Man whistles
so, we got the results back.
And?
You're on premium 3.
You have an alternative here that most people nowadays
do not... am I dying?
If I am, just-you're not dying.
Yet.
Your heart is definitely failing though.
You can be saved with the right donor
but time is your biggest enemy
and accidents are so rare these days.
What about a clone organ?
When you're dead, you'll be eligible for a total upgrade.
But there are no shortcuts.
Premium 3 is technically there to protect your spouse
to make sure she's not left alone with the burden
of raising three kids.
It's not there to benefit you, per se.
I suppose your wife could put in a request for you?
It's uncommon, but state might approve
under the circumstances.
Yeah, well, we're kinda separated, so...
It says here...
You're still married?
We just never completed the paperwork.
Ah.
My wife insisted on doing everything virtually.
I feel there are still some things
that you have to live through in the real world.
Like being told that your heart is failing?
He sighs
You're a clone, aren't you?
You asked for a day meeting.
I'm sure you can guess the answer.
Do you ever go out there?
Look at the sun with your own eyes?
I mean, it doesn't burn your kind, right?
It's called augmented pigmentation.
One of the many advantages of the cloning process.
But don't envy me.
There are limitations beyond the premium 3 cases.
I am going to book you a meeting with a therapist.
I think it would do you good in these trying times.
Virtual, night-time or daytime?
Keyboard clicks
Man: Can we please meet in the real world?
Ok, well, can I come to the house then?
Can I come over?
Please.
Please, I need to see you and the kids!
It's important!
Jesus Christ!
Can you forget about the goddamn papers
for one fucking minute!
He grunts
I'm dying, reena.
Alright? I am dying.
That's what I'm so upset about.
Is that a good enough reason?
He scoffs
you hope I sign the papers beforehand?
That's what you have to say to me?
For Christ's sakes.
No, don't say sorry. What does that even mean?
I'm the father of your children
and I just told you that I am dying
and all you care about is some papers?
Fuck you!
You know, I can't believe I ever loved you.
Device beeps
Woman on radio: All you early risers, day creatures
noon lizards, people of the sun
the few and far between still holding onto the days
still believing in the light
this song is for you.
And be careful out there.
Sunburn cut-off is 7:22pm
and toxic level drop-off ls 8:05.
Thank god for lithium x.
Music: "Five star man" by LAN Richter
♪ Got the walk of a leopard in the midnight sun ♪
♪ Slipping under the radar like a b=-2171 ♪
♪ Killer instinct of a vampire bat ♪
♪ I'll be brushing off the haters and the copycats ♪
Volume increases
♪ why's that? ♪
♪ Cos I'm a five-star man ♪
♪ I'm a five-star man ♪
♪ Catch me if you can cos I'm a five-star man ♪
♪ Come on ♪
♪ So right ♪
♪ You hate my plane but you love my plan ♪
♪ Unh ♪
Yeah, it works.
It's the best realm tracker I've ever seen.
I don't know how you guys did it.
Dental records, huh? Clever...
Well, look, guys, not to knock the wind out of your sails
but vr technology is yesterday's news.
Everything's going chip now.
A simple installation and bye-bye, goggles.
I mean, sooner or later, I'm gonna be out of a job.
Distant rustle
vacuum whirs
Hello.
Ah!
Shit... ugh.
Ah, shit.
They say that it operates directly, right into the brain.
No goggles. No avatars. No world building.
It's kinda like a self-controlled dream
I suppose.
Look... you hired me to be your eyes and ears here.
Hopefully not just because I'm always available to you
in daytime...
Thank you, I'm not fishing for compliments.
What I'm trying to tell you is that what I see and hear
is that chip is taking over.
We need to stop investing in vr tech.
We need to focus all our resources and energy
into developments for chip.
Are you not listening to what I'm saying?
I'm trying to save your company!
Vr tech is expensive, and hard to come by
and all your buyers are going under anyhow
because there's so much free content
all over the realm!
Did you just ask me about my meds?
He scoffs is that a joke?
I'm here.
Working for you in the real world!
Sitting in an actual office, ready to kick ass!
And where are you?
From your avatar girlfriend?
No, I won't calm down!
We're going under!
We need to get ahead of the market
and we need to do it now!
Lift dings
Can I help you?
I, uh...
I have a day meeting with dr maple?
Yeah...
Adam bird.
I see it.
Thumbprint and Iris.
Clear.
Alright.
I'm gonna open the door and let you into the screening area.
I want you to remove the Hazmat suit and take your place
on the Mark.
Lock buzzes
Adam grunts
Carrying any weapons? Pepper spray? Taser? Shocker?
Might wanna consider it
if you're gonna be roaming around daytime.
Arms up.
Ok, you're clear. She's expecting you.
Lock buzzes
so I see you were referred to us by doctor Rhys?
Adam: Yep.
She's a good doctor.
I'll take your word for it.
You don't think that?
I would if she cured me.
You seem quite frustrated.
I'm dying.
That's certainly unfortunate.
You wanna tell me more?
I wake up in the morning. I go out there.
No one else does anymore, but I do.
I go out, I see the decay.
I see the blazing sun.
I take the stairs up to my office
but the only other ones there are the clones.
No... no offense.
None taken.
What do you have against clones?
We're not robots, you know. We're all...
Biologically reconstructed.
I just can't relate emotionally to you people.
Are you afraid to die?
All normal people are afraid to die.
You're afraid to die because it comes with something like
a grade for your achievements in life?
Or lack thereof?
Yeah, something like that.
You're surprised I understand you? Me being a clone and all.
No.
Your kind is very perceptive.
But?
Something's missing.
When I look in your eyes, I see reason, wisdom
but no instinct or compassion.
All predestined thoughts. Computer-like.
You want me to surprise you?
He scoffs
isn't that what life is all about?
Clock ticks
Brenda... hi!
You're up early!
Man: Hi! Look at you!
Yeah, I have an early meeting...
See you. - Have a nice night!
Honey?
He sighs
Die, motherfucker! Gunshots
die, die, die!
Die! Die, motherfucker! Gunshots
die, die, die!
Die!
Waves splash
Adam breathes heavily
He grunts
He gasps
He groans
he gasps
he groans
she gasps
Reena, I'm so sorry that you had to see that.
I used to lock the door
but nobody ever comes in anymore.
I was sitting there on a beach.
And then, all of a sudden
I just hear this huffing and puffing and grunting
and thank god the kids are connected...
That they should have to hear their father
wailing like some wild fucking animal...
I'm sorry, reena. I...
I don't know what else to say.
Except to reassure you that our kids do not
see or hear anything anymore.
My god, you just hate us all, don't you?
How can you say that?
She gasps
Reena: How long has this thing been going on?
I don't know.
A while.
What is it?
It's like a chat room?
You meet another woman while you stick your dick
in a rubber doll and she puts a dildo up her ass?
Come on. Don't talk like that.
Why? You think your boring wife can't be as dirty
as some other whore on the realm?
It's not what you think.
Well then, what is it?
Lock chimes
lock chimes
Fuck.
Fuck me.
Dial reena.
Redial reena.
Send reena a graphic message. “I'm outside your door.
If you don't answer it, I'm gonna break it down."
Distant chatter
what the hell are you doing here?
I still have a restraining order against you.
One call to the cops and you're gonna be locked up.
I wanna talk to you.
I need to talk to you. Please.
No.
Call me tomorrow. No, please, reena.
I need to talk to you. The real you.
Can I just come inside for a few minutes?
No, the kids are here.
But that's great. I'd love to see them too.
They're connected, and I'd rather they don't know
you're here, so don't make a scene.
Look, I'll put something on and come out.
Door shuts
alright, I'm here.
Speak.
So, I'm...
I'm dying.
Yeah. You told me.
Come on, reena...
What do you want?
Look, we're, uh...
The houses, this one and mine...
We're in a lot of debt, reena.
We're still paying mortgage on both.
Debt?
No, we've been paying it off for years now.
I've been paying it.
And I have been raising our kids
while you've been off doing your daytime bullshit
so don't treat me like I'm worthless.
No, I'm just saying
if I go, then all these payments...
Who's gonna make 'em? What about your insurance?
Plus we're on premium 3, so your clone is just gonna
come in and take over your job. Yeah, but, uh...
See, there's, uh...
There's this new thing called chip.
I know what chip is.
Jenny has it.
Everyone who's worth a damn has it.
All our kids' friends at school...
No, don't encourage the kids with this shit...
Hey! You don't get to decide anymore, ok?
I don't wanna hear it.
My company might go under.
The board, they're these rich men from Europe
old money... I tried to tell them about chip.
I tried, but they don't wanna hear it.
They're all still stuck on vr. What are you trying to say?
If we go under, then my job will cease to exist
and equally bad, there won't be any company
to cover the life insurance.
Oh, ok, I get it.
All of this is just you trying to renegotiate.
That's why you wouldn't sign the papers?
You're a sneaky bastard.
I bet you're not even really dying, are you?
No...
I'm not trying to go back on our agreement.
I'm worried about you and the kids, don't you see?
I don't have a plan b!
When I go, I wanna make sure that you're all taken care of.
Yeah, well, you'll figure it out.
It's the one fucking thing that you're good at.
L... I'm trying, but...
It would help to have a little more time.
Look, I was wondering if maybe you would make a request...
Forget it.
You know, I just can't follow you sometimes.
What is so hard to follow?
If I die, my company will go under.
If I have a little more time, I think I can save it.
What is even wrong with you, anyhow?
They say my heart is failing.
Like it's...
Slowing down or something.
I don't feel any pain.
Actually, I don't feel anything at all
but that's what they say.
Well, that's pretty ironic.
Why?
Because when we met, I thought for sure
you're gonna be somebody.
You know, you had this passion.
It's like your heart was beating twice as strong
as anyone I'd ever met.
Can you just take your lithium x like everybody else
and figure out a solution before you go?
Please.
That way you won't be going out like such a loser.
He sighs
I know it's a retirement home. I can see it.
No, I understand they're all asleep.
I just thought maybe some of them might get up
for the sunlight. Good for the bones...
No, you wouldn't know, not anymore.
Look, I need to talk to him. Can I leave a message?
"Donald Stein has a chip on his shoulder
and I wanna help him remove it."
Ok?
Voice echoes: Donald Stein, that's it.
Woman: What happened?
Hey...
Are you crying?
I don't think I've ever seen you cry.
Adam: It's... it's not me you're seeing.
Even though I wish you could see the real me somehow.
What do you look like in the real world?
Do you wanna tell me? I look exactly the same.
Exactly? Down to the last detail.
I love the way you look.
You're programmed to love the way I look!
No. You gave me al freedom, remember?
I can love whatever I want!
Whoever I want...
And I love you.
Adam laughs
what do you love about me?
I love your eyes. The way you look at me.
I don't think anyone else can look at me this way.
How do I look at you?
Like I was the sun and the moon.
The mother and the whore... All at once.
But not the "wife".
I know my place.
Why wish for something you can't have?
Adam: Yeah, but why have anything?
Why do we need to possess someone in order to love them?
We can love three kids but only one woman?
One man?
I don't really know what love is.
Your dictionary says it's an intense feeling
of deep affection.
If that's true, then I think I might love you.
But in order to feel truly loved
I'd need to know that you chose me.
And in order to choose me, you'd have to be real.
To have options.
To be more than just my own... fantasy.
That's a lot of high talk there, Adam.
How long have you been skipping your medication?
You know, somehow, you're the only one
who can ask me that without upsetting me.
Cos I understand you better than anyone out there.
We're both trapped in a world
that doesn't live up to our expectations.
I wanna know what it feels like to breathe real air.
Even if it means I have to choke first.
Calm down, or it's gonna be very messy.
Relax...
And I'm gonna let go.
Yes?
He gasps
Jesus fucking Christ...
Not quite.
I haven't conquered immortality yet.
He gasps
who the fuck are you? How'd you get in here?
You think that old fingerprint lock can stop me?
You don't even know who I am, do you?
Donald Stein?
Fifteen years...
Fifteen fucking years, I stayed out of the limelight.
And then I got a call.
Adam bird?
How in the fuck did you find me?
And what the fuck do you know about chip?
Y... you don't need that.
I'm dying anyway.
That's why I looked for you.
He laughs honestly, you have...
He scoffs get dressed.
Let's take this show to the living room, shall we?
When I said get dressed
I was thinking more like pjs...
I wanted you to take me seriously.
Nothing more serious than this, my friend.
You better tell me a very, very good bedtime story
cos at my time of life, sometimes my fingers just...
I think you invented it. Chip.
I don't know why you're hiding in some retirement home
instead of about to be the richest man alive, but...
You with state?
Oh, fuck, I should've known...
I didn't think a daytime person fit the profile, but hey.
I'm not with state.
What is this, a test?
You watching me?
I kept my mouth shut!
I kept quiet.
Honestly, I'm not with state.
Then what the fuck is this?
I just... I just... - Huh?
I just need your help. With what?
I have to save my company... For what?
For my family.
And-and-and... It all rests on chip.
Who told you I invented chip?
No one, I swear. See, uh...
I was at my doctor's, and she reminded me about premium 3.
Now, I didn't think anything of it at the time
but suddenly it dawned on me, like a sign from above.
You know, it all clicked!
I knew I had to find you.
Man: Ok, how we all doing today?
Let me first just say congratulations to you both.
Thank you.
Your accomplishment is very rare these days.
Accomplishment? - Three kids.
I'm not sure that you're aware but we are experiencing
a massive decline in population over the last few decades.
People aren't getting married anymore.
They're barely having sex.
Fewer and fewer want the responsibility
or the burden of raising real children.
Well, we know.
My husband works for tech brokers
so he's at the very forefront of the technological revolution.
I wouldn't expect you, out of all people
to father three children.
No, you see, for me, it's the exact opposite.
Knowing the risks has made me a much bigger proponent
for the physical world.
We love the sound of that here at state.
You know, I think all those people out on the realm
they forget that they still need their physical bodies
in order to experience everything that they do there.
L, for one, am a true believer
that nothing can replace
the true sense of touch...
Or the warmth of another human body.
Ok, Mr...?
Ryan. Dennis Ryan.
With all due respect, what's this about?
State is very aware of the many challenges
that today's would-be parents are facing
and as such, state is highly committed
to ensuring that our planet survives in good order
for the many future generations to come.
No. No...
Nothing like that, mrs bird, though our name may deceive you.
We put together a programme that will protect
the future wellbeing of the modern family.
It's called premium 3
and it was designed and spearheaded
by our very own chief genetic engineer.
What, Donald Stein? Him and no other.
You invented premium 3, and even before
you were right there, from the very beginning.
They called you the father of human cloning.
I need a drink.
I'm happy to fix you one.
Do you smoke? What does it look like?
You know what I mean. How?
I got a guy, who's got a guy.
You think we...
How did you find me?
They pitched me this realm tracker.
It hacks every listed vr member in the dental association.
Dental records, huh? Clever...
Then it looks for virtual x-rays
that match more than one identity.
You may be the smartest man alive
but "Jerry Fisher" and Donald Stein
have exactly the same cavities
not to mention the same dentist.
Donald laughs
they laugh
why did you fall off the grid?
I mean, they said you went mad
but judging by your paranoia...
I'd say you were pushed out the door.
Why don't you file that under "none of your damn business"
and you tell me what all this has to do with chip.
So how exactly does it work?
Well, you both fill out an application.
Now, the application allows for a little bit of leeway
not too much, but the idea being to satisfy the remaining
mournful spouse, there is a little leeway.
What do you mean, leeway?
You can tailor your insurance spouse, a bit.
So that maybe they come back to you just perfect.
Perfect how?
Well, I mean, that's all very subjective, but...
Take reena here, for example, and I'm not...
I'm saying you love her. There's no doubt how much you love her.
But maybe, aren't there things that you might think to yourself
"what if?"
No.
That's great.
True love. Very rare.
But if there was anything, well, you know
there's a little bit of leeway. She laughs
you keep on saying that. I do!
I do.
Now, if you choose to proceed, you'll both fill out
the application in complete confidence.
No one ever finds out what their other spouse
may or may not wish to change.
But then again, if the unfortunate event does arrive
you'll have something to look forward to.
I-1 don't know about this...
Mr bird, your clone will still have all of your DNA
your genes, your general look
as well as most of your memories, your thoughts
your predisposition...
We just left a little bit of room for improvement.
How long is the eligibility for?
Well, the policy will protect your entire household
till the last child turns 18.
Then, one would hope that your children
would become less of a burden.
Yeah, until the age of 18.
Now, of course, we wouldn't have you fill out any paperwork
on them unless, god forbid...
Tragedy calls for it.
How does that concern me or chip, for that matter?
Clones don't burn.
It's called augmented pigmentation.
But augmented pigmentation wasn't on the sheet.
All the choices you gave us in premium 3
were about maximising our human potential.
Things that we can train to do better
or else improve through surgery
but there's no training, no surgery
that can teach my brain to increase pigmentation.
Even if you cloned it, it wouldn't work.
Not unless you added something in the process.
You mean like a chip?
That would trigger a heightened reaction in your skin cells
or else pump endorphins to your brain
so you wouldn't have to take a pill anymore?
Well, you said it.
It all started as a military-grade
limb replacement programme.
Sure enough, everything went drone
and my department became obsolete.
No more injured soldiers to fix.
But then the big "heat-up" happened
and it created a sudden and desperate need for augmented
dayworkers... so they just diverted the whole programme.
They gave us permission to start resurrecting the dead
and human cloning was born.
I gotta say, it really does something to a man
creating life out of nothing...
You can just have a baby.
Yeah, but that leaves everything to chance.
What we were doing eliminated the factor of surprise.
We knew exactly what we were getting.
Perfect, trained, and most importantly
perfectly satisfied state personnel.
Workers whose sole purpose was to work solidly
brilliantly, under the blazing sun.
You mean like biological robots?
Mm-mm.
I mean like enhanced human beings.
Enhanced?
Indistinct announcement
reena: Well, that was a bit funny.
Can't believe we said yes. Why?
You're the one that's always so worried about our survival.
Well, this isn't about survival.
This is about, deep down, you wanting me to be
slightly different.
Why do you always have to look at things like that?
Look, I wouldn't wanna live without you, ok?
Is that such a bad thought?
So did you ask for me to come back exactly as I am?
Did you?
I asked you first.
You're such a hypocrite. I'm just...
They said "just a little leeway"?
But then there were all these pages and pages and categories
how is that helpful?
I thought it was interesting.
It allowed me to imagine you at your best.
I wanna be better? Sure.
But the person I love
I don't want them to imagine me any different.
I want them to love me as I am.
And that is completely relatable
of course it is.
I've been there.
But what I needed to cure that
was a smartly-constructed virtual lover.
You... had a virtual lover too?
It's not what you think.
Well, then what is it?
It's just an avatar.
It's not a real woman.
She doesn't exist.
But she does exist, right? In your mind, she exists.
You think of her when you have a hard-on. Her, not me.
What about you?
I mean, when was the last time you even looked at me?
Have you looked at me lately?
Yeah!
And I see a beautiful 37-year-old woman
who can easily be ten years younger!
And I think to myself, for all this expensive skincare regimen
what's it for? I mean, you never leave the house!
It's certainly not for me.
Oh, my god! You think that I have someone?
Is that such a crazy idea?
You're pathetic.
I'm pathetic?
He scoffs I...
Sacrificed everything for you.
For us.
You didn't sacrifice shit! You just gave up!
And then you used me and the kids as an excuse.
You think I didn't have dreams?
That all I wanted was to just be a stay-at-home mum?
Wait, enlighten me, reena, what was your big dream again?
Because I don't really remember.
All you ever do is dive on the realm.
I don't even know if that counts as being home.
That's where your kids are, asshole.
Y'know, they don't wanna play soccer or catch.
I meet them there, and you could've done the same
if you wanted to spend time with them instead of
wasting it on this stupid realm-order whore.
I didn't mean to hurt you, reena.
I just needed some comfort.
I'm so...
Unhappy?
Have you ever considered that by going against the current
you're making yourself unhappy?
Don't you think there's a reason they invented lithium x?
You say you hate the realm
but you choose to sleep through the night
when the few people you can actually engage with
are awake.
Of course you're lonely.
You'll never be happy until you accept the fact
that there is nothing too exceptional about you.
You're just average.
But that's ok, cos I-l like average.
Average is stable.
You can count on average.
Is that what you asked for if I die?
The most average version of me?
Cos I have a hard time believing that.
You're fucking impossible, do you know that?
Look, if you wanna stay with me
you're gonna have to delete her.
I wanna be on the realm and I wanna see you delete her.
Either that, or you get yourself a good lawyer.
I... l won't do it.
I can't.
I get that you want to make me feel small.
But I can't let you kill our trust.
Kill our trust?
After what you've done, you want me to trust you?
That is a big laugh!
Look, if we can't trust each other then we're doomed
it doesn't matter what I do. We're doomed.
How can I trust you when you won't even delete
a stupid avatar to show me that you care?
It's not about that! It's about the fact you need validation.
That you don't trust me not to do it again.
I don't trust you. Then what's the point?
You cheated on me! I used a sex doll!
Hardly cheating.
There was an al avatar at the other end of that sex doll.
I spend five times the amount of hours on the realm that you do.
I know how real an avatar can feel.
You felt something for this... This thing.
I mean, what do I even call it?
Maria.
She scoffs what?
That's her name. - Jesus!
I don't wanna know her fucking name!
He sighs
Reena: Well, we wanted to talk to you.
We wanted to tell you... Together.
Because we wanted to tell you that even though
you thought your dad was away on a long business trip
the truth is that he's actually moved out of the house.
What? When?
Since mum cracked his head open.
Kenny!
It's gonna be fine, Nate.
Stop crying.
Tell him it's gonna be fine, dad.
Tell him you're coming back home.
Your father can't tell you that, Joshua.
Because your father has found a new woman.
He whispers: No, I didn't! What are you doing?
Why are you telling them that? Because it's true.
You have a new girlfriend?
No, no, no, I don't.
Look, um...
Your mother and I, we just...
Just what?
We don't get along anymore, not like we used to.
You know, like maybe with your friends in school...
We don't go to an actual school, dad.
But... but you have friends, right?
You mean "realm buddies"?
Yeah, realm buddies.
Do you guys ever have a falling out?
You know, like, uh, the guy who's your best buddy
on the realm, but then you just...
Oh, just what?
You don't connect anymore.
Not like you used to.
Look, what your father is trying to say
is that he would be happier living alone
with a rubber doll than having all of us around him.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
Look at your kids, Adam.
You're about to lose your kids.
Are they not more important to you than some stupid avatar?
Do you want me to stay? I mean, you don't love me anymore.
It's so obvious that even they must've noticed.
Can you just get out of here, please?
Come here, baby.
So then came the lawyers?
Adam scoffs yeah.
She told state I was skipping my medication
and she used the rubber doll incident
to get a restraining order against me.
Which limited my time with the kids to virtual visits only
like I was some kind of fucking pervert
who is a risk to their own children.
That's heavy.
Here.
Have another.
So now you're diagnosed with this heart condition
and you feel like the only way that you can die in peace
is to get your company ahead with some chip technology
so you can save your job for your premium 3 replacement?
Pretty much.
This may sound strange
coming from me, but...
I think we're all connected.
Not necessarily in a religious sense...
But more in terms of some...
Collective fate.
Just consider the random nature of our creation.
What if my mum had missed her train
the day she met my father?
Would somebody else be born to create premium 37?
And affect the order of your life
in the same way that you... Say I have?
Who knows?
I do.
You didn't look for me to give you some chip technology.
I didn't?
You were hoping I'd hear your touching story
and engineer you a new heart.
A simple clone organ I can build in my garage
from one hair on the top of your head.
But...
I think...
There's nothing wrong with your heart.
Really?
Because I was lying all along. I do feel pain.
I feel it all the time. Right here.
That pain that you're feeling, that existential dread
it comes from a lack of connection.
You're missing something vital in your life.
What? - Love.
But why does it seem like I'm the only one
that feels this way?
Because...
You are the only one that's still free.
Everybody else is hooked on lithium x.
Lithium x takes all the pain away
but love can't exist without pain, Adam.
So I have to continue to suffer?
No, not necessarily.
Seems to me...
You got your heart set on a special virtual girl.
And now, all of a sudden, I know
why you came to look for me
even though you couldn't possibly know.
Adam, just like you, I wanted to touch...
My fantasy in the real world.
So I brought my avatar to life
using some state resources
I should never have used for that purpose.
You created a clone out of your virtual lover?
That's why they ousted me.
And I should've gone to jail
but...
I purchased my freedom
by giving the right people access to all my chip patents.
And in return, they turned a blind eye
and they sent me into early retirement.
And now...
I got a guy that's got a guy.
And if you want, if you really want...
And I believe you do...
I can get Maria to come see you in the flesh.
Now, isn't that better than some chip technology?
Or else another aching heart?
String plays
he plays haltingly
ah...
He plucks
Adam: Dial mum.
Device chirps
mum?
Jesus, what the hell have you done to yourself?
I know it's just an avatar, but I mean, you look 17...
And this tank top...
You look nice in a disturbing kind of a way.
I know you're not dead, but I mean...
Is this really how you wanna experience things now?
I get that it was expensive, but what if the kids saw you?
I mean, Kenny might get a hard-on!
He thought you looked nice, did he?
Jesus...
Yeah, well, it's been tough.
You know what I think about lithium x.
It's killing us all, we're all going extinct
like expired microbes on a petri dish.
What's a petri dish? Look it up.
Don't worry about me. I'm not worried about me.
You don't need to worry about me.
I'm worried about reena and the kids, but not me.
Reena, the kids, and Maria, but not me.
Maria is a very nice girl, and maybe I'll introduce you
to her sometime if you ever come out this way.
Enough with the medication thing, mum, alright!
Just enough with it!
Yeah, but I am special! That's what you always told me!
He sighs
I'm sorry, mum.
Go back to sleep.
I think I just drank too much.
Don't worry about me, I'm fine.
I love you, mum. I do.
Shit!
Phone rings
automated voice: Incoming call. Tech broker.
Phone rings
incoming call. Tech broker.
Incoming call. Tech b...
Hey...
No, I'm not at the office today.
I'm... I'm... I'm a little bit sick.
I didn't see the numbers.
All the vr sectors are down this quarter? Well...
I told you.
No, I can't. I have a raging headache.
Look, I took a very, uh, important meeting last night
and my head is just ready to explode.
My medication?
Yeah, I'm taking it like clockwork.
Can't you hear how happy I sound?
Well, maybe you should pay more attention.
Talk later.
Drawer shuts
Device chimes
device chimes
Reena?
Uh... what are... What are you doing here?
Can I come in?
Are the kids alright?
Yeah. They're fine.
How are you, Adam?
You look like a mess.
Look, I'm really worried about you.
You are?
You know, looking back, there were so many times
that I wished you could just give up on your dreams
and live a normal life.
But now I realise that you can't exist in normalcy.
You heed action.
Excitement.
A challenge.
Right now, I just feel like I need a break.
That's all I really want.
Well, what if I told you that that is possible...
Adam.
That you can get that break.
I don't understand.
Look, your mum called me. Oh, god.
No, come on, she's sweet.
Ok? She's worried about you. You see her new avatar?
She looks like she's waiting for someone to take her to the prom.
So what, her fantasy is wrong but yours is right, huh?
No, that's not what I meant.
Well, Adam, if you really know so much better than
everyone else, shouldn't you be in a better position by now?
Huh? Shouldn't you be more successful?
More accomplished? Shouldn't you be more...
Happy?
Listen.
The kids...
Surprisingly, they miss their father.
They've been a little depressed recently
and I've been thinking that...
Yeah?
Look.
Jenny's husband is this big finance guy.
He's really successful
and he has all kinds of major connections.
And he has he told me that there is a way
we can unlock premium 3 without anyone actually dying for real.
What are you talking about? Just listen to me
for one minute, ok? It's called virtual assassination.
But it's not as bad as it sounds.
Essentially, they just cook up all this digital paperwork
and as far as the state is concerned
you are as good as dead.
They ship your replacement in 48 hours.
He can save your company.
You don't even have to worry about that anymore, Adam.
I made him better than you, I made him a better listener
I made him calmer, and most of all
I just made him content with what he's got
and these clones, they don't need to take their lithium x
ok, they're permanently stable.
Just think about you without all these mood swings.
Just a calm, cool, content Adam bird.
He can't fail.
W-what are you talking about? I mean...
I mean... what about me?
W-what's supposed to be left for me?
Well, I thought about this too.
You can keep this house. We don't need it.
I mean, you can refinance it.
You don't have that long left anyway
so, go to a place that makes you happy.
I heard the sun up north isn't that bad.
Pick up playing guitar again.
Or waste your remaining days with Maria
without feeling guilty about it.
I really don't care anymore, Adam.
Come on, this has to be the best solution.
Just think about the kids.
It doesn't sound like the best solution for me.
Bottle slams - don't you see?
The guy that you once fell in love with
is that same guy with the mood swings.
The guy who sometimes daydreams
and has fits of bad temper.
It is hard to do well at this thing called life, reena.
It is fucking hard.
You have to fight through it till your last breath.
That's what a real man does.
And that's what this guy, who you once fell in love with
does each and every fucking day!
Same guy who's the father of your goddamn fucking children!
And you just... you wanna...
Kill him?
My god.
Look at you.
You should've never stopped singing and acting.
You're such a drama queen.
You think that you're so noble
but all you really are is just a great performer.
Underneath this poor act, there is nothing but a sad
and manipulative bundle of anxiety.
You spend your days spreading the same technology
that you are so fearful of.
Why don't you just man up?
Put your kids ahead!
And just be brave for once in your lousy, miserable life.
Alright.
You win.
What do I have to do?
There's nothing to do...
Baby.
It's already been done.
What's already been done?
I notified tech broker of your accident
before I came here.
They actually sounded like they've been expecting it.
What the fuck did you tell them?
That you overdosed, on pristine and alcohol.
I've never even taken pristine.
Well, Jenny's husband suggested lithium x
but I told him no one would buy that. Not with your history.
Anyway, you should know, on the realm
you no longer have access to your old identity.
Your passwords have been changed
and your death has been reported.
Jenny's husband has created a new identity for you.
Just log in, it'll guide you through.
And I've left you some money, and the house, of course.
How could you do this?
Without talking to me first!
I-1 wanted to see the kids one last time.
And my mum, I only ever talk to my mum on the realm!
And Maria...
How can I even log in to see Maria now?
She belongs to Adam bird, not...
Richard burbage?
Oops.
Sorry about that.
Well, I promise I won't let the new Adam erase her.
That way, she will remain in virtual existence forever.
Unlike you...
"Richard".
I'm not Richard.
I'm Adam! Adam bird.
How did you even come up with this ridiculous name anyhow?
Look it up.
I actually thought you'd like it.
Door shuts
come back here, you cunt! This isn't over, you hear me?
I'm gonna sue your fat ass for this!
Fuck you, Adam! - No!
He gasps
police radio chatter
Are you Richard burbage?
No, I'm Adam bird.
It says here this house was just transferred to Richard burbage.
Adam sighs
it's complicated.
Just check my thumbprint. I'm Adam bird.
Yeah, I see you here.
Says you just overdosed.
Well, I'm obviously alive and well.
Unlike my wife.
She, uh... he clears his throat
I spoke to the paramedics.
She died on impact. - Huh?
Your wife, she... She died on impact.
It means she didn't suffer that much.
Thought you'd like to know. Oh...
We detained the driver for questioning.
It's not his fault.
We found pristine in his blood.
It wasn't his fault.
Are you ok?
Uh, we can get you a therapist.
I have a therapist. They're all useless.
Take my word for it.
Alright.
The driver mentioned that your wife seemed agitated
you two might've been in the middle of a fight?
We were.
I just called her a cunt.
That's the last thing I ever said to her.
I said she was a cunt and that her ass got fat.
What am I supposed to tell the kids?
Uh, where are the kids now, by the way?
Uh... they're staying at our other house.
You have two houses?
Three kids, two houses.
You're on premium 3. - - Yeah.
Officer laughs
why didn't you remind me, man?
I'm doing the whole gloomy routine
and nothing actually happened.
What do you mean "nothing actually happened"?
So, I'm just seeing a silver lining!
You two obviously didn't get along.
With two houses, you calling her cunt
and all that... kids are there.
This is amazing detective work.
Listen to me now. Your wife didn't feel a thing.
You thought she was a cunt.
Voilal
in 24 hours, you'll have her back. Version 2.0.
I thought it was 48...
Officer chuckles come on, man.
It's progress, man! It is all around us.
So if you...
If you guessed right on the application
then all your problems will be gone in no time
and nobody's the wiser.
You almost make it sound like I planned the whole thing.
Did you?
Yeah...
I waited till she crossed the street to insult her
knowing that she would turn around
exactly three feet into the road and tell me to fuck off
just as a pristine-induced driver went by
and crashed into her.
I'm just that good.
Alright, fair point.
You don't have to be a wise-ass now.
So you going to the other address?
Because this one is the one listed for delivery.
What?
Her replica is coming here.
Oh! You'll both need to fill out different return addresses...
Right there. Maybe one of your parents?
Or else a none-nosy neighbour.
What, you mean like an emergency address?
In the unfortunate event that your replica
does come to replace you
you or your spouse will want to meet said replica
prior to bringing them home to the kids.
Well, we have another house?
You do? - - Yeah.
I mean, Adam's a very hard-working man.
Well, that's splendid then.
Sir? Do you want her replica delivered here?
Yeah.
That would be...
Splendid.
Sure you don't want me to call you a therapist?
I can tell you that the last person, clone, or avatar
that I want to see right now
is a goddamn therapist.
What I want is to be left alone to mourn for a couple of hours.
Is that ok, officer?
What about your kids?
They have everything they need. Kenny's 14 now.
They can survive one night without us.
You don't think they're gonna be worried sick
about their mother?
No. I don't.
Is that against the law?
Tell you what I'm gonna do.
I'm gonna come back in a couple days
just check in on you, see how you're doing.
Goodnight, asshole.
What? N-no, that is my password.
No... fuck you!
Fuck you, t-that is me! That is me!
I have to log in.
I have to log in to go and see Maria!
I should see a therapist?
What the f...
Did they give you a sense of humour now, because...
Let me tell you, this fucking algorithm of yours
is not funny, ok?
He vomits
Device chimes
woman: Bye, sweetie!
Mwah! - Bye, sweet peal
woman: Bye!
Oh, my god, Adam bird!
You... you might wanna brush your teeth there, Adam.
So, this is where you live?
Well, this is where I live now, I...
I used to live in a much bigger house.
Oh, of course, I forgot about that vindictive bitch.
Adam: Well, she's not...
Guitar strums
I-1 can't believe this is happening.
L... 1-1 can't believe my eyes!
He sighs
Donnie says hello.
Donnie?
Donald. My liberator.
Oh, you... have a nickname for him already?
I have a gift for you. I'm sure you do.
Let's just take it slowly, honey, alright?
My body's still so sore from all this operational examination.
Uh, what operational examination?
With Donnie.
He had to test me to see that I work.
Test you... how?
You know...
No, I don't know.
My senses. My five senses.
Make sure I can see, hear...
Smell, taste...
And touch.
And that every little thing in my body is working properly.
Oh, my god, he raped you.
No!
Don't be ridiculous. He liberated me.
He gave me life.
Why wouldn't I wanna thank him for it?
You could have just said thank you.
Don't be such a prude.
You're the one who told me that I should be able to choose you.
Right, I did.
How am I supposed to choose you without
actually trying to be with someone else?
Shower runs
Maria sighs
she giggles
she gasps
She gasps
She moans
glass thuds - she moans
reena moans
Maria giggles
Maria sighs
heavy breathing echoes
string plays
He plays chords
shower runs
Tap squeaks... shower stops
He plays strings
Footsteps approach
was that me?
I look pretty sad in the real world.
Not when you put these on.
In here, you were...
Magical.
I don't ever wanna see the realm again.
What were you searching for in my bag?
I don't know. I got possessive and jealous.
I wanted to know what you hide in there.
I guess I found something.
You're not talking about the condoms, I assume.
I'm talking about that fat, shiny chip.
That's the gift from Donnie.
I thought you were the gift?
No, this is it.
So what is it?
It's called eternal 1.
Donald said it's an abandoned programme
that was killed by state at its beta stage.
It was designed to download the brain
of the soon-to-be-deceased, so the relatives
could meet them later in the realm
or else upload that data right into their own chip.
You know, like being able to keep another person
right inside your brain.
It's pretty neat, right?
This one chip...
Can contain everything I am?
Everything I feel and remember?
Yes.
And there would be plenty of room to include much more.
Adam, even from my limited point of view
as a total newcomer to this world
I can tell that these are difficult times
for you people.
You know, when I was on my way over here
I thought about myself transforming into
flesh and blood...
And I had this funny question.
Take you, for example.
You were naturally conceived.
You're human and you think you have consciousness, but...
What about the cells that make up your body?
Are they conscious of being part of you?
I think they're programmed to scratch an itch
and they have no knowledge they're part of this
bigger thing called Adam bird.
So what is your question?
Maybe, just maybe
you're just a cell too, Adam.
Like you think you have this whole meaningful life
but, in the end, all you really are is a small cell
in god's own body.
You would think there is a bigger purpose out there.
You're not sure what you're supposed to achieve and why
but you multiply, and fight to survive
just... just like cells do.
And in the end, after all those cells have died
this "god" will die too.
But even... Even he is only a small part
of another bigger god
that controls more than this planet.
Look out there, Adam.
Look out there and see how many stars are in the sky, it's...
It's infinite.
You're just a small cell.
And understanding that is what will make you special.
Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going?
I've wanted to meet you my whole life in the real world.
That was my biggest fantasy, and you're just leaving?
When I was on the realm
I was instantly connected to knowledge.
And I learned about this chemical reaction
that needs to happen for you to feel that you...
Love someone.
It's funny, it's those same unconscious cells
deciding for us when we feel in love.
It's really crazy, right?
Too much for one brain.
But maybe not enough for one chip.
I really like you, Adam, but...
I don't love you.
I wanna feel real love.
Music: "Under the sun" by erez Moshe
♪ Under the sun ♪
♪ I was lonely ♪
♪ But in your cold arms I felt safe ♪
♪ Holding you tight ♪
♪ I dreamed only ♪
♪ Of a sea breeze ♪
♪ A loving embrace ♪
♪ Now [ Could never love you wholly ♪
♪ This night thief has taken my place ♪
♪ You are my one ♪
♪ My one and my only ♪
♪ Until I was cursed with his face ♪
♪ Under the sun ♪
♪ I am lonely... ♪
He grunts
electricity crackles
He pants
He groans
Dr maple: You want me to surprise you?
Adam: Isn't that what life is all about?
And if I do surprise you, what will that prove?
Adam: That you can be as real as I am.
Can you, dr maple?
Can your miserable cloned cells amount to more
than just programmable action?
Can you feel my pain?
She gasps
Knock on door
pounding on door
Pounding on door
Oh, god...
Didn't wanna use this, at least until...
Wait, where's reena?
She's dead.
But I was supposed to replace you, not her.
Well, tough luck. She got hit by a car.
Ooh! That is certainly fucked up.
Replica chuckles what are you laughing at?
What else are you gonna do?
Well... uh...
Do you wanna come in?
Sure.
Door shuts
Do you always walk around naked?
No, it's very recent.
But I think I'm liking it. I feel free all of a sudden.
Jesus... is that what you people do on the realm?
Is that even legal?
That... that was just me unloading my frustration.
In the real world, I mean. Nobody actually got hurt.
Were you gonna shoot her too?
I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Well, you should know that us replicas can only use violence
in self-defence, we cannot initiate.
So, you're not in any sort of danger from moi.
Still, I feel like I wanna hold onto it
if it's all the same with you. Sure! You look good with it.
Very new age.
Naked with a gun...
Sounds like a rock album.
Do you mind?
No, go ahead. - It's just...
Whenever I see a guitar, I feel the need to pick it up.
What do you mean, whenever?
You were just created today, no?
Yeah, but I have memories.
Aren't they your memories too?
You know, I've had this song playing in my head
the whole way over here.
Guitar strums
he plucks a tune
he plays a blues tune
♪ close another book at the end of chapter one ♪
♪ Getting older ♪
♪ Well, it ain't much fun ♪
♪ And all your idols burn ♪
♪ In the sun ♪
How did...
I was never that good a musician.
Really?
All my fondest memories are of music and performance.
I assumed you were in the arts yourself, are you not?
I'm in technology. I'm a broker.
Well, every good broker needs to be a bit of a good actor.
So you're a bullshit artist.
Still art.
So she made you creative?
Who'd have thought?
I always figured she was the materialistic kind.
I guess I underestimated her.
You bet your ass you underestimated her.
Reena is great.
But you're so incapable of being satisfied
you could never see it.
What else did she ask for?
Do you come with a six-pack too?
I... I think I look just like you.
I-1 don't believe this.
No, she had to ask for something else.
She's... She's no better than me.
Would you like me to take all my clothes off?
Yeah, actually, if you don't mind.
So far, so good.
Well... at least she liked my underwear.
Oh...
Fuck her.
Come on, really?
That's a very small difference.
Trust me, that is anything but a small difference.
That right there is saying more than you can possibly imagine!
So. What now?
I mean, how come you're here and she's dead?
Well... that's... That's a very long story.
I have time.
Ok. Well, first...
My wife caught me having a virtual affair.
Then she wanted me replaced.
But when I wanted to stick around a little longer
she ordered my virtual assassination.
She killed me off on the realm and left me this house!
I guess she forgot that you would be coming here first
and she certainly did not expect to get hit by a car!
And all of this...
All of this... this fucking warped reality
is because of that Donald fucking Stein.
Ha! Can you believe that?
How one person can set something in motion
and the rest of the world is never the same again!
I feel like getting in my car
and going down to that retirement home
and finding that motherfucker
who... who defiled my fantasy!
Who... who made it possible for my wife
to create a better version of me!
I feel like going down there and ending him!
What do you think about that!
I think it reminds me of our favourite high school play.
What?
What play? - You don't remember?
You must remember. We were promising.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Sure you do.
Repeat after me, I promise it'll all come back to you.
"To be or not to be.
That is the question.
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind...
Nobler in the mind... to suffer
the slings and arrows of... To suffer...
Outrageous fortune.
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles...
Yes, you remember!
And by opposing...
End them... go on!
To die...
To sleep...
To sleep, perchance to dream.
Aye, there's the rub.
For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come...
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil...
Must give us pause.
There's the respect that makes calamity of so long life...
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time...
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely...
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay
the insolence of office... And the spurns that patient
merit of the unworthy takes...
When he himself might his quietus make...
With a bare bodkin?
Who would fardels bear, to grunt and sweat under a weary life...
But that the dread of something after death...
The undiscovered country!
From whose bourn no traveller returns.
Puzzles the will...
And makes us rather bear those ills we have...
Both: Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all
and thus the native hue of resolution
is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought
and enterprise of great pitch and moment
with this regard their currents turn awry
and lose the name of action.
Soft you now...
The fair...
Maria.
Nymph, in thy orisons
be all my sins remembered."
That's beautiful work, Adam. Great work!
Applause echoes
Adam bird, ladies and gentlemen!
To Adam bird!
Applause fades
Adam: Not Adam bird.
You're Adam bird now, I'm...
Richard burbage...
What did she call you?
Richard burbage.
He laughs
that's hysterical.
Why?
Look it up. - No...
Because I'd have to log in as Richard burbage
to look up Richard burbage
and I won'tdo it because that's not who I am!
Oris it?
Maybe that is me.
Maybe I'm just a guy who secretly wishes
he was Adam bird, but that's you...
You are everything that I would ever wish to be
and reena somehow figured that out, she...
She knew what I wanted to be better than I did.
There's no shame in admitting that reena's version
of Adam bird is a much better one.
It's holistic and less egotistical.
It's a version much more geared to please other people.
Why don't you just embrace your new identity, Richard?
I-1 don't know...
I don't think I can carry on
knowing there's a replica of me out there.
It just... It doesn't seem right.
There should only be one Adam bird.
But you said it yourself, Richard.
You're no longer Adam bird.
You're Richard burbage.
I don't know who I am anymore. I don't even know what I am!
I was told I could fit inside a chip.
Everything I am and ever was
can fit inside one tiny microchip.
And there'd still be plenty of room left for more.
What does it all mean?
It means you can live on for eternity.
This whole flesh and blood business...
It's near done.
Even us clones.
We're just like blu-rays to your vhs tapes.
Some transitional upgrade that will doubtless
be obsolete in due time.
In the end, we're all gonna go virtual
and exist in some cloud of neurons...
He gasps
only the sand will be left here.
Sand and silicone...
All the rest will be out there on the realm.
And each of us will be their own special
virtual god.
But I was virtually assassinated.
I can only exist virtually as Richard burbage.
That is, if I let you live.
I bet I can find a way to reverse this if I stick around
a little longer... Wait, wait, wait!
Why did your wife order a virtual assassination?
You hever told me.
I'm dying.
My heart.
It's just not as certain it wants to keep beating
any longer...
I need a new heart.
You know what I think?
I think you've been skipping your medication
for months now.
You owe back on all these pills...
You should take 'em.
You should take these pills
and balance yourself out, so you can think straight
find the right solution here.
Think about your kids.
You have to be strong for them.
You have to sacrifice yourself.
No.
You're just trying to kill me.
You're trying to kill me and take my place.
Isn't that right? "Too-cool-for-school" Adam.
"Big dick" Adam, coming here to steal my wife and kids!
Is what you think's gonna happen?
Because I have a different ending in mind!
I can't let you kill me.
I'm programmed with a self-defence mechanism.
They grunt
we just call it survival!
Muffled audio
Gunshot
body thuds
fuck.
Device chimes
Oh, my god.
I missed you.
I missed you too, baby.
Did you?
What?
Nothing, I... I just remember those differently.
Hm. Are you disappointed?
Just surprised.
In a good way. - Well, good.
Door shuts
We should get back to the house.
The kids are there. I miss them.
Really?
I don't remember you being the homey type.
I've changed.
I'm a better man now.
Oh, boy... you sure are.
I guess we're both better now.
Oh, my god. I don't think I have ever felt this good.
And I don't think that I have ever loved you more
than I do right now.
Me too.
Oh, my god.
Premium 3 is gonna save the world.
Yeah, if only we could just replace everyone.
Well, that's not such a bad idea.
We can start with the kids. Yeah, right...
Feed 'em an overdose of lithium x.
Get 'em back just perfect.
Well, I mean...
I guess Kenny could use a bit more compassion.
And Joshua is a touch too sensitive.
What about Nate?
If we think hard enough
I'm sure we can find something to improve in him too.
We could be the first family of clones.
Yes.
We will win.
Well, until something else comes along.
Faint crackle
device plays faintly
music: "Idols" by erez Moshe
♪ And all your idols burn ♪
♪ In the sun ♪
Distorted laughter
♪ Close another book at the end of chapter one ♪
♪ Getting older ♪
♪ Well, it ain't much fun ♪
♪ All your idols burning in the sun ♪
♪ Wisdom scars and a heart that used to host ♪
♪ Now jump ship and swimming back to coast ♪
♪ And all your idols fall in one by one ♪
♪ All your idols fall in one by one ♪
♪ Your puppy eyes don't fool my kind no more ♪
♪ Came in through the window and left through the front door ♪
♪ I'm not digging in an open sore ♪
♪ The road has led me once again ♪
♪ To you, my friend ♪
♪ I'll follow earth just as a simple man ♪
♪ Memories will surely fade away ♪
♪ In the end ♪
♪ Tomorrow is another day... ♪