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Crazy Rich Asians

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CRAZY RICH ASIANS
Last synced Dec 3 @ 5:48am

CRAZY RICH ASIANS

v1 was generated by Brent Dunham on Dec 3 @ 5:48am

OPENING TITLES
MUSIC IN.
SUPERIMPOSE: Let China sleep, for when she wakes, she will
shake the world.
- Napoleon Bonaparte
FADE IN:
EXT. CALTHORPE HOTEL - NIGHT - 1995 - HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDER
SUPERIMPOSE: LONDON
1995
INT. CALTHORPE HOTEL - CLOSE ON A PORTRAIT - NIGHT
of a modern ENGLISH LORD. The brass placard reads: “Lord Rupert
Calthorpe-Cavendish-Gore.”
REVEAL we’re in the lobby of an ostentatious hotel. It’s
deserted except for TWO CLERKS at the front desk. It is the
middle of the night and RAINING HEAVILY outside.
ANGLE ON HOTEL ENTRANCE
The revolving doors start to swing as TWO CHILDREN (NICK 8,
ASTRID 8) and TWO CHINESE WOMEN, ELEANOR and FELICITY YOUNG
(30s) enter. They’re DRIPPING WET, dragging their soaked
luggage behind them.
Nick SLIDES his feet around the polished floor, leaving a MUDDY
CIRCLE in his wake. The clerks look horrified. Eleanor makes
her way to the front desk, while complaining to Felicity about
having to walk in the bad weather.
ELEANOR
in Cantonese; subtitled
If you didn’t make us walk, we wouldn’t be soaked.
Felicity grabs the children by the hand and follows Eleanor to
the front desk.
CLERK #1
May I help you? This is the Calthorpe, a private hotel --
Eleanor goes to the desk and replies in PERFECT ENGLISH, her
pronunciation is BRITISH, with a lilt unique to upper-crust
Chinese from former British colonies.
NOTE: The specific accents of our players are important
character details, indications of their background, education,
and socioeconomic status.
ELEANOR
I’m Mrs. Eleanor Young. I have a reservation. The Lancaster
suite.
sees his name tag
We spoke on the phone when I confirmed yesterday.
CLERK #1
Sorry, don’t seem to have your reservation.
Clerk #2 surreptitiously presses a BUTTON under the counter.
Eleanor and Felicity exchange glances. Felicity rolls her eyes,
sensing what’s going on.
REGINALD ORMSBY (50s, pompous) pops out of a door behind the
front desk and the clerks move aside.
ORMSBY
Good evening. I’m Reginald Ormsby, hotel manager. Is there a
problem?
ELEANOR
I’m Mrs. Eleanor Young. My family and I would like to be shown
to our suite. We’ve had a long flight.
Ormsby takes in Eleanor et al, makes a snap judgment.
ORMSBY
We’re fully booked, madam. You must have made a mistake. I’m
sure you and your lovely family can find other accommodations.
May I suggest you explore Chinatown?
FELICITY
in Cantonese; subtitled; mutters
You can explore Hell. You dog turd.
ELEANOR
Please, may I use your phone to call my husband? It’s the least
you can do.
Eleanor levels a glare at Ormsby, who looks at her with a tight
smile.
EXT. CALTHORPE HOTEL - LONDON - NIGHT
RAIN POURS on the children and Felicity as they watch Eleanor
in a PHONE BOOTH. “THE CALTHORPE” sign casts a glow over them.
We don’t know what she’s saying, but we hear Eleanor angrily
speaking on the phone.
INT. CALTHORPE HOTEL - LONDON - NIGHT
Eleanor bursts through the front door with her family right
behind her. Eleanor approaches the front desk again. Ormsby is
not pleased.
ORMSBY
Mrs. Young! I must ask you to leave, or I’ll have to call the
police.
ELEANOR
Please, go right ahead.
Ormsby is taken aback. He moves to stop her when the elevator
DINGS and OPENS and an ELDERLY MAN IN A SILK ROBE AND SLIPPERS
comes out LORD CALTHORPE, the same man in the opening portrait
and owner of the hotel. Ormsby snaps to.
ORMSBY
Lord Calthorpe! My apologies for this disturbance --
Lord Calthorpe ignores Ormsby and beelines for Eleanor.
LORD CALTHORPE
Eleanor! I just got off the phone with your husband.
Lord Calthorpe kisses Eleanor on the cheek, and snaps at the
clerks.
LORD CALTHORPE
Get the Lancaster suite ready. Now.
Ormsby reacts, confused.
ORMSBY
Surely you’re joking, sir.
LORD CALTHORPE
I assure you, I’m not. As of this evening, my family’s long
history as custodians of the Calthorpe is ended. I am selling
the hotel to my dear friends, the Young family of Singapore.
Ormsby looks at Eleanor, shocked.
LORD CALTHORPE
Meet the new lady of the house, Eleanor Young.
to Eleanor
Join me for a toast.
ELEANOR
We’d be delighted.
turns to address Ormsby
Do get a mop. The floor’s wet.
Eleanor winks at Nick, who grins and looks back at Ormsby.
ORMSBY
to Clerk #1
Get a mop.
SMASH CUT TO:
OPENING TITLES
CONTINUE OVER MUSIC.
SUPERIMPOSE: CRAZY RICH ASIANS
FADE IN:
INT. DARK ROOM - PRESENT DAY - 2017
Staring across a table is RACHEL CHU (29, Chinese-American,
beautiful, sharp). She exudes confidence. PULL BACK to reveal a
pile of chips in front of her.
We see someone else’s hand checking the cards they’ve been
dealt: 2 KINGS, 2 NINES, and a JACK. They’re in the middle of a
five card draw poker game.
As the CAMERA TILTS UP we see CURTIS (late 20s, T.A., white) is
the player sitting across from Rachel. He stares at her over
his black-rimmed glasses, trying to read her. She stares back,
revealing nothing.
Rachel pushes the pile of chips to the center of the poker
table.
RACHEL
I’m all in.
Curtis has FIVE CHIPS left. He checks his cards again, then
FOLDS.
CURTIS
Fold.
Rachel flips over her cards. She’s got nothing.
CURTIS
Nothing!
as Rachel laughs
This whole time you had nothing.
The lights come up and we see A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE CLAP AND
TITTER. REVEAL we’re in: AN AUDITORIUM CLASSROOM with UNDERGRAD
STUDENTS. The poker table onstage is being shown on two LARGE
FLAT SCREENS so the students can follow the action.
Rachel takes the lectern. “Game Theory 290” appears on the side
screens.
RACHEL
All right, so, how did I beat T.A. Curtis so very, very badly?
Well, I know for a fact that Curtis is cheap.
The students all smile and laugh, totally engaged.
RACHEL
So, he’s not playing using logic or math, but using his
psychology. Our brains so hate the idea of losing something
that’s valuable to us, that we abandon all rational thought and
make some really poor decisions. So Curtis wasn’t playing to
win. He was playing not to lose.
to Curtis; tosses him a chip
Here. Put it towards a haircut.
The class LAUGHS. Curtis takes the $10 with a BANDAGED HAND.
RACHEL
All right, that’s it for today. Don’t forget your essays on
conditional probability are due next week --
As students file out, NICK walks in and smiles lasciviously.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT. NEW YORK - NIGHT
SUPERIMPOSE: NEW YORK, 2018
INT. CAKE & CARRY - NIGHT
Nick and Rachel share a STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING like an old
married couple.
NICK
digging in
Yes!
RACHEL
You know what, you can order your own.
NICK
taking a bite; chewing
Mm, I’m okay with coffee. Thanks.
RACHEL
Yeah, well, you always say that, and then you end up eating all
my dessert.
Nick takes a huge bite.
NICK
mouth full
I don’t know what you’re talking about? ‘Cause I have, like, a
tiny bit.
RACHEL
Uh-huh. Okay.
to waiter
Can we have one more of these, please.
chuckling
Thank you.
NICK
So, what about us taking an adventure east?
RACHEL
You wanna get pork buns in the East Village. That’s what it is,
isn’t it?
NICK
I was actually thinking of further east.
RACHEL
Like Queens.
NICK
Like Singapore? For spring break?
off Rachel
Colin’s wedding. We’ve been dating for over a year now, and I
think it’s about time people met my beautiful girlfriend. Come
on, I’m Colin’s best man. Don’t you wanna see where I grew up?
Meet my family, my Ah Ma? And meet up with that strange college
roommate of yours.
RACHEL
Peik Lin.
NICK
Mm-hmm. Peik Lin.
RACHEL
She has been begging me to come visit her, you know?
NICK
The universe has spoken. It wants you over there. Come to
Singapore. I want the whole island to meet the brilliant Rachel
Chu.
RACHEL
Aw.
A woman sitting at a booth behind them watches Rachel and Nick,
interested in their every move. She gets up and walks past them
with her cell phone and snaps a photo as she passes in front of
them. She immediately starts TEXTING --
SERIES OF TEXTS
Radio1Asia: OMG. You’ll never believe who I saw.
Girl: WHO?
Radio1Asia e-mails the picture of Rachel and Nick.
Girl: Is that NICK YOUNG?
Radio1Asia: Yes.
Girl: Who’s the girl?
Radio1Asia: Said her name was Rachel Chu.
Group TEXT with photo: Who IS this girl?
Nick and Rachel’s picture is sent out all over Social Media.
They Google Rachel Chu.
TEXT: Wah, so many Rachel Chu’s lah
We see photos of searches matching Rachel Chu.
TEXT: Did you try Choo? Or Chiu? Or Chew? Or Zhu?
TEXT: OMFG! yah, which one? Ask the Twins?
Twin #1 TEXT: Found her!
Twin #2 TEXT: Found her?
TEXT: Rachel Chu
TEXT: Is there a ring?
TEXT: Looks ABC
TEXT: WTF!
TEXT: NEVER
TEXT: u joking?
TEXT: Hate her!!!!
TEXT: Be serious
TEXT: Better not
TEXT: No thanks
Radio1 Asia: He’s bringing her to the wedding!
TEXT: Alamak!!!
TEXT: SRSLY!?
TEXT: Kantang!!!
TEXT: Drama!
TEXT: No way!
TEXT: OMFG!!!
TEXT: So not
TEXT: NOOOOO Does Amanda know?
TEXT: NO WAY
TEXT: Why her!
TEXT: DEAD
TEXT: WTF?!?!
TEXT: serious
TEXT: LOSER
TEXT: ew no
TEXT: walao!!
TEXT: Basic AF
TEXT: Like Really??
TEXT: OK and??
TEXT: baiiiii
TEXT: Does his Mother know?
INSERT - MAP OF SINGAPORE
CUT TO:
INT. PHILLIP AND ELEANOR’S HOUSE - SINGAPORE - MORNING
ELEANOR reads a Bible verse aloud to a group of ladies.
ELEANOR
‘If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that
are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.’
It’s been twenty years since we’ve seen Eleanor, but she looks
amazing. She sits with FOUR FABULOUSLY DRESSED, BEJEWELED
WOMEN: JACQUELINE LING (50s), ALIX YOUNG (50s), NADINE (30s),
AND LORENA (40s). Uniformed MAIDS serve tea and “kuih,” local
cakes.
ELEANOR
‘Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that
are on Earth.’
Eleanor’s interrupted by BUZZING. She looks disapproving as
Alix and Jacqueline check their messages.
These matriarchs speak with UPPER-CRUST CHINESE SINGAPOREAN
ACCENTS (perfect grammar with local flourishes). Jacqueline
reacts, surprised.
JACQUELINE
Eleanor, is Nicki bringing a girl to Colin’s wedding? My Amanda
heard it from her friend, Francesca--
Eleanor is surprised, but tries not to let on.
ALIX
looking at phone
Eddie says her name is Rachel Chu?
NADINE
Oh! I thought that Nick was coming alone. Did you know he had a
girlfriend?
All eyes are on Eleanor who covers, not wanting to get into the
details.
ELEANOR
Nick dates many girls. It’s hard to keep track.
JACQUELINE
Amanda knows everyone and she has never heard of her.
NADINE
Rachel Chu. Or maybe she’s from the Taiwan plastics Chu family?
ALIX
low; conspiratorial
If you want, I have a private investigator. Very discreet --
ELEANOR
interrupting
I think we should return to the word of God. Alix?
The women reluctantly return to their Bibles.
ALIX
Ephesians. Chapter six, verse four. ‘Bring up your children in
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.’
can’t help herself
Oh, I do hope she’s a good, Christian girl.
JACQUELINE
Well, if he’s bringing her home, it must be serious.
NADINE
Exactly.
The women all look at Eleanor.
INT. CAKE & CARRY - NIGHT
RESUME Rachel and Nick. Nick’s phone rings.
NICK
It’s my mum. Do you mind?
RACHEL
Mm, go ahead.
Rachel is about to dig into pudding #2.
NICK
to Rachel
All right. Save me some of that.
RACHEL
Okay.
Nick gets up to take the call away from the counter.
NICK
into phone
Hey, Mum, everything okay?
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Does something have to wrong for me to call?
NICK
Yeah, usually.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Ha, ha, ha. Very funny.
INT. PHILLIP AND ELEANOR’S HOUSE - SINGAPORE - DAY
Eleanor is on her phone standing away from her Bible group.
Keeps her voice low, casual.
INTERCUT AS NECESSARY with Nick and Eleanor talking on the
phone.
ELEANOR
Are you bringing the girl you’re seeing to Colin’s wedding?
NICK
confused
Hmm. We were literally just talking about that. How could you
know?
ELEANOR
Everybody knows.
Nick sees Celine (the only other Asian in the restaurant)
leaving through a revolving door.
NICK
Radio One Asia.
Eleanor notices the other women trying to eavesdrop.
ELEANOR
to ladies
Move on to Corinthians, I’ll catch up.
ALIX
Ah, yes.
ELEANOR
back to phone; low
We’re looking forward to having you home. And your room is all
ready for you.
Nick hears this, gets the implication.
NICK
Thanks, Mom. But Rachel and I will be staying together.
Eleanor is disappointed, makes another attempt:
ELEANOR
I see. Well, I’m having the house redone. And it’s not ready
for guests. If Rachel comes, I think she might be more
comfortable staying somewhere else?
Nick returns to the counter, to see the second sticky toffee
pudding is gone, except for a TINY PIECE.
NICK
All right. Sorry about that.
RACHEL
I saved you a piece.
NICK
You did, did you? A very small piece at that. Thank you very
much.
RACHEL
How’s your mom? Everything okay?
NICK
Mm. Couldn’t be better.
Rachel kisses nick.
RACHEL (V.O.)
pre-lap
Hey, Mom, this one’s kind of cute.
INT. CLOTHING BOUTIQUE - DAY
Rachel looks at her reflection in a mirror as she holds a blue
and white dress to her body. Her mother, KERRY (50s, real
estate agent, Chico chic), shakes her head. Kerry has a slight
Chinese immigrant accent.
RACHEL
What do you think?
KERRY
No! No! No! No! You can’t wear that to meet Nick’s Ah Ma. Blue
and white is for Chinese funerals. Now this, this symbolizes
good fortune and fertility.
Kerry holds up a conservative RED dress.
RACHEL
Great! I was really going for that ‘lucky baby-maker’ vibe.
KERRY
Hey! You are the one who asked for my help picking out a dress
to meet Nick’s family.
RACHEL
It’s only ‘cause I hardly know anything about them. Every time
I bring them up Nick changes the subject.
KERRY
Maybe he’s embarrassed. Maybe his parents are poor, and he has
to send them money. That’s what all good Chinese children do.
Rachel chuckles and they keep searching for the right dress.
KERRY
Oh, you are going to have a wonderful time. You’ve always
wanted to go to Asia and who knows, if all goes well in
Singapore, you might just come back with a souvenir.
RACHEL
Mom, stop! Nick and I haven’t even talked about that.
RACHEL
I mean, his parents can’t not like me, right?
Kerry has a sour look on her face and turns away to begin
rummaging through a clothes rack.
RACHEL
What was that look? I saw that.
KERRY
Nothing. It’s just, Nick bringing a girl all the way there to
meet them can mean a lot to these overseas families. Eh,
they’re different from us.
RACHEL
How are they different? They’re Chinese, I’m Chinese. I’m so
Chinese, I’m an economics professor with lactose intolerance.
KERRY
Yeah, but you grew up here.
in Mandarin; subtitled
Ni kan qilai shi huaren, ni jiang de shi zhongwen. Keshi zheli
he zheli-- [Your face is Chinese. You speak Chinese. But here--
points to Rachel’s head and mouth
-- and here--
in English
You’re different. But wearing a lucky color will make a good
first impression.
CUT TO:
EXT. JFK - CURBSIDE - DAY
Amid the hectic bustle, Nick and Rachel exit a taxi. An airport
sign behind them reads: Kuwait Airways, Pacific Asian Airlines,
Qatar Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific.
FEMALE ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Attention, the white zone is for passenger loading and
unloadings only.
RACHEL
Okay, game plan. Check our bags, get through security, and then
we could eat one of the three homemade Tupperware meals my mom
packed for us.
An elegant PACIFIC ASEAN AIRLINES FLIGHT ATTENDANT approaches,
flanked by TWO PORTERS with luggage carts.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Good afternoon, Mr. Young, Ms. Chu. We’ll take your bags and
get you checked into first class.
NICK
Great.
Rachel looks confused as the porters take their bags.
RACHEL
Oh. No, there's a mistake. We're not first class. We’re economy
people.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
This way, please.
Nick puts a hand in the small of her back:
NICK
Just go with it. Come on.
RACHEL
But--
NICK
Yeah, they’ll be fine. Just leave them there.
INT. PLANE - ON NICK - DAY
FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2 pulls back a gold, silk curtain revealing a
luxurious part of the plane that looks more like a hotel.
Another attendant serves them champagne.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2
Welcome aboard, Mr. Young, Ms. Chu. Here’s the way to your
private suite. And some champagne.
They walk up to a full bar where champagne is poured for them.
Rachel turns to Nick like “what’s going on?”
NICK
to serving flight attendant
Thank you.
Rachel is blown away to see the leather armchairs, two huge
flat screen TVs, even a full-length wardrobe.
NICK
Thank you very much.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2
You’re welcome. After takeoff, would you like to enjoy the
lounge chairs or should we convert your suite into a bedroom?
Rachel clobbers Nick with a bag to keep him from responding.
RACHEL
Uh, we’re good. Thank you.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2
Enjoy.
Nick looks to Rachel.
The Flight Attendant leaves. As Nick settles in, Rachel looks
at the complimentary pajamas.
RACHEL
Nick. We can’t afford this. These pajamas are fancier than any
of my real clothes.
NICK
Hmm? My family has business with the airline. The tickets,
they’re a perk.
Rachel senses there’s more to this. Pursues it:
RACHEL
What kind of business?
NICK
Real estate, investment, other things. Nothing interesting.
reading menu
Dim sum.
RACHEL
So your family is, like, rich?
NICK
Uh, we’re comfortable.
RACHEL
That is exactly what a super rich person would say. It’s not a
big deal, obviously. I just think it’s kind of weird that I had
no idea. I mean, you have a Jamba Juice card, you use my
Netflix password. You play basketball at that Y that kind of
smells.
Nick sees Rachel is a little thrown.
NICK
I really like that place, thank you very much. And yes, my
family has money, but I’ve always thought of it as theirs. Not
mine.
RACHEL
I get that. But I’m going all the way over there to meet them--
Kind of just wanna know what I’m getting into. And, you know,
they’re your family.
NICK
Well-- My family is much like anybody else’s. There’s half of
them that you love and respect, and then there’s the other
half.
RACHEL
Which half am I meeting?
CUT TO:
INT. MOVIE SET - TAIWAN - NIGHT
A HERO faces off against a VILLAIN. In the b.g., a BUXOM
HEROINE is chained to a wall. The Hero and villain launch into
a fast-paced, stylistic KUNG-FU FIGHT. The Hero wins and sets
free the Heroine, who clutches him.
SUPERIMPOSE: TAIWAN
NICK (V.O.)
Well, there’s my cousin Alistair, based in Taiwan, works in
movies.
Sitting on movie set is ALISTAIR CHENG (30s, sunglasses,
dapper). The empty chair next to him has the name KITTY PONG on
the back.
MALE DIRECTOR
And cut!
NICK (V.O.)
He’s dating Kitty Pong, an actress.
ALISTAIR
Kitty.
Buxom Heroine KITTY PONG (20s, DD implants) runs into the arms
of Alistair. She speaks with a GIRLY TAIWANESE ACCENT.
KITTY
Alistair. You like it? I was feeling very-- very the emotions.
Can you feel it?
Kitty grabs his hand and places it forcefully on her boob.
ALISTAIR
Oh, I can feel all of you. And all of me.
Alistair grabs Kitty’s left thigh and yanks it up onto his hip.
The DIRECTOR and Hero/Actor have an aside. On the back of the
chair “TAIPEI TIGER 2.”
MOVIE HERO
in Mandarin; subtitled
Ta zhen de lan toule. Keyi huan ren ma?
She’s terrible. Can we get someone else?
MALE DIRECTOR
in Mandarin; subtitled
Zhe bu xi ta nanpengyou dou zhidao. Ni neng shuo huan ren ma.
He’s financing the whole movie. You tell him his girlfriend
sucks.
They look on as Alistair and Kitty make out.
INT. PLANE
Nick and Rachel continue their conversation.
RACHEL
Okay, and what about your cousin Eddie? You don’t ever talk
about him.
NICK
Well, Eddie is a big finance guy in Hong Kong. A real family
man.
CUT TO:
INT. PENTHOUSE APARTMENT - HONG KONG - MORNING
Eddie, his wife FIONA CHENG (30s, Hong Kong Chinese, in a
simple but elegant dress), and their three sons (all under 8
and wearing matching Gucci outfits) are frozen in “natural”
poses. Eddie and Fiona “laugh” as their boys “play” with wooden
airplanes that look more like props than toys as photographer
RUSSELL WONG takes their portrait. Behind them, wide, floor-to-
ceiling windows frame a panoramic view of Hong Kong.
SUPERIMPOSE: HONG KONG
EDDIE CHENG (30s, intense investment banker), ASTRID (30s,
gorgeous, elegant).
RUSSELL WONG
You know if you move, it will look more natural.
EDDIE
No, this way you get our optimal angles.
RUSSELL WONG
Uh, then we’re done.
As Russell wraps up, Eddie scurries over, all smiles.
EDDIE
Russell, thank you so much. It’s an honor to be photographed by
you.
FIONA
to kids
Good job, guys.
to nannies
Yes.
RUSSELL WONG
My pleasure. People will love it in the next Hong Kong Vogue.
NANNY
to kids
Give me that. You have to take a bath now.
FIONA
Thank you, Russell.
Eddie beams, but the moment Russell and his ASSISTANTS exit,
Eddie loses his smile. Turns on his wife, annoyed.
EDDIE
Hong Kong Vogue? I knew it. Your dress is a disaster. If you
wore a Bottega gown, like I told you to, we’d be in the
American Vogue.
FIONA
You can wear that gown to Hell, Eddie.
Fiona walks off as the children jump into 2 TOY BENTLEYS and
start chasing their beleaguered NANNIES--
NANNY
to kids
Stop!
NICK (V.O.)
Then there’s Astrid.
INT. PLANE
RACHEL
I remember Astrid. She’s like who I wanna be when I grow up.
NICK
Astrid is awesome. And she’s probably the only one I’m actually
close with. And she’s really grounded and down to earth once
you get to know her.
CUT TO:
INT. JEWELRY BOUTIQUE - SHANGHAI
SUPERIMPOSE: SHANGHAI
ASTRID (30s), striking, enters a LUXE HIGH-END BOUTIQUE where
WEALTHY FEMALE CUSTOMERS look over FINE JEWELRY.
NICK (V.O.)
Not only did she graduate top of her class at Oxford, start
multiple charities and is a fashion icon, Astrid has the
biggest heart of any of my cousins.
Astrid sees a LITTLE GIRL, the daughter of a customer, holding
a TINY, STUFFED BUNNY with a YARN BOW as she tugs on her
mother’s sleeve.
LITTLE GIRL
Mummy? See what I made for bunny --
But her mother waves her away, busy looking over baubles with
her friend.
LITTLE GIRL’S MOTHER
No, not now, not now.
But the customers, including the Little Girl’s mother, soon
notice Astrid and sneak looks and whisper to one another about
her.
Astrid walks by them and goes to the Little Girl, much to her
mother’s surprise.
ASTRID
bends down; to Girl
Hi, I’m Astrid. What’s your name?
LITTLE GIRL
Vita.
ASTRID
re: bunny
And who’s this?
LITTLE GIRL
Bun-Bun.
ASTRID
Well, I think Bun-Bun looks very dashing with his bow. You have
a good eye.
LITTLE GIRL
Thank you.
The Little Girl BEAMS, delighted. The girl’s MOTHER lights up,
proud.
The JEWELER approaches.
JEWELER
Ms. Leong, right this way.
ASTRID
It’s very nice to meet you both.
The patrons watch Astrid and the Jeweler disappear through a
hallway into a restricted area--
INT. JEWELRY STORE - BACK ROOM - DAY
It’s a private room reserved for elite clientele. An ASSISTANT
brings Astrid tea in a tiny antique cup as she surveys A
STUNNING SELECTION OF OVER-THE-TOP JEWELRY.
JEWELER
These are all brand new from Antwerp. You’re the first person
I’ve shown them to.
Astrid is unimpressed. Then she sees in ANOTHER DISPLAY CASE an
understated pair of pearl drop earrings. She looks at them,
intrigued.
ASTRID
What are those?
The Jeweler smiles, approving of Astrid’s taste. He takes the
earrings out so she can get a closer look.
JEWELER
Those. Those are very special. Burmese pearl drop earrings. Set
with emeralds, and rare pigeon-blood-red rubies. They were worn
by Queen Supayalat at her self-anointed coronation in 1878.
The assistant brings the earrings to Astrid. She picks them up
to look closer, intrigued.
ASTRID
How much?
JEWELER
Having you wear one of my pieces is better publicity than I can
buy. I’ll let them go at cost.
beat
One point two million.
Astrid gives a subtle nod.
INT. PLANE - NIGHT
The plane is now in the air and Nick and Rachel’s suite has
been converted into a bedroom. They wear the complimentary
pajamas as they lie in bed, continuing their conversation about
Nick’s family.
RACHEL
So, if you have all this family there, why are we staying in a
hotel? Aren’t good Chinese sons supposed to stay with their
parents?
NICK
Well, because A) I’m not that good a son, and B) I just want
you to myself, just for a bit. That okay?
RACHEL
Okay.
Rachel smiles and kisses Nick. He rolls on top of her.
EXT. SKYLINE - SINGAPORE - NIGHT
The plane flies across the South China Sea into the sunset,
heading for a SHINING JEWEL at the tip of the Malaysian
Peninsula.
INsERT - WORLD MAP
SUPERIMPOSE: NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN, SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN, NEW
YORK, NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN, SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN, CHINA, INDIA,
INDIAN OCEAN, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA
We ZOOM IN ON SINGAPORE --
SUPERIMPOSE: MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE STRAIT, MAIN
STRAIT, INDONESIA
EXT. SINGAPORE - ESTABLISHING
SUPERIMPOSE: SINGAPORE
INT. CHANGI AIRPORT - DAY
Nick and Rachel emerge with other TRAVELERS, pushing luggage
carts as they emerge from customs. Rachel looks around the
shiny arrival hall in wonderment.
RACHEL
I can’t believe this airport has a butterfly garden and a movie
theater. JFK is just salmonella and despair.
WOMAN (O.S.)
Nick!!! Nick!!!
Through the crowd runs a willowy, young woman, ARAMINTA (20s)
clutching BALLOONS, rushing up to meet them. She throttles
Nick, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. Behind her is
a ruggedly handsome man, COLIN (30s), holding a PLACARD that
reads “Best Man.” Nick lights up to see them.
ARAMINTA
Nick!!! Nick!!!
NICK
Araminta!
ARAMINTA
I missed you.
NICK
I missed you, too.
Araminta releases Nick and immediately grabs Rachel in a tight
hug. Rachel reacts, surprised, amused. Colin grabs Nick in a
big bear hug, pulling him back and forth.
ARAMINTA
Rachel.
NICK
to Colin
Hey.
RACHEL
Hi!
Araminta has no makeup on under her spectacles, and is wearing
pajama pants, a tank top, and flip-flops. Nick gives Colin a
big hug.
COLIN
Ah! Nicki-Nick! Welcome!
NICK
It’s been too long, brother.
COLIN
It has been too long. Welcome back.
NICK
You guys didn’t have to pick us up.
ARAMINTA
Of course we did. We had to!
COLIN
Of course I had to come welcome my best man properly.
to Rachel
Hi, Rachel.
RACHEL
Hello.
They embrace warmly.
COLIN
Oh! Lovely to finally meet you.
RACHEL
Nice to meet you, too.
COLIN
Shall we? Let me help you with this.
ARAMINTA
Yes.
handing Rachel the balloons
And these are for you.
NICK
Yes! I can grab these. All right.
RACHEL
Oh! Thank you.
ARAMINTA
I know they’re a bit over the top.
COLIN
Let’s get you all localized.
ARAMINTA
Are you hungry?
RACHEL
I’m always hungry. So let’s eat everything we can.
ARAMINTA
Okay.
EXT. CHANGI AIRPORT - DAY
Colin pushes the luggage cart out the door, flanked by Rachel,
Nick, and Araminta.
EXT. SINGAPORE - ESTABLISHING
EXT/INT. HIGHWAY - SUV - DUSK
The open-top SUV flies down the highway. Colin is at the wheel
as Nick, Rachel, and Araminta take in the sites.
INT. HAWKER CENTER - NIGHT
FLAMES LEAP over a wok as a CRAB is thrown in.
QUICK CUTS OF FOOD: stir-fried clams, turnip cakes, banana leaf
rice, laksa soup noodles, ice being shaved over an ice kachang
bowl.
Rachel stares in wonderment at an endless hive of food stalls
underneath swaying palm trees, right on the beach. Even though
it is late, the place teems with HUNDREDS of DINERS. All eating
with great relish.
Nick, Araminta, and Colin move like seasoned locals.
Colin scans the seating area, spots a table.
COLIN
Minty, three o’clock!
Araminta hurries over, buys TISSUE PACKETS from an OLD WOMAN.
WOMAN AT MARKET
in Mandarin; subtitled
Guam Xia.
[Thank you.]
ARAMINTA
in Mandarin
Guam Xia.
in English
Hey, guys! Here!
Araminta tosses a tissue packet to Nick and Rachel. Nick grabs
Rachel, kicking off our --
NICK
Oh, thank you.
to Rachel
Come with me.
MONTAGE
They walk by the dizzying array of stalls, Nick is excited to
share this world with Rachel:
NICK
Each of these hawker stalls sells pretty much one dish, and
they’ve been perfecting it for generations. You know, this is
one of the only places in the world where street food vendors
actually earn Michelin stars.
A beaming PRAWN NOODLE SELLER HUGS Nick.
NOODLE SELLER
Hey! How are you, sir? Long time, no see, my friend.
calls to worker; handing Nick food
Here you go. Thank you very much, sir.
NICK
Uncle! Oh. Cheers.
Colin brings food to a table where Araminta sits, tissue
packets holding a place for all of them.
COLIN
Ooh! Look at this. Look at this.
ARAMINTA
Oh, my favorite.
Nick orders from a MALAY SATAY vendor.
NICK
in Malay
Sate dua puluh. Sepuluh ayam. Sepuluh daging.
Twenty pieces of satay. Ten chicken satay. Ten beef satay.
SAME SCENE - LATER
The table is OVERFLOWING with various dishes.
RACHEL
Hmm.
COLIN
There he is. Nice.
NICK
Where do you want me to put this?
Nick and Rachel go off to order more food.
NICK
in Mandarin
Luxa, liang wan, yi wan buyao lajiang.
Luxa, give me one bowl of that, one of them without spicy
sauce.
BACK AT THE TABLE
Nick hands each of them mug of beer.
NICK
One of those for you.
RACHEL
Yes, thank you.
SHAVED ICE VENDOR
Nick and Rachel ordering shaved ice.
NICK
in Mandarin
Guan Xia.
RACHEL
Looks a little vomity.
AT ANOTHER VENDOR
Nick is now ordering soup.
BACK AT THE TABLE
They are finally enjoying all the various dishes.
RACHEL
Oh, my God!
NICK
Yes! I told you! I told you. The best satay on the island. For
sure. All right.
Araminta and Colin grin with approval.
COLIN
All right, dig in, guys.
ARAMINTA
Oh, really? So yummy, isn’t it?
COLIN
to Nick
Oh, before I forget, I need your help tomorrow. Uh, I need to
do some groomsmen stuff and I don’t wanna do it alone with
Bernard Tai.
NICK
I still cannot believe that you got that guy to be your
groomsman.
ARAMINTA
Thank you. Thank you. I rest my case.
NICK
Minty--
COLIN
Well, it wasn’t up to me, was it? It’s not my choice. Bernard
is the human douche nozzle who used to steal my tuck shop money
when we were kids, until Nicki-Nick beat him up.
NICK
Well--
ARAMINTA
Um--
RACHEL
You beat somebody up?
NICK
Hold on, I threw a single punch. I fell on the floor and the
guy sat on me. So, wasn’t really much of a fight.
COLIN
raises glass
A toast, guys. To my best man, Nick Young, who can’t fight for
nuts, but will always have your back!
NICK
Thank you.
Colin and Nick continue to laugh and reminisce.
ARAMINTA
A toast to married life.
COLIN
Oh! Not yet! Not yet! Too early.
ARAMINTA
Oh, God!
NICK
Oh! Well, this time next week, guys!
NICK
We gotta get over your bachelor party first, matey.
COLIN
Is that necessary, man? Come on!
ARAMINTA
Listen, Rachel, I know we’ve only just met, but it’s my
bachelorette party this weekend and I would love for you to
come.
Rachel is surprised, happy to be embraced by Nick’s pals.
Nick and Colin still bantering in the b.g.
NICK
If I -- Am I out of the picture?
COLIN
Thanks, man.
NICK
Am I totally out of the picture?
COLIN
Yes, I’ve replaced you with Bernard.
NICK
Well, that --
COLIN
Screw that, man.
Nick and Colin joke and laugh with each other.
ARAMINTA
Also, I have to say, I can’t remember the last time I saw Nick
like this.
NICK
overlaps
No, that’s funny, though.
RACHEL
He’s just happy to be home.
ARAMINTA
making a face
Oh, yeah, he’s just happy to be home. With you.
NICK
overlaps
I’m sorry. I’m sorry, man. Your dad will be the death of you.
We STAY ON Rachel, she looks at Nick, happy, in his element. He
glances at her with that smile and she falls that much more in
love with him.
COLIN
My dad will be the death of me. Oh, cheers to that.
COLIN
Guys, we have to dig in ‘cause this crab is not gonna eat
itself.
RACHEL
Okay.
ARAMINTA
Yeah. Pass me that.
RACHEL
What should I try first?
to Colin
Do you want some of this?
COLIN
Eat up, eat up! Try some of this. Oh, thank you.
RACHEL
It’s really spicy.
NICK
It is really spicy. Oh, God!
EXT. CITY
The four of them driving down the highway in the open-top SUV
enjoying the beautiful city. Nick points to various landmarks
with glee. We see a MONTAGE of beautiful fountains, boats going
under bridges, etc. The girls, in the back seat, put their arms
around their guys’ necks and snuggle.
ARAMINTA
Whoo!
shouting
Nick’s in Singapore!
NICK
It’s good to be home.
INT. ASTRID’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Astrid enters, followed by the porters. The apartment isn’t
enormous, but each room is straight out of the pages of
Architectural Digest. TWO MAIDS quickly swing into action,
taking the bags and unpacking them.
ASTRID
Is Michael here?
MAID
Not yet, ma’am. Also, your son woke up. He wants to see you.
ASTRID
All right. You know what to do. Quickly.
MAID
Okay. Put over here. Okay-- Move, move.
The Maids nod, knowing the drill. The head Maid hides two bags
labeled “Dior” and “Lotus - Arts de Vivre” in a drawer. The
begin scurrying around the apartment in a frenzy.
SERIES OF QUICK CUTS
One maid puts a small jewelry-sized box tied with a bow in a
metal tin and places the lid back on.
Another maid stashes a small box in a kitchen drawer and covers
it with the cloth napkins.
In the bathroom, Astrid takes off her EARRINGS, puts them back
in their original box and places the box above the mirror.
INT. ASTRID’S APARTMENT - CASSIAN’S ROOM - NIGHT
Astrid lies by her son, CASSIAN (3), who’s half-asleep in bed
as she reads The Little Prince to him in French.
ASTRID
in perfect French
-- Cette visite fut très courte, mais elle plongea le petit
prince dans une grande mélancolie--
Astrid pauses when she hears SOMEONE enter the apartment. She
looks to Cassian, now sound asleep, and heads out.
INT. ASTRID’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
We see a man taking a shower. This is MICHAEL TEO, 30s,
Astrid’s husband, former Army Sergeant, and ripped/hot as all
hell, exits the bathroom in a towel.
He talks to Astrid, who’s on the bed as he dries off and gets
ready for bed.
MICHAEL
I’m sorry. Got stuck in a meeting.
ASTRID
It’s okay. I get it. But don’t forget, wedding festivities
start on Wednesday, so no emergencies next week.
MICHAEL
facetious
I know. Wouldn’t dream of missing a second with your family and
their friends.
ASTRID
Come on, it won’t be all bad. Nick and his new girlfriend will
be there. You’ll like her.
MICHAEL
Oh, yeah? Why? ‘Cause she’s a commoner like me?
ASTRID
You know that’s not what I meant.
MICHAEL
Oh... You know, I thought I caught the maids trying to shove a
pair of Jimmy Choos behind the dryer.
off Astrid kissing his shoulder
Yeah, I don’t know why you bother trying to hide your shopping
from me. You can buy whatever you want. I get it. Besides,
everybody knows you wear the money pants in this family.
ASTRID
whispering
Pants are overrated.
kisses his shoulder; then
Oh, I got you something, too. To celebrate the launch of your
startup. I know you don’t like expensive gifts, but you’re not
a captain in the Army anymore.
ASTRID
You’re a CEO. You should look the part.
She takes the gift out from under the pillow revealing an
expensive men’s watch.
ASTRID
To celebrate the launch of your startup. I know you don’t like
expensive gifts, but you’re not a captain in the Army anymore,
you’re a CEO. You should look the part.
MICHAEL
I -- I love it. Thank you.
He KISSES her. She kisses back.
EXT. MARINA - SINGAPORE
INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - MORNING
Radio alarms goes off. It’s playing Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I
Need to Get By.” REVEAL Rachel waking up in a luxurious,
Colonial suite, smiles when she remembers where she is.
Nick’s arm is around her. She turns to see he’s awake, smiling.
RACHEL
What time is it?
NICK
Morning. I’m afraid it’s time for me to do some groomsman
duties.
RACHEL
Ummmmmmmmmm-- Stay in bed.
NICK
You stay here. I’ll get you a breakfast tray.
Nick gets out of bed as Rachel lazily sits up, putting her
glasses on.
RACHEL
You know, I have to get up, too. I told Peik Lin I would meet
up with her today.
NICK
Ah, a little college reunion. But don’t forget. Dinner at Ah
Ma’s tonight.
RACHEL
Mm-hmm.
NICK
The whole family’s gonna be there.
RACHEL
Yes.
NICK
I can’t wait to show you off.
She moves her glasses back and forth on her nose, in and out as
if trying to get a better focus on Nick’s body.
RACHEL
Hubba-hubba.
NICK
How can I resist?
RACHEL
Ah. Ooga-ooga.
Rachel looks at him lovingly. He comes back for one more kiss.
NICK
You put those glasses on on purpose.
EXT. SINGAPORE - ESTABLISHING
EXT. TAXI - GOH FAMILY HOME - DAY
Rachel exits a taxi wearing the red dress her mother picked.
She goes to the gate of a showy mansion. We hear a BUZZER, then
the gate opens.
We hear another BUZZER and the front door opens. PEIK LIN (29),
emerges carrying one of her Pekingese dogs. Peik Lin is half
type-A go-getter, half hip-hop, all attitude.
PEIK LIN
New York in the house! Yeah! Yeah!
Peik Lin rushes to her, as they hug:
RACHEL
Aw! Peik Lin!
PEIK LIN
What up, bitch? Yeah! Yeah!
RACHEL
Oh, my God! You look amazing.
PEIK LIN
I know. Some things never change, right?
RACHEL
re: mansion
And this is q-- quite a place.
SIX GOLDEN-HAIRED PEKINGESE DOGS run out, their high-pitched
yaps filling the air.
NEENAH
Astor! Vanderbilt! Rockefeller! Naughty, naughty boys, stop
barking. Hey, Rachel!
RACHEL
Hi!
NEENAH GOH (50s), Peik Lin’s mother, comes out. A short woman
with a bouffant perm.
She wears a tight blouse, a belt of interlinked gold Medusa
heads, tight trousers, and pink slippers.
NEENAH
Singapore is so hot. Come in and enjoy the aircon. Come, come
on. Whole family waiting to meet you. Very excited.
They head into:
INT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
Neena and Peik Lin show Rachel into the cavernous living room,
everything is covered with gold or mirrors. Rachel takes it in,
amazed.
NEENAH
Rachel, welcome, welcome.
RACHEL
Wow! Oh, my gosh! Your house is amazing, Mrs. Goh.
NEENAH
in Hokkien; subtitled
Li gaou kong wei ah.
You’re such a sweet talker.
in English
Call me Auntie. Auntie Neenah.
RACHEL
Sorry. Auntie Neenah.
NEENAH
Oh, yeah. Uh-- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We were inspired by the
Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
PEIK LIN
to Rachel; low
And Donald Trump’s bathroom, as well.
RACHEL
Really?
PEIK LIN
Yeah.
NEENAH
You like it or not?
RACHEL
Oh, yes. Uh, the gold is very brilliant.
INT. GOH HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
SEVEN MEMBERS of the Goh family sit at a long dining table as
four maids serve the anything-but-”small” lunch. It’s a free-
for-all as everyone reaches for food.
It’s a colorful bunch. There’s Peik Lin’s father WYE MUN (50s),
and a multitude of children including: P.T. (30s) shy,
overweight, TWO ADORABLE TWIN GIRLS who eat CHICKEN NUGGETS
from a TAKEOUT BOX on heavy, gold-rimmed Limoges plates, and a
BABY in a TRICKED-OUT GOLD BASSINET. Neena waves chopsticks at
Rachel.
WYE MUN
Uh, uh, uh. Rachel Chu, we are so, uh, grateful for all the
help you have given my, uh, Peik Lin back in her unidays. I
mean, without you, uh, she would be a hot mess.
He chuckles.
RACHEL
Oh, my God, no. Actually, if it wasn’t for her, I’d be a big
mess. She was a huge help to me in college.
beat
It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Goh.
WYE MUN
Nice to meet you, too, uh, Chu. Ku-ku. Ku-Chu. You. Poo-poo.
laughs
No, I’m just kidding. I don’t have an accent. I’m just messing
with you.
Neenah chuckles.
WYE MUN
No, no, I, I studied in the States, too. Yeah, Cal State
Fullerton. Yeah. I majored in Thought.
RACHEL
Hmm.
NEENAH
Don’t stand on ceremony, Rachel. This is simple food, lah.
WYE MUN
Ah! Cha-cha-cha. Don’t be shy.
RACHEL
Oh. Thank you.
WYE MUN
You’re not a model.
RACHEL
I am definitely not.
Rachel looks at thirteen different dishes, which look anything
but simple.
Wye Mun puts food on Rachel’s plate. Neena feeds her dog with
chopsticks sitting in a chair next to her.
WYE MUN
No, you’re not. Not at all. You’re far from it.
RACHEL
I know.
WYE MUN
And make sure you eat it all. ‘Cause I’m watching you.
WYE MUN
Ay, you haven’t finished your nuggets yet, sweetie. Okay,
there’s a lot of children starving in America, right? I mean,
take a look at her. She’s American. Huh? Really skinny. You
wanna look like that?
TWIN GIRL #1 AND #2
No.
WYE MUN
Then eat your nuggets.
The girls dutifully return to their food.
NEENA
So, Rachel, what you do in America?
RACHEL
Um, I’m an economics professor.
WYE MUN
impressed
Whoa. Very impressive. Econ professor, eh? Wow! You must be
very smart. Good for you.
RACHEL
Mm-hmm.
WYE MUN
to Peik Lin
Let me get this straight. You both went to the same school, yet
someone came back with a degree that’s useful. And the other
came back as Asian Ellen.
Peik Lin reacts, grandpa laughs. Wye Mun turns to his son, P.T.
WYE MUN
nods toward Rachel
Psst. P.T.
P.T.
Hmm?
WYE MUN
nodding toward Rachel
Look over here. She’s a hottie. This is the kind of girl you
should date. Smart, beautiful. Not those, like, K-Pop skanks,
with, like, no brain, big eyes and small backsides. She has an
amazing backside. This is Goh standard. Don’t be shy. Just talk
to her.
P.T. looks up from his noodles, clueless.
P.T.
whispering
I love you.
WYE MUN
Okay. No, just, uh...
PEIK LIN
Pa, she’s here with her boyfriend.
WYE MUN
I don’t see no ring on her finger.
RACHEL
Oh, well, my boyfriend’s actually from Singapore and that’s why
we’re here. We’re here to go to his best friend’s wedding where
he’s gonna be the best man.
WYE MUN
Hmm.
NEENAH
What’s his name? This is a very small island. Maybe we know his
family.
RACHEL
His name is Nick Young.
The food drops out of Wye Mun’s mouth. The whole table STOPS
EATING. Eyes go wide. Jaws drop. Even grandpa and the twins
stop what they’re doing and look at Rachel.
Rachel becomes self-conscious.
RACHEL
Uh--
PEIK LIN
The Nick you’re dating is Nick Young?!
NEENAH
puts it together
His best friend... You’re invited to Colin Khoo’s wedding,
ah?!!
RACHEL
Yeah. You guys know them or something?
P.T. snaps a quick pic of Rachel on his cell. He smiles and
admires it like it’s the Mona Lisa.
WYE MUN
Hells yeah. The Khoos, the Youngs, I mean, who doesn’t know who
they are?!
getting worked up
They’re just the biggest developers in all of Singapore. And
Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, New Mexico.
PEIK LIN
She gets it.
to Rachel
Colin and Araminta’s wedding is, like, Singapore’s event of the
century! The Youngs are like royalty.
Wye Mun vigorously shakes his head, “yes.”
PEIK LIN
Did you not know? Does she not know?
NEENAH
Why you never say before?! Tell, tell, what are they like?
RACHEL
I don’t really know what they’re -- I, I mean, I haven’t met
them yet. I’m gonna meet them tonight. I’m going to Nick’s
grandma’s house.
PEIK LIN
You’re going to Nick’s grandma’s house wearing this?
re: Rachel’s dress
Wearing that?
They all laugh.
P.T.
No way. No way.
RACHEL
Yeah, I thought red was a lucky color, right?
WYE MUN
Yeah, if you’re an envelope. Zing! Nailed it!
P.T. takes another picture of Rachel, but she waves him off.
RACHEL
No.
TWINS
Zing zing!
Peik Lin looks Rachel up and down, shaking her head disgusted
with her outfit.
INT. PEIK LIN’S BEDROOM - CLOSET - DAY
Peik Lin throws open the doors to her massive walk-in closet.
Clothes are color-coded, wrapped in plastic, with a string of
POLAROIDS over them showing the different looks. Rachel looks
around, in awe.
PEIK LIN
Rachel, these people aren’t just rich, okay. They’re crazy
rich.
Peik Lin looks around, pulls out a LARGE HANDBAG with a WORLD
MAP on it, which she points to as she explains:
PEIK LIN
Look, there’s new money all over Asia. We got the Beijing
Billionaires, the Taiwan Tycoons. But the Young family, they’re
old money rich. They had money when they left China in the
1800s. And they went all the way down here. Not there. Here.
They came to Singapore when there was nothing but jungle and
pig farmers. There was a snake here, eating an apple. You know
what I mean? And they built all of this. Now, they’re the
landlords of the most expensive city in the world. Here you go.
hands Rachel the purse
These people are so posh and snobby, they’re snoshy. Here you
go.
Peik Lin hands her a pair of platform shoes.
RACHEL
Yeah, but Nick’s not like that.
PEIK LIN
Even if he isn’t, I guarantee you the family is. Which is why
tonight, you need to not look like Sebastian of The Little
Mermaid. You know, little crab guy.
Peik Lin throws her a dress--
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
AN AUDI SWERVES ERRATICALLY through traffic, brakes squealing,
horns honking.
INT. AUDI - NIGHT
Rachel, in an elegant cocktail dress, holds on for dear life as
Peik Lin drives like she’s on the Indy circuit.
PEIK LIN
shouting at cars
Come on, this isn’t your grandma’s road. God damn it.
RACHEL
Thank you for driving me.
PEIK LIN
Duh. This is, like, my one chance to see the Young family
mansion.
RACHEL
Mm.
They turn off onto a private road.
FEMALE GPS VOICE (V.O.)
At the next intersection, make a U-turn. Make a U-turn.
PEIK LIN
Uh, are you sure you gave me the right address? The GPS says
there’s, like, nothing here. Like literally nothing.
They pull over on a deserted road.
RACHEL
I mean, I -- I put in the exact address. This is --
PEIK LIN
You copied and your pasted it?
RACHEL
Yeah.
PEIK LIN
Did you just copy and paste ‘jungle’ and just kind of threw it
in there?
RACHEL
No, it says this is the address--
PEIK LIN
Because I feel like that’s -- You actually used the --
A bearded man wearing a red turban appears at her side window.
PEIK LIN
-- Okay. All right. That’s a -- Hi! So we’ll just --
rolls down window just a crack
Hello, sir. How are you?
PEIK LIN
We’re here for the party, and we’re -- We come in peace.
RACHEL
Do you know where the Young family house is?
Another man appears at Rachel’s window. These are uniformed
SIKH GUARDS.
RACHEL
Nicholas Young? I’m, I’m Rachel Chu. I’m here to, to go to his
family dinner.
The one guard carrying a rifle creeps around the car,
inspecting it. The other speaks on his walkie-talkie.
PEIK LIN
Uh, Rachel Chu for the list. If there is a list.
EXT. TYERSALL GROUNDS - AUDI - CONTINUOUS ACTION - NIGHT
In the middle of nowhere, a MASSIVE GATE looms with TYERSALL
PARK written across the top. The gate is closed. The guard on
the walkie walks to the gate looking back at Peik Lin and
Rachel.
PEIK LIN
He’s on the phone. He’s on the phone. Is that a gun knife? It’s
a knife gun. It’s a --
The other guard now comes around to Peik Lin’s window.
PEIK LIN
Okay, and there’s a friend. Hi! Very, very nice to --
Guard #1 motions for them to drive forward.
GUARD #1
Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah.
PEIK LIN
We can go through? We’re going through? Okay. Don’t stab the
car.
The gates swing open.
PEIK LIN
Okay. Thank you. Bye!
As Peik Lin drives through the gates, she and Rachel look
around, entranced. STREET LIGHTS/LANTERNS illuminate both sides
of the large driveway, which seems to wind endlessly up through
a hilly rainforest. Unlike the rest of developed Singapore, it
feels old, untouched. Peik Lin has her mouth hanging open,
amazed.
RACHEL
Oh, my God, it’s beautiful.
The forest finally gives way to rolling grounds and an avenue
lined with tall palms. A VAST COLONIAL MANSION comes INTO VIEW.
This is not a house, it is a palace.
PEIK LIN
Beautiful? It’s two hundred mil worth of real estate.
almost tearing up
-- It’s spectacular.
They drive up to the front of the house. Servants are posted in
various locations outside. Two of the servants open the front
doors and Nick, in a linen suit and perfectly-tousled hair,
walks out. Looking every bit the prince of the manor.
PEIK LIN
awestruck
Damn, Rachel. He’s like the Asian ‘Bachelor.’
Nick walks up to the car and opens Rachel’s door.
NICK
Hello, gorgeous.
He takes her hand as she exits the car. Nick looks at her
outfit, impressed.
NICK
Wow! I think I’ve just fallen in love with you all over again.
He kisses her, Peik Lin clears her throat.
RACHEL
I missed you.
NICK
Missed you, too.
Peik Lin keeps clearing her throat, trying to get Rachel’s
attention.
RACHEL
Yeah?
NICK
What did you get up to?
PEIK LIN
hisses
Rachel!
RACHEL
Oh, uh, this is my friend, Peik Lin.
NICK
Hey, there.
PEIK LIN
Howdy.
NICK
Thank you very much for bringing Rachel.
PEIK LIN
Oh, no worries.
NICK
Do you wanna stop by for some dinner?
PEIK LIN
Oh, no, I couldn’t impose. It’s a --
NICK
interrupts
No, it’s not a problem.
PEIK LIN
You know, I had some dinner plans --
NICK
Seriously, we’ve got a lot of --
PEIK LIN
Yeah, I’ll fucking come to dinner.
RACHEL
I missed you.
NICK
Did you?
RACHEL
Yes.
NICK
How was your day?
RACHEL
It was fun! I got to meet Peik Lin’s whole family, and her
dogs.
Nick and Rachel continue to chit-chat in the b.g.
NICK
Yeah?
RACHEL
Yeah, and twin sisters. And Peik Lin dressed me.
Peik Lin jumps out, pops the trunk, and sorts through several
outfits covered in garment bags labeled: “Clubbing,”
“Cocktail,” and “Walk of Shame.”
PEIK LIN
re: “Walk of Shame”
Nope.
She pulls out the COCKTAIL DRESS and a pair of HEELS.
RACHEL
You have a cocktail dress in your trunk?
PEIK LIN
of course
I’m not an animal, Rachel.
As they head in, Rachel and Peik Lin look around at all the
guests.
RACHEL
to Nick
I thought this was just a family thing.
NICK
Grandmother’s invited some of her friends over tonight. Her tan
huas are blooming.
RACHEL
Oh.
NICK
It’s a whole thing. You ready for this?
Rachel nods. Servants open the doors. Holding her hand, they
enter:
INT. TYERSALL PARK - NIGHT
Chanteuse JASMINE CHEN, backed by a JAZZ BAND, sings a Chinese
number as Rachel, Nick, and Peik Lin enter.
PEIK LIN
Oh, damn, Nick. It’s a party, though. Okay.
Many guests mingle and talk in the b.g.
WOMAN IN RED FLOWER DRESS
to women
Hello. Mrs-- Mrs--
WOMAN IN BLUE DRESS
to women
Hi. Yes.
NICK
to Peik Lin
The good bathrooms are up the stairs, and you can get changed
in there.
PEIK LIN
Okay, good, I’ll find it. Thank you.
Peik Lin climbs the stairs, then stops to take a SELFIE, climbs
a few more stairs, and takes another SELFIE.
RACHEL
You know, when you said you grew up in your grandma’s house, I
wasn’t expecting this.
A waiter approaches carrying finger bowls with flowers floating
in them. Rachel thinks they are drinks and begins to bring one
to her mouth --
RACHEL
to waiter
Thank you.
NICK
Oh, no, no, no. Those are for your fingers.
to server
Thank you very much.
RACHEL
Thank you.
NICK
Uh, a little bit much, I know.
RACHEL
I mean, this place is gorgeous. And like the rolling green
hills. I mean, there are armed guards out there.
Rachel is looking at A STUFFED TIGER, mouth open, about to
pounce.
RACHEL
And a giant tiger.
Nick laughs.
RACHEL
Okay.
NICK
Now, that is Mr. Harimau. Now, my great-grandfather actually
shot him when he ran into the house. But Astrid and I, we used
to hide cigarettes in his paws.
RACHEL
Do you wanna head in?
NICK
Actually, I wanted to bring you over to my mum first.
RACHEL
Oh.
NICK
Come on.
INT. TYERSALL PARK - KITCHEN - NIGHT
The DISTANT JAZZ RIFF CONTINUES as we ENTER a bustling scene
with MAIDS plating food, choppers chopping veggies madly, COOKS
working over WOKS that BURST INTO FLAME, CHILDREN sneaking
snacks. Amidst it all is Eleanor in Carolina Herrera, presiding
over everything. She inspects various dishes, dispatching
orders with calm authority:
ELEANOR
in Cantonese; subtitled
Qie de you xi di, mi bao de han hou, di zhu wu hao tai. Fang
lajiao-- Shi fenzhong hao la.
Cut it thinner. Don’t wrap it too thick. Watch it, don’t make
it too soft. Add chili-- Ten minutes only.
She’s clearly used to running a great house and being obeyed.
She pauses when she sees Nick enter. She’s delighted, but keeps
her composure.
Nick gives his mother a peck on the cheek.
NICK
Mum.
Eleanor affectionately touches his hair.
ELEANOR
You need a haircut. So unkempt.
concerned
And you look tired from your trip. I’m gonna ask the cook to
make you some herbal soup.
in Cantonese to cook
Dun di jitang bi shaoye.
to Nick
I’ll send it to the hotel later.
Eleanor sees Rachel.
NICK
Mum, this is Rachel Chu.
RACHEL
Oh, my gosh! I, I’m so happy to meet you, Mrs. Young.
gives her a big hug
Or, uh, Auntie. Right?
giggles
I’m learning the lingo.
Eleanor smiles, subtly scans Rachel, evaluating her.
ELEANOR
I’m very glad to finally meet you, too. And I’m sorry Nick’s
father couldn’t be here. He was called to business in Shanghai.
NICK
I told Rachel when duty calls, Dad answers.
ELEANOR
As it should be.
to Rachel
Nick tells me you’re a professor, too. What do you teach?
RACHEL
Um, I teach Economics.
NICK
And she’s brilliant. NYU’s youngest faculty member.
To Nick and Rachel’s surprise, Eleanor suddenly leaves the
conversation to inspect a tray of hors d’oeuvres. She fixes the
tray and then returns.
ELEANOR
to cooks; in Cantonese; subtitled
Wu hao luo ge ge, lingwai.
Don’t take that one. Another one.
back to Nick and Rachel
So, economics. Sounds challenging.
subtly fishing
Are your parents academics, as well?
RACHEL
Uh, no. Well, my dad actually died before I was born and, um,
my mom didn’t even go to college. She actually hardly spoke any
English when she immigrated to the United States.
ELEANOR
in Cantonese; to cook; subtitled
Fang di yan qian xi ge du.
Put some cilantro there.
RACHEL
But she worked really hard, and she studied, and she earned her
real estate license while she was waiting tables to support us.
RACHEL
Now, she likes to say that she’s Flushing’s top real estate
broker.
Nick glances at his mother, gauging her reaction.
ELEANOR
Self-made woman. She must be so proud of you.
Eleanor continues fiddling and fussing with the table,
inspecting the food, coldly turning her back on the couple.
RACHEL
Well, she knows that I’m passionate about what I do, and she’s
always wanted that for me.
ELEANOR
Pursuing one’s passions. How American. Well, your mother is
very open-minded, not like here, where parents are obsessed
with shaping the life of their children.
It sounds like a compliment, but Rachel isn’t entirely sure.
Eleanor turns away again to talk to a passing COOK before
returning to Rachel:
Eleanor shoots Nick a look. He shifts, uncomfortable, and is
relieved to hear a MUSICAL GONG from upstairs.
NICK
Hmm. Oh. That’s dinner.
ELEANOR
Hmm. Go ahead. I’ll be out in a minute. Rachel, it was lovely
meeting you.
RACHEL
Thank you. You, too.
Rachel smiles as she and Nick head off.
RACHEL
Okay, she hates me.
NICK
optimistic
She takes a little minute to warm up, but we’ll get there.
OFF Eleanor, watching Rachel leave--
INT. TYERSALL PARK - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Rachel and Nick enter. She is stunned. The expansive “living
room” looks more like a glamorous club in Shanghai. DOZENS of
impeccably-dressed, bejeweled GUESTS cluster in seating areas.
A buffet is STACKED with gorgeous dishes and desserts.
ASTRID (O.S.)
Nicki!
NICK
Astrid.
ASTRID
Rachel!
NICK
Hey, good to see you.
ASTRID
I’m so glad you could make it.
As we GO TO different tableaus and conversations, CAMERA DANCES
ALONG, giving the feel of a choreographed number.
Astrid, in a perfect cocktail dress, heads for them, followed
by Michael. She hugs Nick and Rachel, delighted.
NICK
Michael.
RACHEL
Astrid! So good to see a face I know.
MICHAEL
Nick.
ASTRID
This is my husband, Michael.
MICHAEL
Nice to meet you. Heard so much about you.
RACHEL
Nice to meet you, Michael.
Eddie barrels in, smacks Nick too hard on the back.
EDDIE
Hey, the golden boy’s back! Nick!
to Rachel
And you must be Rachel. I’m Edison Cheng. This is my wife.
FIONA
HI, I’m Fi--
EDDIE
Her name is Fiona. So, I see you’ve already met Princess Astrid
and her little soldier toy-boy, Mikey.
busts Michael’s balls
You know Mikey is a big-shot tech startup guy. So if you, uh,
forget your password, he’s your man.
then
So, you’re from the Taiwan plastic Chus, right?
RACHEL
Oh, well, actually--
As Eddie commandeers Rachel, Michael has an aside with Nick.
MICHAEL
Can I punch him in the face? Just once.
NICK
Take a number.
MICHAEL
I’ll be in my usual corner.
to Astrid
Champagne?
ASTRID
Thank you.
Astrid goes over to Nick.
ASTRID
So, have you prepped Rachel to face the wolves?
NICK
Rachel is a New Yorker, and she lectures Millennials for a
living. I think she can manage our family.
Astrid looks at Nick like he’s crazy.
ASTRID
You’ve been away too long.
BACK WITH RACHEL AND EDDIE
EDDIE
Okay, sorry, time out. So, you’re not from a Taiwan Chu family?
RACHEL
Nope.
EDDIE
Hong Kong telecom Chus?
RACHEL
No.
EDDIE
Malaysian packing peanut Chus?
RACHEL
Is that really a thing?
EDDIE
Yeah, it’s everywhere. You just --
Before Eddie can continue, Nick cuts in.
NICK
I’m gonna stop you there because I’m gonna take her on the
rounds. We’ll be back, though.
As Nick and Rachel leave, Eddie calls after.
EDDIE
No, wait. Hang on. China instant noodle Chus. Rachel --
as Rachel turns
Chu are you?
to Fiona
Let’s go.
Eddie laughs hysterically at his own horrible joke. Rachel
politely smiles and moves on.
Francesca and Celine hover nearby to listen in and get the dirt
on Rachel.
PARTY SEQUENCE
The jazz band breaks into a DRUM SECTION as Nick introduces his
family to Rachel, who’s anxious to make a good impression.
CAMERA DOES 360 LOOPS AROUND them, REVEALING a new set of
people each time:
-- WITH AUNTIES ALIX AND FELICITY:
NICK
This is Auntie Alix and Auntie Felicity.
RACHEL
Hi! It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve never been to a tan hua
party before.
FELICITY
We love any excuse to throw a soirée. Do your parents like to
entertain? Oh! I’m sorry. Your mother’s single.
Alix shoots Felicity a “don’t be insensitive” look.
RACHEL
Yup.
OFF Rachel, amused, realizing word has gotten around.
ON AUNTY JACQUELINE
NICK
Auntie Jacqueline. One of my parents’ oldest friends.
JACQUELINE
I actually met Nick’s father at Cambridge.
fishing
So, what line of work is your father in?
RACHEL
Oh, my father died before I was born. But he was a factory
worker in China.
Jacqueline slurps her wine loudly to drown out the horror on
her face.
In the b.g. Francesca and Celine overhear, smirk.
An OLDER CHINESE LADY (60s) in traditional Chinese dress,
speaks to Nick, happy to see him.
LING CHEH (OLDER CHINESE LADY)
to Nick; in Mandarin; subtitled
Nicki a, shi ni nv pengyou a? Yao gankuai jiehun luo, a?
Nicki, is this your girlfriend? You should hurry up and get
married, okay?
Nick laughs.
Rachel smiles, assumes she’s Nick’s grandmother.
RACHEL
in Mandarin; subtitled
Ah Ma, xiexie nin yaoquing wo lai nin de jia. Zheli hao
piaoliang.
Grandma, thank you for inviting me to your home. It’s very
beautiful.
The Older Lady looks at Rachel, confused.
NICK
low; to Rachel
This is Ling Cheh, my old nanny.
Rachel is mortified. Francesca and Celine laugh in the b.g.
INT. TYERSALL - LIBRARY - NIGHT
Astrid holds a covered plate, looks for Michael. She sees him
in the corner of the library, on his phone:
MICHAEL
into phone
Look, now’s the time we need all hands on deck. Please, please,
just do me this favor. Thank you. Bye-bye.
He hangs up.
ASTRID
They started clearing away dinner.
Astrid hands him the plate.
ASTRID
Your favorites.
Michael takes the plate, kisses her.
MICHAEL
Thank you.
ASTRID
You know, if you need bodies at the office, I could always come
in and help out.
MICHAEL
playfully
The glamorous Astrid Leong working as an assistant?
ASTRID
Mm-hmm.
MICHAEL
realizing
Wait, isn’t Araminta’s bachelorette party tomorrow?
ASTRID
And this would be the perfect excuse to get out of it.
MICHAEL
Thank you. Really. But I’ve got everything covered.
ASTRID
Okay.
beat
I forgot to get you a fork. Um--
MICHAEL
It’s okay, you stay. I’ll go get it.
He winks at her and takes off. Astrid smiles as she watches him
go. She hears a BUZZ from his phone which he’s left on the
bench.
ASTRID
Michael, I think it’s the office!
But Michael doesn’t hear her. He’s gone. There’s a PING and a
text pops up. She glances at the screen:
TEXT: The bed feels empty without you.
Astrid is stricken.
Astrid drops the phone, her world caving in.
BACK AT THE PARTY
Jacqueline and others in the b.g. subtly clock this. A dapper
man, OLIVER T’SIEN (30s), looks on with interest.
RACHEL
Oh, my God! Nick, I can’t believe I just did that.
NICK
It’s fine. I don’t think anybody even noticed.
RACHEL
I think I freaked out your nanny --
She spills her drink down the front of Nick’s shirt.
NICK
Oh! My God!
RACHEL
Oh, my God! So sorry.
NICK
It’s fine, don’t worry about it.
to bartender
Can I have a tissue, please?
Oliver swoops in offering a napkin.
OLIVER
Oh, go, go. Get changed. I’ll keep Rachel company.
Nick smiles to see him.
NICK
Thanks you, Oli.
to Rachel
You’re in good hands. Give me two minutes. I’ll change.
RACHEL
Sorry.
NICK
It’s okay.
Nick takes off, Rachel extends her hand to Oliver.
RACHEL
Hi, I’m Rachel.
OLIVER
Oh, I know.
Peik Lin scampers up.
PEIK LIN
Rachel!
RACHEL
Oh, I --
PEIK LIN
Rachel! I heard you thought Ah Ma was the cook!
Rachel cringes and covers her face in embarrassment.
PEIK LIN
Ah!
OLIVER
off Rachel
Uh, on the bright side, you’re the talk of the party. People
like your dress.
Peik Lin and Oliver take each other in. It’s instant fashion
chemistry.
PEIK LIN
Oh, I did that.
OLIVER
Oh!
PEIK LIN
I know!
OLIVER
Such a chic seventies goddess.
PEIK LIN
I know.
OLIVER
It’s very disco Cleopatra, but in a good way.
PEIK LIN
That’s exactly what I was going for.
OLIVER
Oh, well. Oliver.
PEIK LIN
Hi.
OLIVER
I like your shoes.
PEIK LIN
Oh, thank you. I’m Peik Lin. Ditto.
OLIVER
Cheers.
PEIK LIN
There you go.
Rachel looks on, amazed Peik Lin’s already made a friend.
OLIVER
re: her earrings
Gosh, these are lovely.
PEIK LIN
They’re clip-ons. Thank you.
OLIVER
Are they? Oh, wow!
RACHEL
So, Oliver, are you a cousin, too?
OLIVER
Mm, well, I’m one of the poorer relations. The rainbow sheep of
the family. But I make myself useful. Whatever the Youngs want,
I procure. Golden koi fish, Huanghuali furniture. A rare
Cambodian gong.
PEIK LIN
Mm.
RACHEL
Why would they want to buy a rare Cambodian gong?
On cue, A RESONANT GONG sounds and all eyes turn to Alix.
OLIVER
Because they can.
INT. TYERSALL PARK - NICK’S OLD ROOM - NIGHT
Nick opens a closet, sees a row of meticulously pressed shirts
hanging in a row. He smiles, takes one out. Eleanor walks in.
ELEANOR
Ah Ma insists all your clothes be washed and pressed every two
weeks.
Nick sees his mother standing in the doorway. She walks over,
takes the shirt from his hands and selects another shirt for
him. (Throughout the scene she also quietly caters to Nick,
dusting his jacket, etc.)
ELEANOR
This one.
As Nick takes off his soiled shirt he looks around at his
childhood room filled with pictures and mementoes.
NICK
Everything is exactly as I left it.
Nick moves to a nearby desk and rifles through a drawer.
ELEANOR
glances over at him
Looking for your cigars? I had them thrown out years ago.
NICK
Never could get anything past you, could I?
Eleanor smiles while she fiddles with Nick’s clean shirt laying
on the bed.
ELEANOR
I keep telling Ah Ma to put your things away, but she says this
room makes her feel like you’re still here.
then
Well, I got an earful when you didn’t move back last year.
Nick reacts, it’s a loaded subject. Eleanor helps Nick put on
the clean shirt.
ELEANOR
Your father and I are really looking forward to having you
home. He’s not getting any younger. With you onboard, maybe
he’ll take a day off once in a while.
NICK
I know, Mum. I’m just not ready yet. There’s things in New York
that I wanna see through.
It’s not the answer Eleanor was looking for. She presses on
another front:
ELEANOR
Well, I’m happy I finally met Rachel. She is very impressive.
NICK
I think so, too. And I thought you might be excited that the
first girl that I bring home is a Chinese professor.
ELEANOR
noncommittal smile
Chinese-American.
fishes
You know, bringing her home, introducing her at a large family
gathering-- Some people may say --
NICK
When there’s something to say about Rachel and me, you’ll be
first to hear.
off Eleanor
But some things I need to figure out on my own.
Nick grins as Eleanor helps him put on his jacket.
ELEANOR
Is that an American accent I’m hearing?
Nick scoffs.
NICK
How do I look?
Eleanor adjusts the pocket square in his jacket pocket, regards
her son.
ELEANOR
Perfect.
EXT. TYERSALL PARK - CONSERVATORY - NIGHT
Guests stream into a vast open-air courtyard. Alix and Felicity
hold court as guests admire the large, spidery, white flowers
which are STARTING TO BLOOM.
ALIX
Everyone! Everyone! The tan hua plants very rarely bloom, and
even then only at night.
FELICITY
Their beauty is spectacular, but fleeting. By dawn they’ll be
gone.
ALIX
So-- come. Come.
The crowd claps. ZOOM IN ON the tan hua plant taking center
stage in the conservatory.
IN ANOTHER AREA
Oliver pretends to admire the flowers as he points out the
social scene to Peik Lin and Rachel.
OLIVER
Oh! Someone forgot to wear a bra.
He gestures to Kitty Pong, who’s entered with Alistair.
OLIVER
Kitty Pong. Cousin Alistair’s latest flame. An actress. Rumor
is, she was in a porno. Two Girls, One Cup a Noodles.
Kitty bends down to smell a tan hua, her boobs almost spilling
out of her dress. The Aunties are horrified.
KITTY
kissing one of the guests
Baby!
PEIK LIN
matter-of-fact
You know, I thought I would like that more than I did.
OLIVER
The book is much better.
PEIK LIN
Mm-hmm.
Rachel is distracted seeing some YOUNG WOMEN sneak cold glances
at her.
RACHEL
Is it just me or are people, like, staring at me?
OLIVER
Oh, they’re just jealous. You nabbed the crown prince.
off Rachel
Nicki is Ah Ma’s favorite, in line to inherit everything. No
surprise there when that’s the competition.
Oliver looks to Eddie checking himself out on his iPhone cam,
and Alistair who’s hypnotized by Kitty’s cleavage.
Rachel is uncomfortable with the implication.
OLIVER
Oh, speaking of the grande dame--
Rachel turns to see guests make way for an elderly lady, Nick’s
AH MA (80s). She’s regal, elegant, but frail, leaning on
Eleanor to help her walk. She doesn’t say a word, but everyone,
her own family included, acts in total deference and respect to
her.
As Rachel takes it in, feeling a little out of place. Nick
appears.
NICK
There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. You ready to
meet my grandmother?
As Nick takes her by the hand and leads her through the crowd.
They reach Ah Ma who LIGHTS UP to see her favorite grandson.
The veneer of decorum drops as she reaches out to him, hugging
him and touching his face.
NICK
Ah Ma--
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Guai sunzi, ni huilai la! Zheme duo rizi ye bu huilai kan kan
Ah Ma. Hai hao wo hai huozhe. Ni qule na’er? Ni zenme shou le?
Nicki, you’re home! Not coming to see your grandma for so long.
I’m glad I’m still alive. Did you eat yet? You’ve become too
skinny.
NICK
in Mandarin; subtitled
Wo xiangnian nin zhu de cai.
That’s because I miss your cooking.
Ah Ma, zhe shi wo de hao pengyou, Rachel Chu.
Grandma, this is my good friend, Rachel Chu.
Rachel steps forward, replies in perfect Mandarin.
RACHEL
in Mandarin; subtitled
Ah Ma, xiexie nin yaoqing wo lai nin de jia. Nick jingchang
tiqi nin. Ta shuo nin bao de shuijiao shi quan shijie zui hao
chi de.
Grandma, thank you for inviting me to your home. Nick always
talks about you. He says no one in the world makes better
dumplings.
The old lady looks pleased.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Na mei shenme de. Ni yuanyi wo keyi jiao ni.
It’s nothing. I can show you how to make them, too.
RACHEL
in Mandarin; subtitled
Na shizai tai haole.
I would be honored.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Buguo ni yao zao dian huilai. Bie zai zheme duo ren de difang.
You must come back soon, then, when there are not so many
craning necks around--
Ah Ma smiles and nods.
ALIX (O.S.)
Look, they’re in full bloom.
PAN OVER TO the tan hua plant. People clap --
PEOPLE AT PARTY
Aww--
Nick stands up to let Rachel sit next to Ah Ma.
JACQUELINE (O.S.)
It’s so nice having Nick back home. But he seems different.
ANGLE ON ANOTHER PART OF THE COURTYARD
where Eleanor has been watching with Jacqueline.
She sees Nick and Rachel embracing, laughing, KISSING. Looking
every bit the couple in love.
ELEANOR
When children are away from home too long, they forget who they
are.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
EXT. HANGAR - MORNING
A THUMPING CLUB BEAT PLAYS as we PAN DOWN A LINE OF ULTRA
LUXURY CARS: fully-customized Lamborghinis, Maseratis,
Bugattis.
BERNARD
What’s up? Let’s jam!
More cars pull in as Singapore’s JET-SET CROWD piles out and
greets each other.
Valets load luggage onto sleek golf carts before transporting
them to a PRIVATE JET and THREE MATCHING HELICOPTERS outside
the hangar.
INT. HANGAR
In the middle of the hangar is a SLEEK HELICOPTER surrounded by
a circular bar, which divides the bachelors from the
bachelorettes.
Rachel and Nick enter the hangar as Araminta runs up to them.
ARAMINTA
Ah! Rachel! So happy you’re here. Oh! Oh, my God. Your Gap
look, brilliant.
RACHEL
Thanks.
ARAMINTA
She’s coming with me.
NICK
Ah! Hold on.
to Rachel
Kiss. Thirty-six hours. Bye.
to Araminta
Minty, one piece, please.
ARAMINTA
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
NICK
Not listening at all.
ARAMINTA
So, I’m gonna intro you to my posse. We’re flying to my mom’s
resort in Sumatra. She’s closed down the whole place just for
us. We’re gonna have so much fun. Come on, meet the girls.
Araminta drags Rachel over to a group of girls. Rachel gives
Nick a last look as Araminta pulls her away:
ARAMINTA
Girls, this is Rachel Chu.
RACHEL
Hi.
ARAMINTA’S FRIEND
Hi!
RACHEL
Oh!
ARAMINTA’S NICE FRIEND
Nice to meet you.
Colin, in rumpled Comme des Garcons, finds Nick. As Bernard
makes his way toward them --
EXCITED GUY
Yeah!
NICK
surprised
So you let Bernard Tai organize all of this?
COLIN
Yeah. Bernard.
NICK
Hey.
BERNARD
This is for you, asshole.
MAN IN PINK JACKET
Asshole.
OFF Nick and Colin, realizing the weekend they’re in for.
ANOTHER AREA
Araminta and posse, including Celine and Francesca, drink
bellinis served by HOT, SHIRTLESS WAITERS as they admire each
others’ hair/boobs/handbags and gossip.
Rachel hangs on the outskirts, aware she doesn’t fit in,
catching bits of conversation.
Rachel and the women turn to see TWO GORGEOUS WOMEN STEP OUT OF
A SPORTS CAR. They’re SISTERS.
ARAMINTA
TINA! TINI! The twins are in the house! Ooh, I’m so glad you
made it! How are you?
TINI
Hi!
Araminta and the bachelorettes flock to the sisters, leaving
Rachel and another woman, AMANDA (30s). Unlike Araminta’s other
friends, Amanda doesn’t look or act like a high-maintenance
model.
AMANDA
re: Tina and Tini
It’s easy to make a killer entrance when you come as a matching
set. Hi, we haven’t met. I’m Amanda Ling.
Rachel laughs.
RACHEL
Hi, I’m Rachel Chu.
AMANDA
Oh, you’re Nick Young’s friend?
RACHEL
Yeah.
AMANDA
off Rachel
Word gets around fast here. You’re a professor at NYU, right?
RACHEL
Yes. Um, what, what about you?
AMANDA
Oh, I’m a lawyer. General counsel to the Young Family
Corporation, actually.
RACHEL
That’s very impressive.
AMANDA
Mm, nah. Just good old-fashioned nepotism. I grew up with Nick
and Colin. We’re family friends.
then
It’s nice to meet you, Rachel Chu.
Rachel smiles, happy to find a like-minded friend. They hear a
BEEP BEEP as Araminta arrives in a golf cart.
ARAMINTA
Ladies, come on! We’re wheels up in five.
AMANDA
Let’s do this?
RACHEL
Let’s go.
AMANDA
Oh! Fuck! Yeah!
RACHEL
Okay!
The golf cart takes off as Rachel and Amanda are barely seated
and almost drop their drinks.
AMANDA
Yeah!
The cart takes off towards the jet--
BACK TO NICK AND COLIN
COLIN
All I wanted was a weekend away with my boys. And some beer.
Maybe some rugby.
NICK
Don’t worry. It’s gonna be great, whatever happens.
BERNARD (O.S.)
Let’s make some babies!
COLIN
Yeah. I don’t think it will be.
EXT/INT. SINGAPORE HARBOR - HELICOPTER - DAY
The 3 helicopters fly over the open sea. Wagner’s Ride of the
Valkyries plays.
SUPERIMPOSE: INTERNATIONAL WATERS
In one chopper, Bernard brags to Nick and Colin.
BERNARD
Any asshole can plan a normal stag party. Hookers, drugs, dog-
fighting. That’s minor league shit. To organize a party this
massive --
NICK
low; to Colin
Takes a massive asshole?
BERNARD
Takes a goddamn mastermind.
Colin looks out to see nothing but the ocean around them.
COLIN
Where exactly is this party?
BERNARD
It’s right there.
They all look out the window at a LARGE CARGO SHIP. Colin and
Nick exchange looks, WTF? But as they get closer--
COLIN
Bloody hell!
REVEAL: The containers on the ship have been arranged and
modified to create a HUGE PARTY PLAYGROUND. A floating
Disneyland for adults. Painted on the side is “BALLIN’ COLIN’S
BACHELOR PARTY.” The guys descend on the scene.
BERNARD
Y-y-yeah!
The partiers respond in kind welcoming them to the revelry.
EXT. CARGO PARTY SHIP - NIGHT - LATER
In a LONG SHOT we see a flare go off into the sky. We hear it
enter the sea with a splash.
INT. SHIP PARTY
“Hello Bitches” by CL POUNDS.
STYLISTIC FLASHES as the guys walk past CARGO CONTAINERS THAT
HAVE BEEN CONVERTED into a POOL and DANCE FLOOR manned by
attractive MODEL WAITRESSES. Some of the women wear beauty
pageant-type sashes across their chests: UKRAINE, UNITED
KINGDOM, NETHERLANDS. Bernard, standing in front of the beauty
queens, is holding a bazooka-like flare gun setting off another
flare. He laughs manically.
The other guys are drinking surrounded by girls in bikinis.
EDDIE
Oh, my God, Nick. What are you worried about? You don’t have to
keep Rachel happy. She’s just lucky to be here.
COLIN
Nice, Eddie.
EDDIE
Oh, what? So do we pretend like that’s not the truth? Are we in
some kinda fairy tale story that I don’t know about? Did you
find a shoe at midnight and jump in a pumpkin? Yo, I got so
much shit about marrying Fiona and her parents own the biggest
shipping company in Hong Kong.
to Colin
Hey, Araminta’s adorable, but you think your dad would be
spending millions on this wedding if her parents didn’t own a
billion-dollar resort chain? What’s Rachel bringing to the
table?
Alistair sits with his arms wrapped around two women, one
wearing a sash labeled “ISRAEL.”
ALISTAIR
Oh! Small tits!
They all laugh.
Nick steps to Alistair, about to hit him, but Colin stands in
the way.
EDDIE
Oh--
ALISTAIR
Oh!
Colin stops Nick --
COLIN
Hey, hey, hey. It’s not worth it, man. They’re drunk.
ANOTHER ON STAGE
lined with bikini-clad women. Bernard yells toward Colin and
the guys --
BERNARD
Hey, guys, this is boring. Massage time. And you, the bachelor.
You gonna get one before this weekend is over. Or we gonna tie
you up and shave your coo coo chara.
Everyone laughs uproariously as Bernard brandishes the bazooka.
PEOPLE AT BACHELOR PARTY
yell
Coo coo chara. Coo coo chara. Coo coo chara. Coo coo chara.
Bernard has a missile-type launcher on his shoulder --
BERNARD
Shit! Come try this.
Nick and Colin start walking away from the party.
COLIN
We have to get off this ship.
ARAMINTA (V.O.)
pre-lap
Welcome to paradise--
EXT. RESORT - SAMSARA ISLAND - ON ARAMINTA - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: SAMSARA ISLAND
ARAMINTA
This is Samsara Island.
SHOT OF the lush island as Araminta addresses the girl --
ARAMINTA
This weekend is about sisterhood and connecting with the divine
in all of us. So, I hope you’ll all find your bliss-- starting
with--
yelling; psyched
-- an all-paid shopping spree at the fashion boutique!!
The women SCREAM with excitement! Araminta runs to Rachel and
grabs her hand and drags her off toward the shopping boutique.
ARAMINTA
Come on! Come on!
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. RESORT - BOUTIQUE - DAY
It’s CHAOS as women grab and fight over clothes. Francesca and
Celine are in a tug-o-war over a caftan.
FRANCESCA
Bitch, I saw this first!
CELINE
But you have ping-pong tits!
FRANCESCA
Oh, what about your mosquito bites?
CELINE
No!
FRANCESCA
You know it’s true!
CELINE
You’re such a bitch!
ARAMINTA
One more minute! You keep what you can carry. One more minute.
You keep what you can carry.
With little time to spare, women FIGHT OVER outfits.
Rachel has a new dress she’s just tried on. She watches the
carnage, confused. Amanda clocks this.
AMANDA
Yep, no one loves free stuff more than rich people.
re: dress
Just the one dress for you?
RACHEL
I don’t wanna lose an arm.
AMANDA
Ooh. Well, in that case-- one last touch.
Amanda looks around, picks out a NECKLACE from a display and
puts it on Rachel.
AMANDA
Well, isn’t Nick a lucky guy.
Rachel looks at herself in the mirror, Amanda is right, it’s
the perfect accent.
ARAMINTA
Time’s up!!! Next stop, SPA!
EXT. RAWA ISLAND - MALAYSIA - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: RAWA ISLAND
Nick and Colin sit on lounge chairs at a GORGEOUS DESERTED
BEACH. Colin takes in the view, at peace, and takes a sip of a
beer.
COLIN
You’re a genius. You know that, right?
NICK
What’s a best man for? I guess that pilot’s license came in
handy after all.
beat
Here you go, champ.
COLIN
Oh, thank you, sir. Mmm. I think that is the best beer I’ve
ever had.
NICK
I’m gonna have to agree with you on that.
COLIN
You know, if it wasn’t for Araminta, I’d ask you to marry me.
NICK
Although--
reaches into his pocket
-- there is a little something that might get in the way of
that.
Nick pulls out a jewelry box, opens it displaying a beautiful
engagement ring.
COLIN
Mmm. No!
NICK
Yeah.
COLIN
Is that real?
NICK
Yes!
COLIN
Wow! Yes! Yes, man! Congratulations!
NICK
I know.
COLIN
That is freaking amazing.
NICK
I’m ready.
COLIN
You’re ready. You’re doing it! Nick, I’m really happy for you,
man.
NICK
Thanks, dude.
CUT TO:
EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
PAN ACROSS Araminta and the women enjoying various spa
treatments: hot stone massages, mani-pedis, mud baths--
Rachel and Amanda are getting Thai massages. Rachel’s MASSEUSE
pushes up her leg, gets uncomfortably close.
RACHEL
grunts
I think my masseuse just got me pregnant.
AMANDA
laughs
I can see why Nick put off coming back to Singapore.
RACHEL
What do you mean?
AMANDA
You know. He was supposed to come back last year, take over the
family business. His parents freaked out when he didn’t. But,
now that he’s back, I’m sure all is forgiven.
RACHEL
But he’s not back for good. I mean, we’re just here for a
wedding.
Amanda looks at her, sympathetic.
EXT. RAWA ISLAND - MALAYSIA - DAY
COLIN
Wow!
NICK
But?
COLIN
No, I’m really happy for you.
NICK
Colin, I’ve known you since you were in nappies. I know when
there’s something on your mind.
COLIN
Well, it wasn’t that long ago that you were sure you were
moving back home. And I mean, Rachel loves her job in New York.
NICK
Yeah, we’re gonna figure that out.
COLIN
You’re going to figure it out. Right.
AMANDA (V.O.)
pre-lap
Rachel, I get it.
EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
AMANDA
It’s hard knowing where you stand with someone like Nicholas
Young. He has all that pressure from his family. Not just in
business, but in who he’s dating. It’s like, you just never
know what’s quite going on in that gorgeous head of his --
Rachel stares at Amanda who realizes she’s overstepped.
AMANDA
Nick told you that we were together, right? It’s ancient
history now. Although our families, particularly his mother,
always wanted us to get married. I guess we weren’t ready then.
As Rachel reacts at this revelation:
COLIN (V.O.)
pre-lap
Dude--
EXT. RAWA ISLAND - MALAYSIA - DAY
COLIN
-- ever since primary school, you were always going to be the
next chairman of the Young Corporation, your family's shining
heir. You really think your family's going to accept anything
less than that? I mean, unless you-- No. Are you thinking of
walking out? Leaving everything to bloody Alistair and Eddie?
NICK
I'm not walking out on anything. I met a girl, I fell in love
and I want to marry her. And it can't just be one thing or the
other.
COLIN
Uh, no, no, no, no, no. It's, it's not that simple. You know
that.
EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
AMANDA
I really admire you. Takes guts, coming all the way over here,
facing Nick’s family. Especially when Eleanor isn’t exactly in
your corner.
EXT. RAWA ISLAND - MALAYSIA - DAY
COLIN
Okay. Your family aside, have you ever thought about what your
relationship with Rachel will be like if you got married? I
mean, okay, you're, you're Nicholas Young, you're untouchable.
You always have been. But Rachel's not. And if--
EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
COLIN (V.O.)
-- she becomes Mrs. Nicholas Young, every day for her is going
to be a struggle.
Rachel gets up, feels uneasy.
Amanda TEXTS: She’s on the move. Hook, line, and SINK HER.
CELINE (O.S.)
I heard she told Tini that Nick is a good catch.
FRANCESCA
Oh! So typical. She’s not even that pretty. It’s like she’s
never heard of plastic surgery.
CELINE
chuckling
Oh, shit.
Rachel feels sick. After hearing Celine and Francesca, she
exits, fleeing.
EXT. RESORT VILLA - WALKWAY - DAY
Rachel flees, upset, when she COLLIDES with someone. It’s
Astrid, who’s just arrived. She clutches a bag while PORTERS
behind her carry her luggage.
RACHEL
Sorry.
EXT. RAWA ISLAND - MALAYSIA - DAY
COLIN
You sure she’s ready for that?
Nick sighs.
EXT. RESORT VILLA - WALKWAY - DAY
ASTRID
Rachel?
They head to the resort villa suite.
ASTRID
I’m so sorry.
RACHEL
It’s okay.
INT. RESORT VILLA - SUITE - EVENING
Rachel enters with Astrid who she’s downloaded to.
ASTRID
Let’s just forget about those girls. Camp out here and order
room service.
Astrid looks at Rachel, concerned.
Rachel suddenly SCREAMS.
On the bed is a LARGE, GUTTED FISH. Its blood and guts all over
the white sheets. On one of the windows are words scrawled in
red: “CATCH THIS, YOU GOLD-DIGGING BITCH!”
ASTRID
I’ll call security --
RACHEL
No.
Astrid reacts, surprised. Rachel pulls herself together.
RACHEL
I’m not gonna make a scene.
ZOOM IN ON the window and the nasty message.
RACHEL
I’m not gonna give them the satisfaction.
EXT. BEACH - NIGHT
The drunken bachelorettes dance as a DJ spins tracks.
FURTHER DOWN THE BEACH
Rachel rants as she and Astrid dig a HOLE in the sand.
RACHEL
This weekend was supposed to be mani-pedis, cocktails served in
pineapples. This definitely wasn’t on the menu --
Rachel dumps the wrapped fish in the hole.
RACHEL
Why would Araminta even have friends like them? They're so
mean.
As Rachel fills the hole:
ASTRID
Well, you grow up your whole lives together, you make excuses
for people. Specially the morons.
RACHEL
I mean, I know Michael didn’t have to deal with catty, fish-
killing sociopaths, but how did you two get through all this?
ASTRID
Well, I didn't have it quite this bad, but it wasn't pretty.
RACHEL
Well, at least tell me it gets better.
ASTRID
Of course it does.
Astrid wants to reassure Rachel, but she can’t. Rachel
recognizes that something is wrong.
RACHEL
You okay?
ASTRID
Yeah--
beat; close to tears
Actually-- no--
RACHEL
You could talk to me.
ASTRID
tough to say
Michael is-- having an affair.
RACHEL
I’m really sorry, Astrid.
Astrid manages a smile, appreciates it.
Rachel nods. Astrid smiles, puts her head on Rachel’s shoulder,
hold each other’s hands, and watch the waves crash into the
shore.
EXT. RAFFLES HOTEL - DAY
Nick enters the hotel.
MALE HOTEL GREETER
Welcome back.
NICK
Cheers, sir.
INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - LANDING - DAY
Nick enters the hotel having returned from his trip. He sees
Rachel reading in a quiet area. He heads over, throws his bag
down.
RACHEL (O.S.)
I thought I was here to meet your family--
ON NICK AND RACHEL
RACHEL
-- go to your best friend's wedding, eat some good food.
Instead, I feel like I'm a villain in a soap opera who's
plotting to steal your family fortune.
Nick blanches. Knows this isn’t good.
NICK
What happened?
RACHEL
I mean, I met Amanda. She told me that everyone here thinks
that I'm the evil person that prevented you from moving back to
Singapore last year but, when I didn't even know you were
supposed to come home.
NICK
You have every reason to be upset - -
RACHEL
I’m not done yet! There was also the gutted, bloody fish that
Araminta’s friends left for me in my hotel room on my bed next
to the words ‘Catch this, you gold-digging bitch’ written in
big fat serial-killer letters --
NICK
Is that all that happened?
off Rachel
I mean, please tell me that’s all that happened.
RACHEL
You know what? I don't even care about those stupid girls, with
their stupid little designer handbags and sunglasses. I don't
care about that. I don't care that your ex-girlfriend told me
all this crap. It's that you didn't tell me any of it.
NICK
I screwed up.
RACHEL
Why?
NICK
I really messed up, okay?
RACHEL
Why? What -- Were you trying to test me? Why would you do that?
Nick takes a beat, comes clean.
NICK
I made a mistake. When we first met, you had no idea who I was,
who my family were. You didn't care!
RACHEL
Yeah, I don't care about that stupid stuff.
NICK
Well, exactly. You are so different from all of the women that
I grew up with. And I love who I am around you. And I don't
want that to change. And that's selfish, I know.
Nick takes her hand.
RACHEL
Mm-hmm.
NICK
And I'm sorry that you had to deal with that on your own. But
I'm here now. And whatever happens, we'll get through it
together. Dead fish and all.
As Rachel scoffs --
NICK
All right?
RACHEL
It was so gross. But I buried it.
NICK
You dealt with it.
They laugh. He holds her. Rachel is touched.
NICK
Come here.
RACHEL
You know what? We need to do something tonight. We need to do
something that's just you and me, okay?
NICK
100% agree.
RACHEL
Yes.
NICK
But we do have to go make some dumplings first. Okay?
RACHEL
Then can we eat them?
NICK
We can eat as many as you like.
RACHEL
Okay, fine.
INT. TYERSALL PARK - DINING ROOM - DAY
QUICK CUTS of food being expertly prepared by half a dozen
MAIDS:
Small balls of dough are rolled into flat circles.
Minced meat is quickly rolled into dozens of perfectly-formed,
uniform BALLS.
A maid takes a tray of the mincemeat balls to the center of the
room, where Eleanor and other family members Nick, Rachel,
Astrid, Cassian, Oliver, Alix, and Felicity are clustered
around a large table. They’re busy folding the dumplings, which
are placed in neatly-stacked bamboo steamers. It’s a family
tradition, and they work expertly while having multiple
conversations.
NICK
I can’t believe this is your first time making dumplings.
Rachel laughs.
ALIX
Gotta make sure this time we don’t run out of baskets.
ASTRID
Cassian, that’s not how you do it.
beat
Very good. Very good, Cassian.
Cassian laughs.
ASTRID
And now you roll it up.
As Eleanor inspects the tray and nods her approval, Felicity
eyes DOZENS of waiting trays with alarm.
ALIX
This is too much. We’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, not feeding
an army --
ELEANOR
Better too many than have people say we’re stingy.
Meanwhile, Nick teaches Rachel how to fold a dumpling, putting
the mincemeat ball in the dough wrapper and sealing it closed.
NICK
So, right. You put the baby in bed and tuck, tuck, tuck. Same
on the other side. And you give him a kiss goodnight --
RACHEL
Okay. That’s so cute. And then you eat the baby.
NICK
How's that?
chuckles
Then you eat the baby. Not until he's cooked.
RACHEL
No, you gotta make sure he’s cooked. Did Ah Ma teach you that?
NICK
She did.
OLIVER
I, on the other hand, was taught by Grand Aunty Mabel. ‘You put
the Botox in the face and then you pinch, pinch, pinch, then
voila!’
RACHEL
Did you guys all learn when you were kids?
ASTRID
We didn’t have a choice.
Nods to Cassian as he happily pounds balls of dough with his
fist and rips apart dumplings.
FELICITY
We taught you so you’d know the blood, sweat, and tears it took
to raise and feed you monkeys.
ALIX
Not like ang-mohs, microwaving macaroni and cheese for their
own children.
shudders
No wonder they put their parents in the old folks’ home when
they all grow up.
FELICITY
I know!
ELEANOR
Ah Ma says if we don’t pass traditions down like this, they’ll
disappear.
ASTRID
to Rachel
God forbid we lose the ancient Chinese tradition of guilting
your children.
The others all laugh.
NICK
It’s totally worth it. Mother used to wait for me after school
with a nice basket of these.
ALIX
in Cantonese; subtitled
Ni hao ming.
Lucky you.
Eleanor smiles at the memory.
ASTRID
to Felicity
Hey, I never got after-school dumplings.
OLIVER
Well, that’s because Aunty Felicity was doing after-school
microdermabrasion.
FELICITY
mock-scolds; in Cantonese; subtitled
Ni le wu qie, ruguo a ye zhong xi du, shi qing ni shi teng tiao
wen zhurou.
Smart ass. If your grandfather was alive, he’d kick you into
next week.
Everyone LAUGHS. Alix sees Rachel smiling. Felicity throws
dough at Oliver.
OLIVER
brushing shirt
Aunty, this is Dolce.
ALIX
to Rachel
You speak Cantonese?
RACHEL
No, I don’t. It’s just great seeing you guys all like this.
The family exchanges looks. What does Rachel mean?
RACHEL
When I was growing up, it was just me and my mom. Which I
loved, uh, but we didn’t really have a big family like this.
It’s really nice.
OLIVER
That's so lovely of you to say, Rachel. We all are very lucky
to have each other.
Alix and Felicity smile, approving. Feeling more comfortable,
Rachel tries to engage Eleanor, who’s been largely silent. She
sees Eleanor’s RING, a beautiful piece studded with diamonds
and emeralds.
RACHEL
That’s a beautiful ring, Aunty Eleanor. I’ve never seen
anything like it.
The other women look at Eleanor, trying to gauge her reaction
to Rachel.
ELEANOR
surprised; then
Nick’s father had it made when he proposed to me.
RACHEL
That’s very romantic. How did you guys meet?
NICK
Actually, they met at Cambridge. They were both studying law
together.
RACHEL
Oh, I didn’t know you were a lawyer.
ELEANOR
I wasn’t. I withdrew from university when we got married.
RACHEL
Oh--
Eleanor reads into Rachel’s reaction.
ELEANOR
I chose to help my husband run a business and to raise a
family. For me, it was a privilege. But for you, you may think
it's old-fashioned. It's nice you appreciate this house and us
being here together wrapping dumplings. But all this doesn't
just happen. It's because we know to put family first, instead
of chasing one's passion.
An awkward SILENCE falls over the table. Rachel feels chided,
isn’t sure how to react when:
AH MA (O.S.)
in Mandarin; subtitled
O, nimen dajia douzai zhe’er a!
Ah, everyone’s here!
Ah Ma enters with her Thai maids. Oblivious to the tension, she
smiles to see Nick and Rachel.
NICK
Ah Ma.
ASTRID
Ah Ma.
ALIX
Ah Ma.
NICK
to maids
Thank you.
takes his grandma’s arm
Ah Ma.
AH MA
Oh, Nick.
NICK
Come and sit.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
O, Nicki. O, ni ba Rachel ye dailai le?
Oh, Nicki. You brought Rachel. Good.
Ah Ma looks at Rachel’s face, scrutinizing it.
AH MA
Baitian wo kan ni kan de geng qingchu le. Ni de bizi zhang de
henhao, hen you fuqi. Wo kan kan ni de lian. Guolai.
I can see you more clearly in the day. The shape of your nose
is auspicious. Let me have a look, come closer
leans in
En... en... zhang de zhen haokan. Qingchu le.
Very nice looking.
Rachel is unsure what to make of it, but it feels like
approval.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Sit, sit, grandson.
OLIVER
Right, right. We're almost done here. Just a few more baskets.
Ah Ma looks at the dumplings.
AH MA
to Eleanor; in Mandarin; subtitled
Aiyo, zheshi ni bao de jiaozi ma? Zenme bao name nankan a?
Tuibule.
You made those dumplings? They don’t look very good. You lost
your touch.
Astrid watches this exchange, then looks at Rachel.
ELEANOR
Hmm.
INT. TYERSALL - HALLWAY - DAY
Rachel exits the dining room, looking for anywhere to go. She
walks up the long staircase, takes a few steps one way,
realizes she’s going the wrong direction, then turns around to
find Eleanor standing in front of her.
RACHEL
surprised
Oh. Hi. I think I’m a little lost. This house is pretty big.
Eleanor comes to Rachel and they walk and talk through the
halls of Tyersall.
ELEANOR
I’m glad I found you. I’m afraid that I’ve been unfair.
RACHEL
Oh, no, you know what? I'm sorry I made an assumption. I didn't
mean to offend you.
ELEANOR
Not at all.
then
You asked about my ring. The truth is Nick’s father had it made
when he wanted to propose to me, because Ah Ma wouldn’t give
him the family ring. I wasn’t her first choice. Honestly, I
wasn’t her second.
RACHEL
Gosh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea.
ELEANOR
I didn’t come from the right family, have the right
connections. And Ah Ma thought I would not make an adequate
wife to her son.
Rachel is surprised how Eleanor is seemingly opening up.
RACHEL
But, she came around, obviously.
Eleanor gives a tight smile.
ELEANOR
It took many years, and she had good reason to be concerned.
off Rachel
Because I had no idea the work and the sacrifice it would take.
There were many days when I wondered if I would ever measure up
--
Eleanor pauses, looks at Rachel.
ELEANOR
But having been through it all, I know this much--
gets close; gently
You will never be enough.
Rachel is eviscerated. Eleanor draws back, placid, calm. Then,
as if they’ve been talking about the weather Eleanor walks off:
ELEANOR
We should head back. I wouldn’t want Nick to worry.
INT. CAR - DAY
Nick drives as Rachel sits in the passenger seat, silent.
NICK
You all right?
RACHEL
Yeah.
NICK
I know my mum can be tough at times, but there isn’t anything
she wouldn’t do for me--
off Rachel’s silence
And there is a reason why I lived with Ah Ma growing up. It’s
because my mother knew she wasn’t the favorite. So she let her
raise me so I would be.
RACHEL
You were just a kid?
NICK
Yeah. But-- It's hard to understand from the outside. But she
did what she thought was best for the family-- For everyone
involved.
Rachel hears the tiny reminder of her otherness.
RACHEL
Mm-hmm.
Rachel takes it in, hears Nick’s regard for his mother. Which
makes her feel even more unsettled.
NICK
Anyway, I think I've had enough with dumplings for the rest of
my life. What should we do? Sushi, movies, anything you like.
Really.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP - PATIO - DAY
PEIK LIN (O.S.)
Wait, what? Was she like --
TILT DOWN. Peik Lin and Rachel sit at a table.
PEIK LIN
Eleanor impression
‘You will NEVER be good enough for my son,’ OR was it like,
‘YOU, YOU will never be good enough for my son.’
RACHEL
It’s like the second one.
PEIK LIN
Oh.
RACHEL
Except for in a way that made me wanna, like, cry and puke at
the same time.
PEIK LIN
God, she’s so badass.
idea
You know, I bet if you told her you’d leave Nick for a million
dollars, she will write that check. They do that around here --
RACHEL
-- And she looked at me like I was nothing --
PEIK LIN
-- Like a ten million dollar check. I feel like she would do
that.
RACHEL
I don't even know what I should do. I mean, I can't even tell
Nick because he like worships her.
PEIK LIN
Yeah, Chinese sons think their moms fart Chanel No. 5. What
about the Ah Ma? Does she hate your face, too?
RACHEL
Okay, nobody said they hated my face. And Ah Ma, she liked my
face. She said I had a lucky nose.
PEIK LIN
That’s great! You know, Eleanor can hate you all day long, but
you can’t beat two thousand years of Chinese filial piety.
RACHEL
I feel like I shouldn't even go to the wedding. You know, it's
Colin and Araminta's day, I don't wanna cause any drama there.
I feel like I should just sit it out. You know? Tell Nick I had
food poisoning or something.
off Peik Lin’s look
What?
PEIK LIN
That’s bullshit. You’re just scared.
RACHEL
No, I’m not.
PEIK LIN
Okay, here's what you need to understand, all right? It's not
about getting Eleanor to like you. It's about getting her to
respect you. All right? Right now, she just thinks you're some
like undeserving, clueless, gold-digging --
RACHEL
Okay, yeah, I got it.
PEIK LIN
-- trashy, unrefined banana, yellow on the outside, white on
the inside --
RACHEL
I know what a banana is --
PEIK LIN
-- When in reality, you’re like a super sophisticated, smart
professor of freaking game theory.
PEIK LIN
Show her that side of you, you know.
This hits home with Rachel.
RACHEL
You’re right.
PEIK LIN
Damn straight, I’m right. It’s Peik Lin, I’m always right.
RACHEL
Yeah, she's like trying to play a game of chicken with me,
where she's like coming at me, and like, thinking I'm going to
swerve like a chicken.
PEIK LIN
But you can't swerve.
RACHEL
I'm not gonna swerve. Not for her.
PEIK LIN
No. Chickens are bitches, dude!
RACHEL
And I'm not a chicken
PEIK LIN
You're not a chicken. You gonna roll up to that wedding, you
gonna be like, ‘Bak-bak, bitch!’
RACHEL
chuckles
Bak-bak, bitch!
PEIK LIN
Chickens are bitches.
A man on one of the upper balconies overhears her, gives her a
disapproving look.
PEIK LIN
Sorry Uncle.
RACHEL
What are you doing tonight?
PEIK LIN
Uh, I was gonna go to FedEx or something. Why? Oh!
Peik Lin breaks into a smile. OFF Rachel, determined.
INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
Standing in front of a tall tri-fold mirror as Peik Lin
scrutinizes her.
PEIK LIN
I have been waiting to do this properly for so long. I'm
thinking eyebrow triage, root crimps, maybe some eyelid tape.
to Oliver
What do you think?
REVEAL OLIVER standing off to the side with his entourage.
OLIVER
All of it. And I would throw in a Korean snail face mask.
Sweetie, your skin is so dry, it's hurting my face.
RACHEL
Thank you.
As Oliver walks around her, scrutinizing.
OLIVER
You know, it’s about time someone stood up to Aunty Eleanor.
Well, you, not me. Oh, God! She can’t know I was ever here.
PEIK LIN
No.
RACHEL
Oh, no
OLIVER
yelling to the air
Right. Well, okay, let’s get to work. Cappuccinos.
EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
A long line of stately cars lead to the entrance. Throngs have
gathered hoping to catch sight of arriving celebrities. It’s a
mix of FOREIGN DIGNITARIES, GOVERNMENT LEADERS, and Asia’s
brightest stars.
QUICK CUTS of reporters and photographers continues throughout
the following scene.
INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
OLIVER
Pull the plum Balenciaga, the peach Chloé, the Giambattista,
all the Bottegas, oh, and that Jason Wu with the deconstructed
ruffles.
PEIK LIN
And a sandwich for Peik Lin.
Rachel enters modeling different dresses.
OLIVER
Oh!
PEIK LIN
Okay. All right.
OLIVER
Right. I'm not sure if it's working or if she looks like a
clown's tampon.
RACHEL
Oh!
PEIK LIN
On a heavy day.
OLIVER
next dress
Y-You look like a flower. Like a sad, lonely flower no one
wants to be around.
RACHEL
Ahh!
EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
AMANDA
to Reporter
I mean, it's the wedding of the century. So, of course we're
here. It's the natural--
INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
OLIVER
Oh! Oh! It’s not that bad. It’s holding you up.
PEIK LIN
It’s a hands-on dress. You know what I mean?
WYE MUN
throws dress over partition
Incoming.
Peik Lin points for him to leave.
WYE MUN
Okay. Okay
EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
REPORTER
And this fantastic celebration here with --
Francesca and Celine pose for the cameras.
Alistair poses with Kitty Pong, who’s delighted by all the
attention.
KITTY
I love my fans-- I love my fans.
ALISTAIR
to reporters
Taipei Tiger Two is going to redefine the genre. She's a star.
KITTY
TT-Two, honey!
ALISTAIR
She's a star.
INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
PEIK LIN
Oh! I'm blinded by the light.
OLIVER
Oh. Okay. This is why disco died.
PEIK LIN
You kinda look like a slutty Ebola virus.
OLIVER
It's like a bag of Skittles. Taste the rainbow.
OLIVER
Could work, if we-- Yes. I, I think we just alter the --
Wye Mun comes back in offering another outfit.
WYE MUN
whispering
I, I, just think if we could just maybe just tell her this is
coming from you because she probably doesn't wanna hear it from
a guy. Okay. Okay.
Peik Lin throws him out again.
EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
Eddie, Fiona, and their three boys, again in adorable matching
suits, pose for photographers. Eddie nudges his eldest son.
EDDIE
Okay, remember. Optimal angles.
INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
Oliver and Neenah are accessorizing the sparkly disco-type
dress Rachel is now wearing.
When Rachel goes behind the partition to change her outfit,
Neenah, Wye Mun, P.T., and the twins all start dancing to the
music. Peik Lin’s parents get carried away and start making out
on the chaise lounge.
EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
Eddie trails off as the photographers suddenly head to a custom
GOLD BENTLEY MULSANE. It’s driven by Peik Lin, who wears a
fetching driver’s uniform.
Seeing the car, Oliver steps up as Peik Lin opens the door, a
shapely stilettoed leg steps out. It’s RACHEL in a glittering
gown. Her hair is swept up, her jewelry catches the light,
she’s a VISION.
It’s an EXPLOSION OF FLASHES as photographers, reporters, and
looky-loos take pictures, yell to get her attention. Rachel is
a little overwhelmed, but Oliver helps navigate her through the
crowd.
NEENAH
Just right here! Just right here!
PHOTOGRAPHER
Beautiful dress. Thank you. Thanks for the-- Excuse me. Excuse
me, can I get a picture of you? Lovely. Oh, fantastic. Looking
gorgeous. Little closer together. Who's this one? What's your
name?
PEIK LIN
Ma’am.
OLIVER
mouthing
You look wonderful. Breathe.
to paparazzi
Everyone, I've got Rachel Chu of New York. Rachel Chu of New
York. Real estate heiress, Rachel Chu of the New York Chus.
FEMALE SPECTATOR
Rachel! Rachel! Over here!
PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel, this way. Rachel! Rachel! To me!
MALE PHOTOGRAPHER
Okay, ladies, looking good. Looking good. Okay, out of the way,
please. Out of the way.
Amanda, Celine, and Francesca, look agape, incredulous.
KITTY
So gorgeous!
RACHEL
Thank you.
A Photographer gestures for Celine to get out of the way so he
can take Rachel’s picture. OFF Celine, pissed.
MALE PHOTOGRAPHER
Ladies, move please. Out of the way! Good, good. That's great.
Beautiful dress.
RACHEL
Ladies. Amanda.
AMANDA
Hmm.
RACHEL
You’re in my way.
AMANDA
Okay, what?
INT. BENTLEY - DAY
Astrid and Michael, dressed for the wedding, sit in the back of
a chauffeured Bentley. Michael chatters on as Astrid listens in
silence.
MICHAEL
-- Our Chinese investors are getting nervous. I have to fly to
Shenzhen on Monday to try and talk them down.
This gets Astrid’s attention.
ASTRID
That’s Cassian’s birthday.
MICHAEL
Yeah, I know. I hate to miss it, but this is important.
ASTRID
You’d think your son’s birthday is important. Get someone else
to handle it --
can’t help herself
Unless -- there’s another reason you’re out of town.
MICHAEL
What are you saying?
Astrid presses a button on the console, RAISING THE PARTITION
between them and the driver.
ASTRID
I know you’re having an affair.
Michael reacts, uncomfortable, but he doesn’t deny it.
MICHAEL
Oh, Jesus, Astrid.
ASTRID
Let’s just get through the wedding and we’ll deal with it
after. I don’t want to make a scene.
Michael looks at her, incredulous.
MICHAEL
You find out I’m having an affair with another woman, and
you’re worried about making a scene?
ASTRID
You’d rather I scream and carry on?
MICHAEL
Yes. Honestly, I wish you would. It would show you cared about
more than what people thought of you and your family --
ASTRID
Don’t try and turn this on me. I’m not the one who screwed up!
MICHAEL
Of course not. You’re always the prettiest, richest, most
perfect girl in the room. While I’m just this lucky bastard who
will never measure up.
ASTRID
Don’t say that --
MICHAEL
I know what you’re thinking, Astrid. That’s why you hide your
shoes, the jewelry you buy.
MICHAEL
As if every minute of my life I’m not reminded of it. I’m just
tired. I’m tired of having nothing I do matter, including
having the affair --
ASTRID
Of course, what you do matters. How can you say that?
As the driver pulls over, Astrid reacts, thrown.
Michael gets out of the car. Just like that, he’s gone. Shell-
shocked, Astrid starts to break down then quickly pulls herself
together.
INT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
The interior of the church has been transformed into an ARTFUL
ABSTRACT FOREST.
Eleanor, Jacqueline, Alix, and Felicity hold court with other
SOCIETY WIVES by the front pews. Eleanor looks at the trees,
disapproving.
ELEANOR
Is this a church or a paddy field?
ALIX
They spent 40 million on the wedding.
FELICITY
Really? That’s too much, we’re Methodists. 20 million is our
limit.
ALIX
I know.
JACQUELINE
Princess Intan!
They turn to see PRINCESS INTAN, 40s, a lofty Southeast Asian
royal, and her entourage passing by. The Aunties smile but
Princess Intan ignores them.
JACQUELINE
Vicious woman. I heard she demanded a whole row to herself, so
she wouldn't be bothered by anyone.
FELICITY
Really?
JACQUELINE
Mm-hmm.
FELICITY
looking off at someone
Who is that?
Oliver is in the b.g. greeting one of the female guests.
OLIVER
Lovely as always. You made it!
All the Aunties turn to see Rachel, walking down the aisle.
She’s confident, luminous, turning heads as she walks by. The
Aunties look stunned as Rachel reaches their pew.
RACHEL
Aunties.
ELEANOR
Rachel, how lovely to see you.
RACHEL
The pleasure is all mine.
ELEANOR
I'm sorry our row is full.
Rachel smiles, placid.
ALIX
whispering; re: dress
I love it.
RACHEL
chuckles
Bak-bak. Okay.
Rachel looks for an empty seat, sees one by Princess Intan, and
heads over.
Jacqueline and Eleanor see this and exchange glances, looking
forward to seeing Rachel being taken down a peg.
Rachel approaches the Princess.
RACHEL
Princess Intan? Rachel Chu.
Princess Intan ignores her, Rachel presses on.
RACHEL
I read your great article about microloans in the Asian
Economics Journal --
ANGLE ON ELEANOR AND FELICITY watching, incredulous.
PRINCESS INTAN (O.S.)
I received so much criticism about that article.
RACHEL
Well, you know what? I think your critics missed the point.
'Cause your microloans helped women, and women lift up
economies.
The Princess is surprised. The Princess looks at Rachel,
reassessing her.
PRINCESS INTAN
What is your name again?
RACHEL
Rachel Chu.
PRINCESS INTAN
It's a pleasure to meet you. Now, what brings you here.
All the Aunties look disappointed that Rachel has been accepted
by the Princess.
RACHEL
I followed a boy--
ANOTHER ANGLE
AN EXCITED BUZZ ripples through the crowd. Heads turn to see
Astrid, statuesque, gorgeous, enter with AH MA, in a beautiful
stately gown, her two Thai servants following behind. Eleanor
and the Aunties react, surprised.
FELICITY
Ah Ma’s here? She never comes to these things!
Astrid and Ah Ma walk down the aisle.
ASTRID
in Mandarin; subtitled
Xiexie ni, Ah Ma.
Thank you, Grandma.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Yijia ren bu yong shuo xie, a.
Family never says thank you.
Astrid leads Ah Ma to a seat.
ASTRID
whispering
Sit down.
ELEANOR
whispering
It’s lovely to see you here.
IN THE BACK ALCOVE
Nick, Colin, and other GROOMSMEN wait. Colin is peeking out at
the audience as Nick walks up to him.
NICK
How are you feeling?
COLIN
Ah, good.
NICK
All right. Don't be nervous.
COLIN
I'm not nervous.
NICK
You look great.
COLIN
Thank you. Hey, uh, Rachel's not sitting with your family.
NICK
Yeah, I don’t blame her. Mother hasn’t exactly been the most
welcoming. But I’m sure she’ll be at the back somewhere laying
low.
COLIN
whispering
No. She’s right at the front. Take a look.
Nick turns to where Colin is looking and sees:
RACHEL AND THE PRINCESS.
Rachel looks GORGEOUS, AT EASE, as she chats happily with the
Princess.
COLIN
surprised; smiles
I think you’ve got a fighter.
Nick is thrilled, he beams with pride. A GROOMSMAN walks up.
GROOMSMAN
Guys, it’s time.
COLIN
Okay.
NICK
Okay. All right.
BERNARD
Hey.
COLIN
Yeah?
BERNARD
Make sure she doesn't take your balls.
As Bernard hits Colin in the gut. Colin hunches over and
groans.
BERNARD
Just checking. Just checking.
COLIN
winces and groans
Thanks for dressing up, Bernard.
BERNARD
Hey. It's not about me.
NICK
Yeah. Come on. Thanks, Bernard.
BERNARD
It's not about me.
NICK
All right.
The crowd HUSHES as Colin, Nick, and four GROOMSMEN enter with
the PASTOR. They’re a dashing pack.
Rachel looks at Nick, her heart swelling with pride. Nick finds
her gaze, they lock eyes.
When a HUSH falls over the crowd. Eyes turn to:
KINA GRANNIS, who takes the stage. She starts singing a
hauntingly beautiful rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling In
Love.”
The MUSIC SOARS as we go into a --
STYLISTIC MONTAGE
TWO ADORABLE FLOWER GIRLS (6) enter, scattering petals.
An equally adorable RING BEARER boy (5) toddles in, clutching
his ring pillow.
The congregation, Nick, and Rachel react to the adorable kids.
Alistair and Kitty are in the audience smooching.
As the children reach the altar, Nick takes the ring/pillow
from the little boy and does a high-five with him.
As KINA sings with two 12-YEAR-OLD CHINESE VIOLINISTS AND A
BASS PLAYER accompanying her:
KINA
Like a river flows--
-- the AISLE OPENS UP and WATER FLOWS DOWN IT.
The congregations gasps, amazed. Rachel and Nick stare at each
other lovingly. THE MUSIC STOPS. The LIGHTS DIM, everyone in
the audience are holding delicate lights on long stems. They
all stand and look to the back:
Where a group of BRIDESMAIDS hold large fronds, forming a
SCREEN. They part, REVEALING:
Araminta, who’s luminous, a wedding fantasy come to life. She
stands next to her father, holds his arm.
Araminta steps out of her shoes. The MUSIC swells back up as
she steps onto the watery aisle.
Araminta walks down the aisle with her bridesmaids following,
as the audience all wave the GLITTERY LIGHTS towards her.
Nick looks to Rachel, mouths, “I love you.” Rachel catches her
breath, mouths back, “I love you, too,” tears rolling down her
cheeks.
Araminta and Colin face each other as the pastor officiates.
Amid all the pageantry, it’s still just a man and a woman,
about to be joined together for life.
All eyes are on Colin and Araminta... except for Eleanor, who
watches Nick and Rachel with growing concern.
Colin lifts Araminta’s veil, they kiss, and everyone claps and
cheers.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT. GARDENS BY THE BAY - NIGHT
The botanical gardens have been transformed into a magical
reception site. The supertrees tower overhead as a CHINESE BIG
BAND plays. Fireworks POP, POP, POP overhead.
Colin and Araminta are having their first dance, loosely
circled by their wedding party, including Nick and Rachel, who
are doing everything they can to keep their hands off each
other. As they watch Colin and Araminta:
NICK
You look spectacular, you know that?
RACHEL
It's the double Spanx. I can't breathe.
NICK
It’s not the clothes. It’s just-- you.
Rachel smiles. Nick leans in to kiss her when Araminta calls to
the group:
ARAMINTA
Uh, excuse me. This party isn't gonna dance itself. Come on.
COLIN
Come on, Nicki-Nick.
NICK
All right.
ARAMINTA
Yeah! Whoo!
NICK
Okay. You're very good.
COLIN
Yeah? I only stepped on her twice.
NICK
Very good.
OLIVER
to Felicity
I mean, obviously--
FELICITY
Yeah.
ALISTAIR
Yeah! Whoo!
IN ANOTHER AREA
-- Eleanor sees Nick and Rachel dancing. She hears a SQUEAL and
turns to see KITTY PONG twerking on Alistair, who has a silly
grin on his face. Eleanor reacts with distaste. She’s in no
mood for this.
Eleanor turns to Oliver, gestures to Kitty and Alistair.
ELEANOR
Oliver.
OLIVER
Yes, Aunty?
ELEANOR
Be a dear and take care of that.
OLIVER
As you wish.
Eleanor leaves. Oliver doesn’t love being ordered about, but
does as he’s told.
ANOTHER ANGLE
We FIND Nick and Rachel on the dance floor, completely into
each other and having fun.
RACHEL
You know, you should wear a tux more often.
NICK
Like all the time?
RACHEL
Hmm, yeah. You know, when you're playing basketball at the Y,
shaving, brushing your teeth --
He pulls her in, close. She looks into his eyes and they kiss.
ON KITTY AND ALISTAIR as Oliver walks up.
OLIVER
Alistair, your father’s looking for you. Something about an
overdrawn discretionary account.
Alistair’s face falls and he takes off. Oliver holds his hand
out to Kitty, who takes it. As Oliver leads her in a dance,
handling her expertly:
ALISTAIR
Oh, my God.
KITTY
Baby! Oh, my gosh! Ah! Hey.
OLIVER
So--
KITTY
Hmm?
OLIVER
How do you like the wedding?
KITTY
Oh, my gosh! It's so glamorous! When it's Alistair's and my
wedding, I want it just like this.
OLIVER
Hmm.
KITTY
No, no! I want it big! Big! Better!
OLIVER
laughs
Sweetie! You’ll be lucky if Alistair’s parents give you a tea
ceremony.
KITTY
Ooh --
Kitty looks at Oliver, confused.
OLIVER
You know, Alistair's only the fourth son of a penny-pinching
family, don't you? I mean, he'll get next to nothing. You want
a wedding like this? You should've fallen in love with an only
child. Someone like... Bernard Tai.
Oliver twirls her around and dips her to see Bernard surrounded
by women and drinking from a champagne bottle.
ON NICK AND RACHEL
Nick and Rachel pull apart to see one of Ah Ma’s THAI SERVANTS.
She speaks with a gentle Thai accent:
THAI SERVANT
Master Nicholas... your grandmother would like to speak to you
and Miss Rachel.
RACHEL
Okay.
NICK
Come on.
ON BERNARD AND GIRLS
BERNARD
Sick party.
GIRL
Yeah!
As Kitty approaches Bernard to dance with him, he hands a
champagne bottle to a girl.
BERNARD
Hold that.
EXT. PRIVATE ALCOVE - NIGHT
The Thai Servant takes Rachel and Nick to a private area where
Ah Ma and Eleanor are seated at a table.
NICK
Ah Ma. Mum. What's all this about?
Ah Ma turns to Rachel.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Rachel. Suiran wo renshi ni de rizi bu chang, ke wo kan de
chulai, ni shi ge congming ren.
Rachel. I’ve only known you a short time, but it’s clear you’re
a very smart woman.
Nick smiles at Ah Ma’s seeming endorsement of Rachel.
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Ke wo buneng rang ni hui le wo de sunzi gen wo de jia.
But, I will not permit you to ruin my grandson with your
ambition.
Rachel is stunned. Nick, reacts, shocked.
NICK
Ah Ma!
ELEANOR
I’m sorry to tell you, but Rachel has been lying to us about
her family and her mother--
RACHEL
guard up
What, uh-- What are you talking about?
ELEANOR
I hired a private investigator to look into her past --
NICK
Mum, you didn’t --
ELEANOR
She said her father passed away in China, but that’s not true.
to Rachel
Your mother’s husband is very much alive. During her marriage
she cheated on him and became pregnant with another man’s
child, and before he found out she ran away to America.
Rachel is gutted, doesn’t know what to think.
Eleanor opens a DOSSIER on the table. Chinese news articles and
police missing person reports featuring Kerry’s picture.
ELEANOR
It’s all in here.
NICK
You had no right --
ELEANOR
We had every right.
RACHEL
Stop -- You’re lying.
NICK
You did not!
ELEANOR
Do you have any idea the scandal this would have caused? For
Rachel to hide something like this --
NICK
She wouldn’t have.
Eleanor sees Rachel is clearly shocked.
ELEANOR
We cannot be linked to this sort of family.
Rachel looks at Eleanor, backs away, reeling.
RACHEL
I don’t want any part of your family.
He reaches for her, but Rachel pulls away, stung.
NICK
Rachel --
Rachel takes off, Nick starts after her, when:
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled
Buxu zhui ta. Zaojin ni ziji. Buxu dong. Ni yao gen ta zou, jiu
bie huilai!
Don’t chase after her and degrade yourself. I forbid it. If you
go with her, you can’t come back!
NICK
Let me go! Rachel.
Nick pulls away and runs after Rachel.
ELEANOR
Ah Ma! Nick!
AH MA
in Mandarin; subtitled; turns on Eleanor
Dou shi wei le ni, dou shi ni ya rang ta zai waitou dai name
jiu. Ni kan jintian!
This is your fault. You let this happen by allowing him to stay
away so long. Now, look!
Eleanor stands there, submissive. Ah Ma reacts, stunned,
furious. OFF Eleanor, her worst fears coming true--
EXT. GARDENS BY THE BAY - CANAL - NIGHT
Rachel is upset, disoriented, as she makes her way through the
crowd.
EDDIE
Hey, Cinderella. What's wrong? You gotta return your dress
before midnight?
ARAMINTA
Why? It's all non-fat.
COLIN
Nicki-Nick!
ARAMINTA
Oh, you’re just in time.
COLIN
Nick, want some cake? Where are you going?
FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #1
Come back here! Come back here!
FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #2
Drink girl! Drink!
She hears a SCREAM and turns to see several guests POINTING and
LAUGHING at:
A HALF-NAKED Bernard and Kitty behind some bushes.
Bernard is completely drunk and paws at Kitty, who’s mortified
at being discovered.
The crowd LAUGHS, derisive, as Kitty struggles to pull her
dress up as she flees.
It’s sickening to Rachel, it feels like people are talking
about her as much as Kitty. She flees.
Among the crowd, we FIND Nick searching for Rachel, but he’s
too late--
NICK
Oliver.
OLIVER
Oh, Nicki have you?
NICK
interrupts
Rachel. Have you seen Rachel?
OLIVER
I don't --
AMANDA
Nicholas! How are you? It's been so long.
NICK
Oh, Amanda. Yes. Thank you, Amanda. Thank you, Amanda. No,
Amanda. Not now.
AMANDA
It's good to see you. Let's talk. For old times' sake.
Nick frantically looks around the party for Rachel. TIME LAPSE
as the crowd clears and it starts to rain.
EXT. GOH HOUSE - NIGHT
A PAIR OF BARE FEET walks up to the gate.
RACHEL, her once-flawless hair, makeup, and dress are a mess.
She carries her HIGH HEELS IN HER HANDS. Peik Lin rushes to
Rachel, who bursts into tears and collapses into her friend.
INT. GOH HOUSE - PEIK LIN’S ROOM - DAY
Rachel lies on the upholstered bench at the end of the bed,
unmoving, staring into space. Sparse sunlight filters into the
room. Peik Lin enters.
PEIK LIN
Rachel? Come to breakfast. You need to eat. Or, use the
bathroom, or maybe a shower. It's there if you need it.
But Rachel doesn’t move.
TIME LAPSE SEQUENCE
It’s NIGHT: Rachel still lies in bed, awake, but not moving.
The door opens. It’s Neenah and Wye Mun with a dinner tray.
They have the twin girls bring the tray to Rachel.
WYE MUN
whispering
Here, take this tray, okay. Take this to Rachel. Okay, go to
her.
GOH TWIN GIRL #1
Here, Rachel, this is your dinner.
RACHEL
Thank you.
The girls run back to Neenah and Wye Mun and they all leave
Rachel who’s just staring at the dinner tray.
Darkness gives way to dawn, but Rachel is still in bed,
unmoving. On the bedside table, her PHONE RINGS. It’s NICK,
Rachel presses ignore and places the phone face-down on the
table. Nick leaves a message.
NICK (V.O.)
pre-lap
I’ll stop by again tonight.
INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - DAY
Nick is on the phone, leaving Rachel a message.
NICK
then
Rachel, please, just give me a call. Anytime. Please.
Nick hangs up.
INT. GOH FAMILY HOUSE - PEIK LIN’S ROOM - DAY
Peik Lin enters the dark room.
PEIK LIN
Rachel, someone’s here to see ya.
Rachel doesn’t move.
RACHEL
I don’t want to see him.
PEIK LIN
It’s not Nick.
Someone steps in from behind Peik Lin. It’s KERRY. Rachel
stirs, can’t believe her eyes.
RACHEL
Mom!
Rachel rushes to her mom, hugging her. Rachel tears up, finally
with the person she needed the most.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. GOH FAMILY HOUSE - PEIK LIN’S ROOM - DAY
The blinds are open and Rachel sits up, looking better, as
Kerry fusses over her, bringing her herbal soup.
KERRY
Drink more. The dong-quai and the ginseng will give you more
energy.
RACHEL
Thanks.
Rachel lets herself be mothered, but Kerry sees the toll the
last few days have taken.
KERRY
Your spirit has always been so strong, ever since young. You
will get through this.
Rachel nods, needing to hear that. But:
RACHEL
Why didn’t you tell me about my father?
Kerry nods, she’s been expecting this.
KERRY
My husband wasn’t a good man. He hurt me.
off Rachel
But an old schoolmate of mine helped me through things and we
fell in love and I got pregnant with his baby, that’s you. I
was so afraid my husband would find out and kill us both, so I
just took you and I ran to America.
Rachel is stunned.
RACHEL
Did you ever--? I don't know, think about trying to talk to
him? I mean, do you think about him?
KERRY
Every day. When we first came to America all I could think
about was reaching out for him, but I was so afraid my husband
would find us. And now, I, I just don't want to cause any
trouble.
RACHEL
I’m really sorry.
Kerry shakes her head, smiles through the tears.
KERRY
Oh! Don’t be sorry. You listen to me, everything that happened
in my past life is the reason why I got you.
Rachel tears up, vulnerable.
KERRY
My brave and clever girl.
Rachel flops back on the bed. Her mother lies down next to her.
RACHEL
I really thought he was the one.
OFF Rachel as this sinks in.
RACHEL
Now, I just wanna go home.
KERRY
You know, Nick was the one who called me and brought me out
here. Before we go, I think you should go and talk to him.
Rachel sighs. Then they hear a clicking sound and turn to see
P.T. at the doorway holding his phone and taking photos of
them.
P.T.
I'll e-mail the photo later.
RACHEL
P.T., how long you been standing there?
P.T.
Just a short while.
Rachel and Kerry laugh.
EXT. RIVERFRONT - DAY
Rachel sits on a bench, when she sees Nick approach, tentative,
hopeful. He sits next to her.
NICK
I’m so sorry about everything. What my mother did to you is
unforgivable --
RACHEL
It’s not your fault --
NICK
It is. Ever since I can remember, my family has been my whole
life. And I am done making excuses for them.
He pulls out the ring he’s been carrying. Rachel looks at Nick,
astounded.
RACHEL
Nick --
NICK
Marry me. Marry me and we’ll start our new life together in New
York, just you and me. I’ll leave all of this behind.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Eleanor, wearing sunglasses, walks by the row of old terraced
shophouses, pausing when she hears a familiar CLACKING sound.
She walks through an unmarked door, into:
INT. MAHJONG HALL - DAY
Eleanor enters to see Rachel playing mahjong with two WOMEN at
a back table.
It’s a FLUID, RHYTHMIC RITUAL, the staccato clacking of tiles,
stacks being formed and moved like clockwork.
Eleanor is surprised to see how adept and effortless Rachel is.
Eleanor walks up to the table.
RACHEL
Thanks for meeting me here.
re: women
Don’t worry about them. They’re half deaf and they only speak
Hokkien.
WOMAN
hands Eleanor dice
Mm-hmm.
Eleanor sits down at the table, and tosses the dice in the
middle of the stacks of tiles. She starts playing the game.
RACHEL
My mom taught me how to play. She told me mahjong would teach
me important life skills. Negotiation, strategy, cooperation.
NOTE: The game goes on throughout the scene. With cards thrown,
picked up, chips exchanging hands, etc.
ELEANOR
You asked me here. I assume it’s not for a mahjong lesson.
Pung.
She puts down a power card combo. The women toss red chips to
her.
ELEANOR
My mother taught me, too.
Rachel tosses her a red chip.
RACHEL
I know Nick told you the truth about my mom. But you didn’t
like me the second I got here. Why is that?
ELEANOR
There’s a Hokkien phrase. Ka gi lan. It means ‘our own kind of
people.’ And you’re not our own kind.
RACHEL
‘Cause I’m not rich? ‘Cause I didn’t go to a British boarding
school or I wasn't born into a wealthy family?
ELEANOR
You’re a foreigner. American. And all Americans think about is
their own happiness.
RACHEL
Don’t you want Nick to be happy?
ELEANOR
It’s an illusion. We understand how to build things that last.
Something you know nothing about.
RACHEL
You don’t know me.
ELEANOR
I know you’re not what Nick needs.
RACHEL
Well, he proposed to me yesterday.
off Eleanor
He said he’d walk away from his family and from you, for good.
Eleanor’s hand slips, she drops a tile. The other women
exchange looks, sensing the tension:
RACHEL
Don’t worry, I turned him down.
Eleanor tries to regain her composure.
ELEANOR
Only a fool folds a winning hand.
RACHEL
There’s no winning. You made sure of that. Because if Nick
chose me, he would lose his family. And if he chose his family,
he might spend the rest of his life resenting you.
Eleanor grabs a tile that Rachel had just discarded.
ELEANOR
realizing
So you chose for him.
RACHEL
I’m not leaving ‘cause I’m scared or because I think I’m not
enough. Because... maybe for the first time in my life, I know
I am.
RACHEL
beat
I just love Nick so much. I don't want him to lose his mom
again. So I just wanted you to know that one day, when he
marries another lucky girl, who is enough for you, and you're
playing with your grandkids while the tan huas are blooming,
and the birds are chirping, that it was because of me-- a poor,
raised by a single mother, low class, immigrant nobody.
Rachel SHOWS HER HAND a WINNING COMBINATION but she FOLDS. The
game is mucked (no one can win). Rachel gets up.
As Rachel reaches the door, REVEAL Kerry has been sitting
quietly at another table. As Kerry joins Rachel, she turns to
see Eleanor and the two mothers exchange a look.
INT. ASTRID’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
Astrid enters as Michael packs a bag. Michael is uncomfortable,
not wanting to do this in front of her.
MICHAEL
Hey. I'm gonna send someone for the rest of my stuff. But I
wanna talk to you about my visitation rights with Cassian.
ASTRID
Stop talking.
MICHAEL
What?
ASTRID
Don’t worry about packing your things. You bought this
apartment, you keep it. We’re leaving --
MICHAEL
What do you mean, you're leaving? Where are you gonna go?
ASTRID
I have fourteen apartment buildings that I own, so probably one
of those.
ASTRID
And you’ll see Cassian when it’s good for him, not when it’s
good for you.
Astrid walks away. Michael takes her arm, holds her back.
MICHAEL
Hey! Look, you know, it's not just my fault that things didn't
work out.
Astrid pauses, then:
ASTRID
You’re right. I shouldn’t have kept things from you. Hidden my
shoes, turned down jobs, charity work, worrying that it might
make you feel lesser than. But let’s be clear -- the problem
with our marriage isn’t my family’s money. It’s that you’re a
coward. You gave up on us. But I’ve just realized --
then
It’s not my job to make you feel like a man. I can’t make you
something you’re not.
EXT. CITYSCAPE - SINGAPORE - DAWN - ESTABLISHING
EXT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
Peik Lin helps Rachel load SUITCASES into a waiting TAXI.
PEIK LIN
Good for you. Walking away from Nick and his family's fat-ass
property portfolio. You have no one, no net worth, but you have
integrity. That's why I respect you.
RACHEL
hugging Peik Lin
Thank you for everything.
INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - DAY
CLOSE ON NICK --
when he hears a KNOCK. He rushes to the door, hopeful, opens it
to see:
ELEANOR
OFF Nick, disappointed, conflicted at seeing his mother.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. ASTRID’S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - DAY
Astrid reaches above the mirror for the box containing the
earrings she hid there. She puts them on and looks at her
reflection, she likes what she sees. Emboldened, she exits to:
EXT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
Kerry hurries up, dressed for travel, carrying two TUPPERWARE
MEALS.
PEIK LIN
hugging Kerry
Bye, Mrs. Chu!
KERRY
Goodbye and thank you.
As Kerry gets into the taxi:
PEIK LIN
to Rachel
Sure I can’t get you to stay? You know, my brother P.T. he’s
still single--
They turn to see P.T. at the doorway making a hand heart.
CUT TO:
INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - BALCONY - DAY
Nick and his mother stand on the balcony of Nick’s room,
silent, staring at nothing. Eleanor finally looks at her son.
EXT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
Rachel and Peik Lin hug goodbye.
RACHEL
to Peik Lin
All right.
Rachel gets in the taxi. Peik Lin runs and stands next to her
brother, wraps her arm around his shoulders. He puts his hand
on her shoulder as the taxi drives away.
EXT. CITYSCAPE - SINGAPORE - DAY
We see Rachel’s taxi speeding down the highway heading for the
airport.
EXT. AIRPORT - TARMAC
Planes taxi in marked “Pacific Asean Airlines.”
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Rachel and Kerry make their way down the crowded aisle. They’re
jostled by other passengers and their carry-on bags. A far cry
from first class.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. ASTRID’S APARTMENT - DAY
Astrid walks away while Michael watches.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
NICK
Rachel! Rachel! Stay there.
KERRY
I’m gonna go and look for some extra blankets.
CHUBBY WOMAN
Hello.
in Mandarin
Kuai dian, kuai dian.
Hurry, hurry.
RACHEL
Sorry, just one second. Nick, what are you doing here?
NICK
I’m flying back to New York with you.
RACHEL
God, don’t make this harder than it already is --
NICK
I always imagined what me proposing to you would be like. And
you know what, I had it all planned out.
to sitting man on plane
Oh, yeah, right behind you. Don't mind me.
to Rachel
I'd bring you to my favorite spot on the island. There's a
hidden trail that I used to go to as a child. Now there's a
cove there that opens up to this beautiful lake.
to standing man on plane
Um, sorry, dude. Give me a second. Let me just move.
Nick passes by the standing man as he continues:
NICK
When the sun hits the horizon, I'd get down on one knee.
Rachel sighs.
NICK
And the rest of the world would fall away. Because it would
just be you and -- Because it's just you and --
to female passenger struggling with carry-on
Sorry, I can help you with that. That's fine.
to Rachel
Stay there.
Thump. Now, Nick is JOSTLED by a WOMAN trying to jam her carry-
on in the overhead compartment.
NICK
to woman on plane
Yay. You, too? Watch your fingers. Lift it up. Okay.
Nick steps into the aisle, helps the Woman and others get their
luggage put away.
NICK
to surrounding passengers
Everybody okay? Because I just need thirty seconds with this
woman. Okay, thank you.
Nick turns back to Rachel and gets down on one knee. Rachel is
astounded, tries to stay strong.
NICK
Oh, coming through. Sorry. I know this is a far throw from a
hidden paradise--
Rachel looks into his eyes.
NICK
But wherever you are in the world, that’s where I belong.
She takes this in. He pulls out a ring box.
RACHEL
But, I --
Nick opens the box, revealing: ELEANOR’S EMERALD RING.
Time stops. Rachel’s breath parts from her for the moment. Her
eyes meet his and then --
NICK
Rachel Chu. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in
this world?
Rachel, teary-eyed and overwhelmed, is about to respond.
CHUBBY WOMAN
Yes! Yes! Yes! She will marry you!
Nick looks at Rachel, “Is Chubby Woman right?” Rachel hands her
neck pillow to Chubby woman. Kerry is standing behind her, all
smiles.
RACHEL
Yes!!
The cabin ERUPTS in HOOTS and CLAPPING! Nick puts the ring on
her finger, a perfect fit. He pulls her into his arms as he
kisses her.
Chubby Woman high-fives Kerry.
Rachel grins as she’s inches away from Nick.
NICK
I love you.
RACHEL
I love you, too. This is gonna be some flight back to New York.
NICK
Well, I was actually thinking about staying one more night
OFF Rachel, intrigued, in love, excited. She kisses him again.
EXT. MARINA BAY SANDS - SINGAPORE - SKY DECK - NIGHT
Nick leads Rachel into the middle of a crowd of people with his
hands covering her eyes.
When he removes his hands, she sees a crowd of Nick’s friends
screaming and cheering. Araminta and Colin in front leading the
pack.
It’s an ENGAGEMENT PARTY at this mind-blowing location, perched
high above the city.
Everyone has shown up: Peik Lin, Eddie, Fiona, Alistair,
Bernard, Kitty, Oliver, Colin, Araminta, Charlie, and THE GOHs.
They all cheer and hug Rachel and Nick.
Nick points for Rachel to look at the pool where SYNCHRONIZED
SWIMMERS are performing.
Rachel spots Eleanor in the distance. There’s a look of
understanding, respect between them. Nick kisses Rachel as all
the revelers clap and scream their congratulations. We PULL
AWAY as fireworks explode in the b.g.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN ON:
END CREDITS
CUT BACK TO:
EXT. MARINA BAY SANDS - SINGAPORE - SKY DECK - NIGHT
Astrid and a handsome man at the party look at each other, then
turn away. Then they look back at each other with a sly grin.
CUT BACK TO:
END CREDITS
CONTINUE.
FADE OUT.
THE END