Famous Pop Star’s Comeback Turns Into a Nightmare
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00:00He's bringing you a gift.
00:02This is for Ariel Ecton.
00:07Congratulations, and welcome to this once-in-a-lifetime gathering.
00:12Mr. Moretti will be playing the greatest album of modern talking.
00:30At the beginning of the movie, we see a journalist named Ariel in her office, presenting the idea of writing a story about a legend named Tamara.
00:46And her boss Stan likes the idea, but suggests that Chris write the story instead of her.
00:51During lunch, she confides in her friend that she wants to write books and prove to people that she's a talented writer,
00:58to which he responds that he doesn't think anyone cares about how she feels, loves, or hates.
01:04He points out that she's only 27 years old, didn't grow up poor or rich, has a stable job, perfect health, no addictions, no enemies, and has never let anyone get close enough to truly break her heart.
01:17According to him, it's life experience that gives people perspective, and it's that perspective that makes opinions valuable.
01:24And in his eyes, her perspective is average.
01:28Later, she hears a rumor that Moretti has returned, but Stan insists that no one has seen or heard from him in 30 years.
01:35He's certain that if there were a new album, Moretti's publicist, Soledad Youssef, would typically send in a VHS tape of him rambling about Moretti's career highlights, while announcing the upcoming album.
01:48Just then, a man arrives and shows them Youssef's latest YouTube video, where he announces that Moretti is bringing them a gift.
01:57The greatest album of modern times, and in typical debutante fashion, Moretti plans to perform for a select group of people this weekend before sharing this new blessing with the world, hinting that there is much more to come.
02:11We then find out that Stan has been invited to the exclusive listening event, and a while later, another invitation arrives, this time for Ariel, leaving everyone stunned.
02:22Stan and Ariel arrive in Green River, Utah, where they are greeted by a man named Jorg, who instructs them to follow him.
02:29They board a bus where the other guests are waiting, and Stan introduces Ariel to the group, specifically pointing out Clara, a talk show host, and Bianca Tyson, a top paparazzo in the industry.
02:41There's also an influencer named Emily on the bus, along with a famous podcaster named Bill Lotto.
02:47Jorg then announces that they are ready to begin their four-hour, eight-minute journey.
02:51As they set off, Stan tells Ariel that it's a good time to establish their game plan, explaining that he will be the one writing the review and the article, but he could really use her help with taking notes.
03:04When they arrive at the location, they see a crowd already gathered, cheering as the bus pulls up.
03:10Emily asks who they are, and Jorg explains that they're Moretti's die-hard fans.
03:15He adds that ever since the announcement, they've been congregating there, some even sleeping in their cars, hoping to catch a glimpse of Moretti.
03:23As they step off the bus, a welcoming group greets them, and Neiji explains that, to preserve the integrity of the event, they must deposit their cell phones before heading to their rooms.
03:35He assures them that the phones will be returned on Sunday once the experience concludes.
03:40After this, each of them is given a pot, and as they examine it, Stan tells Ariel to make a note of it.
03:46That evening, Moretti finally appears before everyone and says he would like to be the first to congratulate them on being the first to hear his 18-studio album, Caesar's Request.
03:57After this, he joins the guests for dinner, and during this, a little girl named Maud approaches Ariel and asks if she would like to sit with her.
04:06A server then brings a loaf of bread and tells Clara to take a bite and pass it around.
04:11One by one, everyone takes a bite and passes the bread forward, while Ariel watches from her seat.
04:16Eventually, the bread reaches Ariel, and she hesitantly takes a small bite before passing it on.
04:22After this, they are served food, and everyone starts eating.
04:26Ariel tells Jorg that she would love to get a bit of background information, if he is comfortable talking to her.
04:32Jorg shares that he used to teach music at Hardin High School in Charlotte.
04:36One semester, he focused on his favorite musician, the Wizard of Wiggle, as the primary focus for the kids.
04:43One day, he got a call saying Moretti wanted to meet him.
04:46At first, he thought it was a prank, but as soon as he heard the voice, he knew it was real.
04:51Ariel asks if Moretti just called him out of the blue, to which Jorg replies that Moretti told him not to tell anyone.
04:58When Ariel inquires whether Moretti mentioned what he wanted, Jorg says no, adding that he was on a plane the next morning.
05:05And now, he teaches music theory to children, emphasizing, teach them young, and the world will be yours.
05:12Ariel points out that the phrase is from the book, and Jorg confirms it.
05:17When Ariel asks who they are, Jorg replies that they are levelists.
05:21Curious, Ariel asks what that means, and Jorg explains that it's the only holistic way to protect creativity and those destined to wield it.
05:31Later, while Ariel is taking notes, Moretti asks, doesn't Sycophant have an O?
05:36Startled, Ariel replies yes, and mentions that she was surprised to receive the invitation, but feels truly honored and thrilled to be there for the weekend.
05:46Moretti responds that he hopes so, and then leaves, saying, rest well.
05:51Later, Najee welcomes the guests to the unique gathering, and informs them that each has been assigned a 24-7 concierge for their comfort.
06:01He encourages them to reach out for any assistance.
06:04When Ariel returns to her room, she finds her laptop missing, and a note that says,
06:09To ensure the integrity of your experience, we have checked your laptop, and it will be returned at the end of your visit.
06:16Just then, Ariel hears a sound. Intrigued, she goes to the door to check, and sees her concierge, Belle, sitting outside.
06:24She then approaches the tape recorder and plays it, and Moretti's song titled Tomorrow, My Love Begins to Play.
06:31Ariel sits on the couch and listens to the song, and it is then revealed that there are hidden cameras installed in the guests' rooms and around the property, which two people are monitoring.
06:41Meanwhile, Lotto is getting a massage at the spa when he hears the door open and notices someone measuring him with a measuring tape.
06:49Startled, he tries to get up, but he is forced back onto the bed.
06:53Suddenly, the sound of a machine is heard, and the scene cuts off abruptly with his screams.
06:59The following day, when Ariel meets Moretti, she asks him how long ago he discovered this place and religion,
07:05to which he laughs and replies that he didn't create it, explaining that it existed long before him.
07:11Ariel then asks, but you're a member? And he responds that he is very committed to it.
07:17Curious, Ariel asks what they do, and when Moretti asks what she means, she explains that Catholics go to mass and Muslims pray toward Mecca, saying every religion has some practice they do together.
07:30He asks, what do you call a group that does nothing together? And Ariel replies, Congress.
07:36Moretti chuckles and says there is one thing they all do, then asks if she would like to see it.
07:41He takes her to a tent and explains that the believer inside is engaged in a process they call diving, which is something they are all called to do.
07:49Ariel asks if they eat them, and Moretti responds that they use them for necklaces, emphasizing that they source only natural pearls.
07:58She then asks how often they find a pearl in a hundred oysters, to which Moretti replies that it's not very often, but reducing it to a matter of numbers misses the point.
08:08During the process, the man accidentally stabs his hand, and Moretti suggests they leave him to his work, allowing him to concentrate, and as they walk away, the man continues his task.
08:20Ariel asks, what's the point of that? Moretti explains that the meditations of Level teach that a single pearl is worth far more than countless empty shells.
08:30Balance, he says, isn't about equality, but recognizing that not all things are equal.
08:36Later, a woman named Rachel enters Ariel's room with her team, and explains that they are going to make her look like the best version of herself.
08:44Meanwhile, a man is seen crafting dolls, dressing them in the same outfits that the guests are about to wear.
08:50Rachel asks Ariel when she last shaved, or wax down there, to which Ariel says it's none of her business.
08:57But Rachel explains that Moretti requires everyone to be unshaven, specifically with a full, tidy bush.
09:04Ariel asks if Moretti plans to see it, and Rachel replies, no.
09:09She adds that she's worked on the debutantes since before the Cream Crush tour, and that every impressive guest Moretti has hosted has gone through this process.
09:18Later, Ariel asks Clara and Stan if they were shaved down, and they confirm it.
09:23Jorg then suggests they head to the listening room, to which Ariel points out that they're one person short, and when Clara asks where Bill is,
09:31Jorg explains that Bill opted for a longer massage session, and will rejoin the group later.
09:36They all gather in the listening room, where Moretti says humanity has been in debt ever since it arrived on this tiny rock.
09:43Every now and then, someone like Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, or Tina Turner covering Proud Mary, helps chip away at that debt.
09:52He doesn't claim his album, Caesar's Request, will erase it entirely, but he believes it will bring them a step closer.
09:59He then begins his performance, and everyone seems to be thoroughly enjoying it.
10:04However, as the performance nears its end, Emily suddenly starts coughing.
10:09Concerned, Moretti instructs his team to cut the music, and they all rush to check on her.
10:14Moretti tells Rachel to take Emily to the infirmary, and as they take her away, Moretti suggests that they all go get some fresh air.
10:22Outside, Stan observes that Moretti's paintings, though varied, share a unifying quality, almost like different faces of the same entity,
10:31to which Moretti explains that the levelists view God as a temporary state accessible to anyone.
10:37But it doesn't last.
10:38He compares this to his experience while creating the bridge on leave without love, describing it as a moment of divinity,
10:46just like the person who created the horseshoe thousands of years ago was a God.
10:51Ariel wonders if this concept is alienating, as most people may never create something truly perfect,
10:57to which Moretti disagrees, arguing that anyone can experience a divine moment, regardless of their status.
11:04And Stan agrees, saying they are just vessels.
11:07Some possess talent, while others don't.
11:10Later, Ariel tells Stan she's considering writing a companion piece on the levelists,
11:15calling them a cult with fascinating backstories.
11:18But Stan cuts her off, reminding her that they're publishing one story, and she's playing a vital role in it.
11:24He insists that the weird groupies in blue don't matter, because it's all about the music.
11:30Suddenly, an arrow strikes Stan, and Ariel screams for help.
11:34George shouts for Charlene to come quickly and tries to calm Stan down,
11:38assuring him that it looks like the arrow only hit his shoulder.
11:41A kid rushes over, apologizing to Stan, and explaining that it was a mistake with his grip.
11:47Later, Ariel asks Stan if it's possible that what happened to him wasn't an accident.
11:52She points out that they're in the middle of nowhere, without their cell phones or laptops,
11:57leaving them cut off from the outside world, and they're being surveilled and probably listened to in their rooms.
12:03Stan jokingly asks if she's been drinking with them since she's starting to sound paranoid.
12:08Ariel asks, is this not alarming to them at all?
12:11To which Stan says, it's less weird to him that Bill thinks he's too good to listen to the album with everyone else,
12:17than it is to believe that Moretti would go through all this just to steal their cell phones.
12:22Ariel then mentions that Clara said Bill and Moretti hated each other,
12:26to which Clara explains that years ago, Bill gave an interview where he made fun of Moretti for having his Doberman stuffed after it died.
12:34Ariel says the whole situation just doesn't feel right to her, but Stan brushes it off, reminding her that she's just there to take note.
12:42The next morning, Ariel escapes from her room through the window, determined to find answers to her questions.
12:48Meanwhile, Rachel knocks on Ariel's door, but when there's no response, Belle breaks in, only to discover she is not there.
12:56Ariel sneaks into the Oyster room, but finds it empty.
12:59She then makes her way to a shed filled with strange objects and scattered tools.
13:04As she searches the area, she discovers a basket containing their phones, but all the screens have been destroyed,
13:11and Bill's decapitated body is revealed hidden there.
13:14Just then, Rachel enters, but Ariel warns her not to touch her.
13:18As Belle arrives, Rachel tries to explain, but Ariel walks out without listening.
13:23Ariel packs her bag and tells Moretti she needs to leave, and when he asks what happened, she asks where Bill is.
13:30Moretti turns to Neji, who assumes Bill is getting dressed for dinner.
13:34Moretti asks if Bill did something to her, but Ariel just repeats her question and also asks about Emily.
13:40Najee replies that he just saw Emily, who is feeling better and will join them at the children's show.
13:46Moretti asks Ariel to explain, but she refuses, insisting she just wants to leave.
13:51Najee informs her that leaving immediately isn't possible since some believers took the bus into town, but it should return in about 40 minutes.
13:59Moretti apologizes for her experience and assures her they'll get her out as soon as possible.
14:04He then instructs Najee to make sure the plane is ready to go the second they get Ariel to the airport.
14:09Maude asks, but what about the puppet show, and Moretti explains that Ariel has to leave.
14:14Maude protests, saying it's unfair since the kids worked hard and Ariel was supposed to sit next to her.
14:20Moretti suggests that if Ariel agrees, she could stay at the children's building, which is closest to the gate,
14:27and watch the show until the bus arrives.
14:30Ariel agrees to stay, and they watch the puppet show, where the puppets are rats representing journalists.
14:36A singer puppet appears, and a rat asks if her childhood trauma helped her create successful music.
14:42She replies that while her journey from hardship to success is like a sweet song,
14:47she wouldn't wish her childhood on anyone, even for success.
14:51Throughout the show, Ariel's attention drifts outside until she feels something move under her seat.
14:56Startled, she gets up, and everyone watches in shock as someone tears the bag apart.
15:02And to their horror, it's Emily, her face completely disfigured.
15:06Najee quickly escorts the children away, while Moretti explains that the chemical Emily ingested is rapidly expanding.
15:13He then lies down, presses Emily's eye, and pus spills onto his face.
15:19Stan tries to leave, but is stopped, and they all are forced to sit there.
15:23Moretti addresses the guests, expressing disappointment that their disruptive behavior undermines the hard work put into this once-in-a-lifetime event.
15:32Stan attempts to escape again, but he is thrown against a window.
15:36And when Clara also tries to flee, she is caught by a man who slams her onto a table.
15:41He then grabs her hair and drags her, causing the skin on her head to tear.
15:46Afterward, everyone is forced to sit back down, and when Stan asks,
15:50What is this?
15:51Moretti responds sarcastically, saying that for his first interview in 30 years, Stan could ask a better question.
15:58Then, taking the microphone, Moretti asks himself why he named his new album, Caesar's Request.
16:04He then answers that it's an insane story.
16:07While spending the summer on the cape, he became fascinated by the tale of Julius Caesar's kidnapping.
16:12He asks if anyone knows who kidnapped Caesar, and Ariel answers, pirates.
16:17Moretti says that's correct, and then asks what Caesar did after being freed, and Ariel replies that he killed them.
16:24Moretti clarifies that Caesar crucified every one of them, and the best part, he says, is that the pirates mistook Caesar for a commoner
16:33and asked a ransom typical for any Roman prompting Caesar to demand a higher ransom to match his status.
16:40Moretti concludes that royalty, even at the mercy of peasants, remains royalty.
16:45After this, they pick up Stan, who starts begging for his life.
16:49Moretti shoves Claire aside as he sits on the bag, and Jorg stabs Stan.
16:53Bianca tries to make a flee, but Belle catches up and stabs her too.
16:57However, in the chaos, Ariel manages to escape by jumping out of the window.
17:02Ariel hides in a chalet, and grabs a screwdriver for protection, and while searching the place,
17:08she discovers bottles of poison stored alongside wine.
17:11Then, as she enters another room, she is horrified to find Bill's head mounted on the wall.
17:17Ariel then hides in the bathroom, but Belle appears at the window, and suddenly grabs her.
17:22Ariel struggles to break free, dropping the screwdriver in the process.
17:27However, she manages to pull Belle inside, and the sounds of their fight fill the room.
17:32Eventually, Belle emerges from the bathroom, leaving Ariel unconscious behind.
17:37Ariel wakes up to find herself and Claire tied to chairs, while Moretti delivers a speech to his followers.
17:43Rachel approaches Ariel and whispers instructions, saying when she reaches the gate,
17:48turn right, and keep going until she sees the light.
17:52She urges Ariel to push her, and meanwhile, everyone, including Moretti, drinks the wine,
17:58and Najee forces Clara to drink it too.
18:00Ariel pushes Rachel, causing her to hit the fire, which sets Moretti's cape ablaze,
18:05and seizing the opportunity, Ariel escapes the place.
18:08Moretti's followers extinguish the fire on him, while Belle sets off in pursuit of Ariel.
18:13Ariel manages to jump over the fence, and approaches a man for help,
18:17desperately explaining that people in the house are dead, and they need to leave.
18:22The man, instead of helping, excitedly asks if meeting Moretti thrilled her.
18:27But spotting Belle approaching, Ariel knocks the man down, steals his car, and speeds away.
18:33Two years later, in an interview, the interviewer asks Ariel if that's really how it happened when she returned to the compound,
18:40and she confirms it's exactly as she wrote in her book.
18:43Next, we see, police raid Moretti's compound, where he is sitting alone playing the piano,
18:49and in front of him, five dead bodies are lying wrapped in blue clothes.
18:54The interviewer asks if Moretti was really just sitting there alone, still in his white suit,
18:59playing the piano, to which Ariel replies it was surreal.
19:02But the cops haven't found a single levelist body, nor have they located the fan who was at the gate.
19:08Just then, Ariel's phone rings, and she steps away to take the call.
19:12It's Yusuf on the other side, and Ariel asks what he wants,
19:16to which Soledad mentions that she sent six interview requests to speak with Moretti for her novel.
19:22So Moretti would like to meet this evening at the High Risk State Hospital in Reno.
19:26Ariel meets Moretti at the hospital, and he tells her that primitive humans chose their leaders the same way animals do, through brute strength.
19:35As humanity evolved, leaders were chosen based on intelligence rather than physical power.
19:40But now, in a world filled with conflict, illiteracy, and division, he argues that the left brain metric has failed,
19:48and the next evolution will favor the right brain, where the most creative take charge.
19:54Ariel says he can't escape accountability for murdering hundreds of people, to which Moretti corrects her,
20:00admitting to killing only five, and notes that her masterpiece is also the introduction to their story.
20:06When Ariel insists that no one will condone murder, Moretti counters that if something is scandalous enough,
20:12people will never stop talking about it, just like how no one stops being Catholic after reading about the Crusades.
20:18Ariel asks where the bodies are, and Moretti replies, around.
20:22He explains that they are spread out but still connected, symbolizing the spread of inspiration and the preservation of dying crafts.
20:31They're not hidden, but waiting to improve the future.
20:35When Ariel asks what was in the champagne glasses, Moretti simply replies,
20:39Champagne.
20:40He claims that talent brings forgiveness.
20:42The greater the talent, the greater the forgiveness, and they just needed someone to start the process.
20:48Ariel then asks why she was chosen, and Moretti says there were two reasons, one for them, and one for him.
20:55They saw her as a pure, uncorrupted vessel, not driven by success or cheap shots.
21:01As for him, he found a short piece she wrote about a school board lady, and admired how she described the woman's delightfully inconspicuous chin.
21:09He says he needed his chin in good hands, and then leaves.
21:13In the final scene, Ariel appears on a TV show for an interview, but she notices the pearl necklace around the host's neck, and the movie ends on this eerie note.
21:23Thanks for watching.
21:25If you enjoyed the chills, hit that like button, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a scare.
21:31Until next time, stay spooky.