( Music playing )
( Baby crying )
( Wailing )
( Thunder )
( Squelching )
( Screaming )
( Noises stop )
Wake up.
We're in Africa.
( Music playing )
- Look, Yas! Zebra! - Where?
( Shutter clicks )
I just love that look.
No signal, Ange.
It's the middle of nowhere.
( Horn honking )
( All shouting )
Right, then, who's for a sundowner?
This one's really powerful. What do you reckon?
Dunno. It looks a bit creepy to me.
You're such a philistine. Make an effort.
You've got to get into the culture.
These guys must think we were born yesterday.
It's authentic naive tribal art.
Naive, is it?
Yeah, well, you'd know naive.
- Excuse me? - Ten dollars, mama.
I'd go ten bucks for a cold vodka tonic.
( Dance music playing )
"Experience the tranquil wonders of the bush."
Forget all that stuff. That's just bullshit.
This is reality. Deal with it.
"Get in touch with the timeless spirit of Africa."
( Gasps )
We'll see all the animals tomorrow, okay?
I'd say we're seeing them tonight.
( Music continues )
Whoa! That one's trouble!
- Sorry? - The hot one.
She looks like a handful.
But, hey, it's just an opinion.
- I don't need your opinion. - Say what?
I said I don't need your opinion.
Hey, who's the babe on the bike?
Didn't see him in the brochure.
Early start tomorrow.
Hang on. Introduce me. He's cute.
You don't want to talk to him. Trust me.
The guy's an arrogant wanker.
You see? There's that thing again.
What thing?
That thing I was saying. You're such a snob.
Yasmin: Really?
And you're such a good judge of character?
Look, I didn't mean to...
How about you buy us ladies a drink?
I'm done for the night.
Suit yourself.
Jesus! What?
About your friend.
I was out of line.
Yes, you were. Where is she?
Why? Are you worried?
I'm fine.
Fine. That's good.
Look, I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Want some coffee or something?
Yeah.
( Animal hoots and wails )
You cold?
( Hooting, yipping )
You're afraid of the dark.
Not really afraid. Just not used to it.
I'm a city girl.
It's okay. They won't come near the fire.
Unbelievable.
It's our first day here and everything is so different.
Even the stars.
You see up there?
That's the Southern Cross.
You see that long axis?
You extend that four and a half times,
and straight down to the horizon...
That's south. You'll never get lost.
Is that some kind of African wisdom?
Not really. It's more of a Boy Scout thing.
So what brings you here anyway?
- It's complicated. - Okay, I see.
It's a roots thing.
You've come to connect with us noble savages.
Well, this is the real heart of darkness.
That's funny.
Do you think so?
I think it's quite scary.
( Gasping, panting )
( Echoing scream )
( Ghostly whispers, baby crying )
( Baby cries )
It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.
- Ange? - Still partying.
Do you realize what time it is?
White man gave Africa the watch,
but he couldn't sell us the culture of time.
She always does this.
Then there's no need to worry.
( Playing mbira )
That's pretty. What is it?
It's called Sunjata. It's an old epic story.
You mean it has words?
It's a poem. A myth.
What's it about?
Centuries ago, a warrior king named Sumanguru
ruled an ancient empire with an iron fist.
His magic was so strong that no one could oppose him.
His people sent him
their most beautiful daughters to appease him,
but they never ever saw them again.
One girl, Sunjata's sister,
was the best-looking woman
in both Susu and Manding.
And she was more cunning than the rest.
Using all her charm,
and her powers of seduction,
she questioned the king about his magic.
He boasted to her of his power.
He could summon the lightning,
turn into a whirlwind.
But the girl was strong, too.
She conquered her fears until she learned how to command him,
and Sumanguru was mesmerized by her innocence.
She was everything that he wanted, you see?
Everything he could never have.
And the more he fell under her spell,
the less he could think of killing her.
Angela! Angie?
Angie?
Have you seen my sister? Tall blonde girl?
I'm looking for someone. Blonde girl, my age...
( engine running )
like me, only blonde hair.
Jesus Christ, does no one speak English?
Just ten minutes, please.
Sorry, darling. We're already late.
She'll be here, my sister. She left all her stuff.
She wouldn't just take off like that.
Is that so?
It wouldn't be the first time, I promise you that.
Have you seen this girl?
You have, haven't you? You've seen her.
Jules!
She didn't come back.
Come with me?
Can you translate exactly what I'm going to say?
Sure, whatever. Go for it.
Look, I know you don't know me, but I need your help.
My sister Angie, we came on this trip together.
You should talk to the white man.
Which white man?
The one who lives by the river.
He knows.
He knows what?
- What does he know? - He knows everything.
He's the one who can help you.
Do you know where he lives?
Can you show me?
( Whispering )
She says he's the only white man around here.
An artist.
He buys their wooden carvings from them.
She seems convinced he can help us.
I just think she's passing the buck.
And she said where he lives?
Kind of.
Well it's a start. Let's give it a go?
Shit.
Man: You know the rules.
- It's all in the brochure. - Hey!
- Next stop, Vic Falls. - Hey!
- See you there! - Bastard!
Yasmin: I'll have to report it.
Jules: You have to wait at least 24 hours.
They won't even open a docket.
Yasmin: Well, she wouldn't miss the truck.
I'll have to convince them of that.
You don't get it, do you? The third world?
- Why's that? - The nearest police post is hours from here,
and the rural cops aren't quick off the mark.
To get them moving will take us all day,
and you can forget about catching up to your truck.
Yasmin: Thanks a lot, Sergeant.
( Man muttering )
You never said you could ride.
How hard can it be?
Go on then. Let's see.
Hey!
Jules: Did you sleep well?
Lilele kuhle?
Yasmin: Lilele kuhle?
Let's try again.
Jules: Lilele kuhle?
Yasmin: Lilele kuhle?
Jules: Sunjata's sister traveled towards Sumanguru's house,
not knowing what she would find there.
All she had was a determination to go on.
The river uncoiled like a snake.
Going up that river was like traveling back
to the earliest beginnings of the world.
She lost her way on that river.
She was bewitched,
cut off from everything she had known once
somewhere far away in another existence.
Sic 'em.
( Dog barks )
- Aah! - ( barking )
( Screaming ) - ( crash )
Aah! Fuck off!
( Grunting )
( Screaming continues )
( Whistles )
Leave it! Leave it!
Jules: Fuck!
( Jules groaning )
( Jules screaming )
( Screaming, whimpering )
( Screaming )
You're awake.
You've been out a while. Come in.
I'm Frank.
Yasmin.
Fucking monster tried to kill me.
It was the bike that set him off.
You're both very lucky to be alive.
Yasmin: Oh, my God.
That dog's a disgrace.
I don't remember inviting you here.
He needs a doctor. Do you have a phone?
You're new to Africa, aren't you?
- I need to go. - You're not going anywhere.
I took a look at your motorcycle.
You leave my bike alone.
I've sorted him out. He should be fine.
He just needs to stay off this leg for a while.
Here.
This will ease your pain.
There you go.
He should be fine in no time.
Look, you're welcome to stay until he's fit.
You know, the thing about Africa is...
you've got to keep your eyes open.
- I wanted to ask you... - There you are.
They should be dry soon enough.
- You washed them? - Well, yes.
They looked like they needed it...
So what's the story?
I'm looking for someone.
She just disappeared.
The witch-doctor woman said you might help.
Did she?
Here.
I think this should fit you. I hope so.
Wow, that's really unusual.
Yes, it belonged to an unusual woman.
If you're sure. Just till mine get dry.
Traveling?
I see there's a train heading north.
It goes through on Sunday.
- Tomorrow? - Exactly.
You planning to catch it?
Not without Angie.
She's a bit of a handful,
but she's all I've got.
Well, there's a limit to what you can do by yourself.
Nobody just disappears.
Surely somebody must have seen something.
They're not going to speak to a stranger.
And what about you? Do you think you can help?
Sure.
( Door opening )
- Hey! - Whoa.
- Do you mind? - Okay. And Angie?
Frank says he'll take me around town in the morning.
He thinks we'll find her, no problem.
Good old Frank.
He's okay. He's charming.
He seems like a gentleman.
A gentleman? Okay, I get the picture.
Oh, give it a break, Jules. He fixed up your leg.
What, you don't trust him or something?
Me, I trust no one.
But, hey, she's your sister.
Anyway, I can't hang around.
( Grunts )
Jules: I'm not staying here.
( Whistles )
Jules: You want to know someone?
Look at his dog.
( Clinking )
- Whoa. - Steady.
I'm sorry. I knocked. It was open.
Was there something you wanted?
You said you'd help me find Angie.
Well, here I am.
I see you've met my mother.
Your mother?
Yes.
She died when I was very young.
A strong woman. I think you would have liked her.
This is the old place.
Wow, it's beautiful.
Hang on.
Oh, my God.
Frank: What?
You. I know all about you.
What? What do you know about me?
Everything, Frank.
You're Frank Macintosh, aren't you?
Don't tell me you're an art student.
Is it that obvious? "All Things African."
I should have known straight away.
I actually saw some of your reviews in London.
Never mind the reviews. What do you think?
I think...
they're quite overwhelming.
Why? What's wrong? Don't you like them?
No, they're brilliant.
One day I'll get it,
the feeling I'm looking for.
I'm getting much closer.
Her spirit is trapped in the wood.
It's a moment frozen forever.
Like a snapshot, you mean?
An essence.
Come on.
Show us your movie.
( Dance music playing )
Yasmin: That's Angie there.
The guy on the motorcycle seems very interested.
( Growling )
Fuck you, Lassie.
Frank: How long have you known him?
Yasmin: Not long. Why? What do you mean?
Oh, just saying.
Maybe you should find out a bit more about him.
No. You think? He's been very helpful.
Exactly.
( Whimpers )
Yasmin!
( Wails )
( Sobs, grunts )
Yasmin: We must circulate these as soon as we can.
We'll get on it first thing tomorrow.
Frank?
Ooh!
Oh, sorry. Are you okay?
What?
Nothing. I'm sorry.
I need to get some air.
Don't stray too far from the house, all right?
There's buffalo, leopard, snakes.
And that's just the friendly neighbors.
Jules: When Susu Sumanguru saw her,
he greatly desired the woman.
He invited her to stay in his house,
and gave her every kind of hospitality.
But he was a man who kept many things hidden.
Sunjata's sister was fascinated by him,
but she never forgot why she came there.
She kept her eyes open
to search out all his secrets.
Frank: No, no. Hold on.
Hold on. Steady.
Yeah, just relax.
( Muttering )
There.
Hey.
There, there, there.
( Barking )
( Screams )
( Growling )
( Ghostly whispers )
Come, boy!
( Whispers fade )
Okay, relax. Relax, relax.
The dog won't hurt you, okay?
The dog won't hurt you unless you run, okay?
He knows you're with me now, okay? All right?
Yeah, okay. Just breathe. Just breathe.
Come here.
( Crying ) - There you go.
Okay, relax. It's okay.
Have some of this, okay?
Just... here you go. It will relax you.
There you go. There you go.
What is this place?
It's just a place I come to relax.
It's peaceful here.
My mother is here.
( Music playing )
It's like I always imagined it.
Mama Africa.
She can be incredibly beautiful.
But she can also be very cruel.
So what brings you out here anyway?
My dad, I suppose. He was from Africa.
I wanted to learn more about his world.
About us or about yourself?
Both, I guess.
Something to help me make sense of it all.
( Chuckles ) You I think that's going to take a couple of weeks?
I think you may need to stay longer than that.
( Grunting )
Help!
Yas, help me!
Help!
( Ghostly whispers )
( Whispering continues )
Jules: Sunjata's sister went back through everything
that had happened to her since she had come
to this strange land.
She still knew little about Sumanguru,
but it was clear that it was Sumanguru's mother
who controlled him.
She was a strong woman, and would never allow him
to give away his secrets to a stranger.
( Ghostly whispers )
( Whispering continues )
Voice: Help me.
( Screams )
Leave it. Leave it!
Tula!
( Angie screams )
( Whispering continues )
( Frank shouting )
( Screaming )
Angie: Yas!
( Whispering intensifies )
Angie: Yas!
( Angie screaming )
( Distant screaming, moaning )
( Muffled moaning ) - Hey! Shut the fuck up!
( Muffled moaning continues )
( Dance music playing )
Shit.
Yasmin: What's this all about?
Something I saw at the garage.
It seems like Angie's not the first.
So you thought you'd not bother to mention it?
I didn't want you to worry.
Okay.
You know when you bought Ange a drink at the bar?
What about it?
Well, what happened next?
As soon as I could, I went looking for you.
Guess I'm stupid that way.
And you didn't see Frank there at all?
What? You mean Frank?
Frank your new boyfriend?
I'm serious. I'm worried about Frank.
Enough with the bullshit. I heard you with him.
Well, you shouldn't be snooping around.
I wasn't snooping.
Perhaps you should be more discreet.
Screaming, moaning...
It sounded quite hot.
Are you serious? When was this? Where?
Frank: Yasmin?
Yasmin?
Where is she?
Hey, Frank.
Where is she?
That's exactly the point. We don't know where she is.
I thought you were going to help Yasmin find out.
Don't fuck me around.
You know what I mean. Where's Yasmin?
Have you tried the bathroom?
Girls spend a lot of time in the bathroom.
Angie!
Ange, are you there?
Yasmin?
Ange, is that you?
Yasmin.
How's your leg?
It's better.
( Grunting )
Stay!
Yasmin!
( Grunting, panting )
Frank: Yasmin!
Ange, I'll have to come back.
Don't leave me, please.
I won't be long. You hang in.
I just need a way to open this door.
Don't let him hurt me again.
No more, I promise.
( Crying )
Frank: Yasmin?
Yasmin!
This stuff's serious shit.
A man could lose the plot drinking this.
But then again...
Hey!
The bastard's as mad as a snake.
- Oh, you don't say? - Angie's right here.
( Ghostly whispers )
Yasmin?
Why don't I hit the guy over the head?
What with?
You know, something heavy.
You don't get it, do you?
He'll kill us all. I'm serious, Jules.
We can't fuck this up.
Do you think you can get that thing going?
Sure. That's the idea.
Okay, so hang on.
Here's what we'll do.
I'm going to keep Frank busy,
and that should give you some time.
And the dog?
He's a bit unpredictable.
There you go, dick-brain. Eat your din-dins.
Uncle Jules needs to go walkies.
Okay, so I get Angie out?
She won't go with you.
So what then?
( Angie whimpering )
( Screaming )
( Sobbing ) - ( Frank moaning )
( Blow landing )
( Angie sobbing )
( Ghostly whispers )
( Sobbing )
( Whispering continues )
( Sobbing )
I've been looking for you.
Jesus, Frank. You gave me a fright.
Where have you been? You disappeared.
( Thunder )
Frank: I've been looking for you.
Where have you been?
Well, a girl likes to make herself beautiful.
You shouldn't go out at night.
It's not safe.
Frank.
Ask me if I'd like a drink.
I'm to find out all about you.
That moment you mentioned.
What was that?
The one you keep trying to capture.
That's a good question.
( Thunder )
It's the moment of saying good-bye.
Good-bye?
When someone you love is leaving.
And you know you'll never see them again,
and you can lift your eyes and take one last look.
It's the way you'll always remember them.
( Whining )
Adios, rat bait. Offed by a girl.
( Clattering )
That's nice.
Ange says I give an excellent shoulder rub.
Tell me about your mom, Frank.
She seems important to you.
You don't know my mother. You won't get it.
Well, try me. I'm listening.
I don't talk about my mother.
I've never told anyone.
Well, you can tell me.
( Blow landing ) - ( woman screams )
( Screaming )
My father was fighting.
It was war.
( Woman screaming )
I suppose bad things had happened.
My dad always said war is no excuse.
( Woman screaming, sobbing)
( Screaming, sobbing continues )
They came here.
( Screaming )
Shh! Shh!
Shh. Shut up!
( Screaming, sobbing )
Shh. Shh.
( Screaming ) - Shh.
( Muttering )
Tula!
( Screaming )
I was a kid, for God's sake.
What could I do?
( Screaming, sobbing )
By the end she was too weak to move.
Frank, darling,
you bring me the big knife.
Her voice...
Her voice was strong.
Mother: Bring me the knife.
Go!
What was that?
Shh!
What was that?
It's only the dog.
The knife, what about it?
She said, "Come to me?"
That's a good boy.
Come to Mama.
And give me the knife.
Come and lie by me.
Give Mama a kiss.
Say bye-bye.
( Choking, panting )
My God, Frank.
That's horrible.
You know, it's funny.
You remind me of her.
Frank, there's something else.
( Motorcycle revving )
Idiot.
( Revving continues )
What's he playing at?
( Whistles ) Come, boy!
( Frank wails )
Angela! Ange, I'm here!
Keep away from the door!
You're a fucking savage!
I saved your life, you ungrateful bastard!
What the fuck did you do with my dog?
Jules: So long, Frank. It's been real.
Maybe see you around.
How far do you think you're gonna get with that leg?
Far enough, sucker. You're not going to catch me.
Angie.
We've got to get moving.
Come and get me, you prick!
Help me.
- Hey, come on. - Yasmin?
Come on, sweetheart.
It's time to get out of here.
Let's get you going.
He said he wanted to buy me a drink.
It's all going to be okay.
Hey, pussy boy!
What's the matter? You giving up already?
I'm going to kill you.
Not if I kill you first, you sick fuck.
Yasmin: Jules! Jules!
( Screaming )
Leave her alone!
You stay out of this.
Jules!
You stay where you are!
Yasmin: Come on!
Fuck you! Fuck you!
Come on! Angie!
- Jules! - Just go!
( Groans )
( Screaming )
You killed my dog.
You didn't have to do that.
Please, don't thank me.
It's a pleasure.
( Gasping )
Shit!
Let's go home, Yas. I want to go home.
Come on.
We just need to hide for a bit.
- Are we safe? - Yes, we're safe.
Frank: I know you're here.
Don't make this hard on yourself.
- Shh. - Just trust me.
I don't want to hurt you.
Come out, Yasmin!
Shh.
I'm going to fix the bike. You stay here.
Right here.
( Ghostly whispers )
Just do as I say,
and I'll call you when it's time to come out.
( Whispering continues )
Come on.
No!
Angela!
No!
( Sobbing, wailing )
No, no! No!
Angie!
No! No!
( Ghostly whispers )
Frank: You girls have wasted my time.
I needed your sister for my work.
How do you suppose I finish? Huh?
You think art is easy? It's not.
It's quite frustrating.
See, it's never quite how you imagine.
You know, it's torture creating a single sublime moment.
Let it go, let it go. Fantastic.
Angie: No, no!
You're totally crazy. That isn't art.
Oh, that's beautiful.
That's beautiful, the defiance.
It always starts like this.
Well, that's the whole point of art, isn't it?
That the surface reflect the emotion beneath?
You can't just copy a video.
Don't give me your bullshit art school theories.
I think I should know what authentic is, don't you?
It's contextual.
It's about creating the moment.
( Screaming )
You'll never find that moment again,
and certainly not through some terrified girls.
These girls aren't ready to die.
Oh, no. No, they are.
Just trust me.
You see, that is the art.
What, you think I haven't thought about this?
( Sobbing )
( Sobbing continues )
I bring them to the exact same moment every time.
And that moment is the point
where they'd rather not live.
Now, you see?
She was ripe.
She was right at that moment.
Bastard. You're sick!
Shut up. I thought you were smart.
( Ghostly whispers )
( Grunts )
This is no way to remember your mother.
You don't know my mother.
You really think she'd be proud of you?
My mother is gone.
Your mother's not gone, Frank.
She's still here with you.
Frank, come to me.
Come to me.
Frank! I'm talking to you!
What?
Come to me, Frank.
Untie these ropes.
I know you don't want to.
Give me the knife.
Is that all you've got?
Is that it?
You want the knife?
Yeah, let me hear it.
"Give me the knife, Frank!
Give me the knife, Frank!"
"Give me the knife!"
Let me hear it! "Give me the knife!"
Frank! Give me the knife.
You came back.
Now give me the knife.
I can't let you go.
Well, I can't stay here.
Yasmin: I know it's not your fault.
Yasmin, you wouldn't hurt me.
Say bye-bye.
No!
Angie: Yas?
( Frank grunts )
( Muttering )
Yas!
Oh, Yas.
( Screams )
Jules!
Is it over?
Yes, it's over.
You know, Africa...
we're not all like him.
I know.
- I should sleep now. - Yes.
Lilele kuhle.
- Are we lost? - No.
You see those stars right up there?
That's the Southern Cross.
( Music playing )