2. INT. TRUCK - DAY
The lines of a freeway ZOOMS past us as we look out the
window of a moving vehicle.
Pulling out, we begin to see the profile of ESTHER MUÑOZ,
18, rosy-faced and cute but weary eyed.
She stares despondently at the road ahead, obscuring the
driver beside her.
The reverse angle:
Close on the profile of the driver, the stern faced JAVIER
BAEZ, 28, as his unwavering gaze watches the road ahead.
JAVIER
(curt, without looking at her)
That was stupid. You shouldn’t have
done that.
The camera pulls back, revealing Javier’s tattered and
bloody CHEF’S UNIFORM.
ESTHER
If it was so stupid you should have
stopped me. They needed it Javi.
A better picture of Esther is slowly revealed; the other
side of her beautiful face is badly bruised.
JAVIER
Did they now? You think it appears
magically with the snap of your
fingers? I’m sorry, but your fairy
godmother is dead Esther.
She looks at him, tears well in her eyes.
ESTHER
I can’t believe you! You disgust
me-
Her thought is cut short, as she begins to WRETCH and HEAVE
She reaches down to hold her stomach, revealing her now
threadbare designer dress: Esther is eight months pregnant.
Javier slams the brakes, swerving to the side of the road.
3. 2.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Jumping out of the truck, Javier runs around and helps
Esther slowly to kneel, holding her hair back as she VOMITS
profusely.
VEHICLES WHIP past the truck, not seeing the two of them.
INT. BIG RIG
A ROSARY sways from the rear-view mirror as the DRIVER’s
eyes peer far ahead.
From his high vantage point, the VEHICLES skirting around
the truck seem like bugs.
Something has caught the attention of the sallow faced, late
20s DRIVER.
On the opposite side of the road is JAVIER’S TRUCK, and the
now visible COUPLE.
The Driver slams on the brakes.
EXT. HIGHWAY
SCREEEEEEEEEECH!!!!
The extreme noise immediately stops Esther’s VOMITING.
The two whip around to see the Big Rig, a SEAHORSE SEAFOOD
DISTRIBUTION truck halting to a stop in the middle of the
highway.
CARS scatter around it like bugs.
Javier and Esther practically dive back into the truck.
INT. JAVIER’S TRUCK
Of course the engine won’t TURN.
In the rear view, the Big Rig has begun its wide turn,
swinging around and gaining momentum their way.
Second by second, the Big Rig approaches.
Finally the Truck starts with a WHEEZE and a GROAN.
FADE OUT:
(CONTINUED)
4. CONTINUED: (2) 3.
The sound of a baby COOING as Duermete Mi Niño, a SPANISH
LULLABY IS SUNG Sorrowfully by a YOUNG GIRL.
YOUNG GIRL
Duérmete mi niño, duérmete mi amor/
Duérmete pedazo de mi corazón,/
Duérmete mi niño, que tengo que
hacer,/lavar tus pañales sentarme a
coser /Ese niño quiere que lo
duerma yo
The title SAFE SURRENDER fades in.
FADE IN:
EXT. SMALL COUNTRY HOME - DAY
The SONG comes from Esther, 17, a girl with soft, trusting
eyes who’s dressed in a form-fitting hand-woven dress that
accentuates her nubile body on the verge of womanhood.
She sits on the edge of the driver’s seat of a well-traveled
VW, desperately clinging holding BABY SOFIA, a fidgety
11-month old on the verge of sleep.
WOMAN’S VOICE (OS)
That’s enough Esther. Esther. Stop.
Esther’s trance is broken by her sister, the wild eyed and
stern LORENA, 20, who practically snatches Sofia from her.
LORENA
(to Baby Sofia)
It’s time for tia Esther to go
bye-bye.
Esther offers her a hurt look, sniffling at the baby, who’s
stirring.
OLDER WOMAN (OS)
You need to be strong. For her. For
all of us.
SEÑORA SOFIA, mid-40s, WHEEZING but undaunted, marches
towards Esther with her cumbersome oxygen tank dragging
behind her.
ESTHER
Mami. You should be in be-
(CONTINUED)
5. CONTINUED: (2) 4.
SEÑORA SOFIA
-Nonsense. A mother has to see her
daughter off properly.Here, take
these...
ESTHER
I don’t know-
Señora procures a WORN MAP, an old BLACK & WHITE PHOTO OF A
HANDSOME MAN from the WOVEN BASKET hanging from the oxygen
tank.
SEÑORA SOFIA
-Never let this from your side. It
will always protect you.
The old woman procures a BEAUTIFUL HAND WOVEN DOLL from the
basket and stuffs the items into the slit of its half
stitched neck.
SEÑORA SOFIA (cont’d)
Take it.
The gravity of what’s next weighs heavily on Esther’s face.
ESTHER
Ok...
Esther closes the door and turns the ignition.
EXT. ACAPULCO- NIGHT
A purple sunset hangs over the beautiful resort city, a maze
of CARS in the winding streets of this vibrant world of SHOP
OWNERS and drunken TOURISTS.
The van explores this new world at a snail’s pace, stopping
to admire NEON LIGHTS and COLORFUL SHOPS.
INT. VAN - NIGHT
Somehow her OLD, MARKED MAP has gotten flipped around and
Esther rotates it this way and that.
She crosses herself and moves on.
ESTHER
Please, guide me.
Ahead is a group of YOUNG MEN and TANNED GRINGAS sit at a
café table.
(CONTINUED)
6. CONTINUED: (2) 5.
SCREECH! She stops in front of them, practically willing
them to notice her.
ESTHER (cont’d)
(anxious)
Excuse me.
Nobody pays her any mind, they continue to CHAT.
ESTHER (cont’d)
Excuse me!
They stop.
One GUY who was making out with a CHICK peeks his head from
behind her blond hair.
INSERT: GUY’S FEARFUL EYES LOCK WITH ESTHER’S VENGEFUL GAZE.
Spotting Esther, he hastily gets back to it.
One of the other men, the bare-chested, jean-jacketed MAN 1,
saunters to the van, putting his elbow on the hood.
MAN 1
Yes, my dear. What do you need?
She holds out her map.
ESTHER
Can you help me? I am trying to get
to the beach.
Man 1 wraps his large hand around hers and, after a moment
of shock, she begins to feel uncomfortable.
MAN 1
Let me see that. (beat) Yeah. Yeah,
I can show you the way.
A glimmer of hope washes over her.
MAN 1 (cont’d)
(with a lascivious smile)
Give me a ride and I can bring you
to it.
Yanking her hand away, Esther floors the gas swerves the van
out of the alley as fast as she can.
7. 6.
EXT. BOARDWALK - NIGHT
The van parks amongst a collection of other WORN VEHICLES;
some donning surfboards, some with banners advertising goods
and services, but all sun bleached.
Esther swings the CREAKING door open and steps out.
Peering along the beach, she sees a bonfire.
Around it, a group of PARTIERS drink and dance, all the
while listen to a RADIO playing SAMBA.
Among them is EDGAR, 48, jaw cut from granite with skin
beautifully bronzed from the sun.
They catch each others gaze; the intrigue is palpable.
Her hands reach for the old beach umbrella jutting out.
WOMAN (OS)
Don’t bother. All the gringos are
gone for the day.
Startled, Esther turns to see the weather beaten CONSUELO,
46, putting her BARAJA ESPAÑOLA sign away.
CONSUELO
Your mother should have told you
not to come here after dark.
ESTHER
Really?
CONSUELO
She didn’t tell you that the sea
takes the purest first.
Esther searches for a retort.
CONSUELO (cont’d)
Your name isn’t Margaret, is it?
Esther giggles.
ESTHER
No, it’s Esther. Why do you ask?
What’s your name?
CONSUELO
Consuelo. Margaret was a virgin who
got swallowed by the sea.
(CONTINUED)
8. CONTINUED: (2) 7.
INSERT: ESTHER, IN A FANCY EVENING GOWN, IS WAIST DEEP IN
THE OCEAN; A MAN’S HAND FUTILELY REACHES FOR HER.
ESTHER
What makes you think I’m a virgin.
Consuelo looks Esther up and down, studying her dress.
CONSUELO
I have psychic abilities. You’re
from the mountains, no?
ESTHER
Chilpancingo.
Consuelo offers her a devilish laugh.
CONSUELO
Ah Chilpancingo. That’s where all
the virgins come from.
Esther stares at her blankly.
CONSUELO (cont’d)
But really, we should get going
before it gets too dangerous.
Esther stares fearfully at the crashing waves.
CONSUELO (OS)
Get some sleep, Saturdays are
always the busiest.
Esther turns back to address Consuelo, but her car is gone.
INT. VAN - NIGHT
Esther holds the ROSARY tightly in her hand as she recites
the prayers, the MUSIC overpowering her MUTTERING.
The light of the fire dances across her face as she
continues until her eyelids grow heavy.
She lies down and goes to sleep, the MUSIC still playing
outside as the firelight dances across her body and the
beaded eyes of the dolls surrounding her.
FADE TO:
9. 8.
EXT. ACAPULCO
The streets of the city are a war-zone, MEN circle damaged
SEAFOOD DISTRIBUTION BIG RIGS, torturing and killing the
DRIVERS.
The pickup flies through this mayhem, passing the SEAHORSE
DISTRIBUTION TRUCK from earlier.
EXT. BOARDWALK - DAY
Dawn.
The new day sun peeks its head over the mountains,
silhouetting Esther as she lays her crafts on the table.
One by one, DOLL after beautiful DOLL are lined up.
She does the same for STRAW HATS.
Then COLORFUL PONCHOS.
She gives herself a proud smile as she admires her setup.
EXT. BOARDWALK - LATER
VENDORS begin setting up their stands; from CRAFTS to
JEWELRY to KAZOOS, the boardwalk is open for business.
The sound of a TIRED MOTOR approaches.
She turns to see Consuelo pull up in a 20 year-old Honda
Civic.
The woman wearily swings the door open and GRUNTS herself
onto the boardwalk.
ESTHER
Good morning Señora.
But Consuelo isn’t looking, she’s wrestling to take out her
own stand from the crowded back seat of the car.
CONSUELO
Good morning Esther. I don’t like
being so formal. If we’re going to
be neighbors, we might as well be
friendly ones.
(CONTINUED)
10. CONTINUED: (2) 9.
ESTHER
I guess you’re right.
CONSUELO
Believe me. There’s nothing worse
than disliking someone you’re
forced to see everyday.
Esther grimaces.
ESTHER
How long have you worked out here,
may I ask?
CONSUELO
Oh, please... Don’t remind me. 28
years.
ESTHER
It must be great then, if you’ve
stayed here so long.
CONSUELO
It’s a living. Everyone wants to
know who they’ll marry, if they’ll
be rich.
Consuelo presents her table to Esther; laying out a stack of
LARGE, COLORFULLY DECORATED CARDS one by one.
EXT. BOARDWALK - LATER
Esther’s attention has wandered to the beach.
The PARTIERS are back and so is Edgar.
He raises his mimosa glass, as if toasting her.
EXT. BOARDWALK - LATER
Consuelo instructs the distracted Esther in the ways of good
salesmanship, pointing out the various TOURIST TYPES to her:
The BUSINESS TRIPPERS, the SORORITY SISTERS, the PEACE CORPS
20-SOMETHINGS and the VACATIONING WHITE FAMILIES.
Here comes one now:
The FATHER, 40, in a polo shirt, khaki shorts and
top-siders, his expensive WIFE, 32, with sunhat, Chanel
glasses, bikini top and sarong, guide their 5 year-old SON,
who can’t seem to want to hold their hands.
(CONTINUED)
11. CONTINUED: (2) 10.
CONSUELO
You see that guy there? He’s rich
but he’s a penny pincher. He isn’t
going to want to buy his son one of
your dolls, so you have to
incentivize his purchase.
ESTHER
Incentivize?
CONSUELO
Yeah. They’re the kind of family
that only buys the nicest,
flashiest mass produced garbage.
You need to ’convince’ the father
to buy a toy for his son.
Consuelo sensually slides her hands down Esther’s arm and
moves her hand to touch the doll.
Esther is a bit uneasy as her eyes are drawn to Edgar’s
physique.
The Boy stops at Esther’s stand and runs to grab a doll.
MOTHER
(In English)
Troy, no! Come back here right now!
The Boy persists, and the Father comes to wrangle him.
CONSUELO
(In English)
Would you like to buy one of her
traditional handmade dolls? They
have magical powers.
FATHER
(In English)
You made these?
The Father trots forward to Esther’s table and Esther
flashes him a meek smile.
ESTHER
(In English)
For you.
FATHER
How much?
Consuelo looks at Esther and nods her head at his arm.
(CONTINUED)
12. CONTINUED: (3) 11.
ESTHER
This is fifteen.
In a daze, Esther slides her hand awkwardly down his arm and
moves it towards another, more ornate doll.
ESTHER (cont’d)
(In English)
And twenty.
The Mother watches suspiciously, getting impatient.
FATHER
What do you think, Troy? You like
it?
TROY
It has weird eyes.
FATHER
(Winks at Esther)
Well, you twisted my arm. We’ll
take it.
He takes fifty out of his wallet, hands it to her, sliding
his thumb around her palm sensuously before taking the doll.
She is obviously troubled by this and stares at Consuelo.
EXT. BOARDWALK - NIGHT
The two ladies are TALKING quietly.
Menacing LAUGHTER can be heard and Esther quickly stashes
her earnings in her doll’s neck.
A group of YOUNG MEN stumble up to them.
DRUNK GUY 1, 22, leans his arm on Esther’s table, wobbling.
DRUNK GUY 1
(In English)
Hola señorita, I’m pretty roasted
out here, a poncho seems like the
perfect remedy to my problems.
Esther doesn’t understand, she offers him the trained smile
and reaches for his arm.
CONSUELO
(In English)
They are fifty dollars.
(CONTINUED)
13. CONTINUED: (2) 12.
He nearly falls over at these words.
DRUNK GUY 1
What the fuck?! I’m not paying
fifty bucks for that shit!
Drunk Guy 1 throws the poncho on the ground, then joins the
rest of the Young Men as they walk away LAUGHING.
Esther stares at the poncho, on the verge of tears.
Edgar appears out of nowhere and runs after Drunk Guy 1,
grabbing the much smaller DRUNK GUY by the neck and rotating
him to face the women.
EDGAR
(In English)
Show some respect, little boy!
These women work hard to make a
living. They don’t need some piece
of shit gringo ruining their
business.
DRUNK GUY 1
What are you going to do about it?
From behind Edgar we see him lift the front of his satin
shirt revealing something to the man we cannot see.
Drunk Guy 1 is struck motionless with fear.
INSERT: EDGAR, NOW HAGGARD AND SWEATY, DRESSED IN RUGGED
WORK CLOTHES, LEERS MENACINGLY AT SOMEONE OFF SCREEN.
Drunk Guy 1 stumbles after the other Young Men, who have
already started running down the boardwalk.
Edgar picks up the poncho, bringing it to Esther.
ESTHER
Thank you, Señor.
EDGAR
It was my pleasure. Are you ladies
ok?
ESTHER
Yes... Please, let me repay you.
You can have a sombrero for free.
He takes a beat, then offers her that winning smile.
(CONTINUED)
14. CONTINUED: (3) 13.
EDGAR
You know what, I think I will.
At this, he turns and walks towards the beach.
ESTHER
Goodnight.
EDGAR
Goodnight. Be safe and don’t
hesitate to come see me if you need
anything.
Esther admires Edgar’s strut as he moves towards his cohorts
and the burning fire.
Consuelo motions to her car, then turns to Esther.
CONSUELO (OS)
He’s right, we should leave for the
night. You can stay with me, you’ll
feel a lot safer.
ESTHER
Thank you, but I think I’ll be ok.
I’m certain those men will be
coming back anytime soon. Sleep
well Consuelo.
Esther begins collecting her things.
EXT. BEACH - NIGHT
The bonfire speckles light across the Partiers who LAUGH as
they pass around a couple of joints.
They stop their JOVIAL CONVERSATION as Esther approaches out
of the darkness as Esther delicately steps out, fidgeting
with her clinging dress.
EDGAR
(To the Partiers)
Enjoy yourselves, I will see you
soon.
They disband, and Esther sits next to Edgar, who’s sporting
the cockeyed sombrero.
EDGAR (cont’d)
You never told me your name,
beautiful.
There’s that meek smile.
(CONTINUED)
15. CONTINUED: (2) 14.
ESTHER
Sorry señor. My name is Esther.
EDGAR
Nice to meet you, beautiful Esther.
I’m Edgar.
Looking for her words, she sees the GUY standing by one of
those very same SEAHORSE DISTRIBUTION TRUCKS.
She blinks, but he is gone.
EDGAR (cont’d)
I’m so glad you decided to meet me
here, I was getting a little
worried that I scared you off.
ESTHER
No. You saved me.
EDGAR
I only saved you for selfish
reasons. I just had to see you
again. Please, let’s take a walk.
BEACH - LATER
The beach is calm; empty.
The only sound is that of the LAPPING WAVES.
EDGAR
The beach is best at night. No
sound but the waves. With no lights
of the city, you can see the stars.
Have you ever read The Odyssey?”
She shakes her head.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Odysseus used the stars to guide
himself along his journey home
after the fall of troy. Many
sailors still use the stars to
navigate the oceans.
ESTHER
Hippocampus?
EDGAR
A Seahorse. The best navigators can
still catch it sometimes and use it
to find their way.
(CONTINUED)
16. CONTINUED: (2) 15.
Esther gazes up at the sky.
ESTHER
How do you know all this?
EDGAR
I come from a family of fishermen.
My ancestors used the stars to find
the most plentiful places to fish.
ESTHER
That’s incredible.
EDGAR
But the heavens aren’t the only
place God created constellations.
The sea is riddled with them. Do
you know what a starfish is?
She looks at him incredulously and gives him a shove.
ESTHER
Of course.
EDGAR
Well, a group of starfish is called
none other than a "constellation".
ESTHER
I feel like I’m in school.
EDGAR
How old are you?
ESTHER
Seventeen, but my birthday is in a
month.
EDGAR
I’ll have a party for you. The
whole city will be invited, and
your old lady friend will be a VIP.
Her face lights up, and she smiles.
INSERT: ESTHER, WITH THE SAME SMILE, SWEATING AND STRUNG
OUT, DOES A LINE OF COKE OFF A MIRRORED TABLE.
EDGAR (cont’d)
But for now we’ll have to settle
for something a bit simpler.
17. 16.
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
It is a party. MUSIC plays loudly and the ambiance is
boisterous.
LINE COOKS and WAITERS drink beers and take shots, ignoring
the increasing mess that’s accumulating around them.
Some MEN play dominoes, YELLING over the radio on the table
including VICTOR, 31, who dons a paper party hat.
EDGAR (OS)
What the hell is going on?
The radio is immediately turned off and everyone turns their
attention to Edgar who looks around, annoyed.
Finally, Victor speaks.
VICTOR
It is my birthday, Caballo.
He and Edgar stare silently at one another.
The tension is palpable as everyone waits for a response.
EDGAR
Well, my friend, let’s celebrate.
We need music!
The radio is turned back on and Edgar takes Esther’s hands,
doing a little salsa step before sauntering to one of the
islands and piling up a collection of vegetables.
Grabbing a large cleaver, he uses it to clumsily cut them
together in a pile.
He grabs a chicken breast, brings it beside the vegetables
and, just as hastily, begins cutting it. It’s not working.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Hey! Would you give us a hand over
here? This knife is dull.
JAVIER, 29, handsome and serious faced, dressed in chef’s
wear, approaches.
He catches Esther’s glance and shoots her a small smile,
which Esther cannot help but return.
Edgar glares at him.
Returning Edgar’s look, Javier reveals a PARRING KNIFE from
his apron pocket; it glistens in the light.
(CONTINUED)
18. CONTINUED: (2) 17.
JAVIER
(locking eyes with Edgar)
You’re using the wrong knife. We
generally use this one for big
chickens.
EDGAR
Thanks kid, but I have it.
Too late.
Using the parring knife, Javier swiftly slices the chicken
and rests it besides the vegetables.
It’s a beautiful concoction.
JAVIER
You’re a born chef, sir. You used
up every special ingredient I was
saving for Victor’s birthday
dinner.
Handing Edgar the hot skillet, Javier guides Esther’s hands,
showing her how to toss the ingredients in.
Edgar winces at the burning sensation, nearly dropping the
skillet before dumping the contents onto two waiting plates.
He clumsily tries to arrange them into small, fancy piles.
EDGAR
(to Esther)
See. I told you I had a treat for
you.
Esther feigns a smile for Edgar.
JAVIER
(At Esther, smiling)
Anything for "El Caballo".
EDGAR
(Forced)
Call me Edgar. And your name,
sonny?
JAVIER
Javier.
Edgar gives Javier a long good inspection.
(CONTINUED)
19. CONTINUED: (3) 18.
EDGAR
Well, Javier, you’ve impressed me.
Anytime I’m feeling the least bit
hungry, day or night, I’ll call on
you.
But Javier pays him no mind, he’s looking at Esther as Edgar
hastily ushers her towards the dining room.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Until next time, Javier. Esther and
I have an important dinner to
attend to
Esther glances back at him before entering the dining room..
JAVIER
(To himself)
Nice to meet you.
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
The restaurant is empty, save for a BUS BOY cleaning the
corner tables.
Edgar glares at him, clearing his throat.
The man scurries away.
ESTHER
How do you get so much special
attention?
EDGAR
We’ve had a special agreement with
the hotel for almost a decade now.
We provide them our freshest
catches at the lowest market
prices, and in exchange, I get to
enjoy a few extra amenities. I do
love it here, my castle on the
beach.
ESTHER
It really does seem like a castle.
Javier glides out of the kitchen with what looks like a
chocolate birthday cake whose writing has been wiped away.
With a forced grin, he places it, along with two plates and
cutlery, on the table.
(CONTINUED)
20. CONTINUED: (2) 19.
JAVIER
(to Esther)
Bon apetit.
ESTHER
This looks marvelous, thank you.
Javier stands there awkwardly, looking from Esther to Edgar.
EDGAR
I’ll let you know if we need
anything else.
As Javier walks away, he listens in on them.
EDGAR (cont’d)
(To Esther)
Mmm... Chocolate is one of my
favorite desserts. And chocolate
has magical powers, you know.
INSERT: A PAIR OF HANDS DIG INTO A SACK FULL OF CACAO BEANS
AND BEGIN GRINDING THEM WITH A PESTLE.
WOMAN’S VOICE
Down there, where Ayopechcatl
lives, the jewel is born/ A child
has come into the world. / It is
down there, in her own place, that
the children are born./ Come, come
here, new-born child, come here. /
Come, come here, jewel-child, come
here.
ESTHER
What do you mean, magical powers?
EDGAR
Well, it is an aphrodisiac, you
know.
ESTHER
(Giggles)
Aphrodisiac...It sounds like a
"constellation".
EDGAR
I can show you what it means later.
Have you ever shot fireworks
before?
(CONTINUED)
21. CONTINUED: (3) 20.
ESTHER
Only small ones.
EDGAR
Let’s go.
Leaving the remainder of the dessert, he takes their
champagne, leading her out of the restaurant.
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL KITCHEN
Javier watches them leave through the crack in the door,
wiping the chocolate from his hands on his apron as if
trying to rid himself of that image.
INSERT: JAVIER, NOW SWEATY AND SULLEN, WIPES BLOOD FROM HIS
CHEF’S UNIFORM AS HE STARES AT SOMETHING OFF SCREEN.
EXT. SKYLINE HOTEL ROOF
Exiting the hotel onto the roof, Edgar deftly takes off his
coat and wraps it around Esther’s shoulders.
EDGAR
Look there. That’s the Big Dipper,
the most famous constellation. See
the handle and the cup?
ESTHER
Yes, I do now. That’s incredible.
EDGAR
See if you can spot any more.
INSERT: ESTHER SITS NEXT TO JAVIER IN THE BED OF THE BEAT UP
PICK UP TRUCK FROM HER DREAM AS THEY LOOK UP INTO THE SKY.
She studies the sky as he slinks back inside.
Above the lights of the city you can makes out the blanket
of stars in every direction.
EDGAR (OS)
Magnificent, isn’t it? Billions of
little fireworks in every direction
shining down on us.
Esther turns to see Edgar carrying a BUCKET OF FIREWORKS. s
(CONTINUED)
22. CONTINUED: (2) 21.
EDGAR
Now it’s our turn to shine for
them. Here, take these.
Putting the bucket on the ground, he takes a few of the
stems out and hands them to the nervous Esther.
He takes the others and, after placing them around the roof,
runs back and forth, lighting them in succession.
A small display of colorful explosions dance in the sky to
Esther’s delight.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Now these.
He takes the remainder from her and arranges them in a
pattern on the ground.
Lighting them, he quickly scampers to Esther and places his
arms around her in a protective bear hug.
An exciting moment as the fuses burn, then...
They shoot up into the air in a variety of colored streams
and in a rapid succession, explode to form a SEAHORSE.
ESTHER
Oh, dios mio! That was incredible!
EDGAR
That’s not the last of it. We still
have the grand finale. Check this
out.
Tucked from inside his belt, he procures a GUN ornately
decorated in SKULLS and CROSSES.
He aims the gun at the big dipper and fires off a few
rounds.
Esther can’t believe it.
EDGAR (cont’d)
See, I hit it. You can see the milk
spilling from the cup.
He laughs at his own joke.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Now it’s your turn, my little
starfish. Look over there, see
Orion’s Belt?
(CONTINUED)
23. CONTINUED: (3) 22.
ESTHER
I guess so.
He grabs her hand and places the gun in it.
EDGAR
We’re going to shoot it.
He helps her aim it at the sky.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Now squeeze the trigger.
INSERT: ESTHER, SWEATY AND WEARING A SUNDAY CHURCH DRESS,
POINTS THE GUN AT SOMETHING.
EDGAR (cont’d)
And again.
She squeezes again. He pulls his hand away.
EDGAR (cont’d)
That’s the North Star. Hit it.
She takes a deep BREATH, and aims. BLAM!
It’s exhilarating. She smiles.
He places the champagne bottle across the roof.
She aims, fires, and misses.
Esther continues to squeeze off rounds until she finally
hits the bottle, which shatters.
Edgar LAUGHS gaily.
EDGAR (cont’d)
That’s my starfish! Come here...
Taking the gun from her, he starts massaging her shoulders.
It’s one of those slow motion moments, and Edgar pulls her
into his waist by the hips.
Cautiously at first, she digs herself into him.
Suddenly, he breaks away, pulling her towards the exit.
24. 23.
BLACK.
GRUFF MAN
Where are you going in such a
hurry?
FADE IN:
INT. MASTER SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Edgar and Esther barely make it through the threshold as
their passionate embrace consumes them both.
Unable to control her body, Esther begins to slide to slides
to the ground before Edgar catches her.
ESTHER
Wait...
EDGAR
Shh...
He lifts Esther, carrying her towards the bedroom, where he
lays her down gently on the bed and kisses her neck.
While he does so, Esther catches sight of a small BLACK &
WHITE PHOTO resting on the opposite side of the room that
slowly comes into focus.
A YOUNGER EDGAR STANDS NEXT TO A YOUNG WOMAN WHO LOOKS A
LOT LIKE ESTHER WHO HOLDS A BABY. THEIR FACES ARE STONE
COLD.
Her eyes are glued to the photo as Edgar begins sliding the
dress from her shoulders.
Esther offers a resonant SIGH and smiles, making certain to
offer a defensive look as she holds his hands, halting him.
But Edgar won’t be stopped, taking her hands and kissing
them before he drapes them across his shoulders.
He kisses her passionately, like they do in movies before
moving his lips towards her neck.
Continuing past her collarbone, he ducks under the covers.
All the while, Esther’s eyes are glued to the PHOTO until...
They open wide with a startle, then close tight, then
loosen, then roll back into her head.
She MOANS gently.
(CONTINUED)
25. CONTINUED: (2) 24.
Edgar lifts his head from under the covers, facing her eye
to eye as he awkwardly positions himself on top of her.
EDGAR (cont’d)
You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve
ever met. I’ve never wanted to be
with somebody more than you.
Esther gives him a WHIMPER and a SHUDDER as he enters her,
somehow wincing and smiling all at once.
We rest on her face rocking with his movements, overwhelmed
and excited for this moment.
Esther’s discomfort escalates as the rocking becomes
quicker, more insistent, reaching a fervent, desperate pace.
Edgar’s WHIMPERS too grow more apparent with each stroke
until..
He GROANS in ecstasy.
Esther cannot help but GIGGLE, which makes Edgar LAUGH.
They both LAUGH, reaching hysterics.
FADE TO:
INT. MASTER SUITE - DAY
Esther is curled tightly around Edgar, who SNORES loudly.
A SEAGULL CAW wakes Esther with a start, her eyes beginning
to focus on the B&W PHOTO on the wall.
After a beat, however, the image becomes overbearing,
filling her field of vision, and she turns away.
Almost out of spite, she gives Edgar a tickle, and he shifts
in his sleep, starting to MUMBLE.
This is fun, and she continues, growing ever more vigorous.
Soon enough, Edgar starts to smile, MURMURING something. He
fidgets, feeling it.
INSERT: ESTHER FLOATS LIKE A FETUS UNDER THE SEA, BLOOD
CLOUDING HER AS A HAND DESPERATELY GRABS HER.
But the fun ends when he wakes up with a start, pushing her
hard, nearly knocking her off the bed.
He’s realized what he’s done.
(CONTINUED)
26. CONTINUED: (2) 25.
EDGAR
Oh my! I’m so sorry. I had a
nightmare.
ESTHER
Oh...
EDGAR
An octopus was attacking me,
stabbing me with knife tentacles.
Esther’s mood changes, she is rendered silent.
EDGAR (cont’d)
But now I’m here, with you. The
most beautiful girl in the world.
Safe and sound.
ESTHER
You are safe with me... I really
don’t know about the most beautiful
girl in the world though.
EDGAR
Maybe the most beautiful mountain
girl in the world... And what would
the most beautiful mountain girl
like for breakfast?
ESTHER
Um...
EDGAR
-I know just the thing.
EXT. BEACH
Esther and Edgar strut hand in hand down the beach, the
VACATIONING MEN trained to her now sexually aware body.
Neither of them see Consuelo, who is peering at them from
her stand on the boardwalk.
Nor do they see the MAN keeping stride with them from the
boardwalk.
All they see is the elegant SPREAD ON A SMALL TABLE COVERED
BY A BEACH UMBRELLA in front of them.
EDGAR
Viola! Baked Black Beans
Chilaquiles With Homemade Enchilada
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
27. CONTINUED: (2) 26.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Sauce. These are my favorite. I
hope you like them.
ESTHER
I’m sure I will.
EDGAR
Good, I’ll prepare them for your
birthday breakfast.
ESTHER
But that’s like a million years in
the future.
EDGAR
(with a wink)
I’m a slow cook, it’ll be a rush to
get them done in less than a month.
She offers him an incredulous smile.
ESTHER
I look forward to it.
FADE OUT:
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP - NIGHT
FADE IN:
A BURLY SOLDIER sporting the uniform of Edgar’s guards, is
leaning his head into the van and poking around with a
flashlight.
Esther is absent.
Another SOLDIER, sporting the same attire, leans lazily
against a black SUV and smirks.
Javier does his best to disguise how tattered his chef’s
uniform is, making certain to have the Skyline Hotel logo
displayed prominently as the torn sleeve is hidden by a BABY
SLING which he now uses to hold his "injured arm".
His CHEF HAT, comically askew, makes him look like a cartoon
character.
JAVIER
My employer is having a huge party
and needed a shipment of fresh
seafood for the dinner.
(CONTINUED)
28. CONTINUED: (2) 27.
The Burly Soldier scoffs.
BURLY SOLDIER
Is that so? Well, I need to do my
job and check to make sure you’re
not transporting any illicit
substances.
FADE TO:
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
Esther enters the back door of the kitchen, catching the eye
of Victor, who is doing dishes.
He watches suspiciously as she sneaks up behind Javier.
ESTHER
Hello, chef.
Javier nearly runs into the stove as he turns to see the
beaming Esther.
JAVIER
Hel-H-Happy birthday.
Esther can’t help but blush; their eyes lock before she
quickly looks away.
ESTHER
You remembered.
JAVIER
I wouldn’t forget if I tried.
She is taken aback.
ESTHER
I don’t know what to say.
JAVIER
Sorry. It’s rare that a young woman
comes to your work.
A beat.
ESTHER
I’ve been super busy, but I’ve been
having cravings for your special
desserts for some reason. I
couldn’t wait any longer.
(CONTINUED)
29. CONTINUED: (2) 28.
JAVIER
I think you’re getting a little
spoiled. You seem to have a
different party everyday. Now
you’re getting the whole restaurant
for your birthday.
Esther bites her lip, smiling lasciviously at him.
ESTHER
Can’t we have a little
pre-celebration here? I can’t get
enough of that cake.
Moving to the refrigerator, she digs out the chocolate mouse
and places it in front of him.
JAVIER
What about your boyfriend?
ESTHER
Boyfriend?
JAVIER
Isn’t Caballo your boyfriend?
ESTHER
Caballo...
JAVIER
Edgar.
ESTHER
Oh. No, we’re just friends.
Javier chews on his next words.
JAVIER
Edgar is a very good friend to
have.
ESTHER
He promised me we would go shopping
later before the birthday.
JAVIER
I’m sure it will be marvelous. For
now, let’s have our own little
party.
Javier glides to mousse and, using a raplette, shapes it
into a starfish.
She nearly dives into him, giving him a tight hug.
30. 29.
INT. MASTER SUITE
Esther sits on the couch in her fancy maternity pajamas
watching a telenovela, her stomach showing in her second
trimester now.
She looks more comfortable than ever before; her newly
pedicured toes rest on the edge of the coffee table.
On screen, the distraught, yet elegant ACTRESS watches out
the window as the SUITED BARON exits down the stairwell.
Then, the BUTLER appears, offering her a DIAMOND NECKLACE.
Esther turns off the television, moving to the bedroom.
She makes it to the walk-in closet and pulls back the door,
revealing a lock box.
Opening the door wider, numerous elegant DRESSES are
showcased.
Taking them out one by one, she holds them up in the
full-length mirror to see if they’ll still fit.
None of them do.
Frustrated, she returns them and moves to the lock box,
pressing the code on it’s keypad.
Opening it numerous stacks of cash, along with Edgar’s gun
are revealed, neither of which she is looking for.
Moving the cash and the gun aside, she finds what she’s been
looking for; a JEWELRY BOX.
Inside is a LARGE DIAMOND NECKLACE.
INSERT: ESTHER HAS THE NECKLACE ON, HER FACE STRICKEN WITH
FEAR AS A GUN IS RAISED TO HER HEAD.
She puts it on, but is dissatisfied with how it looks.
Returning it to the box, she sees something she had missed:
A picture frame laid face down.
She flips it over: It is the PHOTO OF EDGAR, THE WOMAN AND
THE BAPTIZED CHILD.
In a fury, Esther grabs the dresses, the gun and the photo.
FADE TO:
31. 30.
EXT. FASHION DISTRICT - DAY
A crowded street with fancy boutiques selling anything and
everything a tourist could want, all at discounted prices.
From a doorway of one of the shops, two SHADY MEN scan the
crowd.
Edgar Beelines Esther, now wearing a designer LOW-CUT DRESS
towards a small shop labeled DESIGNER EMPORIUM.
Her eyes light up as she admires the beautiful dresses
displayed in the window, and can barely break her gaze away
as she is ushered inside.
EXT. SKYLINE HOTEL ROOF
DRESSES are draped across the numerous satellite dishes
across the roof.
One by one, they are picked off, bullet holes puncturing
them with pieces of fabric flying everywhere.
Esther’s gaze is fierce, this is oddly therapeutic.
Turning away, she points the gun at something else.
The photo stands on the roof’s edge, the WOMAN staring back
at her.
She braces herself to squeeze the trigger, takes a deep
BREATH and closing her eyes.
But she can’t. The gun is lowered.
INT. DESIGNER EMPORIUM - DAY
Inside the shop is a collection of DESIGNER DRESSES and
women’s day wear that all are extremely chic.
The stout, yet effeminate JESUS (30S) leans on the glass
counter that houses a collection of ELEGANT JEWELRY.
Esther cannot get enough of everything, and strokes many of
the gowns delicately, SIGHING to herself.
EDGAR
(to Esther)
Go on.
Edgar points her to the changing room in back and, taking a
few of the gowns, disappears behind the curtain.
(CONTINUED)
32. CONTINUED: (2) 31.
EDGAR
Jesus, my old friend. How’s
business today?
Jesus offers him a warm, yet practiced smile.
JESUS
Things are going well Caballo.
EDGAR
I wanted to introduce you to the
beautiful Esther and see if you had
any new handbags that we might be
interested in.
JESUS
I just got a bunch of Fendi bags
straight from New York that the
tourists have been gobbling up. And
this here is some of the finest
rock you’ll get. I’m sure you’ll
ignore the blood diamond thing.
Jesus grabs the same DIAMOND NECKLACE from the lock box,
handing it to Edgar.
EDGAR
This is gorgeous. Right, my sweet?
Esther promptly exits the changing room, sporting one of the
ELEGANT GOWNS, with the others draped over her arms.
ESTHER
Oh yes. That is fantastic!
Edgar drapes the necklace around Esther, and they both
admire it in the mirror, before sharing a kiss.
JESUS
I do have one special Prada bag
that’s not on the market yet
straight from the designer in New
York. I’d like you to have it.
EDGAR
My little queen might like
something like that.
Jesus opens it wide, allowing them to inspect its interior.
EDGAR (cont’d)
We would be honored to have such a
fine bag. Esther will be the talk
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
33. CONTINUED: (3) 32.
EDGAR (cont’d)
of the town, making all the girls
jealous. How much for it?
JESUS
For you, Caballo, I’d like to give
it to you for free-
EDGAR
-No, no. Here, I want you to have
what the bag is worth.
Edgar runs his fingers along the lining, lifting its edge to
reveal a large bag of coke.
Esther is flabbergasted.
At that moment, the two Shady Men barge into the store with
semi-automatics.
Shady Man 1 grabs Esther and puts the gun to her head.
SHADY MAN 1
Alright motherfuckers! Give us the
product and the cash or the little
bitch gets it.
SHADY MAN 2
Yeah.
Shady Man 2 skittishly looks from his partner to the other
men, the raised gun shaking in his hand.
SHADY MAN 1
Raise those hands putos.
SHADY LOOKING MAN 2
That’s right.
Both Jesus and Edgar raise their hands.
EDGAR
Please, don’t hurt her. Sher’s just
a girl.
SHADY MAN 2
We don’t give a fuck if she’s the
Virgin Mary. Toss us the money and
the product and we’ll get out of
here.
Jesus tosses the bag and the drugs to the men’s feet.
(CONTINUED)
34. CONTINUED: (4) 33.
SHADY MAN 1
Good job, little piggy. You two can
tag team this bitch while we enjoy
the fruits of your labor. (to Shady
Looking Man 2) Pick that shit up.
Shady Man 2 does as he’s told.
SHADY MAN 1
Los Locos Supremos run this
country, don’t you forget that (to
Shady Man 2) Give that here.
Pointing the gun to Edgar, Shady Man 1 takes the drugs.
SHADY MAN 1 (cont’d)
Remember your place or your place
will be covered in pieces of your
girl. (to Shady Man 2) Now let’s
go.
He throws Esther to the ground and they run towards the
door, shooting the shop’s window before escaping.
Esther’s ears RING as she stares sadly.
INT. BEACH HOUSE - NIGHT
THE PHOTO OF THE BAPTISM.
Edgar studies it with sad eyes just like Esther’s.
He now sits on a COUCH in the corner of what seems to be a
well-loved, simple old living room with the photo in hand.
He flips through an old photo album; revealing decade after
decade, year after year of his family’s history.
The WOMAN is years younger: She stands next to a young and
handsome EDGAR.
Later still: Edgar shakes hands in front of a brand new
fishing boat: El Caballo del Mar.
WOMAN’S VOICE (OS)
Edgar, hijo! Dinner’s almost ready!
Come before it gets cold, will you?
EDGAR
Coming!
But Edgar doesn’t move. He flips the page.
(CONTINUED)
35. CONTINUED: (2) 34.
Edgar and the Woman, stand in front of the Seahorse, smiling
wide; the TODDLER BOY clutched to her chest.
He can’t help but WHIMPER and tear up as he stares.
The sounds of COOKING fade into the distance...
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Everything is DIM, MUFFLED, as if all air has been sucked
out of the room.
Esther, now wearing the chic dress, holds her crying gaze as
Edgar jokes with the PARTIERS.
Champagne is poured freely.
A large SEAHORSE ICE SCULPTURE is displayed at the center of
the table with a crevice around it filled with CAVIAR.
The Seahorse looms larger by the second as the noise becomes
clearer, the VOICES growing to a MENACING CACOPHONY.
Her hand moves towards the ICE PICK that rests near the
sculpture and slowly points its blade at her inner thigh.
Bracing to stab herself, she closes her eyes.
The blade stays there, inches from her crotch.
EDGAR (OS)
What the hell are you doing?!
She is shocked, the knife slipping from her hand and
stabbing her leg.
Edgar storms over to Esther, turning her head to face him.
EDGAR
(beat)
I’m so so sorry you had to see
that, my little Starfish.
She SHRIEKS and begins CRYING again, storming across the
large banquet hall.
Javier swiftly exits the kitchen, watching Esther run off as
he delivers a tray of his new dish.
Edgar swiftly runs after her and they go into a chase down
the hall.
(CONTINUED)
36. CONTINUED: (2) 35.
EDGAR (cont’d)
I’m sorry Esther! Please, just come
back. I just want you to have what
I have. (to Octavio) Come on man,
make yourself useful and help me.
EXT. SKYLINE HOTEL - NIGHT
Esther bursts out of the Skyline Hotel SOBBING.
She throws off her heels and runs barefoot towards the
boardwalk.
It is a quiet, starless night, and there are no vehicles
parked around, save for a collection of SUVs and SEAHORSE
DELIVERY TRUCKS.
All Esther sees is the empty boardwalk ahead of her and the
sound of the CRASHING WAVES in the blackness beyond it.
She sends a trail of blood behind her as she approaches the
beach.
The cold light of the moon illuminates her distraught face.
FADE TO:
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP - NIGHT
The glow of street lamps streak across Esther’s desperate
face as she continues to search for answers.
EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS - NIGHT
The pickup RUMBLES past a beat up SEAHORSE SEAFOOD
DISTRIBUTION TRUCKS with dimmed headlights, now littered in
bullet holes that towers over another, older pickup truck
with chickens spilling out the back of the open bed.
Two SOLDIERS point rifles at a family; a RUGGED MAN in
farmer’s attire(35), his PLAIN WIFE, and their SCRAPPY SON,
who cower in fear, their hands held high in the air.
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP - MONTAGE
The Soldiers pack loads of HEROIN onto the bed..
Javier looks over, studies the despondent Esther.
All is SILENT.
37. 36.
EXT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - DAY
Javier continues staring.
Along with Victor and some of the other LINE COOKS, he is
situated in front of a well-stocked CATERING STATION amongst
a collection of DECORATED TABLES in a reception area.
He seems tired, sadder and can hardly watch as Esther and
Edgar prance out the entrance of the catholic church.
Esther is as gay as can be in her elegant yet ill-fitting
wedding dress, the bump of her stomach holding her gown
tight against her waist.
Octavio guides the smiling Lorena, who holds baby Sofia down
the stairs after them with the hobbling Señora and Consuelo
CHATTERING right behind.
Edgar points at the MARIACHI BAND on the stage behind Javier
and, for the slightest second, he catches her gaze.
A hint of sadness is shared between the two of them as Edgar
kisses her cheek and points to the MARIACHI BAND cueing the
music.
The WEDDING ATTENDEES follow suit and everyone starts
breaking a leg on the dance floor.
All Javier can do is watch.
Both Edgar and Esther catch him looking on, and Edgar
beckons him over.
Javier is silent, immobile, but Edgar is insistent.
EDGAR
Sorry Javier, my man. I know we
were supposed to have a formal meal
before we broke out (laying the
accent on thick) "la musica," but
the little queen here couldn’t wait
to celebrate the occasion.
JAVIER
No sir, it’s ok. I have to stay at
the station in case anybody wants a
special order.
EDGAR
This is not a request, it’s an
order.
(CONTINUED)
38. CONTINUED: (2) 37.
Javier gives him an incredulous look, which Edgar returns
with a stare.
EDGAR (cont’d)
It’s not for me, it’s for her.
Edgar drags Javier to the dance floor, where Esther and
Lorena dance awkwardly while Octavio chats with one of the
suited Partiers in the background.
Esther is taken aback when she catches sight of Javier
standing beside her.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Enjoy yourselves. I have some
business to attend to.
Edgar moves to Octavio and the suited man.
ESTHER
(to Lorena)
Lorena, you know Javier, right?
JAVIER
I don’t believe we’ve met.
LORENA
So this is the famous chef?
ESTHER (cont’d)
This is my sister Lorena.
JAVIER
It’s my pleasure.
LORENA
I think I hear the baby crying.
At this, Lorena smirks and speeds off.
ESTHER
What the hell are you doing?
JAVIER
He insisted. He said you wanted to
have a dance with me.
ESTHER
He wants to torture us... How are
you?
JAVIER
...I’m good. I think I’ve perfected
my new experiment. I’ll have to
share it with you.
(CONTINUED)
39. CONTINUED: (3) 38.
By now, they have gotten incredibly close, and Edgar catches
this out of the corner of his eye.
He rushes over.
EDGAR
(to Javier)
All this dancing is making me
hungry. Javi, why don’t you fix me
something special?
Esther locks eyes with each of them as Edgar drags Javier
away.
LORENA (OS)
Oh, the troubles of the girl that
has everything.
Esther ponders this in her usual manner.
INT. CHANCEL
Esther continues to ponder, her gaze is locked to something
off screen.
At the foot of a large GOLDEN CRUCIFIX are two pairs of legs
sticking out from behind the front pews.
INT. MASTER SUITE - NIGHT
The suite is well kept and dark, and a bottle of champagne
rests on the coffee table.
The only light comes from the moon shining through the bay
windows, which acts as a spotlight on the king bed.
The only sounds audible are from a MARIACHI BAND and
REVELERS down on the beach below.
Suddenly, the sounds of giggling and footsteps.
The KEY CARD SWIPES, the LOCK BEEPS.
Edgar, still in his wedding suit, swings the door open with
his back to us then pivots, revealing Esther, wedding dress
on, in his arms.
They exchange sloppy smiles and a kiss to one another as he
stumbles with her towards the couch.
(CONTINUED)
40. CONTINUED: (2) 39.
EDGAR
You are the most beautiful girl in
the world, not just the mountains.
I fell for you at first sight.
He hugs her tightly and kisses her cheek.
In return, Esther nuzzles into his chest.
ESTHER
Me too, mi amor, me too. I’ve never
been so happy in my life.
EDGAR
It’s a blessing your family could
come. We’re lucky Octavio is here
to help us keep you close.
ESTHER
I know. My family is the most
important thing in my life. I’m so
lucky to have you as a part of
mine. I love you.
Edgar looks at her a beat.
EDGAR
...I love you too.
INSERT: EDGAR CRIES, DESPERATELY PULLING ESTHER OUT OF THE
OCEAN.
Finally he kisses her.
ESTHER
Oh my, Caballo. I think that is the
first time you’ve ever told me
that.
EDGAR
But it’s absolutely true, my dear.
(beat) Let’s celebrate.
He takes off his coat and moves towards the kitchenette..
EDGAR (cont’d)
Why don’t you go ahead and slip
into something a little more
comfortable, while I get us some
glasses.
-IN THE BEDROOM
(CONTINUED)
41. CONTINUED: (3) 40.
Esther moves to the bed while Edgar CLINKS around in the
kitchen.
She begins removing her wedding dress, lifting it over her
head when she catches a clear glimpse of the photo:
A YOUNG WOMAN, who looks just like herself, stands next to a
YOUNGER EDGAR with a BABY in her hands.
EDGAR (OS)
Here we are my Starfish. Why don’t
you come and help me enjoy this?
-IN THE LIVING ROOM
Esther comes out in an oversize SEAHORSE SEAFOOD
DISTRIBUTION TRUCK T-SHIRT that hangs loosely from her
shoulders.
EDGAR
It’s your turn, give it a try.
He offers her the bottle but she doesn’t take it.
EDGAR (cont’d)
There you go, just give the wire a
little twist and it’ll pop, just
like before.
Esther looks at him straight in the eye.
ESTHER
Who is the woman in that photo?
He is taken aback.
EDGAR
What?
ESTHER
Was she your wife?
He slaps her.
ESTHER (cont’d)
Was that your son?
He grabs her by the collar and slaps her again, when she
falls to the ground.
EDGAR
Don’t ever speak of her again!
He is about to smack her again.
(CONTINUED)
42. CONTINUED: (4) 41.
ESTHER
Please, Edgar! I’m so sorry my
love.
He relents.
INT. SMALL COUNTRY HOME - DAY
Lorena rocks baby Sofia in her arms as she looks at a pile
of medical bills on the kitchen table.
Beside the pile is a video tape sized UPS box which, after
an extended moment of thought, she tears open.
Inside is a box for a designer kitchen knife set, with a
note taped to the side:
I MISS YOU ALL. MAY THIS HELP YOU FIND ALL THE FOOD AND
HEALTH YOU NEED.
LOVE, ESTHER
Suspense written on her face, Lorena opens it...
Revealing a huge stack of money.
INT. MASTER SUITE - NIGHT
The PARTIERS are in full swing, drinking COCKTAILS and doing
COKE like there’s no tomorrow.
Edgar is seated next to Esther on the Love Seat, observing
his subjects like a king, while Esther delicately sips
champagne.
She perses her lips, accentuating her flush cheeks;
something is bothering her.
Beginning to squirm, it seems she has to pee, badly.
She excuses herself and dances around the fete towards the
bathroom.
INT. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Esther storms in, practically slamming the door behind her.
The toilet can’t be close enough and, in stride begins
pulling down the panties that are way too plain for her
dress.
(CONTINUED)
43. CONTINUED: (2) 42.
Plopping on the seat, the STREAM echoes loudly inside the
bowl.
Once done, she gets ready to pull her panties, when she sees
something off.
The PAD resting in the panties is clean.
She stares at it.
The PARTY continues in the other room.
FADE TO:
EXT. SMALL BEACH TOWN - DAY
EDGAR’S SUV rolls down a dirt path lined by sparse palm
trees.
Sun-beaten MEN tend to small crops of corn with donkey
pulled plows in patchy plots.
Ahead, we can see a tiny beach, with only the sounds of the
meditating PACIFIC engulfing us.
The SUV comes to rest at the water’s edge. Edgar and the two
HENCHMEN exit; he leads them down the beach a ways, coming
to a small water-warped wooden house.
Beached at the edge of the water is a WRECKED FISHING BOAT.
Edgar looks at it for a time; the boat CREAKS.
We see closer: THE SEAHORSE is emblazoned on the side. It’s
the same one that was behind Edgar, the Woman and the Baby
in the photo.
Deciding he can’t look any longer, Edgar approaches the
house and knocks on the door.
Nothing.
After a time, the door creaks open, and a small elderly
woman, Edgar’s grandmother COLIMA appears.
She looks Edgar and the two men up and down, studies their
pressed suits.
COLIMA
Hello?
(CONTINUED)
44. CONTINUED: (2) 43.
EDGAR
Abuelita, it’s me, Edgar.
COLIMA
Edgar? He moved to the city a long
time ago. He never visits me.
This hurts him.
EDGAR
I’m here, abuela. I’m here to get
back to work on the Seahorse, start
shipping again and hands it to her.
EXT. BOARDWALK - DAY
A slow day for business.
Esther looks longingly at the Partiers on the beach, while
Consuelo shuffles her DECK OF TAROT CARDS, then goes to her
stand to rearrange it so that it is seen more prominently.
ESTHER
Here, let me help you with that.
CONSUELO
No, no. Mind your stand, this is my
work.
ESTHER
But we’re supposed to be friends,
remember what you said?
CONSUELO
Of course. Of course.
ESTHER
Well, friends help each other out.
CONSUELO
You’re making me feel old again.
Esther nudges Consuelo out of the way and takes control.
She looks over to the Partiers, curious to see what they are
doing, only to find that Edgar has been watching her.
They are both a little surprised.
CONSUELO (OS)
What’s up with you? Your first slow
day and you fly of into space?
(CONTINUED)
45. CONTINUED: (2) 44.
ESTHER
What? Oh, I was just looking out at
the water. It looks so beautiful.
I’ve never been in the ocean
before.
CONSUELO
Remember what I said about getting
swallowed up.
ESTHER
I know, I know...
At this point, Edgar has risen from the sand and begins
walking her way.
She catches her breath.
ESTHER (cont’d)
It’s just...
Edgar is there, shirtless and muscular, commanding attention
as he promenades down the boardwalk.
Even Consuelo is taken aback.
CONSUELO
They call him Caballo.
ESTHER
Oh...
INSERT: EDGAR SHAKES THE WELL-DRESSED MAN’S HAND FROM THE
PHOTO BEFORE TAKING HIS ORNATE PISTOL FROM HIS BELT AND
SHOOTING HIM. HE HOPS UP ON THE BOAT.
CONSUELO
He is either a good or bad person
to know.
EXT. DESERT PLAIN - LATER
A DESERT LIZARD runs off as the truck comes to rest in front
of a SEA OF GREEN CACTI in bloom, decorated in BRIGHT PURPLE
BULBS littered with small, pointy seeds.
Javier hops out of the truck, pulling Esther towards one of
the cacti.
JAVIER
The tuna is one of my favorite
summer fruits.
(CONTINUED)
46. CONTINUED: (2) 45.
ESTHER
Tuna?
JAVIER
Prickly Pear, whatever you want to
call it.
INSERT: EDGAR, HIS WIFE AND THEIR CHILD WATCH A FRUIT VENDOR
AT THE MARKETPLACE CUT UP A PIECE OF TUNA AND PUT IT ON A
PLATE.
Javier pulls off a bulb and swiftly cuts the ends off using
the parring knife.
After slitting a line down the side, he unravels the thick
skin like a banana peel, revealing a fleshy green tube,
similar to a cucumber.
He takes a bite, leaving a light coating around his lips,
which he exaggerates, licking it off with cheesy grin.
JAVIER (CONT’D)
Mmm. Here, have some.
Esther studies it before taking a little bite.
ESTHER
That’s amazing.
She tries to wipe the glaze off with the back of her hand,
to no avail.
JAVIER
Here, use this.
He offers her the sleeve of his chef’s jacket.
ESTHER
I don’t want to soil your uniform.
JAVIER
Don’t worry, I do it all the time.
INSERT: JAVIER USES HIS JACKET TO WIPE BLOOD OFF THE BED OF
THE TRUCK.
Holding her head gently with the opposite hand, he wipes the
pulp off with his sleeve.
ESTHER
I could eat this everyday.
(CONTINUED)
47. CONTINUED: (3) 46.
JAVIER
We’ll stay here then.
EXT. DESERT PLAIN - NIGHT
Esther is wrapped tightly in what remains of Javier’s jacket
as they huddle next to the diminishing fire.
Their silence does little to mask the romantic mood. But
then Esther’s stomach begins to CHURN, and she lets out a
WHIMPER, before a convulsive WRETCH.
She CRIES SOFTLY.
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP
JAVIER
Drink this.
Unscrewing it, he brings it gently to her mouth and she sips
from it, water dribbling down her chin. JAVIER (cont’d)
Is it helping?
ESTHER
A little.
But then she leans her head out the door and WRETCHES again.
EXT. ROAD - LATER
Packs of wild coyote can be seen roaming about as the sun
begins to set over the horizon.
Javier holds Esther as she vomits alongside the pickup.
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP - NIGHT
Javier caresses Esther’s head that leans against his chest
as he drives on, her heavy BREATH erratic and sharp.
She shifts violently in her sleep.
ESTHER
No... Don’t take him...
Javier gives her a cursory glance, then turns back to the
road.
48. 47.
EXT.
PA[PLEASEINSERTPRERENDERUNICODE{Ì ˛A}INTOPREAMBLE]TZCUARO -
DAY
The pickup drives through a small town with well worn,
colorful shops lining the streets with VENDORS chatting
amongst each other.
Aztec pyramids peak their steeples above the buildings,
giving it the feel of a small, timeless, magical world.
A sign reads: Don˜a Luna Handmade Chocolates
Rolling to a stop in front of the store, Javier gets out and
leads the weakened Esther inside.
INT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES
Don˜a Luna’s is a small colorful shop, filled with a
chocolates, herbs and candies of all kinds.
In the front are huge satchels of fresh cacao beans of all
different varieties.
As we move along, we become aware of a RUSTLING in the back,
and the faint sound of TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOLK MUSIC.
A bell RINGS as the door swings open, and Javier leads the
sick Esther inside by the hand.
WOMAN (OS)
Well if it isn’t my favorite
customer.
DON˜A LUNA (60s), a stout woman, whose well loved apron is
covered in the light brown dust of the cacao bean, smiles at
Javier and Esther.
DON˜A LUNA
And he brought a beautiful bride
with him!
JAVIER
(To Don˜a Luna)
This my friend Esther from the
beach. She got a little car sick,
and I knew you would have the
perfect remedy for her.
Don˜a Luna studies the quaking and feverish Esther and gives
her a knowing smile.
(CONTINUED)
49. CONTINUED: (2) 48.
Esther returns the smile the best she can, but SIGHS as we
hear her stomach CHURN.
DON˜A LUNA
Here, come have a seat dear. I’ll
make you some tea.
She takes Esther by the hand and leads her to the back of
the office, where there is an old stove along with a
collection of jarred herbs and roots along the counter top.
In the front of the shop, Javier studies all the different
chocolates, powders and candies, lifting a packet to his
nose, and inhaling with a satisfied smile.
DON˜A LUNA (OS)
The Incas of this region have been
brewing this tea for centuries.
It’s supposed to help the morning
sickness.
INT. MASTER SUITE - DAY
Edgar has his LAPTOP open with a SPREADSHEET on the screen
and his CELLPHONE pressed to his ear.
EDGAR
Yes, I see. This looks promising.
(beat) When do you think they’ll be
able to get it across?
Esther silently exits the restroom, tip-toeing towards
Edgar, sure not to break his concentration.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Well then we’re just going to have
to make sure we’re covered. I need
you to keep this locked down
tightly.
She creeps up closer to him, ultimately deciding to sit
close.
In his business mode, Edgar scrolls through the chart,
clicking on numbers and manipulating the formulas.
EDGAR (cont’d)
How are they going to notice that
minor miscalculation, do you think?
(beat) Yes? What the fuck am I
paying you for then? You better
make sure those I’s are dotted or
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
50. CONTINUED: (2) 49.
EDGAR (cont’d)
I’ll have to lay you out like the
letter T myself.
By this point, Esther has sidled up beside him and is
snuggling into his waist.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Just fucking fix it, man!
Esther lightly nudges his rib cage.
EDGAR (cont’d)
(still into phone)
...Ok, get it to me later. I’ll be
sure to-
She nudges him a little harder, and he whips to face her.
EDGAR (cont’d)
What is it? Why the fuck are you
interrupting my business? Why don’t
you just go and play with your
Gypsy frien-
She pulls out a pregnancy test, it’s positive.
His eyes light up, and he pulls her close to him
He hangs up the phone, practically throwing it to the
ground.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Oh dios mio my little starfish!
This is the greatest gift you could
have ever given me! Why didn’t you
tell me?
ESTHER
You’re always so busy, I didn’t
want to interrupt your work.
EDGAR
So that’s why you’ve been so shy
recently. Well, this calls for a
celebration.
51. 50.
EXT. BEACH - NIGHT
Esther jumps into the sand, nearly tumbling head over heels.
She lifts herself up and runs towards the wake, the sounds
of CRASHING WAVES growing ever louder
EDGAR
Please, just come back! You’ll
never see that again.
Running towards the darkness, we begin to see the foaming
wake.
She thrusts herself into the water reckless hopeless
abandonment, not looking back to the onrushing Edgar.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Esther! Don’t.
Too late, she is already under the water.
-UNDERWATER
Esther is curled up in her familiar fetal position, the
garbled sounds of the WAKE crashing around her.
Edgar’s hand plunges into the water feeling around to grab
her, his fingertips touching her dress, but she is
ultimately too far away to reach her.
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The two kneel on the dirt ground, hidden in the ditch where
the truck rests, as Javier holds back Esther’s hair while
she VOMITS profusely.
EXT. HIGHWAY - LATER
Esther lays inside the truck as Javier diligently cleans the
door.
NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)
Another violent clash has occurred
between the cartel the Seahorses
and Los Locos Supremos in Acapulco
de Juarez, where it is believed
that the Seahorse Cartel has been
able to kill Juan Lucas Fernandez,
the leader of Los Locos Supremos.
52. 51.
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Edgar, Esther and the Partiers are all situated around a
large banquet table, a grand feast displayed in front of
them.
Esther sports a beautiful, modern maternity dress, showing
in her mid second trimester.
EDGAR
Thank you all for joining us this
evening. We could not be happier to
have our friends and business
associates together on this
splendid occasion.
He wraps his arm around Esther and raises a wine glass in
salutations.
Everyone else does the same.
EDGAR (cont’d)
I have gathered you all for two
reasons. Both of them very special.
Everyone grins in anticipation.
EDGAR (cont’d)
The first is quite a feat for all
of us, and will bring great fortune
for us for years to come. Los Locos
Supremos has been personally
infiltrated by none other than our
very own Octavio. We know the
whereabouts of their kitchens, and
are poised to take them over.
(beat) Cheers!
INSERT: A SOLDIER’S NECK HAS BEEN SLIT BY OCTAVIO, WHOSE
RIFLE IS TRAINED AT HIS HEAD.
Everyone raises their glasses and cheers him.
Octavio gives a small wave and nods in appreciation.
EDGAR (cont’d)
The country’s trading will be ours
for the foreseeable future.
They all CLAP.
(CONTINUED)
53. CONTINUED: (2) 52.
EDGAR (cont’d)
And the second, the second is the
most exciting news of all. We’d
like to announce that we are having
a boy!
An even greater CHEER.
ESTHER
Thank you. Thank you. We are both
so happy to have you as part of the
family. It is an honor to have you
part of little Francisco’s life.
Edgar furrows his brow at the name.
INT INN - DAY
The Large Man, the Teenage Girl and Esther all sit at the
dining room table, eating a breakfast of eggs, beans and
rice.
They all stuff their faces. Apparently the meal is
fantastic.
LARGE MAN
So, young lady, do you have name
chosen for the little one yet?
ESTHER
We named him after my father. As a
gift to my mom, so she could keep
something of his memory before she
passes away. She’s not doing very
well.
A somber beat.
JAVIER (OS)
I hope you are enjoying the hor’s
d’oeuvres. Give me a second and
I’ll bring out the special treat.
Just don’t finish that coffee.
A subtle SQUEAK and the light SCRAPING of metal before the
SHUTTING of a metal door.
LARGE MAN
What are you doing in there? Don’t
break my stove.
(CONTINUED)
54. CONTINUED: (2) 53.
JAVIER (OS)
Just settle down. I promise it’s
worth the wait.
Javier appears with a plate full of steaming croissants,
which he proudly presents.
JAVIER
Go ahead. These are my specialty. I
learned how to make them from the
master pastry chef at Le Cordon
Bleu in Paris.
LARGE MAN
You learned how to make pan dulce
in Paris?
JAVIER
No, these are croissants. They use
a lot more butter. Now your kitchen
is bare unfortunately.
The Large Man gives a shocked look, ready to react.
JAVIER (cont’d)
Just kidding... But you’re out of
butter.
LARGE MAN
Oh, ok.
JAVIER
Dig in.
They do as they’re told, the chocolate filling smearing on
their cheeks as they eat.
JAVIER (cont’d)
Go ahead. Dip it in the coffee. It
will taste better
The Large Man does, a glop of chocolate dropping into the
coffee and splashing a little bit.
They all laugh.
LARGE MAN
Cheers to the chef!
55. 54.
EXT. INN - DAY
The Teenage Girl holds the front door open as Javier leads
the two of them to their truck.
ESTHER
Thank you so much for your
hospitality. Your place truly is a
hidden treasure.
She reaches inside the doll and offers a stack of bills to
the Teenage Girl.
ESTHER (cont’d)
Here is something for new
furniture. You deserve it.
The girl looks at it and puts her hand out in refusal.
TEENAGE GIRL
I can’t take this. Please, keep it
for your child.
ESTHER
Can you deliver this for me, will
you? At least you can take this as
payment.
Esther takes out a VIDEO CASSETTE and hands it to the girl.
TEENAGE GIRL
Yes, señora Esther.
She watches as the Teenage Girl re-enters the inn.
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL KITCHEN
The kitchen seems to be empty.
The only sounds are of SIZZLING PANS, BOILING WATER and
DISTANT GUNFIRE.
Moving through the room, we see the half hidden face of
SCARED LINE COOKS, their bodies filling any uninhabited
crevice.
A few are CRYING DESPERATELY, others clutch photos of their
families to their chests and even more have their rosaries
clutched tightly to their chests, PRAYING fervently.
Continuing towards the opposite corner, we begin the hear a
QUIET CONVERSATION.
(CONTINUED)
56. CONTINUED: (2) 55.
VICTOR (OS)
Yes Caballo. They ran through here.
The girl- Your wife was desperate.
Crazy. She had a gun and was
blabbing about getting to safety. I
told them about a church in Los
Angeles where my cousin was
staying.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Javier drives the truck down a busy strip of highway, where
cars zip past the truck in both directions.
He is obviously annoyed about something, his free leg
bounces up and down.
JAVIER
You shouldn’t have done that. What
were they going to do with that
kind of money, anyway?
Esther ignores him, instead looking at the crumpled map,
tracing her finger across a winding road on the other side
of the country.
ESTHER
This is crazy. How the hell are we
going to get all the way?
She drops the map on her bulbous stomach and it sways with
the movement of the truck.
JAVIER
First of all, you’re holding it
upside down.
ESTHER
Don’t you think I know that?
JAVIER
Secondly, you’re tracing the wrong
route.
ESTHER
But this is where you told me to
go. I’m just following what you
told me to do.
She takes a beat, stares at the map and then back at Javier.
(CONTINUED)
57. CONTINUED: (2) 56.
ESTHER (cont’d)
Just take it. I can’t do it, I’m
pregnant. It’s a man’s job anyway.
JAVIER
You know what? You’re right. You
shouldn’t have to do anything. You
should let me do it, because it’s
my responsibility to take care of a
little girl and her drug baby, to
get her to safety so she can pop
little Francisco out, so that you
can be captured and I can be kill-
ESTHER
Stop it! Stop it Javi! I’m sorry.
I’m sorry I got you into this. It
wasn’t my fault. I’m sorry I
married a man who leads an
operation five times the size of
your little kitchen...
She’s tearing up, she stops herself.
ESTHER (cont’d)
And I’m sorry I fell in love with
you.
INT. MASTER SUITE - NIGHT
Esther looks fabulous.
Her make up is perfect and she has a new hairstyle.
Even her maternity dress, which fits snugly around her eight
month belly, is chic.
Sitting next to Edgar on their big couch, her smile couldn’t
be any forced, even if she tried.
The room around them is decorated with a collection of
POWDER BLUE BALLOONS and STREAMERS: IT’S A BOY! and
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW MOTHER!
The Partiers are all enjoying themselves, eating FANCY HORS
D’OUVRES and CHEERING each other with COCKTAILS.
Octavio, always being his watchful self, scans the room.
Satisfied that everything is ok, he smiles.
(CONTINUED)
58. CONTINUED: (2) 57.
OCTAVIO
I want to congratulate my sister
and her esteemed husband. (feigning
humility) And I say this because
he’s my boss. Our family: my wife,
my daughter and my... ahem, beloved
mother-in-law, and, and the
Seahorse Organization included, are
lucky to have a new member. I am
excited to know that the Rincon
name will be forever known as the
benevolent kingdom that has brought
Acapulco, and Mexico back to
greatness.
Octavio reaches behind his back and pulls out a baby’s
maraca, handing it to Esther, who looks at him, then the
instrument, oddly.
She puts it in her purse, where the infamous doll is
sticking out.
The Partiers CHEER and Edgar lovingly rubs Esther’s stomach.
EDGAR
Thank you Octavio, my great and
loyal friend. It is incredible how
people appear in one’s life because
of another person and soon become a
close associate and loyal friend of
the Seahorse Clan. If it wasn’t for
his ever inquisitive nature, we
wouldn’t have found out the
whereabouts of our good friend Juan
Lucas Fernandez, and the son of a
bitch would still be alive. Thanks
to you, our little...Francisco will
be able to freely rule the country
and help maintain peace between all
the cartels for good. Now let’s
celebrate. What have you fine
individuals brought us?
Edgar spreads his hands in his usual exaggerated manner,
presenting the abundant number of wrapped gifts.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Go. Go ahead, my dear. See what we
have in store for the little
prince.
Esther delicately unfolds the wrapping of one of the gifts,
careful not to tear the packaging.
(CONTINUED)
59. CONTINUED: (3) 58.
NICOLE
This is from me and the girls.
Impatient, Edgar takes over and tears the paper to shreds.
EDGAR
This is how it’s done. See?
Doll-sized overalls with a Seahorse emblem are revealed.
ESTHER
Where did you find this?
NICOLE
Since you’re having a boy, we
figured we’d send for it. Your
sister was sure to stitch on the
Seahorse.
ESTHER
Yes. I see...
Suddenly, there is a KNOCK at the door.
A tense moment.
EDGAR
Go Octavio. See who it is.
Octavio does as he’s told, pulling out his gun.
He swings the door open slowly, revealing a chipper Javier,
has a wrapped gift.
Catching Javier’s gaze, Esther gives him a small pleading
smile, more anxious than anything.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Javier. What are you doing here?
Javier is stunned by Edgar’s benevolent tone.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Well, son. Don’t just stand there.
Come in. Let’s see what you have
there.
Edgar inspects the small gift, feeling its weight and
pulling an edge of the wrapping back to see what it is.
JAVIER
When Esther told me she was having
a baby shower, I-
(CONTINUED)
60. CONTINUED: (4) 59.
EDGAR
-She told you? When?
JAVIER
Yeah. I mean, she mentioned it when
you two were passing through the
kitchen the other night.
Edgar hands Esther the gift and she begins unwrapping it in
the same careful manner.
EDGAR
Oh. That’s good. Thank you. Go
ahead, open it Esther, just like I
showed you.
Esther starts to tear at it, clumsily trying to emulate
Edgar’s fierce style, ultimately dropping it.
Everyone watch intently as begins again.
EDGAR (cont’d)
(Aside, to Octavio)
I want that motherfucker gone. Take
care of it, tonight.
OCTAVIO
(quietly)
Yes Caballo.
Finally getting the wrapping off the gift, a carved WOODEN
STARFISH is revealed.
Esther puts it in her purse and gives Javier a huge hug.
ESTHER
(whispering in his ear)
Thank you Javi, you’re my prince.
(to the Partiers)
This I will hang above Francisco’s
crib, so he can learn the
constellations, just like his
father.
EDGAR
That’s right. Now, shall we let
Esther open the rest of her lovely-
BANG!
An EXPLOSION cuts Edgar off, followed by a barrage of GUN
FIRE from the boardwalk down below.
(CONTINUED)
61. CONTINUED: (5) 60.
All the GIRLS cower in the arms of their MALE COUNTERPARTS,
who in turn run to the window to see what is happening.
EDGAR (cont’d)
The LLS! Octavio, bring the men, we
must not let them take the city.
OCTAVIO
Yes, Caballo. I’m on it.
Octavio and the Men gather all the firearms hidden in their
various compartments in the living room, kitchen and
bedroom, then scurry towards the door.
EDGAR
Girls! Move to the bathroom, you’ll
all be safe there.
He tries to grab Esther’s arm, but she breaks free, running
to her purse.
EDGAR (cont’d)
My love! What are you doing?!
She ignores him, grabbing a handful of MONEY PACKETS from
underneath the bed, stuffing them in her purse.
Javier stands, flabbergasted, immobilized.
The GIRLS trap Edgar inside the bathroom as they rush in,
and he is knocked to the floor.
Esther runs to the closet, dials the code on the lock box,
pulling out Edgar’s gun, which she points at Edgar as she
runs at Javier.
EDGAR (cont’d)
Come here, you dumb cunt! Bring me
my son!
ESTHER
(to Javier)
Hurry. Let’s go.
Esther flings the door open and they run out.
INT. ELEVATOR
The two of them run into the elevator, both out of breath.
Esther frantically presses the DOOR CLOSE button.
They stand there quiet for what seems to be an eternity.
62. 61.
EXT. SKYLINE HOTEL
SEAHORSE MEN exchange GUNFIRE with LLS MEMBERS on the
boardwalk.
After a long beat of nothing but mayhem, Esther and Javier
run out the cargo bay behind the kitchen.
They reach Javier’s beat up PICKUP TRUCK, and he flings the
door open for Esther.
As she tries to hop in, she drops her gun and her bag, the
Doll nearly spilling out.
Just as she is about to swing the door closed, she quickly
grabs them and SLAMS the door shut.
The truck ZOOMS through the mayhem, with both SEAHORSE and
LLS members firing sub machine guns, throwing IED’s and
fighting hand to hand.
This isn’t a resort town, this is guerrilla warfare.
Narcos lie dead or injured among the innocent VENDORS and
TOURISTS, whose CARS and STANDS sit completely destroyed.
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP
Javier scans the carnage as he swerves around bodies,
vehicles and ducks from gunfire.
Esther blankly stares the world passing her outside,
unflinching as bullets WHIZ past the truck.
But then she sees something:
Consuelo lies dead at the foot of her stand, the TAROT CARDS
littered on the ground and over her body.
INSERT: CONSUELO WATCHES ESTHER WALK TOWARDS THE BEACH THAT
VERY NIGHT SHE MET EDGAR, PLACING A READING ON THE TABLE.
Esther’s eyes water as she focuses on the empty space next
to Consuelo’s stand where the woman’s blood now pools.
Passing along the parked cars, burning and bullet ridden she
sees her FAMILY’S VAN ablaze, with dead Narcos and their
WEAPONS spilling out its side door.
A few of her family’s dolls lie on the ground, soaking up
their blood.
(CONTINUED)
63. CONTINUED: (2) 62.
INSERT: HANDS STITCH THE HEADS ON THE DOLLS, ONE AFTER THE
OTHER. ONE OF THE NECKS IS LEFT AGAPE AND THE PHOTO, MAP AND
ROSARY ARE PLACED INSIDE THE STUFFING.
EXT. ACAPULCO
The streets of the city are just as bad, with LLS MEN
circling damaged SEAFOOD DISTRIBUTION BIG RIGS, torturing
and killing the DRIVERS while others grab the PAYLOAD OF
DRUGS, loading them into trucks and SUVs.
The pickup flies through this mayhem, with Narcos attempting
to pick them off, BULLETS WHIZZING all around them.
It passes one SEAHORSE DISTRIBUTION TRUCK whose back gate is
wide open and much of the payload is missing, with more of
it spilling all over the ground. in particular, one we’ve
seen before.
INT. SEAHORSE TRUCK
Octavio ducks low so as not to be seen.
OCTAVIO
No Caballo, it’s like the gates of
hell have opened up on us. There’s
no way I could have caught them if
I tried.
Just then a MASKED LLS MEMBER yanks the door open and tries
to pull himself into the truck by the steering wheel.
Octavio drops the phone and pulls his own gun out as fast as
he can, fumbling with it for an agonizingly long time before
he’s able to point it at the man and squeeze off a round.
Blood spurts all over him and he struggles to wipe it off.
Picking the phone back up, he catches sight of Lorena and
baby Sofia on the lock screen before he places the call.
INSERT: OCTAVIO LIES FACE UP IN THE SMALL TWIN BED NUZZLED
UP TO A SLEEPING LORENA WITH A NEWBORN SOFIA ON HIS CHEST.
HE COULDN’T BE SMILING ANY WIDER.
64. 63.
EXT. PÁTZCUARO - DAY
The pickup drives through a small town with well worn,
colorful shops lining the streets with VENDORS chatting
amongst each other.
Aztec pyramids peak their steeples above the buildings,
giving it the feel of a small, timeless, magical world.
A sign reads: Doña Handmade Chocolates
Rolling to a stop in front of the store, Javier gets out and
leads the weakened Esther inside.
INT. DOÑA LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES
Doña Luna’s is a small colorful shop, filled with a
chocolates, herbs and candies of all kinds.
In the front are huge satchels of fresh cacao beans of all
different varieties.
As we move along, we become aware of a RUSTLING in the back,
and the faint sound of TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOLK MUSIC.
A bell RINGS as the door swings open, and Javier leads the
sick Esther inside by the hand.
WOMAN (OS)
Well if it isn’t my favorite
customer.
DOÑA LUNA (60s), a stout woman, whose well loved apron is
covered in the light brown dust of the cacao bean, smiles at
Javier and Esther.
DOÑA LUNA
And he brought a beautiful bride
with him!
JAVIER
(To Doña Luna)
This my friend Esther from the
beach. She got a little car sick,
and I knew you would have the
perfect remedy for her.
Doña Luna studies the quaking and feverish Esther and gives
her a knowing smile.
Esther returns the smile the best she can, but SIGHS as we
hear her stomach CHURN.
(CONTINUED)
65. CONTINUED: (2) 64.
DOÑA LUNA
Here, come have a seat dear. I’ll
make you some tea.
She takes Esther by the hand and leads her to the back of
the office, where there is an old stove along with a
collection of jarred herbs and roots along the countertop.
In the front of the shop, Javier studies all the different
chocolates, powders and candies, lifting a packet to his
nose, and inhaling with a satisfied smile.
DOÑA LUNA (OS)
The Incas of this region have been
brewing this tea for centuries.
It’s supposed to help the morning
sickness.
INT. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM
Edgar is holed up with the GIRLS around him who cower
against one another in fear.
He leans over the sink as he talks, its basin spattered with
blood, with some dripping from his nose, a thick ring of
cocaine around his nostrils.
EDGAR
Octavio. You love your daughter,
right?
OCTAVIO (OS)
Yes Caballo. Of course.
Edgar wipes the vomit from his chin and spits.
EDGAR
I love my wife and unborn son, the
wife and son that are rightfully
mine. Do you understand?
OCTAVIO (OS)
Yes Caballo. Of course I do.
EDGAR
And you would do anything to keep
your family safe.
Octavio doesn’t know how to respond.
(CONTINUED)
66. CONTINUED: (2) 65.
OCTAVIO (OS)
...I would.
EDGAR
Then I need you to bring me back my
wife and child. Your family’s life
depends on it.
INT. SEAHORSE TRUCK
OCTAVIO
But-
EDGAR (OS)
-I need you to kill the chef and
get my wife and son, or I will be
certain your family is dead.
Octavio drops the phone again, then shoves the dead body out
of the cab.
INT. TRUCK - LATER
With the sounds of the GUERRILLA FIREFIGHT dim in the
background, Octavio dials another number.
It rings for a long time...
LORENA (OS)
Hello?
It takes him a moment to respond.
OCTAVIO
Hi.
LORENA (OS)
Hello. Who is this?
OCTAVIO
Lore, I miss you.
LORENA (OS)
Octavio. Oh my god, how are you?
OCTAVIO
It’s bad over here Lorena.
LORENA (OS)
Why, what’s up?
(CONTINUED)
67. CONTINUED: (2) 66.
OCTAVIO
The beach is a mess. The drug war
has come to Acapulco.
LORENA
Are you and Esther ok?
EXT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES - DAY
Javier sits on a small stool outside Don˜a Luna’s watching
the street and the PASSERSBY.
CRIES and GROANING come from inside the shop, accompanied by
an indistinct hymn like MURMUR.
An elderly COUPLE, both hunched and wearing simple clothes
walk towards Javier.
The woman, SEN˜ORA DOMINGUEZ supports her feeble husband
SEN˜OR DOMINGUEZ, who has trouble holding himself up by the
cane.
Sen˜or Dominguez nearly falls, but holds on to his wife as
as Sen˜ora Dominguez gives Javier a hug.
SEN˜ORA DOMINGUEZ
Congratulations. You must be very
proud.
Javier gives her a reticent smile and nod.
JAVIER
Thank you so much.
SEN˜ORA DOMINGUEZ
It’s a lot of work raising a child,
you know.
JAVIER
I’ve heard.
SEN˜ORA DOMINGUEZ
But don’t be scared. The reward of
seeing them grow and flourish is
greater than any you could ever
imagine. You’ll be a great father.
68. 67.
INT. SUV - NIGHT
Edgar, despondent, sits in the back seat as a HENCHMAN zooms
through the warfare happening outside on the beach.
As bullets WHIZ past the vehicle, with SCREAMS all around
him, he stares, lost to the world, at the BLACK & WHITE
PHOTO OF HIM, THE WOMAN AND THE BABY.
EXT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES
JAVIER
I hope so.
SEN˜ORA DOMINGUEZ
Just remember to breathe. (beat)
Just like this.
She jokingly does some lamaze breathing, then nudges him
towards the door.
SEN˜ORA DOMINGUEZ
Now. It’s time to bring your child
into this world.
INT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES - LATER
The GRUNTING and MURMURING continues.
Javier practically knocks over a barrel of beans as he
absently creeps towards the back of the room, now separated
by a LARGE BLANKET hung from the ceiling.
We can make out the words of traditional chant now:
DON˜A LUNA (OS)
Down there, where Ayopechcatl
lives, the jewel is born/ A child
has come into the world. / It is
down there, in her own place, that
the children are born./ Come, come
here, new-born child, come here. /
Come, come here, jewel-child, come
here.
Steam sneaks out from below and through the holes in the
blanket.
Javier peels back the blanket slightly and peeks his head
in.
(CONTINUED)
69. CONTINUED: (2) 68.
Esther is wrapped in a white cloth and Don˜a Luna is
massaging her stomach as she chants.
A pot of water is boiling on the stove with dried leaves
balanced on top for creating vapor.
Don˜a Luna’s concentration is broken suddenly.
DON˜A LUNA
Oh, dear, it’s much too cold in
here. I better...
She gets up and motions towards the curtain,when she spies
Javier watching from behind the pulled back sheet.
DON˜A LUNA (CONT’D)
Javi! Javi, stop that and come
here! You need to be here now.
Come.
Esther GROANS in agony as Javier enters the room.
JAVIER
Is she ok?
DON˜A LUNA
It’s just as important for the
father to be here to see the child
into the world as it is for him to
fight for her. Careful, or both of
you will be sent into the sun and
taken by the gods.
She pulls his hands to Esther’s stomach, showing him how to
massage it.
DON˜A LUNA
This will help free the baby from
her stomach.
His reticence to do it shows the fear he has at hurting her.
DON˜A LUNA (cont’d)
Don’t worry, you can’t hurt her.
Esther stops BREATHING HEAVILY and smiles at him.
ESTHER
Thank you Javi.
She puts her hand on his and guides him. But then, another
contraction and another painful WAIL. Javier jitters, as if
he’s done something wrong.
(CONTINUED)
70. CONTINUED: (3) 69.
DON˜A LUNA
You’re almost there Esther, keep
going. (to Javier) It’s good that
you’re here. Your positive energy
is helping the baby. It will be
healthy. (to Esther) Push dear,
push.
Esther puts all her energy into pushing, she’s crying it’s
so painful.
Don˜a Luna takes out a clean towel, getting ready for the
baby.
And then, the crown of the head appears.
DON˜A LUNA (CONT’D)
Down there, where Ayopechcatl
lives, the jewel is born/ A child
has come into the world. / It is
down there, in her own place, that
the children are born./ Come, come
here, new-born child, come here. /
Come, come here, jewel-child, come
here.
Javier is clueless, he tries to continue massaging her and
she slaps his hand away.
JAVIER
It’s coming! Push!
INT. SKYLINE HOTEL RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Edgar, Esther and the Partiers are all situated around a
large banquet table, a grand feast displayed in front of
them.
Esther sports a beautiful, modern maternity dress, showing
in her mid second trimester.
EDGAR
The country’s trading will be ours
for the foreseeable future.
They all CLAP.
EDGAR (cont’d)
And the second, the second is the
most exciting news of all. We’d
like to announce that we are having
a boy!
(CONTINUED)
71. CONTINUED: (2) 70.
An even greater CHEER.
ESTHER
Thank you. Thank you. We are both
so happy to have you as part of the
family. It is an honor to have you
part of little Francisco’s life.
Edgar furrows his brow at the name.
INT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES
Esther pushes one more time and CRIES out. The baby slides
out, CRYING desperately, just as Esther is.
Don˜a Luna holds the baby, wiping the glistening meconium
off of it with the towel before handing it to the crying
Esther.
ESTHER
He’s so beautiful. (to the boy)
You’re so beautiful, I will love
you forever. Francisco.
DON˜A LUNA
A handsome boy for sure. He takes
after his father.
Don˜a Luna looks at Javier, who’s crying silently.
DON˜A LUNA
(to Javier)
Don’t cry so much. He won’t grow
right.
Javier wipes his eyes and Esther gives him a half laugh.
ESTHER
Its ok, Javi. Thank you.
INT. VAN - DAY
Esther squeezes the rosary, takes a deep breath and crosses
herself before pulling away.
She looks in the rear view, surveying the dolls in back.
72. 71.
INT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES - LATER
-BEHIND THE BLANKET
The steam has dissipated.
Esther is humming Duermete Mi Nin˜o while she rocks the
sleeping Francisco in her makeshift baby sling.
Javier enters as quietly as he can, holding a bouquet of
flowers out to Esther.
ESTHER
(Whispering)
These are gorgeous, thank you Javi.
JAVIER
(Whispering)
I went to the church to get them.
Esther CHUCKLES a little.
ESTHER
I didn’t know you were so pious.
She nudges him with her free elbow.
Francisco stirs.
JAVIER
I stole them from the bush out
front.
He tries to give her a little peck on the cheek, but she
pulls him in and plants one on him.
Don˜a Luna greets a customer in the front.
DON˜A LUNA (OS)
Welcome sir. How can I help you?
Don˜a Luna SCREAMS.
The baby begins to stir.
Javier puts his hand over Francisco’s mouth.
Esther gives him an angry look and is about to speak, but
Javier gives her the "be quiet" finger. BLAM!
DON˜A LUNA (OS) (cont’d)
I don’t have much money, but I can
give-
(CONTINUED)
73. CONTINUED: (2) 72.
OCTAVIO (OS)
-Shut the fuck up! Where is the
girl?
DON˜A LUNA (OS)
Please! I don’t know what you’re t-
We hear Don˜a Luna’s body SLUMP violently to the floor and
Esther starts to tear up.
The baby’s CRY is Javier’s cue to take the hidden gun from
the doll’s lining and hand the doll to Francisco, who puts
it in his mouth.
JAVIER
Go.
INSERT: EDGAR LOOKS AT A PHOTO OF HE AND THE WOMAN WITH
CHILD STANDING IN FRONT OF THE ALMOST REFURBISHED BOAT.
Octavio is alerted, puts away the cell phone he had to his
ear and, gun out, marches toward the blanket.
BLAM!
A bullet rips through the blanket and hits him in the
shoulder.
He drops to his knees.
OCTAVIO
Esther!
-BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Esther SHRIEKS.
OCTAVIO (OS)
Esther! It’s me, Octavio! Just wait
and listen to me!
JAVIER
(to Esther)
Hurry.
Javier continues firing as they fly out the back...
74. 73.
EXT. BACK ALLEY - DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES
...And run towards the pickup.
Esther is unable to get the door open as Octavio burst out
the back of the shop, trying to fire at Javier.
Bullets continue to fly as Javier gets in the truck and
SWINGS the passenger door open reaching his hand out.
Octavio tries to steady his arm.
He aims, ready to pull the trigger.
But then he sees it what Javier has in his other arm.
Little Francisco.
The baby hypnotizes Octavio, as he hears baby Sofia’s COOS
from deep within him.
Gun lowered, Octavio can only lean against the wall as he
watches the pickup RUMBLE out of view. He closes his eyes.
INT. DON˜A LUNA’S HANDMADE CHOCOLATES - LATER
The shop is empty and lacking the vibrancy of earlier. The
front is SILENT, but then we hear RUSTLING coming from the
back.
-BEHIND THE BLANKET
A body is wrapped in Esther’s birthing blanket, spots of
blood doppling around what seems to be the head.
Octavio has fashioned a tourniquet around his shoulder with
the cloth Javier had used to wipe Esther’s brow.
Defeated, he sighs, and pulls out his cell phone.
It RINGS.
EDGAR (OS)
Did you get them?
OCTAVIO
No Caballo. They escaped.
The phone goes dead on the other end of the phone, and
Octavio is left sitting there, silent.
He looks at its screen: His wife and child
75. 74.
INT. WOODEN HOUSE
Edgar places the phone down.
EDGAR
You’re useless now. I must do it
myself.
After a beat, he opens up the photo album next to him and
flips through it obsessively.
INT. WOODEN HOUSE - LATER
Edgar has a large map of North America, covered in marker
lines spreading throughout Mexico and the United States.
He runs his finger down a route all the way to a point in
California, next to a PHOTO OF A LARGE, ORNATE CHURCH.
INSERT: THE BEAT UP TRUCK RUMBLES OVER A ROCKY DIRT DUNE,
NEARLY TOPPLING OVER.
Edgar feebly fights back tears.
He stands, motioning for the door.
EDGAR
(Calling to the other room)
Abuela, I’m going for a walk.
COLIMA (OS)
Be careful dear. The waves are high
today.
He swings it open and steps through the threshold.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The pickup passes through a small non-descript town, with a
large group of PEOPLE milling around tables filled with
tamales, enchiladas and posole´.
A MARIACHI BAND plays merrily.
INSERT: ESTHER AND EDGAR HAVE THE FIRST DANCE AT THE WEDDING
RECEPTION.
A group of CHILDREN stand poised to collect the candy from a
SEAHORSE PIÑATA swinging up and down as a LITTLE BOY waves a
broomstick wildly at it.
(CONTINUED)
76. CONTINUED: (2) 75.
A MAN holding the pin˜ata’s rope in one hand and a beer in
the other, gets a kick out of teasing the Little Boy.
He locks eyes with Javier and studies Esther while it
passes.
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP
Esther too locks eyes with the man as she stares blankly at
the scene outside: The Boy Swinging violently, bashing the
pin˜ata.
The Man turning back and egging the boy on.
The Children pouncing on the candy that floods out when the
Boy finally breaks it open; their grotesque massacre of the
colorful treats, with neon sugar spread across their faces
as they dance around, high as kites.
She looks down to Francisco, who is nursing, and gently
strokes his hair. She closes her eyes.
FADE OUT:
GRUFF MAN
Where are you going in such a
hurry?
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP - NIGHT
FADE IN:
A BURLY SOLDIER, one of the Local Workmen from earlier,
sporting the uniform of Edgar’s guards, is leaning his head
into the van and poking around with a flashlight.
Esther is absent.
Another Local Workman, sporting the same attire, leans
lazily against a black SUV and smirks.
INT. REFRIGERATOR IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK
Esther, almost HYPERVENTILATING, squeezes herself and
Francisco inside as best she can; her body hugged tightly
makes her look like a fetus.
The refrigerator’s door held open a crack by a knife
sharpener, Esther can hear the conversation clearly.
77. 76.
INT. JAVIER’S PICKUP
Javier does his best to disguise how tattered his chef’s
uniform is, making certain to have the Skyline Hotel logo
displayed prominently as the torn sleeve is hidden by the
baby’s sling which he now uses to hold his "injured arm".
His hat, comically askew, makes him look like a cartoon
character.
JAVIER
My employer is having a huge party
and needed a shipment of fresh
seafood for the dinner.
The Burly Soldier scoffs.
BURLY SOLDIER
Is that so? Well, I need to do my
job and check to make sure you’re
not transporting any illicit
substances.
EXT. HIGHWAY
The Burly Soldier wears a shit eating grin as he looks to
his partner, hand poised to yank the door open.
He leans in and Esther’s HEAVY BREATHING becomes audible.
The anticipation is killing him, his eyes are bugging out.
He gives the door two quick pats and eagerly trots to the
bed of the truck.
There is a medium sized refrigerator lying on its side,
pressed up against the back of the cab, and the Burly
Soldier puts his leg on the bed, ready to hoist himself up.
INSERT: A MAN REACHES OUT TO ESTHER’S LEG, EXPOSED
UNDERNEATH A SUNDAY DRESS.
INT. REFRIGERATOR IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK
The fridge sways, and we hear the MAN’S awkward STEPS .
Esther swiftly slides the parring knife from inside the
folds of Francisco’s swaddle and, in one motion, shoves the
refrigerator’s door open, which hits the Burly Soldier
square in the nose, stunning him.
She stabs his chest three times, then slits his throat.
(CONTINUED)
78. CONTINUED: (2) 77.
She SLAMS the door shut and we hear the GASPS of the Man,
and his feeble SCRATCHING at the door.
There’s a different SCREAM, then an exchange of GUNFIRE.
Then... SILENCE.
Nothing happens.
Esther tries to push the door open, but now that its shut,
the suction is too great.
She INHALES deeply, cups her hands over Francisco’s mouth,
then EXHALES into his.
Esther repeats this numerous times. But then, something
SLIDES off the back of the truck, PLOPPING on the ground.
She freezes.
The door is YANKED open, revealing a hatless, sweaty Javier
in his bloodied and torn chef’s coat.
ESTHER
Oh my god Javi! Are you alright?
She touches the blood spattered coat with a mother’s reflex.
JAVIER
It’s not mine.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Javier takes Francisco in his arm and helps Esther out of
the refrigerator.
There is a large streak of blood down the back of the bed.
Esther walks towards the back, revealing the Burly Soldier
splayed on the ground, thick blood pooling around his body.
The other Local Workman lies dead next to the SUV, which is
revealed to be parked alongside a stretch of highway
receding into darkness towards a small glow of light.
JAVIER
That’s where we’re headed.
He points to the light, and Esther stares at it, her eyes
gleaming brightly, brighter than they should.
Javier hands Francisco back to Esther and he gets in the
SUV, revving it’s engine.
(CONTINUED)
79. CONTINUED: (2) 78.
She stays, staring at the light momentarily.
JAVIER (CONT’D)
Hurry.
Esther looks down to Francisco and kisses his forehead.
EXT. HIGHWAY - LATER
The road seems a lot darker than it was before.
There’s a hollow silence, as if all the air transporting the
sound waves was sucked out of the atmosphere.
Javier sticks his head out the window, then steps out,
pulling the weathered map to his face.
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
Esther stands beside her beaten van in frustration as she
pours over her map.
With a huge SIGH, she folds it up and returns to the
driver’s seat, gazing blankly into the distance.
FADE TO:
INT. SUV
Esther sits rigid as stone, her body immobile from fear.
Javier shuts the door.
ESTHER
I’ll burn in hell. There’s no way
around it now.
JAVIER
(With a forced smirk)
At least we’ll have each other.
Grabbing the tattered map from inside his makeshift "arm
sling," he hands it over.
JAVIER (cont’d)
Show me where your dad used to go.
80. 79.
EXT. DIRT ROAD
Their SUV bounds through rough terrain over cacti and
boulders, often nearly tumbling into ditches or rolling off
rock faces.
The darkness encompassing them begins to dissipate, and
street lights become visible over the horizon.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Octavio speeds wildly down the highway, swerving around two
trucks filled with tired looking MIGRANT WORKERS.
The DRIVERS of each give it a dirty look, and then take out
their radios to RANT about it.
The LEADING DRIVER begins to HONK at the CARGO TRUCK until
he sees the logo on the side.
EXT. DIRT ROAD
The SUV has finally crested the top of the hill, overlooking
a long strip of the 20 foot high border wall, over which we
can see the very tips of street lights.
With El Caballo behind them and this barrier in front of
them, they have nowhere to go.
They can only wait to be caught.
So the SUV sits there for awhile, time moving along
agonizing second after agonizing second.
INT. SUV
The two look at each other; they don’t know what to do and
the tension between them is palpable.
And yet Francisco sleeps on, exhausted from the day’s trek.
JAVIER
What do we do now?
ESTHER
How should I know?
(CONTINUED)
81. CONTINUED: (2) 80.
JAVIER
You certainly knew how to get us
here. You said your dad’s map would
show us the way and you got us
stuck in front of the great wall of
China
Javier is frustrated beyond reproach, spite in his voice.
JAVIER (cont’d)
What were you thinking? There’s
nothing over here. There’s nothing
but a big wall trapping us!
ESTHER
It’s not my fault Javier! You made
your own choice to do it! And why?
Why did you fucking come along-
He is jarred by her words.
JAVIER
Because you fucking forced m--
The baby starts to WAIL uncontrollably.
ESTHER
See what happened? We’re stuck here
and you’re stuck being a daddy to a
baby that’s not even yours!
JAVIER
(beat)
I didn’t say that... I just-
ESTHER
--Forget it... I’ll walk it the
rest of the way.
Esther swings the door open and gets out, leaving Javier
there, mouth agape.
EXT. BORDER TOWN
Francisco’s CRIES echo off the thick wall as Esther walks
around, bouncing the boy in the attempts of calming him
down, to little avail.
Esther walks back and forth, a tangle of frustration, fear
and anger written on her face.
(CONTINUED)
82. CONTINUED: (2) 81.
ESTHER
Shh... Come on baby. Shh.
The baby’s WAILS continue, growing ever louder and echoing
more intensely.
ESTHER
Come on. Francisco. Quiet. Shut it.
Quiet baby. Her bouncing becomes more rapid and her steps
nearing gallops.
INT. SUV
The inside of the SUV may be silent, but Francisco’s echoing
CRIES penetrate it nonetheless. Javier is stunned at
Esther’s reaction.
His eyes grow wider with anxiety by the second as Esther
starts walking with the crying baby down the hill, dipping
just below the crest and out of view.
The CRYING stops. Javier can’t move, he’s mortified. He
finally hops up out of the SUV...
EXT. BORDER TOWN
...and runs down the hill to where Esther once was.
JAVIER
Esther! Esther! I’m sorry! It’ll be
ok! I’ll get you to safety, I
promise!
His voice ECHOES loudly, startling him even more.
JAVIER
Esther!
He slows down, fearful of what he’ll see, but oddly
magnetized at the same time.
Esther holds a sleeping Francisco in front of an opening
battered through the wall, just barely big enough for a
person to squeeze through.
ESTHER
You go first.
83. 82.
EXT. BORDER TOWN - LATER
Outside an Auto Mechanic’s Shop, more a shack than anything
a few rusted and beat up clunkers sit, many with broken
axles and missing wheels.
Javier stands with a WHITE MECHANIC (50S), who sports
tattered overalls blackened with grease who’s missing a few
teeth, handing him one of the packets of money Esther stole.
Esther sits in the passenger seat of an old, dented Cadillac
watching them, Francisco latched to her bosom.
WHITE MECHANIC
(In Spanish)
Thank you very much. I’m glad I
could help.
JAVIER
This means so much to me. You’ve
saved my baby’s life.
INSERT: A PHOTO OF YOUNG EDGAR STANDING ALONE IN FRONT OF
TWO GRAVESTONES.
INT. EDGAR’S SUV - NIGHT
Edgar takes swigs from a half empty TEQUILA BOTTLE, veering
from side to side.
The infamous PHOTO sways atop the dashboard before finally
falling to the floor.
His attempts to grab at it are futile, and he is forced to
SCREECH to a halt on the side of the highway.
EXT. CALIFORNIA ROAD - LATER
The Cadillac, obviously on its last legs, GROANS down a
dusty road, passing a collection of mangy dogs here and
there, who skirt around the vehicle as it approaches.
The vehicle kicks up trash and dust as it continues on its
journey.
84. 83.
EXT. LOS ANGELES - DAWN
Trash spreads across the grimy streets of the barrio,
dancing around the wheels of the Cadillac.
JAVIER
It has to be around here somewhere.
STREET CLEANERS spray the pavement with power hoses and
MEXICAN DRUNKS hang outside a bar that’s just opened for
business.
INSERT: THE VAN CRUISES THROUGH THE CROWDED, BRIGHTLY LIT
ACAPULCO STREETS THAT VERY FIRST NIGHT.
INT. CADILLAC
Esther feeds the boy hidden underneath the worn blanket as
she nervously surveys the surroundings.
Javier is focused on driving, every movement is precise,
every turn sharp and quick.
JAVIER
We’ll be at the church soon enough.
Suddenly they’re both distracted by something, they both
look to the hidden boy.
She lifts the blanket and looks at Francisco; Javier winces.
ESTHER
He needs to be changed.
JAVIER
He certainly does.
they both give a little CHUCKLE. Uncertain if this is the
right time to laugh,
they both give a little CHUCKLE.
ESTHER
The sooner, the better. Your
underwear aren’t really doing the
trick.
(CONTINUED)
85. CONTINUED: (2) 84.
JAVIER
Yeah, yeah. Well, what do you want
me to do?
ESTHER
Get me some diapers, I’m kind of
stuck here with him on my boob.
JAVIER
Can you just wait till we get to
the church?
She is about to retort, but Esther’s expression completely
changes as she stares at something off screen.
ESTHER
Javi.
JAVIER
What?
Esther points emphatically at a MAN talking on the phone;
nondescript, so Javier is unfazed.
But then he sees it:
Nearly rear-ending the car in front of him, Javier locks
eyes with a UNIFORMED SEAHORSE CLERK staring right at them,
shouting something into his phone.
Francisco starts to CRY.
EXT. LOS ANGELES STREET
The Cadillac swerves in and out of lanes, barely missing
other vehicles and PEDESTRIANS that scatter in all
directions as it speeds on.
Turning corner after corner, down side street after side
street and down block after block, the vehicle SCREECHES to
a halt in front of a bus shelter that rests in front of a
convenience store.
INT. CADILLAC
The Boy’s CRIES are incessant now, seemingly vibrating the
whole car.
Neither Javier nor Esther can handle it, and Esther cradles
her face in her hands, she too starts to CRY.
(CONTINUED)
