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Action.
Cut.
- I need some dick. - Sounds personal.
Girl, let's go out.
No. I just want to chill at home.
I haven't had a night off in forever.
This is sad.
Why? Why is it sad?
Why can't I just stay at home and watch a movie in peace? Why?
Everything about it is sad.
Plus, you need some dick, too.
- I don't. - But you do.
You really do.
Please?
Please, please, please?
You're not gonna let this go, are you?
Nope.
- Fine, I'll go. - Let's go.
I was thinking I could wear the red top, and you...
Wake up. I know you ain't asleep.
No, I'm not. Just give me a minute.
I'll put on something cute.
Mm-hmm.
I'll be waiting.
Oh, man.
Bro, can we-- can we adjust
the brightness or something?
I can always adjust the exposure.
I can't look at this right now.
Look, I need a break.
Bro, we gotta knock this out.
The film festival deadlines is coming up soon.
I'm telling you.
Let's just step away for a few hours
and come back in the morning with fresh eyes.
All right, but one night. One night.
Then we knock this out. All right?
Exactly. Come on.
I know a place we can get some drinks.
...going to get something to drink.
Okay...
- Good night? - Yes.
Yes, it is.
Hi, there.
Hi.
I see you're just standing here alone.
I was wondering if... I could join you.
Sure, sure.
So, uh... what brings you to the bar?
Um, I thought I needed a change of scenery.
Work has been... really tough lately, so.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Work can be really... real stressful sometimes.
- Uh-huh. - Yeah.
Uh-huh.
So, do you come here often or...
Um... no, actually.
I, for whatever reason,
decided to go out tonight.
- Right. - Tonight.
- Right. - Yeah. Uh-huh.
I'm sorry, I'm not into this...
- No, it's-- it's okay. - ...talking to strangers
- kind of thing. - It's okay.
But I appreciate you for trying.
- Right. - Yes.
Not good at small talk.
Yeah.
Well, it was nice meeting you.
- Uh-huh. - Even though
- I totally bombed that. - It's okay.
It's not about how well you do. It's about the effort.
So...
Right. Yeah, you're right.
Mm-huh.
I'll let you enjoy your drink, um...
maybe I'll see you around.
Maybe.
Okay.
Oh...
Swing and a miss.
Whatever, bro.
Thank you, Nikki. That is the last time
I'll ever go out with you.
Just leave me here.
Wonderful.
Hey.
Hey... again.
Nice and early.
- Going home so soon? - I am.
My girl left me, so I am going home.
Not really the type to be at the club alone.
Dang, she left you?
That's whack.
Yeah, it is.
- My name's Malik, by the way. - Sam.
It's nice to formally meet you this time, I guess.
Yeah. Nice to meet you again.
We're gonna try this small talk thing again?
Nah, nah.
Yeah, the club's not really my thing.
I'm more of a...
nice lounge, something like that.
That's more my vibe. The club, I don't really--
- you know what I'm saying? - Yeah... me, too.
Um...
looks like my ride is here.
It was really nice to meet you...
- Malik. - Malik, Malik, Malik.
- Nice to meet you, too. - You too.
I mean, yeah, yes.
See you later.
Looks like mine's here, too.
So...
Yeah?
What do you do for a living?
I'm a filmmaker.
That's cool.
Thanks.
Have I seen any of your work?
Uh... probably not.
- I'm sure it's good. - I'd like to think so.
- What do you do? - I'm a doctor.
- Oh, really? - Yeah.
- That's dope. - Thank you.
- What kind? - Cardiologist.
- So you deal with the heart? - Yes.
That's dope.
It's just that I have been working
really, really late nights at the hospital,
and tonight was supposed to be my night off,
and I was supposed to be with my friend,
but she left me
at the club, so...
Let's not waste a good night off.
I know a few good spots we could eat uptown.
I could eat. I could eat.
Oh, okay. Driver, can you stop us here?
Okay.
Shove over here.
- Yeah. - Uh-huh, I see.
Taking the outside, good.
- Yeah. - I was raised right, man.
My mom said, "You always got to make sure that...
the lady on the inside, guy got to be closer
to the street," hold the doors, all that.
- All that good stuff. - Chivalry is a lost art.
It is. And it's sad, too.
- Yeah. - It's kind of
nostalgic, actually.
Yeah, you're right. Shouldn't be, but...
I'm actually kind of nostalgic in a way.
Yeah? How so?
I don't know, man. I like-- I like the--
the classic stuff.
'90s R&B, all that good stuff.
You know? Classic movies.
That's part of the reason why I don't like the club.
It's like I don't-- I don't get the music--
Yeah. I think we all can agree
that whatever they're playing nowadays
is nowhere near as good as '90s R&B.
Right.
Well. Yeah. Well, here we go.
- Food truck? - Yeah.
Right here.
- It's the best in the city. - Best-- okay.
Best in the city.
Trust me. Trust me. You're gonna see.
- Okay. - You're gonna see, come on.
Okay... this is pretty good.
- See, I told you. - You're right.
You got it. You got it. It's good.
It's the best in the city right here.
Uh, okay. All right.
It is good, though. It is good.
So, Mr. Filmmaker,
what movies or directors inspire you?
Um...
Definitely Spike.
Mm, I'm sure.
"Do The Right Thing," "She's Gotta Have It."
- Absolutely. - Yeah. Classics.
- Uh-huh. - John Singleton.
Antoine Fuqua.
And I like what Ryan Coogler's doing, too.
- Okay. - Yeah.
My favorite work is definitely "Love Jones."
- Really? - Yeah.
- That's my favorite.
What's your favorite part?
Man, so many dope parts in there. Um...
maybe the poem.
One of them was just a booty call.
It was the smoothest booty call ever.
All right...
I guess... okay.
But I think, um... what's so great is the...
it's just great art, you know?
Great representation
of us Black people, you know?
The vulnerability.
Like, we need more stories like that, you know?
Yeah, I agree.
Is that what your work's like?
Yeah, I try to... I try to recreate that,
emulate that.
Especially the vulnerability aspect of it, you know?
Don't get me wrong, there's a place
for the street films, hood films.
There's truth in those stories.
It's just not my truth, you know?
It's not my representation.
Well, I for sure have to see one of your movies now.
For sure.
- Yeah. - Okay.
- Maybe. - Maybe?
Well, why not?
Ah!
'Cause you can't handle my review, of course.
Duh. What?
Oh, so you're a movie critic now?
- I am a movie critic now. - Okay.
- Yeah. - Okay.
I can imagine... I don't know,
maybe you could make a bigger name for yourself
in a bigger city like Atlanta or LA or New York.
Why stay here?
'Cause I'm from here. And I like it here.
I think there's a scene here
full of untapped potential, you know, energy.
My grandparents actually had a spot
in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
In the '60s, they tore it down.
I guess you could call it the first...
wave of gentrification.
Anyway, it was a vibrant Black community.
Yeah, I hear you.
I actually grew up in Cherry neighborhood,
a few minutes from uptown.
When I was growing up, I knew all my neighbors.
It was like you felt safe.
You felt like the community was, like,
looking over you at all times.
Now, if you try to get a place over there,
you can't even get one unless you got
a few million to your name.
They done priced everybody out.
But...
I don't know, some say...
once the communities left, the... culture left.
I don't agree.
I still love my city, you know?
I think you can find a culture, you just gotta
look... look at the right places for it.
But to answer your question, yes,
there's a Black art scene
that's thriving here in Charlotte.
No, it's not Atlanta. It's not Chicago.
It's different.
There's an energy here, definitely.
But why? Why Charlotte for you?
I'm a transplant, just like a lot of other people here.
So...
- Cool. - You're a unicorn.
There's not a lot of you left here. Special.
Appreciate that.
But I...
also went to school here,
and I...
just decided to stay. I loved it here.
So, I finished my residency, and...
now I'm thinking about opening up a practice here
and serving the community, so we'll see.
That's dope. You've helped so many people.
I think so, yeah.
- Yeah. - I think so.
But I know my dad...
wants me to come back home and work for him, so...
it's a lot to think about.
At least you got options, right?
Yes, I do. A lot of options.
Cool.
- Is that us? - Yes. Yes, it is.
Sam? Girl, where have you been?
- Oh, Nikki. - Oh, my God.
- I was so worried about-- - You were not worried about me.
You took one look at that guy and you left.
- Oh, yeah. - Yeah.
Yeah, and his name was, like, Justin.
- Or was it James? - Oh, girl.
It was something that started with a J.
But whoa! That was a good night.
Anyway, seems like you had fun tonight.
Don't start.
How you doing?
- My name is Malik. - Hi, Malik.
You guys had fun today?
Good time.
Oh-- ooh, driver, driver, hey!
Um, can you drop him off first?
We don't really want him to know where we live.
Oh, my God, Nikki, please.
He could be, like, a serial killer or something.
She has a point.
Driver, can you drop me off first?
I'll pay extra if I need to.
Hmm.
- And what are you doing? - I want to see your movie.
- Yeah? - Mm-hmm.
It's not out yet.
- I know you have a copy. - Yeah, I do.
- So? - Are you serious?
- I wanna see it. - All right.
Malik, I know where you live. Go home.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
- Coffee? - Yes, thank you.
- So... - So?
How'd you enjoy the movie?
Didn't really watch that much of it.
I was a little preoccupied.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.
I mean, I guess that means you just gotta come back by.
- Oh, yeah? - See it again.
I don't think this is the best place
to watch it if you want me to focus on it.
- Why is that? - You know why.
Oh, that is my ride.
So, when will I see you again?
I don't know. You have my number.
Use it.
Mmm.
Yeah, you left the spot last night.
What'd you end up doing?
I just, you know, got something to eat and,
you know, took a Uber home.
So... uneventful, huh?
- Yeah. - Lying, bro.
Who was the little girl
- we saw you leaving with? - You peeped that.
I did.
It was just good conversation. That's it.
Yeah. All right.
You ready to get into this?
- Yeah. - All right, man.
Need you to focus. Deadline's coming up.
Yeah, I got you.
See, the time is off on this.
I feel like this scene could flow better.
I think if... if you just switch
the camera angles, it'll be...
yeah, I think that'd make it better, yeah.
All right, cool.
Uh... Malik.
- Yo, Malik. - What's up?
Where the fuck are you right now, bro?
Gotta get this picture locked in.
My bad, bro. My bad, my bad...
Okay, that wasn't just no conversation.
Oh, she put that shit on you, huh?
So, we started a conversation,
and then...
you know, end up going home.
I showed her a cut of the film.
- This film? - Yeah.
This isn't ready for anyone to see, what--
Bro, relax. I mean, the film was basically watching us.
Yo, you are a hopeless romantic.
All that love at first sight shit is for the movie.
That shit ain't got nothing to do with love.
- It was just sex, bro. - Yeah.
All right, well, can we get back to work now?
Yeah, let's go.
♪ Oh, achin' so good
You see what I'm saying about it running smoother?
The angle you gave me was right, I just...
Yeah, I still feel like
some of the brightness, I don't know type of shit--
Here you go with this exposure bullshit. God.
So, how was your night last night?
Shouldn't I be asking you that?
Girl, please. Went out, got some dick,
went home. End of story.
Yeah, except you forgot the part
where you left your homegirl at the club.
Uh...
You don't even remember his name.
It was Jared. And I gave him my number.
And I don't know why, but he won't stop texting me,
and it's so annoying.
And last time I checked,
you were on your own little adventure.
My adventure was me getting an Uber home
because you left me.
- Hmm, here you go. - I felt like being spontaneous.
- So dramatic. - Oh.
Well, other than that, what happened after?
Well, nothing, really. We somehow ended up
in the same Uber, so we just got some food.
Girl, that's not what I'm talking about.
I mean, after the Uber.
We watched a movie.
- A movie? - Mm-hmm.
- We watched a movie. - Yeah, bullshit.
- We did. - You gonna call him?
- Probably. - Mm-hmm. Yeah.
- You gonna call him? - I probably will.
Yup.
Yeah, man, we good.
I'm actually submitting to the film festivals right now.
Yeah, man, I got a good-- good feeling about this one.
I do, got a good feeling about this.
I actually have a meeting with the sales agent,
and, you know, once, he said,
when we get into a few film festivals,
we can talk strategy.
In the meantime, I'm about to start
writing the next one, you know.
Okay. All right, cool.
But I'ma holler at you. Peace.
Oh, my God.
Let me see...
- Make sure you hydrate it. - Mm-hmm.
- Congratulations on your film. - Thank you.
Work is far from done, though.
What do you mean?
It means... it's kind of out of my hands now.
Just gotta wait for it to be selected
by a film festival.
Kind of nerve-wracking.
I think it'll be great.
Yeah?
You stress too much. Shouldn't worry about it.
It'll work out.
- Yeah, you're right. - Mm-hmm.
In the meantime, I'm trying to make the next film.
What's stopping you?
It's lacking inspiration.
What's that?
This is an old film camera
used for home movies.
There you go, being nostalgic again.
You want to be my muse?
- Really? - Yeah.
Okay, I'll do it.
That's my good side.
Just stop.
- It's so cute. - Oh, stop.
Stop!
Man, damn.
What's on your mind?
Nothing.
Something's got you out here.
You can talk to me.
The film didn't get selected
for two of the film festivals we submitted it to.
Sorry.
It's like they don't...
appreciate positive Black art.
But if it was a crime series,
they would've ate that shit up, you know?
You still have your... film premiere though, right?
That'll be good.
I don't know what that's going to do.
It's like they don't wanna see...
layered African Americans on screen.
If you're not playing some type of thug...
crime boss, slave...
or trying to help some white man,
just-- they don't want to see it.
People do want to see themselves represented.
And there is a market for what you're creating,
you just can't give up.
I poured everything into this, Sam.
Everything.
So every rejection from the film festivals,
it's like money wasted, just gone.
Maybe it's time for me to just...
reevaluate some things.
My film career.
My approach.
Hell, maybe even my life.
I know it can seem like...
every time you don't get
immediate results, it's a waste.
I know what that feels like.
And it's not true.
And you're investing in yourself
and your future and your community.
Yeah, I don't know, Sam.
"Tears of the Sun,"
"Black Panther," "Miracle at St. Anna,"
- "Love Jones." - What are you talking about?
All of these are classics.
And if Ryan Coogler or Spike Lee
or Antoine Fuqua had given up
because of a few rejections, we wouldn't have any of those.
You're up next, so you have to keep going.
Okay?
Hey, sweetheart.
- Hi, Dad. - How is everything?
Everything's good.
I know you are glad that that residency is almost over.
You can finally start making some real money.
I did not become a cardiologist to have some money, Dad.
Yes, I know. I know. I know.
You want to help people, right?
Just like your mother.
Yes. I want to start my own practice
to help our people.
Heart attacks are among the leading health concerns
of African American people.
Not to mention lower income.
This is true. But look,
at least come work for me, right?
Uh...
If you really want to help people,
you can come work for me, and there are patients
that-- that can pay, right?
ook, starting your own practiceL is not easy. It's a lot.
- Yeah. - Sweetheart, listen.
Just-- Just think about it, right?
Plus, you can be closer to your mom and I.
We miss you.
Fine. I'll think about it.
Oh, girl, I thought you were sleeping.
- This is Jared. - Hi.
- Sorry! - We'll talk about this later.
You could have put the lid down on the toilet seat.
My bad.
What you writing in that notebook anyway?
None of your business.
Come on, tell me what you writing in it.
- What is that? - It's nothing.
- Is it a diary? - No. What am I, 12?
It's a book of poems.
- Poems? - Yes.
Let me... Let me hear some.
No.
Come on, let me hear some. Let me hear some.
It's not that good.
I'm sure they good, let me listen.
- Are you gonna judge me? - No, I won't.
- Do you promise? - I promise.
All right, then. Let's see.
Hmm.
"In the gallery of life, our love is a masterpiece.
A canvas brushed with hues of mahogany and midnight
where every stroke tells a tale of resilience,
of hearts bound together, creating an enduring art.
Mahogany, rich and deep, like the roots of our heritage.
Beneath the soil it intertwines strong and unseen,
its warmth, a reflection of our ancestors' embrace,
nurturing our love.
A legacy passed down through dreams."
- Are you listening? - I'm listening.
Okay. "Our love,
an ebony night sky, infinite and serene,
each star a moment of joy or whisper of promises kept.
In the shadows of twilight we find our sanctuary.
Two souls dancing in the rhythm of unity,
step by step.
Amber sunsets kiss our skin, a tender glow of passion
illuminating our journey, painting paths of golden light.
In the storm's fury we stand as an oak,
unyielding, rooted in our devotion.
Our branches reaching for the sky.
The deep blue of the ocean mirrors our emotions,
vast and unfathomable, yet tranquil and sure.
Waves of affection crashing against the shores of time,
crafting sculptures of love, ever-changing, pure.
In the crimson of dawn we see our future's promise,
a horizon ablaze with dreams, radiant and true.
With every heartbeat our colors blend and blossom,
creating a masterpiece where Black love is our muse.
So, let our love be the art that adorns life's gallery,
a tapestry woven with hues of mahogany and night
for in the symphony of colors our story is told,
a testament to Black love, timeless, bold and bright."
Sam, that was amazing.
You're just saying that.
No, I'm not. I'm being so serious.
See, I told you you was an artist.
Well, thank you.
Why don't you, like, host a open mic night,
- or something like that? - No.
- You know? - No.
White people. I mean, you got to give...
You got to share that with the world.
I can't do that.
- Why not? - Because...
I'm not that good. Not yet.
Besides, I just need you.
You know?
Notes? Notes.
Well done. Yeah, well done.
You're supposed to be like, "Yeah, thank you," but not.
- "I appreciate it," huh? - Yeah, yeah, welcome. But--
Right, there's always the fucking "but," you know?
I did love it. I thought the cinematography was great,
where you talked about your talent.
The script was amazing.
Doesn't get much better. I loved it.
You know, like I said, if I had more time,
I'd... watch it again, you know. It's good stuff.
Congrats, bud.
There's really never...
a good way to say this, you know,
because it is a good script.
We just... We just talked about that.
It's more that, uh...
this kind of stuff is just not hot on the market right now.
As far as the businesses, right?
I just don't know we can do much with that.
We need something...
more street, you know what I mean?
That's... That's what's hot, something street.
That's what the kids are on. You gotta think about the kids.
And they're the next up in the market.
They listen to fucking hip hop, right?
You know, something like a rapper name or something.
Put a "Lil" in front of it. Just... anything.
Something like that. What do you think about that?
You know what? I think I'm just gonna, um...
think I'm just gonna self-distribute this one.
No, self-dis... See, not... Like, that's...
- Sure. - No, that's the thing.
That's... That's the... And I... listen,
I appreciate and respect the confidence,
but you're gonna fuck yourself right there.
You're gonna make no fucking money back.
It's ROI, right?
Grab a Lemonhead. Relax. Let's talk.
- Bro-- - Let's talk about
some solutions, right? I'm a solutions guy.
- I'm not trying to kill you. - Right.
Listen, I'm trying to make money.
I like you. You know that I like you.
Listen, Malik, I don't got a lot of time.
Yeah, it may look like I'm starting out, but hey,
I'm making a couple dollars, okay?
My time's worthy. And I had you here.
So what I will do for you...
touch base with the distributors.
Look, I'm gonna talk to him for you.
And we'll get them out to the screen.
If maybe, possibly I would like to.
That's the goal.
We'll get them out... and we'll go from there.
You know what I'm saying? Like, we'll see what we can do.
You don't even get a festival, bro.
Really, all you got is me right now.
- So, what do you say? - I guess I have no choice--
You have a choice. Right? I'm--I'm...
I'm telling you, that's the path to take.
The self-distribution, like...
Who the fuck has done that and done it well?
Like, I just...
I'll wait. You know what I'm saying? Like, nobody.
Like, this is not... This is not a thing.
You seem open to suggestions, right?
And I appreciate you coming by with love.
We'll talk soon.
You walk... I'll walk you out.
- Yeah, appreciate you. - I walk you out.
Got everything? Wallet, phone, keys?
- Yeah. - You shouldn't be
another body, brother.
Man, this... This project was supposed to be the one, man.
How much money you got tied up in this?
Shit. Too much.
And if I don't get distribution, I'm just going to be wasting
my own personal money.
I don't know. Maybe I should just write
the characters they want me to write.
Look, man, you got a gift.
These white Hollywood execs don't know shit.
Yeah, but they the gatekeepers though, bro.
So we hop the fucking fence.
Look, I'm tired of seeing street hustlers,
pimps and ballers. We're more than that, man.
Look, I'm tired of seeing this shit on screen again.
Shit, me too. That's why I directed this one.
And it's perfect. Look, man, don't change a thing, all right?
At the screening, they'll see.
This...
I can't afford to not have distribution.
Bro, once they see your work, just be ready with the next one
'cause the studios will be calling.
Next week. Ain't no next one. I can't...
I ain't been able to get the next one down on paper.
Yeah, what's going on with you?
You normally bust a script out in no time.
Sam. I just been spending a lot of time with Sam.
Oh, I see the love bugging bitch.
- I told your ass. - Ain't nothing like that, man.
We just chilling. I already told you.
Nigga, who you trying to convince, me or yourself?
Whatever, man.
Take it from a brother with experience.
The dumbest nigga in the world is the one
who knows he's in love and tries to convince himself he's not.
You only get one soulmate in life, man.
Don't mess around losing, being stupid.
Like I said, we just chilling.
That ain't got nothing to do with love or none of that.
We chilling. Me and her, chilling.
Okay, cool. That's good.
'Cause... that actress I was telling you about?
- Mm-hmm. - Just showed up.
Hey, how are you?
Oh, Anna, this is the talented writer/director
I was telling you about, Malik.
Malik, this is Anna.
Anna, it's nice to meet you.
It's nice to meet you as well.
I actually watched a short film you did a while back.
- Oh, really? - Yes.
- How'd you like it? - I liked it.
I actually liked it a lot.
And I've been hoping to get a chance
to work with you ever since.
Well, this is perfect timing.
Malik is actually in the process of writing his next project.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah, yeah.
I'm actually in the process of doing some brainstorming.
Oh. Any chance there's a part in it for me?
Yeah, possibly. Lay it on me.
Well, since you're still in the brainstorming phase,
maybe I can help you out with some of those ideas.
We'll take you up on that offer.
Yeah, that would be...
- That'll be helpful. - Okay.
- Yeah. - Well, it seems
like you guys are getting along just fine.
I'm gonna let you two get to work
on the brainstorming and I'll... bounce.
So you do that.
So... What do you do outside of work?
Uh, you know, like, try to take it easy sometimes.
You know, you go hiking or, like,
read some books, go to the gym, something like that.
- Go to the gym? - Yeah, you know,
gotta keep the physique together, and all that.
I like a man that work out.
What about you?
Oh, I be in the gym sometimes myself.
- Oh, yeah? - I like to... work out.
- Hi. - Hi. I'm Sam.
- I'm here for a job interview. - Oh, okay, Sam.
Well, you know, just have a seat,
and I'll let the doctor know that you're here.
Thank you.
Spelman for undergrad.
Uh-huh.
And the Howard University for medical school.
Yes. Yes.
I went there as well.
Oh, okay. And is your dad Dr. Allen?
Yes.
- Yes, he is. - Hmm.
Very interesting. His practice is doing very well up in D.C.,
- from what I understand. - Yes, it is.
So... I have to be honest.
Why do you want to work here?
I feel really passionately about providing affordable
health care for everyone, regardless of income.
And I know that your clinic provides essential services
for the community, and I really want to be a part of that.
I appreciate that, but I have to be honest, Sam.
This is a demanding job with long hours.
It's hard to have a family, let alone a relationship.
I'm aware.
And I'm willing to make sacrifices
in order to work here.
That's great to hear.
Now, if this is really what you want to do,
I want you to take a few days and think about it.
And if you decide that this is where you really want to be,
I will be happy to offer you a job.
Thank you. I'm a really hard worker
and I'm really dedicated to my patients.
I can tell.
I mean, you know.
- Ain't you? - You know.
Hey...
- Thank you, Dr. Smith. - You're welcome.
- Back to your fine dad. - Uh...
- How's he doing? - He's good. Yeah.
When you taste this, you don't really like it.
Okay, we'll see.
Maybe let's just hold off and--
One of my special recipes. You know what I'm saying?
Okay.
Here, hollup, let me get it.
up ahead.
- Uh-huh. - Here, try this.
What you think?
Ooh. Mm...
What, you saying I can't cook?
No. I'm not saying that.
That's good. It's good. I just...
felt a little nauseous.
You all right?
Yeah, I think so. Just felt sick.
- Hmm. - But that's good, that's cool.
It's good.
I mean, you know,
they call me Malik... Flay...
- They don't. - ...chef with no way...
- you know what I'm saying? - Okay.
...doing my thing.
Okay. It's not really good.
I forgot to ask you about your interview.
- How did it go? - It went good.
So they offered me the job on the spot.
They said it's mine if I want it.
- And she went to Howard, too. - Really?
- Uh-huh. - Oh, that's good.
- Yes. - Congratulations, I see,
like the whole alumni network working out for you.
Anything like that? Good.
She went to school with my dad,
and I'm pretty sure they did it.
- Really? - Like a lot.
- Oh, that's wild. - Yeah.
- That's wild. - Actually.
Wow. It's crazy.
Oh, I got a film event to go to tonight.
Oh, so we're not going to hang out and celebrate my new job?
No. I'm sorry.
Tye hit me up at the last minute and said...
he got a couple people he want to introduce me to.
So... I ain't gonna be hanging with you tonight.
But, look, I'm gonna make it up to you, all right?
I'll make it up.
- Okay. - Okay.
Now I'm about to get some more of this,
'cause, you know, my cooking...
I told you, it's really like that.
- I don't-- - Yes. Okay.
Like, let's not blow it out of proportion.
Came out really good. Really good.
Wasn't that good. But okay.
It's-- It's... pretty good.
Hey, Malik. Dude, how you doing?
What's up, Randy? How you doing?
Doing good, man. I'm good.
Good to see you. What you been working on?
I just got a film in South Bay and Sundance.
- Really? - Yeah. Yeah.
- Wow. Congrats. - Thank you, man.
- Good. - Aren't you working
on something as well?
Yeah, yeah, but it's not a...
it's not a festival project.
Oh, cool. Okay. What studio is backing?
Um... I'm actually gonna, um,
self-distribute this one.
Ah. Cool. Cool. Good luck with that.
Thanks.
Hey, man. Forget about him.
Hard not to, man.
He got everything that I want.
First, the process.
Stories that matter come from real life shit.
You can't be cooped up in the house thinking of ideas.
The best ideas come from experiences and feeling shit.
Remember that.
Yeah, you right.
So, what does he do?
You know, he's eccentric.
You know? He's figuring out what he wants to do.
He's creative and, like...
I don't know, he's just kind of enjoying life,
being present in the moment. That's a big thing.
- So, unemployed. - Okay. For now.
- Okay. - For now.
But he's gonna figure out what he wants
and that takes time, so yeah.
Anyway, I mean, you've been spending
a lot of time with Malik lately.
Yes.
I don't know. I think it could be something.
I guess that means you can stop being mad at me
for leaving you that night.
Uh, no, because that was fucked.
- Okay. - And you broke girl code
and now he's staying over.
Yeah, you weren't supposed to find out about that one.
I don't know. I haven't heard from Malik in a few days.
I know he's busy with his film premiere
and waiting to send his script to his agent.
It's...
I'm sure he'll figure it out. Don't worry.
I hope so.
Just feel like he doesn't have time for me.
If he's not worried about you,
you shouldn't be worried about him.
- Nikki. - I'm just saying,
if he wants to get to know you
and he cares, he'll take the time.
That's all I'm saying.
I'll keep that in mind.
Yeah, you should.
Ugh, he is so annoying. God, it's my dad.
He wants me to come to D.C., and work at his practice.
Well, at least you'll have a job lined up.
That's not what I wanna do and he knows that.
So now he's just throwing numbers at me to get me to cave.
How much are we talking?
500K?
Okay, let me know if you're gonna turn that down,
because I have student loans.
And if you're not gonna take it, I'll take it.
That is a lot of money, though.
Girl, 500K? Yeah.
But it's not what I want to do, though.
And his practice doesn't serve the community
that I wanna serve.
I had an interview at a Westside Clinic
and I was so excited.
They need a cardiologist,
and I know I can make a difference there.
Sam, look, we all wanna make a difference,
but you can't do that if you're starving
and you're full of debt.
It's just something to think about.
Yeah.
500K. Hmm.
Text Sharon about this.
Why are you texting? Just 500k.
You won't believe this, girl. She's getting 500K.
Everything's fine.
Hmm.
Everything's fine.
It's too much wine. Too much wine.
You know to never drink that much.
Everything is...
- You good? - Uh-huh.
Good. So about this money...
- It's so much money. - It's so much money.
You're crazy to turn that down.
If I were you, I would be packed up right now.
I'd FaceTime my dad and be like, "I am on my way."
And think about it, all the stuff
you can do with that money.
Sam, if you save it... Because you do save,
because you are order, then you can buy a house.
Oh, girl, that wasn't a diss.
- I'm just being honest. - Sounded like a diss.
- Hey... - Hey.
- How you doing? - I'm fine. How are you doing?
- It's good to see you, too. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Glad you made it. - Thank you.
- Little coffee. - Hello.
How did you know I like coffee?
- How you been? - All right.
Can't even complain.
So where are you with the script?
Well, um, as you ask, the story is actually
about a young woman who falls in love with an older man.
Hmm. - But, uh...
their love is forbidden because...
they come from different worlds.
So...
That sounds familiar and interesting.
Ooh.
Yeah. I think... I think the role can be yours.
Mine? Not mine.
- Yep. - You think I could do that?
- Thank you. I'm excited. - I'm excited too.
Well, I'll be in London next week,
so how about I say we catch up when I get back?
Yeah, that's cool. That sound good.
What you got going on on Monday?
Shooting, working, working, shooting.
They pulling me in every direction,
so I'm always busy, but I got time.
I hear that. That's good to be busy.
I'm busy, too. Just writing on the next script.
- That's it. - Oh, so busy people.
Shit. Shit.
Hello?
Hey. What's up?
Yeah.
Malik.
I thought we were supposed to be spending time together today.
Yeah, we are. Just... gotta finish the script.
Really tired of coming second place to your work.
It's like you don't even have time for me.
- That's not even true. - Yes, it is.
And when you're not working, you're talking to Anna.
What does Anna have to do with this?
- Nothing. - No. Hell, no.
You interrupted my concentration now, so I guess I'm free.
What do you want to do today, Sam? Huh?
I want us to be ends together.
'Cause right now it just feels like it's me.
I don't want to feel like I'm begging you
for your time or that I'm bothering you.
I just want you to want me. That's it.
It's like no matter what I do, you're never satisfied.
I could be working on my script, right?
But you right in front of me, it's a problem.
I could put my script down and tend to your needs,
and that's a problem.
It's like you... like...
What the hell do you want from me?
I want you to talk to me like you talk to Anna!
And how the hell do I talk to Anna?
You tell me.
I heard you.
So now you listening to my phone calls?
Yes, you're damn right I am.
Because when you sneak out of bed late at night.
Yes, I'm listening.
Well, maybe if you understood my writing process...
- I understood. - I wouldn't have to sneak, huh?
If I understood. Oh, so she understands?
Yeah, she understands. Yeah.
- She does. - Anna understands your writing?
Yeah. - Fuck you.
Fuck you, Malik.
What? Sam.
Sam, wait. I didn't even mean to--
Sam.
Damn.
What do you want, Malik?
Told you I wanted to spend some time
with you today.
Now you want to spend time?
I'm not in the mood.
Sam, I'm sorry.
Okay? I've been writing and working on the script,
but forget all that. Let me...
Let me take you out today.
So let me get this straight.
You came here with some flowers
that you probably didn't even pick out yourself
and a whack-ass apology and you thought...
somehow this would be good?
Like, you thought this would work? Yeah?
Thought it'd be a start.
Okay. Thought it'd be a start.
And, uh, you did take the flowers and--
Oh, okay.
Okay. Okay.
What's this?
This is open mic night my boy's running.
I love this.
I know you love poetry, so... thought you'd really like this.
Hey, hey, hey. How y'all feeling tonight?
Feeling smooth? Y'all still feeling the vibe?
All right, let's keep that frequency going.
To my right, we have a well-known poet
straight right here from Charlotte.
But let me get y'all ready. His words, it captures you.
His delivery, mmm, it elevates your senses.
And his style, it brings you into
his world of creativity.
So without further ado, help me.
Let's show some love to the one and only, Sir Abstract.
How y'all doing tonight?
I appreciate y'all for having me.
I got this new piece I'd like to share.
We just gonna get straight into it.
You see, love has its own time, its own season,
and its own reasons for coming and going.
Sometimes we don't realize that we are
in another season until the climate changes.
And the last time I checked, you can't be dressed
for two seasons at once.
When you begin to fall out of love,
the heartbeats begin to fade,
like listening to an album on a record player.
Just because the needle continues to spin on the groove
doesn't mean that another song is up next.
We sometimes have to accept that this part of us is over.
And to not be afraid to flip it over to its B side.
I remember when your lips used to taste like forever,
when your touch felt like Christmas came early.
I remember when you were my escape.
Now it feels like a holding cell.
Our love used to feel so alive,
now it feels like there's a cut somewhere
and it won't stop bleeding and now we are just holding cells.
You were the fireplace that made me forget it was a cold winter.
I was your pumpkin spice and now you're something hard to digest.
My taste buds can't even fall for you anymore.
I wish that I knew the keys to success
when it comes to a relationship.
I know business plans are appropriate
for investment meetings, but not when it comes
to exchanging I love yous. "I'm sorry for my mistakes."
That my commitment seemed misunderstood when I didn't
understand everything that was going on with me.
And the one thing that sucks about leaves
when they fall from a tree is that you can
never seem to catch them before they touch the ground.
And I go back and forth on what that means.
And I'm not going to hold you, although I want to hold you.
Even if that means you are truly ready to fall from this tree.
Thank you.
Do you think it's true?
What he said about some people only being
in your life for a season?
Some people, yeah.
I think those things tend to...
work themselves out.
Yeah.
That's what I think.
Anna?
Yeah. It's a five hour time difference.
It's the only time she can really talk.
I think I'm gonna take that job that my dad offered me in D.C.
What?
Why?
I think it's the right move for my career.
What about all those people that you wanted to help
at the clinic?
People in D.C. need help too.
Is this about Anna?
No.
I just...
I think our season is up.
Our season?
Okay.
So, is your mind made up?
No, I'm still thinking about it.
How do you feel about it?
You know, we're just chilling, right?
Gotta do what's best for your career.
Gotta do what you gotta do.
Just chilling.
Hmm...
It's getting late. Can you take me home, please?
Yeah.
Um... Hi, I'm here to see Dr. Smith.
It's really important.
Okay, no problem. She'll be right with you.
Just go have a seat.
Thank you.
Sam?
We're ready for you to come back.
Come in.
- Hi. - Hey.
- She's ready for you. - Oh, thank you.
- She has some questions. - Okay.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
Hi, Sam.
- Hi. - How are you doing?
Okay.
So, do you have any questions?
Um...
what should I expect?
So the nurse is gonna come in here,
and she's gonna give you your first pill,
and then we're gonna send you home
with the next one that you'll take tonight.
- Okay. - Okay?
I also have some information for you to look over.
But of course, if you have any other questions,
you can always reach out to me, okay?
- Okay. - So this is for you.
You'll also find additional information
- on your electronic chart. - Okay, great.
It's gonna be all right.
Remember, you can call me anytime
- if you have any questions. - Thank you.
I know you decided not to take the job,
but please know, it's here for you,
when you're ready.
Okay, thank you.
- I'll send the nurse in. - Thank you.
Go.
Come on. You got one more.
Yo, what's going on, bro?
I don't know, I'm good.
All right, so that's bullshit
'cause you can normally this weight with no problem.
So, what's really going on?
I just-- you know, the script,
I got writer's block, and...
you know, you know how that work.
Okay, so step away from it, man.
You got time.
But I know this ain't no writer's block,
so you gonna stop bullshitting and tell me what the problem
really is?
Sam hit me with some bullshit last night.
Ah, I see.
Yeah, said she gonna leave,
go to D.C.
I thought it was nothing.
I mean, it is nothing, man, you know?
It just...
just call me by surprise, you know?
Man, I told your ass before, man.
Y'all not just chilling.
She got your ass, bro.
I'm chilling, man. I told you,
it's nothing, like-- like I said,
just caught me by surprise, and...
you know, sex was good.
And I'm gonna miss it, but...
All right, well, that's it,
and it's not a big deal, then let's get this weight.
- Come on. - Yeah.
Sweet.
- Yeah. - Oh!
Girl, I can't believe you're moving.
Well, it's what's best for me right now.
There's plenty of opportunities here.
You don't have to go to D.C.
Plus, what about the clinic?
D.C. has clinics, too.
And I can help my dad and help serve the community there.
I guess, but...
you know, I'm going to miss you.
And what about Malik?
He told me to go.
Did he really?
Well, he didn't tell me to stay.
Well...
maybe he didn't really want you to go.
Sometimes they think about that.
Sam?
This is misoprostol.
Do you know what this is?
Of course I know what it is.
Are you...
Did you... Sam...
Sam!
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want anybody to know.
Does Malik know?
I didn't want anybody to know.
Sam, you have to tell him.
You have to tell him. Sam, you have to tell him.
You have to promise that you won't
say anything to him.
Please.
Okay.
- Thank you. - I won't say anything.
Sam?
Are you okay?
Sam!
Sam, it's okay.
Sam.
Sam, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry, Sam.
Hey.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry I wasn't there.
Coming.
Surprise. Yo.
Nikki, what you doing there?
What do you think I'm doing here?
She made her choice.
Mm, from what I understand, you told her to go.
I'm not tripping. We were just chilling.
- And she should go. - Mm-hmm.
Keep trying to convince yourself that.
Look, she's leaving tomorrow morning,
and look, I just think you need to talk to her.
I said I'm not tripping, okay?
We were just chilling.
And why do you care anyway?
My best friend is leaving because of you.
And I can't just... I can't tell you why,
but I can tell you're bullshitting.
You know how you really feel about her.
So stop and go.
Oh, and here you go.
I found it downstairs with your name on it.
You know going through people's mail is
- a federal crime, right? - "Oh, going through
somebody's--" Yeah, yeah, call the cops.
"Their lips meet in a feverish kiss,
fueled by the storm's intensity
and the raw emotion between them.
Ernest's hands grasp Judy's body
with a hunger that ignites her own desires.
And she responds eagerly.
Fingers pulling at his trousers
and loosening his belt."
Anna...
do you even like my script?
I mean, it's all right.
What? What?
So you telling me you here just to get casted?
You don't even care if the script is trash or not?
Listen, listen, listen.
All that matters is
I'm good, so I can make it better.
I think you should leave.
You want all of this to leave?
All-- All of this?
- Yeah, yeah. - Really?
- you should go. - All-- All of this?
Leave.
Bye.
Wow.
Sam! Sam! Sam!
Sam!
That's correct. Mm-hmm.
I need you to cancel
all the appointments for the rest of the day.
Yes, I have an appointment with the president at 2:00.
No, we can't meet with that company.
All right, I'll get back with you.
And, plus, my doctor's here. All right, thank you, bye-bye.
- Uh, Dr. Allen? - Yes.
Well, I was expecting your father.
I've taken over a few of his patients.
- Oh, okay, fine. - Yes.
So, I checked some of your past test results.
I'm just here to make sure everything is okay.
Okay.
Oh, that's good. 'Cause I've...
been under a lot of stress lately.
- Understandable. - Oh, dear. Congress.
Whoo.
So, I am just gonna listen to your heart.
- Okay, take a deep breath in. - Okay.
And out...
And in...
And out.
Okay, turn...
And in...
And out.
And one more turn.
- And out. - Phew.
Everything looks great. Your test results look great.
Oh, well, that is good to know.
You know, I have to be ready tomorrow
to filibuster. Congressman Ryan's bill.
Congress, they're idiots.
You know, they could worry the hair off an ape.
- Hah! - Oh, I'm sorry.
But anyway, I know your dad is glad
you're back in town, 'cause he--
I heard he was planning on retiring.
Yes, he is not ready to retire.
But I'm just glad to be back so I can help out.
- Well, I'm glad you're here. - Thank you.
- Thank you so much. - Thank you.
Hey, sweetheart.
Hey, Dad.
You know, I've been hearing some good things about you.
- You've been taking my rounds. - Mm-hmm.
Got some good feedback from the congresswoman.
- Good. - And, oh,
and revenue has been up this year since you've joined.
But I would expect nothing less from my baby girl.
Thank you, Dad.
So, as a result,
I'm going to need you to take up
Thursdays on your schedule.
Uh, but you know I can't do Thursdays.
That's my pro bono day at the clinic.
We had a deal, Dad.
Samantha, first of all,
"can't" is not in our vocabulary.
And secondly, um...
your priority...
is here. This is your job.
You are...
paid handsomely, I might add.
This is like talking to your mother-- um...
I need you here.
Am I clear?
Samantha... am I clear?
You said I could have my Thursdays, Dad.
That's not what you said earlier, but yes.
Not what I said earlier.
Hm, it's like we have different understandings.
Well, um...
I need you on Thursdays.
You'll get to do that community stuff.
For now. I need you to take that--
take on Thursdays.
Fine.
Love you.
Bro, this is absolutely amazing.
Thanks, bro.
Takes a lot to be this vulnerable.
This is gonna reach a lot of people.
Yeah?
We'll see at the premiere.
I hear it's sold out.
Yeah, it is.
You ever call her?
No.
Well, I'ma go.
Rest up, man.
Tomorrow, it's all about you.
I appreciate it.
She played a profound purpose in your life.
No matter how short the amount of time was
y'all spent together, she inspired this.
That's powerful.
See you tomorrow night, man.
What's up?
- Congrats, man. - Thank you.
- I appreciate it. - How's everything?
Pretty good, man...
How we looking? How we looking?
We're looking good-- we're looking great.
We're looking phenomenal. But hear me out.
- What's up? - I got some distribution dudes.
Willing to tape right now for you.
- Really? - Really.
Man, close on the best one.
I'll do what I do... do what I do best.
Yeah, and flip it around. Either way, you get it.
Get it. Hey, but listen,
you got Jennifer, from "Variety."
Couple quick questions.
Something light, little chitchat.
Be right here if you need me.
- Cool. - I'll introduce ya.
Jennifer, you busy? You busy? Can I--
- Can I-- Can we-- - Hi.
- All right. - How you doing, Jennifer?
- Good, how are you? - Good.
Just had a couple questions for you.
- Yeah. - So what did you think
- about the film? - I felt good about it, um,
and felt like it was a good turnout at the premiere,
so, you know, I'm excited about the future.
Yes, and what was your inspiration behind it?
Someone really special to me.
Can we expect even more films in the future?
- Hey... I'll be right. - Okay.
- Hey. - Hey.
- It's good to see you. - You too.
Your film was amazing, by the way.
- Thank you. - Mm-hm.
You know, um...
- you're my inspiration. - Yeah?
Anyway, I just wanted to say congratulations.
Sam.
Why'd you leave?
If I stayed...
would you have been able to do any of this?
I would have chose you.
- I know. - I would have chose us.
I know. That's why I left.
Well, you're here now.
And I... And I choose you now.
Malik, you're going to LA, and I'm in D.C.
I don't care about that.
I told you before...
our season is up.
But I don't want a season, Sam.
I want forever.