(tense music)
(dramatic music)
(crow wings flapping)
(crows cawing)
- [Tilda] This isn't a once upon a time story,
nor is it a love story.
And let's say there isn't a happy ending either.
But like every fairy tale, there is an evil queen,
a prince, a destined princess and a wicked, wicked curse.
(birds chirping)
But to know the truth, we must go back
to the beginning.
(car door slamming)
(crow cawing) My name is Tilda Crow.
I love my husband, God and old things.
My mother always said I could have been a movie star,
but I chose a life behind a picket fence.
My husband is a doctor.
He's had one affair.
- Thank you, babe.
Love you.
- [Tilda] He doesn't know that I know the truth.
And I kept it that way
for the sanctity of our marriage.
- Welcome, doctor.
- [Tilda] And that's why we're here.
A fresh new start never hurt any marriage.
When you're in love, and young,
oh, it's easy to turn a blind eye.
- Have a good day.
- Love you!
As I sat in that empty house by myself each day,
I knew there was a sound missing,
a sound I'd often ache for.
Doc, he wanted it, too.
After years of tryin', we finally got pregnant.
Doc was working a lot of late nights,
but all I was thinking about was the baby.
Until it was all ripped away from me one night.
- Hey, honey, I'm home!
(Tilda sobbing)
Tilda!
Baby?
(Tilda sobbing)
Hey, Tilda, what's wrong?
Tilda, open the door.
(eerie whimsical music)
- [Tilda] The day I lost my baby was the day I lost my soul.
(brush scratching)
My mother always said darkness is a cancer.
It grows inside of you.
Once it starts, it doesn't stop.
It might even show up at your doorstep.
And whatever I invited,
I knew it would change my life forever.
(upbeat music)
- Morning, sweetheart!
You ready to take on the day?
- Does it look like I'm ready?
- Don't be nervous.
- Easy for you to say,
you don't have to go to a new school
for the fifth time this year.
- I'm sure the girls here will be a lot friendlier.
I mean, it's California, sweetheart.
- I hate Dad's job.
- And he hates having us move, more than you know.
But hey, at least you get to live in all these great places.
- But I can't have a normal life.
I can't make friends.
Can't go on dates.
Besides, I already said I'm going to SFU next year.
- And how are you gonna afford to live in San Francisco?
- I'm gonna get a job like a normal person.
- Okay, well, when you're on your own,
you can do whatever you want.
- I'm counting down the days.
- Eat your toast.
(toast crunching)
- Hey mom, I'm home!
Mom?
Dad?
Mom, are you home?
(car engine roaring)
(person knocking)
(thunder rattling)
Mom?
(policeman knocking)
- Good evening, ma'am, are you Elaine Crow?
- Yes.
- I'm Mr. Delagos,
I'm a social worker with the Irvine Police Department.
There was an accident earlier today
that your parents were involved in.
- My parents? Are they okay?
- I'm so sorry, they didn't make it.
- That can't be true.
It can't be.
- [Mr. Delagos] You should pack a bag and come with us.
- I'm not going anywhere.
- Elaine, this needs to happen now.
You can't be here alone.
(Elaine panting) (heartbeat pounding)
- [Elaine] I'm not going anywhere.
- Ma'am, we need you to cooperate.
(tense music)
(wind howling) (birds chirping)
(dramatic music)
(car engine roaring)
(crow cawing)
- Have you even met her?
- No, but we've had many phone calls
and she is open arms into taking you win.
- I've never heard of her, she could be a phony.
- I doubt that.
She is in fact your father's only sister.
And since your mother has no siblings,
this is the best suited choice for you.
- Then why have I never heard of her?
- She did mention a falling out with your father.
Look, you turn 18 soon.
So when the time comes and you decide to leave,
be my guest.
But she is family.
I'd be counting my blessings, kid.
- What blessings?
- I know how hard it's been, this isn't easy, kid.
- Like you'd know.
- I lost my daughter 12 years ago.
I know.
(somber music)
The town was founded in the late 1800s,
a boom town for miners.
I had to do some digging to find some research.
(Mr. Delagos laughing)
Get it? Digging?
'Cause it's a miner's town.
(somber music)
(uplifting music)
(dramatic music)
(Mr. Delagos knocking)
- Oh, Elaine!
Oh, my dear!
Oh!
I am so sorry about your father and your mother.
Listen, everything is gonna be all right now, okay?
'Cause your auntie's here.
And Mr. Delagos, it is so lovely to meet you.
My! What a handsome man you are.
I'm Tilda, Tilda Crow.
(thunder rumbling)
Come on in, come on, come on, Elaine!
Here you go, come on in.
- This is a beautiful home, Tilda.
How long have you lived here?
- Far too long I'm afraid.
Yeah, she's really in need of a facelift.
Would you like to see your room, Elaine?
Come on, right this way, honey!
Let's go, up here!
This is such a sunny side of the house.
I think you're gonna love it.
I hope you'll find it suitable.
Some of these things I had when I was around your age.
Well listen, you look around, all right?
Mr. Delagos, can I interest you in a cup of tea?
(birds chirping) (dramatic music)
I think she is gonna get along just fine.
Listen, I'm cooking supper right now, Mr. Delagos,
any chance you'd like to stay for dinner?
- No, I actually should be checking back into the hotel.
I'll be back in a few days to check on Elaine.
Elaine, get some sleep, because you start school tomorrow.
If you need me, I'll be at the hotel.
Have a pleasant evening.
- Good day, Mr. Delagos.
(door slamming)
Well come on here and let me take a look at you, child.
Come on!
Don't you be shy.
(Tilda chuckling)
Aren't you precious?
Oh yes, indeed.
You are so precious.
(Tilda laughing)
- Are you really my aunt?
- You know, Elaine, I may not be able to change your past,
but I can make up for it in the future.
I'm gonna have some girls over from the neighborhood tonight.
Would you mind, hmm?
I'll have a little party.
- What kind of party?
- Oh, you never mind about that, darling.
But you're gonna go upstairs,
I got a little dress in the wardrobe for you.
I want you to put that on, okay?
And you lose those godawful boots.
Well, you're in Bloomfield now, dear,
and it's time to dress for that occasion.
(upbeat music)
♪ God rest you merry gentlemen ♪
♪ Let nothing you dismay ♪
♪ Remember Christ our Savior ♪
♪ Was born on Christmas Day ♪
♪ To save us all from Satan's power ♪
♪ When we were gone astray ♪
♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy ♪
♪ Comfort and joy ♪
♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy ♪
♪ In Bethlehem, in Jury ♪
♪ This blessed Babe was born ♪
♪ And laid within a manger ♪
♪ Upon this blessed morn ♪
(crowd chattering)
- You look good tonight!
(Sam laughing)
Oh, what'd you expect?
You are the queen.
- [Girl] So are you hiding her, Tilda?
- She's quite a strange girl.
She keeps to herself.
Elaine!
There is our sweet Elaine.
Honey, you cannot keep yourself cooped up
in that room forever.
- [Girl] Turn for us, dear!
- Come on, now.
- She obviously takes after your side of the family.
(everyone laughing)
- Yes, everything but the fashion sense.
(everyone laughing)
Would you excuse us a moment?
I see that you did not choose the dress
that I asked you to wear.
Why not, hmm?
Are you trying to embarrass me?
- What are you celebrating?
- Adult things.
Now, you go on down to that basement
and you fetch us some red wine, you hear me?
Go on, now.
Let's party!
(crowd cheering)
(tense music)
(rat squeaking) (metal rattling)
(voices whispering)
(dramatic music)
(voices whispering) (tense music)
(doorknob rattling)
- Aunt Tilda?
Aunt Tilda, the door is locked.
Aunt Tilda!
(doorknob rattling)
Anyone?
Aunt Tilda, the door is-
- Good Lord, child, what is wrong with you?
You like you've seen a ghost.
- The door was locked.
- Elaine, this door does not lock.
- It was definitely locked.
- It definitely wasn't, now come on, your playtime's over.
I'm wanna introduce you to some of my friends, come on.
(voices whispering)
(school bell ringing)
- Hey, new girl!
Where you from?
- Oh, I'm from Irvine.
- City girl.
- I don't see you girls running!
- Pipe it down, Shirley.
- Well, I'm Cindy.
- I'm Erica.
- I'm Miranda, the class president.
- I'm Elaine.
It's nice to meet you guys.
- You're Tilda's niece, right?
- How did you know that?
- It's a small town, everyone knows everything around here.
We've been expecting you.
- It's that small, huh?
- Yeah.
- Do you girls want a failing grade?
- Oh my God.
- I have an idea.
Hey, um what about a sleepover tonight?
- That'll be fun!
- I mean, yeah, I can always ask my aunt.
I'm sure that's okay.
- I'll bring snacks!
- Perfect, we'll see you tonight.
(Miranda knocking)
- Hello, girls!
- [Girls] Hi, Mrs. Crow.
- I imagine you met Elaine, haven't you?
- Yeah, we're gonna have a super sleepover.
- I brought snacks!
(thunder rumbling)
(upbeat music)
- Hey.
- What is that?
- Well, actually, it's-
- Just drink it.
- Ugh, what alcohol was that?
- We used-
- I made it, we call it The Devil's Juice.
- So have you seen anything in the house?
- Like what?
- Ghost!
- It's not like this house is haunted.
- I hear the old Doc haunts the halls here
and the abandoned hospital.
- Well, I don't believe in ghosts.
- So you wouldn't mind us checking out the basement, then?
- Why do you want to go down there?
- 'Cause we want to!
- Look at her.
She looks so scared!
- You guys really want to check out a smelly old basement?
- Yeah.
- Duh.
(door creaking)
- You go first, we'll follow.
- That alcohol was really strong.
(girls chuckling)
Hey! Hey!
Hey!
Let me out!
(glass shattering) (tense music)
(ball thudding)
(ball rolling)
(thunder rumbling)
(voices whispering)
(tense music)
(Elaine gasping)
(Elaine screaming)
(girls laughing)
- What, it's not like you died!
- You should've seen the look on your face!
(tense music)
(Elaine panting)
(stairs creaking)
- What happened?
Elaine, come on back here!
- Ugh, I see you girls!
Don't you think that I don't!
Oh, I am gonna get you!
Punishment awaits you all
and soon.
(opera music plays)
(voices whispering)
(girl laughing)
- [Miranda] Just do it!
- [Cindy] Just drink!
(girl laughing)
(Elaine groaning) - No idea!
- [Miranda] Do it, do it!
Just do it.
- (girls whispering)
- [Miranda] whispering
(Elaine groaning)
Sink!
(crowd chattering)
(voices whispering)
Get lost!
End it, just rip and cut in half!
- [Erica] Don't, don't, don't!
- Why you trying to kill yourself, huh?
- Hey!
(Elaine retching)
- Keep your pitchforks locked up.
It's very hazardous.
Here, come here.
I see you tried your foot first.
Then decided to go this route, huh?
- I went running into town and then I blacked out.
(Rory laughing)
- Well, that is what alcohol will do to you.
- No, I just had a sip of Devil's Juice,
these girls made it.
- Ah, Devil's Juice.
Let me tell you something about Devil's Juice,
that's an old witch's brew.
So whoever wanted you to have that,
obviously wasn't looking for something good.
(crickets chirping)
So I hear your name's Elaine Crow.
Hey, hey okay, calm down.
Before you get those big brown eyes,
your Aunt Tilda told me.
Look, our population around here is, I don't know, 98.
So, you know what that makes you?
99.
Nice to meet you, 99.
- If you wouldn't have been here-
- Oh, I know.
Then poor old Grandpa Jengis would have found you
in the morning.
All right, let's get up, I'm out.
Come on.
Hop on, let's go.
Up we go.
- [Elaine] What were you even doing out here?
- [Rory] Ah, checking up on my civilians.
- [Elaine] What are you, a suicide detective?
- Oh no, I'm the mayor.
(somber music)
- [Tilda] I wanted a baby.
They said that they had a way.
They said it was a ceremony.
And I believed them back then.
(dramatic music)
(upbeat music) (water burbling)
(Elaine groaning)
Oh, your poor foot, dear!
Listen, that herbal cream should help.
Also, I want you to try a little bit of this.
This should help.
- What is it?
- Oh, just a little tea I spritzed up for you.
It should have you feelin' better in no time.
Listen, I want you to eat some carbs, okay?
You are shrinking before my very eyes.
- What is this?
- Oh, this old thing?
Was a gift.
(person knocking)
Ah!
Ah, in the nick of time!
Hello, mayor!
Ah, it's a pleasure!
Woo!
(Tilda laughing)
It's a pleasure to see you!
Hey, I have those dumplings made for you!
- Woo!
- Look at this, hmm?
- Thank you so much for getting them ready
in such short notice.
- Well, anything for you, mayor.
Here, try a bite of that.
(both laughing)
Have you met my niece, Elaine?
- I've had the pleasure.
Hello again.
(both laughing)
Well.
Thank you for the dumplings,
and I'll see you at the next town meeting?
- Oh, yeah, I look forward to it.
- All right.
Elaine.
So long.
- Hey Rory, Rory, come here.
Are you heading into town?
- I am, you need anything?
- Well, you know what?
Why don't you take a lady to look around, huh?
I been meaning to, but I just, I have been so busy.
- [Elaine] Aunt Tilda, no.
- What?
Don't be silly.
- [Rory] I'm more than happy to show you around town.
(boots clacking)
- Splendid.
Now you get some food in her though.
You promise me, right?
- [Rory] I will.
(chair creaking)
- Yes, indeed, you kids have fun now, you hear?
(door creaking)
Yeah, Tilda Crow.
And Bloomfield's number one matchmaker.
(calming music)
- And here we go, Sam, how's it going?
- Well, how's it going, Rory?
- Ah, just another day in Bloomfield.
How about yourself?
- Oh, you know, same old, same old.
Why, who is this pretty lady?
- This right here is Tilda's niece, Elaine.
- I'm Sam the old cowboy.
Sam for short, I run this hotel.
Some even call me sheriff.
(Rory laughing)
- All right, Sam.
I'm just showing her around town.
- Well, you could always rent a room at good old Sam's!
I hear they have great beds.
(guys laughing)
- I think it would be too early for that.
- Well, y'all better get together, you're not young forever.
It was nice meeting you.
(Sam laughing) - Hey.
You just don't worry about him, Elaine.
Don't even look at him, just keep on walking.
It's all right.
(upbeat music)
You like it?
- It's kind of creepy.
- That right there used to be Dr. Lewis's office.
- Who's Dr. Lewis?
- Oh.
Tilda's husband.
So I guess that makes him your uncle.
- And he's dead?
- I was only a baby, but I read the records,
body fell in the river, killer never found.
(Rory laughing)
- Wow, you know a lot about this place.
- Yeah, you know,
I've always had an interest
in the history of this town.
People came here for a fresh start
and they got it.
(tense music)
You all right?
- Yeah, I'm just a little lightheaded.
(Rory laughing)
Is there something to eat around here?
- Well, yes, of course, let's go get you something to eat.
We've got a nice little diner.
Grilled cheese, strawberry milkshake,
put a little whipped cream on there,
I think you'll like that, what do you think?
- [Elaine] I'd like that.
(tense music)
- I don't know, I'm gonna go talk to Rory tonight.
- Well, you better hurry,
'cause I think he's trying to get at the new girl.
- I'm not worried about her.
- What if he doesn't even like you?
What if he doesn't even want you?
- I have this in the bag.
- Well, talk's going around
he was seen with Elaine last night, so good luck with that.
- I don't believe you, what's your damage?
- Honestly, I think you're both trash.
Don't call me again.
- What's her problem?
- I don't know.
(door creaking)
- Howdy, need any assistance?
I'm Sam the old cowboy, but most folks call me Sam.
Why, some even call me sheriff.
- Sam the old cowboy, I'm Mr. Delagos.
I'm a social worker here from California
on behalf of a young woman named Elaine Crow.
Could you spare a few moments to answer some questions?
- Mr. Delagos, what do you think of this town, hmm?
- Off the grid.
Small, but it's a nice little town you have here, Sam.
- Any family?
- [Mr. Delagos] No, sir.
- This job is all you have, isn't it?
(Sam laughing) (dramatic music)
(crow cawing)
(crowd chattering)
- Hey, sugar, what can I get started for you today?
- Oh, you know, I was just looking for a cold beer
and possibly use your phone, if that's okay with you?
- You just passing through town?
- Yeah, I'll be out of here before too long.
- You should stay awhile.
The hotel down the street has great beds.
- Yeah?
Why, thank you, doll, I think I might do that.
- Phone's in the back.
- Thank you.
- This is good.
- Yeah, go ahead.
- Elaine.
- I saw you coming in
and I whipped you up your favorite vanilla milkshake.
It's sweet, like always.
How are you?
- I'm good, Trixie.
- Yeah, I see it's real good.
- This is Elaine.
She's new to town.
- Cute, you know this town loves newcomers.
They come with quite the bite,
but this one's all yours, isn't she?
What can I get started for y'all today?
- I'll get a grilled cheese.
- I'll get my usual.
Oh, boy.
(Rory laughing)
- So, what does a mayor even do?
- Oh, where do I start?
I look after clean water.
We're having our Winter party coming up,
we actually decorate these streets right behind you
all the way with lights.
♪ A pocket full of posies ♪
♪ Ashes, Ashes ♪
♪ We all fall down ♪
And right down there we also...
Is everything all right?
Hey?
Elaine, what's wrong?
Did she say something to offend you or did I?
Hey, talk to me.
- I'm sorry.
(cutlery clanking)
(somber music)
- What the hell do you want?
I ain't got no money.
- I'm not asking for money.
I'm a state appointed administrator investigating a case.
May I have your thoughts on Tilda Crow?
- A state appointed what?
- I'm a state appointed administrator.
- You look too queer to be out here in these parts.
Why don't you kick rocks and get off my property?
- Thank you for your time.
- Get out of here.
- Mrs. Crow?
My mom is friends with her.
When I'm sick, Mama goes to Tilda
and brings me back pot of stew and I feel better.
- Would you call her a good citizen?
- You wanna see my pine cone collection?
- Oh, she's a wicked bitch all right.
She'll steal your pie recipe, too.
No one could be original in this damn town.
That one'll be mine.
- I think that'll be all now, ma'am, thank you.
- Are you gonna be at the town meeting?
I'll make sure to save a special slice of my cherry pie
just for you.
- Town meeting?
- It's tonight, I'm sure you'll find yourself there.
And don't you forget about that special slice
I'm saving just for you.
Here, have a taste.
- Creamy.
- The creamiest.
- Have a nice day now.
- I'm gonna take a bite out of you.
Oh, that was damn good.
(dramatic music)
- Hello, Elaine.
Can you sit up for me, please?
- Where am I?
- Bloomfield hospital.
Now breathe.
Deeper.
(Elaine exhaling)
It's just what I thought.
- What is it, doctor?
- I'm sorry to say this, but you seem to be in grave danger.
- Danger?
- Yes, it doesn't look good.
It's gonna affect your children.
- My children?
- [Tilda] Yoo-hoo!
Elaine?
- I'm sorry, Elaine, I have to get to my next patient.
- [Tilda] Elaine?
- Good luck.
- But wait, Dr. Lewis!
Dr. Lewis, please wait!
(dramatic music)
(Tilda knocking)
(Elaine gasping)
- Elaine, open up!
Listen, you did not eat your breakfast
and you're not gonna eat your lunch?
You keep this up by dinner, I'm gonna be force feeding you.
Elaine!
Oh, child.
(dramatic music)
(ball rattling) (voices whispering)
(floor creaking)
- Are you Doc?
Were you murdered?
Was it someone that you knew?
(door rattling)
- Darling, I don't know what in the heck
you are doing in here.
Did you get that in the basement?
- No, I found it.
- So I suppose that just walked itself
on up those stairs, huh?
Give it to me.
This is kept locked in a chest in the basement.
This was your uncle's.
Please don't play with it.
Oh, and you get your butt on downstairs for lunch.
And don't keep me waiting this time, child.
You hear me?
(Elaine gasping)
(Elaine crying)
(food bubbling)
It is very important that you follow this special recipe
or else you will mess up this entire thing.
If you wanna marry the mayor,
you gotta act the part, Elaine.
- I just met him.
- I married your uncle after the third day.
Sometimes when you know, you just know.
And there's no denying that you are fond of each other.
Why, the entire town's been talking.
(person knocking)
What the hell?
It's that man again.
- Mr. Delagos?
(person knocking)
- Oh, Mr. Delagos.
You're still in town, huh?
- Yes, there are still a few things
that need to be decided on.
- Like?
- May I speak with Elaine, please?
- Of course, Elaine!
Elaine!
Oh, you're so tiny,
I hardly noticed you in my periphery, dear.
- Alone, please.
- So how are you really holding up?
Is it your aunt?
Elaine, if something is going on,
I need you to know that you could tell me.
- I know what they do to people like me.
You would throw me in a loony bin.
- No, I absolutely will not.
Now tell me what is going on.
Maybe I can help you.
I'm sorry, Mr. Delagos.
I think I have to solve this one on my own.
- I'm here to help you, kid.
Your safety is my concern.
I'm talking about in here, too.
Look, I know it's been a big change
and it's gonna take a little time,
but I leave soon and I need to know
if this is the best thing for you.
Are you with me?
If you need me, I'll be at the hotel.
Also, take this.
Put it in a drawer and only ever use it
unless it's needed, got it?
It gets better, kid.
This is just the beginning.
(insects chirping)
- Elaine, I'm heading out tonight.
I just wanna let you know.
- Where are you going?
- A little town meeting.
- What do you guys do with these town meetings?
- Ah, the good book.
Indeed.
Come here, let me braid your hair.
- My mom used to braid my hair.
- Hmm, it's beautiful.
Well, you have your father's hair.
Hmm, now.
- Were you close to my father?
- When we were little.
- What happened?
He never mentioned you, ever.
- Well, that's not surprising.
He stopped coming round after Doc died, your uncle.
- Why?
- I don't know, honey,
he just thought there was something strange about it all,
I suppose.
You know, Doc just disappeared,
no one ever knew where he went.
Most people think he just ran off and left me,
but I think something else happened to him.
I don't know, your daddy always thought
it was some kind of foul play.
Just wouldn't leave me alone about it,
so we sort of had a falling out.
- Why would he think that?
- I don't know.
But never you mind, that's all in the past.
It's ancient history.
You're pretty,
you just need to wear a little bit more makeup.
I could show you how to do that.
- Really?
- Well, I'm good with makeup.
Don't you think?
I wear a lot, 'cause I,
I used to get into my mommy's little box.
She had a lot of makeup, I used to love to play.
I always thought I'd be on the cover of some fancy magazine
when I grew up.
- You still could.
- No, that never happened.
- I left the south, and I moved here
and Doc and I, we thought we'd raise a family
and I'd have babies.
- You never wanted children?
- No, I wanted children.
I wanted a daughter.
Like you.
Somethings just aren't meant to be, right?
- Aunt Tilda, what does Rory think about me?
- Oh my goodness.
I think Rory thinks that you're a beauty.
Just a little bit of blush, lipstick,
and we change your clothes, I think you'll be irresistible.
And I know he's,
I know he's very fond of you.
- I think my mom would've liked him.
- Doesn't matter what she would have thought.
He's a special boy.
You're lucky.
He'll make your life something special too.
(tense music)
Well, I think in the end I had the last laugh, you see.
I know that you miss your daddy, I miss him too.
He didn't think I'd amount to a hill of beans though.
But in the end, he's the one who's dead,
and I've got his daughter.
How about a piece of pie, hmm?
- Sure.
- I'll go get us one.
(tense music)
You sit tight, Elaine.
Tonight is the moment the town has awaited.
The prophecy Vila prepared me for.
All of these years, I never questioned the darkness,
the decisions, the sacrificial offerings,
their faces I struggle to forget.
But the power of their flesh consumes me.
(thunder rumbling) (people chanting)
It came from the earth.
It was always in the earth.
They said the soil was rotten here.
They said the indigenous worshiped the crows
and their god.
Centuries of sacrifice,
the child from the village was taken.
A vessel to be used by their king.
Re-incarnated into a human child.
A child to be raised by the high priestess
as one of their own.
They said it was magic.
They said it was tradition.
But they would name that child the chosen one.
And they would sacrifice the birthright.
But they needed the blood of an outsider.
Oh, yeah, they needed me.
(people chanting)
- Jesus, the Slauson family was murdered!
And I just delivered their baby yesterday.
And to think we would get crime in a small town like this.
That's it, I'm getting us both guns.
- You gonna be home late again tonight?
- Yes, I wouldn't expect me until morning.
- [Tilda] I could sense a distancin' between us
since losing the baby.
Something wasn't right.
The hospital was closed up that night.
Not a doctor or a nurse in sight.
(Tilda panting) (somber music)
But Sam appeared.
Oh, yeah.
- I hope you'll make the right decision.
(Tilda laughing)
- [Tilda] He knew everything that goes on at his hotel.
(door creaking)
(Doc moaning)
(Trixie moaning)
I was foolish to think that he had changed,
that we were so close to being a family.
- I'm sorry.
- [Tilda] We would never be that!
- [Trixie] Oops.
(Trixie laughing)
- I'm sorry.
I don't remember a thing from that night.
This place is cursed, we should never have moved here.
Let's leave, let's go.
(people chanting) Come on, please.
(Doc panting)
I love you.
I love you!
- [Tilda] And I made up my mind.
- I love you!
- [Tilda] I wanted revenge!
(Doc groaning)
(baby crying)
Vila stood before me and placed the baby in my arms.
- We were gonna name him Rory, please honor that.
- [Tilda] The king waited.
His transformation not yet complete.
(people chanting)
I stepped into his darkness as his high priestess.
I had my son.
But now, the darkness and I would always be one.
(thunder rumbling)
(voice chanting) (flies buzzing)
(tense music)
- [Vila] I am the darkness.
(dramatic music) (thunder rumbling)
(door slamming)
(floorboards creaking)
- Aunt Tilda?
(insects chirping) (voices whispering)
(tap creaking) (tense music)
(water burbling)
(ghostly voice moaning)
(tense music)
(voices whispering)
(Elaine screaming)
Oh, Rory! - What's going on?
- Rory, there's someone inside the house!
- What? - There's someone
inside the house! - Okay, wait right here,
all right?
Wait right there.
- Okay, be careful!
Oh, Rory.
(Elaine panting)
Oh my God.
(Elaine crying)
(owl hooting)
- There ain't no one there.
- There's someone that came through that door!
There's someone that came through that door, Rory!
I'm not imagining this stuff, I'm not.
I see them with my own eyes!
- All right, shh.
- Someone's in there.
- Nothing's gonna happen to you, calm down, all right.
Nothing's gonna happen to you.
- Please don't go!
- I'm right here, I'm right here.
Let's go inside.
- No!
- I'm right here, ain't nothing gonna happen to you.
- No, I'm not going in there!
- Can you trust me?
Can you trust me?
Do you trust me?
- [Elaine] I don't wanna go inside, Rory!
- Do you trust me?
Shh, come on, you're fine, you're fine.
(door creaking)
(dramatic music) (leaves crunching)
- This is a very joyous night that we celebrate!
Over 20 years ago, our king was reborn!
And now we have been able to watch him grow up
to be the perfect man that he is today!
Our king walks before us!
(crow cawing) (crow wings flapping)
And now, he will choose a bride
and spread his seed.
- [Crowd] We honor thy king!
We worship thy king!
- As your high priestess, I grant permission for this feast.
Now, dig in!
(man screaming)
(man gurgling)
(thunder rumbling)
(dramatic music)
(Sam growling)
(dead twigs breaking)
- Oh, shit.
Oh!
- Get him.
(people growling)
(upbeat music)
- You made that quick.
- What can I say?
I know my way around a kitchen.
- Hmm, is this cinnamon?
- Cinnamon, hot chocolate, whiskey.
(both laughing)
Marshmallows.
- Do you cook?
- Yeah, yeah, my mom,
she used to cook all the time, so I know my way around.
- Used to?
- No, she does, yeah.
- Well, I'd love to meet her one day.
- You will.
So!
Where were we?
Alrighty.
I believe it was your turn first.
So we'll give the lady her honor.
(both laughing)
- Do you ever feel like your life is a puzzle?
That you're just one of these pieces?
(Rory laughing)
Sorry, is that weird?
- No, no it's not funny.
I just think you're a little tired.
Probably need some sleep.
- I haven't been able to sleep.
- Why haven't you been able to sleep?
- Because I'm scared.
- You scared right now?
- Not while you're with me.
(romantic music)
(tense music)
I can't see anything.
- You all right?
Shh, sit back.
- I'm tired.
- I think you're fine.
- Just gonna sleep, just for a second.
- Hey.
(tense music)
- [Elaine] Where we going?
- [Rory] Shh, you're all right.
(door creaking)
- [Tilda] There once was a princess and she fell in love.
You could see it was very easy for her,
'cause the prince, the prince was perfect for her.
And he whisked her away to his castle
and they lived happily ever after.
- They lived happily ever after?
- Yes, my son.
(water burbling)
(dramatic music)
- [Mother] Elaine, please come down here!
- Mom?
- [Mother] Elaine?
- Mom?
(ball rattling)
- I wouldn't go down there if I were you.
- But I have to.
(girl laughing)
- Love the outfit!
- Come on, you'll be late for the party!
(upbeat music) (floorboard creaking)
♪ Honey, honey, stay awhile ♪
♪ I really want you to stay awhile ♪
♪ It's truth, I swear it'll set you free ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Oh, lord ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Oh Lord ♪
♪ I was roundin' back by all of these holes in my boots ♪
♪ I been around this land ♪
♪ But I never felt at home like I do with you ♪
♪ Honey, honey, would you stay awhile ♪
♪ I really want you to stay awhile, honey ♪
♪ 'Cause you're like ♪
♪ Whisky going down a hatch with me ♪
♪ It's true, I swear I'll set you free ♪
(eerie music) (clock ticking)
(dramatic music)
- [Tilda] Elaine was the first to survive
the king's insemination.
Of course, she had no recollection of the ceremony.
I saw to that.
Elaine was in my world now.
Just like a fly in a spider's web.
- [Elaine] Hey, Sam.
- Ah, Elaine!
- Hi, is Mr. Delagos in?
- Oh, he checked out last night.
- [Elaine] Checked out?
- Mm-hmm (affirmative).
- I thought he was staying until this weekend.
- Well, I guess he changed his mind.
- [Elaine] Did he leave a message for me?
- Nope.
- He didn't even say goodbye.
- Well, he was kind of a weird fella, huh?
Stuck to himself.
- I guess so.
Bye, Sam.
- Elaine.
So what do you want for Christmas?
(girl giggling)
(upbeat music)
- I think that that is just about perfect.
Wait, maybe a little in right here.
Oh, turn it to Country Jesus Radio,
that's my favorite station.
- Shirley.
- [Presenter] John Delagos.
(Tilda sighing)
- Turn it back.
- Elaine, you do.
- Turn it back.
- [Presenter] Reportedly missing.
Mr. Delagos, an African-American male around 45 years old.
- Now, honey, you need to let this go.
- [Presenter] Was last seen heading to Bloomfield county.
Authorities are urging anyone with information
to please contact the Irvine Police Department.
- [Shirley] That's too bad.
There's a fine line on whether I was gonna marry that man
or just eat him up.
♪ I'd just like an apple on a bun ♪
- Elaine, we are not done here!
- Just let her be, she'll come around.
They always do.
Ow.
(dramatic music)
- And this one is also from me.
- Oh, Aunt Tilda, he's not even born yet
and you're already spoiling him.
(Tilda laughing)
- [Group] Aww!
- I love them.
- I love you, oh, baby.
(Tilda laughing)
- I really love them!
- [Rory] I cannot imagine what it's gonna be like
to have a son.
It's everything I ever wanted.
- [Sam] Well, you know what they say?
You ain't worth shit if you got no sons!
(guys laughing)
As you go into this time,
we'd like to offer you a little something
from your devoted townsmen to you, our king.
Duke, bring her out.
- [Duke] My mayor, my king.
I'd like to offer you my daughter.
- You once tried to kill the mother of my son.
You cursed the Devil's Juice,
so that only she gets sick from it.
Is it not correct, Miranda?
I could have you sacrificed at the next town meeting.
- No, my king! - But I won't.
- You are banished from Bloomfield.
Leave today.
- But, Rory!
- Get her out of my sight.
- Why are you choosing Elaine?
- Get her out!
- You should be choosing me!
- Get her out, get her out.
- Don't disrespect our king! - Rory, no!
- Get her out! - Rory, no, why?
- Get her out!
- [Sam] What time is it, 11 o'clock?
- [Man] It's five o'clock.
- Oh shit, it's feeding time!
(dramatic music)
I'm sorry buddy.
I lost, I lost track of time.
Open wide.
That's right, there you go.
Here, drink up, old sailor.
This will do you some good.
(Mr. Delagos coughing)
- If you just let me go,
I promise I won't speak a word.
- Now we've been through this.
You are either with our king or against him.
- Let me go!
Let me out!
- Hey, Aunt Tilda, I'm putting these in your room, okay?
(dramatic music)
♪ We all fall down ♪ (person knocking)
(tense music)
(crow cawing)
Hello?
(birds chirping)
Hello!
- [Miranda] Elaine!
- Miranda?
(dramatic music)
- I'm here to give you a little message.
Payback's a bitch, sister.
And boy, you're about to get yours.
You think you're all that,
prancing around in that stupid pink baby doll dress?
You look like an idiot.
Oh, I got something to tell you.
(Elaine panting)
You wanna know the real reason why your parents died
and how they died?
Hell, they were driven right off the road
by your bitch of a witch, Aunt Tilda.
And you meeting Rory wasn't a coincidence.
Oh no.
You were brought here to be a vessel for Rory's offspring,
an offspring that I should've had!
You think your friend, Mr. Delagos is gonna come save you?
That piece of shit, he's locked in the basement.
He's gonna be served for dinner tonight.
Too bad I won't get a piece of it,
but I sure will get a piece of you!
(gunshot firing)
(upbeat music)
- That girl got everything she deserves,
she had it coming.
- You did good work.
How you holding up?
- It was horrible, Rory.
I thought she was gonna hurt the baby.
- Shh, shh.
I'm here now.
Sheriff, I think it's about time to be heading back.
- It's a tragedy what happened.
Miranda's father's devastated,
but must've been a hunter that accidentally shot her.
Lucky you didn't get hurt, Elaine.
You shouldn't go out in those woods.
- Thank you, Sam.
- Y'all have a nice day.
- Something is wrong.
I can feel it.
(dramatic music)
- [Duke] Sam.
She was my only daughter.
My baby's gone.
- I'm sorry, Duke, but Miranda was a rotten apple.
She did this to herself.
You just got to watch out for yourself now.
If the king even thinks that you're turning against him,
you know what'll happen.
(object scraping) (metal rattling)
Let's check that out.
(machinery rattling)
- Mr. Delagos?
Oh, Mr. Delagos!
Miranda wasn't lying!
What are you doing down here? (Footsteps coming down stairs)
(tense music)
(Tilda laughing)
- Oh, Mr. Delagos, my, my, my.
You stink like piss.
Boy, you are a sorry sight, aren't you?
Come on now, wake up for me, honey.
Come on now, boy.
Mr. Delagos, you stink.
You thirsty, hm?
You thirsty, boy?
You want a little drink of water, hm?
Hold on, let me see how this tastes, you sorry boy, hm.
Let Auntie take care of you, huh?
Hm, come on, baby.
Hm.
You don't like that?
You don't like that, Mr. Delagos, huh?
You smell like piss.
(Tilda laughing)
You're pathetic.
(cup thudding)
You know, we have finally decided to kill you.
Ah, now don't you fret your little soul.
No, baby, you are gonna be part of that great celebration
to our king.
(Mr. Delagos spitting)
(Tilda laughing)
Oh, yeah.
You are a bad, bad boy.
Punishment awaits you.
(Mr. Delagos groaning)
Bad boy.
(Mr. Delagos groaning)
Oh, yeah.
(Mr. Delagos groaning)
Punishment awaits you.
And soon.
You have a good night, Mr. Delagos.
- Is Tilda keeping you down here?
Is she keeping you down here?
- [Mr. Delagos] Elaine, is that really you?
- Yes, it's me, it's me.
It's me.
What is she talking about sacrificing you?
- [Mr. Delagos] We need to get out of here.
The keys are over there.
- I need to tell Rory you're down here.
- No!
He knows.
- That's impossible.
- [Mr. Delagos] He knows.
- No, he doesn't.
- The keys, Elaine.
- Okay.
Where are the keys? - Over there!
(Elaine crying) (chains rattling)
- Shh, shh.
(dramatic music)
- You put that down for your baby's sake!
You hear me?
- Who are you people?
- Give me the knife now.
- [Elaine] No.
- Drop the knife now!
I have had enough of your bullshit.
Now hold her down, right now.
- No!
- I gave you plenty of chance.
I warned you many times, I'm done with this bullshit.
Now you are gonna drink this goddamn mix
and you are gonna do what I tell you, you hear me?
I've had enough of her horseshit to last me my lifetime.
Now, take her out.
(tense music)
Leave us a moment.
I bet you have a lot of questions.
- Who are you people?
Who are you?
- What happens in this town, Elaine,
has been going on for a very, very long time.
You know that I was just about your age when I moved here.
Doc had received a letter
after graduating from medical school.
Take a job at this very hospital.
So we packed up from the south
and up and moved to Bloomfield.
Do you know that I got everything that I ever wanted?
I got this big, beautiful house, a loving husband,
but for some reason I couldn't have a baby.
So after considering taking my own life,
I was confronted by a woman, Vila.
And she took me deep into those woods
for this fertility ceremony.
Well, at first I thought it was some kind of white magic.
But I was wrong.
You see, Elaine,
I believe that everything happens for a reason.
Why, if Doc hadn't gotten that letter,
we wouldn't have moved to Bloomfield.
You would've never met Rory
or been given this blessed, blessed miracle.
Oh, what a healthy heartbeat.
I believe it is all the divine intervention
of our king.
Oh, yeah.
Now, you don't have to make this so hard.
We can go back to the way things were.
Yeah, Rory misses you
and he loves you.
You think I like binding you up, hm?
Treating you like a prisoner, why-
- [Elaine] Well, then let me go!
- You are my family, Elaine.
And we're the only ones you got.
- You're wrong.
I have my baby.
The best that this can go,
is that you are gonna play along for your baby's sake.
And I promise you, a rich and happy life.
Or you don't play along
and I will only let you live
for as long as that baby needs you.
It's your choice, dear.
- You better not even touch my baby!
- Now, you be careful.
That baby feels everything that you do, dear.
- Good.
He'll know who he can't trust.
- Oh, he'll know who we can trust,
because it'll be me.
See Rory, he's just a man now.
But one day very soon,
he is gonna be the president of these United States.
And well, why don't you take a minute
to think about the life that you could lead?
- You murdered your own husband.
Who else did you kill?
- If you don't play along with me, Elaine,
you won't get to watch your son grow up.
- You're just a witch!
- You choose wisely, Elaine.
'Cause I ain't gonna give you a second chance.
- Oh, you fucking bitch!
You witch!
You're all witches!
- Oh, darling.
I'm much more than a witch.
I own the fucking town.
- [Elaine] You witch!
(Elaine crying)
No.
- Shut her up.
(Elaine crying)
- [Elaine] Aunt Tilda, Aunt Tilda, you're a bitch!
Aunt Tilda, you better not touch my son!
Let me out!
(tense music)
(bones cracking)
- [Vila] Your child is mine!
- [Rory] Elaine?
Elaine!
- [Elaine] Rory?
- Listen to me, okay?
I untie you, you get out there,
and you be my wife.
You be the mother of our child.
And we rule this together.
Do you understand?
My dear townspeople, as I stand here today,
ready to embark on this new adventure,
I shall remember that you
are the ones that brought me here.
As your mayor, your king and your friend,
I shall depart as a new man,
ready to make his mark on the world.
In the end shall we all prosper.
And when I have my son,
may long he reign.
- May long he reign!
- [Crowd] May long he reign!
(somber music)
- This is it.
(Rory sighing)
You ready?
- Yeah.
Let me just use the restroom one more time.
(Elaine sighing)
- Tilda, can you help her?
- I got it.
- This is it.
(Tilda crying)
I don't trust her.
Just so you be careful.
- I know, I'm okay.
- No, I mean it.
- I will be, promise.
I love you, Mom.
- I love you, Rory.
All right, just, it's time then.
It's time.
Rory and Elaine packed up their things
as they prepared for a new chapter in their life.
One everyone hoped that ended
with Rory becoming the president of the United States.
- Well, you've chosen wisely.
My sweet, sweet Elaine.
- It wasn't hard to choose.
(somber music)
(Tilda sniffling)
- [Rory] Don't cry for me, okay?
You promise not to cry?
I'm gonna be back, I promise.
- I know.
I love you.
- [Rory] I know.
- No one can be.
- [Rory] No one.
(Tilda crying)
- [Tilda] There was one last thing that my sweet Elaine
had up her sleeve.
- Can you pull over?
I have to go to the restroom.
- Yeah, sure.
(indicator beeping)
(seatbelt whizzing)
(handbrake clicking)
(car beeping)
(birds chirping)
Elaine, no!
(gunshot firing)
(somber music)
- Hey, hey!
Hey, do you guys have a phone I could use?
- We do, but we can't get any service.
We're just trying to find a bite to eat.
Do you know where Bloomfield is?
- Don't go to Bloomfield, trust me.
- What was wrong with her?
- I don't know.
- Oh, my little Elaine raced out of Bloomfield,
never turning back on a road to hope
for a new life with her son, heading west to California.
The land of milk and honey, or so they say.
But what she doesn't know is that her Aunt Tilda
will call the strongest forces in the universe
to seek vengeance upon her soul.
But maybe that's for another chapter,
for this story has come to an end.
Mama's coming back.
(car engine roaring)
- Howdy!
Hey, welcome to Bloomfield!
Y'all need a place to stay?
(dramatic music)
("Carol of the Bells")