’s happening, baby? Please talk + to me. + + The crying has curdled into a sustained WAIL OF ANGUISH. + + +7 INT. GARAGE - MINNESOTA - NIGHT 7 + + The house from the beginning (scene 2). + + Two CARS are parked. Their engines hum quietly. A + FIREFIGHTER opens one car’s door and turns OFF the + ignition. + + We now reveal that the end of a GARDENING HOSE has been + taped to one car’s EXHAUST PIPE. A second hose has been + taped to the other car’s exhaust pipe. Both hoses TRAIL out + of the garage and INTO the house... + + +8 INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 8 + + One gardening hose leads to a BEDROOM DOOR. The door is now + open, but the end of the hose has been TAPED to the + bottom... + + +9 INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS 9 + + The bedroom of the sleeping MAN and WOMAN (in their 60s, + from the beginning). It is very clear now that they are + DEAD. + + Two police officers survey the room. + + HARD CUTS to the man and woman being ZIPPED UP into body + bags. + + +10 INT. TERRI’S BEDROOM - SAME TIME 10 + 10. + + + TERRI (24), Dani’s sister, sits on the floor of her + bedroom, beside her desk. The end of the other gardening + hose has been DUCT-TAPED TO HER MOUTH. A mess of vomit has + dried around the edges of the hastily applied tape. + + On Terri’s desk: her LAPTOP. It is open to the EMAIL THREAD + between her and Dani. In the bottom right corner of the + screen: “3 New Messages from Dani Ardor.” + + +11 EXT. STREET - BROOKLYN - NIGHT 11 + + Dreamy snowfall in Brooklyn. + + Christian, bundled up in layers, RUNS down the street. He’s + approaching DANI’S BUILDING, but even as he rushes, he’s + not going as fast as he possibly could. There’s an + ambivalence in his stride. + + He enters the front door of Dani’s building. + + +12 INT. DANI’S APARTMENT - NIGHT 12 + + Wide on the LIVING ROOM. We’re centered on the COUCH, where + Christian sits. Dani has crumbled there, her head shaking + violently against Christian’s lap as she WEEPS. Behind + them: a WINDOW showcases snowfall against the dark night. + + Dani’s sobs are possessed of a profound despair. It’s so + intense that it looks painful - dangerous even. + + We are pushing in on this, toward them. Christian’s eyes + are wide with worry. A worry that goes beyond Dani’s well- + being. + + He stares into space, imagining a future that he’s being + chained to. He looks TRAPPED. + + We continue pushing toward them until we have pushed PAST + them. The window behind them FILLS our frame. + + Through the window - HEAVY SNOW raging in a black vacuum. + We hold on this as our OPENING CREDITS ROLL, accompanied by + intense, groaning score. + + After the credits, we + + SLAM CUT TO: + + DAYLIGHT. We are still looking out the window, but it’s now + late afternoon. LATE SPRING. + 11. + + +13 INT. DANI’S BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON - 6 MONTHS LATER 13 + + Dani lies on her bed, fully clothed. Her eyes are numb as + she stares at the wall. + + A KNOCK at the door. A well-dressed Christian pops his head + in. He’s grown a beard since we last saw him. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey babers. How we feeling? + + DANI + (looking to him) + Hey. + (sitting up) + I’m up. + + CHRISTIAN + I’m just going to that party + for like 45 minutes. You + should keep sleeping. + + DANI + Oh - I’ll come with you...! + + CHRISTIAN + (hesitates) + You sure you got enough rest? + + DANI + I wasn’t sleeping anyway. + + Christian pauses briefly, as if this clashes with his + plans. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay, great! Well, I was gonna + leave in like three minutes, so + I’ll just be at the door. + + DANI + Okay. I’ll just get dressed. + + Christian nods for a little too long, then “smiles” and + leaves the room. Dani rises. Stands for a moment. Heavy. + + +14 INT. APARTMENT - EVENING 14 + + A PARTY in a brownstone full of circulating twenty- + somethings. + 12. + + +Dani stands with Christian, who chats with Josh, Mark +(holding two beers), Pelle, and a stoned HIPSTER GUY (26). + + HIPSTER GUY + I’m fucking dreading the summer. + Stuck in Boulder while my dad + watches Law & Order all day. + + MARK + Yeah, man - I have to visit my + parents in shit-ass Tucson after we + all get back. + +Dani squints with curiosity. Christian suddenly looks +nervous. + + HIPSTER GUY + Oh - you guys are going somewhere? + + JOSH + To Sweden! + + PELLE + Hälsingland. + + MARK + Mr. Pelle’s invited us for an + authentic hippie midsummer at his + yodeling farm. + +Dani has PAUSED. She hadn’t heard this before. + + DANI + ...Oh yeah? + +Dani turns to Christian, who now looks semi-panicked. + + CHRISTIAN + I mean, yeah, we were thinking + about maybe - we were talking about + it. + + DANI + For when? + +Dani feigns casualness as she looks inquiringly to the +guys. + + JOSH + ...Mid June to late July? + + MARK + In two weeks. + 13. + + + CHRISTIAN + I mean, if we even go. I probably + won’t. We were just talking about + it. + + Mark, Josh and Pelle stand awkwardly, confused. Christian + clearly hasn’t been honest with Dani. + + +15 INT. SUBWAY - MOVING - NIGHT 15 + + Christian and Dani ride the L train back home. + + Christian stands, gripping the rail. Dani sits to his side. + Her eyes are BUSY with nagging, paranoid thoughts. + Christian, very tense, looks down at her from the corner of + his eye. + + Dani looks up at Christian uncertainly. Christian forces a + casual “hey” smile. She “smiles” back. + + +16 INT. CHRISTIAN’S APARTMENT - NIGHT 16 + + Christian’s apartment is choked with cultural artifacts + (pieces acquired in China, South America, Africa, etc.). + + The door opens. Christian and Dani enter. Christian goes to + his laptop and turns it on. Dani stays by the door, still + preoccupied. Christian looks to her. + + CHRISTIAN + Are you okay? + + Dani looks at him, hesitant to start a fight. Christian + gives her an impatient look: “Yes? No?” + + DANI + I mean - yeah. I’m okay. That was + just...very weird. + + CHRISTIAN + (playing dumb) + What was? + + Dani looks at him: “Seriously?” Christian widens his eyes: + “What was weird?” + + DANI + The...Sweden! I had no idea. + + CHRISTIAN + 14. + + + Well - what do you mean? I told you + I wanted to go. + + DANI + Okay, fine, but I didn’t know you + were going. + + CHRISTIAN + Well, I just decided today. I + wasn’t keeping it from you. + + DANI + You already have a ticket! + +Beat. Christian now looks cornered. + + CHRISTIAN + (shrugs) + I’m sorry. + +Christian looks extremely defensive. He has LOCKED DOWN. +Dani sees this, gathers herself, and tries to explain: + + DANI + It’s just -- imagine if we were at + a party and someone asks "what are + you doing this summer," and my + friends say: "oh, we’re all going + to Alaska for three months, A month + and a half. we’re leaving in two + weeks,” and imagine that was the + first you’d ever heard of it! + + CHRISTIAN + (correcting) + A month and a half. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay: I told you I wanted to go to + Sweden. + + DANI + You told me it would be “cool to + go.” + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah! And then I got the + opportunity to go and I decided to + do it. + + DANI + I have no problem with you going! I + just wish you'd involve me! + 15. + + + CHRISTIAN + Well, I just apologized, Dani. + + DANI + You didn't apologize, you said - + (shrugs) + - "sorry." Which sounds more like + "too bad." + +Beat. Christian’s eyes are now very cold. + + CHRISTIAN + Maybe I should just go home. + + DANI + ...I’m just trying to understand. + + CHRISTIAN + And I tried apologizing. + + DANI + I don't need an apology. I just + wanna talk about it. + +Pause. + + CHRISTIAN + I think I should just prob’ly go + home. + +Dani looks helpless. + + DANI + I'm not trying to attack you. + + CHRISTIAN + Well, it feels like that. + + DANI + Well -- I’m sorry! I am sorry. I + just got confused. + +Christian’s eyes, looking down, haven’t begun to thaw. +Dani, now desperate to reverse the mood, sits on the couch. +She beckons him. + + DANI + Come on: Sit with me. I'm sorry. + That just felt weird, that's all. I + think going to Sweden could be + really great for you. That sounds + amazing. Are you going for your + thesis? + 16. + + + CHRISTIAN + (quietly) + I don’t know what my thesis is. + + DANI + (brightly) + I know! It could be inspiring! + Right? + + CHRISTIAN + (still looking down) + -- I think I’m just gonna leave. + +Dani’s eyes start to well intensely with TEARS. + + DANI + Please. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to + overreact. Please. + +Christian SOFTENS when he sees that she’s crying. Still +distant, he sits with her. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay - shhh. It’s okay. I’m sorry, + too. All right? + + DANI + I get paranoid. I'm sorry. I'm + going through all this stuff and + I've been dealing with all this + panic and I just - overreacted. I'm + not trying to put pressure or + accuse you of anything. I just got + crazy for a second. I didn't mean + to project. + +Christian strokes her hair. + + CHRISTIAN + It’s okay. I’m sorry, too. It’s + okay. + +Beat. + + CHRISTIAN + (uncertainly) + I was gonna ask you to come with + me. + +Pause. Dani looks at him. + + DANI + What do you mean? + 17. + + + CHRISTIAN + -- What I just said. + + DANI + To Sweden? + + Christian nods a stiff “yes.” + + DANI + You don’t want me to. + + CHRISTIAN + I just asked you. + + DANI + After I broke down crying! + + CHRISTIAN + Well...you ruined the surprise. + + Dani searches Christian’s eyes. They aren’t especially + warm. + + CHRISTIAN + I wanted it to be romantic. + + +17 INT. MARK & JOSH’S APARTMENT - DAY 17 + + Mark & Josh’s apartment is essentially a stoner’s den + crossed with a serious anthropologist’s home. Ironic + posters (a portrait of Ronald Reagan, etc.) are countered + by a huge poster of James George Frazer. There are stacks + of books in every corner. + + Christian, Mark, Pelle and Josh sit in the living room, + smoking from a bong. Josh holds a book by Johannes Bureus + (titled Adalruna) and Pelle is drawing in his notepad. + + JOSH + Are the Swedes sensitive about + their history of Nazi + collaboration? + + PELLE + Are you sensitive about Hiroshima? + Or slavery? Or the trail of tears? + + JOSH + (deadpan) + Yes. + 18. + + +Christian looks extremely preoccupied. His foot pumps +involuntarily. He receives a TEXT. + + CHRISTIAN + (anxiously) + Hey guys, it’s Dani - she’s coming + up. + + MARK + ...Okay. + + JOSH + (re: weed and bong) + Should we clear all this? + + CHRISTIAN + No no, it doesn’t matter. But uh - + listen... + +Christian goes to buzz her in. + + CHRISTIAN + ...just so you guys know: she’s not + gonna actually come, but I invited + her on the trip. Just to not make + it weird. + +A moment of silence. Pelle sits especially frozen. + + MARK + You invited her? + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah, but she’s not coming. + + JOSH + She doesn’t want to? + + CHRISTIAN + (measuredly) + No: I "invited" her and she + "accepted," but she's not gonna + actually come. + +Mark and Josh just stare at him. + + CHRISTIAN + You guys know what she’s dealing + with! + + MARK + No, we know. I just didn’t realize. + It’s totally fine if she joins. + 19. + + + JOSH + Yeah, dude, nobody minds. + +A KNOCK at the door. Christian goes to answer it, but +before he does, he reasserts: + + CHRISTIAN + Okay, so just: you guys told me to + invite her and you know that she’s + coming. Agreed? + +They don’t respond. Christian now OPENS the door to DANI. +She enters with an almost apologetic smile on her face. + + DANI + Hey. + (to the room) + Hey guys! + + CHRISTIAN + Hi baby. + + JOSH/MARK/PELLE + Hey! + + DANI + How’s it going? + + MARK + Just chillin’. + + DANI + Nice. + +A brief, awkward pause. + + JOSH + So, Sweden--! + + DANI + Yeah! + + PELLE + You’re coming, right? + + DANI + I think so--! If it’s not + completely destroying your guys’ + male bonding plans. + + MARK/JOSH/PELLE + Nope. / Not at all. + 20. + + + CHRISTIAN + Oh, shut the fuck up. + +Dani smiles bashfully. Mark abruptly addresses Christian: + + MARK + Hey man, can I get you to look at + that paragraph real quick? + + CHRISTIAN + (confused pause) + Sure. Yeah. Okay. + (to Dani) + Right back. + +Christian kisses Dani, and leaves the room with Mark. Dani +looks to the ROOM. Josh has returned to his book. Pelle, +alone on the couch, warmly gestures for Dani to join him. +She obliges. + + DANI + Hey Pelle. + + PELLE + Hi Dani. + +She notices that Pelle has been composing a DRAWING in his +notepad. It’s a drawing of the room. + + DANI + Ooh, that’s a nice drawing. + + PELLE + Oh, thanks, yeah, I’m trying to be + a naturalist. + +Pelle closes the drawing pad. Gives Dani his full +attention. + + DANI + How’ve you been? + + PELLE + Pretty good! Survived finals. You? + + DANI + Uh, well - didn’t quite finish! But + they’re giving me a break this + year... + + PELLE + (realizing) + Oh, right. God. Of course. + 21. + + +Dani makes an embarrassed “bleh” face. + + DANI + How did you like the anthropology + department? + + PELLE + It’s good! I just can’t seem to + choose if I hate academia or not. + Unlike this one. + (”this one” being Josh) + You’re doing psychiatry? + + DANI + Psychology. Yeah. That’s how you + know I’m nuts. + + PELLE + Also that funny look in your eye. + +Dani LAUGHS, a bit unnaturally. An awkward moment. + + PELLE + So! You’re coming to Hälsingland! + + DANI + Yeah! I can’t wait. Christian says + you’ve got a special thing in the + woods planned? + + PELLE + Oh yeah - a sort of crazy, nine-day + festival we’re doing... + + DANI + Do you do that every midsummer? + + PELLE + Uh - well...not quite like this + one. + + DANI + (mock-scandalized) + Ooh. What makes this guy different? + + PELLE + Well, “this guy” happens only once + every ninety years. So it’ll be a + first and a last for everybody. + +Pelle raises his eyebrows, mock-menacing. + + DANI + 22. + + + ...Christian says you’re from a + really small community? + + PELLE + Oh yes - tiny. Very sort of... + (”what’s the word?”) + Incestuous? Incestual? + + DANI + Depends on which of those you mean. + + PELLE + Oh - ha! No: we’re just very + secluded... + +Pelle pulls up a PHOTO on his phone. Shows it to Dani. It +features a lush, impossibly green field. Young men and +women stand about - all dressed like hippies in white. + + DANI + Oh wow! Flower children. + + PELLE + Big time! We do our own + thing, love our astrology... + + DANI + What’s your sign? + + PELLE + Taurus! You? + + DANI + Cancer! + + PELLE + Ooh, yes, I do see that. Your + birthday? + + DANI + July seven. + +Pelle makes an “Ah” face. A thoughtful pause before he +asserts: + + PELLE + You know, I think it’s actually + very good you’re coming. + + DANI + Oh yeah? For who? + + PELLE + 23. + + + For you! And for my family. I think + you’ll be very... + + Pelle weaves his fingers together, signifying a tight-knit + connection. Dani smiles. Pelle PAUSES again, and his tone + now CHANGES. He leans forward, sensitively: + + PELLE + You know...I never had the chance + to tell you, but I was really so + very sorry to hear about - your + loss... + + DANI + Oh...! + + PELLE + ...and what happened. I can’t even + fathom. I mean, I lost my parents, + too, so I have some idea, but... + + Dani looks cornered. TEARS have welled up in her eyes. + + PELLE + Oh, no. Sorry to bring it up! + + DANI + No, I mean - thank you. I just... + I'm sorry. + (stands up suddenly) + I'll be right back. Bathroom. Thank + you. + + Dani rushes off. Pelle watches her with blank eyes. + + Dani, stifling tears, enters the BATHROOM. + + +18 INT. AIRPLANE LAVATORY - IN FLIGHT - DAY - 2 WEEKS LATER 18 + + Dani has entered an airplane’s lavatory, stifling an + oncoming deluge. After shutting the door behind her, she + BREAKS DOWN in a fit of violent SOBS. + + +19 INT. AIRPLANE - IN FLIGHT - MINUTES LATER 19 + + We are WIDE, looking down the length of the plane. We track + forward, drifting over the heads of passengers. + + In the b.g., Dani exits the lavatory and returns to her + seat. Christian is seated beside her at the window. We have + arrived at a PROFILE CU of them (the window in the b.g.). + 24. + + + Christian takes Dani’s hand and smiles at her. It’s clear + she’s been crying, but she hides it behind a determinedly + casual “all is well” expression. + + Christian goes along with the pretending, and looks out the + WINDOW. We have begun a slow ZOOM past them, toward the + window. The window soon FILLS the frame. We are flying over + beautiful terrain. We have entered SWEDEN. + + +20 INT. STOCKHOLM AIRPORT - DAY 20 + + Dani, Christian, Josh, Mark and Pelle stand at a CUSTOMS + DESK. + + A CUSTOMS OFFICER looks over their passports. + + CUSTOMS OFFICER + Purpose of your trip? + + PELLE + Visiting my home in Hälsingland. + + CUSTOMS OFFICER + All of you? + + They all say “yes.” Christian, meanwhile, is desperately + searching his backpack for his passport. + + The Customs Officer scrutinizes Dani’s passport. + + CUSTOMS OFFICER + Happy birthday tomorrow. + + DANI + Oh - thank you. + + Christian, distracted from that, FINDS his passport. + + +21 INT. RENTAL MINIVAN - MOVING - DAY 21 + + Our group, now in a rental minivan, drives through + Stockholm traffic. Pelle is at the wheel. + + Mark sits passenger, holding a film theory book. In the + back: Dani, Christian and Josh. Josh is reading the Poetic + Edda. + + They pass a group of BEAUTIFUL BLONDE WOMEN. + + MARK + 25. + + + (to Christian) + Oh my God, dude, the women here...! + +Christian, aware of Dani, gives a self-conscious half-nod. +Dani happily pretends to ignore this. + + MARK + What is it that makes them hotter? + + CHRISTIAN + The Vikings grabbed all the best + ones and dragged them over. + + JOSH + Makes a pretty good case for rape, + from a nationalist point of view. + +Dani WINCES at that one. They have now pulled onto the +FREEWAY - leaving Stockholm. + + DANI + How far are we driving? + + PELLE + Four hours, about. + + MARK + (exasperated) + Oh my God. + +Dani notices a book on Josh’s lap: The Secret Nazi Language +of the Uthark. Its cover is a runic pattern. + + DANI + Why are you reading that? + + JOSH + Ha. Ask Pelle. + + PELLE + (accepting the cue) + We’re taught the runic alphabet in + my village. Josh just carries that + around to annoy me. + + DANI + (to Josh) + What are you doing your thesis on, + again? + + JOSH + 26. + + + Uhhhh - Well! My focus is actually + on European midsummer traditions. + Which was actually sorta the + impetus behind this whole trip. + + DANI + (to Christian) + That’s similar to what you’re + thinking of doing - right, baby? + For your thesis? + + CHRISTIAN + (tensely) + Well, I don’t know quite what I’m + doing. + + CHRISTIAN + (As you know.) + But I’m thinking about rooting it + in something Scandinavian. + + DANI + See that, Pelle? You’ve managed to + brainwash all your friends. + + PELLE + Josh was already brainwashed when I + found him. + + JOSH + (re: Pelle’s + acknowledgement) + Thank you. + + DISSOLVE TO: + +TWO HOURS LATER + +Pelle is still driving. Everyone is silent and zoning out +as the radio plays an old Swedish folk tune. + +Mark suddenly notices a DEAD BOAR on the side of the road. + + MARK + That’s the second of those I’ve + seen. + + PELLE + Yeah, they’re a huge problem out + here. Everybody hunts them. + + MARK + You ever gone boar huntin’? + 27. + + + PELLE + Yep! + + MARK + Is it fun? + + PELLE + ...It’s cathartic and then it’s + sad. + + Beat. They drive past another dead boar, also in a field. + + JOSH + They’re allowed to just leave them? + + Mark alights on something ahead. + + MARK + ...the fuck? + + Everyone looks up. In the distance, about 300 feet off the + road, is an OAK TREE with SEVERAL BOAR CARCASSES HANGING + FROM ITS BRANCHES. + + CHRISTIAN + What is that? + + DANI + Oh my God. + + JOSH + Wait: slow down. Can you pull over + to it? + + DANI + Why?? + + JOSH + Please, Pelle. + + Pelle reluctantly slows down. He veers off the road and + idles to a STOP beside the tree. Josh marvels at it. + + +22 EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS 22 + + The back door opens and Josh emerges from the car. Everyone + else filters out behind him. + + Josh approaches the tree, stunned. A cacophony of buzzing + FLIES. + 28. + + + JOSH + (to Pelle) + Do you know what this is? + + PELLE + No idea. + + Josh has pulled out his CELL PHONE. He starts to take + photographs of the tree from every possible angle. + + DANI + This is horrible. + + MARK + (to Pelle) + Is this how you people hunt out + here? + + CHRISTIAN + It looks almost ritualistic. + + JOSH + It looks absolutely ritualistic! + (takes more photos) + This is fucking amazing. + + Dani looks extremely disturbed. She swipes away flies. + Christian pulls out his phone to take a single wide shot of + the tree. + + PELLE + Okay, let’s go. We still have a lot + of driving. + + DANI + Fantastic. Thank you. + + Everyone returns to the car. Except for Josh, who continues + his ecstatic photo-taking. + + +23 INT. RENTAL MINIVAN - MOVING - DAY 23 + + Pelle is still driving. Christian sleeps in the back. + Everyone looks notably more tired. It’s been a long drive. + + They pass a sign announcing (in Swedish) that they have + arrived in Hälsingland. + + PELLE + Entering Hälsingland! + + Everyone looks up. + 29. + + + MARK + Are we getting high right when we + get there? + + TEN MINUTES LATER + + Pelle idles up to a LARGE GRASSY MEADOW. It’s lush, + impossibly green - magical. About fifty YOUNG PEOPLE (teens + to twenties) lounge about. Tents and camping equipment + abound. Many of the women are dressed in traditional white + dresses and don floral garland crowns. Some of the men look + like 19th century farmers. + + PELLE + Look, guys! New friends. + + Pelle parks the minivan in the field. + + +24 EXT. MEADOW - CONTINUOUS 24 + + They all emerge, yawning and stretching. Dani is + mesmerized. Pelle WAVES to a bunch of people on the grass. + They clearly know each other well. Pelle gestures for our + group to follow him as he approaches a crowd of GIRLS. + + GIRLS + Pelle!! + + We cut WIDE as Pelle happily introduces everyone. + + Then, across the field, a Chubby Blonde Guy (25) calls out + to Pelle. This is INGEMAR. + + INGEMAR + (in Swedish) + Holy shit! Pelle!! + + Pelle turns to Ingemar. His face LIGHTS UP, and he runs + over to him. Dani, Christian, Mark and Josh follow. + + INGEMAR + (in Swedish) + Happy St. John’s! + + Pelle laughs. They hug. + + INGEMAR + (in Swedish) + Christ - you’re so skinny! Where’d + the rest of you go? + + PELLE + 30. + + + (in Swedish) + Looks like you got it. + + INGEMAR + (in Swedish) + What the fuck? I look fatter? + + PELLE + Here: English. These are my great + friends - Josh, Christian, Mark, + Dani: meet my brother Ingemar. Best + friend since we were babies. + + INGEMAR + (recounting) + Josh, Christian, Mark...Dani? + (confirmed) + Awesome! And say hello to my + friends, Simon and Connie from + London. + +He gestures to an attractive British couple, CONNIE (24, +skinny) and SIMON (26, spectacled, tattooed). + + INGEMAR + Simon and Connie, this is Pelle + and...all the names I just + remembered two seconds ago. + + SIMON + Hey. + + CONNIE + Hello. + + INGEMAR + Perfect timing, by the way: + +Ingemar pulls out a bag of MAGIC MUSHROOMS. Hands them to +Pelle. + + INGEMAR + We just took these five minutes + ago. Haven’t even started coming up + yet. + + MARK + (overjoyed) + Ohhh shit. + +Mark grabs the bag from Pelle and studies the contents. + +PELLE + 31. + + + MARK + (to the group) + Do you guys wanna take it now? Or + should we settle in first? + +Fuck it. Let’s just take ‘em. + + DANI + (to Christian) + I think I might need to find my + footing first. + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah. Of course. + (quietly) + And you know you don’t need to take + them. If you’re feeling unsure. + + DANI + No, I just need to get settled. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay. Well. I’ll wait for you. + + DANI + No - go ahead! + + CHRISTIAN + No, I’ll wait. We’ll come up + together. + +Josh and Mark and Pelle have pulled their mushrooms from +the bag. They look to Christian, ready to go. + + PELLE + Ready? + + CHRISTIAN + I’m waiting for Dani. You guys go + on. + + MARK + Dude. We can’t come up at different + times. They’ll be totally separate + trips. + + CHRISTIAN + Then you can wait for us. + +Mark looks frustrated - angry even. + + DANI + 32. + + + You know what? That’s okay. I’m + ready. + + CHRISTIAN + Baby. Don’t feel rushed. + + DANI + I don’t. I’m ready. + + MARK + (false concern) + You sure? + + DANI + (bluntly) + Yeah, Mark, thanks. + + INGEMAR + They made mushroom tea if you + prefer against the taste. + + DANI + (considers) + Okay. Yeah. I’ll have that. Thank + you - Ingmar? + +Ingemar smiles confirmation and goes to fetch her a mug of +tea. + + CHRISTIAN + Don’t let Mark pressure you. Of all + people. + + DANI + He’s not. It’ll get too complicated + otherwise. It’s fine. + +Ingemar hands Dani her TEA. + + PELLE + (to Dani) + Ready? + +Dani, now holding the tea, nods yes. + + PELLE + Okay. Here we go. Think happy + thoughts! + +They eat their shrooms. Dani hesitates before SIPPING the +tea. + + CHRISTIAN + 33. + + + You okay? + + DANI + Yeah. It’s good. I’m excited. + + CHRISTIAN + (still concerned) + Cool. Me too. + +MINUTES LATER + +Dani sits on the grass with Christian and Pelle. Mark is +off to the side, stabbing at an ANT COLONY with a stick. +Josh paces nearby. His stomach TURNS audibly. + + JOSH + Uggghhh, I really don’t feel good. + +Josh hunches over to RETCH. + + MARK + Don’t puke, dude. Keep it down. + + CHRISTIAN + (to Dani) + How are you feeling? + + DANI + A little like I have food + poisoning. + + PELLE + Technically you do. It’ll go away + soon. + + CHRISTIAN + And you can throw it up if you need + to. + +JUMP CUT to Dani VOMITING into a bush. Christian stands +near her. + + CHRISTIAN + That’s good, baby. It’s okay. Throw + it up. + +Dani rises to take a breath. + + CHRISTIAN + Does that feel better? + + PELLE + 34. + + + Don’t worry - you had it down long + enough. You’re still gonna trip. + +MINUTES LATER + +The group sits on the grass together. The sun is still +shining. + + CHRISTIAN + What time is it? + + PELLE + Ten at night. + +Mark sits up, alarmed. + + MARK + What do you mean?! + + PELLE + What do you mean? + + MARK + That doesn’t feel right. + + PELLE + Why? It’s the midnight sun. + + MARK + It doesn’t feel like ten. I don’t + like that! It feels wrong. + +A YOUNG MAN approaches. + + CHRISTIAN + Oh fuck. It’s a new person. + + MARK + What? I don’t want new people. + + PELLE + No - new people are good! + +The Young Man walks past. + + YOUNG MAN + Hey hey! + +The group mumbles hello. + + MARK + I wanna lay down. + 35. + + +Mark lies down. + + MARK + Oh my God. Lay down. Guys. It’s so + nice. + +Everyone lies down. Except for Josh. For the rest of the +scene, our focus is on DANI - even as everyone else speaks. + + MARK + Lie down, Josh. + +Josh doesn’t. Stubborn. + + PELLE + Can you feel the energy come up + from the earth? + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah, like a - pulsing. Oh my God, + they are. And the grass! + + PELLE + And so are the trees. They’re + breathing. + +The trees do seem to be breathing - visibly swelling and +deflating with psychedelic life. They LOOM IMPOSINGLY over +Dani. They GROAN in the wind, their branches leaning +(almost reaching) down. + +Pelle, marveling at his surroundings, sits up: + + PELLE + Nature just knows instinctually how + to stay in harmony! It’s + mechanical. Everything doing its + part. + + MARK + (emotional) + You guys are my family. + +The word “family” HITS Dani. + + MARK + I really mean that. You’re like my + real actual Family. + +Dani SITS UP, suddenly overwhelmed. Christian looks to her. +She looks to him. He SMILES, but there’s something false +about it. + 36. + + +Dani looks SCARED now. This scares Christian. + + CHRISTIAN + Dani? Don’t look like that. + +Dani STANDS, panic mounting. Her eyes look crazed. + + DANI + I’m sorry. I’m gonna walk. + + CHRISTIAN + I can walk, too. + + DANI + No no. Sorry. I’m gonna... + +Dani starts to walk off, a terrible feeling rising in her. + + JOSH + Is she mad at us? + + MARK + I don’t like how she did that. + +Dani continues to walk. She’s starting to think very bad +thoughts. + + DANI + (to herself) + No, that’s not good. No. No. + +She then stumbles onto a group of TEENAGERS - all wearing +flower garlands. They sit in a circle, passing around a +homemade POTION of some sort. They all look at Dani and +then BURST OUT LAUGHING. + +Dani turns stiffly around, tears welling. + + DANI + No, no, no, no -- + +Dani tensely speed-walks away. Her surroundings are +THROBBING visibly (and more intensely than before). + +INGEMAR calls out to Dani. + + INGEMAR + Hey! Dani! + +Dani freezes. Terrified, she looks in his direction. He +waves her over. He’s sitting with a group of happy twenty- +somethings. + 37. + + + Dani warily approaches. + + INGEMAR + How are you feeling? Everyone: this + is Pelle’s friend, Dani. + + Everyone says hi. + + DANI + They were laughing at me over + there. + + INGEMAR + What? No, I’m sure they weren’t. + They probably just wanted you to + laugh with them. + + But Ingemar’s face was MUTATING as he said that. + + DANI + (terrified, forcing a + smile) + Okay. Sorry. Never mind. Thank you. + + Dani turns around and walks stiffly off. + + DANI + (trying to turn it + around) + It’s okay. It’s not that. You’re + okay. It’s drugs. + + She continues toward a sturdy wooden OUTHOUSE. She hastily + enters. + + +25 INT. OUTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS 25 + + The interior of the outhouse is illuminated by CANDLE- + LIGHT. + + It’s very clean. Dani stands here for a moment. + + DANI + This is a coffin. + (immediately reprimanding + herself) + Hey! No it’s not. + + Dani sees a MIRROR on the wall. She looks at it. Hard. + + DANI + Fuck you. Stop it. + 38. + + + Suddenly her skin seems to take on a translucent quality. + Her veins become faintly visible. Beneath her cheeks, it + looks like organic gears are turning. + + DANI SQUEEZES HER EYES SHUT. She takes a moment, trying to + will that vision away. + + DANI + Don’t look in the mirror. It’s not + your face. + (saying that again, under + scrutiny) + “It’s not your face.” + + After a long moment, Dani OPENS her eyes again. When they + open, TEN ADDITIONAL EYES open simultaneously - all over + her face. Like spider eyes. + + Dani SCREAMS and FLEES the outhouse... + + +26 EXT. OUTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS 26 + + Dani runs frantically across the field, desperately wiping + off her face (as if to wipe off the extra eyes). We CHASE + AFTER HER before CUTTING TO: + + +27 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 27 + + Christian, Josh, Mark and Pelle are still lying in the same + spot. They’ve hit the peak of their trip. Twilight is + coming. + + In the b.g., a group has finished setting up LARGE + SPEAKERS. + + CHRISTIAN + Where did she go? MARK + + MARK + It’s okay. + + JOSH + (looking at his hands) + Why the fuck do we have + fingerprints? + + Christian STANDS, panic starting to build. + + CHRISTIAN + Dani’s gone. We need to find Dani. + 39. + + + JOSH + I don’t feel like standing. + + MARK + Yeah - I don’t wanna move. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey! Dani’s our friend! + + MARK + She isn’t all of our friend. + + CHRISTIAN + What? Yes she is. That’s not nice! + Why aren’t you ever nice?! You’re + being mean! + + MARK + (scared by this) + What? I am nice. + (tearing up) + I’m not being mean! + +Droning techno begins to THROB from the speakers in the +b.g. With every bass punch, the surrounding environment +THUMPS visibly. + + CHRISTIAN + Dani’s our friend. And she’s sad. + + MARK + But that makes me sad! + (suddenly angry) + And she’s NOT our friend! She’s + barely YOUR friend! You only + invited her because you’re too + scared to be honest with her! + +Christian pauses, FURIOUS, and then: + + CHRISTIAN + Her family is dead, Mark! Do you + get that? They all died! + + MARK + (suddenly terrified) + Why are you saying that? + + CHRISTIAN + Because they are! They’re dead! + + MARK + Why??? + 40. + + + JOSH + (insistent) + HEY! NO! We need to connect back to + the good things! This is getting + bad! Everything’s alive right now. + + CHRISTIAN + But that’s just so it can die + later. + + MARK + (getting sucked into + darkness) + Oh God...! + + Silence. Everyone looks at Pelle, catching up to what he + just said. Christian STOMPS OFF. + + MARK + Wait! Christian! We need to stay + together! + + +28 EXT. WOODS - SAME TIME 28 + + Dani paces in the woods. Muffled techno drones in the + distance. + + DANI + Hello?!... HELLO??!! + (redirecting her + thoughts) + It’s almost your birthday. Fuck. + + DANI + What time is it? + (then, PAUSES) + You were almost born... You’re a + baby. + + This gets to Dani. She now looks around the woods, + fearfully. Like a lost child. + + DANI + MOMMY?!... DADDY?!... + (silently to herself) + Mommy daddy mommy daddy... + (panicked now) + + CHRISTIAN?! + + No answer. + 41. + + + DANI + No...no.... You’re alone. + +Then it HITS Dani. Her eyes well intensely with tears. This +idea is now horribly significant. + + DANI + (a revelation) + You’re alone. + +Dani sees a DEAD RABBIT. Its innards are splayed. + +Dani warily approaches. Magnetized but repulsed. As she +nears, the FEAR rises in her. She gets close enough to +finally see... The rabbit is being devoured by ANTS. + +Dani looks mortified, but her eyes are glued. She LEANS IN +to look closer, but then -- she sees ANTS on her arm. +(Whether they’re there or not is unclear.) + +Dani SCREAMS. She violently SLAPS at her arm. She then +swipes at her other arm, and starts slapping at her NECK +and FACE, as if she were engulfed in ants. (She’s not.) + +Dani looks down. The earth seems to now be a PULSATING +CARPET OF ANTS. + +Dani SCREAMS and RUNS for her life. As she sprints: + + CHRISTIAN (O.S.) + Dani! + +Dani FREEZES, eyes crazed. + + DANI + ...Christian?! + + CHRISTIAN (O.S.) + Dani!! + +Dani searches desperately for his voice. She FINDS him +standing at a CLEARING. She runs for him, crying. + + CHRISTIAN + Where the hell did you go?! + +They EMBRACE. She hugs him. SQUEEZES him. + + DANI + I got lost. + + CHRISTIAN + 42. + + + Let’s go back to the group. + + DANI + (still squeezing) + Christian. Nothing means anything. + + CHRISTIAN + What? + + DANI + (looking at him) + Nothing means anything! We’re just + alone. + (tearing up) + And I felt this presence - like God + but not God - and it was telling me + this and it was laughing at me. + + CHRISTIAN + You heard laughing? + + DANI + I felt it laughing! I figured it + out, that nothing means anything + and we’re born alone and we die + alone, and it was getting pleasure + from that. + +Christian is getting SCARED. He takes Dani’s ARM - + + CHRISTIAN + Okay: no. We’re going back to the + friends. + +- and starts leading her away. + + CHRISTIAN + You’re having a bad trip, and + you’re thinking you’re alone + because you went off and you made + yourself alone. You just got + scared. + +He’s now PULLING Dani, aggressively. + + CHRISTIAN + (not even looking at her) + You have me. Everything’s + connected. We’re all one. Those are + the good things you’re supposed to + think about when you trip. We’re + all unified. Fuck. + 43. + + +Christian has been leading her out of the woods. They +emerge onto the FIELD, where the droning techno is now very +present (and making the visible surroundings THROB to its +beat). + +We track alongside Dani and Christian as they walk uneasily +through the grass - past groups of happy, tripping +strangers. + +Christian’s eyes are glued tensely to the ground, combating +dark thoughts. Dani looks less frightened now than +disconnected. + +They arrive at Josh, Mark and Pelle, who are now +accompanied by CONNIE, SIMON, INGEMAR and a BLONDE SWEDISH +GUY (20s). + + BLONDE SWEDISH GUY + Hey hey! + + MARK + Where were you? + + PELLE + How are you, Dani? + + CHRISTIAN + (insistent) + We’re fine. She’s fine. Just took a + little walk. + + CONNIE + (very high) + Are you feeling it?! + + DANI + (to Pelle) + I wanna sleep. How can I sleep? + +HOURS LATER + +CLOSE-UP OF DANI’S SLEEPING FACE. + +In the distance: a faint, barely discernible melody. It +sounds like a flute. + +A HAND reaches into frame to nudge Dani. She stirs awake. + + CHRISTIAN (O.C.) + It’s time to get up. + + DANI + ...how long was I asleep? + 44. + + + Dani sits up. It’s still BRIGHT outside. The visual + surroundings are no longer morphing. Mark and Pelle and + Josh are standing. Christian is crouched beside her. + + DANI + Did it get dark at all? + + PELLE + For a couple hours. Not completely. + + Then something occurs to Dani: + + DANI + Is it tomorrow? + + CHRISTIAN + ...It’s today. + + Dani looks at Christian, whose expression is blank. She + SINKS with quiet disappointment. (He forgot her birthday.) + Christian helps Dani up. She wobbles. + + DANI + Where are we going? + + PELLE + Where we came for. + + +29 EXT. WOODS - DAY 29 + + Everyone from the meadow CRUNCHES through the woods. Our + group is at the end of the queue (carrying their bags). As + they walk, the MELODY is growing clearer and louder. It’s a + happy tune. + + The group’s footing is unsteady. Dani, especially, keeps + stumbling over her own feet. She grips Christian’s wrist. + + MARK + The come-down on these mushrooms is + really intense. + + Dani notices a few disparate FLOWERS sprouting up from the + ground. As she walks, the flowers continue to accumulate. + + Soon she’s walking down a controlled, narrow TRAIL of wild + yellow flowers - all leading toward a CLEARING. + + MARK + Okay: am I still tripping or is + there a lot that people aren’t + acknowledging right now? + 45. + + + The group finally arrives at the clearing. It opens to + another FIELD, beyond which is a SMALL VILLAGE. The melody + is being played by a floutist, a fiddler and a key harpist. + The scene is UTOPIC. + + JOSH + (mesmerized) + This is the place? + + PELLE + (slightly tongue-in- + cheek) + The tranquil and majestic Hårga. + + They continue toward it, approaching a Hälsingegård (a + farm). + + About a HUNDRED PEOPLE stand on the grass, waiting. They + are dressed like Amish people, but less formal. They appear + to be a WELCOMING COMMITTEE. + + CHRISTIAN + (to Pelle) + You know all these people? + + PELLE + These are my family! + + +30 EXT. HÅRGA FARMSTEAD - CONTINUOUS 30 + + They arrive at the FARMSTEAD. At the center is one + particularly LARGE building in the shape of a barn; this is + the MAIN HOUSE. + + Surrounding this are several houses, a horse stable, a + temple, and different gardens. The windows and doorways are + all adorned in ST. JOHN’S WORT (flowers with bright yellow + petals and golden stamens). Beyond the farmstead are vast + fields of CROPS. + + Most of the arriving crowd is embraced ecstatically by the + welcoming committee. They hug and kiss and squeal with + excitement. It appears to be something of a REUNION. Pelle, + in particular, is bombarded with affection. + + Josh, Mark, Christian and Dani stand awkwardly through + this. + 46. + + +Josh and Christian notice a towering MAYPOLE. Immense in +height and width, it is entangled in lush green shrubbery +and marked by a wealth of symbols (some runic, some more +esoteric, all colorful). At the top of the pole is a +TRIANGLE, beneath which hang two RINGS. + +Pelle brings a beautiful, blonde woman over to the group. + +This is DAGNY (25). She wears a white dress with intricate +embroidery (featuring a pentagon and distinct Pagan runes). + + PELLE + (in Swedish) + Dagny - this is Dani, Christian, + Josh, Mark. + (in English, to the guys) + This is my sister Dagny. Born on + the same exact week as me. + + DAGNY + Välkommen till Hårga! + + DANI + (attempting Swedish) + Tack! + + JOSH/CHRISTIAN + Thank you! + +Dagny smiles and walks off. + +An older man, ODD (50s), approaches. He is wearing a dress. +Pelle lights up at the sight of him. + + PELLE + Father Odd! + + ODD + Little Pelle! + +They embrace. There is a moment where they rest their +foreheads together. (Note: throughout the film, the Hårgas +will communicate little things through subtly modulated +expressions and gestures. These are their AFFECTS, a +language known only to them.) + + ODD + (in Swedish) + How is the pilgrimage? + + PELLE + (in Swedish) + Wonderful. Amazing. + 47. + + + (in English) + These are my friends - Christian, + Mark, Josh, Dani... + +Odd shakes their hands as Pelle introduces them. + + ODD + Hello, hello...yes, hello, welcome. + (to Dani) + Welcome home! + +He HUGS Dani. + + DANI + (amused, but slightly + weirded out) + Thank you. + + ODD + We are very happy to have you! + Pelle has an immaculate sense for + people. + +Pelle smiles. + + DANI + I love what you’re wearing. + + ODD + Oh - my frock? Quite girly, no? Ha! + (explains) + + ODD + We do this as a tribute: Because of + nature’s, em, hermaphrodite-ick - + sorry - her-ma-phro-DI-TIC + qualities - + (sighs relief at getting + the word out) + - the men do like women and visa + versa. + + JOSH + Like the cult of Aphroditus! + (then, remembering) + I think the sakhis saints do the + same thing, too - in Brajbhoomi? + +If Odd is annoyed by this, he hides it well. He shines a +tight-lipped SMILE at Josh. + + ODD + 48. + + + So! We’re your hosts! Yes? So + whatever you need, you tell us and + we’ll do everything to accommodate! + Today is all festivities, yet + tomorrow the official ceremonies + begin. So have yourselfs ready! + It’s a sincere pleasure to have + you, and you are Welcome-Welcome- + Welcome. So enjoy! + +They all say thanks and Odd walks happily away. + + MARK + Nice guy. + +The music suddenly gets LOUDER. Percussion is introduced, +and the music swells to become a regal melody. + +Everyone’s attention moves to TEN GIRLS (different ages - +from 7 to 13), all dressed in identical white dresses. They +hold FLORAL GARLAND CROWNS (made of mugwort and vervain) +and sprigs of LARKSPUR. They are walking single-file +towards a PLATFORM... + +Sitting on the platform are TEN OLD MEN AND WOMEN (60s to +early 70s). These are the ELDERS. They wear severe or +neutral expressions, and are dressed in finely embroidered +linen. + +The girls march onto the platform. They each stop before +one of the seated elders. Upon a cue, they simultaneously +lay the crowns onto the elders’ heads. They then hand the +elders the larkspur sprigs. After this, the girls return +bashfully to the crowd. + +One of the elders - a sturdy old woman (70) - rises to +address the crowd. The music drops out. She is beautiful, +composed, elegant. This is SIV, the matriarch. + + SIV + (in Swedish) + Happy midsummer, all! + +As she speaks, several children - all wearing outfits to +distinguish them as waiters - pass out shot glasses of +AQUAVIT. + + SIV + + + + + å + 49. + + + Ni är så oerhört välkomna hit. Till + oss. Vi vill att ni är med och + firar Midsommar med oss. Ni får + boende, mat och vara en del av det + som är den största festen här hos + oss i Hårga. Faktiskt den största + på nästan hundra år. + +She notices the non-Swedish speakers. + + SIV + Forgive me - I’m excluding the ones + who aren’t of Swedish tongue. + Welcome to Hårga, and happy + midsummer! I believe it is the + hottest and brightest that we’ve + had in at least a decade, and this + is our biggest party in almost a + century! So - wow, yah? + + JOSH/DANI/CHRISTIAN/CONNIE + (as if solicited) + Yeah. Wow. + +Siv smiles, and proceeds to wrap it up. + + SIV + All right, my fellow merrymakers. + Without any further blathering - + let’s raise our glasses - + +Everyone raises their aquavit. + + SIV + - and let our Nine-Day Feast begin! + (announcing) + Skål! + + EVERYONE + Skål!! + +The crowd drinks. Everyone CHEERS. Including our group. The +MUSIC begins again. + +On one side of the platform: A young GIRL, also wearing an +embroidered white dress, walks up with a JUNIPER BOUGH in +each hand. She is accompanied by a TEENAGE BOY, who holds +two FLAMING TORCHES. Meanwhile, two of the ELDERLY MEN (72) +have risen from their seats. + +Siv now speaks in English, presumably for our group’s +benefit. (As she does this, the young girl and teen boy +hand the elderly men a juniper bough and flaming stick.) + 50. + + + SIV + And now, in keeping with tradition: + Hjalmar and Josef will make three + trips. If they make it back with + the flame intact, our vintage will + be abundant this year! On the other + hand, if it burns out - that will + be an omen of bad luck and we will + know to prepare. + +Josh turns to Pelle. + + JOSH + What does “bad luck” mean? + + PELLE + Usually that the cattle will get + sick. + +Siv yells something in Swedish to the air. + + JOSH + (to Pelle) + What did she just say? + + PELLE + Told any lingering spirits to go + back to the dead. + +The two elderly men, now BLINDFOLDED, begin to run around +the Main House, holding up their flaming sticks. (Everyone +watches, rapt.) They pick up the pace to finish their first +cycle around the house. They then begins circling it again. + + JOSH + (to Pelle) + Can I takes photos? + + PELLE + Discretely. + +The men finish their second cycle around the house, and +immediately begin a third. The community seems to be +holding its collective breath. The men FINISH the third +run-around, but...one man’s flame has been EXTINGUISHED. + +A man in the audience, ISAK (50s), lets out a GASP when he +sees this. Everyone else sinks audibly with disappointment. + +The men, having finished, remove their blindfold. The elder +with the extinguished torch DEFLATES. Siv gestures sadly to +the crowd: “There we have it.” + 51. + + +Isak looks absolutely devastated. Christian notices. + + CHRISTIAN + (to Pelle) + Is he okay? + + PELLE + The cattle are his responsibility. + +Isak’s eyes stare off, unblinking. Heartbroken. He looks to +the CATTLE HOUSE, eyes filling with tears. + + MARK + (to Pelle and Christian) + How do you think he’d react if I + just put my finger in his butt + right now? + +Continuing the ritual, Siv takes the torches from the men +and walks to a healthy FIRE in a pit. She deposits the +sticks into the fire. + + SIV + (in Swedish) + This high my fire, but no higher, + no hotter! + + PELLE + (translating) + Uh - this high is my fire, but not + higher or hotter. + (explaining) + It’s to keep the fire from growing + out of control. + +Josh WRITES this down in his notebook. Christian WATCHES +Josh, slightly perturbed. + +Siv now accepts a BOWL OF BEER from one of the children. +She drinks a healthy gulp, and then throws the rest into +the fire. + +Everyone now APPLAUDS. This seems to be the end of the +ritual. + +A group of TEENAGERS (all dressed in bright, formal garb) +emerge from a kitchen. They carry PLATES OF FOOD (lamb and +blood pudding) and BEER. They begin by serving the elders. + 52. + + +Dani sees that one of the teens is carrying an ornate +platter featuring a LAMB’S SKULL (brain exposed) and a +LAMB’S HEART. The platter is bordered by a dense spiral of +INTESTINES. This is laid onto the center of a table that +has been painstakingly decorated with local flowers. + + PELLE + That’s a tradition. They just + killed that lamb today. + +The servers now move to our group, which has settled onto +the grass. They are handed plates and beers. + + DANI + (to Pelle) + Can we help at all? + + PELLE + No no. You’re the guests. Let + yourself be spoiled. + +One boy, RUBEN (15), walks up to Dani. He is severely +mentally handicapped and his hands are palsied. He’s +dressed in gorgeous linen. + + RUBEN + (with difficulty) + Hey hey! + + DANI + (warmly) + Hello! + +Ruben walks off. As he ambles aimlessly, people reach out +to lovingly TOUCH him - as if in reverence. + + PELLE + You just met Ruben. + + DANI + Ruben is lovely. + +The teens finish serving. They now sit with plates of their +own. + +Mark has already started eating. Josh NUDGES him. Nobody +else has begun. Mark bashfully sets down his fork. + +Silence. + +Siv, the matriarch, looks to a PLUMP ELDER (60s) sitting +beside her. He stands, takes a moment, and then speaks +loudly in Swedish, as if in PRAYER. + 53. + + + PELLE + (whispering to Josh and + Christian) + He’s giving thanks. + + JOSH + For the food? + + PELLE + Yes. And the weather, and the + crops... + + The Plump Man finishes his speech, and then announces: + + PLUMP MAN + Låt oss äta! + + Everyone digs in. + + CHRISTIAN + Who was he praying to? + + PELLE + Uh - well, that wasn’t really + “praying.” But he was just + addressing the...everything. The + harmony and the balance. + + JOSH + Can you translate what was said? + + PELLE + ...I can get an exact translation + later. + + CHRISTIAN + (jumping in) + Yeah, please, that would be + amazing. + + JOSH + (eyes now burning on + Christian) + ...Yes, Pelle, thank you. + + Christian looks at Josh. A CHARGED moment. They start + eating. + + +31 INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT 31 + 54. + + + A beautiful, curly-haired BLONDE GIRL (16) stands before a + mirror, anxiously fussing with her hair. She clearly needs + it to look perfect. This is MAJA. + + +32 EXT. HÅRGA FARMSTEAD - MINUTES LATER 32 + + Maja emerges from the MAIN HOUSE. All the younger Hårgans + have joined hands to form a train of people. They run and + dance in a wide circle, singing a variation of Visa i + midsommartid. The MAYPOLE stands at the center of their + circle. + + Maja timidly watches the dance, smiling. Her eyes trail off + to find our group. She alights on CHRISTIAN, instantly + smitten. It almost looks like she recognizes him. + + One of the dancing boys suddenly GRABS Maja’s hand. He + PULLS her into the train. She LAUGHS as she joins. + + MEANWHILE: Our group is still sitting in the same place + (along with Connie and Ingemar). They watch the passing + dancers with fascination. + + PELLE + You guys should join! + + DANI + I’m too scared. + + SIMON approaches, carrying two beers. He momentarily gets + caught in the crossfire of a group of YOUNG BOYS CHASING + EACH OTHER. He finally reaches Connie, and hands her a + beer. + + SIMON + Alright? + + CONNIE + Ta. + + Simon sits. + + SIMON + (re: the boys) + What are they playing? + + PELLE + “Skin the fool!” + + SIMON + (sarcastic) + Ah. Precious. + 55. + + +Dani notices Ingemar STARING at Simon and Connie. He looks +resentful. He finally averts his eyes and forces a smile. + +MAJA, in the dancing train, is about to pass the group. She +summons the nerve to gently KICK Christian’s back. +Christian looks up to see Maja passing by. She SMILES +bashfully at him. + +He confusedly smiles back. + +Dani notices Christian smiling, but doesn’t see Maja (who +has already turned away). + +Christian RISES, suddenly feeling bold. + + CHRISTIAN + (to Pelle) + How can I join the...? + + PELLE + You’re American. Just jam yourself + in there. + +Christian uneasily JUMPS IN. He joins hands with two girls. +Josh rises to follow Christian. Dani’s eyes follow them. + +Pelle takes this opportunity to turn covertly to Dani: + + PELLE + Hey: very quick: + +He hands her a folded up DRAWING. + + PELLE + Happy birthday. + +Dani, surprised, opens the paper. It’s a drawing of her +FACE (donned with an extremely lush floral crown). The +style is simple, but her likeness is captured beautifully. + + DANI + Oh - my gosh. Pelle! + PELLE + + PELLE + It’s just something I do for + birthdays. Maybe it’s not + appropriate? + + DANI + Oh my God, not at all! It’s + wonderful. Thank you, Pelle. I’m so + touched. + 56. + + + PELLE + Anyway. Just between us. + + DANI + Yeah, well - don’t worry. Christian + forgot. + + Pelle PAUSES, surprised. He doesn’t know what to say. + + DANI + (immediately regretting) + Or - I forgot to remind him. It + doesn’t matter. Thank you so much + for this, Pelle. It’s beautiful. + + She folds the drawing back up. + + +33 EXT. HÅRGA FIELD - MINUTES LATER 33 + + The dance is over, although separate groups are still + dancing and playing in the b.g. + + Pelle is now leading our group on a TOUR. (Ingemar, Connie + and Simon have joined along.) We track alongside. + + JOSH + How do you guys support this place? + + PELLE + Lumbering, wheat, vegetables... + + INGEMAR + Water power plant. + + They pass a CIRCLE OF CHILDREN, accompanied by a TEACHER + (60s). They’re carving RUNIC SYMBOLS into smooth, well- + sanded STONES. + + PELLE + Schooltime over here. + + CHRISTIAN + Carving runes? + + The Teacher looks up and smiles confirmation. + + PELLE + (to Dani) + Then they put it under their pillow + and dream about its meaning. + + Dani makes an “ooh” face. Josh makes a NOTE of this. + 57. + + +Christian sees that they’re now passing an old RUNESTONE +(on their other side). It stands erect in an untended +field. + + CHRISTIAN + Oh man - there’s a serious one. + + JOSH + Oh shit! + + CHRISTIAN + Which alphabet is that from? + + JOSH + (quick to answer) + Looks like the Elder Futhark. + (to Pelle) + Right? Or is that medieval? + + INGEMAR + That’s actually the younger + Futhark. + +Josh nods “Ah, right” - visibly pained to be wrong. + + CONNIE + (to Christian and Dani) + So, how long’ve you two been + together? + + DANI + Oh, jeez...almost three years now! + + CHRISTIAN + (gently correcting) + Uhhh, well...two and half. + + DANI + ...You’re joking. It’ll be three in + fifteen days. + +Christian thinks about that, and grudgingly concedes. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay, no, that is true. + (off Dani’s look) + It is! You’re absolutely right. + +He makes a “sowwy” face, kisses her incredulous cheek, and +changes the subject by asking Simon, Connie and Ingemar: + + CHRISTIAN + How did you guys all meet? + 58. + + +They look at each other. “Who answers?” + + INGEMAR + Well...we were all working on the + same farm, and funny enough: I was + dating Connie when Simon and me + first became pals. + +Simon’s eyes narrow. + + CONNIE + (correcting) + Well - we‘d been on a date. Which I + wasn’t even actually aware that it + was a date. + + INGEMAR + (backtracking jovially) + Right, no, I meant that Connie and + me had just become friends - we + decided to be friends - and that + was just before Connie and Simon + started dating. And now they're + engaged! + + DANI + Oh wow. Congratulations. + + INGEMAR + Which is amazing. Yes. + Congratulations. + +Simon and Connie look uncomfortable. They smile “thank +you.” + + SIMON + (to Dani) + We’ve actually asked Ingemar to + officiate the wedding. + + DANI + (excited) + You did?! + + SIMON + Nope. + +Everybody LAUGHS - including Ingemar. + + PELLE + (announcing) + And now...behold! + 59. + + +They have all arrived at a SMALL TREE. + + PELLE + My tree. + + CHRISTIAN + Why your tree? + + PELLE + When someone’s born, we plant a + tree for that person and they grow + up together. This one’s mine. + + DANI + That’s so beautiful. + + JOSH + (pen and paper ready) + Is there a specific name for that + practice? + +Christian points out a SMALL HOUSE which stands isolated in +a large field. It has been painted a vivid yellow. + + CHRISTIAN + What about that house? + + PELLE + Ah, that’s like a sacred temple. No + one’s allowed in there. + + CHRISTIAN + Looks like it was just built. + +Changing the subject, Pelle motions toward the MAIN HOUSE. + + PELLE + This is where we sleep! + +He leads them toward it. Meanwhile, Ingemar leads Simon and +Connie in another direction. + + INGEMAR + Here: come see my tree! + +On our group’s way to the Main House, they pass a CAGED +BEAR. + + MARK + So we’re just gonna ignore the + bear, then. + + PELLE + 60. + + + (acknowledging, deadpan) + That’s a bear. + + +34 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - MINUTES LATER 34 + + Josh leads our group through the two-storied interior of + the huge, barn-shaped house. There is a large, square HOLE + in the floor of the second story (so both stories are + visible to each other). On both floors, the walls are lined + with BEDS. The center of the bottom story is bare, like a + dance floor. A MAP TO THE COSMOS has been painted on the + floor, featuring sacred lines connecting notable stars. + + Pelle points out four small beds. + + PELLE + These’ll be yours. + + Mark throws his bag onto one of them. + + The group marvels at the walls, which are covered in + INTRICATE MURALS. Runic letters abound. The CEILING is + especially impressive. It’s painted to tell an epic story + in hundreds of sequenced panels. At the center of the + ceiling is a painting of the SUN. All stories lead to this + (or do they come from this?). + + CHRISTIAN + Who all sleeps in here? + + PELLE + All the younger ones. Until we turn + thirty-two. Then we move to the + houses. + + JOSH + Why thirty-two? + + Josh has pulled out his MOLESKIN NOTEPAD, ready to write + down Pelle’s answer. Christian (almost in response) pulls + out his phone, ready to type. Pelle PAUSES at this. He then + explains, gesturing to a MURAL that dramatizes the + following: + + PELLE + 61. + + + We think of life like the seasons. + You are a child until you’re 16, + and that is the Spring. At some + point we all do our Pilgrimage, and + that’s between 17 and 32. That’s + Summer. Then, from 33 to 52, you’re + of working age: Fall. And finally + from 53 to 72, you become a mentor. + + JOSH + Winter. + +Josh and Christian have written all this down - their eyes +intermittently piercing each other. + + DANI + What happens when you turn 72, + then? + +Pelle makes a comical THROAT SLASH gesture. Dani laughs, +and begins to walk off. + + MARK + Not a lot of privacy. What do you + do when you wanna jerk off? + +Now that Dani is away, Pelle crosses quietly to Christian. +He covertly ushers him aside. + +Dani has found a wall of twelve FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS. They +all feature a different young woman dressed in ceremonial +garb. + +In each photo, the woman is richly adorned in summer +flowers and wears an impressive FLORAL CROWN. These photos +have been taken annually for the last dozen years. + +Dani looks over to notice Pelle WHISPERING to Christian, +who now looks extremely GUILTY. She interrupts by bluntly +asking: + + DANI + Who are these of? + + PELLE + Oh - those are our May Queens. + You’ll actually be here for that. + + JOSH + Who are the “May Queens”? + + PELLE + 62. + + + Every midsummer we do the dance of + the Hårgas. All the younger women + compete and the winner gets + crowned. + + Outside we hear: + + ODD (O.S.) + (announcing, in Swedish) + Movie in twenty minutes! Field + five! + + +35 EXT. FARMSTEAD - SAME TIME 35 + + Several Hårgans set up chairs on the grass. A 16MM FILM + PROJECTOR is wheeled in to face a large PROJECTOR SCREEN. + + Dani stands on the grass, under a now-overcast sky. An + ominous RUMBLING in the distance. She closes her eyes, + breathes deeply - practicing mindfulness. + + She is suddenly distracted by a baby’s CRYING. Dani looks + off to see in the distance... + + SEVERAL HÅRGANS are gathered around an OAK TREE. The + VILLAGE DOCTOR (50) is crouched, cradling a CRYING BABY. He + directs a doting WOMAN (50s) to pour some fresh dew (from a + vial) into the baby’s mouth. + + Dani appeals to a nearby HÅRGAN MAN (30s): + + DANI + Excuse me? Can I ask if you know + what’s happening over there? + + HÅRGAN MAN + (looking over) + Ah. Poor little Einar has the, em - + where the bones are bad? + + DANI + Oh no. Rickets? + + The man shrugs “sorry, I don’t know.” + + The Doctor is now passing the baby through a WIDE CLEFT in + the tree. The baby is received on the other side by the + doting woman. + + DANI + Do you know what they’re doing? + + Å + 63. + + + HÅRGAN MAN + Old cure. Three times through the + Oak. + +The woman hands the baby to the Doctor again, and he passes +the child back through the cleft. Again, the woman hands +the child to the Doctor, and the baby is passed through one +last time. + + HÅRGAN MAN + Now the healths of the baby and the + tree are - together. + +On “together,” he illustratively hooks two fingers. + + DANI + Like a - sympathetic connection? + +The man shrugs, confused. They SMILE at each other and the +man walks off. Dani continues watching the ceremony, until- +-CHRISTIAN appears behind her, holding a SOCKERKAKA (sponge +cake). A lit candle protrudes from it. He approaches +carefully... + + CHRISTIAN + (singing) + Happy birthday to you - + +Dani turns, mortified. + + CHRISTIAN + (singing) + Happy birthday to you, Happy + birthday dear Dani + (I love you) + ... Happy birthday to you. + +She doesn’t blow out the candle. + + CHRISTIAN + You thought I forgot, didn’t you? + +Dani just glares at him. + + CHRISTIAN + You’re not surprised? + +Dani doesn’t soften. He finally RELENTS with a guilty +smile: + + CHRISTIAN + 64. + + + Okay - I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. + I thought it was tomorrow because + of the sun. It’s impossible to + tell. + + He kisses her. She doesn’t kiss back. He keeps kissing. + + CHRISTIAN + Happy birthday, happy birthday, I’m + sorry. - You should be. + + DANI + Fine. It’s fine. I’m not upset. - I + know I should! + + He kisses her again, tenderly. She grudgingly kisses back. + + CHRISTIAN + Happy birthday, mouse. + + She forces a tight smile and BLOWS OUT the candle. + + MEANWHILE: WOMEN fill the baby’s tree’s cleft with MUD and + CLAY. They pack it tight. Then the MEN tie a ROPE around + the tree. They draw it as TIGHTLY as possible. + + +36 INT. FARMSTEAD - LATER 36 + + Everyone has gathered to either sit in chairs or on the + grass. They all face the PROJECTOR SCREEN. + + Dani, Christian, Mark, Josh and Pelle sit crossed-legged in + the front. The PLUMP ELDER stands before the screen to + announce: + + PLUMP ELDER + And now, for tradition and for fun: + a work of antique escapism - + (aside, to our group) + - and an annual mood-setter, made + by one of our own lost Hårgans! + + The Plump Elder joins the audience, and the projector + starts to RATTLE. Before the film starts, Christian + WHISPERS to Dani: + + CHRISTIAN + Happy birthday. + 65. + + +ON THE PROJECTOR SCREEN: A SILENT COLOR FILM begins. It is +weathered and grainy. The film seems to have been made in +the late 1960s or early ‘70s (shot on a Bolex camera). The +TITLE appears (in Swedish): A Midsummer Romance + +The film opens on a beautiful BLONDE GIRL (15) walking +through a field with her friends. They pause to admire a +GANG OF BOYS. The girl fixes on one BLONDE BOY (15). It’s +love at first sight. + +The group of girls walks over to the boys. They talk. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Hello lads! Happy midsummer to + you.” -”Why thank you, girls! And a + happy midsummer to you. + +One of the girls looks mischievously to her friends, and +then puts an idea to the boys. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Why don’t you lads come to our + house for lunch tomorrow? We will + prepare a feast and you can be our + special guests! + +The boys look to each other and nod. They agree. + +The NEXT SCENE depicts the girls gathering FLOWERS from a +lush MEADOW. They pick these flowers with their left hand +as they walk backwards. We cycle through NINE CLOSE-UPS OF +DIFFERENT FLOWERS BEING PICKED. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Nine Flowers Picked + (don’t forget the + Orpine!) + and Nine Fences Jumped. + +The girls jump over a series of SMALL FENCES. This is done +nine times. + +The NEXT SCENE reveals the blonde GIRL in her bedroom. She +puts the nine flowers under her PILLOW, and then lies down +in bed. She closes her eyes to SLEEP. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + 66. + + + With the nine flowers under her + pillow, she will now dream of the + boy she is to marry. + +The blonde girl has fallen asleep, and a CLOUDY DREAM +BUBBLE appears beside her head. Inside the bubble, we are +given a scene in which the blonde girl is MARRYING the +blonde boy. He lifts her BRIDE’S VEIL to kiss her. + +The NEXT MORNING the girl wakes up. She wears a wicked +smile. + +LATER THAT DAY, the GIRLS are gathered in the KITCHEN. They +are cooking. The BOYS all arrive in the living room. Our +blonde girl says “hello” to the boy of her dreams. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Hello! Can I bring you some coffee + while you wait for your pancake? + +The boy nods excitedly. The girl goes off to the kitchen. + +In the KITCHEN, the girl takes a CUP OF COFFEE and sets it +on the floor. She then crouches over the coffee. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Three droplets of menstrual blood + for the spell to take effect. + +Three drops of blood DRIP from between the girl’s legs. +They LAND in the coffee. + +IN THE AUDIENCE, Dani and Mark WINCE at this. Christian and +Josh (along with the surrounding Hårgans) are delighted. + +ON THE PROJECTOR SCREEN: The girl brings the coffee to the +boy. She smiles mischievously as he takes a SIP. + +In the KITCHEN, the girl now props her leg up onto a chair. +She takes a pair of SCISSORS and snips between her legs. +She pulls a few STRANDS OF PUBIC HAIR from her groin. + +The girl CHOPS UP the pubic hair into fine pieces. She then +sprinkles them into a BOWL OF PANCAKE BATTER. The batter is +then poured onto a burning skillet. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Hair from the vulva will complete + the spell. + 67. + + + The girl hands the boy his PANCAKE. He eats the pancake, + and then looks up at the girl. SPIRALS appear in his eyes. + Spellbound, he moves toward her, like a love-stricken + zombie. + + INTERTITLE + (in Swedish) + Voilà! The spell was a success. + + The boy and girl KISS in Close-Up. We pull out from the CU + to reveal that the girl is now PREGNANT with a grossly + distended belly. They are surrounded by a huge and adoring + CROWD, all wearing identical clothing. + + Fade to white. THE END. + + The audience applauds politely. MAJA, however, looks + ENTRANCED. + + Mark and Dani wear inscrutable grins. (Slightly charmed, + mostly disturbed.) Josh and Christian are BUZZING. + + +37 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 37 + + The windows have been boarded up for the night. Sunlight + peeks from the edges. + + People are climbing into their beds. There are TWO BABY + CRIBS in the corner, stationed near the beds of women in + their twenties. Both bedframes are made of severe-looking + iron and metal. + + Dani, noticing this, turns to Pelle. + + DANI + Pretty serious-looking cribs. + + PELLE + For the iron. Keeps away the + “invisibles.” So the babies don’t + get “changed.” + + Pelle smiles sardonically, knowing how it sounds. + + DANI + How real is that stuff for you + guys? + + PELLE + (deflecting) + Ah, who knows? + 68. + + + Dani smiles. She looks over to Christian, whose eyes are + GLUED TENSELY to Josh’s notepad as he scrawls “Iron. Babies + changed. ‘Invisibles.’” Christian looks threatened. + + Pelle has already climbed into bed. + + PELLE + All right - beauty rest! Tomorrow’s + a big day. + + JOSH + And what’s tomorrow? + + PELLE + (mysterious) + First of the big ceremonies. + + JOSH + So you’re just gonna be weird and + cryptic? + + Pelle PAUSES, then takes Josh’s notepad. He writes + “Ättestupan” and hands it back. + + Josh happens to know that word. His eyes WIDEN. “Are you + serious?” Pelle smiles mischievously. + + CHRISTIAN + What’s that? What’s Ättestupan? + + Pelle gestures for Christian to keep his voice down. + Christian pulls out his phone and types “Atestupan” into a + search engine. But there’s no internet connection. + + CHRISTIAN + Fuck. + (to Josh and Pelle) + What’s Ättestupan? + + Josh smugly climbs into bed. This has made Dani nervous. + + DANI + (to Josh) + Is it scary? + + Josh teasingly raises his eyebrows: “You’ll see.” + + +38 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 38 + + Everyone is asleep. Silence, save for the baby’s CRYING. + 69. + + + Dani lies AWAKE. Beside her: Christian sleeping soundly. To + her other side: Mark SNORING. + + Dani shifts her weight. She looks over at the wall mural, + and notices an ILLUSTRATION of a HAPPY MAN OPENING HIS + WRIST WITH A SPECIAL KNIFE. He is surrounded by smiling + friends, and above him, a smiling SUN. Dani looks unnerved, + but her attention is suddenly DRAWN AWAY by the SOUND of... + + A teenaged BOY and GIRL (clearly new lovers) sneak quietly + out of their beds. Giggling. They tip-toe out of the house, + careful to make no noise. + + Dani stares at this. Heavy. + + +39 EXT. FIELD - MORNING 39 + + A GOAT-SHAPED STRAW FIGURE. It’s the size of an actual goat + and notably well-crafted. + + An AXE comes down to swiftly LOP OFF ITS HEAD. + + Then another AXE comes down to STRIKE its body in HALF. + + We cut WIDE to reveal that it’s being chopped into clean + pieces by three MEN in ceremonial garb. Onlookers abound. + + +40 EXT. CROP FIELD - MORNING 40 + + Farmers BURY different pieces of the chopped-up straw goat + into FOUR CORNERS of a flourishing grain field. + + AT THE FIELD’S CENTER: A man pours a bowl of LAMB’S BLOOD + into a carefully hollowed HOLE in the earth. After this, + the STRAW GOAT’S HEAD is dropped in. The hole is then + covered up with SOIL. + + +41 EXT. FIELD - MORNING 41 + + Near the Main House, several men are setting up DINING + TABLES on the grass. They are laying them out to form a + pattern. + + In one FIELD, a group of WOMEN collect the morning DEW (in + small vials) from the leaves and grass. They throw a SHEET + over the wet grass. It absorbs the dew, and they WRING it + out into a pail. + 70. + + +We PAN AWAY from this to yet another FIELD, where a large +GROUP has assembled for what appears to be some sort of +DANCE CLASS. They stand in rows of ten. DANI, JOSH, MARK, +PELLE and CHRISTIAN are among them. + +At the head of the class is a THIN ELDER (60s) with an +impressive physique. In demonstration, he lifts his arm and +waves it fluidly, rhythmically, EMOTIONALLY, back and +forth. + +The class IMITATES him. They strive to perfectly match his +movements and emotions. + + THIN ELDER + Don’t just copy me. Feel me. + +The class continues to mimic his movements. Mark, Josh and +Christian are looking quite graceless. DANI, however, +matches the Elder’s movements with surprising sensitivity. +Pelle notices this. + +The Elder stops. So does everyone else. The Elder swiftly +affects a DIFFERENT POSTURE. (This time he goes to his tip- +toes, one hand curled at his abdomen and the other arm +draped mournfully around his head.) + +The class now imitates this. The Hårgas are impressive in +their poise and precision, and Dani is fitting right in. +(Josh and Christian - not so much.) Once everybody finds +this position, the Elder fluidly contorts his body to +assume another. + +A sleepy Mark has stopped trying altogether. He looks over +to a woman beside him. He smiles at her, but her gaze +remains FIXED SERIOUSLY AHEAD. For the Hårgas, this is a +spiritual practice. + +A PRETTY BRUNETTE (25) to Mark’s side says: + + PRETTY BRUNETTE + (in Swedish) + Try. + + MARK + What? + + PRETTY BRUNETTE + (in Swedish, smiling) + Try. + +Mark smiles, not understanding. He’s SMITTEN. He half- +attempts to join in, only to immediately give up again. + 71. + + +42 EXT. FARMSTEAD - ONE HOUR LATER 42 + + The dining tables have been set up to form a wide CIRCLE. + Inside the circle, at the center, is a ROUND YELLOW TABLE + (representing the sun). There are no seats for this table. + + Half of the community is already standing at the + surrounding tables. The other half is arriving now. Plates + of food have already been placed. No one sits. + + Our group (minus Dani) arrives at one of the tables. They + gaze around, trying to understand the etiquette. They + notice that a few lingering GIRLS walk backwards through a + neighboring field, picking FLOWERS. + + DANI now appears with a bouquet of HANDPICKED FLOWERS. She + happily presents Christian with the bouquet. + + CHRISTIAN + What?! For me? + + DANI + Ja! + + CHRISTIAN + (accepting them with + strained appreciation) + ...Tack så mycket. + + He kisses her cheek. + + Now that everyone is stationed at the tables, a BOY runs + off to officially summon the guests of honor... + + After a moment, TWO ELDERLY MEN (72), both wearing ornate + golden dresses, enter the scene. (We will recognize them as + the Elderly Men who ran around the Main House three times + with the flaming torches.) They stand with alert posture, + maintaining an awareness of their bodies as they walk. They + arrive at TWO LARGE WOODEN CHAIRS, situated at a + beautifully decorated table with fine silverware and golden + plates. (Every other table seats at least five people, but + this table has been reserved solely for these two.) + + Josh mouths to Pelle: “Are those the ones?” Pelle smiles. + + The two men SIT. This prompts everyone else to sit. + + Mark picks up his fork, only to notice that no one else has + begun eating. Everyone waits patiently. Total SILENCE, save + for the baby who is still crying. + 72. + + +Finally, the two men pick up their silverware and begin to +eat. Now everyone starts eating. + +Josh is scrutinizing every detail. Christian scrutinizes +Josh. + +MID-MEAL + +MAJA feverishly carves a small RUNE STONE in her lap. She +is hunched over to conceal her progress from curious eyes. + +The two elderly men are receiving lots of attention. + +Near Dani, a BLONDE WOMAN (30s) cradles the CRYING BABY. + + DANI + (inquiring) + Is your baby okay? + + BLONDE WOMAN + Oh, she will be. She has a bone + problem. She is not “mine,” though. + + DANI + Oh, I’m sorry...! + + BLONDE WOMAN + No no - her birth mother is on + pilgrimage. It helps them to + detach. The babies are raised here + by everyone. + +Dani smiles at this idea. Josh and Christian are also taken +by this. Josh SEES Christian’s excitement, and quietly +HARDENS. + + BLONDE WOMAN + (to Dani) + How is your family like? + + DANI + Mine? Oh no, mine are...not here + anymore. + +Christian suddenly looks nervous about this exchange. + + BLONDE WOMAN + “Not here”? + + DANI + (now embarrassed) + Ha. Unfortunately not. It’s okay... + 73. + + + BLONDE WOMAN + Not any? + +The Blonde Woman has TEARS in her eyes. She looks sincerely +affected by this. + + DANI + (reacting) + Oh God, no, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t + have said. We’re enjoying our food. + + BLONDE WOMAN + (now worried for Dani) + Am I making you sad to ask? + + DANI + No no. I just shouldn’t have + mentioned it. + + BLONDE WOMAN + Please know we can talk if you + like. Please. I am happy to talk. + + DANI + (uncomfortable) + Okay, thank you. Sorry. I feel + silly. Thank you. + (to Christian) + Sorry. + +Christian shrugs: “Don’t apologize to me.” + +SIV, a table over, has been avidly watching this exchange. + +MINUTES LATER + +Everyone has finished eating. Another HUSH falls awkwardly +over the procession. Silence, save for the wailing baby. + +Mark, half-asleep, confusedly looks around. He sees the +Pretty Brunette SMILING at him. Caught off guard, he +BLUSHES and smiles back (a little too eagerly). + +One of the two elderly men STANDS. Clears his throat. +Closes his eyes. After a moment, he begins to SING a +wordless, choral song. + +Everyone watches, rapt and emotional. + 74. + + + At the appropriate time, the OTHER MAN begins to sing + along, softly and awkwardly at first. Soon he rises, + singing with greater projection. When the song comes to a + finish, SIV stands to RAISE her glass. This prompts + everyone else to stand. They all raise their aquavit. + + A long silence. Siv finally DRINKS. So does everyone else. + The MUSICIANS begin to play their handmade instruments, and + EIGHT MIDDLE-AGED MEN break into two groups. They walk to + either of the elderly men’s chairs, HOIST them up, and + start CARRYING THEM OFF. + + The congregation follows behind as the elevated men are + carried up a hill. Our group JOINS them, confused. Mark + lags behind. + + MARK + (to the group) + I think I’m gonna take a nap. + Jetlag and the shrooms... + + Mark heads back toward the Main House. Dani, Christian, + Josh and Pelle proceed to follow the community. + + +43 EXT. HILL - MINUTES LATER 43 + + Everyone happily follows the elderly men of honor (still + carried on hoisted thrones). They follow a narrow TRAIL OF + FLOWERS up a hill. + + There is a FORK in the trail, leading either to the left + and downward or continuing straight ahead and upward. + + The elderly men are carried straight ahead, continuing to + ascend the rising hill. The following procession BRANCHES + OFF to veer left. They continue down a slope that leads to + a BEACH. + + Our group, squinting with curiosity, begins following the + procession toward the beach. But Pelle slows down. + + PELLE + Okay - actually: let’s stop a + moment. + + He holds them back. + + PELLE + I need to warn you before we go + down... + (to Dani now) + ...because you might not want to. + 75. + + + DANI + Is this gonna be something weird? + + PELLE + Uhhh - it might seem very weird, + but it’s a great honor for them. + + DANI + ...Is this the thing you mentioned + last night? + + JOSH + (smiling) + Ättestupan. + + PELLE + We’re about to perform a centuries- + old rite that is very important to + us and very beautiful, but also - + very far from anything you have in + America. + + DANI + (suddenly nervous) + ...Do I not want to do this? + + PELLE + Well - that’s what I’m saying. + You’re invited to. I just... + (pauses) + You remember I explained the winter + stage of a man’s life goes from 53 + to 72? Well, this is what happens + when 72 is reached. + + DANI + Okay. And what is “this”? + + Pelle pauses, considering his words. Dani grows more + nervous. + + DANI + What is Ättestupan? + + Josh can’t suppress a smile - anticipating Pelle’s answer. + + +44 EXT. BEACH - MINUTES LATER 44 + + The community has gathered on the rocky beach. Tall CLIFFS + loom imposingly. The baby cries in the b.g. + 76. + + + Our group stands to the side, along with Simon, Connie and + Ingemar. Christian turns to DANI, who looks extremely + uneasy. + + CHRISTIAN + Are you sure you can handle this? + + Dani doesn’t know the answer to this. + + CHRISTIAN + Maybe you should go back to the + main house? It’s not too late. + + Dani starts to wrestle with this, but then: + + DANI + No. I need to try. + + A HORN sounds. All eyes go to... + + SIV, the Matriarch, holds a LEATHER-BOUND BOOK whose cover + is marked by runic letters. In Swedish, she formally + addresses the congregation - like a priest to a parish - + before opening the book. Its scripture is written in runes + and unknown hieroglyphs (the AFFECT language). + + JOSH + (to Pelle, whispering) + What’s that book? + + Christian leans in to hear the answer: + + PELLE + Rubi Radr. Our scripture. + + JOSH + Can I possibly read that? + + PELLE + You would not be able. + + Siv, eyes on the page, surprises our group by beginning to + SING a wordless hymn. It’s beautiful, yet feels improvised, + as if inspired (on the spot) by emotions provoked by the + text. + + +45 EXT. CLIFF - SAME TIME 45 + + The two elderly men have been carried to the top of a CLIFF + overlooking the beach. Their chairs are SET DOWN near the + precipice. They are placed beside freshly carved (and + impressively sized) RUNE STONES. + 77. + + + The elders rise from their seats. They are each handed a + CEREMONIAL BLADE. They stoically drag the blade across + their palms, DRAWING BLOOD. + + The men rub their palms together, making their hands nice + and bloody. They press their palms onto their rune stones, + both leaving TWO BLOODY HAND-PRINTS. + + +46 EXT. BEACH - SAME TIME 46 + + Everyone looks up at the cliff’s peak. Dani is SWEATING + BEADS now, her breathing erratic. + + Finally, the TWO ELDERLY MEN appear at the edge. + + Rapt silence. + + One of the elderly men ANNOUNCES something loudly in + Swedish. + + JOSH + (to Pelle) + What did he say? + + But Pelle ignores Josh. His eyes are glued to the men. Josh + redirects his attention to the cliff-top. + + Dani BRACES herself. Her TEETH begin to chatter. She GRABS + Christian’s arm, and then -- + + The elderly man LEAPS OFF THE PRECIPICE. Connie and Simon + SCREAM. The man plummets 200 feet to LAND FATALLY on the + jagged rocks below. Upon impact, a FLOCK OF BIRDS ALIGHTS + from a tree. + + Our group is shocked into horrified silence. Dani looks + like she’s been knocked out of her body. The birds fly over + Dani’s head, and a sudden rush courses through her. + + The OTHER ELDERLY MAN - the one whose torch burnt out + before circling the house three times - now steps up to the + precipice. He also announces something in Swedish. + + SIMON + (panicking) + What’s happening? Is he gonna jump, + too? No-- + 78. + + +The man LAUNCHES HIMSELF OFF THE CLIFF. Connie GASPS. The +man plummets straight down, landing not only ON HIS FEET, +but also on the fresh corpse of his friend. This softens +the blow, preventing the fall from killing him. The man, +all broken bones now, WAILS in horrible pain. + +The community grumbles with concern. Everyone turns to +THREE MEN, each the oldest of their respective generations +(the youths, the laborers, and the mentors). They +understand what they must do. + + SIMON + Why did that just happen? We need + to call an ambulance. + + INGEMAR + It’s okay. + + SIMON + What’s okay?! CALL AN AMBULANCE! + Everybody’s just watching! + +The PLUMP ELDER approaches the three men with a CUDGEL. +This is a long-handled club with a pointed block of wood at +the end. The cudgel is handed over to the MENTOR. + +Dani watches, overwhelmed, as the three men (now armed with +the cudgel) stalk over to the dying man. The dying man +moans pathetically, in too much pain to scream. + +From DANI’S POV: The men have arrived at the dying elder’s +feet. The mentor RAISES the cudgel, and brutally swings it +down onto the old man’s HEAD. This isn’t a fatal blow. The +man raises the cudgel again, and this time he STRIKES the +elder with enough force to silence him. + +The mentor hands the cudgel to the LABORER. He raises the +cudgel and brings it down onto the old man’s crown. The +elder’s leg goes into pathetic SPASMS. Blood gurgling. The +laborer BLUDGEONS him once more. He goes limp, probably +dead. + +The YOUTH is now handed the cudgel. He delivers two brutal +swings to the old man’s head. The mentor gently takes the +cudgel away from the youth, and they all return to the +community. The mentor hands the Plump Elder the cudgel, and +everyone stands in respectful, contemplative silence. + +Dani is GRIPPING Christian’s arm. She is completely shell- +shocked. Christian turns to Josh; they exchange “holy shit” +looks. More EXCITED than troubled. + 79. + + +Siv bounds over to Connie and Simon, who are in a panic. +Dani trembles, powder-white. Traumatized. + + SIV + Ingemar! Did you not warn them? + + INGEMAR + I’m sorry, grandmother Siv! I kind + of warned them. + + SIMON + Nobody did anything! Everyone just + watched that! + + SIV + Oh my, poor things-- + + SIMON + You’re all just standing calmly + around!! + +Siv lays an empathic hand on Simon and Connie’s shoulder. + + SIV + Oh, mercy - please: You should have + been warned better. What you just + saw is a long, long, long observed + custom. Those two men has just + reached end of the Hårga life- + cycle. + +Siv now looks into DANI’S eyes, but Dani is in a daze. She +seems to have been knocked into a dissociative state. + + SIV + It is a great joy for them, you + must realize. And when I do so, it + will be a great joy for me. + (back to Simon and + Connie) + We view life as a circle. Okay? A + re-cycle. One thing falls and + another rises. The first man who + jumped: his name was Olof. Yes? + +Siv points to a PREGNANT WOMAN: + + SIV + That baby, who is not yet born, + will inherit this name. He will be + Olof. And if it is a girl, she will + take the name of our last fallen + lady, which was Dagmar. + 80. + + + Dani gazes at Siv, who has taken on a strange ETHEREAL GLOW + (like an angel). + + SIV + But instead of growing old and + getting sick and dying in pain and + shame and fear, we’ll give our life + - as a gesture. Yes? A gift. And we + will leave this chapter with + dignity and gratitude. Before it + can spoil. + + Siv releases Simon and Connie, who are no less fraught. Siv + now addresses the whole group. + + SIV + It does no good to die kicking and + screaming and lashing back at the + inevitable. It corrupts the soul. + + INGEMAR + (to Simon and Connie) + I’m sorry I did not warn you + better. + + +47 EXT. FIELD - DAY 47 + + Everyone is walking back from the beach. JOSH rushes + feverishly toward the Main House. Christian’s eyes are + trained on him as he moves to Dani, who looks destroyed. + + CHRISTIAN + You okay, baby? + + DANI + (branching off) + I need to not be here right now. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay. Good idea. You walk. I’ll + find you in a second - okay? + + Dani walks off, addled. Christian ACCELERATES to follow + Josh. + + +48 EXT. WOODS - MOMENTS LATER 48 + + Dani’s walk speeds into a SPRINT. Once out of sight, she + stops at a tree, now HYPERVENTILATING. She tries to steady + her breath, but it’s too erratic. She breaks down into + violent SOBS. These are interrupted by a shrill RETCH. + 81. + + +49 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - SAME TIME 49 + + Josh anxiously goes through his backpack to find his + LAPTOP. He sits on the mattress as the computer boots up. + + Christian enters awkwardly - eyes on Josh. He appears to be + summoning the courage to say something. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey dude... + + JOSH + Hey! + (excitedly) + Holy fuck, right? + + CHRISTIAN + Holy fuck. Incredible. + + JOSH + Incredible! + + Christian works up the nerve: + + CHRISTIAN + So listen: I’ve been wanting to ask + you, or tell you, or just - mention + to you something I’ve been thinking + about... + + Josh looks up. He DARKENS with concern. + + CHRISTIAN + I’ve just been thinking, and I’ve + decided...I really think I wanna do + my thesis here. On the Hårgas. + + Josh doesn’t react. Christian nervously continues: + + CHRISTIAN + And I wanted to tell you first, so + that it didn’t seem like I wasn’t + telling you. + + JOSH + I feel like I can’t tell if you’re + joking. + + Christian doesn’t respond. Josh becomes incredulous. + + JOSH + Oh my God. I honestly can’t even... + 82. + + + (barely containing his + rage) + You know I’m out here doing my + thesis, on midsummer. That’s why + I’m here. + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah, but not on this community. + +Josh’s eyes BURN on Christian. + + CHRISTIAN + What? + + JOSH + ...You knew I was gonna want to do + this. + + CHRISTIAN + How would I know that? Did you even + know that before I just told you? + + JOSH + Oh my God, Christian, of course you + did! + + JOSH + You think I don’t know what you’re + doing? It’s actually kind of + outrageously unsubtle. The fact + that you’re being this bald about + it. It’s impressive. It is. I’m + honestly impressed. + + CHRISTIAN + What the fuck? + + JOSH + Oh, yeah - “What the fuck.” + (seething) + This is what I’ve been working + towards and you know it. That’s why + you looked so guilty when you + brought it up. Because you know - + you know - that what you’re doing + is unethical and leechy and lazy + and frankly kind of sad-- + + CHRISTIAN + Okay, wow, fuck you-- + + JOSH + 83. + + + No dude, not fuck me! Find your own + subject - or your own passion. + Because I’m actually invested in + this. It’s not some glorified hobby + that I’m casually dipping my feet + into. + + CHRISTIAN + Oh my God! You are so arrogant! In + case you forgot, we’re both earning + the same degree-- + + JOSH + But we’re not doing it in the same + way, Christian. Okay? I have to + hold your hand through everything. + You didn’t even know how to use J- + Stor before I taught you, and + you’re a fucking grad student. I + mean, why are you even in academia? + You don’t care! Which is fine! + That’s your prerogative! Just don’t + appropriate my actual work for your + new shortcut! + + This cuts Christian like a knife. His eyes are flaring with + RAGE. But he stifles it. Determined to remain collected, he + concludes: + + CHRISTIAN + I wanna do my thesis here. If you + want to as well, I’d be happy to + discuss collaborating. If not, I + guess we’ll have two separate + theses on the Hårgas. + + Christian leaves. + + Josh sits motionless. + + +50 EXT. FARMSTEAD - CONTINUOUS 50 + + Christian emerges from the Main House, extremely tense. A + very pale SIMON smokes a joint near the door, looking very + ill. He notices Christian’s demeanor. + + SIMON + You traumatized too, mate? + + CHRISTIAN + (still fuming) + What? Oh. Yeah... + 84. + + + SIMON + (offering joint) + You want some? It’s laced with + hydrocodone. + +Christian notices in the FIELD: a group of WOMEN collecting +Linum usitatissimum (FLAX), which is in abundance. Among +thme he sees MAJA, working with her friend ULLA (28). They +laugh as they work. + +Christian gestures “excuse me” to Simon, and approaches +Maja. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey. Hi. Sorry to bother you... + +Maja looks up - not understanding. She looks almost +panicked. + + CHRISTIAN + I’m Christian. + +Ulla insert herself: + + YOUNG WOMAN + Hello. I am Ulla. She is Maja. + + CHRISTIAN + Hi Ulla. Maja. I was wondering if I + could ask, uh - + (pulls out pen and paper) + - how many of those Attestupans you + guys have seen performed. + + ULLA + Every time one reaches age. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay... + + ULLA + So lots. + + CHRISTIAN + Right. Okay. And you don’t have + like, a typical mourning period? + For grieving? + + ULLA + We grieve and celebrate. + +Maja has been staring at Christian, love-stricken. He is +aware of it, but tries to ignore. + 85. + + + ULLA + We must go now and keep working. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay. No problem. Thank you. I + might find you to ask more later? + + Ulla smiles “okay” and walks off with Maja. They wave + goodbye. + + CHRISTIAN + Goodbye. + (to Maja) + ‘Bye Maja. + + Maja smiles timidly and waves again. + + In the b.g., Josh stands at the Main House’s door, STARING. + + +51 EXT. MEADOW - EVENING 51 + + Dani sits cross-legged near the river. Her eyes are closed. + + She’s trying to meditate, but her breathing is still + unstable. + + Christian appears behind her. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey. + + Dani’s eyes open with a start. She turns to him. + + CHRISTIAN + How we doing? + + DANI + I can’t stop fucking shaking and my + teeth keep chattering. + + CHRISTIAN + I can imagine. Today was a lot. + + DANI + I feel like the neck on my skin is + getting tighter. Like I’m choking. + + Dani pulls at her neck. Christian puts a hand on her + shoulder. + + CHRISTIAN + 86. + + + You okay, baby? + + DANI + (looking up at him) + Are you just not at all disturbed + by what happened? + + CHRISTIAN + I mean, of course, it was shocking. + But I’m also trying to keep an open + mind. + +Dani just stares at him. + + CHRISTIAN + It’s - cultural. We put our elderly + in nursing homes. I’m sure they + find that disturbing. + +Dani EYES him, disturbed by his nonchalance. She then +sees... In the b.g., a congregation of WOMEN are migrating +off together. + +DAGNY, whom we met earlier, splits from the group to RUN +over to Dani and Christian. + + DAGNY + Dani! Do you like to join us? + + DANI + Why? What’s happening? + + DAGNY + A special ceremony - for the + womans. + (to Christian) + The mans are joining for a - + meditate. At the houses. + +Dani looks to Christian, fraught. He gives her a “go ahead” +look. + +Dani looks over to the flock of women and sees an equally +unnerved CONNIE. + +MOMENTS LATER + +Dani uneasily joins Connie in the migrating crowd of women. + +They’re approaching a RIVER, which seems to GLOW in the +distance. + + DANI + 87. + + + Did they tell you what this is? + + CONNIE + (shakes head) + Someone better not be jumping off + another fucking cliff. + + Dani pulls again at her neck - still feeling claustrophobic + in her own skin. + + +52 EXT. FIELD - MOMENTS LATER 52 + + All the men are seated in a mass circle for a GROUP + MEDITATION (which hasn’t yet begun). Isolated in the center + of the circle is an Elder. He is the MEDITATION LEADER. + (Outside the circle, a GROUP OF MEN decorate a TREE that + has been pulled from the earth. + + They adorn it in various FLOWERS and HANDMADE ORNAMENTS.) + Christian joins Mark in the circle. + + CHRISTIAN + Nice nap? + + Mark, eyes elsewhere, leans over to WHISPER: + + MARK + That girl over there keeps chatting + me up, but she speaks like zero + English. + + Mark is pointing to the PRETTY BRUNETTE from earlier. + + CHRISTIAN + Oh yeah. She’s cute. + + MARK + Right? She keeps eyeing me. + + Christian pauses, and then: + + CHRISTIAN + (can’t help himself) + Don’t you kinda hate Josh? + + +53 EXT. WATER WELL - SAME TIME 53 + + Pelle stands by the well, drawing up water. Josh appears. + + JOSH + Hey. Can I talk to you? PELLE + 88. + + + PELLE +Sure. But we’re being called for +the meditation-- + + JOSH +Has Christian come to you yet? + + PELLE +...About what? + + JOSH + (quickly) +Okay - so listen: And you can +obviously say “no,” but point- +blank: I wanna do my thesis here. +On this. + + PELLE +Oh which? The nine-day feast? + + JOSH +Or - yes, but no: On you guys. On +the Hårgas. And Itold Christian +this already, and now I think he’s +trying to pretend that it was his +idea, so if he comes to you-- + + PELLE +Okay, well... +Well, no, hey, wait a minute: I +seriously doubt the elders will +approve of anything being written. +They’re extremely protective. + + JOSH +Yeah, of course, and I wouldn’t do +anything without their approval or +permission. + + PELLE +Yeah, but - they won’t approve, +Josh. The only reason we’ve +survived at all is because we +operate in total isolation. + + JOSH +Right: So I can just use aliases +for everything! + + PELLE +Then what would be the point? You +couldn’t even get it peer reviewed! + (before Josh can argue) + 89. + + + Christian did already ask me this, + by the way. I told him the exact + same thing I’m telling you. + + JOSH + ...I thought you just said he + hadn’t talked to you. + + PELLE + (annoyed) + Fuck, look: I’ll ask the elders. + Okay? But if it’s approved, you + either both do it together or you + fight it out between yourselves. + + Pelle puts his hands up to signify “That’s it.” He walks + off toward the MEDITATION CIRCLE. + + +54 EXT. FIELD - MOMENTS LATER 54 + + Pelle walks to an Elder near the back of the circle. He + WHISPERS in his ear. As this happens, Josh hovers in the + distance. He WATCHES Pelle’s interaction, in suspense. + + Christian, still sitting in the circle, SEES Josh staring + at Pelle. Christian becomes instantly PARANOID. He RISES. + + CHRISTIAN + (to Mark) + I’m gonna - take a leak. + + Christian walks off towards a wall of BUSHES. Josh sees + this, hesitates, and then warily FOLLOWS. He keeps a + healthy distance. (Pelle’s EYES are now on both of them.) + + Once Christian is hidden by foliage, he sneakily RUNS off. + He pursues the crowd of women, who are off in the distance. + + MEANWHILE, Mark looks helpless in the meditation circle. + + MEDITATION LEADER + (in Swedish) + We begin now. Close your eyes. + + +55 EXT. RIVER - SAME TIME 55 + + The women arrive at the river. Hundreds of LANTERNS have + been set up around the water to resemble a FIERY NECKLACE. + In the river’s center, NINE BURNING TORCHES protrude from a + BUOY atop the water. + 90. + + +The women have stopped at a spot near the river. Everyone +stands seriously about. Siv walks up to a mystified Dani +and Connie. + + SIV + Do you admire the Brísingamen? + + CONNIE + The lanterns? + + SIV + Glädje’s necklace made by the + fairies. We give it now to her + mother, Kärlek, as praise for + creating our sun. + +Dani and Connie don’t understand, nor do they inquire +further. + +Siv laughs, seeing their confusion. + + SIV + Think of it like theatre. Strictly + presentational. Yes? + +Dani placates her by nodding. Siv smiles and directs their +attention to the CENTER of the congregation. + +One of the female elders - a LARGE WOMAN (60s) with sturdy +legs - holds the sacred book Rubi Radr. She takes a moment +as everyone quiets down. She then reads a passage (in +Swedish) out loud. She reads with clarity and authority. +After she has finished... A GROUP OF NINE WOMEN (three in +their 20s, three in their 30s/ 40s, and three in their +50s/60s) all DISROBE. They are now NUDE. + +A woman begins playing the KEY-HARP. After the tune is +established, three women begin to SING. It is a WORDLESS +choral song - comprised only of expressive/abstract sounds +that evoke a range of feelings and tell a strictly +emotional story. + +As this is sung, the nude women walk to the RIVER. They +descend into the water and swim towards the center. The +song continues. + 91. + + + The nude women arrive at the burning buoy. They wait for + the song to reach a bridge, and then they each draw a + FLAMING TORCH from the buoy. Holding up their torches, the + nude women now step carefully onto what must be underwater + planks. They are still up to their necks in water. As the + song crescendos, they slowly walk up the planks (each of + which move in separate directions) to emerge from the + water. + + SIV + (explaining to Dani) + The women represents the sun. The + sea gave birth to the sun, so + they’re like - + (gestures “rising up”) + - from the womb. + + Dani and Connie watch. It is hypnotic. + + Christian, having just caught up, WATCHES this ritual from + behind a tree. Josh, a good distance behind Christian, also + watches. Transfixed. + + The women all arrive onto the shore at the same time. They + rest their torches, and the song comes to an end. + + Siv looks to a young RED-HAIRED WOMAN (30s), who runs off + to now fetch the men. + + +56 EXT. FARMSTEAD - MOMENTS LATER 56 + + The Red-Haired Woman gives a signal to ODD. Odd then + gestures to the MEN handling the decorated tree. They all + LIFT the tree, and one man strikes a BELL. This ROUSES the + men from their meditation. + + MEDITATION LEADER + (in Swedish) + Now we stop. + + Odd addresses the meditators. + + ODD + Okay everyone! Let us form a + procession. Following the tree. + + Everybody rises, still coming out of their collective + trance. + + They queue up to follow the decorated tree. + 92. + + +57 EXT. RIVER - MOMENTS LATER 57 + + The men carrying the tree ARRIVE at the river, joining the + women. The nude women are now dressed. + + Christian awkwardly joins the crowd. As does Josh. + + After a moment, the Large Woman announces to the river: + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + In thanks and praise, Great + Goddess, we bestow upon you this + modest gift. + + Music is played as the men HOIST up the lavish tree, run it + towards the river, and HURL it into the water. The river + gulps the tree down. + + A horn bellows. + + A THIN MAN (40s) steps out to announce, quite theatrically: + + THIN MAN + (in Swedish) + Oh no! Did you hear that rumbling? + I think she is still hungry. + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + I heard no rumbling. + (to the crowd) + Did any of you? + + Grumblings all around. The consensus is “no.” + + THIN MAN + (in Swedish) + Ah, well - I suppose it could have + been my own belly. + + Some polite laughter among the congregation. + + THIN MAN + (in Swedish) + But I do not wish to risk offending + our generous Mother. + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + 93. + + + Nor do I. Yet we have already given + our finest jewels and most fruitful + tree. What else could we possibly + offer? + +Then a YOUNG BOY (10) is heard among the crowd. + + YOUNG BOY (O.S.) + You can use me! + +The crowd OPENS UP to reveal the young boy. He is adorned +in the same jewels and flowers as the tree. His costume is +an imitation of the tree’s. He is clearly reciting lines +(with less confidence than the Thin Man and Large Woman). + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + You, young Ame, wish to offer your + life to our beloved Goddess? + + YOUNG BOY + (in Swedish) + If She will have it. + + THIN MAN + (in Swedish) + How brave you are, little Ame! + + YOUNG BOY + (in Swedish) + Brave? What is brave in going home? + +Horns are played as the Young Boy steps forward to stand +before the men who tossed the tree. They reluctantly lift +the boy up and carry him to the river. + +Dani starts to PANIC. + + DANI + (to Siv) + No. What’s happening? + +Siv SMILES. + +The boy is taken to the edge of the river, and the men +begin to SWING him back and forth. They are preparing to +launch him into the water. + + DANI + NO!!! + +This mingles with other protestations from the crowd: + + Å + 94. + + + HÅRGAN #1 + (in Swedish) + No! Don’t! + + HÅRGAN #2 + (in Swedish) + Leave him be! He has shown his + bravery! + + The crowd erupts into a CACOPHONY OF STAGED PROTEST. The + men stop swinging the boy. After sufficient heckling, the + men RELEASE the boy. He then runs to SIV, bashfully burying + his face into her dress. She pats his head with pride. + + Everyone APPLAUDS. The performance seems to be over. Dani + looks completely disoriented. + + Connie, who has now been joined by Simon, turns to Siv. + + CONNIE + So, is this like a Wiccan thing? + + SIV + (confused at first) + Wicca? Oh my dear no! This is about + reciprocity. + + CONNIE + Okay... + + SIV + Strictly presentational. + + Connie looks skeptical. Dani still looks crazed. She turns + to find CHRISTIAN, who (in contrast) looks very amused. + + +58 EXT. FIELD - MINUTES LATER 58 + + Dani has pulled Christian to a secluded spot. She is very + high-strung. In the b.g., the Hårgas’ WATER POWER PLANT is + visible. + + DANI + Please Christian - we need to + leave. This is feeling really + wrong. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay: look: I know it’s weird. + That’s because it’s alien. We + haven’t ever been exposed to + anything like this. + 95. + + + DANI + No, Christian: this is pagan nature + worship. This is completely + backwards. We shouldn’t be here. + + CHRISTIAN + We just need to acclimate-- + + DANI + I don’t want to acclimate! I want + to leave. + + CHRISTIAN + Baby, I cannot leave right now. + Period. I’m doing my thesis on + these guys-- + + DANI + What? Since when?! + + CHRISTIAN + Since I decided! Today. Which you + know has been a nightmare for me to + figure out. And I made the mistake + of telling Josh and now he’s + competing with me-- + + DANI + So let him have it if he wants it! + We shouldn’t be here, Christian. + But why have they invited us? And + why did Pelle?! + + CHRISTIAN + No, hey - have you even seen what’s + happening here?! This level of + tradition? And nobody knows about + it, nobody’s written on it - and + they’ve invited us to be part of + it! Can’t you see what a privilege + that is?! Because Pelle did! + Because he trusts us! + + DANI + And why would he trust you, of all + people? You’re opportunistic + anthropology students. + + CHRISTIAN + (stubborn) + Not necessarily. + +Dani HESITATES, seeing that she’s getting nowhere. + 96. + + + DANI + I want to leave. + + CHRISTIAN + Then you can leave. I invited you + to come, and I don’t regret that, + but I’m here for a reason. + + Beat. Christian’s eyes are ice cold. + + DANI + ...Do you not love me anymore? + + CHRISTIAN + (momentarily stunned) + What does that have to do with + this? + + DANI + (almost to herself) + This is the devaluation phase. + We've been in it for a long time + now. Next comes the discard. + + CHRISTIAN + Oh fuck - can you maybe spare our + relationship the psychology 101? + + DANI + No - this has been happening for a + long time! You’ve been pulling + away... And I've been in denial. + + CHRISTIAN + (finished) + Oh, please babe - give yourself + some credit. Looks to me like + you've got it all figured out. + + Christian turns and STORMS away. + + DANI + Oh my -- you’re gonna walk away + now?? + + As he leaves, she cries out: + + DANI + You’re just gonna leave me like + this?! + + +59 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 59 + 97. + + + People are laying boards over the windows, bringing the + Main House into darkness. + + Dani enters with sunken eyes. Christian’s already in bed. + Staring at him, Dani walks to JOSH. (She is pulling at her + neck again.) + + DANI + Do you have a sleeping pill? + + JOSH + Sure. Uh... + + Josh fishes a PILL out of his bag. + + JOSH + They’re intense, though. You might + wanna cut it in half. + + DANI + I just need to sleep. + + She swallows it whole. + + +60 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 60 + + Silence. Everyone is asleep, including Dani. + + There is RUSTLING heard off-screen. Dani WAKES. She sits up + to see... + + Christian’s bed is now EMPTY. So is Mark’s bed. And Josh’s. + + Concerned, Dani looks to the DOOR. Mark, Josh, Pelle and + Christian are quietly tip-toeing out of the house. They + GIGGLE. Christian is the last to exit. + + Confused, Dani climbs out of bed. She rushes to the door. + + Dani looks OUTSIDE to see that the group is now inside the + RENTAL MINIVAN, which is IDLING off. Pelle drives, + LAUGHING. Christian, in the back seat, looks out the back + window. HE SMILES GIDDILY AT DANI as they drive away. + + Dani watches this in utter horror. + + The diminishing car’s TAILPIPE belches thick black smoke. + + Dani opens her mouth in anguish. An impossible amount of + BLACK SMOKE (the same color as that from the tailpipe) + escapes her lungs, FILLING the frame, and then-- + 98. + + + We SLAM to a HARSH INSERT of the GORED FACE of the second + Elder who jumped off the cliff. He GASPS wretchedly. + + We then PUNCH OUT, wider, to reveal that the dashed bodies + on the rocks are DANI’S PARENTS and her SISTER. We then CUT + TO: + + +61 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 61 + + Dani is ASLEEP in bed. The last scene was a DREAM. Her + eyelids twitch as she continues to suffer the nightmare. + + We pan away from Dani to reveal that MAJA, several beds + over, is AWAKE. She anxiously fingers a freshly carved RUNE + STONE. Her eyes are GLUED to Christian, who is fast asleep. + + Maja climbs out of bed and tip-toes to Christian’s bed. She + crouches to SLIDE the rune stone under his mattress. She + then runs nervously back to her bed. + + JOSH, whom we now reveal to be awake, has been watching + this. + + +62 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - MORNING 62 + + All of the beds are now empty, and morning activity is + heard outside. Dani, however, is still asleep. + + +63 EXT. MEADOW - NEXT MORNING 63 + + Pelle plants vegetables in the garden. + + Josh, accompanied by Mark, approaches Pelle. Watching this, + Christian lingers in the b.g. + + JOSH + Hey man. Any word? + + Pelle looks up to see Josh. He SIGHS and rises. + + PELLE + They said you can do it as long as + you absolutely don’t use names and + the location is never even hinted + at. And they’re gonna have you sign + an agreement to that. + + JOSH + (nodding, excited) + Okay. Wow. Okay. + 99. + + +Josh can’t contain his glee. + + PELLE + And you split it with Christian. + Because he came to me first. + + JOSH + Well, that’s -- We’ll figure that + out. + +Mark notices in the distance: One MAN has climbed to the +top of a TREE to fetch a strange, FLOWERING PINECONE from +the tip of a branch. At the base of the tree is a crowd of +observing men. + + MARK + What are they doing? + + JOSH + Gathering...charms. + +The climbing man CUTS the cone with a golden blade. The men +CHEER. + + JOSH + (to Pelle) + Here: can I ask you something? + +Josh pulls Maja’s RUNE STONE out of his pocket. + + JOSH + I found this under Christian’s bed. + Do you know what this is? + + PELLE + (looking over it) + Love rune. It casts a love spell. + +CHRISTIAN walks over. Josh CONCEALS the rune. + + CHRISTIAN + What’s going on? + + PELLE + The elders said you can do your + thesis as long as you don’t use + actual names or location. + + CHRISTIAN + Holy shit. That’s incredible. Thank + you so much. + + PELLE + 100. + + + You’re splitting it with Josh. + + CHRISTIAN + (as if Josh isn’t there) + I already told him that’s totally + fine with me. + +Pelle notices Christian glancing over at Maja. + + PELLE + I think my sister Maja has taken a + liking to you. + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah. I think I noticed. + +In the b.g., a COW and a LAMB are being led across the +field by different Hårgans. + + PELLE + (raising eyebrows) + You know, she just got her + byxmyndig. + + CHRISTIAN + Ha. What’s that? + + PELLE + It means - + (smiling at the silly + expression) + - “pants license”? When you turn + fifteen, you’re allowed to have + sex. + + MARK + (pointing) + How ‘bout that one? Is she + licensed? + +Mark is pointing out the BRUNETTE that he has a crush on. + + PELLE + (laughs) + Inga? Oh yes. + +Pelle is SUMMONED by a few men struggling to carry +equipment. + +He goes off to help them. + 101. + + + At the same time, Mark catches the brunette, INGA, looking + at him again. He suddenly feels COMPELLED to do something. + He starts marching in the direction of the climbing men. + + CHRISTIAN + Mark? + + +64 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - MORNING 64 + + Dani stirs awake. Extremely groggy. + + DANI + (as if still dreaming) + Christian? + + +65 EXT. FARMSTEAD - SAME TIME 65 + + Mark has arrived at an OAK TREE with a particularly large + PINECONE (also bearing a flower) at the top. Its base has + been tied with rope. Mark begins to CLIMB it. + + CHRISTIAN + Wait, dude. Maybe hold off. + + MARK + I’m gonna “gather a charm.” + + Josh and Christian look uneasy as Mark quickly scales the + Oak. As he climbs past a few branches, a BEARDED MAN (40s) + is heard off-screen: + + BEARDED MAN (O.S.) + NEJ!!! + + Mark FREEZES. The Bearded Man runs over. This is ULF. + + ULF + (in Swedish) + WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET OFF! GET + DOWN! + + Mark, now standing motionless on a branch, looks stupefied. + The branch suddenly SNAPS beneath his feet, and he comes + TUMBLING to the ground. He lands HARD on his ass. + + Ulf desperately picks up the BROKEN BRANCH. He then notices + that the tree’s mud-plugged CLEFT (wrapped in rope) has + BROKEN OPEN. + + ULF + (in Swedish) + 102. + + + Oh no no no... What have you done? + +People have started gathering around. He appeals to them: + + ULF + (in Swedish) + Can we put it back on? Can we...? + + MARK + What’s wrong? What did I do? + +Pelle has run over. + + PELLE + What happened? + + ULF + (in Swedish, heartbroken) + Your American friend. He desecrated + my tree. + + PELLE + (gasps, in Swedish) + I’m so sorry, Father Ulf! He didn’t + know. + + MARK + What happened? What did I do? + + PELLE + You climbed his tree. + + MARK + His tree? So what? I’m sorry. + + ULF + (suddenly enraged) + “So what?!” + + MARK + What?! I didn’t know! + +Ulf is clearly in a fury. He STIFLES it, but his eyes are +frighteningly wide. + + PELLE + Here, Mark: let’s just... + +Pelle leads Mark away. + + MARK + What the fuck? How is it his tree? + What’s even happening? + 103. + + + PELLE + That tree cured him of pneumonia + when he was a baby. + + MARK + What? How?! No it didn’t. + + PELLE + He believes it did. And now + his health and his life are tied to + that tree. If it gets hurt, he gets + hurt. + +Mark looks over to Ulf, who has collapsed into TEARS. The +Thin Elder speaks soothingly to him. + + THIN ELDER + (in Swedish) + We can reattach the branch. It’s a + minor wound. Barely anything. + + ULF + (in Swedish) + What about the cleft? + +Mark calms down. + + MARK + Well - fuck. I am sorry. I still + don’t understand what I did... Do I + apologize? + + PELLE + Apologize later. + +The Pretty Brunette, INGA, has walked up. + + MARK + Oh shit. Hi. + + INGA + (to Pelle, in Swedish) + Tell him it’s okay. He didn’t know. + I will talk to father Ulf. + +She SMILES at Mark and walks off. + + PELLE + (explaining) + She said to tell you it’s okay and + that she’ll explain to him your + mistake. + 104. + + + MARK + (overjoyed) + Seriously? What else did she say? + + Christian sees DANI in the distance, woozily looking for + him. He walks over to her, affecting pleasantness. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey! + + DANI + (seeing him) + Oh! + + CHRISTIAN + You get some good sleep? + + They arrive at each other. He gives her a peck. + + DANI + I’m sorry about last night. + + CHRISTIAN + ...How you feeling? + + DANI + (pause, emotional) + I don’t want us to be fighting, + Christian. + + CHRISTIAN + Well - me neither. + + Christian looks like he wants to say more. Dani waits for + it. Finally, Christian thinks better of it. + + CHRISTIAN + Are you feeling less nervous today? + + Dani pauses uncertainly at this. + + HORNS bellow in the b.g. A ceremony is beginning somewhere, + and all the Hårgans are presently migrating over a hill. + PELLE, standing at a distance, is waving Dani and Christian + over. + + +66 EXT. HILL - DAY 66 + + ECU of a BABY BULL’S HIND LEGS, tied together with rope. + The rope is PULLED SWIFTLY UP. + 105. + + +ECU of a LAMB’S HIND LEGS, also tied together. The rope is +yanked up. + +ECU of a BABY HORSE’S HIND LEGS, also tied. The rope pulls +UP. + +We now cut to a WIDE SHOT of the top of a HILL. NINE +ANIMALS (lamb, goat, dog, baby horse, baby bull, baby cow, +pig, rabbit, and three tied-together chickens) have been +STRUNG UPSIDE-DOWN. + +They are all alive. Each of them is separated by about five +feet. + +The THIN ELDER stands to the side of the line-up. On the +other side is SIV. + +The entire community has congregated at the bottom of the +hill. Dani looks very nervous. She turns to Pelle, who +already looks concerned for her. + + DANI + Do I want to stay for this? + + PELLE + ...Maybe you should not. + +Dani looks to Christian. He looks very excited. She turns +back to the top of the hill, anxious. + +Siv speaks exultantly to the air (in Swedish). When she +finishes, STEADY PERCUSSION BEGINS. The Thin Elder strikes +a different POSE (physically and emotionally) with every +percussive hit. + +The RED-HAIRED WOMAN, reading from the holy book Rubi Radr, +begins to SING. As we’ve heard before, it is a WORDLESS +choral song. + +Nine YOUNG MEN, each holding a blade, walk up to the +animals. + +Simultaneously, they all SLIT THE ANIMALS’ THROATS. The +animals THRASH wildly as BLOOD drains from their necks. +(The song has degraded into anguished snarls and cries.) + +That does it. Dani STORMS OFF. Christian is too awe- +stricken to care. Josh, meanwhile, is taking covert PHOTOS +with his phone. + 106. + + + Beneath each animal, a narrow CHANNEL has been pre-carved + into the earth. Each channel winds and loops to eventually + converge, thus forming a MASSIVE RUNIC SYMBOL (symbolizing + fertility). The blood pours from each animal to run down + the separate canals. + + Soon, the blood has co-mingled to fill the carefully- + engineered runic sculpture. It’s horrible and beautiful. + + Josh and Christian, briefly joined in their excitement, + trade looks of amazement. Mark looks mystified. + + MARK + This is fuckin’ weird, no? + + Pelle now goes after Dani, who is speed-walking away. + + In the b.g., Simon can be heard saying: + + SIMON (O.S.) + What the fuck did you bring us to? + + Christian looks over at this. SIMON, who looks very scared, + is confronting a grinning Ingemar. + + SIMON + (to Ingemar, + aggressively) + Why are you smiling, mate? + + +67 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 67 + + Dani speed-walks (with intermittent running) toward the + Main House in the distance. Pelle follows her, glancing + over his shoulder to view more of the ceremony. + + +68 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - MINUTES LATER 68 + + Dani enters the Main House, eyes crazed. She goes to her + bed and begins hastily packing her bag. Her breathing is + erratic and she’s pulling at her neck again (as if to + loosen the skin). + + Pelle enters. + + PELLE + Dani? + + Dani looks up, teeth chattering with anxiety. + + DANI + 107. + + + I’m really sorry, Pelle. Thank you + for inviting me, but I really need + to go. Can someone maybe drive me? + + PELLE + I did warn you this time. I know it + looks extreme, but we only do this + once every ninety years. It’s - + what’s the word...? + + DANI + I understand that it’s momentous. + + PELLE + (that was the word) + Right! Exactly! + + DANI + (snapping) + I don’t know why we’re here, Pelle! + I don’t know why you invited us! + + PELLE + Okay: Here: Sit down. Please. + +He sits Dani down. He plants himself beside her, taking her +hands. + + PELLE + I invited my friends because this + is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and I + wanted to share it. Especially with + my friends who I knew would + appreciate it, because I am proud + of this place. + + DANI + But I’m not an anthropologist. I + don’t have the foundation to + understand this. + + PELLE + And yet I was the most excited for + you to come. + +Pelle has pulled a special POUCH from his pocket. He draws +something out. + + PELLE + Here: smell this. + +He places a homemade sachet (containing a SPECIAL HERB) +under her nose. + 108. + + + DANI + What is it? + + PELLE + It calms you down. + +She pauses before smelling it. + + PELLE + Go on. Inhale. I will, too. + +Demonstrating, he INHALES the herb deeply. He puts it back +to her nose, and she does the same. She’s still trembling. + + PELLE + Isn’t that nice?... I know what + you’re going through, Dani. + + DANI + What am I going through? I’m + scared. I can’t breathe. + + PELLE + You’re going through a lot. + + PELLE + I know you are, and I’m gonna say + something now, because my birth + parents are both gone, too-- + + DANI + What?! + (crying now) + That’s not what I’m talking about! + + PELLE + 109. + + + I know, and that’s fine, but + please... My birth-parents both + died when I was a little boy. They + burned up in a fire, and I became - + technically - an orphan. So believe + me when I say I know what that is, + because I do. Yet my difference is: + I didn’t get a chance to feel lost. + Because I had a family - here - + where everyone embraced me and + swept me up and I was raised by a + community that doesn’t distinguish + between what is theirs and what is + not theirs. That’s what you were + sacrificed to. But I - have always + felt...held. By a family. A real + family. Which everyone deserves. + And you deserve. + +Dani looks down at Pelle’s hands GRIPPING hers. + + DANI + Christian could walk in. + + PELLE + He’s what I’m talking about. And + he’s my good friend and I like + him... But do you feel HELD by him, + Dani? Does he feel like a HOME to + you? + +His eyes are locked intensely on Dani’s. She doesn’t turn +away. + + PELLE + My pilgrimage has been fun. New + York is fun... But I also find it + terrifying how people live. As if + it’s necessary and even good to be + lost and drifting...and I haven’t + spent one night over there that I + haven’t longed to be back here...in + the lap of the Hårgas. + +Dani looks almost hypnotized as she looks into Pelle’s +eyes. + + PELLE + Stay, Dani. Please. It will be + good... And I swear we’re all + finished sacrificing animals. + 110. + + + Dani gives a weak half-laugh. She relents. She sits up + straight and wipes her eyes, regaining composure. + + PELLE + Good. + + Pelle stands up. + + DANI + You’re a very empathic person, do + you know that? + + PELLE + Well, our first language here is + strictly emotion-based. So I could + just be using that to manipulate + you. + + Dani pauses at this. Pelle sticks his TONGUE out, teasing. + + Dani SMILES, relieved. + + PELLE + You are very vulnerable, though. + And I mean that in a great way. + It’s very rare. It’s beautiful. + + Dani is touched, but tries to hide it. + + DANI + (re: the herb) + Can I smell that again? + + +69 EXT. HILL - SAME TIME 69 + + The ceremony has ended. Groups are now setting up TABLES + for lunch. As usual, they’re being laid out in a particular + pattern. + + Simon and Connie stand frozen, traumatized. Simon is + visibly DISTRAUGHT. He stares up at the top of the HILL, + where the dangling, blood-drained animals are now being cut + down. + + SIMON + Are we eating those animals? + + INGEMAR + Not those ones. + + SIMON + And why not? + 111. + + + INGEMAR + (seeing the aggression) + ...Because they weren’t killed for + that. + + SIMON + So what were they killed for? So we + could watch that shit and clap? + +Ingemar smiles. This infuriates Simon. + + SIMON (CONT’D) + What the fuck is that smile, mate? + Get it off. + + CONNIE + (trying to calm him) + Simon... + +This has drawn attention. People are now looking over. + + INGEMAR + (gesturing) + We can talk about this over here. + + SIMON + Why didn’t we talk about it before + you took us here? + +Ingemar gently touches Simon’s arm to lead him away. + + SIMON + (pulling back his arm) + Don’t sort me out, mate! + +The PLUMP ELDER speaks up. + + PLUMP ELDER + What’s offending you, son? + + SIMON + What’s offending me? Besides the + fact I just saw something I can’t + ever unsee, I’m offended that + you’re teaching impressionable kids + to sacrifice living, innocent + animals - including a fucking + defenseless dog-- + +One middle-aged WOMAN (50s) speaks up. + + WOMAN + 112. + + + We sacrificed defenseless animals + yesterday, too! To fill your belly! + + PLUMP ELDER + Why are we using “sacrifice” like + it’s a dirty word? SIMON + + SIMON + Because it’s fucking medieval! + + WOMAN + Why are you swearing?! We’re not + swearing! + + PLUMP ELDER + (to Simon) + You’ll find that sacrifice is + essential in any relationship. + Let’s put it in your terms-- + + SIMON + You don’t know my terms! + + PLUMP ELDER + (continuing, louder) + Say you find yourself entangled + with a lover who can’t put your + needs before her own. + + CONNIE + What’s that supposed to mean?! + + PLUMP ELDER + (to Connie now) + Say you learn that your partner + can’t part with even a fraction of + his own comfort to give you what + you need. And show that you’re + appreciated. + (to both of them now) + Wouldn’t you start to resent this + person? Wouldn’t your own + performance begin to lack, knowing + they’re not pulling their weight? + Wouldn’t you want to punish that + person for taking you for granted? + (to Simon) + Sacrifice is proof. And without it, + no union can last. + +Beat. Simon pops the bubble: + + SIMON + 113. + + + Alright. Thank you for that. And + now we’ve seen two people kill + themselves and nine animals get + bled to death, so I think we’re + leaving. + + PLUMP ELDER + I’ll happily drive you to the + station. + + SIMON + Lovely. Thank you. + (to Connie) + Let’s go. We’re getting our things. + + PLUMP ELDER + (gesturing) + I do need your help jumping the + truck, if you’ll be so kind. + + Simon pauses. + + SIMON + (to Connie) + Go pack our stuff. I’ll pick you up + out front in - + (to the Plump Elder) + - what, five minutes? + + PLUMP ELDER + Fine. + + Connie doesn’t want to go alone. She hesitates and then + walks quickly off. We TRACK alongside Connie, following her + away. + + As Connie speed-walks, PANIC rises in her. She looks back a + few times, making sure that she’s not being followed. + + She arrives at the MAIN HOUSE. Dani and Josh are standing + outside. They watch her storm past. + + DANI + Are you okay, Connie? + + CONNIE + (not stopping) + Yeah. Sorry. We’re actually + leaving. + + +70 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 70 + 114. + + + Connie rushes to her bed. She starts throwing her things + into her suitcase. + + +71 EXT. THE MAIN HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER 71 + + Connie stops outside the door, gripping her and Simon’s + bags. She turns to Dani as she waits for Simon. + + CONNIE + (anxious) + It was really lovely meeting you, + Dani. + + DANI + Yeah, it was lovely meeting you, + too. + + CONNIE + Sorry to just leave like this. + Simon’s coming with the car. + + DANI + I understand. I might be right + behind you. + + CONNIE + (on overdrive) + Simon went mental. Christ. I feel + sick. + (then) + We exchanged emails an’ all that, + yeah? + + DANI + No. We didn’t. + + CONNIE + Oh. I’m Connie-dot-Brahms at + AOL.com. + + DANI + Connie-dot-Brahms. I’ll write you. + + CONNIE + Yeah. Lovely. Sorry to just leave + like this. + + ODD comes running up. + + ODD + Connie! Simon told me to tell + you... + 115. + + + (arrives) + Jan drove him to the train station. + After Simon gets dropped off, he’s + sending the truck straight back for + you - + + CONNIE + What? + + ODD + - and you’ll meet him there. + + CONNIE + No. Why would he go without me? He + wouldn’t do that. + + ODD + The truck only had room for two. + + CONNIE + What does that mean? That’s not + real. Why wouldn’t he tell me? + + ODD + Today’s only train leaves in ninety + minutes. It takes forty-five + minutes to drive there and back. + They didn’t want to waste time. + + CONNIE + So I could have sat on his lap! + + ODD + Simon mentioned that, too. We don’t + break traffic laws. + +Connie looks to Dani, incredulous. + + CONNIE + (to Odd) + They just left without me, just + now? + + ODD + There wasn’t room in the truck. Yet + it is coming right back. For you. + +Connie shakes her head, not buying it. She WALKS OFF, on a +mission to find out more. Odd turns to Dani: + + ODD + Lunch has been called. + 116. + + +72 EXT. FIELD - DAY 72 + + Lunch time. Everyone is seated at the tables (which are + connected to form a HELIX shape). + + ULF, still panicked over the damage done to “his tree,” is + consulting a BESPECTACLED ELDER. + + ULF + (in Swedish) + It feels like a tingling. Like a + numbness in my arm. + + The Elder presses his arm. MARK watches this, very nervous. + Farther down the table, CHRISTIAN sits beside a HAPPY MAN + (30s). + + Christian takes NOTES as he asks questions. Two Hårga women + listen in, smiling. Christian’s eyes keep straying to JOSH, + who is also questioning people. They are now RACING to + gather info. + + CHRISTIAN + How are roles or jobs assigned? + + HAPPY MAN + Well - that’s based on traits we + show as children. For example: + (points to the + bespectacled elder) + He was assigned “to protect,” so he + did his pilgrimage as doctor. + + Christian quickly writes this down as DANI arrives at the + table. She sits next to Christian. + + CHRISTIAN + Hey. You okay? + + DANI + ...Simon left without Connie. + + CHRISTIAN + (faux concern) + Really? That’s so shitty. + + Christian bluntly returns his attention to the Happy Man. + Dani PAUSES, disturbed by Christian’s indifference. For the + first time, she actually looks scared of him. + + CHRISTIAN + (to Happy Man) + Is incest ever a problem? + 117. + + + HAPPY MAN + Ha! Well...the bloodlines are very + well preserved, so - the elders + must approve mates. + + Christian is taking feverish notes. Dani watches him with a + new kind of SCRUTINY; a new kind of distrust. As Christian + writes, he GLANCES over at: + + JOSH, who is now interrogating an uncomfortable BALD MAN + (40s). + + JOSH + What about the holy text? Ruby + Radr? + + BALD MAN + Um...I cannot answer this for you. + You might ask a elder. + + +73 EXT. FIELD - DAY 73 + + Lunch is over. Josh is now interrogating the Thin Elder on + the grass. + + THIN ELDER + I don’t understand: You want to see + it? + + JOSH + I wouldn’t even touch. + + THIN ELDER + It’s written in our Affect + language. You would not be able to + read it... + + +74 EXT. FARMSTEAD - DAY 74 + + Dani walks idly around, thinking about her exchange with + Pelle (and about Simon leaving Connie). She holds the + folded DRAWING that Pelle gave her for her birthday. As the + gears turn in her head, her attention falls on... + + A large KITCHEN in one of the houses. A group of WOMEN (all + ages) collaborate to prepare dinner. One SMALL WOMAN (40s) + sees Dani and waves her over. Dani pauses and then + approaches. + + SMALL WOMAN + Would you like to help join us? + 118. + + + DANI + Sure! But actually - have you seen + Simon? + + SMALL WOMAN + Oh, yes, he was driven to the + station. Did you not say goodbye? + + DANI + No. I didn’t. But that’s okay... + (mind still racing) + What are we making? + + SMALL WOMAN + Meat tarts! + + Dani smiles “ooh!” and joins the women. She’s handed an + apron. Another Woman says something to Dani in Swedish. + + SMALL WOMAN + (translating) + She says you’re so beautiful. + + DANI + Oh! She’s so beautiful! + + Meanwhile, MAJA is preparing a tray of unbaked MEAT PIES. + One of the pies is clearly very special. She distinguishes + this one by laying a special BASIL LEAF on top. + + +75 EXT. FARMSTEAD - SAME TIME 75 + + SIV stands among labouring men, staring at the KITCHEN + WINDOW. She watches Dani. + + +76 INT. TEMPLE - SAME TIME 76 + + The HOLY TEMPLE. Josh stands near the altar with the Thin + Elder, who has pulled the Rubi Radr from an elevated + pedestal. + + He shows Josh the text (written in the graphic Affect + language - a combination of runes and abstract hand + paintings). + + THIN ELDER + We describe it like “emotional + sheet music.” + + JOSH + What does it say? + 119. + + + THIN ELDER + Well...each runic letter represents + one of the 16 affects, which are + graded from most holy to most + unholy. This here is about Grief. + You can see at the end, however, we + have blank pages? + +Indeed the last half of the book is BLANK. + + THIN ELDER + This is because the Rubi Radr is a + constant work in progress. Always + evolving. + + JOSH + And who decides what’s added? + + THIN ELDER + Well - this iteration is being + written by Ruben. + +The Thin Elder points to RUBEN, the mentally disabled boy, +who is playing outside. + + JOSH + Wait. The...disabled? + + THIN ELDER + Since birth. He draws and the + Elders interpret. + +He shows Josh the first pages. They are marked by a BABY’S +HANDPRINTS - all in different colors of paint. (Below the +drawings are runic interpretations.) + + THIN ELDER + Ruben is unclouded by normal + cognition. It makes him open for + the source. + + JOSH + So...what happens when Ruben dies? + Do you just wait until a new baby + isn't “clouded”? + + THIN ELDER + Ruben was a product of inbreeding. + All of our Oracles have been + deliberate products of inbreeding. + +Josh’s jaw hangs. He hides his amazement. + 120. + + + JOSH + Can I possibly take a photograph? + + THIN ELDER + (suddenly alarmed) + What? No. Absolutely not. + + The Elder CLOSES the book. + + JOSH + Okay. Sorry. + + THIN ELDER + Absolutely not. + + A TENSE beat. Broken suddenly by: + + SCREAMING, outside. They TURN. + + CONNIE (O.S.) + SIMON!! SIMON!! + + +77 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 77 + + CONNIE, panicked and crying, backs away from three + encroaching Hårgans (all 30s). They approach her carefully, + trying to calm her down. Connie desperately appeals to + CHRISTIAN and MARK: + + CONNIE + Please! I’m begging you! I saw them + pulling Simon! I swear I saw them! + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + He was driven to town an hour ago. + We all watched them drive off. + + CONNIE + I’m not talking to you!! + (to Christian) + Please. You have to believe me. + + CONNIE + I saw them dragging Simon through + the woods. He was unconscious. + + CHRISTIAN + Where? + + CONNIE + (pointing) + Back there. Near the river. Please. + 121. + + + CHRISTIAN + Can you show us? + (to the Hårgans) + Can she show us? + + CONNIE + (crying) + Please. + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + Of course. Just please - + (to Connie) + - calm down. I promise it’s not + what you think you saw. + + HÅRGAN MAN #2 + (impatient) + And the truck is already back for + you, by the way! You can leave. + + CONNIE + I’M NOT GOING WITHOUT SIMON! + + +78 EXT. WOODS - MINUTES LATER 78 + + Connie desperately leads the group (Christian, Mark, and + the two Hårgans) into the woods. She keeps her eyes locked + on Christian, as if begging him to believe her. + + CONNIE + It was right back here! I swear to + God. Right over there! They were + dragging him by the arms and he + wasn’t moving and his head was + bleeding! + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + So why didn’t you try to stop them? + Or follow them? -So where did they + go? + + CONNIE + I couldn’t even breathe! -They went + behind the bushes. I ran back for + help. + (to Christian) + I wanted to find someone! + + CHRISTIAN + Which direction were they going? + + CONNIE + 122. + + + (indicating) + That way! They rushed behind the + bushes when they saw me. + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + (placating) + Okay: I can tell you’re saying the + truth. Let’s all go in the + direction you saw them. If he’s + here, we’ll find him. + + CONNIE + They’d have already hid him by now! + You’re lying!! + + The Hårgan Man wears a false smile, but his eyes BUZZ. + + CHRISTIAN + (interjecting) + I’ll go. Okay? They went in that + direction? I’ll go looking. + + CONNIE + I’m coming, too. + + CHRISTIAN + Great. You and Mark go together. + Okay, Mark? We’ll cover more + ground. + + Mark nods. + + CONNIE + (re: Hårgan Men) + I don’t want them. + + CHRISTIAN + They’ll go away. + (to Hårgan men) + Right? Thanks guys. Sorry. + + The Hårgan men concede. They begin walking off. + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + I hope you find him. + + HÅRGAN MAN #2 + And the truck is waiting for you + when you finally choose to leave. + + +79 EXT. WOODS - MINUTES LATER 79 + 123. + + + Christian walks alone through the woods, half-heartedly + searching. He suddenly stumbles upon a vague trail of DRIED + BLOOD, streaked across the grass. Christian PAUSES at this. + Tree limbs groan in the wind. + + Christian looks up, left and right. Nobody’s around. + + MINUTES LATER + + Christian sees MARK in the distance. He walks over. + + CHRISTIAN + Where’s Connie? + + MARK + She got freaked out and ran back. I + dunno. + + CHRISTIAN + (skeptically) + She went off alone? + + MARK + She’s fucking nuts, dude. So are + the rest of these people. The whole + fuckin’ place is crazy. + + They arrive at each other. + + MARK + Did you find anything? + + CHRISTIAN + Not really. + + MARK + ...I do really wanna fuck that + brunette. + + +80 EXT. FIELD - DAY 80 + + Christian and Mark return from the woods. They approach the + two Hårgan men, who are now laying a dense CIRCLE OF ROCKS + around the ominous, yellow SACRED HOUSE (which we saw + earlier, isolated in the field). + + CHRISTIAN + Did Connie come back here? + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + (looking up) + 124. + + + Uh - yes. Her boyfriend called our + landline from the station and they + talked on the phone. Then she + begged our pardon and Jan drove her + to the station. + + Christian squints with burgeoning suspicion. + + CHRISTIAN + Okay. Huh. I guess that’s a relief. + + HÅRGAN MAN #1 + For her it was. We already saw him + leave the first time. + + In the b.g., a Hårgan BOY (13) runs from one group to + another, announcing: + + BOY + (in Swedish) + Supper is ready! ... They’re + calling supper! + + +81 EXT. HILL - DAY 81 + + At the base of the hill, the dining tables are now set in + the pattern of a STAR. Everyone is seated, save for some + stragglers. + + Christian, Dani, Josh and Mark sit at a table. Pelle is + seated a few seats away. Dani glances over at him. He + smiles warmly and looks away. Dani’s eyes LINGER on him. + + The SERVERS are laying plates in front of everyone. One + especially COY-LOOKING SERVER sets a plate in front of + CHRISTIAN. + + It features the special meat pie with the BASIL LEAF on + top. + + CHRISTIAN + Thanks. + + Dani turns to Christian. + + DANI + Do you know what happened with + Connie? + + CHRISTIAN + She supposedly got driven to the + station. + 125. + + + DANI + Why do you think Simon would leave + without her? + +Christian shrugs. + + DANI + I could see you possibly doing + that. + + CHRISTIAN + ...The fuck does that mean? + + DANI + (pause) + Never mind. + +Christian stares at Dani. Surprised at the uncharacteristic +defiance. + +Meanwhile, Mark has noticed ULF staring at him from a +distance. + +Ulf has murder in his eyes. + + MARK + (to Josh) + Fuck. Somebody’s still sore about + “his tree.” + +Josh looks up to see Ulf, whose eyes really are trained on +Mark. + + JOSH + Yikes. + + MARK + Is he gonna kill me? + +Josh, preoccupied, turns to Christian. He asks, faux- +casually: + + JOSH + Did you learn anything about the + Rubi Radr? + + CHRISTIAN + (mock-delighted) + Oh, what? You wanna collaborate + now? + +Josh ignores this and moves on to his food. + 126. + + + CHRISTIAN + I know that one elder showed you + through it... + + JOSH + (abruptly) + Yeah, barely. Never mind. Sorry I + brought it up. + +Christian seethes. He takes a BITE of his tart. As he +chews, he catches something on his tongue. He turns away +from Dani, and pulls a PUBIC HAIR from his mouth. His eyes +widen with alarm. + + MARK + (seeing this) + Oh my God, dude. What the fuck? + + DANI + (inquiring) + What is it? + +Christian turns to Dani. + + CHRISTIAN + Just a piece of bone. + + DANI + Ew. + + CHRISTIAN + Yeah. It’s okay. + +Mark leans in to whisper to Christian: + + MARK + Was that a fucking pube? + + CHRISTIAN + Shhh! Calm down. + +Christian sits “casually” back into his chair. He tucks the +pubic hair into his pocket. He looks around to finally +ALIGHT on Maja. She is smiling at him. Dani catches this. + +Christian self-consciously breaks the gaze, taking a sip of +his drink (a pink-tinted MEAD). He then PAUSES, realizing +what he might be drinking (namely, menstrual blood). +Paranoid, he sets the drink back down. + +Mark notices that ULF is still staring him down. + + MARK + 127. + + + Jesus. He’s still lookin’ at me. I + don’t like this. + + Josh looks tensely at his NOTES. He stares at a line that + reads: Affects -- runic combinations, “emotional sheet + music” INGA, the pretty brunette, sneaks up behind Mark. + She whispers in his ear. + + INGA + You will come with me? + + Mark turns to her, startled. He smiles widely. + + MARK + What? + + INGA + You will come? I show you. + + MARK + Uhhh... Oh-kay. + + INGA + Yes? + + MARK + Yeah. Okay. Sure. Great. + + Mark rises from his seat. + + MARK + (to his friends) + I’ll be back, I guess? She’s gonna + show me... + + Mark looks very excited as he walks off with Inga. She + takes his hand and leads him toward the woods. + + DANI + Somebody for everybody, I guess. + + Josh is so immersed in his thoughts, he didn’t even notice + Mark being lured away. + + +82 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 82 + + Everybody is climbing into bed. Josh’s eyes, however, are + BUSY. He’s thinking intensely about something. + + Dani sneaks up on him. + 128. + + + DANI + Hey, can I steal another sleeping + pill? Only half this time. + + JOSH + Oh. Yeah. Okay. + + Josh fetches her a pill. She takes it and moves to her bed. + + Josh crawls stiffly into his bed. He’s still wearing his + SHOES. + + +83 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - LATER 83 + + Everyone is asleep, except for JOSH, who looks as tense as + before. He sits up, scanning the room to make sure nobody + is awake. He then climbs quietly out of bed. He creeps to + the door and silently exits. + + +84 EXT. THE MAIN HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 84 + + Josh rushes across the grass. It’s now darkest twilight. He + hustles to the TEMPLE, glancing nervously about. + + +85 INT. TEMPLE - FOYER - CONTINUOUS 85 + + Josh passes the dark foyer to enter through the Temple + Doors... + + +86 INT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS 86 + + Josh sneaks into the Temple. He creeps over to the pedestal + featuring the holy book RUBI RADR. He pulls out his phone, + turns on the FLASHLIGHT, and begins taking silent PHOTOS - + page by page - of Rubi Radr’s text. + + While he anxiously photographs, Josh keeps glancing up at + the Temple DOORS, making sure he’s still alone. He has + photographed about fifteen pages when he hears the front + door CREAK open. + + Josh FREEZES. He looks up. Through the Temple’s open doors, + he sees SOMEONE standing in the dark foyer. The person is + barely visible in the dimness. After some scrutiny, Josh + makes it out to be MARK. He is standing motionless. + + JOSH + (relieved, whispering) + Holy fuck. Mark? + 129. + + + But Mark doesn’t move or speak. + + JOSH + (whispering) + What the fuck are you doing? Close + the door! We’re not supposed to be + here. + + Mark still doesn’t move. Despite how hard it is to see, one + can tell that his body looks BULKIER than usual. And his + face seems somewhat SWOLLEN. + + Josh looks unsettled. He starts moving toward the door. + + JOSH + (whispering) + Mark? Hello? What the fu--? + + MARK steps forward. It is now bright enough to see... This + isn’t Mark. It’s a LARGER MAN, and he’s WEARING MARK’S SKIN + (which is stretched uneasily over the man’s bulkier + features). Upon closer inspection, one might identify these + features as belonging to ULF. + + Before the full horror of this revelation can register on + Josh’s face, he is STRUCK against the HEAD by a bludgeoning + FORCE (a block of wood wielded by an off-screen Hårgan). + Josh collapses to make a sustained, involuntary GROANING + noise. + + A quiet moment as “Mark,” eyes invisible behind the skin + mask, stares down at Josh’s twitching body. + + Josh’s body is swiftly DRAGGED out of frame. + + +87 INT. THE MAIN HOUSE - MORNING 87 + + Outside, the ROOSTER crows. + + People stir awake in their beds. Josh’s bed is EMPTY. As is + Mark’s. + + +88 EXT. FARMSTEAD - MORNING 88 + + Breakfast time. Dani, Christian and Pelle look quizzically + around. + + DANI + Could Mark still be off with that + girl? + 130. + + + PELLE + I wouldn’t be surprised. + + DANI + Then what about Josh? + + CHRISTIAN + I’m honestly not too concerned. + +The Plump Elder stands up. A hush falls cleanly over the +scene. + + PLUMP ELDER + We have something regretful to + announce. This morning the third + book of Rubi Radr was found missing + from the south house. We are not + hoping to point fingers, yet we ask + kindly that whoever took it, please + return it to its original place. + You can leave it in the south + house, which will be left unguarded + and unwatched. Nobody need know it + was you. If it is not returned by + tonight, other actions will be + taken. Thank you. + +He sits down and everyone uneasily resumes eating. + + CHRISTIAN + (under his breath) + Fuck. + (to Dani and Pelle) + Which of you is surprised? + +LATER + +Breakfast has ended. People leave their tables, carrying +their empty plates. + +Christian, Dani and Pelle stand up to see the THIN ELDER +and the PLUMP ELDER walking toward them. Our group +anticipates the following question: + + THIN ELDER + Where is your friend Josh? + + CHRISTIAN + I know. We have no idea. + + THIN ELDER + 131. + + + He and your other friend go + disappearing on the same day. You + see how it looks. + + CHRISTIAN + Yes, obviously, but I swear to you + - we are completely in the dark on + this. We are every bit as confused + as you are. + + DANI + (not sure whether to say + it) + We did see Mark go off with one of + the girls last night. + + PLUMP ELDER + What girl? + + PELLE + Inga. + +The Plump Elder thinks about this. Christian interjects: + + CHRISTIAN + But Mark wouldn’t have done this. + Josh, though: he came to bed with + us, and when we woke up, he was + gone. And if he did take that book, + I just pray you understand: we do + not identify as friends of his, or + collaborators, or anything. I + certainly don't vouch for him and + we'd be so embarrassed to be + connected to this in any way. + +Beat. The Thin Elder relents. + + THIN ELDER + ...Let’s just hope it gets + returned. + + CHRISTIAN + Yes. I hope that very much. + + PELLE + I feel responsible. + + THIN ELDER + Well - you and Odd can go looking + for them. Maybe you can redeem + this. + 132. + + + Pelle nods, walks to Odd, and they proceed toward the + truck. + + The Plump Elder turns to Dani and Christian. + + PLUMP ELDER + (to Dani) + You’ll be going with the women for + the day’s activity. + (to Christian) + And Siv asks to see you in her + house. + + CHRISTIAN + (nervous) + Why? + + The Elder doesn’t have the answer. + + CHRISTIAN + ...Which one is hers? + + The Elder points to a SMALL WHITE HOUSE across the field. + + Christian nods “okay” and starts toward it. As he walks, he + hears: + + PELLE (O.S.) + Grandfather Sten! + + ODD (O.S.) + The truck is gone! + + PLUMP ELDER (O.S.) + What?! + + Christian turns to see a distraught Pelle and Odd. + + ODD + They took the truck. + + Pelle stares daggers at Christian, and then turns back to + Odd. + + Christian, very uneasy now, proceeds to the small white + house... + + +89 EXT. FIELD - DAY 89 + + ECU of a BRIGHT YELLOW-GREEN PASTE. It’s being MASHED + vigorously in a bowl. The paste is made of ground-up + flowers. + 133. + + +A fat SCOOP of the paste is dropped into a LARGE JUG OF +SPRING WATER (perched on a table). The paste is STIRRED +into the water. + +A queue of WOMEN (between 16 and 35) has formed behind the +table. + +One by one, the women accept a CUP of the water. They drink +it (sometimes after nervous hesitation). In the b.g. is the +MAYPOLE. + +Dani has joined the line. The BLONDE WOMAN (whom she +befriended earlier) is in front of her. + + DANI + Do you know what we’re doing? + + BLONDE WOMAN + Oh yes. This is the big one. + +The Blonde Woman smiles mischievously. Dani smiles +skeptically back. They arrive at the “water” table. Both +are handed a cup. + + DANI + It’s just water? + + BLONDE WOMAN + Not just. It is for the + competition. + +The Blonde Woman gulps hers down, and then gestures “You +now.” Dani pauses, and then knocks it back. + + BLONDE WOMAN + (smiling) + Uh-oh. + +She LAUGHS and HUGS Dani. + + BLONDE WOMAN + Here we go! + +Dani looks very nervous. + +LATER + +Three CIRCLES OF WOMEN have formed around the Maypole. The +inside circle (of about 8 women) is surrounded by the +middle circle (about 15 women), which is surrounded by the +largest, outside circle (about 22 women). + 134. + + + The men, children and older women have gathered on the + grass to watch. The LARGE WOMAN stands with musicians + (fiddler, key-harpist, and floutist). + + Dani stands in the middle circle. All the neighboring women + look very excited. + + Dani looks down at the earth. At first everything looks + normal, but then she notices...GRASS has begun to sprout + from her shoes. + + Dani looks up. Fuck. She’s tripping. + + The LARGE WOMAN speaks up. + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + It was here, long ago, that the + Black One lured the youths of Hårga + to the grass and seduced them into + dance. Once they began, they could + not stop, and they danced + themselves to death. Now, in life- + holding defiance of the Black One, + we dance until we fall. And she who + survives last will be crowned for + her stamina. + + The Large Woman CLAPS her hands ONCE. The musicians play a + long, sustained NOTE. All of the women join hands and + slowly dip to a cross-legged BOW. The musical note dies. A + brief moment of SILENCE, and then...THE MUSIC BEGINS! (It + is the song of Hårgas.) The women begin to DANCE. The + inside circle dances to the right. + + The middle circle to the left. The outside circle to the + right. + + Dani stumbles as she finds her way into the dance. Once she + hits her stride, she smiles. The Blonde Woman looks back at + her and LAUGHS good-naturedly. Dani laughs back! + + +90 INT. SMALL WHITE HOUSE - SAME TIME 90 + + Christian sits in a small wooden chair in the empty LIVING + ROOM. The walls are completely covered in RUNIC MURAL ART. + + Christian lingers on a particularly striking ILLUSTRATION + (painted in the wall’s center) in which a BEAR is being + BURNED ALIVE before several onlookers. + + A door opens to reveal SIV. + 135. + + + SIV + Please. Come in. + + Christian rises to follow Siv into the other room. + + +91 INT. SMALL ROOM - CONTINUOUS 91 + + A spare room. Two chairs face each other in the center. Siv + takes a seat in one of them. + + SIV + Please. Sit. + + Christian obliges. + + Siv’s posture is perfect. Christian self-consciously + corrects his posture. A long silence, and then: + + CHRISTIAN + I just need to say, I have no idea + where Josh went, and I can swear to + that on my mother’s life. + + SIV + How do you feel about Maja? + + Christian pauses. + + CHRISTIAN + About Maja? + + Siv’s lack of response says “yes.” + + CHRISTIAN + How do I feel about her how? + + SIV + You have been approved to mate with + her. You’re an ideal astrological + match and she has fallen in love + with you. + + CHRISTIAN + We haven’t even spoken. + + SIV + She fell in love with you before + you came. Pelle showed her a photo. + + CHRISTIAN + (pause) + 136. + + + I have someone here with me. I’m + with Dani. + + SIV + Dani will not know. I am not + proposing marriage. You wouldn’t be + approved for that. + + CHRISTIAN + So...you’re asking me to what? + + SIV + I’m asking you if you care to mate + with Maja. It is a one-night offer. + + CHRISTIAN + ...She’s very beautiful. + + SIV + She is very beautiful. + + CHRISTIAN + I think I ate one of her pubic + hairs. + + SIV + That sounds probably right. + +Beat. Christian doesn’t know what to say. + + SIV + From an academic perspective, it + would also serve as a unique + glimpse into our sexual rites. + + CHRISTIAN + Can I not have a unique glimpse + without participating? + +Siv smiles at the silly question. + + CHRISTIAN + Can I think about it? + + SIV + You can think about it here. + Tonight is the time of alignment. + Then it’s done. + +A long, conflicted pause. + + CHRISTIAN + I don’t think I can. + 137. + + + SIV + Okay. Is that your answer? + + Christian hesitates. He’s very torn. + + +92 EXT. SMALL WHITE HOUSE - MINUTES LATER 92 + + Christian emerges from the house in a daze. We track back + with him. His eyes are fraught as he wrestles with the + moral quandary. But as he continues to walk/think, a vague + SMILE sneaks onto his face. + + Christian looks forward to see the DANCE COMPETITION in the + distance. He’s walking toward it. + + +93 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 93 + + Dani is still engaged in the dance. It’s a dizzying + spectacle, and the mounting hallucinations are clearly + taking their toll on the dancers. + + The music STOPS abruptly, and everyone FREEZES. + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + Around! + + Everybody turns around to face the OPPOSITE DIRECTION. They + switch hands, and the music RESUMES. They now dance in the + opposite direction. + + One woman STUMBLES to her knees, laughing. She is now + disqualified. She walks off to sit on the grass and watch. + + Another WOMAN pulls out of the circle to RETCH nearby. She + is also disqualified. + + Dani, who was having fun, is suddenly disturbed by the + retching sound. She feels sick for a second. + + DANI + (thoughts turning) + Josh...? + + The Blonde Woman turns happily to Dani. + + BLONDE WOMAN + Don’t slip! + + Dani looks to her. + 138. + + + BLONDE WOMAN + Can you holding on?! + +Dani gets a second wind. She’s back. + +Maja, who is dancing in the outside circle, sees CHRISTIAN +arriving. He joins the onlookers. + +Maja decisively feigns COLLAPSE, opting out of the dance. +She stumbles over to the onlookers, affecting dizziness. +She glances over at Christian, smiling at him. He SMILES +back. She coyly sits a few people over. The electricity +between them is palpable. + +The music STOPS abruptly again. All the dancers turn +around, switching hands. As the music starts again, one +woman TOPPLES to her side, bringing down two of her +neighbors. She and one other laugh; the third woman is +furious. + +LATER + +Many of the women have now been disqualified. Dani is still +in the running! She seems determined to stay alert and +compete. + +The music CEASES. The women STOP. Their attention is turned +to a field where NINE SMALL FENCES extend one after the +other. + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + Nine fences jumped clean! Three + ladies at a time! + + BLONDE WOMAN + (to Dani, translating) + Now we are jumping the nine fences. + We go three and then three. + + DANI + (confused, semi-alarmed) + What? + + BLONDE WOMAN + Just watch first. + +The Large Woman CLAPS once. Three women - including the +Blonde Woman - walk up to form a row. Standing side-by- +side, they face the nine fences. + +The fiddler suddenly WAILS on his fiddle, creating an +intense treble. The women all RUN forwrd. + 139. + + +They JUMP over each fence and run to the next. One woman’s +foot catches the third fence and she FALLS to the grass. + +Another women collapses over the fifth fence. The Blonde +Woman makes it to the end. She happily returns, still +eligible. + +Another three women go. Again, only one makes it to the +end. + +Next up, two women line up. DANI is urged forward to join +them. She looks to the women beside her. They SMILE at her. + +Their smiles stretch wider (and more fluidly) than normal. + +The edges of their mouths elongate up their cheeks. + +The fiddle suddenly TREBLES. The women RUN. + +DANI JUMPS OVER THE FIRST FENCE. She gasps, suddenly filled +with confidence. She runs to the next fence and CLEARS it. +She runs faster now, to the third fence. Clears it. The +fourth fence - clears it! The woman to Dani’s left suddenly +BIFFS it, falling on her face. Unshaken, Dani clears the +fifth fence, and then the sixth, and then the seventh, and +the eighth... Dani makes it to the final (and tallest) +fence. She leaps high. Her foot ALMOST connects with the +top of the fence, but it PASSES OVER! She lands on her +feet, triumphant. She glows with excitement. + +The other woman also made it. She walks up to Dani, HUGS +her and gives her an encouraging PECK on the lips. + +Dani turns to the onlookers. She sees CHRISTIAN. He isn’t +paying attention. He claps absent-mindedly. + +Dani’s expression CURDLES. She walks back to the maypole. +Her trip is turning BAD again. + +More women have lined up to jump the fences. The fiddle +SHRIEKS, and they run. + +Christian’s eyes go to Dani. She’s staring at him. Taken +aback, he gives her a smile. She doesn’t smile back. She’s +very much in the grip of the psychedelics now. + +Dani’s HANDS are taken by women on either side of her. + +Confused, she looks around to see that she is now part of a +more modest circle surrounding the maypole. Only SEVEN +women remain. The music STARTS and they commence dancing. + 140. + + +MEANWHILE, Christian sits among the onlookers. He’s +sneaking obsessive glances at Maja. Suddenly, he notices +ULLA (whom he met earlier) walking toward him. She arrives +at his feet, holding out the CUP of the flower-spiked +water. + + ULLA + For you. + + CHRISTIAN + What is it? + + ULLA + Spring water with special + properties. + + CHRISTIAN + (skeptical) + What’s it do? + + ULLA + Breaks down your defenses and opens + you for the influence. + + CHRISTIAN + ...I’m worried I’ll have a bad + trip. + +Christian looks back to Maja. She’s now looking directly at +him. + +Her eyes are languid, confident. She doesn’t break the +gaze. + +Christian turns to Ulla, and accepts the water. He sips it. + +Sips it again. KNOCKS it back. + +Settling into the idea that he’s now going to hallucinate, +Christian looks back to the MAYPOLE. The women are still +dancing in a circle. + +IN THE DANCING CIRCLE, Dani’s eyes betray a rising panic. + +One SKINNY WOMAN says, as provocation: + + SKINNY WOMAN + (in Swedish) + If we stop, will everything keep + spinning? + +A SHORT WOMAN replies: + 141. + + + SHORT WOMAN + (laughing, in Swedish) + What if we looked down and there + were centipedes everywhere? + +The Short Woman laughs, and then looks down. As imagined, +she sees the ground as a squirming BLANKET OF CENTIPEDES. +She SCREAMS in horror, desperately FLEEING the circle. +Another woman has looked down to see the same thing. She +SCREAMS too, and runs off. + +Dani looks down, panicked and confused. It’s just the earth +beneath her feet. + + DANI + There’s nothing there. + +Dani looks up. She laughs with relief, still confused. + + BLONDE WOMAN + (smiling) + That’s right! Hold on to your + brain! + +Now there are only five women dancing. + +TIME-LAPSE. The shadows of the dancing women crawl across +the grass, moving in accordance with the drifting sun. Two +women FALL (to be disqualified) over the course of this +time lapse. + +Now, only Dani and two other women are in the running. One +of these is the Blonde Woman. The other is a good-natured +Plump Woman. They each dance separately, no longer holding +hands. + +The Plump Woman’s legs are clearly less stable than Dani’s +or the Blonde Woman’s, and she is tired and stumbling. + +Competition has been growing in Dani. She’s so close to +winning that she can now taste it. + +The Blonde Woman turns happily to Dani. + + BLONDE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + Are you tired?! + +Dani, still dancing: + + DANI + I don’t speak Swedish! + 142. + + + BLONDE WOMAN + (not understanding) + What?! + +Dani repeats herself, but it comes out as: + + DANI + Aewobeemeewish! + +The Blonde Woman, understanding, responds: + + BLONDE WOMAN + Waweroobeeny! + + DANI + (somehow understanding) + Aewabeeny-sa-aewonnerstabloo! + +They are speaking complete gibberish, but they understand +each other perfectly. Dani is amazed. + + DANI + (excitedly remarking on + this) + Weerabbleeishcobleraymib! + +The Blonde Woman nods manically, agreeing with this. + + BLONDE WOMAN + Blorishcobleraymib-wonnerstablee! + +The Plump Woman suddenly TRIPS over one foot to fall +CRASHING to the ground. The Blonde Woman (still facing +Dani) TRIPS over the Plump Woman. She COLLAPSES, laughing +merrily on the way down. + +Dani dances past the fallen women. She doesn’t immediately +realize that she’s just won the competition. She still +looks determined as she continues dancing manically around +the maypole. + +Cheering women rush over to congratulate Dani, but she +KEEPS DANCING in the circle, afraid that it’s a trick. + +The women tug excitedly at Dani’s arms. They embrace her. +Dani decelerates, but does not cease dancing. Finally, +enough women have enfolded her. Her dancing feet slow to a +confused halt. + + LARGE WOMAN + (in Swedish) + We have our May Queen!! + 143. + + +The LARGE WOMAN approaches with an immense, gorgeously +crafted GARLAND CROWN. She lays it on Dani’s head. + + DANI + (hallucinating) + It’s over? + + LARGE WOMAN + You are our May Queen. + + DANI + (confused) + Why? Me? + + LARGE WOMAN + You! + + DANI + (suddenly scared) + What do you mean?! + +ROSE PETALS are fired out of small air cannons by children. + +The petals rain down on Dani and the surrounding Hårgans. + +Dani, severely disoriented, is led aside by several women. +One woman wraps her in a sort of scarf (composed only of +greenery and flora), and then she is directed to stand +before a gorgeous view of the field. Her distracted +attention is pointed to a MAN holding a large, old FILM +CAMERA. He takes Dani’s PHOTOGRAPH. + +Dani looks for Christian, who stands among the Hårgans with +a baffled expression. Dani alights on him. + + DANI + What’s happening?! + +But Christian doesn’t understand it himself. He shakes his +head to say “I don’t know!” + + DANI + (pleadingly, to the + surrounding women) + What does this mean? What do I have + to do? + +The women answer with hugs, warm smiles, and kisses on the +cheek. Their faces morph subtly (a product of the +psychedelics). + 144. + + +Among the people who kiss her are her MOTHER and FATHER and +SISTER (Terri). She looks back for them, but they have +disappeared. A figment of her imagination? + +Caught in the hallucination, Dani falls into a traumatized +daze. + +PELLE breaks the spell by giving Dani an enthusiastic hug. + + PELLE + Holy cow, you won! May Queen! + +He gives her a blunt KISS on the lips. Before she can +react, Pelle is replaced by two new women, also kissing and +hugging her. + +Dani is then led to a ROUND WOODEN PLANK (painted gold and +shaped like a cartoon SUN) with eight long, protruding +handles. She is directed to STAND on it. + + BLONDE WOMAN + Careful! + +The handles are gripped by eight men, and Dani is swiftly +HOISTED UP. She almost falls, but doesn’t. She is elevated +five feet above the ground as the crowd erupts into +mirthful SONG. + +The song persists as Dani, still on her pedestal, is +carried across the field. All eyes are on her. Everyone +follows her. + + DANI + (searching) + Christian?! + +But Christian has lagged to the back of the crowd. He looks +extremely conflicted. His eyes move to Maja, whose eyes are +TRAINED on him. She smiles widely, but her eyes are faded. + +Christian slows to a stop as the procession continues. Ulla +runs back to fetch him. She takes his hand and pulls him +back toward the crowd. + +Meanwhile, Dani’s confusion and fear is beginning to +subside. + +She looks down at the procession to see that these people +are indeed celebrating her. A few women even persist in +throwing rose petals up at her. + 145. + + +Dani, now calm, looks down to see that her FEET and LEGS +have assumed the GOLD color of the plank (like a +chameleon). + +The crowd arrives at today’s DINING AREA. In a LUSH FIELD, +the tables are all queued up to form a long, straight line. + +At the head of the table is a HUGE CHAIR (more like a +throne) adorned in lush greenery and bright flora. + +Dani’s pedestal is set down. Members of the crowd step +aside to create a PATH for Dani’s trajectory (toward the +throne). Dani takes a moment before stepping decisively +onto the GRASS. + +When Dani’s FOOT touches the grass, small SUMMER FLOWERS +magically SPROUT UP around her foot. Her next step is the +same. Flowers emerge, impossibly, from the soil. She +continues to walk forward, having now assumed a more self- +possessed posture. Confidence is rising in her, and with +every step, more flowers sprout up. She’s leaving a +beautiful trail of wild flowers in her wake. + +Dani STOPS at the throne. Everyone now finds their way to +their seats, but no one sits. They look to her. She looks +momentarily confused, but then understands. She SITS. Now +everyone may sit. + +Dani admires her green throne. The greenery/flora subtly +SWELLS and DEFLATES (as we saw before, with the mushroom +trip). + +SERVERS appear with plates. Dani is the first person to +receive food and drink. Her tableware is much finer than +the rest. + +Before long, everyone has food in front of them. They sit +with their hands on their laps, present. They WAIT for +Dani. + +Dani picks up her FORK. She looks back to the rest of the +table. + +They all look back at her with patience. She then looks +down and PIERCES her food with the fork. (The sound of the +piercing is heightened.) Dani takes a BITE. Now everyone +may begin eating. + +Dani looks down the length of the extended table. She +alights on CHRISTIAN, who isn’t eating. He looks very +disturbed, clearly suffering a bad trip. He looks in Dani’s +direction. + 146. + + +They LOCK EYES, but communicate nothing to each other. They +are both lost in confusion, but they don’t share in this. +If anything, they look SCARED of each other. + +This moment is broken by a SERVER arriving at Dani’s side. +He presents her with a baby SALT HERRING. The community +sees this and laughs, knowing what’s in store. + + DANI + For what? + +The PLUMP ELDER explains: + + PLUMP ELDER + You must eat it whole, but the tail + going first. + + DANI + (sincerely frightened) + What? I can’t. That’s too big. + + PLUMP ELDER + (chuckle) + No no - you must try. + +Christian, tripping heavily, turns to a LARGE MAN to his +side. + + CHRISTIAN + How much is happening right now? + +Inexplicably, the Large Man CLAPS in Christian’s face. This +sends Christian on an intense downward spiral. + + CHRISTIAN + (almost inaudible) + Why did you do that? + +The Large Man’s attention is now on Dani, whose head is +tilted back as she tries to eat the herring whole (tail +first). The Plump Elder holds it above her, feeding it into +her mouth. + +Dani takes half of the herring into her mouth, starts to +chew, and then coughs out the rest. This elicits ecstatic +APPLAUSE. + +Dani, unnerved at first, lets out a childlike LAUGH. + + PLUMP ELDER + A word from the May Queen! + + BLONDE WOMAN + 147. + + + Yes! Speech! + + DIFFERENT HARGANS + Speech! + + LARGE WOMAN + Stand! Stand! + +Dani is urged to stand up. She does so, clearly +hallucinating intensely. The silence hangs heavily. + + DANI + ...I don’t know if this is real, or + what’s happening - but...thank you. + +Dani lets this hang, and then sits back down. Brief, +awkward pause, and then: + + THIN ELDER + To the May Queen! + (raises his aquavit) + Skål!! + + EVERYONE + Skål!! + +Everyone drinks to that. One Hårgan Woman turns to Dani to +excitedly says: + + HÅRGAN WOMAN + You are the family now! Yes? + +Dani nods, unsure. The woman nods manically. + + HÅRGAN WOMAN + Yes! Yes! You are the family! + +The Woman rubs Dani’s arm, smiling warmly (and +aggressively). + +PELLE, we reveal, is composing a drawing of Dani in her +throne. + +Christian’s expression is SOUR. He turns to notice that +MAJA is looking at him. Taken aback, Christian’s expression +slowly SOFTENS (in a slack-jawed, lust-stricken way). Maja +is clearly “in heat.” Holding Christian’s gaze, she RISES +from her seat (as if in slow-motion) and begins to walk +sensually off. Christian watches her go. She passes SIV, +whose eyes are also trained on Christian. + 148. + + +Maja continues toward the TEMPLE, glancing back at +Christian to confirm that he’s still watching her. DANI +notices this, despite the fact that everyone is competing +for her attention. + +Dani looks to Christian. He stares dumbly at the table, +lost in conflict. + +MINUTES LATER + +Everyone is finished. Siv RISES. All eyes go respectfully +to her. + + SIV + Now it is traditional for the May + Queen to bless our crops and + livestock. And after the luck you + just inherited from that salt + herring, we should all be doubly + encouraged. + +Polite laughter all around. + +Siv gestures in the direction of a CARRIAGE, just beyond +the tables. Its roof sports THREE UNLIT TORCHES. + +Three GIRLS scatter flowers to create a PATH between Dani +and the carriage. Dani RISES. Everyone else stands up, too. + + DANI + Can Christian come with me? + + SIV + No. The Queen must ride alone. + +Dani pauses to accept this. She steps onto the floral path +and approaches the carriage. On the way, one MAN (dressed +in lady’s clothing) offers her a LONG, FLAMING STICK. Dani +accepts it. The man motions to the carriage’s unlit +torches. + +Dani walks to the carriage, extends the stick’s flame +toward the torches, and sets them each AFIRE. + +The man takes the stick back from Dani, and gestures for +her to enter the carriage. A TRADITIONALLY DRESSED MAN +stands beside the carriage door. He hands Dani a VIAL OF +HOLY SPRING WATER, and offers Dani his hand (for support) +as she contemplates entering. + + TRADITIONALLY DRESSED MAN + Your majesty. + 149. + + + Dani accepts his supportive hand as she climbs into the + carriage. + + +94 INT. CARRIAGE - CONTINUOUS 94 + + Dani takes a seat. + + Outside, several YOUNG WOMEN (including the RED-HAIRED + WOMAN) have gathered in front of the carriage. They each + take hold of RODS, prepared to pull the carriage. + + A few other women have gathered to the sides of the + carriage. + + They hold juniper boughs and unlit torches. One girl goes + around, IGNITING their torches. + + +95 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 95 + + Most of the community remains standing at the dining + tables. + + They WATCH as the women pull the carriage away. + + Christian watches, too. Guilt-ridden. He looks to SIV. She + looks unblinkingly back. + + +96 INT. CARRIAGE - MOVING - MOMENTS LATER 96 + + Dani looks out the window as the carriage is pulled through + the WHEAT FIELDS. The accompanying women WAVE their torches + about, casting away dark spirits. + + +97 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 97 + + A GIRL begins scattering flowers to create a NEW PATH. This + is between Christian and the TEMPLE. All eyes are now on + him. + + Christian, frozen for a moment, RISES. He takes one abrupt + step forward, and then continues warily toward the Temple. + + +98 INT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS 98 + + Christian enters the foyer of the temple. The temple doors + are closed. A BEARDED MAN IN A DRESS stands in waiting. He + hands Christian a WHITE GOWN. + 150. + + + BEARDED MAN IN DRESS + Put this. + + The man gestures to a MODESTY PANEL in the corner (behind + which Christian can disrobe). + + +99 EXT. WHEAT FIELD - SAME TIME 99 + + The women pulling the carriage have slowed to a STOP. Dani + is directed by the Red-Haired Woman to step out. She is + handed a flaming torch, and led to a small HOLE in the + ground. + + Dani is handed a sack of GRAIN, a raw STEAK, and an EGG. + She is directed to pour the grain into the hole, which she + does, and then to drop the steak over the grain. She does + this, too. She is then instructed to crack the egg and pour + its contents into the hole. + + The Red-Haired Woman now affects perfect posture. Dani + instinctively mimics this. + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + Repeat now after me. + + Dani and the Red-Haired Woman are looking directly into + each other’s eyes. The Red-Haired Woman begins to SING very + slowly, enunciating very carefully, and Dani SINGS ALONG + (quite well): + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + Vakna upp, vakna upp, både åker och + äng Nu har du sovit länge i din + säng Nu är det över med snö och med + regn Nu har sommarnatten kommit. + + The Red-Haired Woman is impressed. As are the onlooking + young women. + + The hole is COVERED UP with soil. + + +100 INT. TEMPLE - FOYER - SAME TIME 100 + + Christian has changed into the WHITE GOWN. He steps + nervously out from behind the modesty panel. + + CHRISTIAN + What now? + + The Bearded Man in the Dress holds up a STONE POT. He lifts + off the lid to release a WAVE OF STEAM. + 151. + + + BEARDED MAN IN DRESS + Breathe in. + + CHRISTIAN + What does it do? + + BEARDED MAN IN DRESS + For your vitality. + + Christian BREATHES IN the vapors. His eyes begin to cloud. + He EXHALES heavily. He’s already feeling the effects. His + breathing becomes shallow. + + The Bearded Man now OPENS THE DOORS to the temple. + + +101 INT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS 101 + + It is dark, save for several burning candles. + + In the center of the room, lying on a bed of freshly cut + birch twigs and WILD FLOWERS, is MAJA. She is NUDE, lying + on her back, legs together. + + Several OLDER WOMEN, mostly in their 30s and 40s (a few in + their 50s and 60s), stand at the back of the room. They are + also NUDE. + + Christian is too stoned to react. He regards the room as he + would a dreamscape. + + Ceremonial MUSIC begins. A few women, reading from the Rubi + Radr, SING in the Hårgas’ wordless, groaning, microtonal + tradition. + + One Woman steps up to draw Christian’s gown OFF of his + shoulders. He is fluidly DISROBED. Now standing naked (and + erect), he is directed towards Maja, who waits nervously. + + Christian seems to LEVITATE half-an-inch off the ground and + then FLOATS gently across the room (clearly a product of + the escalating hallucination). As he approaches Maja, the + singing intensifies. Maja’s LEGS timidly PART. Christian, + now standing at her feet, looks down at her. Her eyes are + closed as she waits to be taken. + + +102 EXT. CATTLE HOUSE - SAME TIME 102 + + The sun is less intense now. It is nearing twilight. + 152. + + + The carriage has pulled up to the cattle house. Dani, + holding a torch, proceeds to bless the livestock (according + to the Red-Haired Woman’s instructions). + + +103 INT. TEMPLE - SAME TIME 103 + + Christian has descended to his knees. He sits between + Maja’s legs, preparing himself. He looks extremely + intoxicated. + + Maja’s eyes are squeezed shut as she anticipates what’s + coming. + + Christian awkwardly leans down to gently KISS her lips. + Without opening her eyes, she kisses back - slowly, + sensually. The singing rises and falls (out of harmony) + with trembling impatience. + + Christian gently presses himself into Maja. Her mouth opens + in anticipation. He ENTERS her. Overwhelmed, Maja digs her + nails into his back. Her eyes well with tears. Christian + looks unsettled, but he continues... + + Christian is now MAKING LOVE to Maja, very slowly - almost + robotically. She lies motionless, mouth agape. She doesn’t + move a muscle, nor does she make a sound, but her + expression is one of total, paralyzed ECSTASY. The singing + has now HARMONIZED. + + The Older Women watch this with rapt attention. They are + clearly aroused. The lovemaking is dreamily slow. The + singing rises steadily. Delayed percussion accompanies each + heavy, lagging THRUST. + + Maja looks back at one of the WOMEN (50s). The woman smiles + tenderly at her. This would be touching if it weren’t so + weird. + + Maja offers the woman her HAND, and the woman supportively + takes it into her hands. The woman lovingly presses her + CHEEK against Maja’s open palm, CARESSING her face. + + +104 EXT. FARMSTEAD - MOMENTS LATER 104 + + The carriage has returned to the farmstead. Dani steps + uneasily out of the wagon, still under the warping + influence of the hallucinogen. The SINGING is heard faintly + from the Temple. + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + We shall go now to Siv’s house. + 153. + + + DANI + What’s there? + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + It is a special meeting, only for + the Queens. She will bless you. + + The distant singing persists. Dani looks to the Temple. She + seems DRAWN to it. + + DANI + What about there? + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + Not for us. + + Dani, attracted by the singing, takes a few steps toward + the Temple. The young women look very concerned. The Red- + Haired Woman steps up to STAND IN DANI’S WAY. + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + I think you should not. + + DANI + ...Why? + + The Red-Headed Woman is not convincing when she says: + + RED-HAIRED WOMAN + It is a ceremony for the men. + + Dani is now very suspicious. Her expression begs “What is + it really?” The Red-Haired Woman’s expression says that + it’s something that would hurt Dani. The woman’s expression + pleads: “Don’t go inside. For your own sake.” Dani’s eyes + NARROW with paranoia. Now she must enter. She PUSHES ahead. + The women remain where they are, very worried. + + +105 INT. TEMPLE - FOYER - CONTINUOUS 105 + + Dani enters the foyer of the temple. Beyond the closed + doors, the singing has reached an operatic intensity. + + Dani takes a moment to gather herself, and then she bends + down to peer through the door’s KEYHOLE. + + Through the keyhole, Dani sees Christian’s BACK as he + “makes love” to Maja. The surrounding women have fallen + deeper into their trance. Dani’s eyes go WIDE with horror. + + Stunned, Dani backs away from the keyhole. She suddenly + doubles over and RETCHES. She rushes out of the temple. + 154. + + +106 EXT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS 106 + + Dani runs outside. She VOMITS onto the grass. She’s in a + state of shock. Her breathing is shallow and she looks + anxiously around, as if confused as to her whereabouts. + + The young women rush over to Dani. They surround her, + touching her, rubbing her. Dani CAN’T BREATHE. She’s + panicking. + + The Red-Haired Woman directs the women to LEAD Dani to the + Main House. They all hurriedly guide her in that direction. + + +107 INT. MAIN HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 107 + + The young women usher Dani to her bed. They sit her down, + gathering intimately around her. Dani struggles + increasingly to breathe. + + The Red-Haired Woman HOLDS Dani’s FACE in her hands. She + locks eyes with Dani and affects DEEP BREATHING. Dani’s + eyes, unwilling to settle at first, gradually become FIXED + to the Woman’s. The Woman continues to affect deep, + measured breathing. Dani struggles to follow her. Her + breathing trembles to meet the Red-Haired Woman’s example. + + Finally, Dani BREAKS DOWN into tears. Everything she’s + bottled up, all the emotions that she’s labored to stifle - + it all comes BURSTING out. She falls into deep, anguished + SOBS. + + Still locked onto Dani’s gaze, the Red-Haired Woman also + breaks down. She SOBS DEEPLY along with Dani. They are + sympathetically connected. It’s remarkable, and very + unsettling. + + The surrounding women have also started CRYING, although + not as intensely as the Woman who has fixed herself to + Dani. The crying is infectious, and the deeper they go, the + greater the outpour. + + It has become a circle of hysterical, weeping women. They + moan and scream and cry. It’s positively TRIBAL. + + +108 INT. TEMPLE - SAME TIME 108 + + The ceremony has nearly reached its apogee. The singing has + peaked, and Christian is thrusting faster and harder than + before. + 155. + + + Maja, eyes still closed, is in a state of absolute + EUPHORIA. + + Christian suddenly looks ill. He begins to slow down. + + MAJA + (in Swedish) + No. Don’t stop. + + Christian looks like he’s going to be sick. + + One of the OLD WOMEN (60s) crouches behind Christian. She + PUSHES on his buttocks, urging him to thrust faster. She + keeps pushing and pushing until Christian’s thrusts have + gained in force. + + MAJA + (in Swedish) + Yes. Yes. Fill me. + + Christian continues to push until he finally CLIMAXES. The + Old Woman releases him, and backs away. + + The singing DIES out. + + Christian, motionless for a long moment, pulls out of Maja + and sits on the ground. He looks slightly traumatized. Maja + looks as euphoric as ever. She hugs her knees to her chest, + and gently rocks herself back and forth. + + MAJA + (in Swedish, to the + women) + I can feel it! I feel his life + inside me! + + Christian looks back to the OLD WOMAN who was just pushing + his buttocks. She smiles toothlessly at him. He’s + definitely going to be sick. He STANDS suddenly, taking in + the room with growing repulsion. He turns to amble dizzily + out of the temple. + + +109 EXT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS 109 + + Christian exits. He looks around, increasingly disoriented. + He looks down to see the fresh puddle of Dani’s VOMIT. This + triggers him to retch. He moves desperately away from the + vomit. + + + + + å + 156. + + + Standing at a distance, several isolated Hårgans watch + Christian stumbling about. Christian tries to ignore them. + He walks toward the MAIN HOUSE, but as he approaches, he + hears the CHORUS OF CRYING (coming from Dani and the young + women), and he immediately changes his trajectory. + + Christian is now walking toward a HORSE STABLE. + + As he passes the stable, he peers inside to notice that the + TRUCK (which was supposedly stolen) is parked inside. + + Christian’s eyes buzz with suspicion. + + Very aware that he’s being watched, Christian continues + onward. He arrives at a SMALL HOUSE. He opens the door to + reveal that it’s a CHICKEN COOP. + + +110 INT. CHICKEN COOP - CONTINUOUS 110 + + Christian enters. He shuts the door behind him. Chickens + flap stupidly about. + + Christian tries to regain his composure. As he tries to + sober himself up, a barely audible MOANING is heard. He + looks up, startled, to SEE... + + Across the room, JOSH has been chained to a fence. He is + shirtless, his eyes are half-open, and the SKIN of Josh’s + upper abdomen has been stretched OPEN to expose his LIVER + and the corners of his ribs. If it weren’t for his faint + moans, it would be difficult to discern whether he was + alive. + + The gnarled edges of Josh’s wound have been covered in bird + feed. It’s clear that the birds have been at it. In fact, + one chicken is currently (and feebly) trying to flap its + way up to Josh’s open wound, and one CROW is perched to + Josh’s side. + + Frozen in horror, Christian stares unblinkingly. + + CHRISTIAN + Josh? + + Christian’s eyes fill intensely with TEARS. He starts + toward Josh. As he arrives near him, he begins to repeat: + + CHRISTIAN + Jo-- + + Josh’s eyes BURST open and he GASPS wretchedly for air. He + is thrown into violent, gurgling convulsions. + 157. + + + Terrified, Christian turns around to see... SIMON’S CORPSE, + hanging upside-down. His bare feet have been SHOD with IRON + HORSESHOES, and he hangs dangling by the HEELS (rope, + secured at the ceiling, has been tied between the tendon + and the bone). + + Christian’s face is locked in an expression of utter + horror. He turns to RUN, only to bump into ODD, whose face + is painted WHITE. Odd blows a handful of BROWN POWDER in + Christian’s face. + + Christian can’t help but BREATHE IT IN. He coughs out a + lungful of the mysterious dust. + + Stunned for a moment, Christian stumbles back. He tries to + move his legs, but they are suddenly FROZEN. Now immobile, + Christian drunkenly COLLAPSES. He writhes into panic, + unable to move. His eyes are LOCKED OPEN. + + He sees a gathering of Hårgans outside the door. Among them + is PELLE. Christian looks pleadingly at Pelle. Pelle looks + away with shame. + + Odd leans down. With his fingers, he CLOSES one of + Christian’s EYELIDS. He then CLOSES the other. As this lid + shuts, we GO TO BLACK. + + HOLD ON BLACK. After a beat, we sharply cut to: + + +111 EXT. FIELD - NEXT DAY 111 + + A TIGHT CLOSE-UP of Christian’s sleeping face. His lip is + slightly contorted, and his chin is chapped with dried + saliva. A HAND enters frame to gently SLAP Christian awake. + + His eyelids do not open on their own. + + The hand’s fingers PRY OPEN Christian’s EYELIDS. His lip + remains contorted. He tries to speak, but it’s nothing but + vowels. + + HÅRGAN MAN (O.C.) + You cannot speak. You cannot move. + 158. + + +We cut WIDE to reveal that Christian sits limply on the +grass, propped up against a pole. He faces an immense +THRONE, made of jagged sticks and enveloping greenery. DANI +sits in this throne, dressed in a beautiful white dress +(covered in intricate embroidery). Her face is painted +WHITE. Her lips painted BLACK. Her impressive FLORAL +GARLAND CROWN is comprised of the nine special flowers and +herbs. To either side of her, the ELDERS are all seated in +a row. (Also, RUBEN has a special seat, whose platform is +covered in COTTON, to resemble CLOUDS.) Dani seems to have +detached from reality completely. Her eyes are somewhere +far away. + +The entire community is gathered behind Christian. Among +them, MAJA stands happily, wearing vivid red lipstick. + +Siv has risen to announce. + + SIV + On this, the day of our deity of + purification, we gather to give + special thanks to our beloved Sun. + As an offering to our great Father, + we will today surrender nine human + lives. + +Christian’s eyes flare with terror. Dani’s expression is +blank. + + SIV + As Hårga takes, so Hårga gives. + Thus, for every newblood + sacrificed, we will dedicate one of + our own. That is: four newbloods, + four Hårgans, and one to be chosen + by our Queen. Nine in all, to die + and be reborn in the great and just + Cycle. + +Siv turns to the PLUMP ELDER. He rises to continue the +speech. + + PLUMP ELDER + The four newbloods have already + been supplied. As for our end, we + have two already dedicated - + +The Plump Elder gestures to the CORPSES of the two elders +who jumped to their death. These bodies are proudly +DISPLAYED near the back of the crowd. + + PLUMP ELDER + - and two who have volunteered. + 159. + + + (projecting to the crowd) + Ingemar? Ulf? + +INGEMAR and ULF take one step forward. Ulf looks nervous. + +Ingemar looks overjoyed. + + PLUMP ELDER + You have brought outside offerings, + thus volunteering your own bodies. + You will today be joined in harmony + with Everything. + (to Pelle) + And to Pelle, who has brought us + new blood and our new Queen: you + are today honored for your + unclouded intuition. + +Pelle, wearing a TWIG CROWN, smiles sadly. + +The Plump Elder continues: + + PLUMP ELDER + And now, for the ninth offering, it + is traditional that our Queen, in + all her fairness and wisdom, shall + choose between a pre-selected + newblood and a specially ordained + Hårgan... + +The Plump Elder turns to a Man standing beside a large BALL +CAGE (as generally used in bingo). The cage holds about a +hundred WOODEN BALLS (the size of ping-pong balls) with a +different RUNIC NAME carved into each. + +The Man rotates the ball cage, which then dispenses a +single BALL. The man holds up the ball and reads the name +aloud: + + BALL MAN + Dag. + + PLUMP ELDER + Honorable Dag! Please step forward. + +DAG, a man in his late 50s, looks like he just won the +lottery. He takes a step forward, beaming with pride. + + PLUMP ELDER + And Christian Hughes... + +The Plump Elder acknowledges Christian, whose eyes are +locked wide. + 160. + + + PLUMP ELDER + (to Dani) + These are your candidates for the + ninth and final offering. We + patiently await your verdict. + + Christian tries to scream, but this only results in muffled + moans. His eyes BEG Dani for mercy. Her eyes are GLASS. + + The community waits as Dani makes her silent deliberation. + + Dani’s EYES settle fixedly on CHRISTIAN. A wave of intense + EMOTION suddenly animates Dani’s face. Sadness, anger, + love, heartbreak... These feelings are finally wrestled + down, and her expression becomes BLANK again. Her EYES, + still trained on Christian, have HARDENED. They narrow + pointedly to suggest that she’s made her decision. The + Plump Elder understands. + + PLUMP ELDER + (to the crowd) + The honor has been bestowed on + Christian Hughes, our ninth and + most sacred offering! + + Christian’s muffled screams now become hysterical. Dani’s + gaze remains steely and absent. + + +112 EXT. FIELD - EVENING 112 + + CU of a WHEEL rolling across the grass. Tracking alongside + this, we tilt up to reveal that it belongs to a + WHEELBARROW. Lying in the wheelbarrow is CONNIE’S CORPSE. + It is soaking wet and its flesh is grossly distended (from + being left underwater). She is wearing the same outfit (of + greenery and jewels) that was used earlier for the + sacrificial tree (which was fed to the river). + + Continuing to track alongside the wheelbarrow (which is + pushed by a young male Hårgan), we pull back to EXPAND OUR + VIEW. We reveal that the Hårgan is carting Connie’s corpse + toward the yellow-painted SACRED HOUSE, which was + previously off-limits. + + It stands in the center of an open field. Its door is now + OPEN. + + We settle on a static wide of this until a NEW CART is + pushed into frame. We now follow this cart, keeping it + centered in frame. This cart holds MARK’S “CORPSE.” In + fact, it is just his hollowed out SKIN - stuffed with straw + and hay. + 161. + + + Peripherally, other bodies are being carted toward the + house. + + We continue to track ahead, following Mark’s cart INTO the + SACRED HOUSE... + + +113 INT. SACRED HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 113 + + The interior is completely adorned in greenery. An + impossibly lush mausoleum. In the center is a PLATFORM made + of hay. + + Connie’s corpse is rested in one corner. Mark’s is placed + in the next corner. Simon’s body is placed in between them. + + In the following corner is the corpse of one of the ELDERLY + MEN who jumped off the cliff. He is surrounded by his most + precious belongings (jewelry, books, etc.). His SON (40s) + is overseeing the removal of one of his father’s EYEBALLS + by the DOCTOR. + + The doctor has effectively drawn the corpse’s eyeball from + its socket. He hands the eyeball to the son. + + The doctor then moves to the body of the other elderly man + who leapt to his death. He is also surrounded by his most + prized possessions. The doctor now proceeds to remove his + eyeball. + + +114 EXT. FIELD - DAY 114 + + The son of the fallen elder has walked to a small HOLE in + the earth. He lays his father’s EYEBALL in the hole, and + covers it with soil. + + +115 INT. BOOK-BINDING ROOM - SAME TIME 115 + + A room that is typically used for book-binding. Its walls + are lined with collector’s editions of books. + + A DEAD BEAR (seen earlier, alive and caged) lies on the + island table. A deep INCISION has been drawn from the + animal’s neck to its groin. Two Hårgan Labourers pull out + the bear’s INNARDS. + + After scooping out the majority of its guts, they pile the + waste into a bucket. + + Then, with the assistance of two well-built Hårgan men, the + Labourers endeavor to lift CHRISTIAN’s paralyzed body. + 162. + + + Christian is fitted into the bear’s hollowed out carcass. + + They start by inserting his limp legs into the bear’s legs. + + +116 INT. SACRED HOUSE - MINUTES LATER 116 + + Christian has been secured into the giant bear carcass. The + incision (from its groin to its neck) has been SEWN UP. The + bear’s JAW has been removed, creating a gaping HOLE (down + to its upper chest) through which Christian’s FACE is + visible. + + Five Hårgan labourers plant the bear carcass in the CENTER + of the hay platform. There is a pole against which its back + is rested. Christian is still unable to move or speak. His + muffled screams persist. + + A man dressed as “Víoarr” (god of vengeance) stands before + Christian. He holds the Rubi Radr in his hands. + + VÍOARR + (in Swedish) + Mighty and dreadful beast. With + you, we purge our most unholy + affects. We banish you now to the + deepest recesses, where you may + reflect on your wickedness. + + Ingemar and Ulf are now strapped to the walls. They are + also surrounded by their most prized belongings. The Doctor + stands before Ulf. He pours a thick, sappy LIQUID into + Ulf’s mouth. + + DOCTOR + (in Swedish) + Drink from the yew tree. Feel no + fear. + + The doctor moves to Ingemar, who smiles widely. The doctor + pours the liquid into his mouth as well. + + DOCTOR + (in Swedish) + Drink from the yew tree. Feel no + pain. + + In the b.g., Josh’s corpse has also been placed. + + The doctor leaves the house. Now, THREE HÅRGAN MEN enter + with FLAMING TORCHES. Music begins outside, including the + wordless, microtonal SINGING we’ve come to recognize. + 163. + + + The men approach Christian, whose “screaming” has become + horribly frenzied. + + The men move to different sides of the hay platform. They + form a TRIANGLE. Simultaneously, they touch their torches + to the hay - igniting a FIRE. + + +117 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 117 + + The torch-men exit the house. Inside, the fire has begun to + spread along the platform. + + The music rises as the fire picks up. The SINGING, which + wavers in trembling anticipation, has not yet found + harmony. + + Dani watches this with dissociated eyes. She stands tensely + in the field, eyes locked on the fire. Behind her, all of + Hårga is enraptured. + + +118 INT. SACRED HOUSE - SAME TIME 118 + + The fire has grown considerably. Inside the bear, Christian + is now being steam-boiled in the animal’s fluids. + + The bear’s FUR begins to catch fire. Before long, the whole + animal is swallowed in the blaze. Christian’s wretched face + becomes invisible behind the flames. + + Ulf and Ingemar (still smiling) watch this with detached + fascination. + + The fire has now spread to other piles of hay. It has begun + to crawl up the walls of the house. + + Ulf is suddenly consumed by flames. He SCREAMS! + + +119 EXT. FIELD - SAME TIME 119 + + Ulf’s screams are heard from the Sacred House. Suddenly, + every member of the Hårgan community (who is not singing) + begins to SCREAM as well. Feeling Ulf’s pain, they emit a + horrible chorus of wails. When Ulf’s screams die down, so + do theirs. + + Meanwhile, Ruben has been given paper to PAINT on. Two + elders encourage him. + 164. + + +DANI, watching the burning house with fraught eyes, is +suddenly met with a wave of conflicting emotions. Her +expression curdles into one of sheer HORROR and DISGUST. +Then it becomes one of deep SORROW and SHAME. Her eyes well +with tears. The singing has now HARMONIZED and has risen to +an insane, operatic pitch. + +We cut to an immense WIDE. Dani’s back is in the f.g. and +the burning house is in the b.g. Overcome, Dani buries her +face in her hands. Breaking into gentle sobs, she begins to +walk aimlessly to the side. We TRACK alongside her, keeping +her centered. She is circling the house, pulling at her +hair and face in increasing anguish. She is WEEPING now, +and the house (ever-present in the b.g.) has become +ENGULFED in the raging flames. + +Dani begins MOANING and SCREAMING. Her howls almost +harmonize with the singing in the b.g. The fire ROARS and +CRACKLES in the distance. It’s apocalyptic. + +Soon it’s uncertain whether Dani is crying or LAUGHING. Her +legs become weak and she collapses to her knees. Four +Hårgans (one of them being Pelle) run into the scene, +carrying a LARGE CHAIR - Dani’s throne. + +The Hårgans lift Dani by the arms and SEAT her in the +throne. + +They then HOIST the chair into the air. + +On the upward LIFT, we cut to a tight CLOSE-UP of Dani’s +face. + +She is being carried forward. Her expression, which begins +as one of great distress, slowly starts to TURN. Her agony +subsides into sudden CONFUSION. What’s happening? Where am +I? + +I’m on this chair, being carried! Her expression goes from +FEAR to EXCITEMENT to CONFUSION again. She suddenly lets +out an abrupt LAUGH (which we can’t hear over the music and +the now-deafening FIRE). Dani is now being taken over by an +invading sense of pride and contentment. This soon evolves +into a manic exhilaration. Dani BEAMS. She has been +embraced by a new family. She is Queen. She is not alone. + +A SMILE finally breaks onto Dani’s face. She has +surrendered to a joy known only by the insane. She has lost +herself completely, and she is finally free. It is horrible +and it is beautiful. + + CUT TO BLACK + \ No newline at end of file