BIRDIES (Bannon)

BIRDIES
by
Colin Bannon
HOPSCOTCH PICTURES
VERVE
The uplifting “BIRDIES” THEME. A catchy pop anthem.
THE BIRDIES
YOU MAY NOT HAVE OUR EYES!
YOU MAY NOT HAVE OUR SMILE!
BUT YOU HAVE OUR HEART!
YOU HAVE OUR HEART!
FADE IN:
A flashy YouTube opening title sequence. Made with a Mac
Book, on a deadline. GRAPHICS SPLASH ACROSS THE SCREEN --
M E E T T H E B I R D I E S !
OUR ADOPTED NEST -- LIVE! LOVE! VLOG!
CUT TO:
MAMA BIRD (30s), Instagram chic and style for days. Flowy
white things draped on her body. Countered and highlighted to
precision. She vibrates with loving kindness. A good mother.
MAMA BIRD
Hi Bird Watchers! Welcome to our
channel! I’m Mama Bird!
WHIP PAN TO REVEAL -- PAPA BIRD (40s). Kind eyes, and
chiseled features. A good father.
PAPA BIRD
(Swedish accent)
I’m Papa Bird!
They stand back-to-back, arms folded.
MAMA BIRD
And these are our Birdies.
CUT TO:
THEIR FIVE ADOPTED CHILDREN -- all different ethnicities.
The Birdie Family poses before a SLEEK MANSION, dressed in
matching autumnal J-Crew earth tones. The boys have spiky
hair like DAD. The girls have baby bangs like MOM.
PAPA BIRD
If you think our hands are full,
you should see our hearts!
They all hug on the lawn. They love each other so much.
CUT TO:
VARIOUS SHOTS. The Birdies take us on a tour of their
mansion. The kids have giant rooms filled with toys and video
games and everything a child could ever want.
2.
THE BIRDIES
(singing)
We’re the Birdie family, we are a
gift from God! But we’re not just a
family, we are a Birdie SQUAD!
CUT TO:
The Birdie Family is dancing around a ten foot tall BIRDCAGE
in the backyard. An indulgent prop. They perform an elaborate
dance that involves flapping their wings...
THE BIRDIES (CONT’D)
We’ll flap our wings and we will fly
into the bright blue birdie sky!
GZZTTT!!! The video GLITCHES and makes us jump.
A pixel dies and deforms their little faces. A jarring video
hiccup. Finally, the video resumes in fast motion, and then
catches up with itself. WE SLOWLY WIDEN TO REVEAL --
A CRACKED TABLET SCREEN THAT PLAYS THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO.
We’re in a DARK ROOM. Pitch black, but for the warm glow of
THE VIDEO lighting up TABITHA’S face, and reflecting in her
big brown eyes. She’s 13-year-old. The barrage of garish
colors highlighting another acne outbreak. Transfixed by the
screen. It reflects in her dilated pupils.
TABITHA
(sighs)
...Squad goals.
She has a fragile whisper of a voice.
ON THE SCREEN:
SUPER SECRET SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Tabitha’s eyes light-up. She clicks it.
Mama and her Birdies are gathered around the hearth.
MAMA BIRD
Are you one of the half million
children currently in the foster
care system looking for the love
and security that only a forever
family can provide?
TABITHA
Yes.
MAMA BIRD
Then today’s video is for you.
3.
TABITHA
Ohmygod.
MAMA BIRD
Drum roll please--
THE SMILING BIRDIES drum on their pants.
MAMA BIRD (CONT’D)
The Birdie Family is proud to
announce, in association with the
Department of Child and Family
Services, the first annual--
Suddenly -- THE VIDEO ABRUPTLY CUTS TO AN AD FOR BEST BUY.
Showing off a hoard of brand new iPads and iPhones.
TABITHA
Crap... C’mon, c’mon!
Her leg bounces as she waits the mandatory five seconds, and
then hits -- SKIP AD.
MAMA BIRD
--”OPEN NEST CHALLENGE!”
Tabitha leans in, until she’s face to face with Mama Bird.
PAPA BIRD
The most frequent comment we
receive in our comments section is
“I wish I was a Birdie.” Well, that
dream will become a reality for one
very lucky foster child.
TABITHA
What?
She drops the tablet, gasps, snaps it back up -- eyes peeled.
MAMA BIRD
Since our eldest Birdie,
Nightingale, has left our adopted
nest to pursue her dream of living
“off the Grid” in the Alaskan
Wilderness last month--
QUICK CUT TO: A short video of NIGHTINGALE (18), a spritely
young lady with soulful eyes, and a kind smile, waving at the
camera from shore. No make-up, dressed in flannel with a
rucksack. The soaring white Denali Mountains behind her.
NIGHTINGALE
This is Nightingale, singing off!
Nightingale turns the camera off.

4.
GZT! The video GLITCHES again. Tabitha gives it a hard whack.
MAMA BIRD
--We once again have the time and
resources necessary to dedicate to
a placement in need..
PAPA BIRD
That’s right, we’re opening our
doors! A new Birdie will soon be
coming home to roost.
TABITHA
Ohmygodohmy--
A HUSKY VOICE outside Tabitha’s door --
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

Tabitha?!!
Tabitha gasps. Quickly locks the door.
MAMA BIRD
To raise awareness for World
Adoption Day, we’ll be welcoming
YOU, one our very loyal Birders,
into our adopted nest!
THE BIRDIES
From Birder to Birdie!
Tabitha covers her mouth in disbelief.
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

Tabitha?! Where are you?! You
didn’t do your chore!
PAPA BIRD
We hope this will inspire our vast
network of Birders who are
considering becoming adoptive
parents to do the same.
The video WHIP PANS to LARK (12), a Latinx Girl with a cute
speech impediment. She has spinal bifida and crutches.
LARK
The rules for the Open Nest
Challenge are simple. Upload your--
--The video is interrupted by AN AD FOR GRAMMARLY! “Great

Writing, Simplified!”
Tabitha groans.
5.
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

Are you in the closet again?!
The doorknob jiggles. Harder. KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.) (CONT’D)

WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT LOCKED DOORS?!
Tabitha presses SKIP AD. The video resumes--
LARK
--Upload your personal foster care
story telling us why you’d like to
join the Birdies.
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

OPEN IT!
ON SCREEN: FINCH (6), white, convulsing with Ritalin vibes.
FINCH
How’d you end up in the system?!
What are your hopes and
dreeeeeams?!
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

Tabitha!
DOVE and HAWK (12) Cambodian twins.
HAWK
But, you better hurry!
DOVE
Submissions are only open until the
end of the day!
Last is BUSTARD (11). A middle eastern boy with a slight

accent. He seems sad, not like the others. Trying his best.
BUSTARD
Will you be the lucky bird?
--WHAM! WHAM! Miss Ketchum is pounding. The door bowing.
MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

I’m not going to tell you again!
Hemming and hawing and the JIGGLING OF A KEYRING. Tabitha

looks back at the SCREEN:
LARK
And if you’re not already
subscribed to our channel--
6.
HAWK
Make sure you RING THAT BELL!
DOVE
Smash that Like button!
BUSTARD
Don’t forget to tag us!
FINCH
And turn on our post notifications--
THE BIRDIES
--SO YOU CAN BE A PART OF OUR
AWESOME FAMILY!
MAMA BIRD
And now for the most important part--
CLICK! -- THE CLOSET DOOR UNLOCKS!
Tabitha quickly rips her headphones out and just as she
stuffs the tablet under a pile of clothes--
WOOOSHH! The closet door flies open and the bright light of
morning spills in and stings her eyes. MISS KETCHUM (50)
looms above her. She’s a heavy woman with two bad hips, her
bloodshot eyes dancing with rage.
MISS KETCHUM
Out. Now!
Miss Ketchum grabs Tabitha by the hand, and pulls her into--
THE BEDROOM.
It’s tidy, but cramped. A lot of kids have come through these
doors, and you can tell. Wilting wallpaper, stained carpets.
Three sets of bunkbeds. No decorations. FOSTER KIDS yelling
in the HALLWAY. It’s a zoo.
MISS KETCHUM
You were in there all night again
weren’t you?! Watching those birds!
TABITHA
...No.
KATIE (8) and NATE (10) sprint down the hallway.
KATIE
The Birdies are gonna adopt a kid!
7.
MISS KETCHUM
No running!
(to Tabitha)
Alright, where’s the doo-dad?!
Miss Ketchum goes on a hunt, spots the tablet sticking out
from under the clothes. She snatches it. Ah-ha!
TABITHA
No! I need it to make my submission
for the Birdies!
She grabs after the tablet, but Miss Ketchum pulls it away.
Desperation pops out Tabitha’s eyes. It’s her lifeline.
MISS KETCHUM
No screens for a week. Not until you
learn how to use it responsibly!
Tabitha is grabbing for it, and Miss Ketchum keeps it away.
TABITHA
Give it to me! It’s mine!
She turns rabid, grabs after it. A tug of war ensues. The
tablet slips from her grip, and flies across the room,
crashing against the bureau. Tabitha MOANS. Drops to her
knees before it. Another deep crack. Half the screen is just
dark blue streaks of color.
Tabitha stares at the broken screen. Sees her sad reflection.
MISS KETCHUM RIPS IT OUT OF HER HANDS.
MISS KETCHUM
It’s like an extra limb with you.
Suddenly, Tabitha jumps to her feet, pushes past Miss
Ketchum, and bolts out the door...
MISS KETCHUM (CONT’D)
No running!
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Tabitha barrels down the hallway towards AN OFFICE where Nate
and Katie have joined TREVOR (15) and BOOTSIE (6), the
youngest, cute level: nuclear. They sit at a crusty PC.
MAMA BIRD (ON SCREEN)
...And don’t forget the most
important part. Make sure you end
your video by singing your very
favorite song.
A title SMASHES IN: THE CLOCK STARTS NOW!
As the fosters CHEER, Tabitha dashes away.
8.
EXT. ROAD - DAY

A panicked Tabitha pedals her bike like she’s being chased by
a rabid beast. Maneuvers through heavy honking traffic.
EXT. BEST BUY - DAY
Tabitha reaches the entrance. She wipes the sweat, pulls
herself together.
INT. BEST BUY - DAY
Tabitha hurries past buzzing electronics to the Mac section.
She finds the iPad display. She picks one up and logs into
YOUTUBE. Clicks the RECORD ICON. Suddenly nervous.
TABITHA
Hi, Birdies! I’m Tabitha! I’m
thirteen! And this is my submission
for the open nest challenge. I’m
basically your biggest fan in the
whole world. I know a lot of people
are gonna say that, but I actually
am. Whenever I’m sad and scared I
watch your videos so I watch them
all the time pretty much.
The high-strung, mustached MANAGER eyes her like a hawk.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
I been watching your channel since
I was a small kid. And you’re the
perfect family, even though you’re
all different, you’re the same, cuz
of how much you love each other,
and that’s all that matters, and
that’s all I ever wanted. I’ve been
in the system my whole life and I
never fit in. I’ve lived in ten
different placements, and your
channel is the only thing that got
me through. All I want is a forever
home, and they’re just gonna keep
moving me and moving me until I age
out. I’m thirteen now, and it’s ten
times harder for teens to get
adopted. I know I’m not very pretty
like all of you, but I think I’m
Birdie material deep down. If you
could just please find it in your
heart to give me a chance... you
won’t regret it...
(chokes up)
Mama Bird... even though we never
met, you’ve already been more of a
mom to me than anybody.
9.
She wipes the tears on her sleeve. She looks back at Manager
who disappears into the stock room.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Oh, and my favorite song... is the
Birdie Theme Song..
She closes her eyes. Like she’s channeling something. Opens
her eyes. And SINGS the Birdies theme... Softly at first,
fragilely. A beautiful whisper...
TABITHA (CONT’D)
You may not have our eyes...
You may not have our smile...
But you have our heart...
You have our heart...
She sings a little louder. Her voice is a smooth whispery
wooze. Delicate, like Billie Eilish on Ambien.
The OLD LADY down the aisle smiles stupidly at her. Lulled
into a trance by the song. SHOPPERS gather. Drawn. Under her
spell. A LOVING FAMILY, shopping for TVs. Stops and listens.
EMPLOYEES exchange looks. Cell phones rise and take aim. She
sings a little louder.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
(sings)
We’re the Birdie family! We are a
gift from God! But we’re not just a
family, we are a Birdie Squad! We’ll
flap our wings and we will fly into
the bright blue birdie sky!
The Geek Squad swoons.
GEEK #1
Beautiful.
The Manager comes out of the STOCK ROOM. Sees the commotion.
MANAGER
Oh hell no. Hey! Hey you!
TABITHA
(quickly)
If you’re not already subscribed to
our channel, make sure you RING
THAT BELL and turn on our post
notifications! And please let me be
a part of your amazing family! I
love you Mama Bird!
He starts jogging over. Tabitha thinks fast. Looks down at
her face on the video screen. Smiles.
10.
SHE RIPS THE IPAD OFF ITS CHAIN AND RUNS! Shoppers GASP.
MANAGER
HEY! HEY! SECURITY!
Tabitha blasts down the aisle, hugging the iPad, as
overweight SECURITY GUARDS chase after her.
She hits UPLOAD on the iPad. THE PROGRESS BAR BEGINS -- 3%
A GUARD JUMPS OUT OF NOWHERE -- snatches after her. She
ducks under the Geek Squad table, and doubles back the other
way, throws the rolling step ladder in their path.
Tabitha loses her balance, and crashes into a display of
robot vacuum cleaners. A few of them turn on, and scatter
like mice. She checks the iPad -- 24%
A Guard snatches at her, but she fakes him out, and darts
into the Magnolia HOME THEATER DISPLAY ROOM.
70% -- Her eyes are bugging out of her head.
TABITHA
Hurry. Hurry!
She ducks behind the plush leather sofa. A JAMES BOND movie
explodes in the background. Bullets flying.
93% -- The Guards spot her, and come running. She shakes the
iPad, but it doesn’t help.
96% -- And as they bare down, A RED “X” cuts through the
progress bar.
*upload failed* ERROR
Tabitha’s world falls apart.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
NO!!!!
The Manager comes out of nowhere and rips the iPad out of
Tabitha’s hands, and she collapses on the floor, destroyed.
The Guards have to pull her out of there, bucking and kicking
and screaming and slapping!!!
TABITHA (CONT’D)
LET GO OF ME!!!!!!
EXT. BEST BUY - AFTERNOON
Tabitha sits in the back on the police cruiser, parked in the
driveway. COPS are talking to MISS KETCHUM outside of the
store.
11.
Tabitha glances at the mounted police computer up front, and

this triggers a --
MEMORY FLASH: Baby Tabitha is three-years-old, sitting in the
back of a cop car. Screaming tears as blues and reds flash.
A DEAD BODY carried out of an old house on a stretcher.
Tabitha sees a GLOWING COMPUTER SCREEN behind the bullet
proof barrier. She stops crying instantly. Slaps at the
glass. The wants that screen.
BABY TABITHA
Birdie. Birdie. Birdie.
BACK TO:
Tabitha takes her fidget spinner out of her pocket and starts
playing with it, mindlessly. Pushing away the thoughts.
INT. MISS KETCHUM’S VAN - AFTERNOON
A livid Miss Ketchum drives Tabitha home in the rusty,
sputtery van. Biting at her lip, muttering to herself. Tabitha
stares out the window, watching the world pass her by.
MISS KETCHUM
Listen to me, there’s something we
have to tal--
TABITHA
--I’m going to another placement.
MISS KETCHUM
I talked to Mrs. Bollinger. We’re
gonna try and set you up someplace
nice. Someplace you’ll... fit in a
little better.
TABITHA
How about Neptune.
Tabitha just stares ahead, playing with a fidget spinner.
MISS KETCHUM
We’ll make it as easy transition.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Microwavable dinners. Miss Ketchum sits at the head of the
table, riveted by People Magazine. The five foster kids stare
at screens. Tabitha, screenless, stares at her plate.
BOOTSIE
My video already has 650 views!
12.
NATE
So? Mine has 723. And 57 Likes.
BOOTSIE
Yeah, but you posted yours first.
Oh! I just got another Like! And
another one! I got two Likes!
Tabitha watches all this from across the table, just a fly on
the wall, eavesdropping on the flurry of conversation.
Tablets and phones are passed around like dishes of food.
NATE
That Pakistani girl with one arm
got 100 Likes already.
TREVOR
I bet she’d have 200 Likes if she
had no arms.
BOOTSIE
(pouts)
I wish I had no arms.
MISS KETCHUM
Enough! I’ve had it with the damn
birds. It’s all a racket anyhow,
parading their kids around on the
net, and living off the proceeds.
They should be thrown in jail.
NATE
No! The Birdies get to keep the
money they make from their channels!
Right, Tabitha?
TABITHA
All their money goes into a trust
until they turn eighteen.
MISS KETCHUM
Then how do they afford that house?
KATIE
Her make-up tutorials! Duh! Tell
her, Tabitha!
TABITHA
Mama Bird brings in thirty grand a
week in ad sense alone, and that’s
before promotions and sponsorships.
MISS KETCHUM
...for putting on make-up?
13.
TABITHA
YouTube is good! It gives the
Birdies a chance in this life!
Unlike us! We’re gonna age out and
die alone with everything we own in
a garbage bag!
MISS KETCHUM
Well, someone drank the kool aid.
BOOTSIE
There’s kool aid?
KATIE
Oh my GOD! I just got a like from
Mama Bird herself! Look!
GASPS. The kids gather around the tablet. Tabitha is on the
outside, trying to weasel in to see.
TREVOR
Did she leave a comment? Or just a
like? She left a comment on One
Arm’s page. See?
BOOTSIE
It’s her. See the blue check.
KATIE
She loves me, I’m gonna win!
NATE
Tabitha only got one view.
From the District Attorney.
THEY LAUGH AT TABITHA! Bootsie doesn’t get it, so she laughs
loudest. Tabitha bolts out of the room, runs up the stairs.
MISS KETCHUM
NO RUNNING!
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Blue moonlight punches through the blinds. A chorus of
snoring children, packed into bunkbeds. Tabitha is on the top
bunk, wide awake, staring at the cracks in the ceiling. Like
a giant, dead tablet screen.
INT. MISS KETCHUM’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Tabitha sits before the humming old dinosaur of a computer.
Clicks on the Birdie home page. She scans the BIRDIE
CHANNELS. Each with a THUMBNAIL IMAGE of the smiling Birdie:
14.
Lark’s Shopping Hauls and Unboxings

Finch’s Toy Reviews
Bustard’s Gaming Channel
Hawk and Dove’s Pranks & Challenges
Nightingale’s ASMR Lullabies
Mama Bird’s Beauty and Make-up Tutorials
She clicks MAMA BIRD’S MAKE-UP TUTORIALS. 15,987,375 views.
IN THE VIDEO: THE BEAUTY ROOM. All the make-up in the world.
The backdrop is sparkly and pink. Mama does Nightingale’s
make-up, applying eye shadow with the precision of a surgeon.
She’s a far cry from the crunchy, flanneled girl in Alaska.
MAMA BIRD
My beautiful Nightingale, is
glamming out hard today with a Mama
Bird Special! This was one of our
most requested videos. Nothing
makes me happier than doing make-up
for someone I love.
NIGHTINGALE
Remember, Birders, you are
beautiful whether you choose to
wear makeup or not. Don’t feel
pressured to wear it just because
we do. You do you, boo.
Mama Bird dips her brush in the pallet and gets to work.
Doing her make-up with love.
MAMA BIRD
I like to say “Make-up doesn’t hide
who you are, it highlights it.”
Tabitha peels away from the screen, and looks in the mirror.
Gazing at her acne covered face. Another outbreak. She sighs.
CUT TO:
Tabitha is asleep at the keyboard, her face sending a hundred
“Zs” into the Google search bar.
INT. BEST BUY - NIGHT
It’s late, and they are closing up shop. The GEEK SQUAD
employee from before is watching Tabitha’s recording on the
iPad. It makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up. A
dopey smile creeps across his face. It’s so beautiful.
He makes sure no one is looking, and hits UPLOAD.
15.
EXT. MISS KETCHUM'S HOUSE - DAWN

A few days later. The lawn is littered with plastic toys. A
sun blenched Fisher Price graveyard.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Desperate, Tabitha pounds on the bathroom door.
TABITHA
Are you almost done, I have to pee!
We hear THE BIRDIES THEME playing muffled inside.
KATIE (O.S.)
Use the boy’s!
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Tabitha runs to the boy’s bathroom, doing the pee pee dance.
TABITHA
Hurry up!
NATE (O.S.)
I’m in here!
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY
Tabitha pees in the bushes. A bird CHIRPS. Staring at her
from its perch in the tree. The bird files away.
BOOTSIE (O.S.)
Tabitha!
She looks up and sees Bootsie hanging out the window, waving.
Squats down lower into the bushes.
TABITHA
Can I have some privacy please?!
BOOTSIE
You went viral!
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
Tabitha and the foster kids are gathered around the laptop.
Trevor hits play and watch --
Tabitha’s adoption plea, singing at Best Buy, stealing the
iPad. Running from the guards. It has 1,287,8476 views.
NATE
Holy shit.
MISS KETCHUM
...language...
16.
Tabitha takes out her fidget spinner and starts playing with
it, nervously.
BOOTSIE
Is that really you singing?
TABITHA
...Yes.
KATIE
You’re pretty good.
She smiles. But not for long -- DING DONG! DING DONG! They
exchange looks.
BOOTSIE
Who’s that?!
TABITHA
Am I in trouble?
MISS KETCHUM
Probably!
Miss Ketchum slaps the laptop shut, silencing the song.
Starts mindlessly cleaning up the clutter. But it’s no use,
so she gives up. DING DONG! DING DONG!
MISS KETCHUM (CONT’D)
Hold your horses!
(to the kids)
Alright, upstairs.
They all hesitate. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! The kids bound upstairs
and gather at the landing.
Miss Ketchum grabs her cane, and waddles down the hallway.
The kids grip the landing bannisters like baby prisoners,
trying to get a look at the obscured visitors. They see
movement at the door and hear Miss Ketchum hurling muffled
questions and insults.
FAMILIAR VOICES in the foyer.
LARK (O.S.)
Hi, everybody! Welcome back to our
channel!
The foster kids are shocked.
TREVOR
Holy--
They all sprint down the stairs to find --
17.
THE BIRDIE FAMILY FANNED OUT IN THE FOYER! They’re dressed in

similar clothes. Papa Bird holds the camera on a selfie
stick, capturing everything. Always.
TREVOR (CONT’D)
It’s really them.
BOOTSIE
They’re with the social worker!
MRS. BOLLINGER, a severe looking social worker, behind them.
MISS KETCHUM
What is this?
LARK
We’re at an undisclosed location in
the Golden State of California
where we will introduce our Bird
Watchers to the newest member of
the Birdie Bunch!
Everyone is stunned. Miss Ketchum starts puffing up her hair
in the mirror. The camera making her nervous.
TABITHA
...what?
TREVOR
The Birdies are in our living room.
LARK
But first, smash that Like button!
Bustard jumps into the frame, flapping his arms like wings.
He’s gained weight since last we saw him in the opening.
BUSTARD
And don’t forget to like and sus--
suscribe.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
Subscribe, sweetie. Annunciate.
They turn to see -- MAMA BIRD!
Glowing, and trailed by an aura of motherliness. As she
enters, the room lights up somehow.
KATIE
Mama Bird... IRL!
BUSTARD
Like and suh-scribe... sub...
18.
MAMA BIRD
(spots her)
Tabitha!
TABITHA
It’s really you...
Papa WHIPS the camera to capture Tabitha’s priceless
reaction.
MAMA BIRD
Come here, kiddo.
Mama Bird opens her arms for a hug. Uncut joy breaks across
Tabitha’s face, as she winds up and runs at Mama Bird,
crashing into her arms for a deep and loving embrace.
The moment I saw you, I knew I was
yours. And you were mine.
TABITHA
Me?!
KATIE
Her?
MAMA BIRD
You’ve won the open nest challenge!
Tabitha nearly faints. Frozen in shock. Jaws drop all around.
NATE
Oh, wow!
Mama touches Tabitha’s face, gently.
TABITHA
Mama Bird...
MAMA BIRD
Baby Bird.
Tabitha is at a loss for words. Choking up. The Birdies watch
keenly. Exchange looks.
How’d you like to join our family?
TABITHA
You mean forever?
MAMA BIRD
A forever home. Fost-to-adopt.
We’ll be your new foster parents
until the judge gives us the okay.
19.
TABITHA
Yes, yes, yes!
PAPA BIRD
That’s the moment right there.
Beautiful.
BUSTARD
(whispering)
Subscribe. Subscribe.
MISS KETCHUM
ALRIGHT, CUT THE SHIT!
Papa lowers the camera. A spell is broken. The plastic smiles
fall from the Birdies’ faces. Mama’s eyes pop with anger.
FINCH DOVE
Mama, that lady swore! She’s a troll!
MISS KETCHUM
This ain’t going out live is it?!
PAPA BIRD
No, we edit everything.
MISS KETCHUM
You can’t be filming fosters! It
ain’t allowed! Tell ‘em, Bollinger.
MRS. BOLLINGER
Actually--
PAPA BIRD MISS KETCHUM
Please calm down, miss. I’ll get in trouble here! I
signed NDAs! There’s privacy
concerns!
PAPA BIRD
I’d appreciate it if you didn’t
raise your voice to my wife.
MRS. BOLLINGER
Let’s all take a breath here--
MISS KETCHUM
Give it to me!
Miss Ketchum reaches for the camera. Mama bird jumps up.
MAMA BIRD
Don’t touch that please.
The severity of her voice makes everyone freeze.
20.
BUSTARD
(whispering)
Like and subscribe, like and
subscribe--
Mama Bird thaws. Paints on a smile.
MAMA BIRD
I’m sorry, Miss Ketchum. Jeanie,
isn’t it? Can I call you Jeanie?
Filming is allowed. We have special
permission from Walter.
MISS KETCHUM
...Who?
MRS. BOLLINGER
Judge Simmons. The Birdies are
doing a great service. Adoption
rates have skyrocketed since they
started their channel. Do you
watch, Jeanie?
MISS KETCHUM
No, Bollinger, I don’t.
MRS. BOLLINGER
I’m a birder myself.
Mrs. Bollinger takes out an envelope and hands it to Miss
Ketchum who seems sad and small now.
MRS. BOLLINGER (CONT’D)
Here’s the paperwork. Isn’t this
wonderful? It’s so rare for a child
in the system to find a happy
ending, especially the older ones.
Papa starts filming again as Mama kneels down before Tabitha
and takes her hands.
MAMA BIRD
Time to spread your wings and fly.
She leans in and WHISPERS into Tabitha’s ear.
You can cry now if you want to.
They’ll love it.
This permission breaks the logjam in her heart. Tabitha
bursts into tears. Horrible and happy. Everything she’s been
holding in for so long. Joy and rage and love.
TABITHA
This is the best day of my life.
21.
PAPA BIRD
The day ain’t over yet!!!
INT. JAGUAR SUV - DAY
Mama at the helm of the luxury vehicle, sipping her latte
through a metal straw. Papa twisting around in the front,
filming everything -- All the time -- No matter what, as
Tabitha, in the back by the window, rattles off her fangirl
love, like machine-gun fire.
TABITHA
--And, oh man, the sibling prank
war videos are friggin’ hilarious!
The time you put the green food
coloring in Hawk’s toothbrush and
turned his mouth green. That was so
funny I literally almost peed.
DOVE
Thanks. The trick is to be funny
without being mean spirited.
TABITHA
I love your shopping hauls, Lark.
And Finch’s toy reviews, too! And I
even love Bustard’s gaming channel,
even though I’m not a gamer--
LARK
Hey... Where is Bustard?
Mama Bird looks back. Her eyes bug out of her head.
Bustard is not in the car. She slams on the brakes, the KIDS
LURCH FORWARD.
INT. MISS KETCHUM’S HOUSE - DAY
The foster kids walk to the living room. They turn to see --
Bustard hiding behind the couch. Peeking over, nervously.
They exchange looks. Miss Ketchum enters, punches her hips.
MISS KETCHUM
What in the--
DING DONG! The DOORBELL RINGS.
CUT TO:
Bootsie answers the door. It’s Mama. She smiles.
MAMA BIRD
Where is that silly goose?
Bustard shudders.
22.
EXT. HIGHWAY - VARIOUS - DAY

Driving fast. A blur of trees, pastures, and grazing cows.
Mama watches Bustard in the rearview. Tabitha smiles at him,
and hands him her fidget spinner. He takes it and plays with
it, and for the first time -- we see him crack a smile.
DING! DING! DING! The entire family looks down at their Apple
watches to check their new notification. They all exchange
worried looks.
MAMA BIRD
We dipped again.
A thick silence hangs over the car.
CUT TO:
LATER.
Heavy honking traffic. A CATCHY POP riff plays. The Birdies
sway in their seats, and moving in unison as they sing. Papa
films. Tabitha beams.
THE BIRDIES
A new Birdie’s coming home to nest!
Our favorite Bird who we love best!
MAMA BIRD
Take the solo, Tabitha--
TABITHA
Our Birdie family’s a gift from
God! We’re not just a family, we’re
a squad--
The hair on the back of Mama’s neck stands up. Pupils dilate.
Gooseflesh spreads down her arm. She shivers.
HAWK
She sorta sounds like Nightingale.
TABITHA
That’s where I learned to sing.
Watching her.
MAMA BIRD
Don’t stop, Tabitha.
Tabitha nods, and keeps singing --
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
The shiny SUV turns off on to an endless stretch of dirt
road. Thick forest squeezes it like a vice.
23.
TABITHA (O.S.)
You may not have our skin! You may
not have our hair! But you have our
heart! You have our heart!
Pop jumps out, and unlocks a rusty GATE that leads to an even
dirtier dirt road. Posted signs everywhere.
“PRIVATE PROPERTY.”
INT. SUV - THE BIRDIE ESTATE - DAY
They reach the end of the road and come to a stop before a
formidable wrought iron fence. An ornamental bird nest sits
on top of the gate.
Beyond the fence, up on a hill -- THE BIRDIE MANSION. A
sprawling Palladian-style estate, lit up magnificently.
TABITHA
It’s even bigger in real life.
Papa presses a button, and the gates swing open,
dramatically. Tabitha takes in the new world as they pull up
to the house. The lawn is covered with toys and games. A
bouncy castle on the lawn. An infinity pool in the backyard.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Wow.
Dove is sound asleep on Hawk’s shoulder. So he turns to
Papa’s lens, and puts a shooshing finger to his lips.
HAWK
(whispers)
Sibling Prank War Initiated.
Hawk SCREAMS BLOODY MURDER right into Dove’s ear, jolting her
awake. She smacks her head against the window. Everyone
bursts out laughing, Mama clapping, and Tabitha loves it the
most, convulsing with laughter.
HAWK (CONT’D)
Hashtag Sibling Prank War!!!
DOVE
Hey, Hawk. Guess what? You were
adopted.
They all laugh. Papa gets it all on camera. The gates SMASH
CLOSED behind them.
EXT. THE BIRDIE ESTATE - DAY
A SIGN HANGS OVER THE HOUSE -- WELCOME HOME, TABITHA!!!
24.
The kids hop out of the car, and jump around. Papa Bird is
always filming, like the camera is an extension of himself.
Mama takes Tabitha’s hand.
MAMA BIRD
It’s good to be home, isn’t it?
TABITHA
This is the greatest thing ever.
She smiles warmly, and touches her cheek. Tabitha shudders at
her loving touch. Hope flutters in her big brown eyes.
MAMA BIRD
Go on in and get yourself settled.
TABITHA
Okay, mama. Is it okay that I call
you that?
MAMA BIRD
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
LARK
Rotten Egg challenge! Last one in
has the least views!
They all run inside screaming with glee. Bustard is the last
one in, as usual. He kicks the ground.
PAPA BIRD
Coming, my love?
MAMA BIRD
Yes, yes. I’ll be right there.
Papa goes inside. Mama just sits on the stoop. Stares at the
fiery sun, at the little fluttering birds. Mindlessly picking
the raw skin around her fingernails.
PAPA BIRD (O.S.)
Everything okay?
Papa levels the camera at her. She hides her hands.
MAMA BIRD
Perfect.
PAPA BIRD
Are you sure, love bird?
He touches her gently, she recoils as if from a hot flame.
MAMA BIRD
I just need a minute. Don’t miss
her reaction shots please.
25.
PAPA BIRD
Jag älskar dig!
He blows her a kiss, and films his way back into the house.
INT. BIRDIE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Tabitha enters, awe-stuck. Takes it all in. Papa Bird filming
her reactions. The house is big. Antiseptic luxury. The very
opposite of Miss Ketchum’s house. Looming over everything are
electronic leaderboards in the living room, above the
fireplace.
VIEW TOTALS: 12,574,756,7565
SUBSCRIBERS: 7,185,7657
Ticktickticktickticktick-- The subs and views are plummeting.
Losing thousands at a time.
Underneath the leaderboard, there’s a mysterious RED BUTTON.
There’s a sign above it that reads: “THE FULL BIRD”
A photo of NIGHTINGALE hangs in a frame above a shrine. Webby
Awards. Shorty Award. Gold Status Creator Award.
So many PET BIRDS in elaborate cages peppered throughout the
house. Cockatiels, cockatoos, lovebirds, Budgerigars. A
constant barrage of tweets, chirps, and squawks.
A YELLOW CANARY flies around the living room.
A GIANT ABSTRACT MURAL of the YouTube logo covers a wall.
Tabitha notices keno lights and bounces hanging from rafters
built into the ceiling. More like a film set than a home.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
Tell the Birders what you’re
thinking right now!
They all turn to Mama Bird, who is looming in the doorway.
Backlit against the setting sun. Papa sticks the camera in
Tabitha’s face and goes Dutch.
TABITHA
It’s like I’m living inside of
YouTube!
The all laugh. Papa Bird whips the camera around showing off
the space as he walks with Tabitha. They pass a wall-sized
aquarium filled with multi-colored tropical fish.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
That’s where Hawk took his first
steps by the aquarium. That’s where
Lark did her Back to School skit...
26.
As she moves through the house, Papa films.

TABITHA (CONT’D)
Mama’s kitchen. Super Nacho Time!
The floor is lava challenge, the
mystery wheel of soda. And that’s
where Hawk and Dove’s epic sibling
prank war started when Hawk put the
bird doo in Dove’s shoe, which is
an all time Birdie classic.
Suddenly, she stops. Gets a little somber...
TABITHA (CONT’D)
This is where Nightingale said her
goodbyes... right here. It was the
saddest thing I ever saw...
Mama Bird finally steps out of the shadows, and the smile
falls off her face.
MAMA BIRD
(melancholy)
We don’t mention Gale on camera
anymore.
TABITHA
We don’t?
Papa lowers the camera. Again, the spell is broken.
PAPA BIRD
It’s alright, you didn’t know.
MAMA BIRD
She emailed us this morning from
Nome and she has asked us to
refrain from mentioning her in our
videos. She’s trying to stay
anonymous out there in the boonies,
and doesn’t want the extra
attention. We respect her wishes.
Mama stares at the painting. Wipes a pesky tear.
TABITHA
Oh, okay. No problem.
BUSTARD
Like and subscribe. Like and
subscribe. Like and--
MAMA BIRD
Don’t stop filming. The camera
stays on, please and thank you.
27.
PAPA BIRD
Right, mama.
Papa starts filming again. Mama comes to life, jumps to her
feet a little too quickly.
MAMA BIRD
What was your favorite Birdie
moment this year, Tabitha?!
Tabitha looks at the lens. Nods, and lays it on thick:
TABITHA
I have so many great memories in
this house! I feel like this is
where I’ve always lived. Cuz I
sorta aways have. I know this house
by heart, cuz I come here every
single day to see you. And now you
see me, too. My whole life I felt
homesick for a place I never really
been ‘til right now.
The yellow canary lands on her shoulder. They laugh.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Hello, Eric. Nice to finally meet
you in person. Chirp chirp!
ERIC flies away.
PAPA BIRD
LARK
She’s a natural.
HAWK
She’s gonna get a billion Likes.
MAMA BIRD
Let’s give Tabitha the FULL BIRD!
The Birdies gasp. Jump to their feet, and stand at attention.
Mama runs over and -- WHAMM!!! Smashes the RED “FULL BIRD”
BUTTON and -- AROOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGAAAAAA!!!! AIRHORNS SCREAM as
all the lights die in the house! RED LIGHTS FLASH
DEMONICALLY. A BOOMING VOICE EXPLODES THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE--
DEEP VOICE
THE FULLLLL BIRD!
AROOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGAAAAAA!!!! And then -- “SURFIN BIRD” blasts
on the soundsystem as the stage lights in the rafters WHIRRRR
TO LIFE for a brilliant neon light extravaganza in synch with
the song, and complete with lasers.
28.
A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird!

B-b-b-bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word!
“THE FULL BIRD!” Flashes on all the flatscreen TVS.
Papa films as they break into an elaborate CHOREOGRAPHED
DANCE. Mama and her Birdies dance their hearts out, shaking
their tail feathers and flapping their wings. Tabitha
hesitates.
MAMA BIRD
C’mon, Tabitha! You know the moves!
And she does. She joins in, never missing a beat, and dancing
her heart out.
TABITHA
Woooooooo!
MAMA BIRD
(dancing)
I’m so HAPPY!
PAPA BIRD
That’s right, Mama!
Caged birds SCREAM and SHRIEK and BEAT THEIR WINGS.
B-b-b-bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word!
And Mama dances like hell. The kiddos struggle to keep up,
all of them in-synch, like her little dancing clones, and as
she just works herself into a wild-eyed frenzy.
The song ends, and they all pumps their fists in the air.
MAMA BIRD
NOW LET’S! CREATE! SOME! CONTENT!
BIRDIES
Yayyyyyy!
“SURFIN’ BIRD” continues over--
VIDEO POV
-- The Birdies are running through the house, the camera
chasing them. Mama opens the door to the BALL PIT ROOM. She
does a backflip into the sea of neon balls and vanishes
below. The Birdies follow, Tabitha plugs her nose and dives
in. They erupt from below and play!
-- “Mystery Wheel Swimming Challenge” at the pool, Tabitha
spins a wheel of fortune. Lands on “Cannon Ball.” SPLASH!!!
-- The Birdies jump in the bouncy castle. Mama does a flip.
29.
-- The Birdies steer dune buggies across the estate. Pedal to

the metal, Tabitha tries like hell to catch up to Mama,
seizing with laughter. The sun falls behind the mountains.
-- It’s night now. The Family is doing the limbo in the
living room. “How low can you go? How low can you go?”
Tabitha gets low and dances under the stick.
DONG. DONG. DONG. A cuckoo clock strikes EIGHT. An ornamental
bird springs out of the little door -- CU-CKOO. CU-CKOO.
Papa lowers the camera, plunging us into--
REALITY
Everyone freezes. Finch knocks over the stick. Smiles falling
off their faces. Mama’s eyes flash with anxiety.
PAPA BIRD
Mama. I’m sorry. That’s a wrap.
MAMA BIRD
What? It can’t be eight already...
PAPA BIRD
It’s eight, love bird. See?
Mama deflates. The Birdies look nervous. Mama does too.
DOVE HAWK
We can keep going! I’m not tired!
LARK
Me either!
PAPA BIRD
I have to get editing now. Remember
what we talked about? Work life
balance. We need to do better.
MAMA BIRD
But we were... we were just getting
to the good part.
PAPA BIRD
You know how the Birders get if we
miss our deadline.
MAMA BIRD
(pathetically)
Ten more minutes?
30.
PAPA BIRD
Last time you told me... you said,
“Papa Bird, I’m gonna ask for ten
more minutes, and don’t you give in
to me, you said, you say ‘no mama’
and you get up there and get
editing.’ Don’t you give in. That’s
what you said.
MAMA BIRD
I was kidding.
PAPA BIRD
Mama.
MAMA BIRD
But we have a new Birdie tonight.
Pics or it didn’t happen.
PAPA BIRD
I’m sorry, Mama. That’s a wrap!
Make sure you kiddos load all your
content to Dropbox for Papa so he
can edit you alllll up.
Bustard fingers his fidget spinner. Tabitha watches as --
Papa turns the camera off. It whirrs and dies, and so does
Mama, like the cap has been placed on the lens of her soul.
PAPA BIRD (CONT’D)
I’m sorry, love bird. Kärleksfågel.
He goes to her and wraps her up. Tries to kiss her, but she
recoils. He plants a kiss anyway.
Such a kidder. Welcome home,
Tabitha.
He grabs his gear and hurries upstairs, a little too quickly.
TABITHA
Night, Papa! Thank you!
He’s already gone. They’re alone with her. And now it’s
eggshells. Tabitha’s grin falls off her face when she sees
Mama. Something different about her now. The way she stands.
She seems smaller, naked without the loving look of the lens.
She plops down in her chair, suddenly completely spent.
MAMA BIRD
Birdie cuddle.
She opens her arms, expectantly. The Birdies exchange worried
looks. And then they hug Mama. Bustard stands back.
31.

How much do you love me, Birdies?
BIRDIES
(rote)
We love you more than all the
“likes” in the world!
MAMA BIRD
Yes. And what about you, Bustard?
How much do you love me?
He stands before her. She opens her arms to him.
BUSTARD
Um, more than all the “likes” in
the, uh, universe pretty much.
She hugs him tight. A little too tight.
MAMA BIRD
Is that all?
She lets go of him abruptly. Her eyes turn cold. Spooked, he
drops his fidget spinner. The Pet Birds SHRIEK and CRY in
their cages. Getting louder.
You gave me quite a scare back
there, kiddo...
BUSTARD
I know that and I’m very sorry.
MAMA BIRD
(darkening)
“A good birdie stays close to the
flock.”
She circles him like a prize pony.
BUSTARD
I didn’t, uh, even realize you were
even gone until it was too late.
Tabitha narrows her brow. Her Birdie brothers and sisters
stare at their shoes.
MAMA BIRD
What did you say to that old troll?
BUSTARD
Nothing.
MAMA BIRD
Nothing at all?
32.
BUSTARD
I didn’t say anything.
MAMA BIRD
Haven’t I been a good mother?
BUSTARD
You’re the best mother.
MAMA BIRD
Don’t you like it here?
He nods. She stares him down.
I’m afraid there has to be a
consequence.
Bustard bows his head. The caged birds SCREECH and BEAT their
wings against the bars, like they’re some sort of avian
barometer for her mood. Tabitha senses the tension, steps in.
TABITHA
He didn’t mean it, mama! You know,
Bustard. He’s forgetful. Remember
when he spun the chore wheel and
had to clean the cages and he
forgot to close them, and the birds
got out? Remember what you said?
MAMA BIRD
(softening)
“He’d forget his head if it wasn’t
screwed on his neck.”
TABITHA
It’s the adopted nest! Of course he
likes it here, it’s the greatest
place on planet earth!
Mama takes a deep breath.
MAMA BIRD
(to Bustard)
Just please be more mindful, dear.
The world’s a dangerous place.
You’re an influencer, and that
makes you a target. If anything
ever happened to you, I’d never
forgive myself.
She hugs him again. He breathes relieved.
I love you so much it kills me.
33.
BUSTARD
I love you too, mama.
MAMA BIRD
Now let’s get your views up, huh?
Bustard nods. Mama looks up at the SUBSCRIBERS, dropping like
flies. Tickticktickticktickticktickticktick... She chews on
her bloody fingernail. Tries like hell not to.
The Birdies will show you to your
room, Tabitha. Goodnight, my loves.
I’m so happy you’re home.
TABITHA
Me too, Mama.
She kisses her on the head. Birds SQUAAAAK!!!! Mama walks
down the long dark hallway to her bedroom, a little dazed.
Slams the door.
All at once, the Birdies breathe a sigh of relief.
LARK
C’mon! Let’s get you oriented!
INT. STAIRS - NIGHT
The Birdies move up the grand staircase like little soldiers.
Lark rides in the stair lift, her crutches in her lap.
Upstairs, the walls are lined with framed family photos.
Tabitha watches Bustard branch off. He shoots her a look, and
then sulks into his own bedroom.
INT. TABITHA’S BEDROOM - DAY
It’s a teen girl’s dream. Everything pink and fluffy and
matching. Cool art on the wall. A Peloton bike. A massive
flat screen. A vanity, and high tech vlogging set up -- green
screen and movie lights before a Macbook Pro on a sleek desk.
A common nightingale sings in a lavish pink cage.
TABITHA
Wow!
She opens the closet and sees the clothes. So many amazing
things. All for her. She bursts into tears.
FINCH
We’re not filming you.
TABITHA
What?
34.
FINCH
You don’t have to cry, no one can
see you. No one’s watching.
TABITHA
It’s just I’ve never had my own
room before...
DOVE
You mean they’re real tears?
The Birdies are standing before her now. Fanned out.
TABITHA
I know this room. It was
Nightingale’s.
FINCH
Here’s your orientation packet.
Finch takes a packet off the desk, and hands it to Tabitha.
ON THE COVER: The BIRDIES hugging on the lawn. One of the
children is a cutout with a question mark for a face.
FROM BIRDER TO BIRDIE! WELCOME TO THE NEST
THE GOOD BIRDIE CODES OF CONDUCT & FAMILY GUIDELINES
LARK
But there’s a rule that’s not in the
packet. The most important rule.
Lark nods at Dove, goes into the hallway to check. All clear,
so she shuts the door.
LARK (CONT’D)
It’s best to stay away from Mama
when she’s in a burnout.
TABITHA
Burnout?
FINCH
YouTube Burnout.
DOVE
She gets sad sometimes. It’s
getting worse since Gale left.
TABITHA
But, I’ve never seen her burned out
before. She always has “a smiling
face and a happy heart.”
DOVE
She only gets it at night. After
eight. When the camera’s off.
35.
FINCH
People think being a YouTuber is
all fun and games, but it’s not. It
kinda burns you out sometimes. Cuz
if you miss one single day, the
Birders turn into nasty old trolls
and unsubscribe.
LARK
She’ll be her old self tomorrow.
She’s the best mother in the world
when the camera’s on!
DOVE
We’re very lucky birds.
TABITHA
I know Gale had to follow her
passion, and live off the land, but
I think it was, like, kinda mean to
take her money and walk away from
this channel as soon as she turned
eighteen. After everything Mama did
for her. She was mama’s favorite.
LARK
Plus our channel lost two million
subs in one night when she left...
DOVE
You’ll have to pick up the slack.
Just remember, you’re not adopted
yet, you’re still a foster, so make
sure you keep those views up, and
everything will be fine.
It almost sounds like a threat.
TABITHA
But... no. Mama said this is my
forever home.
DOVE
(smiles)
Nothing is forever!
Tabitha nods, a little spooked.
LARK
Birdie Cuddle!
The Birdies all give Tabitha a great big hug.
DOVE
I’m just next door. Here’s my cell.
Text me if you need anything.
36.
She hands Tabitha a scrap of paper.

TABITHA
Thanks.
FINCH
We’re so happy you’re here! You’ll
really round out the cast.
HAWK
Call time is at six-thirty AM. The
early bird gets the worm!
With that, The Birdies leaves, shutting the door behind them.
Tabitha goes over to the bed. Sees her welcome gifts sitting
on the bedspread. A brand new iPad. iPhone 11 Pro. A Canon
Power Shot G7. A handheld tripod. And a note from Mama Bird.
To our new Birdie:
ELECTRONICS ARE OUR INSTRUMENTS -- WE MUST KEEP THEM IN TUNE!
And a series of cards. WELCOME TO: Twitter, Instagram,
Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok. With instructions. She quickly
opens the iPad. Runs her hand across the sleek, perfect
screen. She sees her reflection.
And the reflection of NIGHTINGALE STANDING BEHIND HER.
She screams, and drops the iPad, whips around. It’s only
Nightingale’s face on a framed BIRDIE POSTER.
NIGHTINGALE’S ASMR LULLABY CHANNEL! GOLD STATUS CREATOR
She’s wearing a purple wig. Two hearts stamped on her cheeks.
Smiling wide with her arms folded. Cartoon Sheep jumping over
a fence behind her.
The bird CHIRPS in its cage. Shrill. Tabitha looks down at
the iPad. The screen is cracked. Already.
TABITHA
Shit.
INT. MAMA BIRD’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
A dark room. Mama Bird sits before the cold glow of THREE
GIANT COMPUTER SCREENS. She scrolls through the Birdie
videos, lost in the happy times. She knows them by heart.
And then she does a horrible thing. She knows shouldn’t, but
she does it anyway. She scrolls down to the COMMENTS SECTION.
Unsubscribe -- no Gale!!!
This channel sucks without Gale -- unsubscribing
I see why Nightingale peaced.
MAMA BIRD IS NUTS!!!!
37.
Mama starts DELETING these comments, one by one. Scrubbing

the trolls. A purge of negativity.
HELP!!! CAN’T SLEEP WO GALE’S LULLABIES!!! Delete.
Call Child Protective services on these nuts. Delete.
I wish MAMA BIRD WENT TO ALASKA!!! Delete
BUSTARD’S A FAT ARAB BITCH!!!! Delete
THIS IS A SWEATSHOP! CHILD LABOR! Delete
THE BIRDIES SUCK NOW!!! Delete.
Kill yourself Bustard Delete.
MAMA BIRD IS A TERRIBLE MOTHER!!!!!
The deep sadness in her eyes gives way to anger.
INT. TABITHA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Tabitha is curled up in her comfy new bed, fast asleep.
BUSTARD (O.S.)
subscribe, like and subscribe, like
and subscribe...
She snaps awake. Her ears perk.
TABITHA
H-hello?
BUSTARD (O.S.)
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Tabitha creeps down the empty hallway. Listening.
BUSTARD (O.S.)
subscribe, like and subscribe, like
and subscribe...
She turns and sees Bustard’s door cracked open. He’s in his
race car bed, tossing and turning and talking in his sleep.
TABITHA
Bustard?
BUSTARD
LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE, LIKE AND
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE AND--
She runs in there, and sits on his bed.
TABITHA
Bustard, you’re dreaming.
Bustard’s eyes SNAP OPEN and he gasps, shooting horrible
looks around the room.
38.
BUSTARD
What?! What?!
TABITHA
It’s okay! You were sleeping, you
were sleep talking --
Bustard finally SNAPS OUT OF IT. Looks around.
BUSTARD
I was having nightmares!
He gives her a hug, and won’t let go.
TABITHA
It’s okay, Bustard.
BUSTARD
Farhad. My name is Farhad. I hate
Bustard. They’re not even a cool
bird. They look like a turkey on
stilts.
Bustard starts to whimper. Tabitha rubs his back.
TABITHA
Everything’s okay now...
BUSTARD
No it’s not. I’m so scared. If I
don’t get my views up soon, there’s
gonna be a “consequence.”
TABITHA
No, no, views don’t matter! Not to
Mama. She always says that YouTube’s
not about views or subscribers or
Likes or any of that junk. It’s about
connection. It’s about family. She
never had any photos of herself
growing up, and that’s why YouTube is
like one giant living photo album, so
we’ll never miss a moment out our
childhood!
BUSTARD
None of this is what you think.
Tabitha shudders.
BUSTARD (CONT’D)
Don’t get me wrong. I love Mama.
She saved me from that hell. They
made us dig tunnels in Iran. Terror
tunnels they called them. Little
children are prized diggers cuz of
our nimble bodies.
(MORE)
39.
BUSTARD (CONT’D)
Mama flew all the way to Tehran to
adopt me. She was so kind and nice
and pretty and... She gave me this
big, beautiful house and family and
let me play all the games I want...
(sighs)
But I don’t have nightmares about
the tunnels. I have nightmares
about the views.
Bustard bursts into tears.
BUSTARD (CONT’D)
What if I’m not Birdie material?
Tabitha hugs him and he cries on her shoulder.
INT. CLOSET - NIGHT
Tabitha is curled up in her massive walk-in closet, watching
a video. The cracked iPad splays light across the ceiling.
The battery is at 2%.
IN THE VIDEO: Nightingale is wearing full-glam make-up, heart
stamps on her cheeks, and the purple wig. She stands before a
green screen. She musters up all the love she has to give,
and sings a LULLABY. Behind her, CARTOON SHEEP jump over a
fence. Her voice is soft and fragile, like Tabitha’s.
NIGHTINGALE
HUSH LITTLE BABY DON’T SAY A
WORD... MAMA’S GONNA BUY YOU A
MOCKINGBIRD...
Nightingale smiles so big it tickles her ears.
But Tabitha sees -- A tear falls down Nightingale’s cheek,
smudging the heart stamp and making it bleed.
Suddenly, the screen dies, plunging us into darkness.
INT. MAMA BIRD’S BATHROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
The lights are off in the cavernous bathroom. Mama Bird sits
at the massive vanity in the dark, her face in a bowl of ice.
She stays under a little too long. She finally rips her head
out, and sucks in a massive gasp, whipping her hair back. She
grabs her concealer.
INT. TABITHA’S CLOSET - DAY
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. Tabitha snaps awake. Sits up. Quickly
hides the cracked iPad just as --
WOOSH! The door swings open! Mama Bird looming over her. A
glowing beauty in the soft spot of the sun. Hair done. Make-
up perfect. A sight to behold.
40.
MAMA BIRD
What are you doing in the closet?
TABITHA
I’m sorry! It’s just... where I go
sometimes...
Mama Bird climbs into the closet with her. Cuddles up to her.
It’s very cozy, and Tabitha is touched.
MAMA BIRD
Oh sweetie bird, I understand.
TABITHA
You do?
MAMA BIRD
Growing up, this was your safe
space, wasn’t it? The closet.
She looks over and sees -- Papa Bird standing in the corner,
filming everything. He shoots them a thumbs up.
PAPA BIRD
I’m not here.
MAMA BIRD
You were hiding from your mother,
weren’t you?
TABITHA
I don’t like to talk about that.
MAMA BIRD
She was a bad mother?
Tabitha glances at Papa’s camera. Fixes her hair.
She chose drugs over you. And you
feel very sad about it.
She looks back at Mama Bird and nods again.
She knew just where to put the
bruises so no one would see them.
(off Tabitha’s look)
I read your file, sweets. We’re
more alike than you know. It’s the
Albatross around our necks so to
speak. Abuse and neglect. We all
have that in common, I’m sad to
say. All of your new brothers and
sisters. Even Papa. Right Papa?
He shoots them a thumbs up.
41.

The way they treated him at the
Allmänna Barnhuset. It makes me
sick to my stomach...
Papa bows his head, swimming in memories.
This is the glue that binds us. We
are all survivors.
TABITHA
Do you mind if we talk about
something else?
MAMA BIRD
It’s not good to keep these things
bottled up.
She plays with Tabitha’s hair. Tabitha loves it.
Do you mind if I tell you my
backstory?
Mama takes a deep breath. Peeks at the camera. She’s ready.
After mommy died, I got lost in the
system. There are some wonderful
fosters out there, but I was dealt
a bad hand. A bad Mama. She
supplemented her disability income
by taking in placements, and then
neglected and abused us. She
starved us, and burned our little
hands on the stove when we talked
back. I missed my mommy so much. I
couldn’t sleep without her
lullabies. Every night, I would cry
so loud it would scare the other
children. They thought the devil
was loose in the halls. She would
gag me, and chain me to the bed at
night. But that wouldn’t stop me
from crying. I cried until I lost
my voice. And then cried without
it... I’ll never forget, I was
lying in bed, and I heard a voice
through my tears. So soft and
strong. It was my mommy’s voice...
Mama has to stop a moment. She’s getting emotional.
TABITHA
...She told you you’d grow up to be
a good mother. A protector of lost
kiddos.
(MORE)
42.
TABITHA (CONT'D)
You would build a nest, and
surround yourself with baby birds.
You would give your placements all
the things you never had. Your
children would be seen and heard
and loved. And they would want for
nothing. The way you wish it had
been for you...
MAMA BIRD
You really are my number one fan.
Tabitha glows.
This is what I was put on this
earth to do.
TABITHA
I used to hide in the closet when I
was a little kid and watch your
videos. They calmed me down. They
told me my first word was “Birdie.”
Mama glances at Papa to make sure he got that. He nods.
MAMA BIRD
(to Tabitha)
You never have to hide from me, you
know that don’t you?
TABITHA
I know, Mama.
MAMA BIRD
A closet’s kind of like a womb. If
you really stop and think about it.
TABITHA
It’s my favorite womb in the house.
MAMA BIRD
That’s cute. You should tweet that.
You need to start thinking about
these things. Insta, too. Have you
explored the accounts we made you?
TABITHA
Oh, um. Not yet. But I will!
MAMA BIRD
Unfortunately, Tabitha, your
homecoming video didn’t perform as
well as we’d hoped.
TABITHA
It didn’t?
43.
MAMA BIRD
You’re not connecting yet which is
odd considering your viral status.
We’re still losing subs at an
alarming rate.
TABITHA
I’m sorry.
The nightingale flutters in its cage. Mama helps Tabitha up.
They start scanning the wardrobe. Papa gets a better shot.
MAMA BIRD
Don’t worry, you’ll catch on. You
have so much to offer. But, we need
to make a few adjustments. You need
to start playing the part. Look. This
will look so cute on you.
She grabs a bow sleeved tunic dress from the hanger. Earth
tones. She drapes it over Tabitha. She keeps glancing at the
lens, a little nervous.
I had acne too when I was your age.
TABITHA
Yeah right, you’re perfect.
MAMA BIRD
So are you.
TABITHA
Yeah right.
Tabitha feels Papa’s prying lens.
MAMA BIRD
You’re not seeing what I see. Would
you like me to show you what I see?
When I look at you?
TABITHA
You mean...?
MAMA BIRD
How about a Mama Bird Special.
Tabitha squeals with glee. Hugs Mama Bird, so happy.
We can live stream the reveal! A
special “Birdie Cast,” that should
give us the bump we need. Tabitha,
Tabitha. We’re going to have to do
something about that name. It
sounds like a cat’s name.
44.
Papa smiles as he films. Zooming in on Mama, studying her

with the lens. CLOSER. An obsessive gaze. Tabitha is crying.
What’s wrong?
TABITHA
Nothing. Everything’s right.
MAMA BIRD
Let’s get those views up.
INT. THE BEAUTY ROOM - DAY
All the make-up in the world. Mama Bird does Tabitha’s make-
up before A CAMERA mounted on a tripod. She is applying
Tabitha’s eye shadow with the precision of a surgeon. The
backdrop is sparkly and pink.
MAMA BIRD
Our new Birdie is glamming out hard
today with a once in a lifetime
Mama Bird Special! Nothing makes me
happier than doing make-up for
someone I love...
TABITHA
Mama? Can I say something?
Remember, Birders at home -- you
are beautiful whether you choose to
pressured to wear it just because I
do. You do you, boo.
Mama kisses her on the head. Tabitha shudders with love.
MAMA BIRD
Very good.
She dips her brush in the pallet and gets to work.
I’m going to be using my Marc
Jacobs Beauty highliner gel eye
crayon eyeliner... link below.
(winks)
Papa will edit that in later.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
The Birdies are waiting patiently. Papa Bird live streams
Lark with a mounted iPhone.
LARK
Good morning, Bird watchers!
Welcome back to our channel!
(MORE)
45.
LARK (CONT'D)
It’s the moment you’ve all been
waiting for -- we’re coming to you
live on YouTube for the big reveal
of Tabitha’s epic “Mama Bird
Special” makeover, and she still
hasn’t seen it yet. Are we ready
Birdies?!
BIRDIES
YEEEEAHHH!!!!
The shouting makes Bustard jump. He’s on edge. Eyes blood-
shot. Face pale. Like he hasn’t slept a wink. Eric the Canary
flutters through the house.
Lark hits PLAY on the iPad. “YELLOW” BY COLDPLAY IS PUMPED
THROUGH THE SPEAKERS... Glowing proud, Mama Bird appears at
the top of the stairs with Tabitha.
MAMA BIRD
The transformation is complete. I’d
like to introduce you to my
masterpiece --
Tabitha appears -- glowing like Mama, her perfect make-up
concealing her acne. Full glam, and smokey eyes. She looks
beautiful in her tunic dress, her hair done with baby bangs
and beauty waves. A completely different kid.
Everyone explodes with adulation and applause.
FINCH
Wowwwwww!
DOVE LARK
She’s a glamazon queen! On fleek!
Bustard stares at the floor. Hawk nudges him. He snaps out of
it, and smiles, reflexively.
Tabitha moves gracefully down the stairs like Cinderella, or
Rachel Leigh Cook, and into the living room.
PAPA BIRD
It’s time for the big reveal!
A stand-up mirror in the living room, covered by a velvet
blanket. Lark and Dove usher her to it. All very affected.
Mama Bird eyes the subscribers on the wall, bites her lip.
Ticktickticktick... the subscribers are going up!
6,765,7899
The Birdies fan out around Tabitha, hold her shoulders, rub
her back, and giggle excitedly.
46.

One, two, three--
Lark pulls the blanket off the mirror, and Tabitha sees
herself for the first time. She’s so beautiful.
MAMA BIRD
Meet the real you!
She bursts into tears. She can’t believe it.
TABITHA
Oh my god!!!! WHO IS THAT?!
She laughs and cries and laughs again. Lark and Dove are
tearing up. Mama comes up behind Tabitha.
Ticktickticktick-- UP AND UP!
MAMA BIRD
The fairest of them all.
TABITHA
Birdie Cuddle!
Tabitha gives her a squealing hug.
PAPA BIRD
MAMA BIRD
Tell them how you feel. All the
Birders watching at home.
Mama Bird points to Papa’s iPhone. She looks at it. She looks
at her new family. Overwhelming joy...
TABITHA
My whole life... No one noticed me.
No one knew I was there. Even my
bio mom neglected me. And now...
for the first time, like, ever in
my life... I feel like you see me.
Tabitha looks at Mama, making sure she’s on track. Mama nods
like -- very good. So Tabitha lays it on thick.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
And I feel like I see myself. The
me inside that I never knew was
there. I got millions of people in
my new perfect family. All my
dreams are coming true... I look in
the mirror and I think, this is me!
The real me! This is Tabitha!
47.
MAMA BIRD
No. Tabitha no longer exists.
You’re a Birdie now. You need a
Birdie name and a Birdie channel.
TABITHA
This is so freaking awesome!
MAMA BIRD
From the moment I heard you sing, I
knew you had the gift of the cradle
song. Growing up we called it “the
tingle.” It’s something born in
you. It’s very rare. Mommy had the
gift. She would perch on my bedside
at night, and sing me a lullaby,
and it was like magic, all the
worry would melt away, and I’d be
out like a light. Nowadays we call
it ASMR. Autonomous sensory
meridian response, one of the most
popular trends on YouTube. The
dulcet tones of your voice produce
a natural calming effect on the
prone. You’re a born mother. You’ll
sing the worried world to sleep.
TABITHA
...I will?
MAMA BIRD
And now for the finishing touch.
She produces a wrapped gift, hands it to Tabitha.
TABITHA
For me?
MAMA BIRD
Go on. Open it.
Tabitha smiles. Rips it open. Whatever’s inside makes her
face fall. Mama smiles so big.
LARK
What is it?!
Tabitha takes out-- NIGHTINGALE’S PURPLE WIG. The Birdies
gasp. Papa lowers the camera.
MAMA BIRD
Put it on, sweetie bird. Don’t miss
this, Papa.
He keeps filming. Tabitha is frozen. Confused. She looks
over, and notices the framed portrait of Nightingale is gone.
And so is her shrine.
48.

Go on.
TABITHA
Um, no thank you, I’m okay.
MAMA BIRD
What? Come now, put it on.
The wig trembles in her hand. Tickticktickticktick-- the subs
are rising really fast now, and the ticks are keeping time
with her beating heart.
7,165,7193
I’ll help you.
Mama takes the wig, and plants it snugly on Tabitha’s head.
She whips out a stamp liner, and adds a heart stamp to her
cheekbone. Tabitha is a statue. Shivering.
Uncanny.
Tabitha turns, and looks in the mirror.
She looks a hell of a lot like Nightingale.
Tabitha turns, and looks in the mirror. She looks back at
Mama and sees the dull pain in her eyes.
I would like to present to the
world, the newest member of the
Birdie Bunch. Our New Nightingale!
She clicks on her iPhone. The new channel pops up on all the
flatscreen TVs around the house.
NEW NIGHTINGALE’S LULLABIES
Tabitha’s face has replaced Nightingale’s on the THUMBNAIL.
Caged birds SCREAM and SHRIEK and BEAT THEIR WINGS. The
Birdies exchange worried looks. Bustard’s eyes bug.
PAPA BIRD
Kärleksfågel.
(gingerly)
Oh, Mama. Maybe we should take a
little break, yah?
He lowers the phone. Mama has her eyes on the rising subs.
MAMA BIRD
Keep streaming.
49.
PAPA BIRD
Yes, but maybe we should--
MAMA BIRD
THE CAMERA STAYS ON!
Papa swallows his opinions, and keeps filming. Mama Bird
touches a button on her Apple Watch and -- GZZZZZ -- a
massive screen is lowered from the ceiling like a monolith.
FAMILY ANALYTICS
Mama Bird -- 80,576,744
Lark -- 15,645,890
Finch -- 2,783,128
The Twins -- 1,387,589
Bustard -- 304,438
Mama Bird taps on her phone. DING!!! A new name appears last:
*New* Nightingale -- 0
Tabitha looks at her new name in lights.
Welcome to the board, Gale.
(off her look)
What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?
TABITHA
It’s not that... it’s just that...
MAMA BIRD
The nightingale’s song is
considered to be the most beautiful
sound that the world ever produced.
TABITHA
But...
Tabitha doesn’t know what to say. Bustard plays with his
fidget spinner. Papa hides behind his iPhone. Spooked.
Ticktickticktickticktick...
8,418,121
Mama approaches Tabitha and touches her face.
MAMA BIRD
Sing a lullaby for us, sweetie.
TABITHA
I don’t think I know how.
Mama cues up “ROCK-A-BYE BABY” on her iPhone. It blasts
through the house.
50.
MAMA BIRD
Repetitive, predictable lullabies
remind the baby of the motion they
experienced in the comfort of their
mother’s womb. A baby can’t
understand your words, but they can
understand your song.
Tabitha listens to the music, feels it in her gut.
Wrap me up in your voice, and tell
me you love me with your song. Give
me the tingle...
Tabitha opens her mouth, but nothing comes out...
Like warm sand being poured all
over you, trickling over your head
and down into your shoulders! Like
goosebumps on your brain!
Finally, Tabitha she shakes her head -- no.
TABITHA
I don’t think I want to right now.
The Birdies gasp. Defiance.
Tabitha takes off her wig.
The subs INSTANTLY start going down... ticktickticktick--
Mama and Tabitha have a stare-down. The love falls out of her
eyes. They are bottomless pools of inky black.
She’s suddenly a gothic statue. Stares. Blinks. As if she’s
glitching. The Birdies study the patterns on the carpet.
7,654,744
Papa lowers the iPhone. Tinkers with it, nervously.
Muttering. The burnout rises and vibrates. THE BIRDS
SQUAWKING AND SCREAMING. The vein pulsing in Mama’s forehead,
the blood humming in her veins. A vomit of rage percolates in
her throat. She’s about to let it spew when --
PAPA RAISES THE iPHONE AND LEVELS IT AT MAMA.
She stops. Stares down the lens like it’s the barrel of a
gun. Suddenly, she swallows her rage. It tastes so sour.
6,698,325
She paints on a gasping smile. Shakes away the darkness, and
returns to planet earth. Back in character!
51.
MAMA BIRD
(chipper)
You know what, sweetie bird? You’re
absolutely right. We’re all very
tired. It’s been a long couple days
and you’re still getting the lay of
the land here, let’s not overdo it!
(smiles)
We’ll take a little break.
Mama spins on her heels, and we catch a glimpse of her
bugging eyes as she marches down the hallway to her room,
picking at her skin.
PAPA BIRD
Hold on, love bird! Wait for Papa!
Papa chases her, leaving Tabitha alone. The door SLAMS behind
her. The Birdies fan out, their eyes narrowing.
LARK
You shouldn’t have done that.
Tabitha drops the wig. THUNDER. Look out the window at the
hematoma clouds.
EXT. BIRDIE ESTATE - NIGHT
It’s raining now. The wind screams. Lightning pulses.
The bouncy castle holds on for dear life. WOOOOSHHH! A hard
gust of wind slowly lifting the tethers out of the grass...
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
DONG. DONG. DONG. The cuckoo clock strikes EIGHT. The little
bird emerges from its door. CU-CKOO! CU-CKOO! It retreats
back into the bowels of the clock.
INT. TABITHA'S BEDROOM - BATHROOM - NIGHT
Tabitha stands before the mirror, washing her make-up off,
like she’s contaminated, and can’t get it off fast enough.
She looks at her old self in the mirror. For the first time,
relieved to see her acne.
INT. TABITHA’S CLOSET - NIGHT
It’s dark, but for the cool glow of the screen on Tabitha’s
face. She lies on the closet floor, scrolling through the
Birdies homepage. She finds her new homecoming video --
TABITHA’S HOMECOMING! *VERY EMOTIONAL*
It only has 15,000 views. A lot of nasty comments.
52.
The new birdie sucks

PIZZA FACE!
TABITHA IS BORING
I miss gale!
Tabitha shudders. Scrolls down, down, down, through cheerful
clickbaity thumbnails, ten years of daily Birdie content.
It takes a minute, and her finger is tired by the time she
gets to one of first videos --
ADOPTION DAY -- MEETING OUR NEW BABY
*VERY EMOTIONAL* *BRING TISSUES*
She clicks it. The video starts:
MAMA BIRD is twelve years younger and a completely different
woman. JC Penny chic, her hair is brown, no make-up, pure
love pops out her eyes. Papa Bird films.
MAMA BIRD
I’m so excited. The agency doors
are right behind us, and we’re
going to meet our new baby girl.
UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYS, as we cut to Mama Bird walking through
the doors of the adoption center. There is a photographer
there snapping pictures as they usher YOUNG NIGHTINGALE (5)
out of the waiting room. She sees MAMA and does a giddy love
dance and she runs into Mama’s Arms and Mama wraps her up,
and won’t let go. Bursting into tears.
YOUNG NIGHTINGALE
MAMA!!!!!!
PAPA BIRD (O.S.)
DING! A TEXT COMES THROUGH FROM BUSTARD --
Hi.
Tabitha texts back:
Hi!
You good?
Hundo P.
Cool.
What’s up?
nm, u?
nothing
Undulating ellipses. And then Bustard texts:
i’m scared
53.
INT. BUSTARD'S ROOM - EVENING

Bustard sits on his bed, shaking with fear. Tabitha sits with
him, rubbing his back.
BUSTARD
Get those views up, get those views
up. I can’t get ‘em up, I tried!
TABITHA
Maybe you can try something new.
BUSTARD
I tried everything! I can’t get ‘em
up, people hate me! I’m not good
enough to be a Birdie, I’m not
likable and relatable like you, I
don’t have a good personality.
TABITHA
You have a great personality,
Farhad!
BUSTARD
I’m ugly and fat cuz I can’t stop
eating and I have a stupid accent.
TABITHA
I love your accent! It’s so you!
BUSTARD
The analytics don’t lie! I can’t
get my views up! Will you show me
how to go viral?! Will you?!
TABITHA
I don’t know how I did it, I wasn’t
trying to go viral--
BUSTARD
(crying)
That’s probably why you did!!! IT
WAS ORGANIC!!!!!
TABITHA
Stop it, Farhad!
BUSTARD
I’m just low-key thirsty.
TABITHA
Who cares about stupid old views?!
My new video didn’t do that good
either--
54.
BUSTARD
IF I DON’T GET MY VIEWS UP THERE
WILL BE A CONSEQUENCE!!!
TABITHA
I love watching your videos! I
don’t even like games at all, but I
love you so much I tune in every
day just to see how you’re doing,
cuz you’re one of my best friends
even though we never met!!
BUSTARD
I CAN’T!!!
WHAMMM!! Bustard slams his head against the headboard.
BUSTARD (CONT’D)
GET!!!
WHAM! Harder.
TABITHA
Stop! You’re so talented, and--
BUSTARD
MY!!!
WHAM! Harder!
TABITHA
STOPPPP!!!!
She tries to stop him, but--
BUSTARD
VIEWS!!!
WHAMM!!!
BUSTARD (CONT’D)
UP!!!!
TABITHA
YOU’RE HURTING YOURSELF!!!
Blood stains the head board. She grabs him and holds his
bleeding head, and he bursts into tears.
EXT. BIRDIE ESTATE - NIGHT
WOOOSHHH! A hard gust of wind rips the bouncy castle from its
tethers! It skips across the grass, heading for the fence. It
catches on the ornate spikes and is sucked up into the stormy
sky, deflating as it flies over the trees... over the
world... shriveling up and dying as the storm steals it away
and LIGHTING EXPLODES!
55.
INT. THE BIRDIE HOUSE - NIGHT

The house is spooky in the dark. Lit only by the subscribers
glowing red on leader board. Tickticktickticktickticktick...
4,987,472
We see the ornate green door to Mama’s room as we move down
the long dark hallway. See the smiling pictures on the wall.
And the horrible MOANS emanating from within.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
MOMMMMMMMYYYY!!!!
VARIOUS BEDROOMS
-- Dove and Hawk lie in their beds, listening to Mama cry.
Dove leans over and looks at her brother, who shares her
worry. THUNDER.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
Noooooooooo!!!
Dove quickly gets up and locks the door. Hawk hurriedly
stacking furniture against it.
-- Bustard is wearing a FULL VIRTUAL REALITY OUTFIT. Haptic
body armor suit, VR boxing gloves, and headset. He’s dripping
with sweat, taking out his frustrations out on Floyd
Merriweather in the ring. Hiding from Mama’s SCREAMS...
MAMA BIRD (O.S.) (CONT’D)
AHhhhhhHAHHHHhh!!
-- Lark stares at the ceiling. Wide-eyed. Lightning flashes.
Her dresser is in front of the door.
UhhhgghhhHHGHGOHGOODDDDDDDDDDDD!!
-- Finch leans against his door, trying to plug his ears with
his pillow.
MOMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!!!
-- Papa Bird is in his CRAMPED QUARTERS, half the size of the
Birdies’ rooms. It looks more like a servant chambers. The
walls are lined with photos of Mama Bird, a little shrine to
her. No pictures of Birdies. He’s on his laptop. Looking at
old honeymoon photos of him and Mama Bird on Facebook. They
were so in love. So happy.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
He sighs. Touches his heart.
56.
PAPA BIRD
Vi kommer att vara okej i
slutändan. You’ll be okay, my love,
I promise.
He kisses her face on the screen. And then he closes the
laptop, hugs it like pillow and falls asleep.
INT. TABITHA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Tabitha is sound asleep. AN EXPLOSION OF LIGHTNING wakes her
with a start. She sits up, and gasps when she sees --
The PERSON standing at the end of her bed.
Backlit by the light from the hallway.
TABITHA
H-hello?
TABITHA SCREAMS AS THE PERSON RAISES A MACHETE--
--And steps into the wet moonlight. It’s only Mama, gripping
a CAMERA ON A SELFIE-STICK.
We finally see her without make-up. We see the scars from the
picking, the fresh pocks and smeared blood dribbling down
from the pustules on her forehead.
MAMA BIRD
I was filming you dream.
She lowers the selfie stick.
TABITHA
Mama?
MAMA BIRD
What’s this?
She holds up Tabitha’s cracked iPad.
Look at what you’ve done. Didn’t
you read the codes of conduct?
TABITHA
It just slipped through my fingers.
Mama caresses the screen like it’s a poor wounded animal.
MAMA BIRD
It breaks my heart to see
technology mishandled.
TABITHA
I promise it won’t happen again.
57.
Mama sits on the edge of the bed. Sitting a little too close.
Her face bleeding.
MAMA BIRD
You’ve ruffled my feathers, sweetie
bird. I gave you a channel, and a
name. That’s a very special thing.
Don’t you want to be a Birdie?
She runs her hand through Tabitha’s hair, lovingly.
TABITHA
Yes, Mama, I was just confused.
Mama rips her hand away.
MAMA BIRD
I thought you were my number one
fan. I thought you loved me.
TABITHA
I do love you.
She pokes Tabitha in the shoulder with the selfie stick.
MAMA BIRD
Do you?
TABITHA
Yes, yes... so much... I just... I
want to be my own Birdie. I don’t
want to be the new Nightingale. I
want to be the new me.
Mama cocks her head.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
...I was thinking I could be Raven.
Cuz Ravens are the smartest birds.
They’re smarter than dolphins. And
I was thinking, maybe... I could do
a review vlog. Like my favorite
things. “Raven’s Raves.” Maybe if I
rebrand, I could still be me and
get more views.
Tabitha looks in the abyss of Mama’s eyes. And then --
MAMA BIRD
Would you like to see my prized
possession?
Mama pulls a bronze medallion out from under her shirt.
GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS.
It catches the moonlight and reflects in Mama’s swollen eyes.
58.

For most Consecutive Daily Video
Blogs Posted On YouTube. I’ve made
3,751 consecutive videos, and I’ve
never missed a day. Did you know
that? 3,751 days is over ten years.
I’ve never missed a single day in
ten years. Don’t you think that
maybe, I know what I’m doing?
TABITHA
I haven’t missed a day either. I’ve
seen every video...
MAMA BIRD
I always posted on time for you,
didn’t I? I was always there when
you were sad, or scared, or
lonely... you could always count on
Mama Bird, couldn’t you? Now I have
to know that I can count on you.
(smiles)
You’re not a Birdie yet. You’re
still a foster. You haven’t been
adopted. You have to prove to me
that you’re Birdie Material.
TABITHA
I was born to be a Birdie.
MAMA BIRD
Prove it, dear. Mama needs help. I
need to know you can be consistent
for me, my love. Consistency is
key. YouTube is like a shark. If
you stop, you die.
THUNDER.
Nightingale. There’s something you
have to know, and you must promise
me that what I’m about to tell you
will stay between us. Can you keep
a secret?
Tabitha nods, holding back tears.
You’re not like the rest. You’re
special.
TABITHA
I am?
59.
MAMA BIRD
You’re the most talented, the most
beautiful perfect little birdie
I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
You’re a fucking superstar, girl.
You remind me of me...
Mama Bird touches Tabitha’s face and smiles. Tabitha glows.
It’s like Mama’s words an opiate, washing over her.
Because you are my Nightingale. It
was never her, or anyone else. It
was always you. It was who you were
born to be. And she was the
temporary Nightingale, holding your
place for you. While the universe
conspired to bring us together.
Mama hangs the medallion around Tabitha’s neck. Her eyes half
mast, like she’s under a spell.
We’ve lost another hundred thousand
subs since breakfast. We just go
down and down and down. I can feel
them slipping right through my
fingers, like sand draining from an
hourglass, like time running out,
and every sub we lose, I feel like
I’m losing a piece of me, too, and
I can’t sleep at night. The
nightmares are coming back, and I
feel every single sub we lose, I
can feel it right here--
Mama pounds her sternum, a little too hard.
Like a knot, twisting and twisting
and-- I can’t breathe. I can’t
sleep. It can’t go on like this.
Help. I’m asking you for help.
You’re the only one who can pull us
out of this free-fall... I need to
sleep. Mama needs to sleep.
Her eyes dancing deliriously as she rises to her feet.
Will you? Will you help your family
get their views up?
Tabitha thinks about it, and then she nods. Hypnotized. And
suddenly filled with a sense of purpose.
TABITHA
Yes, Mama. I will help you.
60.
MAMA BIRD
Will you be a good Nightingale?
Suddenly, Tabitha takes on Nightingale’s affectation --
TABITHA
Yes, Mama. I’ll sing the worried
world to sleep.
DING! Mama gets a notification on her Apple watch. She checks
it. Her eyes pop with pain. She looks out the window. The
rain is trying to break in.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
What’s wrong?
MAMA BIRD
...they just took away our gold
status...
AN EXPLOSION OF THUNDER that lingers in the air as --
Mama throws her head back and screams with the storm. Loud,
painful screams from her depths. She holds her head in
sorrow. She starts picking wildly at her face.
Tabitha jumps out of bed, and goes to Mama.
TABITHA
Mama. Stop. We’ll get it back.
She rubs her back and hugs her. They are face to face, Mama’s
blood smearing on Tabitha’s cheek as she cries.
Suddenly -- Mama is a terrified five-year-old girl.
MAMA BIRD
IF WE LOSE ANY MORE SUBS, I DON’T
KNOW WHAT I’LL DO!!!
TABITHA
It’s okay, it’s just a little
burnout, it will pass. You’ll be
your old self again tomorrow.
We’re gonna hit diamond status in
no time. Only 400 channels in the
history of YouTube have gotten
there, and we’re next. You’ll see,
in a little while we’re gonna have
more followers than God!
MAMA BIRD
(calming)
Promise?
TABITHA
I promise.
61.
MAMA BIRD
Born not from our flesh. But born
in our hearts. You were longed for
and wanted and loved from the
start.
(smiles)
Family is so much more than blood.
Mama Bird touches Tabitha’s face. Her picked finger is
bleeding and a tiny bit of blood smears her cheek. The
nightingale beats its wings against the cage.
Oopsie!
Mama Bird grabs the tissue hidden up her sleeve like an Ace,
gives it a lick, and wipes away the blood. Tabitha closes her
eyes, shuddering at Mama’s soft touch. She feels the love.
With that, Mama sulks out of the room. Stops at the door.
Suddenly, a chipper smile breaks across her face. She’s her
old self again. Even more jarring with the weeping sores.
(merrily)
Door open or closed?
TABITHA
Oh-open.
MAMA BIRD
Sleep tight. And remember. There’s
no force on earth more powerful
than a mother’s love.
And with that, Mama is gone. THUNDER!
Ticktickticktickticktickticktick... Melting away...
SUBSCRIBERS -- 4,185,7657
INT. TABITHA'S CLOSET - NIGHT
Tabitha is curled up, watching Nightingale’s old videos. The
storm rages outside.
NIGHTINGALE
ROCK-A-BYE BABY... IN THE
TREETOP... WHEN THE WIND BLOWS...
THE CRADLE WILL ROCK...
Tabitha tries her best to parrot Nightingale’s voice.
62.
EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - THE NEXT DAY

The sun peeks out from behind a cloud. A sickly pall hangs
over the wet grass and settles around the house.
INT. MAMA BIRD'S BATHROOM - DAY
The massive mirror is cracked now. Maybe from her fist. Mama
Bird sits at the vanity with her head in the bowl of ice. She
finally rips her head out, and sucks in a gasp, whipping her
hair. Her face is a scabbed and bruised and festering.
CUT TO:
VARIOUS SHOTS.
-- Mama wears a protective cloth mask. Like Hannibal Lector’s
second face. She ties a plastic tourniquet around her arm.
She finds a juicy vein, and stabs in the needle. Blood swirls
through winding plastic tubes.
-- Mama sticks her blood sample in what looks to be a high
tech microwave. It hums to life, and starts to spin,
separating the blood into platelet rich plasma.
-- DING! She grabs a jar of numbing cream, and smears it all
over her face like grease.
-- She fills a syringe with her treated blood and inserts it
into a large, humming NEEDLE GUN. She starts injecting her
face with her own blood, prick by painful prick. Her face a
smear of crimson, like a ravenous beast. This is a “vampire
facial.”
INT. TABITHA'S BEDROOM - DAY
Mama Bird enters, and the room gets brighter. She’s her old
happy self again -- made up, hair done, and pretty as a
picture. The scars and scabs are well hidden.
MAMA BIRD
Knock, knock!
She smiles when she sees Tabitha on the edge of the bed. Full
Nightingale make-up. Purple wig snug. Heart stamp on her
cheek. She’s ready.
Look at you. Raring to go!
TABITHA
The early bird gets the worm!
Mama smiles, baring a mouthful of bleached teeth.
CUT TO:
63.
LATER.
Tabitha stands before the green screen. Her pet nightingale
is freaking out in its cage. Papa mans the camera, Mama sits
on Tabitha’s bed, watching like a hawk. She cues the music.
The Birdies are watching through the cracked door. Tabitha
feels it. Her eyes flutter as she sings. It’s so soothing
it’s almost medicinal.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
ROCK-A-BYE BABY... IN THE
TREETOP... WHEN THE WIND BLOWS...
THE CRADLE WILL ROCK...
It hits Mama instantly. She sounds exactly like Nightingale.
Goose-flesh spreads. The hair on her neck stands erect.
Pupils swell. And THE TINGLE -- a high frequency tone. The
bell rings in her brain.
PAPA BIRD
Is it the tingle, mama?
The TONE grows louder, and she’s vibrating.
MAMA BIRD
...Nightingale.
The PET BIRD QUIETS. The music lulling it into silence.
PAPA BIRD
That’s it, it’s working!
Mama sways, letting the opiate of her voice wash over her.
Tears stream down Mama’s face. She feels it in her soul.
Dove starts to fall asleep as she listens. WOOSH!!! ERIC THE
CANARY flies into the room, and lands on Tabitha’s shoulder.
Perches there. Perfect!
That’s the moment right there!
TABITHA
WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS... THE CRADLE
WILL FALL...
PAPA BIRD
Is that good, mama?
MAMA BIRD
She’s home... she’s home...
Mama’s eyes flutter with love. She’s a little girl again.
64.
TABITHA
AND DOWN WILL COME BABY... CRADLE
AND ALL...
Her eyes woozy, as if she’s in a trance.
MAMA BIRD
I missed you so much...
Tabitha parrots Nightingale’s speaking voice perfectly.
TABITHA
I missed you, too.
MAMA BIRD
We’re the perfect family again! And
everything is so perfect!
She goes to Tabitha and wraps her up in a hug. She so happy.
TABITHA
I love you.
MAMA BIRD
I love you, too. You’ve always been
my special little bird.
Tabitha glows proud. The Birdies burst through the door and
join the hug.
BIRDIE CUDDLE!
Papa joins in, too.
(smiles)
NOW LET’S!! MAKE!! SOME!!
CONTENT!!!
BIRDIES
YAYYYYYYY!!!!
MUSIC CUE: “FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES.” ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ--
EXT. SKY - DAY
An army of Amazon Prime delivery drones soaring over the
world. Down below, nothing but dense, old growth forest.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!! And then a clearing. The fence
slithers across the land like a snake. Beyond it... THE
BIRDIE ESTATE. The drones start their decent.
65.
EXT. BIRDIE ESTATE - YARD - DAY

Papa films the Birdies run across the grass retrieving pretty
brown boxes from the drones, like an easter egg hunt. They
fight over packages.
CUT TO:
Ticktickticktickticktickticktick... The leaderboard stops
ticking. A hiccup. And then it starts again the other way --
THE SUBS RISING! Hundreds of thousands at time! Up, up, up!
SUBSCRIBERS -- 4,585,7657
MONTAGE SEQUENCE
-- “BIRDIES RIDE BIRD SCOOTERS THROUGH THE HOUSE!! *LOL*
Mama and the Birdies scream through the house on their
scooters, Bustard crashes into the wall. Mama is in the lead.
Papa is chasing them down with the camera.
-- All the while, we see the SUBSCRIBERS ticking up:
5,100,321
-- Tabitha is recording her new lullaby.
TABITHA
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR, HOW I
WONDER WHAT YOU ARE...
Mama bursts into the room, waving her phone --
MAMA BIRD
We got our gold status back!
Tabitha squeals and jumps into Mama’s arms.
-- Tabitha basks in the likes, comments, and rising subs.
Glued at her phone, constantly refreshing the endless stream
of virtual love. She needs another hit. On the leaderboard,
her name climbs up the family rankings. Ding! Ding! Ding!
-- A framed portrait of Tabitha goes up in the same spot
Nightingale’s portrait was.
-- Mrs. Bollinger, the social worker arrives. Tabitha takes
her on a tour. Showing off her school work, her amazing
rooms, singing Mama’s praises. Mrs. Bollinger taking notes.
-- Screaming with glee, Mrs. Bollinger and The Birdies jump
on the bouncy castle in the yard. Mrs. Bollinger does a flip.
Everyone cheers. Mama and Papa clap.
BIRDIES
Go Bollinger Go! Go Bollinger Go!
66.
Later, they all take a selfie together at the stoop.

-- The Family films elaborate choreographed TIKTOK DANCE
MEMES. Tabitha is really getting into it.
-- “ZZZZZZ... AMSR LULLBY EAR TO EAR GENTLE TINGLE -- SINGING
YOU SLEEP WITH RELAXING MUSIC! *NEW*”
TABITHA
HUSH LITTLE BABY DON’T SAY A WORD,
MAMA’S GONNA BUY YOU A MOCKING BIRD.
6,924,911
-- “LARK’S NO BUDGET CHANEL HAUL *with MOM’S CREDIT CARD :)*”
Lark is sitting before her webcam, surrounded by TWENTY BLACK
BOXES BAGS FROM CHANEL, piling up around her.
LARK
...Mama let me do a “no budget” at
CHANEL and I DID SOME DAMAGE!!!
-- “THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR IMPROVING IN FORTNITE!”
Bustard gives a droning commentary as he navigates the game.
BUSTARD
In Fortnite, “Meta” is a word that
means, like, um, the most effective
tactic available. Like, the Meta
refers-- oh shit I just died.
-- Thousands of “THUMBS DOWN” on Bustard’s video.
-- Tabitha is giving Bustard pointers on how to present
himself on camera. Showing him how to not be so uptight.
-- Tabitha posts sponsored content. Checking her metrics
online. Her phone is blowing up. Hundreds of thousands of
likes. And the comments section is full of love.
7,324,911
-- We’re at a BIRDIE MEET AND GREAT AT THE MALL! An EXPLOSION
OF SHRILL JOY! COPS are there to corral the pimple-laden,
braced-faced throngs. Stand back! A sea of phones snap and
flash and post and live stream behind barricades.
Tabitha and Mama Bird step out of the mall, holding hands.
The Birdies follow, and fan out around them.
67.
CHAOS! They hurry through the GAUNTLET OF SWOONING SCREAMING

FANS towards the waiting SUV. They’re rabid and grabbing
after Tabitha and Mama, trying to touch them, AND EVERYONE
STARTS CHIRPING! It sounds like a deranged bird sanctuary.
A red-faced GIRL faints dead. Tabitha is loving it, and Papa
is filming it all as Tabitha and Mama are DEVOURED BY THE
THRONGS OF SCREAMING, LOVETHIRSTY FANS!
8,204,991
-- DINNER TIME! The Birdies eat the most glorious home-cooked
meal. Mama bringing out course after course. Tabitha stuffs
her face. Cake and ice cream, too.
Suddenly, Dove stabs a piece of cake into Hawk’s face, and
smears it all over.
DOVE
Hashtag sibling prank war!
Hawk gasps, and chucks his MILK in her face, and she screams.
HAWK
Food fight!!!
Mama isn’t afraid -- she hurls a fist full of pie at Dove,
and she falls out of her chair. Food rains and sprays the
walls. Beautiful chaos. Mama wipes the smear of cake from her
face. Papa gets it all on film.
PAPA BIRD
DONG. DONG. DONG. The cuckoo clock strikes EIGHT. The little
bird emerges from its door.
Everyone freezes, mid food fight, to stare at that horrible
little wooden bird -- CU-CKOO! CU-CKOO! It retreats back into
the bowels of the clock.
PAPA LOWERS THE CAMERA, PLUNGING US INTO --
REALITY.
Mama’s eyes flash with anxiety. She wipes the smear of
chocolate off her face. Birds SQUAWK. Guards rise.
PAPA BIRD
Eight PM. That’s a wrap.
Mama glares at Papa -- His silly accent. It makes her sick.
Tomorrow we’ll be filming
Nightingale’s first music video,
and it will be a long day.
68.
He points to the massive GREEN SCREEN in the living room.

Movie lights and a video village set-up.
“Five Little Ducks!” Are we all
clear on our choreography?
BIRDIES
Yessss, Papa!!
Mama starts picking at her temple.
MAMA BIRD
It’s time for family analytics.
Bustard’s eyes widen in fear.
EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - NIGHT
A full moon looms over the house. Crickets chirp.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
A fire burns in the hearth. Mama stands there, staring at the
leaping tongues. Chewing her lip, and sipping from a wine
glass. Every so often she picks at the skin on her face.
The Birdies enter solemnly, and sit cross-legged on the floor
with their iPads screens.
MAMA BIRD
Nightingale will be our team leader
tonight.
TABITHA
Me? Wow, lit. Thanks.
She takes the iPad and sits in the massive throne like chair
before the fireplace. The Birdies fanning out before her.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Let’s see where we’re at...
The leaderboard looms over them:
FAMILY ANALYTICS
Mama Bird -- 104,532,567
*New* Nightingale -- 92,869,789
Hawk & Dove -- 9,987,589
Lark -- 25,645,890
Finch -- 13,128,589
Bustard -- 938,899
Mama stares at the fire, it plays on her face. Tabitha
scrolls through the iPad.
69.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Okay, so, our subs have risen by
five million in the past few weeks.
MAMA BIRD
Thanks to you. You’re a YouTube
sensation, Nightingale. Your
transformation video demolished all
of our previous view records. Not
to mention your two million valid
watch hours.
TABITHA
Yes, and I just beat the old
Nightingale’s going away video. We
might even be getting Diamond
Status soon. We’re not too far off!
MAMA BIRD
Fifty grand per sponsored post,
that’s quite the college fund,
young lady. And that means the rest
of you are going to have to work a
lot harder now that Nightingale has
set the bar so high for us...
Tabitha blushes. The Birdies glare at her, simmering.
LARK
Yea, but I had more views than Hawk
and Dove last month, so how come
I’m so low up there?
DOVE
It was a fluke. You got sympathy
views cuz of your spinal bifida.
LARK
That’s not true!
DOVE
If I had a hunchback and did a
video about it, I’d be Diamond
Status already!
LARK
(jumps to her feet)
Liar! Liar! Take it back!
MAMA BIRD
Sit down.
She sits down. Dove folds her arms and bristles.
70.
TABITHA
Actually, Lark was smart to make a
storytime about her struggles with
Spinal Bifida. The metrics tell us
that vulnerability is super on-
trend. Maybe you can do a video
about how you grew up in a tool
shed, Dove. People love that stuff.
Dove narrows her brow.
MAMA BIRD
Where are we at with Bustard?
Tabitha looks up his analytics.
TABITHA
Well, unfortunately. He’s gone down
another forty-five percent.
Bustard plays with his fidget spinner.
MAMA BIRD
How are we gonna get those views
up, kiddo?
BUSTARD
I’m trying real hard to.
MAMA BIRD
Let’s look at our short term goals.
Bustard fumbles with his iPad as he pulls up his notes.
BUSTARD
(reading)
Some ideas I have is to use better
keyword titles, richer and more
descriptive keyword titles. I think
part of the problem is my
thumbnails aren’t very, um... I
will make better more, like,
clickbaity thumb--
MAMA BIRD
Ah, ah. We don’t say “clickbait!”
It’s gauche.
BUSTARD
More eye-catching thumbnails.
Another idea is that I thought I’d
have Nightingale appear as a guest.
TABITHA
I don’t do collabs actually. Right,
Mama?
71.
BUSTARD
Oh.
TABITHA
Sorry, no offense, it’s just that
Mama says it would be confusing to
my brand.
Mama gives her an encouraging nod.
BUSTARD
Oh, okay. Sorry.
MAMA BIRD
Brand identity is a fickle food.
You can’t do an ASMR video game
crossover, they’re two very
different content categories.
TABITHA
Well, that’s not totally true,
according to the drop off times,
more people are falling asleep to
Bustard’s videos than to mine.
Mama Bird explodes with laughter. Slaps her knee. Tabitha
glows, so proud of her killer joke.
Bustard bows his head in shame.
MAMA BIRD
Let me ask you a question. Do you
even like gaming, Bustard?
BUSTARD
Yes. It’s my passion.
MAMA BIRD
Could have fooled me. You know,
sometimes I wonder if you’re birdie
material at all...
The birds start to SQUAWK and FLAP in their cages. Bustard
trembles. He’s sweating pretty bad.
TABITHA
He could pivot.
Everyone looks at Tabitha.
MAMA BIRD
Say more.
TABITHA
Well, maybe he could find something
else on trend...
72.
BUSTARD
But... Gaming’s the only thing I’m
good at...
TABITHA
Expand your horizons, take some
chances. There’s a lot of content
out there nowadays and you have to
ask yourself, how can I cut through
the clutter? Be brave! Don’t play
it so safe. I mean, think outside
the X-box for a change...
This hits Bustard hard. He can’t even look at her.
MAMA BIRD
(laughs)
You’re on a roll tonight with your
quips. You should tweet that.
She takes out her phone and tweets: Bustard should think
outside the X-Box for a change! #zzzz
People start instantly retweeting her.
BUSTARD
(to Tabitha)
But... You said that, like,
YouTube’s about family, not
views...
Mama Bird and Tabitha exchange looks.
TABITHA
It is about family. That’s all it’s
ever been about. Cuz if you really
stop and think about it... YouTube
is the family business. If we were
farmers, I bet Mama would expect us
to wake up at the crack of dawn and
muck the stalls. Right, Mama? But
lucky for us, we’re YouTubers, so I
guess we just gotta keep those
views up.
MAMA BIRD
That’s my girl.
Tabitha glows. Bustard chucks his fidget spinner into the
fire. It melts and burns.
Suddenly -- DING! DING! DING!
They all look up at the leaderboard. Tabitha’s views
increase, sending her rising in the ranks.
She passes Mama --
73.
Nightingale -- 112,899,589
Mama Bird -- 104,532,567
Tabitha smiles and blushes, batting her eyes.
TABITHA
Oh wow! Papa must have uploaded my
new lullaby. It looks like I’m
number one now. Cool!
Her smile fades when she sees the Birdies staring at her in
abject horror.
She looks at Mama. Craning at the board with her mouth agape.
Fist clenched. Gripping her wine glass, and shaking with
anger. She slowly turns and locks eyes with Tabitha.
The wine glass EXPLODES in her hand. She squeezes the shards
of glass in her fist. Blood and wine and spills down her
sleeve. Pet birds jump about and beat their wings.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Mama, you’re hurt!
Mama sucks in a breath, like the wind was just knocked out of
her. She leans against the wall for balance. Blood gushing.
She drops the glass.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Mama, are you okay?!
Tabitha goes to her, touches her back, but Mama reels away.
Looks at Tabitha like she’s evil incarnate. Like she’s afraid
of her. She backs away, trying not to make any sudden moves.
Mama backs towards the hallway, never breaking eye contact,
blood smears the wall as she feels her way.
MAMA BIRD
(chokes)
Mama needs some m-m-me time.
Mama turns and sprints down the hallway towards her room --
WHAMM!!! She slams the door behind her. Silence.
TABITHA
What happened?
LARK
No one’s ever gotten more views
than Mama before...
FINCH
I guess she doesn’t like that.
Tabitha looks horrified.
74.
TABITHA
...I didn’t know.
INT. MAMA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mama stands before her mirror, trying frantically to make
herself look cute.
MAMA BIRD
Leave me alone, leave me alone--
She puts on her mauve Fedora hat, makes a duck face, hides
her bloody hand, and snaps a selfie. Hands trembling, she
posts the picture on Instagram with the caption:
Still got it! #Birdielife #blessed
A little blood smears across the screen, and she cleans it
off. Collapses on her bed. Blood stains the sheets. Taking
deep breaths. Trying to ward off a panic attack.
She looks down at her phone. Blowing up. A flood of LIKES.
She lets them wash over her. Each one blossoming in her gut
like a warm flower. Calming, she collapses on the bed and
breathes in the validation. It’s good.
Don’t. Don’t you dare--
But she does. She scrolls down to the comment section.
EW! UGLY AND OLD!
you don’t got it
No one likes you cow - sad
kill yourself, bitch
UNSUBSCRIBE!!
The spell is broken. She lowers the phone, and starts to bawl
like a newborn. She looks over at the mirror. Sees herself
staring back. She looks so stupid in that hat. She pulls it
off her head, jumps to her feet, and ATTACKS THE MIRROR,
raining down blows until it SHATTERS, and her knuckles bleed.
She grabs a shard of glass off the floor, and grips it tight.
THE SCREAMS start wafting out of Mama’s room. The Birdies fan
out around Tabitha. And darken.
HAWK
Don’t mess this up for us, Tabitha.
TABITHA
What? But, I--
75.
DOVE
--Mama is very fragile right now,
and we need to try our best not to
upset her.
There’s a “The Shining” Twins vibe there.
TABITHA
I’m trying, I am--
LARK
--Try harder.
DOVE
We can’t let her burn out.
FINCH
We have to be there for her. Like
she was there for us.
DOVE
We’re very lucky birds.
LARK
My foster mom made me live in the
tool shed, because I was different.
HAWK
Me and Dove were sold on the dark web.
FINCH
When I was three, the cops found me
wandering down a highway twice in
one week.
HAWK
I’m not going back into the system.
DOVE
I’m never going back there.
HAWK
You better make this right.
Bustard gets up and BOLTS up the stairs. Pet birds SQUAWK.
Mama screams.
EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - NIGHT
Mama’s screams are louder and horrible. They infect the
silent night. She screams like a banshee born in hell.
It’s empty and silent. Except for Mama’s screams, and --
Ticktickticktickticktickticktick...
76.
SUBSCRIBERS
8,585,7657
The rise has slowed, they’re only jumping hundreds at time
now, instead of thousands.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
INT. BUSTARD'S ROOM - NIGHT
Bustard’s computer lies in a heaping pile in the corner.
Trashed. Cracked. The keyboard split in two.
He is staring out the window, at THE POOL. He is still
gripping his mouse. It’s not connected to anything.
BUSTARD
Like and sup-scribe. Like an sub--
Like and sub-cribe...
Steam rises from the heated water. It’s calling him. He can’t
look away. And Mama screams and screams.
INT. TABITHA'S CLOSET - NIGHT
Tabitha is curled up on the floor with the iPad, watching
Mama Bird do her make-up. THIS VIDEO has 23 million views:
MAMA BIRD
Our new Birdie is glamming out hard
today with a once in a lifetime
Mama Bird Special! Nothing makes me
happier than doing make-up for
someone I love.
TABITHA
Mama? Can I say something?
Remember, Birders at home -- you
are beautiful whether you choose to
pressured to wear it just because I
do. You do you.
Mama kisses her on the head. Tabitha shudders with love.
BACK TO:
Tabitha LIKES Mama’s video, leaves a comment:
“Mama Bird is the best of all by far.”
She refreshes the video. Over and over. Trying to get Mama
more views. 23,134,801 -- Refresh!
23,134,802
Refresh
77.
23,134,803
Refresh
23,134,804
Refresh
She sighs. This is going to take a long time.
WOOSHHH! THE CLOSET DOOR SWINGS OPEN!!
Tabitha SCREAMS! Mama is standing above her. Backlit by the
night. Holding her selfie stick, filming. No make-up. Face
covered with scars from picking.
MAMA BIRD
Are you hiding from me, kiddo?
TABITHA
No!
MAMA BIRD
What are you watching?
TABITHA
Just you... like always.
MAMA BIRD
You look frightened.... Are you
afraid of me?
TABITHA
No! Of course not!
Mama climbs into the closet again. Filming.
MAMA BIRD
It’s okay to be afraid, it’s wise
to fear the creator...
TABITHA
Please don’t be mad at me, mama.
The smile falls off Mama’s face. She starts picking. The
nightingale stops singing in it’s cage. Like it knows.
MAMA BIRD
No.
She turns the camera off. Powers it down. It whirrs and dies.
Her smiles powers down, too.
You can’t call me that anymore.
TABITHA
Can’t call you what?
78.
MAMA BIRD
You’re not my daughter.
TABITHA
What?!
Mama snuggles up beside her. Too close.
MAMA BIRD
As long as the camera’s on, I will
love you with all of my heart. But
the camera’s off now, Tabitha.
(smiles)
You need to understand. You are my
content. I am your creator. You are
my raw clay for molding. You’re not
my Nightingale, you are my parrot.
Understand?
Tabitha is horrified. Teeth chatter with fear. The
nightingale chirps like it’s going mad.
TABITHA
You don’t mean that...
MAMA BIRD
What do you want from me?
TABITHA
What?! I don’t want anything!
MAMA BIRD
You want my channel. You want my
subs. You want my views.
TABITHA
No, I don’t care about that!
MAMA BIRD
You don’t love me. You never did.
TABITHA
I love you so much.
MAMA BIRD
You tricked me! You want my
Birdies. That’s what you want. You
want to take them away from me.
You’re a troll...
TABITHA
No! I didn’t mean to get more views
than you, it was a mistake!
MAMA BIRD
AFTER ALL I’VE DONE FOR YOU! AFTER
ALL I’VE DONE!
79.
Mama grabs Tabitha, but instead of hurting her, she hugs her
close, strangling her with love. Spit flying as she screams:
THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?! YOU
NAUGHTY BIRD! I’LL CLIP YOUR WINGS!
I’LL CLIP YOUR WINGS, YOU NAUGHTY
BIRD!
Hugging her so tight she can’t breathe. Suddenly, she lets
go. Tabitha sucks in a breath, and bursts into tears.
Mama smears her tears away.
Save it for the cameras, dear.
Tabitha notices a symbol that has been freshly carved into
Mama’s arm. A crude thumbs up Like button. It bleeds. Mama
climbs to her feet.
I’m afraid there has to be a
consequence.
TABITHA
Please...
Mama walks to the birdcage, where the nightingale is flipping
out. Squeaking and screaming.
She opens the cage, and removes the little bird from its
perch, cradling it with love.
MAMA BIRD
Pretty bird.
The nightingale tweets and sings and--
WHAMMM!!!! CRUNCH!!! MAMA SMASHES IT AGAINST THE DESK!!!
The squawking stops instantly.
WHAMM! WHAMM! WHAMMM!! The crunch of bones, the splatter of
blood, and Tabitha is screaming.
Mama drops the dead bird on the carpet. Blood oozing from its
decimated little body. Broken wing twitching spastically.
You flew too close to the sun. And
it won’t happen again.
Mama smiles at Tabitha, wiping the blood on her pants like
it’s only a bit of dust.
80.

The costumes arrived for your music
video. They’re just perfect. Be up
and ready early tomorrow morning...
(smiles)
We’ve plateaued at eight million
subs. We’re going to have to do
something truly spectacular to get
that Diamond Status...
Mama crosses the room, making her way to the door.
Oh, and don’t even think about
calling Mrs. Bollinger, or that old
troll, or running away like your
ungrateful sister. That will never
happen again. We donated another
five million to Child and Family
Services. These budget cuts really
are a travesty. It’s the children
who suffer. I think they’re
starting to depend on us...
She opens the door, turns back and smiles.
It turns out you are Birdie
Material after all, Tabitha. You
are consistent. Reliable. And
you’ll never leave this nest. This
is your forever home.
And with that, she’s gone. The first rays of morning punch
through the blinds and make the dead bird glow on the carpet.
TABITHA
It’s not her, it’s the burnout,
it’s not her it’s the burnout, it’s
not her it’s the b--
And then something catches her eye out the window --
IT’S BUSTARD.
Walking on the roof. He’s dressed like a ninja.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Bustard?!
A blast of wind, and Bustard slips a little as he moves past
the window, and out of sight.
Tabitha gasp, and runs to the window. Throws it open.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Bustard?!
81.
ON THE ROOF --
The sun explodes over the distant mountains beyond as Bustard
navigates the steep, sharp angles of the roof. He talks to
his CAMERA on a selfie stick as he walks.
BUSTARD
I’m Bustard THE STUNT BIRD! Welcome
to my new and improved channel!
STUNT BIRDZ USA! I’m going to be
doing a bunch of wild and crazy
death defying feats for you guys,
so don’t forget to smash that Like
button!
He jumps and does a little karate kick. A loose shingle
falls. The roof is slick.
TABITHA
Bustard! Get inside! What are you
doing?!
BUSTARD
I’m rebranding like you said!
He keeps climbing up the roof.
TABITHA
I didn’t mean it like this!
BUSTARD
(horrified)
I’m not playing it so safe!
Suddenly -- Mama Bird grabs Tabitha by the arm and JERKS HER
INSIDE!
MAMA BIRD
NEVER INTERRUPT A BIRDIE WHEN HE’S
MAKING CONTENT!
Her horrible bleeding face. Tabitha reels back as Mama grips
her wrists and blocks the window.
TABITHA
Make him stop!!!
Tabitha rips away -- glares at Mama. Hates what she sees. And
then she runs out the door.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Tabitha flies down the hallway, knocking on everyone’s doors.
TABITHA
Wake up! Wake up! You have to help
me! Bustard’s gonna break his neck!
82.
The Birdies emerge, wiping the sleep from their eyes.

EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - ROOF - NIGHT
Tabitha and the Birdies run out of the house, and spot
Bustard on the roof filming himself.
TABITHA
Bustard!
Papa trails.
PAPA BIRD
Bustard, get down! If you fall,
they’ll shut us down so fast it
will make your head spin!
BUSTARD
(to the camera)
Today I’m going to scale to the top
of the chimney and jump off into
the pool! I’m a professional, so
don’t try this at-- oops!
He slips, nearly falls, but catches himself. They all scream.
PAPA BIRD
Bustard, come down at once or there
will be a consequence!
Bustard smiles through uncut fear.
BUSTARD
It’s okay, Papa! I’m not afraid!
HAWK LARK
Don’t be an idiot! Bustard!
BUSTARD
I’m gonna get the most views!
He starts towards the chimney, petrified. Suddenly --
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
Good job, honey! Good pivot! Stunt
content is always on trend!
Mama pokes her head out of the window. Smiling big and wrong.
Make-up smeared, mascara dripping, and she’s filming Bustard.
PAPA BIRD
Mama stop! We can’t afford an
accident!
BUSTARD
I’m gonna jump in the pool, mama!
I’m gonna go viral for you!
83.
She hangs out the window for a better shot. Manic and
exploding with enthusiasm.
MAMA BIRD
I got another angle, sweetie bird!
Mama won’t miss a thing!
LARK
Mama, don’t say that!
PAPA BIRD
He’s going to break his neck!
BUSTARD
I’m gonna get you Diamond Status!!!
MAMA BIRD
I know you will, baby bird!
PAPA BIRD
Something’s wrong with mama!
LARK
She’s in a burnout!
TABITHA
She’s fucking nuts.
Tabitha turns and runs back into the house.
MAMA BIRD
Don’t forget to engage your
viewers!
BUSTARD
(to the camera)
Here I go, guys! Leave a comment
down below and tell me what my next
stunt should be!
(smiles)
Like and subscribe!
(gasps)
Mama! I did it! I said it!
MAMA BIRD
That’s my boy!
Bustard swells with pride, and starts to scale the chimney.
INT. BIRDIE HOUSE - DAY
Tabitha runs up the stairs, skipping steps.
INT. TABITHA'S BEDROOM - DAY
Tabitha enters. Mama is hanging out the window filming.
84.
MAMA BIRD
Danger is your middle name, love!
TABITHA
Stop it!
Tabitha tries to pull Mama Bird inside.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Tell him to get inside!
Tabitha grabs Mama by the shirt, and pulls her back in.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Now! Tell him!
Mama lowers the camera, and looks at Tabitha with her cold
dead eyes.
MAMA BIRD
You’re a troll.
TABITHA
You’re crazy!
Tabitha leaps on Mama, she screams and Tabitha kicks her and
slaps her. Mamma grabs her by the shirt and pushes her into
the closet. WHAMMM!!! Slams the door and locks it.
INT. CLOSET - DAY
Tabitha screams and starts slamming the door with her feet,
but it won’t budge.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
You know what we do with trolls,
Tabitha? We delete them.
Mama Bird goes back to encouraging Bustard.
She remembers -- She grabs her iPad, sitting on the floor.
She clicks a contact, and FaceTimes Dove.
Dove answers, worried.
DOVE
Gale?
TABITHA
Dove, you gotta help me, Mama
locked me in the closet, and I
gotta help Bus--
--GZZZTT. The feed dies.
Connection Lost.
85.
Suddenly -- BLINNNNGGGGG!!!! Incoming FaceTime Call. She

answers. It’s Mama’s horrible picked and festering face.
MAMA BIRD
You shouldn’t have done that.
Mama hangs up.
Parental lock activated.
BLING! Her wi-fi dies. The bars vanish on her phone service.
EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - YARD - DAY
Papa runs across the lawn with the ladder, muttering in
Swedish. Bustard is climbing up the chimney, hugging it tight
as his little feet slip.
EXT. ROOF - DAY
Bustard finally reaches the top of the chimney, it’s barely
wide enough for both of his feet. So high up now.
He looks up at the pool below. Further than he thought. He
holds out his selfie stick.
BUSTARD
Look at me! Look at me!
Mama climbs out on to the roof for a better shot.
MAMA BIRD
A bird’s eye view, honey!
Papa starts climbing up the ladder on to the roof--
PAPA BIRD
I’m coming, Bustard!
BUSTARD
I’m not afraid! Birdies can fly!
Mama kicks Papa’s ladder with him on it.
He falls and HITS THE GROUND HARD. He moans. The Birdies
swarm him and try to help him.
LARK
Papa! Papa!
BUSTARD
I can fly! I’m the best Birdie! I’m
the best Birdie!
Tears falls down his terrified face.
86.
MAMA BIRD
Look at my brave bird!
Mama is picking her face, and pulsing with sweaty joy.
INT. TABITHA’S BEDROOM - DAY
Dove enters the room. She sees Mama through the window, on
the roof. Facing away. She creeps across the carpet, quiet,
unlocks the closet, and frees Tabitha. Puts a finger to her
lips. Shhhh. They creep out of the room together.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
They hurry down the hallway.
DOVE
It’s all burnout now! There’s no
mama left!
TABITHA
I have to get on the roof.
EXT. ROOF - DAY
Mama films Bustard standing on top of the chimney, looking
down at the pool. Trying to work up the courage to jump.
BUSTARD
You can do it. You can do it.
His foot slips a little and pebbles rain down into the pool.
MAMA BIRD
Go on and jump, baby! Do it for the
Birders, all your wonderful fans!
TABITHA (O.S.)
Bustard! Stop!
He looks at Tabitha, she’s climbing out the opposite window.
They are on opposite sides of the roof, perfectly symmetrical
with Mama, like the angel and the devil.
MAMA BIRD
You jump in that pool, Bustard!
TABITHA
Don’t listen to her! Please come
down! Please!
He looks at Tabitha. Listening. Trying to balance himself.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
I don’t want you to get hurt!
You’re my little baby brother now,
you’re my family!
87.
BUSTARD
This is the family business! I’m
thinking outside the X-Box!
TABITHA
You could die!
BUSTARD
Good! That’s what everyone wants,
isn’t it?! I’m the worst Birdie and
everybody hates my guts!
TABITHA
Not me! I love you so much! I never
had a brother before! I just got
you, and I don’t want to lose you
now! Please! I’m sorry for what I
said, I’m sorry if I made you feel
like you weren’t good enough. That
was Nightingale talking, but I’m
not her anymore. I’m Tabitha, and I
think you’re the coolest!
He takes a breath. Starting to come to his senses.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Farhad. Come down.
He sees the love in her eyes. He sees her reaching for him.
He nods.
BUSTARD
Okay... I’m... I’m coming down...
Starts to climbs down. Tabitha breathes relived.
MAMA BIRD
No! A good Birdie finishes what he
starts!
TABITHA
Shut up!
MAMA BIRD
Rules are rules for a reason!
Consistency is key! Consistency is
key! Consistency is--
TABITHA
--Fuck consistency! And fuck you!
MAMA BIRD
FINISH YOUR CONTENT, BUSTARD! OR
I’LL SEND YOU BACK TO THE TUNNELS
WHERE YOU BELONG! AND YOU’LL BE THE
STAR OF AN ISIS BEHEADING VIDEO,
WHICH ALWAYS RACK UP THE VIEWS!
88.
Bustard gasps, and -- SLIPS.

Everyone screams. Papa jumps to his feet.
But Bustard falls backwards instead -- WHAPPP!!!! He hits the
roof back-first and slides down Mama’s side, tumbling and pin-
balling towards her.
TABITHA
Mama!
But she doesn’t try to save him. Just films him roll right
past her feet, down the roof, towards the edge and --
WHOOOSHHHH!!!!! Bustard flies off the roof in SLOW MOTION.
Papa running to catch him.
Bustard flying.
Tabitha’s mouth falling open.
The Birdies are running for him.
Mama filming, smiling.
Papa extends his arms, running...
Bustard flying. Falling. Running. Filming.
Bustard flaps his arms. A Hail Mary. But he can’t fly after
all, and Papa he can’t get there in time --
WAHMMMM!!!!! Bustard hits the ground hard -- CRACK!!!
He SCREAMS so loud it scatters the birds in the trees.
His arm is bent back in an impossible direction.
The Birdies surround him.
PAPA BIRD
Give him space!
Tabitha runs out the door, towards them.
DOVE
He’s alive! He’s okay!
Mama films her screaming boy. Pale and grinning like Robert
Blake in “Lost Highway.” Her flowing white things flapping in
the wind. She turns it on herself, suddenly coming alive.
MAMA BIRD
HI, BIRD WATCHERS! IT’S MAMA BIRD
HERE WITH ANOTHER, UM-- FUCK!
(MORE)
89.
MAMA BIRD (CONT'D)

(as if glitching)
HI, BIRDERS! WELCOME BACK TO MY
CHANNEL! YOU’LL NEVER--
(take three)
HI, BIRD WATCHERS! YOU’LL NEVER
BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED, BUSTARD
IS A SILLY GOOSE, HE LITERALLY FELL
OFF THE ROOF! WHAT WAS YOUR
FAVORITE BIRDIE MOMENT THIS YEAR?!
(gasping)
Don’t forget to smash that Like
button! Smash that Like button!
Smash that Like button!
Papa locks eyes with Mama up there. She levels her camera at
him. Tabitha puts her hand on Papa’s shoulder.
TABITHA
Papa... Pull the car around. We
have to get him to the hospital.
PAPA BIRD
She’s not gonna like that.
TABITHA
Papa. Now.
Finally, he nods. Jumps to his feet, and runs off. Tabitha
kneels next to Bustard.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Where’d she go?
They look back up at the roof. Mama is gone.
Papa pulls the SUV up. He hops out.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Bustard, can you walk?
BUSTARD
(wheezing)
I can do it. I can do anything.
Danger is my middle name.
He cries out as they help him to the car. Tabitha opens the
door for him.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
DON’T LEAVE MEEEEEE!
Mama is barreling out of the house in a dead sprint.
TABITHA PAPA BIRD
Hurry! För fan i helvete!
They get Bustard in the back. And pile into the car.
90.
Mama on their tail, gripping her selfie stick like a weapon --

slicing the air like its a sword, the wind whipping through
her hair, her face a mask of horror, her blood-curdling
SCREAMS wafting across the world...
She bears down and SWINGS the stick -- CRASHHH!!! The window
EXPLODES, showering the screaming children with glass.
INT. JAGUAR SUV - DAY
Papa stomps on the gas. VROOOOOOMMM!!!! Tires squeal as they
tear down the driveway. Horrified, wiping away the glass.
TABITHA
Seatbelts!
They all buckle in.
MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
NO! NO! DON’T LEAVE ME!
Tabitha looks back and sees Mama chasing them down, her eyes
are like hot marbles.
PLEASE!
WOOOOOSHHH! They speed towards the gate. Papa hits the
clicker button. The gate opens.
TABITHA
Faster, Papa!
He glances at Mama in the rearview -- Running and screaming,
arms flailing.
MAMA BIRD
DON’T LEEEEEEAAVVEEEEE MEEEE!
Suddenly -- REEEEEEEEE!!!!!! He slams on the breaks. They all
lurch forward.
TABITHA
Papa?
He hesitates. Looking at Mama in the mirror. Running at them,
screaming in pain, holding out her arms, screaming for Papa.
PAPA BIRD
I can’t.
TABITHA
What?!
PAPA BIRD
I can’t leave her.
91.
TABITHA
Papa, drive!
PAPA BIRD
She needs me.
TABITHA
She’s out of her mind!
PAPA BIRD
She wouldn’t hurt a flea! She’s
just a little tired is all!
DOVE
Go, go, go!
PAPA BIRD
We’re all a little tired, we all
just need to calm down.
LARK
Papa, something’s wrong with her!
PAPA BIRD
She’ll be her old self in the
morning, like always! We’ll go on a
family vacation, and decompress! We
won’t even film it!
HAWK
Pleeeease go!
Mama is getting closer. Screaming, and swinging her stick.
The Birdies are screaming.
PAPA BIRD
I’m sorry... I can’t leave Mama
Bird... I can’t... she’s my family.
He closes the gate -- THUMPPPPP! Mama is bearing down.
MAMA BIRD
WHAT ABOUT MY DIAMOND STATUS???!!!!
PAPA BIRD
It’s okay, Mama!
(opening the door)
We’re not going anywhere! We’re
never leaving!
Suddenly, Tabitha leaps across the seat and SLAMS ON THE GAS.
Papa starts screaming in Swedish as they rocket forward, Papa
fighting Tabitha and she’s no match, until--
DOVE
Birdie Cuddle!
92.
All the Birdies pile on Papa, and hold him back with their
hugs as -- WHAMMMMMM!!!!
They crash through the gates, turning them into a heap of
twisted metal and flying sparks, and Tabitha takes the wheel
as Papa tries to fight the Birdies’ suffocating love, but
they’re rabid and hold him so tight he can’t breath because
he’s no match for their embrace!
Lark starts beating Papa mercilessly with her crutch.
BUSTARD
Do you know how to drive?!
TABITHA
No! Do you?!
They fly down the narrow dirt road, with trees blurring past.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
Mama takes out her cell phone and pulls up the JAGUAR app.
INT. SUV - CONTINUOUS
DING!!! MAMA’S HORRIBLE BLEEDING FACE POPS UP ON THE DASH
DISPLAY --
MAMA BIRD
(to Tabitha)
GIVE ME BACK MY BIRDIES YOU
MOTHERLESS FUCK!
BLING!!!!
*SUV POWER DOWN* *SYSTEM OVERRIDE*
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS! Tabitha gasps, as the CAR SKIDS TO
A JARRING STOP-- TOO FAST! REEEEEECHHHHH!!!!
THE SUV SPINS OUT, CAREENING FOR A DITCH --
The Birdies lurching forward, as the SUV FLIPS!!!!
Somersaulting through the air IN EXTREME SLOW MOTION.
Up is down and down is up and --
The seatbelt-less Birdies are screaming, tumbling like
laundry in the dryer, hair standing on end, cell phones on
the ceiling as they flip and flip and flip and --
And we catch a glimpse of Mama filming the car crash as--
Tabitha is launched through a windshield like a missile.
CUT TO:
93.
BLACK
THE SOUND OF HEAVY BREATHING.
Tabitha opens her eyes. Dusty morning light cuts through the
canopies. Her eyes adjust and she scans the scene. It’s bad.
Birdies scattered around THE WOODS. Thrown from the vehicle.
Lark’s crutches are strewn in the leaves. Dove moaning. Lark
bleeding. Finch stirring, unconscious.
Hawk doesn’t look like he’s moving at all.
Bustard, the only one wearing a seatbelt, is hanging upside
down in the flipped and smoking SUV. Crying. Scared.
Tabitha in and out of consciousness. Blood in her eyes.
She hears footsteps, and sees Mama wandering amongst the
wreckage like a wraith. She grips her selfie stick a little
too tight. Her face is slack as she stands over Papa Bird who
is leaning against a tree, battered and bloodied and trying
like hell to breathe.
Tabitha fights sleep, struggling to keep her eyes open. She
watches as Mama lifts her camera and films Papa. He stares up
at her, eyes pleading, and then spikes the lens.
PAPA BIRD
Help me... Megen, help me...
MAMA BIRD
You want to take my Birdies, too.
PAPA BIRD
No... I would never... I... love
you... I...
Blood oozing from his gut. Pooling around him. He looks a
little like that dead bird. Mama is silent. Staring.
I’ve loved you... Since... the
moment I saw you... on my screen...
(a stab of pain)
And I heard your sad story, and I
heard my story in yours, and for
the first time in my life, I knew I
wasn’t alone. I’m your number one
fan. I scrolled to the comments
section, and wrote “first.” And you
liked my comment and...
(a bloody smile)
I was the first Birder, Megen. Me.
He grabs her ankle. Clutching it. Desperate. Choking.
94.
MAMA BIRD
Thanks for watching.
She raises the selfie stick like a bludgeon and brings it
down hard on his face.
WHAMMM! WHAMM! WHAMM! WHAMM! Harder and harder, like a mad
conductor, his blood powders her cheeks like blush.
And the camera she’s killing him with is recording his death.
Blood splatters the lens as she caves in his face. Finally,
Papa Bird gurgles and dies. His face is a mask of mangled
flesh.
Tabitha passes out cold.
CUT TO:
BLACK SCEEN.
YOUNG MAMA BIRD (O.S.)
Sing, Nightingale...
FADE IN:
GRAINY HANDICAM FOOTAGE... PAPA BIRD films YOUNG MAMA BIRD
and Young Nightingale on the couch in a neat, but cramped
apartment. HE ZOOMS IN on their smiling faces, Mama has dark
circles under hopeful eyes.
MAMA BIRD
Go on and sing. You can’t let your
fans down...
YOUNG NIGHTINGALE
HUSH LITTLE BABY DON’T SAY A
WORD... MAMA’S GONNA BY YOU A
MOCKINGBIRD...
WE SLOWLY WIDEN TO REVEAL THE CRACKED TABLET SCREEN THAT
PLAYS THIS YOU TUBE VIDEO.
We’re in a DARK ROOM. Pitch black, but for the warm glow of
THE VIDEO lighting up BABY TABITHA’S face, and reflecting in
her big brown eyes. She’s three-years-old, and the tablet is
her blanky. It’s the same one she had in the opening.
“Mama Bird’s MOMMY TIPS. 10/23/11”
This video has 400 views, and 200 of them are probably Baby
Tabitha’s. She coos, under the hypnotic spell of the lullaby.
95.
The tablet battery is at 1%. The screen dies, killing the

love and plunging Baby Tabitha into darkness. She cries out,
frightened.
BABY TABITHA
Birdie!
Tabitha pushes open the door to reveal -- A NIGHTMARISH
HOARDER HOUSE. A backlit jungle of stuff stacked at severe
angles. Piles of clothes, trash. The skeletons of broken
shelves buckling under the load. Leaning towers of newspapers
hunched like ghosts in the dark.
Baby Tabitha emerges from THE CLOSET in her dirty onesie,
clinging to the dead tablet. It’s heavy and she struggles.
She navigates through a path of stuff stacked taller than she
is. Past a spoon, bent and burnt on the carpet.
We hear the buzz of FLIES as Baby Tabitha approaches her
BIRTH MOTHER, in dull red hair in nightgown, slumped in a
sofa. Her face is lost in shadow. The tablet charger wrapped
snugly around her arm like a makeshift tourniquet.
BABY TABITHA (CONT’D)
Mama? Can I have the Birdie?
Tabitha holds up the dead tablet for her mother. Pushes it at
her, but it’s too heavy and she drops it.
Birdies, Mama... please.
Frustrated, she tugs at her Mother’s dangling tourniquet,
causing her to lurch forward, into the dull moonlight...
She’s long dead. Blue eyes pop against her waxy gray flesh.
Tabitha stares at her mother’s face. Not afraid... not yet...
just curious... confused... unable to process...
Finally, she just turns and waddles back to the safety of --
THE CLOSET
Where she shuts the door forever, and curls up in laundry
basket, trying her best to keep the song alive...
Huh... ill... bebe... Dun say
wor... mam gonnnnn by by... mockab-
a-rrrrrrr...
She sings herself to sleep.
96.
INT. BASEMENT - REALITY

TABITHA SNAPS AWAKE, opens her eyes. It’s dark down here in
the basement. Filled with BIRD AND WATERFOWL TAXIDERMY
perched on branches and in decorative nests. Frozen in mid-
flight. Hundreds of boxes of bizarre, and inexplicable
YOUTUBE VIDEO props and a store of unopened Amazon packages.
Tabitha sits up, and looks around. She see the bars, and
realizes she’s sitting in the GIANT HUMAN-SIZED BIRDCAGE from
the title sequence. An indulgent prop. She sees her brothers
and sisters sitting in the cage with her.
They are all wearing elaborate DUCK COSTUMES with hoods that
have eyes and beaks.
DOVE
You’re awake.
Their cuts and scrapes have been and mended. And covered with
make-up. They look good as new, a Mama Bird special!
Tabitha extends her fabric wings. Bustard’s left wing has
been modified to fit the makeshift splint on his broken arm.
TABITHA
How long have we been down here?
LARK
I don’t know.
HAWK
(looking at the costume)
Why are we wearing these?
TABITHA
(gulps)
“Five Little Ducks.”
FINCH
I’m scared.
TABITHA
Everything’s gonna be okay.
(to Bustard)
Are you okay, Bustard?
BUSTARD
It hurts... it hurts...
TABITHA
We’re gonna get out of here. We’re
gonna get you to the hospital.
They all huddle and hug. A Birdie Cuddle.
97.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Listen to me. No matter what
happens, we’ll always stick
together. If we stick together,
nothing bad can happen, because
we’re a family, and we’ll always
have each other’s backs.
FINCH
I’m happy you’re my sister.
It makes her smile. FOOTSTEPS.
Tabitha tries to squeeze through the bars, but they’re too
tight. She rams her shoulder against them. No avail.
LARK
Shhhhh. She’s coming.
Lumbering down the stairs. Mama emerges into the dull light,
with a smile is so big it boxes her ears. She’s her old
beautiful self again. Her hands are smeared with green paint.
Freshly spray painted GREEN SHACKLES slung over her shoulder.
MAMA BIRD
Hello, Birdies! I hope you had a
good rest!
They all moan and stir.
DOVE
(horrified)
You killed, Papa!
MAMA BIRD
(huffs)
Don’t be silly. It’s almost five
PM, we have to get cracking on
Gale’s new music video if we’re
going to make our deadline!
(jumps for joy)
NOW LET’S!! MAKE!! SOME!!
CONTENT!!!
She chucks the shackles on the ground before them.
EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - AFTERNOON
The sun looms over the soaring mountains.
INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
The Birdies are shackled to the green cinderblocks before the
massive GREEN SCREEN.
98.
Tabitha stands stiffly, sweating under the hot stare of

lights. The duck costume is stifling. A boom mic hangs over
her head like the Sword of Damocles.
TABITHA
(singing)
Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away...
The Birdies, in so much pain, do a choreographed duck waddle
dance. It’s hard to do with shackles on, but they do their
best. Bustard is ghost white, and sweating, his arm has
swelled to twice its size.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
(singing)
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack,
quack, quack.” But only four little
ducks came back--
Mama looks up from behind the camera. The deadly selfie stick
at the ready.
MAMA BIRD
No, no. That’s not right.
TABITHA
Mama, it hurts, it hurts to sing...
I think I hurt my ribs bad...
MAMA BIRD
You’re going to have to do better
if we’re gonna get Diamond Status.
You know that, dear.
BUSTARD
(whimpering)
My arm... my arm...
LARK
I think I’m bleeding bad.
MAMA BIRD
Oh, don’t you start, too!
Her duck costume is soaked in blood.
FINCH
Please, Mama! Please! This thing is
hurting my foot!
MAMA BIRD
We have to upload on time, we have
to make our deadline. Consistency
is key. Consistency is key.
Consistency is key.
99.
Mama Bird is adjusting the green screen graphics. There is a

cartoon pond and hills behind them. The shackles have been
keyed out. She starts to pace, chipper, gripping the stick so
tight it whitens her knuckles.
Consistency is keeeeey!
TABITHA
Please, just let us rest...
MAMA BIRD
Not until you give me the tingle.
Mama starts to music over. Tabitha and the Birdies try again.
But they’re so exhausted and dragging.
TABITHA
Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far a--
MAMA BIRD
NO! I’M NOT GETTING THE TINGLE! DO
YOU SEE THE HAIR ON THE BACK OF MY
NECK STANDING UP?! DO I LOOK
RELAXED TO YOU?!
The pet birds start to ruffle in its cage. Their song is a
sick SQUAWK. Mama groans and chews on her fingernails.
This is so, so FRUSTRATING!
Dove’s eyes roll back in her head, and she faints.
LARK
Dove!
The Birdies go to Dove and help her up.
MAMA BIRD
Oh, don’t be such a drama queen.
TABITHA
She needs water!
MAMA BIRD
If at first you don’t succeed, try,
try again!
Dove shakes it off.
DOVE
It’s okay, it’s okay...
Tabitha is starting to sweat off her make-up, under the
sizzling stare of the lights.
100.
MAMA BIRD
(dark)
Again.
She starts the music.
TABITHA
Five little--
MAMA BIRD
No... No, that’s not right...
Tabitha swallows her song. The Birdies start crying.
FINCH
Please, mama!!
The pet birds are going crazy, doing backflips off their
perches and pin-balling around.
A pool of urine gathers at Finch’s feet, his costume soiled,
and he cries and cries. Mama turns and looks at herself in
the monitor. She’s looks so pretty.
MAMA BIRD
I’m feeling the frustration in your
voice, Nightingale. It just won’t
do. How can you expect to relax
your audience if you’re not relaxed
yourself? Take a heart-focused
breath, count to five. And relax.
Tabitha locks eyes with Mama.
TABITHA
No.
MAMA BIRD
What?
TABITHA
I won’t do it.
Tabitha takes off her wing and throws it at her feet.
MAMA BIRD
What did I say about talking back?!
Mama charges and -- WHAPPPP!!! Slaps Tabitha across the face.
She reels back in pain, holding her cheek. And then THE
PERFECT ASMR VOICE FLUTTERS THROUGH THE HOUSE.
NIGHTINGALE (O.S.)
Five little ducks went out one day,
over the hill and far away...
Mama freezes. Under a spell.
101.
QUICK SHOTS: The hair on the back of Mama’s neck stands. Her
pupils dilate. Gooseflesh spreads down her arm. The Tingle.
NIGHTINGALE (CONT’D)
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack,
quack, quack.” But only four little
ducks came back...
She turns to find THE REAL NIGHTINGALE standing there. In
flannel. Rucksack on.
MAMA BIRD
Gale?
And then she softens.
My baby... my baby’s home!!!
Mama runs at Nightingale with open arms, but stops dead in
her tracks when Nightingale lifts her iPhone like a gun--
NIGHTINGALE
(chipper)
Hey, YouTube Live! It’s me,
Nightingale, home from Nome, to
show you all just how much of a
burnt-out bitch Mama Bird is IRL!
MAMA BIRD
What? What are you--
Tabitha films the shackled Birdies.
NIGHTINGALE
Don’t worry, the police are on
their way.
(to the phone)
Make sure you smash that dislike
button and un-fucking-subscribe!
Let’s shut this bitch down!
MAMA BIRD
NO!!!!!!
NIGHTINGALE
Say goodbye to your precious subs!
WAILING, MAMA RUNS HER DOWN--
Nightingale chucks the phone at Mama’s head -- THWACK!!! It
hits her square in the nose, and it explodes, blood streaming
down her face and staining her shirt.
MAMA BIRD
MY CHANNEL!
102.
Mama leaps through the air, and belly flops on top of

Nightingale, pinning her down. She claps her hands around her
throat. Squeezes good.
The Birdies scream! Helpless and shackled.
BUSTARD
(screaming at the phone)
SEND HELP, BIRDERS! SEND HELP!
Tabitha is pulling at her shackles, trying desperately to
move her cinderblock, and save her sister. But it’s no use.
And as the color drains out of Nightingale’s trembling face,
Mama looks up at the leaderboard. Nightingale sees it, too,
and she is horrified. It can’t be...
The subs are rising. Higher and higher!
9,587,389
DOVE
They’re going up...
TABITHA
No. No, No!
Higher... Mama bird picks up Nightingale’s phone and leans it
against the chair. She gets the shot framed, live streaming.
9,887,389
Mama clamps down harder. Veins throbbing in Nightingale’s
forehead, blood vessels popping in her eyes like little
crimson fireworks.
Instantly, there are thousands of Likes and comments.
First!
Holy shit she’s killing her!
This is amazing!
BITCH IS BATSHIT!!!!
LOL!!!!!!!!
Best Vid ever!
Gale’s getting pwned!
MURDER!!!!!
Are you kidding?
This is insane!
I LOVE YOUTUBE!!!!!
And Mama glows in the warm red glow of the leaderboard.
Tickticktickticktickticktick... And she feels every tick
where it counts.
Suddenly, Eric the Canary lands on Tabitha’s shoulder.
103.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Eric--
The bird flies into its metal birdcage that hangs on a black
iron pool. She starts reaching for the cage. Pulling her
cinderblock.
Nightingale is turning purple. Slipping away. The veins
throbbing in her forehead. Tears streaming down her face.
The Birdies screaming and screaming. Pulling at their
shackles. Tabitha reaches for the Birdcage. Straining at her
chains. Her fingers tickle the stand. So close. And then --
DING!!!
10,085,7657!!!!!
They’ve just surpassed ten million subs.
MAMA BIRD
OHHHHHH MYYYY GOODDDDDDDD!!!!!
Mama shudders, orgasmically and this triggers --
WHAAAAAAAAAA-- AIRHORNS! Matching Mama’s screams.
An automatic laser light show begins, spewing colored lights
around the room. Mama throws her hands into the air, and
Nightingale sucks in a massive breath, desperate for life--
WE DID IT! WE DID IT! OH MY BIRDIES
ISN’T THIS WONDERFUL?!
“DIAMOND STATUS CREATORS!” pops up on all the TV screens
throughout the house. “SURFIN BIRD” blasts on the system.
A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird!
B-b-b-bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
It’s scoring Mama’s screams, and it’s a horrible harmony.
(dark, and calm)
But a good birdie finishes what she
starts--
And as Mama clamps down harder. The life drains from
Nightingale’s eyes...
She looks up at the leaderboard... Her name has just
surpassed Nightingale’s in the family analytics.
Mama Bird -- 194,532,567
*New* Nightingale -- 152,899,589
104.
She squeals with delight.

Look! Look! I’m the best Birdie!
But then A SHADOW falls over her.
TABITHA (O.S.)
But you’re the worst mother.
Mama whips around and -- WHAMMMMMMM!!! THE METAL BIRDCAGE
CRACKS HER ACROSS THE SKULL.
Mama reels forward. Tabitha is gripping the pole like a
baseball bat. She falls on top of Nightingale like a snipped
marionette.
Nightingale rolls off, trying to catch her breath, grabbing
at her throat, desperate for life.
TABITHA (CONT’D)
Gale!!!
Mama is dizzy. Nightingale rises to her feet. Seething.
NIGHTINGALE
(raspy, still choked)
Close your eyes, Birdies. This is
gonna be rated R.
They all turn away, no peeking.
Nightingale lifts the Birdcage by the pole. Stands over her
mother. She lifts it high above her head. And Tabitha has to
see. She opens her eyes as --
WHAMMMM!!!! NIGHTINGALE BLUDGEONS MAMA WITH THE IRON BASE OF
THE STAND -- BLOOD SPRAYS!!! Mama’s skull implodes. WHAM!!!
A-well, a bird, bird, bird, well-a bird is a word
A-well, a bird, bird, b-bird's a word
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! Wrecked, Tabitha falls to her knees. Eric
perched on her shoulder. She’s crying and screaming, and
exorcising all of the trauma that has been trapped inside her
all these years, the foster homes, the abuse, the false
promises. Crying her eyes out, and it’s a beautiful purge.
MEMORY FLASH: Baby Tabitha driven away from the Hoarder house
in the cop car. Blues and reds spray.
Nightingale collapses on her ass, and drops the weapon.
Tabitha looks up and sees -- Mama, with a massive head wound,
crawling away from Nightingale, across the floor on her hands
and knees like an infant, leaving a trail of blood and gore.
She’s not angry, she’s terrified.
105.
Clinging to the last morsels of life. Staring at Tabitha with

emptying eyes, blinking desperately.
She reaches for Tabitha.
MAMA BIRD
(sucking wet breaths)
...Mommy...
(weakening)
Mommy...
Mama Bird crawls into Tabitha’s lap, and she finds herself
cuddling up together, holding Mama Bird’s bleeding, broken
gurgling head. She rubs Mama’s damp red hair.
...Mommy? ...Mommy?
Tabitha and Nightingale lock eyes. Nightingale nods, as if
giving her permission.
Instinct kicks into high gear. Tabitha starts to rock Mama
Bird. And she sings her to sleep. It’s born in her.
TABITHA
Rock-a-bye, baby, in the treetop...
When the wind blows, the cradle
will rock...
With the last of her strength, Mama Bird hands Tabitha her
purple wig. Tabitha hesitates, but what the hell, a dying
wish. She puts it on.
Nightingale hobbles over. Lies down beside them. She joins
Tabitha in song, her raspy voice a perfect ASMR trigger.
TABITHA & NIGHTINGALE
When the bough breaks, the cradle
will fall... And down will come
baby, cradle and all...
It’s a perfect duet. The hair on Mama’s neck stands erect.
Gooseflesh spreads down her arm. And the life is slowly
draining from her eyes as her daughters sing her to sleep.
Suddenly -- GZTTTT!!!! Words flash on the flatscreens.
ACCOUNT SUSPENDED!
Ticktickticktickticktick. The subs start to go down.
9,432,246
Plunging down. Losing millions at a time.
4,371,432
106.
Hemorrhaging subs...
21,192
Until there are no subscribers left.
97
Just a big fat goose egg --
0
And Mama is dead.
Tabitha lets her go, lays her stiff body down gently.
DOVE
Is she...
Tabitha nods. The Birdies bow their heads.
LARK
...poor Mama.
Lark and Dove hug and cry a little. Tabitha takes off the wig
and hurls it across the room. She gets the keys from Mama’s
pocket, and unshackles herself.
She throws the keys to Lark, who goes to work on the Birdies.
Nightingale wipes Mama’s blood off on Tabitha’s duck costume.
And then helps her up. She’s still catching her breath.
TABITHA
I’m Tabitha.
NIGHTINGALE
I’m... Mary...
Nightingale holds her tender throat.
TABITHA
Mary... so pretty. Nice to meet you
in real life, sister.
NIGHTINGALE
You too.
DOVE
I’m Jenny.
HAWK
I’m Mike.
FINCH
I’m Sam.
107.
BUSTARD
(in great pain)
I’m Farhad.
LARK
I was actually already Lark.
They all sort of laugh, but it’s hard and it hurts.
They smile and size each other up...Like they’re seeing each
other for the first time...
NIGHTINGALE
I’ve been watching every day. I
could tell she was getting worse,
and I came as soon as I could. I
knew I had to do something...
TABITHA
Thanks for watching.
NIGHTINGALE
Thanks for saving my life.
TABITHA
Birds of a feather.
NIGHTINGALE
No more bird puns, please.
TABITHA
Sorry.
NIGHTINGALE
You’re safe now. I promise.
Nothing’s bad is gonna happen to
you again, I’ll make sure of it.
(to the Birdies)
You got me now. I’m here for you.
Tabitha hugs her. And she feels so safe in her arms. They
Birdies join in for a Birdie Cuddle.
NIGHTINGALE (CONT’D)
There’s something I always wanted
to do...
Nightingale climbs to her feet.
CUT TO:
The Children run through the living room freeing all the pet
birds from their cages, opening all the windows and doors. A
symphony of perfect birdsong as the birds fly through the
house, and fly out the windows and doors...
108.
EXT. LAWN - DAY

The Children watch the pet birds fly away into the sky--
They all hold hands. A perfect family.
DOVE
Look.
She points to the sky, where a fleet of THE THUNDERING POLICE
HELICOPTERS cut through the clouds... Coming to the rescue...
And, yes, they look like giant metal birds.
LARK
How was Nome?
NIGHTINGALE
Terrible WiFi.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
SIRENS in the background. Police on their way... Moving
through the house... Past Mama’s dead body... Down the dark
hallway to HER BEDROOM...
Through the door... Mama’s room is plain and tidy... The bed
is made...
There’s a small altar by the window... Unlit candles... And
at the center of the altar...
An old photo from the 80s. An engraved wooden frame reads:
Mommy & Me. A YOUNG WOMAN with a kind smile, tattoos and
streaks of purple in her hair. She’s sitting next to a YOUNG
MAMA BIRD, THE HAPPIEST LITTLE GIRL IN THE WORLD.
Together forever.

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BIRDIES

Nightingale turns the camera off.

GZT! The video GLITCHES again. Tabitha gives it a hard whack.

A HUSKY VOICE outside Tabitha’s door --

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

Tabitha gasps. Quickly locks the door.

Tabitha covers her mouth in disbelief.

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

--The video is interrupted by AN AD FOR GRAMMARLY! “Great

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

The doorknob jiggles. Harder. KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Tabitha presses SKIP AD. The video resumes--

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

ON SCREEN: FINCH (6), white, convulsing with Ritalin vibes.

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

DOVE and HAWK (12) Cambodian twins.

Last is BUSTARD (11). A middle eastern boy with a slight

--WHAM! WHAM! Miss Ketchum is pounding. The door bowing.

MISS KETCHUM (O.S.)

Hemming and hawing and the JIGGLING OF A KEYRING. Tabitha

EXT. ROAD - DAY

Tabitha glances at the mounted police computer up front, and

Lark’s Shopping Hauls and Unboxings

EXT. MISS KETCHUM'S HOUSE - DAWN

THE BIRDIE FAMILY FANNED OUT IN THE FOYER! They’re dressed in

EXT. HIGHWAY - VARIOUS - DAY

As she moves through the house, Papa films.

A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird!

-- The Birdies steer dune buggies across the estate. Pedal to

MAMA BIRD (CONT’D)

She hands Tabitha a scrap of paper.

Mama starts DELETING these comments, one by one. Scrubbing

MAMA BIRD (CONT’D)

Papa smiles as he films. Zooming in on Mama, studying her

PAPA BIRD (CONT’D)

MAMA BIRD (CONT’D)

The new birdie sucks

INT. BUSTARD'S ROOM - EVENING

INT. THE BIRDIE HOUSE - NIGHT

MAMA BIRD (CONT’D)

EXT. BIRDIE HOUSE - THE NEXT DAY

EXT. BIRDIE ESTATE - YARD - DAY

Later, they all take a selfie together at the stoop.

CHAOS! They hurry through the GAUNTLET OF SWOONING SCREAMING

He points to the massive GREEN SCREEN in the living room.

MAMA BIRD (CONT’D)

The Birdies emerge, wiping the sleep from their eyes.

Suddenly -- BLINNNNGGGGG!!!! Incoming FaceTime Call. She

Bustard gasps, and -- SLIPS.

MAMA BIRD (CONT'D)

Mama on their tail, gripping her selfie stick like a weapon --

The tablet battery is at 1%. The screen dies, killing the

INT. BASEMENT - REALITY

Tabitha stands stiffly, sweating under the hot stare of

Mama Bird is adjusting the green screen graphics. There is a

Mama leaps through the air, and belly flops on top of

She squeals with delight.