[eerie music]
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[dramatic music]
[dramatic music continues]
[Sienna exhales]
[suspenseful music]
[Sienna] Mom?
Hey, Sweetheart.
Hi, Mom. Guess what I--
What's all this?
Oh, well I was working on some reports
to more efficiently run our servers at work,
and then I had an idea, and I just wanted to get into it.
I still am deeply fascinated
that you're essentially the numbers person
who helps the numbers people do the numbers better.
That's some next-level nerdity, I swear.
[Lisa] I'm such a nerd, I know.
I realize that it's not as flashy as the arts,
but tech and numbers are like puzzles,
and I get a thrill out of solving it.
What were you saying?
[Sienna] Okay, so you know how I was worried
that one school play a year might not be enough
for some college acting programs to consider my application?
Um, s-sure, I recall.
So Amy, you know, from the drama club?
Well she found out that they're offering
acting workshops at the art center across town.
Who is "they"?
[Sienna] And the guy they got to run the workshop
is an industry veteran with actual film and TV credits.
They're offering character study,
scene breakdown, headshots.
I think you can agree that's definitely a step above
a high school play directed by a geometry teacher.
Fair.
You printed the paperwork for the classes out because--
[laughs] Come on, Mom.
You know why.
Yeah. I, uh--
I mean I--
I know why, I just, I don't understand, Sienna.
It's your senior year!
Why not just take your time
and enjoy your freedom and be a kid?
What I enjoy is acting.
A workshop like this could really give me a leg up.
It would look great on college applications.
A little extracurricular dedication can sometimes
make all the difference for getting into a better school.
[dramatic music]
I'll think about it.
Thanks, Mom.
I said- I said I'll think about it.
View never gets old, does it?
No.
Sienna was telling me about an acting class
they're offering at the art center.
She's trying to convince me to let her go.
And is there a reason she shouldn't?
I guess not.
But she's already decided to take an acting program
at a college for the next four years.
It's gonna consume her life.
I'm just worried that--
Maybe she'll regret not taking
the next few months to just be a kid.
Oh I doubt Sienna would view it as consuming her life.
She loves this stuff.
It's her outlet, it's her passion.
Yeah.
I guess I just struggle with the fact
that she started acting after--
After her dad died.
You don't have to tiptoe around
the subject of Steven with me, Lisa.
I live here.
I know you were married before.
You're right.
I guess it worries me that she
started acting after he died
because she needed to pretend.
Like she couldn't face reality.
Or by channeling it into a performance.
That's how she dealt with things, right?
You know, lots of artists,
they use their craft to explore their feelings.
Look, it's your decision, but I don't see how it can hurt.
Well she did say it would be good
on a college application.
There you go.
-[knocking] -Sweetheart.
Hey! What's up?
Well, I gave the acting classes some thought.
-And? -[Lisa] And,
as long as you keep your schoolwork in order.
Oh my God!
Thank you!
-Aww. -[Sienna laughs]
I didn't even say yes yet.
Yeah, but you were gonna.
Well you have Mark to thank for that.
He was in your corner on this one.
How about I make sure to mention you both
in my speech when I win my first Oscar?
First things first, let's just make sure
you don't get distracted on your applications
and make sure that this is all worth it.
It will be worth it.
All right, we'll see.
[upbeat pop music]
[Amy] Sienna!
Amy! Oh my G--
I am so glad you're here!
I wasn't sure if we'd be in the same class,
and I was worried I wasn't gonna know anyone.
In the suburbs?
Not likely.
Come on, let me show you the stage.
[student chatter]
Wow.
This is awesome.
Oh yeah.
You're gonna love it.
Everybody brings their A game.
And what about the classes themselves?
Do you feel like you're learning good technique?
I should certainly hope so.
Max! [laughs]
Sienna, meet Max Frost.
This is his class.
Please, Amy,
acting is a shared experience.
This is our class.
I'm just here to impart a little knowledge.
Right.
Uh, and Max, this is--
Sienna Morgan.
I know.
Pleasure.
[laughs] Thank you. Likewise!
[Max] Amy said she had a friend that might be joining,
but she failed to mention what presence you have.
I look forward to seeing what you can do.
Uh- Thank you.
Let's grab a seat.
[Sienna giggles]
[Max] All right!
Good afternoon.
[Students] Good afternoon, Max!
[Max] I want to keep tugging on that thread
of acting versus reacting.
We started talking about this last week,
and Sienna, we're just gonna dive right in.
So if you're having a hard time keeping up,
just find me when we break out into groups okay?
Remember.
Sharing a scene is all about an exchange of energy.
So if you're not giving your partner something to work with,
I don't care how good you are,
the entire thing is gonna suffer.
Haley!
Join me for a mirroring exercise.
[tense ambient music]
[Sienna whispers] Who's that?
[whispers] That's Haley.
She's the shining star and protege.
Just watch.
[Max] Ready?
[heavy bass music]
We did not rehearse this.
And I gave no prior info to Haley.
I'm acting
and she's reacting.
She's anticipating me.
This is what I want you to work on with your partners.
Now come on, let's go! [clap echoes]
Come on, let's go!
-[Max claps] -[girls giggle]
Let's go!
Put a pep in that step!
Hey! Uh--
Haley, right?
Yeah.
I just wanted to say that was amazing.
Like, so good.
Thank you.
That's really kind.
How did you even know what to do?
You can't think about it.
You have to just react.
[Amy laughs]
All right.
Good, I like these pairings.
You two, let's come in a little closer over here.
Awesome.
You guys are each unique energies!
Give some of that energy to your partner.
Partners, match that energy!
You may begin!
Start small.
Work your way up.
[lively music]
Oh, thank you.
[Lisa] Hi!
I told you that you didn't have to pick me up!
[Lisa] Well this is your first day,
and it's so exciting, I want to hear everything.
Spill!
Oh, thank you.
It was so amazing.
I don't even have the words to describe it.
Wow, speechless?
Impressive.
Max, he's our coach.
He's just so knowledgeable.
He had us do these exercises today that really
made me think about things in a different way.
I really feel like these sessions are gonna be
good for me.
I'm excited you're so excited.
Excited barely scratches the surface.
It was eye-opening !
Oh, for example, he did this exercise with Haley today.
Who's Haley?
[Sienna] She's practically the star of the class.
To be honest, I'm a little jealous.
She just... gets it.
Well I'm sure soon enough you too will just get it.
I hope so.
Hey, do we have a copy of Romeo and Juliet at home?
With Leonardo DiCaprio?
No, Mom, as in Shakespeare ?
-[Sienna laughs] -Oh.
For the next few classes Max wants us
to start studying classic theater.
He says it will "Create a good foundation
from which we can be inspired ."
I think Leonard DiCaprio is fairly
inspiring actually, but that's--
Mom!
What? I'm kidding!
It's a joke!
Come on, let's go!
[tense music]
[students whispering]
What's with her?
I have no idea.
She's been like that since she got here.
Maybe it's some sort of actor head space thing.
[Max] All right everyone, I hope you've been doing your reading,
because today, we are really going for it.
I chose "Romeo and Juliet" for this exercise not only
because it's a story I knew you'd be familiar with.
But to highlight that Shakespeare's
words endure because of emotion.
And that's conveyed in the performance of the material.
So why don't we start with a reading of the balcony scene.
Alex.
Come on down and read for Romeo.
And.
Haley.
Please, be Juliet.
Of course.
[Alex] Uh,
where exactly are we starting?
Let's skip past the big monologue
that opens the scene and start here.
That way we can get a bit of the exchange between you two.
Now remember what we've been working on;
acting
and reacting.
Whenever you're ready,
[Alex breathes deeply]
She speaks!
Oh speak again, bright angel.
For thou art as glorious to this night
being over my head as a winged messenger to Heaven.
[dramatic music]
Haley?
[tense music]
It's you.
[Haley sighs]
[deadpan] Oh Romeo, Romeo.
Wherefore--
Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name.
Haley?
Why don't we start again?
[deadpan] Oh, Romeo, Romeo.
Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name.
Or, if thou wilt not be sworn, my--
My love.
You know what?
Why don't we break up into groups?
[students whispering]
[Sienna] I am a-weary.
Give me leave awhile.
Fie, how my bones ache.
What jaunt have I!
[Amy] I would thou hadst my bones, and I thy news.
Nay, come, I pray thee, speak good, good nurse, speak!
Jesu, what haste!
Can you not--
Please. Finish.
Can you not stay awhile?
Do you not see I am out of breath?
[Max] Very good.
Really strong delivery.
The only thing I don't buy is that such a gorgeous
young woman would be playing the nurse.
Great work today, Sienna.
You too, Amy.
[footsteps and clapping]
[crickets chirping]
[Amy over phone] It's definitely cool
he singled out your work.
He complimented you too.
Please, he was being polite.
[Sienna] I don't think that's true.
It's whatever.
It just means I'll have to knock his socks off
during the read-through.
Speaking of, how are you doing with the prep?
I barely understand what anyone's saying.
Yeah, it's definitely tricky.
But I'm just trying to take Max's advice and feel the words
as opposed to getting hung up on what they mean.
You know, like what's happening in the scene
is more important than the words we're saying.
Okay, teacher's pet.
I am not !
Max barely notices me.
[Amy] Uh-huh, well, when he sees how good
my Rosaline is, he'll have a new favorite.
[Lisa] Sienna?
I gotta go.
Wow, someone's afraid of a little competition.
[Lisa] Sienna?
Actually, my mom's calling.
[Amy] Yeah, likely story.
[Sienna] Goodnight, Amy.
Night.
[clears throat]
"Wherefore art thou, Romeo?"
Hmmm.
So what were you doing up there?
I called you a few times.
Oh, I was on the phone with Amy.
Remember how I said we were doing
scenes from Romeo and Juliet?
Well Max decided we should do a full read-through.
He assigned us all parts and everything.
It's like we're doing a mini play right in class.
[Mark] Romeo and Juliet huh?
I like that movie.
How fun.
Have you guys even read the play?
[Lisa] Um, no.
What part did he assign you?
Um, nothing major. Lady Capulet.
Hey, at least she has a name.
[Lisa laughs] You know, I think it's great.
The bigger parts are something that you can work towards.
In the meantime, you have a lot of experience.
Thanks, Mom.
Are you sure you got extra dumplings?
You sneak!
Would you buy it if I said
it was for character preparation?
Oh God.
Actors.
[upbeat acoustic guitar music]
[Amy with British accent] Should I do my performance
with an English accent?
Is that your English accent?
All right, folks.
We have an entire play to get through today.
So, let's skip to pleasantries and just jump right in.
Even though this is a read through,
I do expect you did some preparation.
Haley is not here.
No she's not.
[tense music]
I wasn't exactly sure how to bring this up,
but I spoke with Haley earlier today,
and she's had a personal matter come up.
And she can no longer join us.
What, like forever?
I'm afraid so.
I mean she was definitely off last class.
Yes she was.
[Alex] Oh, okay, great.
I mean she was our Juliet.
So what are we supposed to do now?
I was getting to that.
Sadly, things like this do happen
in our world of performance.
And while unfortunate, the show, as they say, must go on.
So.
Sienna!
Please, be Juliet.
Me?
[Max] Yes, you.
I've seen your work the last few classes
and I think you can handle it
if you want.
[Sienna] Yeah, sure-- Yes! I do!
I would love to. Thank you!
[Max] Great.
Take a few moments, think about
how you want to present the character,
and then let's get moving.
Like I said, we've got an entire play to get through.
Okay. I will.
You've got this.
Don't think.
Oh, and Amy?
Yes?
No accents.
Can you believe that just happened?
You should probably prepare your character.
I'm gonna go over there and use the quiet
to get in the proper head space.
Let's do this.
All right, Juliet.
You ready?
Yeah.
Let's start where we first meet.
And what about the way the scene flowed today?
Couldn't you just feel the energy?
Drama club at school could've never, you know?
Is everything okay?
You seem kind of off.
Is that Haley?
[inaudible]
[Sienna] What?
Should we do something--?
No, it's not none of our business.
Let's just go.
-[inaudible] -[traffic rolls by]
No. No! No!
[Lisa] Hi!
I was driving and I saw you guys.
Do you want a lift home?
Um, sure.
Want a lift?
I can walk.
Are you sure, Amy? It's no big deal.
I'm good.
I just kind of need some fresh air.
Thanks though.
Okay.
I'll see you later.
See you.
Is everything okay with Amy?
She seems a little distracted.
Yeah, everything's fine.
It's just weird.
We saw Max arguing with Haley across the street.
What? Isn't Haley the star pupil?
Wasn't she--?
[Sienna] She is .
Was.
I don't know, it's just weird.
They seemed really mad at each other.
Is Max always so expressive with you kids?
Okay, first off, we're not kids.
And second, no.
Not like that.
I think Haley had to drop out of the class,
so he was disappointed.
He really believed in her potential.
Seems like an odd way of showing it though.
Well actors are passionate people, Mom.
Anyways, I have news.
You know how I said we had that read-through?
Yeah, how did it go?
It went amazing.
More than amazing even.
[Lisa] Oh that's wonderful!
Wait, Mom, don't even get excited yet
'cause I haven't even told you the best part.
Okay?
Well how I mentioned, Haley dropped out of the class.
Well she was supposed to be Juliet.
And you can't have Romeo and Juliet without Juliet,
so guess who Max asked to play the part.
Who?
Me!
Oh wow!
Well don't be all excited or anything.
No, no, I'm just surprised.
Why is that so surprising?
Do you not think I could handle the part?
[Lisa] No, just-- Uh--
You just started taking the classes, so I--
And?
[Lisa] And it just seems kind of fast.
[Sienna] Well that's just how things happen sometimes.
Yeah.
He picked me.
[Lisa] Okay, yes.
[Sienna] He knows what he's talking about.
Absolutely, I'm sure he does.
[engine fires up]
I tried calling you last night.
Yeah, sorry.
My mom needed me to watch my brother.
I couldn't really be on my phone.
Bummer.
Do you maybe want to hang out later this weekend?
We could practice lines?
Yeah, maybe.
You know, I've been thinking about
how we saw Haley in the parking lot.
[Max] Sorry I'm late!
I thought I escaped traffic when I left LA,
but no such luck.
I'd like to keep working on Romeo and Juliet.
What do you say?
Let's go to Act One, Scene Five, the masquerade,
where Romeo meets Juliet for the first time.
Alex, Sienna, you're up!
[Alex breathes deeply]
Whenever you're ready.
If I profane with my unworthiest hand,
this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this.
My lips, two blushing pilgrims.
Ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss--
No, no no no no.
It says right on the page
that you are supposed to take her hand.
What are you doing still clutching your book?
[Alex] Well I, I, uh--
You are meeting the love of your life for the first time.
A beautiful woman is standing right in front of you!
You have to make us believe
that you're surrendering to the moment.
Let me show you what I mean.
Here, step back.
Come on, step over here.
Stay close.
You're going to read the scene with me?
No.
We are going to perform the scene together .
Ready?
If I profane with my unworthiest hand.
This holy shrine.
The gentle sin is this.
My lips, two blushing pilgrims ready stand
to smooth that rough touch
with a tender kiss.
Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much.
Which mannerly devotion shows in this.
For saints have hands that pilgrim's hands do touch.
And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.
Have not saints lips?
And holy palmers too?
Aye, Pilgrim.
Lips that they must use in prayer.
Yes!
That's the stuff! That's it!
Hey.
Great work today.
Oh, thank you.
To be honest, I was a little nervous.
No, I know.
Was it that noticeable?
Oh, no. Not at all.
The role was thrust upon you last minute.
It's to be expected.
I'd be a little worried if you weren't nervous.
I thought you handled it really well.
Oh, well thanks.
Still, now that you've had a chance to read through
the role and push through some of those nerves,
I think you can take the role farther.
Yeah.
It's a shame class is over.
Well, I don't have anywhere to be.
I'd be happy to stay a little longer
and work on it with you,
if you want?
Just us?
Yeah, if you're into it.
[laughs] I'd love to.
Great.
Then grab your script.
And join me center stage, "Lady Juliet".
[Sienna giggles]
[tense music]
[camera shutter clicking]
[door opens]
Where have you been?
Uh, have you been sitting there waiting for me?
And you guys say I'm the dramatic one?
I'm not kidding, Sienna.
You were supposed to be home over an hour ago.
If you're gonna be late,
you need to use the phone to call me.
That's what it's for.
I'm sorry, it just slipped my mind.
You could have called.
[Lisa] I did. Several times.
Is your ringer off?
Whoops.
It's no big deal.
I was just at my acting class.
I'm sorry.
Don't let it happen again.
So what were you and your class working on today?
I actually stayed later to work with Max
for some scenes and technique with him.
Alone, unsupervised?
I wasn't unsupervised.
Max was there. He's the instructor.
You know what I mean.
[Sienna] I don't see the problem.
He just wanted to give me some one-on-one pointers!
You should be glad.
That's exactly the kind of attention
that can help me prepare for college.
You're intentionally misunderstanding
what I'm saying.
Mark!
Back me up on this.
Look, your mom is right.
We don't really know this guy and--
You're not my dad, Mark.
[Lisa] Sienna!
I thought we were over that phase.
[Sienna] We were until you both decided to gang up on me
when I was just trying to better my craft.
We are not ganging up on you.
We just want to make sure that you're safe !
Well I am, okay?
You just don't get it.
[sighs]
You know, her next class is tomorrow.
Will you just go there and meet the guy?
Me?
[Lisa] Well I would go myself,
but I have to work every night this week.
Please! [Mark] Of course.
Hi Sienna.
[Mark] Excuse me.
Hi, I'm Mark.
I'm with Sienna's mom, and she asked me to speak with you
because she was concerned about the fact that you two--
Ah, I see.
Well let me assure you that individualized rehearsal
is very common in the study of acting.
It is?
[Max] Of course.
It's such a personalized craft.
The exploration and expression of emotion and what have you.
Sometimes the only way to truly hone an actor's skills
is to just take a little extra time.
But I totally understand your concern,
and normally I would've sent home a notice
in advance of the individualized session,
but yesterday was just such a matter of circumstance.
Sienna, why don't you go wait from me in class.
I'm really glad you came to see me.
Please know that I believe in transparency
with students and their families.
Well that's very appreciated.
And you know what, if it were up to me,
I would have you stay and watch today's class.
Really get a feel for how we handle things here.
But having a stranger watch the process
can make some of the students very uncomfortable.
[Mark] No, no, that's fine.
And by the way, I appreciate you taking a second to talk.
You know, today's world, you can never be too sure.
Believe me, I get it.
Try not to worry too much.
Sienna is a smart, talented young woman.
And she is in good hands.
[dramatic music]
[Sienna] It's embarrassing!
[Lisa] I'm sorry, Sienna, but knowing who you're spending
so much time with is pretty much parenting 101.
Okay, well Mark met him.
Everything was fine.
Are you satisfied?
I will be after I talk to Mark.
Why can't you just trust me?
It's not you that I need to trust, sweetheart.
[sighs] Goodnight, Mom.
Ugh.
Well, sounds like she's reacting
in a normal teenage fashion.
Yeah.
[Mark] 'Cause, you know, there's nothing more mortifying
than two adults having a conversation.
So how was he?
He seemed, um, nice.
Even a little apologetic for causing concern.
I honestly don't think there's anything to be worried about.
Really?
I don't know.
Something's just
not computing.
Mmm! That's the problem.
You are so used to dealing with the hard facts
and figures at work, you forget people
can sometimes be a little bit more complicated.
Yourself included.
You're processing the fact that Sienna
taking a bigger step into that world
means that she's not gonna be at home forever.
That's a lot.
Hmm.
[crickets chirping]
[tense music]
[gentle piano music]
Did someone burn something?
[Lisa] Mm-hm.
It's how I like my toast, okay?
[Lisa] Do you want me to make you something?
[Sienna] Uh no, I'll just grab something on my way to school,
unless you want to come with me?
You haven't interrogated my algebra teacher yet.
Very funny, Sienna.
I thought so.
I'm sorry about being so stubborn about it last night.
I know you're just looking out for me.
Well it is my job as your mom to look out for you.
How is schoolwork going, by the way?
Great.
Like I promised you it would.
Good! That's great.
[Sienna] I was wondering, if I were to tell you
in advance, that I might say later today...
I guess I'd be okay with that.
Yeah? [Lisa] Yeah.
You asked, it's the right thing to do.
Thanks.
Well I better get going.
See you tonight?
Yeah. Love you, sweetie.
Love you, Mom.
I'm glad you could stay.
Me too.
I'm sorry again about yesterday.
[Max] You have nothing to apologize about.
I'm used to fielding questions from people
who can't quite wrap their heads around what we do.
Do you have to explain yourself to people often?
Yes and no.
You know, crafting stories and emotions is our job.
And you can't quite leave emotions
at the office at the end of the day.
And some people just don't get that.
That's why creatives tend to be drawn to each other.
Like in Hollywood.
Yeah. Exactly.
What's it like?
[Max] What, Hollywood?
[Sienna] Yeah.
[Max] Oh it is everything you would want.
And nothing like you'd expect.
I'd love to work there someday.
You will.
Maybe sooner rather than later.
You think so?
[Max] I do.
You are extremely talented and exceptionally good looking.
I have no reason to think otherwise.
Thank you.
Is it hard to get a break?
In Hollywood, I mean.
It all seems so far away and impossible.
Uh, it can certainly be an uphill climb
and it's definitely a lot of hard work.
You have to believe in yourself
and maybe find a few other people
to believe in you as well.
How do you mean?
There are groups you can join
that if you invest in them, they will invest in you.
And help push your career forward.
What, like the Actor's Guild?
[Mark laughs]
Not exactly.
Look, I'd be happy to explain more sometime if you want.
Sure.
Oh, okay, so I was looking over
these scenes we worked on yesterday,
and I think I got a new approach to the character.
That's great.
And I look forward to seeing what you've prepared.
But for tonight, I was thinking
something a little different.
Oh.
Yeah.
Come with me.
Where are we going?
Don't worry, we're staying in the building.
What's this?
I had the art center set up a photo studio for you.
You did? Why?
Because you're going to have a photo shoot.
I am?
[Max] Yes.
This class isn't just about scene study
and character breakdown.
It's about getting you ready for the business.
And to audition.
And if you want to audition,
you have to have good headshots.
You're gonna take my headshots?
I am.
We've gotta get you comfortable in front of the camera.
Look, in the real world, these things cost a lot of money.
So the last thing you want to do is go in there
and let somebody take advantage of you.
Oh.
Well that makes sense.
And look, you and I have read
the material a thousand times.
You know your stuff.
It's why I wanted to do something
like this tonight instead.
I believe in you.
So I wanted to help you get a little push
on some other areas.
I really appreciate that.
Come on, let's get snapping.
Let's get to work, huh?
Yeah, right in the center there. Perfect.
All right, this is your first headshot session.
You're excited, let's see some of that energy.
[camera shutter clicks]
Great. Great.
Chin down just a little bit for me, okay?
-[camera shutter clicks] -Awesome.
Great stuff, little less smile.
-That's so good. -[camera shutter clicking]
We're having a lot of fun.
Oh, amazing.
Just give me a three quarter turn to your left.
Perfect.
Chin down just a little bit.
Good, a little less smile.
You know what? A little more smile.
-Yeah. -[camera shutter clicks]
Oh, that's great.
You're a natural.
You know what, let's unbutton the sweater.
Show a little more skin.
"More skin"?
Isn't that a bit weird?
You know what?
That probably did sound a little weird.
But photos with a little bit of sex appeal
are essentially industry standard.
And they certainly help get roles.
Oh.
I guess that makes sense.
You know what?
We've got a lot of good stuff.
We've got some great stuff.
I-I thought you were ready
for a little bit more professional push.
It's totally okay. But this is--
No no no no no.
[Max] We've done it. It's all right.
It's okay.
I'm a professional.
And I want to learn everything, so...
[Max] You sure?
I'm sure.
All right, why do we lose the sweater altogether.
Oh. Okay.
Perfect.
Keep that shoulder a little bit towards me.
Tilt down just a little bit.
-Yes! -[camera shutter clicking]
That is great.
Give me real serious.
-Good. Good. -[camera shutter clicking]
Little flirtatious with the eyes.
-Mm-hm. -[camera shutter clicking]
Amazing.
[camera beeping]
Boy, you are cute when you blush.
Wow.
They are gonna love you.
Okay, give me something different now.
Something exciting.
Hey.
Hey!
How was class?
It was... good.
Good!
How was your individual session with Max?
Great, just--
Ran some lines.
Nothing major.
Cool!
Well dinner's ready when you are.
Great.
Um, I'll be down in a sec.
[dramatic music]
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Oh? Yeah!
Um, I'm not doing anything right now.
Oh my God! No way.
[door closes]
Sienna.
I got your laundry.
Aww.
[tense music]
[Sienna] Uh. Yeah, let me just--
Hang up. Now.
I gotta go.
[Lisa] Where are you going, young lady?
You're blowing this out of proportion!
[Lisa] I most certainly am not.
I saw the photos.
[Sienna] And so what?
It's not a big deal.
It's absolutely a big deal!
[Sienna] You're the one choosing to make it like that!
Look, I get it.
You're used to computer problems with clear cut solutions,
but that's not how entertainment works.
It's not direct.
You have to take chances.
[Lisa] This isn't me being confused over professions.
I know the difference.
Do you?
Photos with a little sex appeal
is just part of the business.
You have to be noticed.
"Sex appeal"?
You're a teenager!
Correction, I'm a teenager heading into college
with a plan of entering the professional world of acting.
These classes are supposed to help me prepare for that.
It's part of the reason you agreed--
You and I both know that I did not agree to this.
Furthermore, if you didn't think
that there was something wrong with the photos,
you wouldn't have lied about taking them.
Because I knew you were going to overreact
and take it the wrong way!
And you did.
This is not me being stubborn
or ignorant about the acting world.
It's simply unacceptable!
You have no idea what you're talking about.
Sienna!
What did I miss?
There's something I have to show you.
[dramatic music]
[tense music]
Sienna.
[sobs] My mom and I, we got in a fight
and I had to get out of the house.
I didn't know where to go, so I came here.
I'm sorry, I didn't even know if you would be here.
Do you want to talk about it?
Yeah.
She just doesn't get it
and I feel like I have no one to talk to.
That's not true. Come here.
It's all right.
It's okay, it's all right.
You can always talk to me, okay?
[Sienna] Okay.
This is a safe space for you, okay?
[Sienna] Thank you.
[Mark] Hey you! Get away from her!
[Sienna] This is unbelievable!
[Mark] Yeah, well we can discuss
your feelings on the matter later,
but right now I need you to come home with me.
[Max] Okay, look, I understand that emotions
are a little high right now,
but let's, maybe I think we should--
Oh I am not interested at all in what you think.
Look, there's gotta be a misunderstanding here.
[Mark] Your conduct has been inappropriate.
That's quite an accusation.
Especially since the only one
behaving inappropriately here is you.
Excuse me?
[Max] This is twice now you've shown up
under the pretense of concern.
When it's you who's causing a scene,
and it's you who's making our students
and their families uncomfortable.
-That's ridiculous. -[Max] Is it?
Or are you just here to shift the blame?
What are you talking about?
Sienna, I'm so sorry.
I did not want to do this in front of you.
But since your friend here wants to publicly
question my reputation, I have to speak the truth.
You want to make accusations
of inappropriate behavior in photos?
Maybe you should look in the mirror.
We've received complaints that you've been watching
some of our students from across the street.
And even taking pictures.
What? You cannot be serious!
[Max] I'm afraid I am, and I'm going to have to ask you
to leave the art center property before this becomes
a greater safety hazard for our students.
Okay, you know, I don't know
what kind of game you're trying to play--
[Max] I assure you this is no game,
and if you continue to make a scene
I will be forced to call the authorities.
I've had enough of this.
Sienna, let's go.
You can not make me go with you.
Sienna.
You are not my dad, Mark.
[Mark] Yes, as you've mentioned, but I'm asking you
to come home because it's what your mother wants.
[Max] Hey.
Go.
Call me if you need me.
Everything all right, Max?
[Max] Just go inside.
[tense music]
Found her at the art center.
Yeah.
Exactly where I want to be.
[Lisa] I think you know that's not where I want you to be.
At least until we find out what's going on there, Sienna.
What's going on is Max gets me.
You don't.
And you're not even trying.
Instead you're overreacting and ruining my life.
[Lisa] I don't consider it an overreaction
when my daughter is a subject of inappropriate behavior.
Want to talk inappropriate?
Maybe you should look inside your own house first.
Here we go.
[Lisa] What?
What is she talking about?
Apparently Mark has been showing up
and taking pictures of the girls coming from my classes.
What?
[Mark] Oh come on, Lisa, that's absolutely insane.
It's obviously not true.
That's not what Max said.
He said that some people have even complained.
There's been complaints?
[Sienna] Yeah, which you might know about if you actually
came to the art center yourself instead of sending him.
I don't even own a camera! You know that!
He's right.
We don't even have a camera in the house, Sienna.
Well he wasn't taking pictures from the house, was he?
Sienna.
Look Mom, while you were accusing Max
of terrible things when he was just trying to help,
your boyfriend was the one doing the things
you were afraid of the most.
You don't believe this, do you?
No.
Fine.
Believe whatever you want.
But stop trying to get in the way of my dreams!
I'm gonna make a drink.
[tense music]
[thumping music]
[dramatic sting]
[camera clicking]
[Sienna in flashback] Your boyfriend was the one
doing the things you were afraid of the most!
[camera clicking]
[Mark snoring]
[Lisa] Get up!
Lisa, what's up?
Get out!
Where are you going?
[Sienna] I have acting class today.
You know that.
I really don't think you should be going back there.
Why shouldn't I?
It was Mark who turned out to be the problem.
Not my classes with Max.
It's not that simple, Sienna.
It's a little bit more complicated than that.
I really think that we just need to--
[Sienna] Need what?
More time to sit here and realize
how much we don't get each other?
This isn't like when dad died
and it was the two of us against the world.
Then you believed in my dream.
Supported me doing whatever it took to achieve it.
I-- I think we can both be honest
and agree that this is not adding up
to be something positive right now.
[Sienna] Because they don't need to add up!
This is not some tech issue.
It's life.
You didn't even want me to take this class to begin with.
Yeah, I--
You questioned every part of it.
Every step of the way.
I had good reason to be concerned, didn't I?
I am not your little girl anymore.
Maybe you're just jealous because
I have something I'm passionate about.
[Lisa] I'm not jealous, Sienna.
This has nothing to do with acting.
[Sienna] Then how come when Max picked me to read the lead
in Romeo and Juliet, you were so surprised
I was able to get a part like that so quickly?
Or when he tried to help me prepare my professional
portfolio by taking my headshots, you flipped out.
Okay.
[Sienna] You claim to not trust him.
But the truth is, you don't believe in me or my talent.
I am just asking you to take a step back
and look at it from your mother's perspective.
I have!
Which is how I know that you just don't get it.
This is my dream, Mom.
And I'm gonna do whatever it takes to make it come true.
Sienna--
You know, Max believes in me.
It would be nice if you did too.
[dramatic music]
[Amy] I'm surprised you're here.
Why wouldn't I be?
I don't know, I guess I just thought after
your mom's boyfriend got busted gawking at everyone
you'd be too embarrassed to show your face.
[Sienna] What's your problem, Amy?
I thought that we were friends.
I thought so too,
but I don't even think I recognize you anymore.
What's that supposed to mean?
[Amy] You got handed the lead role
on the same day that you and I saw Haley
and our teacher having a fight in the parking lot.
And you never even stopped to consider
how weird that was because you got to be the star.
But it is weird, Sienna.
That doesn't just happen.
[Sienna] I'm sorry that you can't deal with the fact
that I'm getting the chance to shine.
But that's a you problem.
Oh? No.
No, that's an everyone problem.
This class used to be about the group.
And now it's just about you.
And the only attention the rest of us get
is from some creep you brought to our door.
[Sienna] If you don't feel like you're getting enough attention
in acting class, well maybe you just need to be better.
God, you are such--
[Max] Enough!
This kind of petty behavior is for gymnasts and ballerinas,
not actors.
I don't care what beef you have.
When you're in my class, you leave it outside.
Is that clear? [Amy] Look, Max--
[Max] Is that clear?
[tense music]
Yes.
[Max] Good.
Now, I'd like to continue our exploration
of the Meisner technique.
So if you could all please circle up.
Can you stay after?
Let's shake that off, right?
Deep breath.
Exhale with voice.
[exhaling]
Good.
[dramatic music]
Lisa.
Can we talk?
I don't have anything to say to you.
Just hear me out, please.
You know how hard it was for me after Steven died.
How difficult it was to open my heart up again.
I trusted you, Mark!
Come on, Leese, there's a part of you
that knows this is not true.
The evidence is pretty clear.
When have you ever known me to take pictures?
How did the photos get in your car?
Who put them there?
I don't know.
And look, I can't prove it, but all signs point to Max.
-[Lisa scoffs] -[Mark] And why would I do it?
Why would I jeopardize every thing that I built with you?
Why would I throw away all I did
to establish a relationship with Sienna?
You two are my everything.
I would never do anything to endanger that.
I can't. I can't.
I cannot do this right now.
You need to leave.
-Lisa. -[door slams]
You okay?
Whatever was happening with Amy earlier wasn't too nice.
It wasn't.
But it's whatever.
She's clearly dealing with her own issues.
Boy has it been a day.
First my mom.
Now her.
You got in another fight with your mom?
Yep.
Same thing, different day.
You know what?
You have had a lot on your plate lately.
We should just go someplace and talk.
-Yeah? -[Max] Yeah,
if that's something you think would be helpful.
Yeah. I think it would.
[Sienna] Hey.
Hey.
Hey, can we talk?
Yeah.
Sure, what's up?
Mark came by today.
What happened? Is everything okay?
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm okay.
Considering the circumstance.
He came to plead his case.
What did you do?
I listened.
And then I sent him on his way.
[dramatic music]
You know, the last few weeks.
It's just been awful.
This isn't who we are.
It's never been like this and I don't like it.
Me either.
When your dad died,
I think part of what got us through
was knowing that we had each other.
I don't want to lose that.
Oh Mom.
And.
I am sorry that I haven't been so easy.
Me too.
Hey, you know, I know that I don't really
understand your whole acting world.
But please know that I'm trying.
To be fair, it is a strange thing
to wrap your head around.
I mean, there's no straight path
to pretending to be other people for a living.
Yeah.
But when you go to college you'll have plenty
of instructors that can show you all of the paths.
So that you can find the right one to let you shine.
I'm learning a lot of techniques from Max now.
And that's, I didn't mean that as a slight.
I just meant that you'll have professors
who have experience with a dynamic group of people.
We're back to this again ?
Is it so unbelievable that Max
would pick me because of my talent?
No.
Does it have to be because it's a "small town"
and there's no one else, or that he has ulterior motives?
I'm not saying that. I'm not saying that--
Can't you just believe I have what it takes?
[Lisa] I do believe!
I absolutely believe that you have what it takes.
That's not what I'm saying at all.
Yes it is!
Sienna.
Appreciate the talk, Mom,
but all it did was prove that
to reach my potential, I have to rely on me .
[sighing]
[smooth jazz music]
[Max] Just those two red wines, thank you.
Thanks, Gigi.
All right.
You want to tell me what happened with your mom?
Well, she's been kind of a wreck
since everything happened with Mark.
Which I get, but she's clearly projecting.
She associates his thing with class
and keeps trying to make me quit.
You know, I can kind of understand that.
But surely she knows how much these classes mean to you.
You would think so.
Is... this... for me ?
Yeah.
You have had a day.
You deserve to relax.
It's wine.
[Max] Yeah, I know.
I bought it.
[whispers] Isn't that illegal?
Rules!
Rules are there to inhibit our experiences.
Actors shouldn't be afraid to break them sometimes.
It helps us grow.
Come on.
It can be our secret if you want.
That's actually really good.
I'm glad you like it.
[Sienna laughs]
You're still tense?
I am.
[Max] Look, if it's the wine, it's not a big deal.
You don't have to drink.
No, it's not about the wine.
I'm just still processing everything that's been going on;
Amy,
Mark,
my mom.
All right.
Turn around.
What?
I said, "turn around".
Relax.
What are you--
Does it feel good?
[exhales]
It does.
Then just go with it.
Now,
about your mom?
I don't know.
I mean, a part of me gets it.
Everything has been different lately.
Everything at home is a wreck,
and look at my friendship with Amy.
Amy is no friend.
She's jealous.
I don't know.
It's true.
She sees what you bring to the table
and it reminds her that she does not have what it takes.
Isn't that a bit harsh?
[Max] It is the truth.
There is a part of them that sees
that your talent is bigger than them.
It makes them recognize that their lives are limited
and you can go wherever, and do whatever you want.
People resent that.
And how do you deal with something like that?
You are bigger than this town.
You are bigger than these people.
And your talent far exceeds anything
I could teach you in that class.
You really think that?
[Max] I do.
It's why I think you're ready to take the next step.
Sticking around here?
It's a waste of your time.
I don't understand.
I have to go back to Hollywood for a couple of days.
I think you should come with me.
[tense music]
You want me to go to Hollywood with you?
[Max] I do.
In fact I'd love it if you join me.
I could introduce you to that group I was telling you about.
Unlike the people here, they would understand you.
They would help you.
But why would they want to help me?
I mean I'm nobody.
You are not nobody.
You have what it takes to get their attention.
I'm not gonna lie to you,
it doesn't come without some personal investment.
But, if you're willing to learn from these people,
you will be awakened to an entirely
new world of possibilities.
"Awakened"?
[laughs] Is this like some religion?
[Max] Oh God, no, no, not exactly.
No, it's a system of belief.
I like to think of it as an ideology of betterment.
Each person that joins the group
commits to a set of principles and goals,
and part of the bond is that we all
help each other achieve them.
I only want to introduce you to people
who are going to help you achieve your goals, Sienna.
You deserve to be a star.
You are a star.
Come with me.
I don't know what to say.
I mean I love the idea, but--
Hollywood.
Are you sure I'm ready?
I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't.
My mom would never let me.
Stars do not ask for permission.
What do you say?
[dramatic music]
Sienna?
Oh God no.
Oh no, no.
[sobbing]
[doors clanging]
[Amy on phone] I don't know what to tell you, Mrs. Morgan.
The last time we spoke, we kind of had a fight.
Was it about Max?
Yeah.
You don't know where in Hollywood they might be?
Not really.
All most of us know is that's
where he lives when he is not here.
Maybe you could ask the police for help.
I did.
They said that they couldn't do anything because she's 18.
And that she herself said that he wasn't a threat.
They would notify the authorities there,
but the city cops can't do much 'cause they have
bigger issues than checking up on everyone
who comes to town with stars in their eyes.
Will you just let me know if you hear from her, please?
I will.
[phone rings]
Hello?
[Lisa] Amy,
Sienna said that Max had got in a fight
with a girl in the parking lot.
The one whose spot she took.
Haley!
[Lisa] Yes!
Do you have her phone number?
Yes! I'll send you her number right now.
[upbeat pop music]
Wow!
What did I tell you?
It's beautiful!
It's like a dream.
[Max] Well, beautiful girls deserve to be in
beautiful places!
Want to see your room?
I'd love to.
Right this way.
It's not much, but I think it'll do the trick.
Ah, it came.
What's that?
Consider it a welcome to Hollywood gift from me to you.
You got me a gift?
Is that a dress?
[Max] It is!
A very fashionable one too, if I do say so myself.
Take it out.
Hold it up, let's see it.
It's kind of--
Sexy?
Yeah.
And you're gonna look sexy in it!
It is beautiful, but I don't know
if I can accept such a gift.
Of course you can!
You don't like it?
[Sienna] I do!
I love it, but it's sort of an intimate gift and--
I have some very important people coming over tonight.
They see a lot of actors.
So, I wanted to get you something
that would make you stand out.
I just think--
Look, Sienna, it's like the headshots.
It might seem kind of weird at first,
but these are the things that you have to do to get noticed.
And you're willing to do whatever it takes, right?
[dramatic music]
Yes.
I am.
Thank you for the dress.
[Max] You're very welcome.
Go put it on.
I'll open us up a bottle of wine.
You'll meet me by the pool.
[tense music]
[car lock beeps]
[cart clattering]
[Lisa] Haley?
Yeah?
[Lisa] Hi, I'm Sienna's mom.
We spoke on the phone.
You- you work here?
Yeah.
Kind of live here too.
Oh.
[Hailey] My family and I aren't really talking right now.
I'm so sorry.
I appreciate you coming all the way across town.
I just, I don't know how much help I'll be.
[Lisa] I'll take any information you can provide.
Please.
Let's get out of the hall.
Okay.
[dramatic music]
I'm gonna be honest with you, Haley.
Ever since Max has come into our lives,
things have really fallen apart, and I feel like
there's a giant wedge in between Sienna and I.
I feel like he put it there.
Sounds like that's between you and your daughter.
I just need to know more about Max
and his role in all of this.
Why would I know about that?
Because she said that you and him got in a terrible fight
and that you used to be his favorite,
before her.
So Haley, if there's anyone who knows anything
about what's going on, it would be you.
Well I'm sorry, I don't.
You can try calling the Art Center.
Maybe they can help you.
I just- I just need anything.
Anything that you can provide me with at all.
He's convinced her to go to Los Angeles with him.
He took her to LA?
Yeah.
Does that mean something to you?
[tense music]
You're right to be concerned about Max.
He's not who he says.
Who is he?
Max is a good actor, and that is his greatest weapon.
He's charming and manipulative and says exactly
what you need to hear for you to trust him.
And he plays the part perfectly.
But it's all just another role for him to get what he wants.
What does he want?
Max is part of this circle of people in the industry
who have created their own system of
influence.
They thrive off power and get it
by making sure people owe them.
Owe them what?
They find up and coming actors,
promise them their wildest dreams,
a career, but in actuality,
they're grooming them to be disposable distractions
for the men who run everything.
Men who are happy to keep you down
and at their mercy, and Max,
[sobs] is the worst one.
He works extra hard to gain your confidence
because he knows what he wants in return.
He did this to you?
Why didn't you say anything?
Well, I wanted to.
But, Max, he--
He took photos of--
Compromising photos.
That's how they control you.
When I wanted out, he said if I told anyone
he would leak the photos.
And my career would be over before it started.
It's what Sienna saw us fighting about.
I, uh--
So when he takes them to LA, that's when--
I have to go!
I have to go get her before it's too late!
What's his address?
I can text it to you.
Thank you.
Ms. Morgan?
Yeah?
Hurry.
[tense music]
You look amazing.
Oh they're gonna love you.
[phone ringing]
Um, two seconds.
I'll be right back.
[Max] I'm telling you, this one is going to work.
I know I said that about the last girl,
but this one is all sorted out.
I promised you I would bring you somebody
to settle my debt with the group and I have.
And I think you're going to be pleased.
[camera beeping]
[dramatic sting]
You weren't supposed to see those.
I got my camera out because I was hoping
we could take some pictures in your new dress
which you look great in!
I'm sorry, babe.
Hollywood's not done with you yet.
[suspense music]
[Max] Good.
You're awake.
[tense music]
[car door quietly closes]
You did this to yourself, you know.
Had your entire career in the palm of your hands.
You just had to get nosy.
Still, when my guests arrive.
Maybe we can still work something out.
These people will get what they want.
Hollywood is all about second chances, after all.
[whispers] Hurry please, hurry please.
Please hurry.
-Hurry. -[Lisa] Shh.
Almost done.
He's gonna come back.
Come on, Mom!
[dramatic sting]
I don't remember inviting you.
[suspense music]
No! Stop it!
Let go!
[slam]
No!
[Lisa screaming]
[Lisa crying]
[Lisa choking]
Mom!
[glass shatters]
[body thuds]
Mom! My God!
Are you okay? [Lisa] Oh!
[Sienna sobs] Are you okay?
Yes, yes, are you?
Thank you. Thank you.
[birds chirping]
[uplifting music]
When the police arrived, they had enough
compelling evidence to haul Max away.
[Mark] I just hope the police can make this stick.
[Sienna] Well not only do they have our testimony,
but Haley has agreed to come forward with her story.
[Lisa] Yeah, they'll be able to put away
his little cult as well.
So they won't be able to hurt anyone ever again.
Speaking of, I know that this whole thing
has very unceremoniously thrown
a wrench into your acting classes,
and if you were interested I'd be happy to--
Thanks, Mom, but I think I'm good for a bit.
Really?
Don't get me wrong. Acting is still my passion,
but I think it's better I take a break.
Enjoy the rest of my senior year and be a kid.
I love that idea.
One thing Max was right about is that everything
in an actor's life helps inform their craft.
Just so happens I have plenty to study right here.
I think that she means we are like Romeo and Juliet.
Our love story ends way better.
Aww.
[Sienna] You fought for me even when
I was unwilling to see the truth,
acting selfish and unable to protect myself,
and that, to me, is true star-quality.
[bright music]
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music continues]
[dramatic music fades]