Found her at the art center.
Yeah.
Exactly where I want to be.
(Lisa) I think you know that's
not where I want you to be.
At least until we find out
what's going on there, Sienna.
What's going on is Max gets me.
You don't.
And you're not even trying.
Instead you're overreacting
and ruining my life.
(Lisa) I don't consider
it an overreaction
when my daughter is a subject
of inappropriate behavior.
Want to talk inappropriate?
Maybe you should look
inside your own house first.
Here we go.
(Lisa) What?
What is she talking about?
Apparently Mark
has been showing up
and taking pictures of the
girls coming from my classes.
What?
(Mark) Oh come on, Lisa, that's
absolutely insane.
It's obviously not true.
That's not what Max said.
He said that some people
have even complained.
There's been complaints?
(Sienna) Yeah, which you might
know about if you actually
came to the art center yourself
instead of sending him.
I don't even own a
camera! You know that!
He's right.
We don't even have a camera
in the house, Sienna.
Well he wasn't taking pictures
from the house, was he?
Sienna.
Look Mom, while you
were accusing Max
of terrible things when he
was just trying to help,
your boyfriend was the
one doing the things
you were afraid of the most.
You don't believe this, do you?
No.
Fine.
Believe whatever you want.
But stop trying to get
in the way of my dreams!
I'm gonna make a drink.
(tense music)
(thumping music)
(dramatic sting)
(camera clicking)
(Sienna in flashback) Your
boyfriend was the one
doing the things you
were afraid of the most!
(camera clicking)
(Mark snoring)
(Lisa) Get up!
Lisa, what's up?
Get out!
Where are you going?
(Sienna)
I have acting class today.
You know that.
I really don't think you
should be going back there.
Why shouldn't I?
It was Mark who turned
out to be the problem.
Not my classes with Max.
It's not that simple, Sienna.
It's a little bit more
complicated than that.
I really think that
we just need to...
(Sienna) Need what?
More time to sit
here and realize
how much we don't
get each other?
This isn't like when dad died
and it was the two of
us against the world.
Then you believed in my dream.
Supported me doing whatever
it took to achieve it.
I... I think we can
both be honest
and agree that this
is not adding up
to be something
positive right now.
(Sienna) Because they don't
need to add up!
This is not some tech issue.
It's life.
You didn't even want me to
take this class to begin with.
Yeah, I...
You questioned every part of it.
Every step of the way.
I had good reason to
be concerned, didn't I?
I am not your
little girl anymore.
Maybe you're just
jealous because
I have something I'm
passionate about.
(Lisa)
I'm not jealous, Sienna.
This has nothing
to do with acting.
(Sienna) Then how come when Max
picked me to read the lead
in Romeo and Juliet,
you were so surprised
I was able to get a part
like that so quickly?
Or when he tried to help
me prepare my professional
portfolio by taking my
headshots, you flipped out.
Okay.
(Sienna)
You claim to not trust him.
But the truth is, you don't
believe in me or my talent.
I am just asking you
to take a step back
and look at it from your
mother's perspective.
I have!
Which is how I know that
you just don't get it.
This is my dream, Mom.
And I'm gonna do whatever it
takes to make it come true.
Sienna...
You know, Max believes in me.
It would be nice if you did too.
(dramatic music)
(Amy)
I'm surprised you're here.
Why wouldn't I be?
I don't know, I guess
I just thought after
your mom's boyfriend got
busted gawking at everyone
you'd be too embarrassed
to show your face.
(Sienna)
What's your problem, Amy?
I thought that we were friends.
I thought so too,
but I don't even think
I recognize you anymore.
What's that supposed to mean?
(Amy) You got handed
the lead role
on the same day that
you and I saw Haley
and our teacher having a
fight in the parking lot.
And you never even
stopped to consider
how weird that was because
you got to be the star.
But it is weird, Sienna.
That doesn't just happen.
(Sienna) I'm sorry that you
can't deal with the fact
that I'm getting
the chance to shine.
But that's a you problem.
Oh? No.
No, that's an everyone problem.
This class used to
be about the group.
And now it's just about you.
And the only attention
the rest of us get
is from some creep you
brought to our door.
(Sienna) If you don't feel like
you're getting enough attention
in acting class, well maybe
you just need to be better.
God, you are such...
(Max) Enough!
This kind of petty behavior is
for gymnasts and ballerinas,
not actors.
I don't care what beef you have.
When you're in my class,
you leave it outside.
Is that clear?
(Amy) Look, Max...
(Max) Is that clear?
(tense music)
Yes.
(Max) Good.
Now, I'd like to
continue our exploration
of the Meisner technique.
So if you could all
please circle up.
Can you stay after?
Let's shake that off, right?
Deep breath.
Exhale with voice.
(exhaling)
Good.
(dramatic music)
Lisa.
Can we talk?
I don't have anything
to say to you.
Just hear me out, please.
You know how hard it was
for me after Steven died.
How difficult it was to
open my heart up again.
I trusted you, Mark!
Come on, Leese,
there's a part of you
that knows this is not true.
The evidence is pretty clear.
When have you ever known
me to take pictures?
How did the photos
get in your car?
Who put them there?
I don't know.
And look, I can't prove it,
but all signs point to Max.
- (Lisa scoffs)
- (Mark) And why would I do it?
Why would I jeopardize every
thing that I built with you?
Why would I throw away all I did
to establish a
relationship with Sienna?
You two are my everything.
I would never do anything
to endanger that.
I can't. I can't.
I cannot do this right now.
You need to leave.
- Lisa.
- (door slams)
You okay?
Whatever was happening with
Amy earlier wasn't too nice.
It wasn't.
But it's whatever.
She's clearly dealing
with her own issues.
Boy has it been a day.
First my mom.
Now her.
You got in another
fight with your mom?
Yep.
Same thing, different day.
You know what?
You have had a lot
on your plate lately.
We should just go
someplace and talk.
- Yeah?
- (Max) Yeah,
if that's something
you think would be helpful.
Yeah. I think it would.
(Sienna) Hey.
Hey.
Hey, can we talk?
Yeah.
Sure, what's up?
Mark came by today.
What happened? Is
everything okay?
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm okay.
Considering the circumstance.
He came to plead his case.
What did you do?
I listened.
And then I sent him on his way.
(dramatic music)
You know, the last few weeks.
It's just been awful.
This isn't who we are.
It's never been like
this and I don't like it.
Me either.
When your dad died,
I think part of
what got us through
was knowing that
we had each other.
I don't want to lose that.
Oh Mom.
And.
I am sorry that I
haven't been so easy.
Me too.
Hey, you know, I know
that I don't really
understand your
whole acting world.
But please know that I'm trying.
To be fair, it is
a strange thing
to wrap your head around.
I mean, there's no straight path
to pretending to be other
people for a living.
Yeah.
But when you go to
college you'll have plenty
of instructors that can
show you all of the paths.
So that you can find the
right one to let you shine.
I'm learning a lot of
techniques from Max now.
And that's, I didn't mean
that as a slight.
I just meant that
you'll have professors
who have experience with
a dynamic group of people.
We're back to this again?
Is it so unbelievable that Max
would pick me
because of my talent?
No.
Does it have to be because
it's a "small town"
and there's no one else, or
that he has ulterior motives?
I'm not saying that.
I'm not saying that...
Can't you just believe
I have what it takes?
(Lisa) I do believe!
I absolutely believe that
you have what it takes.
That's not what
I'm saying at all.
Yes it is!
Sienna.
Appreciate the talk, Mom,
but all it did was prove that
to reach my potential,
I have to rely on me.
(sighing)
(smooth jazz music)
(Max) Just those two red
wines, thank you.
Thanks, Gigi.
All right.
You want to tell me what
happened with your mom?
Well, she's been kind of a wreck
since everything
happened with Mark.
Which I get, but she's
clearly projecting.
She associates his
thing with class
and keeps trying
to make me quit.
You know, I can kind
of understand that.
But surely she knows how much
these classes mean to you.
You would think so.
Is... this... for me?
Yeah.
You have had a day.
You deserve to relax.
It's wine.
(Max) Yeah, I know.
I bought it.
(whispers) Isn't that illegal?
Rules!
Rules are there to
inhibit our experiences.
Actors shouldn't be afraid
to break them sometimes.
It helps us grow.
Come on.
It can be our
secret if you want.
That's actually really good.
I'm glad you like it.
(Sienna laughs)
You're still tense?
I am.
(Max) Look, if it's the wine,
it's not a big deal.
You don't have to drink.
No, it's not about the wine.
I'm just still processing
everything that's been going on;
Amy,
Mark,
my mom.
All right.
Turn around.
What?
I said, "turn around".
Relax.
What are you...
Does it feel good?
(exhales)
It does.
Then just go with it.
Now,
about your mom?
I don't know.
I mean, a part of me gets it.
Everything has been
different lately.
Everything at home is a wreck,
and look at my
friendship with Amy.
Amy is no friend.
She's jealous.
I don't know.
It's true.
She sees what you
bring to the table
and it reminds her that she
does not have what it takes.
Isn't that a bit harsh?
(Max) It is the truth.
There is a part
of them that sees
that your talent is
bigger than them.
It makes them recognize
that their lives are limited
and you can go wherever,
and do whatever you want.
People resent that.
And how do you deal with
something like that?
You are bigger than this town.
You are bigger
than these people.
And your talent far
exceeds anything
I could teach you in that class.
You really think that?
(Max) I do.
It's why I think you're
ready to take the next step.
Sticking around here?
It's a waste of your time.
I don't understand.
I have to go back to Hollywood
for a couple of days.
I think you should come with me.
(tense music)
You want me to go to
Hollywood with you?
(Max) I do.
In fact I'd love
it if you join me.
I could introduce you to that
group I was telling you about.
Unlike the people here,
they would understand you.
They would help you.
But why would they
want to help me?
I mean I'm nobody.
You are not nobody.
You have what it takes
to get their attention.
I'm not gonna lie to you,
it doesn't come without
some personal investment.
But, if you're willing to
learn from these people,
you will be awakened
to an entirely
new world of possibilities.
"Awakened"?
(laughs)
Is this like some religion?
(Max) Oh God, no,
no, not exactly.
No, it's a system of belief.
I like to think of it as
an ideology of betterment.
Each person that joins the group
commits to a set of
principles and goals,
and part of the
bond is that we all
help each other achieve them.
I only want to
introduce you to people
who are going to help you
achieve your goals, Sienna.
You deserve to be a star.
You are a star.
Come with me.
I don't know what to say.
I mean I love the idea, but...
Hollywood.
Are you sure I'm ready?
I wouldn't have asked
you if I didn't.
My mom would never let me.
Stars do not ask for permission.
What do you say?
(dramatic music)
Sienna?
Sienna?
Oh God no.
Oh no, no.
(sobbing)
(doors clanging)
(Amy on phone) I don't know what
to tell you, Mrs. Morgan.
The last time we spoke,
we kind of had a fight.
Was it about Max?
Yeah.
You don't know where in
Hollywood they might be?
Not really.
All most of us know is that's
where he lives when
he is not here.
Maybe you could ask
the police for help.
I did.
They said that they couldn't
do anything because she's 18.
And that she herself said
that he wasn't a threat.
They would notify the
authorities there,
but the city cops can't
do much 'cause they have
bigger issues than
checking up on everyone
who comes to town with
stars in their eyes.
Will you just let me know
if you hear from her, please?
I will.
(phone rings)
Hello?
(Lisa) Amy,
Sienna said that
Max had got in a fight
with a girl in the parking lot.
The one whose spot she took.
Haley!
(Lisa) Yes!
Do you have her phone number?
Yes! I'll send you
her number right now.
(upbeat pop music)
Wow!
What did I tell you?
It's beautiful!
It's like a dream.
(Max) Well, beautiful girls
deserve to be in
beautiful places!
Want to see your room?
I'd love to.
Right this way.
It's not much, but I
think it'll do the trick.
Ah, it came.
What's that?
Consider it a welcome to
Hollywood gift from me to you.
You got me a gift?
Is that a dress?
(Max) It is!
A very fashionable one
too, if I do say so myself.
Take it out.
Hold it up, let's see it.
It's kind of...
Sexy?
Yeah.
And you're gonna
look sexy in it!
It is beautiful,
but I don't know
if I can accept such a gift.
Of course you can!
You don't like it?
(Sienna) I do!
I love it, but it's sort
of an intimate gift and...
I have some very important
people coming over tonight.
They see a lot of actors.
So, I wanted to
get you something
that would make you stand out.
I just think...
Look, Sienna, it's
like the headshots.
It might seem kind
of weird at first,
but these are the things that
you have to do to get noticed.
And you're willing to do
whatever it takes, right?
(dramatic music)
Yes.
I am.
Thank you for the dress.
(Max) You're very welcome.
Go put it on.
I'll open us up
a bottle of wine.
You'll meet me by the pool.
(tense music)
(car lock beeps)
(cart clattering)
(Lisa) Haley?
Yeah?
(Lisa) Hi, I'm Sienna's mom.
We spoke on the phone.
You-you work here?
Yeah.
Kind of live here too.
Oh.
(Hailey) My family and I aren't
really talking right now.
I'm so sorry.
I appreciate you coming
all the way across town.
I just, I don't know
how much help I'll be.
(Lisa) I'll take any information
you can provide.
Please.
Let's get out of the hall.
Okay.
(dramatic music)
I'm gonna be honest
with you, Haley.
Ever since Max has
come into our lives,
things have really fallen
apart, and I feel like
there's a giant wedge
in between Sienna and I.
I feel like he put it there.
Sounds like that's between
you and your daughter.
I just need to
know more about Max
and his role in all of this.
Why would I know about that?
Because she said that you and
him got in a terrible fight
and that you used
to be his favorite,
before her.
So Haley, if there's
anyone who knows anything
about what's going
on, it would be you.
Well I'm sorry, I don't.
You can try calling
the Art Center.
Maybe they can help you.
I just-I just need anything.
Anything that you can
provide me with at all.
He's convinced her to go
to Los Angeles with him.
He took her to LA?
Yeah.
Does that mean something to you?
(tense music)
You're right to be
concerned about Max.
He's not who he says.
Who is he?
Max is a good actor, and
that is his greatest weapon.
He's charming and
manipulative and says exactly
what you need to hear
for you to trust him.
And he plays the part perfectly.
But it's all just another role
for him to get what he wants.
What does he want?
Max is part of this circle
of people in the industry
who have created
their own system of
influence.
They thrive off power and get it
by making sure people owe them.
Owe them what?
They find up and coming actors,
promise them their
wildest dreams,
a career, but in actuality,
they're grooming them to
be disposable distractions
for the men who run everything.
Men who are happy
to keep you down
and at their mercy, and Max,
(sobs) is the worst one.
He works extra hard to
gain your confidence
because he knows what
he wants in return.
He did this to you?
Why didn't you say anything?
Well, I wanted to.
But, Max, he...
He took photos of...
Compromising photos.
That's how they control you.
When I wanted out, he
said if I told anyone
he would leak the photos.
And my career would be
over before it started.
It's what Sienna saw
us fighting about.
I, uh...
So when he takes them
to LA, that's when...
I have to go!
I have to go get her
before it's too late!
What's his address?
I can text it to you.
Thank you.
Ms. Morgan?
Yeah?
Hurry.
(tense music)
You look amazing.
Oh they're gonna love you.
(phone ringing)
Um, two seconds.
I'll be right back.
(Max) I'm telling you, this
one is going to work.
I know I said that
about the last girl,
but this one is all sorted out.
I promised you I would
bring you somebody
to settle my debt with
the group and I have.
And I think you're
going to be pleased.
(camera beeping)
(dramatic sting)
You weren't supposed
to see those.
I got my camera out
because I was hoping
we could take some
pictures in your new dress
which you look great in!
I'm sorry, babe.
Hollywood's not
done with you yet.
(suspense music)
(Max) Good.
You're awake.
(tense music)
(car door quietly closes)
You did this to
yourself, you know.
Had your entire career in
the palm of your hands.
You just had to get nosy.
Still, when my guests arrive.
Maybe we can still
work something out.
These people will
get what they want.
Hollywood is all about
second chances, after all.
(whispers) Hurry
please, hurry please.
Please hurry.
- Hurry.
- (Lisa) Shh.
Almost done.
He's gonna come back.
Come on, Mom!
(dramatic sting)
I don't remember inviting you.
(suspense music)
No! Stop it!
Let go!
(slam)
No!
(Lisa screaming)
(Lisa crying)
(Lisa choking)
Mom!
(glass shatters)
(body thuds)
Mom! My God!
Are you okay?
(Lisa) Oh!
(Sienna sobs) Are you okay?
Yes, yes, are you?
Thank you. Thank you.
(birds chirping)
(uplifting music)
When the police
arrived, they had enough
compelling evidence
to haul Max away.
(Mark) I just hope the police
can make this stick.
(Sienna) Well not only do they
have our testimony,
but Haley has agreed to
come forward with her story.
(Lisa) Yeah, they'll be able to
put away
his little cult as well.
So they won't be able to
hurt anyone ever again.
Speaking of, I know
that this whole thing
has very unceremoniously thrown
a wrench into your
acting classes,
and if you were interested
I'd be happy to...
Thanks, Mom, but I think
I'm good for a bit.
Really?
Don't get me wrong. Acting
is still my passion,
but I think it's
better I take a break.
Enjoy the rest of my
senior year and be a kid.
I love that idea.
One thing Max was right
about is that everything
in an actor's life helps
inform their craft.
Just so happens I have
plenty to study right here.
I think that she means we
are like Romeo and Juliet.
Our love story ends way better.
Aww.
(Sienna)
You fought for me even when
I was unwilling
to see the truth,
acting selfish and
unable to protect myself,
and that, to me, is
true star-quality.
(bright music)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)